F-Secure Launches All-New Privacy and Security Features for a Carefree Life Online
 (TMCNet)
TMCNet, 9/13/13
F-Secure Internet Security heads up a list of revamped solutions being launched today by F-Secure. With a renewed focus on making daily online activities safer and protecting users' privacy from the prying eyes of online spies, F-Secure's new consumer products are designed with up-to-the-minute features to protect the content on your computer and to safeguard you while browsing the web, banking and shopping.
F-Secure's 2014 lineup adds new banking, Facebook tools (BetaNews)
BetaNews, 9/13/13
F-Secure has today launched its revamped range of security products, including F-Secure Anti-Virus 2014 and F-Secure Internet Security 2014.
Nokia Chairman Risto Siilasmaa Outlines Its Next Reinvention (TechCrunch)
TechCrunch, 9/11/13
Risto Kalevi Siilasmaa is the Chairman, founder and former CEO of F-Secure Corporation, an anti-virus and computer security software company based in Helsinki, Finland
NSA Fallout: Google Speeds Data Encryption Plans (InformationWeek)
InformationWeek, 9/10/13
Sean Sullivan, security advisor at F-Secure Labs, said via email that Google's encryption plan makes good security sense, given all the different types of information that the company stores. "I think it's a very good idea, considering its Google Docs business," he said.
Reports: NSA has cracked much online encryption (CNN)
CNN, 9/6/2013
Computer security expert Mikko Hypponen believes the revelation is the most important leak to date from Snowden. "It may not have gained as many headlines as some of his other stories, because most people don't understand how crypto systems work. If indeed U.S. Intelligence does indeed have such a wide range of systems, then I'm surprised," he told CNN.
Microsoft can now make its own phones - but it might be tough going (The Guardian)
The Guardian, 9/3/2013
As the founder of a software company, F-Secure, Siilasmaa's background is very much in building businesses, and the decision to sell was not an easy one. "Being an entrepreneur means aspiring to build products that change the world," he said at an emotional press conference at Nokia's headquarters in Espoo, Finland, on Tuesday. "Selling businesses is not nearly as cool, but sometimes it is the right course of action."
Secure Protection Service for Email (SC Magazine)
SC Magazine, 9/2/2013
The F-Secure Protection Service for Email is a fully hosted email security offering that can work in tandem with an already existing email server to provide a complete set of email security features. This hosted service is built on a platform from a strategic partner - the Proofpoint Email Security - and features protection from spam and other email-based threats, and offers email encryption, a highly configurable policy-based email firewall and integrated data leakage prevention.
Java 6 users vulnerable to zero day flaw, security experts warn (ZDNet)
ZDNet, 8/29/2013
Timo Hirvonen, a senior analyst at security firm F-Secure, told SCMagazine that the issue is now more important as a commercially available exploit kit is now taking advantage of Java 6's widespread use and security holes. The Neutrino exploit kit takes advantage of Java vulnerabilities, typically exploiting holes in order to download ransomware on to computer systems -- locking a computer until a fee is paid.
Attacks like the one against the New York Times should put consumers on alert (Washington Post)
Washington Post, 8/28/2013
For example, F-Secure security advisor Sean Sullivan said that hackers may be able to use this method to redirect users logging into something like a banking Web site to a false version of the company’s log-in screen and trick people into logging in.
NY Times Caught in Syrian Hacker Attack (Information Week)
Information Week, 8/28/2013
Sean Sullivan, security advisor at F-Secure Labs, said the SEA's Tuesday hacks amounted to online "warning shots" directed at the United States. "Bottom line: if the United States launches a cruise missile at Syria ... there will definitely be a 'cyber' response," he tweeted Wednesday.
US government warns of Android's dominance in mobile malware (Apple Insider)
Apple Insider, 8/27/2013
The data cited by Homeland Security is based on 2012 malware statistics published earlier this year by F-Secure, which revealed that Android is responsible for 79 percent of mobile malware. That same report was cited by Phil Schiller, Apple's head of worldwide marketing, in March, when he took to his Twitter account to advise users to "be safe out there."
Who Wrote the Pincer Android Trojan? (Krebs on Security)
Krebs on Security, 8/27/2013
In April, Finnish security firm F-Secure first warned about Trojan:Android/Pincer.A, which comes disguised as a security certificate and is designed to surreptitiously intercept and forward text messages. As F-Secure notes, previous malicious mobile apps pretending to be certificates have been mobile components of banking Trojans aimed at defeating two-factor authentication.
The Gender Gap? F-Secure Finds Women and Men Are Hard to Tell Apart in the Cloud (Broadway World)
Broadway World, 8/27/2013
Women may be stereotyped for liking shopping and shoes, and men for liking action flicks, but when it comes to the vast amounts of digital stuff we generate in the form of photos, videos and other content, how do the sexes differ? A recent F-Secure survey* shows that men pay more attention to how much content they have than women do, but women are sharing it in Facebook more frequently -- and on top of that, there are also plenty of similarities between males and females.
F-Secure Mobile Security selected to power TalkTalk MobileSafe (iTers News)
iTers News, 8/25/2013
F-Secure has been selected to power TalkTalk MobileSafe, an innovative new Android-compatible mobile security app. Available free to all TalkTalk Mobile handset and SIM customers, TalkTalk MobileSafe offers a complete solution to protect users' content, devices and privacy. Based upon F-Secure's comprehensive Mobile Security package, MobileSafe will provide TalkTalk Android customers with anti-virus, safe browsing, anti-theft, parental controls and call/SMS filtering.
Poison Ivy RAT gnawing on systems again (Network World)
Network World, 8/22/2013
Mikko Hypponen, chief research officer at F-Secure, said Poison Ivy, in particular, has become popular with a whole range of attackers. "Poison Ivy is a general purpose backdoor that we're seeing teenagers use and criminal gangs use to steal credit card numbers and, quite surprisingly, for years we've seen it used in these APT attacks as well," he told CSOonline.
Get dialed in on how to safeguard your smartphones (LATimes)
LATimes, 8/21/2013
Bitdefender costs $10 a year but doesn't include any privacy features. Bitdefender and F-Secure are good options for people who use the Google Chrome Internet browser on their mobile device.
TalkTalk strikes deal with F-Secure for MobileSafe (GoMo News)
GoMo News, 8/21/2013
A bit of a coup for our old friends, F-Secure. The company has just done a deal with the UK’s leading ISP – TalkTalk, to supply Android mobile device users with free mobile security software.
