A new variant of the Android malware Koler now spreads by text message and holds infected users’ phones hostage until a ransom is paid.
According to a detection by AdaptiveMobile, the worm emerged on October 19th, and the attack is occurring worldwide, but the majority of the infected phones are in the United States.
This new version of Koler works by sending an SMS message with a bitly link stating that an account with the user’s photos has been created. The user is re-directed to a Dropbox page where the malware is hidden in a “PhotoViewer” app.
Once installed, the malware blocks the user’s screen with a fake FBI page, which says the device has been locked due to pornographic or other inappropriate content. The user can “wave the accusations” by paying a fine using a Money Pak Voucher.
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