Microsoft holding a Press Event in February, Apple doing one in March & Android in more danger with new Malware.
These stories on Technology News Update February 2016.
Microsoft is holding a Press Event for Xbox and Windows 10 on the 25th of February. Microsoft apparently have big plans for Gaming and for many, hoping for other big news like the Windows Mobile 10 rollout to older devices and new device announcements.
They wanted to hold this event before the Game Developer Conference (GDC) which is being held March 14-18th.
Rumors have suggested that Apple will be holding an Event in March, like they did last year. Nobody knows what will be announced, but rumors are flying off the hook.
Some of expected announcements are:
- Apple Watch 2
- iPhone 6c
- iPad Air 3
Website Macworld, of the UK have made a summary of the rumored announcements. Check it out. We will be waiting for the announcement and will cover the event here on CPKN Computers.
A new piece of Malware has been seen recently. Heimdal Security analyzed the malicious Text message to see how severe it is, and oh boy, IT IS!
You have received a multimedia message from +[country code] [sender number] Follow the link http: //www.mmsforyou [.] Net / mms.apk to view the message.
This is the Text message you get says Heimdal.
This malware installs an APK that gets the following permissions:
- SEND_SMS
- RECEIVE_BOOT_COMPLETED
- INTERNET
- SYSTEM_ALERT_WINDOW
- WRITE_SMS
- ACCESS_NETWORK_STATE
- WAKE_LOCK
- GET_TASKS
- CALL_PHONE
- RECEIVE_SMS
- READ_PHONE_STATE
- READ_SMS
- ERASE_PHONE
With the list, you can see it can control and monitor some serious stuff. It can read your Text messages, view what you are doing or even erase your phone.
Once its done, it will send a text message to a number with Country code +98, which is Iran, saying “Thank you“.
Heimdal also found out that this Malware won’t attack Russia. It checks if you are a Russian user and if you are, it will stop itself. Interesting.
How to protect yourself from Mazar BOT
Android – being Open Source, has a high risk factor to Viruses and Malware. Even though Anti-Virus Companies like Symantec (Norton) have put their Security on Android, they are not as powerful as Computer versions.
So here are some tips:
- NEVER click on links in SMS or MMS messages on your phone, you can first double check with the person who sent you the link to make sure it is legitimate, otherwise leave it be.
- Go to Settings > Security and make sure this option is turned OFF:
- “Unknown Sources – Allow installation of apps from sources other than the playstore.”
- Install Anti-virus for Android. We recommend Norton by Symantec, especially if you have a Multi-User Licence in “Norton 360” or the new “Security Premium”
- Do not connect to unknown and unsecured Wi-Fi hotspots. There are plenty of dangers lurking on them.
- Install a VPN on your smartphone and use constantly. It’s good for both your privacy and your security.
That’s it for now.
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Thanks for reading.
See you on Technology News February 2016!
