New security solution offers anytime, anywhere user protection

 

As growing numbers of devices are connected to the internet, security and privacy concerns grow. Businesses are looking for solutions that provide protection for both the endpoint and the network.
 
Israel-based Allot Communications is announcing a new collaboration with Intel Security to introduce McAfee Unified Security Powered by Allot, providing complete end-to-end security capabilities.
 
The solution blends advanced threat detection technologies in the network and at the endpoint with customer intelligence and comprehensive personalization capabilities to deliver a scalable platform that simplifies security service activation, service awareness, operation and management. Deployed by communication service providers (CSPs) as a value-added security service to their customers, it offers comprehensive protection for users at home, at work and on-the-go, and features a consumer-friendly interface and simple self-management capabilities.
 
"With the proliferation of mobile devices and the exponential growth in IoT, the combination of Intel Security's expertise in the cyber security domain with Allot's vast experience in the CSP network-based Security as a Service market delivers immediate and unparalleled value for operators and consumers alike", says Andrei Elefant, president and CEO at Allot Communications. "We see significant interest in the joint solution, including several engagements in progress. We are excited about this collaboration and are looking forward to working jointly with Intel Security and to expanding Allot's global reach".
 
Unified Security works with devices ranging from smartphones and tablets to gaming consoles, smart TVs and more. It can help guard against bots, malware, phishing and spam, plus it uses Intel's True Key to allow users to sign in using features that are unique to them instead of having to remember passwords. Additional features include ad blocking and parental controls.
 
You can find out more on the Allot website.
 
Image Credit: alphaspirit / Shutterstock
 
~ Ian Barker

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Malware takes advantage of Windows' God Mode hack to slip past security

 

The so-called God Mode hack for Windows is rather less grand than it might first sound. Rather than granting users deity-like abilities, it simply provides one-folder access to an absolute butt-load of Control Panel options and settings. But security researchers have discovered that the technique used to create this special folder can also be exploited by malware.
 
McAfee says that while the Easter Egg is great for power users, it is also being used by attackers for "evil ends". By placing files within the God Mode shortcut folder, malware such as Dynamer is able to run undetected on a victim's computer.
 
McAfee researchers explain: "It allows users to create a specially named folder that acts as a shortcut to Windows settings and special folders, such as control panels, My Computer, or the printers folder. This "God Mode" can come in handy for admins, but attackers are now using this undocumented feature for evil ends. Files placed within one of these master control panel shortcuts are not easily accessible via Windows Explorer because the folders do not open like other folders, but rather redirect the user".
 
In the case of Dynamer, a registry key is created that runs automatically when Windows starts, and it persists through reboots:
 
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
 
lsm = C:\Users\admin\AppData\Roaming\com4.{241D7C96-F8BF-4F85-B01F-E2B043341A4B}\lsm.exe
 
This command not only allows the malware to run, but also opens the RemoteApp and Desktop Connections control panel entry as cover. In using the name 'com4' the malware writers have made life for victims a little trickier. As this is detected as a Windows command, deletion of the file is blocked.
 
McAfee advises using the following technique to kill the problem:

1. First, the malware must be terminated (via Task Manager or other standard tools).
2. Next, run this specially crafted command from the command prompt (cmd.exe):

rd “\\.\%appdata%\com4.{241D7C96-F8BF-4F85-B01F-E2B043341A4B}” /S /Q
 
Photo Credit: Stocksnapper/Shutterstock
 
~ Mark Wilson

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McAfee name set to disappear in Intel rebranding

Yesterday's speech at CES by Intel CEO Brian Krzanich contained lots of stuff about plans for wearable technology and computers housed in SD card form factors.
 
But also in there was the announcement of a new Intel Security brand and the news that McAfee products will transition to this over time. Krzanich also says that Intel is planning to offer some elements of McAfee security products free of charge to protect the latest mobile devices.
 
Back in 2010 the chip giant paid $7.68 billion for McAfee, one of the best known names in information security. Since then it has operated as a subsidiary whilst retaining its brand identity. Now it seems that the McAfee name is to be dropped, though the familiar red shield logo will be retained.
 
"The complexity of keeping digital identities safe grows as mobile applications and devices become a more important part of our daily lives," Krzanich says. "Intel's intent is to intensify our efforts dedicated to making the digital world more secure, and staying ahead of threats to private information on mobile and wearable devices".
 
Details of the free protection solutions for mobile devices will be announced later this year. BYOD is also in the company's sights as Krzanich announced that Intel Security this year will offer "Intel Device Protection" technology, aimed at helping Intel-based Android mobile devices meet security standards for use at home and work.
 
The decision to drop a big-name brand that you've paid a lot of money for seems a bit strange. It may have to do with the security company's founder John McAfee. Although he hasn't been involved with the company since 1994, he has become a magnet for publicity. This has included his alleged involvement in a murder in Belize and his bizarre laptop-shooting video guide to uninstalling McAfee Antivirus. He's currently trying to sell his life story.
 
Speaking to BBC News, John McAfee seemed pleased with Intel's decision, "I am now everlastingly grateful to Intel for freeing me from this terrible association with the worst software on the planet. These are not my words, but the words of millions of irate users. My elation at Intel's decision is beyond words".
 
~ Ian Barker

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