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Tagged: Android Security

Kaspersky mobile security updated with full version trials and new features

By Cory Gunther
on 25 Mar, 2013

Today one of the biggest names in PC and virus protection has just announced some good news for us Android users. If you're one of the many that worries about your mobile smartphone or tablets security, we have some good news in the form of Kaspersky ultimate protection. Their Android smartphone and tablet apps have been available for some time, but today they've announced full-featured (not lite) 30-day trials, as well as some new features.

Lookout app update protects against the Samsung lockscreen ‘hack’

By Robert Nelson
on 12 Mar, 2013

A short while back we saw the 'hack' that affected some Samsung devices. The initial reports were shown to affect the Galaxy Note II, however it was later revealed that the same bypass could be done on the Galaxy S III. For those who missed that previous report, it was shown that you could briefly bypass the device lockscreen and that there was the potential to gain access to certain types of desktop icons or widgets. Well, good news has arrived for anyone that may have been worried.

Silent Phone launches for Android with encrypted voice and video

By Robert Nelson
on 22 Jan, 2013

Android users now have the ability to make secure audio and video calls directly from their device. These calls are encrypted and have arrived by the way of Silent Circle. The app itself is called Silent Phone. Those interested will be able to find the app in the Google Play Store and while it is free to download, you will actually need to be a Silent Circle subscriber to use it.

Gingerbread is the most targeted mobile OS for malware

By Dave LeClair
on 6 Nov, 2012

Last week we reported the latest numbers for Android installs, and in a surprise to no one, Gingerbread is by far the most used version of Android, with over 50-percent of devices carrying it. Because of this, it is also the version of the device most targeted by malware, according to a report from Kaspersky Lab. This only stands to reason; if you're going to create malware, you're going to make it for the OS with the most people using it.

Google working on a fix for Android SMS-phishing vulnerability

By Eric Abent
on 2 Nov, 2012

Today we're getting a bit of alarming news, with researchers at NC State University discovering a SMS-phishing flaw in multiple Android platforms. The flaw allows malicious apps to create and "send" fake SMS messages to the user, potentially getting them to hand over personal information. The good news is that Google got to work on a patch for the vulnerability shortly after it became aware of the issue, so at least the big G is acting fast in this case.

Android 4.2 security system cracks down on malware with app scanning

By Eric Abent
on 2 Nov, 2012

Malicious apps on Android may not be as big a problem as some would have you believe, but they are still a threat. That's especially true when you're sideloading apps onto your handset, as Google Play's built in security features don't check third-party apps. While Google Play does scan all apps that are uploaded to the store, apps from third-party sources get to skip the security check, potentially allowing for some nasty situations.

Apps used by millions of users susceptible to email and password theft

By Dave LeClair
on 22 Oct, 2012

A new security breach has been found in many Android apps that could compromise users' email accounts, bank information, and social networking credentials. The cause of this is inadequate encryption protections, according to a new research study. This could cause some serious security concerns for users of these apps.

CyanogenMod decides root access should be optional

By Cory Gunther
on 16 Mar, 2012

Devices running custom ROM's have always been rooted. This is just how things are in the world of Android. Root gives you full control and access to well, root of your device. The power is yours after rooting. Yes you read our title right, moving forward the extremely popular CyanogenMod 9 will no longer be rooted. It will instead be a simple option to enable, but for security sake it will be optional.

Google vulnerability reward program could really tighten up security for Android

By Sam Koutroulakis
on 10 Dec, 2011

I've known about Chrome's vulnerability reward program for quite some time, but never considered moving the design over to Android. Reddit user CunningLogic suggests it would give developers a monetary reward for their handwork while making Android more secure in the long run. Sounds good to me. Just like development within Chrome, the developers hard at work within Android have been extremely good at pointing out OS security flaws; with a form of payment, devs will get that extra incentive/motivation to tighten up loose ends and help make Android OS better.

McAfee and NTT DOCOMO extend partnership for securing Android devices

By Shane McGlaun
on 22 Jun, 2011

The number of hacks and malicious software that is aimed at Android users its constantly growing. Android users that have no virus and malware protection can find themselves in trouble with a compromised device that could result in stolen content or fraudulent charges on their bill. To help protect NTT DOCOMO customers the partnership between it and McAfee has been expanded.