How to Know if You Have Been Hacked | Antivirus Software

 How to Know if You Have Been Hacked |

 Antivirus Software

In all of these scenarios, reinstalling the operating system is the best solution. That doesn't have to mean formatting the hard disk at all - functions for system recovery, for example under Windows or regular backups, often provide sufficient precautions for emergencies. However, one thing must be clear: once a computer has been infiltrated, it must never be completely trusted again. How best to proceed in which case is shown in detail under the individual points.

1) Ransom Note on The Screen

Suddenly a blackmail letter appeared on your system out of nowhere? "Pay XXX Dollars / Euros by ... when you have your Data get back "or something like that - then very often you can assume that you were careless reading and editing your email, that you opened links and/or email attachments that you'd better leave closed In this case: Congratulations, you have become a victim of a crypto-Trojan or ransomware! But be careful: Make sure that your data is really encrypted and that it is not a phishing attempt! Like a crypto-locker -Attack is exactly running, the following video clearly describes:

What to do: If your data is already fully encrypted, hopefully, you have an up-to-date one

Backup that you can restore. If the encryption process is still running (which is rather unlikely when the blackmail message is displayed), you should switch off the computer, remove the affected hard drive (on which the data and the operating system are stored) and hand it over to IT forensics experts - they may be able to save something.

If the data is already fully encrypted and you do not have a backup at hand, you can either research whether the affected Crypto-Trojan and its encryption algorithm are already known and possibly countermeasures exist (which you can then take) or wait to see whether the encryption has been cracked promptly becomes. Under no circumstances should you put the hard drive in question back into operation - some Trojans automatically

destroy the encrypted data after a certain period of non-payment of the ransom. Better to build in a "fresh plate" and that

operating system reinstall. It may be possible to save the "old" data later.

If all of this is too (time) consuming for you, you have two further options: You forget the data, get annoyed and restart the computer. Or - you pay the ransom. This is not recommended by experts, but in some cases, it is essential to be able to restore important data. As a rule, your data will be decrypted again after payment - otherwise the blackmailer's "business model" would not work. However, there is no guarantee that this will be the case. In any case: Be more careful with the next case!

2) Fake Antivirus Messages

Fake virus scanner alerts are one of the surest signs that the system has been compromised. Many users are not aware that the moment such a message appears, the disaster has already happened. Clicking on "No" or "Cancel" to stop the fake virus scan is of course not enough - the malware has already made use of existing security gaps and has penetrated the system. Popular gateways are, for example: Java Runtime Environment or Adobe products.

The question remains: Why does the malware trigger this "virus warning" at all? Quite simply: The alleged test process, which always involves huge amounts of "Viruses" opens up, is used as a lure to buy a product. If you click on the link shown, you will be taken to a professional-looking website that is plastered with positive customer reviews and recommendations. There, credit card numbers and other billing data are requested - and there is still a lot to do many users fall for this scam and voluntarily surrender their identity to the criminals without even realizing it.

What to do: Turn off your computer as soon as the fake antivirus message pops up. (Caution: You must of course know what a "real" message from your virus scanner looks like.) If something needs to be backed up and it can be done without any problems - do it. But the faster the computer shuts down, the better. Then restart in "safe mode" (without network connection) and uninstall the previously installed software (which often works).

However, it is important to bring the system to a state that corresponds to that before the compromise. If this succeeds, the system should start normally again and no more fake messages should be emitted. What now remains is a comprehensive system test and a complete virus scan to check for the last remnants of the Malware to remove.

Tip: Install advanced security software like Protegent antivirus software.

3) Unwanted Browser Toolbars

Probably the second most common sign of infiltration: The browser comes with various new toolbars, all of which promise help. Unless it is (and even then) a product from a well-known vendor, these extensions should be removed.

What to do: Most browsers allow you to display all installed toolbars. Remove any that you don't necessarily want to keep. If the suspicious toolbar is not listed or if it cannot be easily deleted, the browser should be reset to its default settings. If that doesn't work either, proceed as described under "Fake Antivirus Messages" above.

