Category: Security

Android Malware, Ridiculous!

Paul

English: A candidate icon for Portal:Computer ... Image via Wikipedia

 

Malware for Android??

Nothing I have read from what people have said or done indicates that it is actually malicious in being installed.   Yet, Everyone keeps saying it is malware!

Software is considered to be malware based on the perceived intent of the creator rather than any particular features. Malware includes computer viruses, worms, trojan horses, spyware, dishonest adware, scareware, crimeware, most rootkits, and other malicious and unwanted software or program.

[Via Wikipedia]

What is with people saying Android has Malware!   I don’t understand that and I have been scratching my head when I read this.   It really burns my buttons on my computer when I read it.

Use your Head!

If you haven’t been keeping up with my blog, you will know that it isn’t really unwanted.      Most programs you download using your android device is something that is being sought out but yet it isn’t going to be truthful when it comes to something you don’t know.    I can’t understand for the life of my why they are trying to scare people into thinking that you need antivirus for Android for security.   I’ve talked about this in past post but I will say it again:

 

This is something I tell my friends and family when buying an Application on the Market place from anywhere there is usually a bunch of reviews of it from various users and thus will help you determine if this application is worth the money or could be a problem.

 

My Underware!

I’m calling anything that is unwanted and stuff you didn’t know what is being rune’d on an OS.   I call this underware due to the fact that is programs that you installed on your OS but didn’t know that it is doing something it shouldn’t.  This is something that I called it because when you say malware, it makes me think of software that is being forced to be installed and running under the radar.   You really don’t know it is running and thus that is why you call it malware, but if you install a program accepting the consequences then, it should just be called underware.

What should it be called?

I’m really not sure what else to call it but the idea of underware is UNDER the radar programs.   If you can come up with something better please let me know but I don’t want it to be called malware.

Paul Sylvester

 

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Androids aren’t immune because of people!

Paul

virus Image by twenty_questions via Flickr

Androids having viruses?

Really, I do not know who thinks android devices will be just as secure as an Apple product.  Now I know people have probably said that Androids are just as insecure as a Windows Machine.   I am not going to argue those points because they seem to be always floating to the surface every day from some unskilled computer user.   I’ve been asked by a few friends and even some family members who are concerned about a virus on their android device and thus want to buy Ipads more.  Even though Androids OS is an open sourced project the more the market share goes up for Android’s the more the evil guys will focus on creating applications and fraudulent software or games.   It is the nature of security and of the beast.   Nothing you can do to stop it.

Use Common sense!

This is something I tell my friends and family when buying an Application on the Market place from anywhere there is usually a bunch of reviews of it from various users and thus will help you determine if this application is worth the money or could be a problem.  When I want to add an application to my Android device, I will usually also see what others have said about the game or application and see the users ratings.   I will almost never buy an android application that has no comments but I am not novice when it comes Android.   I can always reset my android to factory defaults and restart the process.   So I know that is always my option when it comes to installing something that is unfavorable.   It however is not the end all save all for wiping a virus from your android device, if they want to get that virus on you device that would be the last place, I would put my application.   So it will clean most of the so called viruses off your device but until antivirus companies start getting the hint to make better applications for android the only true way to clean it is to erase and re-install but that is no option on your part especially if you have a phone or some proprietary device.

No Device is really safe!

Now when I go to buy a operating system, I already have that in my mind.   Nothing I have bought is ever going to truly be secured and thus I always go into this with an open mind and not worry about which one is the most secure.   I look for the one that is going to help me do what I want to do and not be restrained by any company.   I can view Netflix on Android just like I can view it on an Ipad.   I can take it anywhere I like just like my Ipad, it can be smaller for my convenience and cheaper.  Apple has their perks but then you pay for it, that is why I love Android because of the openness of the system.   I can do anything in the sun I want to do to the device and not worry about warranties and keeping it cheap.

If you understand this principle of mine then you will be FAR better than most people when it comes to buying applications on the device or installing applications from unknown websites.   As long as you know when you install an unknown application from an untrustworthy source you setting yourself up for problems.   Follow the path that has more security and don’t install anything without consulting some technology person and find out the risks and benefits of a program or application.

 

Paul Sylvester

 

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Three ways on how to NOT waste your Money!

Paul2 Replies

Another Job email!

I know it can be hard to find a job but this email from crmglobalresources.com was one of those that I thought I would talk about even more.

Here is what she said in the email:

Are you still available and looking for a new position? We were forwarded your resume and based upon your background and geographic location it may be a good match. Our Human Resources Department is currently scheduling company overviews this week for several of positions that we have open. I would like you to consider what we have to offer as a company.

