Social Networks Security Threats and Tips

Social Networks Security Threats and Tips

Social networks encourage their users to share far too much personal data with each other. For example, 45% share their birth date which is a key identity verifier. It’s no wonder that cyber criminals use social networks to target their prey.

These are the Best Tips:

Be skeptical -Social networks can be a useful source for business information, as well as for newsworthy updates from your friends. But they also contain a lot of useless information. Generally speaking, you should treat anything you see online with a high degree of skepticism. Do not believe everything you read, be it financial advice, breaking news, or tips on free giveaways—especially if it involves clicking a link or installing an application. If someone asks you for money in advance, it might be a scam.

Check privacy policies & settings - All major social networking services have specific privacy guidelines and rules that are published on their websites. Make sure you understand them, even though they may be tedious to read, as they likely explain if your information is shared with other parties. Some services offer the ability to restrict your privacy settings for specific groups, such as allowing you to share pictures with your friends only and not everyone. Make good use of these settings.

Good passwords -Use good, strong passwords. (Your birth date or “123456” are not good passwords.) If possible, the password should contain letters and numbers, as well as special characters. If you can’t remember complex passwords, either use a passphrase as hint or use any of the available password management utilities that can securely store them for you. Do not choose a password that can be guessed by the information that you have published on your account site. This includes friend’s names, favored movie stars, or pet names.

Protect the password - You should never share your password with others. This includes services that promise to help you get more friends or something similar. Do not lose control of your password. If you enter your password, ensure that you are on the real website and not a phishing scam page that just looks like the original site. Should you suspect that you have fallen for a phishing attack and your account has been compromised, use a clean computer to log into the original service and change your password.

Be thoughtful - Always think twice before posting something. Keep in mind that once you posted it, even to a close group of friends, you no longer have control over where it will be reposted and who might read it. These things can come back to haunt you when you search for a new position in the future. Consider if you really need to publish the full information. This includes posting too many personal details, such as phone numbers or work-related things. Furthermore refrain from forwarding virus hoax or exaggerated warning messages that will confuse more than help other users. Be nice and respectful to others—do not post hate messages about others, since you would not want to receive them yourself.

Be wary - People on the Internet are not always who they claim to be. The celebrity who you are following might just be another fan, and the supposed co-worker from another office might just be someone doing reconnaissance on your enterprise. Not everyone that claims to be your friend is your friend.

Stay updated - Always ensure that the software you use is up-to-date. Not only does this include the operating system and web browser, but also third-party plug-ins, such as PDF viewers. Install all the latest patches and hot fixes from the official site and automatically check for newer available versions through the software.

Stay protected - Setting up and upgrading your anti-virus and firewall program is one of the first things that should be done before connecting to the Internet. Without this basic component scammer will have quick access to the details on your PC. There are many applications available such as Norton, created by Symantec to guard customers from being taken advantage of.

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7 Protection Tips to Avoid Identity Theft

Check out our 7 tips to avoid identity theft, phishing attacks and secure your personal information

Question: Would you trust a stranger with your bank account number, email account password or telephone number?

Answer: Most of the time it happens without you even noticing.

Look at what happened to Michelle Brown and how long it took her to recover from her identity theft. A woman called Heddi Ille stole her name and social security number. Heddi used Michelle’s identity for a year. A year passed before she was caught.

In that time Michelle ended up $50,000 in debt thanks to Heddi. Michelle had a history of paying her bills on time. Despite Michelle’s protestations that she wasn’t running up bills, it made no difference. When Heddi was eventually caught she was arrested for ‘stolen property’ and 'not identity theft.’

These are 3 of the most common methods for stealing personal information:

Pharming: When you enter the URL of an online banking site, you can be redirected to a fraudulent site, which looks identical to your bank. But the site records and steals your financial details.

Keystroke Logging: Your keystrokes can be recorded by cyber criminals and used to steal your credit card details.

Phishing: These are clever, sophisticated emails which request your confidential details and online banking information – to scam you. Your bank would never ask for this information.

7 Tips to Prevent Identity Theft

1. Backup and secure your personal and financial documents. You can easily backup your files to the cloud from your security/backup software or backup your documents and files to an external hard drive. 
2. To avoid phishing attacks, don't click on spam emails and links you don't completely trust. 
3. Protect your computer, mobile device, tablet and ensure that the security software you use is up-to-date 
4. Don't log in your bank account, email or any sensitive account through free public Wi-Fi. 
5. Create strong passwords and update them frequently. Never use the same password in more than 1 site, different passwords adds another layer of protection against cyber criminals. 
6. Be aware of what you share and think twice before sharing something. 
7. Check your credit card statements each month and contact your credit card company immediately in case of lost or stolen credit card. 

