#privacy security online protection data safety hacking tips internet tracking simple safe secure

[bob3160]

Protecting Your Online Privacy

[ask-my-girl]

You may not know me and you are probably wondering why you are getting this email

You may not know me and you are probably wondering why you are getting this email

It starts with a simple opening introduction..You may not know me and you are probably wondering why you are getting this e mail Once you finish reading this post please share it via Facebook or LinkedIn so we can build awareness and protect the general public. There are many online scams and it can be a dangerous place to spend your time, in saying this the world revolves around being connected and almost everyone now owns a smartphone and an email address. The latest scam to hit is a sophisticated blackmail that has tricked 100’s if not thousands around the world and its making a nice little savings account for the scammers. The email reads… “This account has been hacked! Change your password right now!” This is the point curiosity takes over and you open the email to see what’s going on. It is then followed by a message that may deviate slightly from the below You may not know me and you are probably wondering why you are getting this e mail, right? I’m a hacker who cracked your email and devices a few months ago. Do not try to contact me or find me, it is impossible, since I sent you an email from YOUR hacked account. I setup a malware on the adult vids (porno) web-site and guess what, you visited this site to have fun (you know what I mean). While you were watching videos, your internet browser started out functioning as a RDP (Remote Control) having a keylogger which gave me accessibility to your screen and web cam. After that, my software program obtained all information. You entered a passwords on the websites you visited, and I intercepted it. Of course you can will change it, or already changed it. But it doesn’t matter, my malware updated it every time. What did I do? I backuped device. All files and contacts. I created a double-screen video. 1st part shows the video you were watching (you’ve got a good taste haha . . .), and 2nd part shows the recording of your web cam. exactly what should you do? Well, in my opinion, $1000 (USD) is a fair price for our little secret. You’ll make the payment by Bitcoin (if you do not know this, search “how to buy bitcoin” in Google). My Bitcoin wallet Address: 14j6dFsCbqVFwycojmkqAsPtmZd7ewamdB (It is cAsE sensitive, so copy and paste it) Important: You have 48 hour in order to make the payment. (I’ve a unique pixel in this e mail, and at this moment I know that you have read through this email message). To track the reading of a message and the actions in it, I use the facebook pixel. Thanks to them. (Everything that is used for the authorities can help us.) If I do not get the BitCoins, I will certainly send out your video recording to all of your contacts including relatives, coworkers, and so on.

By this stage your blood pressure has increased and you are likely hitting a state of panic. (Please note over 75% of the population have watched porn) Take a big breath and feel safe knowing this is an elaborate scam and they do not have footage or photos of you jacking off over some online fantasy. The business plan for these scammers is to send an email out like the above to hundreds of thousands of people knowing that a small percentage will pay their demands. NEVER PAY ANY MONEY TO A SCAMMER. First of all yes people can watch you without you knowing but if this scammer was for real they would have included proof of the video like a small video snippet or photo. Keep Your Friends And Family Safe Take the time to speak to your family and friends about the scams that are going around, you never know it could save a life. The thought of this information being shared around your friends, family and coworkers could very easily spin you out of control and into a world of depression. Please remember if you think you are being scammed, trying Googling it as its likely hundreds of other people have received the same message. Next time you receive an email along the lines of “You may not know me and you are probably wondering why you are getting this e mail” stay calm knowing they don’t have any dirt on you. Please remember to never reply to any email like the one above and delete it as soon as you discover it in your inbox. Even if you reply to tell them to piss off they will likely target you further as they know our email is active.. trust me it’s not worth it : ) Get Protected Today - Always Stay Protected Online

McAfee Total Protection 2020 Antivirus Internet Security Software

Price: $24.99 SAVE $55.00 AWARD WINNING ANTIVIRUS SOFTWARE: Defend against viruses and online threats with a combination of cloud based and offline protection for your privacy, identity and your devices. (Protect up to 3 devices) BUY NOW FROM AMAZON

Norton 360 Deluxe – Antivirus software

Price: $24.99 SAVE $65.00 REAL-TIME THREAT PROTECTION Advanced security protects against existing and emerging malware threats, including ransomware and viruses, and it won’t slow down your device performance. Download instantly & install protection for up to 5 PCs, Macs, iOS or Android devices in minutes. BUY NOW FROM AMAZON But how do they send emails from your own email account? There are countless data breaches every week and personal data often gets in the hands of not so good characters, this is usually the way people get into your email and social media accounts. Security tip: Never use the same password on more than one website – I understand how annoying and hard this can be. Another way the scammers trick you and no matter how many times you change your password it won’t stop them. Savvy scammers are now able to mimic your email address through poorly secured email hosting agents, if you notice this is happening to you reach out to your email hosting company so they can help block this type of intrusion. “You may not know me and you are probably wondering why you are getting this e mail” – Wrong you now know and you are not fooling for their dirty tricks anymore! Please leave a comment if this article was helpful. Thanks – Ask My Girl Team Feedback Have you received scams like “You may not know me and you are probably wondering why you are getting this e mail” If so send us a message or leave a comment so we can share it with the general public. Online Safety Website Links USA GOV - Online Safety WebsiteSAFEKIDSFamily Online Safety Institute https://youtu.be/aMSHtE42mmI Security Tip Cover the camera on your laptop or webcam when not in use.. it is very easy for someone to gain control of the camera without you knowing : /

Other Posts That You May Like Because You Viewed You May Not Know Me And You Are Probably Wondering Why You Are Getting This Email https://www.askmygirl.com/the-terrifying-truth-about-skin-bleaching-products/ https://www.askmygirl.com/how-to-travel-india-but-is-it-safe/ Read the full article

[ultrathewild-blog]

10 SIMPLE WAYS TO GUARD YOUR WEB PRIVACY. 1 IS TEMPEMAIL

Tempemail: Keep your personal information safe with the following pointers

Protecting your privacy offline is one thing, but as pervasive because the internet is, it’s becoming harder and harder to remain private online.

Website forms need your name and telephone number, your email address is employed on dozens of web sites, your search history is stored on your computer, and it’s nearly impossible to stay your address private from nation program.

So how does one protect your privacy online while still enjoying what you’re doing? Is it even possible to stay your privacy when numerous websites and businesses affect your personal details on the web?

Below are several tips you’ll use to stay your personal information personal and your private details to yourself only.

Tempemail: Don’t Give out an excessive amount of Information in Forms

If you’ll manage it, refrain from answering all of these questions on web forms. If there’s not a requirement to enter identifying information — like your name, physical address, employer, etc. — don’t roll in the hay.

For the fields that you simply do got to enter something into, consider about what you’re typing. this is often an honest web safety tip because it minimizes the private information that the web site has on you. Should the location get hacked or the owner sell your data to a different company, they will not have the private information they’re trying to find.

One way to try to to this is often to supply “fake” information. rather than entering your real email address, use a disposable email account. If they invite your telephone number, be happy to enter an online telephone number.

In both of these situations, you’re providing the knowledge they’re posing for in order that they will get a hold of you if they have to, but goodbye because the address and number you employ aren’t actually tied to you, you do not need to worry about spam or someone learning your real contact details.

Tempemail: Clean up Your Search History

Most web browsers keep track of each single website you type into the address bar. This web history should be periodically cleared out not just for privacy’s sake (anyone can find it) but also to stay your computer running at top speed.

In most desktop web browsers, you’ll clear your web search history and website history via Ctrl+Shift+Del. Mobile browsers store this feature within the settings. Just make certain that any options pertaining to your history are selected for removal.

Some search engines require you to make an account and log in to access the complete array of their services, including search results. so as to best protect your privacy, it is often an honest idea to sign off of your account after running your web searches.

