Cybercrime
BSI warns of cyber attacks on smartphones and laptops
The German Federal Office for Information Security (BSI) discovers an average of three critical vulnerabilities in the most widely used software products every day. This also increases the risk of cyber attacks.
Hackers are increasingly attacking smartphones, tablet PCs and laptops. The President of the German Federal Office for Information Security (BSI), Arne Schönbohm, warned of this in an interview with the Bild newspaper. "Devices are often inadequately protected, making them easy prey for cyber criminals," said Schönbohm. Hackers usually exploit vulnerabilities in the software used. The number of malware programs discovered is also increasing every day. There are now more than 15 million malware programs for the Android smartphone operating system alone.
According to Schönbohm, the BSI discovers an average of three critical vulnerabilities in the most widely used software products every day. Last year, there were more than 1000 critical vulnerabilities. The BSI President is also concerned about the increase in Trojans, viruses and other malware: there are now more than 560 million malware variants in circulation that can attack personal computers. Around 380,000 new malware variants are discovered every day, with the Windows operating system being predominantly affected.
According to the BSI, there has also been a sharp increase in the spread of spam messages with infected file attachments. The head of the BSI therefore warned in particular of the consequences of a lack of security on smartphones, tablets and laptops and called for greater security awareness among users. "More and more people spend a lot of time on social networks, shop exclusively online and make mobile working their way of life. If a hacker takes control of their mobile devices, they lose access to their data and their normal lives. For many, this is just as traumatic as a home burglary." In addition, the victims are "vulnerable to blackmail with the contents of their devices".
You might also be interested in
Many WLAN devices do not receive a security update
There is a potentially dangerous gap in the WLAN encryption WPA2. This is why more and more manufacturers are releasing their 'patches'. However, many devices will apparently never receive a patch, fears the discoverer of the gap.
read more...Cyber attacks in the 1st half of 2017
Every third attack targets the manufacturing sector
According to Kaspersky, around one in three cyberattacks on computers for industrial control systems in the first half of 2017 targeted companies in the manufacturing sector. Ransomware such as WannaCry played a major role in this.
read more...Hackers prepare for sabotage of power plants
The sabotage of critical infrastructure such as power plants via the internet has been one of the major fear scenarios for years. According to the latest findings of security researchers, hackers are currently trying to collect the necessary...
read more...Siemens and ISA cooperate
In view of the threats to automation technology, the protection concepts for industrial plants must also be adapted. Siemens and the International Society of Automation (ISA) have therefore agreed on global cooperation in the area of cyber security.
read more...IT protection for critical infrastructures
BSI certifies first KRITIS security standard
The German Federal Office for Information Security (BSI) has certified the suitability of the first industry-specific IT security standard. It concerns the nationwide protection of critical infrastructures.
read more...WannaCry, Petya - just the tip of the iceberg?
According to a report by Trend Micro, the number of ransomware families detected in 2016 rose dramatically by around 750% compared to the previous year. Industrial control systems could also increasingly become the focus of blackmailers, according...
read more...Review of the 'Forum Safety & Security 2017'
The topics covered at the WEKA trade media's 'Safety & Security Forum', which took place in Munich from July 4 to 6, 2017, ranged from product safety to protecting the entire production process. Conclusion: Safety in a company is a process that...
read more...Beverage industry neglects cyber security
How well protected is the beverage industry in the DACH region against cyber attacks? Copa-Data surveyed 228 companies from the industry on this topic - with some worrying results.
read more...Petya could be aimed at destroying data
Communication between victims and cybercriminals takes place via an ordinary email service, and unlocking the data is extremely complicated - according to Bitdefender, these are signs that the people behind Petya are not interested in extortion...
read more...