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SMS Phishing: The New Threat Targeting Smartphones

Sat, 29 Jul 2017 23:52:48 +0000

To most “connected” individuals, phishing scams are not new. Traditionally sent via email, phishing scams attempt to extract personal or financial information from the target. From a suspicious request by a distant relative, to a threat about loss of property, phishing scams generally use fear tactics or emotional manipulation to get information from the intended recipient. If you think you may have a virus on your device from a phishing scam, click here to run a Full Virus Scan and remove any threats:

SMS phishing scams are no different in intent, but are sent directly to the recipient’s SMS inbox. Like email phishing scams, SMS phishing scams are a serious threat for both consumers and businesses. Because they can often mimic reputable senders (i.e. your bank), many people fall victim to them, which can lead to a loss of information and even identity theft. When protecting yourself from such scams, keep the following in mind.

Utilize Anti-Hacking and Remain Diligent

DFNDR’s Anti-Hacking tool protects your device against phishing attacks, if you click on a bad link from an SMS. This tool will automatically block any dangerous sites that you may attempt to visit, and warn you of deceptive websites designed to steal your personal information. Click here to protect your device from phishing attacks:

Be On the Lookout For Suspicious SMS Messages

If the message is from an unknown sender or a blocked number, it is best not to engage with the content, especially if the SMS message links out to a website. Typically, SMS phishing scammers use third party tools to mass deliver their messages and block their numbers from phones, so be aware if you see such a message come through.

Only Engage With Companies That You’ve “Opted-In” to Receive SMS Messaging

If you’ve never received SMS messages from your bank before and have not opted-in to do so, it is very likely that it could be a scam intended to collect your banking information. Be aware of which companies you’re expecting marketing messages or alerts from, and be wary of imposters.

Be Cautious of the Content, Even if the Sender May Seem Familiar

Even if the company or person the message is coming from may seem familiar, be aware of the information they are asking you to provide and how they are asking for it. Phishing scams usually over-exaggerate a sense of urgency in order to create fear in the mind of the recipient. Know that most companies will not ask for sensitive information over SMS. If in doubt, contact the company that’s trying to contact you by using a number from their website or a document — not the SMS!

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Does a Factory Reset Delete Everything? What to Do Before Selling Your Phone

Sat, 29 Jul 2017 22:37:05 +0000

A factory reset deletes apps, accounts, settings, and files stored locally on your phone. It does not automatically erase copies already saved in Google Photos, your Google Account, iCloud, or another cloud service. A physical SIM, eSIM, and microSD card may also require separate action.

That distinction matters when you sell, trade in, donate, or recycle a phone. Reset too early and you may lose access to messages, authenticator codes, or data that never reached the new device. Skip account removal and the next owner may receive a phone blocked by Apple Activation Lock or Android device protection. This checklist puts backup, account removal, erasure, and final verification in the right order.

Does a factory reset delete everything?

A factory reset erases the phone’s internal storage and returns its software to the initial setup state. It does not, by itself, delete information held in your online accounts.

Here is the practical difference:

Erased from the phone: installed apps, signed-in accounts, preferences, messages, and files stored only in internal memory.
May remain in the cloud: synced photos, contacts, documents, and account backups.
May require its own transfer or removal: messaging apps, authenticator apps, banking apps, wearables, digital wallets, physical SIM, eSIM, and microSD storage.

“Factory reset” is also different from “restore a backup.” A factory reset clears a device. Restoring a backup brings a saved copy to a configured phone. Verify the transfer before erasing the old device.

Do not manually delete synced photos or contacts as a substitute for a reset. Apple warns that deleting items while signed in to iCloud can remove them from iCloud and your other connected devices. Its official pre-sale instructions recommend transferring or backing up first, then erasing the device through the system controls.

What to do before selling or trading in your phone

Complete these steps before choosing Factory reset or Erase All Content and Settings. Menu names can differ by device and software version.

