We have received several helpdesk tickets regarding an email with some eerily personal information and threats.
The email contains one of your current or former passwords, likely posted on the internet after a data breach at a company where those credentials were used. The emails continue to describe footage captured of you on your webcam and requests a bitcoin ransom to keep the footage from being shared.
The email is a hoax.
Yes, your password was at one time compromised. If you are still using that password anywhere, change it!
Do not reply to the email or interact with the sender. You do not need to make a payment, and there is no footage.
Think about your passwords on other websites and whether they may need changed:
-Use long and strong passwords: Consider using an entire phrase instead of one word.
-Use unique passwords: Each website or service requires a new and different password.
-Consider using two-factor authentication when available, so you are also required to receive and submit a code in addition to your password.