The mystery of the security researcher and the Apple Development Centre

On Thursday 18^th July, the Apple Developer portal appeared to be offline, with users presented with an apologetic message explaining that, 'maintenance is taking longer than expected.' However, over the next few days a peculiar story emerged about the real reasons behind Apple's downtime. As the portal, which holds information for over 275,000 third-party developers, remained unaccessible, rumours began to spread suggesting that this was far from a routine maintenance check. The evidence pointed to either a database crash, or a serious security breach. 

 

As The Hacker News reports, Apple released a statement on Monday seeming to acknowledge the real reasons for the outage. The maintenance sign was replaced with the explanation that 'an intruder attempted to secure personal information of our registered developers from our developer website.' While Apple assured customers that their encrypted data couldn't be accessed, they were unable to guarantee that names, addresses and emails had not been stolen. Many users also received suspect password reset request emails, suggesting that the hackers were still after information. 

 

The Guardian, however, presented a slightly different version of events after interviewing Ibrahim Balic, a Turkish security researcher who claimed responsibility for the hacking. While admitting to the act itself, Balic claims his intentions were not criminal but honourable, seeking to point out flaws in Apple’s system and push himself as a researcher. While sceptics may suggest he is changing his tune after being caught, Balic outed himself not only to the public, but also to Apple, via a YouTube video complete with screenshots. The security expert found 13 separate areas of alarm, and filed a report with Apple, the same day the company closed the developer portal. 

 

So, was this a well-intentioned research mission, or a serious criminal intrusion? Apple has declined to comment on Balic's announcement, but one distinct possibility remains: he wasn't the only person delving into the company's security systems that day.

 

While Apple continues to review its systems, you can help secure your personal computer by using a VPN service. The VPN works as an additional layer of protection that stands between the data stored on your devices and anyone else attempting to access it.

News Roundup: Hackers exploit Android ‘master key’ in wild, five men indicted in massive hacking scheme and former Japanese poker champion arrested over distribution of malware

Hackers exploiting Android ‘master key’ in wild
At the beginning of July we reported that security research firm BlueBox had uncovered a ‘master key’ that would allow cyber criminals to gain unlimited access to any Android device. BlueBox had planned to release more details on this vulnerability at the Black Hat hacker conference next month, but it seems that the cyber criminals have beaten them to it and are already exploiting the key in the wild. The bug allows an attacker to install codes on any phone that runs on Google’s mobile operating system and then take control of the handset. Researchers from Symantec say that they’ve already uncovered two infected legitimate apps that are distributed throughout China and advise users that they should only be downloading software through Google’s Play store.

Five men indicted in large hacking scheme
Five men from Russia and the Ukraine have been indicted in the US for conspiring together to pull off a worldwide hacking scheme that compromised more than 160 credit card numbers and caused $300 million in losses over five years. Several companies were attacked by the men including Nasdaq, 7-Eleven, JCP and Dow Jones between 2005 and 2012. Two of the men are supposedly specialists when it comes to getting through network security and gaining access to victims’ systems, while another man specialised in mining data. The defendants hid their actions behind an anonymous web-hosting service in a bid to avoid detection.

Former Japanese poker champion arrested on malware charges
Masaaki Kagawa, a former Japanese poker champion who won around $1.5 million in tournaments, has been arrested by the Japanese authorities on suspicion of distributing Android malware. Symantec claims that Kagawa is one of nine who are accused of sending out spam emails with links to the Android malware ‘Android.Enesoluty’ embedded in them. The group registered about 150 domains to host the malware and managed to collect around 37 million email addresses from about 810,000 Android devices. It’s estimated that they earned around $3.9 million through the running of a fake online dating service called Sakura site.

HMA Perception over the proposed UK Internet Safety Bill.

Two days ago UK Prime Minister David Cameron proposed a new law to impose default Internet filtering for both adult and sensitive subjects. This law would require people to ‘opt-out’ of these default Internet filters rather than make an informed choice about what filters they would like to put in place.

Here at Hide My Ass!, we truly believe that the internet should not be censored and attempts to make so-called “inappropriate content” inaccessible, freedom of expression will be seriously compromised. Automated internet filtering software is usually over restrictive and therefore ineffective. For example, use of this filtering software in an attempt to censor pornography, could easily lead to sex education advice or materials on sexually transmitted diseases being blocked.  We fully support anyone who wishes to control the internet in their own home – but a government sponsored “one-size-fits-all” filter is bound to restrict the options of parents who want to make use of smarter filters, as it will become completely unviable for private companies to develop and maintain these products.

