Security firm Symantec discovered the existence of a malicious application that is infecting Android devices and holding them “hostage” to ransom for the user. The app name is ‘ Android Defender Platinum’.
such application is far from Google Play, but can be found in stores third-party applications. This is a fake antivirus software that scans the device and detects fake malware, and that’s when extortion begins: to clean your smartphone or tablet, you must pay an amount determined by the scammers.
If you fall for the scam and agree to pay the stipulated amount, the “ antivirus ” will remind you periodically that the malware is back and the device will lock again. The app will still say that the user’s personal data at risk of leaking on the web if the malware is not removed upon payment of $ 100 (more than R $ 200).
Screen malware known as ‘FakeAV’ disguised as an application Android (Image: Symantec )
Symantec warns that this type of fraud, which usually targets computers, began several years ago and has now become commonplace. The coup has evolved over time and threats using malware known as ‘FakeAV’ are treading its way to Android devices .
Installing a true antivirus (trusted names, such as AVG, Norton, Kaspersky or Avast) can help eliminate the problem, but the most important is to avoid installing applications that are not from Google Play – remembering that this does not guarantee complete safety.
Learn more:
Study: one in ten applications on Google Play contains malware
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