Most toolbars with malicious code can be prevented simply by ensuring that all installed applications are up to date. And also by the fact that when installing free software during the setup process you pay a little attention to what is to be installed and deactivate the corresponding toolbars.

4) Redirected Web Searches

Cybercriminals earn money from Internet users "ending up" somewhere else than they actually want. The clicks on a certain website are converted directly into cash for them - often without the respective site operator even knowing that the traffic is resulting from a visitor redirection.

This type of malware can be found quickly using a search engine in infected browsers: Simply type in some very generic words such as "goldfish" or "puppy" and check whether the same websites appear several times in the result lists - these usually have hardly any reliable reference to the search term. Unfortunately, many of today's web search redirects with the help of various proxy servers are so camouflaged and well hidden that the falsified results are seldom directly visible to affected users. Often it is also toolbars that trigger the redirects. The traffic in and out of a compromised computer is significantly different from that on a clean computer.

What to do: As mentioned earlier, remove toolbars and other malware - that should be enough.

5) Common Pop-Up Windows

Popping windows are annoying. But they are also evidence that the computer was hacked. If websites, which are usually not known for such behaviour, deliver random browser popups, the system has been infiltrated. It's always exciting to see which pages can bypass the browser's anti-pop-up mechanism. It's like fighting spam - only worse.

What to do: Typically, such popup windows are generated by one of the three cases already described. Removing toolbars and other malware helps here too.

 

Parental Control: What Is the Importance of Protecting Kids Online

 Parental Control: What Is the Importance of Protecting Kids Online

 

Let's Talk About Parental Control

Have you ever wondered how much time your children spend in front of a device without your supervision? Yes, it is time to set limits and, above all, to educate.

New generations grow hand in hand with a device, as technology evolves, our children are marking their steps. Inevitably, today's minors can stay away from technology and, with it, from the threats posed by the digital world. So here we explain the importance of setting limits, educating them, and promoting the importance of online safety.

Understand the Dangers Online

It is about educating our young people about risks they run in the digital world, do not be alarmist with them, you can talk about this in their day-to-day tasks. Surfing the internet means a world of potential threats where your children can be easy targets for cybercriminals. We explain the main vulnerabilities that can be found:

1. Phishing:

Having an email account or social networks brings them closer to falling into phishing scams, these messages try to manipulate users to obtain confidential information and download malware. Young people should be on the lookout for emails with messages too good to be true or asking to enter their login details in an alarmist manner. Phishing emails can appear to be real, criminals use trustworthy company names to attack, but with email addresses that raise doubts. When faced with a suspicious email, it is important not to click on any links, provide information or respond to the email. 

2. Passwords:

Tell your children the importance of having a reliable password that they do not share with anyone, except their parents, as well as the importance of having a password for each account. If criminals manage to obtain your children's password and use it for all their accounts, they will lose all their sessions in one act. We recommend using a password manager to have an easy follow-up of all your children's accounts.

 

3. Public Wi-Fi:

No matter what your children's activities are during the day, at some point they will have access to a public Wi-Fi network, which represents a danger. The attackers take advantage of the existence of these public networks to create fake Wi-Fi and thus be able to attack the devices. That is the importance of using a Virtual Private Network (VPN), you can learn more about what a VPN is and how it works.

What is Parental Control

Parental Control provides parents with monitoring and limitation tools for minors when using various platforms and applications. Parents can restrict searches, the type of content displayed as well as downloads and purchases for minors.

Most of the devices that our minors access have parental controls, for example, if your child is in contact with an Android devise, the official Google Play Store has the option to limit the content to download or buy. In the case of applications, each one must be configured with the platform's own parental controls.

Netflix, for example, allows account holders to create different profiles where the content will be classified according to the previously selected age, it even allows PIN blocking for accounts with access to any content, in this way parents can make sure that their children will always use the account created specifically for them, without access to the others.

