What is the Damage Caused by Ransomware | Total Security

If you are infected with ransomware, you will not be able to perform normal operations such as encrypting files stored on your PC or changing your password. It features a warning screen when you try to access your data, asking you to pay in exchange for recovering your data. Malicious threats have also been reported, such as gradual deletion of data at regular intervals if payment requests are not followed.

In addition, there is a risk that not only will the files on the infected PC be encrypted, but the data on another storage connected to the PC will also be encrypted. In addition, ransomware has caused damage by changing the target, scale, and system shape several times. Information should always be gathered as ransomware threats continue to exist.

Cases of Damage Caused by Ransomware

Reveton

Ransomware that spread around 2012. It gets into your PC as a Trojan horse and locks your system for fictitious reasons as you download pirated software or illegal porn on your infected PC. The notification is disguised as if it was sent by the police, and it is devised to display the user's IP address on the screen.

WannaCry

It is said to be the largest attack in history, and in 2017, more than 200,000 large-scale infections in 150 countries were confirmed. Damage reports from Japanese companies have also been confirmed. WannaCry spread the infection by exploiting a security flaw, a "vulnerability" that Microsoft could not address. The infection has spread not only to individuals and businesses but also to government agencies and hospitals, causing confusion in Europe, such as hospital closures due to damage.

Transmission Route

It is said that there are two main routes of ransomware infection: "website" and "email". Let's understand the characteristics of each to prevent infection.

Website

Techniques such as WannaCry that attack security vulnerabilities are also cases of using websites. When an attacker creates a website with a virus and a user browses it, it becomes infected with ransomware. Even if it is a legitimate website, an attacker invaded and unknowingly rewrote the program. Recently, it has spread in the corporate network through infected terminals, and there is a strong tendency to target companies that are not well managed and cannot frequently update security.

Other reports have shown that users can install ransomware themselves. For example, when you visit a particular site, the site will appear garbled and you will be prompted to install the font. Clicking the install button is a way to install ransomware instead of fonts.

Email

In the case of email, a Trojan horse-like technique that infects ransomware by opening links and attachments in the text is a standard. If you misunderstand that the email has important content such as an invoice or out-of-office notification and open the document file, the device will be infected with ransomware. The content of the email may be spam or targeted email.

In the case of spam mail, it can be automatically eliminated to some extent by using the junk mail filter. On the other hand, in the case of targeted emails, the emails are sent as if they were related parties, so you need to make your own judgment. If you do not know the danger of ransomware, you may open it by mistake, so take measures such as strengthening security software and regularly checking whether your PC is up to date.

How to Protect From Ransomware Infection

There is no authoritative option to protect your data from ransomware infection but using a new generation antivirus like total security can extend your level of security to a new height.

Phishing: Types, Scams, Attacks, and Ways to Prevent Them

Scams are an integral part of our digital world. Cybercriminals use hundreds of attack strategies, and phishing - or phishing in French - is one of the classic representations of this. Although the strategy is not new, Internet crooks continue to employ it with new variations.

The main source of phishing is spam. Skillfully crafted to manipulate their recipients, these emails are designed to bypass your email spam filters in order to appear in your inbox.

Above all, the “phisher” seeks access to confidential and critical personal information and corporate data. Bank details and passwords for access to the corporate network are therefore particularly coveted by scammers.

The many faces of phishing

Digital Bandits Use Different Types of Phishing Techniques.

1. Whale Phishing - the CEO Scam

Whale Phishing, or “whale” for “whale”, is a targeted phishing strategy that aims to hook the “big fish” of an organization. In line of sight: senior executives, directors, and other strategic collaborators. Also, before sending their emails, crooks study their subject from all angles. They personalize their messages by sprinkling them with key information about the organization. From an email address similar to the one used by the tax authorities or other government agency, the sender requests sensitive information or a money transfer. Overall, the email looks very professional, but because it targets smart, high-level people, it has a pretty low success rate.

