Beware of Android Coronavirus Tracker app that Lock’s Your Device & Asks Ransom Payment

Cybercriminals using the Coronavirus outbreak to trick users into installing malicious corona virus-related apps.

In the current panic, situation users are most vulnerable to apps like Coronavirus Trackers, symptoms identification, maps, etc.

Malicious Coronavirus Tracker

Security researchers from Domaintools observed a malicious Coronavirus tracker app that locks the user’s Android device and asks for a ransom payment.

The good news is that the malware not through the official Google play store, distributed through the website coronavirusapp[.]site.

The app claims to have a real-time Coronavirus outbreak tracker available via an app download. Once the app installed in the front end it shows tracking and statistical information about COVID-19 including the heatmap.

Heatmap

But in the background, it is poisoned with ransomware, which is previously unseen, the app titled “CovidLock”.

It locks the phone by forcing a password change and the threat actors request $250 in bitcoin in 48 hours to unlock the phone.

CovidLock is a new ransomware that launches a lock-screen attack while installing the app it asks for device administrator permissions if done it locks the screen and encrypts the storage.

Request Permission

Also, the ransom note threatens that all your contacts, pictures and videos are getting deleted if the ransom note was not paid.

Ransom note

The ransom note includes a Bitcoin wallet ID, where users are forced to pay the ransom, the bitcoin address shows no victims currently paid the ransom.

Related Read

CoronaVirus Cyber Attack Panic – Threat Actors Targets Victims Worldwide

Chinese APT Hackers Exploit MS Word Bug to Drop Malware Via Weaponized Coronavirus Lure Documents

How Can The Coronavirus (COVID-19) Disrupt Cybersecurity Operations?

Gurubaran

Gurubaran is a co-founder of Cyber Security News and GBHackers On Security. He has 10+ years of experience as a Security Consultant, Editor, and Analyst in cybersecurity, technology, and communications.

Recent Posts

LightSpy iOS Malware Enhanced with 28 New Destructive Plugins

The LightSpy threat actor exploited publicly available vulnerabilities and jailbreak kits to compromise iOS devices.…

1 day ago

ATPC Cyber Forum to Focus on Next Generation Cybersecurity and Artificial Intelligence Issues

White House National Cyber Director, CEOs, Key Financial Services Companies, Congressional and Executive Branch Experts…

3 days ago

New PySilon RAT Abusing Discord Platform to Maintain Persistence

Cybersecurity experts have identified a new Remote Access Trojan (RAT) named PySilon. This Trojan exploits…

3 days ago

Konni APT Hackers Attacking Organizations with New Spear-Phishing Tactics

The notorious Konni Advanced Persistent Threat (APT) group has intensified its cyber assault on organizations…

3 days ago

Google Chrome Security, Critical Vulnerabilities Patched

Google has updated its Chrome browser, addressing critical vulnerabilities that posed potential risks to millions…

4 days ago

Notorious WrnRAT Delivered Mimic As Gambling Games

WrnRAT is a new malware attack that cybercriminals have deployed by using popular gambling games…

4 days ago