We’ve recently launched a new Consulting Division and need individuals for Human Resources, Marketing, Recruitment, and Business Development. Experience is not required, although having a background in any of the above mentioned is helpful.

they also tried to have me join this web conference of there’s.   I didn’t want to  say this is a scam but every time I get these types of emails something just sounds the sirens.   I thought it would be nice for a change to tell you how to find out if a website is trust worthy or not.

Checking out the Business!

Having done this several times, I have come to use Whois.net to check out the background of the domain in question.   The site in question has only been made in the last few months.   No mater where your from you will always want to check out if a site is brand new or has been in business for quite some time.

While looking at Whois, I also see something quite interesting about domain.   Having been around the block and knowing about proxy security.   You get to wonder why this business would be proxying their address and number.

Let Google be your friend!

Never have a once not used a KEYWORD to find out more about company then when I am looking to find out more information about a company.   Never be afraid to ask words such as scam, pay, and whois.  Although these are just a few good keywords there are a ton of ways to find out information that you otherwise would never of found had you only searched for a certain term.

Nothing you put in search is ever going to be 100% right but it will give your more of an idea of what people and news are saying about this.   You can find out everything you might want to know about a business or website just by adding those to your search terms.

Check the website out!

Having been making my websites in the past, I know all to well that there are going to be people who may want a site template and just use that as their website and not change anything else.   You’ll have to check out the site and make your own determination about if it looks like a template website with stock photos and words or if they actually put a lot of effort and time into the website.   The more questions you ask about the website and find out the more you can avoid being scammed.

After doing my research for the site in questions I must say that according to others, you will have to pay them money 199$.   That really isn’t a deal in my mind and I suggest people go someplace else so as to not get ripped off by this so called company.

Paul Sylvester

 

Playing with the Apple iPad 2, My Experiences!

Paul1 Reply

The Apple Tax is something that isn’t desired!

Although playing with this tablet has been something of a dream for me. I thought it would be good to talk about how they charge higher than normal prices for their products. My sister let me play around with her Apple iPad 2 Tablet(64GB, Wifi, Black). After playing around with the tablet, I must say I like this little portable Netflix player. I got to watch movies and play games like Angry Birds Freeand it seems to hold it’s own. I even am tempted to buy Amazon Prime because I could now watch all the Star Trek Episodes ever made.

I’m not saying that it isn’t nice but it is something to consider when you do decide if you want to buy this tablet. So I have been playing around with it from time to time and I thought this would be a great time to talk about the advantages and disadvantages.

It’s sleek design is nice!

Even though I commented about the price, I really do like the way it feels and handle and how intuitive it is. I like the fact that it has 64 Gigabytes of storage for like movies and tv shows that you can take with you on long rides and watch or listen to. It even has a well placed speaker that does really well for the size of the tablet. It seems to be just heavy enough and fast enough to be a very useful portable computer. I even had no major problem with the way the keyboard when chatting with people on Facebook and other social media sites. I could possibly even blog with this tablet if I really wanted to but that would not be very effective in my line of blogging.

It is easily smudged!

This is a down side of using the tablet. You will see smudges from fingers and everything imaginable and there is no way around it. There are several types of screen protectors that would probably do the job but have yet to invest in one to see if there is going to be a noticeable difference. I will investigate this even more and probably do another report on those who might want to buy one. If you have and want to tell me about your experiences then feel free to leave a comment. I welcome in input anyone has on this, since I am really new at this.

Very touchy screen!

I’m really not saying it is a big problem because it isn’t. You however have a choice to be gentle to this and not have to worry about how hard you press. The slightest touch can do what you want. I have however know how hard it is to keep kids from touch the screen so that can be an issue. This however is something that can be good and bad in the same process.

Keep the Kids happy!

Hey I don’t mean to say this is going to be the best possible way to keep the kids from screaming in the car but this is however a great option as to watching videos and other such things in the car while traveling. They can even play Angry birds, If your worried about them destroying the Ipad and you want something that does do videos and other games, you could invest in an Ipod and let them play games or watch videos with it.

All in All, I like it!

It isn’t like I am biased against Apple but I do think they have their issues. For one thing the idea that their systems will never get a Virus is something that I have preached in the past and will always preach. Their Operating Systems will never be secure and that is something they have yet to learn.

I talk about it more later!

Paul Sylvester

Amazon really is Confusing some times!

Paul

Your Amazon.com password has been changed!

Dear [First] [Last],

This is an important message from Amazon.com

As a precaution, we’ve reset your Amazon.com password because you may have been subject to a "phishing" scam.

Here’s how phishing works:

A scam artist sends an e-mail, which is designed to look like it came from a reputable company such as a bank, financial institution, or retailer like Amazon.com, but is in fact a forgery. These e-mails direct you to a website that looks remarkably similar to the reputable company’s website, where you are asked to provide account information such as your e-mail address and password. Since that web site is actually controlled by the phisher, they get the information you entered.

