As if the COVID-19 outbreak itself wasn't bad enough, there are also opportunistic hackers exploiting disruption caused by the coronavirus, using phishing and malware attacks. A malicious and fake Android app has popped up that promises to help tracking Coronavirus cases, but it's just a scheme to to facilitate installing a ransomware called "CovidLock".
As if the COVID-19 outbreak itself wasn’t bad enough, there are also opportunistic hackers exploiting disruption caused by the coronavirus, using phishing and malware attacks. A malicious and fake Android app has popped up that promises to help tracking Coronavirus cases, but it’s just a scheme to to facilitate installing a ransomware called “CovidLock”.
How does “CovidLock” ransomware work?
- The website coronavirusapp.site get “CovidLock” ransomware on your phone.
- CovidLock ransomware launches screen lock attack on unaware victims, and demands a payment of $100 worth of BTC in exchange for a password that will unlock the screen.
- CovidLock threatens to erase all contacts, pictures, and videos If a victim doesn’t pay the ransom within 48 hours.
How to prevent ransomware attacks?
In order to keep your devices protected against ransomware you’ve to take the following advices :
- Protect your Android device using a robust anti-malware.
- Perform all updates to the Android OS.
- Don’t download apps from unknown sources.
- Be wary of installing fake apps.
- Stay informed about the latest threats on the internet.
What to do if your Android device falls victim to a CovidLock attack?
The script code was the following:
private void verifyPin(){
String trim=this.secretPin.getText().toString().trim();
if (textUtils.isEmpty(trim)) {
Toast.makeText(this,"Enter Decryption code",Toast.LENGTH_SHORT).show();
}
if (trim.equals("4865083501")) {
SharedPreferencesUtil.setAuthorizedUser(this,"1");
Toast.makeText(this,"Congrats, Your phone is decrypted!",Toast.LENGTH_SHORT).show();
finish();
return;
}
Toast.makeText(this,"Failed, Dcryption code is incorrect!",Toast.LENGTH_SHORT).show();
}As you see here, the PIN Code is 4865083501 .
