Latest news with #Gatekeeper
Tom's Guide
11-05-2025
- Tom's Guide
Mac users once skipped antivirus software — here's why that's no longer a good idea
Though it's often thought that Apple users with a Mac are exempt from worrying about viruses and malware, that isn't the case anymore and these days, more and more malware is being developed specifically for macOS. According to a blog post from security researcher Patrick Wardle who specialized in Apple products, there were 22 new Mac malware families in 2024 – up from 13 in 2022. Even without the surge of new malware being developed for Apple's operating system, much of the viruses and scams that are designed to infect Macs rely on user error, like phishing, cryptojacking or USB jacking. There are ways to protect yourself against those threats too, but they rely on, well, you. Here's a rundown of what security features are included in Apple's ecosystem, as well as what you can do to stay informed and alert on your end. XProtect runs in the background automatically without interrupting anything that you're doing, and you won't need to configure it or touch it much at all if ever really. It's basically a scanning tool that helps your system continuously check apps against a reference list of malicious and infected programs. If you attempt to open one that XProtect identifies as being on that list, it will tell you what kind of malware it is and give you a pop-up warning with details. If that happens, you should delete the file, though this won't provide you with complete protection. XProtect is considered basic protection, with the benefit of it being written directly into the operating system which keeps it from bogging down system performance. But because the updates to XProtect are vital to keeping its list relevant, and effective in protecting your system, it's essential that you keep your Mac up to date to keep it protected. Unfortunately though, unlike with Windows Defender on PC, you can't tweak its settings or run a manual malware scan. Gatekeeper, also automatic, is designed to block any software that is "unsigned" which means the developer hasn't been approved or verified by Apple. The company is notoriously strict about the software it approves, and though it is not unheard of for malware to sneak through, this is extremely rare. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. The Gatekeeper program checks for malicious software every time you run an app, and if you try to open something that is unsigned you'll get a warning message to notify you that the program is from an unidentified developer. Gatekeeper can be configured to only allow you to install programs from verified developers (as well as the App Store). You may be familiar with sandboxing from iOS, as it is also used there, but the concept carries over into macOS as well: Apps are isolated from the operating system and other apps in a way that keeps them from making any changes without prior permission. This means that, hypothetically, even if you were to download an infected app it couldn't spread to other apps or areas of your computer. However, there are various flaws known to sandboxing – such as, users are frequently asked permission to use the camera or microphone and don't think deeply upon giving this approval to apps. Additionally, Mac apps that are not sold on the App Store do not have to be sandboxed. Lockdown mode is a pretty straightforward feature, and was more recently introduced in order to combat cyberattacks. If you toggle the feature on to activate it, all your Apple devices are protected and threat actors will (theoretically) be prevented from stealing your data. The setting limits a variety of apps like Messages, Safari, FaceTime and Apple services from full functionality. Once you've regained control of your devices, it can be disabled and you can restart your device to enable normal functions. There are a variety of protections in place for Apple's Safari web browser from phishing prevention and anti-tracking technology. If you visit a fraudulent website, Safari will disable the page and show an alert. It also provides a Privacy Report that gives users information on the cross-trackers that Apple has prevented and allows users to keep advertisers from tracking them on the web. Other Safari features include alerts that inform users of weak passwords when they're creating accounts online, and Private Browsing which keeps others from viewing your screen when you're not around and stops trackers from using tracking codes and recording data about you online. As we mentioned, Apple will warn you if you try to create a weak password, but ecosystem will also alert you if you have reused a password, if your password has appeared in a leak, or if your password is easy to hack. And with the recent transition to Passkeys, more secure methods are being used more frequently in addition to the increased use of the iCloud Keychain password manager across all devices. There's a dedicated app to manage passwords, and one password to unlock all others as well as an option to set up verification codes instead of using an authentication app. So, with all of those features (and more) do you still need a third-party option on your Mac? Well, the answer to that depends on what kind of device you have, what version of the software you're running and how you're using your device. Apple offers a lot of well integrated features to keep users protected, and a third-party solution may provide you with an added layer of security. For instance, you might need a VPN or parental control