TECHNOLOGY
Tougher consumer protections against malicious apps
Millions of people use apps every day to shop , bank and make video calls and the UK app market is worth £ 18.6 billion . But there are few rules governing the security of the technology or the online stores where they are sold .
A new report on the threats in app stores published by the National Cyber Security Centre ( NCSC ) shows people ’ s data and money are at risk because of fraudulent apps containing malicious malware created by cyber criminals or poorly developed apps which can be compromised by hackers exploiting weaknesses in software .
To provide better protection for consumers , the government is launching a call for views from the tech industry on enhanced security and privacy requirements for firms running app stores and developers making apps .
Under new proposals , app stores for smartphones , game consoles , TVs and other smart devices could be asked to commit to a new code of practice setting out baseline security and privacy requirements . This would be the first such measure in the world .
Developers and store operators making apps available to UK users would be covered . This includes Apple , Google , Amazon , Huawei , Microsoft and Samsung .
The proposed code would require stores to have a vulnerability reporting process for each app so flaws can be found and fixed quicker . They would need to share more security and privacy information in an accessible way including why an app needs access to users ’ contacts and location .
Cyber Security Minister Julia Lopez , said , “ Apps on our smartphones and tablets have improved our lives immensely , making it easier to bank and shop online and stay connected with friends .
“ But no app should put our money and data at risk . That ’ s why the Government is taking action to ensure app stores and developers raise their security standards and better protect UK consumers in the digital age .”
The NCSC report found all types of app stores face similar cyber threats and the most prominent problem is malware : corrupted software which can steal data and money and mislead users .
For example , last year some Android phone users downloaded apps which contained the Triada and Escobar malware on various third-party app stores . This resulted in cyber criminals remotely taking control of people ’ s phones and stealing their data and money by signing them up for premium subscription services without the individual ’ s knowledge .
The NCSC report concludes the government ’ s proposed code of practice will have a positive impact and reduce the chances of malicious apps reaching consumers across different devices .
People should also follow the National Cyber Security Centre guidance to help secure smart devices .
For more info : www . ncsc . gov . uk / guidance / securing-your-devices
Are you at risk of a cyber attack ?
By Kyle Holmes , Founder and Managing Director of Calne-based Black Nova Tech which works with companies across the South West offering IT support , installation , website hosting , design and cyber security services .
I know what you are thinking ? It won ’ t happen to you or your company ? The risk of cyber attack is small and you are not really worried that you haven ’ t had your IT services audited in an age ?
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Yet consider this carefully – it was only a few weeks ago when one Wiltshire employer ground to a halt following a sudden and sophisticated cyber attack . Wiltshire Farm Foods , part of the Apetito brand , has a large site at Trowbridge and its operation ground to a halt initially and then the team were affected for days .
Its main business is to provide nutritious frozen meals to older and vulnerable customers across the UK . Think of a private ‘ meals on wheels ’ service . Yet this cyber attack has had serious real world consequences for the company . In a statement Wiltshire Farm Foods said : “ Unfortunately , as our systems are not currently working , we will be unable to make many deliveries in the next few days . We are also unable to contact customers personally as we do not have access to their telephone numbers . We are doing everything we can to recover from this situation as soon as possible .”
What would happen to your business if something like this stopped production ? How much money could you lose ?
Specific details of this particular attack were not available at time of writing . We do know that the attack happened on 26th June and the warning about ongoing issues were still on the company ’ s website on 8th July .
At minimum , that ’ s ten working days where business
“ Prevention is always better ( and cheaper ) than cure ”
operations were compromised . ( I should point out the company insists that no financial credit card details were compromised ).
Cyber attacks have sky-rocketed in the last few years as a result of the pandemic and the ‘ working from home ’ model is likely to last for many companies . This means businesses are at risk from a range of attacks including viruses ; malware including so-called Trojan Horses ; spyware ; adware and ransom ware .
We can help your business by auditing your existing systems and putting in place protection , redundancy and remediation plans , to help prevent these attacks . We are an authorised reseller of many software solutions , from backup to security software and offer a plethora of packages to suit all your business needs , specialising in the installation and configuration of secure solutions which work to protect your computers , network , data and most importantly your customers .
Don ’ t be caught unaware and find yourself thousands or even millions of pounds out of pocket . Prevention is always better ( and cheaper ) than cure and acting now could save you and your business tomorrow .
If any of this worries or concerns you do get in touch .
Visit : www . bntech . uk Call : 01793 210 045 Email : sales @ blacknovadesigns . co . uk
42 www . tbeswindonandwilts . co . uk