Security researchers at Trend Micro reported the emergence of a new strain of ransomware that has the capability of locking down smartphones and smart televisions running on the Android operating system. Dubbed as FLocker or Frantic Locker, the malware has been in circulation since April 2015.

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Trend Micro said that the FLocker malware initially targets devices that run on the latest version of the Android operating system. However, the writer of the malware continues to update it with new codes and now has the capability of infecting smart TVs as well.

Despite this worrying threat, security researchers assured Android users that not all devices running on the platform are at risk of being infected.

First, the malware file is downloaded through an infected website or SMS file. After being downloaded and installed, the malware stays dormant for the first 30 minutes before infecting its host device.

The researchers added that once the malware detects that the infected device is in Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Armenia, Kazakhstan, Georgia, Belarus, Hungary, Russia or Ukraine, it automatically shuts down.

If the malware finds that the device is not from one of those countries, it will try to install a command and control system, which requires the user's admin permission. However, if the user does not allow admin permission, the malware will lock the screen and ask again under the guise of an update for the OS.

Once the malware is installed, it will flash a message on the infected device claiming to be a law enforcement organization. It will then demand a payment of $200 to be paid in the form of an iTunes gift card in exchange for the code that unlocks the device.

In an advisory posted by Trend Micro, the company wrote, "If an Android TV gets infected, we suggest user to contact the device vendor for a solution at first. Another way of removing the malware is possible if the user can enable ADB debugging."

TagsMalware, Android, ransomware, hackers, FLocker, Frantic Locker, FLocker ransomware, Smart TV, Smartphones