https://blog.it-learn.io/tags/data-breach/Recent content in Data-Breach on it-learn.io | IT, Networking & Cybersecurity BlogHugoen-usFri, 10 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000https://blog.it-learn.io/posts/2026-04-10-ransomware-double-extortion-encrypt-and-leak/Fri, 10 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000https://blog.it-learn.io/posts/2026-04-10-ransomware-double-extortion-encrypt-and-leak/<p>In 2019, the Maze ransomware group made a strategic decision that fundamentally changed the ransomware threat landscape: they began stealing data before encrypting it. The extortion pressure was no longer just &ldquo;pay or lose your files&rdquo; — it became &ldquo;pay or we publish your files.&rdquo; When Maze shut down in late 2020, they shared their playbook with other groups. By 2021, double extortion was the industry standard.</p> <p>This post covers the full technical attack chain — from initial access through exfiltration and encryption — along with the detection logic and defensive controls that create meaningful friction for modern ransomware groups.</p>