{
  "family": "pornblackmailer",
  "sample_count": 1,
  "category": "ransomware",
  "description": "Ransomware/Scareware:Win32/Pornblackmailer represents a highly manipulative form of extortion software. Unlike traditional ransomware that encrypts files, this threat locks the user's screen (`T1491.002`) and displays a threatening message claiming to have recorded the victim visiting adult websites using their own webcam. It demands an immediate ransom payment (often in cryptocurrency or gift cards) to prevent the alleged video and browsing history from being emailed to all their contacts.<br><br><b>Understanding Pornblackmailer (Extortion/Scareware)</b><br>To an end-user, this is an incredibly distressing, panic-inducing event. The software preys on fear and embarrassment to bypass logical decision-making. For a security team, it is important to recognize that in almost all cases, the attacker *does not actually have* webcam footage or a complete contact list; it is a psychological bluff. The primary mechanism is locking the screen, not encrypting the data.<br><br><b>Execution and Extortion Mechanics</b><br>Pornblackmailer is typically distributed via drive-by downloads on compromised adult sites or through spam emails. Upon execution, it terminates `explorer.exe` to hide the desktop and taskbar, and launches a full-screen, uncloseable window displaying the ransom note. It establishes persistence via the Registry Run keys or Winlogon Shell modifications (`T1547.004`) to ensure the lock screen appears immediately upon reboot. It often disables the Task Manager (`T1562.001`) to prevent easy termination.<br><br><b>Indicators of Compromise & Impact</b><br>The impact is psychological trauma and potential financial loss if the victim pays the fake ransom. Host-based IoCs include the highly visible, full-screen lock message, EDR alerts for the termination of `explorer.exe`, unauthorized modifications to `HKLM\\SOFTWARE\\Microsoft\\Windows NT\\CurrentVersion\\Winlogon\\Shell`, and the presence of suspicious executables in `%AppData%`. Network IoCs are minimal, often just a ping to confirm the infection to the attacker.",
  "cta": "Published by the SystemHelpdesk team.",
  "aliases": [],
  "enrichment_level": "expert-seo",
  "faq": [],
  "faq_count": 0,
  "mitre_attack": [
    "T1547.004",
    "T1562.001",
    "T1491.002"
  ],
  "cisa_advisory": null,
  "last_updated": "2026-06-09",
  "mitre_attack_detail": [
    {
      "id": "T1491.002",
      "name": "Defacement: Internal Defacement (Locking the screen with the extortion message)",
      "tactic": "Impact"
    },
    {
      "id": "T1562.001",
      "name": "Impair Defenses: Disable or Modify Tools (Disabling Task Manager to prevent escape)",
      "tactic": "Defense Evasion"
    },
    {
      "id": "T1547.004",
      "name": "Boot or Logon Autostart Execution: Winlogon Helper DLL (Hijacking the logon process to lock the screen early)",
      "tactic": "Persistence"
    }
  ],
  "containment_steps": [
    "Do not pay the ransom; the attacker does not actually possess the claimed webcam footage, and paying will not unlock the screen.",
    "Boot the system into 'Safe Mode with Command Prompt' to bypass the Winlogon/Run key persistence mechanisms.",
    "Use the command prompt to launch `regedit.exe` and repair the `Winlogon\\Shell` key (it should point to `explorer.exe`) and remove the malicious Run keys.",
    "Run a full offline antivirus scan to remove the actual executable once the screen lock is bypassed."
  ],
  "what_to_avoid": [
    "Under no circumstances should the victim communicate with the attackers or pay the ransom; it is a bluff.",
    "Avoid assuming data has been encrypted; this family typically only locks the screen and leaves the underlying files untouched."
  ],
  "target_industries": [
    "Global / Opportunistic"
  ],
  "motivation": "Opportunistic",
  "threat_actors": [
    "Unknown / Cybercriminal"
  ],
  "target_geographies": [
    "Global"
  ]
}