Showing posts with label security tips. Show all posts
Showing posts with label security tips. Show all posts

Tuesday, 8 March 2016

 Security: Protect Your Assets With High-Tech Security for Your Home, Business and Self

Security: Protect Your Assets With High-Tech Security for Your Home, Business and Self



Technology has evolved at a rapid pace over the previous decades, and the rate of change seems to rise every year. New technology can help you protect your home and your business, and it can help ensure your personal safety. Here are a few technologies that can help protect your assets.

Computer Security


Modern Windows systems are inherently more secure when compared to older systems, but they are still vulnerable to a variety of attacks. In addition, hackers have developed more sophisticated methods to steal credit card, banking and identity information. Those who run Windows and OS/X systems will need to ensure that they avoid potentially dangerous downloads, and they'll want to run virus and malware scans on a regular basis. We store more information on out computers than ever before, so take steps to keep it safe.

Biometric Identification
Movies have long portrayed a future where fingerprint and iris scanning would ensure building security, and technology is finally catching up. Basic fingerprint identification systems are now affordable for most businesses, and these systems can be hard to crack. Combined with keys or other security measures, these systems can keep your assets well protected. In addition, these systems can monitor activities, allowing you to watch out for employee theft and other potential problems.


Video Monitoring
In the past, video monitoring was expensive and yielded only mediocre results. Today, technology is much better, and new products are far more affordable than older products. Thanks to the low cost of video technology, camera systems can be installed virtually anywhere, and the software used to access information is far easier to use and, in some cases, free. So if you want to protect a Calgary steel fabrication business, Aero-Tech Specialty Welding & Fabrication Ltd, opting for video monitoring is the only solution for security. There are a number of turnkey systems on the market, and more adventurous people might want to consider a do-it-yourself approach.

The Cloud


The cloud paradigms are often touted as convenient and easy to use, but there most significant benefit might be their ability to keep you information secure. Cloud providers depend on providing top-notch security to ensure that their clients stay with them, and they use the latest technology available to provide superior protection. While they are not impervious to attack, they provide better security that most home and business users have access to.

We often focus on new forms of entertainment and new ways of being more productive, but high tech has had a significant impact on home, business and personal security as well. By keeping up with recent technological developments and using modern systems, everyone can achieve better security.

Monday, 7 March 2016

 Transfer Content(files) Safely: Avoid Information Overload Using a Torrent Search Engin(e

Transfer Content(files) Safely: Avoid Information Overload Using a Torrent Search Engin(e


If it is used properly, bittorrent is one of the safest ways of transferring content. The reason why this is the case is because the torrent file contains metadata about the files that are to be shared and the bittorrent client subsequently checks the content received against this metadata.

The safety checks in place should ensure that any discernible difference in the content received will be discarded as a result of these measures.

Using a bittorrent client like www.Vuze.com will help to ensure that malware cannot be added to any torrent once it has become active meaning that any data that is damaged during this transmission process will be discarded an re-downloaded, ensuring a good level of security.

On the assumption that you already have a working knowledge of bittorrent, here is a look at how you can go about finding the content that you want and avoiding an information overload.

Different torrent search sites
There is an incredible amount of content currently available in bittorrent and it is estimated to be somewhere in the region of 25 PetaBytes of content that is available spread across in excess of 20 million active torrents.

These are split into public and private torrent search sites and the general consensus of opinion is that private torrent sites are preferable as they offer several advantages over their public counterparts.

With a private torrent site, you not only get the privacy aspect due to the fact that only members are active on torrent, but you should also enjoy cleaner torrents and greater speed, due to ratio enforcement which ensures a well seeded torrent.

The negative aspect of a private search site is that some of them can certainly suffer from over-zealous administrators policing them and a greater level of rules and regulations to overcome.

Unwanted features


It is a sad but true fact of life that even the best public torrent search sites can be plagued by scam links, adverts and toolbar downloads.

It is therefore really important that you make use of a web browser that has advert blocking capabilities so that you can hopefully eliminate all those unwanted features. Firefox offers an additional feature called AdBlock Plus and with Adblock Plus PopUp you can make all those scamming adverts and non-existent downloads disappear into the background.

Common deceptions


Avoid the scam links that offer you things like a Trusted Download and Sponsored Links and the toolbar downloads are often annoyingly placed very near to the Download Torrent button, so take a moment to check what you are clicking before you go ahead.

Do not be tempted by the adverts that do make their way onto the torrent search site, not all of them are completely questionable but why take the risk? Simply avoid downloading them to save you from any potential subsequent problems.

Key criteria


Your goal when it comes to finding a good public torrent search site is to find one that offers genuine and healthy torrent so you can get the content you want without any complications.

A good torrent site will often contain a large index of torrents backed up by a comments and ratings system, excellent search filters and sorting capabilities.

Also, make sure that you are uploading and downloading only files that do not infringe upon any copyrights.

Stick to this key criteria and you should be able to achieve your goals and achieve a safe transfer of content.
Why is Security for Your Business Important?

Why is Security for Your Business Important?

 
Did you know that in 2010, over 1000 workplace homicides took place in the United States according to the CDC? Did you know that 2% of all sales revenue, on average, is stolen annually by employees?

Did you know that having on-site security reduces your chances of being robbed by 85%?

These are just a few of the reasons why every business, regardless of size, income level, or specialty, needs to focus on protecting their business both physically and electronically.

Workplace Homicide and Assault


Workplace assaults reach in the tens of thousands annually. Each instance opens a company up to a potential lawsuit. These lawsuits can add up to millions of dollars in damages and legal fees for the companies and so investing in some security can be a very smart move.

Strong HR polices aren't always a deterrent from homicide or assault in the workplace. Having on-site security present can reduce liability in the event of something unfortunate happening. Security can also reduce the chances of an attack occurring at all. When managing a large company and mixing all different types of personalities you should definitely invest in some physical security to protect your employees and the company's assets.

Theft


Theft is a major problem in the workplace. Whether it be physical property stolen or intellectual property stolen it can pose a serious problem. Companies report between 2 and 5 percent of their income has been lost due to theft both within the company and outside. This can be theft of office supplies, computer equipment, or currency by employees. It can also mean theft of merchandise by customers which could be avoided if precautions are taken. With items like security locks from Security Centers in Southern California you can be sure to protect your business from thieves.

A security detail can monitor the entire company to ensure profits are not walking out of the door. The cost to protect against theft is a fraction of the overall cost of theft in a company. A visible security guard can reduce theft by as much as 50% or investing in some anti theft security software can help guard your property from malicious intentions.

Identity Fraud


Identity theft costs American companies nearly $25 billion per year. Scams pilfer another $2 billion from corporate coffers. While no one can completely prevent all forms of identity theft or scams, having security teams monitoring email traffic for key words or known phishing attempts can dramatically reduce the likelihood that it happens in your company.

Having a computer security expert working to protect your business can save another 3 to 7 percent of anticipated profits annually. Corporate security is not longer about physical security. Computer security is just as important.

