Ransomware: What is Ransomware?

Ransomware: What is Ransomware?

Ransom malware, or Ransomware, is a type of malware that prevents users from accessing your system or personal files and requires them to pay a ransom to return access.

Mobile Ransomware

Generally, mobile Ransomware displays a message indicating that the device has been blocked due to a type of illegal activity. The message in question informs that the cell phone will be unlocked after payment of a certain amount.

Many of this mobile Ransomware is sent through malicious mobile applications and require the user to restart their cell phone in safe mode and delete the infected mobile application to regain access to the mobile device.

One of the most alert applications today was APP COVID-19 Tracker, this was a Ransomware scheme for Android devices, which after its installation, blocked the device and required a bitcoins ransom paid. This application has been shared in email messages and social networks where the user is invited to download the COVID-19 Tracker outside the Google Play store.

How to prevent or remove mobile Ransomware?

There are several ways to deal with a Ransomware infection, however, they are not ideal solutions and often require much more technical skills than an ordinary user. Therefore we recommend users to follow some advice to avoid the consequences of attacks:

• Invest in cybersecurity software - a program with real-time protection;
• Make regular backup copies of data (e.g. storage in the Google Cloud);
  
• Always ensure that all systems and software are up-to-date;
  
• If possible, always use Google Play or the App Store;
  
• Before installing any application on your mobile devices, check your ratings and comments.
  

Sources

https://pt.malwarebytes.com/ransomware/

               https://www.dn.pt/pais/cuidado-nao-instale-a-aplicacao-covid-19-tracker-11945632.html