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Key features missing in the upcoming iOS 11

Apple users are anticipating the new iOS 11, which is expected to introduce key enhancements that will cater to business users. It’s supposed to close the gap between Apple’s mobile and desktop operating systems, with updates such as Files, drag-and-drop ability, and a lot more that’s aimed at providing a better experience.

The post Key features missing in the upcoming iOS 11 appeared first on Complete Technology Resources, Inc..

Key features missing in the upcoming iOS 11

Apple users are anticipating the new iOS 11, which is expected to introduce key enhancements that will cater to business users. It’s supposed to close the gap between Apple’s mobile and desktop operating systems, with updates such as Files, drag-and-drop ability, and a lot more that’s aimed at providing a better experience. Unfortunately, several popular Android features are nowhere to be found in the iOS 11.

Multiple profiles

Android devices allow users to create multiple user profiles -- ideal for company devices shared among staff. This feature is also great for privacy because it lets users create an individual profile and password, so there’s no need to worry about important files and apps in the device being compromised. This feature is something iOS 11 should have included since multiple user functionality is commonly found in desktops environments, which is what it is trying to emulate.

Customization

In the upcoming iOS 11 release, iPad users can expect improvements in design. What they shouldn’t expect to find are features that will enable customizations much beyond personalizing their home screen wallpaper. Adjusting the color settings, fonts, and themes are capabilities Android device users have been enjoying for years, but Apple users will have to wait for later iOS releases to enjoy the same.

Screen search

In an Android device, tapping the “What’s on my screen?” button in Google Assistant lets a user search for info on whatever’s “on-screen.” It returns results pertaining to whatever the user is looking at on his or her screen and is useful for those who need comprehensive search results. By contrast, iOS’s search function, called Spotlight, allows instant web searches only on highlighted text.

Local photo deletion

Android’s “Free up space” capability lets users back up photos in the cloud and easily delete local files stored in the device with just one tap. On the other hand, iOS offers a convenient way to sync photos and videos to iCloud, and its Optimize iPhone Storage function is great for users with low-storage devices. Even though this is enhanced for iOS 11, it still doesn’t save as much storage space as Android’s Photos app.

Other features

The iOS 11’s “Do Not Disturb While Driving” mode detects whether the user is driving, which stops the device from sending notifications in order to avoid distractions. It’s a welcome addition, but it’s a weak counterpart to Android’s “Do Not Disturb” function, which is far more robust. Another feature that won’t be found in iOS 11 is a “Clear All” button, which closes all open apps at once.

Even with a handful of nifty features in the iOS 11, those who enjoy Android’s customizability and unique features likely won’t switch. However, the iOS 11’s focus on enterprise usability might be attractive for some non-Apple users.

Businesses need simple yet functional devices that work. If you need expert advice on device features and usability, get in touch with us today.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

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Mobile security threats in Android

Employees today are working under tight timelines, but thanks to bring your own device policies (BYOD), they can access critical files and applications using their mobile device and get work done from anywhere. But BYOD can be a double-edged sword to those not vigilant about cyber attacks.

The post Mobile security threats in Android appeared first on Complete Technology Resources, Inc..

Mobile security threats in Android

Employees today are working under tight timelines, but thanks to bring your own device policies (BYOD), they can access critical files and applications using their mobile device and get work done from anywhere. But BYOD can be a double-edged sword to those not vigilant about cyber attacks. If you’re using an Android device, here are five security threats you need to know about.

Unsafe devices

Sometimes, the device itself might not be safe due to faulty production or configuration. In fact, Checkpoint found 36 Android devices earlier this year at a telecommunications company and multinational technology company that were infected out of the box. This means that the infection was not caused by users, but the malware was pre-installed via apps somewhere along the supply chain before users even received them.

Malicious apps

Judy is an Android app, and although it sounds completely harmless, this software is actually designed to infect a device and activate an auto-clicking command used for malicious advertising campaigns. Believe it or not, this malware got 18.5 million downloads.

Information leakage from useful apps

Many applications are installed for legitimate uses. But don’t let that fool you, as these apps can be used to extract confidential information such as contact information from your mobile device. According to recent research, 0.3 percent of the 20 million Android transactions resulted in some level of privacy leakage. This is primarily due to cybercriminals tapping into an organization's network traffic, which requires skills but isn’t impossible to do.

Banking malware

This is when cybercriminals use phishing windows to overlap banking apps so that they can steal credentials from mobile banking customers. But that’s not all, as cybercriminals can overlap other apps and steal credit card details, incoming mobile transaction authentication number, and even redirect calls. Even worse, file-encrypting features now allow them to simultaneously steal information and lock user files.

One such banking malware that Android users need to look out for is Faketoken. According to Kaspersky Lab, Faketoken is designed to generate fake login screens for more than 2,000 financial applications in order to steal login credentials. The app also displays phishing pages to steal credit card information, can read and send text messages, and even has the ability to encrypt user files stored on a phone’s SD card.

Ransomware

Ransomware is a type of malware that blocks a device and demands for a payment in order for the device to be unlocked. The latest ransomware, WannaCry, spread like a wildfire and greatly affected the global healthcare industry. Ransomware continues to be a cyberciminal’s weapon of choice and attacks targeting Android devices have increased by over 50 percent.

If you think ransomware is bad enough, ransomworms can be your worst nightmare. Basically, it’s ransomware attached to a network that copies itself to every computer on a local network it could reach  with no warning whatsoever.

