Beware! New Android malware steals your money then installs ransomware

Here is a 188-word summary of the article: A dangerous new Android malware called RatOn has been discovered by security experts at ThreatFabric. The Trojan infiltrates devices, steals sensitive data and empties bank accounts, and then installs ransomware to blackmail victims. RatOn operates largely autonomously, stealing PINs, logging into accounts, and transferring funds until accounts are empty. It then encrypts all data and denies access, demanding a ransom payment to restore access. This combined approach of stealing funds and deploying ransomware is not an isolated case, as a similar tactic was previously seen with the Hook Trojan. These new malware variants show that attacks are becoming more sophisticated, as fraudsters adapt to improved security measures. The malware likely spreads through fake apps imitating popular services on the Google Play Store and GitHub. To protect against such threats, users should only download apps from trusted providers, activate Google Play Protect, and avoid clicking on suspicious links. Staying vigilant and using strong antivirus software for Android devices is crucial to prevent falling victim to these complex, multi-stage attacks.