Android Nougat will prevent malware from resetting device password: Symantec

Android Nougat will ensure that ransomware or malware are unable to reset the device password, reports the Symantec Official Blog

According to the blog, Android introduces a new condition where the “resetPassword” API cannot be used to reset a device’s password, and it will affect both ransomware and disinfectors.

The security firm points out that Android.Lockdroid.E, a ransomware that emerged in 2015 would scare victims with “system error,” and then “reset the lockscreen password used to access the device.”

“Even users who manage to remove the malware without resetting the device may be unable to use the phone because they won’t be able to get around the password the malware sets,” notes the blog.

But in Android Nougat, “the resetPassword API” will only be used to set a password, and not reset it, says Symantec.

Source: http://indianexpress.com/article/technology/tech-news-technology/android-nougat-wont-let-malware-reset-device-password-symantec/
Submitted by: Arnfried Walbrecht