A new Android malware strain called Mantax Otax is making the rounds, and it’s designed to hit victims from multiple angles at once. Unlike typical Android ransomware that merely locks your screen, Mantax Otax acts as both ransomware and spyware simultaneously: it encrypts files stored on the device, steals sensitive personal data, and then turns around and harasses the victim — spamming their contacts to pile on pressure and embarrassment.
The combination of encryption and data theft gives attackers leverage in double-extortion schemes: pay us, or we’ll expose what we stole and keep harassing everyone in your phone book. Researchers say this approach is increasingly common on desktop platforms and is now arriving on mobile. As with most Android malware, the threat is most acute for users who install apps from outside the official Play Store or who grant broad permissions to unknown applications.
Sources
- New Android malware encrypts files, steals data, and harasses victims — BleepingComputer