HijackRat Threatens Mobile Banking

HijackRat is a new malware which infects Android supported devices. The aim of this bank trojan is to steal information from victimized devices and use it for bank frauds. The trojan is capable of performing the following tasks:

• Stealing data


• Stealing bank credentials


• Spoofing

The earlier versions of such malware were capable of achieving only one of the above goals. HijackRat, on the other hand, can accomplish all of these tasks.

Features of HijackRat

If an Android smartphone or tablet has been infected by HikackRat, the malware will carry out the following activities.

• Stealing and automatically sending text messages


• Disabling any antivirus software or mobile security app which may be installed on the infected Android device


• Malicious applications will start updating automatically


• Stealing contacts


• Replacing legitimate banking apps installed on the compromised device with fake utilities.

Currently, the bank trojan has been victimizing several banks in Korea. It can easily be used by cybercriminals to target financial institutes in Europe as well.

Possible Preventive Measures

The most obvious measures which can prevent HijackRat’s infection is the installation of an anti-malware program. However, Google claims that no such protection is required. Firstly, mobile devices can still fall prey to the malware despite antivirus protection. Secondly, Google says that every new app is checked before it can find its way into Play Store. However, despite these claims, a number of malicious software is still lurking around in Google’s app store. This makes Android users worried.

Solution

A device which has been compromised due to HijackRat can be fixed by taking away its administrative rights. In fact, users should always be cautions before giving permission to apps before downloading them. Permission to have access to contacts and your SMS means this information can be stolen. Therefore, every Android user must be cautious.

Microsoft Improves Encryption for Better Protection

The United States has been notorious for spying around, threatening the privacy of internet users all over the world. Google and Yahoo came up with a solution to offer the maximum amount of privacy for their services. This was accomplished by means of improved encryption. Now Microsoft follows in the footsteps of Google and Yahoo by doing the same. Encryption has been enhanced for Web Outlook as well as OneDrive cloud storage.

How does it Work

There is a large amount of information and data which is not safe to be transferred across the internet. However, data encryption provides protection to a large extent. When you send your information or data through an email or by filling out a form, the information is coded. It de-coded only at the receiving end. Microsoft has used different encryption techniques in order to ensure the maximum amount of protections for individuals around the globe who use Outlook or OneDrive. So, whether you are sending an email through Outlook or saving important files in OnceDrive cloud storage, your information and data will remain safe from prying eyes.

The Advantages

As data encryption keeps your information hidden in the form of a code, no third parties can have access to it. These third parties may be prying government agencies or cybercriminals who want to steal your sensitive information for the purpose of identity theft. Therefore, through improved encryption, Microsoft offers better protection to its users who would now feel more comfortable using these services.

Banking Trojan Cridex Appears in a New Form

There is now a new variant of the notorious Cridex banking trojan. Formerly known as Cridex, Feodo or Bugat, the new version of the malicious trojan is now referred to as Geodo. It is accompanied by a worm. Both work together to spread the infection to other systems. It infects Windows based devices and steals information for bank crimes.

Features of the New Cridex

The new Cridex, or Geodo, has come out with an enhanced feature which is important to achieve the goal which cybercriminals want. This feature allows the malware to spread itself on its own. The malware and its accompanying worm work together to send mails automatically from the compromised Windows systems to others. This malware can also be transformed from removable drives, such as USB flash drives. In addition, downloading a file from a malicious website can also download the malware to your Windows system. In this way, this banking trojan can easily infect more and more systems and get access to the banking information of various individuals.

Prevention

As new versions of malware keep coming up, most anti-virus programs fail to offer the necessary protection unless the anti-virus is update on regular basis. The best way to take preventive measures is by avoiding to connect removable drives to your system. Such drives travel around from one system to another and there is a high chance that they contain malicious applications.

In addition, avoid visiting untrustworthy websites and do not download any file from such websites at all costs.

The HTC Desire 516 - Review

The mobile market has been bombarded with the latest HTC smartphones within a mid-range price. The latest phone by HTC is HTC Desire 516 which fulfills the HTC promise of offering an elegant design as well as strong Quad-core processor phone at reasonable price.