Experts expect the rates of computer scams and identity theft to continue. Estimates put total losses at over $50 billion annually by 2020.
Hiring a team of security professionals and security software can help protect your online and physical assets can seem expensive but the price of not acting can be significantly greater if your business is compromised.
Cyber Security Defense Strategy: 7 Steps to Effective Network Segmentation

Cyber Security Defense Strategy: 7 Steps to Effective Network Segmentation

Many of today's networks have a flat structure that sets up no barriers between disparate systems. Organizations may wall off SCADA systems from the rest of the network, but they fail to limit unnecessary communication paths between other network nodes. Too often, systems like CCTV, manufacturing control, alarms and building access control live on the perimeter of a network with no limits on internal access. For example, attackers can compromise the workstation that maintains access control functions. They can then disable door keypads, compromise building security, steal data and manipulate power distribution.
In a world that has seen exponential growth in cyber security threats, network segmentation limits an attacker’s movements, protects proprietary information and prevents unauthorized access to sensitive data. The process brings together logical groups of users, applications and assets. It then ensures that these groups don't interact unnecessarily with one another. The key is to balance segmentation for cyber security with the organization's need for agility and rapid workflow. It's a long-term process, and the implementation timetable will differ depending on the size and complexity of the organization.

1. Take an Inventory of Machines

Few organizations know exactly how many machines they own. They also may not know who's using those machines, and they may not even know where to find what they have. For this reason, taking an exhaustive inventory of every machine is crucial to starting the network segmentation process. These machines may fall into these categories and more:

  • Windows and UNIX servers
  • Development servers
  • Financial servers and workstations
  • HR servers
  • Security devices
  • Other network infrastructure

In particular, pay attention to equipment that’s controlled by system administrators. One compromised system administrator laptop can give an attacker access to a wide range of functions and employee credentials.

2. Decide How to Protect Each Machine

A Windows server in one location may not need the same level of protection as a Windows server in another location. Therefore, after taking a machine inventory, categorize the machines according to the type of protection that each machine requires. Once you know what you have and what it does, then you can make decisions regarding how to protect each asset.

3. Take an Inventory of Personnel Including Which Machines They Can Access

Make a list of every person in the company and which machines they can access including workstations, notebooks and mobile devices. Then, ask yourself whether these people actually need every machine they have. In the previous step, you decided how to protect each machine according to its characteristics and functions. Now, make more decisions about protection by factoring in whether the receptionist or the CEO is using the machine.

4. Create an Initial VLAN to Isolate a Low-Maintenance Group

Instead of trying to tackle a company-wide segmentation, start by creating a virtual LAN (VLAN) for a low-maintenance group of workers. Good choices include the legal department, accounting and human resources. Start by monitoring the group and monitoring all traffic in and out of the servers so you can understand what the group accesses and how workflows actually happen. As you learn to understand your initial group, you can expand your segmentation efforts to other groups.

5. Create a Default Deny Ingress Rule for Each Group

Starting with your pilot group, develop a default deny ingress rule so that other users, machines and applications can't interact with that segment of the network. Every time you implement a new default deny ingress rule, prepare for some problems. For instance, if the CEO can no longer access a desired financial report, prepare to apologize profusely and to quickly fix the problem.

6. Prepare for New Equipment Needs and Personnel Training

Old equipment may not be able to handle your segmentation. For example, you might have to purchase a new router if the old one can't implement your new access control list. Also, you'll have to train personnel to navigate through your segmented network. They should understand why they no longer have access to certain areas.

7. Refine Your Groups Over Time

No matter how much time you spend trying to understand business drivers and workflows, you're going to make mistakes that people will find disruptive. Refine your group structure and protection strategies as you learn, and give yourself a generous timeline to implement a full network segmentation strategy
Security Tip:  Pocket Protection

Security Tip: Pocket Protection


Are you concerned about security on your mobile device? It's no secret that mobile users have been hacked in the past and had their personal information stolen. But is mobile security getting any better? Here are a few things you need to know about the current state of mobile security.

Apps Can Protect You Or Hurt You

Many app developers understand the risks that occur by having a mobile device and using it to access different networks, files, and applications. That's why several trusted app developers have released security apps designed to warn you of dangers and to keep your data safe. For instance, the 360 Security - Antivirus&Boost app for Android is designed to protect your device from malware and viruses. Others like Find My iPhone will help you locate a lost or stolen device and even lock your phone so that thieves can't access your private data.


The downside to smartphone applications is that even though there are apps that can protect you, others can hurt you. For instance, you might think you're downloading a seemingly safe application when in reality there's a virus piggybacking on the download. Furthermore, top-rated apps may become prime targets for hackers, meaning that even the best apps aren't always completely safe.

There are various smartphones to choose from, with many falling out of the limelight due to the hype of Android’s Galaxy and Apple’s iPhone. Take, for example, the Sony Xperia Z3, with several of the same capabilities as the aforementioned smartphones. Its unique capabilities provide the same functionality at a more reasonable price. The unique techie-centered Sony Xperia Z3 from an affordable carrier like T-Mobile shouldn’t be overlooked.

The good news is that an increasing number of app developers are using encrypted data to keep your information further from the reach of hackers. For instance, the cloud storage service Spideroak encrypts data at every stage of the process, making it a bit safer than options, like Dropbox, that don't.

The good news is that an increasing number of app developers are using encrypted data to keep your information further from the reach of hackers. For instance, the cloud storage service Spideroak encrypts data at every stage of the process, making it a bit safer than options like Dropbox that don't.

It's In the Fine Print


Before you download an app, be sure you're checking what the app has permission to access on your device. An application may not be damaging in the way that it installs malware and viruses without your consent. In fact, you may simply be giving the app permission to access your files. If an app does compromise your privacy, it could be because you've allowed it access to do so, though.


The good news is that in app stores like Google Play, you'll see a list of what the app is asking permission to access. You'll want to read through the full list before accepting the terms, so that you're not surprised later by how the app gains access to and uses your information.

File Sharing Raises Concerns


Mobile devices and their complementary cloud-based storage apps raise many concerns, particularly for businesses. The security threat here is that people are concerned that sharing files could lead other users to forward sensitive information. The further this information is distributed, the more vulnerable it is.


According to 2013 research into the state of mobile security, the second top concern with BYOD aka Bring Your Own Device was that users would be able to forward company data onto cloud-based storage services. This grave concern fell behind only that of lost or stolen devices.


It's clear how this may raise concerns for businesses allowing individuals to bring their own devices to work. As an individual, however, this should also be a concern. That's because even if you delete sensitive data on your device, such as photos, contact information, etc., it still survives on cloud storage services and on devices of anyone to whom you've forwarded the file. Even if you're the only one with the file, that digital data is never gone. Today, it's still a huge worry for many people about where the copies of their files are and how susceptible the information is to being breached.

The Bottom Line


While there are still a lot of concerns surrounding mobile security and the protection of your device -- including even physically protecting your phone from damage and water -- there have been improvements. For instance, more applications are taking security measures to encrypt their data and create constant updates to stay out of reach from hackers. In addition, operating systems like Google's Android 5.0 Lollipop OS are becoming more secure.


