6 Tips to Protect Against Phishing Attacks | Total Security

With the growing popularity of social media websites like Facebook and Twitter, it should come as no surprise that cybercriminals are trying to take advantage of flaws in security applications and inadequate protection protocols more often. Twitter, in particular, seems to be a favorite target of malware authors and hackers, judging by some of the latest news in the internet circle.

History of Attacks on Twitter

In May, a French hacker calling himself "Hacker Croll" easily managed to access the email account of the administrative assistant, and there, take the information that allowed him to access the application program to the Google employee account. Apparently, people who work at Twitter used the corporate version of this application to share documents and other information within the company. From this, the Hacker Croll was able to steal over 300 private company documents and leak them to the public.

In August, a pro-Georgian blogger nicknamed "Cyxymu" was the target of a denial of service (DDoS) attack, which affected not only his Twitter account - causing a multi-hour outage of the entire site, as well as many other problems. - but also to Facebook and LiveJournal, sites where he also had accounts. Whether Cyxymu's accusations that Russia is responsible for the attack are true or not remains to be seen, but the ease with which this assault was orchestrated has made much wiser.

In September, a Twitter worm was able to spread via direct messages. Hackers who developed the software to generate Twitter accounts can circumvent CAPTCHA technology. The fake Twitter accounts posted messages related to popular topics to trick computer users into clicking the link in the fake message. When the message produced by the machine is clicked, the user is directed to a site that distributes rogue antivirus applications.

Attacks and infiltration of cybercriminals into social network accounts leading to the theft of personal and financial information are not the only problem that many users face. Malware authors have also been very busy.

The biggest danger to social sites today is the Koobface worm. This deadly little parasite attacks users of websites like Facebook, MySpace, hi5, Bebo, Friendster, and Twitter. The Koobface spreads through particularly harmless-looking messages delivered to friends, accompanied by a link. Accessing this link will cause the Koobface worm to be downloaded onto the user's computer. If the infection is successful, the Koobface tries to collect important information from the victims, such as credit card numbers.

These attacks have shown many people that on the web, we are no longer as safe as we were in the past. In July, Los Angeles officials raised concerns about a multi-million dollar proposal to pass emails and other government documents to a Google-sponsored service, the Google Apps service, attacked by hackers Croll the previous month, and this is just the beginning.

Right now, it's difficult to be totally impervious to penetration attacks, but there are ways we can help protect our computers, Internet accounts, and personal and financial information.

6 Crucial Tips to Keep Your PC Safe From Malware Attacks

Here are 6 essential tips to avoid and/or minimize the risk of malware, worms, or infections through websites like Twitter:

1: Keep Your User Profile Short and Do Not Visit User Profiles During Twitter Attacks

Keep your user profile short and never give out your personal information. This includes, but is not limited to, full name, email address, physical address, and telephone numbers. Do not disclose this information to anyone via Twitter, if you can avoid it. If someone accesses your account, this information will be easily discovered. Note that others can and will read your profile and your tweets and that they have the option of forwarding your messages, which means strangers can see your tweets. Remember, once something is posted online, it never goes away, regardless of whether or not the posting is deleted.

During the period of a Twitter attack, it is best to avoid visiting suspicious user profiles that may be infected with a worm or other type of online threat. The Web is a good source for the latest news on Twitter attacks and the accounts involved. A red flag for suspicious activity is displayed when a Twitter user repeats the same message over and over about a product or web page. Please do not click on the links provided by those messages and do not forward them.

2: Practice a Strong Password

Never (and I mean never) give your Twitter password to anyone, this includes friends and family. Make sure the password you are using is not easy to guess. Try using a combination of numbers, letters, and symbols to create a strong password. It is always a good practice to change it periodically or after an alleged attack against Twitter or other social networks. If you are a member of more than one social network, it is suggested that you use a different password for each account. Because if a hacker obtained the password for one of your accounts, he could use it to access your other social accounts.

3: Be Careful What You Download or Link to From Twitter or Other Social Sites

On Twitter, in fact, on many social websites, there are literally hundreds of new apps to use on your profile. Do your research, as many of them may ask for your username and password. Make sure what you send and who you send it to. It is best to ask others about specific applications or test them before using them. Clicking on a short URL such as Bit.ly or Tinyurl are risky practices. The services of a short URL puts you at risk of being redirected to a malicious site that can infect your system with malware. Some shorter URL services such as TinyURL and Bit.ly allow you to preview the link before clicking on it. This is a great feature to take advantage of and avoid visiting an unwanted website. As with spam in email messages,

4: if You See Something, Say It

If you suspect something is wrong, if you are being harassed, or suspect that another user's system is infected by a parasite, it is best to report it to Twitter. Because Twitter has been hit with a number of attacks lately, we all need to be involved in reporting malicious activity. If you receive a message from a user who is clearly trying to spread malware, it is best to send a direct message to Twitter's “spam account” page.

