Hackers extorted 30 000 UAH in cryptocurrency for access to hacked Instagram account

The cyber-police of Ukraine detained the swindlers who for the restoration of access to the Instagram account extorted from 10 000 to 30 000 UAH (from $351 to $1055) in bitcoin. This was reported on the Agency's website.

The attackers sent victims emails with the virus allegedly from the Instagram support service. The malware provided hackers with unauthorized access to the account of social network users. Then the attackers blocked access to the pages for the purpose of extortion.

Scammers mostly chose accounts with more than 15 thousand subscribers. It is known that the actions of cybercriminals affected more than a thousand citizens of Ukraine and other countries.

In the course of search at the residence of one of the participants in the scheme, the police seized computer equipment for examination.

Criminal proceedings were opened on the fact of unauthorized interference in the work of computers and fraud. Attackers face up to eight years in prison.