What are the Zero-Day Attacks and How to Keep Safe From It?

Zero-Day Attack

Attacks called “Zero-Day” are one of the most feared and dangerous security incidents, in addition, about 80% of large-scale attacks that occur are due to a Zero-Day on hardware or software devices. These types of attacks affect both home users and corporate environments. Now, why do we refer to these attacks as “Zero-Day”? We are going to put one of the most dangerous types of attacks in context and, with good reason, feared.

What Are the Zero-day Attacks?

How do we get to know that we are facing a zero-day attack? When threats are new or unknown because of the different solutions that detect them, they are called Zero-Day attacks. Consequently, these are known as zero-day vulnerabilities. These attacks have the particularity of taking advantage of such vulnerabilities not yet identified, as well as malware variants to exploit a particular security flaw. The world of cybercrime is characterized by quickly discovering and exploiting any vulnerability or problem that may exist within a system or a machine. Remember that hacks, in general, are not reserved for software but also for hardware.

It is crucial that the professionals involved in these types of systems do everything possible to keep the databases up to date and the functionalities prepared. These systems, which can be detection or prevention, should always be prepared for known attacks, and if possible, anticipate what may come. Consequently, web users will have more tools to be properly protected with effective antivirus and antimalware solutions.

Why These Types of Attacks Occur

For an attacker, discovering a zero-day vulnerability and attacking based on it has its advantages. The response and recovery time after the attack has been detected can be very high, and it will take days until the manufacturer or the community launches a patch that solves the problem since it is necessary to know what the attack is about, why gave, what is the root cause and what to do to solve it. In addition, we must also take into account the time it takes from when the patch is released until all affected users install it since it is not instantaneous.

A worrying factor is that these types of attacks do not stop increasing in frequency, and they may double during the year 2020. The damages that are caused by these types of attacks can easily reach millions of dollars.

What Can I Do to Avoid Zero-day Attacks?

Emphasizing what one can (and should) do, the most important measure is to protect your device. However, just installing an antivirus, malware or a complete security solution is not enough. It is important that we know how to handle the essential or the most important of these tools to get the most out of it and ensure protection.

Another important measure that we must implement is to keep the software you use updated. Both the operating system and the different programs you use. These are updated because they include security patches against vulnerabilities and zero-day attacks that have been discovered. Many people have been victims of attacks for the simple reason of not keeping their programs up to date.

The complexity of Zero-Day attacks is very high. That is the importance that, in addition to people working in technology, all people, in general, should be vigilant and take proactive measures. It may not be possible to mitigate any type of cyberattack by 100% but equally, reaching an important level of resistance to them can make a difference when you notice the reduction of their impacts.

Keyloggers: Tips to Protect Yourself Against Personal Information Theft

Even if you are not a regular gamer, you have surely heard of GTA, Grand Theft Auto. GTA V has been hailed as the fastest-selling entertainment product in history, generating a profit of more than $ 1 billion in just 4 days after its launch. In the vein of the game's success, many player-developed mods have also enjoyed enormous popularity. However, someone has tried to take advantage of this success.

In May 2015, a forum member started a discussion alerting that a .exe file belonging to a GTA mod called “Angry Planes” had raised many suspicions. Said suspicions were soon confirmed as a malware of the keylogger type (keylogger). Soon after, another forum member reported that his Steam account had been hacked.

What is a Keylogger and How Does It Work?

A keylogger is a type of spyware that has the purpose of spying on and recording the keystrokes of the infected machine. In other words, an identity thief could easily know what you are typing on your computer, from your personal information to passwords, private conversations, etc. For example, in May 2014, more than 1800 students at the University of California discovered that their personal information, including names, insurance number, etc. it had been stolen by a hacker who had used a keylogger installed on the health center computers.

As keyloggers do not affect the operating system in any way, they can work unnoticed, allowing attackers to secretly obtain a large amount of information.

How to Protect Yourself From Keyloggers?

Protegent360 protects you from this type of silent attack. Upon detecting any sign that someone is monitoring your activity, the keylogger guard will immediately alert you with a notification. Furthermore, Protegent360 huge malware database can prevent any keylogger from ever getting installed on your computer.

In addition to installing an antivirus program such as Complete Security Software, and keeping its database up to date, you can take these additional precautions to stay safe:

1. Changing your password frequently is a simple and effective way to protect yourself against password theft. Read more about how to create a strong password.

2. A virtual keyboard is an option to consider to avoid being intercepted by keyloggers.

3. There are other methods that reduce the risk of being hacked if an attacker discovers our password. For example, the one-time password can identify the user during a single session, reducing the risk that an attacker will want to change the password or later access an attack. Another option is two-step identification, which requires entering a second verification code that is sent to your mobile after entering your password. Many great services, such as Gmail, iCloud, or Dropbox, already offer two-step identification and encourage their users to use it.

