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Showing posts with label Security Tips. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Security Tips. Show all posts

Using The Internet To Protect Your Home

7:15 AM | Labels: , ,

Using The Internet To Protect Your Home
The Internet has grown to allow us to do wondrous things. We can communicate around the world in a matter of seconds and complete work entirely online. Today the Internet also allows people to add extra security to a home. Home security has forever changed with the advent of the Internet. People can monitor what is taking place inside their home to figure out whether or not danger is present at any given time. A homeowner can use the Internet to provide added safety to her home to feel more secure and protect all loved ones and guests.

Install Surveillance Cameras:

Surveillance cameras are used to monitor both the inside and outside of a home. Did you know that you could hook up your camera to the Internet? If you have a smartphone, you can link your camera's live feed directly to your phone. This means that you can monitor all activity going on in your home at all times. All you need is access to the Internet and you will have the ability to stream from your home surveillance camera. Cameras can also have saved recordings downloaded to a server. It does not matter if someone destroys your camera or home computer. Since the live feed can be recorded and saved to an outside server, there will always be evidence if a criminal breaks into your home or causes you harm. Surveillance cameras have played increasingly large roles in investigations in the past.

Power Outage:

Certain home security companies understand that if there is a power outage you could be left vulnerable. Technologically advanced home security systems are connected to the Internet to allow security companies to monitor the status of your home at all times. There are backup plans available to remain connected via satellite, even during a power outage. Refer to your home security company to see if this option exists in your area. You never know when the power is going to go out, and you don't know when it will return. It's a good idea to protect your home and family with a backup home security plan just in case the power goes out.

Silent Call for Help:

In the case of an emergency you might not have time to make a phone call to 911 or someone you know. You could be hiding from a burglar and as a result unable to talk on the phone. With smartphones you are connected to the Internet and can instantly inform people you are in danger. Social media allows you to Connect to thousands of people at once. There have been many scenarios where someone has used the Internet to let people know he or she is in danger. The Internet connects extremely fast so people have the ability to respond within seconds.

Internet Connected Devices:

Home security systems do not have to be connected to a landline anymore. Security systems exist that can connect to your home Internet through a wireless connection. You can connect your phone to the device and complete a variety of actions from your phone. You can set your alarm or turn it off if someone needs to enter your home. This type of home security system is definitely worth a look for an alternative form of home security.

Image source: SmartPhotoStock.





Author Bio:
Guest writer Leyland Suzuki and Denver, Colorado native loves blogging about home improvement and sharing his tips with an online audience. He is currently consulting with local Denver roofers to better secure his home.

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Posted by AbdyaCyber

Parental Tools For Keeping Your Child Safe Online

9:52 AM | Labels: ,

Parental Control Software and Computer Monitoring Software
In such a short amount of time, the internet has become more common place in our lives than we could have ever imagined. Today, a world without the conveniences and the joys of the internet is unimaginable and we are learning of new ways to use and enjoy it all the time. It's practical uses are diverse: looking up directions, sending a gift, learning to play guitar, watching a film – all of these activities are things we can now do quickly and easily in the comfort of our own homes.

For our children, teaching them to use the internet effectively and safely is ever increasingly important to us as parents. The benefits of the thousands of educational resources available online massively outweighs the drawbacks of the dangers we also find on the world wide web, but those dangers do pose a problem – one that can worry parents when they're introducing there younger children to the online world. Thankfully, some savvy computer programmers have put together some brilliant tools to alleviate our concerns as parents.

Although there are a wide range of tools that can help, I'm going to concentrate on the two that I think are the most helpful. They are Parental Control Software and Computer Monitoring Software, and each of these tools can help parents in their own unique way. Let's take a look at each of these in turn.

Parental Control Software:

Parental Control Software can monitor, filter and block web pages depending on its content. If you have young children and you're worried they're going to be exposed to adult web pages of some kind (this could be gambling, alcohol, violence, pornography etc...) then this is for you. Parental Control Software will scan a web page before it is shown for a range of keywords and if it deems the page unsuitable, it will block it, if not it will show it.

