A new cat-themed ransomware found to be targeting Android users has been uncovered. The hackers behind the ransomware use a seemingly innocent and cute image of a cat, which appears when an infected device has been remotely locked. The ransomware is also capable of allowing hackers to steal SMS messages, encrypt victims’ files and block access to the phones.
Dubbed El Gato by McAfee Labs security researchers, the ransomware was also discovered to have botnet capabilities and runs on a “legitimate cloud service provider”. Besides, the ransomware operates on a web-based control panel, which allows hackers to remotely send commands to the infected devices. The ransomware is designed to periodically check for new commands from the C&C (command and control) server, which are sent in clear HTTP format, without any encryption.
Original Source: International Business Times
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