Coronavirus tracking app: attention, locking up your Android for ransom!

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Coronavirus tracking app blocks android phones for ransom.

Recently, more and more people in the world are installing coronavirus tracking apps on their smartphones. This helps them stay up-to-date with the latest news about the spread of COVID-19, receive alerts when they come into contact with infected people, and take appropriate measures to prevent the disease.

However, with the growing popularity of such apps, a new threat from fraudsters has emerged. According to cybersecurity experts, an app has emerged that locks Android devices and requires users to pay a ransom to unlock them.

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According to Check Point’s research, the malicious app mimics the work of an official coronavirus tracking app and users can install it trusting this source. However, when launched, the app instantly locks the smartphone screen and displays a message to pay a ransom. The ransom price is $100 in bitcoins.

Coronavirus tracking app: a new threat to Android owners

With the coronavirus pandemic, many people are looking for ways to control the spread and protect themselves from infection. However, during the recent past, it has been discovered that a coronavirus tracking app has appeared on the Android platform, which poses a new threat to owners of smartphones on this operating system.

This malicious app is offered to the user as a utility to track the spread of the coronavirus and get up-to-date information about the diseased and pandemic activities. But in reality, once installed, it locks the device and demands a ransom to unlock it.

This is a new type of scam that takes advantage of users’ panic and anxiety related to the pandemic to reap financial rewards. Attackers are distributing this app through fake websites, social media and emails.

If a user installs this app, once it is launched, the device is locked and a message is displayed on the screen demanding the transfer of a certain amount in the form of cryptocurrency. Otherwise, the device remains locked.

To prevent such threats, it is recommended to follow the following security measures:

  • Install apps only from official and reliable sources such as Google Play;
  • Do not open suspicious links from emails or social networks;
  • Do not download or install apps that promise accurate information about the coronavirus;
  • Update the operating system and apps on your device;
  • Use antivirus software on your device;
  • Be careful when sharing personal information or financial details.

In general, a coronavirus tracking app can be useful to get up-to-date information about the pandemic, but you need to be careful not to install suspicious apps that may pose a threat to your device. Follow the above security measures to protect yourself and your device.

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Android locking for ransom: what’s going on?

Recently, there has been an increase in cases of Android devices being locked for ransom. Attackers use various methods to get users to pay a ransom amount to unlock their device.

One of the most common ways to lock Android devices is through the use of malicious apps that masquerade as useful or popular programs. When a user installs such an app, it strikes and locks the device.

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Once locked, the attacker posts a ransom message on the device’s screen. Often, to convince users to pay the ransom, they indicate that prohibited or illegal material, such as pornography or violence, has been found on the device and threaten to contact law enforcement if the ransom is not paid.

The ransom amount can vary, but often attackers demand payment via electronic payment systems or cryptocurrency. They also urge not to try to unlock the device yourself or seek help from experts to maintain the illusion that the lockout is irreversible.

To protect yourself from this type of fraud, you should follow a few rules:

  • Download apps only from official stores such as Google Play or App Store.
  • Be careful when installing apps and pay attention to permission requests.
  • Update your operating system regularly and install security updates.
  • Install antivirus software on your device and scan it regularly for malware.

If your device has been locked for ransom, it is not advised to pay the required amount. Instead, you should contact cybersecurity experts who can help unlock your device and recover your data.

FAQ:

What app can help track a coronavirus?

There are many apps that help track the spread of the coronavirus. Some of them provide statistics on morbidity and mortality in different regions, while others allow you to track close contacts with infected people. But you should be careful when installing such apps to avoid falling for fraudulent apps.

What are the risks associated with installing a coronavirus tracking app on Android?

There is a danger of coming across a malicious app that can do more harm than help. Some virus app owners may lock users’ smartphones and demand a ransom to unlock them. Therefore, you need to be careful and install only official apps from reliable sources.

How can scammers use a coronavirus tracking app to get money?

Scammers can create fake apps that offer to track the spread of coronavirus. After installing such an app, they may lock the user’s phone and demand a ransom to unlock it. Therefore, it is recommended to install apps only from official app stores and update your smartphone’s operating system.

To protect yourself from malicious apps associated with coronavirus, it is recommended to follow a few simple rules. First, you should only install apps from official app stores such as Google Play or the App Store. Secondly, before installing an app, you should read reviews from other users and check the app’s rating. Finally, you should always update your device’s operating system to have the latest security measures in place.

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