Computer Monitoring Software:

Computer Monitoring Software works similarly, but slightly differently than Parental Control Software, and is great for parents of teenagers or older children who you want to give a bit more freedom online, but are still slightly worried. Computer Monitoring Software will monitor (secretly) every web page that is visited and any application used, so that you can look through reports and see what your children have been looking at at a later date. Computer Monitoring Software also monitors keystrokes and documents, and will take screen shots of visited websites.

You could even use parental control and computer monitoring software together, to create a powerful combination of tools that's sure to keep your child safe online. If you'd like to find out more about these parental tools, head over to the Gecko Parents website here.


Image Credit: Clare Bloomfield.

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Posted by AbdyaCyber

How Safe Is Cloud Storage?

9:14 AM | Labels: , , ,


risks in Cloud Storage
Last week, I was sitting around talking to a friend about how he lost his data on his computer, but he had it all backed up on an external hard drive. It brought up the subject of him losing that hard drive or it getting lost/stolen – leading to the idea of cloud storage. He questioned whether cloud storage is safe or not. Cloud services have changed IT entirely for businesses across a wide range of areas. But as more and more companies rely on the cloud for storage, syncing, and computing, hackers are targeting popular cloud services for the sensitive information stored there. Yes, the companies that provide cloud storage are responsible in keeping our data secure, but we should also look at what we can do as consumers and make cloud storage safer for our data.

To begin, let’s answer the question: what exactly is the cloud storage? In essence, it is a model of networked enterprise storage where data is stored not only in the user's computer, but also in virtualized pools of storage which are generally hosted by third parties. From music files to pictures to sensitive documents, the cloud invisibly backs up your files and folders and avoids the potentially endless and costly search for extra storage space. An alternative to purchasing an external hard drive or deleting old files to make room for new ones, cloud storage is convenient and cost-effective. It works by storing your files on a server on the internet rather than on your local hard drive, allowing you to back up, sync, and access your data across multiple devices as long as they have internet capability.

If you wish to store information virtually, however, you must consider the added risk that your information may be accessible to others -- potentially people who you do not wish to have access. Outlined below are a few security risks to take into account and how to protect yourself and your data.

Cloud computing is a relatively new tool for the average consumer. It is important to explore the service that most fits your needs.

The first step in using the cloud service is to choose a provider that fits your needs. Some points to take into consideration on your search are:

  1. Are the company’s security standards appropriate? - Do some research for your needs. Make sure that the company has a good reputation and solid security policies. Remember, this company holds your trust to store your personal information.
  2. How much data storage do you need? Look at sites with a realistic expectation of the size you need to store all your files. Most companies charge by the amount of storage you are requesting.
  3. Is your data encrypted when being uploaded or downloaded from the cloud? Make sure that your browser or app requires an encrypted connection before you upload or download your data. Always look for the “https://” or the padlock beside the URL in your browser.
  4. Is your data encrypted when stored in the cloud? Read the terms of service to find this information; often your data will be stored on the cloud server with no encryption, this means that anyone that has (or can get) high level access to that server will be able to read your files. This may not be an issue for many files, but you should carefully consider what kind of information you are storing in the cloud and whether you are comfortable with some other person you don’t know accessing it. At a minimum, no data that is protected by law (medical information, personal identifiers, financial data) should be stored in the cloud unless the storage solution is encrypted and you know who can decrypt it (it should only be you or your organization) and for what reason.
  5. Learn and understand how access is shared with your cloud folder: Many cloud storage providers allow you to share access to your online folders with other people. Be sure you know in details and understand how this works. Can they read only or can they change the file? Will you know who changed a file last? If you share the file with a group, can you see who all is in the group? Are you notified if the group changes? Does the service allow you to make files public? If you do, are your personal details (name, account, email, etc.) attached to that file if a stranger looks at it?
  6. Know your options if the cloud provider should be hacked or should lose your data: Many of these companies require that you sign their terms and conditions before they allow you to use the service. In the vast majority of cases, these conditions state that you have very little, if any, remedy if anything bad should happen. Be aware of what you are signing away.
Once you have found the service that best caters to your needs, it is important to make your data as safe as possible.

