attack – PSafe Blog

Drammer Attack Threatens Millions of Android Users

PSafe Newsroom — Tue, 25 Oct 2016 21:33:53 +0000

Google has recently discovered a new security threat that could leave your Android device exposed to hackers. Much like the Linux-based attack known as Rowhammer, Drammer is a particularly pernicious form of malware that allows hackers to gain full access to your phone by first targeting a specific memory chip. Because of this security loophole, all PSafe users who have downloaded apps recently should click below immediately to remove threats.

For the most part, the attack is transmitted through an app that contains harmful code. Once the app is downloaded, it can repeatedly activate a specific row of memory chip transistors to cause a bit flip (a switch of states from 1 to 0 and/or 0 to 1). Since all data is written in binaries, having the ability to change values for stored information is the equivalent of successfully picking a lock.

According to Emilio Simoni, PSafe’s Security Manager, checking the app permissions before downloading them does not work, because the malware does not need any permission to perform this kind of attack. “We strongly advise users to download apps only in Google Play, and check if the app is well recommended,” he says.

With PSafe Total’s Quick AV Scan active and running, any threats to your phone will be immediately detected and removed. Click below to check if

America’s Internet Attacked by Massive DDoS

PSafe Newsroom — Fri, 21 Oct 2016 23:37:45 +0000

Today a DDoS attack took out a major piece of Internet infrastructure in America and Europe. Hackers were able to compromise the security of several smartphones and computers in order to escalate their attack.

We recommend PSafe Total users click below to Scan for Viruses immediately:

Sites affected include Netflix, Spotify, Airbnb, Soundcloud Twitter and Github. DDoS or denial-of-service attack occurs whenever a hacker floods servers that run select internet traffic until it collapses under the load. This attack is sophisticated enough to become more harmful and take over core internet infrastructure providers.

Emilio Simoni, PSafe’s Senior Security Researcher, confirms that for doing an attack such as this, it was necessary for many “zombie” computers and devices to be infected by a malware. “It created a big Botnet (device’s network controlled by a hacker for a specific goal).

In order to get device secured from the Botnet, it’s necessary to keep a reliable antivirus installed and download apps only by reliable sources

Mobile Malware is on the Rise — Find out Why

PSafe Newsroom — Mon, 17 Oct 2016 18:18:34 +0000

According to the 2016 Check Point Security Report, “Unknown malware downloads rose over 900% with more than 970 downloads per hour compared to 106 previously.” Why are attacks on mobile phones on the rise? Easy: most organizations and individuals have not bothered to take the time to proactively protect their personal data, like they do with their computers.

Mobile Phones a Target

Verizon’s 2015 Data Breach Investigations Report states that almost 90% of 2015 hacks used a vulnerability that has been in existence since 2002. Why are mobile phones becoming such a target? Consider all of the data that flows in and out of the typical mobile phone.

While not every company supplies its workforce with mobile phones, most employees carry one — and they may access company information, social networks, do a bit of web browsing, or download new apps from it during a typical workday.

These cellphones carry information for a slew of websites. They are typically always connected to the internet — and are capable of recording through audio and video. These kinds of extras are exactly what a thief is looking for. There’s a lot of information packed inside these phones and, for a high-profile target, personal, sensitive information can easily be obtained.

Lacking in Protection

Unlike desktop computers, mobile platforms don’t often possess anti-virus protection. There’s usually no sort of intrusion monitoring service. No one is performing frequent virus scans. At the same time, inexperienced developers are uploading apps that could make them easy to exploit. People use their phones everywhere, for everything, and download apps without thinking twice.

With chargeware and ransomware entering the scene, the problem can only escalate. So, a mobile phone could potentially be attacked, and that attack could go unnoticed for a significant period of time — all while data is being stolen right from under the mobile phone owner’s nose.

Part of the problem is the operating system bundled with some devices — it’s old, outdated, and may never be updated. Another part of the problem is deciding who needs to keep these phones protected. Should it be the responsibility of the network carrier or the operating system developer?

How To Protect Yourself

In a report from Alcatel and Lucent’s Kindsight Security Labs, it is stated that 15 million mobile devices are infected with malware. Consider that number for a moment. How safe is your Android cell phone?

Be proactive. Keep your cell phone safe while browsing the web. Install PSafe Total for advanced antivirus and malware protection. Let your phone stay safe and secure with PSafe.