08 May 2021

40% of Android phones have modem vulnerability allowing an attacker to listen in to your calls


A vulnerability discovered by security firm Check Point Research (via AndroidPolice) could allow a malicious app to skip the usual security features giving it access to call and text history. It also gives an attacker the ability to record conversations. 

The Qualcomm Modem Interface (QMI) software is normally impossible for third-party apps to access, but if key aspects of Android are hacked, the QMI vulnerability can be used to listen in and record an active phone call, and as we already pointed out, steal call and SMS records.

QMI is used on as much as 40% of Android handsets including those made by Google, Samsung, OnePlus, LG, Xiaomi, and more. Check Point kept certain information out of its report to make sure that the attack can not be easily copied. There is no indication that the attack has been used by a malicious hacker.

Check Point revealed all of this to Qualcomm last October calling it a high-rated vulnerability. The chip maker told the phone manufacturers that use Qualcomm's modem chips. So far, the vulnerability has not been fixed and we can only hope that Qualcomm and Google will patch this in a future security update.


However, Qualcomm says that it did made fixes available to "many" Android phone manufacturers last December and that these firms passed along security updates to end users. The vulnerability will be part of the June Android bulletin.

Qualcomm issued a statement today that said, "Providing technologies that support robust security and privacy is a priority for Qualcomm. We commend the security researchers from Check Point for using industry-standard coordinated disclosure practices. Qualcomm Technologies has already made fixes available to OEMs in December 2020, and we encourage end users to update their devices as patches become available." 

Source: phonearena.com

Letter to Chief Health Officer from Victorian GP

Here is a letter from Mark Hobart (General Practitioner) to Victoria's Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton.


See document:

Sorry Google did not allow sharing of this document (pdf) at the time of the post.



06 May 2021

Apple found in breach of EU competition law over unfair App Store tax policy


Apple are tax cheats/evaders, yet they have the to audacity to obtain tax from their loyal customers to obtain an unfair advantage.

The 'problem' there is that governments worldwide do not address this matter appropriately, i.e. by issuing multi-billion dollar fines.

If the stance is nonfeasance against their tax dodging actions, then they are obviously supporting them, where the offset is mopped up by the tax slaves, that being the general population.

For privacy reasons we do not recommend the purchase or use of Apple products.

See articles:

Apple found in breach of EU competition law over unfair App Store tax policy

https://www.gsmarena.com/apple_found_in_breach_of_eu_competition_law_over_unfair_app_store_tax_policy-news-48920.php

Commentary: How Apple Avoided Paying $40 Billion in Taxes

https://fortune.com/2018/01/18/apple-bonuses-money-us-350-billion-taxes-trump/






05 May 2021