The limits established by parents through parental control settings go beyond blocking certain content to minors. Microsoft has just announced (English site) the launch of a new feature that allows minors to limit the use of applications and platforms such as Windows 10 and Xbox One. Parents will have control over the time their children spend in applications and games specifically, rather than setting a time limit for device use. You can set a specific time and schedule per day for your children to have access to Netflix or other entertainment applications, in this way you can limit the time they use on these platforms, without restricting the use of their device.

Protection for All

In addition to the restrictions and limits established through the parental controls offered by the different platforms, as well To educating and promoting online safety, we recommend using complete protection against malware, webcam hacking, ransomware, password theft, and more. Protegent Total Security Software offers total online protection for all your devices and platforms in one place, covering up to 10 devices, so you can protect your family's desktops, laptops, phones, and tablets with an easy-to-manage Protegent account.

 

Cyber criminals Take Advantage of The Corona Fear | Total Security Software

 Cyber ​​criminals Take Advantage of The 

Corona Fear | Total Security Software

You need to know how cyber criminals taking advantages of corona fear, stay safe with total security software.

While German companies are struggling with problems in converting their work under pandemic conditions, another industry has quickly adapted to the new situation: Cybercriminals of all kinds are currently trying to take advantage of the fear and confusion in the population. Since January they have been trying to use the COVID-19 topic as bait in phishing emails. To keep yourself use total security software that prevents cybercriminals attacks.

For example, a program promises to clearly display the current number of cases of the coronavirus. If you click on it, you not only open a card but at the same time download a program in the background that secretly searches for information that can be turned into money: passwords, credit card information, etc. An app also provided the latest Numbers to display the spread of the Coronavirus. Anyone who installed the program on their smartphone was soon exposed to an attempt at extortion. The app locked the device and offered the user to release it in exchange for a payment of 100 euros. The decryption code has now been cracked and published.

The Federal Office for Information Security (BSI) has not yet recorded an increase in cyber attacks. "Rather, attackers use the current opportunity to make the spam mails more interesting," said a spokesman for the authority. Essentially, currently, known malware is now being spread under the guise of the coronavirus. However, experts expect that the activities will increase shortly.

Phishing attacks are particularly attractive to attackers at the moment because many companies have sent most of their employees to work from home to prevent infection in the workplace. In many cases, this means a radical upheaval: Many employees now have to work from home for the first time. You often have to look for yourself from your desk at home without any training, for example, how to cope with new video conferencing software. Also, the number of e-mails has increased significantly in many places. It is therefore understandable that employees open e-mails that appears trustworthy at first glance.

In the home office, there is also the risk that cybercriminals gain access to the employers' networks. This is made easier if employees mix professional and private activities and the end devices used are connected to the company.

With the massive move to the home office, the IT departments initially focused on getting employees up and running as quickly as possible. But now the risks have to be reassessed and IT security has to be adapted to the changed situation.

The Federal Office for Information Security (BSI) has compiled advice on its website. In addition to a general range of information for citizens and companies, specific guidelines for switching to the home office were also published.

Overall, online blackmail with encryption software continues to cause growing damage worldwide. Not only is the number of these attacks increasing, but the sums demanded by blackmailers are also increasing. Ransomware attacks are increasingly targeting critical systems. The reinsurer Munich Re observed the largest increase in ransomware attacks among providers in the healthcare sector. This is a global problem, with most of the cases currently being observed in the United States. The largest ransomware damage in Europe with 90 and 75 million euros respectively was located in Scandinavia last year.

Cybersecurity companies estimate the total loss at 500 to 600 billion dollars a year worldwide. Only a fraction of this was insured.

Ransomware means that blackmailers install encryption software on their victims' computer systems and charge money for decryption.

According to Munich Re, the fact that many employees currently work from home with mobile access to the company network could mean a security gap. The appeal to business is therefore not to neglect IT security even in the current exceptional situation.

