Why Antivirus Software?

"Is it really necessary to have an antivirus installed on my devices?" Giving an affirmative or negative answer to this question, which is often heard in different environments, from the most technical and specialist to end users without much knowledge of technology, never takes a short time. It usually generates long discussions about the performance of the equipment, the usability of the security solutions, the privacy of the user and a number of other topics that often extend the conversation.

it's time to understand that there are no risk-free platforms

I already know that when working in a security company like ESET, you will be thinking that my answer is going to be strongly biased towards yes, which is totally true; however, as a security professional who has been working on these issues for several years, I have learned a lot about threats and their ways of spreading. Therefore, I am going to list seven facts that will help you form an idea about what to do.

1. Diversity of threats

Today there are many types of threats that we find spreading and affecting users. Although the term "antivirus" was coined in the collective subconscious, these types of tools have evolved from detecting only computer viruses to becoming complete security solutions, which provide many other functionalities such as firewall , antispam and antiphishing filters or scanning of memory, among others, that provide comprehensive protection to the system and allow you to navigate safely in the current context of threats.

2. Variety in the way of spreading

Undoubtedly, the use of Social Engineering is one of the main mechanisms used by attackers to spread their threats and many times user interaction is needed to run a file, open a document or download something on their mobile device. From there, the infection begins.

However, it is not the only thing that attackers use, as there are techniques that do not require a user to interact with the threat in order for it to be installed. For example, injecting an iframe into a vulnerable website can lead an attacker to install something on the user's device without the user being aware of what is happening. But a security solution will detect this malicious behavior.

3. Growth in the number of detections

A few years ago, when I started working at ESET, we talked about that on average around 200,000 different samples were processed every day; at the end of 2016 this number was close to 300,000 . This without forgetting that, only from ESET, updates of several thousand signatures for malware targeting Windows are released every few days.

If to the above we add the fact that everything we see in ESET is not the only thing that can happen in the cybercrime ecosystem, these numbers may be higher.

4. Vulnerable technologies accommodate different threats

Computer threats not only take advantage of flaws and vulnerabilities in particular versions of an operating system, but also in applications, which opens the possibility of an infection regardless of the version of the operating system used. In addition, to the above is added the variety of languages used by attackers, which extend their possibilities of affecting systems: from compiled languages ​​to scripting they are used to attack various platforms.

5. Affected platforms

Without a doubt, most malicious code is focused on affecting Windows operating systems, but it is becoming more and more common to find threats to other systems such as Mac OS X or Linux, despite the fact that many continue to believe in their invulnerability. There is even malware for mobile systems like Android or iOS , so it's time to understand that there are no risk-free platforms.

6. Threat concentration

It is a reality that a security solution will not stop all the attacks that a user may be a victim of, but it will serve to prevent infection in the vast majority of cases. Considering the growth in the amount of malicious code circulating, it is important not to leave protection to chance.

7. Use of the device

The use that is given to the device is essential to prevent infection. When it is shared, the chances of being a victim of a cybercriminal increase; For example, have you thought about what your son, cousin, uncle or girlfriend can download when you lend him your equipment so that he can be distracted for a while?

Beyond the discussion about who you should or should not lend your phone to, someone who gains control for a moment could execute something malicious by mistake or ignorance. And if we talk about strangers, the possibility increases and includes the potential intention to do harm.

It is true that having a security solution is not enough. Ensuring that we are going to be safe goes beyond just having an antivirus installed: knowing the threats and how they spread, in addition to making adequate use of technology, mainly keeping operating systems and applications updated , help to have real protection against all kinds of threats.

There are those who say that having an antivirus installed extends the possibility of an attacker to compromise a system, because they could take advantage of the vulnerabilities of these tools. And to a certain extent they are right: installing a new application on the system extends the attack surface. But, in this particular case, there are many more threats it helps prevent than it could cause. In addition, if we are talking about a product backed by a trusted security company with a track record in the market (that's right, I was also thinking about ESET) these problems are solved very quickly, preventing an attacker from taking advantage.

 

What You Need To Know About Antivirus Software

 

What You Need To Know About Antivirus Software

Nowadays, the use of Antivirus is becoming more and more important. However, for many, finding the ideal antivirus is highly complex. Especially if they do not know about this topic.

Although for some people, running an antivirus comparison seems like a waste of time, this may be the most appropriate way to find out which software is best for your needs. However, there are still those who choose the first option, mistakenly thinking that the important thing is to have an antivirus, without even knowing the necessary criteria for their choice.

