Sextortion Bitcoin scam

Popular Scam Makes 2020 Return

Another aggravating email that is making its rounds. You get an email which may include recent pictures of places or people you were with. It then goes on to tell you that if you don’t pay a certain amount by a certain day these (and other pictures) will be uploaded to porn websites and be emailed to all your contacts to harm your credibility. But if you act fast and pay $$ to a certain bitcoin account by creating another email address and sending $, you will be spared the embarrassment.

Several Different Flavors

This same scam may come in different subjects. Breached password, etc. Here’s a sample of what it may look like:

I am well aware [REDACTED] is your pass words. Lets get right to point. Neither anyone has paid me to investigate you. You may not know me and you are probably thinking why you’re getting this e-mail? 

actually, i installed a software on the adult videos (pornographic material) web-site and do you know what, you visited this website to have fun (you know what i mean). While you were viewing videos, your web browser began working as a Remote Desktop that has a keylogger which gave me accessibility to your display and also cam. Just after that, my software gathered every one of your contacts from your Messenger, Facebook, as well as email . after that i created a double video. 1st part displays the video you were viewing (you’ve got a nice taste haha), and next part shows the recording of your cam, yeah its you. 

You have not one but two choices. Shall we read up on these options in aspects: 

First alternative is to just ignore this message. in such a case, i am going to send out your actual video to every single one of your personal contacts and think regarding the awkwardness you will definitely get. and definitely if you happen to be in a loving relationship, how it would affect? 

Number 2 solution is to pay me $889. Lets name it as a donation. in this situation, i most certainly will asap remove your video footage. You could carry on daily life like this never occurred and you surely will never hear back again from me.

You’ll make the payment through Bi‌tco‌in (if you don’t know this, search for ‘how to buy b‌itcoi‌n’ in Google). 

B‌T‌C‌ ad‌dre‌ss to send to: [REDACTED]

[CaSe sensitive, copy & paste it] 

if you are wondering about going to the law enforcement officials, well, this message can not be traced back to me. I have dealt with my actions. i am also not attempting to demand a huge amount, i would like to be compensated. within this%} emaiQUNdkpeC [SIC] if i do not receive the ‌bi‌tco‌in‌, i will send your video recording to all of your contacts including family members, coworkers, and so forth. Having said that, if i receive the payment, i will erase the recording immediately. If you really want proof, reply Yup then i will send out your video to your 9 friends. This is a non-negotiable offer, so don’t waste mine time and yours by replying to this e mail.

Very Sneaky

These people pray on you getting upset, excited, and then paying them money. Instead of an actual threat, they make one up to make money. People have even died because of scams like this. Please share this email with anyone that has an email account. This may save a life.

How did they get any of my information?

As we see in the news, many data breaches have occurred in places we do business (Target, Equifax, etc.) and these cowards use that information, locate our social media accounts, gather information, then use it in this scam to get money.

What can I do?

If you receive an email like this, report it if you can. Otherwise, just delete it. It’s a scam. If you need help and want some resources to help better protect your network, email and company infrastructure give me a call I offer flat rate pricing that can not only save you some IT dollars, but help from these scam emails getting to your inbox.

 

 

 

We all have one, I’ll show you mine

Much like opinions or certain body parts

In today’s modern infrastructure we all have a router, let’s see what we can find out.

Backstory

I’m always thinking of ways to keep ransomware away from my customers and while I was pondering this article I thought why not ask my router some questions. Since that’s the first place our outside internet connection comes from.

