Delete these eight malware-ridden Android apps immediately
Researchers have discovered two families of malware in apps on the Play Store: a new family called Haken and the resurgence of an older family called Joker.
WhatsApp fixes bug that could have allowed hackers to read your desktop files
WhatsApp patched a security loophole in its desktop apps last month that could have potentially allowed hackers to access your computer’s local files.
Microsoft offers up to $20,000 to identify security vulnerabilities in Xbox Live
Microsoft is expanding its bug bounty program from covering software like its Office suite and its Edge browser to also covering the Xbox Live network and services. The company will pay out rewards to anyone who can find and reproduce a security vulnerability in the Xbox Live system.
Apple Safari flaw left users’ browsing activity open to being tracked
Apple recently fixed a serious security flaw with its Safari browser after being alerted to it by Google. The vulnerability, if exploited, would've enabled third parties to gather “sensitive private information about the user’s browsing habits,” Google said this week. Apple fixed the issue soon after learning of it.
Your iPhone can now act as a physical Google security key
A year after introducing it for Android, Google has announced that iPhones can now function as physical two-factor security keys. This 2FA method is a lot more secure than the two-factor prompt you’re likely used to as it requires your iPhone to be in the computer’s proximity.
U.S. may call a halt to its civilian drone program over security fears
The United States government is about to ban the use of Chinese-made drones in its work, a report by the FT claims. The Department of Interior has been using the machines for various tasks, but recently suspended their use over security fears while it conducted a review.
Microsoft contractors reviewed Skype, Cortana audio with ‘no security measures’
A former Microsoft contractor working in Beijing revealed that there were "no security measures" in place for their work of grading Skype and Cortana recordings. The source said that over two years, he worked on his personal laptop from home, from where he accessed the audio from a Google Chrome app.
Chinese malware found on U.S. government-subsidized phones
Cybersecurity firm, Malwarebytes says it has found pre-installed Chinese malware on some U.S. government-subsidized phones. The phones are offered to low-income families at significant discounts under the FCC’s Lifeline Assistance program that was first introduced three decades ago.
CLEAR vs. TSA PreCheck: Reduce time spent in airport security
Several security programs have emerged to help fliers enjoy more relaxed and reliable travel: CLEAR, TSA PreCheck and Global Entry. We’ve broken down everything you need to know about the three services and how they help you save time.
TikTok vulnerability could have allowed hackers to take over users’ profiles
Security research firm, Check Point says it found multiple severe loopholes within short-form video app, TikTok that could have potentially allowed hackers to take over users’ accounts, access their private data, and upload videos on their behalf. The vulnerabilities have now been patched.
Update your Twitter app right now if you’re on Android
Twitter says it has patched a vulnerability inside its Android app that could have potentially let malicious actors view information of private accounts, take over profiles, and send direct messages as well as tweets on the target account’s behalf through an intricate back-end process.
Visa says magstripe credit cards are at risk of data theft if used at gas pumps
It’s probably a good idea to stop swiping your card at gas station pumps. A report from Visa says that those old magnetic stripe credit cards are particularly vulnerable to hackers trying to steal your card information and that it would be safer to use chip-style cards instead.
Here’s how you can get 2 years of antivirus software for the price of 1
Vipre is one of the fastest growing names out there for antivirus protection, and this holiday season, the company has a great offer of two years of protection for the price of just one. Its software can keep an eye out for any potential threats trying to install themselves on your PC before they can do any damage.
New Orleans targeted by ransomware attack, forced to shut down city network
The city of New Orleans has been the target of a cyberattack which lead to city officials shutting down the city's network and declaring a state of emergency, as reported by Forbes. This follows a number of high-profile attacks against city infrastructure in the U.S.
Facebook will protect your data — as long as no one’s paying them for it
Facebook pushed back against a request from three major world governments to halt plans to provide end-to-end encryption for its Messenger app. The move has been heralded by privacy rights groups over law enforcement objections, but Facebook still makes money off of your data.
Apple admits iPhone 11s are sharing user location data — but not collecting it
Security reporter Brian Krebs raised concerns that the iPhone 11 line of devices keep sharing location data, even when the feature is deactivated for each app and service in the smartphones. Apple finally gave a clearer explanation on what is happening and says it involves new technology.
How to control the ads you see online
Learn how to control the ads you see online with our ad settings guides. If you're tired of ad targeting, ads following you around online, or seeing just lots of ads that you'd rather not see, there are key settings you can change to make a difference. We'll go over Google, Facebook, and Ad Blockers to show how they can help!
6 things you should stop doing online
We've all grown used to browsing the internet in a certain way. But you and your personal data are today more vulnerable than ever. Therefore, it's time to switch things up a little. Here are a few steps you can take to have a more secure experience while browsing the internet.
