The #09, #90 Phone Call Warning is Back-Hoax

There is a message doing rounds on social media warning phone users against receiving calls from or about certain numbers blah blah....
I received an email from a former client and friend with this forwarded message;

Dear All,

If you receive a phone call on your mobile from any person, saying that, he or she is a company engineer, or telling that they're checking your mobile line, and you have to press # 90 or #09 or any other number. End this call immediately without pressing any numbers. There is a fraud company using a device that once you press #90 or #09 they can access your "SIM" card and make calls at your expense. Forward this message to as many friends as you can, to stop it.

All mobile users pay attention if you receive a phone call and your mobile phone displays (XALAN) on the screen don't answer the call, END THE CALL IMMEDIATELY, if you answer the call, your phone will be infected by a virus..
This virus will erase all IMEI and IMSI information from both your phone and your SIM card, which will make your phone unable to connect with the telephone network. You will have to buy a new phone. This information has been confirmed by both Motorola and Nokia.
PLEASE FORWARD THIS PIECE OF INFORMATION TO ALL YOUR FRIENDS HAVING A MOBILE.

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Now, is there any truth to this or is it just another email scam?

Detailed Analysis

This message, which has circulated, first via email,
and more lately via social media and text message,
since at least 2005, warns that fraudsters are
hijacking mobile phones by tricking users into
pressing a specific combination of digits. It further
warns of a supposed virus that can destroy your
mobile phone if you answer a call that displays
"XALAN" on your phone screen.
However, the message is a hoax. None of the
information provided in the email is in any way valid
for mobile phone users.

The first part of the hoax email claims that pressing
#90 or a similar combination of digits will give a
fraudster access to your sim card and allow him or
her to make calls at your expense. This is untrue
and has been denied by Australian telecommunications giant, Telstra , South African
communications company, MTN, and other service
providers around the world. This part of the hoax is derived from earlier, partially factual, warnings about scammers who try to use "90#" to hijack fixed line phones.

This scam does not affect residential or cell phone customers — it only applies to businesses, hospitals, government agencies, and other organizations that still use telephone private branch
exchanges (PBXs) rather than Centrex lines to handle their calls. On certain PBX systems (i.e. ones for which pressing '9' is the signal to obtain an outside line, and there are no restrictions placed on outgoing calls), a scammer could gain access to place expensive, long-distance phone calls by tricking an employee into initiating the #-9-0 sequence. Outside of a few other settings where one might have to press '9' to obtain an outside line (such as hotels), the likely result of pressing #-9-0 will simply be a fast busy signal.

Later versions of this warning evolved to include mention of the risk that terrorists utilizing the #90 sequence could "frame innocent people" (presumably by making terrorism-related calls linked to the phone numbers of those innocent
parties) and remotely access cell phone SIM cards:

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The second part of the hoax claims that a virus that displays the word "XALAN" can destroy your mobile phone. This information is totally untrue.

Although mobile phone viruses are possible, there is no virus like the one described in the email message. There are a number of alternative versions of the "warning" message, some of which list the word displayed as "UNAVAILABLE" or "ACE" rather than "XALAN". Again, Telstra , MTN, and other providers
have denied the existence of such viruses.

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Google Kenya to Discontinue the free .kbo.co.ke- Get Kenya Businesses Online platform!!!

Google has just announced that it will be discontinuing the free KBO.CO.KE website/blog platform by the end of this year.

On emails sent to users if the platform today, The Get Kenyan Businesses Online Team expressed Google's intention to terminate the free website building program by 31st December 2014.

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Here is an excerpt of the mail announcement;

At Google, we want businesses like yours to get the most from the web, and we hope that your Get Kenyan Business Online website ydee.kbo.co.ke has helped you to connect with more customers.

We are announcing that Business Sitebuilder websites within the Get Kenyan Business Online Program will no longer be accessible from December 31 2014, but there are some great alternatives available to you.

Earlier this year, we introduced Google My Business to connect you directly with customers, whether they're looking for you on Search, Maps or Google+.

You also have the option to move your existing website to our trusted partner, Hostgator, an international provider of cloud-based web presence solutions with over 15 years of experience helping small businesses succeed online. Their family of brands, through parent company Endurance International Group, serve over 3.7 million subscribers worldwide.

Moving your website to the Hostgator platform lets you continue with your website, and also allows you to access a range of powerful business features, including eCommerce, website security, backup and restore, and 24 hour support. Learn more at africa.hostgator.com/kenyagetonline.

Remaining online is a huge asset for your business, and you can do so by independently signing up for Google My Business, or filling out this online form for assistance. The team of experts at Hostgator can then guide you through the process of signing up for Google My Business, transferring your current website, or creating a new one....

Was this on Google's plan all along or is it that the websites are not racking in the expected clicks for advertisers and Google? 

Kali Linux “NetHunter” Released – Turn Your Android Device into Hacking a Weapon

After making its influence in hacker and securitycircles, Kali Linux has now been published with Kali Nethunter, a version of the security suite forAndroid devices.

The tool is a mobile distribution
designed to compromise systems via USB when
installed and run on an Android phone.

