Weekend Update

A quick Saturday digest of cybersecurity news articles from other sources.

Talk Like A Pirate Day Coming on September 19

We will start with the good stuff for a change.  Talk Like A Pirate Day is my second favorite unofficial Holiday.  Check out the official website.  Check out the cool pirate swag and order yourself a pirate hoodie or tee shirt.

Arrrgh!

BlueBorne Bluetooth ...

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16
SEP
0

Computers and Internet, cybersecurity, Entertainment, Internet of Things, Software vulnerability, Weekend Update, wireless

WireX Turns Android Phones into DDoS Botnet

WireX is a new botnet that runs on hijacked and compromised Android phones.  A bot-net is a collection of compromised devices that can be coordinated by the hijacker to work together on a certain task.  It might be bit-coin mining, or password cracking, or other tasks that require a lot of processing power.  This bot-net, like last year’s Mirai ...

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15
SEP
0

Android, botnet, Computers and Internet, cybersecurity, Security, smartphones, wireless

Malicious Android Apps Steal Text Messages

Sophos Naked Security alerted us to two Android apps that are included in the Google Play Store as legitimate apps.  This makes these apps particularly dangerous, if you are following our advice to only install apps from legitimate sources.  Once installed, they download a plug-in that harvests your text messages and sends them to a web server.  Since the plug-in is downloaded ...

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7
AUG
0

Android, cybersecurity, Security, smartphones, Software vulnerability, Spyware, wireless

Smartphones Need Security Too

When a smartphone is stolen, it is a disaster.  You have just given the keys to your online life, your email, social media accounts, and credit cards you have synced with an app.  If you have the new smart locks on your home or office, you also gave them literal keys, the ability to open those locks.  If you have live camera ...

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12
JUL
0

Android, Apple, authentication, backup, cybersecurity, encryption, Identity Theft, Security, smartphones, Wi-Fi, wireless

Android Game Hides Crypto-Ransomware Exploit

There is a new encryption ransomware exploit hiding inside a spoofed copy of the popular Chinese game “King of Glory.”  Right now, this malware is affecting users in China, but it is a matter of time before another cyber-criminal group modifies it for English speaking victims.

This game is available on international gaming forums, and is being spread when gamers download a copy ...

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16
JUN
0

Android, cybersecurity, encryption, malware, ransomware, smartphones, Virus, wireless

Linksys Wireless Routers Have Security Vulnerabilities

Research firm IOActive recently released a an article that revealed some serious security deficiencies on popular Linksys Smart Wi-Fi products.  They have notified Linksys, and Linksys is working on the firmware upgrades that will be necessary to fix these issue, and they have issued a security advisory.

Among the vulnerabilities discovered:

  • Unauthenticated attacker can create a ...
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8
MAY
0

authentication, cybersecurity, Internet of Things, Linux, passwords, Security, Software vulnerability, Wi-Fi, wireless

Security Standards for the Internet of (Insecure) Things?

Everything you can think of and many things you have never dreamed of are being manufactured with little Linux operating systems and wireless Internet connections. Or in simpler terms, a brain, storage, and communications ability. This is the Internet of Things (IoT).  Lots and lots of “smart” devices talking to each other and phoning home to some data collection or dissemination point.  If only the people who are designing these ...

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10
APR
0

Computers and Internet, cybersecurity, encryption, Internet of Things, law and policy, Security, Software vulnerability, Spyware, surveillance, wireless

Smartphone and Tablet Security Solutions

smartphone-securityOn Wednesday we discussed the many, many ways your smartphone is vulnerable to attack.  Today we will look at solutions.  Smart mobile devices need to be secured just as you would a laptop or desktop computer  The small size and easy portability of smartphones and tablets make them easier to steal or lose.  Some of our recommendations:

  • Record the electronic serial number (ESN) of your phone or tablet. This is information you ...
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24
JUN
1

authentication, Computers and Internet, cybersecurity, education, Security, smartphones, training, Wi-Fi, wireless

Your Smartphone and Tablet Need Security Too

phone-thiefMobile smart devices have all the capabilities of a laptop or computer.  What this means from a cybersecurity perspective is that they are every bit as vulnerable as a laptop or desktop computer.  The fact that they are small makes them easy for a thief to slip in a pocket or backpack and carry away, along with your personal information, contacts, pictures, geo-location history, and a raft of critical and revealing ...

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22
JUN
0

Android, Apple, Computers and Internet, cybersecurity, Identity Theft, malware, Security, smartphones, Software vulnerability, Spyware, surveillance, wireless

The Internet of Insecure Security Things

cameraIf the title seems confusing, it is not your fault.  It is really tough to get my head around the epic failure of purported security companies who bring products like these to market.  This practically qualifies as fraud!

The first story is about a manufacturer of security camera and DVR systems.  This company is a white box manufacturer, in that they build products that are privately labelled by ...

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6
APR
0

Computers and Internet, cybersecurity, Internet of Things, passwords, Spyware, surveillance, wireless

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