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Global Accelerated Learning • Est. 1999
Glossary Term Data Leak Site (DLS)

Training Camp • Cybersecurity Glossary

What is Data Leak Site (DLS)?

A data leak site (DLS) is a dark-web site where ransomware gangs publish stolen victim data to pressure payment, a hallmark of double-extortion attacks.

Glossary > Threats, Malware & Attacks > Data Leak Site (DLS)

Understanding Data Leak Site (DLS)

A data leak site (DLS), or shaming site, is an attacker-operated website—usually hosted on the dark web—where ransomware and extortion groups publish data stolen from victims who refuse to pay. Operators typically post the victim's name first as a threat, then leak progressively larger samples, and finally dump the full dataset to pressure payment and signal credibility to future targets. Leak sites are a hallmark of double and triple extortion campaigns and a key source for threat-intelligence tracking of ransomware activity.

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