Kali Linux NetHunter project provides much of thepower to Nexus users, those running the NetHunterpenetration testing platform can now launch attacks including Teensy keyboard via HID style attacks
and BadUSB man-in-the-middle (MITM) networkingattacks via USB human interface device (HID),wireless 802.11 frame injection, and could setup evil access points in a single click.

"Our NetHunter images support programmable HID keyboard attacks, (a-la-teensy), as well as
“BadUSB” network attacks, allowing an attacker to
easily MITM an unsuspecting target by simply
connecting their device to a computer USB port, ”
the Offensive Security team said. “ In addition to
these built in features, we’ve got a whole set of
native Kali Linux tools available for use, many of
which are configurable through a simple web
interface. ”
Nethunter is currently available for Nexus devices
only, but builds for other Android devices are likely
on the way. Nethunter contained a full Kali Linux
toolset, including support for self destruction,
software defined radio and the ability to launch a
Kali desktop VNC session on Nexus phone.

The tools are designed for use by an attacker who
has physical access to a device — an insider threat
— or someone who gains access through social
engineering, tailing etc.

On one hand, Teensy Keyboard attacks on PCs can
be used to automatically elevate privileges on a
Windows PC and install a reverse-HTTP tunnel to a
remote workstation. On the other hand, BadUSB can
force a Windows PC to recognize the USB-
connected phone as a network adapter and re-route
all the traffic of the PC through it for monitoring
purposes.

Additionally, the Kali NetHunter configuration
interface helps users to easily manage complex
configuration files through a local web interface,
which together with 802.11 wireless injection and a
pre-configured connect VPN service make it a
“formidable network security tool or discrete drop box– with Kali Linux at the tip of your fingers wherever you are. ”

Kali NetHunter open source security platform supports Nexus 10 and 7 tablets and Nexus 5phones built on the existing Kali (formerlyBacktrack) Linux platform. The official KaliNetHunter images can be downloaded from theOffensive Security NetHunter download page.

Was Your Email Read-How to find out.

We'll show you how to check if that important e-mail
you sent was actually read by the recipient. The process is fairly straight forward and you need to make sure you are using a mail client with HTML
turned on.

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Here is the link to TAIL MAIL: http://
mobileshortcut.com/T... (then click FREE USAGE).

Once at the site, generate a code and copy the hidden image into the bottom of your email. Send off your message and give it some time to be read. You can now paste your unique code into the look-up box and and get up to the minute information on the status of your email.
Tune back in every Monday, Wednesday and Friday for more quick tips from Household Hacker...
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SAFETY and TIPS

Secure your household

Recognizing the rising threats facing society, we are happy to share Safety and tips as a guide to remaining safe and secure. Reducing the likelihood of being a victim of crime requires a pro-active approach. We are glad to offer safety and tips for different scenarios to ensure
safety for members of the public:

Home Security When on Holiday/Work

Vehicle Safety

Commercial Security

Anti- Terrorism

HOME SECURITY

1. Ensure shrubs and bushes are cleared in the areas leading up to your driveway. These may act as hiding places for potential criminals.
2. Install an adequate fence/ wall which acts as a barrier to would be criminals
3. Install lighting throughout areas of your compound,
remember criminals are deterred by light and spurred on by darkness!
4. Contract the guarding services of a professional company, members of the KSIA are generally recommended.

5. Install an alarm system from a KSIA member. In the event of criminal activity, assistance can be sought.
Ensure your system is serviced regularly.
6. Fortify your house, consider the following:
Strong front door, with relevant locks
Reinforce windows with grills.
Consider a safe area.
Install a safe for documents, valuables cash etc
7. Fully insure your property and its contents
8. Enquire as to relevant best practice security/fire arrangements using the services of a qualified Consultant.
9. In the event of an intrusion:
Try to run away if possible Remain calm, cooperate where required. Your life is more important than property.

Vehicle Security

VEHICLE SECURITY

Travelling in your car can be the highest Risk activity you are involved in. Whilst driving occurrences such as: car jacking, kidnap, road traffic accidents (RTA) can occur. In fact when arriving at, or leaving your property, you are at highest Risk.

The following tips can reduce this:

1. Ensure your vehicle is well serviced, therefore mechanically reliable.
2. Turn down your music system when approaching your property
3. Always be aware of your environment, so check your mirrors make sure you’re not being followed.
4. Always be alert when approaching your driveway. Be aware of any suspicious cars or people.
5. When exiting your car be aware of anything that may hide a potential carjacker.
6. Upon returning always ensure your home is well lit at night.
7. Lock all your doors and windows before setting off. If possible try not to open windows more than 5cm.

8. If a stranger approaches you while in your car, try to drive off if possible or hoot to attract attention.
9. If you notice any suspicious behaviour while driving call your security company rescue or police assistance.

Make Your business a Success

Be prepared/informed

Secure Your Business

COMMERCIAL SECURITY

Operating a successful business means protecting your assets. This includes your staff and your property. Therefore a detailed Risk  Analysis report is recommended to act as a professional guide in achieving this.

