Watch Out for Suspicious Emails
Efforts to scam money or data through phishing or other methods employed by cybercriminals are becoming increasingly sophisticated. However, there are instances where scammers resort to very classic maneuvers. Recently, our editors received suspicious emails suggesting that a dangerous trojan had been installed on their devices by a hacker, providing access to browser history and the laptop camera.
The message claimed that the computer had been hacked, allowing cybercriminals to record compromising material using the built-in laptop camera. This email, purportedly sent by a hacker self-identified as “Big Brother” or the “All-Seeing Eye,” was sent at the end of November 2023 from the address ransonn@bewell.net
Beware of the “Hello, My Devious Friend” Email
The suspicious email began with the greeting “hello, my devious friend” and further stated that the hacker possessed recordings from the laptop camera. The sender threatened to publish the alleged materials on adult film websites and other online platforms unless 1.2 thousand euros were transferred to their Bitcoin wallet. The message was written in correct English, with no major language or syntax errors.
Furthermore, the collective email address was used in the email, which could suggest that the computers and other devices were indeed compromised, rather than dealing with a bot or automated system. The sender claimed, “Due to your disregard for internet security, I easily managed to install a trojan on your hard drive. This allowed me to access all the data on your device and control it remotely. By infecting one device, I could access all other devices.”
Identifying the Scam
However, it quickly became apparent that similar emails had been received by other individuals unrelated to TechCatAssist. A post with identical message content appeared on the other platforms. It’s important to note that this is a scam, and if you receive a similar email, do not, under any circumstances, transfer any money or respond to the message.
The sender is simply attempting to extort money and create panic. They claim, “You have 48 hours. I will receive a notification as soon as you open this email, and the countdown will begin from that moment. In short, let’s resolve this situation for the benefit of both me and you. I always keep my word unless someone tries to deceive me.”
Protect Yourself from Scammers
Although this is just one of many methods scammers use to extort money, it’s essential to implement multi-factor authentication and avoid using the same password for multiple services. Here are some tips to protect yourself:
- Be cautious of suspicious emails, especially those that make threats or demand money.
- Verify the sender’s email address and check for any signs of phishing or spoofing.
- Keep your devices and software up to date with the latest security patches.
- Use strong, unique passwords for each online account.
- Enable multi-factor authentication whenever possible.
- Regularly back up your important files and data.
- Stay informed about the latest scams and educate yourself on how to identify them.
Remember, scammers will always try to exploit fear and urgency to manipulate their victims. Stay vigilant and protect yourself from falling victim to their schemes.