Here are some general rules that you should follow for all your internet habits, but particularly for your data storage:

  1. Pick a good password: All cloud services require a master password to get into your files, so make it a good one, something that is pretty long and not easy for others to hack. When it comes to passwords, longer is better. True, it can be a hassle to remember a strong password but it’s an even bigger hassle to have your information stolen.
  2. Don’t reuse your passwords: The password you choose to access the cloud should be unlike any other password you use. If a hacker gets access to your Facebook password which may also be the password to your email, they will not only have a clear view of where you hold financial accounts, but they will be able to reset all of your passwords without your knowledge.
  3. Don’t share your passwords: Even with a trusted friend, sharing your password is never a good idea. The more people who know your password, the more likely it is to be spread around. Your password is the lock to your information; don’t let more people have access to it than necessary.
  4. Back up your data: The same way you back up your computer’s hard drive, back up your cloud storage data. Some companies are out there that offer a small amount of storage free of cost. Take advantage of this and make sure you have your most important data backed up in case of an unexpected loss.
Image Credit: Thinkstockphotos.
Author Bio:
Youa is a blogger from Minneapolis who enjoys reading about all things tech-related. She’s a fan of local businesses, like RJS Software, who always have something fun to say on their tech blog.

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Posted by AbdyaCyber

Most People Can't Identify Phishing Scams

3:36 AM | Labels:


identify phishing scam
Most people can't identify phishing scams
One of the reasons that phishing scams are successful is that although most people believe that they know how to identify these attacks, they often still don't recognize suspicious emails. According to the Sydney Morning Herald, new research from North Carolina State University seems to indicate that Internet users are over-confident in their ability to recognize a phishing scam.

The study, which looked at a group of 53 undergraduate students, found that although 89 percent of participants were confident that they could recognize a scam in their inbox, only 7.5 percent actually identified the phishing emails. In addition, more than 50 percent of students deleted an email that was actually genuine.

Phys.org recently reported that phishing scams are becoming more sophisticated, fooling even the most tech-savvy Internet natives. When the Associated Press had its Twitter account hacked in April, it was due to a complex phishing attack directed at one of the news source's staffers. The staff member received an email that appeared to be from a colleague, but the link contained in the message actually led the employee to a "keylogger" that tracked keystrokes and recorded the organization's Twitter password.

The Sydney Morning Herald reported that this increased personalization of phony messages will only make it harder to identify scams. Phishers often pose as banks, government agencies or well-known retailers convince users to open the email and click on a link that either introduces a virus or leads to a fake website that is disguised as a legitimate source. That's why a password manager such as Sticky Password, which includes automatic form filling, can be so helpful - it won't supply your personal information to a deceptive landing page that isn't actually associated with the website you think you're using.


Example of a Phishing Scam:

Below is a Phishing Scam email that i received to my mail id in the name of giving "Financial Loan". Check it out,

Attn Everyone:
I got your details after an extensive online search. I am Mr RichardMoore of the Standford Financial Loan Firm has opened an opportunity toevery one in need of any financial help for Debt consolidation,personalloan,business loan etc, I give out loan to serious minded individuals. Myrates are very cheap and affordable. We also operate under short and longterm loans at 3%. I am God fearing and I have respect for my fellowhumans. Get to me today for that loan that you have always needed and getthe loan now.
Please note that this offer is opened to every serious mindedindividuals, firms and companies who wishes to obtain a loan to solvetheir financial problems like establishing new business, re-establishingold ones or pay debt etc. From this firm we operate on a 24hours serviceand we give our customers the best service because that is all we know howto do best.
We offer the following loans category;
* Personal Loan* Business Loan* Debt Consolidation Loan, etc
Minimum of $3,000.00 and a maximum of $90,000,000.00
Fill below if you are interested in our offer;
(1) Full Names:
(2) Contact/Mailing Address:
(3) State/Country:
(4) Amount needed as loan
(5) Loan duration:
(6) Occupation:
(7) Cell-Phone number:
(8) Monthly Income:
(9) Age:
(10)Sex
Contact our loan officer Mr Richard Moore inquiries;Email : sfinancials@kimo.com
Thanks,Richard MooreCEO
Another popular example of Phishing Scam mail is "Winning a Lottery". When you get a mail like this asking you personal details, Don't even think of replying them. Or else will be a victim of a Serious Scam! Just delete those mail.

