Wipro steps up security after threat of 'toxic protein drug' attack
08 May 2017
IT major Wipro on Saturday said it has stepped up security measures at all its campuses and office premises after receiving a "threatening letter from an unidentified source".
Wipro also filed a complaint with the local police after getting a Rs500-crore extortion email warning toxic protein drug would be unleashed at the company's premises in case the company failed to pay the amount, within 20 days.
"Wipro confirms that it has filed a complaint with the local law enforcement authorities after receiving a threatening letter from an unidentified source," Wipro said in a statement.
Wipro has augmented security measures at all its office locations, it said.
"There is no impact on the company's operations. We have no further comments as the investigation is ongoing," it added.
The threatening email to Wipro had demanded Rs500 crore in the so-called digital currency, bitcoins. The company, however, did not specify the nature of the threat.
Police sources, meanwhile, confirmed the e-mail demanding Rs500 crore in digital currency of bitcoins and the threat to attack Wipro offices with Ricin (a natural toxin found in seeds of the castor oil plant) on failing to do so.
A PTI report quoting Additional Commissioner of Police (Crime) S Ravi said a complaint has been registered at the cyber crime police station and investigations are on.