Fake PornHub app encrypts your device and ransoms you

On the internet your privacy is always at risk and even your Sacred Moments of Intimacy may be jeopardized. The researcher at Eset, experts in online security, have discovered a new ransomware. With “ransomware” we mean a virus which blocks your devices and requires a ransom to make it usable again by you.

This ransomware attacks Android devices: it locks the smartphone of those who install it, disguised as a fake application of PornHub, a portal dedicated to erotic videos. The app, before starting the video selected by the users, prompts them for a fake virus scanner that actually installs the ransomware. Once completed the fake scan, the smartphone is locked, and you are shown the ransom demand: $100, payable via Bitcoin.

Obviously, both the malicious application and the actual PornHub app are not on Google Play Store, as Google blocks all that is porn, so they must always be download outside of a protected environment.

Avoiding to fall for the fake PornHub app

Never, never download applications outside of the Google Play Store: this is the only possible measure in these cases.

What to do if you have been locked from your phone from the fake PornHub app

Don’t pay it: there is no assurance that your phone will be unlocked. But you can try to restart your phone in safe mode, i.e. to force the operating system to delete third-party apps. To do that: long press the power button until you see the option.