• Hacking News
    • Leaks
    • WikiLeaks
    • Anonymous
  • Tech
    • Android
    • Apple News
    • BlackBerry
    • Google News
    • Microsoft
    • Motorola
    • Nokia
    • Samsung
    • 3D
  • Cyber Crime
    • Phishing Scam
  • How To
  • Cyber Events
    • Censorship
    • Cyber Attacks
  • Security
    • Malware
  • Surveillance
    • Drones
    • NSA
    • Privacy
  • Explore
    • Gaming
    • Science
    • Viral
HackRead
  • April 20th, 2021
  • Home
  • Advertise
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact Us
HackRead
  • Hacking News
    • Leaks
    • WikiLeaks
    • Anonymous
  • Tech
    • Android
    • Apple News
    • BlackBerry
    • Google News
    • Microsoft
    • Motorola
    • Nokia
    • Samsung
    • 3D
  • Cyber Crime
    • Phishing Scam
  • How To
  • Cyber Events
    • Censorship
    • Cyber Attacks
  • Security
    • Malware
  • Surveillance
    • Drones
    • NSA
    • Privacy
  • Explore
    • Gaming
    • Science
    • Viral
  • Follow us
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Linkedin
    • Youtube
Home
Security
Malware

Say Hello to Ransomware Targeting Smart TV

June 15th, 2016 Waqas Security, Malware 0 comments
Say Hello to Ransomware Targeting Smart TV
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
FLocker malware was once found targeting Android smartphones but its new variant is even locking up Android Smart TV!

Researchers have exposed sophisticated ransomware scams targeting Android-based devices such as smartphones and smart TV. Yes, you read that right. IT security researchers at Trend Micro have found Frantic Locker or FLocker malware targeting Android devices since 2015 but its latest variant (ANDROIDOS_FLOCKER.A) has been targeting Smart TV by locking it up.

Since its discovery last year, the malware has over 7,000 variants while in April the researchers found more 1,200 variants targeting users worldwide, yet, the malware has been developed with such unique settings that upon targeting it scans for users’ location and if it finds out the target is located in Eastern European countries the malware quits the attack and does not lock the targeted device. 

Countries who are not under threat are Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bulgaria, Georgia, Hungary, Kazakhstan, Russia and Ukraine. However, if users in aforementioned countries are infected the malware waits for half and hour, freezes the screen of targeted device, shows a message about fake system update and quits its operation.

The FLocker malware displays ransom demand note message after locking the screen of targeted device claiming to be a part of US Cyber Police or another law enforcement agency. The demand note asks users to $200 USD worth of iTunes gift cards in order to unlock their device. It repeats the same patron on smart TV. 

Must Read: Be careful of what you say in front our Smart TV, warns Samsung

say-hello-to-tansomware-targeting-smart-tv

Must Read: Android Ransomware Hidden Behind Fake Pornography App

Though it is unclear how the cyber criminals are targeting smart TV, when it comes to Android smartphone the researchers have warned not to click malicious links they receive in text messages. 

If your smart TV has been infected with this ransomware, Trend Micro suggest contacting the vendor or try removing the malware yourself by enabling ADB debugging.

[fullsquaread][/fullsquaread]

“If an Android TV gets infected, we suggest that the user contacts the device vendor for solution at first. Another way of removing the malware is possible if the user can enable ADB debugging,” Trend Micro explains.

“Users can connect their device with a PC and launch the ADB shell and execute the command ‘PM clear %pkg%’. This kills the ransomware process and unlocks the screen. Users can then deactivate the device admin privilege granted to the application and uninstall the app.”

If you are using Android smartphone or Smart TV make sure not to visit malicious website and NEVER click links you receive in text messages from unknown senders! Keep yourself away from such threats. 

  • Tags
  • Android
  • Cyber Crime
  • Fraud
  • Malware
  • Privacy
  • Ransom
  • Ransomware
  • Scam
  • security
  • Smart TV
Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest
Previous article Hackers Found Their Way Inside Telegram App
Next article Anonymous defacing ISIS Twitter handles with LGBT content after Orlando Attack
Waqas

Waqas

I am a UK-based cybersecurity journalist with a passion for covering the latest happenings in cyber security and tech world. I am also into gaming, reading and investigative journalism

Related Posts
WhatsApp Pink is malware spreading through group chats

WhatsApp Pink is malware spreading through group chats

2021 and Emerging Cybersecurity Threats

2021 and Emerging Cybersecurity Threats

Unpatched MS Exchange servers hit by cryptojacking malware

Unpatched MS Exchange servers hit by cryptojacking malware

Newsletter

Get the best stories straight into your inbox!



Don’t worry, we don’t spam

Latest Posts
Hackers claims to be selling 13tb of Domino’s India data
Hacking News

Hackers claims to be selling 13tb of Domino’s India data

WhatsApp Pink is malware spreading through group chats
Security

WhatsApp Pink is malware spreading through group chats

A hacker claims to be selling sensitive data from OTP generating firm
Hacking News

A hacker claims to be selling sensitive data from OTP generating firm

HACKREAD is a News Platform that centers on InfoSec, Cyber Crime, Privacy, Surveillance and Hacking News with full-scale reviews on Social Media Platforms & Technology trends. Founded in 2011, HackRead is based in the United Kingdom.

Follow us