 

 

Direction for Parents to Parental Controls

 

Even though you've already talked to your kids about screen time limits and responsible behavior online , it's still very difficult to monitor what they're doing when you're not around (and even when you are). Parental controls can help you keep your children's Internet experiences safe, fun, and productive. Parental controls work best when used in conjunction with open communication and passing on your family's values, so keep that in mind no matter which parental control you choose.  

To determine what type of parental control is best, you need to think about the needs of your family. Some families just need to change their browser settings to filter inappropriate content, which is free. Other families need help reducing screen time for children. Other parents are comfortable just checking their children's cell phone or tablet from time to time. No matter what your need is, this guide can help you understand the wide range of options you have for monitoring your family's devices. Read below for answers to the most frequently asked questions from parents about parental controls.

What are the best parental controls if I want to:

Block websites. If all you want is to limit what your children can search, your best option is to activate Google SafeSearch in all the browsers you use. First, make sure your browsers have Google as their default search engine, and then turn on SafeSearch . It's good to take this precaution as soon as your kids start connecting to make sure they don't accidentally stumble upon something unpleasant or inappropriate. 

Block websites and filter content. If you want to prevent access to specific websites and limit your children's contact with inappropriate content such as adult games or pornography, you can use the parental controls that are built into your device's operating system. All major operating systems - Microsoft's Windows, Apple's Mac OS, and even Amazon's Fire - offer settings to prevent kids from accessing things you don't want them to see. To get the maximum benefits from these controls, you must be using the most up-to-date version of the operating system, and each user must log in with their own profile. The settings apply universally to all content accessed through the computer. Each of these operating systems works differently and has its own pros and cons. This is the best solution if you have young children who primarily use a device at home. Take a look at the characteristics of each: Microsoft, Apple,  

Block websites, filter content, impose time limits, watch what my kids are up to. A full-featured external parental control service, like Qustodio or NetNanny, will give you a lot of control over all of your children's devices (the ones they use at home and their phones). These services can be expensive (especially if you have multiple children to monitor), but the cost includes constant device monitoring, allowing you to see the ways children are using their devices. These parental controls can only keep track of accounts that your child knows about, and in some apps, you will need their password to monitor activity. For example, if the child creates a completely new profile on Instagram using a friend's computer without warning you, these parental controls will not track that account. 

Monitor my child's phone. To monitor your preteen or teen's phone, it's best to download an app like Bark, KidBridge (formerly known as TeenSafe), or Web-Watcher, which monitors text messages, social media, emails, and other mobile phone functions. These apps are especially useful if you are concerned about potentially risky conversations or questionable topics your child might be into. Bark, for example, notifies you when it detects words that generate an alert, such as "drugs." To monitor social media, you will need your child's account information, including passwords.

See my child's location. You can use GPS trackers like Find My Friends and FamiSafe to know where your kids are. However, they must have the phone on for this to work.

Monitor all devices on the network, limit screen time, filter content, turn off Wi-Fi. There are hardware and software solutions to control your network and your home Wi-Fi. To name just a few of the most popular: OpenDNS is a downloadable application that works with your router (the device that brings the Internet to your home) to filter Internet content. Circle Home Plus is a subscription service that syncs with your router and it lets you stop Internet access, create time limits, and add content filters to all devices on your home network (including Wi-Fi devices), as well as monitoring phones and tablets outside the home. Some Internet Service Providers, such as Comcast and Verizon in the United States, also offer parental controls features that apply to all devices on the network. Network solutions can be useful for families with children of different ages; however, Wi-Fi and network setup can be tricky and the controls may not work when children are on a different network. 

What are the best parental control options for iOS phones and tablets?

If you have an iPhone or iPad, Apple's Screen Time (or Time of use in Spanish) settings allow you to manage almost every aspect of your child's iOS device, including how much time children spend on each application and game and what downloaded. You can even turn off the phone at specific times, like bedtime. There are two ways to activate Screen Time, either by changing the setting on your child's device and password-protecting the setting or by activating the Family Sharing function that allows you to manage the functions from your phone. 

What are the best parental control options for Android devices?

