Malware

Be Smart With Your vCard

September 19, 2015 — Leave a comment

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The WhatsApp Web application had a nice promotion and a relatively short virtual existence, before it has experienced a malware-related trouble. It seems that the invaluable vCard feature can be a source of great trouble for millions of users of this extremely popular app.

Why? Well, the hackers have found a way to install both malware and ransomware in a tiny vCard file. To make the things even worse for WhatsApp users these malicious visitors do not have to ask your permission, when it comes to installation in your device.

The good news is that WhatsApp team was prompt in its response, and you can rest assured that this security flaw is already being fixed. On the other side, our hats off to the busy little bees, who have located and identified this cyber-trouble. We sure hope, they will get something in return.

From what we know, WhatsApp has not been involved in bug bounty reward systems, so far. Yet, its new owner Facebook is always interested for security improvements, and notably very generous in this field. Therefore, the Check Point team could get a reward for its efforts. Right?

KIS Multi-Device 2016

September 17, 2015 — Leave a comment

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If you are looking for seeing the KISS word in our post’s title, then you are definitely a huge fan of heavy metal and rock music. We have to disappoint you a little bit. The KIS stands for Kaspersky Internet Security. This Multi-Device thing definitely rocks, and there is also one more detail.

Under these extremely difficult circumstances for Kaspersky, caused by the Reuter’s controversial announcement, the busy little bees in Kaspersky need to focus and do things they do the best. Therefore, this new Multi-Device is more than welcomed in this situation.

This package is supposed to work and protect you on all mobile platforms, including Android, IOS, and Windows Phone. Yet, for what is worth, Kaspersky admits that a Windows Phone is the safest thing you can get right now. One may say, only because it is not so popular as Android or IOS.

On the other hand, we sure hope that one day, the guys involved in the Multi-Device project are not going to say that there were some “artificial” viruses and malware developed by the same people for some “controversial” purposes. Otherwise, all of these are going to be in vain. Right?

The Project Sonar

September 14, 2015 — Leave a comment

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Grandpa Microsoft is up to something serious. It turns out that Grandpa Microsoft is working on a new anti-malware solution called – the Project Sonar. So, what is this Sonar thing all about? Well, this is not a new concept, but it is pretty much revolutionary in terms of protection.

From what we have heard, the main job of top quality protection is supposed to be done among the clouds. In other words, certain malware threat is supposed to be eliminated, even before it reaches you, in the first place. When you put it this way, it certainly sounds lovely.

However, there are quite a few practical problems and questions that keep pumping out. How much grandpa Microsoft needs to know about us, in order to provide us this kind of quality protection? Are we trading one trouble for another one? Somehow, our enthusiasm is lost.

Or, maybe we should let grandpa Microsoft do its homework. Let us see how this Project Sonar is going to work in the real life, and then we will have plenty of time to judge it. This way, we are only spoiling the party, and one intriguing idea. Good luck grandpa Microsoft, our fingers are crossed.

The False Kaspersky Decade

August 20, 2015 — Leave a comment

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Here is a serious trouble for Kaspersky busy little bees. Two of its former employees had some troubling and compromising accusations to share with the rest of the world. According to them, Kaspersky has manufactured intentional malware for more than a decade. What for?

Well, this just could not be more obvious, could it? This is a nice way to hit two targets with a single bullet. On the one side, you can discredit your competitors, while at the same time, you can present your solutions as the most reliable and efficient ones. Sounds like a perfect plan?

We are not quite sure, if these former employees are telling the truth, but the damage has already been done. Now, Kaspersky has a lot explaining and convincing to do. The biggest trouble of them all, is that we keep asking ourselves the same question, all over again.

Can Kaspersky really do such an unfair thing? It is just like you are selling the cure for a disease you have previously created, as well. We just cannot wait to see what is going to be the most probable outcome of this security scandal. Have you really done it Kaspersky? Is it really true?

Thunderstrike Firmworm: A Mac’s Cyber Thorn

August 19, 2015 — Leave a comment

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You do not have to be an outstanding computer genius or a cyber guru to know that Mac computers are considerably safer platforms compared to Windows. However, some busy little expert bees have decided to put this claim to a test. So, what were the results of this “experiment”?

This is how the so-called Thunderstruck Firmware for Mac computers was born. Its name says it all, does not it? Its ability to hide in the firmware section, combined with the ability to be set remotely makes it to be a formidable security threat. So, what can we do about it?

You can relax, there is also another group of busy little bees at Apple, which is fixing this problem as we speak. On the other side, you should be wiser, and do your best to avoid any suspicious links. How hard could it be to follow this simple advice? Otherwise, you are going to be hit by the Thunderstrike.

There is a sad conclusion. Which one? Well, it seems that there is no safe cyber place for us. Everywhere you look there is a trouble or a threat waiting for you around the next cyber corner. Yet, if you play smart and according to the rules, you are going to decrease the chances against you, at least.

