Ask Me about Antivirus Security

All-Out Mess: Do You Know What's Going on On Your Firewall | Antivirus Software

noreply@blogger.com (Sameera Takhtani) — Fri, 16 Apr 2021 10:04:00 +0000

Disorder in IT puts the security of your company at risk. In many cases, the firewall is only insufficiently efficient due to historically grown and contradicting regulations. The only thing that helps is professional “clearing out”: With a firewall rule review, you can relieve your firewall from contaminated sites and increase the level of security.

Whether tidying up the kitchen, washing clothes or taking out the rubbish: These are all completely everyday tasks that belong to every good household and that we should all take for granted. I mean, what would it look like at home if these tasks weren't done for weeks, if not years? Most of them would probably ... well, let's say at least not feel good anymore if it looked like Hempel's under the sofa.

Chaos with Consequences

But what if the budget is unmanageable? What if the tasks are already piling up in stacks and you can't actually keep up? Then tasks tend to be left behind and the nice feeling of a pleasant living atmosphere is gradually lost.

In my experience, what applies to your own four walls is not a bit different in IT. There is even a risk of far worse consequences, which increases the feeling of unrest of many responsible. Suddenly the data of the customers, large sums of money in the event of a failure in production - or in extreme cases even the lives of other people! - from a properly managed IT infrastructure.

When the Firewall Becomes a Security Risk

The consequences of these scenarios may differ. But what often coincides are the construction sites you are confronted with. For example, do you know what's going on on your firewall? Which rules did the admins leave behind in the system years ago and never tidy it up? Which activations were only "temporary" during the last migration and are they still to this day? Perhaps my service provider has not set the firewall to "block" and no one has noticed yet? Most of the time, of course, these things don't happen maliciously or on purpose.

Incorrect configuration of the firewall can tear light to serious holes in the security of a company. From the visibility in the network for attackers to the containment of attacks that have already occurred to the complete exposure of critical services on the Internet. Unfortunately, when things go wrong, it usually costs a lot of money and hard-earned trust from customers and partners.

Has Your Firewall Already Collected Dust?

A firewall is not an essential part of our security Circle for nothing. But even the most expensive firewall is at most as good as the administrator who configured it.
The only thing that can protect you from such mistakes is good processes AND regular reviews.

Do you now think you know what is going on on your firewall or do you want to know? Check your firewall and take a close look at the quality of your policy. Let our experts support you with the review and do a thorough “ Firewall CareWoche ”.

If you worry about your firewall, then install Protegent antivirus software to taken care of your data protection.

Corona Warning App Revisited | Total Security Software

noreply@blogger.com (Sameera Takhtani) — Fri, 16 Apr 2021 09:40:00 +0000

About two months have passed since the German Corona warning app was published. The app has received quite a bit of attention, both in a positive and negative sense. I will try to take a more differentiated look at some of the points.

I have on June 16. Installed my Corona warning app in the morning, another eight million users did that in the first 48 hours. At the beginning of August there are currently almost 17 million installations, with the number is almost evenly distributed between Android (9 million) and iOS (8 million). The number of installations is currently starting to stagnate, which means that in July there were only around 3 million new installations.

Number of downloads of the Corona warning app via the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store in Germany from June to August 2020 (in millions:

Who Downloaded the App?

From the point of view of the spread of the devices in the population, the owners of an iPhone seem to show significantly more sense of responsibility than the Android users. Because according to the usual key figures, Apple's market share is just under a third compared to Android devices. Of course, it is also possible that the number of Android devices suitable for the app is significantly lower than the number of existing devices. There are a lot of Android versions or Huawei devices that do not support the Exposure Notification API via the Play Store. An evaluation of the user base is therefore pure speculation.

Did the App Work Properly at All?

Recently you could follow a discussion in many media about whether the Corona warning app is working properly at all. Basically, there have been problems here. I also experienced certain bugs with my installation.

If I look at the whole thing without the criticality of the corona pandemic and with over 20 years of IT experience: There weren't any really big ones for the fact that both the API on the device side and the app for the end-user were newly developed Problems. Few apps go up as steeply in the number of installations as was the case here without a real pilot and beta phase. Of course, in the context of encounter tracing during the corona pandemic, it is much more difficult to bear if a central component of the relaxation strategy does not work reliably than is the case with any trivial game apps.

My Experience with The Installation

My iPhone installation of the Corona warning app also greeted me after ten days with an ENErrorDomain error 11, which, however, disappeared for me after a reboot of the iPhone. A few days, with the achievement of the 14th anniversary of the acquisition, were later, but then suddenly my exposure Notification- data empty, so I returned on June 30, started new, have to collect encounters. Since my range of motion was still clearly limited at that time, very annoying, but not a drama for me personally. And if you follow this bug more closely, it was not, strictly speaking, a bug in the Corona Warning app itself, but a bug in Apple's API implementation. This was solved with iOS 13.6. From a professional point of view, I think this difference is important. The end-user doesn't care why the app isn't working. Apple also manages to unsettle the users of the app with an operating system message about the activity of the Exposure Notification API. However, this is only information that the tracing is activated and has nothing to do with the app.

Does the App Run Reliably in The Background?

The second big challenge for the Corona warning app was and is, despite all the assurances of the app developers and the device and operating system manufacturers, the ability to run permanently in the background. Here everyone involved can probably share the blame for the problems. With Android, there are device manufacturer-specific optimizations to the Android operating system. But even with Apple, the app did not behave in the background as predicted by Apple and the app developers. The recommendation today is therefore to actually open the app once a day to be on the safe side, regardless of the operating system. At Apple, you can be pretty sure that there will be solutions with the appropriate updates will give. How manufacturers of Android devices deal with necessary updates is usually not reliably predictable.

QR codes vs telethon

A number of all teleTANs issued via the hotline to verify a positive test result in the Corona warning app in Germany in July and August 2020:

There is another point that started a bit jerkily from the IT point of view and is still not running smoothly today: The connection of the laboratories to the digital systems to issue the QR codes to report the infection. Telekom has made some progress in this area in the last few weeks, but today it is primarily the large laboratories that are connected to the digital process. The analogue replacement process via the so-called teleTANs is not optimal in terms of data protection, as the personal data of the infected are briefly in the Telekom call centre must be recorded. According to Telekom, these are then destroyed again after a short time; this is a paper-based process. About half of the laboratories are currently functionally connected, the goal here is to quickly establish a fully digital workflow.

Can the App Also Be a Role Model for Other Countries?

A key advantage in terms of transparency of the German Corona warning app was and is the underlying open-source model. Here are a few notable events.

The co-founder of Wikipedia, Jimmy Wales, who now lives in London, proposed on June 18, based on the German app, a corona warning app for the British and the National Health Service ( NHS for short) in a short time and at no noteworthy cost ) to provide. On this very day, the NHS had given up developing its own Corona warning app, which, however, also without the Exposure Notification API provided by Apple and Google should get by. While Prime Minister Boris Johnson still claimed on June 24th that no country had a working corona warning app. After this statement by Johnson, the tweet from Jimmy Wales was shared again increasingly. A week later negotiations between Germany and Great Britain were reported, currently, there is no information about a tracing app of the NHS.

Use total security to protect from Corona Warning App

The Belgian authorities, for example, are more specific. These will build the Belgian user interface based on the German platform and also create the corresponding infrastructures around it, i.e. name the responsible organization, as well as set up server infrastructures and telephone hotlines. Customize the app with local translations and logos in this project is only a smaller effort.

Will the German App Soon Become an E App?

The German corona warning app is now available in all EU app stores so that people from other EU countries who live and work in Germany can also take part in the encounter tracing. This is not yet a real functional coupling of the European warning apps. For this purpose, the EU Commission had already launched technical guidelines in mid-June, which should make it possible for the apps to really work together across borders. The basis for this is again the decentralized infrastructure and key formats as defined by Apple and Google.

At the end of July, the German operators and developers of the Corona warning app, Telekom and SAP, were commissioned to create the data exchange platform that enables the secure exchange of keys. A geo identifier is already provided for in the German distribution infrastructure. The exciting part, however, remains how the whereabouts are determined, since the apps that use the Exposure Notification API is not allowed to use the geographic functions at the same time. And there are several options: An encounter with an infected person in another EU country or you were infected in another EU country yourself. The technical concept of the EU takes this into account and defines the so-called network Mobile Country Code (NMCC for short) as a source for a country assignment or manual user entry as an option.

What's Next?

These measures are no longer effective for the large travel wave during the summer holidays. However, no one can currently foresee how long we will have to live and work under relaxed pandemic conditions. And the latest scientific models no longer postulate a wave-like occurrence of corona as long as there is no vaccine, but rather the model of a forest fire : The more combustibles there are in the vicinity, the faster the virus spreads, but firebreaks, i.e. distances, can reduce the speed of spread significantly lower.

In the next article on the Corona warning app, I will look at the technical details on the devices and analyze the download data.

BEWARE OF HACKERS! THESE SIGNS SUGGEST A RANSOMWARE ATTACK | ANTIVIRUS SOFTWARE

noreply@blogger.com (Sameera Takhtani) — Thu, 15 Apr 2021 07:33:00 +0000

Cyber attacks on mechanical and plant engineering are on the rise. Just recently criminals brought the Netzsch Group's production to a temporary standstill. Ransomware is usually used in the targeted attacks. A type of attack that can cause maximum damage in mechanical and plant engineering if the malware reaches the production level. Attentive employees can detect the first signs of a ransomware attack. Because there are typical indicators that speak for a malicious program in the network.

Employee-Level Indicators: These Indicators Suggest an Attack

When it comes to malware in the corporate network, every minute counts. Most malware programs are designed to spread. The sooner the problem is identified, the faster the spread can be prevented. Early detection can therefore make a significant contribution to minimizing damage. A ransomware attack can be noticed not only by administrators but also by - appropriately trained - employees. In addition to an alarm from the virus scanner, these indicators speak for a cyberattack:

The computer is slow and has a delay in reaction
Files can suddenly no longer be opened
Detection of encrypted or unreadable files
Detection of unknown files/file extensions
Sudden reboots or reboot into safe mode
Anti-Virus Software disabled / shows errors and does not start
Request to install a program
Request to enter the administrator password
Change the desktop background
Files with info/instructions that a hack occurred (ransom note)
Ransom screen message or ransom message at system startup
Emails with unusual or unexpected attachments,
Emails with links or requests to do unfamiliar things

Company Cybersecurity: "VDMA Emergency Aid Ransomware" Helps in An Emergency

There are also indicators of a ransomware attack at the administrator level. You can find this in the VDMA brochure "Emergency Help Ransomware". The emergency paper was developed by the VDMA Competence Center Industrial Security to support the VDMA members. The brochure contains important information on early detection and gives valuable tips on how to deal with dangerous malware. Ransomware emergency assistance is available free of charge to member companies and can be requested online here.

Cyber insurance: Request a Non-Binding Online Offer for The VDMA Cyber policy

Personal advice on cyber insurance? For VSMA GmbH, the insurance broker for mechanical and plant engineering, this is a matter of course even in times of crisis. Appointments can also be held via video or telephone conference if required. Interested parties with consulting needs can here make an appointment or here to request your free quote. If you have any questions about the VDMA Cyber Police or the online quotation tool, Mr Thomas Völker is available to you at any time as the contact person for the VDMA Cyber Police.

RANSOMWARE "WANNACRY" - MAN IN THE MIDDLE - FAKE PRESIDENT - WHAT'S NEXT?

noreply@blogger.com (Sameera Takhtani) — Thu, 15 Apr 2021 07:23:00 +0000

Those who found on entering their offices on Monday two weeks ago that their colleagues were already busy at work could breathe a sigh of relief. You were not directly affected by the ransomware attack by the computer virus "WannaCry". It infected more than 200,000 computers in over 100 countries and was associated with demands for ransom payments. An unprecedented cyber incident on this scale has shaken companies.

Good for those who have taken out suitable insurance cover for these and other cyber attacks.

The "WannaCry" case is one of the so-called ransomware attacks. A ransom is to be extorted through the encryption of the company's data. Without this payment, the attackers would supposedly not provide any decryption codes. These attacks are usually not targeted and sometimes hit companies through inattentiveness on the part of employees.

All in one: the best antivirus with all advanced features to fight against WannaCry

These cases show how important it is to have a suitable cyber insurance policy that covers the costs of data reconstruction, forensic examinations, etc. The ransom payment can usually also be covered by a separate policy to receive reimbursement for the ransom payment even in the case of extortion.

In "Man-in-the-middle" is called a fraud scenario where the attacker is "listening to" communication between several companies. The attacker usually stands virtually between the communication partners. With his system, he has complete control over the data traffic between two or more network participants. This allows him to view and even manipulate the information at wills, such as the details or bank details. The fraudsters achieve that the payment for goods or services provided is made to different accounts.

