FAKE ANDROID ANTIVIRUS APP HOLDS PHONES HOSTAGE FOR $100

FAKE AV MALWARE

Android malware continues to evolve, which is no surprise given the platform’s popularity. One particular strain that’s gaining momentum is FakeAV malware — an annoying breed of malware that’s been one of the most widespread threats on desktop computers for years.
Symantec researchers have spotted a new Android app called Android Defender Platinum, a name that ticks all the FakeAV boxes. As is the case with most Android malware, you won’t stumble across Android Defender in Google Play. You’d have to grab its .APK installer from a less secure third-party app store or directly from an unscrupulous website.

It won’t, therefore, be much of a threat if you don’t have the untrusted sources box checked off in your Android settings. If, however, you go hunting for a hack that allows you to make free Skype calls and flip that switch and install ADP, you’re headed for a world of hurt.

Like its annoying desktop cousins, Android Defender Platinum pretends to scan your device for malware. Inevitably, a slew of infections are found and you’re urged to pay for an activation key. The cost? A mere $129.

Fortunately its developers offer a hefty “discount,” and you can get it for the bargain price of $89. Want “premium support?” Of course you do. It’s just an extra ten bucks anyway.

Those who are savvy enough to realize that the grift is on will surely tap the “continue unprotected” button, but that’s not enough to get the malware out of your hair. It keeps coming back for more, popping up reminders and notifications that you’re still “infected” and crashing your Android device — a sure sign it’s got problems, right?

If you’re still not ready to fork over that $100, Android Defender Platinum has another trick up its sleeve. It’ll claim your phone is leaking private data, including those lewd, nude selfpics you took to send to your significant other.

Symantec, of course, recommends installing its Android antimalware apps to prevent infection. Really, any reputable app like Lookout, AVG, Avast, or Kaspersky is fine — as long as you stay away from untrusted sources, sketchy sites, and don’t search for too-good-to-be-true apps like one that claims to give you free Skype credits.