Measures to Protect Against Encryption Trojans Using Antivirus Software

 Measures to Protect Against Encryption Trojans Using Antivirus Software

Criminals use different strategies to steal money from ignorant victims. A popular approach is to encrypt the files of the user who only gains access to them after paying a «ransom» - maybe ...! One of these strategies is the spread of ransomware.

“Ransomware” is a specific family of malware. It usually spreads through malicious email attachments or infected websites. Once installed, “ransomware” encrypts files on the victim's computer as well as on any connected network drives and storage media (e.g. USB sticks). This renders the encrypted files unusable for the victim.

How to Protect Yourself from Ransomware:

1. Make Regular Backups of Your Data.

Make sure that you disconnect the medium on which you are making the backup copy from the computer after the backup process. Otherwise, in the event of an attack by “ransomware”, the data on the backup medium may also be encrypted.

2. Always Keep Installed Software and Plug-Ins Up-To-Date.

Make sure that all installed software, apps, and web browser plug-ins are always up to date. Whenever possible, use the software's automatic update function.

3. Be Careful of Suspicious Emails,

for e-mails that you receive unexpectedly or that come from an unknown sender. Do not follow any instructions in the text, do not open any attachments, or follow any links.

4. Use a Modern Antivirus Program with Ransomware Protection,

that is always kept up to date with automatic updates. Otherwise, there is a risk that newly developed malware will not be recognized.

5. Segment Your Network

as described in the Secnovum article on network zoning. This allows you to reduce the risk of spread, for example from a client to the server.

How Ransomware Works

It happens quickly: opening a malicious email attachment or an infected website maybe enough for an encryption trojan to nestle on your own system and inexorably render data unusable by deleting or encrypting it.

When attacking companies today, different types of malware are often combined with one another in such a way that they hide from simple virus protection programs and can thus automatically spread across the entire network. They are configured in such a way that all data backups accessible via the network are encrypted or deleted first and then the original files and shadow copies are encrypted - this to prevent a restore from the data backup.

If the files on the computer were encrypted by the «ransomware», this shows the victim a «lock screen». This requests the victim to pay the attacker a certain sum of money in the form of an internet currency (e.g., Bitcoins) so that they can rerelease the encrypted files and the latter can thus be reused (blackmail). Using an internet currency makes it difficult to track authorship.

However, compliance with the demands made by the attackers and the associated payment to the attackers do not guarantee that victim will regain access to the encrypted files. Also, a payment finances the attacker's business model and thus allows them to continue the attacks with “ransomware” and to infect and damage other victims.

Possible rescue in an emergency: Whether decryption routines are already known for ransomware can be seen on websites such as no more ransom.

Companies Are Ideal Victims of Attacks

When it comes to spreading ransomware, cybercriminals primarily target companies because they have a lot of business-critical data at their disposal and are therefore more willing to pay high ransom sums to avert an existential loss of data. An infection with an encryption Trojan and the associated loss of data can just as easily affect private users.

The most important countermeasure to prevent data loss through ransomware is therefore the regular creation of security copies (backups) of your files - further information on this, primarily for small businesses, can be found under “ Step 1 - Backing up the data ” on the platform “ eBanking - but secure! ».

 

Importance Of Parental Control & Protecting Kids From Cyber Crimes

 Importance Of Parental Control & Protecting Kids From Cyber Crimes

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.

 

Guidelines to Protect You Against Hacker Attacks Using Antivirus Software

 Guidelines to Protect You Against Hacker Attacks Using Antivirus Software

In 2018, almost 30 billion hacker attacks were carried out to log into a website with stolen data. Online retailers in particular are not only responsible for their own data, but also for that of their customers. We have tips on how to protect yourself.

This year's "State of the Internet" security report from CDN provider Akamai presents alarming figures: In 2018, almost 30 billion hacker attacks were carried out to log into a website with stolen user data. Online retailers, in particular, are not only responsible for their own data but also for that of their customers.

Trusted Shops have tips for online retailers on how they can protect their shop from hacker attacks.

1. Use Complex Passwords

Online retailers need many passwords, for example for administrative access to the shop system, access to databases or web hosts. It is advisable to choose passwords that are as complex as possible, contain letters, numbers, and special characters and are no less than eight characters long.

