Your phone can be hijacked through a replacement screen

Installing malicious apps or visiting phishing websites aren’t the only things that can compromise security of your phone. A new study finds that even a screen replacement can compromise this. In a newly published paper from Ben-Gurion University of the Negev in Israel, they found that embedding a malicious integrated chip within a third-party touchscreen can manipulate the communications system of a device. They tried this out on a Huawei Nexus 6P and LG G Pad 7.0. The chip was able to do things like take photos of the users and send these via email, record keyboard input, direct users to phishing sites, and install apps. A second class attack also let them exploit vulnerabilities in the devices’s operating system kernel.

The researchers say these screens can be made to look like the real thing and is file-less so it can go undetected by anti-virus software. They made use of an Arduino platform running on an ATmega328 micro-controller module and STM32L432 micro-controller to carry out the task. But other micro-controllers could also work. They used a hot air blower to separate the display from the main assembly board to access the copper pads and then they soldered a copper wire to attach the chips. While it isn’t the most polished job, it could require little effort to hide the altered part. And it affects not just Android but iPhone devices, too. Be careful where you get your screen replaced.

Source: Engadget

Honolulu bans use of smartphones at crosswalks

If you find yourself in Honolulu any time soon, make sure to not text while you cross the street. The Hawaiian city just passed a law that will fine people who are using their phone while crossing the street. Starting October 25^th, Hawaiian authorities can fine first time offenders for looking at devices (even laptops and digital cameras) between US$15 and $35. It can go as high as US$99, depending on whether you’re a repeat offender. The only exemption is if you’re calling emergency services while crossing.

The Distracted Walking Law is important for the city. According to Mayor Kirk Caldwell, the city has more crosswalk impacts than “almost any other city” in the US.

Source: Engadget

Razer might be looking to get into the smartphone business

Is a Razer smartphone in the works? Apparently, it is. A new report from Bloomberg claims the company is working on one. And it’s targeting an IPO in Hong Kong around October that could value the business at US$5 billion. According to the report, some of the funds will be used to build this gaming-centric smartphone. It’s not an unlikely move for the company, even with its current focus on gaming laptops and peripherals. Razer bought smartphone company Nextbit earlier this year. They have said it’ll operate as an independent company but they haven’t really spoken about plans for Nextbit since then.

We won’t know at the moment if the phone will be sold under Nextbit or Razer and when it could be released—if it does hit the market. But with the IPO scheduled later in the year, we’re sure we’d have to wait until next year for this rumoured smartphone to come out (if it ever does, that is).

Sony tipped to be going bezel-less for the smartphone it’s launching at IFA 2017

Sony smartphones have looked almost identical since forever. We exaggerate, we know. But there is a certain truth to it. And one element Sony keeps having on its phones are thicker than usual bezels. But the latest “news” from the rumour mill is the Japanese company might be ready to shed those bezels and they’re going to do it pretty soon. A post on Weibo (via Gizmo China) claims that Sony will be launching a truly bezel-less smartphone at IFA 2017, which is happening at the start of September in Berlin, Germany.

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