AV-Comparatives is sponsoring this year’s VirusBulletin VB2021 online security conference. This is being held virtually due to COVID-19 restrictions. The event allows IT-security experts from around the world to exchange ideas on the globally relevant subject of cybersecurity. The conference is taking place on the 7th and 8th of October 2021, and registration is free: https://vblocalhost.com/registration/  

The program of live events includes presentations on threat actors in the Middle East and Africa, protection against kernel-mode rootkits, “insider” targeted attacks, threats affecting Hybrid Active Directory, malware targeting Internet Information Services, the use of Apple’s Endpoint Security framework, and malware that targets the Apple Silicon M1 processor. In addition, a number of other presentations can be streamed on demand during the conference. The full conference program can be found here: https://vblocalhost.com/programme/  

AV-Comparatives will be attending the conference, and virtual meetings with us can be arranged during the two days. Participants wishing to do so can contact us using the form on our website. 

Independent security test lab AV-Comparatives has released a list of compatible consumer antivirus programs for Windows 11. With the new Microsoft OS due to be released to the public on 5th October, anyone planning to upgrade or buy a new Windows 11 PC will need to know how to protect their new system against malware. AV-Comparatives have checked all 17 products in their Consumer Main Test Series, to see if they function as expected under Windows 11. 

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This blogpost offers users assistance in selecting a suitable antivirus product for the Android platform. Eight of this year’s products qualified for certification, by reaching a malware protection rate of at least 99%, with less than 10 false positives, and a battery drain of less than 8%. In the Android 2021 test report, AV-Comparatives gives an overview of the general security-related components, which are summarised in the additional feature list. 

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Digital stalking uses specialized malware, called stalkerware, to gain access to functions of a smartphone, tablet, or PC. The software allows the stalker to listen to and record phone calls, view stored photos and files, activate the camera, read all types of message, log keystrokes and track the victim’s location via the device GPS functionality. Stalkerware thus spies on every action. However, it is most probably not something that you have accidentally installed yourself, but is secretly installed on your device by someone who has access to this. Therefore, as a victim of digital stalking, it will probably only become noticeable when the perpetrator misuses private knowledge for their own purposes.

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In late 2020, Apple started selling laptop, desktop and all-in-one Mac computers with a new type of ARM-based processor, called the M1. It is expected to be the first in a whole new range of such CPUs, collectively known as Apple Silicon. The change from Intel processors is believed to be partly so that Apple had complete control of their entire manufacturing process. However, the new M1 processors bring a number of technical improvements as well.

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If you’re looking for an endpoint protection product to secure your business network, there is a wide variety of solutions available. These include endpoint security (antivirus), and endpoint protection and response systems, which allow you to detect, analyse and respond to suspicious programs, processes and events. How can you select the right enterprise product for your needs? Independent testing labs are the best place to start – here’s why.

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Since the next version of Microsoft’s desktop operating system, Windows 11, was announced in June, tech enthusiasts the world over have been keen to try out the new platform. As usual, cybercriminals have jumped on the opportunity to spread malware. Telangana Today reports how malware authors have distributed fake installer programs that include a variety of unwanted and malicious programs along with the new Windows.

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In June 2021, Microsoft announced that it is to release a new version of Windows for PCs, Windows 11, later this year. Aside from new features and an updated user interface, Microsoft is promoting the new security measures in Windows 11. We have taken a look at how the new operating system will affect security for the average PC user. 

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A number of websites have recently reported that some laptops funded by the British government for school use were found to be pre-infected with the Gamarue.L worm. 

The BBC states that teachers in Bradford discovered the malware when preparing the laptops for use. They said it appeared to be contacting servers in Russia, and they shared their findings in an online forum. Information security consultant Paul Moore told the BBC that the Gamarue worm “presents a very severe threat to any PC or network“.  Continue reading…

Ransomware for macOS shows the importance of using independently tested Mac antivirus software. EvilQuest / ThiefQuest ransomware is now blocked by all the Mac AV products certified by AV-Comparatives in 2020: Avast, AVG, Avira, Bitdefender, CrowdStrike, FireEye, Kaspersky, and Trend Micro.

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