adam roberts

2nd July 2018

Do you expect more from your browser? | Avast

What do you want from your browser? These days, we all spend more time online than ever before, so it’s not a bad idea to take a closer look at the tools we use to surf the web. In today’s digital world of large-scale cybercrime, weekly ransomware attacks, and nonstop phishing, it’s time to upgrade these magic windows to the web with some more relevant and timely features. That’s why we created Avast Secure Browser — everything you need to surf online safely in this new and sophisticated technological age.

29th June 2018

Data breaches, Fortnite flim-flam, and a whammy of a cyberattack | Avast

Data breach #1: Ticketmaster UK On Wednesday, Ticketmaster UK alerted customers their data may have been stolen due to malware found in one of its customer support products. The infected product, hosted by third-party supplier Inbenta Technologies, was disabled as soon as the malware was discovered, reports Ticketmaster UK in their official statement.

26th June 2018

Stay a Step Ahead of Today’s Bigger, Badder Cyberthreats | Avast

Cyberthreats and attacks have been a negative side effect of our computer age for more than three decades. The first viruses or worms were less harmful, designed to slow a system down or annoy other users. Some even say the first viruses were designed as practical jokes. In 1986, the first malicious virus was discovered. The Brain virus, one of the earliest forms of ransomware (though its creators would remove it for free), went worldwide over a short period of time.

25th June 2018

A week in security (June 18 – June 24)

Last week, we took a deep dive into SamSam ransomware, looked at ways how to identify and delete malicious emails, recognized that there are now risks affecting job recruitment portals, analyzed a malicious Android app banking on the popularity of Fortnite, and identified causes and solutions for the skills shortage in cybersecurity. Other news Security researchers pointed a finger at China for a sophisticated hacking campaign that breached satellite operators, telco companies, and defense contractors. (Source: Reuters) Latest Netflix phishing campaign started using valid TLS certificates. Typical. (Source: SANS InfoSec Forum) Two studies reveal that most websites and web apps are poorly secured. (Source: Dark Reading) An artist-cum-programmer realized that streaming devices are vulnerable to DNS rebinding, a weakness that has been known within the security industry for years. (Source: Wired) An information stealer malware on Android is found to particularly fond of Japanese- and Kor..

22nd June 2018

Three new threats at large and one thrown behind bars | Avast

SamSam ransomware is back with a surprising addition The ransomware strain that locked up the city of Atlanta in March of this year has returned, cybersecurity experts report, but with one mysterious addition. This new variant of the most infamous ransomware in the world requires input from the attackers themselves in order to fully execute. In a 5-step process, the fifth step necessitates a password to be entered from the ransomers. Some experts speculate this new measure has been put in place to lock out researchers from examining the intricacies of the malware, in case they find a working version. Others speculate this strain was developed for more nefarious purposes than simply making money, as it allows cybercriminals to handpick their individual victims.