Having a good and well-committed reputation, HTC is considered as a huge multi-national company. In the market, HTC has made a very reputable position by launching smartphone’s wave associated with the buyers of India. Now, the whole emphasize of HTC is on its series named as Desire. Recently, they had launched latest smartphone HTC Desire 516, known as a Phablet cell phone. At first, the HTC was avoiding the production of Phablet cell phones, but then after experiencing their value in the mobile network, HTC has launched at very reasonable price, a Phablet cell-phone.

Camera and Internal Storage

At the backside of the HTC Desire 516, the camera part is of 5 Mega Pixel having an LED flash in combination with it. There is a second front camera of 2MP which results well if a user wants to take selfies plus offering better video calling. The back camera is also offering 720p video recording support. Therefore, the department of camera is correctly well-equipped.

The HTC Desire 516 internal memory or storage is present at 4GB which further can be improved by the addition of a Micro SD card up to almost 32GB. Well, the internal memory is less and it must be made 8GB. But, the Micro SD card addition will give you better speed.

Battery and Processor

Exclusively, The Desire 516 battery part is present at a rate of 1,950 mAh which may considered less battery for such big size smartphone. On the other hand, the battery time is also less than a one day. So, it could be much better if HTC have putted a big battery instead of the present one.

The HTC Desire 516 is running on a 1.2 GHz quad core, Snapdragon 200 processor. The HTC could be able to strike the competitor’s eye by the help of the device running with Snapdragon 400 as an alternative working at the similar speed however unfortunately, this chance seems missed.

Features and Display

The Desire 516 runs on one of the latest Jelly Bean version i.e., Android 4.2.2 with 5.1 UI Sense on the top of the phone. But to make this device much better, it should run on KitKat in place of Android.

Having a 5 inch display, the Desire 516 is having a resolution of around 960 x 540 pixels which converts into a 220 ppi pixel density.


Specifications

Datasheet Views:	Since addition, 3074 views of datasheet (.e., March 22, 2014)
State of Datasheet:	Final specifications
Releasing Date:   Code Name:   Predecessor Model:	Month of May, 2014   HTC Desire 516   HTC Desire 200 102e (HTC G2)
Dimensions:	72 x 140 x 9.7 millimeters
Mass:	160 grams (included battery)
Software Environment
Embedded Operating System:	Google Android 4.3 Chinese Browse devices running this OS
Memory, Storage capacity RAM capacity:               1 GiB ROM capacity:               3.7 GiB       Microprocessor, Chipset
CPU Clock:	1200 MHz
CPU:	Qualcomm Snapdragon 200 MSM8210 Browse devices which is based on this microprocessor
Display
Display Technology:	Supported
Display Resolution:	540 x 960
Display Diagonal:	5”
Sound
Microphone(s):	Mono
Loudspeaker(s):	Mono
Audio Output:	3.5mm
Cellular Phone
Cellular Networks:	GSM850, GSM900, GSM1800, GSM1900, UMTS900 (B8), UMTS2100 (B1)
Cellular Data Links:	GPRS, EDGE, UMTS, HSDPA, HSUPA, HSPA+
Call Alert:	64 -chord melody
Vibrating Alert:	Supported
Speakerphone :	Supported
Secondary Cellular Phone
Dual Cellular Network Operation:	Dual standby
Secondary Cellular Networks:	GSM850, GSM900, GSM1800, GSM1900
Secondary Cellular Data Links:	GPRS, EDGE
Control Peripherals Positioning Device: Multi-touch screen Primary Keyboard: Not supported Directional Pad: Not supported Scroll Wheel: Not supported   Interfaces Expansion Slots: Micro-SD, micro-SDHC, Trans-Flash USB: USB 2.0 host/client, 480Mbit/s micro-USB Bluetooth: Bluetooth 3.0 Wireless LAN: 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n Infrared Gate: Not supported   Multimedia Broadcast Analog Radio Receiver: No information Digital Media Broadcast Tuner: Not supported   Satellite Navigation Built-in GPS module: Supported Complementary GPS Services: Assisted GPS, Quick-GPS, Geo-tagging   Built-in Digital Camera Primary Camera: 5 MP Autofocus (AF): Supported Optical Zoom: 1 x Macro Mode: Supported Built-in Flash: Mobile light (LED) Secondary Camera: 1.9 MP   Additional Details Built-in accelerometer: Supported Battery: Removable Battery Capacity: 1950 mAh

