We thought that we’d seen everything but hackers managed to hit a new low. Last month the news about a new ransomware that demands nude photos instead of the usual cryptocurrency started circulating the online world. The new ransomware is called nRansomware and works very similar to Locky – it is a malicious software that infects your device and locks some of the files on your system. Luckily the new threat is not a state of the art malicious software. While Locky encrypts your data, nRansomeware is known only to lock your screen. It is unfortunate enough but not absolutely devastating.
Up until now, when a PC was infected with ransomware, the cybercriminals behind it were after immediate monetary gain. However, hacker’s shady techniques are continually evolving. Online troublemakers are starting to realize that Bitcoin and most of the virtual cryptocurrencies are not as secure and untraceable as they initially thought. Payments can easily be tracked, so they decided to get creative by releasing ransomware that demands ten nude photos from the victims to “unlock” their computer.
The new ransomware feels like a yet another episode of the modern-day nightmares described in the hit TV series Black Mirror. When infected, your computer displays the text below instead of your desktop. The ruthless message from the hackers is placed on a background containing offensive language and multiple images of Thomas the Tank Engine.
“Your computer has been locked. You can only unlock it with the special unlock code. Go to protonmail.com and create an account. Send an email to 1_****_yourself_1@protonmail.com. We will respond immediately. After we reply, you must send at least ten nude pictures of you. After that, we will have the verify that the nudes belong to you. Once you are verified, we will give you your unlock code and sell your nudes on the deep web. “
It does sound gross, doesn’t it? The last thing you want is perverts bidding over imagery of your naked body. Hackers have been stealing intimate images from celebrities for a long time. Sadly, now they are starting to realize that they can make a buck by extorting regular people too. You no longer have to be rich or famous to attract hackers’ attention.
Is it a prank or a sign of the new way hackers will be making money out of the innocent? The time will show. One is for sure, cryptocurrencies are not untraceable, and cyber bullies with twisted minds exist out there. They are not afraid to pray on the weak by continuously finding new ways to avoid being caught. The chances of becoming a victim of such ransomware are rare to impossible if you are protected and follow our tips for staying out of trouble.
