This Android malware holds your handset hostage until you pay a ransom!

Researchers have discovered a new trojan that holds your handset hostage until you’ve paid a heavy ransom!

After making its way onto your device, 'Android-Trojan.Koler.A' displays a supposed FBI warning that accuses you of viewing or storing 'banned pornography.' It tells you your handset has been blocked, and it restricts access to many important functions (including your home screen) rendering your device useless until you pay a $300 “fine.”

The malware uses your handset’s geolocation data and other information to provide perfect warnings that include your location and IP address. To unsuspecting victims, this makes the notices appear genuine, and scares users into thinking that the FBI knows exactly where they are.

But the scariest thing is : The warning then says “you are accused of committing the crime envisaged by Article 161 of United States of America Criminal law.” It claims the user is suspected of viewing or storing banned pornography and copyrighted content.

This Trojan designed to panic us & those who believe it is genuine are more likely to quickly pay the $300 fine to settle the case to ensure it goes no further. In some cases, paying the fine also allows the user to regain control of their device.

“Ransomware,” a term used to describe malware that disables computers and other devices until a “fine” it paid to a purported law enforcement agency. This isnt new, the exact same notice used in this particular scam was also used in a scam that affected Windows PCs last year.

Bitdefender Senior E-Threat Analyst Bogdan Botezatu explained that the hack displays a browser window over the top of all other apps. You can close it briefly by pressing your device’s home button, but a built-in timer will ensure that it pops right back up again a few seconds later.

This particular attack only makes its way onto your device when you visit certain pornography sites.
You can stay safe by ensuring you only install apps from Google Play or other trusted app stores, and not by side-loading APKs downloaded from random websites.

Stay safe!
Source : arstechnica