The “I Broke Into Your Computer System Using The Wireless Network Router” email is a scam that tries to trick you into thinking that your computer or phone is infected with malware and then threatens to make your data public. Contrary to the claims in the email, you haven’t been hacked (or at least, that’s not what prompted this email) and this is nothing more than a scam that tries to trick you into sending Bitcoins to these scammers. This is merely a new variation on an old scam which is popularly being called “sextortion”.
This is the text of the “I Broke Into Your Computer System Using The Wireless Network Router” blackmail email, including the grammatical and spelling errors:
Hello.
The following is your last warning. I broke into your computer system using the Wireless network router you were connected to.
A few months ago, I entered the devices that you utilized to get on the web.
All of the data from your own electronics and devices has been immediately replicated to my computers.
I get access to all your mobile device messengers, social networks, e-mails, chat history, and list of contacts.
My malware constantly updates its signatures (driver based), therefore it remains unnoticeable to anti-virus software. I guess right now you fully grasp, exactly why I stayed unnoticed right until todayWhilst collecting data in regards to you, I found you’re a big fan of mature web pages & even more. You actually like to stop by adult sites and watch dirty videos whilst having an orgasm. I have actually made a cam capturing videos of you jerking off. The editing of the video you’re seeing at the same time and your self pleasure. Your own happy face is clearly seeable. I don’t think this type of information would-be really good for your reputation. I can send this footage out to everyone who know your identity.
I additionally have no trouble with making all your private info open to public through the web. I think you know exactly what I’m talking about.
It may be a huge disaster for you.
I am able to wreck your life for a long time. I suspect that you definitely don’t want this to occur.
Let’s fix it in such a manner: you transfer me 1400 $ (usd) using btc equivalent at the moment of financial transaction), and i’ll right away remove all your data from my servers.
After that, we will ignore one another.
My btc payment address for transaction:
Should you not realize how to transfer finances and exactly what Bitcoin is. Simply type in the google search engine “purchase Bitcoin”. I present you with 3 days to send me the funds. The time started monitoring automatically once you opened the message. I’ll see a notification once this e-mail is open. Don’t try and search for aid, as the wallet address cannot be traced, email the note came from and can’t be traced also & created automatically, hence there’s no point in messaging me. Do not try to make contact with the law enforcement and other protection solutions, and if so, your own info will be revealed. Switching security passwords in social networks, email, and gadgets isn’t going to help you, since all the information has already been saved to my servers. Good luck and try to not do something foolish. Give some thought to your forthcoming future.
The above email and anything it states is just a scam to try and scare you into paying the ransom. If you have received the “I Broke Into Your Computer System Using The Wireless Network Router” email, we recommend deleting it and under no circumstances sending any money to these cybercriminals.
Is the “I Broke Into Your Computer System Using The Wireless Network Router” email real?
No, and don’t panic. The “I Broke Into Your Computer System Using The Wireless Network Router” email is a scam that tries to trick you into thinking that your device or email has been hacked, then demands payment, or else they will send compromising information -such as images of you captured through your web camera or your pornographic browsing history – to all your friends and family. And in classic ransomware fashion, there’s typically a ticking clock. Giving users a short time limit to deliver the payment is social engineering at its finest.
Threats, intimidation, and high-pressure tactics are classic signs of a scam.
As you can imagine, the “I Broke Into Your Computer System Using The Wireless Network Router” extortion email and anything it states is just a scam to try and scare you into paying the ransom.
They have my password! How did they get my password?
To make the threats more credible, the scammers may include one of your passwords in this email. The scammers have your password from sites that were hacked, and in this case, likely matched up to a database of emails and stolen passwords and sent this scam out to potentially millions of people. You can check if your email or password was compromised in a data breach on Haveibeenpwned.
If the password emailed to you is one that you still use, in any context whatsoever, stop using it and change it NOW. It’s also recommended that you enable two-factor authentication for your email and online accounts whenever that is an option.
Should I pay the ransom?
You should not pay the ransom. If you pay the ransom, you’re not only losing money but you’re encouraging the scammers to continue phishing other people.
Delete the “I Broke Into Your Computer System Using The Wireless Network Router” email, and under no circumstances pay these cybercriminals a penny/dime/bitcoin.
What should I do now?
We recommend that you ignore the content of the “I Broke Into Your Computer System Using The Wireless Network Router” email and delete it from your Inbox. However, if you have downloaded any attachments or clicked on any links from this email, or if you suspect that your computer might be infected with malware, you can follow the below guide to scan your device for malware and remove it for free.
Depending on which operating system is installed on the device you want to scan for malicious programs, follow the removal guide.
Scan and remove malware from Windows- Scan and remove malware from Mac
- Scan and remove malware from Android
Scan and remove malware from Windows
Scan and remove malware from Mac
Scan and remove malware from AndroidSTEP 1: Use Malwarebytes Free to remove malware from Windows
In this first step, we will install and run a scan with Malwarebytes to remove adware, browser hijackers, and potentially unwanted programs that might be installed on your computer.