Here, too, cyber insurance can cover part of the costs, such as forensic examinations, legal advice, etc. Replacements for the outflow of money can also be insured via fidelity insurance (VSV).

In, the scam "Fake President Fraud" the perpetrators pretend to be an organ of the insured company, usually a management member. You ask by email an employee responsible for banking in the company to make an urgent transfer. The employee is credibly pretended that this is a highly secret and confidential matter, on which the strategic decisions in the company depend. Those affected, who on the one hand feel flattered by the special trust of the management, on the other hand, are under considerable pressure due to the alleged importance of the transaction, usually make these transfers quickly. Money transfers are almost always made to foreign accounts, especially to Asia and Eastern Europe. If the fraud is noticed

This case of deception and abuse of trust, which is increasing rapidly in the middle class, can usually only be insured with fidelity insurance.

We live in a time in which the virtual world of data is having an ever greater impact on the real world. It is therefore becoming more and more important to familiarize yourself with the topic of data security and to begin to penetrate the interrelationships that work behind it. Due to the increasing digitization and complexity of security requirements as well as the unforeseeable future damage scenarios, the VSMA urgently advises VDMA member companies to seriously consider taking out cyber insurance and fidelity insurance.

Cyber criminals Take Advantage of The Corona Fear | Total Security Software

noreply@blogger.com (Sameera Takhtani) — Wed, 14 Apr 2021 09:46:00 +0000

You need to know how cyber criminals taking advantages of corona fear, stay safe with total security software.

While German companies are struggling with problems in converting their work under pandemic conditions, another industry has quickly adapted to the new situation: Cybercriminals of all kinds are currently trying to take advantage of the fear and confusion in the population. Since January they have been trying to use the COVID-19 topic as bait in phishing emails. To keep yourself use total security software that prevents cybercriminals attacks.

For example, a program promises to clearly display the current number of cases of the coronavirus. If you click on it, you not only open a card but at the same time download a program in the background that secretly searches for information that can be turned into money: passwords, credit card information, etc. An app also provided the latest Numbers to display the spread of the Coronavirus. Anyone who installed the program on their smartphone was soon exposed to an attempt at extortion. The app locked the device and offered the user to release it in exchange for a payment of 100 euros. The decryption code has now been cracked and published.

The Federal Office for Information Security (BSI) has not yet recorded an increase in cyber attacks. "Rather, attackers use the current opportunity to make the spam mails more interesting," said a spokesman for the authority. Essentially, currently, known malware is now being spread under the guise of the coronavirus. However, experts expect that the activities will increase shortly.

Phishing attacks are particularly attractive to attackers at the moment because many companies have sent most of their employees to work from home to prevent infection in the workplace. In many cases, this means a radical upheaval: Many employees now have to work from home for the first time. You often have to look for yourself from your desk at home without any training, for example, how to cope with new video conferencing software. Also, the number of e-mails has increased significantly in many places. It is therefore understandable that employees open e-mails that appears trustworthy at first glance.

In the home office, there is also the risk that cybercriminals gain access to the employers' networks. This is made easier if employees mix professional and private activities and the end devices used are connected to the company.

With the massive move to the home office, the IT departments initially focused on getting employees up and running as quickly as possible. But now the risks have to be reassessed and IT security has to be adapted to the changed situation.

The Federal Office for Information Security (BSI) has compiled advice on its website. In addition to a general range of information for citizens and companies, specific guidelines for switching to the home office were also published.

Overall, online blackmail with encryption software continues to cause growing damage worldwide. Not only is the number of these attacks increasing, but the sums demanded by blackmailers are also increasing. Ransomware attacks are increasingly targeting critical systems. The reinsurer Munich Re observed the largest increase in ransomware attacks among providers in the healthcare sector. This is a global problem, with most of the cases currently being observed in the United States. The largest ransomware damage in Europe with 90 and 75 million euros respectively was located in Scandinavia last year.

Cybersecurity companies estimate the total loss at 500 to 600 billion dollars a year worldwide. Only a fraction of this was insured.

Ransomware means that blackmailers install encryption software on their victims' computer systems and charge money for decryption.

According to Munich Re, the fact that many employees currently work from home with mobile access to the company network could mean a security gap. The appeal to business is therefore not to neglect IT security even in the current exceptional situation.

Cyber-Criminals Use Corona Issue as Trick to Target You | Antivirus Software

noreply@blogger.com (Sameera Takhtani) — Wed, 14 Apr 2021 08:40:00 +0000

Cybercriminals Use the Corona Issue as A Lure for Phishing and Malware; Antivirus Software Is Here to Protect You

Many cybercriminals are taking advantage of the current corona crisis. Fear of the virus means that e-mails with malicious attachments are opened without thinking. The aim of the criminals is to infiltrate the computer and thus into the victim's IT infrastructure with the help of the malware.

Even in times before Corona, companies were vulnerable to cyber-attacks through fake e-mails and downloads containing malware. But due to the high level of attention paid to the current topic, hackers use large phishing * and malware ** campaigns to profit from the fear of the population. The creators use the information offered by well-known institutions such as the WHO or the Robert Koch Institute. With subject lines such as "Corona safety measures" or "Corona hygiene tips", the attackers try to lure the user to changed pages. The user data and identities are then picked up there in order to then use them for other online services and thus cause damage. The contents of the phishing emails include news about helping medication,

How Can You Identify Such Phishing Emails?

Subject: Enticing subjects such as "Corona safety measures" and the associated fears encourage users to read the email.
Salutation: Many phishing emails consist of a general salutation such as “Dear customer” or “Dear Sir or Madam”. Please note, however, that personal data is also being used more and more frequently.
Content: Here the attackers insert various pieces of information, which they often copy from well-known institutions such as the WHO or the Robert Koch Institute.
The necessity to act: You are asked to act by being asked to click on the links on the institutions' pages copied by the attackers in order to be brought up to date with the latest information. Also, personal data are often requested for “control” or “confirmation”.
Time: You are asked to act quickly so that you do not have time to become suspicious. The time spans vary from 24 hours to seven days or even until the end of the current month.
Link or attachment: The attackers often include a link in the email or attach a file. You are not allowed to click on them! In a few cases, you will be asked to reply to the e-mails.

Summary of The Top Tips to Keep in Mind:

Look carefully at the sender's e-mail address and have the full address displayed in your e-mail program.
Take a look at the salutation on the email. Often these are given a general salutation such as “Dear customer” or “Dear Sir or Madam”, although the alleged sender has your personal data and usually greets you with a personal salutation.
Do not open any file attachments with the extension such as: .zip , .exe, .com, .vbs, .bat, .sys and. reg
Be careful when opening links. If you move the cursor over a link, many mail programs offer the display of the complete link.
Do not reply to these emails.
Don't let yourself be put under time pressure.
Watch out for spelling and grammatical errors.
Don't forget to install antivirus software to protect your data from cybercriminals.

Meaning of Security Breach and Tips to Keep Yourself from Security Breach

noreply@blogger.com (Sameera Takhtani) — Tue, 13 Apr 2021 06:37:00 +0000

How to Keep Yourself Safe from The Security Breach

It is very common for a virus to attack our computer and normally, it is something that is usually solved without major problem. But what if this virus means a loss of information from your customers and you don't know where that data goes? In that case, you will have suffered a security breach that, since the General Data Protection Regulation (RGPD) came into force, it is mandatory to notify both the interested parties and the Spanish Data Protection Agency (AEPD). In this post, we are going to explain what exactly security breaches are and how they should be managed.

What Is a Security Breach?

According to the AEPD itself, a security breach is "a security incident that affects personal data ", regardless of whether it is the consequence of an accident or of intentional action and whether it affects digital data or data paper. Furthermore, these security breaches cause the "destruction, loss, alteration, communication or unauthorized access of personal data."

For their part, the Considered Parties of the RPGD also offer us a definition of a security breach understood as "any violation that causes the destruction, loss or accidental or illegal alteration of personal data transmitted, preserved or otherwise processed, or communication or unauthorized access to said data”.

That is, for both the RGPD and the AEPD security breaches are a violation of security, voluntary or accidental, which entails the loss, destruction or manipulation of personal data stored on the attacked medium.

The ways in which these security breaches can occur are numerous, especially in the digital environment and range from an unauthorized modification of the database, the destruction of backup copies, to cyberattacks of different types whose objective is to access stored personal data.

Types of Security Breaches

Although we can talk about different ways to cause a security breach, the truth is that when classifying them, three specific types are depending on their objectives or consequences.

Confidentiality Gap

The confidentiality breach occurs when it is unauthorized or non-legitimate access to the data storage platform or any part of it that may expose personal data.

Integrity Gap

The integrity breach refers to the manipulations or alterations of the original information stored in the system, producing a substitution of data that could suppose some kind of damage.

Availability Gap

The availability gap refers to those attacks that cause the loss of access to the original data, either temporarily or permanently.

How to Prevent Security Breaches?

Although the types of cyberattacks are quite varied, there are a series of security measures that we can take to prevent security breaches from occurring in the company's computer systems.

Using Strong Passwords

People wish to use easy-to-remember passwords; without policies and technology to enforce proper password selection, organizations run the danger of getting passwords like "1234" because the only line of defence against unauthorized access to confidential information. See our post: How to create a strong password?

Therefore, develop appropriate policies and implement technology to ensure that policies are properly enforced and that your employees use strong and complex passwords.

With Double Authentication

Double authentication or two-step verification is not a 100% foolproof method, but it will make things harder for a hacker. Therefore, it is interesting to consider its implementation to access especially confidential information.

Making Backup Copies

Backup the purpose is to make copies of data so that we can recover it at the time of emergency or after a fault. Backups allow you to restore data from a previous point to help the business recover from an unplanned event.

Storing the copy of the data on a separate medium is essential to protect against data loss or corruption. This additional medium is often as simple as a drive or USB stick, or something more substantial, like a disk storage system, a cloud storage container, or a tape drive.

Install Antivirus

Antivirus is the best protection one can take to keep their device and information safe from getting lost or corrupted and fight against viruses. So, install a good antivirus like Protegent total security that gives you complete security.

Updating All Systems

System updates are critical to business performance. A system update generally involves adding new hardware or updating software to increase the functionality of a system. However, system upgrades also have many lesser-known benefits, such as increased lifespan and better computer equipment efficiency.

Here are five other reasons why you should bother updating your systems:

Higher employee productivity.
Business growth.
Better IT support.
Improved system security.
Extended warranty.
With device encryption

There are many commercial and free tools available to try this; some operating systems even have built-in encryption capabilities. As you probably suspect, if you're not sure if something should be encrypted, encrypt it. Use a good antivirus to keep your device safe and away from a security breach and have complete security.

Antivirus Software: What Are They & Use It Wisely

noreply@blogger.com (Sameera Takhtani) — Tue, 13 Apr 2021 06:12:00 +0000

To safely browse the Internet and carry out proper maintenance of computer equipment, users have a great ally: antivirus. Here are some tips to understand what these tools consist of, what the threats they protect against are and how to get the most out of them.

The use of antivirus is quite widespread on home computers and, on corporate computers, users are familiar with the updates that are periodically executed, but do we take advantage of all the possibilities that antivirus offers us? This article reviews the main characteristics of this type of protective 'software' that it is necessary to know to take advantage of all its advantages.

When Was Antivirus Born?

The history of antivirus is linked, of course, to that of computer viruses or 'malware'. Before the 1980s, experiments had been made with programs that could be transmitted automatically from one computer to another, but it is in this decade that the first viruses that erase data or disable systems were created and released. Shortly afterwards, the first commercial antivirus appeared intending to protect users. One of the pioneering companies was the German G Data, which in 1987 created Antivirus Software to safeguard Atari computers. And in the same year, McAfee released its first version of the popular Virus Scan 'antimalware'.

How Does an Antivirus Work?

Antiviruses have the main mission of detecting and removing 'malware' (or 'malicious software) from computers and devices even before they have infected the system.

For the identification of 'malware', the antivirus performs a continuous analysis that compares the files present in the computer's operating system with a database that contains the identifying characteristics (or 'signatures') of different examples of 'malware' found with anteriority. This database must be updated frequently with the signatures of the new types of 'malware' that appear every so often. Some antivirus programs also have the ability to detect threats by identifying patterns in files, locating system alterations and analyzing strange behaviour of computer components.

Current antivirus, therefore, has two essential functions: to scan the files of the computer one by one in search of risks using the threat database and to monitor the device to detect any unusual activity. Contrary to what you might think, having more than one antivirus installed on the same device is counterproductive. This is because one antivirus can mistakenly detect another as 'malware' and they can try to block each other, leaving the devices unprotected.

What Threats Does Antivirus Defend Us Against?