How do you feel about your device and its security?
Advance Database Security

Advance Database Security


Databases are often the targets of security attacks by cyber criminals. Databases that hold all the security related information, passwords and financial details of users are what these attackers are looking to profit off. That is why database security is an incredibly complex topic that can be covered in elaborate detail. Get in touch with your remote DBA now.

However here are a few of the best practices in database security that will help businesses.



   1. Keep the database and the web servers separate.


Usually when the entire web related software is been installed, the database is automatically made. For the sake of convenience the database is made on the same server where the software has been loaded which is the web server. However this opens the doors for a security breach because then hackers will only need a single point of entry. If they are able to make their way past the security for the web server then all the data stored will be at their mercy.

This is why the database should be stored separately on server that is further protected by a firewall and not with the web server. It is a more intricate but well needed procedure. To know more visit - http://www.remotedba.com/


   2. File encryption


Just storing the database on a separate server is not enough to ward off persistent attacks. Encrypt all the files that are being stored. The stored files of the web software have the information that will enable it to connect to the databases. If you store the data in plain text files like a lot of people then they will provide the data that the hacker needs to get to the sensitive information.

It is not just the files that need to be encrypted. Encrypt the backup files too incase there is an internal attack.


   3. WAF


Use WAFs or web application firewalls. It isn’t true that the web server protection is completely separate or irrelevant to the database. A proper WAF will protect your website from cross site script vulnerabilities, vandalism and also potential SQL injection attacks. If SQL queries can be prevented from being injected by a criminal then the firewall will be successful in keeping all the sensitive information which is stored in a database away from unwanted attention and attacks.


   4. Current patches


This is one thing that a lot of web administrators like remote DBA fall short. Web sites which have a lot of third party apps, elements, widgets, plug-ins and other add-ones become easy targets to something that could have been patched on time.


   5. Less third party apps


Try and reduce the number of third party applications being used. While it is understandable to use user-interactive widgets and other content that makes websites attractive, any app that accesses the database is always a weak point which can be exploited. Unless it is required don’t use third party apps. Remember that these are made by programmers who then stop support after a while.


   6. No shared servers


If your database has highly sensitive information then don’t use a shared server if you can avoid it. It will be cheaper and easier. However remember that you are putting all your important data at the hands of someone else. In case you can’t avoid it, do a keen review of all their security protocol.


   7. Security controls


Put in security controls on your database. Check your controls and ensure that they have been enabled even though it is automatically enabled by most databases these days.

Saturday, 5 March 2016

Cloud: How Safe Are Cloud Solutions from Hackers?

Cloud: How Safe Are Cloud Solutions from Hackers?

 

How Safe Are Cloud Solutions from Hackers?


 Cloud computing and cloud storage are some of the most recent big developments in the technology sector, with millions of users tapping into the service and making the most of offsite solutions for either themselves or their company. That being said, you are trusting your data and/or computing to be done off-site where it is relatively out of your control. This leads to the question of “Just how secure are cloud solutions from those who want to get at my data?” To answer that, we’d need to look at it from both the server end and the user end, and ask a few other questions.

User-End Security


A lot of how much you can depend on the security of cloud storage depends on you. If a hacker gets into your user data and uses it to log into some of your accounts, even the safest measures by a company looking to keep you safe won’t be of any help.
Your biggest risk is if a hacker manages through one method or another get ahold of your password and username and then uses that to directly log into your account and create all sorts of problems for you, possible even trying to steal your account outright. If this should happen your financial data is also likely at risk due to the method you likely paid for the cloud service, so you need to change your password to a strong one and change it often.
Also you should keep an eye out on who you share your files with, otherwise a hacker might take advantage of someone else and use that connection to get at you in some manner over the cloud. Try not to give permission where it is not needed and you should be relatively safe, but not completely immune to hackers.

Server-End Security


Most information technology companies take the security of their customers very seriously, knowing that if there were ever even a minor data breach that were to get publicized enough, they would lose costumers or users by at least the hundreds of thousands. In addition, many of the companies that offer cloud computing are the safe ones that have their own security departments and will have the best minds in the field constantly figuring out ways to think ahead of hackers.
However, hackers will often work together to crack a server with a large enough reward, and as we have learned from the recent celebrity leaks, cloud storage is not invulnerable. Also, a single employee can easily create a major breach whether it is through malice or negligence. That is not a risk to take lightly, and hackers will take advantage of every last thing they can find (or make new breaches when there are none readily apparent).
That all being said, hackers are not the only thing you should think about, and you need to focus for at least a little while on how much you trust the company you are having store your data. Do you think they are going to use it themselves for research purposes? How do you think they would react if they found out if they got hacked? Would they warn their customers?

Public Networks


You should also note that, if you use a cloud solution, that means you are going to need a constant internet connection. If you are using a laptop or smartphone on the go this likely means that you will be using a public network. Public networks are dangerous, especially with the amount of data that cloud solutions send and receive all of the time.
On unprotected public networks hackers in the vicinity with extremely simple setups can read all of the data is sent over the network, and this can include passwords, usernames, financial information, and many of the things that are sent over cloud computing and storage. This makes using cloud computing unprotected very risky in public places.
If you really want to use it, though, and there are certainly benefits (laptops often don’t have much storage space compared to other computers), then you will like want to use a solid Virtual Private Network. With it your computer will establish a safe connection with a secure outside server that no one else will be able to access. Over this connection you will be able to send your cloud computing data and you will be able to safely do whatever you need to while out in public.

What Will You Use It For?


A lot of how much you should rely on the security of cloud solutions depends on what you use them for. Most hackers are not really interested in your music collection or your family photos from that trip to Venice last year. They will however be interested in documents relating to your place of business, any financial or personal data that you might have, or anything incriminating that they can use against someone in a desperate situation. If you have extremely sensitive data, you’re better off using a flash drive and a safe.
Therefore try to write down a list of different processes you’d use cloud computing for and what types of data you’d store on external servers. If there is nothing worrying, then you’re probably safe. If not, then take a closer look at other options because hackers might use it should the worst happen.
 
Conclusion

So, to answer the title question in short:  Not particularly, although you can take some decent precautions so it is fine for basic use. Thank you for reading and I hope that this article helps you make a more informed decision about which services you buy for your computer.

Internet Protection You Can Count On: Five Password Tips To Keep You Safe

Internet Protection You Can Count On: Five Password Tips To Keep You Safe


 
Heartbleed, Gotofail, Sony’s expansive Playstation Network, even the NSA—every few weeks a new story seems to be circulating in the media about the next big security breach. With so much of your life making its home in your devices, it’s really hard to feel safe. The truth is, these breaches do happen. Period. But that doesn’t mean they’re unavoidable. And one of the best ways to keep yourself protected lies right at your fingertips.
Our passwords are perhaps the easiest way to ensure our safety online and yet, many of us (myself included—at least in the past), have taken them for granted. We go simple, we go easy to remember, and it’s making us incredibly vulnerable to cyber attacks.
By following a few simple tips and tricks, you can avoid a data breach in your own life and ensure that your most precious data stays just that—yours.

