How malware is targeting people watching porn

A new type of malicious software is allowing hackers to capture video of people watching pornographic content online. 

The malware seeks to steal passwords while people watch porn, and can also spy on its victims through their computer’s webcam, security firm WeLiveSecurity said in a statement.

Dubbed “Varenyky”, the malware then threatens to share the video in an attempt to get money out of people. 

However, researchers say luckily, the software is “not very advanced”.

“There are many functions related to possible extortion or blackmail of victims watching pornographic content, but despite having sent unrelated sextortion scam emails, the operator has not leveraged these as far as we can tell,” WeLiveSecurity says.

The firm says it appears however its operators are experimenting with new features and people should be careful.

WeLiveSecurity recommends people be vigilant when opening attachments from unknown sources, and warns people to keep its security software up to date.

With last weeks revelation that public servants are accessing porn on their taxpayer paid computers, they need to be aware that their activity might end up costing them and the taxpayer money.

When Wristy Jones was caught charging porn to his taxpayer credit card account, he was lucky these sorts of things were not around then. I have no doubt if he was one of the ones caught up in a scam like this, that he would have expected the taxpayer to pay out to keep his nefarious activity quiet.