Ransomware are malicious apps which try to extort money from users with a threat to disclose private information, or delete crucial information from a user’s device.
Reportedly the app asks users to pay the ransom via PayPal immediately.
This particular app comes camouflaged as Adult Player. It was detected by a U.S. security firm Zscaler.
The firm mentioned on its site:
During the course of our daily malware hunt, we came across a new mobile ransomware variant that leverages pornography to lure victims into downloading and installing it.
Reportedly, the malicious app remains stagnant on the screens and prevents users from uninstalling it. Rebooting the device does not help, instead the ransomware reactivates immediately after the device is rebooted.
BBC reported:
Adult Player appeared to offer pornography, but secretly took pictures of users with the phone’s front-facing camera.
It then locked the user’s device and displayed a demand for $500 (£330) which was difficult to bypass.
Reportedly ransomware is a profitable and growing area of cybercrime. Such pornography-focused ransomware have increased manifold and primarily affect desktop computers and laptops. Some of these ransomware threaten to erase photos, videos and other documents.
According to Intel Security, instances of ransomware have increased by 124% since 2014.
Apart from porn viewers, gamers are also being targeted by related ransomware that prevents them from playing their favorite games without paying a ransom.
It is pertinent to note that Adult Player is not available for download in Google Play Store. Apps in Google Play Store are vetted by Google, so the only safe option is to download apps from the Google Play store and not to encourage links or notifications received through emails or third-party sources.
