A slightly unusual ransomware, LeakerLocker

Ransomware, a commonly known computer malware is now threatening smart-phones. Known as LeakerLocker, this new malware is the discovery of online security company McAfee. LeakerLocker currently affects Android owners in case they take down particular apps existing in Google's Play Store.

Usually ransom software locks up victim's hard drive or data-files; however, the LeakerLocker ransomware garners victim's browsing history and private data followed with demands a $50 payment if he doesn't want the collected content to be sent to relatives and friends listed on his address book. McAfee found 2 applications on Google Play Store which were tainted with LeakerLocker. These are Booster & Cleaner Pro and Wallpapers Blur HD.

Perpetrators of the malware try to extort $50 against not disclosing private information, including e-mails, web history, location history, Facebook messages, photos, and more, exploiting victims' qualms of probable embarrassment.

The dual apps inside Google's Play Store which carried LeakerLocker were Wallpapers Blur HD that has had 5,000 to 10,000 instances of download, and Booster & Cleaner Pro that has had 1,000 to 5,000 instances of download. Zdnet.com posted this dated July 11, 2017.

When Booster & Cleaner Pro laden with the malware is installed as well as booted, it activates AlarmManager, a highly sought after permission an end-user requires acquiescing with at the time of download that kicks off the malevolent operation. Just then LeakerLocker, as is indicative of its name, freezes the screen of victim's device. Apart from this, the malware utilizes the permissions acquired from the end-user to start accessing personal details it discovers on the smart-phone. Luckily, whatever the malware actually garners is limited while does not include everything that the hacker asserts as gaining access to.

Once the victim accepts everything as well as transmits the payment, one more message pops up telling that his personal information had been eliminated from the criminals' computers and that his privacy remains intact. Nevertheless, making the payment doesn't make the victim free from encountering the hackers again.

Google has cleared its store off the tainted applications. The Internet giant wasn't immediately available for responding when asked to comment.

» SPAMfighter News - 7/13/2017