5: Follow General Safety Practices for Social Sites

It is important to always follow the general safety rules when visiting social websites like Twitter or Facebook. The main safety rules to follow are:

Trust no one. Be suspicious of all users, even if they claim to be your friends.

Always be on the lookout for fake social media sites and profiles.

Don't sacrifice your security for popularity by adding unknown users.

It is recommended only to follow people you know in real life. Don't reply to users you don't know. Keep your Twitter information private and only allow people you know to see it. Once you put a Twitter message on someone else's Twitter page, it can be seen by all Twitter users who follow your friend. Never assume that your Twitter message is private. The vast majority of users of social sites are teenagers and do not realize the consequences of posting private information. Users should always inform the appropriate authorities about threats or negative tweets or messages they receive.

6: Keep Your Antivirus, Antispyware, and Other Security Tools Up to Date

Probably the most important and basic line of defense is to make sure your computer has the latest antivirus software. Make sure to update your antivirus program and the operating system often. There are many attractive links browsing Twitter, but there is no way to know which one contains malware waiting to infect your system.

Remember that Twitter is still new, and even with its growing popularity, it can be difficult for developers to include sufficient processes and security settings. There is nothing wrong with trying Twitter and following your friends or favorite bands online, you just have to be smart about using it.

How to Save Your Twitter Account and PC After a Worm or Malware Infection

To prevent the spread of malware through Twitter messages, you need to avoid forwarding them. If you detect any suspicious activity in a profile, for example, tweets that contain the word "Mikeyy", you must take steps to eliminate the threat. To eliminate a common threat, such as "Mikeyy" you must follow the following process:

• Clear your browser's cache and disable JavaScript with the options.
• Then go to Twitter to delete all messages on your profile that have the word "Mikeyy" or any other obviously corrupt.
• Upon completion, you can enable JavaScript again and change your bio, URL, and color scheme for your profile. You can also take this time to change your password for added protection.
• Download and install a security application like Total Security that scans your system for malicious files that may have infected your system through the message sent from the corrupt Twitter profile.
• Additionally, you can use a Firefox add-on such as "NoScript" that blocks XSS (cross-site scripting) defects, a common method of worm infections to infiltrate computers via Twitter. No computer user is safe from messages that take advantage of social networks like Facebook and Twitter.

Do you have horror stories to share (experiences on Twitter), or on other social sites like Facebook and MySpace? Do you have tips not mentioned here that you can give people to help them stay safe? Please leave a message and give us an answer.

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.

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.

What is the Difference Between Antivirus and Total Software?

When it comes to protecting information on a personal computer or mobile gadget, most immediately think of antivirus software. Such programs are definitely capable of providing some guarantees. Unfortunately, they are not enough. More comprehensive solutions are needed to ensure complete security.

Why Antivirus Alone is Not Enough?

Today, many still continue to ignore antivirus software. Or they are limited only to them because such a product is usually cheaper. However, following the improvement of information security tools, the methods of attackers are also developing. They find new holes in systems, create more sophisticated and insidious malware and spyware.

A characteristic feature of modern cyber threats is that they mainly come to the device from the Internet. Hackers can also remotely connect to a PC or smartphone over a local network or Wi-Fi. So they steal personal information and files, hack accounts on social networks. And, of course, they disrupt the work of not only the hacked but also all gadgets connected to the network.

That is why comprehensive data protection is a much more reliable option than using one antivirus program. In contrast, special software has the "Internet Security" function. The built-in firewall prevents unauthorized access through the World Wide Web or local connection.

What Multilevel Information Security Methods Are Capable of

The tandem of a firewall and antivirus greatly expands the user's capabilities.

Among the advantages:

1. Detection of dangerous objects and their elimination.

2. Identification of potentially vulnerable flaws in the system.

3. Blocking remote access to devices.

4. Hiding inappropriate content: annoying ads, spam, and the like.

5. Storage of logins and passwords.

6. Recognition of fake links, scripts, and applications.

7. Traffic control.

The main condition for reliable information protection is the well-coordinated joint work of the components. Together, they can prevent most threats. Also, multi-component software can include other separate functions and services that enhance reliability. It is important that all services are regularly updated. An up-to-date database and timely patches from developers are essential. After all, new viruses appear every day.

Which Solution to Choose

There are two types of software user license:

● one-time purchase - the usual option for one stationary PC;

● Subscription - SaaS technologies help ensure security, save memory, and save installation time. Convenient for a corporate network.

