"Pokemon Go" is not just the world's most favorite game right now but it has also become the favorite target of crooks that operate on the web. These cyber criminals just infected the game with ransomware in order to illegally collect money from unsuspecting players.
There is no other game like "Pokémon Go" which drew the attention of millions or people around the world. The reality game is being enjoyed by everyone - from ordinary citizen to top stars - so online scammers are trying to grab this opportunity to trap and rob them using technology.
The swindlers who created the ransomware is spreading the threat by disguising it as PokemonGo.exe file in Windows mobile. It uses Pikachu as its clickable icon so people can be easily lured to the trap.
Fortunately, before the malware could wreak havoc, it was uncovered by ransomware researcher Michael Gillespie. He made the public become aware of the malicious file by updating his Twitter with the message that say, "#HiddenTear #Ransomware masked as @PokemonGoApp, sad Pikachu included."
After identifying the Windows infection as Hidden Tear ransomware, he told gamers to be careful with installing "Pokemon Go" apps on mobile devices. Once installed, the malware encrypts all the data in the device and automatically creates a backdoor Windows account for the files to be easily shared to networks.
When the phone is already locked by the malware, the screen will show a message that instructs the victim to email ‘me.blackhat20152015@mt2015.com' for details on ransom payments. Lawrence Abrams of Bleeping Computer noted that this Hidden Tear ransomware is not ordinary because its creator added features that are not commonly found in most ransomware.
"Pokemon Go" players can protect themselves from ransomware and here are tips to keep your device and account safe: First, make sure to keep back-ups of important data in your device. Second, installing anti-virus security in your system would be a big help in averting malware attacks. Third, refrain from opening links or email attachments from unidentified sources.
Finally, Gillespie advised the "Pokemon Go" gamers not to pay ransom if they are victimized of this scam. Rather, he said to contact him or Bleeping Computer so they can be given a decrypter for free.