2. Deceptive Phishing - Objective: to Deceive the User

Used for decades, this phishing strategy is classic. The spammer uses email addresses that are similar to real websites and large businesses - with one variation, which often goes unnoticed by the average internet user. The email asks you to click on a link that points to a bogus webpage or installs malware on your device. The goal? Hack your data and access your personal, secret, or confidential information.

3. Pharming - Insidious Operation of the Deflection

Pharming is another phishing strategy characterized by sending fraudulent emails from genuine sources (banks and social networking sites, for example). These emails urge you to take urgent action on one of your accounts, such as changing your password or taking security measures. The manipulation involves redirecting you to a dummy web page. If the web address used is identical to the source and seems in every way identical to the original site, it is because, with pharming, the crooks also intervene at the level of the  DNS cache. Once your login details are entered on the fake site, the crooks just have to hack your accounts.

4. Spear Phishing - Targeted Phishing

Spear Phishing is a targeted phishing strategy that targets a specific category of people. Emails sent directly to recipients impersonate an authentic source. It could for example be an educational institution or a bank. The use of logos and original signatures aims to reassure the recipient about the authenticity of the message. In the case of spear phishing, hackers have the same will as with other phishing strategies: to steal login information. And for that, they do not hesitate to manipulate the students of educational establishments and the customers of banking or merchant sites.

5. Phishing Attack via Google Docs

A large part of Internet users is dependent on Google applications, from the Play Store to Gmail. A single Gmail account makes it possible to use several Google services. Most of those who choose Google Docs use it to store documents and photos for convenience and security. This makes it easy to understand why Google passwords are a prime target for cyber crooks. These send emails to Gmail users to redirect them to their Google login page. However, once the password is entered, the scammer can access their account and all the stored files.

How to Protect Yourself From Phishing

Phishing is a widely used scam strategy, but not very powerful. We can therefore easily protect ourselves from it.

1. Double Check the Content of Your Messages

The content of most fraudulent emails has a number of flaws. Although the majority of phishing messages are addressed directly to you and use personal information to better trap you, this information is not complete. It is enough to observe carefully the subject of these e-mails to easily judge their authenticity.

Classic trap used by scammers: create a message that plays on the sense of urgency. Above all, stay calm and think before you act; you can only fall for it if you act in a rush.

2. Secure Your Identity

By opting for a VPN or virtual private network, you have an encrypted tunnel for all your online activities. This tunnel masks your identity and your original location; it allows you to connect through secure remote servers. By protecting you from prying eyes, your VPN eliminates any possibility of spying. This way, cybercriminals cannot access your information or your identity.

A strong VPN also protects your connection from malicious attacks; it protects and secures your existence online. Le VPN is a secure barrier that prevents phishing emails from reaching your device.

3. Check All Links

To avoid phishing traps, we recommend that you check email addresses and website links before clicking. Fraudulent addresses sometimes appear to be identical to the original addresses. But beware, they are not the same. For example, the Cyrillic alphabet can be used, and other alphabets feature Latin-like glyphs in current typefaces: the Greek, Armenian, Hebrew, and Chinese alphabets. With a sufficient number of combinations, a fake domain can be created and secured. It is then almost impossible to distinguish the true from the false. On the other hand, on sites where you must enter your passwords and other confidential information, favor secure HTTP (HTTPS) sites. Also, use endpoint security software for multi-layered protection.

How to Work Safely From Home During the Quarantine | Endpoint Security Software

In the face of the coronavirus pandemic, public health experts are calling on everyone who can work from home. As our offices are emptied and we go into home quarantine, we don't have to sacrifice security for personal safety. You can stay safe and connected while you wait for the coronavirus crisis at home.

Here's everything you need to keep your home secure and track down any scammers that might target people working remotely from their home quarantines:

1. Keep Your Home Network Safe

If you work from home (and you should!), Your home network should protect both your personal and professional life. Make sure it's up to the task.