To prevent this from happening, below is a list of things you need to know when choosing an appropriate Antivirus Software for your needs. Either to protect the data of a company or personal, this will be the best way to find it.

Make sure it's an Antivirus

An important aspect that you should consider when choosing an antivirus is that this is precisely its main function: to protect. Today, there are a large number of software that not only count as antivirus, but also with other tools. Optimize the computer, delete files, music player, among others.

Although it may contain a firewall or other elements that contribute to browsing protection. Unless you want to, these other tasks are not essential to the operation of your computer. For this reason, the ideal would be to find software that meets the basics, to be an antivirus.

Reliability in its operation

There are a wide variety of well-known companies in the area of ​​Antivirus Software. It is worth mentioning:

·         McAfee

·         Norton

·         Kaspersky

·         Avast

·         AVG

·         Bitdefender

The recognition of these companies has been maintained for years, so you can easily find elements that provide greater reliability to your browsing process.

There are also other newer options on the market that are gaining popularity. However, it is better to ensure the protection of the equipment with an option that is already known and provides security without problems.

Quick threat removal

One element that should be essential when choosing your Antivirus Software is the effectiveness of identifying and removing any threats. Many of the companies mentioned above offer complete computer protection. This includes any number of viruses, malware, Trojans, and more.

In addition, they carry out a constant analysis of the equipment, which allows to know if there is any risk or existence of a new virus. Also, the ideal software is updated multiple times throughout the day. This allows the equipment to be constantly protected.

Appropriate heuristic system

According to the Spanish soft-zone page , another element that an efficient antivirus must include is its adequate heuristic system. It is an element that allows the analysis of a program on the computer and even identifies unknown viruses.

If to this is added the use of artificial intelligence and the use of a backup in the cloud. The antivirus is undoubtedly the one for your computer.

Free or paid

A constant dilemma in the choice of Antivirus Software is whether to take a free or paid option. It is true that both the paid and free alternatives offer the same protection for your computer. However, by paying for a subscription, it is possible to have greater access to other more far-reaching security measures. Namely:

·         Better performing firewall

·         Better technical support, ideal in case of a computer attack

·         More frequent updates

These are some of the features that can differentiate a free antivirus from its paid option. It is best to find software that offers an affordable price, has good references and, above all, meets the protection needs for your PC.

Choose a lightweight option

Especially if you have a slow-running computer, it is important to keep this consideration in mind when choosing antivirus software. It is necessary to remember that the installation of this tool will occupy various resources within the computer.

A good antivirus will have the ability to protect the computer from malware and threats, without slowing down the performance of the operating system.

As we have shown, although it is not essential to make an antivirus comparison, this aspect will help to know which of many meets the mentioned characteristics, and is appropriately adapted to your needs.

Remember that it is not about choosing the first option, but rather the tool that meets expectations and ensures proper operation and, above all, keeps your computer free of digital threats.

 

CONTROLLING THE USE OF TECHNOLOGY IN CHILDREN

 

CONTROLLING THE USE OF TECHNOLOGY IN CHILDREN

 

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

About the usefulness of parental control applications

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What is the best way to install a parental control app?

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

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

·         App control : Age-based filters are applied to manage the apps that children will be able to access and use.

·         Web access control: Block inappropriate websites based on age, either individually or by categories.

·         Time limit for fun and games: Set a maximum number of hours for children to play with their devices. It also manages usage time, for example by blocking access to games and apps during school hours or at bedtime.

·         Geolocation : Allows you to check the current location of the device at any time.

Reports : The objective of the reports is to know the general behavior of the child on the Internet, in order to find the best moment to release the controls. They include metrics that inform us about the child's use of the equipment, such as the time of use of certain applications, time ranges, among others.

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

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

What do children think about Internet safety?

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

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

An interesting fact for parents is that more than 50% of children would be willing to talk with them about care and situations that may occur on the Internet.

What Is Pharming? Find out about this Scam

 

What Is Pharming? Find out about this Scam

Phishing scams don't simply sneak in your inbox or among your voicemails. They can show up as phoney websites intended to copy the genuine websites of confided in elements, just to take your personal information. This type of phishing is known as pharming. Here's a brief glance at what pharming is, the manner by which it works, and how to protect against pharming attacks.

