Android Malware Holds Your Photos, Videos for Ransom

A new type of malware found on Android devices can take your mobile photos, videos and documents hostage and hold them for ransom.

According to Ars Technica, and first discovered by Robert Lipovsky of antivirus provider Eset, a trojan called SimpleShocker is locking user's phones, encrypting their pictures and other content and demanding ransom for restoration. As of now, Android users in eastern Europe are the main target.

In a screenshot posted to Sophos, a hacker is asking for 260 UAH (Ukraine Hryvnia), which is equal to $21, to unlock a device. After the transaction is made at a payment kiosk, the device will unlock within 24 hours. The message typically accuses the user of some type of crime too, such as downloading illegal software. Read more...