DIGITAL RISKS & GUARD AGAINST IT

 

DIGITAL RISKS & GUARD AGAINST IT

In many ways, digital identity is strength for the company: it is a testament to a well-established brand image and a recognizable name, whether selling products / services or trading documents. But, lacking control, this intangible identity can quickly turn into a weakness, and weaken what the organization has taken years to forge - the foundation of trust on which its sustainability is based. Theft of data, modification or alteration of documents, theft of sensitive information or trade secrets, manipulation or theft of identity. The risks posed by the digitization of identity on the company are numerous and must be taken into account serious.

What Are They? How to Protect Yourself from This?

Digital corporate identity: a definition

In what is digital identity? Digital identity is defined as "the collection of traces (...) that we leave behind us, consciously or unconsciously, as we navigate the network and the reflection of this set of traces, as it appears to be “remixed” by search engines”. To this, we must add another dimension linked to the dematerialization of exchanges: digital identity designates the identity assumed, online, by the issuer of a document or a decision order. It works the same for natural and legal persons. For example, a HRD who signs a hiring contract and sends it by email to the recruited person uses his digital identity - except that, in a company, each employee is responsible for the integrity of the identity of the employee whole structure.

The Different Layers of Digital Identity

The digital identity is made up of a succession of three informative layers:

The 1st layer is the declarative identity: It includes the data that is shared by the company on the networks, on a voluntary basis: on its web media (website, blog, social profiles), on third-party media (news sites, professional directories, forums, informative sites …), Via photos or videos, etc. All company employees participate in the creation of the declarative digital identity, directly or indirectly (for example, by indicating on their LinkedIn profile that they work for such and such a company).

The 2nd layer is the acting identity: It brings together all the traces left by individuals on the networks, for example geolocation, Internet browsing habits (via cookies), personal and professional exchanges (by email, via instant messaging, etc.) , or resources consulted on the web (music, video, etc.). This facet of digital identity is only made by individuals, but the "fingerprint" left can impact the reputation of the company.

The 3rd layer is the computed identity: It is forged by algorithms which interpret the data collected to recompose the different facets of an individual or collective identity. These tools extrapolate in order to forecast needs and respond to them in advance.

Again, it is possible to add a stone to the building and complete the millefeuille with a 4th layer: the legal identity. It refers to both cloud identity of an individual or a company (name, or company name) and tools used to justify legally (electronic certificate, electronic signature, strong authentication , etc. - see low).

The Challenges Related To the Digital Identity of Companies

The issues surrounding a company's digital identity can no longer be ignored. All sectors of activity are affected, as well as all sizes of businesses. All organizations leave traces on the web and are likely to send or receive sensitive documents. For this reason, all of them are concerned by issues related to digital identity, which are deployed at three levels: branding, notoriety and cybersecurity.

Branding: The image that the company projects of itself through its own resources (logo, website, visuals, and advertisements) is overtaken by the image built by users (prospects, customers, partners, suppliers, competitors, detractors …). Reduce or at least control the gap between these two images is one of the major challenges of the 21st century in terms of control of digital identity. The risk is to let users speak and neglect malicious content and misinterpretations.

Notoriety: If reputation has always been a determining issue for companies, the rise of the web has accentuated its importance. With social networks, in particular, a bad buzz quickly arrived. Bad news spreads like wildfire, and the proliferation of fake news means that it is no longer even necessary for information to be true to convince a large audience. The Internet is subject to the power of rumor, with potentially irreversible damage to the company - its e-reputation being the foundation on which the trust of third parties is built. Unfortunately, notoriety does not depend on the goodwill of organizations, but on the community of their defenders and detractors. It is therefore essential to monitor the evolution of this brand image and to be ready to intervene in the event of a crisis.

Cybersecurity: The risks weighing on the security of information systems continue to increase, endangering both companies and their users. The number of cyber-attacks against organizations increased by 25% in 2019 (1), and four out of five companies in France are ill-prepared to defend themselves against these risks (2). Around the world, attacks against large corporations are on the rise. Hackers take advantage of security holes to steal personal data or launch malware, such as:

The theft of the personal data of 106 million customers of US bank Capital One - identification data, financial information, transaction data, social security numbers, and account numbers.