What Is Pharming? 
Pharming is a type of phishing that includes guiding clueless clients to counterfeit websites that would then be able to take your personal and financial information. Truth be told, "pharming" is a blend of the words "phishing" and "cultivating".

As indicated by cybersecurity organization Kaspersky, pharming typically happens by means of one of two strategies:

1. Since a programmer has installed malware onto your computer, which at that point powers your computer to get to counterfeit websites rather than the ones you intended to see.

2. Since programmers "may rather harm a DNS server," which thus guides numerous clients to a phoney website once they attempt to visit a genuine webpage.

As Webroot notes, with regards to the principal strategy, the malware that is at first installed on a casualty's computer can coordinate internet traffic from that computer towards the phoney website by changing "the host's document on a casualty's computer."

The second pharming technique is especially troublesome in light of the fact that even sans malware computers can be coordinated to the phoney site basically on the grounds that the DNS server was influenced. In this situation, clients can even now be survivors of pharming just by attempting to get to a legitimate site.

From that point, the phoney websites may either install malware on your computer or get your personal and financial information as you associate with the webpage.

Step by Step Instructions to Prepare for Pharming Attacks 
Since you realize what pharming is, how about we talk about how to secure yourself against pharming attacks. Here a couple of ways you can watch yourself (and your computers) against them:

1. Abstain from tapping on suspicious connections in email messages. Making a propensity for just clicking joins from senders you trust is the most ideal approach to abstain from succumbing to the sort of pharming that happens once a programmer taints your computer with malware. Suspicious connections can contain the sort of malware that will coordinate your internet traffic towards counterfeit destinations.

2. Install an antivirus program on to your computer. Antivirus software can assist you in finding any malware that could cause pharming issues for you later. There are numerous extraordinary antivirus software choices to look over and some offer insurance from phishing while you're perusing the internet.

3. Focus on indications of pharming on the destinations you visit. As cybersecurity organization Avast exhorts, you should investigate the URL of the website you're visiting; It ought to have "https" toward the start in light of the fact that the "s" signifies "secure" and the webpage is protected to browse. Is the URL all in all spelt effectively? If not, the site is most likely phoney.

Use Total Security for Securing Your Device from Pharming Attacks

 

PHISHING & ITS PROTECTION

 

PHISHING & ITS PROTECTION

 

Phishing is the demonstration of fooling individuals into surrendering personal information (normally financial information) utilizing a type of communication. A phishing trick, for the most part, includes persuading a casualty the type of communication utilized (like an email or voicemail) is a legitimate message from a confided in company or government organization.

What is Phishing? 
As indicated by cybersecurity company Malwarebytes, "phishing" suggests the utilization of trick messages intended to draw and persuade casualties to surrender their personal information. For this situation, the trick messages are the "snare" and the casualties who succumb to the trick and surrender their information are the "fish" the scammers are attempting to snare.

In any case, the trick messages themselves don't generally need to be an email trick. Phishing scams or assaults can appear as various types of communications, similar to text messages or voicemails.

Various Sorts of Phishing Scams 
As we referenced before, phishing scams don't simply show as sketchy emails. There are varieties of phishing, and they frequently utilize various techniques for communication to beguile individuals into surrendering their personal information.

These are a couple of the various types of phishing scams:

Email Scams
You've presumably generally acquainted with phishing emails. These emails are regularly intended to appear as though legitimate messages from a believed association like a government office or bank.

These emails may demand you uncover personal information and may guide you to choose a gave connection to a website. The website, nonetheless, is normally a phoney website scammer can use to get your username and password when you attempt to sign in to the phoney website. This can be especially irksome if scammers can effectively utilize phishing emails to take your online banking logins or different locales that manage delicate financial information.

Smishing
Smishing is a type of phishing directed through text or SMS messages. Like phishing emails, smishing text messages will frequently request that you tap a connection inside them, permitting scammers to get your personal information.

Vishing
Vishing (otherwise called "voice phishing") will be phishing that happens by means of voicemails and phone calls. It's basically a phone trick expected to deceive or unnerve its casualties into surrendering personal information via phone. Such taken personal information can prompt the casualty having their character has taken, which thusly lets scammers do things like open new credit cards under the casualty's name.

Check free antivirus by Protegent to protect from Phishing

How to Protect Yourself Against Phishing Assaults? 
Indeed, even with the best spam filters and call blocker applications, you despite everything may need to manage phishing emails, vishing, and smishing assaults. At the point when you do experience them, here are a couple of approaches to protect against their evil impacts.

