Entertainment NewsAndroid App Hacks Your Phone and Takes It For Ransom

Android App Hacks Your Phone and Takes It For Ransom

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If you enjoy being an Android user and perhaps enjoys downloading pornography apps, beware of one in particular called Porn Droid.

According to reports, hackers are using it to spread viruses and malware to force victims to pay a ransom to get their phone back.

The hackers, who are believed to be in Russia, are using social engineering, such as custom emails and social media messages to target users. According to International Business Times, once the app is installed, it downloads a type of malware called LockerPIN, which works by resetting the phone’s PIN and locks the user out. The app displays a fake warning, making it look like it’s from the FBI, which tells users that their location and photos have been uploaded to the agency’s cyber crime center. It then demands a “penalty payment” of $500.

Android
Asif Islam / Shutterstock.com

Even if users make the payment, their phone will still remain locked because the malware randomly resets the PIN. The only way to fix the issue is through a factory reset, which will delete everything, unless the user already has it backed up.

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Megan Diane
Megan Dianehttps://www.projectcasting.com
Hi, I'm Megan Browne, the Head of Partnerships at Project Casting - a job board for the entertainment industry. As Head of Partnerships, I help businesses find the best talent for their influencer campaigns, photo shoots, and film productions. Creating these partnerships has enabled me to help businesses scale and reach their true potential. I'm excited to continue driving growth by connecting people with projects they're passionate about.

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