Reveton ransomware now also infects Android devices

The Reveton ransomware, which initially targeted Windows systems, has made the transition to the Android operating system. The malware locks a smartphone and displays a message allegedly from the police.

The Reveton malware, like the malware of the same name on Windows, would display a notice to the user that he or she is guilty of piracy or child pornography. The police logo is displayed in an attempt to make the message appear legitimate. The ‘fine’ can be paid via a PaySafeCard account. According to Security.nl, the malware from American victims would demand up to 300 dollars.

Criminals would try to ‘push’ the Reveton ransomware as an apk package via websites to Android users, for example via fake porn sites. Because the installation of an apk file requires actions from the user, social engineering is used via the underlying websites.

The arrival of ransomware to smartphones in general and the Android platform in particular is no surprise: more and more users are conducting their banking affairs via a mobile phone or tablet, for example, while inattentive people can get infected with malware relatively easily on the Android platform. operating system.