Malwarebytes Free is one of the most popular and most used anti-malware software for Windows, and for good reasons. It can destroy many types of malware that other software tends to miss, without costing you absolutely nothing. When it comes to cleaning up an infected device, Malwarebytes has always been free and we recommend it as an essential tool in the fight against malware.
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Download Malwarebytes Free.
You can download Malwarebytes by clicking the link below.
MALWAREBYTES DOWNLOAD LINK
(The above link will open a new page from where you can download Malwarebytes) -
Double-click on the Malwarebytes setup file.
When Malwarebytes has finished downloading, double-click on the MBSetup file to install Malwarebytes on your computer. In most cases, downloaded files are saved to the Downloads folder.
You may be presented with a User Account Control pop-up asking if you want to allow Malwarebytes to make changes to your device. If this happens, you should click “Yes” to continue with the Malwarebytes installation.
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Follow the on-screen prompts to install Malwarebytes.
When the Malwarebytes installation begins, you will see the Malwarebytes setup wizard which will guide you through the installation process. The Malwarebytes installer will first ask you what type of computer are you installing this program, click either Personal Computer or Work Computer.
On the next screen, click “Install” to install Malwarebytes on your computer.
When your Malwarebytes installation completes, the program opens to the Welcome to Malwarebytes screen. Click the “Get started” button.
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Select “Use Malwarebytes Free”.
After installing Malwarebytes, you’ll be prompted to select between the Free and the Premium version. The Malwarebytes Premium edition includes preventative tools like real-time scanning and ransomware protection, however, we will use the Free version to clean up the computer.
Click on “Use Malwarebytes Free“.
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Click on “Scan”.
To scan your computer with Malwarebytes, click on the “Scan” button. Malwarebytes will automatically update the antivirus database and start scanning your computer for malware.
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Wait for the Malwarebytes scan to complete.
Malwarebytes will scan your computer for adware and other malicious programs. This process can take a few minutes, so we suggest you do something else and periodically check on the status of the scan to see when it is finished.
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Click on “Quarantine”.
When the scan has been completed, you will be presented with a screen showing the malware infections that Malwarebytes has detected. To remove the malicious programs that Malwarebytes has found, click on the “Quarantine” button.
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Restart computer.
Malwarebytes will now remove all the malicious files and registry keys that it has found. To complete the malware removal process, Malwarebytes may ask you to restart your computer.
When the malware removal process is complete, you can close Malwarebytes and continue with the rest of the instructions.
STEP 2: Use HitmanPro to scan for malware and unwanted programs
In this second step, we will run a scan with HitmanPro to do a final check for any other malicious programs that may be present on your computer.
HitmanPro is a second opinion scanner that takes a unique cloud-based approach to malware scanning. HitmanPro scans the behavior of active files and also files in locations where malware normally resides for suspicious activity. If it finds a suspicious file that’s not already known, HitmanPro sends it to its clouds to be scanned by two of the best antivirus engines today, which are Bitdefender and Kaspersky.
Although HitmanPro is shareware and costs $24.95 for 1 year on 1 PC, there is no limit on scanning. The limitation only kicks in when there is a need to remove or quarantine detected malware by HitmanPro on your system and by then, you can activate the one-time 30-days trial to enable the clean up.
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Download HitmanPro.
You can download HitmanPro by clicking the link below.
HITMANPRO DOWNLOAD LINK
(The above link will open a new web page from where you can download HitmanPro) -
Install HitmanPro.
When HitmanPro has finished downloading, double-click on “hitmanpro.exe” (for 32-bit versions of Windows) or “hitmanpro_x64.exe” (for 64-bit versions of Windows) to install this program on your PC. In most cases, downloaded files are saved to the Downloads folder.
You may be presented with a User Account Control pop-up asking if you want to allow HitmanPro to make changes to your device. If this happens, you should click “Yes” to continue with the installation.
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Follow the on-screen prompts.
When HitmanPro starts you will be presented with the start screen as shown below. Click on the “Next” button to perform a system scan.
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Wait for the HitmanPro scan to complete.
HitmanPro will now begin to scan your computer for malicious programs. This process will take a few minutes.
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Click on “Next”.
When HitmanPro has finished the scan, it will display a list of all the malware that the program has found. Click on the “Next” button to remove the malicious programs.
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Click on “Activate free license”.
Click on the “Activate free license” button to begin the free 30 days trial and remove all the malicious files from your PC.
HITMANPRO DOWNLOAD LINK
Your computer should now be free of the “I Broke Into Your Computer System Using The Wireless Network Router” malware. If your current antivirus allowed this malicious program on your computer, you may want to consider purchasing the full-featured version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware to protect against these types of threats in the future.
If you are still having problems with your computer after completing these instructions, then please follow one of the steps:
- Run a computer scan with ESET Online Scanner
- Ask for help in our Windows Malware Removal Help & Support forum.
To check your computer for malware and remove it from a Macbook or iMac, follow these steps:
STEP 1: Use Malwarebytes Free to remove malware from Mac
In this first step, we will install and run a scan with Malwarebytes to remove adware, browser hijackers, and potentially unwanted programs that might be installed on your computer.