Here are some reliable quality products with full functionality:

● Bitdefender Total Security;

● Kaspersky Internet Security;

● Protegent360 Total Security;

● ESET NOD32 Internet Security.

They all have some similarities. First of all, the ability to find and neutralize all types of threats and filter out unwanted content. Also, they are not demanding on resources, they are fast and efficient. They rely on an extensive virus base and are regularly updated. And, which is very convenient, they support multiple devices.

Complex multi-layered programs are almost impossible to find for free, apart from trial demos. However, such software fully justifies its cost. After all, the consequences of a cyberattack can be much more expensive. Therefore, purchase exclusively licensed software from trusted manufacturers.

What is a Keylogger and How to Protect Yourself?

The Internet has many good things, but it is also the place where cybercriminals nest, waiting for the moment to attack any computer system that is not well protected. Through malicious code, a computer can be rendered useless forever, or even worse, it can be remotely controlled by someone to access your data.

We have recently spoken about spyware as a term that includes all the forms of code that can infiltrate your computer or your website, but today we have to talk about a specific case, keyloggers.

In this article, we will see what it consists of, what forms can be taken, and what protection measures must be taken to avoid an attack via a keylogger. Let's go there!

What is Keylogger?

Being its full name "keyboard logger", a keylogger is something as simple as a computer virus that is dedicated to saving a history of all your movements when you use a keyboard to write any text on your computer. With this, what it tries to achieve is to steal the relevant information that you can offer, for example, your credit card details, bank transactions, passwords for accessing social networks, etc. There are other cases where the keylogger creates screenshots of the entered text and sends those files to a predetermined recipient for use.

Keylogging itself is not dangerous but, as always in these cases, malicious people who take advantage of technology for their own benefit. Among the most common uses it has, we find the possibility of knowing human behavior when we type on a computer, with metrics such as typing speed that allows us to know how a certain person writes, observe the activities carried out by workers in a company or supervise the Minors' use of the Internet.

Types of Keylogger

There are two different classes depending on the form of code entry. There are keyloggers that are written in software through various processes that work on your computers in the background with the addition of being difficult to detect, and hardware-based keyloggers, less known but equal to or more dangerous than software keyloggers.

Software-based keyloggers

They are the best known and, therefore, they can be combated more easily, within the problems they cause. After collecting the desired information, it is sent through the Internet to be stored elsewhere and, incidentally, to block access to the person who owns that data. There are several examples, of which we will summarize some of the most important:

Kernel-based: 

This method focuses on inserting code directly into the operating system to access the main account and record data related to keyboard use.

API-based: 

Using this method, cybercriminals connect to the API that manages your computer's keyboard and record every movement you make while typing.

Based on man-in-the-browser (MITB) attacks: 

Similar to the Man in the Middle attack, in this case, we are facing a code that is embedded in your browser and records what you write, for example in the navigation bar, controlling URLs that you access at all times.

Based on remote access: 

Finally, this system acts by allowing external access to malicious software to upload the data and then send it by email to collect it.

Hardware-based keyloggers

For their part, although they are more difficult to use than those created in software, they can come to have such well-known forms as a USB device connected to a computer that stores all the times the keyboard is used to later analyze the data. In addition to USB, we can see them in the following ways:

1. Firmware-based: 
2. Since it runs through a computer's BIOS, physical access to the computer and root access is practically mandatory to function.
3. An addition to the keyboard: In this case, criminals place a small device in those rooms where users need to type confidential data, such as the PIN to access their checking account when they enter an ATM. With this device, they manage to register the numbers and they could already enter the bank's customer account to perpetrate the theft.
4. Other methods such as an acoustic keylogger, which analyze the sounds emitted by the keyboard to get the written text; video surveillance systems, keyloggers to analyze physical fingerprints, or embedded in smartphone sensors.

How Can You Protect Yourself Against a Keylogger?

Under normal conditions, a good antivirus like total security would be enough to thoroughly scan your computers and have a powerful firewall activated. However, as you can imagine, criminals are not standing still and their codes evolve in order to continue penetrating the systems of unsuspecting companies that do not have updated computers or other devices. In this sense, you can follow these tips to protect yourself against attacks by a keylogger:

1. Use a password manager to generate keys that are difficult to decrypt and that also fill in the access fields of the web where you want to enter automatically, making it difficult for keyloggers to know your credentials.
2. Switch to two-factor authentication to not only use the password, but a mobile phone to validate access to your account.
3. Do not enter, as far as possible, sensitive data when you are using a public computer, such as those found in libraries. If for whatever reason you have to, at least try to check that there are no gadgets plugged into the computer ports. Another good idea is to "trick" the system so that when you are about to access your online banking, for example, you first enter false credentials or characters that do not exist in your credentials. This way you could check if the data ends up being saved without your permission.
4. If you didn't already know, Windows offers a virtual keyboard for use with the mouse. In the Open the "Run" dialog box by pressing the key combination Windows + R and typing "osk.exe". This keyboard will open, allowing you to navigate and work with your computer without being detected through the physical keyboard since you will not need it.
5. Finally, and perhaps the most important of all the advice we can give, is that you take all possible precautions when browsing the Internet. Throughout the Internet, there are thousands of web pages and formats such as pop-up swarming and trying to get the data of those users who do not notice what they do. Keyloggers can appear when you enter web pages suspected of practicing phishing, when you enter pages of illegal downloads or little known by the general public, or, for example, by clicking on links of dubious origin.

