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Ransomware Attack Hits Thousands of U.S. Android Users

July 29, 2014

Ransomware Attack Hits Thousands of U.S. Android Users

CRN, By Rob Westervelt

A ransomware campaign tied to a network of malicious porn sites has successfully impacted at least 2,000 Android users in the U.S. and users in 30 countries, attempting to extort a fee to unlock devices.

The attack campaign redirects visitors from a network of porn sites to an attack webpage containing an Android package that must be installed by the user. Once the victim installs the package, the victim's screen is locked by the Koler malware, which displays a phony message from law enforcement demanding up to a $300 fine to unlock the device, according to Kaspersky Lab, which issued a report Monday analyzing the campaign.

The distribution network of malicious porn sites and number of different payloads to target both mobile device owners and PC users demonstrates the growing sophistication and organization behind financially motivated attack campaigns, Kaspersky Lab said. The browser-based ransomware connected to the campaign appears to be tied to a popular exploit kit driven by a distribution network, believed to be based in Russia, Kaspersky Lab said. Read more.

Ransomware Attack Hits Thousands of U.S. Android Users

Ransomware Attack Hits Thousands of U.S. Android Users
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About Kaspersky

Kaspersky is a global cybersecurity and digital privacy company founded in 1997. With over a billion devices protected to date from emerging cyberthreats and targeted attacks, Kaspersky’s deep threat intelligence and security expertise is constantly transforming into innovative solutions and services to protect businesses, critical infrastructure, governments and consumers around the globe. The company’s comprehensive security portfolio includes leading endpoint protection, specialized security products and services, as well as Cyber Immune solutions to fight sophisticated and evolving digital threats. We help over 200,000 corporate clients protect what matters most to them. Learn more at www.kaspersky.com.

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