Tag Archive for: spying

Watch out for these fake messaging apps on Android – they could be spying on you


Cybersecurity researchers from ESET found a handful of malicious Android apps that were spying on people and stealing sensitive information from their mobile devices.

In a press release shared with TechRadar Pro earlier this week, the researchers said that a new threat actor group, which they dubbed Virtual Invaders, was active from late 2021. 

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Slow Wi-Fi is sign to ‘immediately disconnect router’ over spying hack attack – and four other red flags to never ignore


EXPERTS have revealed five major signs that could indicate your Wi-Fi has been hacked.

Wi-Fi is a convenient way to connect to the internet, but it can also be a security risk.

Experts have revealed seven major signs that could mean your Wi-Fi has been hacked

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Experts have revealed seven major signs that could mean your Wi-Fi has been hackedCredit: Getty

If it’s not properly set up, hackers and cybercriminals can steal your information and even your money.

Below we have shared 5 signs that your Wi-Fi network has been hacked, per Keeper Security.

YOU CAN’T LOG IN

One of the biggest signs your router has been hacked is the inability to log in to your router’s admin settings.

This is likely because cybercriminals broke into your account and changed your password. 

“When hacking a router, your settings are the first place a cybercriminal will look to compromise because they’ll have the ability to change the settings on your router to anything they want,” Keeper Security noted.

“They can then use their elevated privileges to launch other cyberattacks that target you and your data.”

YOUR BROWSER REDIRECTS YOU

Another sign that your router has been hacked is if you’re constantly being redirected to random websites.

For example, you could be trying to go to Facebook.com, but instead, your browser takes you somewhere else.

“Cybercriminals are able to do this by changing your router’s Domain Name System (DNS) and IP address settings,” Keeper Security said.

They also noted that these websites that you’re being redirected to are often harmful.

In this case, you should avoid clicking on something on the website or risk getting malware.

SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY ALERTS FROM YOUR ISP

If you get suspicious activity alerts from your internet service provider, then your network has likely been hacked.

“Your Internet Service Provider (ISP) has a good idea of how often you use the internet and what you tend to use it for,” Keeper Security noted.

“If your ISP detects increased or unusual activity, they may send you an alert to notify you of the activity,” they added.

However, it’s important to make sure that the notification is legitimately from your ISP.

“You can do this by calling your ISP with the number on their official website to verify that they were the ones…

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I’m a security expert – delete ‘invasive’ apps silently spying on your iPhone and Android using my settings trick


CYBERSECURITY experts have warned about invasive apps that can infiltrate your phone and steal your data.

Malicious invasive apps can easily compromise both Android and iOS devices.

Cybersecurity experts have warned about invasive appsCredit: Getty

WHAT ARE INVASIVE APPS?

Invasive apps are software that use a phone’s permission settings to spy on its user by accessing the phone’s camera, microphone, and more.

What’s more, these apps look like legitimate apps, “yet they have an ulterior motive,” security software company McAfee said in a blog post.

They are similar to spyware, except that spyware is malware that enables a hacker to obtain information about another’s computer activities.

“Both invasive apps and mobile spyware snoop on you and your phone, yet invasive apps work differently than mobile spyware. Invasive apps use a phone’s built-in functionality to spy and gather information on you,” McAfee explained.

A telltale sign of an invasive app is when the app asks for permissions it doesn’t need.

For example, if a flashlight app wants access to your microphone, that’s probably a red flag.

“The tricky bit with invasive apps is that many people quickly click through the user agreements and permission screens when they get a new app,” McAfee said.

HOW TO STAY SAFE

There are a number of ways to protect your device from invasive apps.

For starters, check your mobile device’s permission settings and manage anything that looks fishy.

For iPhone, go to Settings > Privacy & Security, then tap Safety Check > sift through apps’ permissions.

On your Android device, open Settings > select apps > tap the app you want to change > tap Permissions.

You can also run an antivirus or antimalware software on your device to run a security check.

Along with enabling security software, keeping your phone’s operating system up to date can help keep it protected.

You should also avoid downloading any suspicious-looking apps – especially if they’re only available outside of your device’s official app store.

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People are just realizing Android has special security setting that stops snoopers spying on you


IF you’re an Android user and privacy is a top priority, it’s worth trying out an expert-recommended setting.

Lots of specialists recommend using a Private DNS setting for Android that gives you extra protection while you’re online.

Some experts recommend trying out a Private DNS feature on AndroidCredit: Getty

DNS stands for Domain Name Service.

It’s like the phone book of the internet and translates website addresses you’re searching for into IP addresses.

Cybersecurity experts at Kaspersky have pointed out flaws with DNS.

The Kaspersky blog explains: “Almost every internet query starts with a computer contacting a DNS server to translate a site name entered into its IP address.

“And almost always it’s be done by the DNS server of your internet provider, while the request to it is neither encrypted nor signed.

“This insecurity brings many side effects.”

Side effects include your internet service provider knowing what sites you’ve visited.

They may use this information to send you targeted adverts.

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Hackers can also attack this technology and could lead you to malicious sites or control your Wi-Fi network.

To avoid this, users of devices with Android 9 or above can try Private DNS mode.

Open your Settings, and click More connections and then select Private DNS.

The route to this may be slightly different depending on your Android model.

Next, you’ll have to specify a server and then click to confirm.

You should be able to research a server that’s right for you.

Revert back to your original settings via the same method if you encounter issues.

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