Tag: symantec

This, according to predictions that have been released by Symantec.

If security firm, Symantec, is correct, then wearable technology such as smartwatches could soon mean that the need for us to try to remember a long list of different ever-changing logins and passwords could come to an end.

While mobile devices have previously been associated with low security, they could soon be giving protection a boost.

Mobile security has always been something that has made users feel a little bit leery, and has held back mobile payments and commerce from becoming reaching its true potential. However, wearable technology such as smartwatches, augmented reality glasses, and other wearables may one day make it possible for us to shake our reliance on password protection. They may currently be associated with privacy violations and hacking, but they also hold the ability to function with more accurate security protocols than password protection.

The boost that wearable technology could give to confidence in mobile security could be considerable.

Symantec released its predictions at the Wearable Technology Show, where Sian John, a technical specialist, called today’s password protection “frankly rubbish”. It was also added that the only reason that they are still being used is because they are user friendly compared to the alternatives that have been available until now.

John went on to explain that Symantec is currently investigating ways that wearables and other tech can provide a more practical and engaging mechanism for authentication. She also stated that by working collaboratively with the IT industry with regards to security standards, it could soon become possible for devices of all forms and from all brands to be able to communicate with each other in order to verify that someone is who he or she claims to be.

She said that “If you’ve got collaboration, you can end up with a sort of personal area network. If you’ve got your phone, your Fitbit and your Google Glass all in the same place, the actual proximity of those things can help us know that it’s you.”

At the same time, she also said that this sort of wearable technology remains in its very earliest forms and that these security solutions shouldn’t be expected to be developed tomorrow. The reason is that some time will be needed before it will be made possible for this universal form of authentication infrastructure to actually become affordable.

Symantec sees increase in malicious QR codes

Though QR codes are struggling to find a foothold with many consumers, their use is growing among a very particular demographic: Hackers. Symantec, a leading security solutions provides, has issued warnings concerning the growth of malicious QR codes in high-traffic areas. According to Symantec, hackers are beginning to place malicious QR codes in densely populated areas in order to increase  their own reach and attack mobile devices that may contain valuable information.

Popular marketing tools are also gaining the attention of hackers

QR codes are popular marketing tools, allowing businesses to stay engaged with consumers in a dynamic way. The codes are widely used as information distribution tools and as part of loyalty programs from big-name retailers. The codes have proven effective in the past, but many consumers have begun avoiding the codes for a variety of reasons. Security is among these reasons, and Symantec suggests that the time has come for consumers to take mobile security more seriously.

Hackers using QR code stickers to attack consumer information

According to Symantec, hackers are generating malicious QR codes, printing them as stickers, and covering legitimate QR codes with these malicious variants. Advertisements from major retail companies are popular targets, and passersby can rarely tell that a malicious QR codes have been used to cover a legitimate one. Consumers often scan these codes in order to access special deals being offered by retailers, but find  that their phone has been infected with a virus instead.

Applications can help keep mobile devices safe from exploitation

There are a variety of ways to keep a mobile device secure. Symantec, as well as other security firms, offer mobile applications that act as a form of anti-virus platform for smart phones and tablets. Some of these mobile security applications can also investigate a QR code before it is scanned to determine whether it is associated with a legitimate or malicious website. These applications can significantly reduce the danger that exists with malicious QR codes and keep a consumer’s information safe.