Verify the backup or transfer. Open important photos, contacts, documents, and conversations on the new phone or in the service where they were saved. A completed-backup message is useful, but checking the result is better.
Move access tied to the old phone. Review messaging, authenticator, banking, and workplace apps. Some services have a separate migration or reactivation process.
Unpair accessories and remove wallet items. Follow manufacturer instructions for watches, connected accessories, and cards stored in a digital wallet.
Remove accounts and activation locks. On Android, remove every Google Account and any manufacturer account. On iPhone, follow Apple’s process for your Apple Account, Find My, and Activation Lock.
Handle cellular service and removable storage. Take out the physical SIM and microSD card. Decide how to transfer or delete the eSIM based on the phone, carrier, and trade-in instructions.
Reset from Settings. Use the normal, unlocked system workflow instead of recovery mode whenever possible.
Stop at the welcome screen. Do not set the device up again. Make sure it does not ask for the previous owner’s credentials.

The reset belongs at the end of the process. Do not hand over the phone until your backup is confirmed, your account locks are removed, and the device can begin setup without your credentials.

How to prepare an Android phone

Google states that a factory reset erases data from the phone, while information backed up to your Google Account can be restored later. Because Android menus and additional features vary by manufacturer, use the device maker’s official help for the exact path.

Remove all Google Accounts before resetting a phone for someone else. Android device protection, often discussed as Factory Reset Protection or FRP, can require a Google Account previously used on the device during setup. A reset performed through recovery buttons does not necessarily solve an ownership lock and may leave the buyer unable to activate the phone.

If the device has a manufacturer account, such as a Samsung Account, remove that too. Take out the physical SIM and microSD card. For eSIM, review the device and carrier instructions rather than assuming the general factory reset handles the line exactly as intended.

Run the reset from Settings, then wait for the setup welcome screen. If the phone requests a Google Account that was used before the reset, the account-removal or device-protection step was not completed as expected.

How to erase an iPhone for a new owner

Apple recommends transferring or backing up your information, unpairing an Apple Watch when applicable, and using Erase All Content and Settings. Its current sell-or-trade guidance says the process removes local content and Apple Pay cards and turns off services on the device. It does not delete content stored in iCloud.

During erasure, the iPhone may ask whether to erase the eSIM. When the phone is changing owners, follow the on-screen option and confirm beforehand how your carrier will activate service on the replacement phone. If you are moving from iPhone to Android, also follow Apple’s official guidance for turning off iMessage.

When the erase process finishes, Find My and Activation Lock should be off. Stop at the “Hello” screen. Do not sign back in or complete setup for the buyer.

How to verify the phone is ready to hand over

Before shipping the device or completing the trade-in, check that:

it starts at the welcome or setup screen;
your photos, messages, notifications, and accounts are no longer visible;
the physical SIM and memory card have been removed;
setup does not request your Google Account or Apple Account credentials;
the new phone contains the data and access you chose to preserve.

If the old credentials are still required, do not hand over the phone. Use the manufacturer’s official help center to review account removal and the corresponding activation lock. This protects your information and prevents the buyer from receiving a device they cannot use.

What to do if you already handed over the phone

Use the official Google Account or Apple Account tools to review connected devices and available location or remote-erasure controls. Review important account sessions through the service’s official app or website. Remote actions depend on the old phone still being associated with the account and connecting to the internet, so they are not a guaranteed substitute for preparing the phone in person.

Contact the store, marketplace, carrier, or recipient through the official channel used for the transaction. If your cellular line remained on the device, use the carrier’s official app, website, help center, or account portal to review the physical SIM or eSIM status.

Keep reading

Sources

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The Rise of Increasingly Sophisticated Ransomware

Sat, 29 Jul 2017 20:01:20 +0000

Ransomware, a malicious software that blocks access to users’ data until a ransom is paid, is targeting more people than ever, despite growing awareness of this hacking technique. If you believe that a ransomware virus may be lurking in your phone, or if you’re looking to take a preventative measure, run a Full Virus Scan on your device. This feature will search both your phone and SD card for malware. Click here to scan your phone for hidden threats:

Reports of ransomware have jumped in recent years. The number of ransomware reports has grown from 2.3 million to 2.6 million just within the last year — an 11.4% jump. Within the first quarter of 2017, mobile ransomware incidents spiked dramatically, up 253% from the previous quarter. During the past three years, the various strains of ransomware have tripled as hackers have realized their lucrative benefits.

