antivirus firm Archives

AppWizard

April 23, 2025

Russian army targeted by new Android malware hidden in mapping app

A new strain of Android malware, identified as 'Android.Spy.1292.origin' by Doctor Web, has been found in compromised versions of the Alpine Quest mapping application, which is popular among Russian soldiers for operational planning. Cyber attackers are distributing these trojanized versions as free alternatives to the premium app via Telegram channels and Russian app catalogs. The malware collects sensitive data, including the user's phone number, contacts, geolocation, and files, and can monitor real-time location changes. It also downloads additional modules to extract confidential files, particularly from Telegram and WhatsApp, and searches for location history logs within the app. This tactic is part of a broader trend of targeting military personnel for intelligence gathering, historically linked to Russian state-sponsored hacking operations.

Tech Optimizer

August 9, 2024

Kaspersky Labs: Russian antivirus firm leaving the US after ban

Kaspersky Labs has announced its exit from the U.S. market due to a ban on its software by the Biden administration, which cited security risks related to the company's ties to Moscow. The company plans to gradually cease U.S. operations starting July 20, 2024, and has already stopped sales on its U.S. website. The Commerce Department's ruling prohibits Kaspersky from selling its software or providing updates in the U.S., leveraging powers established during the Trump administration to restrict transactions with foreign adversaries. The restrictions will take effect on September 29, and Kaspersky intends to explore legal options to contest the ban.

Tech Optimizer

July 19, 2024

Global IT outage disrupting NHS ’caused by antivirus software’

A global IT outage affecting healthcare services was caused by antivirus firm CrowdStrike, impacting Windows virtual machines. CrowdStrike clarified that it was not a security incident or cyberattack, but a defect in a single content update for Windows hosts. NHS England confirmed the outage affected EMIS, used by GP practices and pharmacies, with measures in place to manage the disruption. GP practices and healthcare centers in the UK informed patients about the disruption on social media platforms.