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Not all apps using the Igexin SDK were found to be collecting data, but they all had the potential to do it. (Source: Pixabay)

Igexin use their advertising SDK to siphon user data back to their servers in China

Igexin, the developer of an advertising software kit, has been caught collecting user data and sending it back to servers in China. Their kit was used in 500 legitimate applications and used the permissions granted to those apps t...

Craig Ward, 23 Aug 2017 23:05

Latest XPS 13 9360 1.0.7 BIOS update purportedly bricking systems

In what could be another potential PR headache for Dell, the latest 1.0.7 BIOS update for the XPS 13 may be accidentally rolling back systems. It's recommended that XPS 13 owners do not install this latest update until Dell either...

Allen Ngo, 23 Aug 2017 04:57

Hacking your phone through the touchscreen? Yes, it can be done. (Image: Shattered Trust)

New research paper demonstrates smartphone security hole in replacement hardware

A research team has successfully compromised a smartphone by injecting malicious code into the drivers for the touchscreen. The code allows full access to the device, including the ability to alter files, use the phone's camera, d...

Sam Medley, 22 Aug 2017 23:36

Ransomware Locky and Mamba have started rearing their ugly heads again. (Source: 2-Spyware)

Beware! Ransomware Locky and Mamba on the prowl again

Variants of ransomware Locky and Mamba have resurfaced and are more lethal than ever. Those unfortunate to be infected, risk encryption of the entire HDD and need to cough up a huge sum of money for decryption and recovery of thei...

Vaidyanathan Subramaniam, 18 Aug 2017 07:55

Microsoft buys Cycle Computing to accelerate Big Computing in the cloud

Microsoft acquires Cycle Computing

Thanks to the addition of the cloud computing orchestration market leader Cycle Computing to its long list of assets, Microsoft hopes to ease the process of using High-Performance Computing and other Big Computing capabilities in ...

Codrut Nistor, 16 Aug 2017 09:50

BLU R2 budget smartphone now available for preorder

The latest budget-tier smartphone from BLU is now available for $80, although buyers will have to eschew some modern comforts like LTE connectivity at that price. For an extra $30, the R2 LTE offers a slight spec bump and 4G LTE s...

Sam Medley, 15 Aug 2017 23:14

Infographic showing how the blockchain works with cryptocurrencies. (Source: Oxfam/Financial Times)

Microsoft is making it easier for enterprise to integrate block chain technology

Microsoft has announced their 'Coco Framework' which will officially be released as an open-source project on GitHub in 2018. The Coco Framework is intended to help make blockchain technology a viable and secure option for industr...

Craig Ward, 12 Aug 2017 20:39

MIUI security flaws allow uninstallation of security apps and easy copying of data

eScan, a software security company, has reported on a number of vulnerabilities in Xiaomi's MIUI. The two principal ones allow the uninstallation of security apps and the transferring of phone data without prompting for the user p...

Craig Ward, 12 Aug 2017 17:58

The solution with the best result used sodium sulfate (Na2SO4), a compound found in detergents. (Source: Wikimedia Commons)

Researchers create flexible salt-based batteries

A team of researchers have been experimenting with various sodium-based solutions to replace lithium-ion batteries with significant success. Sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) would be advantageous as they would not require as many safeg...

Douglas Black, 12 Aug 2017 04:01

suhide-lite can bypass Google's SafetyNet, allowing rooted phones to run apps that would otherwise be restricted. (Source: XDA-Developers)

It's now easier to hide root on your Android phone with suhide-lite

A new SuperSU package by developer Chainfire allows users to hide root status from specific apps, which can enable the use of certain apps on rooted devices that would otherwise be blocked via Google's SafetyNet API.

Sam Medley, 11 Aug 2017 22:47

The malicious software is activated whrn the DNA sequencer analyzes the data. (Source: Shutterstock)

Biohackers splice malware directly into DNA strands

Scientists came up with a plan to infect computers using altered human DNA. The malicious code is activated when the altered human genetic code is analyzed by a DNA sequencer that is hooked to a computer network.

Bogdan Solca, 11 Aug 2017 14:46

Friends with benefits — Kaspersky and Microsoft seem to have reconciled their differences with respect to security in Windows 10. (Source: Kaspersky)

Kaspersky withdraws antitrust claim after Microsoft offers to make Windows 10 more AV vendor friendly

It appears that Microsoft and Kaspersky have come to terms with respect to the latter's demands of a more antivirus vendor friendly approach in Windows 10 resulting in withdrawal of all antitrust allegations against Microsoft by K...

