Xerox sells print and digital document products and services in more than 160 countries and is headquartered in Norwalk, Connecticut. In 2017, its annual revenue was US$10.27 billion (A$14.34 billion).

Gangs that stage ransomware attacks on companies exfiltrate data from the victims' website using scripts written in PowerShell, a scripting language created by Microsoft.

They then use this data to put pressure on the victim as it provides them with a double-edged sword: the victim's data is encrypted and not accessible and the threat of data being leaked to world+dog also exists.

After the process of encrypting the victim's files on-site is completed, the ransomware generates a ransom note which shows up on the victim's system, stating the amount of ransom demanded, the deadline for payment and the method of payment, usually through cryptocurrency to a designated wallet.

A screenshot of the data stolen from Xerox and posted on the dark Web.

The gangs release the data in drips and drabs and if the victim resists, then the entire data dump is leaked on dark Web forums frequented by people who use data from these sites to stage phishing attacks or else steal people's identities. Data that can embarrass people is used is used in extortion attempts.

iTWire has contacted Xerox for comment.