by Payton | Oct 8, 2018 | General
Third-party applications are any software app made by someone who isn’t the manufacturer of the mobile device it runs on or its operating system. They also exist through websites and social media. For example, Facebook has third-party apps that it permits even though they were not developed to function on the popular social media site. While these types of apps may sound foreign, they are actually very prominent. Apple Store and Google Play contain thousands of third-party apps. Furthermore, they are ubiquitous on every social media site.
Types of Third-Party Applications
Official App Stores vs. Third-Party App Stores
Third party application stores are unofficial app stores that offer a multitude of third-party applications. They often tempt customers to buy and download their applications by providing a much lower price in comparison to the official app stores. Another tantalizing aspect about these stores is that they accept alternative currency, such as cryptocurrency so that users can remain anonymous. Furthermore, there are currently over 300 third-party stores, and that number continues to grow as society becomes more digitalized.
In comparison to third-party application stores, first-party stores offer native apps as well as third-party apps. Native applications are produced and distributed by the device’s manufacturer or operating system creator using proprietary source codes. They are commonly found pre-downloaded on devices or through official app stores such as the Apple Store and Google Play. Some typical examples of these on iPhones are iTunes, iBooks, and Message.
Safety Risk
The significant difference between third-party stores and official application stores is that the official stores have higher security to protect you from malicious third-party applications. Many phone services even ban the use of third-party application stores so they cannot compromise your device. Often, when you download an insecure third-party app, it infects your device with malicious software commonly in the form of Trojan horses. Most third-party applications require access to your profile information. This gives them access to your contacts, passwords, financial accounts, emails, pictures, and a lot of other sensitive information that can provide them with access to infiltrate your device and compromise your data. Furthermore, they can also duplicate your profile, which exposes your personal information to potentially harmful individuals. Additionally, they can use your information to form a botnet.
How to Avoid Infection
The best way to prevent your device from being infected by third-party apps is by avoiding third-party application stores. While they may have a few safe apps, their security standards are far below what the official app stores offer.
Also, for social media third-party applications, they often ask for access to your account information. Many people quickly grant them access without reading what information they require. Instead of blindly permitting them access to your data, be sure to read over what they want access to in order to ensure your private information stays secure.
Another way to prevent infection is by using cybersecurity products that scan your device for malicious software. Furthermore, it is imperative that you run scans frequently and keep your software up to date.
For more information about cybersecurity, visit our website https://dynagrace.com/.
https://www.lifewire.com/what-is-a-third-party-app-4154068, https://us.norton.com/internetsecurity-mobile-the-risks-of-third-party-app-stores.html, https://help.twitter.com/en/managing-your-account/connect-or-revoke-access-to-third-party-apps, https://www.wandera.com/third-party-app-stores/, https://www.t-mobile.com/responsibility/privacy/resources/device-apps
Image Resources: Featured Image: https://pixabay.com/en/photography-taking-picture-display-801891/, https://pixabay.com/en/users/LoboStudioHamburg-13838/, https://pixabay.com/en/app-store-iphone-store-apps-1174440/, https://pixabay.com/en/mobile-phone-smartphone-keyboard-1917737/
by Payton | Oct 1, 2018 | General
We live in a digital age where everything is online, and smartphones are an efficient and convenient vehicle to access and share electronic information. However, this accessibility increases the threat of cyber attacks. Malware, viruses, Trojans, and botnets are becoming increasingly common infections on smartphones. Despite this threat, many people overlook the need for smartphone cybersecurity software. In a recent study, 96% of smartphones do not have installed security software, which puts the user’s personal information at risk. Additionally, big-name online security companies often do not make traditional software that is found on personal computers, such as firewalls, antivirus, and encryption, for popular smartphone devices (i.e., iPhone, Android, and Blackberry).
Why Do Smartphones Need Cybersecurity?
Smartphones are essentially small computers with a mobile operating system. However, smartphones are more vulnerable to cyber attacks than personal computers because we use them for more personal tasks. Smartphones can access emails, monetary transactions, social media applications, and accessing online banking. Through their use, our phones compile a large collection of personal information that is extremely attractive to hackers.
Furthermore, smartphones often use “clouds” to sync data across all of a user’s devices. Therefore, a hacker only needs access to one device to retrieve all of your information on the cloud.
Additionally, attackers can utilize an employee’s smartphone to infiltrate company information. A recent study found that 67% of companies and organizations suffered a data breach due to a hacker infiltrating an employee’s smartphone.
How Are Smartphones Hacked and Infected?
