Android Malware Can Replace Real Apps With Fake Apps

Security researchers at Check Point have discovered a disturbing new strain of Android malware that's as ingenious as it is disturbing. It is effective because it is designed to replace a rapidly expanding number of apps with poisoned copies.

The app copies still retain their core functionality, making the malware notoriously difficult to detect.

After all, if you downloaded JioTV, a photo editing app of some kind, or a game, and the app works as you expect it to, why would you even suspect that it was malware?  Unfortunately, that's exactly what this new malware strain does.

Dubbed 'Agent Smith,' the malware takes advantage of different android vulnerabilities and injects malicious code into the APK files of targeted apps defined by a list inside the code. They then automatically update and re-install them without the device owner's knowledge or consent.

The Check Point researchers had this to say about the new strain:

"It's not enough for this malware family to swap just one innocent application with an infected double.  It does so for each and every app on the device, as long as the package names are on its prey list.

Over time, this campaign will also infect the same device repeatedly, with the latest malicious patches.  This leads us to estimate there are to be over 2.8 billion infections in total, on around 25 million unique devices, meaning that on average, each victim would have suffered roughly 112 swaps of innocent applications."

Of course, the last thing the malware's creators want is for the app to be legitimately updated. So part of the strain's design is to disable that functionality from inside the app so the hackers can control the updates.

If there's a silver lining, it is that to date, the malware doesn't contain any data siphoning or data destroying code.  All it does is display ads.  Unfortunately, the malware strain's owners can easily shift gears any time they want to.

Call SpartanTec, Inc. for details on how to keep your information safe.

SpartanTec, Inc.
Greenville, SC  29601
(864) 326-5914

https://spartantec-greenville.business.site/

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

How To Protect the Data Of Your Clients and Company

Having sensitive information regarding customers and clients is crucial, however ensuring that private details stays secure may be just as important to the health of a small business. Several small businesses aren’t that ready for the tricks hackers use to get data from information units or to handle the fallout from such as event. As a matter of fact, hackers consider small businesses as attractive targets compared to bigger companies since they do not invest as many resources in their information security. This holds true for those companies that provide services to bigger firms. So how do you protect the data of your clients, employees, and company as well?

Data protection Tips For Better Information Security

In case you collect it, you should protect it.

You need set in place and adhere to security measures to make sure that the personal information of employees and customers are protection from unauthorized and inappropriate access.

Set up a strong privacy policy.

Clients have to know that you are doing your best to protect their information. Be sure that you have a privacy policy set in place so they have something to refer to if they want to know how you are keeping their personal details safe and secure. Don’t forget to be straightforward with clients regarding their consumer data that you collect and whatever it is that you are doing with their information. By being honest, you will be able to build trust and you will show your clients that their data is important to you and that you are doing all that you can to protect it.

You need to know what you are trying to protect.

You have to know what information you have, where it is stored, how it is used, and who can access it. Know the type of assets you may have and the reasons hackers may have to want to get them.

Never underestimate the threat.

Most small business owners think that only larger enterprises are at risk. But the truth is, there have been instances when small businesses lost thousands because of cyber criminals.

Don’t keep what you don’t need.

The more sensitive information you keep, the more at risk your company will be. Don’t use social security numbers as well as other crucial information to identify your clients. Instead of using these info, why don’t you go for log in identifications as well as passwords? You can prevent attackers from simulating users if you have several layers of identification. Delete any other information that you don’t need.

Keep your machine clean.

Be sure that you have installed the latest anti-virus program, web browser, as well as operating system. These are among the most effective defences against malware, viruses, and other kinds of online threats. Several software will connect and update automatically to protect your system against known risks. Switch on automatic updates if ever you have that option.

Install multiple security layers.

Spam filters and email protection can weed out phishing scams and malware, which are mostly aimed directly at companies, regardless of the size.

Do you want to know if your information, computers, and networks are at risk? Let our team at SpartanTec, Inc. help you. Call us now for more details. 

SpartanTec, Inc.
Greenville, SC  29601
(864) 326-5914

https://spartantec-greenville.business.site/

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

Stop Ransomware Attacks With Network Segregation, Segmentation

There has been lots of ransomware attacks against organizations in the healthcare industry over the past years. In some cases, there have been devastating consequences. Fortunately, network segmentation and segregation can help.

From patient data that have been compromised to EHR downtime, such cyberattacks could disrupt the facility’s operation significantly. Network segmentation and network segregation are measures that can assist in mitigating the risks from such typical attacks. The separation of important networks from internal network, less sensitive networks, or from the internet is referred to as network segregation. Meanwhile, network segmentation, involves dividing the bigger network to smaller ones. This can be achieved through virtual local area networks, firewalls, as well as other separation methods.

Both of these approaches can stop ransomware attacks that will encrypt files on your network, restrict access to those files, and bring the victim to a web page and given instructions on how they can pay a ransom using bitcoin so they can unlock their files. How can healthcare firms and organizations create and implement such measures to protect their data and infrastructure from such attacks?

Network Segregation and Network Segregation

One effective way of prevent ransomware attacks is air gapping, which involves separating the network from internal networks that may be unsecured and from the internet. This measure could create usability problems within the firm.

Network segmentation is another solution that is network based. It involves dividing bigger networks into smaller segments using separation techniques such as VLANs or virtual local area networks. Function can be used as a basis when segmenting networks like splitting human resources from finance. It can also be done by data like separating non regulated data from PHI. Segmentation will lay down the ground work for controls that offer protection from lateral movement on the network by hackers or ransomware, thus preventing compromise or infection from being spread across your organization’s network.

Organizations have to make sure that they perform patches to lessen their vulnerability, install antivirus software, and follow only the best practices when it comes to cybersecurity hygiene. They should also train their workforce, use email protection, and updated antivirus software. Ransomware will continue to be a threat to the healthcare industry into the near future. There are things organizations can take to prevent ransomware from infecting their network and decrease the damage in case a ransomware attack succeeds at first. Network segmentation and network segregation are two methods that healthcare organizations can take to mitigate the risk of encountering ransomware. They may be costly or complex but they can save organizations from the damage in their system, finances, and reputation as well as patient risk that a ransomware attack will result in.

Call SpartanTec, Inc. if you need help in making sure that your organization and network is safe against ransomware attacks.

SpartanTec, Inc.
Greenville, SC  29601
(864) 326-5914

https://spartantec-greenville.business.site/

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

Tips To Avoid The Most Common Computer Security Threats

Computer security threats constantly evolve. These threats are masters of manipulation and disguise will always try to find brand new methods not just to annoy online users but also to steal and even harm them. You should arm yourself with resources and information for protection against the growing and complex computer security threats and improve your computer security as well as information security.

Common Cybersecurity Threats

Computer Viruses

Maybe the most popular computer security threat is a computer virus. It is a program that is written to change how a computer works, without the knowledge or permission of the user. A virus will replicate and execute itself, which leads to computer damage during the process. Be sure to evaluate free software carefully, download that come from peer to peer file sharing websites, as well as emails from unknown sources. All these re crucial in avoiding computer viruses. The majority of web browsers these days have security settings that can be improved for the best defence against various online threats. However, the single most efficient method of avoiding viruses is to install and keep your anti-virus software updated.

Spyware Threats

Another serious security threat is spyware. It is a program that will monitor your online activities. It can also install programs without your permission either to get personal information or for profit. Today, there are several ways to help you fight spyware threats and stay safe online. Although several users don’t want to hear about it, reading terms and conditions is important and a good practice as it will give you the knowledge you need to understand how your online activities are being tracked. Of course, when a firm that you don’t recognize is advertising a deal that is too good to be true then it probably is. You need to have an internet security solution set up right away and be careful when go online.

Hackers and Predators

People create these malware and computer threats. Predators and hackers are programmers who victimize others for their personal interest by breaking into computers to change, steal, or destroy pertinent details as a kind of cyber terrorism. These online predators will compromise your credit cart information, steal your identity, and won’t let you use your data. As you may have known, online security tools that comes with identity theft protection are among the best methods to protect yourself from this kind of cybercriminal.

Phishing

Phishers pretend as trustworthy business or person so they can steal personal or sensitive details through instant messages or fraudulent emails. Phishing attacks are among the most successful ways for cybercriminals to conduct a data breach Anti-virus programs with identity theft protection could be taught to identify phishing threats.

Do you want to know if your computer or network is at risk? Call SpartanTec, Inc. now.

SpartanTec, Inc.
Greenville, SC  29601
(864) 326-5914

https://spartantec-greenville.business.site/

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

Undelivered Mail Notification Could Be A Phishing Scam

Hackers are always on the lookout for new ways to freshen up time-tested techniques. Where time-tested techniques are concerned, few are older than the humble phishing email.

In one form or another, it seeks to trick an unsuspecting user to innocently hand over sensitive information, like usernames and passwords that the hacker can then use later for any purpose.

The latest variant on this old chestnut is to send what appears to be a legitimate email, politely informing the user that they've received a number of confidential emails that are currently being held for them on a server.  They're given the choice to either refuse these messages, accept them, or delete them.

This is a case, however, of all roads leading to the same destination.  Whichever linked option is chosen, the user will be routed to a mock-up of a Microsoft Outlook login screen where the user will be prompted to enter his or her credentials.  As you might suspect, there are no actual emails, and the only purpose this box serves is to capture the information for later use.

If there's a silver lining to this attack, it is that all of the samples that have been collected so far have the faux login box hosted on a hacked domain.  Careful users will quickly note that they haven't been taken to Microsoft's domain and the game will be up.

Unfortunately, 'careful' does not describe the vast majority of internet users, and this ploy has already taken in its fair share of victims.

Make sure your IT staff is aware of this latest iteration in the ongoing evolution of the phishing email. It wouldn't hurt to send a company-wide communication to all employees so that it's at the forefront of everyone's minds.  It only takes one person to slip up and a hacker could gain access to your company's network. That's never a good thing.

Call SpartanTec, Inc. for professional assistance in making sure that your emails are protected 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