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Porn-themed Android Ransomware Takes Your Picture Before Asking For Money

Posted by timothy on from the say-cheese dept.

An anonymous reader writes with a link to The Stack's report that researchers at security firm zScaler have spotted a clever new variety of Android-based ransomware, which takes advantage of phones' built-in cameras to add a personal touch; it activates the camera to take a snapshot of the user, which is then incorporated into its blackmail note. "The crudely-planned app features an extraordinarily demanding privacy/functionality swap at install, and proceeds to demand a $500 'FBI fine' via PayPal, rather than any of the cryptocurrencies which most ransomware authors currently favour."

2 of 108 comments (clear)

  1. If they took my picture... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    They'd send me money and tell me to go see a plastic surgeon.

  2. Re:Be prepared to wipe your phone at any time? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 3, Funny

    Good point. I wipe my phone after every porn viewing session. I learned that lesson the hard way. It ain't no fun getting an earful of goo.