Conclusion

The advancement of technology has its positive side and its negative side. We have improved our lives with thousands of tools that make our daily tasks easier, but at the cost of opening new avenues for cybercriminals, but that has a solution.

Common sense, not trusting anything or anyone, and putting barriers on your computer are the three considerations that you must take into account to avoid being attacked by a keylogger and having your life ruined, at least for a season.

Viruses and Worms: What's the Difference?

Viruses, worms, bots, oh my! All of these names sound more like characters in a science fiction novel than different types of malicious software. Despite this, all these types of malware are not at all fictional; What's more, the economic damage they can cause by attacking your data or your equipment is very real.

Although the different types of malicious software (or malware) work differently, they all have the same goal: to install unwanted software on the victim's computer or network for malicious purposes ranging from those that are simply annoying to industrial espionage.

Two of the most common types of malware are viruses and worms. Knowing how they work can help you more quickly limit the damage caused by a malware attack and even prevent infections entirely.

Viruses in Word Documents

Viruses and worms differ in two main respects: in how they spread or 'replicate' and in their level of autonomy. To work, viruses need a file (eg a Word document) or a program (eg that free PDF separator you downloaded) to act as a carrier. And to replicate, they need the intervention of a human being to send them via email, messages, attachments, etc. Viruses cannot replicate themselves.

Worms, however, are capable of replicating themselves, being able to send themselves via email to other computers and networks without the intervention of a human being.

This autonomy of worms makes them more aggressive or contagious, unlike viruses, which can remain dormant on a computer for years, waiting for a user to open an infected file. Using a cinematic analogy, worms would be like a Predator, while viruses would be like an Alien.

How Does a Virus Replicate?

Computer viruses are transmitted like biological viruses. For example, a common cold is spread through person-to-person contact. We are the ones who spread cold germs to other people through our sneezes and coughs. If another person breathes in the viruses that we have exhaled, that's it! We just passed the virus to you. Similarly, a human action (the equivalent of coughing or sneezing) is necessary to replicate a virus.

We can replicate computer viruses by sending an infected file to other users in an email message, using instant messaging, etc. Like us, the recipient will open the attachment without knowing that it is infected. Most users open the attachments they receive because they trust the person who sent them. That is, for a virus to be able to replicate, human action and a bit of naivety on the part of another user are necessary.

Social Engineering

The term 'social engineering' refers to the methods used to trick people into spreading malware to other users. Hackers use our own presumptions and overconfidence to mislead us.

For example, when we visit our bank's website, we tend to look first at the most recognizable features: the company name, the logo, and whether or not the page layout looks familiar. All these elements help us to confirm that we are in the right place. Instead of applying more critical criteria, we immediately compare what we see with what we expect. And as soon as we confirm our basic expectations, we click.

Hackers take advantage of this to create malicious copies of legitimate websites and email addresses and steal our credentials and confidential information. In fact, those digital counterfeits don't even have to be perfect copies, just look close enough to match our expectations. That is why it is better not to click on the links received in an email when accessing a website, and instead use the bookmarks of our browser to ensure that we go to the place we want.

How to Protect Yourself

Although viruses and worms are different, the precautions you must take to protect yourself from them are similar.

1) Avoid Opening Messages or Attachments That Come From Unknown Sources

Social engineering is very powerful and takes advantage of our presumptions and overconfidence, but it is possible to combat it by paying more attention to our interactions on the Web. Inspect the emails you receive carefully. Phishing emails often have characteristics that give them away. Most importantly, never open files included in emails received from sources you don't know. If you don't recognize the origin of an email, delete the attached file. Do not be carried away by curiosity or you could pay dearly.

2) Avoid Unsafe Web Pages

Unsafe pages do not encrypt the communications they establish with the browser in the same way as to secure pages. Fortunately, it is quite easy to identify an unsecured web page. The URL that appears in the browser begins with HTTP. Try to visit only pages that start with HTTPS (the 's' stands for 'secure'). There are browser extensions such as HTTPS Everywhere that is very useful for accessing only HTTPS sites.

