A series of bugs and security loopholes in the Android operating system could allow hackers to take control of up to 95% of Android smartphones simply by sending an MMS message with malware attached. What is the Stagefright bug? Stagefright is the name of the Android operating system’s media library, which the bug is named… Read More »
Android & PC Tie For First Place In Malware
A report published last week by Alcatel-Lucent revealed malware on mobile devices has caught up to the infection rate on traditional PCs. The report was created by the telecommunications company’s Motive Security Labs and used data compiled from fixed and mobile networks using their Motive Security Guardian software. The software is deployed in networks around… Read More »
My Phone Is Held Hostage By Ransomware, Now What?
Ransomware is a type of malware that holds your data hostage. It has been a problem with computers for many years, but it’s only recently started showing up on mobile devices. When you activate the program or app, it blocks you from accessing the data on the device and displays a message demanding payment by… Read More »
FBI Officially Names North Korea as Source of Sony Hack
To the surprise of practically no one, the Federal Bureau of Investigation has officially announced the involvement of the North Korean government in last month’s hack on Sony Pictures Entertainment. While the FBI announcement stated it could not list all of the reasons for the link due to the need to protect “sensitive sources and… Read More »
Feds Caution Large Companies About New Malware Threat
On December 2nd, the Federal Bureau of Investigation sent a confidential notice about the recent hacking attack on Sony Pictures Entertainment to security staff at some large U.S. companies. While the notice did not specify Sony Pictures, it provided details on how the hack was pulled off. It also warned that data destroyed by the… Read More »
Home Depot Admits to Potentially Massive Data Breach
It wasn’t that long ago consumers were apprehensive about the risks of buying online. With the recent rash of retailers falling victim to point-of-sale malware, the tables may have turned. Last week Home Depot confirmed a potentially massive data breach and officially joined the ranks of Target, Neiman Marcus, P.F. Chang’s, Goodwill and other retailers… Read More »
‘Backoff’ Retail Malware Threat Even Worse than Expected
Just a few weeks ago the Department of Homeland Security issued a warning to retailers about Backoff, the point-of-sale malware responsible for the massive payment card security breach at Target during last year’s holiday season. The initial report indicated up to 600 retailers were affected, but on August 22nd the DHS issued another advisory that… Read More »
Homeland Security Warns of Retail Malware Threat
As banks and financial institutions have become harder to break into, cyber criminals have increasingly turned to targeting retail operations. According to an advisory issued last week by the DHS, the malware family known as Backoff has been identified in three forensic investigations of large-scale Point-of-Sale (POS) data breaches. The malware reads credit and debit… Read More »