Cyber Risks Weighing On Businesses

Institutions are stepping up to force organizations to take action. This is the case through two European directives: the GDPR (general data protection regulation) which governs the management of users' personal data, and therefore their security; and the eIDAS (electronic Identification, Authentication and Trust Services) regulation, which governs electronic identification and trust services through a common security base.

The Risks? They Are Of Three Types:

The manipulation of information (negative opinions, spreading false information, rumors, smear campaigns against a specific company, etc.)

The manipulation of the digital identity of the company (misappropriation of the logo or the slogan, theft or misappropriation of brand, identity theft, manufacture of counterfeits, theft of data, alteration of documents, etc.)

The data theft (often) sensitive through the use of security breaches (technical handling).

The Solutions to Adopt To Protect the Digital Identity of the Company

The challenges linked to digital identity and the risks relating to its lack of control force companies to take concrete measures to protect themselves. We can distinguish two main families of solutions to be adopted:

Best practices to be applied on a daily basis by company employees (under the leadership of the IT department). As guarantors of their employer's brand image, employees are the first to be affected by the right actions to adopt, both to maintain control of the company's digital identity (attention to publications and exchanges, digital footprint, use of secure tools to connect to networks, business intelligence to identify negative and malicious content) and to guarantee the integrity of this identity during exchanges (use of complex passwords that are changed regularly, connections only from secure networks, care taken to exchange sensitive documents, etc.).

The software and application solutions to be implemented. For example: SSL certificates to secure access to the website and servers, and thus guarantee the confidentiality of data exchanged between users and the company. The electronic signature tools that authenticate senders and confer legal value to digitized documents, eliminating the risk of alteration of these documents or identity theft. Or the use of a strong authentication mechanism, which requires the execution of at least two identification factors in order to strengthen the security of access to the company's IS. All these tools are linked to electronic certificates issued by trusted third parties.

In short, the company's digital identity must be based simultaneously on a set of internal best practices and on the use of secure total security software and 100% reliable tools, adapted to the level of risk. It's the only way organizations can regain control of their digital identity - the cornerstone of their sustainability.

 

Measures after the Phishing Attack

 

Measures after the Phishing Attack

As phishing schemes and emails become more common and harder to detect every day, simply avoiding them is not enough.

While there are countless tips and antivirus software to help you detect and avoid phishing scams, what should you do if you or someone you know falls in love with one?

What Is A Phishing Email?

A phishing email is a message sent by a black or gray hat hacker with malicious intent. Phishing attacks tailored to you are much more difficult to detect and avoid, while others use generic tricks and are often sent in mass to hundreds or thousands of addresses.

Phishing emails contain information to trick you into trusting the sender and then download an attachment, visit a website, submit information, or log into an account using the fake link they provide.

You Fell In Love With A Phishing Email - Now What?

Phishing emails are based on social engineering, which takes advantage of you, effectively bypassing your cybersecurity software such as antivirus, firewall, and spam filters.

It only takes one wrong move. This could be because you didn't realize that the sender's email has a small, intentional typo, or you didn't check the linked website URL for accuracy and an SSL certificate (displayed as HTTPS). But falling in love with a phishing email is not the end of the world.

Do not panic. If you are fast but keep a cool head, you can come out unscathed and more cautious than ever. There are mainly two ways you could fall for a phishing email: downloading a file via email or revealing sensitive information. Fortunately, you can limit the damage by acting quickly.

What To Do After Downloading A Malicious File?

Downloading an infected file is one of the easiest ways attackers can access your files and data. It can be an email attachment or a link to a website where you can download the malicious file.

Anyone can fall for this. But you are more likely to know if you don't know what phishing emails look like, or if you don't have an antivirus with a malware detector to warn you of suspicious downloads.

Stop The Attack Before It Starts

Let's say you made a mistake and ended up downloading a file that your antivirus software didn't flag. Now what? Not all attacks wreak havoc right away. You may still have time to react and minimize the damage.

The first thing to do is disconnect your device from the internet. That way you will prevent anyone from remotely accessing your device. It also ensures that any spyware they may have installed doesn't leak their files to the attacker.

Clean Your Device

Stopping the attack in its tracks is a necessary first step, but that doesn't mean your job is done. Reconnecting as if nothing had happened is like inviting the attacker back to your device. You need to scan and clean your device for malware. If you are unsure of your technical skills, you can take your device to a local technician or call a technical support center and explain the situation.

