Tag Archive for: Adware

Whether your employees are simply searching on Google or accessing online work applications, they’re vulnerable to all sorts of cyberthreats, such as phishing scams and malware. This could endanger your company data and your employees themselves. Therefore, as a business owner, you need to take steps toward helping your employees browse safely.

Install ad blocking software

Even though online ads may seem harmless, they can contain scripts and widgets that send your information to third parties without your knowledge and consent. Ad blocking software will stop banner, rollover, and pop-up ads from appearing on websites. It can also help protect you from accidentally going to malware-laden sites.

Many ad blockers can also disable cookies and scripts used by third parties on sites, block specific items, “clean up” Facebook, and hide YouTube comments.

Prevent browser tracking

In browser tracking, websites monitor your online activity and retain information about the sites you’ve visited. It’s done by placing cookies (i.e., small text files that record everything you do online) on your computer and other devices. Browser trackers not only slow down your computer but can also expose sensitive information to malicious actors.

You can use browser extensions like Ghostery and Disconnect to block cookies from collecting data about your online behavior. It’s also best to utilize your web browser’s built-in private browsing tools, such as Chrome’s Incognito mode or Safari’s Private Browsing. When you use these built-in tools, your browser won’t save details of your browsing session, so it won’t remember your search history, the pages you visited, or your autofill information. This also means your online activities won’t be saved on your device or shared with your other devices.

Use a virtual private network (VPN)

Cybercriminals can intercept data between two parties, allowing them to steal sensitive data, such as login credentials and banking information. A VPN can help solve this problem since it anonymizes your online activity by routing your connection through its secure servers. With a VPN, all of your data traffic gets encrypted and sent via an anonymous IP address. This makes it difficult for hackers to track or intercept your data.

Install antivirus software

Antivirus software is a must for keeping viruses and other malware away from your work PCs, tablets, and smartphones. It will scan your devices for malware and block it if detected, keeping you safe from malicious parties that are after your data.

Make sure to keep your antivirus up to date so it can keep you protected even from the latest cyberthreats. You can enable automatic updates to ensure you’re always running the latest software version.

Train your employees

Provide your employees with security training so they would be aware of the latest scams, know how to recognize cyberthreats, and practice good cyber hygiene. Make sure training sessions also cover your company policies related to data privacy and security, which may include guidelines like:

  • Use strong and unique passwords for every account.
  • Be wary of clicking on links in emails and opening suspicious email attachments.
  • Download software only from legitimate sources.
  • Do not store important documents on unsecured devices.

By taking these steps, you can provide a safer online environment for your employees and protect your business from cyberthreats. If you need help implementing these tips, get in touch with our IT experts.

If you are looking for an expert to help you find the best solutions for your business talk to GCInfotech about a free technology assessment

Published with consideration from TechAdvisory.org SOURCE

Malware creators will target anyone and everyone, including Mac users. So even though Apple computers are less vulnerable than Windows PCs, they are not completely impervious to cyberattacks. Read on to find out the different threats you should protect your Mac against, as well as signs that your computer has been compromised.

What are the threats that can affect your Mac?

There are several forms of malware that hit Apple products, and their effects can range from ones that are merely annoying to downright destructive.

  1. Adware – These are unwanted programs that bombard users with pop-up advertisements. Some malicious adware piggyback spyware like keyloggers and keyboard sniffers onto their deployment protocols, allowing them to record your typing habits and monitor your browsing behavior.
  2. Sniffers – These are usually designed to detect certain words on a web page and in a person’s typing pattern in order to trigger the keylogger. For instance, when you type your password, sniffers can activate the keylogger to copy the information you type and steal your login details.
  3. Trojan horses – These can infect both Macs and PCs, and they are often deployed through fake software installers or unsecured updates. They parade as legitimate software that actually contain a nasty surprise once installed. A notorious Trojan horse for Macs is the MacDownloader, which attempts to steal personal data stored in iCloud Keychain.
  4. Macro viruses – These attack computers by running a code that can take screenshots, format hard drives, corrupt files, deliver more malware, and access webcams and microphones. They are triggered when a user opens an infected macros-enabled file, hence the name.
  5. Ransomware – Macs managed to hold off ransomware for a while, but nowadays, even they can be vulnerable to it. KeRanger was one of the first big ransomware outbreaks in Macs. After remotely encrypting the computer and hibernating for three days, KeRanger would issue a .txt file containing instructions for decryption in return for one bitcoin.

Telltale signs your Mac is infected

Now that you know what kinds of malware your Mac could be affected with, here are some ways to tell if your computer is infected with one:

  1. Pop-up ads – If you’re seeing more pop-ups on your computer than usual, your computer is probably infected. An unusual amount of banner ads and pop-ups may mean that your computer is due for an update and/or a virus scan.
  2. Slowness – Mac users fear one thing above all: the spinning wheel of death. This little rainbow-colored spinning cursor wheel indicates that the computer is having trouble processing at usual speeds. This slowness can often be caused by overwhelming requests from simultaneous processes — likely of dubious origin — running in the background.
  3. Browser issues – Viruses sometimes do weird things to Safari or Google Chrome such as change its homepage or redirect a preset landing page to a site you’ve never seen before. If your browser starts behaving oddly, crashes regularly, or is often unresponsive, your Mac might have a virus.

Computer security is a matter of importance no matter what operating system you use. Reach out to our experts for an assessment of your network today.

If you are looking for an expert to help you find the best solutions for your business talk to GCInfotech about a free technology assessment

Published with consideration from TechAdvisory.org SOURCE

Nowadays, it’s near impossible to maintain 100% privacy when browsing the web. A variety of malicious actors lurk in the background, whether you’re searching on Google, checking your social media feeds, or accessing business programs online. The fact is that everyone who browses the internet is vulnerable to cyberthreats. Here are a few ways to browse safely.

Install ad blocking software

Online ads may seem harmless, but they can contain scripts and widgets that send your data to a third party. A decent ad blocking program will stop banner, rollover, and pop-up ads, and prevent you from inadvertently visiting a site that may contain malware.

Many blockers also come with additional features such as the ability to disable cookies and scripts used by third parties on sites, the option to block specific items, and options to “clean up” Facebook and hide YouTube comments.

Prevent browser tracking

If you don’t like the idea of a third party (reputable or otherwise) tracking your browsing habits, enable private browsing using built-in tools in your internet browser such as Chrome’s Incognito mode or Safari’s Private Browsing windows. This offers protection against tracking by blocking third-party cookies as well as malware. Some browser extensions also boast secure Wi-Fi and bandwidth optimization, and can guard against tracking and data collection from social networking sites such as Twitter and Facebook.

Set up a virtual private network (VPN)

Unfortunately, browser tracking and adware are not the only internet nasties that you need to be concerned about. Hackers can intercept sensitive data between two parties, allowing them to steal and exploit valuable information such as bank details, login credentials, and other personal information. Installing a VPN can help solve this problem. VPNs encrypt your internet traffic, effectively shutting out anyone who may be trying to see what you’re browsing.

Install antivirus and anti-malware software

Finally, it goes without saying that having antivirus and anti-malware software installed on your PC, tablet, and smartphone is crucial if you want to ensure your online safety. These software programs are your first defense against malicious parties intent on stealing your data.

Is browsing at your workplace secure? Would you like a more comprehensive security system for your business? We can tell you all about it and help protect your business from online threats. Get in touch with us today.

To learn more about how to safeguard your business, or if you are looking for an expert to help you find the best solutions for your business talk to GCInfotech about a free technology assessment.

Published with consideration from TechAdvisory.org SOURCE