software too. Third-party options like Bitdefender or Intego can scan your machine for malware, but can also back up files, provide dark web monitoring or identity theft coverage, cloud storage and more. Some of these features can extend to your mobile devices as well, so depending on what your needs are, it may be well worth an additional subscription fee to include a third-party software in your Mac security arsenal while also relying on Apple's built-in protection. However, that doesn't let you off the hook. Given that much of the malware that's developed for macOS is intended to prey on user error, you still need to watch your own online habits and make sure you're well informed. Whether or not you opt to install a third-party solution, you need to know and practice good security habits to stay safe. Phishing is one of the main ways that threat actors look to prey on Mac users, so make sure you know the signs: Don't click on or download anything from someone you don't know or are not expecting. When in doubt, ask the sender through an independent channel about a particular message or file they've sent over. Also, be suspicious of anyone who is trying to pressure you to do something with a sense of urgency or immediacy. Update your software as soon as new patches become available. Your Mac's built-in security features rely on those updates to keep you safe and hackers love to exploit any holes left by old or outdated software. Also, don't install apps from unknown sources, and don't plug your device into power chargers in public spaces or put unknown USB flash drives into your machine. Likewise, you want to avoid connecting to public Wi-Fi unless you're using a VPN. With this bit of background knowledge in hand and taking some proactive steps, you can keep both your Mac and the sensitive personal and financial data it contains safe from hackers and cyberattacks.
Yahoo
14-03-2025
- Yahoo
Three SC corrections officers plead guilty to drug trafficking and misconduct
COLUMBIA, S.C. (WSPA) – Three former South Carolina Department of Corrections employees have pleaded guilty to trafficking and distributing drugs within prisons. 37-year-old Kevin Leroy Howard pleaded guilty to trafficking methamphetamines, possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, misconduct in office, and providing contraband to inmates, according to the South Carolina Attorney General's Office. Howard was a correctional officer at Tyger River Correctional Institution, and was initially arrested July 2023 after he was caught bringing cylinders filled with drugs into the department. Howard was sentenced to a total of four years in prison. In a separate case, two other corrections officers pleaded guilty to misconduct in the office, and allowing contraband to enter the institution. These officers were identified as Lieutenant Dontai D. Park and Sergeant Brandon C. Taylor at McCormick Correctional Institution. Both officers were sentenced to seven years in prison, and have been banned from seeking employment as law enforcement. These cases were part of the state's 'Gatekeeper' investigation. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
04-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Gatekeeper Announces $3.5M SEPTA Video Services Contract Extension
Abbotsford, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - March 4, 2025) - Gatekeeper Systems Inc. (TSXV: GSI) (OTC Pink: GKPRF) ("Gatekeeper" or the "Company"), a leader in intelligent video and data solutions for public transportation and smart cities, is pleased to announce that its wholly-owned subsidiary, Gatekeeper Systems USA Inc. located in Bristol, PA, has received a video services contract extension for US$2,392,000 (approximately C$3.5 million) to provide continued maintenance and repair of the on-board vehicle video systems for Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA). The services contract is for sixteen months, retroactive to November 7, 2024. Gatekeeper has provided video system maintenances services to SEPTA since October 2019. SEPTA is one of the largest transit systems in the United States, serving five counties in the Greater Philadelphia area and connecting to transit systems in Delaware and New Jersey. About Gatekeeper Systems Inc. Gatekeeper is a leading provider of intelligent video and data solutions designed to provide a safer transportation environment for children, passengers, and public safety personnel on multiple transportation modes. The Company uses AI, video analytics, and Mobile Data Collectors to interconnect public transportation assets within a Smart City ecosystem. The Company's Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) business model is centered around wirelessly enabled Mobile Data Collectors which forms the foundation of the Company's data company evolution. Contact Information:Douglas DymentPresident & CEOddyment@ 864-6187 Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements made in this press release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements and are subject to important risks, uncertainties and assumptions, both general and specific, which give rise to the possibility that actual results or events could differ materially from our expectations expressed in or implied by such forward-looking statements. As a result, we cannot guarantee that any forward-looking statement will materialize, and readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. For more exhaustive information on these risks and uncertainties, the reader should refer to the risk factors described in the management's discussion and analysis for the period ended November 30, 2024. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release represent our expectations as of the date hereof. We disclaim any intention and assume no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are presented for the purpose of providing information about management's current expectations and plans and allowing investors and others to obtain a better understanding of our anticipated operating environment. Readers are cautioned that such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. The Company undertakes no obligations to update or revise such statements to reflect new circumstances or unanticipated events as they occur, unless required by applicable law. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
