Hackers are sometimes true geniuses who use their abilities for good or evil, but in others they are simply middling criminals who use such embarrassing techniques that it is sometimes hard to believe that there are victims who take advantage of their tactics and create that your PC has been hacked.
It is true that none of us are free from falling into the trap of some real hacker who steals sensitive data and may ask us for a ransom to recover it, but on other occasions, like in poker, they will go completely bluffing and they will not even be hackers, but crappy scammers who use fear to try to get someone to pay them money .
“I have hacked your PC”
The Internet Security Office warns about a fraudulent email campaign in which victims are extorted to pay an amount of money using cryptocurrencies . The reason for this ransom payment is the alleged hacking of the victim’s computer and the threat of exposing sensitive personal data that could damage the victim’s reputation and cause damages of a higher cost than the requested payment.
As the crudeness of the alleged evidence of the hack demonstrates, there is almost a 100% probability that your computer has not actually been infected and they do not have your contacts , nor is there any intimate video, it is the excuse they use to scare you and that you access their payment requests.
“I have installed a virus in your system that allows me to control all your devices connected to the Internet, which with your protection was not difficult. Viral software allows me to control your devices (microphone, video camera, keyboard, synchronization). I have uploaded all your information, data, photographs, history of websites visited to my server. I have access to all your messaging applications, social networks, emails, chat history and contact list.
«I had an idea, a video with you masturbating on one side of the screen and on the other video a p**n video. These videos are very popular and with one click I can send it to your contacts».
Of course, you’d better take a look to see if your computer could really have been compromised by some type of malware and, if so, disinfect it with a computer security solution.
If in the body of the email you see that a valid password of yours is shared , take the necessary steps to restore it, but do not think that the supposed hack has more credibility. This password may have been exposed in a mass leak and collected by third parties to try to extort the work of another hacker.
Tips to avoid these frauds and scams
In addition to distrusting these emails and the crappy evidence they present to us to try to legitimize hacking, the OSI shares a series of recommendations to increase the security of your accounts and equipment and avoid falling for these frauds and scams by giving them less credibility.
- If you receive emails that you have not requested or are from strangers, do not open them and delete them.
- Keep all your devices and antivirus updated.
- In no case, send data from your contacts, or forward the mail; In this way, you will help prevent fraud from spreading.
- Improve the security of your passwords and do not use the same one for all the online services you use.
- In case of doubt, consult directly the State Security Forces and Bodies, the Internet Security Office or INCIBE.
In the event that you have agreed to blackmail and have already made some type of payment to rescue your allegedly compromised data, collect all the evidence you have (screenshots, e-mails, messages, etc.) and contact the State Security Forces and Bodies to file a complaint.