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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?
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.
where /. was asking why people wanted or avoided "Smart" televisions?
Consider this exhibit A in the Not column.
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
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.
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.