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Obtain access to an extortionist’s e-mail address Claimed

Obtain access to an extortionist's e-mail address

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Introduction: In digital-extortion cases, identifying the perpetrator requires a delicate balance between credential-recovery techniques and infrastructure analysis. Below we outline a typical operational scenario at Detective Hacker, the tactics used to access the extortionist’s mailbox, and the precautions needed to maintain the chain of custody.

 

1.- Typical scenario

  • The extortionist operates from an anonymous account (free webmail, disposable domain, or encrypted service).
  • The victim provides our organization with the original messages and headers.
  • Forensic objective: access the aggressor’s mailbox to extract:
    • Real source IP.
    • Contacts / accomplices.
    • Evidence of multiple blackmail attempts.

2.- Techniques we use

Technique Mode of operation Entry vector Risks
Spear phishing A “support” email impersonates the provider to steal the password. Email with link to a cloned site (evilginx, Gophish) Fake URL flagged by filters; prosecutable for impersonation.
Social engineering + SIM swap The attacker duplicates the SIM and receives the 2FA SMS to reset the account. Call to the mobile operator with leaked data Forgery crime; 1–2 h window before lockout.
Password spraying / credential stuffing Leaked credentials from previous breaches are tested. Bots (Hydra, Burp Intruder) from a distributed network Account lockout due to mass logins; IP blacklisted.
Remote-access malware (RAT) A trojan is installed on the extortionist’s PC/phone. Malicious attachment, browser exploit Infecting without a court warrant is a serious offense.
Cloud misconfiguration The extortionist forwards copies to an S3/Bucket without permissions. OSINT, Shodan, bucket_finder Only valid if the repo is public; otherwise, unauthorized access.

3.- Legal considerations and chain of custody

  • The IP alone does not identify a person: it requires subscriber data, ISP logs, and often device analysis to support the accusation.
  • All emails and headers must be preserved in native format (.eml) and sealed with SHA-256 on WORM media.
  • Any access to someone else’s mailbox without explicit consent or a court order may constitute computer intrusion (Arts. 197 & 264, Spanish Penal Code).
  • Requests to foreign operators are channeled via MLAT or the Budapest Convention to ensure procedural validity.

4.- Mitigation recommendations

  1. Implement MFA based on FIDO2 keys to thwart phishing and credential stuffing.
  2. Monitor anomalous logins (geolocation, impossible travel) and trigger alerts.
  3. Audit S3/Blob Storage buckets with “Block Public Access” policies and periodic scans.
  4. Train staff on SIM-swap risks and require a portability PIN with the carrier.

5.- Mandatory

Review the disclaimer on our website: https://detectivehacker.org/hacker-detective/

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