But a competent security suite should do just fine.

Repair The Damage

Change logins for any important services like email provider and financial accounts. Be on the lookout for anything the attacker may have accessed during his short duration attack.

That includes changing your passwords, if you saved them locally, and contacting your bank if you had unencrypted financial documents on your device.

What To Do After Gifting Your Logins?

One of the most common ways that phishing emails obtain your login credentials is by informing you that there is a problem with your account and offering you a link to reset your password. The link leads to a duplicate website where they collect your password.

If that happens, they can access your account, especially if you haven't enabled two-factor authentication.

Change Your Password

Even if you made the mistake and registered your credentials on a fake website, the attack does not start until the attacker changes the password and email for the account, preventing you from logging in or recovering your password.

The moment you realize you made the mistake, you have to beat them to log into your account. Go to the actual website - check the URL and SSL certificate before logging in. There, you need to set a more secure password. Go to settings and log out of all devices, which would kick out the hacker if they were already logged in. Be sure to change your security questions and answers as they may be discovered now that they have access to your personal information.

Beware: the hacker may try to change the account password and email and also force you to log out.

Contact the Provider Of The Breached Account

Unfortunately, it is not always easy to notice this type of outline right from the start. If you arrived too late and the attacker has already locked your account, you can still avoid major damage.

Now, your only option is to contact the account provider. This could be Twitter, for example, or your bank if it's financial or personal information.

Most major sites have a protocol for verifying the person using the account, and the faster you contact them, the less time the hacker will have to change details or get more information about you.

Change Your Login Credentials

Although changing your password after an attack may be common knowledge, it should actually change all of your login information. That includes email, username, password, and security questions.

Knowing even one part of your login makes it easier for a hacker to guess the other. Changing them all after an attack makes it much more difficult for the same cybercriminal to attack you again.

 

Security Tips to Keep Your Data Safe

 

Security Tips to Keep Your Data Safe

 

During travel we seek to disconnect and leave everyday worries behind. That means spending much more time sharing images and posts on social media than thinking about protecting your devices. However, maintaining certain safety guidelines is just as important when traveling, as at work or at home. When you move and you are forced to access r to public networks, you expose yourself to new threats. To travel a little more relaxed, here are some tips to help you keep your data safe when you travel:

·         Update the software. Keeping your device's software and applications up to date - especially antivirus - eliminates possible attack vectors for criminals, by improving the system's ability to detect malware. This can include fixing exploits and security bugs, as well as removing obsolete features. This is a particularly important step today, as a high percentage of smartphones have been shown to be at risk of having their security compromised even by opening a simple malicious text message. Proper patch management is another important step to help keep your devices safe.

·         Use biometric protection to keep your device locked. Getting into the habit of locking your screen can be a very effective defense against theft. New systems such as fingerprint recognition add an additional layer of security. In the past, complex passwords used to be the only secure form of automated authentication, but they have fallen out of favor as some devices lack capacity and are cumbersome for day-to-day use.

·         Disable automatic connection to public wireless networks. When we travel, we often turn to the open WiFi networks available to post on social media or even to check email. However, most public connections are not secure, making them easy targets for hackers. All confidential information you enter while on a public network could be compromised if that connection is compromised, so it is important to disable the setting that automatically connects the device. And most importantly, access only fully trusted wireless networks.

·         Activate remote erase. In the event of loss or theft, this security feature allows you to remotely disable, lock, or wipe data on your mobile device through a factory reset. Remote deletion of your data prevents unauthorized users from accessing confidential information stored on the device, should it be lost or stolen. Some devices can also be configured to perform an automatic factory reset after a certain number of unsuccessful unlock attempts.

·         Turn off location tracking. Having a GPS-capable device is very useful for any traveler, as it helps you navigate unknown places and stay informed about traffic or weather. Still, enabling location functions can also put you at risk: sharing information with geolocation can allow cybercriminals to detect your location in real time or even determine the identity of the device owner. Gadgets - such as smart watches - have become common travel companions for travelers around the world, but as their use increases, the possibility of cybersecurity breaches also grows, so it is crucial to take action necessary.

