Hardware > Phones (Public)

Device-disabling Fake AV migrates to Android phones, demands ransom

(1/1)

Arctic:
Link


--- Quote ---Device-disabling malware that masquerades as legitimate antivirus protection is migrating to smartphones running Google's Android operating system, according to researchers who got their hands on what appears to be an early test version of one such malicious program.

So-called Fake AV software, which is often bundled with screensavers or other innocuous-appearing apps, has long been a nuisance in the malware landscape for both the Microsoft Windows and Mac OS X platforms. Some operators have managed to rake in millions of dollars by reporting non-existent infections on machines and then tricking owners into paying for fraudulent disinfection services.
--- End quote ---


--- Quote --- Fakedefender masquerades as an extension for Microsoft's Skype VoIP program. After installation, it seeks user permission to run as an administrator, a setting that makes removal extremely difficult. Once it runs, it soon delivers warnings about non-existent infections, using the names of real Android malware titles. Fakedefender can activate the Wi-Fi setting so a device will connect to a nearby network.
--- End quote ---

Navigation

[0] Message Index