Update Your Browser and Other Devices
It seems really simple but keeping your browser up to date is actually one of the best ways to keep you and your data protected. Old browsers are less stable and are highly vulnerable to spyware, viruses, malware and many other security issues. Updates are capable of patching newly discovered security problems and keeping your password out of the wrong hands.
Make Use of Two-Factor Authentication
Two-factor authentication is a sure-fire way to ensure your online safety. With it, in addition to your typical password protection, users have to provide a one-time code at the time of login. This code is usually sent to your mobile phone in the form of a text message. Once you have entered your password, the login service will prompt you to enter the one time authentication code. This process adds a second, secure layer of protection to the standard username and password login process and is truly a practical approach to doubling up your Internet safety.

Use HTTPS
When looking for the most protected version, hypertext transfer protocol or HTTPS is the best is the business. This appears as the series of letters before the ‘www.’ in the web address. Webpages with https in the URL tend to be more secure so try to use it whenever possible as it works to bi-directionally encrypt details sent between you and the server of a website. Most importantly, encryption with https is more apt to offer benefits such as webpage integrity and confidentiality. By using this, your information is better safeguarded against any prying eyes as only the server and your browser alone can decrypt the traffic.

Use a Password Manager
Fairly new technologies, Password Managers are a great way to protect yourself against security breaches while doing only half the work. While you should make use of strong passwords, rotate your passwords periodically, and always use different passwords for different accounts, none of these techniques safeguard against human fallibility. With so many different accounts and all of the passwords that come with them, it is very easy to forget what goes where. A Password Manager works to keep your passwords in a secure place, hidden behind the most secure password you can think of—preferably something that contains a selection of random letters, numbers, and symbols. By using a Password Manger, you cut down the passwords you need to remember to one, while still ensuring that each account you use has a unique password.

Which brings us to…?

Create Unique Passwords
Every account, every time—you always need a different password. Password reuse is your number one enemy. So, remember to create a distinct and unique password for each site you visit and use. Ditch all those standard words you’re used to using and never use any key dates, names, or characteristics about yourself. For instance, ilikedogs69 probably isn’t going to cut it. If you must use a common word (and hey, we get it—sometimes there’s just no other way to remember), try skipping letters—haveheart1212 could become havheart1212. By skipping letters, you instantly reduce the ease of guesswork for your assailant. Write backwards, vary between upper and lowercase letters, and always include several numbers and characters. Remember—the longer, the better.

So, there you have it—five easy steps to securing your password.
It’s your safety, right at your fingertips.

Security Tips to Secure Your Android Phone from Getting Hacked

Security Tips to Secure Your Android Phone from Getting Hacked


 


 

Security Tips to Secure Your Android Phone from Getting Hacked

     Your mobile devices or even mine for that matter, house every sort of data imaginable. Think of all those selfies and the videos, synced bank accounts, Social Media as well as email accounts or contacts with their full details. It goes without saying that by storing all the information on a single (or multiple) device, we all face potential threats from hackers, who stealthily gain access to your smartphone or tablet and steal valuable information without your knowledge. The situation is worse in the case of Android phones.

One of the biggest weaknesses of the Android platform lies in the way in which the apps on a device communicate crucial information with servers. As is obvious, most of this communication is unencrypted and paves the way for hackers to exploit this vulnerability. Other than the issue with encryption, third-party advertising software can also leave your Android smartphone exposed to hackers. This is just the tip of the iceberg.
The scenario is scary because a hacker can not only access crucial/sensitive data, but also use your identity on various Social Media accounts and act as an imposter, carry out financial transactions from your bank accounts, hold your device hostage and most importantly, spy on your day to day activities and leak out sensitive information about you. Sounds scary right? What if I also tell you that these hackers can put your smartphone in a Botnet and carry out an array of illegal and fraudulent activities? Yes. Therein is the actual threat.
How to detect whether or not your Android device has been hacked?
Now there are no steadfast rules, but some telltale signs that will surely help you detect whether or not your Android device has been hacked. Take a look at the pointers that I have compiled to know which are these signs.
  • You get a long mobile bill that you have no clue about and it includes calls that you never made and SMSes that you never sent. The same holds true with bank transactions, which you never carried out. Both are signs of your mobile data being compromised at some or the other point of time.
  • Your mobile acts weird, even when the device is new. For example, certain apps might open and close on their own or send out texts without you doing as much as tapping the screen for approval is a sign of your device being hacked.
  • Your mobile battery is draining faster than ever. Of course, there are many other factors that can lead to this such as apps that consume a lot of battery power when they run in the background. But we can’t rule this point out.
  • Your phone runs extremely slow and keeps on getting hanged or restarts several times in a day. This can be caused by a malware or a hacker trying to modify some data in your device.
These situations can easily be done away with, if you know some top tips that are listed below to secure your Android phone.
  1. Always keep the software of your device updated: One of the key loopholes that malicious software look forward to is the outdated software of mobile operating systems. Therefore, when you update the software on your smartphone, you automatically reduce the risks of falling prey to hackers and malware. So, the next time an update notification pops up on your screen, remember to tap it and approve.
  2. Avoid third-party app stores: Always make it a point to download and install apps on your Android device from Google Play Store instead of a third-party app store or even some random websites. These are unreliable sources and you never know which of the apps will be infested with potential malware that will do you immense harm. Additionally, set up a separate PIN to make all the purchases on Google Play to stop unauthorized purchases.
  3. Use data encryption settings: Use encryption settings on your device to protect the data. This includes your Google accounts, application data and download information and you can enable it by going to the Security tab in Settings and checking Enable Encryption.
  4. Let go of the auto-complete feature: Make it a point to turn off the auto-complete feature on your smartphone. Even if you do feel lazy and irked to type the data every time, you can be sure that your personal data will not be up for grabs to the hackers. Similarly, avoid using the ‘show password’ feature that are available for a number of apps and websites.
  5. Don’t store your passwords in an app: Some people use apps that let them store all their passwords such as that of different apps, email accounts, Social Media accounts and even credit card or mobile/net-banking, in one place. This is a strict no-no. Even though the app is high quality and comes with several security features and functionalities, it is software at the end of the day that can be tampered with.
  6. Avoid charging your phones in public charging points: The constant use of mobile phones drains out battery, leading us to rush and charge our devices at the kiosks, especially when we are on the go. There are also fake charging points, which are the size of a shoe-box with power supply cords attached to them. These are placed by Juice Jackers to gain access to your phones. Here is how you can outsmart them.
  7. Don’t use public/Free Wi-Fi: Free Wi-Fi is definitely one of the perks that technology has bestowed upon us all. But wait. Before you use the unlimited Wi-Fi connection that comes free of cost and that too in a public network, think twice. Sending personal data over unsecured Wi-Fi makes your Android phone more vulnerable to hackers than you can ever imagine.
  8. Turn off your Bluetooth: Turn off your phone’s Bluetooth when not in use. Hackers can use unprotected Bluetooth networks to gain access to your device. If you do want to pair it with another device, use passcode. Do not allow any device to automatically pair with yours as this can lead to data theft and transfer of malicious code.
  9. Browse safely: I know, this is a basic step and you all are aware of the fact that browsing safe is the thumb-rule of ensuring security on the internet. But sometimes, when we are in a hurry, we hastily click on some links without a second thought. This can lead to the download of malware on your device without your knowledge.
  10. Delete browsing history on a regular basis: It is also important to delete your browsing history including cookies, cache and stored passwords, if any. Removing your virtual footprints will help your private information stay private and away from a hacker. Also, remove any temporary files stored in your phone on a regular basis.
To Conclude
In an era where practically everything is dependent on our mobile devices, taking precautionary measures to secure them does come in quite handy. Use these simple but effective tips and you will not lost sleep over your Android phone’s security!
Security Tip: Top 10 Worst Internet Security Mistakes