 

Restricting Crypto locker Ransomware Attacking

 

Restricting Crypto locker Ransomware Attacking

On the off chance that you've as of late signed on to your PC, just to discover the entirety of your personal documents scrambled and being held truly for emancipate, you may have been misled by the Crypto Locker ransomware virus or a comparable bit of malware.

Tragically, managing ransomware isn't a simple undertaking. The best strategy is clearly to keep your PC from getting tainted in any case.

Be that as it may, on the off chance that it's as of now past the point of no return, at that point this guide will assist you with figuring out how to forestall ransomware assaults like Crypto Locker from trading off your records while giving a couple of tips to how you can attempt to recuperate your documents after an assault – without paying the programmers.

What is Crypto Locker Ransomware? 

In late 2013, Windows clients everywhere throughout the world detailed not having the option to open any documents on their PCs. Rather than their standard work area foundation, they saw a brilliant red screen with a blue-checkered shield. A wild-eyed message on the screen read: "Your personal documents are encoded!"

Further guidelines clarified that the client's documents must be gotten to with a private key that was covered up on a mystery server on the Web. The best way to get to this key? Pay $300. This sort of malware is classified "ransomware," in light of the fact that it viably holds your personal information prisoner until you've paid the programmers a measure of cash. The Crypto Locker malware, known as a Trojan since it camouflages itself as innocuous Word and pdf email attachments, penetrates a client's PC and slithers its whole system for documents to scramble, including shared drives, USB drives, and that's only the tip of the iceberg.

The encryption method and key are thought of (about) unbreakable. Affected clients normally have 72 hours to pay a payment of around $300 for access to the private key, which decodes the documents. Now and again, the installment sum goes up after the underlying clock runs out. In others, the key is essentially obliterated and the records are lost for eternity.

Is Crypto locker Still a Threat? 

Crypto Locker had a productive run for about a year prior to being closed somewhere around a U.S. Branch of Equity examination. A few reports gauge the programmers included cleared over $3 million in coercions.

In spite of the fact that Crypto Locker itself is not, at this point active, the malware campaign generated a lot of clones and copycats throughout the years, for example, Locky, Crypto Defense, Sam Sam, and some more.

3 Simple Approaches to Secure Against Crypto Locker and Other Ransomware 

Much of the time, the encryption methods utilized by ransomware like Crypto Locker are uncommonly hard to break. At the end of the day, when your documents are influenced, getting them back without paying the payoff can be practically unthinkable. Forestalling an assault, be that as it may, is quite direct. Here are a couple of protection tips you can utilize right currently to ensure your documents remain safe:

1. Continuously Keep "Cold" Reinforcements of your Information and Significant Records 

Neighborhood and cloud-based reinforcements of your generally significant and delicate records are significant. Yet, on the off chance that your reinforcements are associated with your PC or server in any capacity, they could, in any case, be helpless against perpetual encryption during a ransomware assault. On the off chance that you have delicate or significant records on your system or PC, consider backing them up occasionally to a different hard drive or disk that isn't associated with your system.

2. Never Download Email Attachments from Obscure Senders 

Malware like Crypto Locker regularly goes about as a Trojan, which means it can without much of a stretch be veiled as a straightforward Word archive or pdf, utilizing a concealed augmentation (like .exe) that you can't find in an email review. The Crypto Locker ransomware assault, for instance, fools individuals into downloading an alleged "receipt" for a bill that is late.

Many email suppliers, including Viewpoint, presently have worked in securities that square .exe attachments and different executables that may contain malware. Yet, as indicated by Microsoft, different types of ransomware work by concealing noxious macros in blameless looking Word records.

The most secure arrangement is to never download a connection except if you know precisely what it is and who it's from.

3. Utilize a Recommended Antivirus Programming (and Stay up with the latest) 

It's basic that you utilize an enemy of malware security on your PC, particularly on the off chance that you have significant or touchy documents put away on your system. Be that as it may, simply introducing it once and leaving it isn't sufficient. Make certain to run refreshes when they become accessible and stay up with the latest.

Most top antivirus will be much of the time refreshed to distinguish the most recent assaults like Crypto Locker, Locky, and others, however, it might be powerless against new and obscure variants of ransomware. Windows clients as of now approach Windows Safeguard, which is a strong decision for anybody not prepared to buy the best antivirus software. We additionally energetically prescribe Norton for a progressively hearty arrangement.