When you log off, you’re ensuring that no-one else are going to be ready to flick through the list of web sites you were visiting. it is a bit like clearing your search history but it doesn’t actually delete the knowledge, which are some things you would possibly prefer if you would like to access your history but don’t need it visible to anyone else using that device.

Similarly, you would possibly instead sign off before you run the search. If you do not want the web site storing a record of what you are looking for, log off in order that there’s not a trace of that search tied back to you. this is often the simplest thanks to keep your search history private from companies that log it through user accounts.

Be extremely cautious when downloading anything (software, books, music, videos, etc.). this is often an honest idea for privacy advocates to avoid spyware which may be used for remote tracking, but it is also an excellent thanks to keep your computer from freezing up and malfunctioning.

Some programs include adware which will report your surfing habits back to a third-party company which will then use that information to send ads and unwanted emails.

Tempemail: Don’t Share Private Information

This is almost like the online form tip above. When handling a blog, message board, comments section, social media site…it doesn’t matter: always make certain that what you’re sharing are some things you would not mind sharing in real world.

Don’t share information that would identify you publicly, especially if you are a minor. Keep identifying details like usernames, passwords, first and last names, addresses, phone numbers, and perhaps even most pictures, to yourself.

These details, if left online for anyone to ascertain, are often used for all kinds of things, wish to crack your email account password, find your physical address or other details, and track your location.

Tempemail: Use Caution on Social Media Sites

Social networking sites like Facebook are extremely popular, and permanently reason: they create it possible for people to attach with one another everywhere the planet.

However, it is vital that your privacy settings are set appropriately which what you share on social networking sites wouldn’t reveal anything of a private or financial nature.

Everything from comments, profile details, and photos could compromise your privacy.

Tempemail: Watch out for Online Scams

If it seems too good to be true, then it probably is, and this especially applies anything on the online. Emails promising free computers, links from friends that appear legit but cause virus-laden websites, and every one kinds of other web scams can make your online life quite unpleasant, to not mention add all kinds of nasty viruses to your computer.

Think carefully before following links, opening files, or watching videos sent to you by friends or organizations. await signs that these won’t be for real, which could include misspellings, lack of secure encryption (no HTTPS within the URL), and improper grammar.

Tempemail: Protect Your Computer and Mobile Devices

Keeping your computer safe from harmful content on the online is straightforward with a couple of precautions, like a firewall, appropriate updates to your existing software programs, and antivirus software. it is also important to understand the way to properly scan your computer for malware so there’s not something unsafe lurking around within the background as you’re having fun on the online.

Desktop devices aren’t the sole places privacy-stealing programs can exist. If you’ve got a phone or tablet running third-party apps, think about using an epidemic scanner there, too. See our list of the simplest antivirus apps for Android.

Tempemail: Keep an in depth Eye on Your Online Reputation

Have you ever Googled yourself? you would possibly be surprised (or shocked!) to ascertain what anyone can determine about you. Fortunately, you’ll keep a watchful eye on what the online digs abreast of you by signing up for alerts anytime your name, brand, address, email, etc. are mentioned.

If there’s an excessive amount of of your personal data online, be happy to get rid of what you’ll then keep following the ideas during this list to stop further leaks.

Tempemail: Use sense When Online

This is pretty self-explanatory and sums up all of the above, but we’re calling it out here as a crucial reminder: just consider before you are doing anything on the online.

Avoid shady websites. If you would be embarrassed to possess your wife, husband, children, friend, employer, etc. see it, a privacy breach there would be even worse than on a “regular” site. this is often a low-tech thanks to protect your web privacy, and yet, out of all the methods on this list, it’d be the foremost effective.

Quit revealing such a lot information about yourself online or that data could find yourself publicly records for anyone to look through.

Clean up your tracks if you allow information behind that you simply don’t need people to understand. you’ve got to practice being private so as to take care of privacy on the online.

Temp Mails (Tempemail.co) is a new free temporary email addresses service. This service provide you random 10 minutes emails addresses. It is also known by names like: temporary mail, disposable mail, throwaway email, one time mail, anonymous email address… All emails received by Tempmail servers are displayed automatically in your online browser inbox.

http://entertainment.easterntribunal.com/news/tempemail-sets-out-to-provide-the-new-email-disposable-services-online/210339/

http://entertainment.dailydispatcher.com/news/tempemail-sets-out-to-provide-the-new-email-disposable-services-online/210339/

http://entertainment.aseancoverage.com/news/tempemail-sets-out-to-provide-the-new-email-disposable-services-online/210339/

[heckyeahlucilleballilovelucy]

Cyber Security Awareness Month: Checklist for a Cyberaware Life

Living in the city, we learn to tread cautiously in dodgy neighborhoods, ask hard questions of fast-talking salesmen and look both ways before crossing the street.

But we increasingly live online. Most of humanity is just now trying to figure out what a dodgy online neighborhood looks like, how to judge a sales pitch without seeing a salesman’s shifty eyes, and why the heck traffic can be dangerous even when it’s digital.

Since October is now officially recognized as Cyber Security Awareness Month, for users and companies alike, let’s start figuring this out, beginning with a few simple rules to guide everyone to safety.

Internet users should be, first and foremost, proactive toward their safety. People need to think about security before they have problems, not just after crisis hits. A few steps can prevent many issues, leading to a safer cyber life.

We always hear about online services leaking user names and passwords, or websites and devices getting hacked. As users, we tend to think we can only wait helplessly to be targeted. But, the truth is, a little prevention goes a long way toward securing our devices and personal data.

All these tips are accessible to everyone, not just to a select few power users who understand how an operating system works. And remember, all data has value, even if people don’t think so. If users’ data were genuinely worthless, there wouldn’t be so many hackers trying to steal it.

1.     Avoid public Wi-Fi networks as much as possible. The allure of free Internet, especially on phones with restrictive data plans, is hard to resist sometimes. One solution would be to connect to a public Wi-Fi, but that comes with risks. Most of the time, these types of networks have poor security, and they can be used to spy on people using the Wi-Fi.

2.     Use a VPN service whenever possible. If you need to use a public Wi-Fi, chose a trustworthy VPN service. This way, the user’s data is anonymized and secured in a way that makes spying very difficult.

3.     Be careful what you share online. Social networks survive because people like sharing all kinds of information — photos, articles, or text. But that data might have value in a way that’s not always obvious. For example, some users will share that they are away on vacation or checking into their favorite restaurant. That data also reveals that their house or apartment is currently empty. It doesn’t take a hacker to obtain valuable information.

4.    Get an antivirus before getting infected. People tend to install an antivirus after they suffer problems, but it should be a preventative measure. So many issues can be avoided, such as viruses, malware, adware, or even phishing attempts.

Users don’t need to worry about what type of antivirus they should use. A solution such as Bitdefender Total Security covers all security needs, including malware protection, a secure VPN for complete online privacy, ransomware protection and parental controls.

5.     Use complex, unique passwords for each service. A password is the gateway to users’ data, so it makes sense to use strong ones. Year after year, the most common passwords in users’ inventory include 123456, qwerty and even the word “password.”

A robust password should be at least eight characters long, and include capitalized letters, numbers and symbols. The more complex the password, the less likely it is a brute-force or dictionary attack will guess it.

It’s also a good idea to use different passwords for each service. Use a password manager if there are too many credentials to track and remember.

6.     Keep all devices up to date. Some people will postpone updating their phone or PC, for various reasons. Many of these updates contain patches for vulnerabilities and exploits, and not applying them leaves devices opened to attacks.

7.     Emails are a common way to spread malware and viruses. People can’t control what is sent to their email address, but they should control what’s coming in. The first step is to avoid opening emails from unknown senders, but that’s not always possible. At the very least, email clients shouldn’t be set to preview emails automatically.