1. Stay away from joins gave in phishing emails or text messages. As cybersecurity company Webroot noticed, it's smarter to utilize a web address or connection you found all alone by means of a web look or a web address for a company you've utilized previously. In the event that a message appears to be suspicious, don't choose its connections or connections. Regardless of whether the message is "cautioning" you about an issue with your record, you can without much of a stretch check your record status utilizing an alternate connection.

2. Evade and square obscure numbers from suspicious calls. With regards to vishing or voice phishing, it's best not to answer phone calls from obscure guests, if conceivable. In the event that an approaching call appears to be suspicious to you, or if a scammer leaves an odd voicemail, feel free to obstruct their phone numbers. Numerous phones accompany the capacity to square phone numbers, and you can likewise utilize call blocking applications.

3. Try not to download applications by means of the text message. Much the same as you wouldn't choose a connection or connection in an email trick, you shouldn't download applications from a text message. As cybersecurity company Norton by Symantec prompts, applications you get by means of a trusted application store "have the [vigorous] testing methodology to experience before they're permitted in the commercial centre," which means application store applications are commonly more reliable than an arbitrary download from a text message.

Download internet security for free to provide multiprotection

 

Website Spoofing and How to Protect Yourself against It?

 

Website Spoofing and How to Protect Yourself against It?

 

Website spoofing is the demonstration of making a fake website that unequivocally takes after a legitimate one. In this trick, the fake website is utilized to get your personal information (like financial information or account logins) or even just to contaminate your computer with malware.

How Website Spoofing Works?

The piece of website spoofing that makes it especially perilous is the lengths scammers will go to make their fake websites look precisely like websites you trust and visit regularly, to make sure they can persuade you to interface with it and surrender your information.

As indicated by cybersecurity company Malwarebytes, scammers will regularly attempt to duplicate a confided in company's "marking, UI, and even a parodied domain name" and remember those components for their own fake website. Also, a large number of these caricature websites might be acquainted with you by means of a ridiculed email professing to originate from a confided in an organization. These emails can contain links to the fake, satirize website.

How URL Spoofing Relates to Website Spoofing 

Recall those suspicious links found in trick emails? That is URL spoofing. At the point when scammers use satirize URLs (read: fake web addresses), those URLs are intended to persuade you to click a malicious link and to guide you to their own fake website.

These fake web addresses are intended to either look fundamentally the same as legitimate safe websites, websites you'd ordinarily trust; or the link to the fake website is covered up so the proposed casualty isn't generally certain if the linked website is legitimate or not.

Sorts of URL Spoofing

As per NordVPN, there are four regular kinds of URL spoofing:

(1) Misspelt links

(2) URL shorteners

(3) Links covered up inside hyperlinked words

(4) URLs featuring non-Latin characters.

Misspelt links are URLs that look fundamentally the same as the URL of a confided in the site, yet with slight contrasts like an additional letter or a letter supplanted with an alternate letter or character. Links that have been contracted by URL shortener administrations can frequently conceal the genuine URL of a fake website.

Hyperlinked words in spam emails can likewise cover up caricature URLs. In case you're not cautious, clicking a hyperlinked word can lead you to a fake website. Furthermore, some satirize URLs look fundamentally the same as aside from the utilization of non-Latin characters in them (like certain letters with complement marks). In the event that you don't take a gander at these URLs, you may miss one of these images and simply accept the web address gave to you is the equivalent the one your believed company or organization really utilizes for their website.

Step by Step Instructions to Protect Yourself From Web Spoofing Attacks 

Presently that you're mindful of how website spoofing and URL spoofing work, here are a couple of approaches to protect yourself from web spoofing assaults.

1. Figure out how to spot mock URLs, at that point abstain from clicking them. There are approaches to watch out for mock URLs. Whenever given a link, utilize your mouse to float over it to see the web address so you'll know where the link leads. Don't just tap the link. At the point when you're taking a gander at the web address, ensure it has an "HTTPS" toward the start. A URL with only an "HTTP" is as yet suspicious. You ought to likewise search for incorrect spellings or odd characters in the URL.

2. Play out a Google search on the company or organization being referred to. You don't need to click a link since it was given to you in a persuading looking email. Utilize a search engine to look into what the URL for a company's website ought to be. You can likewise look into the contact information for the company being referred to and get in touch with them straightforwardly to check the message originated from them. Utilize just the contact information you freely researched and checked, not the data from the email.

