Cybersecurity researcher Allison Nixon became the target of death threats in April 2024, prompting an investigation into the anonymous individuals behind the online harassment, according to MIT Technology Review. The threats, originating from accounts using the handles "Waifu" and "Judische" on platforms like Telegram and Discord, included graphic language and targeted Nixon due to her work tracking cybercriminals.
Nixon, the chief research officer at the cyber investigations firm Unit 221B, had spent over a decade building a career focused on identifying and helping to arrest cybercriminals, according to MIT Technology Review. The threats included statements such as "Alison sic Nixon is gonna get necklaced with a tire filled with gasoline soon," and "Decerebration is my fav type of brain death, thats whats gonna happen to alison Nixon," as reported by MIT Technology Review. Others also shared AI-generated nudes of Nixon.
The threats against Nixon highlight the growing dangers faced by cybersecurity professionals. The gap between ransomware threats and the defenses meant to stop them is widening, according to a 2026 Ivantis State of Cybersecurity Report, as reported by VentureBeat. While 63% of security professionals rate ransomware as a high or critical threat, only 30% feel very prepared to defend against it, creating a 33-point preparedness gap.
In other technology news, the article from Wired warns against purchasing unknown or cheap laptops promoted on Amazon. The author noted that better alternatives often exist at the same price point but are not displayed by Amazon.
AI-Assisted Journalism
Synthesized from multiple sources. Reviewed for accuracy.
Deep insights powered by AI
Continue exploring
AI Experts & Community
Be the first to comment