Passwords that are too simple or too short can be easily deciphered. Also, different passwords should be used for each access to prevent a total write-off if a single password is lost. A password manager helps to manage the different passwords.

2. Use Antivirus and Firewall

Antivirus can ward off viruses and Trojans. A firewall that cannot be changed without authorization is also useful. The programs must always be kept up to date. The operating system also has to be updated regularly; the manufacturers close possible security gaps here as well.

3. Keep the Shop System up To Date

The same thing that applies to virus programs and operating systems is also decisive for the shop system: always keep it up to date. Most providers provide regular updates in which known vulnerabilities are closed and security-relevant features can be included.

4. Skimpy with Writing Rights on The Web-server

The more files have to write access, the greater the risk that malicious programs can reach the webserver. In the worst-case scenario, these files read customer data. The following applies: The only grant write permissions where they are really needed.

 

5. Secure Forms

Forms are often used as a gateway for malware, for example, search forms, user registrations, or customer logins. The program code defines how this data is processed and readout. Therefore, when creating the code, algorithms should be built that make it more difficult for malware to penetrate the system using so-called code injection attacks.

6. Encrypt Sensitive Data

There is no such thing as one hundred percent security and there never will be. No manufacturer can fix unpublished vulnerabilities, so every system will always remain vulnerable. It is all the more important to be prepared for the worst-case scenario.

A very effective method is to only store the data in encrypted form and to keep the key safe and separate from the data. If an attacker gains access to the system, he will only find illegible data.

7. Get Professional Support

Nobody can be a specialist in everything. This is especially true for information security. There are solutions and specialist staff who can provide support in securing the online shop and clearly identify where the problem is. The palette ranges from automated vulnerability scanners to external information security officers.

 

How Do Digitization and Cybersecurity Go Hand-in-Hand with Antivirus Software

 How Do Digitization and Cybersecurity Go

Hand-in-Hand with Antivirus Software

Who in the company is actually responsible for information security? The IT department alone? Or does a “shared responsibility approach” make more sense?

A smartphone is a computer that can also be used to make calls. Our vehicles are computers that you can also drive with. In addition to many other functions, the television can also receive television programs. Some find this very useful, others less so. The fact is: Companies use digitization to optimize processes, improve their customer communication and thus become more efficient and competitive. Despite all the current errors and confusion: Digitization makes our lives easier. But it also has a downside: it makes society increasingly dependent on the proper functioning of systems and thus more vulnerable. As a result, information security has become a key success factor for companies and society. 

Innovative, but Safe

Digitization primarily means that specialist departments such as sales, logistics, customer service, or human resources

·         implement digital strategies on a larger scale,

·         introduce new applications in the process,

·         develop mobile applications (or have them developed),

·         process new information and/or use new cloud services. 

 

This can quickly overwhelm traditionally operating security organizations in companies. Traditionally this means that a corresponding project is first checked and then approved by a central information security department. This is resource-intensive and usually not particularly fast. The result: In the best-case scenario, information security becomes a brake on the planned project. In the worse, but in reality common case, it is simply ignored or bypassed. Both of these are unsuitable for building long-term trust with customers and partners or for meeting regulatory requirements. The question is therefore how a company can provide its services innovatively and still safely. How must information security be organized so that digitized companies run optimally?

No More Tools, but New Concepts

In many organizations, information security is primarily perceived as a technical problem. In fact, it is primarily a conceptual and organizational matter. The technology is used to implement the concepts and processes or to support people in doing so. This view is necessary. It enables those responsible to grasp the new challenges that a digitization strategy brings with it.

From Authorization to Orchestration

Technology alone will not solve the problem of information security. The key lies in a conceptual approach based on orchestration and a certain degree of decentralization: Shared Responsibility, known from cloud hosting. That means: When it comes to compliance with and implementation of security guidelines, departments receive 

·         more autonomy

·         and at the same time more responsibility. 

 

Information security remains the top security authority. However, it primarily takes on an advisory and partnership role. 

Security Manager in The Areas

How can such a shared responsibility concept be implemented in reality? One possibility is the use of a project or area-specific Information Security Officers (ISO) or security managers. You will accompany and advise the specialist and/or IT departments in the design, implementation, and operation of digital solutions. In doing so, they ensure that operational and regulatory security requirements are complied with. However, they are still subject to the security organization to counteract any potential conflicts of interest.