Our biggest concern with the proposals is the lack of information on what happens to the list of people who opt-out of the filter? It is inevitable that a list of those who opt-out will be created. Will the police or indeed GCHQ have access to this list? How will this list be secured and how will privacy be protected? With the growing prevalence of large-scale data mining – what safeguards will be in place to prevent commercial ISPs from exploiting the data?

These questions have been left unanswered or worst still, unconsidered. Even with the best possible intentions, more detail is required to understand why the government wants to place online users on official lists and go against the open spirit of the Internet.

Without the answers to these questions it is not appropriate that these proposals become law – the privacy and freedoms of internet users is at stake.

8 servers, 782 IP addresses and 2 NEW countries to the Hide My Ass! VPN Network

We’ve added 8 servers, 782 IP addresses and 2 NEW countries to the Hide My Ass! VPN Network

1. Saudi Arabia, Riyadh (31 IPs)
2. New Zealand, Auckland (71 IPs)
3. Thailand, Bangkok (124 IPs)
4. USA, New York, Albany (LOC1 S10) (124 IPs)
5. USA, New York, Albany (LOC1 S9) (124 IPs)
6. USA, New York, Albany (LOC1 S8) (124 IPs)
7. Taiwan, Taipei (LOC2 S1) (124 IPs)
8. Italy, Pordenone, Porcia (60 IPs)

You may have spotted that we have 2 brand new countries in our database. Please welcome Saudi Arabia and New Zealand to our VPN server network!
Random Fact about Saudi Arabia 

Many of the words we use today originate from Arabic, among them alcohol, alkali, admiral and alchemy.
Random Fact about New Zealand 
New Zealand was the first major nation to have universal suffrage. In 1893 it became legal for all male and female citizens of New Zealand to vote.

Golden Frog VyprVPN Review

Golden Frog VyprVPN

We reviewed Golden Frog VyprVPN to see how it compared to other leading personal VPN services and were impressed by a number of features
that set it apart from its competitors.

Golden Frog VyprVPN- No 3^rd party servers

Other VPN services employ hosted server solutions that use third parties. Golden Frog uses their own server clusters that offer greater reliability and performance. For example, if a server has an outage, the user automatically gets connected to another server in the cluster.
Server clusters also make it easier to connect to Golden Frog VyprVPN. Rather than having to scroll through a long list of servers, we were able to simply select a location to establish a connection.
VyprVPN’s server clusters ensure that servers are never overloaded or unavailable. Golden Frog writes their code, and their entire VPN server infrastructure is built around state-of-the-art hardware. They have dedicated in-house network engineers available 24x7x365 to ensure Golden Frog’s VyprVPN operates at peak performance.

 

 

Golden Frog VyprVPN- Server locations in strategic locations around the world

At the time of writing this review, Golden Frog VyprVPN listed 712+ servers spread throughout their 17 server country locations in the United States, Europe and Asia. VyprVPN also boasts a staggering 200,000+ IP addresses. There are no restrictions on speed, bandwidth or server switching with Golden Frog’s VyprVPN.

                                                   Golden Frog VyprVPN Server Map

• Asia - Hong Kong
• Canada – Toronto
• Denmark – Copenhagen
• Europe - Luxembourg
• France – Paris
• Germany – Frankfurt
• Ireland – Dublin
• Italy – Rome
• Malaysia – Kuala Lampur
• Netherlands – Amsterdam
• Romania – Bucharest
• Singapore – Singapore
• Russia – Moscow
• Sweden – Stockholm
• Switzerland – Zurich
• U.K. – London
• U.S. – Austin
• U.S. – Los Angeles
• U.S. – Washington, D.C.

Golden Frog has launched many new server locations this year and their website states “We will continue to roll out new servers throughout 2013.”  Don’t forget to check their website for any new servers that have been recently added.

Golden Frog VyprVPN- Multiple VPN Protocols

Golden Frog VyprVPN supports multiple VPN Protocols including PPTP, L2TP/IPsec and OpenVPN. Each protocol supports a different level of encryption so you have complete control over the level of security that you want to use.

