Threats of Violence or Physical Harm

The subject is coerced by a third party into harmful or otherwise policy-violating activity through explicit or credible threats of violence, either directed at themselves or at others (e.g., family members, colleagues). This type of coercion often includes real-world intimidation, such as direct verbal or written threats, or more ambiguous references that imply the actor possesses the means or knowledge to inflict physical harm.

Examples may include:

• Stated intent to harm the subject’s family unless a system is accessed or data is provided.
• Demonstrations of knowledge of personal routines or addresses.
• Implied physical threat (“We know where you work.” / “Think about your daughter.”) intended to coerce compliance.

In some cases, the coercive actor may belong to or adopt the tactics and posture of organized crime groups or hybrid cyber-physical groups, lending credibility to the threat. The subject’s response may be reluctant, sudden, and inconsistent with previous behavior, reflecting actions taken under acute psychological and physical duress.

This motive reflects extreme coercion and requires careful investigative sensitivity. It may also intersect with criminal law, necessitating immediate coordination with internal legal teams, law enforcement, and/or protective services. In almost all such cases, the organization has a duty to treat the subject as a victim of crime.