Hutchins’ plea deal raises as many questions as it answers
Earlier this week, Marcus Hutchins, the man who helped stop the WannaCry global ransomware attack, admitted in court to developing the Kronos banking malware as... Read More...
malware
Primer: 4 ways to protect your devices from botnets
A device’s unwitting participation in a malicious robot network, or botnet, is practically detectable only through a forensic examination, experts tell us. But we can take steps to protect our devices.
WannaCry vs. the ER doc: On the front lines of a ransomware outbreak
At Cyber Week in Tel Aviv, Dr. Tony Bleetman recalls how he, his colleagues, and patients were forced to deal with the network- and computer-crippling ransomware attack that wreaked havoc on the British NHS.
FBI’s router reboot call reminds us why to check for updates
The VPNFilter botnet could collect information and block network traffic, the FBI said. Beyond rebooting our routers, we should be keeping their firmware up-to-date. Here’s how.
Web’s most annoying ads no longer welcome in Chrome
Google’s dominant browser will now filter notoriously intrusive ad types. While enforcing Better Ad Standards doesn’t directly address security, experts say it’ll benefit the whole Web.
Primer: Why (and how) to stop cryptojacking
Combine its nefarious applications with its inherent stealthiness and rapid proliferation, and it’s easy to see why cryptojacking has become a hot new topics in security circles.
Google Play is an ‘order of magnitude’ better at blocking malware
Google says it’s removing more malware than ever from its Android app store. But there are indications that the risks have also risen, as hackers see dollar signs in Android users.
To stay safer on Android, stick with Google Play
Yale Privacy Lab fellows are advising people to use a third-party Android app store over Google Play. Here’s why their advice is incredibly bad for the average consumer.
Hidden inside Dark Caracal’s espionage apps: Old tech
Researchers say the nation-state developers behind the Android spyware campaign Dark Caracal took a page from developers of legitimate software, relying on recycled components.
Parallax Primer: What’s in a banking Trojan?
Like the Trojan horse of Greek mythology, malware like Kronos carries a destructive payload, helping criminals steal hundreds of millions of dollars. Here’s what to look out for.
Kronos malware indictment highlights the risk of trust
Good security relies on trust, which doesn’t scale well. So writes Internet pioneer Paul Vixie, as he reflects on the indictment of the man who stopped WannaCry on charges related to Kronos.
NotPetya’s lesson for infrastructure: ‘Everything will be the new XP’
The NotPetya attack highlights that today’s critical security vulnerabilities are tied to far more than one outdated operating system, experts say. They stem from systemic issues well beyond the OS.
Parallax Primer: What you need to know about worms
Worms autonomously spread through system vulnerabilities, not actions like opening an email attachment. Nevertheless, there are ways to protect your technology against infections.
Fears of Mirai botnet’s effects stretch well beyond Election Day
Regardless of whether the Mirai botnet disrupts the U.S. election, IOT device exploits will continue to contribute to a less stable Internet until stronger security protocols are implemented, security experts say.
Inside the malware name game
From publicity and hacker humiliation to machine-learning algorithms and taxonomy, we outline the factors leading to names such as Melissa, Stuxnet, Nimda, and Code Red.
Hackers call for federal funding, regulation of software security
From a plea for an “NIH for cyber” to a plan for “software supply chain transparency,” Black Hat and DefCon insiders say it’s time for the U.S. government to ensure software safety.
Despite new risks, experts still recommend using antivirus software
Like other types of programs, antivirus software sometimes is vulnerable itself. And unlike others, it can hook into the core of your computer. Here’s why experts say you should still use it.
How to avoid ransomware—or remove it
You can dodge attacks with “good security hygiene.” And if you do get infected, you can take steps to regain control phone or laptop. Here’s a rundown.
Ransomware is ‘blood in the water’ for hacker extortionists
As people and organizations pay larger sums to free their computers of the malware, The Parallax looks into what’s driving ransomware’s development—and where it’s spreading.
How to block mobile ads
Advertisements on your phone do more than just tax your battery and make it hard to see your already small screen. They’re also used to deliver malicious software. Here’s how to block them.