Internet security software with Identity Protection keeps your passwords in one place, and discovers phishing and identity threats before they cost you, money and time.

 Click Here to Get 50% Off Security Software with Identity Protection

If you bank, shop online, or have a social media account - be careful! As simple and convenient as it can be, shopping and banking online without a software security suite poses serious risks to your security.

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Secure your World Cup!

If you plan to visit Brazil for the 2014 FIFA World Cup, watch Online or even search for your favorite players and teams. You should know the risks!

You have the chance to get powerful protection from one of the leading vendors such as: Bitdefender, Kaspersky, ESET, Norton, AVG and more, with a up to 80% discount. 

Secure your PC, MAC, Smartphone and Tablet NOW!

This is a great deal for our consumers and one you will be sure to want to take advantage of right away.

 According to the research, fans run the greatest risk when visiting sites offering screensaver downloads and videos showcasing the extraordinary skills of the players. Searching for the latest Ronaldo content yields a fair chance of landing on a website that has tested positive for online threats, such as spyware, adware, spam, phishing, viruses and other malware. 

For more information please visit: http://www.infosecurity-magazine.com/view/38726/world-cup-2014-its-ronaldo-v-messi-this-time-online/

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Antivirus vs Internet Security

What is the difference between Antivirus and Internet Security Software? 
Antivirus vs. Internet Security 

People with a computer and a working internet connection face the biggest dilemma when it comes to taking measures for securing the device over the network. Most of them often assume that an antivirus and Internet Security software are two sides of the same coin. In order to go forward with this discussion, the first task we would like to do is kill the myth.

Antivirus: Antivirus software is computer program that discover and remove harmful programs such as: Worms, Viruses, Malware, Worms, Bots, and Spyware. The program will search the hard drive for harmful programs and will disarm, or delete those programs. Majority of the antivirus software on the market offer an auto update, this feature will add the virus names and how to deal with them, so the antivirus will be able to detect any new harmful programs. The newer versions of the antivirus programs will be able to detect the viruses, by the way it operates that is called heuristic algorithm they will use it in conjunction with auto update.

Internet Security: Internet security software is essential to make sure that your computer is protected while connected to the internet since the probability of a malware/ virus infecting your computer through the internet is much more than it being spread due to transfer of files physically or through any other means.

Internet Security software designed to combat and eliminate threats while surfing the web and offline. Internet security combines all the protection tools under one roof. Internet security is a collective of tools that protect the computer against the common threats of surfing the web and offline, it is include: antivirus (which protect against, Malware, Viruses, Trojans, Spyware, Worms, Bots), Scan Emails, Identity Protection, Firewall, Keep file information private, Conversation Encryptions, Parental Control, Antispam, Password Protection, Real-time notices, Antiroot kit, Antiphishing and more.

Internet security is recommended for all uses, since it is a complete protection package. 

In this era, cybercriminals are waiting at every junction to prey on innocent internet users, hacking into their systems and gaining access to every single bit of information related to the user’s online and offline life. Antivirus rarely offers protection against cyber threats since it monitors just the systems and the vulnerabilities associated with it.

Internet security, on the other hand, offers numerous benefits over antivirus programs. You don’t have to worry about the possibility of leak of confidential data from your online transaction profiles or your computer. Modern internet Security software encapsulates the whole transaction procedure inside an encrypted, secured layer which makes it nearly impossible for cybercriminals to steal the data.

Another additional feature which has been introduced recently in Internet security is Parental Controls. The internet, no doubt, is an educational hub but if guided wrongly, can lead to serious implications on a child’s brain. Inappropriate content all over the internet now attracts the younger generation more than adults. So it is important for parents to keep a track of their ward’s activities over the network or keep them safe from content which is unnecessary for them. Parental Controls makes the job easier and this is one the primary reasons why families are now opting for complete Internet Security packages instead of system antivirus programs.

Difference between Viruses and Malwares (Antivirus vs Antimalware)

 

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Difference between Viruses and Malwares (Antivirus vs Antimalware)

One of the most frequently asked questions in online Software Security Forums is the difference between Viruses and Malwares (Antivirus vs Antimalware). 

Let us answer this right now so that it serves as the base when we later talk about Antivirus and Antimalware solutions. 

• Virus: Viruses were very popular in the early 1990s, when the internet was relatively new. They were meant to infect and replicate and make the users’ experience with computers and the internet bitter. 
• Malware: It is a general term which has been used for malicious programs which include adware, spyware, rootkits, exploits, Trojans, worms etc. In short, all viruses are malware, but all malware are not viruses. 