3) Update Your Operating Systems

Hackers love to discover security holes in operating systems like Windows. It is a game of cat and mouse between them and the software engineers, who continually test, identify, and patch the entry pathways they find in their own software. The result of this effort is security updates. Updates to your operating system are used to apply these patches as soon as they are released, increasing your level of protection. Set your operating system to update automatically.

4) Be Selective With Your Programs

Like operating systems, the apps you install on your devices must also be updated - and for the same reason. And in addition to updating them, you must also decide if you really need them or not. Remember, viruses need carrier files and programs to hide and run. Decide if you really need an app before installing it and, if you already have it, think about whether you use it a lot or not. The more applications you have, the more updates there will be. And the greater the number of updates, the more chances of suffering an infection or security breach.

There are a couple of programs that you should pay special attention to Adobe Flash and Acrobat Reader. Both are top targets for cybercriminals. If you don't use them, it is best to uninstall them.

5) Install Antivirus Protection

The simplest and most effective way to protect yourself from viruses and worms is to install a good antivirus like Protegent360 total security. Antivirus programs don't fall for the traps of social engineering. They are not carried away by their assumptions. They scan all the files you open and all the programs you run for viruses and worms. And good antivirus programs do it in real-time.s

Now you know the differences between viruses and worms, how they spread and where they hide. Be extra cautious the next time you open an email from an unknown source or visit a page that is familiar to you. Following these recommendations and installing an antivirus program is the best way to avoid malware.

Do You Know What is Spyware and How Does It Work | Total Security

Spyware is one of the oldest types of malware and continues to be one of the most dangerous. As the name suggests, spyware is a specific type of software that spy on you when you use your computer. It is important to be aware of the possible signs of spyware so that you can recognize the problem and take action. Read on to learn more about what spyware is, what it does, and how you can protect your devices from it.

What is Spyware?

Spyware is a form of malware that infects your devices, monitors your online activity, and collects your personal information without your knowledge or consent. It collects this information in a variety of ways, such as capturing keystrokes, email addresses, web form data, and credit card numbers. Common symptoms include poor system performance, frequently freezing applications, problems with booting your computer, and problems with the Internet connection.

There are different types of spyware such as:

Password Thieves

This type of spyware collects passwords from infected devices. These include passwords stored in web browsers and login information for your computer.

Banking Trojans

Spyware that records credentials from banks and other financial institutions such as brokerage or digital wallets. Trojans detect vulnerabilities in browsers and interfere with web pages and transactions without informing either the user or the organization.

Info Stealers

A type of spyware that scans infected devices for information such as usernames, passwords, browser history, log files, documents, or multimedia files. The software then transfers the information to another server or stores it on your PC where hackers can access it.

Keyloggers

This type of spyware, sometimes called system monitors, logs your computer's activity. It can track keystrokes, sites you visit, search history, and email conversations. He also takes screenshots of your activities frequently. Certain types of keyloggers can also collect information from other connected devices, such as printers.

How Common is Spyware?

Spyware is an extremely common type of cyberattack, although it has declined somewhat in recent years as ransomware and crypto mining have become more prevalent.

One in ten American consumers has experienced a cyber attack on their home computer, although spyware now ranks below ransomware, crypto mining, and other common types of malware.

What Are the Risks?

There are two main risks associated with spyware. The biggest problem is that spyware steals personal information and can put you at risk of identity theft. It can access your browsing history, email accounts and logins for online banking and shopping accounts, and social media accounts. This is more than enough information to steal your identity. If spyware obtains information about your bank or credit card, it can use that information to make purchases in your name or to sell your data to other parties.

In addition, spyware can cause significant damage to your computer and other devices. It can drain your computer's memory and cause it to slow, freeze, crash, or even overheat. Spyware can also alter search results, change your home page and settings, or deliver malicious websites to your browser.

How Spyware Infects Your Computer?

There are many different ways spyware can infect your device. Some of the more common ones are:

Drive-by Downloads

When booting from the disk, a website or pop-up window will automatically download spyware to your device. You may receive a warning stating the name of the software and asking for permission to install it, but in many cases, there is no warning at all.

Download Software

Certain software downloads over the Internet, in particular file sharing applications, can also install spyware on your devices. This is most common with free versions of software that you usually have to buy.

Fake Anti-spyware

In some cases, spyware disguises itself as anti-spyware. These programs assure you that they will detect and remove spyware from your computer. After you run them, you will get a message stating that your computer is clean, when in fact spyware is installed on it. If you try to uninstall the program, the spyware will remain on your computer.

Links or Attachments

Spyware, like most other types of malware, can be sent via a link or email attachment. Never click on an unfamiliar link or attachment or open an email from an unknown sender. This can download and install spyware on your computer. Clicking on malicious links can also infect your device with a worm. These worms are used to spread malicious software across the network to which your device is connected.

