Miss Teen USA’s computer was hacked using a RAT (remote administration tool), then nude images were taken via her webcam. Cassidy Wolf was completely unaware that this was going on and that the hacker was watching her in the privacy of her bedroom. She was then threatened with sextortion if she didn’t comply with the hacker’s requests. The hacker sent her a message that said this according to a CNN report, “Either you do one of the things listed below or I upload these pics and a lot more (I have a LOT more and those are better quality) on all your accounts for everybody to see and your dream of being a model will be transformed into a pornstar (sic).” Fortunately the offender has been arrested by the FBI.
How did this hacker, who used the handle "cutefuzzypuppy" (he gives puppy's a bad name) get control of Cassidy's webcam and as many as 150 other "slave computers"? He used the RAT, "DarkComet" to spy on his victims. Yup, there are even online RAT communities full of RATS! It's a tough online world out there!
This is a lesson for all teens. (And parents too!) To help prevent a hacker from gaining access and control over your computer and webcam:
- Never click on an email that you’re not sure about, it may contain malware
- Keep firewall on
- Make sure you have installed anti-virus software
- Update anti-spyware technology
- Change your passwords frequently and use strong passwords with characters and numbers
- Tape over your webcam when not in use!