3. Utilize a viable antivirus software. There are antivirus software choices and administrations that can square web spoofing assaults regardless of whether you despite everything end up on a satirize website. Such software can likewise forestall ridiculed websites from attempting to naturally download malware onto your computer.

Try Protegent's Complete Security Software to protect your device from spoofing.

 

STAY SAFE WHILE PLAYING ONLINE GAME

 

STAY SAFE WHILE PLAYING

ONLINE GAME

Any action we take online requires being vigilant and taking security seriously. Whether browsing, downloading any file, sending an e-mail. Also when we play online we must take extreme precautions.

Massively Multiplayer Online Games (MMOGs) have grown in popularity in recent years so naturally they have become great targets for attackers.

These games create alternative universes, generally with great features, that attract avid players who invest large amounts of time, and sometimes money, in them. There have been cases of theft of personal information stored in the databases of the games themselves, including credit card information. Some people take these games very seriously, so much so that some attackers breach the security holes in the plugins of these games simply to steal resources that belong to the game (gold, weapons, etc.) from the players, but the danger real is much more important. Cases of MMO games infected with worms are known.

But for the attackers, the gold mine is the multiple fan sites and forums that are generated from the games. These edge sites typically have a low level of security, allowing attackers to easily breach email addresses or even passwords.

This is where the classic "phishing" e-mail scams derive, through which attackers send seemingly authentic messages to the players of these games, notifying them of a security breach and the need to reset passwords. All the attacker needs is to create a fake password reset portal to obtain the "old" password, which he will use to fully violate the player's account.

The best thing MMOG players can do to protect their data is to be methodical about their security.

1.  Use unique emails: You will almost certainly receive phishing emails at the email address you use on game fan sites. Therefore, create an email address that you use only for these sites. Be suspicious of any email you receive on that account. Next, create a unique email address for each MMOG you play. Again, do not associate your personal email account with any MMOG or fan site account. Use different passwords for each of these accounts. This is essential today. No matter what we do online, it is very convenient to keep our data private. We should never provide confidential data, information that relates us. When playing is equal or even more important. We are surrounded by people from all over the world on many occasions and we don't really know who is behind it.

2.  Use strong passwords: Always use strong passwords that are not dictionary words and include non-alphanumeric symbols. Passwords should be combination of numbers, alphabets and special character. It should be something different and it should not be related to you.

3.  Play safely: Do not play unsafe online games. If you haven't heard of the game, you probably shouldn't trust it. Do not click on the ads for these games. You probably shouldn't trust them either. If you are starting a new online game, we should always verify that the server we are using has the correct encryption and authentication before we start playing. If this server does not have them, we can be vulnerable to attacks that can affect the databases of the game site.

4.  Be careful what you download: Downloading games from an unauthorized sites may give permissions to viruses to enter the computer and make it worst while working and making its processer slow.

5.  Install antivirus and update software: Always have an antivirus in your computer that will fight with virus. There are many other viruses for which you should keep your antivirus software updated and that will keep your computer healthy.

 

THE BIGGEST THREATS IN CYBER WORLD

 

THE BIGGEST THREATS IN CYBER WORLD

There are many cyber threats present on the network, as well as the variety of infection methods. It is something that we all know, however we do not always put the necessary means to avoid it. Today we are going to present two new reports that they have made that demonstrate the increase in security threats. Part of the fault lies with the users themselves. Okay, it is always the fault of the attacker, not the victim, but it is true that cybercriminals continue their attacks precisely because of the lack of protection and proper use of the networks by Internet users. We are also going to give some tips to protect ourselves online.

The main security threats for users

According to these reports by eSentire and Proofpoint, the lack of preparedness of users and companies facilitates cyber-attacks. There is an obvious flaw in terms of the proper use of networks and protection. Users do not take the necessary measures.

The eSentire Security Report has shown the increase in exploit, phishing and malware campaigns. They indicate that these attacks were aimed at both users and companies. They claim that a large part of them attacked equipment with obsolete and outdated technology.

If we focus on malware, some banking Trojans were the most common threats. It is a reality that we increasingly use mobile devices to access our bank accounts. Hence, cybercriminals set their sights here. However, we do not always take adequate security measures to avoid problems.

