Most Insecure Wi-Fi Router Passwords & Securing by Free Antivirus Software

 Most Insecure Wi-Fi Router Passwords & Securing by Free Antivirus Software

Insecure passwords open the door to hackers, but users and manufacturers are still neglecting the security of their entrance doors to the network and sloppy with passwords.

Passwords are a tiresome subject. Security specialists have now put together the top 10 insecure router passwords. Oldies remain goldies:

Top 10 Most Popular Weak Router Passwords:

1.      admin

2.      root

3.      1234

4.      guest

5.      password

6.      12345

7.      support

8.      great

9.      Admin

10.  passport

 

Routers are the gatekeepers for the network, but these important devices often only use a password to protect against unauthorized access to access the administration interface. This can have fatal consequences: Anyone who knows or easily guesses the password can access the entire network. Too few users probably know that the assigned access code for the configuration and the WLAN network play a key role.

Security experts have evaluated the current telemetry data from the ESET network scanner and obtained worrying results: Several thousand of the more than 100,000 scanned devices use standard passwords. These devices are often in use for many years without modification.

“Users who do not secure administrator access to their routers also in most cases do not protect their WLAN network with secure passwords. Routers should never be operated with factory-set or weak passwords. If possible, the user name should also be individualized, ”explains Michael Schröder, Security Business Strategy Manager DACH at ESET. “Common passwords are the first cybercriminals try and do not offer any protection. WLAN keys and administrator passwords, in particular, should therefore be assigned individually when they are set up. "

The WLAN router is the control center of the home network and is responsible for the Internet supply within your own four walls. Smart home devices from security cameras to heating systems to locking systems are also controlled and managed via routers. According to a survey by the digital association Bitkom, around 30 percent of Germans have already installed a smart home application in their homes. This central role and the rapidly increasing use of such applications make the router a popular target for cybercriminals. Given the often laxity of users with password security, it is not surprising that attacks are on the rise.

The administration interface and the wireless network of a router are each protected by a password. Under no circumstances should the password supplied by the manufacturer with the device be used. A good router password should be at least 8 to 12 characters long. Users should think of a sentence that contains at least one number and is easy to remember. For example: "I prefer to eat pizza with four ingredients and extra cheese!" If you now take the first letter of each word this results in: "AleiPm4Z + eK!". Users already have a secure password.

Followings Are the Tips to Secure a Router:

Keep firmware up-to-date: In many cases, updates bring new functions and close security gaps. If possible, you should enable automatic updates in the router's menu or check for updates regularly.

Deactivate remote access: With remote access, users open ports on their device. While this feature has numerous advantages, it also gives hackers another point of attack. Remote access should therefore remain deactivated.

Activate two-factor authentication (2FA): Modern routers offer the option of activating 2FA. If settings are changed, they must be verified by another source. This confirmation can be done by pressing a specific button on the device or using the telephone.

Change Wi-Fi password: The best encryption method is useless if the associated password is easy to guess. With standard passwords in particular, which are set at the factory, there is a risk that hackers will automatically test known passwords using special programs.

Deactivating the WPS PIN: “Wi-Fi Protected Setup” (WPS) is a standard for setting up an encrypted WLAN network quickly. Users only need a PIN, which can be read on the device. This feature should be disabled as it is easy to crack.

Find FREE ANTIVIRUS for the protection of your computer

Change network name: Users should give their WLAN a new name (SSID). The pre-set network name often contains the manufacturer name and device type. This allows attackers to check directly whether there are known vulnerabilities in the router.

 

Rootkits and How to Cope Up with Them by Total Security Software

 Root-kits and How to Cope Up with Them by Total Security Software

 

Professionals and security enthusiasts already know what rootkits are, ordinary users are unaware of this type of malware that was developed specifically to hide themselves

Professionals and security enthusiasts already know what rootkits are, ordinary users are unaware of this type of malware that was developed specifically to hide themselves and their activity on the infected system. Another cybercriminal who is constantly developing new methods to steal your information.

The ability to hide allows this type of malware to remain on the victim's system for months, sometimes even years, allowing a hacker to use the computer for whatever he wants. Even a machine that does not contain valuable information, which is unusual, can be useful for producing bitcoins (digital currency), sending spam, and participating in DDoS attacks. Rootkit functionality allows hackers to hide their criminal activities not only from monitoring tools built into the OS, but from antivirus sensors as well. That is why we suggest that you look for the anti-rootkits function in your antivirus and web security systems.

Rootkit Variants

There are two main types of rootkits: user-mode and kernel-mode. The former is designed to work in the same place that the operating system and applications operate. They perform their malicious functions by hacking into computer applications or by rewriting the memory used by those applications. This type of rootkit is the most common. Instead, kernels operate from the kernel and provide the cracker with the most important computer privileges. Once the kernel rootkit is installed, the hacker can take control of the infected computer and do whatever he wants on it. This type of malware is more complex than the previous one and, therefore, less common. Furthermore, it is also more difficult to detect and eliminate.

