McAfee

AppWizard
December 25, 2024
A recent alert from McAfee has raised concerns for Android users regarding a health application called BMI CalculationVsn available on Amazon's Appstore. This app, which appears to be a simple Body Mass Index calculator, is capable of recording on-screen activity, accessing private SMS messages, and scanning devices for sensitive information. McAfee discovered that the app secretly steals the package names of installed apps and incoming SMS messages. Following this discovery, McAfee alerted Amazon, which removed the app from its platform. Users who have downloaded the app are advised to uninstall it immediately. McAfee emphasizes the importance of vigilance in digital security, recommending that Android users install reliable antivirus software and carefully review permission requests from apps. Users should also be aware of unusual app behavior, such as decreased device performance, rapid battery drain, and unexpected spikes in data usage, which may indicate malicious activity.
AppWizard
December 23, 2024
McAfee's security team discovered a malicious app named "BMI CalculationVsn" in Amazon's Android Appstore, which pretended to be a health tracker but was capable of screen recording, password theft, and accessing private SMS messages. Following the report, Amazon removed the app from its platform, and users who downloaded it are advised to uninstall it immediately. McAfee recommends that Android users install reliable antivirus software, scrutinize permission requests before downloading apps, and monitor app behavior for unusual activity to enhance their security.
AppWizard
December 23, 2024
The Amazon App Store is hosting a potentially harmful app named BMICalculationVsn, marketed as a body mass index (BMI) calculator. Developed by PT Visionet Data Internasional, the app has been flagged as spyware by McAfee Labs, raising privacy concerns due to its requests for sensitive information such as passwords, payment details, and audio recordings. The app has thousands of installations and has been identified as a security threat since October 8, 2024. Users are advised to keep their Play Protect feature active to mitigate risks associated with third-party app stores.
AppWizard
December 20, 2024
Researchers at McAfee Labs found a malicious app named BMI CalculationsVsn on the Amazon Appstore, disguised as a body mass index calculator. The app activates screen recording when users click the “Calculate” button, potentially capturing sensitive information. Although it was designed to record video, the developer had not implemented the capability to upload recordings. The app could still scan for installed applications and collect text messages. It was uploaded to the Amazon Appstore in early October and was removed after McAfee alerted Amazon. Users who installed it need to delete it manually.
AppWizard
December 19, 2024
A malicious Android spyware application named 'BMI CalculationVsn' was discovered on the Amazon Appstore, disguised as a health tool. Researchers at McAfee Labs identified the app, which was siphoning data from infected devices without users' knowledge, and alerted Amazon, leading to its removal. Users who installed the app must manually uninstall it and scan their devices for any remaining spyware. The app, published by 'PT Visionet Data Internasional,' initially appeared as a user-friendly BMI calculator but secretly activated a screen recording service and collected sensitive information, including SMS messages and one-time passwords. The app first appeared on October 8 and underwent modifications throughout the month. This incident highlights vulnerabilities in app stores and emphasizes the need for users to be cautious when downloading applications and to review app permissions carefully. Keeping Google Play Protect activated is recommended for enhanced security.
Tech Optimizer
December 19, 2024
The rivalry between Norton and McAfee has influenced the antivirus market for decades. Norton Antivirus Plus has a rating of 4.8 out of 5, while McAfee Total Protection has a rating of 4.7 out of 5. Norton offers excellent AV and malware protection, scanning speed, and very good false positive management, while McAfee excels in false positive reduction and includes features like a VPN, firewall, and identity monitoring. Norton typically retails for a certain price per year for five devices but is currently available at a discounted rate, along with a seven-day free trial and a 60-day money-back guarantee. McAfee Total Protection lists at a higher price but is often discounted, with a 30-day free trial and a 30-day money-back guarantee. Norton includes 2 GB of cloud backup and a password manager, while McAfee offers various tiers with additional features like AI-powered tools and enhanced identity theft protection. Users should choose Norton for cost-effectiveness and included cloud backup, while McAfee is preferable for lower system resource usage and fewer false positives. Both products are sufficient on their own, and installing both may cause conflicts.
AppWizard
December 3, 2024
A recent investigation by McAfee identified 15 SpyLoan Android malware apps on Google Play, which collectively received over 8 million installs, mainly targeting users in South America, Southeast Asia, and Africa. These apps disguised themselves as legitimate financial tools, enticing users with false promises of quick loan approvals. Upon installation, users were required to validate their location and submit sensitive personal information. The malware harvested extensive data from users' devices, including SMS messages, GPS locations, and contact lists. Users who secured loans faced high-interest payments and harassment from the operators, who sometimes contacted the borrowers' family members. Notable apps included Préstamo Seguro-Rápido and Préstamo Rápido-Credit Easy, each with 1,000,000 downloads. Despite Google's app review processes, these malicious apps evaded detection. Users are advised to read reviews, check developer reputations, limit app permissions, and activate Google Play Protect.
Tech Optimizer
December 3, 2024
AV-Comparatives conducted an evaluation of phishing protection in 2024, examining 1,000 phishing URLs across four quarterly assessments. Avast and McAfee achieved detection rates of 95%, though McAfee had a higher incidence of false positives. The evaluation included various antivirus programs and web browsers, with Avast leading the final quarterly test with a 95% detection rate on 250 phishing URLs. Other notable performers included Bitdefender, Kaspersky, McAfee, and Trend Micro, with G Data and Kaspersky also scoring above 90%. Phishing remains a significant cyber threat, leading to potential financial losses and identity theft. AV-Comparatives is an independent testing laboratory recognized for its assessments of cybersecurity products.
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