The question which usually follows the above question is:
“Would my Antivirus program keep me safe from all types of Malware?”

The answer to this question is a straight NO! Antivirus programs are meant to deal with viruses. A complete protection against malware is only guaranteed by installing a complete package of security software solutions (Internet Security or All in One Security). When employees of different vendors were asked the same question, they nodded in affirmative, but at the same time, hinted that users would be safer if they purchased the complete package, and not just the system antivirus. All the major antivirus vendors like Kaspersky, Bitdefender, Norton and McAfee have been providing security for the system, protection against online threats, safeguarding your online identity and building a personal firewall for you. This multilayered secure environment makes the internet a safe place for you. Since malware have been extensively used for stealing information from victims for quite some time now, it is essential that all types of malware are blocked. Most of the antivirus packages provide you cutting –edge technology and protection against even zero-hour threats due to their integration with the cloud. They forward the virus database to the cloud, reporting of the most recently launched threats. Definitions are dynamically updated and sent to systems connected to the cloud all over the world, thus preventing the spread of the infection.

Anti-malware and Antivirus programs essentially have the same goal- denying access to malicious programs into the computer/server/network. MalwareBytes, one of the leading suppliers of Antimalware software, clearly mentions that the programs is meant to remove malware and is less directed towards the removal of traditional viruses. The best solution is to scan your system for viruses and other vulnerabilities, disable it for some time and then scan the computer for malware.

What is the difference between Antivirus and Internet Security Software?

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G Data AntiVirus 2014 + Download Link

G Data AntiVirus 2014 Including: AntiVirus, Mailschutz, BankGuard, AutostartManager, Gaming

Overview: 

• Active hybrid protection with CloseGap technology to close security gaps
• AutostartManager accelerates startup - boot up as you did on the first day 
• Completely re-engineered user interface for intuitive use - no software manual required 
• New BankGuard technology for secure banking and online shopping 
• Behavior monitoring pro - tects against unknown viruses 
•  Hourly updates ensure that even new threats stand no chance 
• Resource saving thanks to fingerprinting, idle scanning, and active hybrid protection 
• Additional real-time data comparison in the cloud protects against false positives 
• Recommended by gamers: Top protection and high-performance with no annoying pop-ups 
• Service Center: We are there to assist you 
• Protect your Android™ smartphone or tablet against viruses as well as mobile threats

Download G Data AntiVirus 2014

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Windows Security (Microsoft Security Essentials) has failed AV-Test certification

Microsoft Security Essentials has failed AV-Test, In German security company that focuses primarily on analyzing antivirus software and if the title looks acquainted, it's because it revealed in Dec last year that Windows it failed the test. Obviously, Microsoft was not irritated by the evaluation, and did little to help its ranking since AV-Test is back again with another analysis and Windows Security Requirements continue to be slacking off.

In the latest analysis, which was performed over the month of Dec, Windows antivirus was only able to secure 78% of zero-day viruses strikes. Even though this is a minor enhancement over the last test (in which Security Requirements only obstructed 71 percent), which is still below the market regular of 92%.

While Microsoft was silent last year when it was written about November's analysis in Dec, it's been very vocal this time around, clamming that AV-Test's technique is defective. And its main argument was that the normal Security Requirements customer does not experience the same type of viruses that AV-Test used during the assessment. Joe Blackbird, system administrator for Microsoft Malware Security Middle had written that their evaluation revealed that 0.0033% of Microsoft Security Requirements and Microsoft Forefront Endpoint Protection clients were affected by viruses which were not recognized during the analyze and in addition to that, 94% of the viruses examples not recognized during the analyze didn't effect our customers.


































According to Windows own analysis, Security Requirements obstructed a near-perfect 99.997% of zero-day strikes. While there could be concerns concerning the credibility of examining their own products, Microsoft's data is based off of real-world results.

Honestly, I'm a bit confused why Microsoft addressed the AV-Test research in the first place. Its Security Requirements is the master of the hill when it comes to market share 26.7% of North America states, according to OPSWAT, so it obviously that it has the support of its clients.

However, people really like Security Essentials, and this is shown by those who provided great insight on why that is the way it is, and the reason why an antivirus shouldn't be measured based solely on its ability to block zero-day attacks: Anyway this is a decision you’ll have to make for yourself.

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Botnet servers feature the maximum number in USA

McAfee Antivirus agency recently released a fresh statistic which shows that, USA is the country with the highest count of computers used to build botnets, worldwide.

Computers known as botnet servers refer to remote systems, which issue commands to other PCs in the state of compromise by cyber-criminals, as well as receive huge information in return from those compromised computers.

