Microsoft, the global software giant, has warned of a vulnerability
that hackers may infiltrate into devices running the Android
system when installing some programs or applications from
electronic stores.
Microsoft stated in a blog that the malicious programs that
became known as “paying the ransom” can be activated on
devices running the Android system by simply pressing the
main key on the smartphone.
Hackers hide the new strain of ransomware within Android apps
offered for download on online forums and third-party websites.
And new ransomware can infiltrate a user’s device by pressing
ordinary notifications that might appear to the phone, such as
“incoming call” or the “home” key used to unlock and lock the device.
Like other ransomware strains that operate on Android devices,
the new ransomware does not actually encrypt the victim’s files,
but only prevents him from accessing the phone.
Once installed, the ransomware takes over the phone screen,
preventing the user from bypassing the hacker’s request to pay
the ransom, with a note that is designed to look like an official
message from the store.
Ransomware, which pretends to have to pay counterfeit fines,
is the most common form of ransomware that has run on
Android smartphones for more than half a decade now.
