Android phones and gooligan malware -Don't Panic

Gooligan malware and android phones.

A couple of days ago it was in announced that Google has suffered a massive malware infection affecting over one million android users across the globe.

A security firm named Check Point Technologies was the one the found this malware and announced it. There is a website they have posted where users can enter the email account they use for  google (usually is a gmail account) and it will let the users know if the account has been compromised.  Below is the link.

Gooligan Check Point

Tips for today:

DON'T PANIC

1) If your phone or tablet is running androig 6.0 (marshmallow) or newer, then it is not affected.
2) Moreover if you only install apps on your phone from the google play store and don't install apps from third party places then more likely your account hasn't been compromised.

WHO REALLY NEEDS TO WORRY?

If you own an old phone (running android 4.0 kitkat or 5.0 lollipop ) and are the kind of user that likes to jail brake the phones or install apps from third party app stores (other than amazon) in order the get free apps that are supposed to be paid. Then you might be infected.


I want to wish everyone Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year 2017.

See you soon with more tips :)

Trojans, viruses and other malware.

Think before you open a file or link. Practice safe internet practices.

I wanted to talk to you about the difference between trojans, viruses and other malware.

randsomware

Viruses: A computer virus is a type of software that normally self replicates and can spread copies of themselves. Many times without the user interaction.

Trojans (trojan horse) : Trojan is another type of malware named after the wooden horse the greeks used to infiltrate Troy. It is a harmful software that looks legitimate. Users are tricked to execute the program in the believes that is something good or something the were looking for.

Ransomeware : Ransomeware is a type of malware that restricts the user from accessing its computer or personal files and demands the user to pay a ransom.

There are other kinds of malware out there as worms, bots, spyware, etc.

Many times, users feel safe to surf the web or opening files or attachments on the emails because their computers have an antivirus installed. However, in the case of trojan horses, if the user click yes or execute a file, that will install the malware and the antivirus won't stop it.

How to prevent it? the best way to prevent from getting a virus or trojan or ransomeware is practicing safe internet surfing and backing up files,

My tips for today:

1. use an antivirus
2. choose strong passwords
3. backup your files (either on a dvd, flashdrive, cloud). My favorite is in the cloud. (one drive, google drive, dropbox, etc)
4. use email and internet safety. Ignore unsolicited emails. Don't open attachments unless you know the sender and you were expecting it.
5. Avoid untrustworthy downloads, freeware, etc.

See you soon with more tips.