Motorola Moto G 4G – A New Affordable Smartphone in Town

With the recent release of Motorola Moto G 4G, the world has a new affordable smartphone as an option for potential buyers. Its older sibling, Motorola Moto G was introduced last year in November. It has been regarded as one of the most affordable smartphones till the arrival of its younger brother which has come out with the addition of 4G connectivity.

The prominent features of the phone are discussed below.

The First Look

The first look reveals the new phone’s similarity to its older brother. The dimensions and screen size of the two variants are identical. The gadget is 0.46 inches in thickness which makes it pleasantly sleek. In addition, 4.6 inches of screen size is amazing, particularly considering the phone’s price tag.

Apart from the size of the screen, other factors also contribute towards the impressive quality of the display. There is an IPS LCD touchscreen along with a high resolution of 720 by 1280 pixels. The colors are vibrant as 16 million colors contribute towards the overall vividness. Moreover, 326 PPI of pixel density complete the package. Users can enjoy quite a remarkable multimedia experience.

The Feature Package

Motorola Moto G 4G is a device with mid-range features. It houses a 5 MP front shooter as well as a secondary camera with 1.3 MP resolution. Video recording is also enabled. The overall functionality of the entire phone is controlled by its 1.2 GHz Quad core processor. In addition, there is Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 400 chipset.

Android’s Jelly Bean version 4.3 runs under the hood. It can be upgraded to the latest flavor of the operating system – KitKat 4.4.3.

Enhanced Features

Although the design and display of Motorola Moto G 4G is identical to its predecessor, the manufacturers have introduced some really useful enhancements as well. The first major tweak in the gadget is the addition of 4G connectivity. This is an attractive addition for the customers of US, UK and other regions of the world where LTE connectivity is available.

The second prominent difference is the inclusion of a memory card slot. This has been missing in last year’s variant of Motorola Moto G. Users can opt for 8 GB or 16 GB inbuilt memory. Now, along with this in-house memory, a microSD card slot allows for as much as 32 GB extra.

Concluding Thoughts

Motorola is not really a name associated with extreme popularity which more successful brands like Samsung, Apple and LG enjoy. The Moto G 4G is, therefore, a good attempt by the manufacturers to make their brand a topic of discussion in the tech world owing to the phone’s affordability. However, where some features like LTE connectivity, the screen size and the amazing 2070 mAh battery are worth your money, there are certain features which turn the phone into simply a “good value” gadget instead of “extremely affordable”. These include the phone’s mid-range camera and average processor. It will be every potential buyer’s own decision whether to make a purchase or spend a little extra to get a better feature package.

 

Also known as Motorola Moto G LTE
Available as Moto G Ferrari Edition with Kevlar back panel (~$390)

General	2G Network	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
		CDMA 800 / 1900 - CDMA version
	3G Network	HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 HSDPA 850 / 1700 / 1900 / 2100 - for T-Mobile, AT&T
		CDMA2000 1xEV-DO - CDMA version
	4G Network	LTE
	SIM	Micro-SIM
	Announced	2014, May
	Status	Available. Released 2014, June

Body	Dimensions	129.9 x 65.9 x 11.6 mm (5.11 x 2.59 x 0.46 in)
	Weight	-

Display	Type	IPS LCD capacitive touchscreen, 16M colors
	Size	720 x 1280 pixels, 4.5 inches (~326 ppi pixel density)
	Multitouch	Yes
	Protection	Corning Gorilla Glass 3