Use the Strengths of The Organization

Alternative implementation options are:

·         Training and help for self-help

·         This not only raises the employees' awareness of safety aspects but also transfers valuable, practical knowledge. 

 

Equip Selected Roles in The Departments with Special Knowledge

As a result, the relevant employees bring this know-how to their respective areas. An HR employee who is familiar with the aspects of data security can serve as an internal point of contact and thus relieve the data privacy officer. A software developer who has specialist knowledge in the area of ​​security testing and coding can give his colleagues appropriate assistance. This principle is not new but is known in many organizations as superusers or, more recently, as user champions from application support. The options for security are diverse here, but the potential has so far not been fully exploited in practice.

Grab It and Win

Hesitation definitely doesn't pay off when it comes to information security. Digitization must be secure if it is to bring the desired success. The necessary concepts and technologies are available. It is important to adapt them to individual requirements and wishes and to implement them quickly. The most important part is to adapt ANTIVIRUS SOFTWARE to bit fraudulent activities online. This lowers the risks and increases the chances of success. 

 

Protection of Devices from Malware by Free Antivirus Software

 Protection of Devices from Malware by

Free Antivirus Software

 “Malware” - short for “Malicious Software” - describes computer programs that infect a legitimate computer and thus cause damage in various ways. Malware can infect computers and other devices through a variety of methods and can come in different forms, including B. viruses, worms, Trojans, or spyware. Therefore, users need to know how to recognize and protect themselves from the various forms of malware.

So what is malware? Malware comes in a wide variety of forms. Computer viruses are probably the most popular form of malware. They are called "viruses" because they spread through copies of themselves. Worms have similar properties. Other types of malware get their name from their actions: Spyware (short for "spy software"), for example, conveys personal information such as B. Credit Card Numbers.

A Criminal Business

After “What is malware?” The question must be: “Who is developing it and why?” Because the days when the majority of malware was still programmed by young jokers are long gone. Most malware today is developed and used by professional criminals.

 

These criminals use a variety of sophisticated tactics. How Public CIO reports, cybercriminals encrypt example, in some cases, computer data and then require the user a ransom to recover the data.

 

However, the greatest risk for regular computer users is the theft of online banking data, e.g. B. Bank and credit card details and passwords. The criminal hacker who steals the information can then use it to rob your account or pile up bills on your behalf. Alternatively, he can also sell your account information in illegal markets where confidential information is traded for large sums of money.

 

Protection Against Malware

Let us now address the most important question: "How can I be sure that there is no malware on my computer or in my network?"

There are two answers to this: vigilance and security tools. One of the most popular ways to spread malware is through email. These are often structured to look like a notification from a well-known company, e.g. A bank, or a personal message from a friend.

Be careful if an email prompts you for your password. Or when e-mails supposedly come from friends, but there is no real message in it - just a “Hey, take a look at this cool website!” And a link.

Vigilance is the first line of defence against malware, but it is not enough. Business security isn't perfect, and even downloads from legitimate sites can sometimes contain malware. This means that even the most cautious user will need additional protective measures.

What Is Virus Protection?

Malware protection provides a second important barrier for your computer or network. A powerful antivirussoftware package is the key component of any technological defence that any computer system, whether used commercially or privately, should have.

 

Reliable virus protection is characterized by various features. The product will check any newly downloaded programs to make sure they do not contain malware. It scans the computer regularly to find and remove malware that has found its way. It is updated regularly to identify any current threats.

 

Good antivirus protection can also detect previously unknown malware threats and warn you about them based on common technical characteristics of malware, such as B. trying to hide on the computer. Also, reliable antivirus programs detect suspicious websites and warn the user about them. This is especially true for websites designed for “phishing” - a technique in which users are tricked into entering passwords or account numbers.

The last important quality of good malware protection is usability. Effective antivirus software must be easy to download and install, and it should not require a Ph.D. in computer science to operate. Choose and install antivirus software like Protegent Free Antivirus Software based on the quality criteria listed above.

Reliable malware protection ensures the security of your finances in particular. These solutions protect your account data and also provide tools for password management - so that you do not neglect this essential security component due to frustration with forgotten passwords.

