there was a time long ago when the computer virus was unrefined, primarily existing as a demonstration of reach, used to break things, this is a similar state, and as the methods are refined, this will move beyond causing death, and toward driving people into behavioural reflexes, and performing physical actions, and integration of opinion, or misinformation, to such precision as to become a munition that performs at scale.
A relative had died six months earlier, he was struggling with a relationship break-up, was on medical leave from work and had financial issues.
The man had told a relative he was finding it hard to get out of bed and had occasionally made references to being "better off dead".‘
I wonder if those behind the extortion have even an ounce of humanity to where this story made them question their life choices.