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Posted by AbdyaCyber

MalwareBytes: It's Free, But Is It Any Good?

9:08 AM | Labels: , ,


In the sea of anti-malware programs there are some programs that standout for one reason or another...most often it's simply because of reliability and overall value. Malwarebytes is one of those programs. Malwarebytes is a complete anti-spyware software that is recognized for its simplicity and ease of use.



Benefits:

As a primary freeware software program, Malwarebytes is more than respectable in its ability to protect computer systems against malware attacks. Honestly, Malwarebytes does not score as well as the pricier and more recognized protection software packages on the market, but what is does do is provide a simple interface that is easy for the less technical person to nagivate and effectively use.

Malwarebytes has the capability of detecting all types of known malware threats as well as many stealth malware threats that are present on your system. Not only does this program do a good job in detecting these threats it also does a respectable job in removing these threats from your computer. When there is a threat that Malwarebytes had difficulty removing it is usually on a system that is heavily infected and requires more detailed cleaning. For systems that are relatively clean this program generally runs smoothly.

As mentioned earlier one of the best features of this program is its ease of use. One does not have to be technically savvy in order to make optimal use of this program.

Down Side:

Although this program performs on an acceptable level on some key fronts, it does have some associated cons. One of the most significant down sides to this program is the fact that is does slow your computer down while performing active scans. Unlike some of the more popular anti-malware programs, Malwarebytes does not have the ability to effectively perform a full scan behind the scenes without a significant drag being placed on the operation system. Because scans can be time consuming and interfere with the normal work process, it is best to run them during normal down times.

Malwarebytes also performs below expectations in detecting and removing spyware. During the process of scanning for spyware, the program used, on average, 90MB of memory. This is significantly more than the average program with similar performance standards. Outside of the fact that the system scan monopolizes memory, the scan is excruciatingly slow, progressing at an average rate of 10MB per second. The combination of these two issues results in an overall poor system performance for your computer. To run regular functions during a scan is not recommended.

Bottom Line:

Malwarebytes is an effective anti-malware program. Although it has its challenges in performing in certain areas, it more than makes up for it with its simplicity and straight forward user interface.

If you suspect that your computer is already highly infected with malware and spyware, this is not the program for you, but if you have recently had your system cleaned and debugged, Malwarebytes is a viable alternative to some of the pricier programs on the market. As a freeware, it rates at the top.


Author Bio:
Louis Rossmann is a straight shooting tech guy who specializes in repair and LCD replacement. Contact him through his Rossmann Group website.

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Posted by AbdyaCyber

Tips For Protecting Your Online Intellectual Property

9:28 AM | Labels: ,


What online intellectual property do I have?

Whether you have a web-based business, like an e-commerce site, or a simpler online presence such as a Facebook or Twitter profile, you are likely to be creating intellectual property online.

Intellectual property means “creations of the mind: inventions, literary and artistic works, and symbols, names, images, and designs used in commerce” (according to the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO)).

Online intellectual property may include:
  • Names and logos.
  • Software code.
  • Artwork.
  • Photographs.
  • Content, for example, website copy, Facebook posts, and potentially, tweets.

Protecting your name and logos:

The best way to protect your name and logo against copycats is to apply for relevant trade marks.

Unlike the internet, trade marks are country specific. To protect your name in Brazil you will need to register a Brazilian trade mark.

Here are some tips for protecting your name and logo,
  • Know your name: Check if other people are using your name for the same or a similar thing. If so, consider if you must use this mark, or if you can find something else.
  • Know your countries: It is expensive and time consuming to apply for and maintain trade marks worldwide. Focus on your key countries.
  • Know your product or service: Trade marks are registered in relation to specific goods and services. The better you know your product the easier it will be to produce an accurate, focussed trade mark.
  • Know your lawyer: Working with a trusted lawyer or trade mark attorney will help you to get the most out of your trade mark.

