In a dramatic escalation of cyber threats, a hacker group identifying itself as “Scattered LapSus Hunters” has delivered a chilling ultimatum to Google: fire two of its top threat intelligence professionals—or face a significant data leak.
While the hackers have not provided any evidence of a breach, the very nature of the demand marks a dangerous evolution in cybercrime. It’s no longer just about stealing data—it’s about influencing corporate decisions.
The Attackers: A Dangerous Alliance
The name “Scattered LapSus Hunters” appears to be a mash-up of some of the most notorious hacking groups in recent memory—Scattered Spider, Lapsus$, and ShinyHunters. Each has made headlines for data breaches, social engineering attacks, and cyber-extortion targeting some of the world’s largest companies.
This latest move suggests a shift in tactics. The goal isn’t just disruption—it’s coercion.
A Salesforce Breach in the Background
Although Google has denied any breach of its core systems, the backdrop to this threat appears to involve a third-party incident. Hackers reportedly accessed data through Salesforce, which Google uses for managing client relationships. The compromised data includes business contact information—enough to power large-scale phishing and social engineering campaigns.
In response, Google urged users to reset passwords and enable two-factor authentication, though the company emphasized that sensitive data like Gmail login credentials were not compromised.
What Makes This Incident Different?
Here’s why this case is raising eyebrows across the tech and security communities:
- It’s Personal: Targeting specific employees, rather than the company at large, introduces a new psychological pressure point.
- The Demand Is Strategic: The attackers are not asking for money—they’re demanding human resources decisions. That’s unprecedented.
- No Proof, All Pressure: The lack of evidence suggests this may be as much a bluff as it is a threat. But even the bluff forces a response.
What It Means for Business Leaders and Security Teams
- Cybersecurity Is Now a Boardroom Issue The attack blurs the line between security and corporate governance. Leaders must be ready to respond to threats that impact HR, PR, legal, and investor relations all at once.
- Third-Party Risk Is Real Even if your core systems are secure, your vendors and tools may be vulnerable. Cyber resilience must extend across the entire ecosystem.
- Employees Are on the Front Lines This incident highlights the personal risks security professionals face—and why supporting and protecting them is vital.
Final Thoughts
This is a clear signal that cybercriminals are evolving—not just in their tools, but in their tactics. As influence becomes the new weapon, organizations must adopt a holistic, proactive approach to cybersecurity.
What’s your take on this shift in the threat landscape? Are we prepared for a future where cyberattacks come with personnel ultimatums?