Bitdefender Security Suite Earns Top Endurance Rating (PC Magazine)
PC Magazine, 8/21/2013
Of the 24 products tested under all three Windows versions, Bitdefender$49.95 at BitDefender is a clear winner. It detected 100 percent of the real-world zero-day samples and 100 percent of the reference set. F-Secure and Kaspersky$33.43 at Discount Mountain also achieved perfect scores in these tests. G-Data and Symantec came very close, with 100 percent detection of the reference set and 99 percent of the zero-day samples.
Windows 8 antivirus software scores dead last in German tests (Consumer Affairs)
Consumer Affairs, 8/21/2013
When it comes to malware, the results were similar. "The suites from Bitdefender, F-Secure and Kaspersky all did the best job in this category, achieving detection rates of 100%, while the best free programs, namely those from Avast and AVG, were only able to make it to eighth and twelfth place respectively," said AV-Test. "The Windows Defender provided by Microsoft in its operating system set a very low benchmark value with a detection rate of just 79%."
Q&A: is an unlimited data plan worth buying? (USA TODAY)
USA TODAY, 8/16/2013
Most free security software comes with the caveat that it's for personal use only. Luckily, companies like avast! and AVG make good business solutions that feel like their free versions. Bitdefender, F-Secure and Norton are good options, too.
Personalized Exploit Kit Targets Researchers (Krebs on Security)
Krebs on Security, 8/15/2013
The Paunchbighecker Twitter account appears to have been created on July 30 for the sole purpose of sending tweets to several security researchers, including this author, Mikko Hypponen of Finnish security firm F-Secure, French malware researcher Kafeine, Polish security researcher tachion24, and SecObsecurity.
Browser-Based Ransomware Browlock Targets Users in Several Countries (Softpedia)
Softpedia, 8/15/2013
F-Secure says the ransomware has been spotted on several domains, but all the lock screens are hosted on a single server in Saint Petersburg, Russia.
Learn if an unlimited data plan is worth the money (Daily Comet)
Daily Comet, 8/15/2013
Luckily, companies like avast! and AVG make good business solutions that feel like their free versions. Bitdefender, F-Secure and Norton are good options, too.
We're ditching paper exams - so please get hacking our IT, asks Finnish exam board (ZDNet)
ZDNet, 8/15/2013
To win the competition, which runs until 1 October, participants have to find as many clever, and unique exploits as possible — so there's no spot on the top of the leaderboard for Lähdekorpi yet. The competition is being judged by three IT security professionals, including Mikko Hyppönen of F-Secure.
Following the evolution of cybercrime, mobile security (Computerworld)
Computerworld, 8/14/2013
It's an evolution of Android into more like Windows (malware) distribution methodologies," Sean Sullivan, security researcher for F-Secure, told me in April.
Are There Good Hackers? (WWNO 89.9)
WWNO 89.9, 8/13/2013
Mikko Hyppönen is the Chief Research Officer for F-Secure, and he has led his team through some of the largest computer virus outbreaks in history.
Mobile Threat Monday: Android Banking Trojan Sidesteps Two-Factor Authentication (PCMag)
PCMag, 8/12/2013
F-Secure Security Response Director Antti Tikkanen explained to SecurityWatch that this is a variant on the Zitmo malware, or "Zeus In The Mobile." “According to F-Secure, these names indicate that the Trojans are aimed at Dutch and German users, as they translate to "certificate" in the respective languages.
Newly Published Empirical Testing Of Android Antivirus Apps Reveals A Clear Loser [Updates] (Makeuseof.com)
Makeuseof.com, 8/12/2013
Evaluating 30 different antivirus apps, from well-known players such as Lookout and F-Secure to more obscure apps like Ikarus and MicroWorld, the test confronted each app with the same reference set of 1,972 security threats, and evaluated the detection rates of each app.
TED Radio Hour: Hacking our way to a better world (TED Blog)
TED Blog, 8/9/2013
First up, Mikko Hypponen, the programmer who visited the creators of The_Brain, the very first computer virus that plagued the technology world in 1986. In his talk from 2011, Hypponen tells the story of how his investigation of the virus led him to an address in Pakistan. Embedded in the code of an infected floppy disk, Hypponen found English text that said, “Welcome to the dungeon 1986. Beware of this virus. Contact us for vaccination.” Following their instructions, Hypponen found himself face to face with the people who had made history. The reason they did it: to prove that the new PC computers were insecure. it’s evidence that the first hackers were actually good hackers.
Malware Disguised as "F-secure Security Pack" Browser Extension (Potins News)
Potins News, 8/07/2013
F-Secure warns users that cybercriminals are trying to distribute a malicious browser extension by claiming it has been developed by the IT security firm.
The Android Strain (Fierce Mobile IT)
Fierce Mobile IT, 8/07/2013
Other reports released this year have had similar results. Research by F-Secure found that Android was targeted by 91 percent of new mobile threat families, the number of which increased by 49 percent in the first quarter of 2013, compared with the previous.
12 Antivirus Apps for the Mac (PCMag)
PCMag, 8/07/2013
VirusBarrier and F-Secure Anti-Virus for Mac ($39.99 direct) both offer firewall protection along with antivirus. VirusBarrier also offers a private data protection feature, to help avoid inadvertent transmission of user-specified personal information. Trend Micro's antivirus includes optional parental control features.
F-Secure Offers Traveling Tips (TMCnet)
TMCnet, 8/06/2013
Sean Sullivan, Security Advisor at F-Secure Labs, said that public Wi-Fi networks should be thought of as just that: public. There's the risk that someone is using readily available software that snoops on what you're doing.
Social Media Accounts of Specific Web-Browsers Being Hijacked by New Malware (SPAMfighter)
SPAMfighter, 8/05/2013
Although Google has flagged this plug-in as nasty, there's an upgraded version pretending to be "F-Secure Security Pack 6.1.0 (for Chrome) and F-Secure Security Pack 6.1(for Firefox).
New malware hijacks social media accounts (GMA News Online)
GMA News Online, 7/31/2013
While Google has since flagged this plugin as malicious, there is an updated version posing as "F-Secure Security Pack 6.1.0 (for Google Chrome) and F-Secure Security Pack 6.1 (for Mozilla Firefox)."
Mobile Threat Monday: Watch Out for Stealthy Trojans, Leaky Apps (PCMag.com)
PCMag.com, 7/29/2013
"While not very widespread, this Trojan is very complex and professionally built," Antti Tikkanen, F-Secure's director of security response, told SecurityWatch. Most of the victims are in Russia, but F-Secure has found samples in other countries.
