The newest email scam: hackers gain access to your webcam. Sounds creepy, doesn’t it? The scam can include an email you receive with one of your old passwords in the subject line with a request to have bitcoin sent to them.
Why Would You Send the Hacker Bitcoin?
The sender claimed they hacked into your webcam and recorded you doing whatever you usually do during your personal time.
The Reality of the Scam
The hacker most likely retrieved your password through a public database where old passwords and corresponding email addresses are available for anyone to use. Some hacked databases include websites like LinkedIn, Ebay, and Yahoo.
They believe that by scaring you with your password, you will then obey their demands. In reality, they do not actually have access to your webcam.
For Victims/Potential Victims
You can find out if your email address is at risk by going to https://haveibeenpwned.com/ and typing in your email address. If at risk, they will tell you which applications/websites you are signed up with that email address. Those are the apps/sites that have had their database stolen from.
If you continue to be paranoid about your webcam, they do make webcam covers you can put over it. Using colored tape can work too.
