A ransomware attack has been reported, where a victim lost a significant amount of Bitcoin to the Bitcoin address 1CtkTvZch5fmWLjW9kCUw8s7oqyxu4aeB2. In this case, hackers gained unauthorized access to the victim’s computer, seizing control of personal data, including Gmail accounts, pictures, videos, contacts, and other sensitive information. The attackers then demanded payment in Bitcoin, threatening to delete or misuse the victim’s data if the ransom was not paid.

Bitcoin Address: 1CtkTvZch5fmWLjW9kCUw8s7oqyxu4aeB2
Total Loss:

1. 0.030033752 BTC
2. 0.034126 BTC
3. 0.00685124 BTC
   (Approximately $2,500 USD in total)

Scam Breakdown:

1. Hacked Computer and Data Theft:
   The victim’s computer was compromised, and their personal data, including emails, photos, videos, and contacts, was stolen. The hacker locked access to this data and demanded payment in Bitcoin in exchange for the data’s release.
2. Ransom Demands:
   The scammer instructed the victim to send Bitcoin to the address 1CtkTvZch5fmWLjW9kCUw8s7oqyxu4aeB2 to regain access to their data. The victim sent the following amounts:
   – 0.030033752 BTC
   – 0.034126 BTC
   – 0.00685124 BTC
3. Further Demands:
   Despite making these payments, the hacker continued to demand more money, holding the victim’s data hostage and attempting to extort additional funds.

Conclusion:

The Bitcoin address 1CtkTvZch5fmWLjW9kCUw8s7oqyxu4aeB2 is associated with a ransomware attack. Victims are forced to make Bitcoin payments to regain control of their personal data, only to face further extortion after the initial payment. If you experience a similar attack, it is essential to avoid paying the ransom and to report the incident to law enforcement or cybersecurity professionals immediately. Paying the ransom does not guarantee that the data will be returned, and it often leads to further extortion.