Intel Security shares list of the most hackable holiday gifts

· Survey reveals that 80% of consumers will likely shop online this year

· While 85% of consumers start using connected devices within the first day of receiving it, only 45% claim they take the proper security measures

· Consumers know it’s important to secure their devices, but nearly half (46%) are uncertain whether they are taking the proper security steps to do so

Intel Security has announced its second annual McAfee Most Hackable Holiday Gifts list to identify potential security risks associated with hot-ticket items this holiday season. The No. 1 most hackable gift category included laptops and PCs, followed by smartphones and tablets, media players and streaming sticks, smart home automation devices and apps, and finally, drones.

A recent distributed denial of service (DDoS) attack that crippled websites like Twitter, Reddit and Spotify was carried out by a botnet made up of unsecured webcams and other Internet of things (IoT) devices, and crippled many popular websites connected to the Dyn domain. Consumers can help fight these attacks by ensuring that their devices are updated and patched. Intel Security stresses that users have to understand the risks associated with even the most unassuming of devices.

“Unsurprisingly, connected devices remain high on holiday wish lists this year. What is alarming is that consumers remain unaware of what behaviours pose a security risk when it comes to new devices,” said Gary Davis, Chief Consumer Security Evangelist at Intel Security. “Consumers are often eager to use their new gadget as soon as they get it and forgo ensuring that their device is properly secured. Cybercriminals could use this lack of attention as an inroad to gather personal consumer data, exposing consumers to malware or identity theft or even use unsecured devices to launch DDoS attacks as in the recent Dyn attack.”

To accompany the list, Intel Security conducted a survey to identify the risky behaviours consumers are engaging in during the holiday season. While a majority of consumers are aware of the vulnerabilities in older connected devices like laptops (73%), mobile phones (70%) and tablets (69%), they lack awareness about the potential risks associated with emerging connected devices, such as drones (20%), children’s toys (21%), virtual reality technology (18%), and pet gifts (11%).

The year’s most hackable holiday gifts include:

1. Laptops and PCs – malicious apps targeting PCs are unfortunately common, and are not just limited to Windows-based devices.

2. Smartphones and tablets – Survey results revealed that 64% of consumers plan to purchase either a smartphone or tablet this holiday season. Just like PCs and laptops, malware could result in personal and financial information being stolen.

3. Media players and streaming sticks – users can unknowingly invite a cybercriminal into their living room by failing to update their device.

4. Smart home automation devices and apps – Today’s connected home devices and apps give users the power to control their homes from their smartphone. Unfortunately, hackers have demonstrated techniques that could be used to compromise Bluetooth powered door locks and other home automation devices.

5. Drones – Drone sales are expected to grow to more than US$20 billion by 2022. They can provide unique perspectives when it comes to shooting video and photos. However, not properly securing the device could allow hackers to disrupt the GPS signal, or hijack the drone through its smartphone app.

While 75% of consumers believe it is very important to secure their online identities and connected devices, nearly half are uncertain if they are taking the proper security steps. To stay protected for a happier and safer holiday season, Intel Security has the following tips:

· Secure your device. Make sure you have comprehensive security software installed.

· Only use secure Wi-Fi. Using devices such as smart home appliances on public Wi-Fi could leave users open to risk.

· Keep software is up-to-date. Apply patches as they are released from the manufacturer so that the device is protected from the latest known threats.

· Use a strong password or PIN. If the device supports it, use multifactor authentication (MFA) as it can include factors like a trusted device, your face, fingerprint, etc. to make your login more secure.

· Check before you click. Be suspicious of links from people you do not know and always use Internet security software to stay protected. Hover over the link to find a full URL of the link’s destination in the lower corner of the browser.

Global study shows employees lack the tools to focus at work

Plantronics has announced the results of a global Oxford Economics study on the effects of open workplaces on employees. The research studied what workers want from their office environments, and what managers need to do to enable the highest productivity and satisfaction from their people.

Oxford Economics interviewed more than 1,200 senior executives and non-manager employees from many industries and functional areas. Respondents came from the US, Canada, the UK, Germany, India, China, Australia, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, and Norway. The study also included detailed interviews with executives who are taking steps to deal with these business collaboration and productivity challenges in their open offices.

Key findings were:

• Workers just want to work. The ability to focus without interruptions is a top priority for employees when it comes to office design; access to amenities like free food is far less important.
• Technology integration is a work in progress. Employees are expected to be connected to the office all the time—but only 40% say the devices they use at home integrate seamlessly with their work tools.
• Constant connectivity breeds compulsive behaviour—and could lead to burnout. More than one-third of employees say they use their tech devices primarily out of habit or compulsion, fear of missing out, or social pressure.
• Managers don’t see the problems. Nearly two-thirds of executives say employees are equipped with the tools they need to deal with distractions at work; less than half of employees agree.

“Noise and distraction have a big impact on productivity,” says Edward Cone, Deputy Director of Thought Leadership and Technology Practice Lead at Oxford Economics. “These are issues that companies can address—but first they need to acknowledge the problem.”

