A Simple SMS Can Erase Your Android Phone

 

Be aware for the next text message you receive.

Security company Heimdal Security has discovered that hackers are randomly sending malicious text messages to Android device owners. If the user clicks on the link, the program is downloaded, allowing it to gain administrator rights to the device, the report claims.
Once the payload, known as Mazar BOT, has been unleashed, the hackers can do everything from access the Internet to send text messages. Perhaps most concerning, however, is that they can also fully erase the infected handset, Heimdal says.

Mazar BOT has been available for sale on the Dark Web, but this is the first time the company has seen it used in the wild. Interestingly, the company also found that the malware will not install on Android smartphones running Android with the Russian language switched on, suggesting a possible tie with Russian hackers.
It's unclear how many people have been affected by the hack; Heimdal says the text message has been sent out at random. The company cautioned users to never click on links in text messages, as well as turn off the security option that allows apps from unknown sources to be installed on their device.
Looking ahead, Heimdal believes this may only be the start of things to come. The attacks right now appears to be a proof of concept and may be part of a broader hacking strategy. Indeed, while some devices have been wiped clean, it's also possible to use Mazar BOT to simply lurk and remotely monitor what a smartphone owner is doing. 

Yahoo to shut down digital magazines.

Yahoo to shut down digital magazines.


Yahoo said on Wednesday it would shut down its digital magazines as part of a plan to simplify its business.

The company's digital magazines to be discontinued include those that cover food, parenting, health, travel and real estate, it said in a blog post.

Yahoo said it would sharpen its focus on news, sports, finance and lifestyle.
The company said earlier this month it would consider "strategic alternatives" for its core internet business and cut about 15% of its workforce.

Google Offers Users Chance to Win 1TB Free Space on Google Drive.

Google Offers Users Chance to Win 1TB Free Space on Google Drive.

This is an amazing News for all of those who want to have free storage space of 1TB on Google Drive. Google now giving great opportunity to its users to win 1Tb Storage on Google Drive.

 “Online search giant Google is updating its Local Guides programme for Google Maps by which you can get 1TB storage for 2 years for free.”

Through Google’s local guides we can earn points by upload photos, giving reviews, adding and Check-in new places, by answer a question, or adding details in a already listing Google Maps. By doing this you can earn and Unlock Points. Google also will be giving rewards to users for early access to new products, events, contests and bonus Drive storage.

According to Google “Those who write reviews, upload photos, fixing outdated information, add new places, and answer related questions for places in Google Maps will be offered rewards. Based on these variables, users participating can earn up to 5 points per place as each contribution type is worth one point.”

Have a look as to how Google will be offering the rewards:
Level 1 (0 – 4 points): Will be offered to enter the exclusive contests (think new Google devices) in select countries.
Level 2 (5 – 49 points): Local Guides clearing this level will be getting early access to new products and features of Google.
Level 3 (50 – 199 points): The local guide will be shown in the Google Maps app with the official Local Guides badge.
Level 4 (200 – 499 points): Receives a free 1TB upgrade of your Drive storage.
Level 5 (500+ points): On clearing the last level, the Local Guides will be allowed to apply to attend Google’s inaugural summit in 2016. They will even get a chance to meet other top Guides from around the world, explore Google campus as well as get the latest info about Google Maps.

Paris Attacks: Facebook Sets Up Safety Check

Facebook Sets Up Safety Check
As we all know about Paris terror attack a day before Yesterday has killed more than 150 people.
Facebook also come forward with a feature that you can change your Facebook profile picture to French flag to show solidarity with victims of this terrorists attack. After this French flag picture Filter Facebook now come with another feature, Facebook launched a check-in feature to let people know that friends in Paris were safe after a series of bombings and shootings in the French capital Paris that killed at least 150 people. The "Paris Terror Attacks" safety check let people signal whether they were out of harm's way, then notified all those they know at the leading social network.

"Quickly find and connect with friends in the area," a message at the Facebook Safety Check page read. "Mark them safe if you know they're OK."
The feature allowed people to check weather there friends listed as being in Paris had not yet checked in as safe.

Facebook launched this same safety feature earlier at the time when earthquake hits Pakistan , Nepal, India ,Afghanistan on Oct 15 2015.