Android porn app ransomware warning
Symantec has found an Android ransomware variant (Android.Lockdroid.E) that uses a fake package installation to trick users into giving the malware administrator rights.
The malware can encrypt files, lock the device, change the device PIN, and delete all user data through a factory reset.
Android ransomware has a number of means to extort victims.
In the most common case, a victim downloads and installs a Trojanized app. The malware locks the screen and displays a bogus alert claiming the user has accessed forbidden materials.
Meanwhile, the malware gathers the victim’s contacts list and encrypts data in the background.
Users will then be prompted to pay a ransom, threatened by the loss of the encrypted data and the submission of the user’s browsing history to all their contacts.
The malware is disguised as a porn app called Porn ‘O’ Mania. The malicious app is not found on Google Play and may be downloaded from third-party app stores, forums, or torrent sites.
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