Freaked out by the FBI’s smart TV warning? Here’s what you should do
A recent warning from the FBI is the latest suggestion smart TVs could be used to spy on you. But what is the real risk? Should you return that brand new TV you just bought on Black Friday, or is there a way to keep and keep yourself safe? We have some helpful suggestions.
Private data of some Facebook and Twitter users leaked through malicious apps
Facebook and Twitter said private data of “hundreds of their users” was compromised through malicious third-party Android apps. The social media companies were tipped off by a team of security researchers who discovered a SDK allowed developers to access personal information of some of their users.
OnePlus customer data stolen in second data breach in two years
Phone company OnePlus has suffered another data breach, with an undisclosed number of names, contact numbers, email addresses, and shipping addresses of customers having been stolen by an unnamed third party. This comes less than two years after up to 40,000 customers' information was stolen from OnePlus.
WhatsApp flaw could have let hackers take control of a phone via an MP4 file
A new WhatsApp security flaw has been discovered that would have allowed hackers to take control of a user's smartphone by sending them a specially coded MP4 file. According to Facebook, the flaw has been patched in the latest version of WhatsApp -- so it's worth updating if you haven't yet.
Avoid juice jacking! L.A. warns travelers against public USB charging stations
The District Attorney's Office of Los Angeles County issued a warning against juice jacking, a method in which hackers load malware into public USB charging stations. While the attack is nowhere near epidemic levels, travelers are recommended to consider safer alternatives while on the go.
Intel CPUs attacked again as ZombieLoad V2 exploit rises from Spectre’s grave
Intel is facing another speculative execution exploit known as ZombieLoad V2, a new variant of the MDS attack vector. This one affects even those that have hardware fixes against the Meltdown exploit, potentially requiring Intel to release yet another microcode fix for its flagship chips.
Get paid in cryptocurrency for viewing ads in the new Brave browser
Brave Software officially launched Brave v1.0 on Wednesday. It’s based on Google’s Chromium browser and relies on Basic Attention Tokens (BAT) to generate revenue. Users can earn tokens by viewing ads and use those tokens to tip their favorite websites. 300,000 sites participate in the program.
Holiday shopping? Protect yourself with this exclusive IdentityForce offer
As tech has gotten more sophisticated, so have the tactics of hackers and identity thieves. That’s why it’s vital to protect yourself with a service like IdentityForce, and you can sign up and save with this exclusive deal just for our readers.
U.S. Interior Department grounds 800-strong drone fleet over security fears
The U.S. Department of the Interior has stopped using its fleet of Chinese-made drones over spying fears. A final decision will be made following an investigation. The drones undertake a range of tasks, including land and forest monitoring, and assisting efforts to tackle wildfires and other natural disasters.
Republicans tried to bring phones into the SCIF room. Here’s why they can’t
There are strict rules about what you can and cannot bring into a SCIF, the secure areas that are designed to prevent leaks and eavesdropping. When Republican lawmakers stormed into a room where closed-door testimony was being taken, they may have violated these rules by bringing in cell phones.
I asked 10 U.S. banks when they plan to support Google Pixel 4’s Face Unlock
Google's Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL come with new Face Unlock technology that makes unlocking the phone fast. But if you want to use it to access bank apps or authenticate purchases in third-party apps, it's looking like you'll have to wait a while. I asked a handful of banks when they expect to add support.
Microsoft’s Secured Core PCs could be the most hacker-resistant laptops ever
Microsoft has announced a new Secured Core designation which will guarantee certified devices offer firmware-level protection against hacking, by implementing a hardware secure core that checks the firmware before posting to make sure that it hasn't been infected by malware or other nefarious code.
Google’s Pixel 4 will get an option requiring open eyes for face unlock
Google's Pixel 4 will get an update in the coming months adding an option requiring eyes to be open for Face Unlock to work. The news comes after reviewers discovered the phone can unlock even if the device owner's eyes are closed, a security risk as it can be used to easily access sensitive information.
Instagram now lets you better manage third-party app access
If you've forgotten about all of the apps and websites you've allowed to access your Instagram account, a new feature lets you quickly review and change your permissions. It is also introducing a new authorization screen so that you'll know precisely what kind of data third parties are requesting from you.
Don’t be surprised that Amazon workers are watching footage from the Cloud Cam
After the public outcry against the practice of using human reviewers on voice and video recordings, Amazon gave users the ability to opt out of human review, but it's important to understand what the review is for. Human reviewers improve an A.I.'s ability to understand and respond to users.
Twitter blunder saw it accidentally use personal data for ad targeting
Twitter has apologized for inadvertently allowing some of its users’ phone numbers and email addresses to be used for ad purposes. The company said it blocked the practice last month. The news comes as social media services come under increasing scrutiny about how they handle user data.