Antiviruses prevent various types of 'malware':

The Viruses are Malicious Programs that camouflage in user files. They are designed to access computers without the consent or knowledge of the users and usually aim to steal information, delete documents or change settings.
Computer worms are programs capable of executing and propagating themselves through the network, intending to collapse computers and computer networks. One of the best-known worms attacked in 2000 and infected 50 million computers, causing losses of more than about 5 billion Euros. It accessed the teams through an 'email' with the subject "ILOVEYOU" and included a file called "LOVE-LETTER-FOR-YOU. TXT.vbs ". When it was run on the computer, it ordered its forwarding to all the user's email addresses, in this way it was able to spread around the world in just 24 hours.
Viruses known as 'Trojans' are a type of 'malware that hides behind the appearance of a legitimate program that works correctly, but when executed, it grants the attacker access to the computer, even allowing it to be controlled remotely.
The 'Spyware' is, as its name suggests, a program that is hosted on spy equipment and devices and can collect all kinds of information about you: your habits, your personal information, banking information, etc. One type of spyware is the 'keylogger': a malicious program that installs itself on the computer or device and records all the keystrokes made by the user. It is a widely used technique to steal credentials.
The 'Ransomware' is a type of virus that hijacks the information contained in the computer, encrypting the files, and asks its rightful owner for an economic amount in exchange for its release. The most famous 'ransomware' was launched in 2017, known as WannaCry. It infected thousands of computers in more than 100 countries and had costs estimated at more than 200 million USD

How Can a Computer or Device Be Infected?

The most common method of spreading viruses today is email. It is enough for the user to download an attached file or to install a program that they have accessed through a link to infect their computer with malicious code. To avoid this is very important:

Do not lower your guard against Suspicious Emails (from unknown senders, emails that are not expected, 'emails' whose content denotes urgency, which contains misspellings and strange wording).
Activate the 'Antispam' filters for spam or harmful email and be especially careful if you are going to open an email marked as such.
Think twice before downloading attachments.
Make sure before clicking on links included in emails. It is preferable to hover over it to check the address it redirects to.

It is also easy to infect devices when programs are downloaded and installed that come from unofficial sources, that appear in pop-up windows or advertisements, or that are included in emails from unknown

Another common route of contagion is that which occurs when other external devices such as 'pen drive or hard drives that have previously been connected to other devices, of which the origin is unknown or that have been provided by other people, are connected to the computer. And also the reverse: when devices are connected to unknown external sources such as public chargers.

How Effective Is Antivirus Software?

To date, there is no 100% effective method that protects against all the 'malware' that circulates on the internet. Cybercrime is a very lucrative industry that evolves rapidly, forcing antivirus software to update their databases and reinvent their detection algorithms quickly to detect new threats that are constantly emerging.

Despite having an antivirus installed, it is necessary to continue to maintain safe behaviours and not lower your guard against social engineering attacks such as ' phishing ' - through email - or ' vishing ' - which is executed through calls telephone numbers. In short, an antivirus cannot protect against the deception techniques used by social engineering.

On Which Devices Are Is Advisable to Install an Antivirus?

Everyday users have more objects, devices and appliances connected to the internet, and therefore exposed to being infected with some type of 'malware'.

In addition to installing an antivirus on fixed computers and laptops, it is highly recommended to do so also on mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets, and on objects connected to the internet. There are already antivirus that analyzes the data traffic of the home network of the home protecting cameras, 'smart TVs, printers, consoles, etc.

How to Stay Away from Antivirus Frauds | Antivirus Software

noreply@blogger.com (Sameera Takhtani) — Tue, 13 Apr 2021 05:52:00 +0000

Stay Away from Antivirus Frauds

When one day you find something strange on your computer and you think that there might be spyware or a virus, the most common decision is usually to search the Internet for a program to eliminate it. At the very least, we have tried to find out the name of such malicious software and search for information about it on the Internet. The problem is that it is very common to discover that the solution that appears in the first Google results are not correct. Yes, you will see several blogs in which they tell you that the evilest and infectious virus in the world has gotten into you, but that they have the solution. Everyone tells you about a perfect anti-spyware that works to solve it.

After installing it on your PC, convinced that you have found the definitive solution when you do the first scan, the anti-spyware tells you that you have 200-300 infections and that you have to solve it as soon as possible. If it is not fake anti-spyware, you have come across a “fake” or a fake antivirus that gives false positives. What does this mean? We are talking about Antivirus Software that tells you that your computer has hundreds of infections when most likely it is not. Their objective is for you to download the program, either because it is another spyware, or because they want you to buy the antivirus at all costs, or simply, they will waste a lot of time and take up space on your computer until you remember to uninstall it.

Things to Remember from Antivirus Frauds:

1. When you think you have malicious software, find out first. Find out what his name is. You can use Windows Defender as a starting point, which is the same for that operating system, or the antivirus you have installed. When you know the name of the malware, you can remove it, and in case you can't, look for information about it. But be very careful; keep calm and go step by step.

2. Don't trust what all the blogs say. Yes, in this world there are many liars. And that two or three blogs repeat the same idea does not mean that it is true. Sometimes you write the name of malware in Google and a lot of blogs come out telling you that the way to solve it is by downloading this or that antivirus. At the very least, fakes will waste your time.

3. Don't use unknown antivirus. It is only advisable to look for another antivirus if you do not have one installed, or yours has not been able to eliminate the malware. Look for an updated and recognized antivirus that is not fake or tries to deceive people by making them buy an antivirus to clean something they do not have.

4. Clean your browser. Sometimes it is not that you have a virus, but some uncomfortable extension has been installed in your browser. With your antivirus, you will be able to clean the garbage that is in your browser, be it Chrome, Explorer or Firefox, and restore the configuration from the beginning.

5. Remove it manually, if you know. Some malicious programs can be removed manually by entering the program files, in case your Antivirus Software does not identify them. However, I do not recommend that you use this method if you are not familiar with your operating system, as you could unknowingly delete files from the system.

So, to stay safe from Antivirus Frauds always check the Brand name, its authenticity and how it works, then install it in your computer so that it can fight with all the odds present in your computer and gives you complete security from all the threats that can ruin your work or take away your personal information by entering in your computer.

How to Protect Your Data from Malware in Home Office | Antivirus

noreply@blogger.com (Sameera Takhtani) — Mon, 12 Apr 2021 04:57:00 +0000

Protection Tips from Malware

Today’s blog is interesting. You already know me and you know that I love to help you and make your life as easy as possible. Today I am going to teach you, easily and quickly, how to detect, avoid and eliminate viruses and malware.

The world of 'computer viruses' has also continued to evolve in recent years. This has ended up giving life to a new fauna that is becoming more extensive and dangerous.

What Is Malware?

Formerly called computer viruses, today they are more technically known as 'malware' (malicious software). This term is used to encompass all types of malicious program or code specifically designed to infect a computer and thus perform certain actions (harmful or fraudulent) for which it was programmed.

Types of Malware

There are different types of malware:

Adware / PUPs: Those annoying malware that fills us with advertising.

Rootkits: Elusive and sometimes difficult to remove.

Trojans: The most dangerous. They are famous for being "the thieves" who steal bank details, private and confidential information from companies or individuals, and so on.

Botnets: Creators of networks of PCs Zombies.

Rogues: Fake antivirus that fool thousands of people every year.

Ransomware / Crypto-Ransomware: They are the ones that currently sound the most due to the recent cases that you have seen in newspapers and digital magazines. They are hijackers of computers and their files that can only be released if the amount requested by their creator is paid. It is one of the most common types of extortion today.

For all these unpleasant creations of unfriendly people, we bring you this guide with tools and steps to follow to detect and eliminate practically 90% of all the 'malware' currently circulating on the net.

The Complete Family of Malwares

Within the generic name 'malware' we find specific malicious programs such as: Computer viruses, Trojans (Trojan horse), Banking Trojans, Ransomware, Worms ( Worm ), Hijackers, Badwares, Keyloggers, Backdoors, Fake Antivirus (Rogues) Scareware, Rootkits, bootkits, Adwares, Botnets, Spywares, Ransomware and Crypto-Ransomware.

Who Creates Malware and For What?

Today, the creation of 'malware' has evolved into an industry of organized crime (crimeware). Although it may surprise some, it is run by mafias. They are not mafias in the traditional sense of the word (although some mafias are already modernizing). They are groups specialized in all types of computer crimes (cybercriminals) that revert to significant economic benefits for their creators.

How Can My PC Get Infected?

Among the main routes of infection we can currently highlight:

When installing any free program, without reading its options (PUPs / Adware).
When you insert an infected USB device (Worms) into the computer.
When you visit a website that is still legitimate, it has been infected -drive-by-download- (Ransomware).
If you download fake drugs (hacks, activators, serial generators ...) from pirated programs or "gift" programs (Spyware / Trojans).
Download a fake Adobe Flash Player or JAVA update to watch a video (Trojan / Botnet).
By opening an attachment or following a link in an unsolicited email (Spam / Phishing).
Follow an infected link from a known contact (who has also been affected) or wall on social networks, Twitter, WhatsApp, Facebook, etc.
Visiting malicious pages to which we were directed by Google searches (BlackHatSEO).

What Would-Be the Symptoms that My Computer Is Infected by Malware?

Modern malware is getting stealthier and more elusive, and it's no longer just about wiping data on your hard drive. They can also take advantage of your system to turn your computer into a Zombie PC (Botnet). In this way, your PC will serve criminals to send spam, host malware, phishing sites, steal data, etc. This is why they will try to stay on your system for as long as possible without being detected by you or by security software like antivirus software.

In other cases they are already more noticeable when making modifications to our equipment such as:

Change the home and search page of our browser and/or redirect Google results to other sites.
Issue false alert messages or infections on our computer.
Prevent the installation or execution of programs, as well as not letting the antivirus or other security programs update.
Block security websites or forums that tell you how to remove threats.
Total blocking of the entire computer (Ransomware) or even encrypting all the victim's files (Crypto-Ransomware) to ask for money and extort money to recover them and other things.
Prevent the spread of malware by email.

You should know how to prevent the spread of email malware both on your computer and at work. Cyber-attacks have always been a problem for users. Their growing presence and sophistication affect both home and business computers.

Personal information, accounts or finances are some of the areas compromised by malicious software that comes from different routes. Here we explain how to avoid the spread of 'malware' by email, as it is the mechanism most used by cybercriminals due to its easy implementation.

Avoid Malware at Home

Ignorance and overconfidence is the weapons used by black hat hackers (crackers) to spread emails with malware. You must pay attention to each e-mail received and pay attention to some key points. First, it examines the subject (the title of the message) to determine if the text is in doubt, is in another language, or was written in an unknown one. In case the sender is a company, its name must match the email address that sends it.

Also, do not open the attachments if you do not recognize the extension, generally, XLSM and DOCM are used instead of the actual extensions XLSX (excel) and DOC or DOCX (Word) that correspond to Office documents to run encryption programs. The result is the loss of your documents and the request for a financial reward to recover them. It goes without saying that any personal data such as users or passwords should not be delivered under any circumstances, especially if it is banking information as you should already know.

Avoid Malware in The Enterprise

More and more people have email addresses for their companies. This is a situation that encourages the spread of threats. It is convenient to audit the documents shared with employees, those that are sent to clients and those that are received. Each worker must respect and follow cybersecurity protocols, as well as the preparation of a daily or weekly backup of documents in the appropriate cases and carry out eventual analyzes of the state of the system using antivirus.

Another applicable security measure is to restrict the type of documents that each department handles so that an infection does not reach all areas and can be contained. On the other hand, the daily use of the mobile phone (and more so if it is a business) puts the integrity of the company at risk. This is mainly because the type of malware is different on computers and mobiles. Most 'Smartphone' users do not have an antivirus installed on their device. A notable improvement would be to have an action protocol to check the company's emails from the mobile. It is currently one of the best security ideas you can take.

Use Parental Control to Provide Protection for Children Using the Internet

noreply@blogger.com (Sameera Takhtani) — Sat, 10 Apr 2021 09:39:00 +0000

Use Parental Control to Protect Children Using the Internet

In the episode "Arkangel", from the popular series Black Mirror, an overprotective mother decides to implant a chip in her daughter's brain to be able to control, through a tablet and an application, everything her little girl sees and feels. This system, originally conceived as a Parental Control application, allows the mother not only to see what the girl sees, but also to monitor her emotions and moods and even "filter" images that may harm her, making let the girl see them pixilated.

About the Usefulness of Parental Control Applications

It is not necessary to go to the extreme of implanting a chip, as the series suggests, to analyze to what extent we are controlling and when we start to invade the privacy of the child.

Nowadays, applications are already available for geolocation, controlling the content that can be seen on the Internet and on television, applications with access to the microphone to listen to the sound of where they are or even record everything that happens on the device screen, through video captures.

Although these tools seem to be a great solution to the problems that every parent of a digital native may have, the truth is that not all parental control applications work the same, nor do they have the same characteristics; so it is very important to analyze them and choose the one that fits the valuesof each family.