8.     Emails are also used to snatch people’s data via phishing scams. It’s good practice to know that online and banking services never ask for usernames, passwords or financial information. As long as you remember that, you should be able to avoid most phishing attempts.

9.     Bluetooth and NFC on mobile devices seem innocuous enough, and people usually leave them on. To remain safe, turn them off. Several vulnerabilities have been found and fixed in the Bluetooth protocol, but other vulnerabilities may remain undiscovered.

On the other hand, NFC has quite a few uses, and that includes paying with the phone or smartwatch instead of a credit card. While the protocol and apps are reasonably secure, they are not invulnerable and, in the right conditions, the financial information can be intercepted.

10.  Last on the list is the location services (GPS) on your phone. While people might be willing to share their location with Google or Apple, the same data is available to other apps as well. Third-party apps have been found to leak the user’s geolocation data. Turn location services off if you’re not using it.

Staying safe online is not all that difficult, and users can employ these proactive measures to make sure that they don’t become victims. With a little luck, it’s possible to prevent most problems that could arise, and it’s much better to deal with issues before they do damage.

from HOTforSecurity https://ift.tt/30KpKUv

[ttorialcom]

[Udemy] Cyber Security Bootcamp : Awareness

For Beginners, Students, Small Businesses, Large Organizations, C Level Executives, IT Pro, Kids, Family and Friends Able to be Cyber Safe, Protect and Guide their Family, Friends and Organizations Be able to understand the tricks of trade of cyber criminals Save cost Prevent Data Breach and Information Leak Apt idea to identify Fishy and non fishy email Identify traps laid down by malicious cyber criminals Requirements Access to PC or Mobile Phone or Tab and PDF Reader Description Learn cyber security basic hygiene to advance defense, simple tips to powerful security, Bitcoin scams, protection against sensitive data theft, tips to counter social engineering threats, IoT, tips to protect your hard earned money, stay safe from cyber con artist, Not to be phished, exploited, defrauded, Tips, Counter ATP, Email Scams, Vishing Calls, Whatsapp Scams, Zero-day Threat, Cloud Security, Social engineering attacks, Ransomware risk, Online Banking Frauds, Dating Scams, PDoS, data security, Tor and lot more.   ????????????????????????????????????????????????????????  Eyeopener Facts... ????????????????????????????????????????????????????????  1 in 131 emails contains a malware. There is a hacker attack every 39 seconds. Organizations worldwide stand to lose an estimated $9 billion in 2018 to employees clicking on phishing emails. Total cost for cyber crime committed globally has added up to 100 billion dollars. The average cost of a data breach in 2020 will exceed $150 million. 43 percent of cyber attacks target small business. 78 percent of people claim to know the risks that come with clicking unknown links in emails and yet still click these links. ????? About 250,000 new malware samples are produced every day.????? Large-scale DDoS attacks up 340 percent since 2013. Over 75% of health care industry has been infected with malware. 7 out of 10 people and organisations are hacked every minute. Since 2013 there are 3,809,448 records stolen from breaches every day. ?????Human attack surface to reach 6 billion people by 2022.????? The potential cost of cyber-crime to the global community is a mind-boggling $500 billion, and a data breach will cost the average company about $3.8 million.-Microsoft Ransomware attacks increased by 48 percent in 2018.The average amount demanded after a ransomware attack is $1,077   ????? People, Celebrity, health care, drones,aeroplaneMedical devices, Ships, Baby Monitors, Voice Control Systems, CCTV, Traffic Signals, Nuclear Plant, Water Dam, Defense, Military Intelligence, Social Media, Banks and Financial organizations, Stock Exchanges, Gas Control Systems, Telecom, Transportation System, Schools, Digital and Cryptocurrency, IoT Devices, 3D Printers, Scanners and many more are targeted by cyber criminals (hackers) daily. ????? Cyber attacks is the BIGGEST threat to mankind — even more of a bigger threat than nuclear weapons. - Warren Buffett   ????????????????????????????????????????????????????????    ???Course Highlights??? ?Introduction ?Don't fall in love with pdf attachments: PDF attacks - the dedication of the criminals ?Image can hack your Whatsapp account - risk, threats and countermeasures ?Hookups on public Wi-Fi could be deadly ?Don't leave your cookies for others ?You don't share underwear... Then why do you share your OTP (one time password)? ?IoT: what is it? How vulnerable is it and how to protect your IoT devices? ?What's on cloud? How it can be breached? ?HTTPS security be compromised ?Ftp File Transfer Security Risk. What is FTP? Threat, Risk, Vulnerability & Countermeasures ?Online Job, Friendship Club Fraud and Dating Scams ?Bot is not so hot! - Threats, protection and defense for you and your family, friends and organization. ?Antivirus & free Antivirus: The Fake Zone of Security. ?Endpoint protection - End Zero Day ?Know how Firewall catch fire (Security holes) ?Stinking passwords ?Call frauds and card cloning - Don’t loose your hard earned money ?Trash can crash your bottom line ?Nude, Sex-texting ?Web site vulnerability ?Plain text attacks ?Pop up Malicious ads ?Whatsapp spam ?Overlooked social media scams ?Bitcoin Scams ?Malicious apps ?Secure your secured browser ?Don't track me ?2FA - double protection for you ?Don't allow skimmers to skim away hard earned money from ATM Anti-zero-day ?What's NFC? What's RFID? How hackable is it? What are the protection measures? ?One click threats ?Block ATP attacks: tips to deal and counter it ?Email scams (credit limit lowered, jobs offers, private venture scams) & protection tips ?Ransomware: Is the biggest threat to your data. Tips to protect your critical or sensitive data and information ?P2P threats: All are invited.. But think twice before you join. ?Risk Management Policy: How it's an countermeasure for cyber threats and security risks? ?Safety tips for Tor users: Checklist for privacy revealed Link attacks ?Human (Mind) re-engineering: Is the Number 1 threat. Protect yourself and create awareness culture. ?Assess your vulnerability and patch it quickly ?Super fast exploration targets - office, adobe reader, flash players, Internet Explorer RAT... Smell Awful! : Must know threats and tips to avoid RAT (Remote Access Trojan) ?Google drive attacks and threats ?Admin Rights is not the Birth Rights for everyone: Control and Strategies for administrative rights ?Why should you keep your employees happy? ?Targeted attacks via Mobile malware ?Sound Transmit virus ?Safe Internet banking Tips ?Your Identity is mine… Modus operandi of identity theft and preventative tips ?Browser Bot: What is it? How it hijack your data, privacy and launch hacking attacks. ?Hacker can compromise your system with QR Code ?What is Metadata? How hackers steal data? How privacy is at stake? ?Dating apps and security risk ?Don’t get pawned by Vishing Calls and Smishing Frauds ?DDS (Default Deadly Settings) ?Creepy apps on Google Play Store and tips to protect yourself ?PDoS (Permanent Denial of Service ?Cyber Bullying ????????????????????????????????????????????????????????    Do: ? Go through all video tutorials, supplementary resources and references ? Enroll if you are serious about protecting yourself, family, friends, children and organization from cyber criminals ? Highlight Audio and Video Issues that may creep in. ? Suggestions welcome ? Leave Feedback and Rating ? Ask questions, just don't keep it to yourself ? Go through the FAQ Session and Discussion Forum ? Get in touch for any query, help or suggestions ? This course will be updated regularly, please go though the updates   Don't: ? Enroll if you have issues with accent or have difficulty in understanding different accent ? Pirate this Course, Respect Handwork of Instructor ? If unwilling to ask questions and share feedback ? If you have difficulty with slight or unavoidable background noise ? If you are want to learn Hacking ? There is no Lab Sessions or Practicals but few demos included     Who is the target audience? Beginners and Pro who wants to be cyber security awareness Anyone who is serious about cyber security Bust Cyber Criminals, Fraudster and Hackers Attempts to defraud you Safeguard their Hard Earned Money Who doesn't want to get pwn by cyber criminals source https://ttorial.com/cyber-security-bootcamp-awareness

[josidel]

Reasons why you need a VPN .

