Some 400 million Android users at risk from attacks on SIMs; Bitdefender Wipe Stopper offers defence

Remote attacks could alter SIMs and shut down PUKs of most Android devices



Bitdefender®, the award-winning provider of innovative antivirus solutions, has announced Wipe Stopper, the tool that fends off remote attacks that can wipe some Android devices, will also protect against a far more widespread vulnerability that leaves phones open to attackers seeking to brick SIM cards.



Wipe Stopper, available for free on Google Play, alerts Android users to any attempts to run remote that exploit an array of recently discovered vulnerabilities to render Android phones useless by wiping them, altering SIMs or bricking PUK codes.



“An attack that could brick your SIM card can happen as simply as by randomly visiting a web site, or being redirected by a hacker who happens to be on the same network as you,” said Catalin Cosoi, Chief Security Researcher at Bitdefender. “The quickest and surest way to protect yourself is to download Wipe Stopper.”



All unpatched Android devices are vulnerable - if you’re not certain your device is patched, you are at immediate risk, Cosoi noted. Google Play statistics show that approximately two percent of all Android devices are upgraded to the latest version.



For a full list of Bitdefender 2013 features and benefits by product, please visit http://www.bitdefender.co.uk or follow Bitdefender on Twitter for daily malware alerts.



Notes to editor

All product and company names mentioned herein are for identification purposes only and are the property of, and may be trademarks of their respective owners.



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 won a range of key independent recommendations in the US, UK and across Europe, including ConsumerSearch, 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 the HOTforSecurity blog, a sizzling blend of steamy computer security stories and stimulating visuals that spotlights the seedy underworld of internet fraud, scams, malicious software – and gossip.

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