Spyware for Mobile Devices

Some types of spyware are designed for mobile devices. This type of spyware infects iPhone and Android devices when you install an application that contains malicious code. Some of these apps are legitimate but have been modified to contain malicious code, others are malicious, and some have fake download links.

What Can I Do if I Find Spyware on My Device?

Spyware can be extremely difficult to detect. Some warning signs include excessive pop-ups, your browser redirecting you spontaneously, and your browser's home page changing. Another common symptom is that your computer is very slow to boot, open programs, or save files.

If you suspect that your device has spyware, it should be removed immediately. You need to purchase a powerful cybersecurity software like total security that has advanced spyware removal capabilities. This type of program removes spyware from your device and restores any changed files or settings.

After removing the spyware, contact your bank, credit card company, and other financial institutions to warn them that your account might be compromised. In these cases, you may need to request a new bank account or credit card number. In some cases, you may also need to contact law enforcement.

How Can I Prevent Spyware?

If you have a device that connects to the Internet, there is always the risk of spyware and other types of malware. However, there are a number of steps you can take to reduce the risk of spyware on your device. Here are some ways to protect your devices from spyware:

Use Anti-spyware

There are many anti-spyware programs on the market that scan your computer and detect any spyware. However, it is important to make sure that you have purchased your anti-spyware program from a reputable internet security provider. Sometimes spyware disguises itself as anti-spyware, so it's important to use a trusted provider. After you have purchased the program, be sure to update it regularly for maximum efficiency.

Set Up Your Browser Security

Many browsers allow you to adjust security settings from low to high. Find out what options are available for your specific browser. Some browsers may even act as a firewall against the installation of cookies and unwanted operations.

Don't Trust Pop-ups

Often, ads and offers that appear in pop-up windows may contain viruses or spyware. Some of these pop-ups claim to have a virus on your computer or claim to be an extension to improve your online experience. Don't click "Agree" or "OK" to close the pop-up window, always click on the red "X" instead.

Internet Security Practice

As with other types of malware, spyware often comes in the form of a link or attachment. Beware of emails from unknown senders and never click on links or attachments if you don't know what they are.

Conclusion

Spyware is on the decline, although it continues to pose a significant threat to businesses. Spyware is especially dangerous because it can get your confidential information. They can then use that data to steal your identity or incur costly charges on your accounts.

When you use a device that connects to the Internet, there is always a risk of malware. However, by taking the necessary precautions, you can protect yourself and your devices from spyware.

Cybercrime: How to Face and Prevent Virtual Attacks?

The network virtual crime or cyber-crime, broke boundaries and is present throughout the world. The invasions are constant and at a high level. It is a ubiquitous danger, which is widespread anywhere and can invade various media, such as cell phones, computers, tablets , among other devices connected to the internet .

Types of Internet Crimes

Invading a computer with malicious codes to crack passwords, stealing and manipulating documents and information, destroying data, altering information, carrying out pedophilia , money laundering, financial fraud , harassment, espionage, blackmail, among other crimes, are common criminal practices in the virtual environment .

The criminal does not need to be armed with a firearm or physically present at the crime scene. It just needs to access your computer, a network, software or hardware. And for that there are several ways.

The most common practice is through malware that invades e-mails, software and websites through the technique phishing to influence the click on links infected by viruses.

Both the hacker and the cracker have computational skills at an exceptional depth level. The difference in nomenclature is that the cracker uses this knowledge to practice illegal activities on computer systems connected to the network. And the hacker can use his ability to work honestly, but that also does not prevent him from committing the crime, since he has this knowledge.

Proactive and Preventive Management Against Cyber-crime

To combat and solve cyber crimes, the criminal experts of the Institutes of Criminalistics of Brazil carry out the following proactive and preventive actions:

•     Implementation of new technologies information security to prevent the action of digital criminals;
•     Acquisition or development of computer tools with forensic technology to perform expert examinations;
•     Monitoring by court order of computer networks with suspected fraudulent practices;
•     Direction, strategy and joining forces of national and international institutions;

Virtual Security Tips

Check out important proactive and preventive actions you need to take to improve virtual security both in the corporate environment and on personal computers:

•     Invest in information security: it is a preventive action to protect data, files and information that are on any device or even in the cloud . Make all users of the same network aware of the importance of accessing the internet correctly. In companies, implement security policies and contingency plans.
•     Take the digital inventory: this tip can be used more in a corporate environment. Map and make a detailed listing of all equipment in use for monitoring and checking for possible threats.
•     Create secure passwords: choose more complex passwords with numbers, letters and special characters and do not use the same security key to access multiple virtual accounts.
•     Be careful with emails and websites: access links and emails from trusted and well-known sources. Download and trade on reputable sites.
•     Install a reliable antivirus and activate the firewall: install and keep the antivirus updated to check and block threats and eliminate viruses. Activate the firewall to prevent malicious code from being hacked. Use an advanced antivirus like total security to combat the latest cyber attack.
  
