Hackers Are Hiding Code In Images To Fool Mac Users

According to an expert ITconsultant, one of the hardest methodologies to detect when it comes to the hacking arena is steganography. For those who are unfamiliar with the word, steganography refers to the practice of inserting executable codes on images, making it difficult if not impossible to find.

The reason is pretty simple and basic. Virus scanners are made around the concept of finding text strings that comes with identifiable malicious markers and characteristics, however, images are not like that at all. However, if they are carefully made, they can provide similar infected payloads.

Lately, Apple users have come across this problem firsthand, thanks to a group that call themselves “VeryMal”. This group are focusing on Apple users. They use codes that are embedded in ad images that will redirect users surfing the web away from safe sites and onto unsafe websites, which are places where different kinds of malware thrive.

A Quick Overview Of How It Works?

• Hackers will buy an ad space on a safe website
• The will embed a code on an ad image
• The code that was embedded will run on a JavaScript, which will check if Apple fonts are being supported, and will determine is the device is an Apple of some sort
•  If the query yields positive result, the script will take the remaining code from the image, which will force the browser of the user to navigate to another URL as determined by the command code
•  The user will then go to a page that displays pop up ads, generally encouraging the installation of a certain update for some kind of update, which is most cases is for Adobe Flash Player.

Obviously, it is not a Flash update at all. It contains something that the hackers have set in place. It is a kind of trickery that has hijacked over five million web sessions, redirecting them away from safe sites. This is according to the newest research into the activities of the group, and what’s worse, there is no way to safeguard your computer against it but to be careful and monitor your web browser’s behavior closely. You can also hire a professional to improve your computer security.

In case your company is using Apple equipment, you need to make sure that your employees are aware. You should also get in touch with an IT consultant Myrtle Beach who can help you secure your computer against various kinds of threats.

Call SpartanTec, Inc. if you are looking for an expert firm that can help you secure your network and your business information. 

SpartanTec, Inc.
Greenville, SC 29601
(864) 326-5914
https://spartantec-greenville.business.site/

Cities Served
Greenville, Spartansburg, Mauldin, East Park, Overbrook, West Greenville, Greer

Ransomware Can Make Installing Illegal Software More Risky

Several established companies do not deal in unlicensed copies of commercial software, however, there have been some reported cases. There is also a huge probability that a person who is on a tight budget who is willing to do more work from the comfort of their home to install a cracked free copy of a specific program. The problem is, all those who choose to go that route are more at risk than before.

Hackers have started to embed different kinds of ransomware and malware into cracked free copies of a variety of programs. There are security researches from the web who have reported ransomware, like the strain called STOP, is becoming more prevalent in software cracks. These include programs like Photoshop, Windows activation kids, and even anti-virus programs. Just like other kinds of ransomware, by the time you notice signs that your computer has become infected, it is already too late. Through the installation of what you may have thought of as a free version, you will end up having your files locked and encrypted. You will then get a ransom page asking you to pay a large amount of cash if you want to get your files back.

If you are looking for a silver lining in all of these, it’s the fact that the STOP ransomware is not as good as other known malware. There is a chance that you can decrypt your files by yourself and without the help of an IT support but it will surely take some time and a lot of effort. But, it has been accomplished in some cases.

Regardless, STOP is becoming more widespread through crackedsoftware. To make sure that you don’t have to face this kind of problem, it is better if you totally avoid using cracks. Yes, there are instances when you feel that there are certain companies that are overcharging for their product. The problem is that if you opt to use an illegal copy instead of the legitimate one, you are putting all of your personal and company data at risk.

Keep your computers safe and secure with the help of IT professionals from SpartanTec, Inc.

SpartanTec, Inc.
Greenville, SC 29601
(864) 326-5914
https://spartantec-greenville.business.site/

Cities Served
Greenville, Spartansburg, Mauldin, East Park, Overbrook, West Greenville, Greer

Twitter May Have Been Hit By Another Data Breach

2018 has not been a very good year for social media sites. Several mainstream platforms suffered several significant data breaches last year. Twitter, for one, has gone through several breaches including the major one that happened last May, which forced the company to ask over three million users to have their password changed. The data breach exposed the passwords of all Twitter users in plain text due to a glitch in the system.

Another glitch took place in September but this time, the direct messages of the users were exposed to third party app developers. But that was not the end of it. The company was hit by another problem. One of the support forums, where Twitter users reported problems in the platform was breached. The breach gave hackers limited access to the information of all user members.

In an official statement released by the company, Twitter said:

"...During our investigation, we noticed some unusual activity involving the affected customer support form API.  Specifically, we observed a large number of inquiries coming from individual IP addresses located in China and Saudi Arabia.  While we cannot confirm intent or attribution for certain, it is possible that some of these IP addresses may have ties to state-sponsored actors."

This is the most disturbing part. Digital terrorism that is sponsored by the state is a huge and growing concern, especially with the recent news that Russia had tried to meddle with the US elections.

In this case, Twitter tried their best to assure users that the exposed data was restricted only to the country code that is linked to each user, their account status, as well as partial phone numbers.

This problem has been resolved, and the company has called the small number of affected users directly, making sure that they do not need to do anything. However, it underscores the point that the social platforms that we use, on a daily basis for some, are always under threat. Even if you do everything you can to protect your data, that might not just be enough.

Call SpartanTec, Inc. if you want to know how you can protect your data from online threats. 

SpartanTec, Inc.
Greenville, SC 29601
(864) 326-5914
https://spartantec-greenville.business.site/

Cities Served
Greenville, Spartansburg, Mauldin, East Park, Overbrook, West Greenville, Greer

Ransomware Can Make Installing Illegal Software More Risky

Most reputable businesses don't deal in illegal copies of commercial software, but there have been a few reported instances. There's always the possibility that a cash-strapped individual that's eager to do additional work from home might resort to installing a 'cracked' free copy of a program. Unfortunately, those who opt to go that route now run even greater risks than they did before.

Hackers have begun embedding a variety of malware and ransomware into free cracked programs, in a growing number of cases.

Security researchers from around the web are reporting that ransomware, (especially a strain known as "STOP") is making an appearance in an increasing number of software cracks. These include Windows activation kits, Photoshop, and a whole host of antivirus programs.  As with other types of ransomware, by the time you see indications that you've been infected, it's far too late.  By installing what you think is a 'free' version of a program you want or need, you'll wind up with all your files encrypted and a ransom page demanding that you pay a hefty fee to get them back.

If there's a silver lining in the equation, it is this:  STOP ransomware isn't very good as malware goes. It may be possible to decrypt your files on your own.  It will take some effort, but it has been accomplished in at least a few instances.

In any case, STOP is spreading almost exclusively by way of cracked software. The best way to be sure it's not a threat you have to worry about is simply not to rely on cracks.  Yes, sometimes we all feel that some companies might be charging a bit too much for their product.  Sadly, the alternative to buying a legitimate copy comes with risks that just aren't worth taking.

Call SpartanTec, Inc. of Greenville SC if you suspect that you have ransomware on your computer. 

SpartanTec, Inc.
Greenville, SC 29601
(864) 326-5914
https://spartantec-greenville.business.site/

Cities Served
Greenville, Spartansburg, Mauldin, East Park, Overbrook, West Greenville, Greer