The number of botnet servers estimated mayn't be exact since many-a-time the botnet servers' owners attempt at disguising their location through the utilization of different tactics especially proxies. Nevertheless, according to McAfee's data, the U.S. houses 631 botnet command-and-control servers that's over 250% more than that in Britain. Meanwhile, by occupying the No.2 position among the countries with the maximum botnet servers, Britain is home to 237 such servers. Following this nation-state are Holland (154), Russia (125), Germany (95) and Korea (81). Apparently, in the USA, the servers can be found chiefly in Washington D.C., California and Los Angeles.

Also, considering the list of ten countries with the maximum servers, Canada managed to be the best having merely 38, while more countries managing likewise consist of Switzerland, Australia and China with 77, 63 and 48 servers respectively.

Simultaneously, presuming that McAfee's list isn't wholly exact due to the masking of the C&C servers' locations, still irrespective of the positions they occupy, bot-networks are a highly dangerous security threat online given that they're capable of potentially damaging many million PCs.

 Moreover according to McAfee, authorities enforcing legal acts have tried their best to bring an increasing number of botnet creators to justice. During 2012, a particular hacker was arrested and punished for compromising 72,000 PCs and converting them into zombies. Then the notorious Bredolab network-of-bots' builder, during May 2012, was sentenced to 4 years in jail, while during December same year, Facebook assisted FBI in clamping on a gang, which amassed 11m contaminated PCs for a botnet.

However, the cyber-criminals constantly improve upon their attacks via releasing more-and-more malicious programs. In September 2012, McAfee reported that malicious programs increased so fast that was never seen before, during the last 4-yrs.

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7 Reasons to Buy Genuine Antivirus Software

7 Reasons Why You Should Buy Genuine Antivirus Software

1. Customer Service
When you buy genuine antivirus software, you are entitled for expert 24 hours a day support. You can access the support from the software or by phone, live chat, email and more. Only users with genuine antivirus software can get important software updates, training, technical support, repairs, and FREE upgrade to the latest version.

2. Breaking the law
Someone can be arrested for 7 years or fined $250,000, according to FBI Anti-Piracy Warning to people who use pirated software or do piracy. In August 13, 2012, A new federal regulation (41 CFR Section 128 – 1.5009) regarding the FBI’s Anti-Piracy Warning (APW) Seal took effect authorizing the use of the APW Seal by all U.S. copyright holders, subject to specific conditions of use. Copyrighted works can include, but are not limited to, films, audio recordings, electronic media, software, books, photographs, etc. The purpose of the APW Seal is to remind media users of the serious consequences of pirating copyrighted works and at the same time serves as a widely recognizable reminder of the FBI’s authority and mission with respect to the protection of intellectual property rights .Use of this seal does not indicate that the FBI has reviewed or validated copyright interests in the particular work and does not provide greater legal protection to the work.

3. Proper protection
Pirated copies of antivirus software may not provide full protection as their main problem being that they cannot download and install updates because the key is not genuine. Updates are very important since every day a new virus is invading web and updates makes anti viruses aware about them. This is because anti-virus software can only detect the latest threats only if the latest updates are downloaded and installed.

4. Costly Damages
Pirated software is also most likely to damage computer’s Motherboard or Hard drive which is more expensive than the cost of a genuine antivirus software.

5. Data Insecurity
The most pirated software contains viruses (spyware peddlers of bundle spyware & key-loggers) themselves which can send some confidential data such as credit card details to the people who distributed them over the internet without your knowledge.

6. Secure Download
Genuine antivirus software has download link directly from the manufacturer which is secure and fast to download. You can use it always.

7. Backup CD
When you purchase and download antivirus software, you may see the option to Add a Backup CD. A backup CD is a disk containing the downloadable installer file for your purchased antivirus. (Extra charge)


In conclusion, unlicensed and illegal antivirus software threatens not only the software industry, but also the end users by potentially exposing them to viruses and security loopholes.

The genuine antivirus software provides guaranteed quality, reliability, support and peace of mind, hence you should buy genuine antivirus software to ensure your safety.

We therefore guarantee that all of our products are genuine and new, and will be fully supported by the manufacturer. Our website is protected with SSL (secure socket layer) encryption, the highest standard in Internet security.
  

There is a big selection of Genuine Antivirus Software brand names such as: Bitdefender, Norton by Symantec, ESET, Avira, AVG, Kaspersky, Dr.Web, VIPRE, McAfee, Panda and more.

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The products on Anti-Virus4U.com are under the highest standards, and tested by trusted names such: VB100, PC MAGAZINE, AV-TEST, WEST COAST LABS, AND MORE....

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