Google and other Android manufacturers try to keep on top of the hardware and software security, at varying degrees of intensity. But a vulnerability in widely-used Qualcomm SoCs disclosed by Check Point Research today was particularly alarming. It could theoretically allow a malicious app to patch the software for Qualcomm's MSM modem chips, giving it access to call and text history or even the ability to record conversations.
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Google wants all of its users to add a second step to authenticate their logins and it's ready to impose this security hurdle on as many people as possible at once. The company has announced that it'll do just that sometime soon.
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Last year, Apple rolled out a new set of what it called Privacy Labels for the App Store. These disclaimers were sort of like privacy-oriented nutrition information attached to each app listing, with developers supplying the details regarding exactly what data their apps collect and precisely how it's used — assuming you trust them to be honest. The moment that news landed last year, expectations swung our collective attention at Google: When would Android and the Play Store get something similar?
The answer is "next year," assuming the tentative schedule Google for the new "safety section" announced today holds up. And based on the details provided, it might beat Apple when it comes to caring about your security instead of just your privacy.
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TeamViewer is among the most established remote support services that may have been a boon to your family during the pandemic — it helps remote into their computers to fix all of their tech problems. But remote computer or phone takeovers always come with inherent risks when bad actors are involved. To further secure the process, TeamViewer has introduced a 2-factor authentication option to allow or deny connections.
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There are a lot of VPN services that claim god-like powers of privacy and security, with perhaps less than compelling evidence to back up those claims. No one doubts Google's technical ability to create a virtual private network, but given the company's status first and foremost as an advertiser, you'd be forgiven for being skeptical of the VPN built into the Google One service. According to an independent audit, it's pretty okay. Which is nice.
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Like it or not, WhatsApp is one of the most popular messaging applications out there, and billions around the world use it. Unfortunately, for a tool that's integral to communication for such a large audience, security is far from airtight. It was recently discovered that anyone could suspend someone's WhatsApp account by just knowing their number. Now, another research report sheds light on a staple feature that's being exploited by several apps and services to reveal the targeted user's app behavior.
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Smart home gear is becoming more commonplace these days, helping to automate your daily routine in small ways. The Internet of Secure Things Alliance (or ioXt) is essential in keeping these gadgets safe, but it's just as important to ensure any backend software is also protected. Today, ioXt is expanding its certification program to include mobile apps like VPNs, with Google One among the first selected to participate.
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If you're a frequent user of WhatsApp, you may want to keep an eye on a disturbing hole discovered in its security this weekend. It's possible for an attacker to completely suspend your WhatsApp account, without any recourse for the individual user, and all they need is your phone number. At the time of writing there's no solution for this issue.
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It's been a busy start to the year for Ring. After releasing one of the most affordable smart doorbells on the market today, the company has returned with not one but two new cameras designed to keep your home monitored when you aren't around. In addition to a brand-new Video Doorbell 4, Ring is finally upgrading its popular floodlight with the new Floodlight Cam Wired Pro. Both versions are gaining some great improvements over the last-gen models.
Read MoreGoogle's monthly patches help keep Android safe from malicious attacks (assuming your phone's manufacturer is willing to ship updates on time). So long as you're careful when downloading apps from outside the Play Store, keeping your device secure is pretty easy these days, even as new attackers try to distribute dangerous viruses. This week, mobile security researchers have discovered spyware that pretends to be a system update, only to take total control of the smartphone after being installed.
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