Today, although keyloggers have become a known threat, attackers continue to refine their techniques to steal your information. Combining the active protection of updated antivirus, with a strong password policy, can prevent someone from accessing your personal information.

The Impact of Antivirus Protection on Computer Performance

AV-Test has verified whether effective protection against threats for Windows devices must mean deterioration of their performance.

Antivirus Stress Test

The latest results from a unique long-term comprehensive test will help dispel the doubts of many computer users. This time, the specialists of the German center are trying to decide whether the effectiveness of protection must mean a decrease in the efficiency of the devices.

The study lasted 14 months (from January 2014 to the end of February 2015) and was conducted in 7 stages. Complicated procedures made it possible to evaluate 23 products participating in the test in as many as 35 areas. The speed of operation and the impact on performance were analyzed on devices with Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 operating systems.

Realistic Study

To ensure the most realistic conditions, the test was conducted during the activities performed by all computer users every day - downloading files from the Internet, browsing web pages, installing applications, launching applications, and copying files. The results and speed of operation of computers with active protection of the tested programs were compared to the performance of a device on which no anti-virus application was installed and running. In each of the five areas of the study, during all 7 stages, the analyzed packages were awarded points from 1 to 5 - the greater their number, the more they affected the computer's performance degradation.

Performance Test Results

This time, Kaspersky Internet Security turned out to be the test winner and the anti-virus package that has the least impact on the operation of the protected device during everyday use. This program scored an almost perfect average of 5.1 points. during all stages of the test, which indicates an unnoticeable load on the computer by this software. It was followed by Bitdefender Internet Security (average 5.3 points) and Qihoo 360 Internet Security (5.7 points).

The next 6 tested products also achieved quite satisfactory results, scoring from 6.1 to 7.9 load points. Among them were, among others Trend Micro Internet Security, Norton Security, or F-Secure Internet Security.

It is also worth noting that none of the packages participating in this comprehensive study even came close to the worst possible result of 25 points. Threat Track Vipre Internet Security, which was last in the entire test, averaged 13.9 points.

Performance Isn't Everything

The test results clearly show that the right antivirus software does not have to cause bothersome slowdowns in the operation of the computer. Of course, each of them requires the use of little resources (like any other running application), but usually, their use may be completely unnoticeable to the user. So it's a good idea to compare the results of this unique performance test with the threat detection and blocking studies to choose the most appropriate program for your own use. It turns out that the leaders of this study guarantee a minimal impact on performance with an excellent level of protection.

How to Recognize a Phishing Email? How to Respond to It?

When people work a lot, often go to meetings, and correspond with clients all the time, they get used to quickly review messages without going into details. At the same time, not everyone is well aware of the latest cyber threats and cannot immediately recognize them. In fact, these employees are ideal victims of phishing. Without noticing that the letter is malicious, the victim can give cybercriminals access to the corporate network and confidential information. By going to a phishing site, through carelessness, a person can lose a decent amount.

Successful phishing attacks can be very costly for a company. They put important data at risk, which may include private customer data, which can seriously damage your reputation.

It is important for employees to understand how phishing works, to be able to recognize phishing emails right away and to know what to do if they encounter it.

How Are Phishing Emails Spread?

Most phishing scams are targeted at a specific company. It is much easier for cybercriminals to gain access to valuable information through employees than to hack into the system on their own.

The success of a phishing campaign depends on three factors:

• The sender of the letter must inspire confidence
• The letter must contain reliable facts
• The request in the letter should be logical, addressed to a specific person

Attackers carefully prepare for their attacks: these are not random mailings. Cybercriminals study information about the company and its employees so that the letter does not raise any suspicions. Often, phishing emails are sent not to ordinary employees, but to managers who have access to more information. As a rule, such letters contain an urgent request that requires immediate action from the manager.

What Should Alert Employees?

There are some hint signs in emails that you need to check. If an email contains several such signs, it is most likely a phishing email. Pay attention to the following factors:

• Did this letter come from someone with whom you correspond frequently?
• Did you expect to receive letters on this topic from this employee? (If accounting regularly reminds you of invoicing a client and then unexpectedly asks for something completely different, it's best to check it out)
• Is there an urgent request in the letter that requires immediate action?
• Is this a standard request or an unusual one?
• Is the writing style consistent with the normal sender's style?
• Does the letter match your corporate style?
• Have your colleagues received similar emails?
• Hover over the link to see what it shows - it could be a fake link or a suspicious URL shortening

If something confuses you about an email, check the sender's email address. For example, you may see that the sender's name is familiar to you, but the email address is not his.

How to Respond to a Suspicious Email?

If you are sure that the email you received is a phishing email, do not open attachments, follow the links in the email, or reply to it. Needless to say, you can send passwords or credentials by mail.

