Tag Archive for: news
DVIDS – News – Semper supra: Guardian instructor steps above the rest
Sgt. Anastacia Lange, 333rd Training Squadron Cyber Warfare Operator (CWO) course instructor, is breaking barriers as the first Guardian and the first female instructor in the course’s history.
The 333rd TRS at Keesler provides officer communications and cyber warfare initial skills training, enlisted cyber warfare initial skills training, as well as initial and advanced training on spectrum operations. The squadron is also responsible for the development, revision and instruction of network courses supporting global command and control operations.
The CWO course teaches students to develop, sustain and enhance cyber warfare capabilities in order attack adversary interests while at the same time defending U.S. national interests from attack. Airmen and Guardians alike must be able to flex and change as rapidly as the cyber field changes.
Shortly after the Space Force was officially founded in 2019, members of the newest branch began to attend cyber warfare courses within the 333rd TRS. The squadron identified a need to give new Guardians representation in the course, as well as have someone who could unite new Space Force operational needs with current technical training structures.
One individual stood out amongst her peers.
“I asked the Instructor Supervisors if we had any rockstar Guardians and they unanimously suggested Sgt. Lange,” said Master Sgt. Kyle Griffin, former 333rd TRS flight chief. “She could already tie concepts in CWO back to Guardian objectives and was intelligent, motivated and well-spoken. I asked her if she had an interest in being an instructor someday, and she said yes.”
Joining the 333rd TRS instructor cadre isn’t the first time Lange has embraced uncharted territory. While she originally enlisted in the Air Force, she knew she couldn’t pass up an opportunity to be a part of the newest branch.
“How often do we get to see a whole new force structure being established?”, said Lange. “It got me thinking that there is no other opportunity to make a difference and establish the kind of force that I want to see than by…
Messaging, News Apps Stuffed With Data Stealing Malware Listed On Google Play Store; Check List Here
VajraSpy Malware: Instances of malicious apps appearing on Google Play Store have been on the rise in recent times. Continuing this series, ESET researchers identified 12 Android apps with malicious code, six of which were listed on the Play Store. Most of these apps were messaging apps with one being from the news category. The apps execute VajraSpy, a remote access trojan (RAT) code of the Patchwork APT group on the affected device.
Depending on the permissions granted to these apps, they can steal call logs, contacts, messages and files from an affected device. Plus, it can extract messages from WhatsApp and Signal, record calls, click photos using the camera, intercept notifications and search files on the compromised handset. Among the most affected regions with this campaign were Pakistan and India. According to ESET Research, the apps on Play Store absorbed over 1,400 installs.
Also Read: Clean Malware From Android And Windows Devices With These Govt-Approved Free Tools
The cybersecurity firm managed to geolocate 148 devices compromised with the VajraSpy due to its weak security protocol. The blog of WeLiveSecurity stated that these bad actors used a “honey-trap romance scam” to lure victims to install the malware. Here is the list of apps that were available on the Play Store:
– Privee Talk
– MeetMe
– Let’s Chat
– Quick Chat
– Rafaqat (News)
– Chit Chat
While the apps have been removed from the Play Store, here are the other apps that were available in the wild
– YohooTalk
– TikTalk
– Hello Chat
– Nidus
– GlowChat
– Wave Chat
ESET researcher Lukas Stefanko noted that the impact of VajraSpy due to third-party app markets remains unknown due to the lack of download figures. As a precautionary measure, users must not download chat apps from links received from unknown people and monitor the permissions of apps on their devices.
Google shared a statement to BleepingComputer: “We take security and privacy claims against apps seriously, and if we…
Kaspersky Unveils 5 Tips for a Flawless Cleanup – IT News Africa
As life returns to normal post the festive season break, now is the optimal time to conduct much-needed cleaning of your digital footprint. This not only provides a ‘fresh’ start to the year but also enhances productivity.
Here are 5 tips from Kaspersky experts to boost your digital hygiene:
1. Delete Unnecessary Files:
Start by cleaning up your desktop, removing shortcuts and folders you no longer need. Subsequently, eliminate unnecessary files accumulated while surfing the internet, such as those in the downloads folder. Utilize the performance tab of an Internet security app, like Kaspersky, to identify and remove large files, duplicates, and temporary files. Afterward, ensure to empty the Recycle Bin.
2. Clean Up Your Email and Messengers:
Begin by unsubscribing from newsletters you never read. Delete old emails, especially those left unread for extended periods. Declutter messenger chats irrelevant to your job or personal life, and clear out the spam folder weekly. Always verify the URL when unsubscribing from email messages to prevent potential phishing attacks.
3. Uninstall Unused Applications:
Whether on your smartphone or laptop, uninstall apps you haven’t used in a long time. Start by deleting one unused app per day to free up storage space, memory, and mitigate potential security risks posed by outdated apps.
4. Turn Off Unnecessary Notifications:
Manage the overwhelming number of digital notifications by identifying and disabling notifications from apps that abuse them. Many devices offer a focus mode that temporarily disables notifications during specific tasks or activities.
5. Check Your Passwords:
Address the common practice of using the same password for multiple accounts by adopting good password management practices. Use tools like Kaspersky Password Manager to identify unsafe passwords, create secure and unique ones using random generators, and store them in encrypted form across all your devices.
Brandon Muller, Technical Expert for the MEA region at Kaspersky, emphasizes the importance of incorporating cyber hygiene into everyday routines and using reliable security solutions like Kaspersky Premium to enhance online security and…