New Android Malware Affects 25,000 devices
Google Play houses app containing malware
Russian IT-security solutions vendor Dr. Web posted on its website August 9 that members of the team have come across malware on Google Play, a platform for apps used on the Android operating system. A release from India Times reported that the firm stated that up to 25,000 devices are infected by the malicious apps found in the app store. The company also stated that the malware installs Android.SmsSend Trojans on the mobile devices and sends short messages to premium accounts after which it depletes subscriber’s accounts. Analysts from Dr. Web discovered that the malicious apps belonged to the Vietnamese developer, AppStoreJsc. The apps are said to disguise themselves as audio and video players that display adult content. Since it has been in the market, more than 11,000 users have downloaded this app. Dr. Web posted that “although the applications appear harmless, they have an extra APK file that contains an Android.Sms-Send Trojan. Speculation has been given to Dr. Web since this posting on its website. Many users have criticized the anti-virus company on forums stating that the company is trying to gain more income since its revenue depends on there being the threat of malware. In any case, it is suggested all mobile device users download with caution while in the Google Play Store.
Columbus State University | The Saber
Arts&Entertainment
Aug 21, 2013 |
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Illustration: Elaine Hoffmeister
Malika L. Harris Managing Editor
Apple’s New iPhone Feature Boosts Stock Price
iPhone fingerprint reader increases biometric stocks
Apple’s next smartphone, the iPhone 5S, is expected to launch in early September with a fingerprint reader built into its redesigned home button. It appears that mere talks of having such a technology in the upcoming iPhone have significantly boosted the price of shares at some of the leading biometrics companies, as makers of biometric security devices are bracing for a race among smartphone makers to adopt the technology. ABI Research and KGI Securities Co. are among the industry watchers that say the device will include a fingerprint reader, a prediction bolstered by Apple’s $350 million purchase of fingerprint-sensor maker AuthenTec Inc. last year. Thomas Marschall, CEO of authentication equipment maker Precise Biometrics AB from Sweden reported to Bloomberg that he believes that “Apple is giving a strong indication that market leaders see biometrics as part of their roadmap. All competitors are looking for alternatives to match Apple – it’s the kickoff of a rally in the industry.”
Malika L. Harris Managing Editor
Since the talk of the iPhone 5S, shares of Precise Biometrics have almost doubled since Apple’s AuthenTec deal, on expectation than its technology will see more demand. The stock added 12 percent in Stockholm today for its biggest gain in almost a month. Fingerprint Cards AB (FINGB), another Swedish maker of biometric security solutions, has risen more than tenfold in the same period and on Wednesday August 14, surged 14 percent. Mobile-device developers are now starting to turn to biometrics to make smartphones more secure, and quicker for making payments and accessing files, music and video through cloud services. An Apple embrace of fingerprint sensors could give the technology a lift, much like the boost touch screens got after the iPhone’s introduction in 2007. “Device makers started paying attention to biometrics, which can replace passwords and signatures, after the AuthenTec acquisition,” Marschall said.
HTC and Robert Downey, Jr. Launch $1 Billion HTC Campaign
It appears HTC’S earlier tweet, “Big things ahead?” was not a hint about the upcoming 5.9 inch One Max, but rather a tribute to the sheer scale of the new “Here’s To Change” global ad campaign. The company has just confirmed that it did sign Robert Downey, Jr. for a two-year contract, which includes starring the actor in the upcoming advertisements as well as getting his input in the process of filming them. An HTC spokesperson said to IGN that, “Given Chief Marketing Officer Ben Ho’s promise to make the company’s voice louder, it is no surprise that he is spending the same amount as last year’s worldwide sales and marketing budget—nearly $1 billion—on the “Here’s To Change” campaign alone.” This is Ho’s first major act since he joined the company towards the end of 2012. It was also reported by Engadget that the entire “Here’s To Change” campaign will span up to 36 months in which it will be
Malika L. Harris Managing Editor
split into three phases. The first phase will launch on Thursday, August 14, thaetwominute television ad featuring Downey and other actors will take air in key markets. This ad will consist of Downey and others walking the streets and trying to figure out what “HTC” stands for. Ironically this ad will not involve any HTC phones. The second and third phases have yet to be released, however, rumors have surfaced that.Iron Man may be featured.