Hospital Hacked; Malware Remotely Erases Android Devices

Posted February 16th, 2016 at 11:36 am (UTC-4)
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Creative Commons image by user Chs87

Creative Commons image by user Chs87

Today’s Tech Sightings:

 

Hollywood Hospital Held to Ransom by Hackers

Hackers have taken control of computer systems at the Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center and are now demanding $3.6 million in ransom. The hospital has been crippled by the attack, with staff having to revert to pen and paper for their records. The attackers are demanding the ransom in bitcoins, the virtual currency of choice among cyber criminals.

Android Malware Used Remotely to Erase Devices

Researchers at Heimdal Security discovered a malware strain identified as ‘Mazar Android BOT’ that allows hackers to take control of remote devices. The hackers send out a new MMS message that includes a link. Once triggered with a lick on that link, the malware installs the TOR browser through a legitimate URL on the target device.

Microsoft Wants to Make Building a PC a Breeze

Modular computing is in the conversation again. A Microsoft patent spied online hopes to turn PCs into modular computing devices that fit together, sort of like LEGO bricks. The devices could range from powerful PCs to low-end devices. A number of other companies have also been researching modular computing.

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Aida Akl
Aida Akl is a journalist working on VOA's English Webdesk. She has written on a wide range of topics, although her more recent contributions have focused on technology. She has covered both domestic and international events since the mid-1980s as a VOA reporter and international broadcaster.

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