Android Users Could Finally Have Face ID-Like Security Tech Thanks To This Startup


Apple has offered Face ID on iPhones for a few years and its security is fool-proof enough for the company to completely stop having the Touch ID. The situation with Android phones has been different, as people tend to feel safer with the biometric finger sensor than the software-enabled face unlock feature.

But we could finally have a breakthrough thanks to this one startup which has joined hands with one of the biggest mobile brands to make the security tech affordable and ready for mass adoption.

The startup named Metalenz based in Harvard Labs has partnered with Samsung and talked about Polar ID which is likely to be the Face ID rival and finally a secure facial recognition tech for Android users. Samsung’s role in its development is the use of the ISOCELL Vizion 931 sensor from the company.

Metalenz has claimed that Polar ID is the ideal tool ready to be deployed at a mass level as the tech is said to be smaller, affordable yet secure than the face unlock feature that works on your Android phone, which is very easy to believe.

So what makes Polar ID safer than the existing tech features?

Metalenz has a facial authentication tech that is claimed to capture the unique signature of each user, something that Apple also offers with Face ID on iPhones. Having secure facial tech will be crucial because people tend to use the feature for making payments and the future of passkeys makes it an even more pivotal part of the setup.

Samsung is offering the sensor that has been paired with the security tech, and having a giant in its wing means you can have the cost of economies in play, allowing more brands to tap into the feature and bring it to more users.

It has been mentioned that Android phones could see Polar ID tech available by the second half of 2024, which might make it mainstream by next year. We’ll be eager to test the feature and see how it stacks up against Face ID. Having said that, Metalenz sees the tech going beyond security and maybe even part of the mixed reality ecosystem.

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    Expert Warns of Growing Android Malware Activity


    Kaspersky has unveiled its annual analysis of the mobile threat landscape, revealing a striking 52% surge in attacks on mobile devices in 2023 compared to the previous year. Presented at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, the report underscores the escalating risks facing mobile users globally.

    According to the report, the number of mobile attacks soared to nearly 33.8 million in 2023, marking a significant increase from the previous year’s figures. Among the several threats detected, adware emerged as the most prevalent, constituting 40.8% of all identified threats. Notably, the UK experienced 258,929 mobile attacks during the same period.

    While there was a decline in the number of banking Trojan installation packages, attacks using mobile bankers remained steady. In particular, Kaspersky uncovered over 1.3 million malicious installation packages, with 154,000 of these containing a mobile banking Trojan. 

    According to Kaspersky, cybercriminals are employing diverse tactics to distribute mobile threats, infiltrating both official and unofficial app stores. Malicious applications were observed infiltrating Google Play, with fake investment apps being a common disguise. Additionally, malicious WhatsApp and Telegram mods aimed at stealing user data were identified as prevalent attack vectors.

    Read more on these threats: Spy Module Discovered in WhatsApp Mods

    “The surge in Android malware and riskware activity throughout 2023 marks a concerning shift after a period of relative calm,” commented Anton Kivva, mobile security expert at Kaspersky.

    “Reaching levels reminiscent of early 2021 by year-end, this uptick underscores the significant threat users face. It’s a stark reminder of the importance of remaining vigilant and implementing robust security measures to protect against evolving cyber-threats.”

    To mitigate these threats, Kaspersky offered several recommendations, including downloading apps only from official stores, scrutinizing app permissions, utilizing reliable security solutions and regularly updating operating systems and essential apps.

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    Beware of a new Android threat targeting your photos and texts without even opening them


    Another day, another malware threat is trying to get your data. Well, brace yourself, because there’s a virus that’s been around for a while that’s out there that’s gotten even worse. It’s called XLoader, and it’s after your photos and texts on your Android device. Yes, you heard that right. Your precious memories and messages are in danger of being snatched by this malicious software.

     

    What is malware?

    Malware is technically any software that’s designed to disrupt the system of its intended target. With malware, the person or entity behind the attack can gain access to your data, leak sensitive information, block you out, and take control of other aspects of your privacy and security.

     

    MORE: TIPS TO FOLLOW FROM ONE INCREDIBLY COSTLY CONVERSATION WITH CYBERCROOKS

     

    What is the XLoader malware strain?

    According to McAfee, the XLoader malware — also known as MoqHao — has been around since 2015, targeting Android users in the U.S., Europe, and Asia. Once it’s on your device (which it’s gotten much better at doing), it’s able to run in the background, taking your sensitive data, whether it be photos, text messages, contact lists, hardware details, and more.

     

    MORE: BEWARE OF NEW ANDROID MALWARE HIDING IN POPULAR APPS

     

    How does XLoader get onto your device?

    One of the reasons XLoader is such a major threat is because unlike its previous strains and other malware, it can get on your device that much easier than before. Generally, malware gets onto your device via a phishing scam. However, because people are more skeptical about opening or clicking on suspicious files or links — and because there are integrated apps that help warn you of these files — it’s more difficult for these traditional phishing scams to be effective, but XLoader has gotten clever.

     

    First, you receive a text from an unknown sender

    Like ordinary malware, XLoader often spreads through malicious links sent via text messages. This is a unique type of phishing scam known as “smishing.” But, scammers are aware that most people don’t click on texts from people they don’t know. So, another way they attempt to be successful at this is by first gaining access to a phone…

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    Free and Paid Options 2024

    Android devices without a VPN are more vulnerable to online threats, such as eavesdropping on your data and online activities, identity theft, and much more. The best VPN for Android should have a large server fleet, good speeds, and a set of strong security features. While there are free Android VPNs that can offer some of these things, they usually come with limitations. For those searching for budget-friendly options, we recommend premium Android VPNs with free trials and money-back guarantees.

    A reputable VPN offers top-notch security for your device. Such a provider also performs at fast speeds and provides access to its full features. And if you want to try it for free, it’s better to opt for a premium VPN that offers a free trial and money-back guarantee. Our top recommendation for your Android phone is NordVPN, which provides a free 7-day trial along with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

    Leading free VPN alternative

    NordVPN is a top premium option, with all the best VPN features, and no compromises. Try it for free now – and get a reliable 30-day money-back guarantee.

    To help you pick a reliable VPN, we have tested and selected the top free and premium VPNs for Android that you can trust. These Android VPNs ensure reliable protection, great performance, excellent mobile apps, and more.

    Top 5 best Android VPNs: free and paid

    Is it worth having a free VPN on Android?

    Whether it’s worth having a free VPN for Android heavily depends on what you need. First and foremost, you have to keep in mind that free VPNs have certain limitations related to data usage, speed, features, and country selection. This means that a free VPN will most likely be suitable only for occasional browsing.

    However, if you’re planning to double down and use a VPN for streaming, torrenting, or unblocking content in very specific countries, it’s better to look into paid services.

    For this, you can upgrade any of the…

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