Sound	Alert types	Vibration, MP3, WAV ringtones
	Loudspeaker	Yes
	3.5mm jack	Yes

Memory	Card slot	microSD, up to 32 GB
	Internal	8/16 GB, 1 GB RAM

Data	GPRS	Yes
	EDGE	Yes
	Speed	HSDPA, 21 Mbps; HSUPA; LTE
	WLAN	Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi hotspot
	Bluetooth	v4.0, A2DP, LE
	USB	microUSB v2.0, USB Host

Camera	Primary	5 MP, 2592 х 1944 pixels, autofocus, LED flash
	Features	Geo-tagging, touch focus, face detection, HDR, panorama
	Video	720p@30fps, stereo sound rec., HDR
	Secondary	1.3 MP

Features	OS	Android OS, v4.4.2 (KitKat), upgradable to v4.4.3 (KitKat)
	Chipset	Qualcomm MSM8226 Snapdragon 400
	CPU	Quad-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A7
	GPU	Adreno 305
	Sensors	Accelerometer, proximity, compass
	Messaging	SMS(threaded view), MMS, Email, Push Email, IM
	Browser	HTML5
	Radio	FM radio
	GPS	Yes, with A-GPS support and GLONASS
	Java	Yes, via Java MIDP emulator
	Colors	White, Black, Moto G Ferrari Edition
		- SNS integration - Google Drive (50 GB storage) - Active noise cancellation with dedicated mic - MP3/AAC+/WAV/Flac player - MP4/H.263/H.264 player - Organizer - Photo viewer/editor - Document viewer - Google Search, Maps, Gmail - YouTube, Google Talk, Picasa - Voice memo/dial - Predictive text input

Battery		Non-removable Li-Ion 2070 mAh battery
	Stand-by
	Talk time

Nikon’s D810 Updated DSLR

The world of photography is going to enjoy a new update this year with the upcoming release of Nikon D810. The previous dSLR models – Nikon D800 and D800 E – were introduced by the company two years ago. Therefore, it is high time for a tweaked up version.

Merged Qualities

Apart from bringing several feature enhancements, the new camera also possesses the qualities of its ancestors merged together. Previously, Nikon had split two important features of photography into two dSLR versions. For an anti-aliasing filter (OLFP), photographers had to use Nikon D800. On the other hand, for sharper photographs, Nikon D800 E was the choice. The D810 model combines both of these features and gives users to achieve their preferred photography results.

Salient Design Features

Nikon D810 has been designed with the following salient features.

• Some of the control buttons have been moved to new locations. For instance, the bracketing button has been placed above the flash at the front side of the device. The metering button is now at the top of the release mode dial which is where the bracketing button previously existed in the predecessors.


• The LCD now features RGBW display. This enhances the brightness of photographs. Users will also be allowed to adjust the color balance.


• A split-screen zoom feature has been added for Live View. It enables users to check the focus as well as the level.


• The prism’s new coating has improved the viewfinder. There is also an OLED overlay for the settings options.

Improved Image Processing

The new dSLR comes with improved image processing owing to an upgraded sensor. The Expeed 4 processor, which was introduced through D5300 for the first time, is going to produce good quality snaps for the users of D810. It performs the following important functions among several others.

• A small raw format with 12-bit resolution.


• Creating high contrast results with highlight-weighted metering feature.

Faster Speed

Nikon’s new dSLR is going to perform thirty percent faster than both of its predecessors. A hundred JPEG photographs can be shot by the cam within four seconds. This has been made possible due to an improved burst capability as well as an enhanced frame-per second speed. The latter has been tweaked up from 1 frame-per second to 5 frames-per second.

High Quality Photography and Video Results

The dSLR is capable of taking stills as well shooting videos just like its predecessors. However, the results for both are much improved owing to the following tweaks.

• A new balancer unit controls vibrations in order to ensure your photos are not blurred due to a shaky hand or any other movements. In addition, users will also have a better grip on the cam owing to its improved design.


• An electronic front shutter reduces lag during still photography.


• The power aperture comes with a button to control the aperture’s size. It can be opened wider or made narrower according to requirements.