On the other hand, many controls that at first seem to be very useful for parents, end up being invasive for children; which ends up causing a reaction contrary to what was expected. Instead of feeling protected and contained, the child feels invaded and seeks to evade these controls.

The key is not in the control that is implemented, but in the dialogue and accompanying them in the digital world, just as we would in the physical world. It is about teaching them, through dialogue and with the support of digital tools, what are the dangers and risks on the Internet, what are their responsibilities, what should and should not be done and what are the ways to protect themselves.

Parental Control applications are very useful when children are younger when they start using the computer or have their first mobile phone. However, entering early adolescence, these controls will be increasingly difficult to maintain or implement. Therefore, the key is to slowly let go of the controls and transfer responsibilities as they grow and understand how to behave in the digital world.

The goal should be for the child to enter adolescence fully empowered and understanding the risks that exist on the Internet and how they should protect themselves and, above all, with the confidence and tranquillity of being able to talk to their parents if something worries them or makes them feel uncomfortable. To achieve this, dialogue and accompaniment must begin long before this age, at the moment when the child begins to enter the digital world.

What Is the Best Way to Install a Parental Control App?

The key for parental control to be a useful tool for both parents and their children is that it is a form of care and not an imposed control. Once the application suits the values of the family has been chosen, it is best to install and configure it together with the child. Previously, the basic rules for digital consumption and the responsibilities of the child should be established, explaining that the Parental Control application is a way that mom and dad take care of them in the digital world and that they are going to install it together.

Some of the key functionalities that are very useful in parental control and that help protect children, without invading their privacy, are:

App control: Age-based filters are applied to manage the apps that children can access and use.
Web access control: Block inappropriate websites based on age, either individually or by categories.
The time limit for fun and games: Set a maximum number of hours for children to play with their devices. It also manages usage time, for example by blocking access to games and applications during school hours or at bedtime.
Geolocation: This allows you to check the current location of the device at any time.
Reports: The objective of the reports is to know the general behaviour of the child on the Internet, to find the best moment to release the controls. They include metrics that inform us about the child's use of the equipment, such as the time of use of certain applications, time ranges, among others.

Finally, these reports are also very useful to know which applications that children use the most are or that they like the most. Knowing their tastes and interests is a good starting point to start talking about digital care.

Remember that your child may know better how an application works or have more skills when using the mobile device, but you know more about the risks and dangers that can lie in wait for them. What better than to use technology together and enjoy it safely.

What Do Children Think About Internet Safety?

We talked about how to monitor the use that they give to the technology of the little ones, but what do they think about Internet security like total security? Do they consider it an important issue? What do they fear most about the Internet? These and other questions were included in a survey conducted by Digi padres together with Argentina Cibersegura, to know the opinion of the youngest and know how safe they feel on the Internet.

Some of the main data left by the survey are that 1 in 3 children claims to have suffered an uncomfortable situation on the Internet. On the other hand, when asked about what they fear most about the Internet, the main fears were: that they steal their access codes and impersonate them, that they find out data or personal information and that photos of them are sent among their contacts.

Can You Think Beyond Antivirus Software to Protect Your Data

noreply@blogger.com (Sameera Takhtani) — Fri, 09 Apr 2021 06:25:00 +0000

What You Can Thing Beyond Antivirus Software?

You have installed Antivirus Software on your computer, such as Protegent Antivirus from Symantec or Virus Scan from McAfee. Now you can relax and be virus-free, right? It is wrong. Although it is a crucial line of defence, antivirus software alone does not guarantee a secure computer. To help keep your system truly secure, you need to ensure that you have the latest bug fixes, virus definition files, and security fixes for your software applications and that you use common sense.

Download Security Patches and Bug Fixes

Fixes and patches, generally offered free of charge through the software manufacturer's Web sites, are small files that you can download to repair problems you recently encountered with a software program on your system, problems that could become a gateway for viruses and other dangers. By making updating your software a regular practice, you will help protect your computer from these types of risks.

To ensure that your Antivirus Software is working optimally, it is a good idea to visit the software manufacturer's Web site, along with the sites that are dedicated to reporting product reviews. When you see a security-related hotfix, download and install it on all computers that use that application. Be sure to check the version of the software you are running so that you can get the appropriate updates. Some programs automatically report new updates available when you start them. Also, in certain cases, some companies no longer issue bug fixes or security patches for older programs, therefore you may need to upgrade to a newer version.

Viruses often take advantage of a security vulnerability in email and in programs that use the Web browser. Therefore, as you search for security patches for all of your software, you must ensure that your Internet tools, e-mail programs, and Web browsers are up to date.

Newer versions of Windows include a feature that automatically provides security patches for Outlook and the operating system. To enable automatic updates in Windows XP, go to: Start> Control Panel Settings> System. Click the Automatic Updates tab and select the box that says "Automatic." If your operating system does not support Automatic Settings, you can find updates and hotfixes on the Official Microsoft Download Page.

To download the latest fixes for Internet Explorer, you can get them in the Get It Now (page Get it now ) from Microsoft. Mozilla Firefox users can obtain the latest browser updates by clicking the Help menu item and selecting "Check for Updates."

Update the Virus Definition Files

According to the instructions, if you have installed the Antivirus Software, updating the virus definition files will be a fairly straightforward and automatic procedure. The trick is to make sure your computer is on when the updates are scheduled. If you've set your updates to take place overnight, don't turn off your computer when you leave the office. Also, make sure your internet connection is up and ready when you need it.

However, you may want to update your virus definitions before the next scheduled task is performed. This is useful when:

Anyone in your organization or anyone who emails you regularly has received a virus.
If you have reason to suspect that you are infected, but the Antivirus The software does not report the presence of viruses.
You have heard of a new email virus that is spreading through computers around the world.

Run the Antivirus Manually

If you've set all the preferences as described in the Antivirus Software installation instructions, you should be pretty well protected. Your settings should provide automatic scanning of files that are identified as high risk. However, feel free to manually scan your computer, downloaded files, and other material that may make it onto your computer. This is especially necessary if you share your files on a disk in your office.

If you have disabled the automatic detection features to avoid slowing down or system conflicts, be sure to run a manual scan at least once a week. As with updates, make sure your computer is on when automatic exams are scheduled to take place.

Use Common Sense

Common sense is what prevents you from opening the door for burglars, even if you have a security alarm in your building. Also, use it with virus protection issues:

If you receive an unexpected attachment from someone, even someone you know, do not open it. Check with the person who sent it to you to see if it is legitimate. And if you don't know the sender, don't bother sending a reply, as this will tell potential spammers that your email address is indeed real.
If you download programs or files from the Internet, make sure they come from a trusted source. Also, check programs and files for viruses before opening them.
Do not spread email virus alerts unless you have reviewed the sites for the latest risks and determined that the threat is indeed real. The Symantec Threat Finder Site was created as an outlet for these matters.
If you are attacked by a virus, warn people on your network and in your address book as soon as possible.

In the age of the Internet and other networks, it is easy for a virus to spread like fire. However, if we all practice safe computing, we can be sure that our systems will continue to function properly.

Scamming: What Is Behind the Scam | Free Antivirus

noreply@blogger.com (Sameera Takhtani) — Thu, 08 Apr 2021 06:34:00 +0000

In the age of the Internet, scamming - a collective term for various forms of advance fraud - has reached a new dimension: Internet fraudsters are reaching more and more victims via email and social networks and using perfidious methods to fool them. The forms of online scamming are diverse and range from so-called "romance scamming" to empty promises of money or inheritance via e-mail. But what exactly is scamming? What forms are there? What do the scammers do and how can you protect yourself?

What Is Scamming?

Scamming is derived from the English term for "fraud" or "swindle" (scam). The term is closely related to the criminological term of advance fraud but includes many different forms of this form of fraud, especially online. What they all have in common is that the fraudsters try to persuade their victims to pay money ("advance payment") by stating false facts. At the same time, you promise resulting profits, inheritances or significantly higher repayments.

Once the payment has been received by the criminals, the contact is usually broken off immediately. The promises are not fulfilled and the money paid is mostly irretrievably lost. Contact is usually made online via e-mail, but now also via chat portals, messengers, social networks and dating platforms. The fraudsters have even spread to online marketplaces for real estate, jobs or used cars.

The scam has been around for centuries via letter post, but it wasn't until the 1980s that the procedure became a mass phenomenon originating in Nigeria. In the wake of the collapse in oil prices, high inflation rates and the resulting poverty in Nigeria, some fraudsters sent masses of forged letters via mail or fax to business people in western countries. They pretended to come from financial institutions that could deliver crude oil to the addressees at a low price - but only if an advance payment was made. The "Nigeria Connection" has since become the epitome of scamming. Even today, many scamming emails come from Nigeria and other West African countries. The phenomenon has nonetheless become global - victims and perpetrators are sitting in front of computers around the globe.

However, the dubious letters have become more professional: it is not uncommon for the attached documents to look deceptively real, have elaborately forged logos or try to appear even more authentic by spying on the victim's personal information. Websites, phone numbers and entire networks of fake accounts are set up to make the scammers look like real people. Public profiles in social networks provide the criminals with the data they need to support the letters with details about the victim's professional or private life. Scamming e-mails can also contain attachments with malware that, for example, spy out data from the victim's computer.

What Forms of Online Scamming Are There and How Do They Work?

There are many different forms of online scamming. Usually, the goal of the criminals is the same: They want to deprive the victims of their savings. They lure with the love of life, a fortune, a dirt-cheap apartment or the dream job, for which, however, certain services are to be provided: As a rule, deposits or an alleged plane ticket for the first date are to be paid by the victims in advance. Here are four examples of how online scamming works:

Romance-Scamming

So-called romance scamming is widespread nowadays: the fraudsters use messengers and dating platforms to build a close relationship with their victims, compliment them and fake supposedly true love. The victims quickly feel flattered and often become emotionally dependent on the fraudsters. While they always hold out the prospect of a personal meeting and pretend that they are looking forward to it, they first ask for money. Most of the time they demand payments for dramatic occasions and pretend that the money is necessary for the date: Usually, the fraudsters want to buy a plane ticket, cover alleged hospital costs, or they have to buy drugs or look after fictional children.

Romance scamming is a particularly painful experience for those affected in two ways: The victims are ripped off not only financially, but also emotionally. Most of them have made great hopes that they have found great love. The fraudsters shamelessly take advantage of the emotions and loneliness of their victims. Unfortunately, many Internet users still fall for this scam and are more willing to pay the money due to a supposed familiarity: Because the swindlers often believe their victims to have an absolutely unconditional love for which they would accept expensive flights or relocations themselves. If they then ask for money shortly before the supposed departure, many victims find it difficult to refuse payment. It also appeals to the victims' sympathy, which makes the rejection even more difficult for many of those affected.

The scam is experiencing a real boom since dating over the Internet has become more and more popular and promising: Thousands of fake profiles are created every day. The FBI counted around 80 million US dollars in the second half of 2014, which was transferred to romance scammers from the USA alone. Not least because the swindlers are making ever greater efforts: They even give phone numbers and do not shy away from personal phone calls. In addition to the actual profile, they also fake numerous others and make friends with one another to make the fictitious people on the platforms appear authentic and not socially isolated.

Scamming with False Promises of Money

The classic: E-mails with promises of money have been part of the standard scamming repertoire since the early days of the Internet. They go back directly to the methods of the Nigeria Connection from the 1980s and appeal to the desire of their victims for "quick money". For example, faking inheritance from distant relatives, alleged payments from a family treasure, false lottery prizes or letters from benefactors who want to install the addressee with a generous commission as the administrator of a large donation are common. In most cases, an advance payment for alleged processing fees, notary fees or taxes is required for the payment of the amount of money.

Even with this form of scamming, the paid money is lost, the contract is broken off after receipt of the requested amount. The promised amount will never be paid out - especially since straw men are usually installed from whose accounts the transferred money is immediately transferred abroad. Often these people are themselves cheated, who are hired as so-called financial agents and may not even know where the money comes from that you are supposed to transfer.

The process is the same as it was decades ago, but the deception is more and more sophisticated: In the meantime, the letters with professional letterheads and e-mail addresses as well as lavish logos work quickly like authentic letters from lawyers, estate administrators, lottery companies or banks. Scamming emails are also linguistically more demanding - the days when fake emails could easily be exposed through spelling and grammatical errors are over.

Apartment-Scamming

The fraudsters are not only up to speed on dating, but also on real estate portals: they place fake real estate advertisements at ridiculous prices. The apartments are mostly located in very popular districts of larger cities so that the victims' interest is quickly aroused. In order not to have to meet interested tenants or buyers of the fictitious apartment in person, they always state that they work or travel abroad. In exchanging emails, they build trust and often even present themselves on holiday photos that seem likeable - of course, these are just as fake or stolen as the photos of the supposed dream apartment.

