New Virus targets

Smart Phones and Tablets

Police in South Cyprus issued a warning yesterday about a new virus that spreads via email or SMS that can affect both computers and smart phones.

The virus is called Crypto-Locker or Simple-Locker that provides a web link that when activated, blocks the user of the device.

“This can affect computers and smart phones that are supported by the operating system Android,” the police announcement said.

“With the installation of the device, it scans all the files stored in the user (photos, movies, documents, etc.) and then locks them with encryption”

After activation of the virus and a new message from the offender invites users them to pay an amount ranging from €100 to €2,000 payable by bank transfer to an account abroad.

Police said that even if the victims of the scam pay up, there is no unblocking device.

Police advise users of smart phones and tablets to create back-up systems at regular intervals, use antivirus software, and to not download apps from unknown sources, as well as the usual advice to not open attachments from email from an unknown person.

Source: Cyprus Mail