Ransomware Attacks

Recently, the WannaCry strain of ransomware attacked a total of 150 countries. Victims of this sophisticated attack included Russia’s interior ministry and Britain’s National Health Service; they were all ordered to pay a ransom amount in Bitcoin. Later studies uncovered that all victims were Windows users who had failed to update their software.

For mobile users, the most common form of ransomware is the “Trojan-Ransom.AndroidOS.Fusob.h” which requests administrator privileges and collects information from the device to upload to a malicious server. This server then determines the device’s worth and blocks device use in order to extort a profit.

New Techniques
As hackers recognize ransomware as a significant source of revenue, their methods and targets are becoming increasingly sophisticated. Oftentimes, scammers will target high-value individuals or systems in an effort to generate the highest returns per victim. Ransomware vendors are also starting to provide ransomware customer support lines to facilitate the exchange of data for payments. As these levels of sophistication increase, future ransomware attacks may develop the ability to evade detection through limited CPU usage, and use self-replication within organizations in order to carry out coordinated ransom attacks.

How to Protect Your Devices
To avoid the danger of losing your private data to a ransomware attack, make sure to backup your phone data regularly, and keep your Android and network software updated. Oftentimes, ransomware is spread through infected emails, so be sure to approach email attachments or messages from strangers with caution, and ensure your antivirus software comes with anti-phishing to block links if you click on a malicious link by accident.

If you are a victim of a ransomware attack, make sure to report the incident to law enforcement, as these attacks are often criminal offenses.

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The Rise of Mobile Gaming: Check Out These Apps

Thu, 27 Jul 2017 01:00:26 +0000

While traditional gaming — otherwise known as those played on a console, PC, or television — still holds a high level of popularity in today’s world, mobile gaming has become a force to be reckoned with as of late. To enjoy mobile gaming to the fullest, you should use Game Booster on your device. This DFNDR feature will allow you a better gaming experience all-around by freeing up RAM and boosting your phone for faster gaming. Click here to take advantage of Game Booster to get the most out of your device when it comes to enjoying your games:

Business Insider reports that mobile gaming will grow 21% each year. By 2019, the industry will be worth $52.5 billion, accounting for 45% of total worldwide gaming revenue. Major gaming companies that have historically ruled the market, such as Sony and Nintendo, have been forced to rethink their strategies. To keep up with the latest trends and to ensure that you can game wherever you go, check out some of the following apps that you must try to enjoy this convenient way of gaming.

To the Moon

This is a game that places you in the future, employed by a company that has the technological ability to rewrite people’s memories. After arriving at the deathbed of an elderly gentleman, you delve into his most recent memories. From there, you start reliving and reworking those, working backwards into his past. This is an off-the-beat game that is available for Android. This game is addicting enough to make you forget your social networks while you’re using your phone!

Slayaway Camp

If you enjoy puzzles, then this game is for you. In Slayaway Camp, you will repeatedly swipe your character across a board, bouncing off walls and navigating obstacles through various waypoints. This is an 80’s themed horror game where the block characters are aimed to be brutally murdered. You’ll be sure to enjoy this game and it’s quirkiness. This game, too, is available for Android.

Le Parker Sous Chef Extraordinaire

This is the last app that you should indulge in when gaming on the go; it’s a great finale. A challenging game with a side-scrolling platformer, players will have to reclaim their recipe for a famous meringue. This requires beating a bad guy and rescuing a princess. This is a classic game with a modern twist, as well as tight gameplay to complement its “cute” aesthetic.

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Tips for Storing Your Photos During Summer Vacation

Thu, 27 Jul 2017 00:00:53 +0000

Filled with beach trips, cookouts, and weddings, summer vacation is often unrivaled when it comes to photo opportunities. However, even casual photo takers know that these pictures can add up quickly and that vacations are rife with opportunities for losing all of their photos. Before taking the steps below, make sure to use the Duplicate Photos feature to ensure you’re not wasting valuable photo storage and backup space with duplicates of the same photo. Click here to remove repeat photos:

Backup Photos

Android users shouldn’t assume that all of their recently snapped pictures have been automatically backed up, as this is often not the case. Instead, they should be sure to check that the “backup and sync” option through Google Photos is turned on. To do this, access the “Menu” option within the app, select “Settings,” and then tap “Back up & sync” to make sure the option is turned on. To check whether older photos have been backed up, users simply need to tap the photos icon within the app and view the photos that have been saved through the application.