At some point, the suggestion comes to pay the deposit and the first months rent in advance - that quickly adds up to several thousand euros. In the desperation of many apartment hunters, the money is often paid anyway - without even having viewed the apartment once. The fraudsters are particularly successful in cities with a very tight housing market: Those who spend months looking for an apartment in the country's metropolises have to put up with a lot to finally be able to move into their dream apartment. Apartment and romance scams are very similar: Both variants ruthlessly exploit the victims' personal situation.

Job-Scamming

Internet criminals take advantage of the plight of job seekers in a very similar way: They lure people with a dream job, top salaries and few hours of work. Similar to the cheap apartments in top locations, such offers sound too good to be true. Even so, many people who are looking for work fall for them. Since the most unspecific advertisements only give a telephone number for making contact, you have to call directly for more information. The acceptance usually comes immediately after a bogus telephone interview. As a rule, the victims should then transfer money for work materials, uniforms or shoes in advance.

If the fraudsters receive the money, contact is broken off. There is never an employment contract and the supposedly purchased goods are never delivered. Even more, caution is required if the job offer involves a position as a "financial agent" or with similar designations for which only an account is required: In that case, it is very likely an offer for money laundering, with which you yourself negotiates a possible criminal complaint. Such accounts are misused, for example, to transfer the money stolen by scamming to the real masterminds abroad.

How Can You Protect Yourself from Scams?

The most effective way to protect yourself from scams is a healthy dose of scepticism on the Internet: Care is required wherever money is to be transferred in advance. Therefore, never transfer money to strangers who you have never met personally - no matter how serious, sympathetic or even loving these people may appear. Although the spam filters of many e-mails providers already catch a large part of the dubious e-mails, a scamming e-mail can still find its way into a regular mailbox from time to time. The best thing to do is to delete such spam emails immediately or move them to the spam folder. Do not reply to dubious e-mails with questionable content and do not trust any offers that you receive out of the blue from completely unknown people.

The same applies to dating portals, real estate platforms and job exchanges: If an offer is too good to be true, you should be very careful. It is best to arrange a personal meeting in a public place, a proper apartment viewing or an on-site interview. If the Internet acquaintance waves, you should look elsewhere. Under no circumstances should you comply with any monetary demands made by the stranger.

Use Protegent Free Antivirus to protect against scam.

What Can Those Affected Do?

If you have already been a victim of scamming, you should secure all evidence: do not delete the emails you received from the scammers and your replies. The same applies to faxes and letters from criminals. The messages could contain important clues that could help the police investigate. You should also file a criminal complaint accordingly. The officers at your local police station will explain all the next steps to you.

Do You Know Keylogger Is a Dangerous Virus | Antivirus Software

noreply@blogger.com (Sameera Takhtani) — Wed, 07 Apr 2021 05:33:00 +0000

Keylogger

A Keylogger is a particularly harmful virus, which seeks to copy everything we type on the keyboard looking for accounts, users and passwords to get hold of.

The Internet is the site of all the knowledge and entertainment of the 21st century. As soon as you are reading the news in your trusted digital newspaper such as watching a game of your team in streaming or watching a tutorial on a video social network. But not everything there is good, as some users try to sneak a virus to the most unwary. That is why we tell you what a Keylogger is and how to avoid them.

A Silent and Very Dangerous Virus

The malicious codes that circulate on the network are of the most varied. Everyone is afraid that their computer will freeze at the most unexpected moment, or that someone will take remote control without your authorization, but the most scary thing is that someone will access your data without your permission. In fact, currently ransomware is the most feared virus, since it works like a hijacking of your machine that will only be eliminated by paying the hacker's demands, as we have seen on occasion.

But there are others that are also very scary and are much more discreet. One of them is the Keylogger. It is a computer virus whose function is to record each and every one of the keystrokes on your keyboard. Its purpose is not to tease you by pressing keys at random and make you think that you have misspelled the entire content of a text, but to steal your information through each key. Of course, each letter is registered, these create words and in turn a possible password to steal from your Fortine account until you know your bank position.

For those who see it, they are only letters placed one after another, but if in any case they find what can be an address, a user and then a password, the hacker can now roam freely through your accounts with the security that will supplant your identity successfully.

How to Avoid a Keylogger

Now that you know what Keylogger-type viruses are and how they work, let's move on to the security section. Digital measures range from installing a good antivirus software with a specific detector for these viruses, although many protection software already have this feature in both its paid and free versions. It's also a good idea to keep your account secure with 2-Step Verification if you feel more secure by putting a random generated code at each login.

You can also have a password manager installed, since you will not need to type, but the program will start your session with an encrypted code made to be malicious. One of these programs is LessPass, which has its own extensions for Firefox and Google Chrome so that you don't have to install anything else on your PC.

But the best recommendation we can give you to protect yourself against a Keylogger is to be careful around the network. These viruses appear especially in phishing attempts, download pages or links of dubious origin. Knowing this, you just have to be careful not to fall into any of these digital traps.

Invisible Trojans | the 3 Most Common Variants | Anti-Virus Program

noreply@blogger.com (Sameera Takhtani) — Wed, 07 Apr 2021 05:22:00 +0000

Invisible Trojans

Invisible Trojans do a lot of damage. What Trojans are out there and what can you do to prevent them from infecting your devices.

According to mythology, the Greeks conquered the city of Troy by building a wooden horse. Soldiers hid in its hull. They gave the horse to the Trojans who drew it to their city. At night the Greek soldiers crawled out of their hiding place. They opened the city gate and let more fighters into the city, who then destroyed Troy .

Today they are no longer made of wood and do not smuggle in warriors. Nevertheless, invisible Trojans cause damage to computers, tablets and smartphones just as much as their historical model. Because they smuggle in viruses, for example. Accordingly, the goal of their propagators is not to destroy a city. Their tasks range from installing additional malware to spying on data and destroying all files.

How Does the Horse Get Into the Calculator?

Invisible Trojans are often hidden in apparently harmless programs, email attachments, pictures / videos or behind links. One click is all it takes to install the malware unnoticed. In contrast to viruses and worms, Trojans cannot reproduce by themselves. However, they are often lumped together with these.

However, worms are self-contained malicious programs that copy themselves and spread over computer networks. So you are active.

Viruses, on the other hand, need an active host program or an already infected and active operating system in order to be executed, to cause damage and to infect other program files and documents. That is why they are (initially) passive.

It is not uncommon for invisible Trojans to serve as the host program. There are all-rounders who perform a wide range of tasks. But also specialists whose activity only pursues a specific goal.

Backdoor Exploit

The name says it all, because this malware comes through the back door . As a result, they initially reach the computer without being noticed. Then they do not limit themselves to a specific task. Rather, they access a wide variety of data. This enables them to independently call up and display files, receive and send messages or delete the files. It is also possible to trigger a computer restart.

Invisible Trojans of the exploit type are particularly common . Because these are programmed in such a way that they detect weak points in other programs and exploit them in a targeted manner .

Rootkit - Trojan.Dropper

Both are obfuscation programs that hide deep in the system. This is why they can be difficult to find even by antivirus software.

While invisible Trojans with administrator rights allow the attacker permanent access to the PC and the installation of (new malware) programs, the dropper stores various virus programs in a subfolder of its own.

Trojan.DDoS

As D istributed D enial o f S ervice (distributed denial of service) attack waves are referred to. B. lead to overloading of a server. Accordingly, Trojan-DDoS sends inquiries to an address until the respective service refuses the service.

Trojan.Downloader

As the name downloader suggests, it independently downloads additional malware or advertising programs (adware).

The specialists

There are also invisible Trojans that only perform a single task. They either steal ...

Bank data = Trojan.Banker
Game Account Data = Trojan-GameThief
Login data and passwords for (instant) messengers = Trojan-IM
Email addresses = Trojan.Mailfinder

Or they spy on (Trojan.Spy) computers by ...

record data entered on the keyboard,
Take screenshots,
switch on the microphone or
Get data from running applications.

No less harmful is Trojan.SMS , which sends messages to paid premium numbers. You will then find the costs on your mobile phone bill.

Blackmail Malware

First of all, this includes the Trojan Fake AV . This simulates the activity of an antivirus program. After reporting a threat to you, the malware offers you to remove it for a fee.

Trojan.Ransom

Trojan-Ransom in particular (ransom Trojans) has already caused considerable economic damage. Because it changes the files on computers or locks the devices completely. You should then pay a certain amount in order to be able to use your PC again. However, there is no guarantee that this recovery will occur after payment.

Known malware of this type are z. B. Locky (2016), Wannacry (2017) and Petya (since 2017).

Precautions

Most malicious programs are transmitted directly over the Internet. But the infection can also take place indirectly by installing infected applications / files from DVDs or USB sticks on your device yourself.

While an up-to-date anti-virus program including a firewall should be available on devices with Windows operating systems, the (preventive) effect of these programs on Android devices is controversial. In addition, invisible Trojans know how to hide from such protection programs.

Therefore, among other things.

These precautionary measures are all the more important:

·         do not click any links in e-mails of unknown origin,
·         the same applies to opening attachments of such emails,
·         Install programs only from trustworthy sources,
·         Download apps only from the Windows Store, App Store or Google Play,
·         do not randomly upload data from (third-party) external data carriers and
·         Above all, always keep the operating system up-to-date.

Safe on The Internet: 10 Valuable Tips | Antivirus Solution

noreply@blogger.com (Sameera Takhtani) — Tue, 06 Apr 2021 06:47:00 +0000

The Internet can be scary to the inexperienced user - and to a certain extent, it is. According to the IT security analysts at AV-TEST, four new applications are created every second that are considered malicious software.

Terrifying numbers, aren't they? Fortunately, however, you don't need to be a computer expert to browse the internet safely. With a little preparation and the right tools, even tech-shy users can safely enjoy the benefits of the Internet.

At the start of Cyber Security Month, we rounded up the 10 best tips to help you stay safe while surfing the Internet.

1. Create Strong Passwords

Fact: In the past year, 4 percent of all users used "123456" as a password. This makes it the most common - i.e. worst - password in 2016.

Strong passwords are the simplest and most effective measure to defend against brute force attacks (criminals use automated tools to systematically test all possible combinations of username and password at account access points). The more secure the password, the harder it is for the attacker to infect your system with malware or steal sensitive data such as credit card information.

The majority of us most likely have tons of accounts and passwords. It is tempting to use easily memorable passwords for the sake of simplicity. Don't give in to this temptation. Better to use a password manager. Well-known products are, for example, LastPass, Dashlane, and Sticky Password. With these intuitive programs, you can save all your passwords securely without having to memorize lengthy strings.

Insider info: If your budget is not big, try the free KeePass. The experts are big fans of the open-source password manager, which is updated regularly.

Here are some tips on how to create a strong password:

·         Long: Your password should be at least twelve characters long.
·         Complex: Use a combination of numbers, special characters, and upper and lower case letters.
·         Random: do not use words found in the dictionary.
·        Unique: never use the same password for different accesses.
Further reading: You can find our complete guide to the secure creation and management of passwords here.

2. Keep Software up To Date

Fact: 50 percent of users install security updates for software after 45 days or even later.

Keeping software safe is a constant battle for developers. As soon as security gaps appear and vulnerabilities are exploited, they have to develop patches as quickly as possible to update their software and better protect users. If users then wait a long time with the updates, their device is also more susceptible to attacks.

In order to reduce the security risk, you must always keep your operating system, browser, anti-virus program, and other software up to date. It is best to activate automatic updates in your software settings. Then you no longer have to deal with it yourself.

3. Use Reputable Antivirus Software

Fact: Over 600 million malware programs are targeting Windows users.

Antivirus software also plays a key role in keeping you safe on the Internet. A high-performance and reputable IT security solution can prevent harmful software from reaching your computer. It can also eliminate problems that your computer's defenses may have previously slipped. Remember to turn on automatic updates. Also, make sure that the settings of your antivirus solution match your computer usage and your surfing behavior. Here you will get, for example, a 30-day trial version of Malware.

4. Be Careful with E-Mail

Fact: 30 percent of all phishing emails are opened.

Email is one of the most common ways to spread malware. For example, hackers create serious-looking messages that contain tempting special offers or that appear to come from an official agency (bank, tax office, school, etc.). However, you can also receive emails from friends or colleagues whose computers are already infected. Most of the time, the messages contain a link and/or attachments that, when clicked, will download the malware or redirect you to a website to steal your data.

So always proceed with caution when reading your emails. Be skeptical of unusual offers. Always double-check the URL or file extension before opening any link or attachment. Be extremely careful about which websites you enter information on. Remember, if an email sounds too good to be true, it most likely is too.

5. Don't Forget Your Mobile Devices

Fact: The number of malware detected on Android devices doubled to over 4 million between 2015 and 2016 alone.

Around 50 percent of the world's population uses a smartphone these days. So it's not surprising that hackers are increasingly targeting mobile devices. Android devices are the most vulnerable. Malware for iOS, Windows Mobile, and other operating systems have proven less successful. If you are using an Android device, the best way to protect yourself is to get used to the same surfing behavior here as on the computer. Mobile anti-malware solutions such as Emsisoft Mobile Security offer additional protection.

