Android ransomware poses as FBI smut warning Cybercrooks have launched a new wave of Android ransomware that poses as a pretty convincing FBI-imposed porn-surfing warning. Over 15,000 spam emails, including zipped files, have hit the inboxes of Android users in recent days, according to Romanian security software firm Bitdefender. If activated, the ransomware demands $ …
So, since PayPal happily processes these ransom payments, aren't they liable for participation in this criminal activity? Can't their database help track down the original perpetrators? Can't PayPal freeze these accounts and at least trap whatever balance they may contain and keep it out of the perp's hands?
It sure doesn't make things any easier when such large entities enable activity like this.
I'm not a particular fan of PayPal, and I would guess if the FBI asked they'd help in this case, but the root cause is not PayPal. Why encumber a legal service because of a few problem people, when the root cause is else where.That's like asking an Ice cream shop to implement background checks on customers because one of them, might be a child molester.
What we should be considering is out web technologies, and how we develop for them (IE Why are we still fucking around with Adobe).
<disclaimer>Views are to be interpreted as the personal opinions of an individual and not that of the eBay inc company PayPal</disclaimer>
"So, since PayPal happily processes these ransom payments, aren't they liable for participation in this criminal activity?"
Yes......if we detect it and allow it to continue. We have recently settled/ been fined for not stopping some transactions with countries on the OFAC list (AFAIK we volunteered this info)
"Can't their database help track down the original perpetrators?"
Well, the database itself doesn't do this , but I am just splitting hairs. If I take your meaning to be "do we work with law enforcement to track down these b***ards" then : Yes.
"Can't PayPal freeze these accounts and at least trap whatever balance they may contain and keep it out of the perp's hands?"
We can & we do.
"It sure doesn't make things any easier when such large entities enable activity like this."
You'd be surprised how many people in here do nothing all day but stop this kind of crap.
Anon for several reasons
Right. Mr. Comey and his predecessors have finally achieved what no one else thought was possible: driven the agency's reputation even lower than it was when the lid was blown off COINTELPRO in the 1970's. Given what we've learned they've been up to since 9/11 it isn't surprising that most Americans might not question the proposition that the FBI is involved in attacking the computers of citizens with malware -- even ransomware. Basically more sociopathic behavior from public employees who were (in retrospect, foolishly) entrusted with the critical job of protecting us from some seriously dangerous people.
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Ransomware for computers, ransomware for phones...
What next? IoT ransomware?
Ransomware that can turn off your smart fridge and ruin your groceries?
Ransomware that can unlock your smart locks?
"Smart" devices don't seem so smart now, do they?
I'm not too excited for the future, especially since so many people are creating internet-enabled devices with next to no security or patches.
Ransomware may not be the first thing you worry about with your new smart home...
This is a tongue-in-cheek prediction from about 20 years ago: Futuristic Home Owner's Diary
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