14 DAY TRIAL // If you want to watch Netflix, get an account and stop downloading apps that promise you free access because you might end up paying a lot more than what a monthly plan is worth since one new app is laced with ransomware.
According to a Kaspersky blog post, one new app called Netflix Login Generator promising free Netflix access has a malware strain attached. It’s called Netix, it encrypts users’ data, and demands $100 in Bitcoins to unlock the files.
So how does the app work? Well, first you download it, hoping you’d be able to use those leaked Netflix accounts to enjoy some movies for free. Once installed, the app displays what looks to be a login and password pair generator. While you’re looking at the screen, trying to figure out what to do next, the app is encrypting all your data. Once that’s done, a ransom note pops up and all your data is locked up until you pay.
What's the damage?
Kaspersky’s David Buxton points out there’s a silver lining, though. The current version of the app encrypts only certain types of files - .ai, .asp, .aspx, .avi, .bmp, .csv, .doc, .docx, .epub, .flp, .flv, .gif, .html, .itdb, .itl, .jpg, .m4a, .mdb, .mkv, .mp3, .mp4, .mpeg, .odt, .pdf, .php, .png, .ppt, .pptx, .psd, .py, .rar, .sql, .txt, .wma, .wmv, .xls, .xlsx, .xml, .zip. The app also targets only the C:/user directory. As far as ransomware bugs go, this one leaves quite a lot of content open for you.
Furthermore, for some reason, the malware affects only users running Windows 7 and 10, while those running XP and Windows 8 are currently left unaffected.
That being said, this does not mean that an update won’t come sometime in the future in order to affect other unassuming users.
The best way to keep yourself safe, of course, is to stop downloading all the software promising something that’s pretty much illegal.