6. Use Two-Step Authentication

Fact: 80% of data breaches could be prevented with two-step authentication.

Go one a step further with your online security and activate what is known as two-factor authentication (2FA) whenever possible.

What is 2FA

Many large websites that contain financial or personal information about you (such as Google, Amazon, PayPal, or banking websites) add extra protection by requiring you to verify your identity before you can sign in. While some providers will send you a verification code, others will give you an authentication devise that you use in addition to your regular login credentials. This may sound like a hassle, but it is a very effective way to prevent unauthorized login attempts.

Text messages are used very often at 2FA. However, it has been shown that SMS can be intercepted relatively easily. There are numerous examples where hackers manipulate telephone company employees into sending them a new SIM card and sending the victim's verification code to the new number. So use other options if possible.

7. Be Careful with Public WiFi

Fact: Every fourth WLAN hotspot does not use any encryption.

Public WiFi is great for staying connected while on the go. Unfortunately, there are also considerable security risks associated with this. Man-in-the-middle attacks, for example, are particularly common in public WLAN networks. Criminals intercept the information transmitted between your computer and a website to gain access to your e-mails, private documents, passwords, and much more.

So if you have a public WiFi network, always assume that someone is watching you. Never enter login credentials or banking information, and only send information that you don't mind if it's stolen. If you do need to transfer important data, first create a protected connection using a VPN (a virtual private network).

8. Surf Over an Encrypted Connection

Fact: As of January 2017, over 50% of the Internet has been encrypted.

When sending confidential data, always make sure that you are using an encrypted connection - whether you are posting photos on social networks or transferring an invoice. The easiest way to check this is via the address line in your browser. Internet addresses should begin with "HTTPS" (HyperText Transfer Protocol Secure) instead of the conventional "HTTP" (HyperText Transfer Protocol). In many browsers, this is also indicated by a lock symbol. The "s" at the end indicates that the connection is secure. They make it much more difficult for hackers to steal data. So never enter sensitive data on an HTTP page.

Unfortunately, HTTPS isn't perfect either. It must also be ensured that no-nonsense was driven with the data traffic coming in via the "secure" connection. For example, recent research shows that some antivirus providers spy on traffic over HTTPS to protect their users. However, this leaves some of the data vulnerable to theft.

9. Use Ad-Blockers

Fact: The use of ad blockers increased by 30% in 2016.

Surfing can be even more fun with a good adblocker. Not only will the pages load faster, but annoying advertisements will also be removed. Also, it offers security and more privacy by minimizing the risk of malvertising (spread of malware via advertising) and preventing advertising servers from collecting information about your surfing behavior.

10. Adjust Data Protection Settings

Fact: 42% of Europeans have never changed the default security settings on an account on their social networks.

In our increasingly transparent society, the settings of many websites are often not particularly privacy-friendly. We therefore often unconsciously disclose more information about ourselves than we would like, especially via social networks. You can avoid this if you change the data protection settings accordingly and create individual profiles according to your requirements. You can further reduce the risk of data theft by providing only the information you need to make the service work.

Browser plug-ins such as Ghostery and Privacy Badger offer even more privacy when surfing and better data protection. They ensure that third-party providers cannot track your activities on the Internet without your permission.

Confidently Careful

Internet threats don't need to be feared, but they need to be respected. By following the security tips listed here, you will be well protected from cybercriminals despite the shady sides of the Internet.

Have we forgotten something that our readers should also be interested in? Let us know in the comments so we can add it to the list.

Do You Stay Anonymous While Surfing the Internet | Antivirus

noreply@blogger.com (Sameera Takhtani) — Tue, 06 Apr 2021 06:04:00 +0000

Without a virtual private network (VPN) and a few other countermeasures, cybercriminals and companies can track your surfing activity.

The topic of data protection has rapidly gained importance since the dawn of the digital age. Awareness of this topic has increased massively - users fear for their online privacy. Nobody can be blamed for wanting to remain anonymous online. At a time when cookies are recording clicks and searches, it is all too understandable to want to get rid of all those unwanted advertisements that know exactly what you want.

Fortunately, it's easy to stay anonymous while surfing the net. With a little foresight and a few downloads, you'll be up and running in no time.

Download a VPN

If you want to stay anonymous online, the VPN is your best friend. VPNs are specially designed to keep your online activities private. To do this, they assign you a unique IP address and help protect your data traffic on the Internet with highly secure encryption.

Secure VPN uses powerful technology to encrypt your personal information without tracking or storing your online activities. It lets you check email, social media, and pay bills on public WiFi without worrying about cybercriminals stealing your information. This VPN without log files also helps prevent companies from tracking your online activities or your location.

When it comes to anonymity on the Internet, there is practically no getting around a VPN. It creates a basis of anonymity and one could argue that that is enough already. But there is more you can do to keep your activities private.

Surf in Incognito Mode or Switch Browsers

If you live in the EU you probably know that every website uses cookies to show you personalized advertisements. You will usually see a pop-up asking if you want the website to track your activity.

Over time, these cookies add up. And unlike their namesake, these have a bitter aftertaste. Before you know it, you will be followed by ads that lure you in with personalized deals based on the length of time you've been on a particular website and the items you've put in your shopping cart.

But if you surf in Incognito mode (Google Chrome) or in private mode (Mozilla Firefox), you can prevent these cookies from clinging to your heels. With each new session, it's like a whole new person opening the browser for the very first time. Browser history, login data, and cookies disappear from the cache as if they never existed.

Another tool for anonymously surfing the net is the Tor Browser - which, however, can also lead you into the dark corners of the Darknet. You should therefore familiarize yourself with how it works in advance.

Stay Anonymous When Using Search Engines

All three major search engines - Google, Yahoo, and Bing - record a wealth of data about their users. If you are logged into your account with the respective provider, they can trace your data back to you across all devices - for example, if you switch from your laptop to your smartphone.

However, there are also browsers for which you do not have to set a different mode first to avoid the tracking trap. DuckDuckGo is known for keeping its users' browsing data under lock and key instead of giving it to data-hungry companies.

DuckDuckGo works just like Google Chrome and any other web browser - with the exception that it doesn't show you any customized search results based on your search history. Instead, identical results and advertisements are shown to each user. The lack of personalization is a by-product of the fact that DuckDuckGo does not record any data to ensure user anonymity while surfing.

Choose Your Email Provider Wisely

The e-mail address is probably the closest thing to the concept of a digital ID. We use them to log into our online bank account, our favorite online shop or those social networks that we just can't get away from.

But if a stranger gains access to this e-mail account, it is practically impossible to take this ID away from them. You can restore the account and change the password. However, if you use the same email address across dozens or hundreds of accounts, it will be a rude awakening. Not to mention, the more often you use your email address as account login, the more information you can get from cybercriminals - or browsers or companies -.

Remember: Nothing is ever really private on the internet.

If you don't want to entrust your email address to every windy e-commerce shop or the website you visit once, you can use disposable addresses. Various websites such as Guerilla Mail or Temp-Mail offer such temporary disposable e-mail addresses.

After a while (usually around 10 minutes) they are deleted forever - just enough time to create an account, verify it, get done what needs to be done, and go never again. This does not change the basic problem, but it is helpful if you have to create an account with a company that you do not trust one hundred percent.

Protect Your Privacy on The Internet

If you want to stay anonymous while surfing the internet, an all-in-one solution with a range of features like a VPN and password manager is highly recommended. Protegent is one such comprehensive solution that offers anti-virus, phishing, and VPN protection, among other things.

8 Measures to Protect Against Cyber-crime | Free Antivirus

noreply@blogger.com (Sameera Takhtani) — Sat, 03 Apr 2021 07:09:00 +0000

Protect Against Cyber-crime

Cybercrime is a constant threat.

Perhaps you think nothing to fear but that your financial information is stolen by cyber criminals. But it's not that easy. Your finances are nowhere near the only thing to worry about. Cybercrime is constantly evolving and new threats keep emerging.

Given the wide range of crime making headlines in this area, one might be tempted to avoid the internet entirely. But this step is probably a bit drastic after all.

Instead, learn how to identify cyber threats. This is the first thing you can do to protect yourself and your data. It is also important that you take basic precautions and know who to turn to if you become aware of online criminal activity.

It would of course be desirable if one could learn to completely eliminate cyber threats. But unfortunately that is not possible. But you can take steps to better protect yourself from them.

What Is Cybercrime?

Cybercrime is any type of crime that is committed online or primarily online. Cyber criminals often target computer networks or devices. Cybercrime can range from security breaches to the theft of personal information.

Other examples of online criminal activity are "revenge porn", cyberstalking, online harassment, cyberbullying and the sexual exploitation of children. Terrorists also occasionally band together on the Internet, which moves terrorist acts and crimes into cyberspace.

How to Protect Yourself from Cyber Threats

Every internet user should follow some basic safety rules. Here are eight tips on how to better protect yourself from cyber threats.

1. Take Advantage of A Comprehensive Internet Security Package

For example, Protegent Free Antivirus Security provides real-time protection against existing and emerging malware, including ransomware and viruses, and helps protect your personal and financial information when you are online.

2. Set up Strong Passwords

Never use the same password for different websites and change your passwords at regular intervals. These should also be complex, ie consist of a combination of at least 10 letters, numbers and special characters. You can keep your passwords under lock and key with a password management application .

3. Always Install the Latest Updates for Your Software

This is especially true of your operating systems and internet security software. Cyber criminals often use known vulnerabilities or bugs in your software to gain access to your system. By installing patches for these vulnerabilities and bugs, you can reduce the risk of being targeted by cyberattacks.

4. Manage Your Social Media Settings

Make sure that your private and confidential information is protected on social networks. Cyber criminals often only need a few data points to gain access to your personal information. Therefore, the less data you share publicly, the better. For example, when you post your pet's name or reveal your mother's maiden name, you're answering two common security questions.

5. Strengthen Your Security in The WLAN

A strong encryption password and the use of a virtual private network (VPN) in the public WLAN are a good start. A VPN encrypts all outbound traffic sent through your devices until it arrives at its destination. If cyber criminals succeed in hacking your connection, all they'll get is encrypted data. Using a VPN always makes sense when you are in a public WiFi network - be it in the library, in a café, in a hotel or at the airport.

6. Discuss Online Safety with Your Children Regularly

You can teach your children how to use the Internet responsibly without completely prohibiting them from certain communication channels. Assure them that they can and should speak to you if they encounter online harassment, stalking, or bullying in any way.

7. Keep up To Date with Serious Data Breaches

If you do business with online retailers or have an account on a website that has been compromised in a data breach, find out what information has been disclosed and change your password immediately.

8. Prevent Personal Data Theft

Personal data theft is when someone gains access to your personal data through fraud or deception, usually for profit. How can that happen? You could be tricked into divulging personal data via the Internet. Or a criminal could steal your mail in order to obtain account details that will be delivered to you in the mail. That is why it is important to protect your personal information. A VPN can also help protect the data you send and receive over the Internet, especially when you go online using public Wi-Fi connections.

Cyber Attacks: Here's How You Can Fight Back | Antivirus

noreply@blogger.com (Sameera Takhtani) — Sat, 03 Apr 2021 06:57:00 +0000

Cyber attacks on Your Computer

Cyber attacks are a threat to all of us. They no longer only affect corporations or public institutions. The computers, tablets, cell phones, and other smart devices of private individuals and smaller companies are also specifically threatened - if you don't take adequate precautions. Our columnist Udo Vetter explains how to protect yourself against cyber attacks.

I don't know about you. But I do suffer from the flood of emails that reach me every day in my law office. Unfortunately, this includes a considerable number of messages whose senders are only intended to defraud or harm me.

"Do I know the sender? Does he have a reason to contact me?"

Identity Theft - Private and At Work

These people want my access data for online banking so that they can empty my account for me. Or they want to hijack my office network to use it as a spam sling or to block all of my data. Then I should pay the blackmailers money if I want to have access to the hard drives again.

Unfortunately, the hackers are very resourceful to outsmart you and me. They arouse curiosity, for example, because the subject of the email speaks of an "invoice". Or of a “last reminder” or “termination”. In other cases, express delivery is announced. Or really bad: The recipient is made insecure by the prospect of a visit from the bailiff, or even one House search by the police.

All of these emails have one thing in common: The recipient should only find out more when he opens the file attachment. But clicking on the attachment activates an executable program (Trojan horse) that installs malware on the computer.

With a different scam, the user should click on a link in the email. The sender pretends to be a reputable company (e.g. the house bank or the e-mail provider). If the user complies with this request, he ends up on a page that is deceptively real. There you should then enter your own login data - with fatal consequences, of course.