These days, VPN technology has made the transition from a ‘nice thing to have’ to a ‘must-have’ for many folks who are online. And that’s mainly because of concerns around online privacy, and regulations like the Investigatory Powers Act in the UK, or the legislation passed in the US earlier this year that allows ISPs to sell user data. In short, there are a number of compelling reasons why you should start using a VPN, and i’ve rounded up some good ones here.

1. Secure messaging

Online communications have evolved from simple text-based emails to robust cross-platform messaging services – including WhatsApp, Skype and Snapchat to name a few of the more popular ones. The issue is that not all of these are encrypted, and therefore there’s the potential for messages to be intercepted and read.

Putting these messaging services through a VPN provides a higher level of security with the inherent encryption, and keeps these conversations where they belong – in private.

2. VoIP

VoIP stands for Voice over Internet Protocol. This is the revolutionary advance that enabled digital voice communications at a lower cost than traditional phone lines by routing calls through the internet.

The downside is that now instead of tapping individual subscriber lines, VoIP calls can be acquired and analyzed in bulk. By sending these calls through a VPN, they are encrypted, and therefore require serious decryption skills to gain access to the call, making things much harder for any snoops.

3. Online gaming

Using a VPN to play an online game might seem like a poor idea on the face of it, but it does offer some advantages. For starters, there’s anonymity, meaning you can keep your account credentials (that may contain credit card information) safe and secure.

Additionally, a VPN can be used to overcome geo-blocking restrictions, so for example, an American can continue to play a US-based game while traveling overseas. Also, in some cases, using a VPN will offer faster connection speeds as it could avoid throttling, and could also allow you to connect to a faster gaming server (which you might not have been able to access without the VPN).

Finally, a VPN can increase your level of protection against DDoS attacks – not that these are common, but gaming rivals with a serious grudge could decide to attempt to target your connection and bog it right down, lagging you out of the game. A nasty prospect indeed.

4. Avoiding government censorship

In some countries the internet is highly censored by oppressive governments. This hampers efforts to communicate outside of the regime, and prevents access to sites that we all take for granted.

Obviously enough, when you’re travelling to such a country, you will also be subject to this online censorship – so a VPN could be a necessity if you want to freely surf the web and communicate with the rest of the world.

5. Secure public Wi-Fi

When out and about, staying connected is often a necessity, and free Wi-Fi has become an important commodity for staying in touch with family members, as well as business colleagues. The added bonus is that using Wi-Fi won’t chew through your smartphone data plan.

However, using public Wi-Fi can also be fraught with hazards. These include packet sniffers, falling into phishing scams via fake Wi-Fi connections, and being hacked or infected with malware. The good news is that a VPN with a modern encryption protocol will help protect you and your precious data from these types of attacks.

6. Location-based price targeting

Businesses not only target their ads at customers, but they also adjust their pricing as well. We can (mostly) accept the fact that a supermarket chain may adjust the price of a certain item at different locations due to ‘local competition’. However, this sort of practice gets more painful when it occurs over the internet, as in essence it should be a level playing field.

Well, a VPN can even those odds right up. By being able to choose the VPN server’s location, you can change where the online shopping site will think that you are, and therefore benefit from the best price, as opposed to the one you’d have got from your real-world location.

7. Bypass restrictions 

Using a computer at certain locations, such as a school or library, will not offer the full internet, but rather a filtered, partially censored version. While in some cases this works for the protection of users, in other cases it can be frustrating when trying to look into a blocked topic.

For example, in one case a user was researching the topic of ‘breast cancer’ for informational purposes, and was blocked from doing so as the word ‘breast’ was on the restricted list to protect users from pornography. A VPN allows the user to get access to the full internet, and bypass any unreasonable restrictions.

8. Stop Google tracking

There are times when the ‘Do no evil’ company, Google, seriously starts to resemble ‘Big Brother’ as it seeks to track what every user does online, including searching their Gmail accounts to better target ads – although the firm has promised to stop this practice. Although Gmail aside, Google has plenty of mined data from other sources; it is a search engine giant, after all.

A VPN allows the user to stop Google from being the ‘camel that sticks its nose under the tent,’ and to take back control of their privacy. Without a VPN, users are literally tracked in just about everything they do online with Google’s suite of products from email, search, to G Suite apps, and when using the popular Chrome browser, among other considerations.

9. Research without a trace

There are times when some research needs to be done without tipping your hand. For example, if one company wants to look at the available jobs or policies at a competitor, it would be ideal to do this without revealing their IP address, especially if this is done from the workplace.

A VPN is an effective cloak in these cases, as the user will be assigned a totally different IP address, and it can be chosen to be geographically disparate for an additional element of safety.

9. Research without a trace

There are times when some research needs to be done without tipping your hand. For example, if one company wants to look at the available jobs or policies at a competitor, it would be ideal to do this without revealing their IP address, especially if this is done from the workplace.

A VPN is an effective cloak in these cases, as the user will be assigned a totally different IP address, and it can be chosen to be geographically disparate for an additional element of safety.

10. Take control of your privacy

Quite simply, a VPN has become a necessity to keep online activities private. Email and cloud storage accounts, with their potential to be compromised, are a ripe target for hackers. Thankfully, by using a VPN and choosing a robust encryption protocol, privacy can be reclaimed.

via Blogger http://ift.tt/2hM3MQr

[scottxrt]

15 ways to be more secure online

New Post has been published on http://scottxrt.com/15-ways-to-be-more-secure-online

15 ways to be more secure online

Welcome to the New World. Email phishing has evolved. Trolls can target your Facebook timeline, and your social security number is probably floating around the internet right now. Even Wi-Fi is no longer completely secure. But it’s not all doom and gloom. There is a shining path you can follow to keep yourself safe. Or, uh, safer.

Below, tricks that’ll make you more secure online—wherever you roam. Protect all of your accounts

Computer security. Lock it down. Unsplash It seems like barely a week goes by without some data hack or leak hitting the headlines. With so much of modern life now stored and managed online, it’s vital that you keep your most important accounts locked up and as well protected as possible—which is what we’re here to help you with. Here’s what you can do. >> Control your app permissions

Phone apps Do you know what your apps are doing? Rami Al-zayat/Unsplash Your smartphone wouldn’t be all that useful without all the apps you’ve downloaded. Even when you’re not actively poking around within a program, it can run in the background—updating your location, checking your email, or playing music—to make life more convenient. But to do so, it needs permission from your phone.

Permissions let Google Maps check where you are in the world, your camera app peek through the phone’s camera, and your favorite messenger scan your contacts before sending an SMS. Typically, apps request this type of access when you first open them. But you might end up granting some of them permissions that go beyond what the apps actually need. To check on these, you should regularly audit your app permissions. Periodic permissions checks protect you against potentially unscrupulous app developers and give you more control over your privacy. As an added bonus, if fewer apps are working away in the background, your phone can save on battery life. Here’s how to get checking. >> Find out what Facebook knows about you

Facebook Facebook wants to build a comprehensive picture of you. Facebook With more than 2 billion monthly active users, Facebook can keep tabs on nearly a third of the world’s population. Whether you visit the social network daily (as 1.32 billion people do) or only log on to RSVP to events, you should be aware of how much of your personal data you’re giving to the site, and the company behind it.