Android devices can vary greatly in what they offer, so check your device's settings to see what options you have. If your child is under 13, you can download Family Link from Google to track and control their internet activity, including texting and social media, using your own phone. You can also use Android's Digital Wellbeing setting, which is built into the latest version of the operating system. This can help kids be more aware of their time online and hopefully help them reduce usage. It is important that you help your child to activate this setting, which will help him learn to control himself. 

Can I set parental controls on specific apps, like Snapchat ?

In addition to blocking specific people, most apps allow you to disable features that could pose some risks to children. For example, you can deactivate chat, set limits so that they can only chat with friends, and hide the profile so that it does not appear in search results. Some applications go a step further by allowing users to control their own use of the application. TikTok's Digital Wellbeing features help reduce the time you spend in the app and limit the appearance of inappropriate videos. Youtube allows you to set a reminder to take a break. To find out if your kids' favourite apps offer any kind of restrictions, go to the app's settings (usually a gear icon). Unless an app offers password protection for the settings (and most don't), your child can easily change them. 

Do I have to worry about my child turning off parental controls?

Yes, children can reverse parental controls. In fact, they can easily find the instructions on the Internet. Depending on the software you use, you may receive a notification that parental control has been changed ... or you may not receive it. Kids can discover all sorts of ingenious methods to keep doing what they want to do: talking to friends, staying up late playing Fortnight and watch videos that you don't want them to see. If you notice anything suspicious, such as a sharp drop in your parental controls, Wi-Fi, or data activity notifications after you've shut down the network, or anything else that indicates that parental controls aren't working the way it's supposed to should do so, your child may have discovered a method to avoid it. However, there could be another reason, as parental controls can be affected by system updates, power outages, and other technical issues. 

Will my child know that I am using parental controls?

It depends on the type of controls you install and the devices you have. You can install some parental controls without your children knowing, but Common Sense Media does not recommend doing so (unless you have a really serious problem with your child and need to monitor them discreetly). In fact, beware of companies offering covert monitoring services, as they tend to prey on parental fears. On the other hand, parental control companies that encourage open dialogue between parents and children are more useful, because at some point you will have to talk to him or her about what you find and it will be easier if your child already knows that. you are monitoring. If you decide to use parental controls, talk to your children and explain why you use them (to help them keep them safe);

 

What Is Parental Control & What Is It For?

 What Is Parental Control & What Is It For?

 

 

New technologies are implanted in life. But on the Internet there are many dangers. For this reason, it is important - especially at the beginning - to protect your children from the dangers of the Web. One of the best tools is parental control, which allows you to control the time of use or where your child enters. We leave you seven applications or tools to understand and apply parental control.

• What is parental control?

Parental control is a tool that allows parents to monitor and adjust the time of use and content that their children have access to in their digital life. More than 40% of children between 9 and 10 years old use their mobile, according to a study by the National Cybersecurity Institute (INCIBE). The percentage grows according to the age range. Between 11 and 12 years it already reaches 71%; from 13 to 14 it reaches 91% and in young people from 15 to 17 years old it shoots up to 97%.

• What is parental control for?

According to this same study, 33% of children have had negative experiences on the Internet. There is a clear upward trend in recent years, where bad experiences on the Internet tripled compared to 2010. Currently, access to the Internet is increasing due to the many options available to minors to connect. Parental control is used to:

- Monitor: Record online activity, analyse where it enters and what your child sees. And warn if you access a website that is not recommended.

- Avoid contact with strangers: 40% of minors have had contact on the Internet with people they did not know face to face, according to INCIBE. With parental control you can avoid possible problems of grooming, cyberbullying or sexting

- Limit the time of use and screen: You can program how long your child can be connected, or times of on and off.

- Reduces the possibility of children entering an inappropriate site: The tools apply access filters to different content websites that are sensitive for early ages. As well as providing personal data.

The ideal is to apply Parental Control when your child is starting in the technological world, when he still does not have autonomy. This must be gradual and we have to accompany children in their digital growth, as the writer Janell B. Hofmann said.