Forward the letter to IT or security. If your company doesn't have them, tell your management about it. It is important to warn the rest of the employees: it is possible that attackers will send similar letters to other employees.

Company security does not begin or end with an information security expert or IT department. Cybercriminals often target the weakest link - the frontline employee. Therefore, everyone needs to be aware of the latest threats and tactics that cybercriminals use to keep the company safe. Also, the device should be well protected with complete security software.

10 Tips to Avoid Computer Virus Being Infected

In addition to technical vulnerabilities, the employee is often the easiest way for an attacker to access company data. The reason: uncertainty, ignorance, or convenience in daily work.

But this disadvantage can turn into an opportunity for you. You can significantly reduce the risk of attacks on your company with regular employee training. We recommend our training courses: Computer Security for Employees and Data Protection for Employees.

Don't worry, your employees don't have to be computer specialists. We will teach you the basic rules that you must use to make your company much more secure.

1. Regular Updates

First of all, you should keep the software on your computer as up-to-date as possible and regular updates will help you. It is recommended to activate the automatic software update function. Updates help eliminate potential security holes. Be aware of regular updates to your browsers and email programs.

2. Protect Your Computer With Antivirus Programs

Install an updated antivirus (We recommend complete security software.) that helps protect your computer from viruses and Trojans. Programs of this type scan your computer, manually or automatically, and report any problems that occur. There are three different types of analysis: real-time analysis, manual analysis, and online analysis:

Real-time Scanner: Runs in the background as a system service and controls all files, applications, and services. If virus protection has found something suspicious, the user is usually asked first what the next procedure should look like, so that the user has the power of decision.

Online Virus Scanners: Online scanners check files or the entire computer over the Internet. This works without installation and usually without registration. However, the software does not protect the computer from new infections, it only detects existing threats during the scan.

Manual Scanners: The special feature is the manual scanner setup. The user must initiate each scan by himself. If a dangerous program is found, the program displays possible solutions to neutralize it.

It must be determined in advance that the antivirus scanner is running permanently so that malicious programs can be detected at an early stage. So-called full scans are also recommended, which completely scan the computer.

Antivirus programs should be mandatory for everyone, as this dramatically increases the overall security of the computer.

3. Beware of Unknown Data Sources!

Unknown data sources include, for example, USB sticks or external hard drives. These appear to be safe at first glance but may contain malware or virus-contaminated files. Connecting a USB device may be enough to infect the computer without any signs.

Tip: Do not connect any foreign device to your computer, as you never know what may be in it. You should also not lend your devices to strangers, as a virus transmission is possible.

4. Caution With Unknown Files on the Internet

As the most important means of communication, e-mail presents a particularly high risk when it comes to phishing: therefore, you should check e-mails with archives. attachments in particular, as the malware could hide there.

You must not open email attachments from unknown senders!

You can use an antivirus program to check email attachments so that you are safe. In addition, you can opt for various types of email encryption to prevent potential virus attacks by malware. To be effectively protected, email messages must encrypt stored correspondence records and the connection to your email provider.

5. Be Careful When Installing New Software

It is very likely that everyone who surfs the Internet has already installed some software. Also in this case it must be checked beforehand whether and to what extent the source is reputable. Because when you download software onto your computer, malware can be an unwanted guest.

6. Regular Backups

Despite all security precautions, your computer may have been infected with Trojans or other malicious programs. As a result, the data is no longer accessible in the worst case.

In short: Everything is erased or can no longer be recovered. Therefore, we recommend regular backups to external storage media so that photos, videos, and documents can be stored independently of the computer.

7. Browser Security: Use Updates!

Outdated browsers are the number one target for malicious hacker attacks. You can also use different browsers for different services. This has the advantage that all plug-ins, extensions, and cookies can be disabled in a browser, as they are particularly vulnerable.

As a result, you will no longer be able to bank or shop online there, but you will be more secure on supposedly unsafe websites.

In addition, you should regularly delete your tracks on the Internet, such as the cache. This makes them more difficult for cyber attackers to detect.

8. Drive-by Download: Open Your Eyes!

Hacker attacks are becoming more frequent and imaginative. An example of this is downloaded from the hard drive. However, the attackers' approach is quite simple:

An Internet user visits a website that has previously been edited by hackers. Now, this manipulation of the website triggers a download. In some cases, this is not even noticed by the user, because there is no additional demand if the download has to be started. Once the malicious program is on the PC, the real effect can unfold and thus damage the user's device.

Now the question arises on how to optimally protect against such attacks. Here we also recommend an updated antivirus program. Otherwise, you should be on the lookout for suspicious websites or questionable downloads, as malware is very difficult to detect.

9. Use Strong Passwords

At this point, users and companies should be careful to use strong and above all complex passwords. For example, password managers can be used to store passwords securely and to generate new passwords made up of different letters, numbers, and special characters.