Photo Storage Apps

Photo libraries can grow quickly during vacations, filling up a phone’s storage capacity. In cases where a device’s memory fills up before vacation ends, users may find themselves caught between the option of deleting old photos or not snapping new ones. Luckily, downloading a trustworthy photo storage app before going on vacation is an easy way to solve this storage problem.

Flickr is one such app that’s been a trusted photo storage platform for more than 10 years. The service offers 1 TB of free storage, automatic uploads from the camera roll, and free sorting and Smart Search options. Dropbox is another trusted storage provider. Although the app’s free storage constraints are much more limited at only 2 GB, this number can be expanded by following the company’s social media pages, referring friends to the service, and leaving feedback. Users willing to pay a monthly fee will have access to a storage amount of 1 TB and will even be able to access photos offline.

Group Sharing Photo Apps

A staple of summer vacations is the group shot. However, sharing these photos can be a tedious process, and photo storage apps often limit user access. Instead, downloading a private photo sharing app such as Cluster can simplify the sharing process. The service imposes no limit on group sizes, offers many privacy control features, and allows uploading and viewing from both mobile and laptops.

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Here Are 4 Tips on How to Avoid Phone Hacking

Wed, 26 Jul 2017 23:00:48 +0000

The security of our mobile devices and Wi-Fi networks are a constant source of worry. It seems like hackers are finding new ways to breach our networks and steal our information every day. To protect your phone, activate the Anti-Hacking feature now:

Our phones hold so much personal information that the risk of them being hacked is an intimidating thought. The Anti-Hacking feature protects against malicious sites with warnings and prevents password theft by making sure your login credentials are never found by hackers. Besides a good security app, the following are other ways to protect yourself.

Avoid Public Wi-Fi

It can be tempting to tend to some personal business while sitting in a local coffee shop and taking advantage of their free Wi-Fi network. However, doing so can put your phone’s security at risk. If you’re going to use public Wi-Fi, make sure that you are not entering any sensitive information while doing so, such as your banking information or passwords. These networks are particularly susceptible to being hacked, putting your information at risk.

Use Passcodes

Using a passcode on your phone may be considered a pain, but it’s worth the effort to protect your device. Avoid using passwords that are easy to guess, and stay away from generic passcodes such as “1234” or “0000.” The more numbers or characters, the better, so switch the length of the code to six digits for extra points (and protection).

Limit Bluetooth Usage

Using Bluetooth on your device can make your phone more susceptible to being hacked. While this feature of our smartphones is useful, it gives hackers an easy “in” to record your keystrokes, steal credit card numbers, and even to send scam text messages to your device. To minimize this risk, limit your Bluetooth usage as much as you can, always turning it off when it’s not being used.

Be Cautious When Downloading Apps

Believe it or not, not all apps offered on the Google Play store and beyond are safe for our phones. Before downloading any apps to your device, ensure that they are from a trusted source, such as via the manufacturer’s app store. Do your research, and read reviews and the description of the app so that you’re not unknowingly putting your device at risk.

Even if we’re not always consciously aware of it, our phones are typically at some level of risk of being hacked by a predator. Protect your information and your device by following these simple tips and you’ll be glad you did!

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Best Password Managers for Your Android Devices

Sun, 23 Jul 2017 02:00:24 +0000

Keeping track of multiple passwords can be a difficult task, especially if each password contains a different mix of numbers, upper- and lowercase letters, and symbols. While it can be tempting to use simple and memorable passwords, or the same two passwords across all accounts, this approach can pose a severe threat to all of your most sensitive accounts. DFNDR users looking to protect themselves from password and data theft should activate Anti-Hacking on their device. Click here to stay safe online:

Anti-Hacking will not only protect devices from malicious sites, but it will also protect sensitive login credentials from hackers by blocking phishing attempts. In addition to using Anti-Hacking, you should also consider using a password manager on your Android. This is a secure app which stores and generates multiple passwords through the same encrypted platform. Check out some of the best password managers below.