Many Security Suites Improve Protection in Real-World Test (PC Mag)
PC Mag, 7/25/2013
Bitdefender regularly earns top scores across the board in independent lab tests. Just based on malware detection it would have rated ADVANCED+, as it did last time, but false positives knocked it down to ADVANCED. The same happened to F-Secure and BullGuard.
Janicab.A Malware Targets Computers Running OS X and Window (MacRumors)
MacRumors, 7/24/2013
Researchers from F-Secure, Webroot, and Avast have uncovered Janicab.A, a new trojan that was discovered as a threat to Macs last week and Windows users on Monday, with findings being published recently.
Mobile Threat Monday: Watch Out For Those Fake Android Apps, Like Jay-Z's Magna Carta... Holy Grail (PCMag.com)
PCMag.com, 7/15/2013
F-Secure flagged Android app Desert Strike on Google Play as potentially unwanted for this week's list. The app uses several ad networks that are particularly aggressive, such as Leadbolt.
Mac Spyware Hides File Extensions to Evade Detection (Info Security)
Info Security, 7/15/2013
The objective of the RLO trick in this case is “simply to hide the real extension”, F-Secure noted. “The malware could have just used ‘Recent New.pdf.app.’ However, OS X has already considered this and displays the real extension as a precaution.” The RLO trick subverts this so that the usual file quarantine notification from OS X will be backwards to avoid detection.
How to Set Up a PC (Maximum PC)
Maximum PC, 7/08/2013
First, may we recommend that you consider paying for a good AV product such as F-Secure, Kaspersky, Norton, or BitDefender, among others? These products are highly rated for their ability to intercept zero-day attacks, and with rebates you can get enough keys to cover all your devices for a few dollars a year. If you’re too cheap, consider using AVG Free, which is better at stopping zero-day attacks than Microsoft’s Security Essentials product. MSE is the least bothersome, but it’s lost a lot of luster of late.
Android security flaw affects 99 percent of phones, researcher says (The Washington Post)
The Washington Post, 7/05/2013
Security is a common concern on Android phones, in part because the open nature of the system also means that it’s easy for anyone to find out how it works. Android is the OS of choice for 75 percent of the world’s smartphones, IDC reported in May. But a report released in March from the F-Secure security firm found that 79 percent of all mobile malware found in 2012 was running on Android phones.
Android Malware Steals Data from Windows PCs (eSecurity Planet)
eSecurity Planet, 7/04/2013
F-Secure researchers recently came across a malicious Android app that's designed to steal information from a connected Windows machine.
Apple Marketing Chief Drops F-Bomb On Samsung Galaxy S4 (Autoomobile.com)
Autoomobile.com, 7/3/2013
Of course this is not the first time that Schiller has made an attack on Android. Last month he Tweeted and encouraged users of smartphones to “be safe out there,” and he sent a threat report from F-Secure Labs about the rise in Android malware. The report said that Android accounted for around 79% of mobile phone threats in 2012, while Apple’s threats were 0.7%.
Android Password Recovery Tool Can Hack PCs (TechNewsDaily)
TechNewsDaily, 7/3/2013
The app first came out in May 2012, but only caught mainstream attention recently. Finnish security company F-Secure's blog recounts how its researchers discovered USB Cleaver on a Chinese forum. Users were discussing how the program could be used to compromise a Windows machine.
Android Malware Discovered by F-Secure, Capable of Stealing Passwords (Android-apps.com)
Android-apps.com, 7/2/2013
This brand new hacking tool was first discovered by the good analysts from F-Secure and it very soon became obvious that the USB Cleaver is perfectly capable of “borrowing” your private data if your smartphone is connected to a computer which runs Windows OS.
Keep all your software up-to-date with F-Secure (Help Net Security)
Help Net Security, 7/2/2013
The month of June saw security updates for well over 100 vulnerabilities in just the most commonly used software for Windows workstations, with each of these vulnerabilities representing an opportunity for cybercriminals to breach corporate networks. With new Client Security Premium, F-Secure enables businesses to plug the software holes that compromise data security – and to provide stronger coverage for newly discovered holes that haven’t yet been patched.
Twitter Lists Embedded Tweet Sites, And Then Promptly Removes Them (RedOrbit)
RedOrbit, 7/1/2013
Yesterday security expert Mikko Hypponen mentioned something interesting that he saw on Twitter. In a Tweet, he asked if Twitter had always listed which websites had embedded a particular Tweet. TechCrunch and The Verge quickly pointed out Hyponnen’s Tweet in stories which appeared on their respective websites, complete with embedded Tweets.
F-Secure: Majority of Consumers Worry About Cloud Security (E-Security Planet)
E-Security Planet, 7/1/2013
According to the results of a recent F-Secure survey of 6,000 people in 15 countries, six out of 10 consumers are concerned about the security of their content in social networking and cloud storage services.
Scality CEO: Why would any start-up go to Europe? (ComputerWeekly)
ComputerWeekly, 6/25/2013
Lecat said: “The 10 biggest file sharing companies are here in the US, online back-up… there are maybe two players in Europe and one of which is really one from Palo Alto [F-Secure]… those technologies are founded by technology companies in Silicon Valley and the first consumers of those technologies are technology companies.”
Fake Antivirus Holds Android Phones for Ransom (PC Mag)
PC Mag, 6/21/2013
F-Secure's Mikko Hypponen has gone on record stating that the biggest threat for Android users is losing your phone, not malware. Hamada begs to differ, pointing out that malware like this is really, really hard to remove once it gets a foothold. He advises running mobile security software to keep threats like this from installing in the first place.
AV Test releases Android test data(Virus Bulletin)
Virus Bulletin, 6/18/2013
However, despite the growth in malware, the biggest risk most mobile users face is losing their device, as F-Secure's Mikko Hypponen recently pointed out. This makes the additional features, such as remote lock/wipe tools and phone locating systems, a vital part of the smartphone user's security armory.
Malware masquerading as Bad Piggies found on Google Play (CNET)
CNET, 6/13/2013
Security company F-Secure wrote on Wednesday that it had located Bad Pigs -- which had the same artwork and app description as Bad Piggies -- and let Google know. The only apparent differences between the two apps were the names of the app and the developer -- who was "Dan Stokes" rather than Rovio. Google has pulled Bad Pigs from Google Play, according to F-Secure.