Legal requirements such as Insurance, Fire & Life safety means these measures are mandatory.

For more information arrange a Risk Assessment with one of our consultants:
  

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ANTI-TERRORISM

Kenya’s global position, her ties with western business as well as foreign policy mean we face a High-Risk of terrorist attacks.

Sectors like Embassies, Retail malls, Hotels and High profile businesses have been forced to assess the Risks facing their institutions.

Facing this situation, it is advisable to seek the advice of Security firms or Independent consultants for suitable measures. A confidential security
survey with recommendations, should provide best practice guidelines to assess terrorist threats.

What To Know About Ebola

In order to help our Embassy Community better understand some of the key points about the Ebola virus we have consulted with our medical specialists at the U S State Department and assembled this list of bullet points worded in plain language for easy comprehension. Our medical specialists remind everyone that they should be following the guideline from the center for Disease Control and the World Health Organisation.
• The suspected reservoirs for Ebola are fruit bats.

• Transmission to humans is thought to originate
from infected bats or primates that have become infected by bats.
• Undercooked infected bat and primate (bush) meat transmits the virus to humans.

• Human to human transmission is only achieved by physical contact with a person who is acutely and gravely ill from the Ebola virus or their body fluids.

• Transmission among humans is almost
exclusively among caregiver family members or health care workers tending to the very ill.

• The virus is easily killed by contact with soap, bleach, sunlight, or drying. A washing machine will kill the virus in clothing saturated with infected body fluids.
• A person can incubate the virus without
symptoms for 2-21 days, the average being 5-8 days before becoming ill. THEY ARE NOT CONTAGIOUS until they are acutely ill.

• Only when ill does the viral load express itself first in the blood and then in other bodily fluids (to include vomit, feces, urine, bosom milk, Fluid and sweat).
• If you are walking around you are not infectious to others.

• There are documented cases from Kikwit, DRC of an Ebola outbreak in a village that had the custom of children never touching an ill adult. Children living for days in small one room huts with parents who died from Ebola did not become infected.

• You cannot contract Ebola by handling money, buying local bread or swimming in a pool.
• There is no medical reason to stop flights, close borders, restrict travel or close embassies, businesses or schools.

• As always practice good hand washing
techniques, but you will not contract Ebola if you do not touch a dying person.

• Please share this information with your friends and families and try not to spread panic on social media.

Thanks

[US Embassy Nigeria]

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U.S. Trained The Iraq Rebels-ISIS at Secret Jordan Base

Members of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, or ISIS, were trained in 2012 by U.S. instructors working at a secret base in Jordan, according to informed Jordanian officials.


The officials said dozens of ISIS members were trained at the time as part of covert aid to the insurgents targeting the regime of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in Syria. The officials said the training was not meant to be used for any future campaign in Iraq.
The Jordanian officials said all ISIS members who received U.S. training to fight in Syria were first vetted for any links to extremist groups like al-Qaida.

In February 2012, WND was first to report the U.S., Turkey and Jordan were running a training base for the Syrian rebels in the Jordanian town of Safawi in the country’s northern desert region. That report has since been corroborated by numerous other media accounts. Last March, the German weekly Der Spiegel reported Americans were training Syrian rebels in Jordan.


Quoting what it said were training participants and organizers, Der Spiegel reported it was not clear whether the Americans worked for private firms or were with the U.S. Army, but the magazine said some organizers wore uniforms. The training in Jordan reportedly focused on use of anti-tank weaponry. The German magazine reported some 200 men received the training over the previous three months amid U.S. plans to train a total of 1,200 members of the Free Syrian Army in two camps in the south and the east of Jordan. Britain’s Guardian newspaper also reported last March that U.S. trainers were aiding Syrian rebels in Jordan along with British and French instructors. Reuters reported a spokesman for the U.S. Defense Department declined immediate comment on the German magazine’s report.


The French foreign ministry and Britain’s foreign and defense ministries also would not comment to Reuters. The Jordanian officials spoke to WND amid concern the sectarian violence in Iraq will spill over into their own country as well as into Syria. ISIS previously posted a video on YouTube threatening to move on Jordan and “slaughter” King Abdullah, whom they view as an enemy of Islam.


WND reported last week that, according to Jordanian and Syrian regime sources, Saudi Arabia has been arming the ISIS and that the Saudis are a driving force in supporting the al-Qaida-linked group.


WND further reported that, according to a Shiite source in contact with a high official in the government of Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, the Obama administration has been aware for two months that the al-Qaida- inspired group that has taken over two Iraqi cities and now is threatening Baghdad also was training fighters in Turkey. The source told WND that at least one of the training camps of the group Iraq of the Islamic

State of Iraq and the Syria, the ISIS, is in the vicinity of Incirlik Air Base near Adana, Turkey, where American personnel and equipment are located. He called Obama “an accomplice” in the attacks that are threatening the Maliki government the U.S. helped establish through the Iraq war.

The source said that after training in Turkey, thousands of ISIS fighters went to Iraq by way of Syria to join the effort to establish an Islamic caliphate subject to strict Islamic law,
or Shariah.