Security Alert: Michaels Store Breached!

Apr 18, 2014 | Malware, Security

In the last several hours, it’s been announced arts and crafts store Michaels Inc suffered a security breach. As many as 3 million credit/debit cards may have been compromised.

According to their own statement, they noticed something was wrong as early as January 2014 and began notifying their customers. It took weeks of intense investigation. But through independent security firms, it was discovered subsidiary Aaron Brothers was attacked by sophisticated malware. These affected accounts are feared to contain payment card numbers and expiration dates. It’s believed customer names, addresses, emails and PIN numbers are not at risk. Micaels Store said 54 physical stores were also hit. Sales between May 2014 and January 2014 are at risk.

This comes in the wake of the Target credit breach during the 2013 holiday shopping season, where around 40 million accounts were compromised. I also think of Neiman Marcus, who earlier this year, endured the theft of over a million accounts. It may seem hopeless because the culprits’ technology is getting more sophisticated. But there are ways you can fight back. Check your card amounts, statements and transactions. Check them often! If anything seems out of whack, cancel the card and ask for a new one to prevent further damage. Don’t depend on credit monitoring services to do it for you. At best, they can alert you after the fact. What are some ways of prevention?

Is Android a Malware Machine?

May 15, 2013 | Malware, Security

Over the past year or so, mobile malware has become an epidemic. Not only that, it’s getting more sophisticated, harder to diagnose and harder to eradicate. But it seems like Google?Androids are attracting malware like nobody’s business.

According to F-Secure labs, the number of threats have skyrocketed so far in 2013. But this year, Android’s malware percentage is?91 percent, up from 79% in 2012. That means of all the mobile device brands, Droids account for 91% of all malware issues. Meanwhile, none were found in Apple or Blackberry; the other nine percent were found in Symbian. Of the malware found in Android mobile, 3/4 of it was made to hack into financial info (debit and credit cards, bank accounts, 401Ks) and take people’s money.

But wait…there’s more. There are suppliers that sale malware to other scammers that specifically target Droids. They convince users to give permission to update data, like Adobe Flash. When the user is hooked, the malware or spyware intercepts and exploits the users banking habits. Why doesn’t Apple have this problem? Because there, 3rd parties can’t get permission to wreck stuff up. With Apple, apps are restricted to what personal info can be accessed. With Androids, anything goes.

In my writings, I try to be unbiased as possible. But it’s hard to be unbiased when reports like this come out. I’m not exactly saying not to buy Androids. But as a consumer, I’m thinking twice before getting my next smartphone. I don’t think I’ll support Droids until at least something is done about this malware issue, and what it can lead to. What can Android do to reduce this malware epidemic?

Apple’s First Malware Crisis

Mar 13, 2013 | Malware, Security

If you think Apple is totally malware (software intended to damage computer systems) free, think again. A security firm named Skycure is concerned an iOS feature called Configuration Profiles could be used to manipulate and infiltrate other people’s data without their knowledge.

Configuration profiles are small files that?can be added with one tap of any Apple device. They’re used by thousands of businesses and developers as how to guides to alter settings. On the surface, these files are approved by Apple. But if manipulated enough, they can pass your passwords and data to a malicious server. I’ve learned of a couple of ways this malware can start. One is using?infested websites?that offer free access to popular TV shows. Another is to open up an email that offers better battery power. Included is a ?sample picture of a profile?which opens the floodgates of malware.

I guess Apple isn’t as immune as I thought it was. A few days ago, I wrote an article of how malware is infecting Droid devices, but I never said Apple devices are scot free. So I hope Tim Cook and other Apple executives are taking Skycure’s findings seriously. I also encourage Apple users to exercise caution. If it sounds too good to be true…you know the rest. As these devices?become easier to use, and increase in quantity, ?will we become more venerable?

Is Andrioid a target for Malware?

Mar 7, 2013 | Malware, Security

Android is one of the most popular smartphone operating systems in the world today, but why? Is it because of the reasonable prices? Is it because of the cool features? Or?is it because of the venerability it has to malware?

That’s right: Of all the malware attacks (Malware is software intended to? damage, infiltrate, or disable computer systems without users consent.) Android devices were responsible for 79% of them. Now some of you may be asking, “Wouldn’t that deter people from getting Android? That wouldn’t deter hackers and malware creators from getting these devices. They can create all kinds of mayhem, hack into your Android system and take your passwords, account numbers and anything else to their hearts desire.

They also know more people are using Android for profits. According to one chart, 2012 was the first year more Androids were used for profit then for personal uses. Plus, our current society comes into play. A few days ago, I ordered Chinese take out. Instead of paying cash, I gave the delivery man my card, he slid it through?to his Android, and that was it. A week earlier, that’s how I paid for a meat lover’s pizza. I think the bad guys are getting wind of this.

I am by no means saying stop buying Droids! Truly not! In fact, nobody I know has yet had a problem with Android?malware. Security systems like F-Secure insist they put out plenty of warnings on malware threats. I’m willing to buy it. Are you?