There are also other variants, although less common, such as rootkits. These programs are designed to modify the computer's boot loader, the software that works before the operating system loads. Recently, a new class of mobile rootkits has emerged targeting smartphones, especially Android devices. These rootkits are associated with a malicious application that is downloaded from third-party forums or Appstore.

 

What Makes a Rootkit Invisible? 

The malware integrates its code into the operating system and intercepts all common requests to read the file, obtaining a list of all active processes. A rootkit processes these requests and stores any mention of files, processes, and other traces related to its activity. Other techniques can also be used, for example, a rootkit can insert its code into a legitimate process and use the memory of the process to do its dirty work. This makes the rootkit invisible to less advanced antivirus solutions, which operate at the superficial level of OS requests and do not attempt to delve into other hardware structures.

If the antivirus detects a rootkit, the malware may try to disable protection and delete some delicate components of the solution. The most advanced rootkits use scapegoat techniques, create irrelevant files especially for them to be identified by the antivirus, when the software accesses the file the rootkit tries to take it down and prevent future executions.

How Does It Infect the Computer?

Rootkits can be installed using various methods, but the most common is by exploiting a vulnerability in the operating system or in an application on the computer. Hackers target their attackers against known and unknown vulnerabilities in the operating system and applications; using an exploit that controls the machine. Then, they install the rootkit and configure a few components that provide remote access to the PC. The exploits are usually hosted on a website, previously hacked. Another form of infection is USB. Attackers leave infected USB sticks somewhere a victim will see and pick them up: office buildings, coffee shops, or convention centers. In some cases, the installation is performed using security vulnerabilities, but in others,

How Can You Avoid This Confusion? 

First of all, by identifying any suspicious activity, your antivirus must thoroughly monitor system files to catch malware that attempts to modify the hard drive. You can detect rootkits that remain unidentified by your antivirus just by comparing the activities of your computer's operating system with the results of low-level monitoring. It is also crucial to have powerful antivirus protection like total security so that malware cannot disable it. Last, but not least, an antivirus must remove 100% of the rootkit components, including those inserted in delicate files of the operating system.

So ensure protection that covers these needs before saying "I know what a rootkit is, I am sure that my antivirus solution protects me from this threat."

 

Understanding the Whaling Attack & Free Antivirus Software

 Understanding the Whaling Attack & 

Free Antivirus Software

 

What Is Whaling Attack?

A whaling attack is a method that cybercriminals use to simulate occupying higher-level positions in an organization and thus directly attack senior executives or other important people within it, in order to steal money, obtain confidential information or gain access to your computer systems for criminal purposes. Whaling, also known as CEO fraud, is similar to phishing in that it uses methods, such as spoofing of websites and emails, to trick the victim into revealing confidential information or making money transfers, among other actions.

Unlike phishing scams (which don't have a specific target) and spear-phishing (which target specific people), whaling takes the attack to the next level - it doesn't just target these important people, it also targets them in a way that makes it appear that the fraudulent communications are coming from an influential person or who has a higher-level position within the organization. From this strategy comes the name "whaling" - a targeted attack targeting the "big shots" in companies, such as the chief executive officer (CEO) or finance manager. This brings an element of social engineering to the attack, as employees feel compelled to respond to requests from a person they consider important.

The threat is very present today and continues to grow. In 2016, Snapchat's payroll department received a whaling email that appeared to come from its CEO. In it, information on the payroll of employees was requested. Last year, Mattel (one of the major toy manufacturing companies) was the victim of a whaling attack after a senior financial executive received an email from a scammer impersonating the new CEO and requesting a transfer of money. As a result, the company almost lost $ 3 million.

How Whaling Attacks Work and How to Protect Yourself from Them?

As we mentioned earlier, whaling attacks differ from spear-phishing in that the fraudulent communications appear to be coming from a higher-level person. These attacks take on a more legitimate appearance when cybercriminals carefully investigate available open resources, such as social media, to devise a tailored strategy for each victim they wish to deceive.

One strategy could be an email that appears to come from a higher-level manager and references information the attacker obtained online; For example, they could view photos of the company's Christmas party on social media and send an email with the following message: "Hi John, this is Steve. You were quite drunk at the party last Thursday! I hope you did manage to get the beer stain off your red shirt. "

Also, the sender's email address generally appears to be legitimate, and the email may even include company logos or links to fraudulent websites designed to look like the real thing. Given that these "big shots" often have high credibility and a high level of access within the organization, the cybercriminal has a very good reason to put more effort into designing an attack that appears more credible.