Security Tip: Top 10 Worst Internet Security Mistakes



 
The internet is getting increasingly popular for people to use (and use it to solve more of their problems), and thus it is getting increasingly popular for crime to happen over the internet as well. Hackers are not going to go away, and with identity theft being one of the most common crimes in the United States, your internet security is something you should be taking extremely seriously.

1) “password”


When you are choosing your passwords, what do you normally do? Do you optimize your passwords to the best security you can manage, or do you just type in “password” all of the time and let it be?
You should never pick a simple password, anyone wanting to get at your data will probably try out this list of commonly used passwords before resorting to anything more time-consuming. Even if you use the same password everywhere (which you shouldn’t), you need a strong password to protect your data. Change it now if you need to.


2) Using Public Networks without Protection.


While public networks such as those found in cafés, libraries, and airports might be incredibly convenient for you and help you stay in contact with people better while saving you money on your data plan, they can be incredibly dangerous to your online security and anyone with the right equipment (which isn’t expensive or hard to use) can take a look at what you are uploading or downloading (this includes financial data) if you are not prepared.

To be prepared, you will likely want to use a VPN, which will create a barrier of sorts around your connection and safely connect you to an outside server which will do your browsing for you and send you the data you need over that secure connection. This way no one will able to steal your data or know what you are doing.

3) Using Questionable Websites

This one doesn’t need much explanation. If a website is offering something that looks too good to be true, it is likely too good to be true. Also, make sure the website is as secure as possible, and don’t give your information to anything you aren’t 100% comfortable with.


4) Downloading Unknown Files


Whenever you download any file whatsoever, you should make sure exactly what you are getting. If you allow a file to be downloaded and activate on your computer then you are giving permission for that program to wreak havoc inside of your computer before you can possibly fix it. If you aren’t sure what it is, I can promise you that you don’t need it (or at least from that website).


5) Not Using an Internet Security Suite
This should go without saying, but you need internet security programs on your computer for it to function as a machine that connects to the internet for more than two months. A lot of people still don’t use them, and it usually leads to their ruin.


6) Not Checking and Clearing Cookies


Cookies and small programs or bits of information that are usually saved in your browser when you check a website or do something on it you want saved. Most of the time cookies are a good and useful thing that will save you time re-navigating pages you use often.
That all being said, sometimes cookies can be malicious and they might track your computer or take in data that you don’t want going anywhere. Every once in a while you should go into your browser’s options or settings (depends on the browser) and delete any cookies you don’t feel comfortable having on your computer.


7) Giving Out Too Much Personal Information


Maybe you need a strong public internet presence for one reason or another, but a lot of people don’t need to have everything out there for people to find when they are just using the internet for E-mail and Facebook. Try to figure out your own footprint on the internet and what people can find out about you if they look. Try to get rid of whatever you don’t want.

8) Neglecting to Update Your Computer


As incredibly annoying as those Windows security updates can be, forcing your computer to restart, they are usually there for a reason. If you are not updating often enough, you are vulnerable to whatever breach or loophole in the security that was patched up in the update (and that everyone knows about now that there was an update about it). Try to update any security related programs you have on your computer as soon as an update is available.


9) Failing to Keep Up to Date on Current Events


While this doesn’t mean that you need to have your head in the virtual tech newspapers every morning, you should try to stay abreast about whether any major websites are currently under attack or if there are any reports about a security leak which you might need to respond to. A quick glance over the major news sites and checking your email frequently should be enough to keep you informed.


10) Not Having a Backup Plan


Despite most people’s best efforts, sometimes there will be nothing you can do to prevent a security problem that will require your active attention. For this you should have a plan of what you are going to do and how you are going to quarantine the problem and keep your important information safe.

This means that you should try to have some backup drives in use and perhaps use a safe cloud storage program so you can restore everything you need to. Time will be of the essence, and you will not want to waste your time backing up your possible compromised files.

I hope that these security tips help you to create a strong defense against hackers and malware that intend to make your day a nightmare. Thank you for reading.

How to avoid a security disaster – Hard drive recovery

How to avoid a security disaster – Hard drive recovery

How to avoid a security disaster – Hard drive recovery

Issues of ethics and professional standards aside, your business has a vested interest in keeping data safe to avoid the costs associated with losing data. In the UK for instance, firms can be fined up to £500,000 for losing customers’ personal data and be ‘named and shamed’, creating massive reputational problems that further dent the company bank balance.

Your business should already have a backup plan in place that protects data against loss, and provides a way to recover information quickly in the event of a disaster. But what happens if your main system fails and the backup is found to be corrupt?

Laptop drive recovery – usually relatively easyFor a company laptop, data recovery should not be too big an issue. For starters most data should already be stored on the company servers, meaning that minimal file recovery is required (assuming your laptop user is adhering to corporate policy!). In most cases you should be able to get data back from a failed hard disk using a standard drive recovery tool like Kroll Ontrack EasyRecovery Professional.

Modern RAID arrays – a completely different beastRAID arrays, common in just about every modern server or storage device, are famously difficult to recover in the event of a catastrophic disk failure. The way that data is written across multiple disks in an array is ingenious, improving I/O speeds and reducing the risk of loss – but it’s also the biggest problem where the number of failed drives exceed the array’s tolerance. Or when the array is accidentally re-initialized by a well-meaning but inexperienced engineer.

Received wisdom has it that where failures breach those tolerances, data is irretrievably lost – and for non-experts, that is certainly true. However in the (highly likely) event that you don’t have a low level drive specialist on the team, the best practice is to call hard drive recovery specialists to avoid any data loss.

Let’s get physicalDrive recovery is a serious business, requiring clean rooms, block sector disk copying technology, patience and a whole lot of skill. You only get one shot at RAID array recovery, and a mistake really could render data unrecoverable.

Among the steps required to get data back is the physical dismantling of drives to access platters, copy sectors from the original platters to new drives followed by the process of painstakingly piecing data back together until you have a working set of duplicate disks that can be re-inserted into the server/storage array for rebuilding.