Antivirus won't have the option to unscramble your records for you after a disease yet, as a rule, it will recognize and expel the malware before it gets excessively far and encodes the entirety of your information.

Decide in favor of Protection 

Once assaulted by ransomware, it tends to be extremely hard to recover access to your records. By and large, you essentially won't have the option to without paying the payment.

Most specialists prompt against paying the payoff on the grounds that there's no assurance the programmers will discharge the unscrambling key, in addition to paying them just urges them to prop the trick up.

The best thing you can do is to secure your PC against assaults like these by much of the time refreshing your antivirus, running standard sweeps, and never opening emails or attachments from obscure senders.

 

Firewall & Its Efficiency of Protection 2021

 

Firewall & Its Efficiency of Protection 2021

By and large, hackers infiltrate clueless clients' computers at regular intervals. 33% of all Americans will be hacked each year, and the numbers are as yet developing.

As cybercrime keeps on skyrocketing, securing your touchy information, as web-based financial subtleties and individual information from robbery ought to be a top need – and utilizing a firewall is the main line of protection.

What is a Firewall and How can it Work? 

Basically, firewalls are hardware or software used to prevent unapproved access to your PC network. They can be utilized by the two individuals and enormous organizations to channel the information going all through your PC by means of the web. On the off chance that the firewall channel discovers anything suspicious, it denies it access to your PC framework and private network.

Firewalls are imperative for preventing risky or deceitful traffic from accessing your network. The square explicit projects from accessing the web if the movement is considered excessively hazardous.

Right now age, each PC needs a firewall so as to ensure your delicate information. The inquiry is whether a firewall alone is sufficient to completely ensure your PC.

What Sort of Assaults Do Firewalls Insure Against? 

Firewalls prevent cybercriminals from accessing your own information. The issues incorporate, however, are not restricted to:

Backdoor Access: A backdoor alludes to any security openings or bugs that, when abused, permit unapproved power over the program. Indeed, even whole working frameworks like Windows can have backdoors, and an accomplished programmer realizes how to exploit them.

Remote Login Hijacking: A remote work area permits you to associate and control your PC from another area over the web. Nonetheless, hackers can commandeer the login, access your machine, and take your documents.

Email Abuse: This kind of assault focuses on an individual where the culprit sends a huge number of emails to stop up the casualty's inbox. Spam email is likewise famous and keeping in mind that most are simply irritating, some may contain infections and malware.

Source Routing: When information bundles are going through an online network, they are ordinarily "passed along" by numerous switches before arriving at its goal. A few hackers exploit this framework by making malicious information packs seem as though they're originating from a confided in source. Numerous firewalls impair source routing consequently.

What Else are Firewalls Utilized For? 

Firewall projects can now and again be utilized as intermediary servers. At whatever point you access a website page, the intermediary server gets the information first before sending it to your PC. This arrangement has a couple of advantages:

-The server that holds the page doesn't straightforwardly communicate with your machine, decreasing the odds of a malicious website page contaminating your PC.

-Your PC's online network address is covered up.

-A form of the website page is spared in the intermediary server's reserve memory, empowering quicker stacking in the event that you return to the page later on.

-On the intermediary server, firewalls infrequently offer a DMZ (Peaceful area), or a border network that houses okay records and customers that are outside the principle firewall. Since organizations, for the most part, utilize this component, individuals in all likelihood won't need to stress over it.

Firewall Pros and Cons 

There are numerous points of interest in running a firewall on your PC. The expanded security they give merits the cost of a couple of notices and notification pop-ups.

Pros 

- A firewall will guarantee any program you run has its online access observed and checked. Network traffic that could flag an unbound exchange of delicate information will be controlled through your firewall.

- Numerous arrangements will advise you when the firewall sift through any associations. That way you know when something occurs.

- A few firewalls accompany additional highlights to upgrade your cybersecurity. We'll contact more on that later.

Cons 

A firewall goes about as a security checkpoint for information bundles entering and leaving your network. Like any security checkpoint, bogus positives every so often come up. You may find that your firewall unintentionally hinders a truly secure website page you need to access.

Certain highlights can take up a lot of preparing power. 

