Issue:
I received an email saying the sender has installed a virus on my computer allegedly when I was surfing on a porn website. The email sender claims that they have recorded everything I have done. Asking for a sum to be paid in bitcoin.
Resolution:
It is likely that the scammer is using leaked password lists online and sending email asking for ransom. The frequently asked questions as following:
- How did they get my password?
- The scammer usually get the password from the previously leaked credential.
- Does the scammer actually have the video of the webcam?
- No. They do not have the video.
- What can I do to now?
- Ignore the email. And run a full scan with F-Secure security product on the machine.
- Do not open the email and download any attachments
- Report the email as Spam/Junk
- Delete the email from Inbox and Deleted folder
- What can I do to prevent something like this from happening in the future?
- Do not use same password across different platform / services
- Use a more complex password
- Use passphrase instead of password
- Use a password manager. For example, F-Secure Key
More information can be found in the following links:
https://www.ransomware.it/en/email-ransom-request-password-leak/
Article no: 000004833