Facebook primarily employs your information to serve you more relevant targeted advertising. While some see this as uncomfortably intrusive, others accept the ads as the price they pay for the network’s free services and tools. Whatever you think about the ethics of this data collection, you should know just what the company is learning about you—and how you can control the flow of information. While this guide can help, there’s only so much you can do to protect your privacy—if you really want to stop Facebook from mining your data, your best bet is to delete your account. Read on for more. >> Secure your phone before letting anyone borrow it

Phone security Before you lend out your phone, read this. Priscilla Du Preez/Unsplash When somebody asks to borrow your phone—perhaps a stranger asks to make a call, or a friend wants to scroll through your vacation photos—the thought can give you heart palpitations. We keep so much data and personal information on our little pocket computers that handing them over to others, even voluntarily, can seem like an invasion of privacy. But you don’t have to feel that way. Both Android and iOS include built-in options for restricting what guests can do on your smartphone.

These security tips differ from the general lock-screen protections we’ve previously discussed. That advice—for example, you should always have a PIN code protecting your phone—keeps your information safe from anyone who might steal or accidentally encounter your device. But in this guide, we’re looking at situations where you willingly hand over your smartphone. Security tips, this way. >> Erase your browsing history

backlit laptop keyboard Your internet history contains all of the browsing secrets you might want to hide. Pixabay Web browsers keep track of your past activity for a reason. That history comes in handy if you want to find a funny article again, or return to your favorite photo of the kids, or if restore a tab that you accidentally closed. At the same time, some people find this constant tracking a little on the creepy side. Not to mention that, if you share a computer with others, you might not want them finding out about a gift you secretly bought them, your interest in 1970s folk rock, or your more private Google searches.

Fortunately, all of today’s web browsers make it very simple to erase your history and wipe away your online tracks. In this guide, you’ll find out about the information your browser automatically logs, what that data does—and how to get rid of it. Read on. >> Permanently delete files from any device

Trash Make sure your files have well and truly disappeared. David Nield/Popular Science When you delete a file from your computer, it doesn’t simply disappear from existence—at least, not right away. Even if you immediately empty the Recycle Bin or Trash folder, all your deletion does is earmark the space that file takes up on your hard drive as vacant. Until another file or application comes along to make use of that room, the old data will continue to sit there. Which is why specialized programs can often recover deleted files for you. But recovery isn’t always a priority. If you want to securely delete sensitive files, or you’re selling your old computer to another person, you need to make sure that no clever software will be able to bring your old files back from the dead.

Follow this guide to make sure unwanted files disappear forever from your computer, tablet, or phone, beyond the reach of even the most determined data forensics team. Just make sure you really want to permanently erase the data before you start. On a computer, no matter what type of machine you’re using, your first move should be to delete the file from File Explorer in Windows or Finder in macOS. Then clear out whichever undelete tool your operating system uses, either the Recycle Bin or the Trash folder. That’s where most people would stop and move on to another task, leaving their data vulnerable. Here’s what you need to do next. >> Find your lost phone

David's iPhone All is not lost, even when your phone is. David Nield/Popular Science You reach for your phone—and realize it’s not where you left it. With a sinking feeling, you pat your pockets, then tear your room apart. But the truth settles in: Your beloved device is gone, and you have no idea where you lost it. Now that we rely on our smartphones for everything from checking bank balances to making perfect social posts, a lost one can create a huge headache. And we’re not just talking about missing out on Facebook updates. Without your pocket computer, you lose touch with your family and friends (who memorizes phone numbers any more?), risk missing work commitments, and have your travel plans thrown into chaos. In other words, you need to recover your missing phone as soon as possible.

The good news is that your phone has apps to help you. The bad news is that these apps need to be set up in advance. Before we begin, we have a couple caveats. If you’re reading this because your phone is missing, but you haven’t already configured a recovery app, then we can’t help you (other than offering the usual advice: look in the last place you remember seeing it and ask one of your friends to call the number). And if your phone’s been stolen, we do not recommend that you track it down on your own. For your own safety, contact your local law enforcement agency and hand over any of the information your phone-finding app provides, rather than taking matters into your own hands. Now, let’s get started. >> Protect your privacy and ward off trolls on social media

Social media Make sure your social media experience is a good one. David Nield/Popular Science On social media, you get to catch up with old friends, make new connections, and coo over cute baby photos. Although you’re supposed to enjoy these visits to Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, a persistent commenter or obnoxious “friend” can ruin your experience. That’s why these services provide ways for you to fight back. Take these steps to protect your privacy and slay trolls on three of the world’s biggest social networks. Read on. >>

Avoid eBay scams

eBay Apply some common sense rules to stay safe on eBay. eBay When you log into eBay to exchange goods and money with complete strangers, it’s natural to have a sense of trepidation. How can you know who you’re dealing with? Is your money or personal information at risk? Happily, the vast majority of eBay transactions will go through without a hitch. To further minimize your chances of getting scammed, simply follow a few common-sense rules. Whether you’re selling or buying, we’ll guide you through the dos and don’ts of using eBay safely. These guidelines should keep everyone from auction newbies to old veterans out of trouble. Enjoy your eBaying. >> Keep strangers off your Wi-Fi network

Router Make sure only welcome guests have access to your Wi-Fi. Stux/Pixabay You don’t want neighbors or passers-by stealing your Wi-Fi any more than you want them stealing your water, electricity, or carefully curated collection of Blu-ray movies. In fact it’s more serious than that—if someone can hook on to the same network as you, it becomes easier for them to snoop on your browsing and your locally stored files. So how do you go about locking things down? Thankfully, keeping unwelcome visitors away from your Wi-Fi isn’t difficult and doesn’t need an IT qualification. Here’s what you need to do. >>

[ntrending]

15 ways to be more secure online

New Post has been published on https://nexcraft.co/15-ways-to-be-more-secure-online/

15 ways to be more secure online

Welcome to the New World. Email phishing has evolved. Trolls can target your Facebook timeline, and your social security number is probably floating around the internet right now. Even Wi-Fi is no longer completely secure. But it’s not all doom and gloom. There is a shining path you can follow to keep yourself safe. Or, uh, safer.

Below, tricks that’ll make you more secure online—wherever you roam.

Protect all of your accounts

It seems like barely a week goes by without some data hack or leak hitting the headlines. With so much of modern life now stored and managed online, it’s vital that you keep your most important accounts locked up and as well protected as possible—which is what we’re here to help you with. Here’s what you can do. >>

Control your app permissions

Your smartphone wouldn’t be all that useful without all the apps you’ve downloaded. Even when you’re not actively poking around within a program, it can run in the background—updating your location, checking your email, or playing music—to make life more convenient. But to do so, it needs permission from your phone.

Permissions let Google Maps check where you are in the world, your camera app peek through the phone’s camera, and your favorite messenger scan your contacts before sending an SMS. Typically, apps request this type of access when you first open them. But you might end up granting some of them permissions that go beyond what the apps actually need.

To check on these, you should regularly audit your app permissions. Periodic permissions checks protect you against potentially unscrupulous app developers and give you more control over your privacy. As an added bonus, if fewer apps are working away in the background, your phone can save on battery life. Here’s how to get checking. >>

Find out what Facebook knows about you

With more than 2 billion monthly active users, Facebook can keep tabs on nearly a third of the world’s population. Whether you visit the social network daily (as 1.32 billion people do) or only log on to RSVP to events, you should be aware of how much of your personal data you’re giving to the site, and the company behind it.

Facebook primarily employs your information to serve you more relevant targeted advertising. While some see this as uncomfortably intrusive, others accept the ads as the price they pay for the network’s free services and tools. Whatever you think about the ethics of this data collection, you should know just what the company is learning about you—and how you can control the flow of information.