1Password

This password app generator relies on AES 256-bit encryption and depends on end-to-end encryption, so that your private login information is only ever decrypted offline. Through the app, users can create strong passwords and memorable passphrases, and sync the app across devices. The app allows users to organize information and passwords into categories, from addresses and bank accounts, to credit cards and driver’s licenses. Information can be tagged, favorited, and split into different vaults to keep work and personal information separate. Unlike many other password apps, 1Password allows users to link team and family accounts within the platform.

Dashlane

Dashlane is one of the best options for free password management. Also equipped with AES 256-bit encryption, Dashlane offers local-only and cloud backup options, fingerprint ID, and the ability to encrypt all in-app passwords. Users can rely on the app to generate passwords, sync devices through the platform, and lock passwords automatically if the device is lost. In addition, Dashlane offers a Digital Wallet feature, which will organize credit card information, sync all mobile apps for express checkout, store receipts in a payments section, and auto-fill mobile web forms automatically.

aWallet Password Manager

The aWallet Password Manager is one of the most versatile options within the password manager market. Not only does the app securely store passwords, it also collects credit card information, e-banking credentials, and web accounts, along with other custom data. The application relies on AES 256-bit and blowfish encryption, and supports the destruction of personal data after repeated unsuccessful attempts to unlock the app. The app relies on numerous safety features to protect your account against hacking attempts, including offline efforts.

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Introducing dfndr Assistant: Protection With One Tap

Sun, 23 Jul 2017 01:04:18 +0000

PSafe Technology, one of the foremost providers of security and optimization solutions for Android, is enhancing our flagship dfndr security app, with a new dfndr Assistant feature. Instead of multiple notifications clogging your home screen, tap on the dfndr icon and receive a summary of the security of your phone and its performance.

This indispensable dashboard will provide options to scan for malware or virus threats, ways to maximize phone storage, and suggestions to increase battery life — all in one handy control center.

Whether it’s apps that are slowing down your phone, files that need cleaning out, or suspicious links that could compromise your personal information, the dfndr Assistant feature has your back on safety and performance. Also, it’s easy to use.

Additional Benefits For You

With this new release, the ads-free version of our core DFNDR security app is also available. Ads-free dfndr is a direct response to your valuable feedback for a premium version without ads. At only $4.99, Ads-free dfndr is a comparable cost for the same standout security and performance features you’ve come to rely on, without ads popping up. To upgrade, simply navigate within the dfndr app to complete your purchase.

In Brazil, we help 3 million users reclaim an average of 6MB of storage per day with WhatsApp Cleaner. In the U.S., we recognize that Facebook Messenger is more widely used so we’ve added a Facebook Messenger Cleaner to help U.S. Android users free up more space for the photos, videos, and apps they really care about.

The Changing Landscape of Security

2016 saw a rise in malware attacks on Android phones after findings from the University of Michigan were published, along with Google releasing patches to fix 108 vulnerabilities alone in July of 2016. This disturbing trend is growing with new malware being discovered at alarming rates.

Criminal networks don’t just focus on compromising laptops or computers any longer, but also your smartphone. Your device contains immense amounts of sensitive information, such as credit card numbers, passwords, photos, and other personal details.

As technology morphs, controlling your car or the temperature of your home will be monitored from all the devices you own, including smartphones. While these developments are exciting, the slew of undetected vulnerabilities for thieves or hackers to infiltrate every aspect of your life is not fictional.

PSafe Technology’s increased efforts in intelligent security with accessibility is a vision we re fulfilling and the dfndr Assistant feature is only the beginning of leading-edge protection.

These robust additions to our popular dfndr security app are now available worldwide. Activate features dfndr Assistant or Facebook Messenger Cleaner and enjoy total protection and optimal performance:

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Real or Fake Profiles on LInkedin?