With the data obtained, the perpetrators not only clear accounts. You can then also use the Identity deception Disguise as the recipient, place orders, or get others to pay. For example, the perpetrator appears on eBay under the name of the victim and has goods paid for in advance.

Phishing and How to Protect Yourself

These illegal methods are called Phishing, Pharming, or spoofing. How can you protect yourself against it? First of all, a healthy amount of attention helps. Do I know the sender? Does he have a reason to contact me? If I cannot clearly assign an email to my business or private life, the attachment remains unopened. In case of doubt, the world will not end of that.

In the case of links, it helps if you don't follow them blindly, but go to the website of the company or bank in question yourself. You should make sure that a secure connection is established. It can be recognized by the prefix “HTTPS: //”.

Firewalls, Spam Filters and Anti-Virus Software

Provision can also be made technically, even in a simple manner. In any case, you should activate the firewall that comes with every operating system. The spam filter in the e-mail program should also be switched on. The modern filters automatically sort out a large part of the fraudulent emails and work very reliably.

Also, you should definitely get prominent antivirus software. The big providers are now selling inexpensive packages for all operating systems. This not only protects the house computer, but also all tablets and cell phones in the family or company.

Passwords and Backups

The choice of good passwords is still very important - regardless of whether you are a private or business user. Passwords should contain as many letters, numbers, and characters as possible and should not be guessable if possible. Birthdays are therefore not considered secure passwords.

It is also important to use a separate password for each account. But who should remember all the passwords? In my experience, this is not even possible. That's why I've been using a password manager for years, which is rated well in independent tests. With this software, I can easily manage all of my accounts and passwords and create super secure passwords.

Finally, important data should be backed up regularly by copying them to an external storage medium. Above all, this includes an external hard drive. This should normally be separate from the computer.

Do You Know What Is Whaling Attack Mean | Free Antivirus Software

noreply@blogger.com (Sameera Takhtani) — Fri, 02 Apr 2021 11:33:00 +0000

What Is Whaling Attack?

A whaling attack is a method that cybercriminals use to simulate occupying higher-level positions in an organization and thus directly attack senior executives or other important people within it, in order to steal money, obtain confidential information or gain access to your computer systems for criminal purposes. Whaling, also known as CEO fraud, is similar to phishing in that it uses methods, such as spoofing of websites and emails, to trick the victim into revealing confidential information or making money transfers, among other actions.

Unlike phishing scams (which don't have a specific target) and spear-phishing (which target specific people), whaling takes the attack to the next level - it doesn't just target these important people, it also targets them in a way that makes it appear that the fraudulent communications are coming from an influential person or who has a higher-level position within the organization. From this strategy comes the name "whaling" - a targeted attack targeting the "big shots" in companies, such as the chief executive officer (CEO) or finance manager. This brings an element of social engineering to the attack, as employees feel compelled to respond to requests from a person they consider important.

The threat is very present today and continues to grow. In 2016, Snapchat's payroll department received a whaling email that appeared to come from its CEO. In it, information on the payroll of employees was requested. Last year, Mattel (one of the major toy manufacturing companies) was the victim of a whaling attack after a senior financial executive received an email from a scammer impersonating the new CEO and requesting a transfer of money. As a result, the company almost lost $ 3 million.

How Whaling Attacks Work and How to Protect Yourself from Them?

As we mentioned earlier, whaling attacks differ from spear-phishing in that the fraudulent communications appear to be coming from a higher-level person. These attacks take on a more legitimate appearance when cybercriminals carefully investigate available open resources, such as social media, to devise a tailored strategy for each victim they wish to deceive.

One strategy could be an email that appears to come from a higher-level manager and references information the attacker obtained online; For example, they could view photos of the company's Christmas party on social media and send an email with the following message: "Hi John, this is Steve. You were quite drunk at the party last Thursday! I hope you did manage to get the beer stain off your red shirt. "

Also, the sender's email address generally appears to be legitimate, and the email may even include company logos or links to fraudulent websites designed to look like the real thing. Given that these "big shots" often have high credibility and a high level of access within the organization, the cybercriminal has a very good reason to put more effort into designing an attack that appears more credible.

The first strategy to stay safe from whaling attacks is to educate the important people of the organization so that they stay alert to the possibility of being victims of these attacks. Ask key employees to exercise caution when they receive unexpected communications, especially about important information or financial transactions. Always ask yourself a few key questions: were you expecting to receive an email, an attachment, or a link? Does the request have something strange?

They also need to be able to detect typical signs of an attack, such as spoofed (fraudulent) email addresses and sender names. By simply hovering over the sender's name in an email, the full email address can be seen. Thus, it is easy to study it carefully and determine if it exactly matches the name and format of the company. The IT department should carry out whaling tests to assess how key employees react to these attacks.

On the other hand, executives must be especially careful when posting and sharing information online on social media, such as Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. Cybercriminals can use any type of personal information, such as birthdays, hobbies, vacations, job titles, promotions, and relationships, to craft more sophisticated attacks.

A great way to reduce the damage that spoofed emails can cause is to have your IT department automatically flag all emails from external locations for review. Generally, whaling attacks are based on tricking important employees into thinking that the messages are coming from within the organization; for example, a money transfer request submitted by a finance manager. If external messages are flagged, it is easier to detect those that are false and at first glance appear legitimate, even to people who do not have much experience.

It is also recommended to implement phishing protection software that includes various services, such as URL checking and link validation. Another recommended step is to add an additional level of validation for sending sensitive information or large amounts of money. For example, instead of conducting exchanges electronically, an in-person meeting or phone call may be the best way to perform critical or confidential tasks.

Two is better than one when it comes to scams. Consider modifying the procedures so that two people must authorize payments, rather than one. This not only offers the perspective of a second person to resolve doubts, but it also reduces the likelihood that the employee will fear retaliation from that higher-level person in case they feel upset by the rejection of the request as fear is a key social engineering tactic on which attackers depend.

To be sure about the scam one should be aware of it and use the free antivirus software to have complete security and be away from all the scan and “real-looking” emails

Why It Is Better to Purchase an Antivirus Directly from The Developer

noreply@blogger.com (Sameera Takhtani) — Fri, 02 Apr 2021 11:18:00 +0000

When you want to save money by buying an antivirus from untrusted online sellers, you ultimately risk your money and might land in trouble afterward.

Wanting to save your money when buying things is normal, yet sometimes this might impose a threat to you. Although our ancestors tried to drive out this sinful attitude, even making up dozens of proverbial sayings like “a cheapskate pays twice”, we still tend to believe that distributors can be selfless and that they are willing to give away goods for free out of the goodness of their hearts. Of course, there are instances when saving a lot is possible without any consequences, but most of the time we look for deals, which end up resulting in loss and problems. This is applicable not only to iPhones and other luxury goods but to antiviruses as well.

Numerous online offerings for Protegent products, including those on bidding platforms, e-commerce, and advertisement sites, serve as good examples. Hundreds of sellers offer boxed Protegent Total Security and other security solutions for prices up to 1.5 to 10 times lower than our normal price. In such cases, one cannot help but buy several licenses for the price of one. However, too low a price is often the first sign that the seller is a fraud.

Sadly, the overwhelming majority of such offers are fraudulent or, at times, a legitimate yet invalid license. In the first case, you may just lose some money, in the second, you would need to deal not only with the loss of funds but also with problems that you will later have to devote your undivided attention (and ultimately, more money) to.

So, what drawbacks would a generous online offer conceal, and what problems might this mean for a buyer?

Non-Existent/blocked/invalid License Code

Anyone can produce a combination of letters and numbers that look like a software code, as well as post an offer for a blocked, invalid, or out-of-date code. A buyer is essentially unable to check the validity of the code prior to the purchase. This is something that fraudsters have constantly been using when trading invalid codes in ‘3-for-1’ bundles. Having purchased such a code, a user is likely to see a “the code you entered is not valid” message.

Multi-User License

There is also another scenario: a culprit posts an offer for a valid license code for, say, three users, but sends the code to several buyers simultaneously. Then it is like Russian roulette: someone is faster than the others and activates the code, and the losers will have to see the message “this code has already been activated.

Pirated License

A cracked code is a time bomb: a pirated code might be accepted by the software but will surely be banned afterward by an anti-pirate system, disabling regular updates of antivirus databases and eventually exposing your machine to newer samples of malware.

A License with False Features

It is well known that one license can be activated on several devices, depending on the type. This tactic is actively used by fraudulent sellers: they will sell a license for 2 machines as a product that is for 5 machines, which is, predictably, more expensive. By the time the buyer has activated the code on all devices and discovers the ugly truth, the sellers are nowhere to be found.

License Valid for Another Region

One of the most unpleasant options is the purchase of a license restricted to a certain region. Licenses for different regions vary in price but the code can be activated only in the corresponding region. So a code for a license specifically designated for South Africa cannot be activated in any other country.

It is such an unfortunate coincidence: the seller did not want to lie to anyone, yet the buyer ends up with a valid, legitimate code they cannot use.

All of these scenarios have something in common: the users who have invalid, fraudulent, or ‘grey’ codes are not entitled to receive any help from Protegent Technical Support. Moreover, they are unlikely to be able to have the money returned that they spent. There have been cases where a victim has been able to prove the fraud and have their money reimbursed, yet the process would eat up a lot of time and energy.

In order to save yourself and your money from unnecessary risk, purchase activation codes only at Protegent, from trusted merchants and authorized online distributors. Just accept the simple truth: if something is too good to be true, then it is probably not true.

Incomplete Packaging

If you decide to purchase a security solution from a third-party seller — on eBay, for example — you might end up paying a bit less for a lot less. What’s shown on the site is always a traditional software box, but it’s been years since anyone bought software online and waiting for a box to come in the mail.

When you buy from a third party, they’ll still show product box photos, whether the seller is legitimate or a scammer. In the best-case scenario, you’ll get a good activation code and download link. Or you might get an empty box.

Why would you care about incomplete packaging if the AV solution seems to work? Well, it’s true that the box doesn’t matter. But when you buy a security solution, you also get the right to receive customer support. If, when you install the software you downloaded, you face activation or licensing issues, the first thing Protegent Technical Support will ask for is information from the packaging — that’s your proof of (legitimate) purchase. Without that information, the support engineer will not be able to help you. In fact, any tech support will require a legitimate product code.

Of course, if you bought legitimate software, you don’t need a box to prove it: You can provide the order number from your e-mail receipt, which contains the purchase invoice and the e-mail address you used for the product purchase.

If, despite our recommendations, you still think purchasing the product from a third-party seller is worth the risk, please request all the data you’ll need, including the e-mail address they used for the purchase and the original invoice they received.

Why Is SSL and Antivirus Protection Very Important to E-Commerce Websites?

noreply@blogger.com (Sameera Takhtani) — Fri, 02 Apr 2021 06:57:00 +0000

Just as you need a firewall and an antivirus program for your computer that you connect to the Internet, the server for your commerce services must also be appropriately secured. These backups can be divided into different areas: the SSL protocol, security programs with scanners and monitoring, regular security updates of the server operating system. A firewall with anti-virus protection is also required for the network connection.

Security Programs with Monitoring and Scanner

The server-side security risks are diverse. DDOS attacks currently make up a particularly high proportion; in rare cases, a server is hacked without authorization. Basically, the more applications run on an eCommerce server, the more vulnerable the system becomes. Small errors in programming usually offer a gateway.

The smaller the attack surface, the more efficient the protection. Security programs protect you from DDOS attacks, the system is constantly scanned, the data is saved and compared with the new data. This data is retrieved via monitoring. Software updates of the server OS (operating system) and the security software must be carried out regularly as soon as new update packages are available.

Antivirus Protection of E-Commerce Servers

Of course, servers can also be infected by malware or Trojans. After all, a server is also a computer. However, with an eCommerce platform, there is usually a large amount of confidential data to be found on the server. Of course, this arouses desire in some criminals. So the server has to be protected by means of an antivirus program.

The scope of protection depends primarily on the configuration of the system. Clouding is becoming more and more popular and many operators of an eCommerce site are relocating important data there. In addition, a professional eCommerce system is usually divided into two parts. This means that not all data is on one, but on two servers. Above all graphics and images are outsourced in order to optimize loading times. The operational structure thus determines the scope and configuration of the antivirus program.

The Network-Side SSL Protocol

Just as a server and a PC in the office or at home must be protected with an antivirus program like Protegent Total Security, the data that is sent back and forth between this client and the server are also threatened. Although all browsers naturally support SSL protocols, not all eCommerce servers are equipped with an SSL connection. This means that the data runs unsecured in the network and can be manipulated, readout, or tapped.

The SSL protocol was therefore developed a long time ago by Netscape, among others (SSL stands for Secure Sockets Layer). They are encrypted from the server to the client and vice versa so that third parties can no longer misuse them without authorization. In addition to the graphical certificate, which you can present on your UI interface, the user can recognize the use by the changed HTTP protocol (HTTP becomes HTTPS). In addition, browsers show a corresponding symbol such as a lock next to the address line.