Android SMS Pirates

August 7, 2015 — Leave a comment

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The busy little bees in Zimperium have been particularly occupied these days. Their findings are extremely disturbing. For what is worth, Android is in a serious trouble. We just could not believe how much damage you can cause with a single SMS, or an MMS to be more precise.

So, what is going on under the Android sun? Well, it seems that you only need a phone number, in order to proceed with your vicious plans. As soon as you send this dangerous message, you are in the control of an infected device. That is only the beginning.

You have an option to destroy this message almost immediately. In this way, you victim will not have a clue what is going on with his or her smartphone. So, what is the plan of these brilliant Zimperium guys? Well, Google has been warned. They are on the move.

It is also worth mentioning that Zimperium has provided a detailed description of the problem, including a solution for it. Google is silent on this one. Google is embarrassed about it. The SMS menace is out there. What can we do about it? Google, do not keep us waiting.

The Craziest Virus Ever

August 1, 2015 — Leave a comment

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Let us face it cyber boys and girls, most of the so-called visionariness and IT entrepreneurs out-of-this-world, you admire discreetly,  would bored you to death in less than five minutes. Can you imagine Steve Jobs with a beer in his hand, or Bill Gates smoking marijuana on a presentation?

Our point is simple. These, and so many other more or less known cyber guys have shaped and reshaped our world. Nevertheless, despite their contributions, we are not going to make a movie about them. We have tried that with Steve Jobs, and we know how that one ended up in flames or criticism and poor box office results.

On the other hand, we have John McAfee, who can nowadays probably earn more from selling his story to the Hollywood, than selling his antivirus solutions. It would be ridiculous to even try describing his turbulent life in one post. Right?

He was high on the ladders of business success, and also high on you know what, when he helped us to fight back some of the notorious viruses during the 1980s and 1990s. He should definitely write a book, or help some Hollywood producer make a movie about his life. Oh boy, that would have been something.

Nintendo Malware Innuendo

July 18, 2015 — Leave a comment

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Ah, those merciless hackers, they always strike where it hurts us the most. It comes without saying that the modern hackers are reading their potential victims like a book. This is exactly, what is happening with a series of apps, which allow you to play your favorite games from the 1980s and 1990s.

It is really great to get this wonderful feeling back on your smartphone. However, we have to ask, is not the price for it a little bit too high? What are we talking about? It turns out that an Android app, which allows you to play old Nintendo games on your smartphone, is a notorious El Dorado of malware and viruses.

So, who is to blame? Do not blame it on Google. To tell you the truth, we believe that the busy little bees in Google have no idea what is happening with all those apps, due to the overwhelming abundance of new apps, which are pumping out at an unparalleled speed.

So, what are you supposed to do? Should you say no to all your nostalgic feelings? Here is a hint. You should do some checking first for each app you are about to use. This is the only way to have the right kind of a feeling, you are hopping to achieve. With no regrets, of course.

Facepersky

July 11, 2015 — Leave a comment

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We have just heard an intriguing news about the new cyber-security partnership. For what is worth, Facebook and Kaspersky are teaming up. What for? Why this sudden change for Faceboom? Before we even try to answer these questions, we have to say that this is a clear win-win.

Facebook has tried it all. You name some of the major security brands, Facebook has tried them all, already. However, it is more than obvious that they were not up to the Facebook’s security standards. That is why, Facebook has decided to turn a new leaf in this field.

From now on, as a Facebook user, you can rely on Kaspersky for your security concerns. The great thing is that Kaspersky Lab will assist you for free. Of course, if you want a more thorough analysis and detailed cleaning of your infected files, you will have to pay for it. Time to discuss a win-win scenario.

On the one side, Kaspersky just could not wish for a better way to advertise. On the other side, Facebook has solved an annoying problem with its users. You have a security trouble, then go on and bother Kaspersky for a change. Let us see how this one is going to work in the real cyber life.

Browser Hijackers

June 17, 2015 — Leave a comment

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Is there at least one place in our brave new cyber world, which is safe from hacker’s harm? We have seen quite a few troubling things, and heard so many horrific stories, but this is simply too much to handle. Now, our precious web browsers are not going to be left aside, “thanks” to the so-called browser hijackers.

The use of the term hijacking, says a lot about this extremely annoying cyber menace, doesn’t it? Someone hijacks your browser in order to change its settings without your knowledge nor permission. So, what do you get as a result? Well, you do not have to guess twice, do you?

Your browser is very likely to pump up some website’s search results or even worse to steal your privacy and logging data. Unfortunately, this is almost a fully legitimate way to do some illegal things. There is more. This is not the worst  thing about the web browser hijackers. Can you guess what it is?

It turns out that you yourself are to be blamed for your hijacking situation. You have installed some completely unnecessary piece of software or you have followed some naughty link. Either way, no one hacked your browser in a traditional sense. Remember that. Prevention is still the best cyber defense.