The first strategy to stay safe from whaling attacks is to educate the important people of the organization so that they stay alert to the possibility of being victims of these attacks. Ask key employees to exercise caution when they receive unexpected communications, especially about important information or financial transactions. Always ask yourself a few key questions: were you expecting to receive an email, an attachment, or a link? Does the request have something strange?

They also need to be able to detect typical signs of an attack, such as spoofed (fraudulent) email addresses and sender names. By simply hovering over the sender's name in an email, the full email address can be seen. Thus, it is easy to study it carefully and determine if it exactly matches the name and format of the company. The IT department should carry out whaling tests to assess how key employees react to these attacks.

On the other hand, executives must be especially careful when posting and sharing information online on social media, such as Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. Cybercriminals can use any type of personal information, such as birthdays, hobbies, vacations, job titles, promotions, and relationships, to craft more sophisticated attacks.

A great way to reduce the damage that spoofed emails can cause is to have your IT department automatically flag all emails from external locations for review. Generally, whaling attacks are based on tricking important employees into thinking that the messages are coming from within the organization; for example, a money transfer request submitted by a finance manager. If external messages are flagged, it is easier to detect those that are false and at first glance appear legitimate, even to people who do not have much experience.

It is also recommended to implement phishing protection software that includes various services, such as URL checking and link validation. Another recommended step is to add an additional level of validation for sending sensitive information or large amounts of money. For example, instead of conducting exchanges electronically, an in-person meeting or phone call may be the best way to perform critical or confidential tasks.

Two is better than one when it comes to scams. Consider modifying the procedures so that two people must authorize payments, rather than one. This not only offers the perspective of a second person to resolve doubts, but it also reduces the likelihood that the employee will fear retaliation from that higher-level person in case they feel upset by the rejection of the request as fear is a key social engineering tactic on which attackers depend.

To be sure about the scam one should be aware of it and use the free antivirus software to have complete security and be away from all the scan and “real-looking” emails

 

Free PC Security Software or Free Antivirus Software

 Free PC Security Software or 

Free Antivirus Software

Are you tired? Then maybe you should pause your scrolling session rather than take a nap. Because on average we spend 6 hours and 42 minutes on the internet every day.

That means some of us to spend more time online than in bed. And also more time than in the car. Do you actually lock your door in the evening before you go to bed? Or do you buckle up in the car before going to the office? Both are absolutely common security measures. We protect ourselves even though the likelihood of a break-in or an accident is rather low.

Can you say the same about your online life? The risk of a data breach or ransomware attack is just as real as any other risk in your life. Even so, we are often less cautious online, making ourselves a welcome target for hackers and malware.

We know how dangerous online threats are. That is why we worked for a long time on a secret project that we are proud to present to you today: Protegent Free Antivirus, one of the best-advanced security software packages we have ever developed. Protegent Free Antivirus includes:

• Password Manager - Creates and stores unique passwords
• Software Updater - Updates drivers and software, and optimizes the performance of your device
• Antivirus - Blocks spyware, ransomware, adware, and more

Bundled in security software, these functions protect you from a wide variety of online threats. With Protegent Free Antivirus, the following security problem can no longer affect you:

Data Breaches

A data breach is more than a leaked password. If your data falls into the wrong hands, it can have far-reaching consequences: For example, you could be locked out of your accounts or become a victim of identity theft. A hacker attack occurs every 39 seconds. So no protection is no solution. But what can you do if it's already too late and your username and password have been compromised by a data breach? In this blog article, we will show you what to do in the event of data theft and how to make your password really secure.

Outdated Software

Outdated software is found on more than half of all Windows PCs. That's a huge number, but why is that a problem? Admittedly, all these update reminders can be quite annoying. However, there is a good reason why it is so important to keep programs up to date.

Phishing

A phishing attack is hidden behind every 25 apparently official company emails. As these attacks become more common and severe, security software is a must. Hackers often pose as well-known companies in phishing attacks and forge email addresses and websites. So they try to get their victims to give up their personal data.

Promotional Ads

Only 25% of the Internet users surveyed in Europe and the USA find personalized advertising acceptable. However, this method of advertisers is unlikely to change shortly. As a rule, your personal data is not at risk if you see the appropriate advertising for your browser history. And yet it can feel like an invasion of your privacy.

Ransomware

In a ransomware attack, hackers gain access to third-party devices. Then they lock the device or encrypt the data on it. The name ransomware comes from the English word "ransom", in German "ransom". This is the ransom that hackers demand from their victims to decrypt the data and unlock the device. On average, hackers demand a ransom of a good $1,000. Did you know that you can actively reduce your risk of such an attack?

Malware

Malware or malicious software is software that has been specially developed to enable cybercrimes such as data theft or device manipulation. Malware attacks are becoming more common. So the risk of becoming a victim of a malware attack is greater than ever. Sounds scary, doesn't it? Before you worry: In this article, we'll explain everything you need to know about malware and how you can protect yourself.

 

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.