•     Back up periodically: the best protection to prevent the loss of files and data is to regularly back up data to hard drives or remote servers.
•     Perform security updates: keep your operating system and software up to date to avoid program vulnerability and protect against threats.
•     Use secure Wi-Fi: networks networks for internet access may be infected. Therefore, access and perform financial transactions on trusted networks.
•     Monitor and have a critical sense of use: constantly check applications and use the internet wisely. Be wary of 'incredible' promotions , awards, discounts and any other type of action that could be fraudulent. Never register your personal and bank details on untrustworthy sites or send them by email.

In view of the significant number of cyber attacks, we experience a shortage of specialized experts to solve this type of crime. To combat cyber-crime , the digital expert needs to have higher education in the area of ​​computing , information technology or other related areas and a constant update of knowledge through training and specializations in the area of ​​computer forensics to keep up with new technologies, investigate crime and identify the cracker.

Tips for How to Safely Save on Video Games

The risks of pirated games, activation codes from gray market sites, and ready-made accounts from official stores.

Modern games can be quite costly, and not everyone can afford to get them at full price. Some players believe that entertainment, in general, shouldn't cost that much. Even so, many do not want to miss out on the games and are therefore looking for other alternatives, including those that flirt with illegality. If you are one of this group of gamers, you should be careful because unpleasant surprises can lurk around the next corner.

Pirated Copies

A common way to get a game cheaply is by downloading a pirated version. It's neither legal nor ethical, but let's be honest, it doesn't stop many from doing what they want. However, these types of free games can come at a high price: scammers spread malware, often disguised as game crackers or activation keys, and their traps can be difficult to circumvent.

Fraudulent Activation Codes

At first glance, another and completely legal way of saving money on games is to buy an activation key in an unofficial shop. The prices there are usually lower than on official websites and thus attract the bargain hunters among gamers.

The gray market, however, is dubious; therefore the name. Aside from honest sellers who buy keys in bulk and offer them at a discount, there are also a few scammers in this world. To distinguish them from normal sellers is not always easy.

The activation keys for sale could have been stolen or only intended for journalistic purposes. Such keys tend to be revoked by publishers, with the result that the key either doesn't work in the first place or the game suddenly disappears from the account. It is possible, after much back and forth, to prove that the activation key was purchased in good faith, without having known about its dubious origin. But are these few toads worth all of the inconvenience?

Anyway, the main argument for buying games is to help the developers so that these multiplayer servers can maintain and develop new games and sequels. If you buy a stolen key, the money goes straight into the pockets of the thief and the developers get nothing.

Also, both developers and publishers have to invest a lot of resources to investigate such cases and also grapple with affected customers and claims for damages. Because of this, some independent studios have even advised gamers to download a pirated copy rather than pass money to the gray market sellers.

Ready-to-use Accounts

It's not hard to find a great offer for a ready-made account that is teeming with games on a platform like Steam or Origin. Compared to the price of each game, such accounts can be real discounts. The sellers explain their generosity z. B. with the fact that they have stopped playing and want to recoup at least some of their expenses.

What can go wrong there? A lot. First, the seller could be a bald scam who steals your money and then disappears, leaving you with no account and a hole in your wallet. The real disadvantage is that you can no longer turn to anyone: the gaming platforms expressly prohibit the sale of accounts, which makes buying them illegally.

Second, the account could turn out to be stolen. The real owner could ask for this account back sooner or later (which is logical). In this case, you lose the money you paid to the criminals. The same applies here: If the initial purchase has violated the rules of the platform, legal action is pointless.

Third, even if the account exists and is owned by the seller, and even if the seller hands it over to you, you are still not guaranteed a smooth transaction. After receiving the money, the seller could request an account recovery claiming you stole the account.

Fourth, gaming platforms are hostile to such “shadow trade”. If the system detects the transfer of the account, it could simply block the account "until the circumstances are cleared up." That is, you will never see this account again.

Last but not least, trading accounts through gaming platforms is prohibited. So if a transaction goes wrong, you are wrong. That's why buying a secondhand gaming platform account is perhaps the riskiest way to save on games. It is better not to mess around with this option.

Play in Official Stores

If you want to save money without taking any chances, then stick to the law (which we recommend anyway). This also includes keeping an eye out for possible discounts and special offers or downloading inexpensive or free games from official websites.

