Sextortion Email Phishing Scam

by | Jul 30, 2018 | Business, Cybersecurity

This bogus blackmail email phishing scam has probably already landed in either your work or personal email account. But it’s not too late to dedicate a few minutes refreshing your email phishing scam awareness.

In 2017, 76% of organizations experienced phishing attacks. Knowb4

The content of the email varies but here’s the synopsis:

You receive an email claiming that the sender installed software on an X-rated website that you visited and he or she made a video of you viewing the material. The sender claims that if you do not pay a Bitcoin ransom within a short period of time, the video will be distributed to all of your social media and email contacts. The scariest part of the email is that it may include a password that you currently use or used in the past.

But in fact, the email is a scam. It’s cleverly designed with the hopes that some of the millions of users it was automatically sent to will be panicked and send the Bitcoin.

What to do if you receive this email or a similar email?

 

Change your password. If the email includes a current or past password change it. Consider using a password management tool like Lastpass to help you keep track and secure your passwords.

Do some quick online research. If you ever receive an email like this, search for a few of the keywords or phrases online. Often, millions of users have been sent the same scam and there’s a high chance that there’s already a ton of information on the scam available online.

Spread the word. Let your colleagues, employors, friends and family know about the scam. Teach them how to identify email phishing scams.

Consider using Multifactor Authentication (MFA) on all of your personal accounts. 

Remember, every organization needs a “human firewall.” Do your part to stay aware and be secure! Watch this short video and learn how to identify an email phishing scam. Interested in our approach to cybersecurity? Learn more at: https://www.smartdolphins.com/it-services/it-security/