DIGI-PIXELS: Musings about malware attacks on Macs (Alberni Valley News)
Alberni Valley News, 6/13/2013
F-secure has reported that new malware has been found for Mac OS X. The malware is a backdoor application that seems to take screenshots of your computer and uploads the info to remote servers. The malware is being called OSX/KitM.A
Android's Biggest Threat Isn't Malware, It's Lost Phones (PC Magazine)
PC Magazine, 6/12/2013
Mikko Hypponen, chief research officer at F-Secure told SecurityWatch just that during a recent conversation about the company's latest security suite for Android, which went up on Google Play last week. "That we still don't have bigger problems than we do should be thought of as a success story," he said. "For once, we've managed to learn from the mistakes of the past."
Securing Smartphones and Tablets (Philly Burbs)
Philly Burbs, 6/10/2013
Spyware can be downloaded without careful scrutiny. Mobile security vendors including Adaptive Mobile, F-Secure, Kaspersky, Trend Micro, McAfee, Lookout, NQ Mobile, and Avast can help monitor and alert organizational members to potential threats. Layering security is important, beginning with the operating system itself.
US Tech Firms Will Pay The Price For NSA Spying (Silicon Angle)
Silicon Angle, 6/10/2013
These sentiments were later echoed by Mikko Hypponen of the security firm F-Secure, who told Reuters that “the long term solution is that Europe should have a dot.com industry just like the United States.”
‘We need a Google alternative,’ says Kim Dotcom (Daily Caller)
Daily Caller, 6/08/2013
“The long term solution is that Europe should have a dot.com industry just like the United States,” F-Secure chief research officer Mikko Hypponen said to Reuters, “which would give us economic benefits but more importantly would make us independent of the wholesale surveillance of the U.S intelligence agencies.”
Your Mobile Device Is a Hack Waiting to Happen: Pros(CNBC)
CNBC, 5/23/2013
Mobile malware attacks are aimed primarily at Android devices, which account for more than half of the world's smartphone market. In fact, Android accounts for more than 90 percent of all malware activity, according to a recent report published by the software security firm F-Secure.
Help protect yourself from signed malware in OS X (CNET)
CNET, 5/23/2013
According to F-Secure, the developer ID for this individual has since been revoked, but before this news hit, the malware created with his ID was able to infect and run on a few systems, including test systems controlled by a number of security firms.
SP Soft to offer F-Secure's Protection Service for Business (Telecompaper)
Telecompaper, 5/20/2013
Security software provider F-Secure has collaborated with IT company SP Soft India to offer F-Secure's 'Protection Service for Business' to Indian small and medium size businesses (SMBs). This venture by F-Secure will further add to their presence in India wherein presently they are working with the Indian operators providing them with value-added security services.
New Mac Malware Discovered Live on Stage (Infosecurity Magazine)
Infosecurity Magazine, 5/17/2013
F-Secure is currently analyzing the malware and has published initial findings in its blog. The malware itself takes screenshots and stores them in a folder called MacApp. “There are two C&C servers related to this sample,” says F-Secure. One of the IPs is registered in the Netherlands, and the other, according to F-Secure is in France (although ip-adress.com traces it to Ireland). One of the addresses doesn’t resolve, and the other denies public access.
F-Secure Warns of New Mac Malware (eSecurity Planet)
eSecurity Planet, 5/17/2013
According to F-Secure security advisor Sean Sullivan, independent researcher Jacob Applebaum recently discovered a new form of malware on an African activist's Mac at the Oslo Freedom Forum.
Freedom Forum (SC Magazine)
SC Magazine, 5/16/2013
Analysts at security firm F-Secure studied the virus sample and learned that it was signed with a seemingly valid Apple Developer ID, steals screen shots and communicates with two command-and-control servers. F-Secure dubbed the malware OSX/KitM.A.
Q1 2013 Saw Massive Innovation in Android Malware (eSecurity Planet)
eSecurity Planet, 5/15/2013
F-Secure recently released its Mobile Threat Report for Q1 2013, which notes that the first quarter of 2013 saw the first Android threat distribution via e-mail spam, the first targeted Android attacks, and the first Android advanced fee fraud scam.
Android malware rise could be 'game changer,' warns F-Secure (FierceMobileIT)
FierceMobileIT, 5/14/2013
And a new report from F-Secure showing a marked rise in Android malware is not going to help them sleep any better.
F-Secure: "There is no malware crisis" (AllPhoneNews)
AllPhoneNews, 5/14/2013
The definition of irony: A security software provider saying that there is no mobile malware crisis. You could even liken it to the association of plastic surgeons publishing a study that shows that silicone is harmful to humans. A nice simple analogy, at least on it’s surface. For many, malware and viruses could affect many users but according to F-Secure, there is no cause for concern…..now.
F-Secure: Android Malware Ecosystem Resembling Windows (Dark Reading)
Dark Reading, 5/14/2013
According to F-Secure Labs' latest Mobile Threat Report, Q1 saw the first Android threat distribution outside of apps via email spam, the first targeted Android attacks, and the first Android advanced fee fraud scam. Additionally, examples of increased commoditization of Android malware surfaced.
It's Time to Check Your Facebook Privacy Settings (PC Mag)
PC Mag, 5/8/2013
F-Secure this week introduced a new Facebook app Safe Profile which scans your user profile against ten important privacy settings and recommends changes. After scanning, it returns a safety score and an easy to read report on which items should be changed. It suggested restricting my photo albums, which were visible to friends of friends, and provided a link to page which contained the actual setting to change. I could also read the appropriate Facebook Help page.
Microsoft: Don't Be Fooled By The Cool Exploit Kit (CRN)
CRN, 5/8/2013
According to exploit kit statistics released by F-Secure, a security firm based in Finland, Black Hole, Cool and another kit called Sweet Orange make up 56 percent of the attacks driven by automated toolkits. Black Hole takes up 27 percent coverage, F-Secure said.
Apple Inc., Research In Motion Ltd Harmed By This (The Motley Fool)
The Motley Fool, 5/7/2013
Like Research In Motion Ltd’s Heins, Apple Inc.’s Phil Schiller has also been critical of Android’s security. As The Verge points out, Schiller tweeted out a link to an F-Secure report last March. That report emphasized the large (and growing) number of malware threats Android faces.
Nokia Re-elects Risto Siilasmaa As Chairman (NASDAQ)
NASDAQ, 5/7/2013
Siilasmaa has been Nokia's board member since 2008. He is the chairman, founder and former CEO of security software maker F- Secure Corp. He is also a board member of Mendor Ltd., and Vice Chairman of Federation of Finnish Technology Industries.
In Malaysia, online election battles take a nasty turn (Reuters)
Reuters, 5/7/2013
Malaysia illustrated how political parties and the powers-that-be are starting to use the Internet, said Mikko Hypponen, chief research officer of Helsinki-based internet security company F-Secure which has large lab in Kuala Lumpur.
