Android Ransomware Hits Smart TVs (trendmicro.com)

Reader Trailrunner7 writes: Security researchers have discovered a variant of the FLocker Android ransomware that not only infects mobile devices, but also can infect smart TVs running certain versions of the operating system. FLocker ransomware has been active for more than a year now, and it is many ways a typical piece of mobile ransomware. It is designed to scare victims into paying a ransom -- $200 in this case -- by locking the infected device and throwing up a screen that accuses the victim of some fictitious crime. The ransomware doesn't appear to encrypt files on an infected device, but it locks the screen so the user can't open any other apps or take any other actions until paying the ransom.

Researchers at Trend Micro said they have seen various versions of FLocker over the last year and the activity level of the ransomware has varied. The newest version of the malware, however, includes the ability to infect art TVs, many of which run Android.

Comments

Manufacture Dream Come True

[ninthbit]

Sorry sir, we no longer support that model (or your warranty doesn't cover software). We can service it for 90% of the cost of a new TV, or recommend some of our newer models.

Re:Manufacture Dream Come True

[Anonymous Coward]

Anyone who buys anything with "smart" in the name deserves every bad thing that happens to them.

You need a smart TV like a fish needs a bicycle.

Wasn't it just last week

[H3lldr0p]

where /. was asking why people wanted or avoided "Smart" televisions?

Consider this exhibit A in the Not column.

Re:another reason to never connect a TV to etherne

[fnj]

That's not an option with many new TVs: they require network connectivity or else they won't even work as a TV or display monitor.

Proof or you made that up. I'm going to block everything outside my LAN to the TV at the router.