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(Update: 19:07)
MORE THAN 600 million Samsung smartphones may have a major security flaw that would allow attackers to access your device remotely and install malware without your knowledge.
Security firm NowSecure released a report saying the flaw comes from a pre-installed keyboard called Swift.
The keyboard is installed on a number of Samsung smartphones ranging from the S4 to S6. Other Samsung devices may be affected by the issue, but it hasn’t been confirmed yet.
The problem involves how much access the keyboard has to a phone’s settings. Since manufacturers (and carriers) pre-install third-party applications onto a device, Samsung’s keyboard is given system user status.
This allows it to access most functions on the phone like the microphone and camera. If it’s exploited, it would allow attackers to extract personal info and these settings remotely and install apps onto the device without the user knowing.
When the flaw was discovered in December 2014, NowSecure informed CERT (an organisation which researches bugs that impact software and web security) and Google Android’s Security team about it.
Samsung began providing a patch in early 2015, but the issue lies with the carriers who may or may not have updated their version with the patch. It’s not known whether carriers have installed the patch or not.
The keyboard app cannot be uninstalled or disabled so to reduce risk, it’s recommended you avoid insecure or unknown WiFi networks, or use a different mobile device.
Samsung issued a statement in relation to the flaw saying that the phone’s core functions weren’t affected by this issue and that a security policy update will begin rolling out in a few days.
Samsung takes emerging security threats very seriously. We are aware of the recent issue reported by several media outlets and are committed to providing the latest in mobile security.It is important to note that the phone’s core functions (kernel) were not affected by the reported issue due to the protection of the Samsung KNOX platform in all S4 models and above.Samsung KNOX also has the capability to update the security policy of the phones, over-the-air, to invalidate any remaining potential vulnerabilities caused by this issue. The security policy updates will begin rolling out in a few days.
In addition to the Security Policy update, we are also working with SwiftKey to address potential risks going forward.
(Originally published: 14:02)
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only error of judgement if caught
@John Reilly: I hear she’s getting a job training dancers on Strictly Come Dancing.
Another day, another horse being abused by the equine industry.
Beating the horse no doubt. Shameful conduct to the poor beast.
@Sean Money: You seen the video?
@Sean Money: Jockeys whipped them for years and no one said anything.
@John Fagan: slavery was legal once upon a time as well
@orb7eckn: it’s disgraceful carry on
@Dermot Blaine: Was it? Fascinating.
@Pad: Sure you have!
@Sean Money: in a compromising position with a student
@P. V. Aglue: excessive whipping of the horse…..your comment is how false rumours start
@Sarah O’Sullivan: the video is out there if you want to see it
And yet a Netherlands athlete who is a convicted Rayy – Pist is able to compete without any consequences
Jesus people are so afraid of getting cancelled now they are cancelling themselves!
What does that mean, “error of judgement”? Why such odd, vague phrasing?
This PA article doesn’t tell the whole story. I’m not sure why the article only gives Dujardin’s statements and not the FEI’s, the governing body, who did state that she was provisionally suspended for “conduct contrary to the principles of horse welfare” which would’ve made her miss the Olympics and all other events anyway.
They’re doing a good job of keeping the video under wraps which can’t be good. Must be fairly damning.
I just saw the video. She’s whipping a horse across the hind legs. Awful to watch. No excuse. No doubt others do this on a regular basis.
What is so special about horses, a few belts keeps them on their toes
@John D Doe: Horses have toes now…. Well I’ll be…..
@John D Doe: typical comment from a Trump fanatic
@John D Doe: you could do with a few yourself by the sounds of it….little weasel
It’s all about the glory of the human and the welfare of the horse is unimportant. Remember the German pentathlon coach who punched the horse in Tokyo because it failed to do what he wanted? End all sports that involve cruelty to animals by people.
Always some sort of scandal in the equestrian sports. It happened in Ireland a few years ago too.
An error of judgement is not something that persists over a period of time, she continuously whipped the poor animal for a prolonged period, it’s fairly obvious she is well used to doing this and it’s sad to think how often without it being filmed.
Delighted she has been caught.
On the general subject of animal welfare why does the Journal refer to Betty as a “resident “?
Surely she was a prisoner!
Is it just coincidence, that just before the start of the Olympics, that a video from 4 years ago surfaced? It doesn’t say who posted or sent the video, which I’ve seen, it doesn’t show gross cruelty, a few light taps from a whip, it’s suspicious that the person posting the video, staying anonymous.
have your say