Time vs panic

Obviously data loss and hard drive failure are a recurrent nightmare for the CTO, and on the day an array does fail, panic is a perfectly natural response. However RAID recovery services provide a ‘get out of jail free’ card – even if the process takes a day or two. Far better to face the wrath of users upset about temporary problems accessing data, than the board for losing data permanently.

So aside from ensuring you are taking regular, accurate backups and checking that they can be restored, you may want to seek out a RAID recovery specialist before you actually need to call upon their services.
SECURITY TIP: Making Sure Your Business Is Safe And Secure For Customers

SECURITY TIP: Making Sure Your Business Is Safe And Secure For Customers


It’s vital that you learn how to protect your business and keep it secure. This is not just to keep your investment safe but also your customer’s sensitive information. If you lose this, you could lose their trust, and that will cause you to suffer great losses in profit. That’s the bad news. The good news is that it’s relatively simple to protect your business from theft and hacking. We suggest you take these steps from day 1 to ensure you never have to worry about these issues in your company.

SECURITY TIP: Making Sure Your Business Is Safe And Secure For Customers

   1) Use Antivirus Software
Anti virus software should be seen as your first line of defense. You need to get the best protection for your computer network that you can buy. Once your antivirus software is installed, your business will be protected from Trojan software. But, you won’t be protected from hackers or a physical attack on your business. There are other steps to take.


   2) Simplify The Purchasing Experience


Although you want your business secure, you don’t want it to be hard for a consumer to make secure purchases. If it takes too long this, will affect your relationship with the customer and ultimately could result in you losing business. To ensure this does not happen, you can use one of the many mobile identity solutions. This software will check who is making a purchase quickly based on information already obtained. If the user has a password or an account with your business they can make purchases without inputting information. This keeps your business protected while ensuring purchases can be completed with ease.

  3) Passwords And Encryptions
Of course, if you have this type of service that means you are keeping the information customers provide you with. This could be bank card details as well as personal information. It’s vital that you keep this information protected. It needs to be behind passwords and encryptions. Also, do not make the mistake of using passwords that are made of personal information. The majority of crimes are committed by someone who knew the victim.
Remember, passwords and encryptions will not always stop a hacker. But it can slow them down long enough to get caught, particularly if you have additional security.


 4) IT Support


Modern IT support teams will monitor a network and check for any digital break-ins. Hackers often leave digital footprints when they enter a computer network. If you have time, you might notice them but a business owner does not usually have the time in the day to check for these signs. If an IT support team is monitoring your system, they will see the signs and take preventive action.

5) Physical Security


Finally, remember to invest in physical security measures as well. Remember that if someone does break into your offices, they will not be looking to steal physical information. Often they will be looking to steal computer files, and that’s easier if they can access the main computer system. You can prevent this by setting up your office to deter criminals from ever considering a break in.

Tuesday, 1 March 2016

Kali tutorials: Email Harvesting Tutorial using Metasploit for Penetration testing

Kali tutorials: Email Harvesting Tutorial using Metasploit for Penetration testing

Harvesting mails online is something which all ethical hacker require .The simplest method involves spammers purchasing or trading lists of email addresses from other spammers . But being etchical hackers you might need to get mail lists .Another common method is the use of special software known as “harvesting bots” or “harvesters”, which spider Web pages, postings on Usenet, mailing list archives, internet forums and other online sources to obtain email addresses from public data.

Harvesting emails is process of collecting the mail address present online that can be located using search engines . It is the process of obtaining lists of email addresses using various methods for use in bulk email or other purposes usually grouped as spam.

Email harvesting is also used by hackers to spam their RAT’s and create large botnets . Phishing campaigns are also run using the publicly available email addresses .
This technique therefore is an important task to be performed during a penetration test . We will be using our favorite Metasploit framework to perform an email harvesting .
How to Perform Email Harvesting using Metasploit : 
Start by opening a terminal and just type msfconsole to start Metasploit for mail Harvesting Tutorial using Metasploit.
msfconsole
Email Harvesting Tutorial using Metasploit
Email Harvesting Tutorial using Metasploit
Now to look for an exploit that can help you with email harvesting , type search collector .
search collector
This might take some time depending on the machine you use .
When you see the search has completed , you must see something similar as in the below screenshot .
email-harvesting
Now you need to use one of the exploits available . I prefer search_email_collector to perform the email harvesting attack .
use gather/search_email_collector
Now I will configure this exploit to make it useful for our purpose . To see what all I need to configure in this exploit just type :
show options
This is what you must see :
Email Harvesting Tutorial using Metasploit
Email Harvesting Tutorial using Metasploit
The Two main options to look at here are :
DOMAIN and OUTFILE .
The Domain specifies the domain for which the email addresses will be harvested . OUTFILE is the output file that will be created in your root folder with all the email address in it .
Now I will configure this exploit to suit my needs . Since this is not a professional penetration test , I will use a free web domain to harvest emails . My choice is Yahoo.com . Now I must get the email addresses on domain yahoo.com in my email list that can be harvested online .
To do so type the following :
set DOMAIN yahoo.com
set OUTFILE yahoo-list.txt
To check if I did all right type :
show options
See the below screenshot for reference  :
email-harvesting-kali-linux

Seems all is good and we are set to do some email harvesting . To start the exploit to run just type EXPLOIT !!
exploit
email-harvesting-metasploit-attack
This must create the email list in .txt format . This will have all the emails that have been harvested for Yahoo.com .
Enjoy email harvesting !!

I hope you all have enjoyed the email harvesting tutorial using metasploit
Security tips: How hackers exploit  weak password

Security tips: How hackers exploit weak password

Users are the weakest connect between any security policy . The users are fooled into clicking on the phishing links and running the malware .
how-hackers-target-weak-passwords
How Hackers Target Easy passwords
But even to this day , the most crucial security loophole remains to to be a weak password . Password that do not follow the required security measure in them can be defined as weak or easy passwords . The most common examples of weak password is the password that is too short (vulnerable to bruteforce attack) or that can be guessed easily (vulnerable to dictionary attack)
Everybody knows better, but our lousy memories somehow convince us it is okay to choose a password that will be easy to remember.
Turns out, your easy-to-remember password may also be incredibly common–and thus easy for hackers to guess. According to an annual listing created by password management security firm SplashData, many people
“continue to put themselves at risk for hacking and identity theft by using weak passwords, easily guessable passwords.”
After analyzing over 2 million passwords scraped from various password dumps, SplashData ranked the top 25 worst offenders, starting with ‘123456,’ and followed closely by ‘password.’
The ridiculous obviousness of many users’ passwords won’t come as a surprise to most security pros. And indeed, some sites do try to force users into selecting stronger passwords, enforcing a minimum length (as evidenced by the third worst password, ‘12345678’) or requiring that numbers and letters both be included (enter ‘abc123’ and ‘passw0rd’ in 13th and 24th places respectively).
The weak passwords list does suggest that in a few cases, users are actually trying with slightly less obvious-seeming choices while using keyboard patterns as memory triggers. This wouldn’t be a bad strategy if it weren’t also entirely too common, with ‘qwerty’ showing up in 4th place, ‘1qazwsx’ (the left two columns on the keyboard) in the 15th spot, and ‘qwertyuiop’ sitting a little lower in 22nd position.
Rounding out the list are a variety of common words, like football, baseball, princess, and starwars. Your own social circle likely inspires a few individuals in your mind that are likely offenders with those credentials.
Passwords: ‘123456’ and ‘password’ are too short, so some users switch to ‘12345678’
It isn’t just individuals who should be concerned. Good quality passwords reduce the hackability of websites and other systems. To assist organizations with buttoning up this common weakness, the National Institute of Standards and Technology provides recommendations for developing and enforcing policies for password length and complexity.
As for individual recommendations, SplashData suggests three simple actions:
  • Use passwords or pass-phrases with a
  • minimum of twelve mixed types of characters
  • avoid reusing passwords on different websites
  • and consider using a password manager to organize and protect your passwords.
Oh, and don’t worry… when you forget your new bullet-proof password it can generally be retrieved with a “super-secure” query for your mother’s maiden name or the city where you were born. (And yes, we’re being sarcastic, because anybody with a Facebook account could find those details for many of us in a matter of minutes.).
I hope now you all understand what the real danger of using weak passwords.
How to Watch Security Cameras on the Internet

