biometric security features Archives

AppWizard

November 8, 2024

Godfather Is A Risk To Android Users Worldwide As 500 Apps Targeted

A new variant of the Godfather banking trojan is targeting over 500 Android banking and cryptocurrency applications globally. Initially focused in the U.S., U.K., and Europe, its reach has expanded to countries including Azerbaijan, Greece, Japan, and Singapore. The malware has transitioned from Java to native code, enhancing its ability to exploit Android’s accessibility services and mimic user actions through gesture automation commands. It employs social engineering tactics, such as a fraudulent website posing as the official MyGov site of the Australian Government, to distribute malicious files. Once installed, the malware communicates with a control server, collects device information, and replaces legitimate banking applications with phishing pages to steal credentials. The Godfather malware has become more difficult to analyze and poses a significant threat to users worldwide.

Winsage

October 5, 2024

Why you should be using Windows Hello to secure your PC

Windows Hello is a biometric authentication system for Windows PCs that allows users to log in using facial recognition or fingerprint scanning, eliminating the need for traditional passwords. It stores biometric data locally on the device, enhancing security by preventing access to Microsoft accounts. The system relies on the Trusted Platform Module (TPM) hardware for managing authentication and encrypting data. Windows Hello uses infrared cameras for facial recognition to ensure it responds to live individuals. Users can choose between facial recognition and fingerprint scanning based on personal preference. Setting up Windows Hello can be done during initial sign-in or later through the Settings app. Users can enhance biometric recognition by adjusting settings for different lighting conditions or adding multiple fingerprints. To add Windows Hello to PCs lacking compatible hardware, users can invest in a Windows Hello-compatible webcam or USB fingerprint scanner.

AppWizard

August 16, 2024

Biometric security use up for myGov app; Aussie TEx messaging ramps up | Biometric Update

Australia's Minister for Government Services and the NDIS, Bill Shorten, announced that the myGov app has reached 5.6 million users and accounted for over 122 million sign-ins in the past 18 months, with more than one-third of daily sign-ins utilizing the app. The myGov app now includes biometric security features and passkeys for secure logins. Since December 2022, over 1.5 million digital items have been added to the myGov wallet. The national digital trust exchange (TEx) is currently in proof-of-concept and aims to streamline identity verification for services like banking. Major companies, including Google and Telstra, are consulting on TEx’s development. The introduction of TEx has replaced previous plans to integrate mobile driver’s licenses into myGov. The TEx initiative is part of the Albanese government's digital ID strategy, which includes myGovID used by over 10 million Australians. Critics have called for more public consultation and have raised concerns about public trust due to past government technology failures, such as the Robodebt scandal.

AppWizard

June 24, 2024

How Android’s security features safeguard your mobile app experience

Android's app permissions system gives users control over what personal information and device functions each app can access. Users are prompted to agree to requests for access to features like GPS or storage. Android also offers one-time permissions and auto-reset features for additional control. Google Play Protect scans apps on the Play Store for malware. Android devices have biometric security features like fingerprint scanning, facial recognition, and iris scanning. Sandboxing isolates each app's processes to contain potential damage from malicious software.