How Android users are blackmailed by ‘sex simulator’ app?

A lot of people use Android smartphones when compared to smartphones with other operating systems. If you are one among the Android smartphone users, you must not miss reading this blog. Security researchers have identified new Ransomware, specifically targeting Android smartphones.

According to a Slovakia-based cybersecurity research firm, this new Ransomware is using the ‘sex simulator’ ransomware, to spread spam text messages. Cybercriminals send text messages with sexual content to users, which ultimately leads to blackmail. In this blog, we will discuss everything you need to know about this terrible Ransomware.

See Also: How To Secure Android Phones From Hackers?

Things you need to know on Ransomware

• Ransomware called Android/Filecoder.C has been active since 12th July. As soon as users download the infected file, the Android/Filecoder.C, Ransomware spreads via SMS through malicious links, which are sent to all the contacts in the victim's contact list.
• Malicious links with explicit content are sent to users via SMS. Users might receive messages in 42 languages, including English or Hindi.
• The message says “ABC (users name), here are some of your photos” with a link to an app.
• The hackers first distributed the Ransomware to the masses via Reddit and also other forums through pornographic posts.
• Users might get a text message which contains a link to an app which warns them that their photos have been used. Once users click on the link they will be taken to a shady third-party app store and they end up downloading the adult app. This is actually a malicious app.
• As soon as the app gets downloaded, it will scan the victim's contact list and send it to the Command and Control server. Later, the SMS with similar URLs is sent to the entire user’s mobile contact list.
• In the next stage, hackers with remote access encrypt all file types including images and text files without the user’s knowledge. Now, the user won't be able to access files stored on the smartphone.
• Once the hackers get access to the user's phone, they will post a note on the screen asking users to pay a ransom in terms of Bitcoins. They will also warn users that all the files will be deleted and the phone rendered useless; if they do not pay the ransom.

How to protect your phone from such frauds?

1. Make sure to stay updated with the latest software versions.

2. Install good Antivirus software on mobile.

3. Do not open emails or SMS and click on links which are sent from unknown people.

4. You must always install apps from the Google Play or Apple App store.

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