The most effective method to Manage Bogus Positives

In the event that your firewall obstructs your work by blocking an excessive number of bundles, you ought to consider checking the settings and modifying the power of the firewall channels. Finding harmony among security and usability may demonstrate a test from the outset.

Debilitate an excessive number of highlights, and you'll be increasingly powerless against assaults. Set the channel power excessively high, and you'll run into issues with inappropriately blocked substance.

Here's the manner by which to discover and design the settings that permit endorsed projects and associations. We utilized Windows Safeguard's firewall for Windows 10 for instance:

·         Open Settings 

·         Select "Firewall and network protection" from "Windows Security" 

·         Snap "Permit an application through firewall" 

·         On the accompanying window, locate the influenced programs on the rundown and permit associations through either Private or Open networks 

You can choose which online associations are private or open networks when you interface with another hotspot. When all is said in done, open networks are held for bistro Wi-Fi networks and other open zones. Private networks are for your home or work associations.

Does a Firewall Alone Offer Enough Protection? 

Not in the event that you need all-round protection and the capacity to expel dangers. While a firewall is a fundamental part of advanced security, by and large, you will require the extra assistance of an antivirus.

In the event that you normally interface with open, unbound Wi-Fi networks, a firewall predominantly fills in as a preventative measure against malicious online assaults. When an infection has figured out how to break your PC, you need an antivirus to evacuate it.

Remember that not all firewalls are made equivalent. The Windows Protector Default firewall is helpful however to some degree barebones highlight insightful. You have to ask yourself the accompanying inquiries:

- Do you need further developed firewall protection or uncommon capacities like double-layer infection protection?

- What about a point by point report of what projects are endeavoring to access your gadget? These requirements call for committed firewall arrangements.

- Is it true that you are searching for a free firewall or an element rich paid variant?

- There are numerous proficient firewall alternatives available, yet you need to choose which one is directly for you.

Firewalls Alone are Insufficient 

The web is loaded with dangerous sites, hackers, and malicious projects intended to implant themselves in your PC. That is the reason introducing a solid firewall is an absolute necessity, yet you will likewise require a ground-breaking antivirus.

While these projects may cause a slight slack on your PC every now and then, they keep you safe and keep your touchy information out of the hands of hackers and crooks.

However, you don't really need to spend too much on two separate software programs for all-round protection. There're best antivirus software accompany firewall protection so you can get what you need with one installment.

 

Internet Security Threats for 2021

 

Internet Security Threats for 2021

How about we play a game: think about what's significantly more significant than antivirus protection but on the other hand is something that shoppers regularly neglect to search for in a cybersecurity program? On the off chance that you speculated an internet security suite, you win! However, what's the contrast between virus protection and internet security protection and for what reason do you need both to guarantee the wellbeing of your PC?

In the first place, what’s an Antivirus?

As the name proposes, antivirus explicitly filters for viruses. Viruses are the first cybersecurity danger and were around sometime before more current threats, for example, ransomware was even idea of.

Viruses have some unmistakable features that recognize them from different threats. Much the same as a real medical virus, they can self-proliferate and spread among clients. They additionally normally require a host program with a human interface so as to work.

Before Gmail, people utilized programs like Microsoft Viewpoint to download their email (cautioning: you may even live with a tech dinosaur who despite everything does). In the event that you downloaded an attachment that was seemed as though an innocuous Excel spreadsheet, you may have been downloading a straightforward large scale virus—the thoughtful that Antiviruses secure against.

In any case, imagine a scenario in which that equivalent attachment could contaminate your nearby system without a program. It might have been a worm, and to secure against that, you need complete internet protection.

Shouldn't something be said about "Internet Security Threats?"

'Internet security threats' generally alludes to a lot more extensive class of threats to PCs and the people operating them. This classification incorporates increasingly present-day, refined assault vectors including phishing, zero-day assaults, ransomware, boot segment malware, and rootkits (programs that install profoundly in the operating framework and give different programs root-level regulatory consents).

Internet security bundles normally ensure the client while web-based, associating inside an internet browser. Most of the PC clients currently spend by far most of their PC time on the web, so it's fundamental to have this additional layer of protection.

What Are These "Extra" Features? 