F-Secure Internet Security 2013 (Consumer Reports)
Consumer Reports
The F-Secure Internet Security 2013 is part of the security software test program at Consumer Reports. In our lab tests, security software models like the Internet Security 2013 are rated on multiple criteria, such as those listed below.
Agriculture Apps: 6 Things To Know Before You Download (Crop Life)
Crop Life, 5/1/2013
Not all storefronts are created equally. Although malware incidents are on the rise (particularly on Android phones) according to a report from security firm F-Secure, the majority involve apps acquired from random, untrustworthy Websites. By masquerading as legitimate apps, malware often installs a working version of the program, but one that requests permissions well in excess of what is normally required. If your phone begins performing functions on its own, F-Secure warns, that may be a sign of malware.
U.S. Department Of Labor Website Discovered Hacked, Spreading PoisonIvy (Dark Reading)
Dark Reading, 5/1//2013
The malware collects detailed information from the infected machine, according to AlienVault, including specifics on the operating system, versions of Adobe Reader and Flash, Java, Microsoft Office, and if certain security software is running on the machine, such as BitDefender 2013, Avira, McAfee Enterprise, AVG 2012, ESET Nod32, Dr. Web, Mse, Sophos,F-Secure 2011, Kaspersky 2012, and Kaspersky 2013.
F-Secure profit rises, cost cuts offset weak corporate spending (Reuters)
Reuters, 4/26/2013
Finnish security software maker F-Secure reported a 9 percent rise in operating profit as cost cuts helped make up for weak sales of its content cloud services to business clients.
AP Twitter Hack: Lessons Learned (InformationWeek)
InformationWeek, 4/25/2013
"The username is an issue," said Sean Sullivan, security advisor at F-Secure Labs, speaking by phone. "Consider your online banking. My bank issued me a unique customer number and I don't share that with anybody. So both the username and the password are secret. But with social media/networking sites, half of the secrecy is gone."
Apple’s App Store is the biggest security innovation in the last 10 years, says F-secure (The Inquirer)
The Inquirer, 4/25/2013
"[It's a] highly visible, very big target, and there's not been a single case of malware in that time," Hypponen said. "Six years and not a single case, that's a massive success story and it's no coincidence, it's a job well done by Apple."
Infosec 2013: Cyber threats unlikely to disappear, says security researcher (Computer Weekly)
Computer Weekly, 4/24/2013
Despite the past decade being the best so far for cyber defenses, cyber security will still be a major concern in ten years’ time, according to Mikko Hypponen, chief research officer at security firm F-Secure.
Infosecurity Europe 2013: Hall of Fame Shlomo Kramer & Mikko Hypponen (Infosec Professional)
Infosec Professional, 4/23/2013
Mikko Hypponen is the Chief Research Officer of F-Secure in Finland. He has been working with computer security for over 20 years and has fought the biggest virus outbreaks in the net. He's also a columnist for the New York Times, Wired, CNN and BBC. His TED Talk on computer security has been seen by over a million people and has been translated to over 35 languages. Mr. Hypponen sits in the advisory boards of the ISF and the Lifeboat foundation.
F-Secure, McAfee, Symantec Apps Ace Mobile Antivirus Test (PCmag.com)
PC Mag, 4/22/2013
F-Secure, McAfee, Symantec, and Trend Micro received 6.0 points for protection, the highest rating, because they literally detected 100 percent. The other seven products didn't quite detect everything, but did well enough that their scores rounded to 100 percent.
87% of Corporate Computers Lack Critical Software Updates, F-Secure Warns(Softpedia)
Softpedia, 4/18/2013
Security solutions provider F-Secure warns that 87% of the corporate computers they’ve gathered data from lack critical software updates. This represents a serious threat to business security, especially now, when large organizations are often targeted by cyberattacks.
Hacking lessons learned: how to cover your digital ass (VentureBeat)
VentureBeat, 4/11/2013
We’ve all heard of Mat Honan, the Wired reporter who had his digital life destroyed by hackers last year. F-Secure, a Finnish security company, created an infographic about his experience and provide tips on how to avoid making the same mistakes he did.
Five Best Anti-Virus Applications (Opposing Views)
Opposing Views, 4/10/2013
F-Secure was given best-of-show by PCWorld and AV-Test (for protection). It ranked in the top 10 packages reviewed by AV-Comparatives and was given excellent usability scores by AV-Test. It scored well for file detection, anti-phishing and in the real-world tests. It didn't perform as well as other programs at detecting malware. F-Secure adds five to six seconds to start up and shutdown times, as well as extending the time it takes to install other programs. Other anti-virus programs don't affect performance so heavily.
The Importance of Security in Mobile Platforms (DZone)
DZone, 4/10/2013
We completed the review of the analysis of the major security companies with data provided by security firm F-Secure that has always been at the forefront of the study of computer threats. According to Mikko Hypponen, the mobile threat landscape continues to be focused on two platforms, Android, which accounted for 79% of all new malware variants identified in 2012 and Symbian, with 19% of the remaining new variants.
AV-Test issues first Windows 8 antivirus solution ratings (NetworkWorld)
NetworkWorld, 4/8/2013
F-Secure, G Data, Bitdefender, Kaspersky, BullGuard and Trend Micro were all ranked with the top score of six regarding protection against brand new and widespread malware infections. Protection against 0-day attacks were up across the board, with the average score going from 92% in the previous test for Windows 7 to 95% for Windows 8. Below are the top 10 home user virus scanners based on protection.
F-Secure rebuilds free Online Scanner (Help Net Security)
Help Net Security, 4/4/2013
“Cyberspace is a jungle,” says Kimmo Kasslin, Director, Security Research at F-Secure Labs. “Sites that are usually trustworthy are being compromised with malware, and users can be silently infected without any overt action – simply by landing on a malicious or compromised website. That’s why it’s always a good idea to run a quick scan – even if you have another security software installed.”
F-Secure & Kaspersky April Fools' Security: From huge hack to malware written by aliens (NetworkWorld)
NetworkWorld, 4/1/2013
F-Secure claimed a hacker group named "Obvious" took credit for the hack and uploaded a 1.9 GB file to The Pirate Bay that contains over 3 million user names and the one password. "To avoid problems like this in the future, we are recommending users to change their password everywhere to 'password1,' which is obviously more secure."
How to Avoid Dangerous or Malicious Smartphone Apps (MoneyWatch)
MoneyWatch, 3/28/2013
Especially if you have an Android device, strongly consider running anti-virus software. Excellent choices include Kaspersky Mobile Security and F-Secure Mobile Security.