Third Party App Stores
Many app stores entice people with lower prices for their applications. However, the Apple App Store and Google Play are the safest sources for applications because, unlike third-party companies, they have security measures that filter out malware-infected apps. Third-party stores are highly unregulated and can trick you into downloading a malware-infested application that compromises your data. In a recent study, scientists found that attackers used illegitimate apps to infiltrate 1.3 million Google accounts in 2016.
Drive-by Downloads
Drive-by downloads are any malware that installs itself onto your device without your approval. These are found on fraudulent websites and emails, and, once you access them, the drive-by begins to download infectious software onto your smartphone.
7 Ways to Avoid Hackers and Smartphone Infection
1. Install Security Software and Keep it Updated
Security Software is necessary for any device that can access the internet. The software is designed to patch security holes that make your information vulnerable. Furthermore, each update keeps the device secure against new security holes, so it’s important to have the most current software.
2. Keep your Operating System Updated
Updates for smartphone operating systems are released to improve your phone’s innate security. While many people worry about the time and space that these updates cost, it is important to utilize them. These updates keep hackers at bay and protect your personal information.
3. Don’t Jailbreak Your Phone and Be Careful Installing Apps
Many people are tempted to jailbreak their phones to use other application stores. However, you should only install apps from credible stores such as Google Play and the Apple App. Furthermore, be aware of what information you are giving applications access to on your phone. As consumers, we often overlook these small details and give them access to whatever they want. However, unlimited access can allow them to install malicious software on your device.
4. Use a Password Lock on Your Device
Having a screen-lock is the first level of defense against an information breach. Even if the phone gets stolen, the screen-lock can prevent access to most intruders. While a password may seem obvious, studies show that most people don’t have a passcode lock because it is an inconvenience.
Furthermore, passwords and passcodes are the preferred types of protection. Many people utilize biometric identifications, but they prove to be less effective. In many court rulings, the U.S. found that individuals must unlock their phones if utilizing biometric identification. However, they are not mandated to reveal their passcode.
5. Be Aware of Wi-Fi Networks and Bluetooth
It is very tempting to connect to public Wi-Fi networks. However, open networks make it extremely easy for hackers to intercept your online traffic and infiltrate your system. Therefore, never use open public networks to send or access sensitive information such as passwords or banking information.
Bluetooth is another easy way for attackers to access your phone. Therefore, whenever you aren’t using, turn it off.
6. Wipe Data from Old Phones
Before selling or disposing of an old phone, be sure to erase all of your data from it and restore it to factory settings. By doing so, it prevents attackers from accessing your personal information through your old phone.
7. Report any Stolen Smartphone
If your phone is stolen, report it to the local law enforcement authorities and register the stolen device with your provider. By registering the phone, it notifies you when someone tries to access a wireless network. Furthermore, it utilizes a “bricking” mechanism that prevents the phone from being activated on a wireless network.
For more information about cybersecurity, visit our website https://dynagrace.com/.
Resources: https://us.norton.com/internetsecurity-emerging-threats-why-smartphones-and-tablets-need-security-software.html, https://medium.com/threat-intel/smartphone-security-tips-f0c30c309030, https://heimdalsecurity.com/blog/smartphone-security-guide-keep-your-phone-data-safe/, https://www.fcc.gov/sites/default/files/smartphone_master_document.pdf, https://www.researchgate.net/publication/255965434_Cyber_Security_and_Mobile_Threats_The_Need_For_Antivirus_Applications_For_Smart_Phones
Picture Resources: Featured Image: https://pixabay.com/en/phone-cell-cell-phone-cellphone-690091/, https://pixabay.com/en/app-store-iphone-store-apps-1174440/, https://pixabay.com/en/adult-body-casual-close-up-1867757/, https://pixabay.com/en/coding-computer-hacker-hacking-1841550/, https://pixabay.com/en/signal-travel-landscape-stencil-2237664/,
by Payton | Sep 24, 2018 | General
As society enters a technology-based age, cybersecurity continues to be a pressing issue. Cyberattacks continue to threaten our national security on a daily basis. One of the most highly publicized cybersecurity breaches occurred in the 2016 elections. While we focused on Russia’s growing military power, they attacked us online and subsequently influenced the election outcome. However, while cybersecurity remains a constant threat, the United States has an overall shortage of workers who specialize in this field. According to a CompTIA report, there are 301,873 job openings in cybersecurity-related fields since April 2017. To overcome this vulnerability, the United States lawmakers have introduced a bipartisan bill in the House of Representatives that focuses on building up our cybersecurity networks.