Proofpoint conducted a survey of about 6,000 users from different countries in Europe, the United States and Australia. They asked about knowledge related to Internet security, topics such as phishing, Wi-Fi network protection, ransomware, etc. The data revealed practices that are not adequate to protect equipment and safety while browsing.

Many of the respondents, for example, indicated that they use the same password for multiple services at the same time. A very important data is the one that reflects that two out of three users have never changed their Wi-Fi password at home.

How to improve habits to increase security on the network

Now, if we take into account what these two studies have reflected, we are going to give some data, some basic recommendations to maintain security on the network.

We have seen that many cybercriminals seek their success in attacking outdated computers. Up-to -date systems are vital here. It is very important to always install antivirus security and keep computers to the latest version. This applies to both operating systems and the different programs we use. Both desktop computers and mobile devices.

It is also vital to use safe programs. An example is mobile banking applications. You must always download them from official stores and never from unsafe third-party sites.

Also, having a strong Wi-Fi password is essential  You have to change the one that comes from the factory and put one that, if possible, contains letters (lowercase and uppercase), numbers and other characters. The goal is to make it as complex as possible to be able to be guessed. It should not be something that is easily known by anyone.

Finally, an important recommendation is to have updated antivirus security programs and tools. This will protect us from different threats in the form of malware that compromise the security of our devices.

 

INSTALLING CRACKED FILE AFFECT YOUR SECURITY

 

INSTALLING CRACKED FILE AFFECT YOUR SECURITY

There are many reasons why our systems can be infected with malware. There are many types of attacks on the network and we must always take steps to prevent them. However, it is one of the most important sources of entry for viruses and other threats when downloading software. In this article we are going to talk about it. We are going to explain what can happen when downloading cracked programs and how it could affect our security.

What Can Happen When Downloading Cracked  Software?

Many users choose to download cracked or pirated programs from the Internet. The reality is that in one way or another we can say that they are available on the net. Popular software is not difficult to come across on download pages. However, this is also a major security concern.

Let's talk about it. We are going to really explain what can happen if we choose to download software that has been hacked or cracked. How could this affect our devices and ultimately our security and privacy?

The Program Might Not Work

Undoubtedly one of the main problems when downloading software that has been cracked is that it does not work directly. We install the program but we see that either it does not even open or its operation leaves much to be desired and there are functions and features that may not be available.

Therefore we can say that the first risk that we can find when installing pirated programs is that they do not work. This is something that can happen on any device or operating system and must be taken into account.

End Up Infected With Malware

Of course one of the most serious problems is ending up with malware. There are many reasons why our computers can be infected, but without a doubt downloading cracked software is one of the main ones.

We must take into account the risk of installing pirated programs that could put our devices and systems in trouble.

Affect Other Computers on the Network

This is something that can go a bit unnoticed in many cases, but it is a reality. Installing cracked software on a computer not only affects that specific device, but it could also harm others that are connected to the same network.

It basically means that if a computer becomes infected by malware when installing such a program, that malicious software could spread to other devices on the network. There are different types of malware with this ability and it is a significant problem.

You Don't Have Access to Updates

Also linked to security is the fact that cracked software does not have access to updates. It means that we may be using an outdated program, which has security vulnerabilities that can be used by hackers to deploy their attacks.

Usually developers release security patches to correct these problems. The point is, cracked programs will not receive these updates.

No Technical Support

Something similar happens with technical support. This can especially affect companies that are using hacked tools. It may be the case that they need to go to technical support for problems they have with that program. If they do not have a valid license code, they will not be able to receive help from technical support.

Legal Issues

Of course, do not forget about legal problems. We are talking about downloading pirated software. We could have legal problems either on a personal or company level. It is another risk of downloading cracked programs.

Ultimately, downloading cracked or pirated software can pose a risk to our security. All that we have mentioned must be borne in mind. It is something that we must always apply, regardless of whether we are using mobile devices, desktop computers, it is a personal or business computer.

Conclusion

If you install a cracked file in your device it may also give entrance to the virus and malware which can affect you whole device which may not be detected by pirated antivirus.

So, for this always use best antivirus software that can detect these threats and fight against them and does not allow virus to enter in your device.

 

PARENTAL CONTROL TOOLS FOR INAPPROPRIATE CONTENT ON INTERNET

 

PARENTAL CONTROL TOOLS FOR INAPPROPRIATE CONTENT ON INTERNET

Minors' access to the Internet is massive and occurs at an increasingly early age, mainly through mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets. In this context, both a good digital education and the use of filters and parental control tools that protect them from unsafe sites and inappropriate content are essential. Do you know these resources?