So antivirus programming basically targets viruses however internet security suites ensure against a bigger pool of threats. They regularly include precaution in-program protection which stops online threats before they download.

Each internet security suite needs an antivirus motor however only one out of every odd antivirus bundle will essentially have internet security features. While internet security bundles carry bunches of significant extra protection to clients' PCs, an antivirus motor stays a fundamental first line of safeguard against threats to the operating framework. In any case, what are these extra features?

1. Firewall the board is an indispensable internet security include. Windows and macOS both have worked in firewalls, yet numerous internet security programs incorporate an extra firewall supervisor that is more remarkable and simpler to use than the pre-introduced forms.

2. Mechanized port scanners ensure that lone required IP ports are open, and are another protection highlight helps square programmers who are attempting to get into your framework by means of these ports.

3. Keylogger blockers identify and expel programs planned to accumulate and transmit clients' keystrokes (containing usernames, passwords, and by and by recognizable data).

4. Mouthpiece and webcam blockers forestall the unapproved remote initiation of these gadgets by online government agents.

5. Parental control devices. These programs are progressively remembered for internet security suites. They can be utilized to square whole classifications of sites and implement restricts with respect to when clients can get to the internet (and for to what extent).

 

Guidance to Antivirus Software

 

Guidance to Antivirus Software

When were ANTIVIRUS born?

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

How does an antivirus work?

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

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

Current antivirus therefore have two essential functions: to scan the files of the computer one by one for risks using the threat database and to monitor the device to detect any unusual activity .

Contrary to what you might think, having more than one antivirus installed on the same device is counterproductive. This is because one antivirus can mistakenly detect another as 'malware' and they can try to block each other, leaving the devices unprotected.

What threats do antivirus defend us against?

Antiviruses prevent various types of 'malware':

The viruses are malicious programs that camouflages in user files. They are designed to access computers without the consent or knowledge of the users and usually aim to steal information, delete documents or change settings.

Computer worms are programs capable of running and propagating themselves through the network, with the aim of collapsing computers and computer networks. One of the best-known worms attacked in 2000 and infected 50 million computers, causing losses of more than about 5 billion Euros. It accessed the teams through an 'email' with the subject "ILOVEYOU" and included a file called "LOVE-LETTER-FOR-YOU. TXT.vbs ". When it was run on the computer, it ordered it to be forwarded to all the user's email addresses, in this way it was able to spread throughout the world in just 24 hours.

Viruses known as  'Trojans'  are a type of 'malware' that hides behind the appearance of a legitimate program that works properly, but when executed, it grants the attacker access to the computer, even allowing it to be controlled remotely.

The 'spyware' is, as its name suggests, a program that is hosted on spy equipment and devices and can collect all kinds of information about you: your habits, your personal information, banking information, etc. One type of spyware is the 'keylogger': a malicious program that installs itself on the computer or device and records all the keystrokes made by the user. It is a widely used technique to steal credentials.

The 'ransomware' is a type of virus that hijacks the information contained in the computer, encrypting the files, and asks its rightful owner a financial amount in exchange for its release. The most famous 'ransomware' was launched in 2017, known as WannaCry. It infected thousands of computers in more than 100 countries and had costs estimated at more than 200 million euros.

How can a computer or device be infected?

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

·         Do not lower your guard against suspicious emails (from unknown senders, emails that are not expected, 'emails' whose content denotes urgency, which contains misspellings and strange wording).

 

·         Activate the 'antispam' filters for spam or harmful email and be especially careful if you are going to open an email marked as such.

 

·         Think twice before downloading attachments.

 

·         Make sure before clicking on links included in emails. It is preferable to hover over it to check the address it redirects to.

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

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

How effective are Antivirus software?

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

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

On which devices is it advisable to install an antivirus?

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

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

Which antivirus to choose?

There are many antivirus on the market, many of them are free and others are paid. The Internet Security Office has an extensive analysis of free antivirus with a detail of its specifications in order to choose the most appropriate to the user's needs. Most of these free antivirus have a paid part that includes additional features such as password manager and automatic program updates , among other features. Also, paid antivirus products do not include advertising.

On the other hand, the user can consult rankings of the best antivirus software according to the results they have obtained in technical tests. An example of these rankings is the one prepared by the specialized magazine Virus Bulletin or the Trusted Antivirus Review website, which also collects the opinion of users.

