F‑Alert August: discover the latest consumer threats today
In the latest edition of F‑Alert, we look at how an “uncensored” AI proves the need for guardrails on the technology. Find out how Google now makes it easier to know if you’re being tracked without your permission. And see what Apple is doing to patch security vulnerabilities faster.
Every new technology comes with new risks. This is true for AI, GPS, mobile devices, and even the Internet itself. This month we look at how an AI designed to be used for more malicious purposes scared even its creator. We see how tracking devices that keep us from losing things can be turned against us — and what Google is doing about it. We find out how criminals take advantage of every possible feature on Android to spread malware. And we discover how Apple has begun to get far more agile to plug the security holes that bad actors love to exploit.
WormGPT reveals AI risks
WormGPT declared itself an ”uncensored” version of ChatGPT when it appeared on a cyber crime marketplace earlier this summer. Now the programmer behind the bot has admitted to adding some guardrails that prevent some malicious use. Laura Kankaala, F‑Secure’s Threat Intelligence Lead, explains why AI should have you thinking about how to better defend yourself from scammers.
AirTag alerts coming to Android
Android updates this summer include a new feature that will let users know if there’s an AirTag nearby that may be tracking them. And Google is promising that industry-wide protection for all trackers is in the works. Joel Latto, F‑Secure Threat Advisor, describes the significance of this move and what you can do to protect yourself now.
Apple’s security updates get agile
Apple is delivering on the promise to offer “a new type of software release for iPhone, iPad, and Mac” that fixes vulnerabilities actively exploited by criminals. But a recent update showed how challenging it can be to balance timely fixes with the need to test new software releases. Ash Shatrieh, F‑Secure Threat Intelligence Researcher, offers a look at why this bold new effort is worthwhile, despite the hiccups.
WebAPK enables fake app installs
Android’s WebAPK offers convenient access to new apps without visiting the Play store. Now, criminals are taking advantage of the very same convenience to push fake banking apps that steal valuable credentials. Amit Tambe, a researcher at F‑Secure, reveals how this clever scam usually works and what Android users can do to protect their devices.
Get all these stories and highlights in August’s F‑Alert
Our monthly F‑Alert threat reports guide you through the biggest cyber security stories as they develop around the world. Delivering what matters most when it comes to protecting your data and devices.
Every month F‑Alert tells you what’s happening in cyber security. Even more importantly, we tell you why it’s happening. And our experts provide simple advice to help secure your digital moments.