Last updated: Yesterday, 11:43
Ransomware is not only a risk Windows users should also be careful owners of an Android device. Security firm Check Point says a new variant to have the Simplocker-ransomware discovered files is encrypted on tens of thousands of Android devices.
Victims then have to pay an amount of between 200 and 500 dollars to regain access to their get files. The infection, however, is to prevent easy. The ransomware is in fact distributed through unofficial marketplaces and poses as “Flash Player”. Users who only official marketplaces such as Google Play download are therefore at no risk, according to the security company.
If users are installing the app, they should see a message that supposedly NSA seems to come. The message states that the user must pay a fine and if not done within 48 hours, the amount is doubled and there is a possible lawsuit. According to Check Point average users are not able to remove the app. “And even if it succeeds, the files still encrypted,” says analyst Ofer Caspi.
While investigating the ransomware found the security company hundreds of thousands of messages to those between infected phones and the command & amp; control servers were exchanged. In total, Check Point estimates that there are tens of thousands of phones with ransomware is encrypted. The actual number may be slightly higher as the used dataset is incomplete.
It would also around 10% of users have paid an amount between 200 and 500 dollars. A much higher percentage than with other ransomware variants. Most victims are located in the United States, followed by Asia and Europe. In case them outside the US are infected, the ransomware is a localized message to show the user.
No comments:
Post a Comment