Android O News: Google’s Latest Mobile Operating System Blocks Ransomware Attacks

Android O is the latest mobile operating system with most up-to-date features. To name a few features, it has its Copy Less and Gesture Trigger. Not only that, it also has the ability to block attacks from the ransomware. The latter has been notoriously known as malicious software that blocks access to certain documents, application or devices until a sum of money has been paid. Google is currently intensifying their campaign against this malware attacks.

Now, can this upgraded and more improved OS affect the functionality of several Android ransomware threats? Let us find out here.

As published in Symantec's Security Response site, the ransomware using system-type windows will be blocked on devices with Android O operating system regardless if the relevant permission or access has been inadvertently granted by the mobile user. As thoroughly explained in the report, the common technique of this malware is drawing a system-level window by using one of the following window types: TYPE_SYSTEM_ERROR, TYPE_SYSTEM_ALERT and TYPE_SYSTEM_OVERLAY. Consequently, a locked screen will appear on top of all other windows on the device. Then, it will be rendered unusable until the ransom has been accordingly paid. But with the latest OS, it can deprecate these types making it difficult for the ransomware to function.

Moreover, Bits Online reported how Google has showcased how this latest OS can impact the Android ransomware threats as it formally disapproves, deprecates malware and absolutely moves outdated functionalities. The tech giant revealed that functionality rollback seems to be critical as it can also become weak target spots for attackers. In addition to this, data revealed that Google has already tracked thirty Android ransomware and has collected 50,000 samples of these harmful apps as of to date.

A further report from SC Magazine suggests that users of non-latest Android versions might still be susceptible from other forms of ransomware attacks.   The existing Google latest devices such as Nexus and Pixel can now make use of this OS capability; nevertheless, other non-iOS devices require a great combination of powerful hardware to run this newest operating system. Furthermore, reports conveyed helpful tips in order to mitigate malware threats such us keeping device's software up to date, preventing download of unfamiliar and untrusted applications, installing mobile app that secures and protects data as well as devices, backing up data.