Malwarebytes Free is one of the most popular and most used anti-malware software for Windows, and for good reasons. It can destroy many types of malware that other software tends to miss, without costing you absolutely nothing. When it comes to cleaning up an infected device, Malwarebytes has always been free and we recommend it as an essential tool in the fight against malware.
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Download Malwarebytes Free.
You can download Malwarebytes for Mac by clicking the link below.
MALWAREBYTES FOR MAC DOWNLOAD LINK
(The above link will open a new page from where you can download Malwarebytes for Mac) -
Double-click on the Malwarebytes setup file.
When Malwarebytes has finished downloading, double-click on the setup file to install Malwarebytes on your computer. In most cases, downloaded files are saved to the Downloads folder.
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Follow the on-screen prompts to install Malwarebytes.
When the Malwarebytes installation begins, you will see the Malwarebytes for Mac Installer which will guide you through the installation process. Click “Continue“, then keep following the prompts to continue with the installation process.
When your Malwarebytes installation completes, the program opens to the Welcome to Malwarebytes screen. Click the “Get started” button.
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Select “Personal Computer” or “Work Computer”.
The Malwarebytes Welcome screen will first ask you what type of computer are you installing this program, click either Personal Computer or Work Computer.
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Select “Use Malwarebytes Free”.
You’ll be then prompted to select between the Malwarebytes Free and the Premium version. The Malwarebytes Premium edition includes preventative tools like real-time scanning and ransomware protection, however, we will use the Free version to clean up the computer.
Click on “Use Malwarebytes Free“.
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Click on “Scan”.
To scan your computer with Malwarebytes, click on the “Scan” button. Malwarebytes will automatically update the antivirus database and start scanning your computer for malware.
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Wait for the Malwarebytes scan to complete.
Malwarebytes will scan your computer for pop-up ads and other malicious programs. This process can take a few minutes, so we suggest you do something else and periodically check on the status of the scan to see when it is finished.
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Click on “Quarantine”.
When the scan has been completed, you will be presented with a screen showing the malware infections that Malwarebytes has detected. To remove the malicious programs that Malwarebytes has found, click on the “Quarantine” button.
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Restart computer.
Malwarebytes will now remove all the malicious files that it has found. To complete the malware removal process, Malwarebytes may ask you to restart your computer.
Your computer should now be free of the “I Broke Into Your Computer System Using The Wireless Network Router” malware. If your current antivirus allowed a malicious program on your computer, you may want to consider purchasing the full-featured version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware to protect against these types of threats in the future.
If you are still experiencing problems while trying to a malicious program from your computer, please ask for help in our Mac Malware Removal Help & Support forum.
To check your device for malware and remove it from an Android phone or tablet, follow these steps:
STEP 1: Use Malwarebytes Free to remove malware from Android
In this first step, we will install and run a scan with Malwarebytes to remove adware, browser hijackers, and potentially unwanted programs that might be installed on your phone or tablet.
Malwarebytes Free is one of the most popular and most used anti-malware software for Windows, and for good reasons. It can destroy many types of malware that other software tends to miss, without costing you absolutely nothing. When it comes to cleaning up an infected phone, Malwarebytes has always been free and we recommend it as an essential tool in the fight against malware.
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Download Malwarebytes.
You can download Malwarebytes by clicking the button below.
MALWAREBYTES DOWNLOAD LINK
(The above link opens a Google Play Store from where you can download Malwarebytes) -
Install Malwarebytes on your phone
In the Google Play Store, tap “Install” to install Malwarebytes on your device.
When the installation process has finished, tap “Open” to begin using Malwarebytes for Android. You can also open Malwarebytes by tapping on its icon in your phone menu or home screen.
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Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the setup process
When the Malwarebytes will open, you will see the Malwarebytes Setup Wizard which will guide you through a series of permissions and other setup options.
This is the first of two screens that explain the difference between the Premium and Free versions. Swipe this screen to continue.
Tap on “Got it” to proceed to the next step.
Malwarebytes for Android will now ask for a set of permissions that are required to scan your device and protect it from malware. Tap on “Give permission” to continue.
Tap on “Allow” to permit Malwarebytes to access the files on your phone.
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Update database and run a scan with Malwarebytes
You will now be prompted to update the Malwarebytes database and run a full system scan.
Click on “Update database” to update the Malwarebytes definitions to the latest version, then click on “Run full scan” to perform a system scan.
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Wait for the Malwarebytes scan to complete.
Malwarebytes will now start scanning your phone for adware and other malicious apps. This process can take a few minutes, so we suggest you do something else and periodically check on the status of the scan to see when it is finished.
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Click on “Remove Selected”.
When the scan has been completed, you will be presented with a screen showing the malware infections that Malwarebytes has detected. To remove the malicious apps that Malwarebytes has found, tap on the “Remove Selected” button.
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Restart your phone.
Your computer should now be free of the “I Broke Into Your Computer System Using The Wireless Network Router” malware. If your current antivirus allowed a malicious program on your computer, you may want to consider purchasing the full-featured version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware to protect against these types of threats in the future.
If you are still experiencing problems while trying to remove a malicious program from your computer, please ask for help in our Mobile Malware Removal Help & Support forum.