Tue, 18 Jul 2017 23:00:38 +0000

For all the users who are new to LinkedIn, you need to check out an online tutorial before you start using this social network. It’s much different than using Facebook or other social networks. However, LinkedIn comes with just as many safety risks. When using LinkedIn, you’ll still have the risk of stumbling upon a fake, malicious profile or a dangerous link. To stay safe online, use the Anti-Hacking feature to block malicious websites and phishing attempts:

It’s easy to get used to the relative anonymity of Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. There are probably select profiles on each platform that you view all the time. Well, you can’t do that on LinkedIn. Why not? Because the person whose profile you’re snooping on can see that you’re looking. Furthermore, LinkedIn will tell them how many times you’ve viewed their page in a specific number of days.

Why does this happen? Because when you joined LinkedIn, your account was created without any privacy controls, allowing for full public visibility. All of LinkedIn was recently updated, and those privacy settings are simply the default settings. If you’d like to know more, keep reading to find out how to change your privacy settings for your LinkedIn account.

How to Change Your Privacy Settings on LinkedIn

Once you’re on your LinkedIn profile, here’s how to change your visibility settings. Click on “Me” > “Settings & Privacy” > “Privacy” > “Profile viewing options.” You’ll now see a list of three options: Your “name and headline” (public), “Private profile characteristics” (semi-private), and “Private mode” (fully private). Here’s the difference between these three options:

Public: You’ll automatically be in this mode when you sign up for LinkedIn. So, if you view someone’s profile, they’ll see your full name, profile photo, and headline. LinkedIn says that they recommend the public mode, since it encourages more connection between its users. Indeed, a potential employer is more likely to find you if they notice that you’ve looked at their profile. But if you decide to stay in public mode, don’t look at the same profile repeatedly. It won’t help your chances of getting the job.
Semi-Private: For this mode, if you visit someone’s profile, they’ll only see certain aspects of your identity, such as your company, location, or job title. But your name will be hidden. There isn’t a lot of benefit to being semi-private on LinkedIn. In a lot of cases, if someone went digging through the profiles, they could still track you down with this information.
Private: If you want 100% invisibility while you use LinkedIn, this is the mode for you. No one will know your viewing activity. You’ll just appear as an anonymous LinkedIn viewer.

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How to Move Apps from Your Internal Memory to Your SD Card

Tue, 18 Jul 2017 23:00:51 +0000

If you have a smartphone with limited internal storage, then you might be interested in getting a microSD card for some extra space. But first, consider why you want to move apps to an SD card. Has your phone been freezing and lagging behind? If so, it might not be from a lack of storage space, but because you have too many apps running at once on your phone. Click here to speed up your phone with Memory Booster:

If you’re looking for a quick way to improve your phone’s performance, then Memory Booster is your best bet. Memory Booster will close the apps that are running and continuously updating in the background of your phone. This will free up RAM and speed up your device so that you’re less likely to experience freezing or crashing apps.

Find the Right SD Card for Your Phone

Before you can move files from your phone’s internal storage to an external SD card, you’ll want to find the right SD card for your device. They now make microSD cards that are hundreds of gigabytes — but that doesn’t mean your phone can support that much storage space. Research your phone’s specifications to find out how much space your specific model can support. Once you figure that out, you can then purchase a microSD card online; Samsung and SanDisk make great microSD cards.

How to Move Apps and Files to an SD Card

Moving apps and files from your phone’s internal memory to an SD card is a simple process — and a rewarding one, because you’ll free up internal memory space, which will help to improve your phone’s performance. Although this process varies slightly from phone to phone, it is relatively the same on all Androids.

Go to your phone’s settings.
Click on “Application manager.” This will show you a list of all the apps on your device.
Click on an app that is listed (one that you might want to move to your SD card). The app will display various commands. If you’re allowed to move the app to your SD card, then you’ll be able to click on the text that says “Move to SD card.” If you can’t move the app to your SD card, the text will appear gray.
Repeat this process for each app on your device that you want to move to your SD card.

Unfortunately, not every app can be moved an SD card. Most major apps such as your web browser and your communication apps cannot be moved to an SD card. However, you should be able to move apps like the Kindle app or the Adobe Acrobat app to your SD card.

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