Go to amazon.com/phish to read more about ways to protect yourself from phishing.

To regain access to your Amazon customer account:

1. Go to Amazon.com and click the "Your Account" link at the top of our website.

2. Click the link that says "Forgot your password?"

3. Follow the instructions to set a new password for your account.

Please choose a new password and do not use the same password you used with us previously.

Thank you for your interest in Amazon.com

Sincerely,

Amazon.com

Please note: this e-mail was sent from an address that cannot accept incoming e-mail. To contact us about an unrelated issue, please visit the Help section of our website.

This Happened a Few Days ago, and I thought I would talk about the security implications of this email. Some users and people are thinking this is fake. Obviously, I was concerned like everyone else so I contacted Amazon to find out about this. I talked on the Phone, and talked to a Representative that didn’t really know why my password was changed. So they told me the she’d give my email address to a specialist and that was it.

Account Alert: Please Read

Greetings from Amazon.com.

Please take the time to read this message – it contains important information about your Amazon.com account.

After careful review of your account, we believe it may have been accessed and used by a third-party to attempt to make purchases without your permission. It seems that someone obtained your personal account and/or financial information elsewhere, and used it on Amazon.com to access your account. Please note that no unauthorized charges were completed as we were able to cancel the order(s).

We have taken immediate steps to secure your account. We’ve assigned a new, temporary password to prevent further access by the unauthorized third-party, and removed any credit cards or other payment methods from your account. Additionally, if any information was added to your account by someone other than you, it has been removed. Your account access has been restored and is available to use at your convenience.

You’ll need to reset your password when you return to our site. Just click “Your Account” at the top of our Home page and select “Forgot your Password?” in the Settings section.” Enter your email address as prompted, and once completed, we’ll send you an e-mail containing a personalized link. Click the link from the e-mail and follow the directions provided. Your new password will be effective immediately. Please note that you will need to re-enter your complete credit or debit card number during the checkout process.

It is important to know that Amazon.com accounts can only be accessed by those who know personal, specific information about you and your account, including your email address and Amazon.com password. As mentioned above, it appears someone obtained this personal account information elsewhere and used it on Amazon.com to access your account.

While it is not clear how this happened in your case, we do know that personal account information is often obtained by scam artists who send unsolicited email to unsuspecting users asking them to "update" their account information. The email usually contains a link to a website that is controlled by the thief asking the user to submit personal information including email address, password, credit card number, and other relevant information. Once the information is obtained, the scam artist can then gain access to numerous online accounts since many internet users frequently use the same user name, email address, password, and financial information at multiple web sites.

Please know that Amazon.com employees will *never* ask for your password, nor will we ever send an email asking you to verify personal information.

Although it appears someone did access your Amazon.com account, they would not have been able to view your full credit card numbers as they are never displayed on our site. However, it is possible your credit card numbers may have been compromised at the time your other personal information was obtained. Therefore, we suggest you carefully review recent credit card statements to check for any unusual activity or unauthorized charges.

In the future, you can protect your Amazon.com password and account by following some of these safety tips:

———————————————————————–

1. Choose a good password: Use at least 8 characters and a combination of letters and numbers. Do not use single dictionary words, your name or other personal info that can be easily obtained, or a password that contains part of your email address.

2. Password protection: Avoid using the same password at multiple sites or for your email account. Do not share your password with others.

3. Account protection: Be cautious of unsolicited emails that appear to come from reputable online shops or services that ask you to submit personal information such as your credit card number, email address, and password. Often these emails will look as though they come from the company you’re familiar with, and the email will ask you to click on a link and "sign in". You should never provide this kind of personal information in an unsolicited email.

I don’t know if this isn’t just an automated message because anyone who know me, knows I do listen to Security Now and other such security podcasts. So I know about phishing attacks and other such ways of how someone can get your password. I’ve recommended Lastpass in the past and still recommend it. I don’t get what happened but it looks like they were concerned with my account and decided it need to be restricted until I changed my password. I even like the fact that Lastpass now uses Yubikey as a second factor of authen
tication, which I am quite glad they have implemented this. Great Going Laspass guys.

Don’t Click Links in Emails!

I’ve talked about in the past but I thought it was something that we should at least remind people. If you get an email with a link to your account and you’re not expecting it then don’t click it. You can click links if your resetting your password but those are expected. I always tell people if your not expecting it, talk to the person who sent it to you because they might have a virus or some link that will compromise your account or get your passwords. Remember, surf safe and think about your security.

Security is #1

Paul Sylvester