• Videos will be better not only with regard to the visual quality, but also with improved audio quality. The latter is achieved owing to better voice frequencies as well as wind-noise reduction.

Links
Model Name:	Nikon D810
Check Prices:
Photo Gallery URL:
Device Forum URL:
Manufacturer URL:	Mfr. Website
General
Model Number:	D810
Camera Format:	Pro SLR
Currently Manufactured:	Yes
Retail Price:	$3299.95
Street Price:
Date Available:	2014-07-31
Tripod Mount:	Yes (Metal)
Weight:	34.9 oz (988 g) includes batteries
Weight With Batteries?	Yes
Weight Includes Kit Lens?	No
Size:	5.7 x 4.8 x 3.2 in. (146 x 123 x 82 mm)
Waterproof:	No
Image Sensor
Sensor Type:	CMOS
Sensor Manufacturer:
Total Megapixels:	37.1
Effective Megapixels:	36.3
Sensor Format:	35mm
Sensor Size (dia.):	1.70"
Focal Length Multiplier:	1.0
Color Filter Type:	RGBG
Self-Cleaning:	Yes
Sensor-shift Stabilized:	No
Image Capture
Image Resolution:	7360 x 4912 (36.2 MP, Other), 5520 x 3680 (20.3 MP, 3:2), 3680 x 2456 (9.0 MP, Other), 6114 x 4080 (24.9 MP, Other), 4608 x 3056 (14.1 MP, 3:2), 3072 x 2040 (6.3 MP, 3:2), 4800 x 3200 (15.4 MP, 3:2), 3600 x 2400 (8.6 MP, 3:2), 2400 x 1600 (3.8 MP, 3:2), 6144 x 4912 (30.2 MP, 5:4), 4608 x 3680 (17.0 MP, 5:4), 3072 x 2456 (7.5 MP, 5:4)
Image File Format:	JPEG (EXIF 2.3), RAW (NEF), 14 or 12-bit; SRAW; TIFF
Video Capture
Movie Mode:	Yes
Movie Resolution:	1920x1080, 1280x720
Movie Frame Rate:	60p/50p/30p/25p/24p, 60p/50p
Movie Audio:	Yes
Movie File Format:	MOV (H.265/MPEG-4 AVC, Linear PCM stereo audio)
Optics
Lens Mount:	Nikon F mount
Kit Lens:	n/a
Focal Length (35mm equivalent):
Zoom Ratio:
Aperture Range:
Normal Focus Range:
Macro Focus Range:
Optical Image Stablization:	No
Digital Zoom:	Yes
Digital Zoom Values:	1.2x, 1.5x (DX), 5:4 crop modes
Filter Thread:	n/a
Auto Focus
Auto Focus:	Yes
Auto Focus Type:	51-point TTL phase detection via Nikon Advanced Multi-CAM 3500FX including 15 cross-type sensors; f/8 supported by 11 central sensors; Contrast detection AF in Live View mode
Face Detection:	Yes
Auto Focus Assist Light?	Yes
Manual Focus:	Yes
Viewfinder
Viewfinder:	Optical
Viewfinder Type:	SLR; eye-level pentaprism, 100% coverage, 0.7x magnification, 17mm eyepoint, -3 to +1 diopter
Display
LCD Viewfinder:	Yes
LCD Size (inches):	3.2
LCD Resolution:	1,229,000 dots (307,250 px)
Touchscreen:	No
Articulating LCD:	No
Max Playback Zoom:
Exposure
ISO Settings:	Auto, 64 - 12800 in 1/3, 1/2 or 1EV steps, plus down to 32 in Lo-1, up to 51,200 in Hi-2
Auto ISO Mode:	Yes
White Balance Settings:	Auto (2), Incandescent, Fluorescent (7), Direct Sunlight, Flash, Cloudy, Shade, Preset Manual (6; Spot WB available in Live View), Color Temperature (2,500K-10,000K); Fine-tuning available for all options.
Shutter Speed Range:	30 - 1/8000
Bulb Mode:	Yes
Exposure Compensation:	+/- 5.0EV in 0.3EV steps
Metering Modes:	91K-pixel 3D Color Matrix Metering III, Center-weighted (weight of 75% given to 12-mm circle in center of frame; diameter of circle can be changed to 8, 15 or 20 mm, or weighting can be based on average of entire frame), Spot (4mm circle or about 1.5% frame, centered on selected focus area)
Program AE:	Yes
Aperture Priority:	Yes
Shutter Priority:	Yes
Full Manual Exposure:	Yes