While this guide can help, there’s only so much you can do to protect your privacy—if you really want to stop Facebook from mining your data, your best bet is to delete your account. Read on for more. >>

Secure your phone before letting anyone borrow it

When somebody asks to borrow your phone—perhaps a stranger asks to make a call, or a friend wants to scroll through your vacation photos—the thought can give you heart palpitations. We keep so much data and personal information on our little pocket computers that handing them over to others, even voluntarily, can seem like an invasion of privacy. But you don’t have to feel that way. Both Android and iOS include built-in options for restricting what guests can do on your smartphone.

These security tips differ from the general lock-screen protections we’ve previously discussed. That advice—for example, you should always have a PIN code protecting your phone—keeps your information safe from anyone who might steal or accidentally encounter your device. But in this guide, we’re looking at situations where you willingly hand over your smartphone. Security tips, this way. >>

Erase your browsing history

Web browsers keep track of your past activity for a reason. That history comes in handy if you want to find a funny article again, or return to your favorite photo of the kids, or if restore a tab that you accidentally closed. At the same time, some people find this constant tracking a little on the creepy side. Not to mention that, if you share a computer with others, you might not want them finding out about a gift you secretly bought them, your interest in 1970s folk rock, or your more private Google searches.

Fortunately, all of today’s web browsers make it very simple to erase your history and wipe away your online tracks. In this guide, you’ll find out about the information your browser automatically logs, what that data does—and how to get rid of it. Read on. >>

Permanently delete files from any device

When you delete a file from your computer, it doesn’t simply disappear from existence—at least, not right away. Even if you immediately empty the Recycle Bin or Trash folder, all your deletion does is earmark the space that file takes up on your hard drive as vacant. Until another file or application comes along to make use of that room, the old data will continue to sit there. Which is why specialized programs can often recover deleted files for you. But recovery isn’t always a priority. If you want to securely delete sensitive files, or you’re selling your old computer to another person, you need to make sure that no clever software will be able to bring your old files back from the dead.

Follow this guide to make sure unwanted files disappear forever from your computer, tablet, or phone, beyond the reach of even the most determined data forensics team. Just make sure you really want to permanently erase the data before you start. On a computer, no matter what type of machine you’re using, your first move should be to delete the file from File Explorer in Windows or Finder in macOS. Then clear out whichever undelete tool your operating system uses, either the Recycle Bin or the Trash folder. That’s where most people would stop and move on to another task, leaving their data vulnerable. Here’s what you need to do next. >>

You reach for your phone—and realize it’s not where you left it. With a sinking feeling, you pat your pockets, then tear your room apart. But the truth settles in: Your beloved device is gone, and you have no idea where you lost it. Now that we rely on our smartphones for everything from checking bank balances to making perfect social posts, a lost one can create a huge headache. And we’re not just talking about missing out on Facebook updates. Without your pocket computer, you lose touch with your family and friends (who memorizes phone numbers any more?), risk missing work commitments, and have your travel plans thrown into chaos. In other words, you need to recover your missing phone as soon as possible.

The good news is that your phone has apps to help you. The bad news is that these apps need to be set up in advance. Before we begin, we have a couple caveats. If you’re reading this because your phone is missing, but you haven’t already configured a recovery app, then we can’t help you (other than offering the usual advice: look in the last place you remember seeing it and ask one of your friends to call the number). And if your phone’s been stolen, we do not recommend that you track it down on your own. For your own safety, contact your local law enforcement agency and hand over any of the information your phone-finding app provides, rather than taking matters into your own hands. Now, let’s get started. >>

Protect your privacy and ward off trolls on social media

On social media, you get to catch up with old friends, make new connections, and coo over cute baby photos. Although you’re supposed to enjoy these visits to Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, a persistent commenter or obnoxious “friend” can ruin your experience. That’s why these services provide ways for you to fight back. Take these steps to protect your privacy and slay trolls on three of the world’s biggest social networks. Read on. >>

When you log into eBay to exchange goods and money with complete strangers, it’s natural to have a sense of trepidation. How can you know who you’re dealing with? Is your money or personal information at risk? Happily, the vast majority of eBay transactions will go through without a hitch. To further minimize your chances of getting scammed, simply follow a few common-sense rules. Whether you’re selling or buying, we’ll guide you through the dos and don’ts of using eBay safely. These guidelines should keep everyone from auction newbies to old veterans out of trouble. Enjoy your eBaying. >>

Keep strangers off your Wi-Fi network

You don’t want neighbors or passers-by stealing your Wi-Fi any more than you want them stealing your water, electricity, or carefully curated collection of Blu-ray movies. In fact it’s more serious than that—if someone can hook on to the same network as you, it becomes easier for them to snoop on your browsing and your locally stored files. So how do you go about locking things down? Thankfully, keeping unwelcome visitors away from your Wi-Fi isn’t difficult and doesn’t need an IT qualification. Here’s what you need to do. >>

Stay safe on public Wi-Fi

Whether it’s your local bar, a city-wide access scheme, or hotspots from your phone carrier, public Wi-Fi networks continue to proliferate. Especially in urban areas, you’re more and more likely to find a high-speed network you can connect to when you’re away from home. However, accessing that network usually requires that you give up some personal details. Once connected, you’ll often find yourself sharing the network with a host of other people—some of whom might want to peek at your online activities. Here are five tips for using a public Wi-Fi network and protecting your information at the same time. Read more. >>

Back up and protect all your data

When you sit down at the computer, you probably don’t want to spend your time backing up your files and data. It may not be as entertaining as Netflix or Facebook, but it just might be the most important job you can do on your desktop or laptop machine. Having a comprehensive backup scheme in place doesn’t only protect you against the trauma of accidentally deleting your files. It also gives you a safety net if a virus hits your PC, hackers hold your information hostage, or your kids tip a glass of water over your MacBook. Over the years all kinds of backup solutions have appeared, and the whole process is now much more straightforward than it used to be. Here’s what you should do. >>

Disaster has struck—an unwanted piece of malware took root on your computer. So what’s your next step? While the potential damage viruses can cause shouldn’t be underestimated, you might be able to get your computer back on its feet without too much difficulty, thanks to an array of helpful tools at your disposal. We’re using the term malware to refer to all kinds of computer nasties, from viruses to ransomware to adware. While each of these threats have their own definitions, the terms are often used interchangeably, and can mean different things to different people. So for simplicity’s sake, when we say malware, we mean everything you don’t want on your computer, from a virus that tries to delete your files to an adware program that’s tracking your web browsing. With so many types of malware and so many different system setups out there, we can’t cover every specific scenario. But we can give you some general pointers to get you on your way to the help you need. Follow these steps. >>

Protect your inbox from phishing

You may have heard about the phishing scam that targeted Google Docs users. People received emails with what looked almost exactly like shared Google Docs, tricking them into granting access to a not-particularly-nice piece of software. From there, the attack could spread to other inboxes. It’s far from the first time users have been attacked through their inboxes and it certainly won’t be the last—sending emails is an easy and low-cost way to fool people into letting their guard down. With that in mind, we’re here to make sure your inbox is tightly buttoned up against phishing attempts, malicious attachments, and more. While we can’t guarantee your safety, these precautions will certainly minimize your risk. Read on. >>

Protect your smartphone privacy

You’ve beefed up the security for your online accounts, so you feel confident sticking your smartphone in your pocket and heading out the door. But many consumers don’t realize that the software in their phones can track their every move. Whether you have an iOS or an Android device, Apple and Google can collect data about how you use it: the places you go, the apps you run, the search queries you type into the web browser, and so on. You can read detailed privacy policies for both Apple and Google online. Although this sounds unnecessarily invasive, the companies use a lot of your data in helpful ways. Are you comfortable with your phone reporting its location if it means you can find it when it gets lost? If your desire for privacy outweighs these benefits, you can decide how much you trust these companies with your data and how much information you’re prepared to share with them. Whatever you choose, it’s important to be aware of what you’re sharing, and how you can limit it if you want to. Here’s how it’s done. >>

Written By David Nield

[aheliotech]

Stay safe online: Top 10 internet safety tips

New Post has been published on https://www.aheliotech.com/blog/stay-safe-online-top-10-internet-safety-tips/

Stay safe online: Top 10 internet safety tips

To the uninitiated, the internet can feel like a scary place – and to some extent, it is. About four new malicious software programs are created per second according to figures collated by IT security analysts AV-TEST.

