Porn Blackmail virus (Removal Guide) - Aug 2019 update
Porn Blackmail virus Removal Guide
What is Porn Blackmail virus?
Porn Blackmail scam is the blackmail campaign that demands ransom from victims for alleged user activities involving pornographic videos
Porn Blackmail virus is a dangerous spam email campaign designed to extort money out of unsuspecting users
Porn Blackmail virus is a type of scam that is trying to scare is victims into paying a ransom. The email received from scammers claims about the footage recorded with your web camera or screen recording software that shows what pornographic material you watch. The letter also states about malware that gets installed on the machine and a payment required. Otherwise, the footage can end up in your contact email boxes. Unfortunately, the amount demanded recently got increased up to $16000, so we recommend staying away from paying or even contacting these hackers.
The first spam campaign was spotted on the Internet in the middle of summer 2018, aiming to connect to unaware PC users and convince them that they were caught while watching porn. To make the Porn Blackmail scam even more trustworthy, besides those claims of sending the sensitive footage, hackers include one of the victim's passwords in the subject line. While it is obvious that the scam belongs to the “sextortion” type, hackers can also try to hack victim's computer and install spyware, keyloggers and another type of malware.
Summary | |
Name | Porn Blackmail virus |
Type | Scam |
Distribution | Spam emails |
Main aim | To convince the victim that he or she was photographed while watching porn |
Ransom size | To prevent intimidating photos from being sent to the victim's relatives, he or she has to pay 0.15 – 0.20 BTC. The ransom can differ and go up to 1 BTC or $16 000 |
Other dangers | Being infected with keyloggers, spyware or another type of malware |
Detection and elimination | Use FortectIntego for the Porn Blackmail virus removal |
It seems like Porn Blackmail virus is using the tactic of ransomware viruses, such as GandCrab, Scarab, and many others. It connects its victims via phishing emails[1] to convince them that they are in trouble. While ransomware infects the device and demands a ransom to be paid for releasing encrypted files, Porn Blackmail virus does nothing like it and is merely a scam.
In the email, bad actors explain that the malware installed on the target's machine was capable of hacking the camera and also granting them access to all victim's social media accounts. The authors of Porn Blackmail virus claim that they were able to record victims while they were visiting a porn site, as well as what exactly was that they were viewing.
Finally, crooks threaten users that all these recordings will be sent to everybody on the contact list of the social media accounts if a payment of $7000 – $1600 will not be transferred to the mentioned Bitcoin address. Recent campaigns spread around the world have various different amounts of such ransom requirements. they go from $300 to $3 000 or even $13 000.
In addition to these claims and direct extortion activities, Porn Blackmail virus or any other email scam can be noticed when they use your sensitive information stolen directly from the machine or revealed by you unwillingly. You should take immediate actions if you see:
- unauthorized purchases using your credit card details;
- changed passwords of your personal social media accounts;
- illegal access on the computer;
- messages sent from your accounts without your knowledge.
Porn Blackmail virus is a phishing message trying to make users believe that their computers are infected with various viruses and personal data is exposed. Typically, there are several examples of Porn Blackmail virus emails users receive directly into their mailboxes, but the message remains similar since the aim is the same. The email reads the following message(note that we replaced sensitive information with “XXX”):
I know XXXXX one of your pass word. Lets get right to the point. You may not know me and you are probably wondering why you’re getting this e-mail? No-one has compensated me to check about you.
actually, I actually placed a malware on the 18+ videos (pornography) web-site 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 started working as a Remote Desktop that has a key logger which provided me with access to your display screen as well as web cam. Immediately after that, my software gathered every one of your contacts from your Messenger, social> networks, and e-mailaccount. Next I made a video. First part displays the video you were viewing (you’ve got a nice taste ; )), and next part displays the view of your webcam, yea its you.
You got two different choices. Why dont we understand these solutions in particulars:
First choice is to skip this e mail. In that case, I will send your very own video to all your your contacts and also imagine about the shame you feel. And definitely in case you are in a relationship, how this will affect?
Number 2 choice should be to compensate me $7000. Let us name it as a donation. As a consequence, I most certainly will promptly eliminate your video footage. You could go on with your life like this never took place and you would never hear back again from me.
You will make the payment via Bitcoin (if you don’t know this, search for “how to buy bitcoin” in Google search engine).
BTC Address: XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
[case-SENSITIVE, copy & paste it]If you may be wondering about going to the police, very well, this email message cannot be traced back to me. I have covered my steps. I am just not trying to ask you for money so much, I simply want to be rewarded. You have one day to make the payment. I’ve a special pixel in this e-mail, and now I know that you have read this mail. If I don’t get the BitCoins, I will certainly send out your video recording to all of your contacts including close relatives, coworkers, and so forth. However, if I receive the payment, I’ll erase the video immediately. It’s a non-negotiable offer, and thus do not waste mine time & yours by responding to this e-mail. If you want evidence, reply Yeah & I will send out your video to your 11 contacts.