• Seven applications for parental control of minors on the Internet

1- Qustodio

Qustodio is one of the most recommended applications. Available on mobiles and computers, it has a free version and a paid version. It has functions to control the connection time, apply filters on content or words and restrict access to certain websites.  

2- Parental control in IOS

If you are an Apple user, parental control tools are integrated into your mobile or tablet. To prevent your child from misusing their device, or to limit the time of use, just go to Settings, General and select Restrictions.  

3- Windows Live Family Safety

Windows devices, like Apple's, come with parental control tools by default. Known as Windows Live Family Safety, it allows you to limit the time of use or restrict access to certain websites. You only need to log in with your user account and activate the options that you consider appropriate. 

4- Google Family Link

It is Google's free tool specially designed for mobiles. It allows you to establish basic digital rules for its growth, such as time limits, activity control and geolocation.  5- Kids Place on Android

Perhaps the application with a simpler development. It is available for Android devices and has a million downloads. It is the ideal tool if your child is starting with technology. It is very easy to use and only allows your child to access the applications that you have previously approved. It allows a large number of functions in its free mode and includes some other Premium that can be purchased through the application.

6- Secure Kids for Android

Secure Kids is one of the most complete tools on the market. It is only available on Android and has a free and a paid version, its free version is complete and includes several interesting functions. The application works on smartphones or tablets and allows you to geolocate your child, restrict access to certain websites, filter content and words, block calls on the device, etc. 

 

7- Parental Click

Parental Click is a paid application. It costs 14 euros a year and the proceeds go to the ANAR Foundation, which focuses on helping children and adolescents at risk, with a special focus on new technologies and their use. With this parental control tool you can block access to websites or content, limit the time of use and install a help button for your child in case they are experiencing an unpleasant situation at any time.

Does Using Antivirus Software Gives Issues to Users?

 Does Using Antivirus Software Gives Issues to Users?

 

The use of computer computers today is a very important factor for most areas, especially education and business.

 

Most families have at least one computer, laptop or desktop, in their homes so they can do research, work, entertain themselves, and more. On the other hand, companies need this equipment to be able to store all the information and efficiently share the data through their systems.

 

Now, among the many computer security methods that currently exist to protect sensitive information, there are Antivirus. It is a program that is installed on computers and works as a watchdog, protector and destroyer of malicious files in case they enter the computer's storage disk.Your job is to block files that may be contaminated, quarantine them for disinfecting, or permanently delete them. It also performs quick scans, by folders or complete, in search of these computer agents to later act according to the type of threat.

 

However, the Antivirus installed on the computer does not always work correctly, there may be some errors that are easy to overcome. A quick solution can be to use Total AV software, a highly recommended antivirus that is only 2 years old, but the quality it has is enormous. It can do real-time examinations of all folders, scan portable storages before they are opened on the computer, analyze the web pages that are browsed and it has a very efficient ad blocker that prevents spam in any web browser. Find out the details and comments about this solution here , because if the corresponding actions are not taken it can affect the performance of the computer.

 

Some of the most common problems are:

 

1 - Conflict for 2 or more Antivirus

A very common problem that happens in the computer is that when 2 or more programs of this type are installed they block each other, causing none of them to fulfill their function. This happens because computer security software takes its brothers as viruses, so they reach an impasse.

 

Many people have had this problem with Windows 10 because they do not know that this operating system already comes with an antivirus, called Windows Defender. So they install any other and crash. The solution is to disable the default operating system software or not install any other.

 

2 - Not having the proper Antivirus

It also happens that companies or people do not use the correct antivirus according to their needs. Some are content with owning the free version of the programs and others with downloading cracked ones (a process that can bring viruses).

The type of Antivirus Software must be installed depending on how the computer will be used. The level of protection of a company's server is not the same as that of a home computer. So if necessary, it is advisable to buy an antivirus license to improve the level of protection.

 

3 - Too many daily analyzes

Like any program, the antivirus consumes computer resources. When you have one installed, it has the option of automatic startup, so when you turn on the computer it already begins to subtract power and resources.