Creative Exposure Modes:	None
Self Timer:	2/5/10/20 seconds
Time Lapse:	Yes
Flash
Built-in Flash:	Yes
Flash Modes:	Front-curtain sync, Slow sync, Rear-curtain sync, Red-eye reduction, Red-eye reduction with slow sync; supports Advanced Wireless Lighting system
Flash Guide Number (ISO 100):	12.0 m / 39.4 ft.
Flash Range Description:	Lens aperture dependent; GN = 12m or 39 ft (ISO 100)
Max Flash Sync:	1/250 (up to 1/320s with lower flash range)
Flash Exp Compensation:	-3 to +1 EV in 0.3EV steps
Ext Flash Connection:	ISO-type hot-shoe, PC Sync terminal
Image Storage
Usable Memory Types:	CF1 / SD / SDHC / SDXC
Memory Included (MB):
File System:
DCF Compliant:	Yes
Connectivity
Composite Video Out:	No
NTSC/PAL Switchable:	n/a
Video Usable as Viewfinder:	n/a
HD Video Out:	Yes
HD Video Connection:	HDMI
Built-In Wi-fi:
Computer/Printer:	USB 3.0 Super Speed
PictBridge Compliant:	Yes
DPOF Compliant:	Yes
Remote Control:	Yes
Remote Control Type:	Optional wired
Other Connection:	Mini HDMI (Type C), 10-pin Expansion Terminal (GP-1 GPS compatible), Stereo Mic Mini Jack (3.5mm), Stereo Audio Out (3.5mm)
Power
Battery Form Factor:	Proprietary EN-EL15
Usable Battery Types:	Lithium-ion rechargeable or MB-D12 battery grip
Batteries Included:	1 x Proprietary EN-EL15 Lithium-ion rechargeable
Battery Charger Included:	Yes
CIPA Rating:	1,200
Software
Included Software:	Nikon Software Suite CD-ROM
OS Compatibility:
Miscellaneous
Notes & Features:	Brand-new, 36.3-megapixel FX-format (full-frame) AA-filterless CMOS sensor, expanded sensitivity range (ISO 32-51200), EXPEED 4 processor, Group-area AF mode, 5fps full-res burst mode, electronic front curtain shutter option, Full HD 60p video, Small RAW option, USB 3.0, dual CF/SD slot.

Amazing Color Picker Pen – The Scribble

One of our childhood fantasies have always been to have colored markers in millions of shades. That fantasy has now been turned into a reality in the form of Scribble: a color picker pen. It makes use of amazing technology which enables the pen to detect any color through its sensor. In fact, Scribble can reproduce sixteen million colors. Users can then sketch, doodle or write with the pen in their preferred colors.

How it Works

The Scribble pen consists of the following important components.

• A 16 bit Red-Green-Blue color sensor


• ARM 9 microprocessor


• 1 GB onboard memory


• A micro USB port


• Bluetooth 4.0

The RGB sensor can detect the exact color of an object when users bring both in close proximity. The microprocessor then analyses and stores the color in the pen’s 1 GB memory which can accommodate around a hundred thousand colors.

The pen can also be connected to your smartphone or computer through its micro USP port or Bluetooth connectivity. The colors detected and analyzed by the pen can then also be used in different sketching or doodling apps in your phone or on your computer.

Functionality

Scribble can be used on paper as well as with your gadgets. It offers the functionality of a stylus pen with your smartphone or tablet. The color picker pen is, therefore, a useful and fun device for those who are into sketching or like to doodle. Indeed, the pen is an innovative and exciting to the world of technology.