Vaidyanathan Subramaniam, 10 Aug 2017 19:10

Sony developed the educational blockchain using he IBM Cloud and the Hyperledger Fabric 1.0 framework. (Source: Sony)

Sony wants to provide increased cybersecurity for educational institutions through blockchain tech

Recognizing the potential of the blockchain tech, Sony is looking to provide an educational system based on the highly acclaimed Hyperledger Fabric 1.0 framework. The blockchain-based system records information in a difficult to f...

Bogdan Solca, 10 Aug 2017 14:08

Disney Princess: Charmed Adventures is one of 42 titles the suit alleges to collect personal information of children without parental consent. (Source: Disney)

Disney sued for allegedly illegally collecting data on children with smartphone apps

Disney is being sued along with three software companies for creating software targeted at young children that collect personal information and send it to advertisers without the consent of parents. Disney has signaled it aims to ...

Douglas Black, 10 Aug 2017 05:45

Verizon releases security update for Samsung's flagship phones... from 2015

A new update for the Verizon Galaxy S5, Note 4, and Note Edge will roll out over the next few weeks, patching a few security holes and fixing some call-related bugs.

Sam Medley, 06 Aug 2017 21:26

BLU's tweet announcing their product are back online. (Source: Twitter)

BLU phones back on Amazon following privacy fears

After privacy concerns caused Amazon to delist some phones by budget smartphone manufacturer BLU, the products are once again available through the online retailer. Although BLU has denied allegations of any wrongdoing, privacy is...

Sam Medley, 05 Aug 2017 22:47

The WannaCry hackers are taking a risk emptying their bitcoin wallets. (Source: HypnoArt/Pixabay)

WannaCry hackers empty their wallets

The three ransom wallets associated with the WannaCry ransomware have been monitored by law-enforcement for the last three months. A few days ago the total Bitcoin balances were transferred from each of those wallets into a number...

Craig Ward, 05 Aug 2017 21:53

Mozilla is trialing a single-download encrypted file sharing website. (Source: Mozilla)

Mozilla tests file sharing service that deletes files after one download

Mozilla has added three new experiments to their Test Pilot program. The most interesting is a website available to users of any browser that allows single-download encrypted sharing of files. The other new experiments are a note ...

Craig Ward, 03 Aug 2017 23:59

This is the second time this year that a broadcom WiFi chip has caused security issues. (Source: Business Insider)

Broadcomm WiFi can be hacked on iPhone and several modern Android phones

A Black Hat researcher has found a vulnerability with Broadcom wireless chips used in various phones including iPhone, Nexus, and Galaxy S phones. This bug allows a hacker to overflow the memory in the wireless chip and execute co...

Craig Ward, 30 Jul 2017 23:13

Apple is not the only company forced to either cooperate with the Chinese government or face losing access to the market, but they are the largest. (Source: Shutterstock)

Apple pulls VPNs from Chinese App Store

Apple has pulled a number of censorship-defeating tools from their App Store in China, citing Chinese law. The move to accommodate the Chinese government deprives many in the country of access to information.

Douglas Black, 30 Jul 2017 09:48

The fingerprint sensor next to right alt is the main feature of the Microsoft Modern Keyboard with Fingerprint ID. (Source: Microsoft)

Microsoft Modern keyboard with Fingerprint ID now available for purchase

Microsoft has now released the Microsoft Modern Keyboard with Fingerprint ID in the regional Microsoft stores for the US, Canada, and China. The retail price is US$130, and compared to the Microsoft Surface Keyboard it also featur...

Craig Ward, 29 Jul 2017 16:47

New security measures put in place by the TSA could slow down security lines if passengers aren't prepared for the change. (Source: CNBC/Getty Images)

United States airport security could get even slower

Over the next few months, the TSA will introduce a new requirement for passengers to remove all electronic items larger than a smartphone from their bag as they go through airport security. This measure is intended to make it easi...

Craig Ward, 27 Jul 2017 21:12

The Fall Creators Update could witness some popular legacy features getting axed. (Source: Windows Central)

Paint and other legacy features to get axed in the Windows 10 Fall Creators Update

The upcoming feature update to Windows 10, the Fall Creators Update, will see many legacy features in Windows getting removed or deprecated: the most noticeable among them being the classic Paint program, System Image Backup and s...

