The Epic Snake: Unraveling the Mysteries of the Turla Cyber-espionage Campaign

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The “Epic” operation serves as the first phase in a multi-stage infection of the Turla campaign said Kaspersky Lab, a leading developer of secure content and threat management solutions.

Turla, also known as Snake or Uroburos is one of the most sophisticated ongoing cyber-espionage campaigns.

When the first research on Turla/Snake/Uroburos was published, it didn’t answer one major question: how do victims get infected?

The latest Kaspersky Lab research on this operation reveals that Epic is the initial stage of the Turla victim infection mechanism.


Turla big picture:

Epic Turla / Tavdig: The early-stage infection mechanism.

Cobra Carbon system/ Pfinet (+others): Intermediary upgrades and communication plugins.

Snake / Uroburos: High-grade malware platform that includes a rootkit and virtual file systems.

DOTC Still Investigating Cause of MRT-3 Derailment

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The fact-finding investigation into the MRT-3 accident is underway, with the Investigating Committee led by the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) targeting to complete its task by Tuesday next week.

“We expect the committee to submit its findings on August 19. In the meantime, we cannot speculate on the events that led to the unfortunate incident. We find it more prudent to await the results of the investigation instead of forming a mere opinion on whether it was a human error or a technical malfunction,” said DOTC Secretary Jun Abaya.

“The committee will examine the train coaches’ blackbox-like device, CCTV recordings from the station, the testimonies of the two drivers, and eyewitness reports of passengers and bystanders who witnessed the accident. It will also conduct simulations and interview control center personnel,” he added.

The investigating committee is led by DOTC Undersecretary for Operations Edwin Lopez, with members from the Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) and the Office for Transportation Security (OTS). Its probe is separate from that being conducted by the Philippine National Police.

Watsons Brings Affordable and Quality Health into Filipino Homes

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Filipinos are extremely family-oriented. One family member’s health concern is shared by the rest of the family – whether it is for the maintenance medications of the elderly lolos and lolas, the vitamins and supplements for nanay, ate and kuya, or cough and colds medicines for tatay. Family members seek to help relatives with their health cost burdens, especially since branded medicines could be very costly.

Recognizing this, Watsons, the number one pharmacy retail brand in Asia*, gives families more options for high quality but affordable generic medicines with the recent launch of its own generics line.

With Watsons Generics’ wide range of medicines and supplements, the most essential health needs of the entire family can be met. Pantry stocking is made easy and affordable with various vitamins, pain relief, cough and cold medicines to aid the recovery of a sick loved one. Super Moms are equipped to fight off common bacteria with the roster of effective and affordable antibiotics. The younger generation will be able to find supplements like Vitamin B that will suit their fast-paced lifestyle. Young women can also purchase affordable beauty ingestives such as collagen or glutathione, giving them the opportunity to be able to focus on other things such as a dream vacation. The elderly can also benefit from Watsons Generics’ wide portfolio of maintenance medicines to help manage their diabetes, hypertension or high blood. The lolo of the family, who previously would not regularly take his maintenance medicines due to high costs, can now make the switch to affordable generics as he is now assured of its quality.