Golden Frog VyprVPN- VPN Apps for Every Device

A great feature of the VyprVPN service is that it supports more devices than other VPN providers, offering desktop and mobile apps for Windows, Mac, iOS and Android.  The apps are  simple to use and allow users to easily switch between server locations and protocols with a single click or tap.

 

 

Golden Frog VyprVPN- NAT Firewall

Golden Frog also offers a NAT Firewall option to their users as an additional layer of security when using VyprVPN. The NAT Firewall blocks unrequested inbound traffic when you’re connected to VyprVPN, preventing third parties from exploiting security vulnerabilities. No additional configuration or software is required because the NAT Firewall runs on the VyprVPN servers. NAT Firewall protects any device connected to VyprVPN.

Golden Frog VyprVPN- Bonus Feature: 5 GB of Free Online Secure Storage
Accessing files from wireless hotspots can be dangerous. Golden Frog gives all Golden Frog VyprVPN users 5GB of free secure online storage via Dump Truck (another Golden Frog product) to securely store and share files, photos, documents and videos with other users and devices.

Golden Frog VyprVPN- 24x7x365 Support

Golden Frog VyprVPN has 24x7x365 customer support via live chat and email. Their response time for email support is under 15 minutes. Best

of all, their support representatives are trained to deal with a multitude of issues and can provide you with the assistance necessary to optimize your settings or reroute traffic.

Golden Frog VyprVPN- Plans and Pricing
Golden Frog VyprVPN currently offers two account plans: Their basic account for $9.99/mo. and VyprVPN Pro for $14.99/mo. Both plans allow you to add NAT Firewall for an additional $5/mo. and include a generous 7 day money back guarantee. Payment options include credit cards and PayPal.

Golden Frog VyprVPN- Final thoughts
Golden Frog VyprVPN is a powerful personal VPN with truly unique features and it is easy to see why VyprVPN is a leader in the Personal VPN market. The creators of VyprVPN, Golden Frog, are Internet veterans who have owned and operated Internet businesses since the dawn of the public Internet in 1994. We particularly like that Golden Frog uses their own servers and do not outsource to third parties. In our opinion, VyprVPN is the best approach to protecting your security and privacy online

Watch BBC iPlayer on Android

This article aims to help you establish a good use of your new Android with most exciting shows and music of BBC iPlayer.

Android without video streaming and wavering music is tasteless. BBC iPlayer, haven on the internet for more British classic movies, shows and episodes along with inspirational music provides the best use of Android. But the concern is, “How to Watch BBC iPlayer on Android?”

Android and BBC iPlayer, who doesn’t know about them, everyone does. BBC iPlayer for Android have enticed the public with their deliverables within no time. The characteristic Android and BBC iPlayer carries altogether has blown the mind of every individual in every manner they can.

What’s the Road Block?

1st Road Block - To watch BBC iPlayer on your Android you must have Android 2.2 or higher version with minimum ARMv7 processor. As well as, your Android must have BBC media player and Flash player 10.0.

2nd Road Block - BBC iPlayer is only accessible in UK and not outside of it. That means to watch BBC iPlayer on Android we have to go to UK. Whoosh! That’s more expensive than my Android phone.

It’s not like that, every hurdle brings it solution, and so does this one.

How to Download BBC iPlayer for Android

If you are using Android 2.2 or higher version, you can easily watch BBC iPlayer by following these steps,

• Select the Google play icon on your Android screen and search for a BBC media player app.
• Download BBC media player app by following the instruction on the screen.
• Once done with the BBC media player again go to Google play store and look for BBC iPlayer app.
• Download BBC iPlayer app from Google play store and redefine your boring moments with unlimited enjoyment.
• For Kindle Fire users, look for the BBC iPlayer apps in Amazon Marketplace.

*Bad news for Samsung Galaxy S3 users, they might encounter a playback bug while using  BBC iPlayer for Android, if you bought your device via a carrier. It is due to a firmware issue, resolved by Samsung but still not come across the whole network.

Now! BBC iPlayer App is Available for 10-inch Tablets

Good news for all Google Nexus 10 and 10-inch slates owners, BBC iPlayer app is now available on Google play store for 10-inch slates which previously wasn’t offered. Earlier, while accessing BBC iPlayer from 10-inch slates, users were diverted to BBC website but with this recent update all devices from 7-10 inches can get full range of online TV and radio services of BBC iPlayer by downloading the simple app from Google play store.