The importance of parental control tools

Minors' access to the Internet is the majority and the main means of entry are mobile devices. According to data from the National Institute of Statistics, 95% of minors between 10 and 15 years old have a mobile phone with which, of course, they connect to the Internet, messaging services, social networks...

However, the first contact with technological devices is situated in the 7 years , which makes the use of parental control tools essential to keep the privacy of your data safe, as well as avoid the risks of accessing inappropriate content in Internet.

If you have children, it is essential that you take precautions and install parental control tools on your devices. These are some of its advantages:

·         They limit access to inappropriate content for the age of children.

·         They allow the option of limiting the time of use of the devices by minors.

·         They allow you to track the child's activity on the Internet.

·         They teach them that there are certain content and websites that, for their safety, they should avoid.

·         They make it possible to detect inappropriate behaviors and, in this way, prevent risks such as grooming or Cyberbullying .

·         They offer minors a safe environment with which to become familiar with new technologies, as well as a place of tranquility for parents.

·         Most of the parental control tools are free or have a free version that you can install and test on your devices.

 

Parental control tools for minors on the Internet

That the access of minors to the Internet and mobile devices is massive does not mean that they are aware of the risks of new technologies, both in terms of excessive use, and from the point of view of exposure to inappropriate content online. If you have children, you are interested in consulting this list of parental control applications and tools:

 

1- Qustodio

Qustodio is one of the most recommended parental control tools. It is available for both mobile devices and desktop computers (Windows and macOS). It has a free version and a paid version and can be used both in the family environment and on school computers (it has a version for schools). It incorporates options such as connection time control, inappropriate content filters or restriction of words and access to certain web pages.

2- Secure Kids

Secure Kids is another of the parental control tools that offers you several very interesting features in its free version (it has another paid version). We are talking about an application that you can install on smartphones or tablets and with which you can have your child geolocated, limit access to certain web pages, filter content and words, block the use of the mobile device for calls.

3- Parental Click

Parental Click is a paid parental control application, although its income goes to the ANAR Foundation, focused on helping children and adolescents at risk and highly focused on the field of new technologies. Its cost is 14 euros per year and is available for download on mobile devices. Like other parental control tools, this application allows you to block access to content, limit the time of use of the mobile or tablet, as well as install a help button that allows the child to ask for help in case of suffering any kind of harassment or risk situation.  

4- Windows Live Family Safety

If you are a Windows device user, you don't have to look for external parental control tools because you already have one that comes by default on computers with Microsoft's operating system. It is about Windows Live Family Safety that allows you to limit the use of the PC, filter access to certain web pages and content ... You just have to log in with your user account and activate the parental control options that interest you the most or adapt to the age of your child. 

5- Parental control in IOS

If you are a user of devices with an iOS (Apple) operating system, you also have parental control tools that are integrated into your Apple brand mobile devices such as iPhone or iPad. To activate parental control and prevent your child from misusing the device or simply limit its use for a certain time, go to Settings, General and select Restrictions. 

6- Eset Parental Control

We continue with this list of parental control tools with Eset Parental Control, another of the free options that is available for Android devices and that allows you to monitor your child's activity on the Internet, as well as limit access to certain content or the time of use of mobile or tablet. It has a paid version that expands its options and allows you the option of downloading reports or having more monitoring of the use that your child makes of new technologies. 

7- K9 Web Protection

One of the most used software’s for the protection and limitation of the use time of minors on the Internet. K9 Web Protection is free and offers you basic cybersecurity measures and filtering of words and websites for both mobile devices and desktop computers. 

8- Norton Family

Norton is one of the best known cybersecurity brands in the world and also has parental control tools that are available for both mobile devices and traditional PCs. Norton Family has been recognized as one of the best options to prevent minors from accessing inappropriate content on the Internet and, apart from incorporating numerous filter options, stands out for the option to limit videos on platforms such as YouTube. 

9- Kids Place

One of the easiest parental control tools to install and especially recommended for children who are beginning to become familiar with the use of their parents' mobile terminals. It is available for Android devices (you must go to Google play) and already has more than a million downloads. You can see how it works in this video:

10- Google Family Link

We close this list of parental control tools with Google Family Link that is specially designed for mobile devices (those preferred by minors) and that allows you to limit the time of use by minors, as well as create accounts with different levels of security and access. All for free.