Cheetah Mobile Releases Free App to Remove the Latest CryptoLocker RansomWare Targeting Android

SAN FRANCISCO, May 13, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Cheetah Mobile (NYSE: CMCM), the security and utility app developer (formerly KS Mobile), today issued the free CM CryptoLocker Cleaner app to protect Android smartphone users from the malware known as "CryptoLocker," a ransomware known to target Windows PC computers that has now evolved to also target mobile Android devices.

Android users who have been infected with CryptoLocker Malware on their mobile devices can use CM CryptoLocker Cleaner to unlock their devices from the malware. CM CryptoLocker Cleaner is available for free at Google Play.

Cheetah Mobile's CM Security Research Lab says the "CryptoLocker" mobile threat (discovered as "Android-Trojan.Koler.A") to Android users is on the rise in the US in particular, where over 90% of the infection currently resides - a 300% increase over the past several days.

How the CryptoLocker Ransomware works:

• Android user unknowingly download an APK file that is infected (possible when users download apps from unsecure sources, outside of Google Play)
• The malware takes control of the Android device, preventing you from using normal functions until it's removed.
• The Android user receives a message claiming to be from a law enforcement division, accusing the user of illegal act(s). See screenshot.
• Then, the malware employs a very strong social engineering element to try to get users to part with ransom money.
• Once the device is infected by the Cryptolocker malware, popups appear on the home screen page, notifying users that they tried to access porn. The popup claims that, as a result of their behavior, the local police will block their device unless users pay a fine of 300 USD via untraceable online payment systems.

Android users can prevent their mobile devices from future infections by downloading Cheetah Mobile's CM Security, a free antivirus and mobile security application that comprehensively detects viruses, Trojans, malware, spyware, and adware on Android mobile phones and tablets. CM Security is available for free at Google Play.

About Cheetah Mobile

Cheetah Mobile Inc.(NYSE: CMCM) is a leading mobile internet company with more than 362 million monthly active users as of March 2014. Its mission critical applications, including Clean Master, CM Security, Battery Doctor and Duba Anti-virus, help make the internet and mobile experience speedier, simpler, and safer for users worldwide. Cheetah Mobile is the second largest internet security software provider in China by monthly active users as of March 2014, according to iResearch, and the publisher of Clean Master, the #1 mobile app in the Google Play Tools category worldwide by monthly downloads in March 2014, according to App Annie.  

SOURCE Cheetah Mobile Inc.