The report lists the following recommendations for employers, to help their employees work more productively, which is something the report says workers want to do:

• Begin a dialogue with employees about what is working and what needs to change regarding office design, working remotely, and technology use
• Ensure employees have the tools and devices needed to work from anywhere
• Give employees the quiet time, spaces, and tools required to conduct focused work
• Encourage everyone to disconnect after hours, to find a balance between work and life

Since employee satisfaction and productivity contribute directly to an organisation’s financial success, this research concludes that a well-designed office space, integrated technology, and better work/life balance are well worth the effort.

Interested?

Download the paper

Get Apple CarPlay in Malaysia through Pioneer

Source: Pioneer Electronics AsiaCentre. Apple CarPlay on the AVH-X8850BT.

Pioneer Electronics AsiaCentre has announced the availability of Apple CarPlay in Malaysia. Pioneer Electronics AsiaCentre (PAC) is the regional headquarters of Pioneer Corporation.

Accessible on three of its aftermarket in-dash car multimedia receivers - the AVH-X8850BT, AVH-X8750BT and AVH-X8650BT - drivers can upgrade their vehicles to enjoy a smarter, safer way to use iPhones while driving.

Utilising large, in-dash Pioneer LCD displays, Apple CarPlay featuring Siri voice control lets iPhone users with the latest version of iOS on their iPhone 5 or later use Siri to make and receive calls, compose and respond to text messages, use Apple Maps for navigation and listen to their music and podcasts.

"Pioneer's years of expertise integrating smartphone connectivity into the automotive environment has provided us the opportunity to be among the first to offer Apple CarPlay to drivers," said Isao Nomura, Deputy General Manager for Business Planning and Marketing Division of Pioneer Electronics AsiaCentre. "By providing an aftermarket option, selected Pioneer's in-dash multimedia receivers (AVH-X8850BT, AVH-X8750BT and AVH-X8650BT) give many iPhone owners in Malaysia the ability to add Apple CarPlay to their current vehicles."

Interested?

Car owners with the newly launched AVH-X8850BT and also the AVH-X8750BT will be able to access Apple CarPlay immediately.

Download the free firmware update for the AVH-X8650BT. Current AVH-X8650BT owners can load the firmware on a USB memory device and connect it to the receiver's USB cable input.

Call the service hotline in Malaysia at 1-300-88-2859, or visit the website

posted from Bloggeroid

Major LeEco launch covers phones, TVs, VR and a self driving concept car

Source: LeEco. Jia Yueting (left) and Ding Lei demonstrate the self-driving functions of the LeSEE concept car by using a Superphone to control the car remotely.

LeEco, formerly LeTV, has held a major cross-category product launch in Beijing, China during which the company introduced four new device families: Le 2 Superphones, a Super TV, the Le VR virtual reality set and the self-driving Super EV connected car. While traditionally placed in different categories, the four families share the same ecosystem, the company said.

Source: LeEco. The Le 2 (历2, literally Power 2) is the world's first flagship phone to support the LeEco-initiated Continual Digital Lossless Audio (CDLA) standard.

The Le 2 is the world's first flagship phone to support the LeEco-initiated Continual Digital Lossless Audio (CDLA) standard, which is accredited by the Chinese Musicians Association and takes the music industry into the continual digital lossless audio era.

The Le 2 series is available in three variants: the Le 2, Le 2Pro and Le Max2. While maintaining the first generation's popular features such as boltless exterior design, bezel-less display, Type-C USB support, and a metal unibody, the second-generation series is thinner and has a longer battery life. In particular, the 3.5mm earphone jack has been eliminated to provide users with a Type-C digital lossless audio experience.

The flagship Le 2Pro, treated with a three-level anodic oxidation process for the first time in the industry, gets a new refresh with new bezel-less ID 3.0 screen to provide an immersive visual experience. The three-level anodic oxidation process is the result of ten months of intensive R&D efforts with a total investment of more than RMB20 million, including personnel, material and equipment costs. The top-of-the-line Le Max2 continues Le Max's symmetrical design in the unique "dopamine red", created by applying insights from colour psychology to be emotionally appealing. Le Max2 is also among the world's first smartphones to be powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 processor and the world's first commercially available metal-body phone to offer the ultrasonic fingerprint scanning feature.

The Le 2 Superphones are offered at "negative profit for hardware", basically priced so low that the company may have no profits from the sale, or may even lose money. The company is promoting the "hardware freebie model" to encourage a new ecosystem consumption pattern, LeEco said.

During the launch event, LeEco also unveiled its fourth-generation Super TV lineup. The Super 4 X50 Pro (RMB2,999), Super 4 X50 (RMB2,499) and Super 4 X50 CSL Edition (RMB2,699) are also offered at prices below their mass production cost, being subsidised by larger LeEco ecosystem.

The highlight of the launch was LeSEE's first self-driving concept car, which was put through its paces by Jia Yueting, LeEco founder and CEO of LeEco, and LeSEE co-founder and Global VP Ding Lei. The concept car's self-driving functions were demonstrated using a Superphone to control the car remotely. Positioned as an intelligent Internet car, it can drive and learn autonomously with capabilities such as face recognition, emotion recognition, environment recognition and road recognition. The car has received 804 patents worldwide, part of the 10,000 patents submitted worldwide to cover the products showcased at the launch. 

