Google Moves to Fix Android Leak!

While browsing the web Tej Kohli found this story about a flaw in Google's Android apps. Read on the complete story which Tej Kohli has shared here...

Google is working on fixing an issue with Android phones that could have leaked users' personal data.

It follows a warning from German security researchers that more than 99% of handsets were potentially leaking information. The flaw meant hackers could have gained access to data within the phones' calendar and contacts applications.

Such issues are likely to become more frequent, warned security experts.

Google said in a statement: "We're starting to roll out a fix which addresses a potential security flaw that could, under certain circumstances, allow a third party access to data available in calendar and contacts.

"This fix requires no action from users and will roll out globally over the next few days."

The vulnerability affected the login credentials for some applications.

The ID token that allows people to access the service without the need to keep logging could be intercepted by criminals if they were sent over unsecured wireless networks.

With this token, criminals would be able to pose as the user and get at their personal information.

Security experts have praised Google's quick response to the issue but warned that the huge range of Android smartphones on the market leaves Android devices open to security issues.

"Whereas Apple can issue a single iOS update to patch iPhones and iPads, things aren't so simple for Google's users," said Graham Cluley, a senior consultant for security firm Sophos.

He said users should upgrade to the latest version of Android and avoid using open wi-fi networks.

"Using 3G may eat into your data plan, but it is far less likely that your communications are being snooped upon," he said.

Tej Kohli is an IT enthusiast and loves to stay abreast with latest technologies. Through this blog, Tej Kohli takes opportunity to share all newsworthy technology updates with his readers.

Apple is ready with Patch for Iphone, iPad - Tej Kohli

Tej Kohli talks about the security flaws in the Apple'e iOS that powers iPads and iPhones...

Apple is secretly struggling with a security snag and how successfully the company tackles it could decide the speed at which hackers fasten attacks on iPhones and iPads.

Apple Inc. is hurriedly working to release a patch for a milestone security conundrum that makes it possible to remotely hack the iOS, the OS for iPod touch, iPhones and iPad.

Apple has confirmed the completion of the patch, but the date for its public release is undecided yet .

The remote hacking or jailbreaking refers to the hacking of iOS to download web apps not approved by Apple. Earlier, this used to be difficult but not anymore, thanks to the website called Jailbreakme.com. Only last week, the website published a technique for remote jailbreaking, which makes it possible to access the OS of someone else's iPhone or iPad.

The would get attackers almost total control of affected devices. For now, the most apparent concern for Apple has been the pranksters visiting Apple Stores and jailbreaking display models, which is an indicator of bigger problems related to security and privacy of Apple gadgets.

According to the security experts, the pattern that has come to rule the PC world to start to penetrate smartphones. The hackers continuously dig up new security snags in computers and utilize them to launch malicious attacks. The companies, in the meantime, devise patches to prevent such attacks.

The hackers are now increasingly adapting the same technique to jailbreak all smartphone platforms such as Windows Mobile, Google Android, RIM Blackberry, Symbian and Apple iOS.

The Apple's problem is, however, unique. The company has given ample importance to hiding the technical details of iOS, allowing only approved web apps to tie in. While this tight control initially helped to keep the iOS secure, but made it difficlut or anti-virus companies to develop third-party protection for iPhones. But now Apple may have to share its iOS coding with anti-virus vendors.

Seeing the current scenario, it is quite possible that hackers have already created a worm to take control of hacked iPhones and iPads, and unfortunately there is nothing users can do about it. Whereas, apple is aware of the danger but is keeping mum on the matter.

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