This week, multiple digital threats have been reported, putting users and media on alert. Massive hacks of Instagram accounts, a serious vulnerability in Android, and a virus camouflaged on GitHub made headlines. However, the real focus of these news stories seems to be more on selling security solutions than on accurately informing about everyday risks.
The Android vulnerability only affects outdated devices 📱
The reported flaw in Android is real, but it only impacts older versions of the system that no longer receive security patches. Mobile manufacturers rarely update these models, preferring that the user buy a new device. Meanwhile, the virus on GitHub requires a developer to download and execute malicious code without reviewing it. It is not a threat to the average user who does not touch code repositories.
The best antivirus: a decent password and common sense 🔐
It turns out that 90% of Instagram hacks are due to weak passwords or the absence of two-factor authentication, not NSA exploits. But of course, selling a premium subscription for 50 euros a year sounds better than telling people to use 123456 only for their dog. As long as digital panic is profitable, security companies will continue to sell smoke with a smell of gunpowder.