Spear Phishes Used to Infect South Korean Corporate Networks (SC Magazine)
SC Magazine, 3/25/2013
Sean Sullivan, security adviser at Finnish security firm F-Secure, told SCMagazine.com on Monday that the spurious emails included HTML-based attachments. “These were samples data-mined by analysts last week,” Sullivan said, adding that it is unknown, however, based on the samples, which organizations were targeted. In a Monday blog post, Broderick Aquilino, a researcher at F-Secure, explained how attackers hid the real extension that victims were opening.
Rising cyber-nationalism leads to amplified cyber-mistrust(Networkworld)
Networkworld, 3/19/13
Mikko Hypponen, chief research officer at F-Secure, the security firm based in Finland, said his company has seen an uptick in inquiries from customers that are related to national origin of security software. He would only say that most of these inquiries related to national origin of software came mainly from customers in the Asia-Pacific region.
Beware Infrared X-Ray: Latest Android Malware Spams Victim's Contacts (CRN)
CRN, 3/18/13
F-Secure warned that malware authors are developing more sophisticated attack techniques for mobile devices, using encryption and randomization or hiding malicious code in image files. Malware also was discovered on bootleg copies of the Angry Bird game, the firm said.
Apple Updates 21 Bugs in OS X Mountain Lion (PC Magazine)
PC Magazine, 3/17/13
Sean Sullivan, a security researcher with F-Secure noted that Apple has the "Open 'safe' files after downloading" command enabled by default in the new update. "Safe" files include pictures, PDF files, movies, sounds, documents, and archives.
Apple OS X Update Fixes 21 Vulnerabilities (Informationweek)
Informationweek, 3/15/13
F-Secure security researcher Sean Sullivan noted in a blog post that Apple patched security issues related to some of the ostensibly "safe" file types that are opened by default when downloaded by the company's Safari browser. He recommends unchecking the checkbox that confirms this default setting.
Apple Takes 3 Shots at Android (The Motley Fool)
The Motley Fool, 3/14/13
A week ago, Schiller also tweeted another jab at Android: "Be safe out there." He shared a link (opens PDF) to a third-party research report from security specialist F-Secure that outlined mobile threats in the fourth quarter. The report showed a precipitous rise in Android malware, which had nearly doubled sequentially from the third quarter. F-Secure concluded, "Android malware has been strengthening its position in the mobile threat scene."
Spin control: Apple goes on offense against Android (CNET)
CNET, 3/14/13
Schiller started the trash talking last week with a random tweet urging people to "Be safe out there" with a link to a report from F-Secure focusing on Android mobile security threats.
Apple’s Phil Schiller bashes Android yet again (AndroidCommunity)
AndroidCommunity, 3/14/13
Apple exec Phil Schiller has once again gone on the offensive in terms of Android. We saw the out of the ordinary tweet from him back on March 7. With that message he telling people to “be safe out there” and while those four words alone could have meant anything — he also linked to an F-Secure report that touched on Android and malware.
Apple Marketing Chief Slams Android, Samsung's New Galaxy Smartphone (Forbes)
Forbes, 3/13/13
This isn’t the first time that Schiller has commented on Android. In a tweet last week, he encouraged users to “be safe out there” and pointed them to a “Mobile Threat Report” by F-Secure Labs that says the rise in popularity of Google’s mobile software has led to a rise in Android malware. Android accounted for 79 percent of mobile threats in 2012. Apple’s iOS threat share: 0.7 percent, according to the report.
Apple’s getting catty on eve of Samsung’s Galaxy S IV launch (VentureBeat)
VentureBeat, 3/13/2013
This kind of cattiness is also out of character for Apple, which has generally been quiet about competition. Attitudes seem to be changing, however, as this is not the first time the marketing executive has gone on the offense when it comes to Android. After security firm F-Secure released a report saying 79 percent of mobile malware is on Android phones, Schiller tweeted, “Be safe out there” with a link to the report.
Nope, Not Even the iOS Family is Safe from Malware (Bright Side of News)
Bright Side of News, 3/12/13
When it comes to the security matters on mobile devices, usually the heavy load of criticism amplified by the mass media goes in the direction of one platform of today's mobile world. Yes, an overly familiar - Google's Android is mostly alone on the platter, at least according to statistics from F-Secure Labs. They state that 79% of all mobile malware throughout the 2012 ended up on Google's mobile platform.
iOS user security threatened by malicious profiles, researchers contend (FierceMobileContent)
FierceMobileContent, 3/12/13
Just last week, Apple Senior President of Worldwide Marketing Phil Schiller took a potshot at Google following a report that Android is to blame for 79 percent of all mobile malware threats identified last year. "Be safe out there" Schiller tweeted, linking to an F-Secure study reporting a significant jump in Android malware between 2011 and 2012.
Google Play Becoming a Haven for Malware Developers (The Droid Guy)
The Droid Guy, 3/12/13
The online Trojan is one of the most deceitful malware that circulates today in any Android device. This intends to steal passwords in any virtual accounts for the purpose of transferring money from the target. According to the F-Secure, the Eurograbber became known in Europe as it stole over $US47 million from the European Investors. Moreover, an unwanted subscription can also be encountered when the shady SMS-sending practices get to your device.
KPN extends F-Secure agreement for three years (Telecom Paper)
Telecom Paper, 3/12/13
Dutch operator KPN has extended its partnership with security software provider F-Secure for three years. The new agreement offers a service pack for SMEs, including real-time security for PCS, smartphones, tablets and servers. KPN offers the security services as part of its hosted Software Online range, available on a vendor-neutral basis. A management portal has been added to the Internet Security package, allowing the customer a central point to manage all PCs and servers. In the future, smartphone and tablet management will also be added.
Android accounts for 79% of mobile malware and iOS 0.7%, according to repot by F-Secure (Android On Top)
Android On Top, 3/11/13
F-Secure, a security firm, has released their Mobile Threat Report for Q4 2012 and the trend is not surprising: Android has a bullseye on its back.
Defining the qualities of cyber warfare (SC Magazine)
SC Magazine, 3/11/13
F-Secure Chief Research Officer Mikko Hypponen reportedly noted at the recent DLD13 conference in Munich that hackers have morphed from the “happy teen hacker” type that is just hacking for fun to those who engage in it with a motive and for a proverbial kill. “Hackers now are either criminals out to make money, activists out to protest or governments engaged in targeting their own citizens or attacking other governments, whether for espionage or cyber warfare,” he said, according to The Guardian.
