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Ransomware now targets Smart TVs
Own a smart TV running Android ? Be warned, ransomware can also infect televisions. Twitter user Darren Cauthon has tweeted how the TV of a family member was bricked after it was infected by ransomware.
The infection took place when the family member downloaded an app to watch a movie reports myce.com.
Ransomware asks for $500 to unlock device, LG asks for $340 to help
Cauthon says he tried to reset the TV to factory settings, but the reset procedure available online didn't work. When the software engineer contacted LG, the company told him to visit one of their service centers, where one of its employees could reset his TV.
This angered Cauthon because factory reset procedures shouldn't be secret, but also because the service center visit implied a $340 bill. The ransomware asked Cauthon to pay $500 to unlock his TV.
As one commenter on Twitter pointed out, it would be cheaper to buy a new TV. "Avoid these 'smart tvs' like the plague," Cauthon added following his discussion with LG.
Halfway the movie a fake FBI warning popped up stating, “Suspicious files have been found and your attendance of the forbidden pornographic sites has been fixed. For this reason your device has been locked. Information on your location and snapshots containing your face have been uploaded the on the FBI Cybercrime Department Datacenter.”
The ransom note then lists a penalty that has to be paid within 3 days, in this case $500. Similar ransomware was already found on smartphones and where it’s fairly easy to remove ransomware from a smartphone, on a TV it’s a much more difficult venture.
The affected TV in this case was a three year old and discontinued LG TV (50GA6400). When Cauthon called LG for a fix, the manufacturer didn’t want to explain how to reset the TV to factory settings and the ransomware prevented access to any settings of the TV. It was even impossible to access the section where the payment details of the ransomware are, in case a victim actually hoped the TV would be unlocked when a payment was made.
Nevertheless, after complaining on Twitter and after his Tweet was retweeted and favorited thousands of times, LG contacted Cauthon. His TV is now fixed, as the video below shows.
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gamehunter
Junior Member
Posts: 19
Joined: 2016-11-10
Junior Member
Posts: 19
Joined: 2016-11-10
#5384474 Posted on: 01/24/2017 11:10 AM
nowadays ransomeware attacks are common and most peoples are aware about it. In my opinion, old aged peoples are most coomon victims of social engineering and these types of ransomware attacks.
The security features of smart TVs are not having that much security features as in an android or windows platform.
Smart Tv became one of the favorites toys of hackers when people started their online shopping habbits through these devices. Here I am concerned about the kids as they may install some 3rd party unverified apps(as of now I am safe as they don't know about this feature). I referred this site and followed the steps for all smart devices. http://nci.ca/what-can-you-do-to-protect-yourself-from-spyware-malware-and-ransomware/
nowadays ransomeware attacks are common and most peoples are aware about it. In my opinion, old aged peoples are most coomon victims of social engineering and these types of ransomware attacks.
The security features of smart TVs are not having that much security features as in an android or windows platform.
Smart Tv became one of the favorites toys of hackers when people started their online shopping habbits through these devices. Here I am concerned about the kids as they may install some 3rd party unverified apps(as of now I am safe as they don't know about this feature). I referred this site and followed the steps for all smart devices. http://nci.ca/what-can-you-do-to-protect-yourself-from-spyware-malware-and-ransomware/
gamehunter
Junior Member
Posts: 19
Joined: 2016-11-10
Junior Member
Posts: 19
Joined: 2016-11-10
#5384475 Posted on: 01/24/2017 11:16 AM
The first public reference for drone hacking was on a book named Violent Python: A Cookbook for Hackers, Forensic Analysts, Penetration Testers and Security Engineers
The first public reference for drone hacking was on a book named Violent Python: A Cookbook for Hackers, Forensic Analysts, Penetration Testers and Security Engineers
fantaskarsef
Senior Member
Posts: 14157
Joined: 2014-07-21
Senior Member
Posts: 14157
Joined: 2014-07-21
#5384480 Posted on: 01/24/2017 11:34 AM
This made me chuckle...
"Halfway the movie a fake FBI warning popped up stating, “Suspicious files have been found and your attendance of the forbidden pornographic sites has been fixed. For this reason your device has been locked. Information on your location and snapshots containing your face have been uploaded the on the FBI Cybercrime Department Datacenter.”
lol haven't seen this in a long time. All your base...
As my tv's getting old with 10 years of service I can see it failing sooner or later. But then again, I wish I could get a good tv (hardware = good) without any of that stupid smart tv bs. I just want a panel like a pc monitor, just larger, possibly with a tuner in there. No apps needed... does something even exist anymore? Do they release up to date hardware without useless smart phone function built in?
This made me chuckle...
"Halfway the movie a fake FBI warning popped up stating, “Suspicious files have been found and your attendance of the forbidden pornographic sites has been fixed. For this reason your device has been locked. Information on your location and snapshots containing your face have been uploaded the on the FBI Cybercrime Department Datacenter.”
lol haven't seen this in a long time. All your base...
As my tv's getting old with 10 years of service I can see it failing sooner or later. But then again, I wish I could get a good tv (hardware = good) without any of that stupid smart tv bs. I just want a panel like a pc monitor, just larger, possibly with a tuner in there. No apps needed... does something even exist anymore? Do they release up to date hardware without useless smart phone function built in?
Neo Cyrus
Senior Member
Posts: 10393
Joined: 2006-02-14
Senior Member
Posts: 10393
Joined: 2006-02-14
#5384491 Posted on: 01/24/2017 12:25 PM
Hidden factory reset instruction that is on their tvs that you have to pay to be able to be told.
Top notch.
Well, now I know I won't be buying any TVs from LG.
Hidden factory reset instruction that is on their tvs that you have to pay to be able to be told.
Top notch.
Well, now I know I won't be buying any TVs from LG.
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Junior Member
Posts: 19
Joined: 2016-11-10
What I read that in 2017 ransomware attacks will be minimal as most scriptkides and hackers will try to concentrate more in hacking drone.