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Windows XP Gets An Unexpected Security Update
Microsoft has recently issued another surprise patch to help protect the surprisingly large Windows XP user base. In this case, the patch is aimed at addressing security flaws used by the NSA and other nation-state hackers. This is on the heels of an out-of-band emergency patch in response to the global “Wannacry” ransomware attack. What […]
Big Fix Coming For Many Microsoft Vulnerabilities
If you don’t have your PCs set up for automatic updates, you’re definitely going to want to grab Microsoft’s latest, scheduled for release on their next “Patch Tuesday.” June’s Patch Tuesday 2017 is a bit of a departure, because it’s also going to contain updates for Windows XP and Server 2003, neither of which are […]
Are Hackers Testing The Waters For A Power Grid Attack?
Ever since the discovery of the dreaded Stuxnet worm in the wild, security experts have been concerned that a devastating cyberattack could be launched against critical infrastructure, causing signal lights to go haywire, emergency service phone lines to go down, power grids to go offline and more. In recent months, we’ve seen what could be […]
Apple Is Having A Big Problem With Fake In-App Purchases
It’s been long-held conventional wisdom that the safest place you can purchase apps is either the Google Play Store if you have an Android device, or the Apple Store if you’ve got a device built around iOS. That’s still true for the most part, but in recent months, Apple has been running into a problem […]
PowerPoint File Can Install Malware On Your System
The fact that Microsoft Office Products (Word, PowerPoint and Excel) can be used to install malware onto an unsuspecting user’s computer has been common knowledge for years. But recently, security researchers at SentinelOne have discovered a new technique being used by a group of hackers that poses a serious threat. In general, it’s fairly easy […]
New Malware Called Fireball Infecting PCs, Macs At Alarming Rate
If you haven’t heard of a company called Rafotech, you’re not alone. But the simple truth is that they control an enormous network of infected computers, numbering more than 250 million devices. That number is increasing rapidly. Rafotech offers free games, apps and other products to their customers. Unfortunately, when this free software is installed, […]
If You Visited This Site, You May Have Been Infected
Do you visit the GodLike Productions forum? If you’re not sure what that is, then you don’t have anything to worry about, but if you’re a member of that forum, you may have been infected by a particularly nasty malvertising app. Check your device. If you see an app called “KS Clean” (kskas.apk), then you’re […]
Hackers Can Easily Access Some WiMax Routers
If you use a router built on old WiMAX technology, be advised that you’re very likely at risk. The severe security flaws were discovered by the security firm SEC Consult, and take two forms. Firstly, there’s a flaw in the firmware that leaves the router’s admin panel exposed to the web, opening the door to […]
Update Issued To Address Microsoft Malware Engine Issue
Microsoft has issued an emergency, out-of-band patch to shore up some critical weaknesses in Window’s Malware Protection Engine. This is an unseen part of the OS that actively scans and prevents malicious code from ever making its way onto your system in the first place. It operates independently of any antivirus software you might be […]
Chrome Discovery Gives More Reason To Cover Your Laptop Camera
An AOL developer named Ran Bar-Zik has unearthed a disturbing flaw in Chrome that may make you rethink using Google’s web browser. The issue revolves around a website’s ability to activate your camera and audio recorder. Google uses an API which legitimate developers call, that displays a distinctive red dot on the browser tab when […]
A Visionary Approach to Your Security
The purpose of an IT partner isn’t just to fix something when it is broken, it is to keep your people working and your data secure. Astral moves beyond traditional managed services by addressing all the key areas of cybersecurity in today’s complex landscape.


