The sextortion or extortion sexual with bitcoin is one of the top ten threats of cybersecurity that will affect Latin America in 2020, according to forecasts launched for the region, the experts from Kapersky, a firm of specialists in computer security.The infections led to the production chains, software attacks worm, and scams such as phishing targeting users of sites of purchase and sale, as well as exchange of cryptocurrencies, are part of the attacks that will lead to the Latin american population to cope with new challenges regarding the security of the network blockchain.A report of the Televisa group of Mexico points out that the forecast 2020 on cyber security conducted by Kapersky was based on data from studies conducted by the company during a year, from October 2018 the same month in 2019.The experts found that there will be an increase in attacks known as sextortion with bitcoin in Latin America, in which it blackmails the victim with have proof that you have seen pornographic material on your computer, so the threat of exposing it publicly. To avoid the extortionists are requesting an amount in bitcoins or other cryptocurrencies.The analysts also predict for the countries of Latin America, an increase in the most elaborate scams through which they can get a profit in a fraudulent manner, such as phishing. Roberto Martínez, senior analyst of security Kapersky in Latin america, pointed out that any digital device, not just computers or smart phones, but even the apparatus itself of smart tv is susceptible to an attack.
“Usually, the TV comes with the theme of integration through which you can access services streaming and behind these platforms, there are operating systems that may be vulnerable. Then, imagine that someone commits to your tv and have access to everything that you talk about during the day in the room or in a section of your home. Also, the same tools in the active voice are susceptible to attacks, then we must realize that any item we add to our daily lives that has to do with the digital world, can represent a risk.Roberto Martínez, senior analyst of security Kapersky in Latin america.
The experts of the firm of cyber security warned last October that in Latin America there are 45 attack attempts of malware every second. Among the countries with the highest incidence of attacks at a global level, there are two Latin american, Brazil (ranked 7) and Mexico (ranked 11th).On the other hand, the world ranking of phishing attacks is headed by Brazil, followed by Venezuela. Seven more countries in Latin america fall within the top 20. This is Chile, Ecuador, Guatemala, Panama, Honduras, Mexico, and Argentina.For the next 12 months, according to analysts, the Latin american users should also be protected from the use of social networks to spread campaigns for the purposes of disinformation and manipulation of public opinion.Warned also of threats to the companies in the region dedicated to the production of software mass, as well as from the attacks of worm-type, taking advantage of the vulnerability in Windows 7, since the technical support for this system ended on the 14th of January. Other crimes are related to theft of credentials through entertainment sites. Also, the ransomware will come into force in the region.
How to protect yourself from sextortion
An extortionist will begin approaching his potential victim through the inbox. Say, for example, that you obtained his password because he installed a malware in the page of adult videos (pornography). This is one of the modalities, as there are all kinds of variants, but the message always boils down to the assertion that the sender has infected the victim’s computer, hacked their account or placed malware on a pornography site.The scammer may add that it has data access to social networks, to email, to instant messaging and even the telephone directory. It also indicates that you have already hijacked the web camera to be able to record to your victim. Threatens to make public the material that he has in his possession unless that is you transfer a specific amount in bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies. They add that once you make the payment, they will destroy the evidence.The experts at Kapersky after alerting the population of Latin America, recommend how to act in case of being addressed. The first recommendation is to understand that the blackmailer has nothing in his hands, but he launched a bet blindly, sent hundreds of emails with the idea of receiving a response from someone who fell into his trap.Also advise not to be frightened, and do not pay the ransom nor respond to emails, as it will validate the address and you will receive more emails. It is also not advisable to follow the links in those messages because you might be bombarded with advertising programs or to infect the machine with a virus.Among the things that can be done is indicated to record the password sent in the e-mail rescue and change it immediately on all of the sites in which it is used. Also, it is recommended to use a password manager reliable to store passwords and difficult to remember; and install a reliable antivirus to keep the malware out of the system.