Protecting your content, artwork,and photos:

Content, artwork and photographs are primarily protected by copyright. Protecting content, artwork and photographs online can be difficult. You may remember the outcry over Instagram’s change to their terms and conditions which gave them much wider rights over user photographs than many thought appropriate. If not, check it out here. Copying is often key to infringing copyright. It is impossible to stop someone from copying your work, but you can take some practical steps to reduce the risk. Here are some,

  • Know when you created the work and be able to prove it, for example by emailing it to yourself.
  • Use a © notice to warn other people that something is your work, for example, “© 2013, Waterfront Solicitors LLP. All rights reserved”.
  • Watermark any images, or use other methods to make it harder for people to copy the image, such as blocking right-clicking.
  • The length of copyright and any registration processes will vary from place to place, so check with a local lawyer if you are unsure.

    Protecting your software code, personal or open source:

    Under some limited circumstances, you can get patent protection for software. This is something that you may want to look into if you are doing something new and inventive. However, generally, copyright will protect software. There are three main types of software,
    1. Software you own: you have done the physical coding.
    2. Commissioned: you have commissioned a developer to do the coding.
    3. Free or open source (FOSS): you have neither developed it nor commissioned it, but it is available for you to use without charge.
    You need to know the licence terms to make the most of your software. What can the user do with the software?
    • If you are licensing software to users: clarity matters. If there are restrictions on use, for example, if only registered users are allowed to use the software you should make this clear.
    • If you are using third party code: what are you able to do with it? For example are you able to use it for commercial purposes?
    For absolute certainty and peace of mind, it’s best to talk to a local lawyer, who can help draft terms and conditions tailored to your needs.




    Author Bio:
    Chloe Taylor is a solicitor specialising in intellectual property at Waterfront Solicitors LLP in London, UK.

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    Posted by AbdyaCyber

    Pros And Cons Of Spybot Search And Destroy Anti-Spyware Program

    9:21 AM | Labels: ,

    It wasn’t that long ago when the term spyware was an ambiguous term. This meant that the original anti-spyware companies such as Spybot and Ad-Aware had to educate the public on the subject. It is not clear which of the two companies designed the first complete anti-spyware program, but Spybot was definitely one of the first companies to do so. Since Spybot initially hit the scene they have spent a great deal of time in a dormant state. Until recently there was not a great deal of evolution associated with the Spybot program.

    Now, Spybot has introduced Search and Destroy which claims to detect and destroy malware, spyware, adware and rootkits. Unfortunately, this new version does very little to live up to the hype.

    Benefits:

    Honestly, the benefits are minimal. One benefit is that private users can download the program and use it for free. The thing is that there are some exceptional free protection programs on the market that simply blow the doors off of this program. There is a version that costs $13.99, but it is basic and only removes tag screens. The professional version is $24.99. The professional version does get you access to the protective repair environment which also allows you to generate rescue disks. The core protection format is basically the same as the base program.

    The installation process is hassle free, in fact in comparison to many similar programs, Spybot fared well in this category.

    The Down Side:

    For a company that played a role in revolutionizing the way computers are protecting from dangerous programs such as malware and spyware, Spybot fails miserably in its claim to deliver a simple product that will search out, detect and destroy destructive programs.

    First of all, simple is not necessarly a word that could be used to describe the user interface used for this program. One of the problems is that the same interface is used for all versions of the program, so when the basic program is in use the buttons and functions associated with the advanced program are shown, but they are not functional. This can be frustrating for a basic or inexperienced user.

    Another problem with this program is that once a scan has been completed the program will delete system files that are not contaminated.

    As far as actual malware removal, the program performed miserably. The system lacks precision in the criteria that is used to detect malware and spyware. In tests ran on the program it only detected an average of 32 percent of malware samples that were present on the test computer. To exacerbate the matter, the program had an extremely difficult time removing them.

    The Bottom Line:

    The program does very little to follow through on its promise or live up to its name. For the purpose that it was designed for the program is basically useless. Even as a freeware in the personal version, it bears no value because there are numerous free programs that are much more effective.