All this sounds horrific, but the worst is yet to come if you don’t act fast. Having said that, we’ve rounded up some security best-practices that will help keep your Android devices secure:

  • Enforce device passcode authentication
  • Monitor mobile device access and use
  • Patch mobile devices quickly
  • Forbid unapproved third-party application stores
  • Control physical access to devices
  • Conduct application security assessment to ensure compliance
  • Implement an incident response plan for lost or stolen mobile devices

While it’s easy to turn a blind eye against cyber threats, the question is are you willing to take that chance? If you’re looking for an advanced security solution to keep your Android device safe, give us a call and we’ll be happy to help.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

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6 Android O changes you must know

At the moment, Google’s upcoming operating system, Android O, has been released as a beta test for developers and is still a work in progress. Many are debating whether the successor to Nougat will be named Oreo when released. What we do know for sure is that the latest OS features extended battery life and an enhanced notification system.

The post 6 Android O changes you must know appeared first on Complete Technology Resources, Inc..

6 Android O changes you must know

At the moment, Google’s upcoming operating system, Android O, has been released as a beta test for developers and is still a work in progress. Many are debating whether the successor to Nougat will be named Oreo when released. What we do know for sure is that the latest OS features extended battery life and an enhanced notification system. But wait! There’s more.

Picture in picture
This is one of the so-called "fluid experiences" coming to O devices. You'll be able to watch a YouTube or Netflix video in a small window while using another app. The small window can even be used for a video call. Simply swipe it away when you're done.

Notification dots
If an app is trying to get your attention, a dot on the icon will appear. You can pull them down from the top of the screen to view the notification or press down on the app icon to view the notification in place.

Autofill
Reminiscent of autofill on computers, this feature will be available for apps on O devices. This makes it easier to log in and set up phones and applications since personal information like your name, address, and credit card details will be automatically filled in.

Better copying and pasting
Another component of O device's fluid experience is the enhanced copy-and-paste feature, which will be based on machine learning. You won't have to drag handles to highlight everything you want to copy -- just tap once on names, phone numbers, or addresses and Google will automatically highlight the rest.

Vitals
This is the group of optimizations that will improve your device's battery life, startup time and performance, stability and security.

Android for the entry level
Normally, the latest operating systems are exclusive to the most powerful phones. However, Google doesn't want to reserve O to state-of-the-art devices. That's why Google developed a variant called Android Go, which aims to provide a seamless Android experience for affordable O phones, including those with fewer components and/or less storage.

Android Go includes a customized set of Google apps that require less memory, storage, and mobile data. Google Play Store will also highlight the apps that will work better on such entry-level phones (regular apps will still be available). The operating system is being designed for O phones with limited memory: anywhere between 512 megabytes and one gigabyte.

The OS will be available this summer. In the meantime, if you want to know more or have any questions about Android O, feel free to contact us today!

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

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Android Gmail gets phishing protections

Phishing scams, whereby cybercriminals masquerade as trustworthy entities to fool victims into disclosing private information, have had a recent surge in popularity. This is largely because hackers realize the best way to infiltrate a system is by exploiting people’s trust.

The post Android Gmail gets phishing protections appeared first on Complete Technology Resources, Inc..

Android Gmail gets phishing protections

Phishing scams, whereby cybercriminals masquerade as trustworthy entities to fool victims into disclosing private information, have had a recent surge in popularity. This is largely because hackers realize the best way to infiltrate a system is by exploiting people’s trust. Although these attacks bypass network security systems, there are some tools you can use to defend against them. One is Google’s new anti-phishing feature for Gmail apps on Android devices.

Phishing warnings
The new Gmail app feature uses Google’s Safe Browsing technology to examine billions of URL links per day and identify websites impersonating legitimate ones, like an online store, bank, or social media. It will then check whether these websites are embedded with malware or have elements of a phishing attack (e.g., asking for login credentials, private information, etc.).

If it has reasonable evidence to think that the website is indeed malicious, Gmail will display a warning prompt: “The site you are trying to visit has been identified as a forgery, intended to trick you into disclosing financial, personal, or other sensitive information.”

Keep in mind that Gmail may come up with false positives, and for this reason, Google does not completely block access to using a link but advises that you take extra caution if you choose to proceed.

The tech giant also reported this update is available only for Android users and will eventually reach other devices; so if you have an iOS, be extremely careful when interacting with any links in your Gmail accounts.

Safety for Gmail and Google Docs
In other news, a widespread phishing attack affected thousands of Gmail and Google Doc users earlier this month. The attack uses a spoofed email from a known contact attempting to share a ‘document.’ If opened, the fraudulent link redirects victims into an innocent-looking Google page that asks for account permissions. If users grant access, a worm collects your contact list and proceeds to attack other users. Fortunately, Google quickly responded to the scam, removed the fake pages, and updated anti-phishing detection to account for similar threats.

Security training
While Safe Browsing features are extremely helpful for Android Gmail users, they shouldn’t be a total substitute for good security awareness. Remember, phishing exploits human trust, so make sure to train your employees to have a healthy skepticism of every unsolicited link or file and download security updates whenever possible.

For more information and advice on security training or Android-related news, give us a call today. We’ll make sure your business is completely up to date with shifting mobile security trends and issues

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

The post Android Gmail gets phishing protections appeared first on Complete Technology Resources, Inc..

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