Since I started sharing key information about Ransomware, there is always a new thing I am sharing with my readers. Today, I would like you all to know about mobile Ransomware. Yes, Ransomware not only disrupts and locks the computer devices connected to a particular organization’s network but can also lock your Android or iOS devices. In return, the ransom gangs will ask for a ransom to provide the decryption key. Ransomware usually enters a user’s website through fake apps or by clicking on unwanted links. I will be taking up detailed insight into mobile Ransomware, how to remove it, and how an individual can save their Android device.
Can You get Ransomware on Android?
Mobile Ransomware is not a new thing anymore because a Ransomware campaign lodged by cybercriminals recently infected 10+million devices from more than 70 countries. It is a whopping number where individuals were tricked into paying for the services they never wanted. The name of the malware was GriftHorse, and Zimperium zLabs researchers discovered it. Their last update was released in April 2021 before the researchers found it.
So, if you are searching for an answer, can you get Ransomware on an Android device? The answer is YES. It is a virus-infested malware that works to destroy and encrypt Android’s operating system. The Ransomware works the same as it will work for any particular company’s device. An individual has to either buy a service they never wanted or gift cards for the Ransomware gangs. If not done so, the malware will leak their confidential files into the public domain. Therefore, awareness is necessary.
How will I Know if My Phone has been Infected?
One fine Monday morning, you pick up your phone and instantly get a message like “Attention! Your device has been blocked for safety reasons. All the actions performed are blocked.” The charges levied may go from using government-banned websites or scrolling through child or domestic abuse sites. No wonder there wasn’t any click done from your end. It is how Ransomware creates panic in a person’s mind. It will trick you into paying an Android user a hefty amount or purchasing gift cards for the Ransomware gang before getting the decryption key. Most gangs now want the users to buy cryptocurrency for them.
So, the answer to the question of how will I know if my phone has been infected is simply that the crypto or locker Ransomware locks an individual’s phone demanding handsome money. The Ransomware gang provides the decryption key. It may work, or it won’t. The MalLocker.B or Koler.a are some of the classic examples of Android Ransomware. This Ransomware malware tricks the users into paying the ransom, citing they have committed a crime forbidden by the country’s law. Users who see these flash messages must immediately report them to law enforcement agencies or the FBI.
How to Remove Ransomware from Android Phones?
The million-dollar question that arises in the user’s mind is how their device got infected in the first place. Secondly, how to remove Ransomware from Android phones if it has happened?
Let me first explain how Ransomware gets into the user’s Android device. It may happen in the following ways:
- Clicking on the phishing email attachment
- Using the third-party website
- Clicked on some infected link, advertisement, or survey on the social media platform
- You must have clicked some links connected to making more money on online forums that contain malicious links.
- Must have downloaded some cracked online games
- Being tricked into some mobile phishing schemes
- You must have downloaded a virus-infested antivirus for your Android phone or the media player to hear music.
If you do these things, your Android phone gets infected with malicious Ransomware. It encrypts the whole device leaving users at the mercy of cybercriminals. However, users using Android 8.0 and above versions can safeguard themselves from these kinds of alert window messages. Google has introduced a feature,’ Kill Switch’, in which users must undergo many such alerts Windows before granting access to such malicious pop-ups. So, if sensing danger, the users can close the alert before the hackers can twist the game for their benefit.
Apart from this, the Microsoft 365 Defender Research team is helping Android users identify such kinds of Ransomware and assisting people in deleting it. There are a few steps that can help in removing the Ransomware from your device:
- Quarantine your Android device as soon as the Ransomware alert message appears. Disconnect the device from all other devices and the Wi-Fi network to save other devices. Remove the sim from the phone, and leave it. Inform the stated local authorities that can help you.
- Restarting the Smartphone in “safe mode” is another option. Users can turn the phone off for the Samsung phone and then switch it on. The logo of Samsung will appear on the screen. You need to hold the Power Button and Volume Down buttons together. If you are using Huawei Smartphone, hold the Volume Up device to turn the phone On.
- When identifying the malicious app, delete the particular app from your Smartphone. Tap on it, and Uninstall the app.
- You must reset the default settings to avert any pop-up ads appearing on your browsers. Android does not have a feature, so you must do it manually. Here, open the Settings app, select Chrome, and then go to storage settings. After this, Manage storage, clear all the data, and click OK on the restoration process.
- Using Android Ransomware removal is another option. For that, hire a professional. You may not know the type of strain of Ransomware, so it is advisable to combat the types of attacks using the Android Ransomware removal software.
- Using a licensed online decryption tool is advisable to remove the Ransomware from your Android device. Users can use Bitdefender, Crypto Sheriff, and ID Ransom to determine the type of Ransomware that has infected the Android device. After this, you can use the decryption resources to unlock the device using Avast, Kaspersky, QuickHeal, and Nomoreransom.org.
Most countries like the USA have cybercrime departments and the FBI to look after the Ransomware strain launched on the user’s phone. One can contact the stated authorities for the same.
How To Protect Your Android Phone From Ransomware?
As we say, “Prevention is better than Cure,” so here is the take: keep away from clicking on the malicious links or apps that pop up on your browser. You must make backups regularly; if a problem occurs, you can retrieve the data seamlessly. Moreover, you can restore your device to normal if the problem has occurred.
Stay alert online when using the apps or clicking on the links. It’s always advisable not to trust the links shared by strangers whom you don’t know. Let me help you to understand how to protect your Android phone from Ransomware. Here are a few quick solutions:
- Always download the apps from trusted resources. Android phone users must download the apps from the Google Play Store only. Google reviews on third-party platforms, so never trust the online links provided for gaming apps, eCommerce apps, etc.
- Your device’s backup will help you access the files at the right time in case anything untoward happens. If you need to reset your Smartphone, the data can be restored from there.
- A Password Manager will help manage the device logins. It will help you create strong and safe passwords that you can use across various devices.
- Do not make the Smartphone vulnerable. Always update the software so that it will help in saving the Android device from any attack.
- Do not keep your personal and banking details on the phone.
These are a few ways to conserve and protect Smartphones and tablets against malicious software and apps. If these are difficult to detect, you always have the FBI at your discretion.
Does Factory Reset Remove Ransomware?
Well, it must be clear how Ransomware gets into the Android device, how to remove it, and how to protect your phone. However, there are ways to remove Ransomware, and one of them is Factory Reset. Does factory reset remove Ransomware? If you were finding the answer to this question, I am solving your problem again. Yes, a factory reset of your phone can help bypass the Ransomware strain. However, as I mentioned earlier, your device must have a backup done.
You can do it in the following easy steps:
Step 1: Search for the Factory Reset page.
Step 2: Enter the PIN or Code of your Smartphone, and erase everything.
Step 3: After this, reboot the phone when starting the device. Keep up with your data and apps, and restore the backup of your files before the onset of encryption.
Ensure these 3 steps exactly to help restore your Android phone to safe mode. Always keep a backup of your phone.