https://s33.postimg.cc/xb7d9hx3j/pga-tour-10-logo.jpg

# Hackers truly do not discriminate.

Their latest target?

Professional sports organizations.

In news released yesterday by the PGA, it was revealed that there was an attack on the computer servers belonging to the Professional Golfers Association of America.

The attack has resulted in PGA officials being denied access to critical files related to the current and future PGA Championships.

This directly affects the current PGA Championship being played right now, as well as the Ryder Cup set to take place next month in France, according to Golfweek.

Though it is not abundantly clear how much an effect this hack will have on the tournaments themselves.

https://s33.postimg.cc/71maqvb7z/Tiger-_Woods-760x400.jpg

(Source: https://www.ccn.com/hackers-breach-pga-servers-ahead-of-golf-championship-demand-bitcoin/)

# Some specifics:

The hackers are demanding, what else? 

Bitcoin 

Once they receive bitcoin they say they will restore access to these critical files.

The message left by the hackers is simple enough:

> "We Have Taken Over"

(Source: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/2018-pga-championship-hackers-reportedly-target-pga-of-americas-servers-steal-files-related-to-tournament-and-ryder-cup/)

Employees thought their network might have been compromised earlier this week when they received a message saying as much.

The message also contained a bitcoin wallet address for funds to be sent to along with this tidbit:

> “We exclusively have decryption software for your situation. No decryption software is available in the public."

(Source: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/2018-pga-championship-hackers-reportedly-target-pga-of-americas-servers-steal-files-related-to-tournament-and-ryder-cup/)

No specific amount of bitcoin was demanded.

The PGA has already indicated that they will not be paying any ransoms.

# This is just another in a long line of hackings over the past few years.

A couple high profile hackings forced the hackees to pay millions of dollars worth of bitcoin in order to gain access to their data.

In some instances people have even been kidnapped and ransomed for bitcoin.

https://s33.postimg.cc/3kou1wh1r/5a4691eeb0bcd533198b76a5-750-375.jpg

(Source: https://www.businessinsider.com/kidnapped-crypto-exec-released-after-paying-1-million-bitcoin-ransom-2017-12)

One notable case took place last year in Russia where a cryptocurrency exchange executive (seen above) was held hostage until he paid over $1 million worth of bitcoin in order to be released.

This is one of the biggest problems with cryptocurrency currently, when you are you own back, you often need security like a bank.

Stay informed my friends.

Image Source:

https://usgolftv.com/news/pga-tour-articles/who-is-the-2013-pga-tour-player-of-the-year-pgatour-poty/

Follow me: @jrcornel