No protection is perfect. However, a combination of personal vigilance and reliable security tools ensures that your computer is as protected as possible.

 

Why To Purchase Antivirus Software Directly from Developer

 Why To Purchase Antivirus Software Directly from Developer

When you want to save money by buying an antivirus from untrusted online sellers, you ultimately risk your money and might land in trouble afterward.

Wanting to save your money when buying things is normal, yet sometimes this might impose a threat to you. Although our ancestors tried to drive out this sinful attitude, even making up dozens of proverbial sayings like “a cheapskate pays twice”, we still tend to believe that distributors can be selfless and that they are willing to give away goods for free out of the goodness of their hearts. Of course, there are instances when saving a lot is possible without any consequences, but most of the time we look for deals, which end up resulting in loss and problems. This is applicable not only to iPhones and other luxury goods but to antiviruses as well.

Numerous online offerings for Protegent products, including those on bidding platforms, e-commerce, and advertisement sites, serve as good examples. Hundreds of sellers offer boxed Protegent Total Security and other security solutions for prices up to 1.5 to 10 times lower than our normal price. In such cases, one cannot help but buy several licenses for the price of one. However, too low a price is often the first sign that the seller is a fraud.

Sadly, the overwhelming majority of such offers are fraudulent or, at times, a legitimate yet invalid license. In the first case, you may just lose some money, in the second, you would need to deal not only with the loss of funds but also with problems that you will later have to devote your undivided attention (and ultimately, more money) to.

So, what drawbacks would a generous online offer conceal, and what problems might this mean for a buyer?

Non-Existent/blocked/invalid License Code

Anyone can produce a combination of letters and numbers that look like a software code, as well as post an offer for a blocked, invalid, or out-of-date code. A buyer is essentially unable to check the validity of the code prior to the purchase. This is something that fraudsters have constantly been using when trading invalid codes in ‘3-for-1’ bundles. Having purchased such a code, a user is likely to see a “the code you entered is not valid” message.

Multi-User License

There is also another scenario: a culprit posts an offer for a valid license code for, say, three users, but sends the code to several buyers simultaneously. Then it is like Russian roulette: someone is faster than the others and activates the code, and the losers will have to see the message “this code has already been activated.

 

Pirated License

A cracked code is a time bomb: a pirated code might be accepted by the software but will surely be banned afterward by an anti-pirate system, disabling regular updates of antivirus databases and eventually exposing your machine to newer samples of malware.

A License with False Features

It is well known that one license can be activated on several devices, depending on the type. This tactic is actively used by fraudulent sellers: they will sell a license for 2 machines as a product that is for 5 machines, which is, predictably, more expensive. By the time the buyer has activated the code on all devices and discovers the ugly truth, the sellers are nowhere to be found.

License Valid for Another Region

One of the most unpleasant options is the purchase of a license restricted to a certain region. Licenses for different regions vary in price but the code can be activated only in the corresponding region. So a code for a license specifically designated for South Africa cannot be activated in any other country.

It is such an unfortunate coincidence: the seller did not want to lie to anyone, yet the buyer ends up with a valid, legitimate code they cannot use.

All of these scenarios have something in common: the users who have invalid, fraudulent, or ‘grey’ codes are not entitled to receive any help from Protegent Technical Support. Moreover, they are unlikely to be able to have the money returned that they spent. There have been cases where a victim has been able to prove the fraud and have their money reimbursed, yet the process would eat up a lot of time and energy.

In order to save yourself and your money from unnecessary risk, purchase activation codes only at Protegent, from trusted merchants and authorized online distributors. Just accept the simple truth: if something is too good to be true, then it is probably not true.

Incomplete Packaging

If you decide to purchase a security solution from a third-party seller — on eBay, for example — you might end up paying a bit less for a lot less. What’s shown on the site is always a traditional software box, but it’s been years since anyone bought software online and waiting for a box to come in the mail.

When you buy from a third party, they’ll still show product box photos, whether the seller is legitimate or a scammer. In the best-case scenario, you’ll get a good activation code and download link. Or you might get an empty box.