The Bill
United States lawmakers recently introduced a bipartisan bill to the House of Representatives to combat the shortage in the cybersecurity workforce in all sectors of companies. Congresswoman Jacky Rosen (Dem., NV-03) initially presented the bill under the name of the Cyber Ready Workforce Act (H.R.6791). If passed, this bill would establish a grant program in the Department of Labor and focuses on developing and advancing cybersecurity-based jobs. Furthermore, in the bill’s text, it explicitly states that the Secretary of Labor will be able to award grants to workforce intermediaries to help in the implementation and expansion of cybersecurity apprenticeship programs. The apprenticeship program also is permitted to assist in:
- Career counseling
- Mentorship
- Transportation assistance
- Housing
- Childcare costs
Nevada
The Cyber Ready Workforce Act is based on a cybersecurity apprenticeship program that the state of Nevada recently implemented on May 15, 2018. This program focuses on high demand industries that struggle with finding qualified employees. These industries include information technology, hospitality, and advanced manufacturing. These apprenticeship programs provide opportunities to train and empower future employees and assist in economic mobility.
Support
The bill has gained a lot of support since being presented. It was co-sponsored by Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (Rep., NY-21), Congressman Seth Moulton (Dem., MA-06), and Congressman Dan Donovan (Rep., NY-11). Furthermore, it has gained the support of workforce and trade organizations such as The Learning Center and CompTIA.
For more information about cybersecurity, visit our website https://dynagrace.com/.
Resources: https://www.zdnet.com/article/us-lawmakers-introduce-bill-to-fight-cybersecurity-workforce-shortage/, https://www.securityweek.com/new-bill-aims-address-cybersecurity-workforce-shortage, http://gov.nv.gov/uploadedFiles/govnvgov/Content/OWINN/Press%20Release_May_New%20Apprenticeship%20Occupations%20Approved(6).pdf, https://www.reviewjournal.com/videos/first-cybersecurity-apprenticeship-program-coming-to-nevada/
Picture Resources: Featured Image: https://pixabay.com/en/supreme-court-building-supreme-court-1209701/, https://pixabay.com/en/letter-document-handwriting-paper-1840354/, https://pixabay.com/en/europe-gdpr-data-privacy-3256079/
by Payton | Sep 17, 2018 | General
Autistic individuals have greatly contributed to our society and have earned their places in our history books. One noteworthy individual is Albert Einstein. He developed the theory of relativity and is now known as the father of theoretical physics. Another extraordinary individual with autism is Alan Turing, the man who cracked the Nazi Enigma code. His contributions ultimately helped the Allies win World War II. These individuals, much like other individuals with autism, excelled because they were detail-oriented and could think outside the box. This illustrates that, when society gives a voice to people who think differently, the possibilities are endless. Furthermore, modern technology advancement found a surprising new area for autistic individuals to excel in: cybersecurity.
Autism
Autism is common spectrum disorder that is usually characterized by impaired social skills, communication, and repetitive behaviors. However, these individuals often possess unique strengths as well. A common societal prejudice is that autistic individuals have lower intelligence, which is supported by lower IQ tests. However, this is not necessarily true. Scientists have found that a lot of genes that code for autism also code for high intelligence.
Furthermore, autistic brains often are larger and have more synapses, or cell-to-cell communications, than the average person’s brain. Combined, these studies indicate that autism is a disease of higher intelligence. However, the lower IQ tests indicate imbalanced intelligence. This paradox means that these individuals are very, very smart in certain areas, but average or below average in others.
Autism in Cybersecurity
Overall, there is a massive labor shortage in cybersecurity, which has had profound effects on the nation as a whole. By 2019, the damage caused by cyber-attacks by terrorists and other hostile individuals is expected to exceed $2 trillion. Furthermore, businesses recently began recruiting autistic individuals to fill their cybersecurity shortage. According to recent studies, ¾ of cognitively-able autistic individuals score high in aptitudes and interests that strongly correlate to cybersecurity careers. With this in mind, innovative firms such as Microsoft, SAP, Freddie Mac, Gates Foundation, and Milken Institute are already hiring autistic individuals to oversee their cybersecurity, and the results are astonishing. These employees are not only filling the positions that safeguard our nation, but they are also excelling at it. According to interviews with these firms, autistic individuals surpass the general population in protecting our nation from cybersecurity threats because they are very detail-oriented, analytical, methodical, and integrous.
The extent that autistic individuals are outshining others in cybersecurity holds a lot of promise for the future. It goes to show that neuro-diversity in the workplace is essential.
For more information about cybersecurity, visit our website https://dynagrace.com/.
