News

New Android malware called xHelper is not removable

Here’s why you should take security updates seriously

Published

April 9, 2020

Shivam Vahia

A new Android malware package has been discovered and researchers claim it’s impossible to kill it. More than 55,000 Android devices worldwide have been infected and Igor Golovin from Kasperksy Labs says it just won’t die.

Known as xHelper, the malware has been spreading mainly in Russia, Europe, and Southwest Asia. So far, it has infected devices running on Android v6 or v7. Even though your first thought would be that they’re years old and outdated when the world has reached Android 10, it’s worth noting that nearly 15 percent of devices worldwide still run on that system.

The malware called xHelper downloads a few more companion files after an intrusion, including one known as Triada. Triada provides xHelper with root access of the device, basically making it impossible to remove.

“The main feature of xHelper is entrenchment,” Igor explained. “Once it gets into the phone, it somehow remains there even after the user deletes it and restores the factory settings.”

From Kaspersky Labs

The malware has been spreading via unofficial app stores. This is the exact reason why Google has always stressed that you don’t install external packages and rely on its secure Play Store. It even has a service called “Play Protect” that ensures all apps listed on the marketplace are safe.

The malware disguises itself as a legit device “cleaning” app. That’s why these are also called Trojan Horse — a misleading app that hides its real motive behind a curtain of legitimacy.

Further, Igor said, “Malicious files are stored sequentially in the app’s data folder, which other programs do not have access to.” This conceals its presence and the malware can continue using tools that are already known to cybersecurity experts but are still not able to remove it.

This is also the primary reason why Google regularly pushes out monthly security updates to all Android phones. They contain patches for discovered vulnerabilities. This also explains why continuous software updates are crucial for online safety.

Related Topics:Android cybersecurity Kaspersky Malware Security Upates Spyware xHelper

News

Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G now in Singapore

A slight edge over its predecessor

Published

September 20, 2021

Rodneil Quiteles

Samsung has quickly followed up the Galaxy A52 5G that was launched just months ago with the Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G. These minor upgrades always drives us nuts, but it’s one of brands’ ways of making sure they always have something fresh to offer.

Let’s get down to the meat of it. You’re not going to find plenty of differences between the two. To be exact, in terms of components, the upgrade is primarily in the performance department. The Galaxy A52 5G sports the Qualcomm Snapdragon 750G chip with the Adreno 619 GPU. The Galaxy A52s 5G has been bumped up to the Snapdragon 778G and Adreno 642L GPU. Other than these two components, the rest of the phones are practically interchangeable.

Here’s a quick look at the Galaxy A52s 5G’s specs:

Display — 6.5″ FHD+ Super AMOLED, 120Hz
OS — Android, ONE UI
RAM and Storage — 8GB+128GB, 8GB+256GB, supports microSD external storage up to 1TB
Processor — Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G, Adreno 642L GPU
Battery — 4,500mAh
Rear Cameras — 64MP f/1.8 main, 12MP f/2.2 ultra-wide, 5MP f/2.4 macro, 5MP f/2.4 depth
Front Camera – 32MP f/2.2

It’s every bit everything you’ve come to expect from the pretty excellent Galaxy A series. You have your usual sensors for security like Face Unlock and Fingreprint recognition. It also still has an IP67 rating giving you a little bit of piece of mind in wet and dusty scenarios.

Pricing and availability

The Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G is currently available in Singapore through various telecommunication providers. These are M1, Singtel, and Starhub. It’s also available at Samsung Online Store, Samsung Experience Stores, and Samsung Official Stores in Lazada and Shopee.

Pricing are as follows:

8GB+128GB — SG$ 548
8GB+128GB — SG$ 548

From September 18 to October 10, consumers who purchase the Galaxy A52s 5G via telecommunication providers (M1, Singtel and StarHub) and Samsung Online Store can also enjoy SG$ 30 off their purchase of Galaxy Buds2.

News

AirPods 3 is still coming later this year

Already in production

Published

September 20, 2021

Luigi Leonardo

Annual tech events are often huge platforms for upcoming products. For example, Apple’s bigger launch event, usually held in the third quarter of the year, packs in the latest iPhones and other accessories. However, amid the latest devices launched last year, Apple has surprisingly left the vastly rumored AirPods 3 out of the equation. Despite the notable lack, the company is still gearing up for a launch for the wearable later this year.

According to a report from Digitimes (via Tech Radar), the upcoming AirPods 3 has already entered production. Apple is still preparing for a launch before the year ends. Unfortunately, the report does not confirm any other details for the wearable.

A new AirPods has been rumored since last year. However, the first rumors pegged the launch for the first half of this year. That timeframe, as we know now, has come to pass without so much as a peep about the AirPods 3.

Since then, additional reports revealed more details about the wearable. For example, the upcoming generation will supposedly have an in-ear design and carry a more attractive price tag. In fact, a leaked photo even adds more fuel to the fire. Still, without an actual launch, it’s hard to confirm whether the details are correct or not. Thankfully, we have a few months to confirm them.

News

Samsung bringing 108-megapixel camera to midrange

New rumor says

Published

September 20, 2021

Luigi Leonardo

The world of smartphone photography is blossoming. While the industry is swirling around 108-megapixel cameras, developers are already working on a 200-megapixel (and beyond) shooter. That said, it’s still taking a while for the industry-leading cameras to make their way to the midrange market. Samsung, based on a rumor, is finally working to make huge cameras more accessible to everyone with the upcoming Galaxy A73.

Currently, Samsung ships the 108-megapixel camera with its flagship lines, the Galaxy S and Note series. The Galaxy A series, on the other hand, cater to a midrange market, packing decent specs for a decent price. But until now, the aforementioned camera has not made its way to the series.

According to a new rumor, an upcoming Galaxy A model, the Galaxy A73, will sport the 108-megapixel camera when it launches. At the moment, Samsung has not confirmed or announced the new model yet. Other rumors haven’t substantially hinted at the release date either.

Most recently, Samsung launched its latest foldables, marking a new generation for the company. On the other hand, Samsung isn’t set to launch a new Galaxy A model yet. The rumor can certainly fall flat, but it does hold a promising future when the industry’s best smartphones are finally making their way to more affordable phones.