The Interview

ME:
Hey, Router what do you do for me?
ROUTER: I take your single internet connection and share it among your devices so everyone can have internet access. router
ME:
Since you’re my first link to the outside world why don’t you do more to protect me? Wouldn’t that make sense and save me from having a million things about security to remember?
ROUTER: That does sound logical, but I’ve been a loyal member of your infrastructure for years. Remember? I was there back in 2015 when the power was out. I was lonely, but when it was over, I was there. How about in 2013 when we first met? You were so happy to have WiFi and me an “all-in-one router”, we loved each other. Router
ME:
Sure, I remember some good times. But, criminals have gotten smarter and I must have modern protection to keep up with modern threats, so how about protecting me better?
ROUTER: I’m doing my best here, it’s not easy keeping a steady flow, keeping the data conversations going to the right device. You don’t need anything else, we’re family. Router
ME:
Let’s face it, you don’t have the right skills. I need a modern solution to keep up with modern threats.
ROUTER:  Could we Talk about something else, I really don’t understand what you’re talking about. Besides, I have other things to do right now. Router

Even the router agrees, it cannot protect us in the modern workplace. We need much better protection.

So, I researched. Here’s the thought process…

My considerations:

  • Easy to manage
  • Provides immediate protection
  • Provides ongoing protection
  • Is easy for customers to obtain, and has a great ROI
Product Comparison
Comparison List (click to download)

My choice

I chose WatchGuard because they not only check all the boxes but allow customers to obtain the device and pay monthly for service protection and subscription. This allows customers to get the right device at a reduced cost that could otherwise be cost-prohibitive. Plus, ongoing protection is included (one of the most important parts of ongoing protection). Skip keeping the subscription active and that could leave you inadvertently unprotected.

Besides, WatchGuard devices come in a variety of solutions. This means a device can be uniquely configured specifically for customers’ network needs.

WatchGuard Products
WatchGuard Products

Layers of protection

We need Unified Threat Management for modern threats and layered protection. My job is offering the best solutions for keeping your business continuity protected.

Call me and let’s replace your router with a firewall

Want more information? Give me a call. I’m always happy to help. 972.571.4808

I Think I just might be Psychic

The power of the mind is a strong and sometimes dramatic force

Ever have that time where you absolutely know something is about to happen and it does? Ever walk into a room and feel like you’ve been there before? These are probably all great questions for the internet, but I wanted to touch on something that really hit home recently and is definitely where you should be thinking if you have more than 2 computers in your office.

Let’s use our IT crystal ball to find out

Actually its remote monitoring management (RMM) software. This tool monitors important features of a server (email server, database server, website server, file server, etc.) and workstations (system health, installed software health, etc.) actually thousands of monitors and remediation at a moments notice. If something is required an alert or email is issued to the administrator and work can be scheduled. Truly a crystal ball for IT administrators.

But, monthly maintenance costs a few hundred dollars a month, and I don’t spend that on monthly IT costs?

So, what does this mean for the rest of us without it?

Easy, more expensive IT costs. You might ask yourself “But, monthly maintenance costs a few hundred dollars a month, and I don’t spend that on monthly IT costs?”. Good question, it’s not easy to see the benefits when you think of it that way, but, what about what you’re not seeing? Not only does the RMM part help prevent and notify when a system breakdown will happen but, it also keeps your systems constantly and consistently virus protected, patched and your software updated. Some plans also keep your systems backed up, and protected not only against viruses but against ransomware. For instance, the typical ransomware attack asks for 3 bitcoins to decrypt your files, in today’s bitcoin price that’s about $30,000 and if you don’t pay in the first 24 hours the price goes to 5 bitcoins ($50,000). When you visit with your board of directors and don’t mention “Managed Service” because you think it’s too expensive, make sure you tell them when you get ransomware, you had an opportunity to not pay the $30,000 that it’s now going to cost. Think I’m kidding? Think I’m trying to sell you? Hell no, I’m trying to save you.

Oh yeah, think your backups are safe? Those get encrypted too. You need a backup plan with disaster recovery. Backing up alone isn’t a solution, it’s a disappointment.

Don’t let these bastards hold you up

What I used to think…

I work for a retired couple that manages several apartment buildings and a few years back they had their accounting computers drive crash, the husband told me that when he took a computer class to get up-to-speed with computers they told him “It’s not if it will happen, but when.” I remember that about computer drives, but now I’ve changed my opinion and use the same analogy with Ransomware, “It’s not if it will happen, but when.” Don’t let these bastards hold you up, get managed service today and get protected. 972-571-4808.