Vaidyanathan Subramaniam, 24 Jul 2017 18:01

Virus infections are relatively rare on Android, but the risk increases when the user allows side loading of apk files. (Source: gfkDSGN/Pixabay)

Android antivirus software relatively easy to beat

Researchers at Georgia Tech were able to bypass the protection of 97% of the popular Android antivirus applications tested. The detection rules used by most of the programs appear to be relatively basic, and by presenting their re...

Craig Ward, 24 Jul 2017 13:46

Vintage Intel Atom processors are officially off Microsoft's update radar. (Source: Hexus)

No Creators Update and beyond for Intel 'Clover Trail' Atom CPUs going forward, says Microsoft.

Microsoft has officially ended availability of Windows 10 feature updates post the Anniversary Update for tablets and laptop hybrids featuring Intel's 'Clover Trail' Atom chips owing to end of interactive support for these process...

Vaidyanathan Subramaniam, 23 Jul 2017 11:54

Chinese security forces in Xinjiang are reportedly checking residents for whether or not they have installed the spying app. Failure to have the app installed can lead to up to 10 days detention. (Source: Twitter/即时中国大陆映像)

Some Chinese residents forced to install government spyware on phones

The Chinese government has made the installation of surveillance software on phones mandatory in the north-western city of Urumqi. Urumqi is the capital of Xin Jiang province, which is home to most of China's Turkic Uighur minorit...

Douglas Black, 22 Jul 2017 10:29

The OnePlus 5 has had a bug-filled launch. (Source: OnePlus)

Some users report OnePlus 5 crashes when dialing 911

There is new concern shown by OnePlus 5 owners as allegations appear on reddit of phones rebooting when dialing 911. The cause of the bug is currently unknown, however OnePlus is in contact with those experiencing the issue to try...

Craig Ward, 18 Jul 2017 16:01

Petya's decryption key is now available but tough luck for those affected by NotPetya. (Source: MalwareBytes Blog)

Master decryption key for Petya ransomware found to be ineffective against NotPetya

The decryption key for the Petya ransomware seems to be ineffective for use in systems infected by NotPetya, leaving those infected by the nefarious program still in the lurch.

Vaidyanathan Subramaniam, 12 Jul 2017 04:46

Windows 10 has you covered if you happen to forget your Microsoft Account login. (Source: MSPoweruser)

You will soon be able to recover your Microsoft Account directly from the login screen

Microsoft is testing a new feature in the upcoming Windows 10 Fall Creators Update that enables users to directly recover their Microsoft Account from the login screen itself, thereby saving the hassle of hunting for another devic...

Vaidyanathan Subramaniam, 11 Jul 2017 13:47

The new Samba client for Android doesn't use updated SMB protocols. (Source: Android Police)

Google's new Samba client for Android uses the highly vulnerable SMBv1 protocol

The SMBv1 protocol was the entry route for the recent ransomware attacks, and it comes as a surprise that Google is still developing an app based on this protocol — even after it has been deprecated, putting end users at risk.

Vaidyanathan Subramaniam, 08 Jul 2017 12:43

The Orwl is quite small but includes a plethora of security features. (Source: Crowd Supply)

"Self-destructing" PC will keep hackers at bay

The Orwl mini PC includes a plethora of security features including the protection against physical tempering, which triggers a "self-destruct" mechanism even if the device is unplugged.

Bogdan Solca, 07 Jul 2017 10:48

Identity verification is now just a video call away. (Source: MSPoweruser)

Skype Lite for Android updated with user verification integration for Indian users

Integration of a citizen's 'Aadhaar' identification into Skype is now possible, providing Indian users with identity verification facility for important calls.

Vaidyanathan Subramaniam, 06 Jul 2017 05:41

A gold chip containing the scannable graphene-based ID. (Source: Lancaster University)

New counterfeit detection system uses quantum physics and smartphone software

Scientists from Lancaster University have developed an anti-counterfeit system that uses atomic-scale 2D graphene and quantum properties to tag any kind of object as genuine through a smartphone app.

Bogdan Solca, 06 Jul 2017 02:33

Ticketmasters wants to replace paper tickets, NFC and QR codes with audio Smart Tones. (Source: Ticketmaster)

Ultrasounds coming from smartphones could replace paper tickets in the near future

With data-over-audio technology from Ticketmaster, customers can skip the ticket checking process and event organizers can reduce fraud.

Bogdan Solca, 06 Jul 2017 02:23

Android July update now available for Nexus and Pixel smartphones

July's Android security patch is here for Nexus and Pixel devices and fixes a few vulnerabilities that (thankfully) haven't been widely exploited yet.