How to Watch Security Cameras on the Internet

 
          Camera hacking is not very new for hacker community . Due to mis-configuration in the Camera security , the cameras that can be accessed over the internet can be viewed by anyone without any Authentication . Though there is no real hacking in this but its somewhat nice to explore .
I would use this to explain the necessity of security configuration for IP cams . The Cams that have been used to provide the security , are now accessible to anyone without any authentication , and have become the biggest security Loophole.
The hacking tutorial section is now full of useless threads,The worst of all most of them are questions and other shits.
So yeah here i am writing a new tutorial trying to make this section back to what it used to be.
====================
Pro Tip :
Secure yourself before doing this.
This is Purely for Educational Purposes and Dangerous . Don’t Access Password Protected Cameras
====================

How to Watch Security Cameras on the Internet :

1-Open your browser.
2-Go to http://www.google.com
3-Copy paste a code and put it in google click enter and bam you will get some cameras by clicking on the search links .
Here I have accumulated a list of Google Dorks that can be used to explore some of the IP cams that can be accessed Online without any Authentication .
inurl:/view.shtml
 intitle:”Live View / – AXIS” | inurl:view/view.shtml^
 inurl:ViewerFrame?Mode=
 inurl:ViewerFrame?Mode=Refresh
 inurl:axis-cgi/jpg
 inurl:view/index.shtml
 inurl:view/view.shtml
 liveapplet
 intitle:liveapplet
 allintitle:”Network Camera NetworkCamera”
 intitle:axis intitle:”video server”
 intitle:liveapplet inurl:LvAppl
 intitle:”EvoCam” inurl:”webcam.html”
 intitle:”Live NetSnap Cam-Server feed”
 intitle:”Live View / – AXIS 206M”
 intitle:”Live View / – AXIS 206W”
 intitle:”Live View / – AXIS 210″
 inurl:indexFrame.shtml Axis
 intitle:start inurl:cgistart
 intitle:”WJ-NT104 Main Page”
 intitle:snc-z20 inurl:home/
 intitle:snc-cs3 inurl:home/
 intitle:snc-rz30 inurl:home/
 intitle:”sony network camera snc-p1″
 viewnetcam.com
 intitle:”Toshiba Network Camera” user login
 intitle:”i-Catcher Console – Web Monitor”
 
Here is a Screenshot  :
How to Watch Security Cameras on the Internet
How to Watch Security Cameras on the Internet
You can modify these dorks as per your needs during a penetration test on an organisation . Consider when you might be doing Penetration testing for a Bank or a multinational that has lots of IP cameras with remote access over internet enabled , this might be the First Loophole to report .
So friends you enjoyed our tutorial “How to Watch Security Cameras on the Internet” .. If yes don’t forget to say thanks.

Disclaimer : Don’t try to access a password protected camera or you might get into real trouble . Doing Hacking is punishable under Law and we hold no responsibility of what you do with this information . Purely for Educational Purposes .

Saturday, 27 February 2016

Top 5 Best USB Encryption Software 2016

Top 5 Best USB Encryption Software 2016

Best USB Encryption Software


I have listed some of the best tools that are really helpful to secure your data from any unauthorized access with the help of encryption either by password or PIn using the tool we had listed here. So have a look on these tools and download the one that you like to use.

Encryption Tools To Secure Data of External USB

#1 VeraCrypt

Encyption Tool 3

The best tool that will encrypt your files with a encryption. VeraCrypt adds enhanced security to the algorithms used for system and partitions encryption making it immune to new developments in brute-force attacks. So must try out this tool in your PC.

#2  StorageCrypt

This is the another cool tool that will allow you to crypt the USB drive with the encyption tool that allow encryption with the best algo that is almost impossible to crack. So must try this out.


 #3 BitLocker

The best way to secure any USB drive in windows with the inbuilt tool of windows and will secure your external drives. So must try out this tool and secure your data.


#4 DiskCryptor

DiskCryptor is an open encryption solution that offers encryption of all disk partitions, including the system partition. The fact of openess goes in sharp contrast with the current situation, where most of the software with comparable functionality is completely proprietary, which makes it unacceptable to use for protection of confidential data.


#5 GNU Privacy Guard

The well known tool that allow you to encrypt the external USB drive with the encryption. And using this tool you can actually protect the drive with the best way that you really need to secure the data in your drive.

Hope you like this cool post, do share with other too. Leave a comment below if you have any related queries with this.

Friday, 12 February 2016

How To Send Encrypted Mails In Google Chrome

How To Send Encrypted Mails In Google Chrome

Send Encrypted Mails In Google Chrome
Security is just an illusion and this thing mainly concerns with our privacy in the virtual world. And if you think you are secure on your device then you are totally wrong as your privacy can easily get compermise every second. And you must ensure it before doing any activity over internet. Now talking about mailing services which is just peer to peer communication thats too is not at all secure, as you sent or received mails can be read by someone else too that is well known as man in the middle attack and for this you must secure your mailing network. And thats only possible with some encryption technique and you probably don’t use this method till now. And thats why we are here with the guide by which you can encrypt your emails, So have a look on complete guide discussed below to proceed.

For google chrome there are lots of extensions that had been introduced till now which are really cool and helpful and here we discussing one of them by which you can easily encrypt your mails in Gmail. For that just follow up some simple steps below.


