Category: Cybersecurity
Could fitness tracker technology help thwart cyber attacks by sending alerts?
Technology used in fitness trackers could hold the key to reducing cyber attacks, researchers say. The team from the University of Bath and Goldsmiths University of London are investigating a device that plugs into a computer. It would signal when action – such as changing a password or updating anti-virus software – is needed with…
Microsoft issues urgent Windows XP patch to prevent WannaCry-style attack
Microsoft has issued a critical Windows update to older machines to prevent a vulnerability which could allow attacks to spread in a similar way to WannaCry. The computing giant has taken the drastic and unusual step of providing a fix to systems it no longer supports, including Windows XP – its popular operating system released…
WhatsApp attackers hid malicious code in app to spy on users
WhatsApp has rushed to roll out a security fix after concerns were raised that hackers could inject surveillance software on to phones via the call function. The app discovered a vulnerability that allowed attackers to install malicious code on iPhones and Android phones by ringing up a target device. The code could be transmitted even…
UK cybersecurity expert admits developing malware to steal banking data
A British cybersecurity expert credited with stopping the WannaCry computer virus in 2017 has pleaded guilty in a US federal court to developing malware to steal banking information. Marcus Hutchins appeared in a Wisconsin court on Thursday after he agreed last month to plead guilty to developing a malware called Kronos and conspiring to distribute…
Five Eyes intelligence members to share stage in UK for first time
Members of the Five Eyes intelligence alliance are to share a stage in the UK for the first time. UK, US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand representatives will meet at the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) annual conference CYBERUK in Glasgow on Wednesday. They will discuss their experiences and how they work together to defend against…
Most hacked passwords revealed in warning over cybersecurity
Easily guessed passwords which are used across multiple accounts pose a massive cybersecurity risk for the UK's internet users, according to a new poll. A survey by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) found that many British internet users did not know the best ways to protect themselves from cybercrime. Only 15% said they knew…
Google to introduce stricter checks on Android apps – at last
Google has said it will carry out “more thorough” checks on app developers before approving items to appear in its app store. The technology giant, which runs the Android mobile operating system used by a number of smartphone makers, said developers which they had no previous record of would now be reviewed more stringently. Android…
Microsoft users’ emails exposed in data breach
Microsoft has confirmed that some of its email services have been breached by hackers, with the contents of some user emails exposed by the attack. The technology giant said a “limited” number of accounts had been affected by the breach, but confirmed around 6% of those involved may have seen the content of their emails…
Iran ‘launched cyber attack on UK before Christmas’
Iran has been accused of launching a number of cyber attacks on the Post Office and the UK’s local government networks in the lead-up to Christmas, it has been reported. According to Sky News, the attacks took place on December 23, with more than 10,000 pieces of data records stolen, such as email addresses, postal…
Manchester becomes ransomware hotspot, as London cyber attacks fall
MediaCity UK: More ransomware cases were detected in Manchester than London in 2018 (Dave Thompson/PA) The overall number of ransomware attacks targeting the UK has dropped significantly in the last year, with Manchester overtaking London as the country's ransomware hotspot. In the UK, attacks fell by 59% in 2018 compared…