Source: LeEco. LeEco launches VR support.

At the event, LeEco's new VR product also made its debut, in addition to the latest EUI 5.8 operating system, which supports nine-camera live videostreaming, a step above the triple-camera live videostreaming support introduced last year. 

Source: LeEco. The new EUI 5.8 OS supports nine-camera live videostreaming.

The Ecosystem without Borders launch event set a number of records, LeEco added. The VR-enabled event was streamed live around the world on nearly 100 online video sites. The event was also the world's first product launch to be livestreamed on Facebook, a LeEco cloud-sharing distribution channel.

Philips EyeCare connected desk lamp works with Xiaomi smartphones to deliver optimum lighting

Source: Philips.

Royal Philips and Xiaomi, the Internet-driven smartphone company, have launched the Philips EyeCare connected desk lamp - designed to deliver optimal eye comfort as you read or work*.

By collecting and processing light signals through a light sensor and the smartphone camera on the Xiaomi smartphone, the Philips EyeCare connected desk lamp can calibrate the light to deliver the optimised light intensity for maximum comfort. 

“We have teamed up with Xiaomi, China’s largest and one of the world’s top five manufacturers of smartphones, to deliver this exciting innovation,” says Olivia Qiu, Head of Innovation at Philips Lighting. “Philips recognises the benefit of combining expertise and skills to deliver country specific innovations that really impact people’s lives. The Philips EyeCare connected desk lamp is a great example of this in China.”

Liu De, Co-Founder and Vice President of Xiaomi, said, “We’re glad to collaborate with Philips, the world’s leader in lighting, who launched this innovative connected desk lamp in the online store of Xiaomi. This lamp can seamlessly connect with Xiaomi’s smart home ecosystem, creating a superb experience for our users. We believe this collaboration between the two strong companies is sure to improve the attraction of Xiaomi’s smart home platform, as well as its user experience.”

By using Philips Advanced Optical Lens Technology, the Philips EyeCare connected desk lamp reduces glare; and by using the Xiaomi Smart Home app users can adjust to the correct level of illumination needed, preventing unnecessary eye strain. It also eliminates light shining directly into the eyes with even light distribution. The result is less eye strain without any compromise on light quality.

Furthermore, the Philips EyeCare connected desk lamp can connect with other Xiaomi smart home devices through the cloud. The Philips EyeCare connected desk lamp can connect to Xiaomi door sensors and body sensors to deliver dynamic new lighting experiences at home. 

Interested?

Philips EyeCare connected desk lamp will be available via Xiaomi's online retailing platform Mi Store from January 2016. It supports smartphones operating on Android 4.0 and iOS 7.0 and their upgraded versions. 

*2012 Fudan University ENT Hospital on best light recipes for young adults.

China Telecom tests connected car concept with Gemalto

Gemalto, the digital security provider, and China Telecom, one of the largest operators in China with more than 190 million mobile subscribers, are developing a proof-of-concept for connected cars using Gemalto's LinqUs On-Demand Connectivity (ODC) subscription management solution.

The two companies presented a demo at the recent Mobile World Congress Shanghai to show how remote 'over-the-air' provisioning can enable secure connectivity on mobile devices. They will next integrate this ODC solution on vehicles, paving the way for China Telecom's auto-maker customers to offer instant connectivity on cars, anytime and anywhere.

China has the world's fastest-growing automotive market with 154 million car owners¹. Due to traffic congestion and other concerns such as driver safety, emergency assistance, and vehicle durability, there is an increasing demand for connected cars with advanced telematics, navigation, and safety features². The embedded SIMs will allow motorists to enjoy a safe and enjoyable drive, with the flexibility to choose or switch their service subscription throughout the entire lifecycle of their cars.

"Connected cars will form a major element of the Internet of Things (IoT)³," said Dr Liu Yuan, Vice Chief Engineer at China Telecom in Shanghai. "With an international standards organisation specifying a single, uniform remote provisioning architecture for embedded UICC⁴, there will be no need for our customers to plan for unique subscriptions at the manufacturing level, or build device variants for different operators. This will simplify their supply chain logistics for quick worldwide deployment across different service providers, and greatly boost the development of IoT ​globally."

"By 2025, every new car will include some form of connectivity⁵. This presents an enormous opportunity for increased revenue for all of us," said Suzanne Tong-Li, President for Greater China and Korea at Gemalto. "With unified standards, we can help China Telecom to leverage their 4G networks to capture this strong growth potential market and offer innovative solutions for a safe and pleasant driving experience."

¹http://news.stcn.com/2015/0618/12311695.shtml
²http://blog.gfk.com/2015/05/what-chinese-drivers-want-from-the-connected-car/
³http://www.gartner.com/newsroom/id/2970017
⁴GSMA specifications for remote subscription management
⁵https://www.broadcom.com/application/connected_car.php​

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