Ransomware gang threatens release of Washington D.C. police records

RICHMOND, Va. - A Russian-speaking ransomware syndicate that stole data from the Washington, D.C., police department says negotiations over payment have broken down, with it rejecting a $100,000 payment, and it will release sensitive information that could put lives at risk if more money is not offered. The Babuk group said on its website late Monday that it would release "All the data" it stole from the Washington police department if it did not "Raise the price." On Tuesday, the gang released screenshots that appear to be negotiations with the department. If true, it's an example how complex the ransomware problem is when even police find themselves forced to consider making payments to criminal gangs. Late last month, the group said it had hacked into the network of the city's police department and threatened to leak the identities of confidential informants unless an unspecified ransom was paid. A day after the initial threat was posted, the gang tried to spur payment by leaking personal information of some police officers taken from background checks, including details of officers' past drug use, finances and - in at least one incident - of past sexual abuse. Ransomware gangs have been leaking sensitive data from victims for well over a year, but experts said they've not seen such aggressive new tactics used before against police departments.