This is my first use of the support forum. I am not a sophisticated user, so I apologize in advance if I have violated any forum protocols or user rules.
I rec'd a ransomware email today which I think is BS, but would appreciate assistance with how to detect if this is a real threat or a phishing attempt for bitcoins. My suspicions are raised because I do not have a camera in use as my laptop is always closed, and also has a movable lens cover, also closed. There is no external camera, only a 23" display. I have a speaker system and use it's external jack for webinar audio and VOIP calls.
I rec'd a similar threat like this two years ago but there was no time delay in the ransom demand. At that time I did not have MalBytes software. I did a system restore and did not have any repercussions. Due to a hard drive failure I have since replaced that computer with my current laptop: Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 6-14IKB.
I have Norton, I use CCleaner after all internet sessions, and MalwareBytes runs daily with update checks every 4 hours. MalwareBytes Threat Scan log shows nothing detected. Is it possible there is a driver breach that is not being identified by MalwareBytes? Lastly, after some recent Lenovo BIOS and Windows updates, I have noticed a command screen during startup that flickers by very quickly, but I do not know how to capture this for further review.
I have this original e-mail quarantined in my Spam file.....the message content is below...... Thank you in advance for your constructive guidance, comments or assistance.
From: papelucho@papelariapapelucho.com.br
Hello!
I am a hacker who has access to your operating system. I also have full access to your account. I've been watching you for a few months now.
The fact is that you were infected with malware through a site that you visited. If you are not familiar with this, I will explain.
Trojan Virus gives me full access and control over a computer or other device. This means that I can see everything on your screen, turn on the camera and microphone, but you do not know about it. I also have access to all your contacts and all your correspondence.
Why your antivirus did not detect malware?
Answer: My malware uses the driver, I update its signatures every 4 hours so that your antivirus is silent.
I made a video showing you in the left half of the screen, and in the right half you see the video that you watched.
With one click of the mouse, I can send this video to all your emails and contacts on social networks.
I can also post access to all your e-mail correspondence and messengers that you use.
If you want to prevent this, transfer the amount of $500 to my bitcoin address (if you do not know how to do this, write to Google: "Buy Bitcoin").
My bitcoin address (BTC Wallet) is: 3Lgb1jV4mFr4jDZD2tCxSMySLujRLJykRt
After receiving the payment, I will delete the video and you will never hear me again.
I give you 50 hours (more than 2 days) to pay.
I have a notice reading this letter, and the timer will work when you see this letter.
Filing a complaint somewhere does not make sense because this email cannot be tracked like my bitcoin address.
I do not make any mistakes. If I find that you have shared this message with someone else, the video will be immediately distributed.