Phishers Cast Longlines to Hook More Victims (TechNewsWorld)
TechNewsWorld, 3/11/13
A number of surveys released last week painted a grim picture of web and mobile apps, as well as data breach notification compliance among small businesses. A report from F-Secure did nothing to change the reputation of Google's Android operating system as a magnet for bad apps. The Finnish-based security firm reported that 79 percent of all mobile malware in 2012 could be found on the platform. That was a jump from 2011 when 66.7 percent of all mobile malware was found on Android.
Google Android Devices Alone Accounted For 96% Of All Mobile Malware In Q4 2012: [Report] (Daze Info)
Daze Info, 3/8/13
According to a recent report from security specialists F-Secure, Google Android devices accounted for 79% of all mobile malware in 2012, rose from 66.7% a year ago. However, Google’s mobile juggernaut accounted for just 11.25% of malware back in 2010. More importantly, F-secure reported that Android alone accounted for 96% of all mobile malware in Q4 2012, up from 49% in the previous quarter.
F-Secure Developing Secure Dropbox Alternative (Channelomics)
Channelomics, 3/8/13
Count F-Secure Corp. among the many software companies trying to cash in on the cloud computing and BYOD trend. The Finish security software company is developing a cloud-based file-sharing and backup service that will enable consumers to securely move business documents between personal devices and corporate resources.
'Be safe out there' is brilliant marketing (Betanews)
Betanews, 3/8/2013
That tweet and link to F-Secure report on mobile malware spread across the InterWebs, and I'm still reading about it today. The security firm's study might otherwise have gotten little notice if not for Schiller's tweet, which shows that even 140 characters is sometimes too much to have impact. You can do so much more with less.
Android Malware Problem Should Not Be Ignored, Researchers Say (Computerworld)
Computerworld, 3/8/13
The statistics shared by Ferguson come one day after security firm F-Secure released a report saying that Android malware accounted for 96% of new mobile threats discovered during the fourth quarter of 2012 and 79% of all mobile threats discovered during 2012.
F-Secure: 8 out of 10 Mobile Malware Targets Android (MaximumPC)
MaximumPC, 3/8/13
F-Secure detected 301 total new threat families and variants in 2012, most of which took aim at Android. If you're rocking an Android device, you should especially be suspicious of fraudulent SMS messages, which is where F-Secure noticed a large share of the Android threats in Q4.
Apple marketing chief uses rare Twitter post to take shot at Android security issues (Apple Insider)
Apple Insider, 3/7/13
Schiller took to Twitter on Thursday for just the 172nd time since opening his account in 2008, linking to F-Secure's Mobile Threat Report Q4 2012. Aside from providing the link, Schiller said only "Be safe out there."
Android accounts for most mobile malware, says F-Secure (ZDnet)
ZDnet, 3/7/13
"As old Symbian handsets continue to be replaced by those with other operating systems, especially Android, Symbian malware dies off and will probably go extinct in 2013," said F-Secure security advisor Sean Sullivan. "The numbers are starkly reversed from 2010, when Symbian malware accounted for 62 percent of threats and Android just 11 percent."
Obama tags EPA, OMB and DoE heads, DHS 3.0 has cybersecurity as a top priority and more (CTOVision)
CTOVision, 3/5/13
A Different Way to Fight Malware – A top malware researcher, Mikko Hypponen of F-Secure, believes that we are not focusing enough on how to recover from malware infections. F-Secure’s new product, Antibot, looks to change the way that defense acts.
A Different Way to Fight Malware (Enterprise Efficiency)
Enterprise Efficiency, 3/4/13
So F-Secure has created a new cloud-based product, Antibot (now in beta), which aims to change that approach. As Hypponen confesses, the truth is, at some point, malware is going to get through your defenses. Hopefully, it won't be anything serious. Hopefully, it won't be something that requires you to issue breach notifications.
'Tis the season for tax scammers -- and now, 'long-lining' phishers (CSO)
CSO, 3/4/13
While tax scammers are recycling old material, they appear to be changing their proclivities, according to Don Jackson, a senior security researcher with Dell F-Secure in Atlanta, Ga. "The big difference this year is we're not seeing as many exploits," he said. "They're not using vulnerabilities in browser software as much as they have in the past. What we're seeing is more social engineering attacks.
This Week in Cybercrime: Stuxnet Two Years Older Than Previously Believed (Mafia Today)
Mafia Today, 3/2/13
The exploits these bits of malware pulled off without attracting attention were “nothing short of amazing,” Mikko H. Hypponen, chief research officer for F-Secure, a security firm in Helsinki, Finland, told IEEE Spectrum. Furthermore, says Hypponen, “You need a supercomputer and loads of scientists to do this.”
Five enterprise-ready antivirus systems (TechRepublic)
TechRepublic, 2/26/13
In this edition of Five Apps, we take a look at five enterprise grade antivirus systems that fall just under that handful of major players. These five systems are among the myriad of systems available. The only requirement is that there is a centralized management console to manage and control the client-side software…F-Secure Business Suite: Offering a similar set of features, F-Secure Business Suite allows administrators to find systems - either from AD or IP-based autodiscovery - and build and deploy packages to those systems. F-Secure boasts a small footprint on the endpoint while still offering browsing protection, anti-malware, rootkit detection, IPS, and email and web filtering. End users are also able to view statistics on their local system within the client software.
Apple Is Beta-Testing An Update That Kills Evasi0n Jailbreak (Forbes)
Forbes, 2/25/13
Security researchers have nonetheless pointed out that Evasi0n could give criminals or spies some nasty ideas. The tool uses five distinct bugs in iOS, all of which might be appropriated and combined with other techniques for malicious ends. And F-Secure researcher Mikko Hypponen points out that if a hacker used a Mac or Windows exploit to compromise a user’s PC, he or she could simply wait for the target to plug in an iPhone or iPad and use evasi0n to take over that device as well.
BT selects F-Secure’s personal cloud service (Telecom Lead)
Telecom Lead, 2/21/13
BT’s selection of F-Secure’s personal cloud service will enable BT Cloud to offer backup facilities to customers in the U.K.BT’s U.K. customers can now safely share photos, videos and files across their mobile, tablet or PC.F-Secure Personal Cloud Service offers device-agnostic user experience for PCs, Macs, smartphones and tablets.
TDS Internet security partner reviewed as first-rate protection, usability (Pine and Lakes)
Pine and Lakes, 2/19/13
When tested in PCWorld’s real-world attack test, F-Secure Internet Security 2013 completely blocked 100 percent of attacks and 99 percent of known malware samples. In addition, the scanning speeds took second place in both “on-demand (manual) scan tests and on-access (automatic) scans.”
