Tag: mobile

DoubleLocker Android ransomware explained

October 16, 2017

Cybercriminals have developed an innovative ransomware that is based on the foundations of a particular banking Trojan to misuse Android accessibility services. Discovered by ESET malware researcher, Lukáš Štefanko, DoubleLocker, has two powerful tools for extorting money from its victims, and includes a combination that has not been seen previously in the Android ecosystem. WeLiveSecurity sat down … More DoubleLocker Android ransomware explained

DoubleLocker: Innovative Android Ransomware

October 13, 2017

ESET researchers have spotted the first-ever ransomware misusing Android accessibility services. On top of encrypting data, it also locks the device. Detected by ESET products as Android/DoubleLocker.A, the ransomware is based on the foundations of a particular banking Trojan, known for misusing accessibility services of the Android operating system. However, DoubleLocker doesn’t have the functions related … More DoubleLocker: Innovative Android Ransomware

Your Android lock screen pattern isn’t as safe as a PIN code

September 29, 2017

What’s safer? Using a numeric PIN code to unlock your Android smartphone or relying on a finger squiggle? Newly-released research suggests that, at least when someone close by could be looking over your shoulder, you might be safer with an old-fashioned PIN. The research, presented in a paper entitled “Towards Baselines for Shoulder Surfing on Mobile … More Your Android lock screen pattern isn’t as safe as a PIN code

Bankbot trojan returns to Google Play with new tricks

September 25, 2017

The dangerous Android banking trojan that we first informed about in the beginning of this year has found its way to Google Play again, now stealthier than ever. Dubbed BankBot, the banking trojan has been evolving throughout the year, resurfacing in different versions both on and outside Google Play. The variant we discovered on Google Play on … More Bankbot trojan returns to Google Play with new tricks

Google removes 300 Android apps following DDoS attack

September 1, 2017

Google has been forced to remove almost 300 apps from its Play Store after learning that apps were being hijacked for DDoS attacks, an attack that ESET warned its followers on social media about in early August. The botnet, named WireX, is estimated to have possibly infected close to 70,000 devices before Google took action. Once they … More Google removes 300 Android apps following DDoS attack

What are the risks of allowing people to use their smartphone at the bank?

August 25, 2017

From time to time, our readers raise questions or issues related to topics that concern, or simply interest them. One such issue was brought up recently by a Twitter user, who asked us: “Do you have any posts discussing the risk to banks when people use their cell phone inside them, ignoring the security guards?” … More What are the risks of allowing people to use their smartphone at the bank?

Hackers can control damaged phones using replacement screens

August 24, 2017

Replacement screens for cracked smartphones bought from third party vendors could leave you vulnerable to hackers, a new study has revealed. The research, carried out by Israel’s Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, has shown how hackers can use replacement screens to override and steal data from the refurbished phones. Worryingly for users, the attack on these … More Hackers can control damaged phones using replacement screens