Hackers and scammers have been using ransomware attacks to extort money from unsuspecting PC users for years, and now they’re targeting smartphone and tablet users as well.
Unfortunately, it’s very easy to install a malicious app on your phone or tablet by mistakenly thinking the app is legit.
Right now there’s a very dangerous ransomware app targeting Android users, and apparently plenty of people are installing it.
The malicious app is called “Energy Rescue”, and as the name implies it claims to make your phone’s battery charge last a lot longer than it usually does.
This rogue app is particularly dangerous because it starts encrypting your phone immediately just as soon as you agree to accept the app’s permission requirements. You won’t receive a warning of any kind – once you tap “Accept”, it’s all over but the grief.
Google has already removed “Energy Rescue” from the Play Store, but it’s still available on malicious websites and being spread by download links in emails and text messages.
Bottom line: Protect your device and the information stored on it by avoiding unfamiliar websites and refusing to tap links in emails and text messages. And whatever you do, don’t forget to back up your devices to the cloud on a regular basis!
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