Congress leader Sam Pitroda has disclosed that his personal devices, including his smartphone, laptop, and server, have been repeatedly targeted by hackers in recent weeks. The attackers have demanded a significant cryptocurrency ransom, threatening to launch a smear campaign if their demands are not met.
In an email to his contacts, Pitroda warned them to be cautious of suspicious emails and messages related to him. He advised against opening any emails from unknown senders, clicking on links, or downloading attachments, as these could contain malicious software.
What Sam Pitroda’s email says
“I want to bring to your attention a critical matter: my laptop, smartphone, and server have been repeatedly hacked and severely compromised over the past few weeks,” Pitroda said in the email. “They have warned that, if unpaid, they will launch a smear and misinformation campaign to tarnish my reputation by contacting people in my network,” he added. He warned that these might contain malware that could compromise their devices.
Pitroda is currently out of the country but plans to take immediate action upon his return to Chicago. This includes upgrading his devices’ security measures to prevent future attacks. “This will include replacing outdated hardware, upgrading software and implementing robust new security measures to safeguard my digital presence. I sincerely apologise for any inconvenience or concern this situation may cause. Thank you for your understanding and vigilance,” he said in the email.
He apologized for any inconvenience or concern caused by this incident and urged his contacts to remain vigilant.