Google defaults to prompts for two-step authentication
Text messages are often used as a means of implementing two-factor authentication on websites and in apps, but now Google is actively pitching its own alternative, known as Google prompt, to customers.
Traditionally users would receive a one-time code on their mobile device contained within a text message which they would have to enter to gain access. With Google's solution though, they will receive a prompt asking if they are trying to sign in. Users trying to sign in will gain access while those not expecting the login prompt will be denied.
Kaspersky: Increased reliance on mobile devices puts consumers at risk
Smartphone users have been urged to ensure their devices are properly protected against cyber threats, in a new report from one of the world's top security firms.
The latest Kaspersky Cybersecurity Index has warned that over-reliance on mobile devices could be putting consumers around the world at risk as they stop using PCs for many everyday tasks.
Qualcomm's first 5G mobile test highlights super-fast data speeds
Qualcomm has taken a major step towards 5G smartphones with the first successful test of the next-generation networks on a mobile device.
The US chipmaker confirmed it completed 5G connections trials at its San Diego headquarters, and that devices with 5G compatibility could be released as soon as mid-2019, ready for the expected worldwide launch of 5G networks in 2020.
Enterprises not confident they can protect mobile data traffic
While companies are becoming increasingly dependent on mobile workers and distributed offices, a new survey reveals that IT staff are not confident they can protect remote workers.
The study by distributed gateway platform supplier iboss also finds that senior (CEO, CIO, CISO, and CTO) respondents are more confident in their organizations' ability to secure mobile traffic than more junior IT executives. 56 percent of CIOs, CISOs, and CTOs were not confident they could secure mobile traffic compared to 80 percent of subordinate IT executives.
Microsoft Edge coming to Android and iOS
Microsoft today addresses one of the biggest shortcomings of its Edge browser, announcing its upcoming availability on the two biggest mobile platforms: Android and iOS.
Microsoft says that support for Android and iOS is "one of the most common requests" that it has received from Edge users on Windows 10. By making it available across multiple platforms, the software giant is making its browser a viable option in this space for folks who use a mix of devices.
Most smartphone users don't rely on security solutions
British mobile users are putting their personal details at risk by keeping large amounts of information on unsecured mobile devices, new research has warned.
Security firm Bitdefender has revealed a report showing that almost half of users in the UK store their sensitive personal and private information on smartphones that are often neither updated or protected.
Adblock Browser 2.0 for iOS adds Ghost Mode for the ultimate in anonymous private web browsing
Adblock Plus is about more than just its eponymous software -- the company also produces Adblock Browser. Now version 2.0 of the secure, private mobile web browser has been released for iOS and it introduces a wealth of new features.
Key among these new features is Ghost Mode which makes it easy to slip into anonymous web browsing mode whenever privacy is of the utmost importance. As the name of the browser implies, there is also an integrated ad-blocker, but it does not end there -- this is an update that the company has been working on for more than a year.
Mobile network flaws could open Bitcoin wallets to hackers
An architecture flaw in mobile networks could allow hackers to intercept SMS one-time passwords and access Bitcoin wallets.
The vulnerability uncovered by enterprise security specialist Positive Technologies means that with just a person's first name, last name, and phone number, researchers were able learn the email address linked to the wallet, obtain control over it, and gain access to the wallet itself including withdrawing funds.
First half of 2017 sees more mobile vulnerabilities than for the whole of 2016
A new report into mobile threats reveals that in the first half of 2017, there were more common vulnerabilities and exposures (CVEs) registered for Android and iOS than in all of 2016.
The study by mobile threat defense company Zimperium, based on data from its z3a app analysis tool, also shows that many devices aren't running the latest operating systems, leaving them vulnerable.
Facebook launches Crisis Response, a portal to find out about crises around the world
Facebook has today launched Crisis Response, a central hub that provides access to its various crisis response tools such as Safety Check. Over the years, the social network has gradually added more and more tools that serve to help those caught up in a disaster, and those who know them, and the new center pulls all of these into one place.
As well as serving as a central hub, Crisis Response on Facebook is also being bolstered by links to articles and videos posted on the site so users can be kept better informed about a given crisis.
Google will launch a mobile payment service in India called Tez
A new report suggests that Google is on the verge of launching a mobile payment service in India. Known as Tez (meaning "fast" in Hindi), the service could launch as early as Monday, according to Indian news site The Ken.
Google Tez is said to offer more payment options than Android Pay, including support for the government-backed Unified Payments Interface (UPI).
Facebook removes Instant Articles from Messenger
Facebook's self-hosted Instant Articles have been dropped from Facebook Messenger. The faster-loading, mobile-optimized versions of articles will still be available in the main Facebook app, just not in the company's messaging tool.
While Facebook launched Instant Articles promising much, publishers have failed to see the income they would have hoped for from articles presented in this way. This has been blamed on it being much harder to track Instant Article Content.
Free analytics tool lets developers troubleshoot app performance
Businesses are increasingly keen to take advantage of mobile apps, but consumers are quick to drop apps that fail to perform as expected.
The problem is that once an app is released it's difficult for developers to get feedback on how it's working in the real world. App acceleration company PacketZoom is addressing this with the launch of a free analytics tool that enables app developers to analyze, troubleshoot and control app performance in real-time.
Facebook tests Instant Video downloading over Wi-Fi to save your data
Facebook has managed to effectively reduce page loading times for its users with the Instant Articles feature. Now the social network is looking to do something similar with video content.
The feature is called Instant Videos, and it works by automatically downloading videos when there is a Wi-Fi connection available so they can be watched later without having to use a data connection. Instant Videos is undergoing testing with a limited number of users at the moment ahead of a possible wider rollout.
Samsung plans to release a foldable Galaxy Note in 2018
The age of the flip phone may be well and truly over, but people still seem to be hankering for a foldable handset. Samsung is hoping to help people fulfil their dreams, aiming to release a foldable phone in 2018.
Koh Dong-jin, president of mobile business at Samsung Electronics, has said that the company is hoping to release a Galaxy Note with a bendable screen in 2018. He also said that Samsung is working with Harman on an AI-powered speaker.
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