I do know, XXXXX, is your pass word. You may not know me and you are probably thinking why you are getting this email, right?
In fact, I setup a malware on the adult vids (pornography) web-site and do you know what, you visited this site to have fun (you know what I mean). While you were watching video clips, your web browser initiated operating as a RDP (Remote Desktop) with a key logger which gave me accessibility to your display and webcam. Immediately after that, my software program obtained your entire contacts from your Messenger, social networks, as well as email.
What did I do?
I created a double-screen video. First part displays the video you were viewing (you’ve got a good taste rofl), and 2nd part displays the recording of your web camera.
What should you do?
Well, I believe, $1900 is a fair price tag for our little secret. You will make the payment via Bitcoin (if you don’t know this, search “how to buy bitcoin” in Google).
BTC Address: XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
(It is cAsE sensitive, so copy and paste it)Important:
You now have one day to make the payment. (I have a special pixel in this email message, and right now I know that you have read this email message). If I don’t get the BitCoins, I will definately send out your video recording to all of your contacts including relatives, coworkers, and so on. Having said that, if I do get paid, I’ll destroy the video immidiately. If you need proof, reply with “Yes!” and I will send your video to your 8 contacts. It is a non-negotiable offer, that being said please don’t waste my time and yours by replying to this mail.
It goes without saying that this seems like an embarrassing situation to many, as nobody would want to be exposed like that. Nevertheless, users should never contact criminals and remove Porn Blackmail virus instead. While hackers may be lying about malware, the fact that they know users' passwords increases the possibility of the infection.
Keep in mind that keyloggers and other types of tracking malware rely on a sophisticated code, so we don't recommend eliminating it manually. Due to that reason, we recommend you to scan the computer using security software like SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or FortectIntego. These programs will ensure prompt Porn Blackmail virus removal from your computer. Additionally, don't even think about paying the ransom because this will encourage the bad guys to continue their dirty affairs.
Porn Blackmail email spam is used to trick users into paying money to cyber criminals by scaring them that they will be exposed
Personal information used in Porn Blackmail scam is obtained from the Dark Web
What makes Porn Blackmail email spam believable is the fact that one of the personal passwords is placed in a subject line. Many of us will raise their eyebrows if they see something like that. Nevertheless, getting access to many users' passwords or even credit card details is not big of a deal, and no person is safe from such a consequence.
All Porn email virus authors need to do is access Dark Web – a pretty grim place on the internet. From personal information selling to drug deals and even murder – you can order everything here. Additionally, every person has their credentials on the Dark Web for sale, so it is only a matter of time.
How does personal information get there? The sensitive data is placed there after major companies get hacked. Major data breaches like Facebook Cambridge Analytica scandal,[2] LabCorp data breach[3] and many others are involved. The harvested information is then sold to anybody who is willing to buy it. What makes matters worse is that each login can be sold for as little as $1.[4] Not a bad deal, considering crooks can get $2k out of it.
Due to data breaches and leaks, security experts advise users to change their passwords frequently and use a separate one for each site. Those who did change passwords should not be worried about Porn Blackmail email spam.
Porn email virus relies on numerous phishing email examples spread by cybercrooks over the Internet.
Hackers use spam emails to deliver malicious executables and scam people directly
Spam is a very old tactic used by cybercrooks, and it remains prominent, merely because people are quite gullible. Additionally, users might simply not know that various viruses can be distributed via emails. Therefore, it is essential to take precautions when dealing with questionable emails and websites.
Security experts advise the following:
- Avoid file-sharing websites – cracked software is often used to spread malware;
- Learn to recognize a phishing email and verify that the information is legit;
- Do not click on any links or open attachments inside spam emails;
- Backup your data;
- Update the installed software as soon as updates are available;
- Employ reputable security software;
- Use strong passwords for all your accounts and change them frequently.
Eliminate all traces of Porn blackmail virus and avoid being tricked again
The news about the new scam broke out everywhere on the media. Nevertheless, not everybody has access to this information. We hope that users can get to know more about Porn Blackmail virus and learn how to avoid it.
If you received a deceptive email and especially clicked on the link or executed the attachment, it is highly likely that your machine is infected with malware. In such a case, you should use security software to remove Porn Blackmail virus from your computer immediately.
We suggest you download and install FortectIntego, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner, or Malwarebytes and scan your device for malicious applications. This way Porn Blackmail virus removal gives the best results and can ensure that related programs get eliminated too.
Some viruses can be difficult to get rid of, as they can tamper with security software its proper operation. In such a case, you will need to enter Safe mode with networking to ensure a full Porn Blackmail virus removal.
Getting rid of Porn Blackmail virus. Follow these steps
Manual removal using Safe Mode
To stop the virus activity, enter Safe mode with networking:
Important! →
Manual removal guide might be too complicated for regular computer users. It requires advanced IT knowledge to be performed correctly (if vital system files are removed or damaged, it might result in full Windows compromise), and it also might take hours to complete. Therefore, we highly advise using the automatic method provided above instead.