 

Therefore, if several analyzes are carried out daily, the computer could slow down if this process is combined with other tasks , depending on the configuration it has in its components. It is recommended that a single daily study be done to look for viruses if the use of the computer is regular. Now if files are constantly being downloaded, they should be done at least 2 a day.

 

4 - Excessive blockages

The main function of this software is to protect the information contained in the computer, either blocking the installation of programs, sending files to quarantine or even deleting them as soon as their presence is detected.

 

However, it may happen that the antivirus begins to prevent access to programs that are not harmful to the computer, making it difficult to use them correctly at home or in the company.

It usually happens when it comes to free versions or not so well known and that they lack optimization for the programs that are used daily. These errors could also occur when no exceptions have been added to the Windows Firewall and it blocks internet access.

 

Stay Protected from Forged Antivirus Software

 Stay Protected from Forged

 Antivirus Software

Most of you know how important it is to have security software on your computers to stay protected from viruses, malware, spam, and other internet threats. Unfortunately, cybercriminals also know that it is critical to have a security solution, and they are using this knowledge to trick us into downloading fake virus protection that is designed to do harm to your computer.

Spotting a Fake Antivirus Solution

Fake antivirus software is one of the most persistent threats on the internet today. It masquerades as legitimate malware protection, but is actually malicious software that extorts money from you to “fix” your computer. And often, this new antivirus program disables your legitimate security software that you already have, making it challenging to remove.

A rogue Antivirus Software will often hook you while you’re browsing the web by displaying a popup window claiming that your computer may be infected with various online threats. Often, the popup includes a phishing link to download security software that offers to solve the problem, or redirects you to a site that sells the fake antivirus application. It is also often also called scareware since the hackers use messages like “You have a virus,” as a way to get you to click on their message.

Because the idea of having an infected operating system usually means lost data, time, and money, most of us are eager to get rid of any potential problems right away. However, our eagerness to act without conducting proper research is what makes fake antivirus software so successful. Once you click on the phishing link in the popup and enter your credit card details for the “purchase,” the hackers behind this threat now have your financial data to exploit. Not only can they use this data to conduct identity theft, but you’re also left with nothing but malware in return.

How to Protect Yourself from a Fake Antivirus Tool

Unsure if that antivirus app is real or fake? Fear not! Follow these steps to protect yourself from the hackers and their malicious software:

Never click on a link in a popup window

If you see a message pop up that says you have a virus or are infected with a malware threat, click the “x” in the corner to close it. These messages often contain phishing links that steal your personal data in exchange for malicious cyber threats.

Use a legitimate malware detection program

 If you are concerned that your computer may be infected with a malware threat, run a scan using the legitimate Total Security Software or Antivirus Software product you have installed on your device.

What is the Best Antivirus Software for Optimal Security Protection?

Recruit the Best for Reliable Antivirus Software Protection

When it comes time to choose an antivirus tool, it can be tempting to select a free antivirus solution. However, free antivirus software can come at a price. Free tools simply don’t offer the level of advanced protection that modern technology users need. We require solutions that are as sophisticated as the threats we face, including everything from new strains of malware to identity theft. Additionally, free antivirus software can typically only be used on one device, while the average consumer has about three!

To ensure that your digital life is protected, use a security suite that has your best interest in mind. Ensure that you have comprehensive internet security installed on all your devices, like TotalSecurity Software. Antivirus suite provides protection from online threats across your PC, Mac, tablet, and mobile device, as well as providing you with identity theft protection. Additionally, it comes with Password Manager to easily secure and manage your passwords by storing, auto-filling, and generating unique passwords. Furthermore, you can use Data Wipe, McAfee Shredder, to delete sensitive files completely, ensuring no traces are left behind.

The cybersecurity landscape is constantly changing, which it why you need to recruit a best-in-class Internet Security Software. With robust, comprehensive security in place, your devices will be consistently protected from the latest threats in the ever-evolving. With all your devices safe, you can live your online life free from worry.