The stats might sound daunting, but thankfully you don’t have to be a computer wizard to keep yourself safe online. In fact, with a little bit of preparation and the right tools at your disposal, even the biggest technophobes can learn how to navigate the internet without putting themselves at risk.

To celebrate the start of National Cyber Security Awareness Month, we’ve rounded up our 10 best tips to help you browse the web more securely and stay safe online.

1. Create bulletproof passwords

FACT: Last year, about 4 percent of people used “123456” as their password, making it the most common (i.e. worst) password of 2016!

Setting a strong password is one of the simplest and most effective things you can do to thwart brute force password hacks (an attack in which criminals use automated tools to systematically check all possible username and password combinations). The more secure the password, the more difficult it is for hackers to infect your system with malware and/or steal your personal data and financial information.

Given the sheer number of accounts and passwords the average person has, it’s tempting to default to simple passwords to take out the hassle of remembering them. Resist temptation and use a password manager instead. LastPass, Dashlane and Sticky Password are all reputable and intuitive products that allow you to store all your passwords safely without requiring you to remember complex character combinations.

Inside scoop: if you’re looking for a less commercial option, the Emsisoft lab team are big fans of KeePass, a free, open source password manager that’s regularly updated.

Here are a few guidelines to help you create a bulletproof password:

Length: Your passwords should be at least 12 characters in length.

Complexity: Include a combination of numbers, special characters, and upper and lower case characters.

Randomize: Do not use words that are in the dictionary.

Unique: Do not use the same password across different websites.

2. Keep software up to date

FACT: 50 percent of people take more than 45 days to install software security updates.

Software security is an ongoing battle. As vulnerabilities arise and security flaws are exploited, developers deploy patches to update their software and provide users with better protection. Delaying these updates leaves your device more susceptible to an attack.

With this in mind, it’s vital that you keep your operating system, web browser, antivirus program and other software up to date to reduce the risk of a security breach. Enable automatic updates in your software settings for greater peace of mind.

3. Use reputable antivirus software

FACT: There are more than 600 million malware programs targeting Windows users.

Antivirus software also plays a key role in helping you stay safe on the internet. A strong, reputable IT security solution can prevent malicious software from getting onto your machine and clean up any issues that may slip past your system’s defenses. Remember to enable auto updates and ensure your antivirus settings are suited to your needs and browsing habits. Get your free 30 day trial of Emsisoft Anti-Malware here.

4. Email with caution

FACT: 30 percent of phishing emails are opened.

One of the most common ways malware is distributed is through your emails. Hackers create sophisticated emails that typically contain an attractive sales offer or an official-looking message from an important institute (such as a bank, government, school and so on). Alternatively, you may receive an email a friend or colleague whose computer has been compromised. These emails contain enticing links and/or attachments that, when clicked upon, may trigger malware downloads or take you to websites that try to steal your personal information.

The key takeaway here is to be cautious when checking your emails. Be suspicious of any unsolicited offers, double check URLs and file extensions before clicking on anything and be wary when entering information on new sites. Remember, if the email sounds too good to be true, it probably is!

5. Don’t forget about your mobile device

FACT: The number of malware samples detected on Android doubled between 2015 and 2016, reaching more than 4 million.

Given that 50 percent of the world’s population now uses a smartphone, it should come as little surprise that hackers are increasingly turning their attention to mobile devices. Android devices are by far the most vulnerable; malware for iOS, Windows Mobile and other operating systems has proven to be much less profitable. If you’re an Android user, you can protect yourself online by using the same secure browsing habits you would on your computer. You may also want to consider exploring an antimalware solution such as Emsisoft Mobile Security for an extra layer of protection.

6. Use two-factor authentication

FACT: 80 percent of data breaches could be eliminated with 2FA.

Take your e-safety to the next level by opting in for two-factor authentication (2FA) wherever possible.

What is 2FA?

Well, many important websites that contain vital financial or personal information (for example, Gmail, Amazon, PayPal and banking websites), provide an extra layer of security by requiring you to confirm your identity before you’re able to login. Some sites will text you a verification code, while others may give you an authenticator device that is used in conjunction with your usual login details. This might sound like an unnecessary hassle, but 2FA is a very effective way of preventing fraudulent logins.

While text messages are a common method of 2FA, SMS has proven to be vulnerable to deception and we highly recommend seeking an alternative wherever possible. There are many examples of hackers using social engineering to coerce phone companies into sending out a new SIM card and redirecting the victim’s login code to the new number.

7. Be wary of public Wi-Fi

FACT: 1 in 4 Wi-Fi hotspots do not use any encryption whatsoever.

Public Wi-Fi is a fantastic way to stay connected when you’re out and about, but it also poses some significant security risks. For example, man-in-the-middle attacks (a situation in which criminals intercept information being sent between your computer and a website) are incredibly common on public Wi-Fi, and can give the hackers access to your emails, private documents, passwords and more.

When using public Wi-Fi, assume someone is watching. Only transmit data that you wouldn’t mind being stolen and never enter login details or banking information when connected to public Wi-Fi. If you do need to use public Wi-Fi to send important information, use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to create a more secure connection.

8. Browse using an encrypted connection

FACT: More than 50 percent of the web is now encrypted (we passed the halfway mark in January 2017).

Whether you’re checking your social media feed or transferring money, always ensure that you’re using an encrypted connection when sending sensitive data. The simplest way to achieve this is to look at your address bar and ensure the website’s address starts with “https” (HyperText Transfer Protocol Secure) rather than regular old “http” (HyperText Transfer Protocol). The ‘s’, which may also be denoted with a padlock in most browsers, indicates a secure connection, making it more difficult for thieves to steal your data. Never enter personal information into an HTTP website.

Do note, however, that HTTPS is not perfect, and it’s still important to ensure that incoming traffic sent over a ‘secure’ connection is not tinkered with. For instance, recent research has shown that some antivirus companies spy on HTTPS traffic in an effort to protect their users, but a byproduct of this approach is that your information is left vulnerable to theft. Rest assured that Emsisoft does not engage in this practice!

9. Use an adblocker

FACT: Adblock usage shot up 30 percent in 2016.

A good adblocker can greatly enhance your online experience. Not only does it make pages load faster and remove annoying ads from your online life, it also makes your web browsing experience safer and more private by removing the risk of malvertising (malicious software spread via advertising) and preventing ad servers from keeping tabs on your browsing habits.

There are a few options competing for the title of best adblocker, but the Emsisoft lab team tends to recommend the free and open-source uBlock Origin, which supports most modern browsers.

10. Customize privacy settings

FACT: 42 percent of Europeans have never tried to change the default privacy settings of a social media account.

In this age of oversharing, the default settings of many websites (particularly social media platforms) tend to be somewhat invasive and may leave your personal life more exposed than you might like. Avoid this by being mindful of your privacy settings, create customized profiles to suit your needs and reduce the risk of a data breach by only entering essential information that the service requires to function.

