Sextortion Scams Unveiled: Shield Yourself from Cyber Extortion

Sextortion Scams: Your Guide to Staying Safe

In today’s digital world, cyber threats are constantly evolving, and sextortion email scams have become a particularly sneaky form of blackmail. Cybercriminals are always coming up with new ways to scare people into giving them money. But don’t worry, we’re here to help you understand this growing threat and provide practical steps to keep yourself safe.

Understanding Sextortion Scams

Sextortion scams involve hackers sending emails claiming they’ve taken over your computer. They say they’ve recorded embarrassing videos of you and demand payment, usually in Bitcoin, to keep the videos private. Unlike other types of sextortion, like revenge porn, these threats are usually just scare tactics designed to make you panic and pay up.

How Hackers Get Your Password

One of the creepiest parts of these scams is when the email includes an old password of yours. Hackers get these passwords from data breaches, which are often sold on the dark web. Websites like HaveIBeenPwned.com can help you check if your email accounts and passwords have been compromised in known breaches.

Anatomy of a Sextortion Email

Sextortion emails usually follow a similar pattern. They start by showing you an old password to grab your attention. Then, they describe how they supposedly hacked your computer and recorded explicit content. Finally, they demand a Bitcoin payment and threaten to release the videos if you don’t pay. Here’s an example of what such an email might look like:

I do know, [redacted], is your password. You do not know me and you are probably thinking why you are getting this email, correct?
Actually, I placed a malware on the adult videos (porno) website and do you know what, you visited this web site to experience fun (you know what I mean). While you were watching videos, your internet browser initiated working as a RDP (Remote Desktop) that has a key logger which gave me accessibility to your display and also webcam. After that, my software program obtained all your contacts from your Messenger, Facebook, as well as email.
What exactly did I do?
I made a double-screen video. First part displays the video you were viewing (you’ve got a nice taste haha) and second part shows the recording of your webcam.
What exactly should you do?
Well, I believe, [insert various dollar amounts], is a reasonable price tag for our little secret. You’ll make the payment via Bitcoin. (if you don’t know this, search “how to buy bitcoin” in Google).
BTC Address: [redacted] (It is cAsE sensitive, so copy and paste it)
Important:
You have one day to make the payment. (I’ve a unique pixel within this email message, and now I know that you have read this email). If I do not get the BitCoins, I will definitely send out your video to all of your contacts including relatives, co-workers, and so forth. Nonetheless, if I receive payment, I’ll erase the video immediately. If you want evidence, reply with “Yes!” and I will send your video to your 9 friends. It is a non-negotiable offer, that being said do not waste my time and yours by replying to this email.

What to Do If You Get a Sextortion Email

If you receive a sextortion email, the first thing to do is check if the password mentioned was part of a known data breach. If it was, you can safely ignore the email. But it’s still important to take extra steps to secure your online presence:

• Delete the Email: The easiest thing to do is delete the email and forget about it.
• Run a Malware Scan: Use trusted antivirus software to scan your computer for any potential malware.
• Cover Your Webcam: If you have a webcam, think about covering it when you’re not using it to prevent any unauthorized access.
• Use a Password Manager: Invest in a password manager to create and store strong, unique passwords for all your accounts.
• Educate Yourself: Stay up-to-date on the latest cyber threats and best practices for online security.

Conclusion

Sextortion email scams are a growing threat, but by staying informed and taking proactive measures, you can protect yourself from falling victim to these cyber blackmail attempts. Always remember to use strong, unique passwords, keep your software up to date, and be cautious of suspicious emails.