Patience also helps a few years after initial release, you can get games between 80 and 90% cheaper, so you can save a lot of money with a little patience.

In any case, it is always essential to remain careful; even Steam is not immune to malware. In 2018, for example, scammers uploaded a miner disguised as a simple platform operator.

Also, in some cases, cybercriminals create fake game pages, either by setting up a separate website or on Steam itself. If you accidentally land on a fake page, you run the risk of infecting yourself and losing your account. In short: check everything carefully!

How to Save on Games - Without Any Risk

To avoid the hassle of finding discounted games, we recommend the following:

• Only buy games from official websites and wait for discounts. These are available at regular intervals so that you usually don't have to wait long for them.
• Don't buy the first offer that opens up to you. At least read some reviews of the offer. If something is fishy, ​​people will likely find out.
• Use reliable total security software that won't let suspicious programs on your computer, no matter how interesting.

Tips for How to Trade Safely in Online Games?

Many gamers have made trading in-game items a solid source of income. Some sell items that they cannot use for their character class, while others try to get rid of the wealth they have acquired before giving up the game entirely.

Unfortunately, there are also scammers in the gaming community who use cunning schemes to leave honest gamers out in the rain. Keep in mind that some game publishers, including Valve, have refused to return items to players who have voluntarily given them to scammers.

Observe the Rules of the Game

First of all, not all developers allow players to trade in-game items, let alone sell them for real money. So before looking for a buyer for your Golden AK-47 or buying the Sword of a Thousand Truths, it's a good idea to check out if this could cause your account to be suspended.

For example, the developers of the MMORPG RuneScape prevent both the sale of accounts and items for real money. There are several reasons for this, ranging from legal issues (the game and the items it contains are the property of the publisher) to security issues (accounts and items put up for sale are often stolen or obtained dishonestly).

If you are caught in a prohibited transaction, regardless of whether you are a seller or a buyer, you will be banned because the rules have been violated in each case. The likelihood that an item for which you paid real money will be confiscated is also quite high: This type of transaction looks very suspicious to the administrators of the game and the payment made is not registered in the game and therefore cannot be verified.

At the same time, trading in armor, weapons, and other items within the game as part of the in-game trading system is usually not prohibited.

May the Buyer Be Careful

The second important rule is to trust intuition and stay away from overly attractive deals. Just like in real life, cyber scammers will try to win your trust and promise incredible discounts. The only goal behind this, however, is to persuade the buyer to buy or to elicit the password.

There are several signs that caution should be exercised. So you should be careful of sellers who knock on the purchase decision, but the buyer under pressure, or want to lead the sales process outside the official platform. Even if it's a friend texting you, be careful: scammers may have hacked the account or are using a character with the same name as your longtime buddy but with a barely noticeable period at the end of the name.

Pay attention to the exchange window to make sure that the promised hundred thousand gold coins don't turn into [Boar Tusk x 1] at the very last minute. And in general, make sure that you are offered the exact item you want to buy, not just a similar one. Of course, the item should also be for the right game.

Some scammers posted articles on Steam for their own games that looked exactly like much more valuable articles for much more popular games. For example, a shady guy managed to sell a fake Dragonclaw hook from Dota 2. The fake was a perfect copy of the original: same appearance, same name. The scammers even copied Dota 2's description and logo.

The only problem with the fake was that it had nothing to do with Dota. The item could only be used in a game called Climber, which was later removed from Steam.

After several similar cases, the moderators of the gaming platform began to pay closer attention to which game an item belonged to. Still, it's always a good idea to take care and check everything in advance.

Be a Smart Seller

Scammers try to deceive not only buyers but also owners of valuables. If another player asks you for the trade item to confirm the “quality” or wants to borrow it for a “trial test”, then they are most likely trying to let them go. If someone's keys offer in exchange for an expensive item, you should also be on guard, as the Keys probably stolen were.

Game providers and game shops advise against trading items for real money via third-party payment services such as PayPal. If you still want to make a transaction and purchase an item with cash, first make sure that the buyer is trustworthy. Do you have the slightest suspicion that you might be ripped off? Then reject the deal. Even if you have agreed on a prepayment, a fraudster can retrospectively cancel a transaction by contacting the payment system's support service. So in that case you will get nothing.

Storage Tips

• Whether you are the buyer or the seller, shield your computer and account properly. If you get hacked, scammers will quickly empty your account, It is recommended to have total security installed in your PC if you're a full-time gamer.
• Therefore, do not use the same password for online games that you use for other services;
• Do not click any links to external sites in the game chat and carefully check the address of any resource that prompts you for your username and password as the site may be fake.
• Never turn off your computer protection. Contrary to popular belief, certain antivirus packages will not affect your game's performance. Rather, if you leave them running, they will detect and block threats.