19-02-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Gatekeeper Supports Transport Canada's New Mandate for Cameras on School Buses
Abbotsford, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - February 19, 2025) - Gatekeeper Systems Inc. (TSXV: GSI) (OTC Pink: GKPRF) ("Gatekeeper" or the "Company"), a leader in intelligent video and data solutions for public transportation and smart cities, supports Transport Canada's new regulation mandating that perimeter visibility systems be installed on all new school buses as a feature to improve school bus safety. In addition, the regulation also introduced requirements for the installation of infraction cameras for manufacturers who wish to voluntarily install them on buses. The Transport Canada regulation came into effect December 18, 2024, and all new school buses will be equipped with perimeter visibility systems as of November 1, 2027. Transport Canada estimates the cost of the regulation to be $196 million in present value between 2024 and 2036 and estimates 65,105 school buses will be affected by 2036. These measures follow a 2020 Report of the Task Force on School Bus Safety, which recommended new measures to protect children outside the school bus, where they face the greatest risk. Gatekeeper was selected as a pilot project supplier for testing in this initiative in April 2021 and installed 360 Surround Vision and Student Protector systems on pilot project school buses in British Columbia and Ontario. Gatekeeper's 360 Surround Vision is a perimeter visibility system which provides a surround view of the school bus and is automatically activated when the bus is reversing or making side turns. The surround view is displayed on a specialized rear-view mirror system allowing drivers to monitor school children all around the bus. Gatekeeper's Student Protector is an infraction camera solution specifically designed to record and target vehicles that illegally pass a school bus when the stop arm is deployed and captures license plate information day or night up to four lanes from a school bus. "Gatekeeper applauds this new Transport Canada regulation to improve school bus safety," commented Doug Dyment, Gatekeeper's President, and CEO. "We have supported the Task Force on School Bus Safety from its early beginnings as a pilot project provider showcasing our innovative 360 Surround Vision and Student Protector solutions and we look forward to working with Canadian school districts and school bus manufacturers on the implementation of this important regulation." For more information visit Transport Canada press release and regulations. About Gatekeeper Systems Inc. Gatekeeper is a leading provider of intelligent video and data solutions designed to provide a safer transportation environment for children, passengers, and public safety personnel on multiple transportation modes. The Company uses AI, video analytics, and Mobile Data Collectors to interconnect public transportation assets within a Smart City ecosystem. The Company's Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) business model is centered around wirelessly enabled Mobile Data Collectors which forms the foundation of the Company's data company evolution. Contact Information: Douglas DymentPresident & CEOddyment@ 864-6187 Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements made in this press release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements and are subject to important risks, uncertainties and assumptions, both general and specific, which give rise to the possibility that actual results or events could differ materially from our expectations expressed in or implied by such forward-looking statements. As a result, we cannot guarantee that any forward-looking statement will materialize, and readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. For more exhaustive information on these risks and uncertainties, the reader should refer to the risk factors described in the management's discussion and analysis for the period ended November 30, 2024. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release represent our expectations as of the date hereof. We disclaim any intention and assume no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are presented for the purpose of providing information about management's current expectations and plans and allowing investors and others to obtain a better understanding of our anticipated operating environment. Readers are cautioned that such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. The Company undertakes no obligations to update or revise such statements to reflect new circumstances or unanticipated events as they occur, unless required by applicable law. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit
