Ransomware locks Android smartphones

The threat posed by malware disguised as anti-virus software which locks the desktop and tries to extort money to unlock it has now spread to Android smartphones. Away from the Google Play Store, Symantec has discovered one such piece of malware which, like the BKA trojan, uses pornographic content to extort money from users. The malware embeds itself deep in the system and doesn't stop annoying the user even after the ransom has been paid. Such malware has earned itself the name of ransomware on the desktop.

The Android ransomware markets itself as "Free Calls Update". Once installed, users find themselves confronted with a "trial version" of Android Defender. The software suffers from compatibility problems with some devices, but if it finds itself on a compatible phone, it launches straight into its con.

The malware would like to escalate its privileges 

Ransomware locks Android smartphones | The H Security