Step 1. Access Safe Mode with Networking
Manual malware removal should be best performed in the Safe Mode environment.
Windows 7 / Vista / XP
- Click Start > Shutdown > Restart > OK.
- When your computer becomes active, start pressing F8 button (if that does not work, try F2, F12, Del, etc. – it all depends on your motherboard model) multiple times until you see the Advanced Boot Options window.
- Select Safe Mode with Networking from the list.
Windows 10 / Windows 8
- Right-click on Start button and select Settings.
- Scroll down to pick Update & Security.
- On the left side of the window, pick Recovery.
- Now scroll down to find Advanced Startup section.
- Click Restart now.
- Select Troubleshoot.
- Go to Advanced options.
- Select Startup Settings.
- Press Restart.
- Now press 5 or click 5) Enable Safe Mode with Networking.
Step 2. Shut down suspicious processes
Windows Task Manager is a useful tool that shows all the processes running in the background. If malware is running a process, you need to shut it down:
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open Windows Task Manager.
- Click on More details.
- Scroll down to Background processes section, and look for anything suspicious.
- Right-click and select Open file location.
- Go back to the process, right-click and pick End Task.
- Delete the contents of the malicious folder.
Step 3. Check program Startup
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open Windows Task Manager.
- Go to Startup tab.
- Right-click on the suspicious program and pick Disable.
Step 4. Delete virus files
Malware-related files can be found in various places within your computer. Here are instructions that could help you find them:
- Type in Disk Cleanup in Windows search and press Enter.
- Select the drive you want to clean (C: is your main drive by default and is likely to be the one that has malicious files in).
- Scroll through the Files to delete list and select the following:
Temporary Internet Files
Downloads
Recycle Bin
Temporary files - Pick Clean up system files.
- You can also look for other malicious files hidden in the following folders (type these entries in Windows Search and press Enter):
%AppData%
%LocalAppData%
%ProgramData%
%WinDir%
After you are finished, reboot the PC in normal mode.
Remove Porn Blackmail using System Restore
You can also use System Restore to get rid of the virus:
-
Step 1: Reboot your computer to Safe Mode with Command Prompt
Windows 7 / Vista / XP- Click Start → Shutdown → Restart → OK.
- When your computer becomes active, start pressing F8 multiple times until you see the Advanced Boot Options window.
- Select Command Prompt from the list
Windows 10 / Windows 8- Press the Power button at the Windows login screen. Now press and hold Shift, which is on your keyboard, and click Restart..
- Now select Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings and finally press Restart.
- Once your computer becomes active, select Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt in Startup Settings window.
-
Step 2: Restore your system files and settings
- Once the Command Prompt window shows up, enter cd restore and click Enter.
- Now type rstrui.exe and press Enter again..
- When a new window shows up, click Next and select your restore point that is prior the infiltration of Porn Blackmail. After doing that, click Next.
- Now click Yes to start system restore.
Finally, you should always think about the protection of crypto-ransomwares. In order to protect your computer from Porn Blackmail and other ransomwares, use a reputable anti-spyware, such as FortectIntego, SpyHunter 5Combo Cleaner or Malwarebytes
How to prevent from getting spam tools
Do not let government spy on you
The government has many issues in regards to tracking users' data and spying on citizens, so you should take this into consideration and learn more about shady information gathering practices. Avoid any unwanted government tracking or spying by going totally anonymous on the internet.
You can choose a different location when you go online and access any material you want without particular content restrictions. You can easily enjoy internet connection without any risks of being hacked by using Private Internet Access VPN.
Control the information that can be accessed by government any other unwanted party and surf online without being spied on. Even if you are not involved in illegal activities or trust your selection of services, platforms, be suspicious for your own security and take precautionary measures by using the VPN service.
Backup files for the later use, in case of the malware attack
Computer users can suffer from data losses due to cyber infections or their own faulty doings. Ransomware can encrypt and hold files hostage, while unforeseen power cuts might cause a loss of important documents. If you have proper up-to-date backups, you can easily recover after such an incident and get back to work. It is also equally important to update backups on a regular basis so that the newest information remains intact – you can set this process to be performed automatically.
When you have the previous version of every important document or project you can avoid frustration and breakdowns. It comes in handy when malware strikes out of nowhere. Use Data Recovery Pro for the data restoration process.
- ^ Rick Broida. How to spot a phishing email. Cnet. Security .
- ^ Facebook–Cambridge Analytica data scandal. Wikipedia. The free encyclopedia.
- ^ Linas Kiguolis. LabCorp data breach: Millions of patients are at risk. 2spyware. Security news and articles.
- ^ Brian Stack. Here’s How Much Your Personal Information Is Selling for on the Dark Web. Experian. Security experts.