A Malwarebytes threat analysis has uncovered an alarming 692% surge in SMS-based attacks against Android users. Pieter Arntz, a malware intelligence researcher at Malwarebytes, says this represents “an era marked not just by volume, but by coordination and precision.” Android attackers aren’t “throwing malware at users and hoping for results,” Arntz warned, but they are “building ecosystems.” Between April and May there was an incredible 692% surge in SMS-based malware attacks. Although there are seasonal factors to consider, with it being the tax seasons and all, Arntz said the surge was “a jump that we can’t just chalk up to coincidence.” Instead, Arntz sees this as reflecting a shift in strategy from the attackers who are scaling their operations to exploit “both human psychology and systemic weak points.“ Android attackers are “playing the long game now — developing monetization strategies for every type of data they can harvest; every user behavior they can exploit,” Shahak Shalev, senior director of research and development for online platforms at Malwarebytes, warned.
OWC’s portable SSD uses 256-bit AES OPAL hardware encryption to automatically encrypt data during writing and then decrypts it upon authorized access to safeguard sensitive data
Other World Computing has announced the launch of the OWC Guardian, a new and portable SSD that’s designed for anyone who needs to easily safeguard sensitive data without sacrificing speed or simplicity. OWC Guardian offers a high level of data security and is easy to use. It’s compatible with USB-C Macs, iPad Pros and PCs. Users connect the device, enter a password on the built-in color touchscreen and then transfer files using drag and drop. The new drive doesn’t need any software and its performance remains smooth without compatibility issues. The OWC Guardian uses 256-bit AES OPAL hardware encryption to automatically encrypt data during writing and then decrypts it upon authorized access. The touchscreen on the SSD has PIN or passphrase entry. There are additional features including multi-user access, read-only mode, secure erase and a randomized keypad layout. Supporting real-world transfer speeds up to 1000MB/s and available in capacities up to 4TB, the OWC Guardian is suitable for large file backups, media transfers and 4K video editing. “We designed the OWC Guardian for anyone who needs simple, reliable data protection on the go, but without the typical hassles,” says Larry O’Connor, CEO and founder of Other World Computing.
Samsung’s One UI’s new feature to offer users proactive privacy and security alerts notifying them when apps access messages, microphone or camera when not in use
Samsung’s One UI 8 update is adding an “Alert Center” to its list of security features. The new feature comes as a more robust notification system, alerting the user to security flaws that can be easily addressed. This feature goes beyond the general cues seen in Android when certain apps have access to sensitive data, like your camera or microphone. Normally, a little green dot is visible in the top status bar, but Samsung wants to go beyond that with proactive alerts. The Alert Center will offer notifications for privacy and security alerts. Sensitive functions like the camera will be part of that system, alerting users if apps still have access to their camera when not in use. Further, notifications can notify users that certain apps were able to access messages or the microphone. The report also indicates that One UI 8 security alerts will include outdated software notifications, found malware, unsecured accounts, and reminders to set biometric security features. While Samsung has made One UI capable of preventing threats in a similar vein possible, the Alert Center looks like a further step in ensuring users ar keeping their devices tight to their chest.
Visa’s 2Q 25: U.S. payments volume grew 6% and international payments volume grew 9%.; 50% of Global eCommerce transactions are tokenized, “tap to everything” strategy continues to bear fruit
U.S. payments volume grew 6% and international payments volume grew 9%. Cross-border volume, excluding intra Europe, rose 13% in constant dollars. Within the U.S., debit volumes were up 9% (in constant dollar terms) outpacing credit volumes of 4%. Ryan McInerney, CEO, said that total credentials were up 7%, and the firm added 1 billion tokens to 13.7 billion. “Nearly 50% of our eCommerce transactions, globally, are tokenized,” he said. Visa’s “tap to everything” strategy continues to bear fruit, McInerney said, adding that tap to phone added 2 million transacting device terminals since the last quarter. Tap to Pay penetration is at 76% globally, he said, with the U.S. passing 60% for the first time. McInerney also pointed to stablecoins as an area of promise as “two important capabilities are interoperability and programmability. We have continued to expand our interoperability, including with our first seven day a week stablecoin settlement, recently surpassing $200 million in cumulative stablecoin settlement volume,” he said. Commercial volumes were up 6% in constant dollars, with Visa Direct transactions up 28% to 3 billion transactions. “To capture the accounts receivable and accounts payable opportunity, we are utilizing product innovations such as embedded finance solutions to meet payers where they manage their business to drive adoption of cards,” McInerney said. Value-added services revenues were up 22%.