Sleep Pattern WhatsApp Users Easy To Follow

It's easy to follow WhatsApp usage and sleep patterns of WhatsApp users. For example, information that can be sold to health insurers and credit agencies, says software engineer Robert Heaton . Using only the WhatsApp user's phone number, it is possible to read his status, as if he is online and when he was last seen.

It is not necessary to be friends with the WhatsApp user. Only a phone number is sufficient. Heaton wrote a simple script that requests information every 10 seconds at WhatsApp. Then he processed the data in a graph, making it clear that the sleep pattern of the WhatsApp user he wanted to follow became clear. Users can set to see their "last seen" status show. By default, however, this status is visible to everyone. Additionally, users can not hide their "online" status.

According to Heaton, it is so easy to make graphs of both theirs and strangers using their WhatsApp use and sleep patterns. Information that can be sold to health insurers and credit agencies that are interested in "deviant behavior", for example, let the engineer know. Other scenarios are outlined at Hacker News , which allows the status information to communicate which friends communicate in a contact list via the status information. For example, it may be outdated whether people are cheating or having an affair.

Free App Scans Android Devices For Vulnerabilities

An American company has developed a free open source app that scans Android devices for vulnerabilities. According NowSecure it often happens that manufacturers do sometimes months to close serious security holes like Stage Fright in their version of Android.

Vulnerabilities can be present in many parts of Android. In the case of vulnerabilities in the kernel, according NowSecure difficult to control this without causing system instability. Something in the Android Vulnerability Test Suite account is held with. The app scans on several major vulnerabilities. All data while keeping within the device and be shared with anyone.Also, the source code of the app via Google Play is available for download at GitHub to see.

New Android Devices Leak Late Restart Endlessly

Researchers have discovered a new vulnerability in Android which could allow an attacker to restart the unit. In the event it is attacked leak via an app, it is possible to restart to endlessly leave the device. The problem is in the media server of Android, which also previously the Stage Fright leak was discovered, and a vulnerability that sets almost unusable makes.

Also this leak was from the Japanese anti-virus company Trend Micro detected and is present in Android 4.0.1 to 5.1.1 Lollipop. That equates to 89% of Android users. To carry out the attack must play a user to a malicious website an MKV file or install an app that contains the file. In the case of the attack on a media server app is running will end up in an endless loop. The system will eventually be so slow that the system will reboot or the battery expires.

If the attack performed via a website, a user must first play the movie itself. The impact can be especially great when a malicious app. The app can set that starts right at the loading of Android and can then leave as endless reboot the device. In this case, users are not able to remove the app in question, unless the product is launched in Safe mode.

The problem was reported to Google on May 19. On July 31, the Android security team said that there was a security update available. In many cases, Android users for updates depending on their phone company or the manufacturer of their device.Thus it may take longer for updates to be rolled out to users. To our knowledge, the vulnerability is not attacked in the "wild".

New Android Phones Leak Is Virtually Useless

Researchers have discovered a vulnerability in Android devices allow an attacker can make it as good as useless. The vulnerability, which can be attacked through both websites as a rogue app, ensures that the user can not hear or see that there is a call or a text message is sent. Also, calls can not be accepted.

In case the attack is carried out via a malicious app can crash the operating system. When the app first set to start automatically upon loading the operating system, would thus arise a continuous loop of crashes. Each time the machine crashes because the user's phone and restart the app is loaded again and release Android then crash. Further, the telephone such as that it is no longer locked, to be unlocked.

The problem is in Android 4.3 to Android 5.1.1, which together more than half of all Android devices. According to researchers at Trend Micro appears to be the vulnerability this week announced Stage Fright leak . Both vulnerabilities arise due to the way Android handles media files, although the way these files reach different user. Google was on May 15 informed about the problem, but still has not rolled out updates.

Kaspersky launches free anti-theft app for Android

The Russian anti-virus firm Kaspersky Lab has a free Android app launched that allows users to track their phone in case of theft or loss, or can remote wipe. The app is called Phound and offers several options. A device can be so if it is lost or stolen will be blocked. For this, the user must first log on to a special website.

Via GPS, GSM or Wi-Fi networks, it is then possible to find the position of the device. To search for the device to simplify users can also take pictures with the front camera, or display a message on the screen of the device. If the phone or tablet at home or lose the office, it can be detected by the alarm function. The device produces a loud noise and thus goes through until the owner enters a code.

The app also offers the possibility to remotely delete all personal information from the device and the SD card, including contacts, messages and photos. If necessary, it may also be performed a hard reset of the device. The police warns regular owners of smartphones, laptops and tablets to install anti-theft software, as these programs in the event of theft can help in the investigation .