LeakerLocker, the ransomware on Android that unpacks your privacy

The antivirus publisher McAfee claims to have recently discovered a new malware for Android, to which it gave the name of "LeakerLocker". It follows the now classic method of ransomware, taking your data hostage in exchange for a ransom, with however a peculiarity.
While conventional ransomware simply keeps the data encrypted while waiting for payment, LeakerLocker threatens to disseminate the user's personal data to his contacts, including his photos and browsing history.

According to McAfee, at least two apps on the Google Play Store have been infected with this malware: "Booster & Cleaner Pro" and "Wallpapers Blur HD". When one of these two applications is installed and launched, and once the required permissions have been granted, it displays a message on the screen of the device requesting a ransom of $ 50 to be paid within 72 hours, otherwise its data Could be sent to its contact list. Among the data collected by the application would be the browsing history and photos, although according to McAfee, the malware does not necessarily have access to all the data indicated in its messages.

If the user agrees to pay, their data is restored and a message informs them that their privacy remains intact. Nothing, however, prevents the experiment from recurring on the same device. Google says it has since removed the relevant applications from its platform.