Search

MacRansom

MacSpy

Checklist 44: A look at encryption, past and present.

Today’s episode is all about encryption. We’ll look at encryption across time – from ancient history, to encountering it today on the web.

Malware from Compromised Handbrake Servers Leads to Stolen Source Code

Back at the end of May, we reported on a story about a malware threat to Mac users delivered via the popular DVD ripping software Handbrake. In that incident, hackers broke in to one of the download servers Handbrake used to serve installers to users….

Apple Covers All the Bases with Over 100 Security Updates in May

In mid-May, while the world was waking up to deal with the chaos caused by the WannaCry ransomware spreading over the web, Apple was making its users safer again. Released on May 15th, a new set of patches dropped for iOS, macOS Sierra, and both…

Checklist 43: 5 Things to Know About Spam

Today’s episode is all about spam! No, not the mystery meat, but rather those mountains of junk email that clog up your inbox and take up your time.

Darkweb Hackers Begin Offering Functional Mac Malware and Ransomware as a Service

With the popularity of both ransomware and the creation of macOS malware on the rise with hackers, Apple users face a growing number of threats. It now appears that others have turned their attention to the creation of new malware to spy on Mac users…

New Version of iOS Makes Quiet Changes to How Apps Use Your Location

At Apple’s annual WWDC event this year, the company made a host of big announcements. Chief among them was the unveiling of the next iteration of iOS, version 11. While they highlighted many of iOS 11’s new features during the conference, some other changes flew…

Apple Adds New Password Rules to Secure iCloud Accounts

iCloud users will soon need to abide by a new set of password requirements, put in place by Apple to fight against account breaches. In mid-May, Apple sent out a support email to iCloud customers, explaining the new requirements. The new requirements went into effect…

Apple Retains Notes Synced to iCloud after Deletion

Apple may be retaining deleted notes in iCloud without user knowledge or consent, according to a recent blog post from security software company Elcomsoft. If you use the Notes app on your Apple device and sync the notes to iCloud, there’s a chance that Apple…

Checklist 42: The Internet of Things: New Devices, New Concerns

Today, Internet connectivity doesn’t just include computers and phones. It’s lights, cameras, thermostats, and more. It’s called the Internet of Things, and it’s the topic of today’s show! In this episode we’ll be taking a closer look at security concerns that come with all these new IoT devices.

Checklist 41: Open Sesame: Authentication and Online Security

When it comes to online security, there are all sorts of ways to prove we are who we say we are. On this week’s Checklist, we’re talking authentication, authorization, and the difference between the two.

Apple Reveals That Government Security Requests Are Becoming More Common

The government is getting more comfortable asking tech companies to hand over user data. At least, that’s the conclusion that you might draw after reading Apple’s recent “Report on Government and Private Party Requests for Customer Information” from the second half of 2016. According to…

Checklist 40: Apple’s Hacker History

Ransomware, malware, DDoS attacks… Those are the kinds of things we tend to think of when someone says the work “hacker” today. That’s not what the word used to mean, though. We’re doing a bit of hacker history on today’s checklist, looking at Apple’s hacker roots and how that led to the ever growing Apple ecosystem.

Siri Voice Command Bug Could Let Thieves Hide from Find My iPhone

The theft of smartphones is a large problem, especially with high-value items like iPhones. Whether a thief takes a phone to use or to resell, they’ll need to wipe the device first. Normally, the iPhone passcode and access control restrictions prevent that from happening. Meanwhile,…

Checklist 39: 5 Ways to Work Towards New Security Skills

Ever wonder how to become a computer security expert? On this edition of The Checklist, we’re looking at ways that anyone with a drive for it can pick up computer security skills and start down the path to becoming a computer security professional.

SecureMac Continues Pushing Mac Security Forward with Release of MacScan 3.1

Las Vegas, Nevada — With malware making headlines nearly every week, users everywhere wonder how to keep their computers safe. Today, SecureMac released the latest version of its flagship security software, MacScan 3.1. Since its initial release over a year ago, MacScan 3 has led…

Compromised Download Server Infects Handbrake Users with Malware

People with an extensive DVD or Blu-Ray collection can enjoy a wide variety of media at home, but what happens when you want to take it with you? The simple solution is to “rip” your favorite DVDs to create digital media files you can play…

Checklist 38: 5 Things to Know About WannaCrypt

The world saw one of the largest ransomware attacks conducted so far just a couple of weeks ago. The story has captured public attention for longer than most digital security stories, and for good reason. From its shadowy origins to its very visible effects, the ransomware known as ‘WannaCrypt’ or ‘WannaCry’ is the topic for today’s edition of The Checklist.

Checklist 37: Gone Phishing

There are bad guys out there who want to trick you into giving them your sensitive information. “Phishing,” as this practice of impersonation is known, is nothing new. With so much money flowing online and so much personal data available, more and more people are going phishing, which is the topic for today’s episode!