    Author Bio:
    Louis Rossmann is a straight shooting tech guy who specializes in repair and LCD replacement. Contact him through his Rossmann Group website.

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    Posted by AbdyaCyber

    Keylogging the FBI Way

    8:49 AM | Labels: ,


    Magic Lantern may seem something out of a science fiction movie but it is very real and operational. With the Federal Bureau of Investigation at its helm, the tool has been behind many official surveillance activities which have not, always, been legal. Our info graphic tells more about the Magic Lantern, whose history can be traced back to 2001. This was when the FBI began its work on monitoring software that could be, remotely, installed without the user’s knowledge.

    With the passage of time, the rootkit became advanced enough to steal vast amount of data from the target system, helping the FBI bust several extortion syndicates and identity theft cases. Magic Lantern also has support from some of the big antivirus makers like McAfee and Norton. They have ensured that a backdoor is left open for Magic Lantern to place a Trojan in any monitoring system, protected by them.

    Our info graphic has a lot more details:


    Keylogging the FBI Way, FBI's Magic Lantern!


    Source: Mobistealth.


    Author Bio:
    Jane Andrew has been working on different aspects of privacy and security in the digital era.She writes for Mobistealth and tweets @janeandrew01.

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    Posted by AbdyaCyber

    Need A Hand With Cyber Security?

    5:21 AM | Labels: ,


    Story So Far:

    Cyber space, it’s growing year on year. There appears to be a never-ending rush to commit more and more of our lives to this online reality we know as the web. Never before have the hackers and cyber criminals had such an extensive playground to launch their threats and exploits against. How pathetic now does the release of Brain (the first known computer virus that spread in the real world) look? Since 1986 we have been under constant attack.

    Our response in developing anti-virus software was flawed. Why did we need to identify and name viruses? What we should have done was to block them. It would have been so easy back then. In those early days viruses were “boot viruses” they infected both floppy disk and hard disk boot sectors. We could have blocked them generically without the need to identify them. In fact one product I know of Disknet actually did just that! It’s a pity more people didn’t get to learn of that product quick enough. Who knows the problem of viruses may not have proliferated. Unfortunately the route we took pandered to the virus writer’s ego. “Just look how far and wide my latest virus has spread. Think you can catch this one? Well maybe not the next one.”

    Hacking and cyber criminal activity took on a new life. Organised gangs got to work in the field, much safer than breaking into a bank with shotguns, just steal your fortune online.As you would expect our response was to slam the network door firmly closed.“Lock” down the user, limiting their ability to work effectively and thus making so many computer users lives a misery.

    An Enlightened Approach:

    As we move further into the second millennium we are beginning to fight back in a more enlightened intelligent way. We now understand that to make our responses effective to the myriad of threats posed we have to deploy more intelligent systems and approaches that do not force the user to change the way they work or to impose too onerous steps to steer the user from insecure to secure.

    Who’s Advising You?

    How can we tap into this new-enlightened way of responding to the threat? So often new trends and ways of doing things are untested and postulated by people and companies with very short track records. We must make sure we are talking to the experts when advice is sort out. Who advises your company on IT security? What qualifications do they have? This can be a minefield! Where should we turn to get sound advice without the techno baffle and BS? I’m going to let you into a secret… One that’s been kept very well over the years, but it’s a resource we can all use and trust.

    Best Kept Secret:

    Ever herd of CESG? No… Well let me enlighten you. CESG is the UK’s national technical authority for information assurance. If you hadn’t herd of them it’s not surprising since there business is keeping information secure. As part of GCHQ, which you probably have herd of, they can trace their lineage back to the code breakers of World War II and beyond. Now how does that help us with our cyber security issues? Well from their website www.cesg.gov.uk you can gain a wealth of information that will be useful to you, everything from tested and certified security products to policy documents and security consultants.

    Next Step:

    If you require a hand with the next step, since digesting all of this information can be very time consuming, you may consider using an accredited consultancy and supplier of IT security products.


    Author Bio:
    Visit http://www.softbox.co.uk/cybersecurity for more cyber security news, information and products.