F-Secure unveils Antibot for network security (Telecompaper)
Telecompaper, 02/19/13
F-Secure has introduced Antibot, a new product that fights botnets by cleaning infected PCs and devices on operators' networks. F-Secure Antibot disinfects devices that are infected on a network by guiding the users through a self-cleaning processing, cutting out the need to call the operator helpdesk
Why Most Companies Won't Admit They Were Hacked (Mashable)
Mashable, 2/1/13
"Some companies that get hit like this never realize they were hit," said Mikko Hypponen, chief research officer at F-Secure in Helsinki, Finland. "Many of the companies that get hit are defense contractors. They'd rather not tell anyone they were hacked."
G Data InternetSecurity 2013 review (PC World)
PC World, 1/31/13
This indicates how well the product will successfully block brand new malware attacks when it encounters them in the wild. Of the nine security suites we tested, five completely blocked all attacks: G Data, F-Secure, Bitdefender, Norton, and Trend Micro.
Browsers Beat Security Software in Phishing Protection Test (PCmag.com)
PCmag.com, 1/30/13
What is the consequence of cyber warfare slowly becoming increasingly common? That was the basic question that guided the DLD keynotes of Eugene Kaspersky, the co-founder of security company Kaspersky Lab, and F-Secure‘s chief research officer Mikko Hypponen. Hypponen took a similar view. The “happy hacker” of the 80s and 90s, he said, is long gone. Instead, we now have to deal with criminals who try to make money from their malware and botnets, hacktivists who try to protest and governments attacking their own citizens and other governments for espionage and full-scale cyber warfare.
AVG Internet Security 2013 review (PC World)
PC World, 1/29/13
In our system cleanup test, AVG detected 100% of infections, but only disabled 90%, and only managed to completely clean up 60%. This isn't a great rate - F-Secure Internet Security 2013 managed to completely clean up 90% of malicious files - but it's also not the worst of the suites we tested.
Review: F-Secure Internet Security 2013: First-rate protection and usability has a small performance price (PC World)
PC World, 1/28/13
F-Secure Internet Security 2013 (about $73 for one year and one computer, as of 12/19/12) came in first in several of our malware detection, blocking, and removal tests. It successfully blocked attacks, detected and disabled infections, and proved adept at cleaning up all traces of malware, landing at the top of this year’s security suite roundup.
Review: Trend Micro Titanium Internet Security 2013: An all-around winner (PC World)
PC World, 1/28/13
Trend Micro’s user interface is relatively easy to understand, though it’s not as polished or attractive as AVG’s, F-Secure’s, or Norton’s. The main window has five tabs along the top: an Overview tab, and others for PC/Mobile, Privacy, Data, and Family. The Overview tab shows your protection status, along with some additional stats (such as how many threats have been stopped). This screen also has a scan button, a settings button, and a security-report button.
Review: Kaspersky Internet Security 2013: Good protection, advanced settings (minus the jargon) (PC World)
PC World, 1/28/13
In our system cleanup test, the Kaspersky software did an excellent job of detecting, disabling, and fully cleaning up infections. It detected and disabled all infections on our test PC, and fully cleaned up all traces of malware 80 percent of the time. Of the suites we tested, only two packages (Bitdefender and F-Secure) cleaned up more infections (90 percent), while three suites, including Kaspersky’s, cleaned up 80 percent.
Eugene Kaspersky, Mikko Hypponen Discuss the Internet, Cyber Warfare (Threat Post)
Threat Post, 1/25/13
In a video from this week's DLD Conference, F-Secure's Chief Research Officer Mikko Hypponen and Kaspersky Lab's CEO Eugene Kaspersky discuss increased paranoia surrounding cyber warfare, the dangers of the internet and the evolution of hacking throughout the years.
F-Secure’s Mikko Hypponen on Cyber Warfare at Wired 2012 (Privacy PC)
Privacy PC, 1/22/13
Chief Research Officer at F-Secure and true computer security guru Mikko Hypponen outlines the state and scope of today’s cyber threatscape at Wired 2012 event.
Microsoft Rebuts Antivirus Test Failure (PC Magazine)
PC Magazine, 1/18/13
In December 2012," Blackbird continued, "we processed 20 million new potentially malicious files, and, using telemetry and customer impact to prioritize those files, added protection that blocked 4 million different malicious files on nearly 3 million computers. Those 4 million files could have been customer-impacting if we had not prioritized them appropriately." In other words, Microsoft fared poorly in this test due to their emphasis on prioritizing files that would actively impact their customers. It's an interesting point, but other vendors manage to protect their users and also earn top scores from AV-Test. Bitdefender, F-Secure, and Trend Micro all received 6 of 6 possible point in the protection test.
Red October malware discovered after years of stealing data in the wild (PC World)
PC World, 1/15/13
Even though Rocra's capabilities appear extensive, not everyone in the security field was impressed by Rocra's methods of attack. “It appears the exploits used were not advanced in any way,” the security firm F-Secure said on its company blog. “The attackers used old, well-known Word, Excel and Java exploits. So far, there is no sign of zero-day vulnerabilities being used.” A zero-day vulnerability refers to previously unknown exploits discovered in the wild.
See the RSA Spear-Hack in Action (PC Magazine)
PC Magazine, 1/8/2013
The Winners: As you can see, both Kaspersky and Bitdefender rated ADVANCED in one test and ADVANCED+ in all of the others. The AV-Comparatives team follows this rule in the event of a tie: "if there are two or more products with equal marks, the award goes to the product which has not previously received it." Since Kaspersky took the award last year, Bitdefender is this year's winner. Clearly Bitdefender is not the only product with excellent overall scores. AV-Comparatives identified several other "Top Rated" products: avast!, AVIRA, BullGuard, ESET, F-Secure, G DATA, and Kaspersky. Based on a scoring system assigning 15 points to ADVANCED+, 10 to ADVANCED, and 5 to STANDARD, each of these received at least 105 points. They didn't skip any tests, nor did they fail to achieve STANDARD in any tests.
See the RSA Spear-Hack in Action (San Jose Mercury News)
San Jose Mercury News, 1/7/2013
Mikko H. Hypponen, chief researcher at F-Secure, called Flame "a spectacular failure" for the anti-virus industry. "We really should have been able to do better," he wrote in an essay for Wired.com after Flame's discovery. "But we didn't. We were out of our league in our own game."