Browser plugins such as Ghostery and Privacy Badger provide further privacy by blocking third-party advertisers from tracking your movements on the web without your permission. This adds an extra layer of privacy to your browsing and helps further secure your personal data.

Cautious but confident

Internet security risks are to be respected, not feared. By following the internet safety tips outlined in this article, you’ll be prepared to protect yourself against the cyber criminals lurking in the dingy corners of the web.

Have we missed a tip that you think other readers should know about? Let us know in the comments and we’ll incorporate them into the list.

Have a tremendous (internet-safe!) day.

[auroramurnane-blog]

Cyber Security Tips: Non-profit Groups Say Beware of Fraud, ID Theft at Tax Time

Tuesday, April 18 might feel far-off, but the tax filing deadline will be here before you know it. That also means it’s primetime for cyber thieves and their devious online scams. Tax identity theft – which occurs when someone uses your Social Security number to file a tax return and then steals your refund – is on the rise. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), there was a nearly 50 percent increase in identity theft complaints in 2015, and by far the biggest contributor to the surge was the spike in tax refund fraud.

Ohio ranked 12th in the U.S. for identity theft complaints in 2015 with 134.4 per 100,000 population. Ohio ranked 18th for fraud and other complaints with 606.8 per 100,000.

At this time last year, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) reported a 400 percent increase in email phishing and malware incidents aimed at both taxpayers and tax professionals.

Cyber crooks are crafty: they can break into your account or device and literally steal your digital life – and your money. The National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA) and Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC) have teamed up to share cautionary tips for spotting cyber tricks, proactive online safety steps and invaluable advice about how to get help if you fall victim to tax identity theft.

Don’t Become a Victim: Watch Out for Tax Season Tricks

Online outlaws will attempt to lure you in a variety of ways. Watch out for the following:

· Fraudulent tax returns: The FTC recommends trying to file your tax return as soon as possible. The IRS only accepts one tax return per Social Security number. If the file is yours and it’s in early, it makes it impossible for a cyber thief to submit another return with your personal information. It’s also important to always use smart practices with your personal information. Remember to only share your Social Security number when it’s absolutely necessary. Check your credit report regularly for shady activity and never throw papers with critical information – like your Social Security number or bank account information – in the trash. It’s best to shred all paper containing personal data.

· Phishing and malware: Cybercriminals will try to get you to do “something” so they can steal your personal information. Watch out for unsolicited emails, texts, social media posts or fake websites that may prompt you to click on a link or to share valuable personal and financial information. Armed with this information, online thieves can pilfer funds and/or commit identity theft. And unfamiliar links or attachments can contain malware ‒ viruses, spyware and other unwanted software that gets installed on your computer or mobile device without your consent – which can infect your computer files if opened.

· Imposters claiming to be Internal Revenue Agents: The IRS will never email or call you demanding immediate payment without having first mailed a bill. Nor will they ask for a credit or debit card number via email or phone.

· Tax preparer fraud: The overwhelming majority of tax preparers provide honest services, but some unscrupulous individuals may target unsuspecting taxpayers and the result can be refund fraud and/or identity theft. The IRS reminds anyone filing a tax return that their preparer must sign it with their IRS Preparer Identification Number.

Stay Cyber Safe – Practice NCSA’s Tax Season Tips

National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA) has some easy-to-use STOP. THINK. CONNECT.™ tips to help protect you against fraudster tricks:

· Keep all machines clean: Having updated software on all devices that connect to the internet is critical. This includes security software, web browsers and operating systems for PCs and your mobile devices. Having current software is a strong defense against viruses and malware that can steal logon credentials or potentially use your computer to generate spam.

· Lock down your login: Fortify your online accounts by enabling the strongest authentication tools available, such as biometrics, security keys or a unique one-time code through an app on your mobile device. Your usernames and passwords are not enough to protect key accounts like email, banking and social media.

· Make better passwords: If your passwords are too short or easy to guess, it’s like giving a cyber thief your banking PIN. Longer passwords and those that combine capital and lowercase letters with numbers and symbols provide better protection.

· Get savvy about Wi-Fi hotspots: Public wireless networks are not secure. Cybercriminals can potentially intercept internet connections while you are filing highly personal information on public WiFi.

· When in doubt, throw it out: Links in email are often the way bad guys get access to your personal information. If it looks weird, even if you know the source, it’s best to delete.

· Think before your act: Be leery of communications that implore you to act immediately – especially if you are told you owe money to the IRS and it must be paid promptly.

· File your tax forms on secure https sites only.

· Ask if your tax preparation service has checked for malware issues.

If You Think You’re a Victim…

Follow these ITRC tips to get help as a victim of tax identity theft:

· If you suspect identity theft: If you think you have tax issues related to identity theft, contact the IRS immediately, even if you don’t have any evidence that it has affected your tax return. You can call the IRS Identity Protection Specialized Unit (IPSU) at 1-800-908-4490.

· File an ID Theft Affidavit: You can document the identity theft by submitting a police report and the IRS ID Theft Affidavit (Form 14039)

· Contact your state tax organization: Your state taxes may be affected as well.

· Document your case: Download the free ID Theft Help app from ITRC to track your case as you go through the resolution process.

· File early: Get your tax refund before thieves do.

· Call the ITRC: You can receive no-cost assistance from a victim advisor by calling 888.400.5530.

Reminders from NCSA and ITRC

“With the tremendous amount of personal and financial information that is available online, tax season is paradise for cybercriminals. There are many ways that identity thieves can get their hands on your money or your data. Some of them require high-tech skill sets like hacking and writing malicious software. Others are less involved and basically amount to tricking you into complying. Unfortunately, even the most low-tech tax scam can cause lasting and expensive damage,” said Michael Kaiser, NCSA’s executive director. “Remember that personal information is like money. You must value it and protect it. During intensely busy online timeframes – and throughout the year ‒ it’s critical for everyone to learn how to take simple security precautions to protect themselves and their personal information, and to share the responsibility of protecting others online. Practicing good cybersecurity empowers all internet users to reap the benefits of connectivity with greater confidence.”

“All of us, from large government agencies down to individual taxpayers, play a significant role in minimizing tax refund fraud,” said Eva Velasquez, ITRC President & CEO. “Avoiding scams and fraud attempts is only one part of the prevention equation. It means staying vigilant about where your personal data ends up, monitoring your credit report routinely for signs of suspicious activity, and filing your return as early as possible to beat a thief to it.”

Resources to Help You Stay Safe this Tax Season

Here are a few resources that can help you protect your identity and be safer and more secure online this tax season – and year-round:

STOP. THINK. CONNECT.™ Tips and Advice

Identity Theft Resource Center

The Federal Trade Commission’s IdentityTheft.gov

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s STOP. THINK. CONNECT.™ Identity Theft and Internet Scams Tip Card

1.https://tinyurl.com/zmndat4 https://krebsonsecurity.com/2016/01/ftc-tax-fraud-behind-47-spike-in-id-theft/ (January 2016)

2. https://tinyurl.com/grz84vf http://www.accountingtoday.com/news/irs-warns-of-surge-in-phishing-and-malware-schemes-targeting-preparers-and-taxpayers

3. https://tinyurl.com/hoqga4m https://www.fool.com/retirement/2016/12/27/3-tax-scams-to-watch-out-for-in-2017.aspx (Tips)

The National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA) is the nation’s leading nonprofit, public-private partnership promoting cybersecurity and privacy education and awareness. For more information on NCSA, please visit staysafeonline.org/about-us/overview/.

Founded in 1999, the Identity Theft Resource Center® (ITRC) is a nationally recognized non-profit organization which provides no-cost victim assistance and consumer education through its toll-free call center, website and highly visible social media efforts. Visit http://www.idtheftcenter.org. Victims may contact the ITRC at 888-400 -5530.