Check Point’s mobile security researchers have found a new variant of the ‘HummingBad’ malware, hidden in more than 20 apps on Google Play. The infected apps in this new campaign were downloaded several million times by unsuspecting users. Check Point has informed the Google Security team about the apps, which have been removed from Google Play. This new variant, called ‘HummingWhale,’ includes new, cutting edge techniques that extend the capabilities of the original Hummingbad malware, and allow it to perform advertisement click fraud more effectively and stealthily than before from infected apps on Google Play. Check Point researchers found the new malware…
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Following the news that Lloyds Bank was reportedly hit with a two-day-long DDoS attack, which led to customers being unable to check their account balances or make payments. IT security experts from Corero Network Security, ZoneFox and Infoblox commented below. Sean Newman, Director at Corero Network Security: “Recent service interruptions reportedly experienced by Lloyds Bank customers are just another example of the challenges faced by today’s online businesses. Consumer expectations of 24×7 service availability have created a genuine risk of lost revenue and lasting reputation damage, as a result of a DDoS attack which means the stakes are just too high…
Government-backed SANS Institute Cyber Retraining Academy will train people from all walks of life to become industry-ready cyber professionals in ten weeks From today, potential employers can track students’ real-time progress via a unique online portal Free recruitment fairs on the 23rd February and 6th March will allow prospective employers to hire the students to defend their firms against growing online attacks 55 talented amateurs chosen from a nationwide search for the next generation of cyber professionals today begin a ten-week course to fast-track them into the cyber security industry. The students will begin the intensive ten-week course and learn in-demand cyber skills…
Scientists from Binghamton say that keys for encrypting and storing data could be done in a heartbeat – literally. Researchers believe that systems can be created to replace encryption keys with an ECG measurement that is unique to each person to secure an individual’s data. Robert Capps, VP of Business Development at NuData Security commented below. Robert Capps, VP of Business Development at NuData Security: “As more business move online, it’s gravely important for us to look for new and stronger methods to positively identify consumers, online. The use of bioinformatics for online human identification (such as heart rate, or…
Following the news that the number of people defrauded in the UK by online dating scams reached a record high in 2016. According to the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau, there were 3,889 victims of so-called romance fraud last year, who handed over a record £39m. IT security experts from ESET and AlienVault commented below. Mark James, IT Security Specialist at ESET: “Sadly the figures are not surprising at all, most criminals are not stupid, they often know just how to manipulate or pressure people into handing over their hard earned money. Generally we as humans want to trust others, when we…
A frequent reader of my work sent me an E-Mail that she received from a security software vendor about an expired subscription. She knew that I promote positive approaches and communications in the InfoSec community, and I applaud her for her commitment to that ideal. Since I am not in the business of embarrassing a vendor, I have intentionally obfuscated all names. Here is the message: Dear AAAA, Recently this office contacted your organization with respect to your expired XXXX license. Unfortunately we have not heard back and as such are sending this second courtesy notice before escalating the matter…
What security solutions are offered as part of ITS’ managed security services? “We launched BlackVault Guardian, a managed firewall service that is offered as part of the BlackVault Managed Recovery Platform solution, due to the increase in customers using MSPs to supplement in-house IT teams’ management of specific technologies and company networks. The managed element is based on the ITS private cloud platform, or on an appliance stored on-site at the customer’s location and, as it is a managed service, BlackVault Guardian allows IT staff to reduce the amount of time they spend managing equipment and system settings.” Why did ITS launch…
The proliferation and use of devices such as personal smart phones and tablets at work, commonly called bring your own device (BYOD), is one the biggest cybersecurity threats faced by SMEs, according to Kevin Timms, COO and co-founder of IT services aggregator, Streamwire. This and a general lack of awareness at the board level are the primary issues that need to be tackled in 2017. Kevin said: “In the past year, it seems a day hasn’t gone past where a high-profile cyber breach is documented in the media, and it seems that this will see no slowdown in the year…
The Office for National Statistics has reveled the annual figures from The Crime Survey for England and Wales, revealing an estimated 3.6 million cases of fraud and two million computer offences in a year. This is the first time these statistics have been included in the report, with ONS spokesperson John Flatley stating that the figures demonstrate how crime has changed, with fraud “now the most commonly experienced offence” IT security experts from Kaspersky Lab and Varonis commented below. David Emm, Principal Security Researcher at Kaspersky Lab: “We are pleased to see that fraud and computer misuse estimates have been incorporated for the…
Not a week goes by without a cyber-incident hitting the press. TalkTalk, Carphone Warehouse and Ashley Maddison are the most recent but unless the response is handled correctly they will end up costing the victim far more than the perpetrator initially intended. The principles of responding to cyber incidents are no different to responding to any emergency or crisis but there are a few “gotcha’s” to look out for and a few simple steps organisations can take to ensure that their response is effective. Gotcha 1 – It is not always obvious that you have been attacked If your building…