Porn app films you, demands ransom

09 September 2015 - 02:25 By ©The Daily Telegraph

Security researchers have warned about a malicious porn app called Adult Player, which secretly takes photos of the person using it and then blackmails them. The Android app is, in fact, a virus, known as "ransomware", which disables your computer or phone, and demands payment in exchange for restoring it. In other words, ransomware is an extortion racket by cyber criminals.US security company Zscaler has found that Adult Player lures victims by promising pornographic videos. When the victim starts using it, the app silently takes a compromising photo of the victim, which is then displayed on the screen, along with a ransom message. The app demands $500 to be paid via PayPal.Once the app has taken its photo of the user, it sends information about their cellphone and operating system to a remote server, where a personalised ransom note is created.The red warning note claims: "Your device has been blocked for safety reasons listed below. All your files are encrypted. You are accused of viewing/storage and/or dissemination of banned pornography (child pornography/zoophilia/rape etc)."It then asks for a "fine" to be paid. The ransom screen remains even if you reboot your phone. It does not allow you to operate your device.Zscaler says there is a way to get rid of the malicious software without paying up. The phone should be booted up in safe mode, where - once in device administrator mode - the app can be selected and disabled.To avoid becoming a victim of such ransomware, you can stay safe by downloading apps only from trusted stores, like Google Play. This can be enforced by unchecking the option of "Unknown Sources" under the Security settings of your device. ..

There’s never been a more important time to support independent media.

From World War 1 to present-day cosmopolitan South Africa and beyond, the Sunday Times has been a pillar in covering the stories that matter to you.

For just R80 you can become a premium member (digital access) and support a publication that has played an important political and social role in South Africa for over a century of Sundays. You can cancel anytime.

Already subscribed? Sign in below.



Questions or problems? Email helpdesk@timeslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00.