Tag: Alarm | Page 4

NCC Raises The Alarm Over New Malware Attacking Android Devices

November 10, 2021/in Computer Security

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has alerted telecom consumers and the general public that a new Android malware that can be used to attack Android devices has been discovered.

According to a statement issued yesterday by the NCC director of public affairs, Dr Ikechukwu Adinde, the malware, named ‘AbstractEmu’, can gain access to smartphones, take complete control of infected smartphones and silently modify device settings while simultaneously taking steps to evade detection.

This discovery was announced recently by the Nigerian Computer Emergency Response Team (ngCERT), the national agency established by the federal government to manage the risks of cyber threats in the Nigeria, which also coordinates incident response and mitigation strategies to proactively prevent cyber-attacks against Nigeria

AbstractEmu has been found to be distributed via Google Play Store and third-party stores such as the Amazon Appstore and the Samsung Galaxy Store, as well as other lesser-known marketplaces like Aptoide and APKPure.

The advisory stated that a total of 19 Android applications that posed as utility apps and system tools like password managers, money managers, app launchers and data saving apps have been reported to contain the rooting functionality of the malware.

“The apps are said to have been prominently distributed via third-party stores such as the Amazon Appstore and the Samsung Galaxy Store, as well as other lesser-known marketplaces like Aptoide and APKPure. The apps include All Passwords, Anti-ads Browser, Data Saver, Lite Launcher, My Phone, Night Light and Phone Plus, among others,” the statement said.

According to the report, rooting malware although rare, is very dangerous. By using the rooting process to gain privileged access to the Android operating system, the threat actor can silently grant itself dangerous permissions or install additional malware – steps that would normally require user interaction. Elevated privileges also give the malware access to other apps’ sensitive data, something not possible under normal circumstances.

The ngCERT advisory also captured the consequences of users making their devices susceptible to AbstractEmu…

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Steamship Authority continues to deal with ransomware hack, Maura Healey sounds alarm on cyberattacks

June 9, 2021/in Computer Security

A ransomware attack continues to make rough seas for the largest ferry service to Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard, which is still experiencing disrupted operations nearly a week after it’s systems were torpedoed by unknown actors.

While the Steamship Authority’s online booking system remained down Tuesday, the Authority announced that people can now make or change reservations by calling its Mashpee Reservation Office.

“The Steamship Authority is continuing to work with our team internally, as well as with local, state, and federal officials externally, to address the June 2, 2021, ransomware incident,” the Authority said in a statement. “Our investigation into this incident is ongoing, and with the assistance of third-party cybersecurity and forensic investigators we are working to determine the full nature and scope of the event.”

“Scheduled trips to and from the islands continue to operate safely as scheduled, although some delays in the ticketing process may occur,” the Authority said.

Although some credit card access is now available at terminals and parking lots, the Authority is still recommending that people bring cash to speed up the ticketing process.

In the wake of the local hack, Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey on Tuesday urged Bay State businesses and government agencies — including law enforcement — to immediately assess their existing data security practices, and take appropriate steps to upgrade security measures.

“Leaders from the public and private sectors have an important and critical responsibility to public safety and welfare to protect against these threats,” Healey said. “We strongly encourage all Massachusetts businesses and government organizations to take the appropriate steps to strengthen data security and ensure its computer networks are secure as required by law.

“Our office will work with federal law enforcement partners to identify and hold the criminals responsible for these ransomware attacks accountable,” she added.

A recent attack on JPS SA — a Brazilian company known as the world’s largest meat processing company — led to production shutdowns and lost profits and wages.

Last month, a…

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Security experts voice alarm over Boris Johnson’s number being online

May 1, 2021/in Computer Security

Fears were raised today that Boris Johnson is at risk of hacking by Russia or China after the revelation that his mobile number has been freely available online for 15 years.

Former UK national security adviser Lord Ricketts is among those warning of the threat from ‘hostile states’ after the PM’s personal number was highlighted by a popular gossip site.

Downing Street refused to say whether Mr Johnson will now be changing the number. There were claims earlier this month that Cabinet Secretary Simon Case had advised him to switch following concerns over the ease with which lobbyists and others from the business world were able to contact him.

Former UK national security adviser Lord Ricketts said Mr Johnson needs to be more ‘digitally secure’ – saying there was an ‘increased risk’ of potential action by hostile states or criminal gangs if a phone number is widely available.

The number, which the PM hasn’t changed in the 15 years since, is available on the internet

‘I know that modern systems like WhatsApp are end-to-end encrypted – nonetheless, I think one would be worried if a hostile state who had sophisticated capabilities, had the mobile phone number itself,’ he told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme.

‘That must increase the risk that they’re able to eavesdrop on some at least of the communications that are going on, and possibly other non-state actors as well, like sophisticated criminal gangs.

‘So, there is no way of knowing whether that’s true, but there must at least be an increased risk if the number is widely available.’

Home Office minister Victoria Atkins tried to play down the issue, criticising the media for highlighting the number’s availability.

‘The Prime Minister, more than anyone, knows his responsibilities when it comes to national security,’ she told Times Radio Breakfast.

‘I’m slightly surprised that a national broadcaster felt it appropriate to advertise the fact that that mobile phone is on the internet, if indeed it is.’

Popular gossip newsletter Popbitch gave its readers clues on how to find the Prime Minister’s number, pointing them to a press release from his time as MP for Henley in 2006.

The number, which the PM hasn’t changed in the 15 years since, is…

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