Half a million Asus laptops and desktops have been affected by a leak in pre-installed software. In these Hardware Hits you can read how you can see whether your PC is at risk and what you can do about it. Furthermore, HyperX has launched a microphone that could be a dangerous competitor for the Blue Yeti and Scythe and Asus have entered into a partnership.
Half a million Asus systems contain backdoor in Live Update software
Kaspersky Labs researchers have discovered that malicious malware has been spread through Asus’ Live Update software. This program, which is pre-installed on Asus laptops and desktops, is used to install updates of the BIOS, UEFI and drivers. Hackers have been able to use this program by breaking into Asus servers and replacing files there to add a backdoor. The modified version of the program was then installed on new Asus computers for a long time.
Although Kaspersky estimates that at least half a million systems are equipped with the rogue software, the backdoor has been used for only 600 systems. It therefore looks like a targeted action and normal users are left alone.
ASUS Live Update is a proprietary tool supplied with ASUS notebook computers to ensure that the system always benefits from the latest drivers and firmware from ASUS. A small number of devices have been implanted with malicious code through a sophisticated attack on our Live Update servers in an attempt to target a very small and specific user group. ASUS customer service has been reaching out to affected users and providing assistance to ensure that the security risks are removed.
Kaspersky informed Asus about the leak on January 31, but Asus had taken little action until March 26. A few days ago Asus released an update that added end-to-end encryption to prevent such problems in the future. However, that does not mean that the problem has been resolved and many systems may still be vulnerable or even affected by malware. With this you can check for yourself whether your computer is safe.
HyperX launches desktop microphone with shock mount
The Blue Yeti has been the benchmark for years when it comes to desktop microphones at a reasonable price, but that may now change. HyperX, known for gaming headsets and memory banks, has launched the QuadCast; a desktop microphone with shock mount.
Like the Yeti, the QuadCast has four polarization patterns: stereo, omnidirectional, cardioid and bidirectional. A built-in pop filter should ensure less noise. Furthermore, there is red lighting that, in addition to the aesthetic contribution, indicates when the microphone is activated. Unfortunately, you cannot switch off that lighting in any other way.
You connect the microphone to the computer via USB, but it can also be monitored via a 3.5mm headphone jack. The HyperX QuadCast is already in the shops with a suggested retail price of 139 euros.
Scythe and Asus are collaborating on TUF Gaming Alliance coolers
Scythe, a manufacturer of CPU coolers with good price / quality ratios, has entered into a partnership with Asus. Under the brand name TUF Gaming Alliance, the companies are launching the Kotetsu Mark II ‘TUF Gaming Alliance’ and the Choten ‘TUF Gaming Alliance’.
Technically the coolers are almost identical to the original variants of Scythe, the changes have mainly been made in the appearance. For example, the TUF Gaming Alliance coolers have a new print and RGB lighting has been added. The coolers have a digi-cammo print on the top and are equipped with a Kaze Flex 120 RGB fan with yellow rubbers. The fan has a rotational speed of 300 to 1200 rpm and the milky blades provide a nice RGB effect. The Kotetsu Mark II is a traditional tower cooler while the Choten with a height of only 122mm is a low-profile top-down cooler.
The Kotetsu Mark II ‘TUF Gaming Alliance’ and the Choten ‘TUF Gaming Alliance’ are both already for sale with a suggested retail price of 45 euros.
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