Steps To Encrypt Emails In Google Chrome Using Secure Mail for Gmail Extension
  •     First of all in your google chrome you need to download and install the cool extension that is Secure Mail for Gmail Extension.
  •     On the extension page you need to click on Add to Chrome button and then a pop up will appear where you just need to click on the button Add.
  •     Now the extension will successfully get added to your browser.
  •     Now open the gmail from which you want to send encrypted mails.
  •     Now you will see a lock sign after compose simply click on that. Now you will see a box to send encrypted mails.
  •     There enter all your details regarding address subject and the mail and click on send.
  •     Now you need to enter the password there to secure your email with password and repeat it again.
  •     Now simply send the mail and your encrypted mail will get sent and on the receiver end there will need of this extension and the same password to decrypt the mail.
  •     Thats it you are done, now you ensures your privacy is ensured with this and you can easily send encrypted mails that will only be accessible to the authorized persons

Thursday, 11 February 2016

Want longer Battery Life on iPhone? Just do one thing

Want longer Battery Life on iPhone? Just do one thing

Want longer Battery Life on iPhone ? Just do one thing

iOS users as well as Android users reported that one popular social networking app is draining their battery. You might be surprised to know that the app which is beyond  this battery draining is”Facebook”.

According to The Guardian journalist, Samuel Gibbs, “If you delete Facebook app from your iPhone, you will save about 15% of battery life by doing it. Mr Gibbs used iPhone 6S Plus for a week without Facebook App installed, and used the Facebook on a Safari Browser. He left the phone for charging overnight, and unplugged it from charging every morning and then noted the battery life at 10:30 PM daily. 

Now we came to know that uninstalling Facebook App helps us to save 15% of iPhone’s battery life. Besides this, Facebook App had consumed over 619 MB in my iPhone while the app’s size is 89.1 MB.

We can access Facebook on Safari efficiently but however instant articles and share to option is not available on the Facebook’s Website.

Recently, Android users also complained “Facebook’s Android App is badly affecting performance and battery life. The users complained that it drains battery even it is running in the background.

Now it is clearly known that Facebook’s App is affecting both major mobile operating systems, Android and iOS. In Android, Facebook was also affecting device’s performance, however in iPhone it is unsure whether it is affecting the device’s performance or not. If you remove Facebook App from your iPhone, you will not only save battery life but the device’s storage consumed by Facebook App. We hope that you loved this article, do leave your comments below and share your experience with us.
HACK NEWS:: Android Root Malware Common in Third Party App Stores

HACK NEWS:: Android Root Malware Common in Third Party App Stores

Android Root Malware Common in Third Party App Stores

Trend Micro, found about 1,163 android APK’s contain malware’s with name as ANDROIDOS_ LIBSKIN.A. The security company also claimed that between January 29 and February 1, apps containing this malware have been download in 169 countries and surprisingly found on the popular third party app stores, Mobile9, Mobogenie, 9Apps and Aptoide. The security company said that they have contacted these third party app stores and informed them about the malware’s in their apps but they didn’t received any response from their side.

Security Experts also had warned users to not download any app from third party app stores because they may not monitor the quality control as Google’s Play Store.

When you download any app in android from unknown source, your device notifies you whether you want to allow permissions for this app. Also, if you want to secure your device, you must download apps from only Google Play Store. Google monitors app greatly while as third party sites don’t monitor the apps they offer through their websites.


However, the question arises, Why people download apps from third party app stores when they have Google Play Store. The answer its that these malicious apps lure users in order to get more and more downloads from the users.

Also, my friend complained me that his device is filled with unnecessary apps and sometimes he find apps having porn images displayed. Later, he informed me that he always downloads apps from third party app sites. I later asked him why you download apps from third party sites, he said I am using 2G Internet pack, so Google Play Store doesn’t get properly loaded, that’s why I choose third party sites. There are several reasons why users download apps from third party sites.

The malware also fetches data, like the device ID, network and the other apps running on the device and more.
Top 6 Best Camera Apps For Your Android Smartphone

Top 6 Best Camera Apps For Your Android Smartphone

Top 10 Best Camera Apps For Your Android Smartphone

In this post, I have prepared the Best Camera Apps  on the basis of their download rankings, user reviews, user ratings and some of my experience.

#1 Paper Camera
This is an awesome camera app. This app provides a number of different paper filters while clicking pictures. The main feature provides by this app is sketch filters which can be either of pencil sketch or other brushed paper filters which can give you a better picture to share with your social media networks. You can wave your phone around and see the world change before your eyes, take pictures and record videos using any of the stylish cartoon effects or apply them to your existing photos


#2 Cymera
This is also very popular camera app of android. This app  allows you to overlay decorations to make photos more fun, or free draw on images. We can alter the faces in this app that is we can make face slimmer, eyes bigger and many much more options provided by this cool camera app.

Features
Automatic face recognition (enlarge eyes/smile/slim)
facelift, Liquify, skin corrections (brightening, whitening, concealers)
200 kinds of natural hair and makeup items
Cymera is the ultimate beauty tool for selfies!

#3 Instagram
This is the most popular camera app. This app implements a feature to direct share the pic in your friend and followers. This app also provides many cool filters which can enhance your picture to the high extent. You can increase your followers how can see your daily updates pictures.

Features
Edit photos and videos with free, custom-designed filters.
Improve photos with 10 advanced creative tools to change brightness, contrast and saturation as well as shadows, highlights and perspective.
Find people to follow based on the accounts and photos they already love.

#4 Flickr
This app is actually from the website Flickr and it is very popular as photo sharing app worldwide. Now coming with a terabyte of storage, it is popular amongst intensive photographers as a way of storing photos to the cloud, as well as providing a level of photo manipulation that includes 16 different filters in it.

Features
Put your free 1000GB to work – auto-upload all your photos and videos, privately storing them in your Flickr camera roll.
 Camera roll in the cloud – instant access to your entire Flickr collection, so you can free up your phone for everything else.
Organization and sharing simplified – browse with ease, select and organize hundreds of photos with one gesture, and share in seconds.
 Unleash your creativity – tweak your photos, add filters, crop images and more, directly from the camera roll. And if you change your mind, just revert the changes!
 Explore, interact and engage with friends, family and the Flickr community – there are millions of groups and billions of photos out there to discover.

#5 Camera ZOOM FX 
This is an another Best Android Camera App. In this app if  download add-ons, there are over 90 that can be added to Camera ZOOM FX, including Frames, Props, Composites and more Compositions which can give a better capturing experience.

Features
● Time Lapse
● Photo Editor
● Photo Gallery
● Touch to Focus
● White Balance
● ISO Levels

#6 Google Camera
This is the camera app developed by the google and is released in this year. This app provides many features like editing, filters and sharing etc.This app is a highly rated app but some of the features in this app will work according to your phone.

Features
Fast switching – Switch quickly between video and photo mode with a quick swipe.
Easy access to photo modes – Easily create stunning photographic effects and switch between photo modes (such as Lens Blur, Wide Angle, Panorama, and Photo Sphere) from the top-left menu
Auto-HDR+ – Google Camera automatically detects when HDR+ (High Dynamic Range + Low Light) should be used to capture great photos in low light and backlit scenes on the Nexus 6, Nexus 5X, and Nexus 6P
Slow motion video – Record slow motion videos in 120fps on the Nexus 5X and up to 240fps on the Nexus 6
SmartBurst – Hold down the shutter button on the Nexus 6P to automatically capture a stream of photos and automatically make GIFs