Resources: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/11/171102131330.htm, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4927579/, https://www.wired.com/2016/11/autistic-people-can-solve-cybersecurity-crisis/, https://www.forbes.com/sites/kateoflahertyuk/2018/09/10/how-employing-autistic-people-can-help-stop-cyber-attacks/#4f0ac3834b50, https://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/autism-link-cyber-crime-personality-trait-scientist-research-university-bath-dark-web-a7663086.html
Picture Resources: Featured Image: https://www.flickr.com/photos/157975988@N08/36532609156/in/photolist-XEgaVE-eYzBUV-eYLXWf-da6VGj-bAm3et-95e378-bAmvNM-mHPASR-dFUQ8a-5RXuPc-6bWCG7-bnrANd-agUxRV-Mcfxg-MqZtkS-7CCGzR-aFgPqa-e2HUhi-ekEDFz-3hEBrq-bAmsVk-eYzz16-8GaGvG-djDKQW-a4EHtH-AuCRZ-bnqXQf-4EimyY-8oMhie-eYLWpf-ctfWyG-eYzA52-72hnNm-4oxRxM-fNsTWN-aDCAfc-5vu3pQ-5tK1Fv-nVPuux-bA9Uxw-ekL4ob-ekKZ7s-XBZpYS-Hhzav-4Eimvw-ejXwWR-5tPmSd-8oQtF7-rzV1uV-6hgTHp, https://pixabay.com/en/europe-gdpr-data-privacy-3256079/, https://pixabay.com/en/autism-brain-dyscalculia-health-3616338/
by Payton | Aug 20, 2018 | General
Throughout history, the United States presidential elections have always involved mudslinging to shed light on various scandals. With the goal of demeaning the other candidates, elections seem to bring out the bad, the good, and the fabricated facts about everyone. The 2016 election between Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton was no different. Each side made the public aware of the other’s scandals and inadequacies. However, there was help from external forces. Later in the election, the government release information indicating that Russian hackers influenced the election. From the release of confidential emails to influencing social media’s coverage on political issues, it is clear that hackers promoted Trump’s campaign.
Hacked Emails
One of the main ways the Russian hackers degraded Clinton’s campaign was by releasing confidential emails about Democratic operations. They gained access to this information through a phishing email sent to the Democratic campaign chairman, John Podesta. The illegitimate email gave the hackers access to all of the information on his computer and his emails. From there, everyday emails involving the Democratic campaign were released online.
Social Media Hacks
Twitter served as the primary social media platform to promote the election. Due to the abundance of online services, Twitter can serve as a playground for hackers. The Russian hackers were able to form botnets to send automated messages promoting articles about leaked Democratic operative emails. There is also evidence that they promoted fake articles and articles promoting social issues.
Additionally, Facebook disclosed evidence of Russian interference in the elections through the use of political ads linked to approximately 470 fake accounts and pages. These accounts purchased more than $100,000 worth of ads that focused on hot social issues such as gun control, immigration, race, and LGBTQ rights. The fake accounts are thought to be related to the Internet Research Agency, which is notorious for using fake accounts to post on social media with the goal of degrading the population’s sense of nationality.
In total, 25% of the social media posts promoted anti-Americanism, 15% sought to degrade Clinton and her campaign, and 11% focused on Paul Manafort, President Trump’s previous campaign chairman who is being investigated for wiretapping.
Motivation
The culprits behind the hacks were 12 Russian nationals, and several of them worked for Russia’s intelligence agencies. The motivation behind these attacks is still under speculation, but many are suspect of Russia’s president, Vladimir Putin. Many believe that he wanted to damage Clinton’s campaign because she promoted pro-democracy protests in Russia. Another common belief is that the hacks were motivated to improve Trump’s campaign rather than undermine the political process. On the other hand, others believe that Russia’s involvement in the election was meant to destroy United States citizens’ faith in the Democratic process.
For more information about cybersecurity, visit our website https://dynagrace.com/.
Resources: https://www.npr.org/2018/07/19/630289153/why-did-russia-attack-the-2016-election-this-weeks-whirlwind-offers-new-clues, http://www.wbur.org/hereandnow/2018/07/25/russia-election-interference-how-why, http://time.com/5340060/donald-trump-vladimir-putin-summit-russia-meddling/, https://www.cnn.com/2016/12/02/politics/democrats-russian-hacking-intelligence/, https://www.nytimes.com/2017/09/27/technology/twitter-russia-election.html, https://www.nytimes.com/2017/09/06/technology/facebook-russian-political-ads.html, https://www.cnn.com/2016/12/26/us/2016-presidential-campaign-hacking-fast-facts/index.html
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