Millions of us have been using USB memory sticks and peripherals for years, but your trusty flash drives and accessories have recently hit the headlines with potentially huge security flaws. The idea that hackers take over your computer with the help of some hidden code in your thumb drive’s firmware is terrifying, so read on to find out all you need to know and find out if you’re at risk.
What’s it all about?
USB memory sticks have become one of the default storage formats for taking files on the go over the past decade, but an invisible security flaw has recently been discovered that could let hackers gain full control of your computer. It’s not just storage devices either; plugging in any USB accessory could lead to hackers issuing their own commands to do what they want with your computer. The code is capable of handling anything from installing malware to redirecting the web pages you open, and the fact it’s virtually untraceable is even more alarming.
How was it discovered then?
The tech gurus at Security Research Labs (SR Labs) discovered the security flaw when reverse engineering firmware on USB devices, with the company explaining: “Once reprogrammed, benign devices can turn malicious in many ways.”
Where is the malicious code hidden?
Unlike traditional viruses or malware, the malicious code hidden away on USB products isn’t easily visible. Instead of appearing as a regular file, it can be hidden away in the firmware on your USB stick, USB mouse or even your humble keyboard. For a quick refresher, firmware is software installed on a device itself, that controls what it does each time you hook it up to a computer. So when you plug in a USB memory stick, for instance, your computer knows what it is, and can open up the relevant folder. This means that malicious hackers changing the code in your USB drive’s firmware can have a truly massive impact.
Why is the malicious code invisible?
While your anti-virus software is happy to scan your computer and any of the storage devices you connect for malware, it won’t check out what’s going on with the firmware on any of your devices. SR Labs adds: “Malware scanners cannot access the firmware running on USB devices, and USB firewalls that block certain devices do not (yet) exist.”
Are you at risk?
Yes and no. While USB devices have been a traditionally safe medium, the fact malicious code can go so easily undetected means you could be using an infected accessory without even knowing it. Although you can’t easily scan for issues, there are steps you can take to help avoid problems.
What can you do if you’re worried about infection?
Stick to what you know! Firmware needs to be updated by an installer, so if you are offered updates for your devices, make sure they’re being offered from a trusted source. Don’t go using second-hand memory sticks or devices that you don’t know the history of, meaning it’s worth buying new accessories from shops you know and trust. You’ll be a lot safer if you know where an accessory has come from and who may have updated the firmware.
And if you do have issues? Throw your USB gadget away! SR Labs concludes: “Once infected, computers and their USB peripherals can never be trusted again.” Fingers crossed it wasn’t an expensive gaming mouse or high capacity stick!
Sunday, 10 August 2014
Save your USB: A simple guide to keeping your USB gadgets safe!
Thursday, 24 May 2012
Diablo III the fastest selling PC game of all time, despite 'Error 37'
PC game Diablo III has set a new all-time record for the fastest-selling PC game ever, with over 3.5 million copies registered within 24 hours of going on sale last week, going on to reach top 6.3 million at present. Such was its demand, that thousands of gamers were unable to play the game due to the infamously embarrassing ‘Error 37’ issue that has plagued the game.
Not that Diablo III’s success will come as too much of a surprise for gaming fans, and PC gaming fans in particular.
Diablo 3 has been one of the most eagerly-awaited games of recent times, even eclipsing the excitement of recent Star Wars online game Star Wars: The Old Republic, which itself suffered from overloaded servers, and queues of players trying to register.
“We’re definitely thrilled that so many people around the world were excited to pick up their copy of Diablo III and jump in the moment it went live,” said Mike Morhaime, CEO and cofounder of Blizzard Entertainment, admitting “regret” that “preparations were not enough to ensure everyone had a seamless experience when they did so”.
Thankfully efforts are being made to ensure a better Diablo 3 experience. If you’re one of the many players to experience the infamous ‘Error 37’ upon attempting to sign up and own an Android smartphone, download the Diablo 3 Server Checker app from Google Play.
The app was made available this week, and is free to download. It provides real-time server status updates to let fans know when server conditions are at their optimum to help plan your playing time. Despite Diablo 3’s success, Max Payne 3 for Xbox 360 and PS3 still topped the UK top ten gaming charts. Diablo 3 came in second place, with just 8,000 copies between the two.
Goodbye ‘Error 37’ courtesy of free Android app
But don’t let the above put you off Diablo 3. We’ve reviewed the game for ourselves, and loved it. Click on the link below for the full lowdown. Hint: we thoroughly recommend it.
Friday, 27 April 2012
Why your next laptop should be a tablet
Tablet computers continue to fly off the shelves. And we’re not in the least bit surprised. Tablets are light, portable, great for surfing the web, and in most cases cost less than a PC or laptop. Here we make the case for ditching the latter in favour of the latest tablet computers.
Portability
The very best tablet computers measure just 10-inches across and are just millimetres in width. Some are even smaller, and lighter. And don’t need a bag to transport them. Tablets can be carried in the hand just like a writers notebook. If you want to browse the web, and still travel light, tablet computers are the way forward.
Optional keyboard functionality
For that tactile feel some now feature keyboard accessories and docks. A keyboard dock for the Apple iPad has been available from the original launch. Meanwhile Asus has been leading the way with its Transformer Prime range of powerful and affordable tablets capable of transforming into a laptop. The most recent launch: the Asus Transformer Pad TF300T starts from just £399 complete with keyboard attachment.This kind of convergence means tablet and laptop fans can enjoy the best of both worlds, and still get work done.
Gaming on-the-go
Tablet computers aren’t quite ready to run Battlefield 3 at full specs,but for an alternative to handheld consoles such as the PS Vita and Nintendo 3DS look no further than an Android or iOS tablet. Both are able to take advantage of thousands of games. Some of the best, such as Angry Birds and Hero Academy for Android and iOS are even free to play. Now console quality games are appearing on tablets: Grand Theft Auto, Max Payne, Street Fighter and more are already available to download on tablets.
Better battery life
When it comes to battery life, some of todays tablets are more efficient. Say you were thinking of picking up an Apple MacBook Pro. It has a 7-hour battery life. In comparison the new iPad will give you up to 10 hours.
Television on-demand
TV on-demand applications thrive on the desktop and laptop, but on the tablet they really spring to life, letting you watch from the sofa, bedroom or anywhere else in total comfort, without having to remain sat at a desk or in front of a television set.
These are just some of our favourite reasons to purchase a tablet over a laptop. Do you have any of your own to share?
Saturday, 18 February 2012
HP Z1 lets you perform open-chassis surgery
The HP Z1 Workstation may find its place in HP’s business-like range, but there’s no denying how cool its ability to open up and reveal its innards is. The big idea is that the HP Z1 suddenly becomes very easy to upgrade or fix.
Those not into such gimmicks will find plenty more to get excited about – some decent specs abound. The HP Z1’s screen is a 27-inch IPS display that should perform well even when placed near areas of sunlight. It has a 2560×1440 resolution.
Under the hood, the HP Z1 are powered by a quad-core Intel Xeon processor and NVIDIA Quadro graphics. Games will look great on this thing. Customers will have a choice of 160GB or 300GB Solid State Drive (SSD) storage. Other extras include a 2-megapixel HD webcam and a Blu-Ray drive.
The HP Z1 may not quite the eye-catcher in regular use (when not flashing its insides), but it remains an intriguing device. Tempted? Well, you’ve still got plenty of time to ponder a purchase. The HP Z1 does not arrive in stores till April. U.S prices are reported to start at $1,899. That works out at around £1209 in the Queen’s English pounds.
Have you spotted any other equally gimmicky desktop computers? Let us know.
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