Tag Archives: Antivirus
Google: Symantec antivirus flaws are ‘as bad as it gets’
Symantec antivirus security flaw exposes Linux, Mac and Windows
Google’s VirusTotal can tell if your firmware is infected
You might not have to update next-gen antivirus software
Engadget giveaway: win a Samsung Galaxy Note 5 courtesy of Bitdefender!
Belkin Skorpion Charges Your Phone’s Batteries, Hunts Down Malware Too
If you think that viruses and malware only affect PCs or laptops, then think again. A lot of them are already making the rounds on mobile devices, such as your smartphones and tablets.
The unfortunate thing is that most people don’t think about getting an anti-virus app for their device because they never even considered the idea and danger of mobile malware in the first place.
If you’re one of those people, then it’s high time for you to learn a thing or two about mobile security and take the necessary steps to safeguard your data and device–before it’s too late. The good news is that a number of anti-virus providers have released mobile anti-virus programs that can be downloaded through various app stores, depending on your operating system.
Taking things one step further is Kaprica Security. They’ve worked with Belkin to come up with a phone charger called Skorpion that scans your device for the presence of any virus, malware, or malicious rootkits. Some of these malware work by stealing your personal information (which could lead to identity theft) and by accessing your phone remotely (which could lead to atrocious charges from your telco provider), which could result in bigger problems down the line.
All you have to do is plug in your phone and Skorpion will get to work. It will take all of two minutes to detect the presence of malware on your device. A comprehensive scan of the OS will also be done and you’ll be alerted to any potential problems or threats that have been found afterward.
Kaprica Security only works with Android devices. Belkin will be manufacturing the Skorpion, although a release date has yet to be announced. As for pricing, the Skorpion charger unit will cost $65(USD) and you’ll have to pay a monthly subscription fee of $3-$4 for continued protection.
[via Technology Review via Gizmodo]
Verizon intros Mobile Security app for Android, wants to keep you safe
McAfee's been offering mobile protection services on Android for a while now, but Verizon's taking it a step further and bringing an application tailored specifically for its own customers with help from the Intel-owned outfit. The Mobile Security app -- which is also powered by Asurion -- aims to assist the Big Red crowd by protecting their devices from many "digital and physical threats," giving Android (2.1 or later) users the ability to lock, set up alarms, wipe data and locate handsets remotely. As it stands, Verizon's splitting the Mobile Security utility into three different setups, including a free-of-charge Basic, the Premium for $2 per month and, for those who want to be extra careful, a Premium with Total Equipment Coverage that adds a $1 monthly charge to the current TEC fees. We'll let your levels of paranoia decide whether or not you actually need any of these -- but alas, the link is down below for folks interested in checking out the shielding app.
Continue reading Verizon intros Mobile Security app for Android, wants to keep you safe
Filed under: Cellphones, Software, Mobile
Verizon intros Mobile Security app for Android, wants to keep you safe originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 11 Sep 2012 23:04:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | | Email this | CommentsMalware invades Apple’s App Store for iOS, only harasses Windows users
Windows users can't catch a break with viruses, even when they're getting software for their Apple device. An app called "Instaquotes Quotes Cards for Instagram" was found to contain a worm called "Worm.VB-900," which isn't a threat to iOS itself or any other MacOS platform. However, users who tend to their apps with a Windows machine are susceptible to the baddie -- also known affectionately as Mal/CoiDung-A. Any antimalware should detect it since it's been up to no good since 2009, but Cupertino has already pulled the app and the vendor is working on a virus-free version. Just goes to show -- if you're on a PC, it pays to watch out for worms when you bite into a strange Apple.
Filed under: Software
Malware invades Apple's App Store for iOS, only harasses Windows users originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 25 Jul 2012 10:29:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | | Email this | CommentsDo We really Need Antivirus to Protect Our Devices?
Since the free antivirus subscription on my notebook PC expired more than 3 years ago, I have never subscribed to any antivirus software to protect my lovely notebook any more. You may ask why I leave my computer stay unprotected, I have some explanations for you.
I worked as a network engineer in the past, and I’m actually a security minded computer user. Based on what I have learned, computer security is all about staying up to date. Computer is loaded with a variety of software and millions of code, and new bugs are found daily. That’s why the vendors keep updating their software which includes security patches. And what users need to do is simply updating their software as soon as the security update available before the bad guy exploiting the bugs. That’s my first trick, stay up to date!
Do I have the second trick? Of course, here it is: Do not download and install any software from untrusted sources. This trick is simple but hard to do, why? Because bad codes are always embedded in software you need, it’s often hiding in the free software you try to download. Believe me! It’s easy to say but hard to obey.
And what is the last trick? Do not let a strange USB flash drive plugged into your computer. So many viruses spread through this method. It means your computer must be fully isolated. Stay away from exchanging portable drive with friends. This is the hardest thing! And I don’t think you can live that way, but I do that as I’m not a student neither a corporate worker who always interacts with friends and colleagues.
Do I really live without antivirus guard? Yes, but I don’t want you to follow me. It’s hard to live like this in the world “wild” web age. As I told you before, the most challenging thing is the free software that’s available out there and always ready to cheat you. If you want to live with more confidence, get an antivirus and stay protected, and your life will be better.
After 3 years, now I want to live normally with confident, I’m so tired to stay unprotected that forces me to stay focus and isolated. I just installed an antivirus and internet security tool on my brand new desktop PC, and I will get it too for my old notebook as soon as I finish upgrading the hardware and operating system.
If you’re like me, you’re addicted to your smartphone, tablet, maybe even your laptop. What is your best tip for keeping all of your devices protected? Comment below and you’ll be entered to win a $400 Amazon gift card from Kaspersky Lab.
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of KasperskyLab. The opinions and text are all mine. Official Sweepstakes Rules.