Cobalt Strike "Beacon"

I received an email today, stating that someone or group had installed something called Cobalt Strike Beacon on all of my devices, and if I didn't pay they were going to release the information that they had "downloaded" to their servers. The email says it's from *** Email address is removed for privacy *** Any suggestions other than to in and change all of my passwords. Who should I pass this email onto?

Thanks

Here is a partial of the email:

			Greetings!<br><br> <br><br>I have to share bad news with you. Approximately a few months ago, I gained access to your devices, which you use for internet browsing. After that, I have started tracking your internet activities.<br><br> <br><br>Here is the sequence of events:<br><br> <br>Some time ago, I purchased access to email accounts from hackers (nowadays, it is quite simple to buy it online). I have easily managed to log in to your email account *** Email address is removed for privacy ***.<br><br> <br><br>One week later, I have already installed the Cobalt Strike "Beacon" on the Operating Systems of all the devices you use to access your email. It was not hard at all (since you were following the links from your inbox emails). All ingenious is simple. :).<br><br> <br><br>This software provides me with access to all your devices controllers (e.g., your microphone, video camera, and keyboard). <br>I have downloaded all your information, data, photos, videos, documents, files, web browsing history to my servers. I have access to all your messengers, social networks, emails, chat history, and contacts list.<br><br> <br><br>My virus continuously refreshes the signatures (it is driver-based) and hence remains invisible for antivirus software. Likewise, I guess by now you understand why I have stayed undetected until this letter.<br><br> <br><br>While gathering information about you, i have discovered that you are a big fan of adult websites. You love visiting porn websites and watching exciting videos while enduring an enormous amount of pleasure. Well, i have managed to record a number of your dirty scenes and montaged a few videos, which show how you **** and reach orgasms.<br><br> <br><br>If you have doubts, I can make a few clicks of my mouse, and all your videos will be shared with your friends, colleagues, and relatives. Considering the specificity of the videos you like to watch (you perfectly know what I mean), it will cause a real catastrophe for you.<br><br> <br>I also have no issue at all with making them available for public access (leaked and exposed all data). <br>General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR): Under the rules of the law, you face a heavy fine or arrest. <br>I guess you don't want that to happen.<br><br> <br><br>Let's settle it this way:<br><br> <br>You transfer $1821 USD to me and once the transfer is received, I will delete all this dirty stuff right away. After that, we will forget about each other. I also promise to deactivate and delete all the harmful software from your devices. Trust me. I keep my word.<br><br> <br><br>That is a fair deal, and the price is relatively low, considering that I have been checking out your profile and traffic for some time by now. If you don't know how to purchase and transfer Bitcoin - you can use any modern search engine.<br><br> <br><br>You need to send that amount here Bitcoin wallet: <br>1LXXqKrRWSnFoXnN54Rwhrx1Z8kGX3aCRr<br><br> <br><br>(The price is not negotiable). <br>You have 2 days in order to make the payment from the moment you opened this email.<br><br> <br><br>Do not try to find and destroy my virus! (All your data is already uploaded to a remote server). <br>Do not try to contact me. Various security services will not help you; formatting a disk or destroying a device will not help either, since your data is already on a remote server.<br><br> <br><br>This is an APT Hacking Group. Don't be mad at me, everyone has their own work. <br>I will monitor your every move until I get paid. <br>If you keep your end of the agreement, you won't hear from me ever again.<br><br> <br><br>Everything will be done fairly! <br>One more thing. Don't get caught in similar kinds of situations anymore in the future! <br>My advice: keep changing all your passwords frequently.	<br>	---		<br>	---		<br>	---

Hi guys,

I have received the same text by the end of december in Brussels Belgium, I have forwarded the email at suspect@safeonweb the service of the Belgian Crime Unit, the answer was no malware/virus found.

I have answered the sender that his email had been forwarded to the Belgian Crime Unit; The email has been forwarded succesfully. I tried to send a second email but it has permanent fatal error since then.

Now the guy is afraid I guess!

Kind regards from Brussels, Belgium, Europe.

Just received the same e-mail almost verbatim except for the "extortion" money desired. They wanted 2.4 Bitcoin which is about $40,000 today. Wanted to get some info on this Cobalt Strike Beacon mentioned and am so glad I did a search with Microsoft!! It is truly a scam and I also reported it to the FTC and IC3.

I got one of these today. I'm pretty upset that they promise all this free advertising they can't deliver on. I kid, I kid. But seriously, they did get a bunch of emails, and yahoo had a big password leak years ago. Use a password locker and Diceware passphrases are your answer. Don't use Facebook to log in anywhere, and don't store passwords on Google... I tried to send them a **** response but couldn't even reply to what they sent. They had my email but no password and had no idea what my uh, habits are. It is total BS but you still should secure your passwords.