In case you need more generic advice on the maintenance of computers, tablets and smartphones, the American non-profit organization Privacy Rights Clearinghouse, offers a comprehensive guide on protecting privacy on its website .

 

 

And finally, what maintenance does an antivirus need?

The only maintenance that an antivirus needs is its regular update. New threats in the form of viruses appear every day in many places on the planet and as soon as they are detected and analyzed, they are included in the antivirus in order to be able to effectively protect our computers, devices and objects connected to the internet.

In conclusion, antivirus are becoming more sophisticated every day and provide a very high level of security: they are, without a doubt, the best ally of users to avoid 'malware' and its consequences. But let's remember that the first link in the security chain is still the person.

 

Fraudulent Antivirus Software

 

Fraudulent Antivirus Software

Rogue or rogue antivirus software is a type of malware that pretends to have found an infection on the victim's computer. In some cases, the cybercriminal's goal may just be to scare the victim. However, many rogue antivirus programs also try to get paid to remove malware that has never actually been detected and may not even exist.

How to avoid rogue antivirus programs

Here are some helpful tips from Kaspersky Lab's team of Internet security experts to help you avoid downloading rogue antivirus programs to your computer.

Ø  Eliminate vulnerabilities by keeping your operating system and applications up-to-date
Apply the latest security patches to your operating system and all applications, including:

·         Web browsers

·         Flash Player

·         PDF reader and all the other applications you have on your computer 

Ø  Keep your antimalware defenses up-to-
date Keep your antivirus program and Internet security software up-to-date . A good idea is to select the option to receive automatic updates on your security product.

Ø  Be careful with search engine results
Avoid clicking on sponsored links that appear among Internet search results. Sometimes it is advisable to be wary of the main search results.

Ø  Type the URL into the address bar
Whenever possible, try to go directly to a website, that is, type the URL into the browser. It may take a little longer (than clicking a search engine-generated link), but you'll be much safer. 

Ø  Be careful with the risks posed by Internet browsing
Avoid visiting unfamiliar websites, especially on social networks. 

Ø  Don't open attachments you don't expect to receive
If you receive an email attachment that you didn't expect, it can be dangerous. Don't open an unknown attachment unless you can verify that it is genuine and does not contain any malware.

Ø  Evaluate Links before Clicking
Do not click random links in emails or instant messages, or links from social networking sites. 

Choosing a Real & Good Antivirus:

There are numerous factors to consider when selecting the best antivirus solution for your needs. With the security of your data, your digital identity and your financial transactions at stake, it is worth investing some time in evaluating each antivirus product.

Also, if you make extensive use of the Internet, email, other messaging and web services, it is important to consider a solution that includes Internet security software and technologies that further protect your online activities.

Criteria for the best virus protection

Unfortunately, not all antivirus products provide a usable and reliable solution that provides an adequate level of protection against malware. If we compare them based on the following criteria, even the top 10 antivirus solutions on the market can register different scores:

·         Reliability
Even the most comprehensive antivirus solution can be completely useless if it conflicts with another software program running on your computer. If these conflicts cause your virus protection processes to malfunction or temporarily suspend, you may be at risk.

·         Usability
If the daily use of an antivirus solution requires special skills, it may be impractical for many users. Any antivirus product that is difficult to use, asks complex questions, or requires difficult decisions can increase the chances of "operator errors". In some cases, if the antivirus software is too difficult to run, the user can simply disable it.

·         Comprehensive protection
An antivirus solution must provide continuous protection for all computer domains, all file types, and all network elements that could be exposed to attack by a computer virus or other malware. The program must be able to detect malicious code and protect all channels or points of entry to the computer, such as email, Internet, FTP, and more.

·         Quality of protection
Whether you need an antivirus security solution for Windows or Apple, antivirus must be able to operate in an aggressive environment that changes constantly, with new computer viruses, worms and Trojans that can be much more complex than known malware above and may include new ways to circumvent the actions of antivirus programs. In part, the quality of protection depends on the following elements:

Ø  Efficiency of malware detection processes

Ø  Frequency and regularity of updates

Ø  Ability to remove infections from the computer

Ø  Efficiency in delivering protection to the computer, without significantly affecting its performance