What is “Your System Has Been Cracked”

Your System Has Been Cracked email spam is a common phishing scam that aims to trick recipients into believing that their computer has been compromised. The email typically contains a message claiming that the sender has gained access to the recipient’s system and has been able to monitor their online activities. The scammer then demands payment in exchange for not releasing sensitive information or data to the public.

These spam campaigns often infect computers through malicious attachments or links that, when clicked, install malware onto the victim’s system. Once the malware is installed, the scammer can gain access to sensitive information such as passwords, financial details, and personal data. Interacting with Your System Has Been Cracked email scams can result in financial loss, identity theft, and compromised security. It is important to be cautious when receiving such emails and to never provide personal information or payment to unknown sources.

Subject: Re:
Good day!
Here is the last warning.
Your system has been cracked. We have copied the entire information from your device to our servers. Besides, we have recorded the video from your camera with you watching a porn movie.
My virus has infected your device via an adult website that you recently visited.
I can share details in case if you don’t know how it works. A Trojan virus grants me entire access and control over your device. As a result, I can see your screen, activate the camera and the microphone and you won’t even know about it.
 
I have captured a video from your screen and the camera and have made a video where one part of a screen demonstrates you masturbating, and another part shows a porn video that you were watching at that time.
I can see the entire list of your contacts in the phone and the social networks.
I can send this video to all the contacts in your phone, the E-mail and the social networks in a single click. Moreover, I can send the data of your E-mail and your messengers to anybody.
This would ruin your reputation once and for all.
In case if you wish to prevent such consequences, do the following-
Transfer 1300 USD (American dollars) to my Bitcoin- wallet.
(If you do not know how to do this, write in a search string in Google: «Buy bitcoin").
My Bitcoin Wallet (BTC Wallet): 17HfUrTgPiTgAep2dFTrSAskf8CyM5SdR
 
Immediately after crediting of payment I shall erase your video and shall not bother you anymore.
You have 50 hours (a little more than 2 days) to make the payment.
I receive an automatic notification of reading of this letter. The timer will also automatically launch right after you read this E-mail.
Don’t try to complain anywhere- my BTC –wallet cannot be traced and an E-mail that sent you the letter is created automatically-any response would be senseless.
Should you try to share this E-mail with somebody, the system will automatically send a request to the servers and they will start sending the entire information to social networks.
The change of passwords of social networks, an E-mail and the device would be senseless either as the whole data has already been downloaded to cluster of my servers.
I wish you luck and don’t do something stupid. Consider your reputation.

Types of Malicious Emails

The “Your System Has Been Cracked” email is just one example of a malicious spam campaign. There are several types of malicious emails that cybercriminals use to deceive and trick recipients. Understanding these types can help users identify and avoid falling victim to such scams.

• Phishing Emails: Phishing emails are commonly used by cybercriminals to trick users into providing their sensitive personal information, such as login credentials or banking details. These emails often impersonate well-known companies or services and create a sense of urgency to prompt recipients to click on a link or provide their information.
• Emails with Malicious Attachments: Another common type of malicious email is those that contain infected attachments. These attachments are designed to install malware on the recipient’s computer when opened. Cybercriminals often use enticing subject lines, such as invoices or voice messages, to entice users into opening the attachment.
• Sextortion Emails: Sextortion emails are a form of phishing that preys on users’ fears and vulnerabilities. These emails typically claim that the sender has compromising footage of the recipient obtained through their webcam. The recipient is then threatened with the release of this footage unless they pay a ransom.

How to Spot a Malicious Email

It is crucial to be able to identify and avoid malicious emails to protect yourself from falling victim to scams. Here are some tips for spotting a malicious email:

1. Check the sender’s email address: Hover over the sender’s email address to ensure it matches the official domain of the company or organization they claim to be from. Be wary of slight variations or misspellings in the domain name.
2. Look for generic greetings: Legitimate emails from companies or organizations usually address recipients by their name. Be cautious of emails that use generic greetings like “Dear user” or “Dear valued customer.”
3. Examine the links in the email: Hover over any links in the email to see where they lead. If the URL looks suspicious or does not match the claimed sender, do not click on it.
4. Be cautious of attachments: Avoid opening email attachments unless you are expecting them and trust the sender. If in doubt, scan the attachment with an antivirus program before opening it.

What to Do If You Fell for an Email Scam

If you have fallen for an email scam and suspect that your computer may be infected with malware, it is important to take immediate action to protect yourself. Here are some steps you can take:

1. Change your passwords: If you have provided your login credentials in response to a phishing email, change your passwords immediately. Use strong, unique passwords for each of your accounts.
2. Contact your bank or credit card provider: If you have provided your banking or credit card information, contact your bank or credit card provider to report the incident and take necessary actions to protect your accounts.
3. Scan your computer for malware: Run a full system scan with a reputable antivirus program to detect and remove any malware that may have been installed on your computer.
4. Report the scam: Report the phishing email to the appropriate authorities, such as the Anti-Phishing Working Group, FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center, or your local law enforcement agency.
5. Be vigilant in the future: Learn from the experience and be cautious when opening emails, especially those from unfamiliar senders or with suspicious attachments or links.

By following these steps, you can minimize the potential damage caused by falling for an email scam and protect yourself from future threats.

Recommended Antispam tool:

Setting Up Spam Filters Manually for Email Clients

Spam filters are essential for keeping your inbox organized and preventing unwanted emails from cluttering your mailbox. Below, you’ll find step-by-step instructions on how to set up spam filters manually for popular email clients: Outlook, Gmail, Yahoo Mail, and Apple Mail.

1. Outlook

1. Open Outlook.
2. Click on the Junk button in the ribbon and select Junk E-mail Options.
3. Choose the desired filter level (e.g., Low or High).

2. Gmail

1. Log in to your Gmail account.
2. Click the gear icon and select See all settings.
3. Navigate to the Filters and Blocked Addresses tab.
4. Click Create a new filter and set the filter criteria (sender, recipient, subject, etc.).
5. Choose the destination folder for filtered emails.

3. Yahoo Mail

1. Log in to your Yahoo Mail account.
2. Click the gear icon and select More Settings.
3. Go to Filters and create new filters based on sender, subject, or other criteria.
4. Choose the folder where filtered emails should be moved.

4. Apple Mail

1. Open Apple Mail on your Mac.
2. Click on the Settings icon and go to More Settings.
3. Click on Filters and add new rules based on sender, subject, or other criteria.
4. Configure the filter rules to move emails to specific folders.

By following these steps, you can effectively manage spam and keep your inbox organized across different email clients.

Conclusion

Email scams, including payroll-related ones, can cause significant financial losses and compromise sensitive information. Protecting yourself and your organization requires vigilance and awareness. Remember, staying informed and being vigilant is key to protecting yourself from email scams and malware infections. Keep your antivirus software up to date, exercise caution when opening emails and attachments, and report any suspicious activity to the appropriate authorities.