Why would you care about incomplete packaging if the AV solution seems to work? Well, it’s true that the box doesn’t matter. But when you buy a security solution, you also get the right to receive customer support. If, when you install the software you downloaded, you face activation or licensing issues, the first thing Protegent Technical Support will ask for is information from the packaging — that’s your proof of (legitimate) purchase. Without that information, the support engineer will not be able to help you. In fact, any tech support will require a legitimate product code.

Of course, if you bought legitimate software, you don’t need a box to prove it: You can provide the order number from your e-mail receipt, which contains the purchase invoice and the e-mail address you used for the product purchase.

If, despite our recommendations, you still think purchasing the product from a third-party seller is worth the risk, please request all the data you’ll need, including the e-mail address they used for the purchase and the original invoice they received.

 

Tips to Keep Files Safe from Ransomware By Total Security Software

 Tips to Keep Files Safe from Ransomware By

Total Security Software

Ransomware is becoming more and more dangerous - here are some simple but very effective tips to protect you from the malicious programs that are extortionate.

Ransomware has become one of the most notorious cyber threats in the past few years. As soon as a ransomware Trojan penetrates a system, it secretly encrypts files - including important documents, videos, and photos. This happens in the background so that the victim does not notice anything at first.

After doing its malicious work, the Trojan informs the victim that the files have been encrypted. In order to be able to use the files again, the user has to pay a ransom, which is usually a few hundred dollars and is to be paid in bitcoins. Many ransomware victims have little technological background, so they have to find out what bitcoins are and how to make the payment in the first place.

Also, what makes ransomware so nasty is the fact that the encrypted files are still stored on the victim's computer. A very sad and frustrating fact - the files are there but cannot be opened without the decryption key.

As ransomware is becoming a bigger problem, users should protect themselves against it and prevent infection. After all, it is much more complicated to deal with the consequences of a ransomware infection than to take care of the appropriate protection beforehand.

Here are 10 simple tips you can use to protect your data from ransomware:

• Back up all of your important files on a regular basis . We recommend that you make two backup copies of all files: One that is saved in the cloud (e.g. for services such as Dropbox, Google Drive, etc.) and one on its own storage device (removable hard drive, USB stick, extra As soon as your backup copies have been made, you should set special restrictions on the files: Your "Plan-B device" should only have read / write permissions so that files cannot be modified or deleted. Your backup copies can help you with all sorts of problems, including accidental deletion of important files or a hard drive failure.

• Regularly check the integrity of the backup copies. Occasionally, malfunctions can damage these files as well.

• Cyber ​​criminals often distribute fake emails , similar to online store or online bank notifications, to trick users into clicking malicious links or distributing malicious programs. This is called phishing . But with this knowledge you can adjust your antispam settings accordingly. In addition, you should never open attachments from unknown senders.
• Don't trust anyone. Malicious links can also come from friends on social networks, your colleagues or partners playing online games if their accounts have been hacked.

• Activate the function "Show file extensions" in the Windows settings. This makes it easier to identify potentially harmful files. Since Trojans are just programs, you should always be careful with file extensions such as “exe”, “vbs” and “scr” in e-mails or messages. You should also be careful, as many known file extensions can also be dangerous . Cyber ​​criminals often use multiple extensions to disguise malicious files as videos, photos or documents (for example hot-chics.avi.exe or report.doc.scr). Regularly update your operating system, browser, antivirus software, and any other installed programs. Cyber ​​criminals like to abuse security holes in these programs to break into computers.

• Use reliable antivirus software to protect your devices from ransomware. We recommend Protegent Total Security, which blocks all types of malware and, in the event of infection, protects all important files with a special function .

• If you discover a wrong or unknown process on your computer, you should cut off the Internet connection immediately. Because if ransomware has not yet deleted the decryption key on the computer, you still have the chance to be able to restore your files. However, new types of ransomware also use predefined keys, so this may not work.

• If you are the unfortunate person whose files have been encrypted, you shouldn't pay the ransom unless you need instant access to certain files. But every payment only reinforces the perpetrators in their illegal business.
• If you have been infected by ransomware, you should try to find out the name of the malware: if it is an older version, it is relatively easy to restore your files yourself. Older ransomware is not yet as sophisticated, and police authorities and security experts are working together to catch the perpetrators and make appropriate recovery tools available on the Internet. This may give you the opportunity to get your encrypted data back without paying a ransom.