Over the past week, a troubling wave of extortion emails has swept across users worldwide, with many being sent via the Microsoft 365 Message Center. These emails demand a $2,000 cryptocurrency payment, threatening to release fake nude webcam photos unless the victim complies. The message claims the photos will be sent to family members, colleagues, and friends.
What makes these emails particularly dangerous is that they are being sent from an official Microsoft address, allowing them to bypass many spam filters. Normally, such blackmail emails would be easily caught by security software, but their legitimate-looking origin has allowed them to slip through unnoticed.
While the exact method of how hackers gained access to Microsoft’s systems remains unclear, BleepingComputer has reported that Microsoft is currently investigating the incident. If you ever receive such a threatening email, it’s crucial to remember one thing: never pay the demanded ransom. Complying with these threats only makes you a target for further blackmail. Paying money gives the attackers the green light to harass you repeatedly, often demanding more payments until you’re financially drained.