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    Posted by AbdyaCyber

    Reviews Of New Internet Security Tools

    11:58 AM | Labels: , ,


    Author Bio: This review of new Internet security tools is brought to you by Helen Wallis on behalf of London based IT Support firm Cheeky Munkey, who provide IT services including IT outsourcing, hosting, cloud services, VoIP or Web filtering.

    New Internet Security Tools
    It is beneficial to have an internet security tool that prevents keyloggers from being able to see what you are typing.

    If it is coming up to the expiry date of your current internet security tool(s), then you have one of two choices, renew or replace. If you are not satisfied with your current internet security tool(s), then you may want to consider trying out one of the three security suites we have reviewed below.

    Panda Internet Security 2013:

    Panda Internet Security 2013 claims to offer protection against internet threats, giving you and your family peace of mind when using the internet to browse, shop and interact. The security suite provides protection against viruses, online fraud, identify theft and spam.

    Pros:
    The best feature of the 2013 security package is its private data protection browser. You can use it with either Internet Explorer or Firefox. This browser tool runs on a separate network to your PC and is free from website history so that you can enjoy private browsing. This is particularly useful for those who regularly use their credit or debit cards to shop online.

    Panda Internet Security 2013 is also fantastic for cleaning up malware, blocking unsafe URLS and preventing USB-based spyware attacks.

    Cons:
    This internet security tool is let down by the fact it fails to offer encryption and shredding features. In order to obtain these features you have to upgrade to the global package. The software is also missing a tool for vetting social media websites, which is something expected from most modern day internet security tools.

    Final thoughts…
    Panda Internet Security 2013 offers a light, fast and complete security solution, however it is still considered to be fairly basic. Although it offers a wide range of features and uses modern cloud based technology to offer extensive protection, there are still necessary features missing which prevent it from being a high ranking security package.

    Kaspersky Internet Security 2013:

    Kaspersky have been producing security software since the nineties. Kaspersky Internet Security 2013 is a mid-level product that covers all of the key bases well. It has a wide range of features including anti-virus, anti-spam and anti-phishing tools as well as extensive parental control and an intelligent firewall.



    Pros:
    This internet security tool has the added benefit of the ‘Safe Money’ feature. This enforces a secure browser when you are online banking or using your card details to make a purchase. It uses a virtual keyboard to encrypt the keys you press so that people trying to keyLog cannot record your actions.

    Kaspersky 2013 also provides better parental control than most other suites on the market today. Parents can easily set up restrictions and block websites giving them the peace of mind that their children are safe whilst browsing the internet.

    Cons:
    Although Kaspersky’s malware clean-up is very effective, the process does take a long time. Many people have also found that the tool slightly slows down the overall performance of their computer systems.

    Final thoughts…
    Kaspersky Internet Security 2013 is a brilliant package to own. It has everything you need and is competent across all areas including phishing and spam protection. The new ‘Safe Money’ feature is a fantastic addition and perfect for protecting your details whilst you complete online financial transactions.


    AVG Internet Security 2013:

    The AVG Internet Security suite for 2013 provides all of the features you would expect from an average security package. From the looks of things it has had a makeover and is now adorned with pretty colourful tiles which have been optimised for touch screen operation. The question is whether or not the company has channelled all of their efforts into the security tool’s aesthetics, rather than its features?

    Pros:
    AVG Internet Security is a fantastic anti-virus tool and has the added benefit of a do not track feature, which is great for private browsing. The spam filter is exceptionally effective and the online shield is competent at blocking dangerous websites. Overall it is a great all-rounder.

    Cons:
    If you are looking to install security software on a device that is already affected by malware, then the AVG Internet Security 2013 tool probably isn’t your best choice. Many people have found installation to be tricky on infected devices.

    Another issue is the software’s firewall. Although it is competent at doing its job, it can be easily disabled. This is a re-occurring mistake of many internet security tools.


    Final thoughts:
    The AVG Internet Security suite provides a fantastic antivirus tool, but you could also argue that the free version of the software does too. The standout feature is definitely the spam filter, which out performs many other versions.

