Porn Scam Email Uses Your Hacked Passwords

Here’s a new scam that’s been floating around recently, but the new twist makes it more believable. I’m pasting the contents of an actual email with the user’s password redacted. (Typos and poor English in tact)

I am aware, <substitute password formerly used by recipient here>, is your password. You may not know me and you are most likely thinking why you’re getting this email, correct?

actually, I setup a malware on the adult video clips (sexually graphic) web site and guess what, you visited this web site to have fun (you know what I mean). While you were watching video clips, your internet browser initiated functioning as a RDP (Remote Desktop) with a key logger which provided me access to your display screen as well as web cam. Just after that, my software program gathered your complete contacts from your Messenger, social networks, and email.

What did I do?

I created a double-screen video. First part displays the video you were watching (you have a fine taste : )), and 2nd part displays the recording of your webcam.

exactly what should you do?

Well, I believe, $1900 is a reasonable price for our little secret. You’ll make the payment through Bitcoin (if you do not know this, search “how to buy bitcoin” in Google).

BTC Address: 1JHwenDp9A98XdjfYkHKyiE3R99Q72K9X4
(It is cAsE sensitive, so copy and paste it)

Note:

You have one day in order to make the payment. (I have a specific pixel in this email message, and at this moment I know that you have read this mail). If I do not get the BitCoins, I will, no doubt send out your video recording to all of your contacts including members of your family, colleagues, and many others. However, if I receive the payment, I will destroy the video immidiately. If you need evidence, reply with “Yes!” and I will send out your video to your 5 contacts. It’s a non-negotiable offer, that being said please do not waste my time and yours by replying to this mail.

This is considered a sextortion scam by the FBI, and that tells us it’s not really anything new. There’s a possibility your computer could have malware… sure. However, this email shows up on computers that are clean, and have never visited a porn site. These guys are just betting that you did something online that you wouldn’t be proud of – or want your contacts to know about. One of the largest porn websites reports 75 million visitors a day. So, you can see why they use this angle to scare you into paying them. The part that is new is that you may find one of your actual passwords in this email.

Let’s talk about the password. Should you be concerned? Yes, at least a little. Start by changing that password on any website you used it. Then take a deep breath and relax. Now, stop worrying. What’s going here is that one of your past / present passwords has been breached. Most likely you had to sign up on a website in the past and give a username / password to access their content etc. Time passes and they get hacked. Then your info shows up online, and these scammers use it against you.

You can check if your info has been part of a breach here: https://haveibeenpwned.com

I checked with my personal email account and my email address was found on 5 breached websites.

tl;dr What’s the point?

  1. Don’t use the same password everywhere. We all use just a few passwords. Try to use more. Consider a password manager like lastpass, dashlane, or 1password.
  2. Make use of 2 Factor Authentication like Google Authenticator or at least enable the “sms code” on your other accounts (Facebook, etc)
  3. In my opinion: keep your email account password and financial passwords different from your common ones you use elsewhere

Stay safe out there. Stay suspicious of everything online.

HP Battery Recall January 2017

HP urges customers to recheck their batteries, even if they did so previously, and were told they were not affected. However, original batteries replaced as part of the program announced in June 2016 are not affected by this program expansion.

In January 2017 HP announced an expansion of its ongoing worldwide voluntary safety recall and replacement program for certain notebook computer batteries, which was announced in June 2016. The program has been expanded to include additional batteries that were shipped with the same notebook products. These batteries have the potential to overheat, posing a fire and burn hazard to customers.The affected models include HP, Compaq, HP ProBook, HP ENVY, Compaq Presario, and HP Pavilion Notebook Computers. Some websites are reporting this recall to affect over 100,000 notebook batteries.

Please take the time to check if your battery is on the recall list. Visit HP’s recall site and follow the instructions found there. You can either download a utility that will check your system or you can check it manually yourself. If you battery is on the list, they recommend taking out the battery immediately and only working off external power until you get the replacement. Not all models are affected, but this is an expansion from an earlier recall back in June of 2016, so it’s worth checking again if you thought you were in the clear.

Here’s the link to the recall: HP Notebook Computer Battery Safety Recall and Replacement Program

Slow Down Before You Open That Email!

Ransomware is evil, and it could be lurking in the next email. This type of virus will infect your computer and encrypt your files. If that’s not enough, they will demand a large sum of money to unlock your files.

The most important thing to keep in mind is that you are the first line of defense!

Be Suspicious and Trust No One

Let’s make this simple, the bad guys know that the weakest link is you. They will attempt to social engineer you or bully you into opening an email that you should have deleted.

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DSI Tech Services Official Launch

DSI TECH SERVICES LAUNCHES, FOLLOWING IN DATALAN SYSTEMS FOOTSTEPS

DataLAN Systems, Inc. has been providing expert technical support and high quality computer systems for the past 15 years. DataLAN has developed a loyal customer base in the Johnstown, Altoona, Somerset, and surrounding areas. Due to a change in the DataLAN Systems ownership structure, that era has come to an end. However, that end is in name only.

On October 1, 2015 DSI Tech Services was formed to continue to provide the same managed services where DataLAN will leave off.  The new name showcases the fact that our on-site and remote tech services are second to none. Our Senior Technician and Managing Member, Tylan Ramach was at DataLAN on day one. He was also part owner of DataLAN Systems, Inc.

Managing Member Tylan Ramach said, “Over the years we have proven to work for the customers and always for their best interests. We have been diligent at providing top notch service to all of them. I’m excited to continue that tradition under the new name DSI Tech Services. I have always prided myself on having clients that would without a doubt recommend us. I guarantee that level of satisfaction will continue.”

All of the telephone numbers and email addresses you have will continue to work. All of the DataLAN Systems websites will redirect to DSITechServices.com

DSI Tech Services is a leader in managed IT services including computer systems, telephones, and network cabling in Johnstown and the surrounding areas.

For more information about DSI Tech Services, please visit www.dsitechservices.com

Contact:
Tylan Ramach
Managing Member
DSI Tech Services LLC
814-262-9693
.