The minimum will be to protect your router with a password if you haven't already. Next, try these additional steps:

Disable broadcast SSID. This will make it difficult to find your home Wi-Fi network (for those who don't need one)

Filter MAC addresses. A MAC address is a network name assigned to a specific device. If your router supports MAC address filtering, it will be much more difficult for any unauthorized device to even try to connect to your router.

Set up a guest network. The Guest Network is the second network you can create on your router for visitor devices. Depending on your router, you can apply different security rules for two different networks. In this case, protect your home and work devices with the strictest security guidelines and leave a friendly ruleset for guest devices.

Install a VPN on your router. If you've set up adequate Wi-Fi encryption on your router, you can set up a VPN on your router. This has unique advantages and disadvantages.

2. Use a Separate Device or Account to Work

It's better to keep your personal and professional devices and accounts separate. This way, if one account or device is compromised, the other remains safe.

If you are working on a computer, chances are you can do it on a laptop. This will be your best bet as it will already contain all the security tools your company could provide.

You can also use a separate user account on your home device. However, make sure you have all the applications you need to work safely. If you rarely log into this account, it is imperative that you update all your software before getting started. Older versions may be incompatible with your colleagues' software, and important security updates may be missing.

3. Use Corporate Cybersecurity Tools

There are many different tools that can help protect employees when they work from home. One of the simplest and most powerful Protegent360 endpoint security software for Individuals. 

Many other solutions are also available. Personal tools - from secure browsers and browser extensions to secure messaging apps - help you and everyone else stay safe. Before leaving your office to set up a convenient home quarantine, ask your system administrator if there is anything you should install first.

4. Encryption of Confidential Files in Transit and in Storage.

Your company's central servers and networks may be secure (hopefully), but when all employees work from home, anything can happen.

Luckily, there are tools out there that allow you to encrypt sensitive files both at rest and while they are being sent. Regardless of where you work from or where you send your files, they will be safe if you encrypt them. By linking your account with your colleagues, you can ensure end-to-end encryption of your most important files.

5. Stay on Top of Cybersecurity and Social Engineering

Hackers and crooks know that many companies will send their workers home, so they will try to exploit the situation in any way they can. Conversations that you once could have face-to-face with colleagues will now take place online, making them easier to use.

Read about the different forms of social engineering and phishing so you know what to look out for. Now more than ever, scammers will try to impersonate your colleagues or managers in order to force you to abandon confidential company information. You will find plenty of advice in the links above, but here are some basics:

Double-check the sender. Was the instant message you just got from your boss sent by John.Doe or John_Doe? Which one is right?

Do not download or click on anything until you are sure the sender is legitimate. Even so, you might want to check with your colleague before doing anything particularly delicate, like sending a large money order.

Maintain redundant communication channels. If you are not sure if your colleague's account is spelled correctly, call them and check again. If you're going to download or click something in your colleague's email, consider sending them messages first. This will make it harder for false messages to hit the target.

6. Avoid Public Wi-Fi

The best reason to avoid public Wi-Fi right now is that you should avoid public places and travel, period! However, if you must exit, you must take all precautions - both for your health and for your cybersecurity.

Public Wi-Fi is always dangerous, as it is much less secure than private Wi-Fi and is much more likely to be connected to (or manipulated by attackers, as is the case with the evil dual hotspot). Wi-Fi isn't the only danger in public places. Here are just a few of the other threats you may face when working in public:

USB chargers. Usually, a USB charger is just a charger. However, sometimes public chargers can be equipped or jailbroken with hardware or software that can install malware on your device or track your communication. Stick to those you trust at home.

Screen spies. If you usually work in an office, you can openly discuss sensitive or confidential topics. By working in public, you can pass this information on to someone looking over your shoulder. You will eliminate this risk by working from home alone or with people you trust.

