Bitdefender Provides Free Tool to Protect Android Users from Remote Wipe Vulnerability

SYDNEY & AUCKLAND– September 28, 2012 – Bitdefender, the internet security innovator, has released a free tool to prevent attackers from remotely wiping your Android device or causing other damage through the recently discovered USSD vulnerability.

Bitdefender has discovered the vulnerability that would allow an attacker to remotely run USSD commands on an Android phone. This is through a fault in the dialler which has highlighted that hundreds of thousands of Android users worldwide are at risk of massive, sudden data loss. Publicity surrounding the vulnerability greatly increases the likelihood of an attack, as exploiting the vulnerability requires little technical knowledge.

Bitdefender Wipe Stopper, now available for free on Google Play, notifies Android users of any attempt to run a USSD command on their device, allowing them to prevent their phones from executing the malicious commands.

“The moment the vulnerability came to light, Bitdefender set some of the best minds in the industry to working,” said Bitdefender Chief Security Researcher Alexandru Balan. “We came up with the best solution available – Bitdefender Wipe Stopper. It’s free, so we recommend pretty much every Android owner use it.”

For more details on the vulnerability, click here: http://www.hotforsecurity.com/blog/bitdefender-wipe-stopper-prevents-remote-ussd-attack-on-androids-3657.html

###

For further information about Bitdefender, please contact

Olivia Meena
Howorth Communications
02 8437 5335

Oliva@Howorth.com.au

About Bitdefender®

Bitdefender is the creator of one of the world's fastest and most effective lines of internationally certified internet security software. Since 2001, the company has been an industry pioneer, introducing and developing award-winning protection. Today, Bitdefender technology secures the digital experience of around 400 million home and corporate users across the globe.

Recently, the company has won a range of key independent recommendations in the US, UK and across Europe, including ConsumerSearch, Which?, Stiftung Warentest and Taenk. Bitdefender antivirus technology has also finished top in leading industry tests from both AV Test and AV-Comparatives. More information about Bitdefender's antivirus products is available from the company's security solutions press room. Additionally, Bitdefender publishes Malware City providing the latest updates on security threats and helping users stay informed in the everyday battle against malware.