Hackers claiming having planted a virus and registered porn surfing

Goren45

I got an e-mail message sent from myself that someone had planted a virus on my computer, recorded what I was watching and recorded my reaction via my web-cam and would send this to all my contacts unless I pay a ransom. I ran F-Secure SAFE and no viruses were found. Can I be 100 % sure that SAFE would stop such a virus or shall I pay the ransom? Acording to the police several people all over Europe have received such messages.

Ukko

Hello,

 

Sorry for my reply. I'm also only an F-Secure user (their home solutions).

 

In general, if you did not anything - you should not be worry (even against 'photoshop').

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It is not about your description - but generic article about ransomware or such kind of rogue activities (where visible that such kind of tries, usually, are bogus):

• https://www.f-secure.com/en/web/labs_global/removing-police-themed-ransomware

Your description is about another kind of rogue event. And one point with too strange sound:

I got an e-mail message sent from myself that someone had planted a virus on my computer

If it is a letter indeed from "you" to "you" - maybe some malicious items indeed can be there. But it is unclear based on not fully visible environment (what is software or web-service in use; what is system and so on).

 

Can I be 100 % sure that SAFE would stop such a virus or shall I pay the ransom?

Probably - not. Not possible to be sure - because maybe it was not a virus - but adware or harmful/malicious item but installed by you (unintentionally); There is F-Secure Labs policy against potentially unwanted applications: https://www.f-secure.com/en/web/labs_global/potentially-unwanted-applications

 

Also, some kind of malicious tricks with unique targeted design is practically 'undiscoverable' by only one security software.

In addition, if your system, hardware like router or third-party application with well known (or multiple) public disclosed vulnerability - it can be too tricky protect against it (but F-Secure should to do so or try to do).

 

For except full scan by F-Secure -> possible to try some other third-party scanners or solutions (for example, trial time of HitmanPro scanner or Malwarebytes solution). Also, good point is to check browser's addons and extensions.

Since you found 'mentions' about related situations -> maybe good to search more and to find if it is already known malware (and how it works) for proper clean up and protect your system.

 

ALSO, it is impossible to be sure that even if you paid - the result will be good.

 

Another suggestion is to find a safe way to change your passwords.

 

Thanks!

martink

Be aware that there are also at least two different scams like these going around.

See eg

https://www.is.fi/digitoday/tietoturva/art-2000005754114.html

You can search for English language sites.

What is said in the net is that if there is a password that is likely to come from an old breach somewhere and not your current one.

It is also adviced not to open and not to pay.

 

Should you not be able to resist the temptation to open open the source and copy it.

The srouce should have some IP's. If you report it to the police that could help in tracking the problem.

In FInland the Police and Viestintavirasto have been looking into these.

 

A version of the emails has some sender address, but the email can only be read once.

The next time the content is not there any more and your email has been changed to be the sender.

 

Update your passwords in some manner.

Turn off or cover your webcam.

Be critical where to you surf.

Be even more critical with links.