Don't forget, however, that your physical health is of utmost importance! Public health experts say staying away from public places will keep you healthy, and we think that will keep you safe as well.

Basic Tips for Working Safely From Home

During the days, many companies ask employees to work remotely. Working remotely can introduce some new security issues, especially for users who are not working in the office.

Here are some tips to help you run more reliably on home computers (WFH).

Choose a Good Work Area

There are plenty of tips here on how to choose a space that is comfortable for you and what you can minimize, but there are other safety guidelines as well.

• Choose a personal space. If you work from home, this may be easier than if you work in a cafe or library. Pick a place where people can't draw "cure". See your opinion on what's on the screen.
• If you're having trouble finding a personal place to work, you may be able to get a privacy filter. This is a protective panel that attaches to the screen and makes it difficult to read the contents of the screen unless you are directly in front of it.
• If you have conference calls or video meetings, keep in mind if other people can eavesdrop even if they weren't available to other people. Even if you are wearing headphones (especially in some cases). Other people can still hear voice communication when dictation. Make sure you are using meeting software with advanced security features.
• Do not allow family members to use your work devices. If you want to switch from your device to the kitchen or bathroom, lock your device so other users can't see what you're working on. Press Windows Logo key + L on a Windows device or Control + Command + Q on a Mac to quickly lock the screen. After you return, you will have to quickly enter it and everything should be right where you left it.
• Use only encrypted business Wi-Fi networks. Wi-Fi encrypted with WPA-2 is more secure than Wi-Fi access. If you work from home, make sure you are using your home Wi-Fi network and all home routers support encryption.
• If you need to access resources, such as servers, that are on your organization's network, use a VPN (virtual private network) connection to connect to your Office account. VPN creates an encrypted tunnel for network traffic and makes it even more difficult to intercept traffic. If you are unsure if your company supports a virtual private network (VPN) or how to connect to it, contact your IT support staff.

Data Protection

If your device is available or borrowed, what can you do to reduce the amount of data they can receive.

• Use strong authentication to access the device, such as Windows Hello. PIN, fingerprint or face, if supported by the device.
• Now you can think about what passwords you are using. If you are using simple passwords such as "funny" or "password1", now is the time to upgrade to a more secure password. "Length" is more important than complexity, although both have roles. The password must be at least 12 characters long and not in English, as well as in the dog's name. You can use a phrase such as your favorite Lyric song, movie sentence, or poetry to create a long, complex password, but easy to remember. 
• Make sure local drive encryption is enabled, such as BitLocker. Thus, if your device is lost or stolen, it becomes difficult to access local data.
• Make sure that your device has security updates and that you have anti-malware software, such as Total Security Software, running.
• Use a modern browser and make sure you are using the latest version.
• Store your files in a secure cloud location, not on a local drive or removable media. Secure cloud storage like Google Drive or OneDrive for work or school means that even if a physical device is lost or stolen, your data is still available to you and your company.
• Wherever possible, use the web version of your applications, such as Word, Outlook, or Excel. In addition, you can store your files in a secure cloud location, since when using the web version of the applications, your data remains on the server and is not downloaded to your local device.
• Stay connected with the company while you work with remote contacts. Your IT department may have special requests or create new tools. If you suspect that your device or your data has been compromised in any way, notify them immediately so that they can investigate the situation and take steps to prevent unnecessary damage.
• Now, wherever you are, Temptation can use unapproved funds or store data outside of company resources. If you don't want your job done, ask the IT department, or Supplement your own control route. It is possible that you find systems that are not performing well if you are not in the office. Now is the perfect time to make sure you can work on these issues together.
• Phishing messages and phone calls alert. Criminals try to take advantage and uncertainty by sending an email that appears to you from authorities or company executives to Lure to try to open malicious links or provide personal information.
• Never click an attachment you didn't expect, even if it sounds familiar. Before opening an attachment, you can always check it to make sure you like it.