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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.
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.
Why can't someone hack the cable box & unlock free hbo? holding the cable co / hbo and get a nice ransom from them?
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.
always have a throwaway box first, like for instance, an antenna switch for rabbit ears or rooftop.
if this is supposed to be a new economy, how come they still want my old fashioned money?
where /. was asking why people wanted or avoided "Smart" televisions?
Consider this exhibit A in the Not column.
This exploit puts software on Android systems in such a way that the usual install path doesn't see it. It's as if were the system capable of asking, "Are you new here?" the malware would say. "No, I've been here all along." and the system would be like, "Okay, then... carry on."
This is why I only use "science TVs"!
They're smart. Relative to the people buying them.
We used to have a Bill of Rights. Now, with the rights gone, all we have left is the bill.
And if you can imagine implementing the whole "internet of things" you could wake up every morning to find out something like this about all sorts of critical systems on your house!
The "internet of things" is a COMPLETELY stupid concept; I'm not sure why people seem to keep promoting it.
-Styopa
Yep, it's called a commercial set. and contrary to the videophiles, they have an awesome picture.
Do not look at laser with remaining good eye.
Really? then how did I get this planar 50" that is just a basic display with inputs only?
Do not look at laser with remaining good eye.
I would be extremely surprised if a tv did this, as its a good way to get returns. Because there are many reasons why a network connection can't be made.
First, WiFi may require a password - not just a wpa key, but a captive portal. Second, Ethernet may not be available. Third, the user may just want to get something on the screen in a hurry (perhaps they bought the first TV they saw to replace a broken one for the big game). Finally, internet may not be available, period (e.g., trade show).
Or the user wants to have a TV to watch and wait for their kids to come over on the weekend to set up the wifi stuff.
>> always have a throwaway box first, like for instance, an antenna switch for rabbit ears or rooftop.
>
> Ha ha! Connecting a TV with Ethernet. You must be old. Does your house smell like onions and old books? How's your prostate working??
You're confused. Wireless is for people that have old houses that are the equivalent of an old man with a bad prostate. Wireless is what's for people that can't or won't get with the times.
A Pirate and a Puritan look the same on a balance sheet.
I've been unfortunate enough to garner a few IoT devices, including a Samsung Smart TV. With a little bit of effort and a decent Asus Router with Tomato firmware I've placed any questionable devices on isolated VLANs so they don't affect the rest of of my trusted network. I can also block or whitelist their outbound traffic if needed.
Have a squat over at the hobo house.
We would like to know that too, so in case you ever find out, please enlighten us.
We used to have a Bill of Rights. Now, with the rights gone, all we have left is the bill.
Proof or you made that up. I'm going to block everything outside my LAN to the TV at the router.
>32" is out of the main stream for computer monitors. If you search on Amazon, you get a bunch of oddball shit, about half of which is priced exorbitantly.
https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=n...
Which one of these "reasonably priced" models do you own? Whichever one, that wasn't exactly a savvy purchase. They are more expensive than a 2016 4K TV, and don't have any of the image enhancement features of modern TVs (upscaling, local dimming, etc) and aren't newer display technology like VA, OLED, IPS.
Only one of the 10+ models listed has a review, and only one review. Big sellers I guess.
There is one model that's listed at ~$1k, the rest are >$2k many of which are $5k+. The $1k model is a plain old TN LCD display (hello, 1997). The first listing if $2.2k and is also a plain old TN LCD.
Wireless is a LOT slower than wired, so if you are a casual user of the internet I guess you could get by with just wireless.