Year of Mobile Sneak Attacks
McAfee
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McAfee Protects What Matters Most to Consumers as 2020 Looks to Be Year of Mobile Sneak Attacks
New McAfee report finds hackers using hidden mobile apps and unique distribution methods to target consumers
News Highlights:
McAfee releases new Mobile Threat Report that predicts 2020 to be year of mobile sneak attacks
Hidden mobile apps result in approximately 50% of all malicious threats in 2019
LeifAccess tricks victims into enabling risky settings using fake security warnings to perform unwanted automated actions
Santa Clara, Calif. — March 4, 2020 – Today McAfee released its Mobile Threat Report 2020, which found that hackers are using hidden mobile apps, third-party login and counterfeit gaming videos to target consumers. Last year, hackers targeted consumers with a wide variety of methods, from backdoors to mining cryptocurrencies. Based on new research, McAfee has uncovered that hackers have expanded the ways of hiding their attacks, making them increasingly difficult to identify and remove, which makes it seem like 2020 will be the year of mobile sneak attacks.
McAfee found that hidden apps are the most active mobile threat facing consumers, generating nearly 50% of all malicious activities in 2019- a 30% increase from 2018. Hackers continue to target consumers through channels that they spend the most time on- their devices, as the average person globally is expected to own 15 connected devices by 2030. Hidden apps take advantage of unsuspecting consumers in multiple ways, including taking advantage of consumers using third-party login services or serving unwanted ads.
“Mobile devices hold the key to our lives – both corporate and personal. Unfortunately, they are also amongst the easiest attack vectors for cybercriminals because, consumer awareness levels towards security of their devices and apps is low. Hidden apps have emerged as the most active mobile threat category and it’s highly advisable consumers stay vigilant with regards to where they download applications from, what they click and also ensure they use the right security software on their devices, to enable detection and protection of their digital lives.” said Venkat Krishnapur, Vice-President of Engineering and Managing Director, McAfee India.
The McAfee Mobile Threat Report 2020 highlights the following mobile trends:
Hackers use gaming popularity to spoof consumers –Hackers are taking advantage of the popularity of gaming by distributing their malicious apps via links in popular gamer chat apps and cheat videos by creating their own content containing links to fake apps. These apps masquerade as genuine with icons that closely mimic those of the real apps but serve unwanted ads and collect user data. McAfee researchers uncovered that popular apps like FaceApp, Spotify, and Call of Duty all have fake versions trying to prey on unsuspecting consumers, especially younger users.
New mobile malware uses third-party sign-on to cheat app ranking systems – McAfee researchers have uncovered new information on mobile malware dubbed LeifAccess, also known as Shopper. This malware takes advantage of the accessibility features in Android to create accounts, download apps, and post reviews using names and emails configured on the victim’s device. McAfee researchers observed apps based on LeifAccess being distributed via social media, gaming platforms, malvertising, and gamer chat apps. Fake warnings are used to get the user to activate accessibility services, enabling the full range of the malware’s capabilities.
Unique approach to steal sensitive data through legitimate transit app. McAfee researchers found that a series of South Korean transit apps, were compromised with a fake library and plugin that could exfiltrate confidential files, called MalBus. The attack was hidden in a legitimate South Korean transit app by hacking the original developer’s Google Play account. The series provides a range of information for each region of South Korea, such as bus stop locations, route maps, and schedule times for more than 5 years. MalBus represents a different attack method as hackers went after the account of a legitimate developer of a popular app with a solid reputation.
“There exists a growing trend for many apps to remain hidden, stealing precious resources and important data from the device that acts as the remote control to consumers digital world,” said Raj Samani, McAfee Fellow and Chief Scientist. “Now, more than ever, it is critical consumers make themselves aware of modern threats and the steps they can take to defend themselves against them, such as staying on legitimate app stores and reading reviews carefully.”
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About McAfee
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Availability of Android 10 for ROG Phone II
ASUS Republic of Gamers Announces Availability of Android 10 for ROG Phone II
The world's best gaming smartphone just got better
KEY POINTS
Latest Android 10 update brings new enhancements and features such as Dark theme, Gesture Navigation, and improved privacy controls to ROG Phone II
Android 10 update for ROG Phone II commences worldwide roll-out today
Over 200 games now support ROG Phone II's special hardware capabilities
TAIPEI, Taiwan, March 9, 2020 — ASUS Republic of Gamers (ROG) today commenced the roll-out of Android 10 for ROG Phone II, an update that makes the world's best gaming smartphone even better.