Sam Medley, 06 Jul 2017 01:16

Petya’s kill-chain diagram with platform defenses able to mitigate or prevent certain techniques in Windows 10. (Source: Microsoft)

Microsoft ensures Windows 10 is the only way to stay protected against ransomware attacks like Petya

Microsoft's latest threat analysis notes an ever-increasing sophistication in the ransomware codes, but states that Windows 10 and Windows 10 S block such threats by default.

Bogdan Solca, 04 Jul 2017 08:26

Will the Touch ID fingerprint scanner disappear from the next iPhone? A recent report claims that Apple has a new authentication technology in the works. (Source: Apple)

Rumor: Apple to scrap Touch ID with the iPhone 8

Seeing its debut on the iPhone 5S, Apple's Touch ID has become a staple feature across the company's lineup of devices. However, a recent report suggests that the company is looking to introduce a new form of authentication with t...

Sebastian Eifrid, 04 Jul 2017 03:25

Razer investigating potential Synapse software security threat

We recommend that owners of any Razer laptop or keyboard change their passwords until the manufacturer can provide a proper public response to the apparent security flaw.

Allen Ngo, 03 Jul 2017 06:58

Windows 10 users will be prompted to update to the latest version of the OS. Additionally, users are encouraged to review their privacy settings. (Source: Microsoft)

Users still running the first version of Windows 10 are encouraged to update

Microsoft announced in May that, having reached its end-of-life, the initial release of Windows 10 (version 1507) would no longer receive monthly quality updates. Users still running the outdated version of the OS will now be prom...

Sebastian Eifrid, 03 Jul 2017 05:58

Negotiations with Microsoft by the Indian Government may offer users a low cost upgrade option to Windows 10. (Source: Microsoft)

Microsoft pressured to offer Windows 10 upgrades at 75 percent off due to ransomware attacks

With many devices still languishing with older Windows versions, the Indian Government is pressing Microsoft for a one-time discount on Windows 10 to curb the proliferation of ransomware.

Vaidyanathan Subramaniam, 02 Jul 2017 07:26

Security exploit discovered in Skype

A recently discovered security flaw in Skype potentially allows remote attackers to execute malicious code. Microsoft has since fixed the vulnerability in a patch, and Skype users are urged to make sure their Skype application is ...

Sebastian Eifrid, 30 Jun 2017 05:28

Windows Defender Exploit Guard in action. (Source: GHacks)

Microsoft reveals some of the upcoming enterprise security features in the Windows 10 Fall Creators Update

There's never been a time to be more secure than now, and the upcoming Windows 10 Fall Creators Update looks to reinforce this fact

Vaidyanathan Subramaniam, 28 Jun 2017 16:21

Meet NotPetya, the raging ransomware that could've been prevented by the NSA

New ransomware sashay around the block, and it's a situation that may have been prevented by the NSA. Petya and NonPetya are on the loose, with over 2000 organizations around the world facing attacks, according to Kaspersky.

Ricci Rox, 28 Jun 2017 09:12

The Asus Mining RX 470 is a card designed for the mining of cryptocurrencies. (Source: Asus)

Asus reveals mining cards for crypto enthusiasts

Asus announces the Mining RX 470 and P106 graphics cards, specifically designed for cryptocurrency mining, The cards should increse mining efficiency by up to 36%.

Bogdan Solca, 27 Jun 2017 16:17

The submitted patent for the disablement system. (Source: MSPowerUser)

Microsoft patents always-on anti-theft technology for laptops

Microsoft has patented an anti-theft system for upcoming PCs with cellular connectivity, allowing them to be remotely disabled even without a network connection.

Douglas Black, 25 Jun 2017 16:32

UK Parliament was forced to restrict access to their email accounts due to sustained cyber-attacks today. (Source: Justin Tallis/AFP/Getty Images)

UK parliament suffering from sustained cyber-attacks

Parliament's email system has been forced to close itself off from outside connections following a series of persistent cyber-attacks discovered today.

Douglas Black, 24 Jun 2017 20:58

Google's latest announcement will bring a feature users of G Suite have come to expect to Gmail for everyone. (Source: Gmail)

Google says it will stop Gmail's scanning of email to target ads

In a recent post to the company blog, Google announced its plans to "more closely align" the free version of Gmail and the enterprise version found in subscription-based G Suite. This includes removing ad personalization based on ...

Sebastian Eifrid, 24 Jun 2017 20:13