Differences in The SSL Certificates

SSL certificates can already be purchased very cheaply. However, the extent of the SSL protocol should be decisive for the eCommerce operator. There are very inexpensive protocols that you can purchase by simply verifying your email address. More elaborate and therefore somewhat more expensive protocols also provide for a review of your data, for example using your identity card, business registration, or an extract from the commercial register. So you can protect yourself and your customers not only with such an SSL protocol. In addition, the protocol can be selected in such a way that your customers have the greatest possible trust in you.

After all, who would you trust more? A non-certified online shop that could be somewhere in the Far East or a German dealer verified via the SSL protocol for whom German law applies? In order to be able to use an SSL certificate for several domains or subdomains, you need a wildcard certificate. Incidentally, the SSL protocol is now also an SEO criterion (search engine optimization). In 2014, Google announced that it would list pages that use an SSL protocol better in the search results. Conversely, this means that eCommerce projects can no longer rank as well without a corresponding protocol.

Tailor-Made Security Services with An Attractive Price-Performance Ratio

So you see, the protection for an eCommerce server can be very diverse. In addition, the individual factors not only increase security. In addition, your customers will place much more trust in you because they know that your data is in good, reputable hands with you. In order to optimize the protection individually and efficiently for your eCommerce project, you are welcome to contact us directly at any time. Together with you, we offer an attractive, cost-effective, and tailor-made solution with maximum security and the greatest possible trust.

Cyber Security Strategy: GI Calls for Greater Protection for Users

noreply@blogger.com (Sameera Takhtani) — Thu, 01 Apr 2021 06:46:00 +0000

The Federal Government's Cyber Security Strategy (CSS) adopted in 2016 is to be modernized. The (GI) was also involved in the association consultation for the new edition and is committed to consistent further development and systematic strengthening of users.

The 2016 Cyber Security Strategy forms the cross-departmental strategic framework for the Federal Government's activities in the field of cyber and IT security. Its aim is for citizens to be able to interact safely, freely, and independently with digital technologies. This year the strategy paper is about to be reprinted. As part of the association consultation, the Gesellschaft für Informatik has also summarized its suggestions in a statement and calls for a consistent update of the cybersecurity strategy, for example by avoiding zero-day exploits or a stronger focus on consumer protection and the consistent closing of security gaps.

Alexander von Gertler, Vice President of the Gesellschaft für Informatik: “We are observing an increasing degree of vulnerability on the part of users to large digital corporations, more or less abstract threat scenarios, and the growing technical complexity of IT systems. This is precisely why the consistent further development of the cybersecurity strategy is central. Because it provides an orientation for the strategic direction of the Federal Republic in an increasingly digitized world and an increasingly complex threat situation in cyberspace. "

Some of the main suggestions made by the Gesellschaft für Informatik include:

The "security despite encryption" approach, which means that security authorities use existing security gaps ("zero-day exploits") to monitor suspects, should not be pursued under any circumstances, as these security gaps can also be exploited by criminals and non-state actors they pose a tremendous threat to the security and privacy of citizens.
In the future, the number of cyberattacks that have taken place should no longer serve as an orientation for a cyber threat situation. Since there is still a lack of clarity about the signs from which a cyber attack can actually be said to have taken place, very different numbers arise, depending on the counting method, which are consequently no longer comparable. Instead, efforts should focus on closing security gaps in software and hardware. Because cyberattacks can generally only be successful if they exploit a point of attack, i.e. a security gap. Closing security loopholes should therefore be given top priority in CSS. Methods for their identification are mentioned in the established ISO 27034 standard.
The strategy should address the issue of consumer protection more than before, especially about the Internet of Things (IoT). The question of the lack of update capability of IoT products represents a growing problem of IT security and data protection. Also, the lack of update capability of IoT devices results in sustainability and environmental problem, since devices are exchanged and more frequently than necessary must be thrown away.
In the cybersecurity strategy of 2016, the spread of false reports is still primarily attributed to hijacked IT systems. However, recent reporting clearly suggests that much less hijacked IT systems are used to spread propaganda and disinformation, but that there is targeted use of social media channels. The problem can now be dealt with on a higher level of abstraction. This fact should be taken into account when recasting the strategy.
Protect your IT systems with well-advanced security solution Protegent Total Security Software.

IT Security Trends and Forecasts for 2021 | Total Security

noreply@blogger.com (Sameera Takhtani) — Thu, 01 Apr 2021 06:09:00 +0000

Companies and organizations around the world will continue to work decentrally, thus increasing the attack surface for hackers.

Employees, as well as their private households and IoT devices, are increasingly the target of attacks and the gateway for cybercriminals who want to gain access to company and personal data. Dynamic security architectures are gaining importance. National states will be preoccupied with disinformation and threats from cyber attacks.

Marc Rogers, Executive Director of Cybersecurity Strategy at Okta, a provider of identity solutions for companies, has identified the most important IT security trends and formulated forecasts which developments will keep digitally networked societies busy in 2021 and which CIOs and CISOs should keep in mind.

1. Remote Work and The Digital Workforce

Corporate users are becoming the main target for cyberattacks

“Social contacts - private and professional - will be at least temporarily only possible to a limited extent next year and employees will often continue to work spatially separated from their teams. As a result, attacks targeting individuals will continue to grow, and the data theft business will grow dramatically. Threats such as Business E-Mail Compromise (BEC) or the sale of compromised identities and accesses will reach record levels.

An increase in data theft in the corporate environment is expected in 2021. It could be the year employee households become the vector of attack causing these big data breaches.

Zero Trust: Cloud initiatives and decentralized workforces are driving the development of dynamic security architectures

After employees and companies have become familiar with the new forms of remote work, those responsible will tackle the technical construction sites that have often arisen as a result of the sudden change to a new dynamic working methods. In some cases, this will lead to considerable changes in the IT architecture and at the same time can create new areas for attack. This will accelerate cloud initiatives and lead to greater use of intelligent and dynamic security architectures such as Zero Trust.

New areas of the security industry will arise around the evaluation of the new attack vectors. Conventional IT security approaches fail or are poorly tailored to scenarios in which privileged employees with access to sensitive data work decentrally. Also, many of the security challenges we faced back in 2020 are likely to lead to a new wave of innovation addressing aspects such as behavior analysis, device identification, and intelligent risk management that is aligned with the "New Normal".

2. Internet of Things

The growth of IoT continues to accelerate and personal smart devices become the biggest security risk for consumers and businesses

As many workers continue to work from home, their personal IoT and smart devices are becoming a greater threat to corporate IT security.

We all use these devices for our entertainment and to automate aspects of our daily lives. From smart TVs to loudspeakers to refrigerators, more and more devices are connected to the Internet via home WiFi, thus creating possible points of attack for cyber criminals who are after data.

Also, the extremely fast-growing IoT market is tracking our health. Sports equipment now offers medical-grade sensors that users can use to monitor their heart rate and other body functions. However, very few people who use or even develop these devices have given real thought to where their data is going and how it is managed and secured. The lax data policies of these devices make it clear how vulnerable we are, yet companies continue to develop similar technologies for homes, cars, and cities.

In 2021, however, we will also see the Internet of Things mature in terms of security. New framework conditions and guidelines are to be drawn up worldwide, forcing manufacturers to integrate at least a certain level of security into their devices. The devices should not use weak standard passwords, patches must be possible, the manufacturers must provide support and bug programs.

3. Attacks Against the Nation States and Campaigns for Disinformation to Manipulate Elections

Disinformation and cyber attacks against nation-states will increase

Disinformation thrives on chaos and confusion: the more chaos, the more opportunities for cybercriminals. Since Disinformation as a Service (DaaS) can now be used on a larger scale, all groups have the opportunity to use disinformation tools that were previously only available to nation-states. Although less in the focus of international interest, it can be assumed that digital election manipulation and disinformation campaigns will also play a role in the federal election in Germany in 2021.

We already saw the start of these attacks in 2020, when protests and gaslighting operations aimed at manipulating and unsettling people attempted to create social movements out of nothing. The year 2021 will bring even more similar things. However, the number of groups and different agendas will continue to grow. The goals will range from appropriation, expansion, or retention of socio-political power to pure disruption. In some cases, disinformation tools will be used as a distraction in hybrid attacks that also include traditional cybersecurity and physical attacks.

4. Possible Effects of The US Election on Cyber Security

Recognition of the US election result will have an impact on cybersecurity

In 2021 and after the US elections, an increase in foreign actors is very likely to be expected. If the election result is not approved by the beginning of the year, many programs will be vulnerable and vulnerable. This type of chaos is a proven gateway for foreign attackers, who know that the more chaotic the social situation, the more difficult the attribution and tracing of the crime and the greater the chance of exploitation of the situation and profit.

Assuming a smooth transition, with the US authorities returning to normalcy in which those responsible play a bigger role in strategy and decision-making, we will see a strengthening of domestic programs and a more coherent approach to things like cybercrime in the US Experience the USA. While the previous government left positions such as the national CISO and other strategic tasks in the area of cybersecurity vacant, it is to be expected that these will be filled quickly with a change of government.

To combat the cyber criminals you need to install the best antivirus software like total security.

7 Tips on How to Protect Yourself Against Cybercrime | Free Antivirus Software

noreply@blogger.com (Sameera Takhtani) — Wed, 31 Mar 2021 06:09:00 +0000

According to the industry association BITCOM, every second German citizen has already become a victim of cybercrime. Nevertheless, online crime is still underestimated by many. Private households in particular are a popular target for attackers. Anyone who uses online banking, shops online, is active on social media or even just surfs the Internet, in general, can fall victim to fraudsters, hackers, or thieves - without even realizing it. We give you seven practical tips on how to use the internet safely.

Tip 1: You Don't Give Viruses and Trojans a Chance with Protection Programs

The business with malware protection software is booming - and not without reason: Viruses and camouflaged spying programs such as Trojans are still on the rise. Virus protection programs from a reputable provider are important for protecting all devices used online. However, it is then also necessary to keep the software up-to-date with updates. Even the best protection software is of no use if it does not have the latest virus signatures. We also recommend an ad blocker so that you are also protected against malware hidden in advertisements (so-called "malvertising").

Tip 2: Beware of Phishing!

Some supposedly reputable email senders are hiding fraudsters who catch data with fake emails and websites - also known as "phishing". In this way, they try to steal and misuse your user data, passwords, and bank details. In the past, such phishing attacks were mostly formulated in bad German and so relatively easy to expose. In the meantime, that has changed. In many cases, the news can no longer be recognized as a fake. For example, you will be addressed personally and in perfect German. You should neither reply to suspicious emails nor open the link or attachment. If you want to check the alleged e-mail from your bank or an online retailer, contact us separately - via the website or telephone number you know. The general rule is: Serious companies do not request any confidential data by email. The recipients should generally be suspicious of such requests.

Tip 3: Be Careful with Open Wi-Fi and Unknown Hotspots

WiFi without password protection is a gateway for fraudsters. If a data thief is nearby, he can easily track the information. A simple app is sufficient. If you want to be on the safe side, you should only use password-protected networks, for example in hotels or airports. Fraudsters also intercept data from users of open WLANs differently. For example, via a simulated WiFi hotspot that directs internet surfers to a fake network. Therefore, the following applies: You should not transmit anything confidential via public WLANs and generally display careful surfing behavior.

Tip 4: Not All Passwords Are the Same

Furthermore, the most popular and at the same time most insecure passwords for Germans are “123456” and “123456789”. However, only the use of secure passwords protects against unauthorized access to your online accounts and customer data. In general, a password is considered secure if it fulfills the following properties:

Length: Use at least 12 characters.
Complexity: Combine numbers, special characters, and upper and lower case letters.
Uniqueness: Never use the same passwords for different accounts or accesses.
Uniqueness: Your word should not appear in the dictionary.

Tip 5: Sharing Is Caring? Be Careful What You Share on Social Media.

The use of social media also carries the risk of becoming a victim of identity theft or bullying. But burglars could also feel invited if you not only save your address in your Facebook profile but also share your current location at your vacation home - your apartment is obviously uninhabited for a long time. Therefore, always pay attention to what content you are sharing and with whom. Less is sometimes more.

Tip 6: Updates Close Security Gaps

The following applies not only to your virus scanner: Regular installation of new updates is essential to keep the software and security settings of your devices up to date. This makes it more difficult for attackers to find a security hole. Find the best free antivirus software with all premium features to protect against cybercrime.

Tip 7: Shop Safely Online

Those who shop a lot online can easily become the victim of professional scammers. You must check the trustworthiness of the seller and his online presence before buying. Who is the seller? How was it rated by other customers? Are there an imprint and the general terms and conditions stored on the site by regulations? Are the prices quoted realistic? Also, pay attention to the payment method. The rule of thumb is first the goods, then the money. In particular, avoid paying in advance if you have never ordered from a retailer before.