Android 10 is packed with new features and enhancements that focus on simplifying users' everyday lives. Highlights include a new Dark theme that can be enabled or disabled for specific apps or the entire phone, making it easier on the eye in dim environments. Gesture Navigation allows users to perform common tasks, such as navigate back, go to the home screen, or launch Google Assistant, with simple swipe and pull gestures. Privacy has also been improved to give users easier control over their personal data: all privacy controls are now in one place, and users can customize how location information is shared with apps.
This update also includes several new system improvements and bug fixes ROG Phone II, making it an even more compelling platform for serious mobile gamers.
ROG Phone II owners enjoy the very best mobile gaming experience, with over 200 games that support the special capabilities and features of this game-changing smartphone. Games designed to support ROG Phone II offer better performance and higher framerates, and the list of supported titles continues to grow.
The Android 10 update for ROG Phone II will be available from today via a firmware-over-the-air (FOTA) update that will be rolled out incrementally worldwide, with broader availability expected shortly.
ROG Phone II: Game Changer
ROG Phone II builds on the innovative gamer-centric design of the first-generation ROG Phone, and takes performance to an epic new level with the world's first announced implementation of the Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 855 Plus Mobile Platform, with an uprated GameCool II 3D vapor-chamber cooling system that sustains full-speed performance for even longer. Non-stop marathon gaming is enabled by the monster 6000mAh battery and the innovative side-charging design.
ROG Phone II also features the world's first 120 Hz / 1 ms AMOLED 10-bit HDR display, which offers a world-beating Delta-E <1 color accuracy for a truly extraordinary visual experience. ROG Phone II is designed from the ground up for fully immersive gaming, with its unique landscape-oriented design incorporating upgraded AirTrigger II ultrasonic sensors and powerful front-facing stereo speakers.
AVAILABILITY & PRICING
The Android 10 update for ROG Phone II starts its global rollout from today, please note that every device may not receive the update notice simultaneously. Please contact your local ASUS representative for further information.
NOTES TO EDITORS
ROG Phone II game compatibility list: https://www.asus.com/Phone/ROG-Phone-II/Games/
ROG INDIA website: https://www.asus.com/in/ROG-Republic-Of-Gamers/
ROG Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ASUSROGInd/
ROG Twitter: https://twitter.com/ASUS_ROG_IN
ASUS India Press Room: https://press.asus.com/#
ASUS India Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AsusIndia
ASUS India Twitter: https://twitter.com/ASUSindia
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About ROG
Republic of Gamers (ROG) is an ASUS sub-brand dedicated to creating the world’s best gaming hardware and software. Formed in 2006, ROG offers a complete line of innovative products known for performance and quality, including motherboards, graphics cards, laptops, desktops, monitors, audio equipment, routers and peripherals. ROG participates in and sponsors major international gaming events. ROG gear has been used to set hundreds of overclocking records and it continues to be the preferred choice of gamers and enthusiasts around the world. Learn more about the choice of champions at http://rog.asus.com.
ASUS Republic of Gamers
ASUS Republic of Gamers Announces Partnership with Unity Technologies
Game developers using Unity development platform gain exclusive access to ROG Phone plugins, allowing easy optimization of games for ROG Phone gaming ecosystem
KEY POINTS
ROG is creating a plugin for Unity’s Engine that supports five features in ROG Phone II and ROG Phone 3
ROG becomes a Unity Verified Solutions Partner
ROG plans to attend selected major international developer engagement events in 2020
Mumbai, June 2, 2020 — ASUS Republic of Gamers (ROG) today announced that it is now a Verified Solutions Partner of Unity Technologies, the world’s leading platform for creating and operating interactive, real-time 3D (RT3D) content (http://www.unity.com). As a Verified Solutions Partner, ASUS ensures its SDK is optimized for the latest version of the Unity Editor, providing a seamless experience for developers using Unity.
"This partnership aims to enhance the world-beating ROG Phone mobile gaming ecosystem, by making it easier for game developers to incorporate ROG Phone's uniquely powerful hardware capabilities into their games, " said Bryan Chang, General Manager of the Phone Business Unit, ASUS.
“Having ROG Phone join our Verified Solutions Partner program is more than thrilling," said Junbo Zhang, General Manager of Unity Greater China. "By providing access to the ROG Phone plugin, ASUS is enabling Unity developers to create next-level gaming experiences through the utilization of ASUS game-centric mobile phone series."