In BBC iPlayer for Android forthcoming innovations, apps for 10-inch higher slates will also be included within the services.

Enjoy BBC iPlayer on Android Outside UK

Again we have met on the same point, how to watch BBC iPlayer on Android outside of UK. No better solution than a VPN account. With VPN a UK IP will make you appear login as a British resident and thus problem solved.

For all Android users outside of the UK, a VPN account is mandatory to watch BBC iPlayer. Simply plug into your VPN account through UK IP and connect to the internet and then follow the same steps as aforementioned above and there you are watching best classical British stuff on your move!

*PureVPN is the best option that you can avail at most flexible prices. visit PureVPN

Afterthoughts

Its sure do, your right to enjoy every penny you spend to buy your Android device either it’s a Smartphone or Tablet computers. And you can do so with unlimited and unhindered access to best movies and music that makes every moment of yours full of fun and enjoyment. That’s what BBC player does, its key to your funland ride.

Turkish users sneaking backdoor to access Facebook and Twitter

"Free speech and rights to access information."

Signatories indicating the above said message are most available thing you can see in Turkey now days. The internet censorship has distributed people and IT ministry into two battalions fighting with each other for superseding. The Turkish Communication minister has accused internet being as the medium of waging a battle against Turkey.

The story started from 2007 when a law is passed in Turkey to ban Internet access to some extent on purpose to keep the nation safe from cyber criminals, child abuses, terrorist propaganda and illegal gambling. One other reason that legislators contributes in favor of internet censorship is doing of income taxes by Google. According to Mr. Yaldirim, the minister in charge of internet issues, Google owed 30 million Turkish lira in taxes for revenue generated from advertising placed in Turkey.

Major censorship applies on YouTube, Facebook, Twitter and some content on Google. As Techcrunch stated in one of its blog posts recently,

“It's totally impossible to access Facebook and Twitter from inside Instanbul and other areas of Turkey”

Prime Minister Mr. Erdagon blame social media as the scariest maniac of society, he further adds to his conversation that “Twitter” is a scourge in his opinion that is spreading lies in among Turkish people against Turkey Government. He mentioned due to social media, paper and TV coverage media is swaying away from Turkey.

Outcomes of Turkey Internet Censorship

Deadly outcomes emerge out of the situation; there is a war between people and Government both on roads and on social media. Thousand of tweets reporting hash tags related to the protest have been sent. Turkey protestor due to lack of coverage and support from Turkish media start live tweeting the protest while capturing horrifying moments of torture with their Smartphones.

Aside from physical outcomes other haphazard continuously flowing out due to the situation, especially people have lost the free right of communication and speech. In other words, Turkish people are caged within their country with minimal interaction with the rest of the world.

Way to Come Over The Censorship

Turkey censorship left no other way but to use VPN to access Facebook, Twitter and YouTube within the Turkey. Within last week most VPN providers reported unexpected traffic from Turkey. Some claims to have more than 100,000 user signed in within one week.

VPN is the last straw to clutch for Turkish people by means of what they can earn? Yes! The access to Facebook and Twitter.

Offerings of VPN Against Internet Censorship

Even after such critical censorship people still accessing Facebook and Twitter from Turkey by using a VPN.

VPN disguises user identities with fake IPs hosted over the globe, encrypts the traffic and pass it through security and uninterrupted tunnels. The way VPN works not even your ISP could keep an eye on your activities. Though, by restricting other matters, it is still not as exciting to access Facebook and Twitter from Turkey.

To great extent VPN has provided enough ability to its users of Turkey to access blocked content and connect with the rest of the world on social media.

Very important to mention here what else you can draw from a VPN account other then accessibility of Facebook and Twitter?

A VPN is best regarded for security of data that you posses in your online office. So, VPN protects you from every kind of online threats of data theft. Ostensibly, it is quiet a crime to write tweets and comments against government in Turkey. Approximately 25 people have been arrested in during the protest for committing the same act. Though, with VPN it is harder or equal to impossible to go after your steps. As a matter of fact VPN can save you from many troubles.

Conclusion

If you are living in Turkey, life of internet has ended for you. To make it alive again get best Turkey VPN like PureVPN. It will provide you unlimited access of internet and secure your online identity at its best. You will find it more exciting to access Facebook and Twitter with PureVPN.