What is a significant tactic used by hackers?

Threatening users is a significant tactic employed by hackers as it can instill fear and compel individuals or organizations to comply with their demands. This method is often observed in ransomware attacks, where hackers encrypt sensitive data and threaten to delete it or make it publicly accessible unless a ransom is paid. The psychological manipulation involved in threatening users can create urgency and pressure, leading victims to take hasty actions without fully understanding the implications.

Other tactics such as writing security patches, conducting audits, and encrypting data typically involve defensive measures or legitimate practices rather than malicious intents. While encryption can be part of a hacker's strategy, in contexts like ransomware, it is paired with threats. Therefore, the act of threatening users directly relates to the coercive and manipulative strategies hackers utilize to achieve their goals.