kapersky
Latest
Apple begins showing Russian iPhone owners state-approved apps during setup
Apple has been forced to show Russian iPhone users a recommended list of local apps following the implementation of a new law.
Apple will abide by Russian law by offering government-approved apps
Users will be able to opt out of installing them, according to a Russian newspaper.
Blizzard offers WoW and antivirus combo ... in South Africa
Good news! Antivirus maker Kapersky Lab teamed up with Blizzard Entertainment to offer bundle that includes WoW, Burning Crusade, Wrath of the Lich King, and Kaspersky Internet Security 2013. Basically, the package is a World of Warcraft Battle Chest plus antivirus package. We think this would be a great package for friends who haven't yet gotten into the game because computer security is awfully important to keeping your WoW account in your hands. Kapersky in particular is designed with gamers in mind with a "game mode" that postpones processor-gobbling scans to free up power for gameplay. The only thing that would make this package better would be if it also included an authenticator, so you really wouldn't have to worry about account security. The only downside to this package? Currently it's only available in South Africa, where it sells for 399 Rand (or about $44). Perhaps if it's successful there, Blizzard will offer similar packages elsewhere, but for now, new players will need to purchase their game of choice and their antivirus software separately. And don't forget your authenticator!
Apple responds to spam app Find and Call
On Thursday, Kaspersky Lab Expert researcher Denis Maslennikov wrote about a rogue app in the iOS App Store and Google Play store that secretly uploads your contact list to a remote server and then uses that information to send out spam text messages. Called "Find and Call", the app is actually a Trojan that lets users "find friends in a phone book." The app then steals your contact list and uses the phone numbers to send out spam messages on your behalf. The app has a companion website that lets you add your social networks and email accounts to the service. You can even use PayPal to transfer money to your Find and Call account. It is the first case of malware the company has detected in the iOS App Store says Kaspersky in a blog post. You can read more about the threat and its possible Russian origins on Kaspersky's website. The Loop has a follow-up report that confirms the rogue app has been removed from the iOS App Store by Apple because of "its unauthorized use of users' Address Book data." [Via Forbes]
Kaspersky Lab: Apple is '10 years behind Microsoft' on security
Kaspersky founder and CEO Eugene Kaspersky told Computer Business Review that malware targeting the Mac is beginning to grow and Apple needs to take notice. The CEO said Apple is "ten years behind Microsoft in terms of security," and asserts that Apple must change its approach towards security soon. He said, Apple "will have to make changes in terms of the cycle of updates and so on and will be forced to invest more into their security audits for the software." I don't have any doubt that Apple will be able to plug holes that may be discovered in OS X or third-party software, just like it did with the latest Flashback exploit that targeted a Java vulnerability.
Kaspersky Lab: Macs not invulnerable to malware
The writing is on the wall. Our time of innocence is gone. Researchers from Kaspersky Labs claim Mac market share has finally reached the critical point, and the platform is now an attractive target for online criminals. Kaspersky told Ars Technica and other press on Thursday that, "Mac users can expect "more drive-by downloads, more Mac OS X mass-malware, and more cross-platform exploit kits with Mac-specific exploits." It's not all doom and gloom. Infections in the wild are still sparse, and Apple may slow the spread of future threats with the introduction of Gatekeeper in Mac OS X Mountain Lion. Among other things, Gatekeeper will prevent users from "unknowingly downloading and installing malicious software." If you don't want to wait for Gatekeeper, there's also several good antivirus solutions like Avast and Sophos that are available now for Mac users to download.
