Hackers are attempting to extort Apple in exchange for keeping private files stolen from its manufacturer Quanta, according to NBC.
- Hackers took the files from Taiwanese firm Quanta, which makes computer products such as the Mac Pro.
- A spokesperson for the company downplayed the hacking saying that there was only a “small range of services impacted by the attacks” and that the security defense was activated “in no time.”
- Apple declined to comment whether it intended to pay the ransom, which is risky as there is no assurance that it will get back the files.
- The hackers made public their extortion letter on the dark web, which included three sample technical files.
- An analyst said the ransom payment would depend on the sensitivity of the data.
- Apple could refuse to pay and deal with the repercussions of the data becoming public, or someone could be willing to pay if the information could dent the bottom line of a customer of Quanta.
- Enforcement agencies say such ransomware groups are likely to run in countries which do not have extradition treaties with the United States, such as Russia.
AAPL: Nasdaq is up 1.30%.