Game developers using the Unity real-time 3D content creation platform will get exclusive access to a plugin with five ROG Phone features, allowing them to easily optimize their games to take full advantage of the hardware capabilities of the ROG Phone. As a consequence, gamers will be able to enjoy a wider range of mobile games that include exciting new features optimized specially for ROG Phone, giving them a unique mobile gaming experience not available on other smartphones.
Developers will be able to obtain a single plugin supporting all five ROG Phone features via the Unity Asset Store (http://unity.com/rog-phone), or they can contact the ASUS ROG R&D team directly via email at rogphone_dev@asus.com.The ROG Phone plugins include the TwinView SDK, Gamepad SDK, Aura Light SDK, Refresh Rate Control SDK, and Performance Boost SDK. More SDKs may be added as they become available in the future.
In order to promote and grow this new partnership, ROG plans to attend selected important developer-engagement events during 2020. The latest news and developments can be obtained via the official ROG channels. ROG is very excited about the potential of this new partnership, which will make the ROG Phone mobile gaming ecosystem an even more compelling platform for both developers and gamers.
NOTES TO EDITORS
ASUS India Press Room: https://press.asus.com/#
ASUS India Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AsusIndia
ASUS India Twitter: https://twitter.com/ASUSindia
ASUS India Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/asusindia/
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About ROG
Republic of Gamers (ROG) is an ASUS sub-brand dedicated to creating the world’s best gaming hardware and software. Formed in 2006, ROG offers a complete line of innovative products known for performance and quality, including motherboards, graphics cards, laptops, desktops, monitors, audio equipment, routers and peripherals. ROG participates in and sponsors major international gaming events. ROG gear has been used to set hundreds of overclocking records and it continues to be the preferred choice of gamers and enthusiasts around the world. Learn more about the choice of champions at http://rog.asus.com.
Huwaei
Huawei’s global smartwatch shipment rises to second place in Q1 2020
New Delhi, June 5th 2020 - Recently, the International Data Corporation (IDC) released the Worldwide Quarterly Wearable Device Tracker report, which showed that global shipments of wearable devices reached 72.6 million units in the first quarter of 2020, with a year-on-year increase of 29.7%.
According to the report, Huawei maintained a high share of the wearable market in the first quarter of 2020, with a year-on-year wearables shipment increase of 62.2%.
In the smartwatch segment, 16.9 million units of smartwatches were shipped in the first quarter of 2020, down 7.1% year on year. Huawei ranked second with 2.6 million units shipped, up 118.5% year on year, making it the only smartwatch brand to grow more than 100%.
Latest smartwatch market data by IDC
The IDC report said that Huawei continued to grow thanks to its strong online presence and close ties with retailers. Besides the Chinese market, Huawei also made successful progress in Europe, Latin America, and other Asian markets.
Meanwhile, Huawei’s smartwatch business is growing against the tide, resulting from its new product launch in the first quarter as well as constant optimisation of fitness and health features. In the first quarter in 2020, Huawei launched the new HUAWEI WATCH GT 2 Series devices globally. Through continuous optimisation in sensor technology, Huawei smartwatches bring more remarkable advantages over its competitors in fitness and health tracking. The SpO2 blood oxygen level measuring feature came with the new HUAWEI WATCH GT Series also received positive feedback from the market.
HUAWEI WATCH GT 2e launched in Q1 2020 received the “Best Choice” award from Pocketnow, a top global tech outlet.
Furthermore, as Huawei is accelerating the implementation of 1+8+N All-Scenario Seamless AI Life Strategy in 2020, Huawei smartwatches are integrating into Huawei’s all-scenario ecosystem in a better way, offering consumers richer fitness and health experiences.
For regular updates on Huawei Consumer BG, follow us on:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/huaweimobile/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/HuaweiMobile
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/huaweimobile/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/HuaweiDeviceCo
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/10617746/
Free Fire’s Beach Party Event
Soak up the virtual sun in Free Fire’s Beach Party Event
A free pet Falco, exclusive bundles, and the new Bomb Squad highlight just some of the fun Survivors will have in this summer-themed event!
India – June 11, 2020 – Free Fire, the world’s most popular mobile battle royale game from leading global online games developer and publisher Garena, is kicking off summer with an event fans do not want to miss! The Beach Party event will give Survivors a free Falco, Free Fire’s first ever flying pet, and exclusive bundles – all while taking part in some fun summertime events.
