Opti
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Post by Opti on Jan 27, 2022 10:20:08 GMT -5
This is what scares me about smartphones. How do you all protect yourselves now? www.msn.com/en-us/news/technology/devious-new-malware-steals-your-money-then-wipes-your-phone/ar-AATb9dL?ocid=msedgntpMalware has been around for years. While variants come in different levels of severity, they are extremely dangerous when targeting your smartphone.
Unlike Apple's closed ecosystem, anybody can make an app for Android with few checks and balances. Unfortunately, it also leaves Android users vulnerable to malware, as hackers can easily bury malicious code in an application.
An updated virus is shocking proof of this. Read on to discover how Brazillian malware went from spyware to potentially wiping out your device.
A Remote Access Trojan (RAT) known as BRATA has been around since 2019. At the time, it was used as spyware and exclusively targeted Android users in Brazil. It was able to capture a victim's screen in real-time.
BRATA initially spread through the Google Play Store as a fake WhatsApp update, with over 10,000 downloads that targeted around 500 users a day. The RAT eventually disappeared.
But almost three years later, it returned as a more harmful variant. It is no longer just a tool for spying. It now goes after banking details and can wipe your Android phone after retrieving sensitive information.
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jerseygirl
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Post by jerseygirl on Jan 27, 2022 12:51:04 GMT -5
Thought you now have an iPhone? Article implies closed apple system is safer than android
Yep if any computers are used (this includes smart phones) the crooks can get you. So do you just go back to pencils???
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Opti
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Post by Opti on Jan 27, 2022 13:06:47 GMT -5
Thought you now have an iPhone? Article implies closed apple system is safer than android Yep if any computers are used (this includes smart phones) the crooks can get you. So do you just go back to pencils I'm new to Smartphones. The phone I was incapable of using was an Android. I have an Iphone now. Everything is a risk. I am a not caught up techie who does get it sort of. I am not that defended from this type of scam because I am new to smartphones. So yes, it scares me. All systems have their flaws. Witness Apple tags.
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NomoreDramaQ1015
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Post by NomoreDramaQ1015 on Jan 27, 2022 13:17:02 GMT -5
The easiest way is to not download apps or at least don't download apps that you don't recognize the source of.
I have anti-malware software installed on my phone it's not going to catch everything but it should catch a good majority of it.
It's the same as the internet if you put your information out there on an unsecured app bad shit is likely going to happen. Only stick with secured and/or known apps. My UsBank app is secure just like their web site. I'm not in any more danger than I am using my laptop for the same purpose.
I have had to have words with DH though about linking our payment methods to games of his. Yeah Google makes it easy for you but also makes it easier for people to get it which has happened TWICE. I do not use his for anything except phone calls or Facebook browsing if mine is being charged. I assume his phone is compromised.
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Opti
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Location: New Jersey
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Post by Opti on Jan 27, 2022 14:31:55 GMT -5
I'm still very physical security oriented because of my own tech history in the UNIX space.
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jerseygirl
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Post by jerseygirl on Jan 27, 2022 14:41:49 GMT -5
Don’t click on links in emails
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dannylion
Junior Associate
Gravity is a harsh mistress
Joined: Dec 18, 2010 12:17:52 GMT -5
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Location: Miles over the madness horizon and accelerating
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Post by dannylion on Jan 27, 2022 15:01:52 GMT -5
The antivirus program I use on my computer has a smartphone version, so I use that on my iPhone. I also limit the amount of financial and other sensitive data I keep/access on my phone.
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NomoreDramaQ1015
Community Leader
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Post by NomoreDramaQ1015 on Jan 27, 2022 16:02:33 GMT -5
Also don't use open wifi networks if you are planning on doing anything related to secure information. Make sure your own network is password protected so not anyone can get in. If you are out and about either use your providers LT network or use a secure hotspot. COX cable provides secure hot spots to customers, I logged in with my username and password.
I would not use the city's open wifi to conduct any business from my phone or computer.
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