January 14, 2015

Malicious Malware Attacks Victimized Android Users

Unlocking Word Meanings
 今日の単語・フレーズ

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article. 

1. malware /ˈmælˌwɛər/ (n.) – software that will harm or unnoticeably perform illegal access to a computer
Example: I hope my new antivirus software can prevent malware attacks.

2. theft /θɛft/ (n.) – the act of stealing someone’s personal possession
Example: The employee was fired because he was guilty of multiple cases of theft.

3. credential /krɪˈdɛn ʃəl/ (n.) – a set of information proving one’s identity
Example: Hackers always find a way to acquire and exploit credentials of unaware users.

4. statistics /stəˈtɪs tɪks/ (n.) – numerical data or facts
ExampleStatistics proved that the iPhone still holds a large share of the mobile market.

5. roll out /ˌroʊlˈaʊt/ (v.) – to introduce or launch a product in a widespread public sale
Example: The new operating system for smartphones will roll out next year.


Article
 ニュース記事

Read the text below.
Kaspersky Lab, together with the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL), reported that over 580,000 Android users have been attacked by malware stealing banking details and money from victims.

Cyber-attacks had increased six-fold between August 2013 and July 2014. Installing apps on Android mobile devices accounted for 60% of the identified cases of financial data theft. Because of the increase in the usage of mobile devices, hackers are targeting the mobile market to steal valuable information.

Statistics show that 57.08% of the attacks were caused by a malware named Trojan-SMS, while 1.98% came from Trojan-Banker. Roman Unuchek, senior anti-malware expert in Kaspersky Lab, warns mobile users that these malware are obtained through installation of third-party apps from untrusted sources.

These malware steal information such as login credentials for online banking transactions and bank card details. Using the victim’s information, hackers can access bank accounts, allowing them to purchase online products or transfer money.

Often, hackers attract prospective victims with malware masked as games or pornography. Modifications and new versions of previously recognized malware were rolled out hidden in apps, making it less noticeable to antivirus programs.

Kaspersky discovered that most victims were based in Russia. Other countries in Europe like Ukraine, Spain, Britain, and France were also affected. In Asia, records of malware attack came from Vietnam, Malaysia, and India.

Viewpoint Discussion
 ディスカッションテーマ

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.  

Discussion A

·         Do you believe that using a mobile device in accessing delicate information is useful? Why or why not?
·         If you were one of the victims of a malware attack, what do you think you should do?

Discussion B

·         What actions can you suggest in order to have safe online transactions?
·         How can users avoid getting their identity stolen?