Many at risk as new, more dangerous ransomware spreads on Android

A story in the New York Times details the growing spread of “ransomware,” a type of malware that hijacks your mobile device under the pretext of your “breaking the law”. Usually, a message pretending to be from a cyber security firm or a law enforcement agency such as the FBI will pop up on your screen. It will tell you you've broken the law and the only way to get control of your device is to pay a “fine” of several hundred dollars. The malware prevents you from dismissing this message or otherwise using your phone. Flashing your device will take care of the problem, but you are running the risk ...