Extortion in cybersecurity refers to the act of obtaining money, data, or other valuable assets from individuals or organizations by threatening to cause harm, such as exposing sensitive information, launching cyberattacks, or publishing damaging content online. Cybercriminals may use tactics like ransomware, doxing, or threatening to leak confidential data unless their demands are met. The goal is to pressure victims into complying by exploiting their fear of reputational, financial, or operational damage.