Press Center

Malware and antivirus software

News

ESET at Mobile World Congress: Android Ransomware Up by More Than 50% in 2016

Created: 2017-02-20 07:41:51

ESET, the leading IT security vendor based in the European Union, is reporting a more than 50% increase in the detection of Android ransomware in 2016, historically the highest number of attempts to penetrate devices. ESET presents the latest annual data based on its LiveGrid® technology in the white paper “Trends in Android Ransomware”.  Findings are released just ahead of Mobile World Congress taking place in Barcelona February 27 – March 2, 2017. ESET experts will be highlighting the topic at the Congress in Hall 5, booth B05.

“Altogether we saw an increase in Android malware detection by around 20%, with ransomware on this platform growing at ever faster rate. Even as ESET observed the largest spike in the first half of 2016, we are nowhere near saying that this threat will disappear anytime soon,” says ESET Chief Technology Officer Juraj Malcho, who will address this topic during MWC 2017.

Authors of lock-screen as well as file-encrypting “crypto-ransomware” types have used the past 12 months to copycat effective techniques from desktop malware. They have also developed their own sophisticated methods specialized for targets running Android devices.

In addition to the most prevalent scare tactics used by lock-screen “police ransomware”, cybercriminals have been putting increased effort into keeping a low profile, by encrypting and burying the malicious payload deeper into the infected apps.

In 2015, ESET observed that the focus of Android ransomware operators shifted from Eastern European to US mobile users. However, last year demonstrated a growing interest by the attackers in the Asian market. “Indeed it is fair to say that ransomware for Android has become a full-scale global threat,” adds Malcho.

To have a full read of the findings, the white paper “Trends in Android Ransomware” is available on the ESET news site WeLiveSecurity.com. For more on this topic during Mobile World Congress, check the special ESET website and visit us at the Congress in Barcelona. 
 

 

About ESET
ESET®, the pioneer of proactive protection and the maker of the award-winning ESET NOD32® technology, is a global provider of security solutions for businesses and consumers. For over 26 years, the Company continues to lead the industry in proactive threat detection. By obtaining the 80th VB100 award in June 2013, ESET NOD32 technology holds the record number of Virus Bulletin "VB100” Awards, and has never missed a single “In-the-Wild” worm or virus since the inception of testing in 1998. In addition, ESET NOD32 technology holds the longest consecutive string of the VB100 awards of any AV vendor. ESET has also received a number of accolades from AV-Comparatives, AV-TEST and other testing organisations and reviews. ESET NOD32® Antivirus, ESET Smart Security®, ESET Cyber Security® (solution for Mac), ESET® Mobile Security and IT Security for Business are trusted by millions of global users and are among the most recommended security solutions in the world.

ESET recently updated its two-factor authentication (2FA) application, adding a secure validation to weak and static user passwords. This updated version of ESET’s 2FA application provides flexibility and deeper integration of 2FA into bespoke applications, making it the best cost-effective solutions for SMBs everywhere.

The Company has global headquarters in Bratislava (Slovakia), with regional distribution centers in San Diego (U.S.), Buenos Aires (Argentina), and Singapore; with offices in Jena (Germany), Prague (Czech Republic) and Sao Paulo (Brazil). ESET has malware research centers in Bratislava, San Diego, Buenos Aires, Singapore, Prague, Košice (Slovakia), Krakow (Poland), Montreal (Canada), Moscow (Russia) and an extensive partner network for more than 180 countries. For more information visit https://eset.version-2.sg/ or follow us on Facebook.

 

About Version 2 Limited
Version 2 Limited is one of the most dynamic IT companies in Asia. Headquartered in Hong Kong, the Company develops and distributes IT products for Internet and IP-based networks, including communication systems, Internet software, security, network, and media products. Through an extensive network of channels, point of sales, resellers, and partnership companies, Version 2 Limited offers quality products and services which are highly acclaimed in the market. Its customers cover a wide spectrum which includes Global 1000 enterprises, regional listed companies, public utilities, Government, a vast number of successful SMEs, and consumers in various Asian cities.

For more information, please visit www.version-2.com.sg or call (65) 6296-4268.

back

Why ESET?

ESET has over 25 years' experience of helping people to Enjoy Safer Technology. Our software is light on hardware, but hard on malware.

Our Technology

ESET’s award-winning NOD32® Antivirus technology is at the cutting edge of digital security. It’s updated daily to keep you secure.

Free Support

Enjoy your free, industry-leading customer support locally. For technical, sales and marketing enquires dial +65 6296 4268.