Alert! Microsoft Warns of New Android Ransomware

Home/Mobile Security, Ransomware/Alert! Microsoft Warns of New Android Ransomware

Alert! Microsoft Warns of New Android Ransomware

Android users were alerted by Microsoft, as they found a new ransomware MalLocker.B, the ransomware triggers on an infected phone as soon as the victim presses the Home key.

MalLocker has been known for being hosted on malicious websites and circulated on online forums using various social engineering lures by masquerading as popular apps, cracked games, or video players.

MalLocker.B Ransomware:

The AndroidOS/MalLocker.B ransomware targets the call notification function. The latest variant of a ransomware family that’s been in the wild for a while but has been evolving non-stop. As revealed by Microsoft in a recent post, the ransomware locks users’ devices rendering it useless for the user until the payment is done.

Source – Microsoft

The AndroidOS/MalLocker.B ransomware also exploits the function that would generally allow users to hold the home button or recent button to switch to another app.

Once the ransomware enters into the victim’s device, in the background it continues exploiting various Android functions. For instance, it first abuses the “call” notification, which displays caller details on the screen, to display the ransom note.

Then, it abused the “onUserLeaveHint()” callback method that normally lets the user switch apps by dragging them into the background.

As with most Android ransomware, this new threat doesn’t actually block access to files by encrypting them. Instead, it blocks access to devices by displaying a screen that appears over every other window, such that the user can’t do anything else. The screen with a ransom note, which contains threats and instructions to pay the ransom.

“This new mobile ransomware variant is an important discovery because the malware exhibits behaviors that have not been seen before and could open doors for other malware to follow,” Microsoft 365 Defender Research Team said.

Android Users To Be Noted:-

Android users are instructed to avoid downloading apps from unknown sources. If an app is needed, make sure to download from the Play Store or a verified source, even installing applications from Play Store is not entirely malware-free but the probability of getting infected is lower when compared to installing from other unknown sources.

Since the malware is already active in the wild, all Android users must remain very careful while installing any apps.

By | 2020-10-13T15:28:16+05:30 October 13th, 2020|Mobile Security, Ransomware|

About the Author:

FirstHackersNews- Identifies Security

8 Comments

  1. Rodmiqewa December 27, 2020 at 4:03 am - Reply

    I’m honored to obtain a call from my friend immediately he observed the important suggestions shared on your site.

    Studying your blog write-up is a real wonderful experience.
    Thank you for thinking of readers just like me,
    and I desire for you the best of achievements as being a professional in this field.

  2. Maloriefocidi December 27, 2020 at 4:16 am - Reply

    This is very attention-grabbing, You’re an excessively professional blogger.
    I have joined your feed and sit up for in search of more of your excellent post.

    Also, I’ve shared your website in my social networks!

  3. Denicezalede December 27, 2020 at 11:46 pm - Reply

    I like this blog so much, saved to my bookmarks.

  4. cialis online December 28, 2020 at 7:25 pm - Reply

    Definitely, what a great blog and revealing posts, I definitely will bookmark your site. Best Regards!

  5. Nganmumoso December 29, 2020 at 6:00 pm - Reply

    To follow up on the up-date of this subject matter on your site and wish to let you know
    just how much I loved the time you took to publish this useful post.
    In the post, you spoke regarding how to really handle this concern with all ease.
    It would be my pleasure to collect some more concepts from your web-site and come up to offer other folks what I discovered from you. Many thanks for your usual terrific effort.

  6. emergency car locksmith January 3, 2021 at 6:50 am - Reply

    I am incessantly thought about this, thanks for posting.

  7. chwilówki online January 3, 2021 at 9:48 am - Reply

    I reckon something truly special in this website.

  8. Newbie February 17, 2021 at 4:41 pm - Reply

    As a Newbie, I am constantly searching online for articles that can aid me. Thank you

Leave A Comment

Subscribe to our newsletter to receive security tips everday!