Standing before a room of frustrated business owners, Metro City Business Alliance President Harold Chen didn't mince words: "We are under attack, and our government is failing to protect us."
The emergency meeting, held at the Metro Convention Center Tuesday evening, drew over 400 business owners — many sharing devastating stories of losses suffered at the hands of TerrorByte.
Counting the Cost
The numbers are staggering. In March alone, 47 businesses have reported significant cyber incidents attributed to TerrorByte or his supporters. Total losses exceed $4.2 million, with some companies facing bankruptcy.
"I've owned my restaurant for 15 years," said Patricia Gomez, fighting back tears. "Last week, someone hacked our point-of-sale system and donated our entire week's revenue to some charity I've never heard of. $23,000 — gone. My employees might not get paid this month."
Others reported similar attacks: inventory systems corrupted, customer data deleted, security cameras broadcasting embarrassing footage. The pattern suggests coordinated harassment rather than random cybercrime.
"They call him a 'digital Robin Hood.' But Robin Hood didn't destroy small businesses. Robin Hood didn't put families out of work. This is economic terrorism, pure and simple."
— Harold Chen, Metro City Business Alliance
Why Are Businesses Targets?
Cybersecurity experts believe many attacks are retaliation against businesses that have expressed support for Nexus Corp's security initiatives or cooperated with police investigations.
"There appears to be a coordinated effort to punish anyone who supports the establishment," explained Dr. Alan Foster, cybersecurity consultant. "It's ideologically motivated intimidation — the digital equivalent of burning down someone's shop because you don't like their politics."
Demands for Action
The Business Alliance presented a unified list of demands to city officials:
• Immediate deployment of enhanced cybersecurity infrastructure
• Tax relief for businesses affected by TerrorByte attacks
• Mandatory prosecution of anyone who celebrates or assists TerrorByte online
• A dedicated business protection unit within the Cyber Terrorism Task Force
"We pay taxes. We employ people. We are the backbone of this economy," Chen said. "We deserve protection. If the city won't provide it, we'll find it elsewhere."
Moving Forward
Mayor Bradley, who attended the meeting, promised swift action. "I hear you," he told the crowd. "And I want you to know — this administration stands with Metro City's business community. We will not let terrorists destroy what you've built."
The Business Alliance has also pledged $2 million toward the TerrorByte reward fund, bringing the total bounty to $2.5 million.
For businesses seeking cybersecurity assistance, the Alliance is partnering with Nexus Corp to offer subsidized protection services. Details are available at metrobusinessalliance.org.