Tag: security
New Android ‘Fake ID’ flaw empowers stealthy new class of super-malware
AppleInsider reported on a new Android flaw that allows malware to gain extensive control over a user’s device. This is particularly serious because Google has granted a variety of trusted apps in Android broad permissions; by pretending to be one of these trusted apps, malware can can fool users into thinking that they are installing…
Unlocking your phone with a digital tattoo
Engadget reported about the new NFC skin tag from Motorola that lets you unlock your phone by tapping on the tattoo. VivaLnk is asking $10 for packs of 10 tattoos, or enough to last 50 days — you’ll have to spend $80 to get through a whole year. How is this going to be more…
Mobile industry commit to anti-theft kill switch
Ars Technica reports on the mobile industry committing to introduce anti-theft kill switches to their devices. Remote wipe the authorized user’s data (i.e., erase personal info that is added after purchase such as contacts, photos, emails, etc.) that is on the smartphone in the event it is lost or stolen. Render the smartphone inoperable to…
97% of mobile malware is on Android
Forbes reports that 97% of mobile malware is on Android devices. If you want to stay safe on Android there’s the solution: stick to buying apps on the Play Store and every one in 1000 apps you buy may have had malware for a brief period. I’ll like to hear what pro-Android users have to…
Two Google Play apps secretly mines Litecoin and Dogecoin
Ars Technica reports on two Android apps that secretly mine Litecoin and Dogecoin. Users with phones and tablets that are suddenly charging slowly, running hot, or quickly running out of batteries may want to consider if they have been exposed to this or similar threats. Also, just because an app has been downloaded from an…
Android KitKat’s SD card change breaks apps
AndroidCentral explains why apps stored on the SD card stop working after updating to KitKat. It’s simple, really. Prior to Android 4.4 KitKat, applications — provided they had permission to access the SD card — could read and write to any area on removable storage, including the system folders like DCIM, Alarms, etc. That has…
WhatsApp says reports of security flaw are overstated and inaccurate
TechCrunch reports on Whatsapp’s response to the report security flaws in its Android app. Under normal circumstances the data on a microSD card is not exposed. However, if a device owner downloads malware or a virus, their phone will be at risk. As always, we recommend WhatsApp users apply all software updates to ensure they…
Asus routers allow strangers to access your files
It’s 2014, so security issues are the norm rather than the exception, but the latest news that Asus left the door wide open on many of its routers is extremely disturbing. The fact that anybody with your IP address will be able to login anonymously to your attached storage device is bad enough, it’s much…
Did the RSA collaborate with the NSA for just $10 million?
There are always two sides to a coin, but at this point, the RSA’s image is definitely going to take a beating. Whether it entered into such an agreement willingly or not doesn’t take away the fact that there are vulnerabilities in some of the current encryption standards. This is very disturbing indeed. Exclusive: Secret…
Credit card data of Target’s customers stolen in a major breach
Chicago Tribune reports on a major credit card breach of Target’s customers. Payment card data was stolen starting from the Black Friday weekend. Investigators believe the data was obtained via software installed on machines that customers use to swipe magnetic strips on their cards when paying for merchandise at Target stores, according to the person…