WyzGuys Tech Talk

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

Huge Marriott breach puts 500 million victims at risk

The Marriott hotel empire’s Starwood guest reservation database has been subject to unauthorised access since 2014.

US Has Some Of The Most Expensive Mobile Data Prices In The Developed World

from the pay-more,-get-less dept,  by Karl Bode – November 21st @ 7:39pm

While the U.S. wireless industry likes to talk a lot about how ultra-competitive it is, that’s generally not the case. While there’s more competition in wireless than in the fixed-line broadband sector (where there’s virtually no competition at faster speeds due to upgrade-phobic telcos and cable’s growing broadband monopoly), much of the competition in wireless tends to be theatrical in nature. Most of the major four carriers still usually outright refuse to compete on price, something you don’t get to have a choice about in a truly competitive market.

A new report out of Finland by Rewheel has once again driven that point home. According to the firm’s latest data, U.S consumers pay the fifth-highest rate on average per gigabyte for smartphone plans across OECD and European countries, and the highest prices on average for mobile data services provided via things like mobile hotspots.  All told, U.S. smartphone plans are more than four times higher than in most EU countries, and up to sixteen times higher across much of Europe:

500K Android users hit with malware, and what to do if you’re infected

13 malicious apps ended up on the Google Play store. Here’s how to stay protected.

Google Releases Security Updates for Chrome

11/19/2018 05:44 PM EST  Original release date: November 19, 2018

Google has released Chrome version 70.0.3538.110 for Windows, Mac, and Linux. This version addresses a vulnerability that an attacker could exploit to take control of an affected system.  NCCIC encourages users and administrators to review the Chrome Releases page and apply the necessary updates.

Securing Mobile Devices During Holiday Travel

11/20/2018 05:14 PM EST Original release date: November 20, 2018

As the holiday season begins, many people will travel with their mobile devices. Although these devices—such as smart phones, tablets, and laptops—offer a range of conveniences, users should be mindful of potential threats and vulnerabilities while traveling with them.

VMware Releases Security Updates

11/22/2018 09:16 PM EST  Original release date: November 22, 2018

VMware has released security updates to address a vulnerability in Workstation and Fusion. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability to take control of an affected system.  NCCIC encourages users and administrators to review VMware Security Advisory VMSA-2018-0030 and apply the necessary updates.