Malicious Android porn app takes photos of users, extorts them
The ransomware takes photos of unknowing users. (PHOTO CREDIT: Zscaler)
Watching porn with this Android app comes with a high price.
The app, called "Adult Player," has been taking photos of unsuspecting victims who download it — and then demanding ransom to unlock their phones.
Once installed and launched, the Android app secretly snaps a picture of users with the front-facing camera before blocking them from accessing their phones.
A ransomware screen pops up with a message demanding that the user fork over $500 online via PayPal in exchange for deleting the photo and collection of mobile phone data.
Wired magazine reported that the malicious app, which is not available for download from Google Play, was discovered by San Jose-based technology security company, Zscaler.
Unfortunately, getting rid of the ransomware can be tricky because it stays on the phone screen even if you forcibly reboot your Android phone.
The porn app then asks users for $500 in exchange for unlocking their phones. (PHOTO CREDIT: Zscaler)
But there is one sure way to prevent getting choked by the malware — don’t click on it.
Zscaler recommends downloading apps from legitimate app stores, like Google Play or the Apple App Store. To accomplish this, simply uncheck "Unknown Sources" in the security settings of your smartphone.
This isn't the first time an Android ransomware has lured and extorted porn fans.
In May, Zscaler stumbled upon "Porn Droid," an app with fake messages from the FBI asking for $500 in order to unlock a target victim's device.
kcasino@nydailynews.com
The ransomware takes photos of unknowing users. (PHOTO CREDIT: Zscaler)
Watching porn with this Android app comes with a high price.
The app, called "Adult Player," has been taking photos of unsuspecting victims who download it — and then demanding ransom to unlock their phones.
Once installed and launched, the Android app secretly snaps a picture of users with the front-facing camera before blocking them from accessing their phones.
A ransomware screen pops up with a message demanding that the user fork over $500 online via PayPal in exchange for deleting the photo and collection of mobile phone data.
Wired magazine reported that the malicious app, which is not available for download from Google Play, was discovered by San Jose-based technology security company, Zscaler.
Unfortunately, getting rid of the ransomware can be tricky because it stays on the phone screen even if you forcibly reboot your Android phone.
The porn app then asks users for $500 in exchange for unlocking their phones. (PHOTO CREDIT: Zscaler)
But there is one sure way to prevent getting choked by the malware — don’t click on it.
Zscaler recommends downloading apps from legitimate app stores, like Google Play or the Apple App Store. To accomplish this, simply uncheck "Unknown Sources" in the security settings of your smartphone.
This isn't the first time an Android ransomware has lured and extorted porn fans.
In May, Zscaler stumbled upon "Porn Droid," an app with fake messages from the FBI asking for $500 in order to unlock a target victim's device.
kcasino@nydailynews.com