The Beach Party will have several pre- and post-hype events, with peak day taking place on June 14, 2020. On peak day, Survivors will get Falco simply by logging in, and a hellfire falco bundle by playing just one game with friends. Survivors will also get the event-exclusive Cutie Bubbles bundle by joining the share-to-win event from June 13 to 18. A Captain Bubbles bundle can also be redeemed by collecting tokens in-game!
The Misha’s Lost Swim Rings event has Survivors helping her collect her Swim Rings from either the Shooting Map Drop, the standard Map Drop, or from daily logins. The Swim Rings can then be redeemed for the Captain Bubbles Bundle and Ocean Predator skateboard. Participate during the Beach Party pre-hype, peak day, and just a few days into the post-hype window.
Speaking of post-hype, there will be plenty of fun activities to take part in on peak day and afterward. Starting from June 14, the new version of Bomb Squad will be available to play and features several player-requested improvements, such as a better bombsite display with clearer bombsite logos and a more pronounced message of when and where the bomb was planted; an optimised store that gives Survivors credits after each round to purchase weapons and equipment; and the new defuse kit item, which helps cut the time of bomb defusing. From June 18, Survivors can also check in to get a new deal loot box: Beach Crate!
Whether you’re out celebrating the start of summer or staying indoors to beat the heat, Free Fire’s Beach Party will be wherever you are. Download Free Fire at the following locations and get ready for the most fun you’ll have this summer!
Apple iOS App Store:
https://apps.apple.com/US/app/id1300146617?mt=8
Google Play Store:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.dts.freefireth&hl=en_US
About Garena
Garena is a leading global online games developer and publisher in Southeast Asia, Taiwan, and Latin America. Based in Singapore, Garena continues to expand into other fast-growing markets globally.
For more information on Garena, please visit https://www.garena.com. To find out the very latest on Free Fire, do head down to https://www.facebook.com/freefireIND.
Garena announces the winners
Garena announces the winners of the recently concluded online squad mode tournament, Free Fire Battle Arena
This was the first Free Fire tournament for players in Bangladesh and Nepal
The finale, which took place yesterday, saw the top 12 teams battle for the top spot and a prize pool of 3,00,000 diamonds
Team-8bit took home the championship and a prize of 1,00,000 diamonds
India, 18th June 2020 – Free Fire, the world’s most popular mobile battle royale game, wrapped up its action-packed online squad mode tournament yesterday – the Free Fire Battle Arena (FFBA). Open to all players on the Indian server (India, Bangladesh, and Nepal), the FFBA saw the region’s best teams battling it out from their homes to win big from a prize pool of 3,00,000 diamonds.
What started off with more than 5,00,000 teams participating in the online qualifier stage culminated in a gripping finale, with Team-8bit taking home the championship and 1,00,000 diamonds.
The FFBA was the first Free Fire tournament for players in Bangladesh and Nepal. Teams from both countries put in strong performances, with two teams from Nepal advancing all the way to the finals. Royal_Gurkhaa and Nepal-Esport ultimately finished in 11th and 12th place respectively.
Check out the final standings and their prizes:
The FFBA generated high interest from the community, with millions of fans tuning in to catch the high-octane action online. All of the games – including the league, playoffs, and grand finale – were broadcast on the Free Fire Esports India YouTube and Free Fire India Official BOOYAH! channels, with local shoutcasters providing commentary in Hindi. These live streams attracted more than 38,00,000 cumulative views in total across all platforms.
Tournament format
To register, participants had to sign up for the Free Fire Cup (FFC), an all-new in-game mode that helps support large scale online qualifiers for esports tournaments, including the FFBA.
The tournament kicked off with the league stage, where the top 24 teams were divided into 4 groups of 6 teams each. These 4 groups competed over 6 match days, and the top 2 teams from each group qualified for the finals, filling in the first 8 slots. Playoffs were held for the remaining slots. The teams ranked 3-5 from each of the 4 groups participated in one day best-of-6 format matches for a wildcard entry to the last 4 spots in the finals.
For the latest news, please follow Free Fire Esports India Instagram and Facebook page.
Free Fire can be download at the following locations:
Apple iOS App Store:
https://apps.apple.com/US/app/id1300146617?mt=8
Google Play Store:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.dts.freefireth&hl=en_US
About Garena:
Garena is a leading global online games developer and publisher in Southeast Asia, Taiwan, and Latin America. Based in Singapore, Garena continues to expand into other fast-growing markets globally.
For more information on Garena, please visit https://www.garena.com. To find out the very latest on Free Fire, do head down to https://www.facebook.com/freefireIND.