    Conclusion:

    The three internet security tools we have reviewed are great all-rounders, each with strengths in different areas. If you have had a good experience using one brand over another, then it is likely you will stick to what you know. However if you are looking to try one of these three internet security packages for the first time then we would recommend Kaspersky Internet Security 2013 over the other two tools. It benefits from having the stand out ‘virtual keyboard’ feature which is very beneficial to those who shop or bank online. 


    Image credits: Robbert van der Steeg&david.orban.

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    Posted by AbdyaCyber

    Do Password Strength Meters Actually Work?

    7:33 AM | Labels: ,

    Do Password Strength Meters actually works?
    Password strength meters are helpful in some cases, but are not always used effectively.
    Consumers who frequently access websites are sometimes prompted by strength meters to improve their password security. A new study conducted by the University of California at Berkeley, Microsoft and the University of British Columbia indicated that these systems can be effective if they are established properly.

    Serge Egelman, a research scientist at UC Berkeley, told ArsTechnica that people are more likely to enter passwords they have previously used when asked by strength meters to change their credentials. This is often the case for new accounts or ones that are not of great importance to consumers.

    "Whereas we show that in a different context - when changing passwords for high-value accounts - then the meters actually do have an observable effect on behavior in that people do choose stronger passwords," Egelman told the news source. "And ironically that's the context where we're least likely to see real meters in real life."

    Password strength meters are a good reminder that online security is necessary for anyone accessing important accounts through the Internet. Consumers who neglect such protection may experience major problems such as identity theft if hackers obtain this valuable information.

    Rather than only generating strong passwords when reminded, people can use effective tools like a password manager to keep all of their accounts protected with complex and hard-to-crack passwords. These solutions constantly generate new credentials so users always have the latest safeguards for their websites.

    Another great aspect of password managers is that they remove the burden from consumers who are constantly tasked with remembering a dozen or more unique credentials. Sometimes people decide to use the same passwords for all of their accounts because it is easy to do so, but this approach invites trouble if hackers know this particular phrase.

    Password strength meters are helpful in some cases, but are not always used effectively.

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    Posted by AbdyaCyber

    Protecting Your Data Before It’s Too Late

    8:16 AM | Labels: ,

    Some data is particularly sensitive and if it gets into the wrong hands, the consequences can be dire. However, even if data doesn’t fall under prying eyes, the results can be troubling nonetheless if you need to keep hold of the data for any reason. Fortunately, there are many things that you can do to ensure that your data doesn’t get lost forever and to prevent it being accessed by the wrong people.

    Back Up Repeatedly:

    One of the best ways to ensure that you don’t lose your data forever is to Back It up. Backing up your data is now arguably easier than ever, and today’s external hard drives can enable you to send vast swathes of content from your computer to another device in no time at all. Backing up your data regularly is a must – especially if you are constantly creating new content.

    It’s also wise to store your backed-up data on another site if possible, should an event such as a fire or a break-in occur at your property. Today, the easiest way to do this is through Cloud Computing. There are many services offering you the chance to save your data to the cloud – though it’s a good idea to ensure that you choose a well-known service that you feel you can trust.

    If your backed-up data is kept on the same site as your main computer, that could disappear too. Cloud computing services are now allowing you to store more in the cloud for less money, meaning that you can protect vast amounts of data for a modest fee.

    Fight Off Viruses:

    Data security can be compromised by viruses, which makes it extremely important to be vigilant when opening e-mail attachments. You should therefore ensure that all e-mail attachments are scanned by anti-virus services before you open them.

    Meanwhile, if you do decide to back up your data to an external physical hard drive for document storage, whetheras well as or instead of using cloud computing, you should always look for a much bigger capacity than you currently need. For instance, if you have 500GB of data to back up, it’s a wise move to invest in a 1TB drive – or an even bigger external option – to cater for any more data that you may need to store in the future. If your computer supports USB 3.0 transfers, you should be able to send a huge amount of data to a USB 3.0 hard drive in no time.

    A Tougher Document Management Service:

    As many security breaches can occur when security levels are not tight enough, it’s essential that you take advantage of any anti-virus software updates that may be available. If possible, you should ensure that these are downloaded automatically as soon as they are offered to you. Meanwhile, you should also change your passwords regularly and partake in document shredding from your local document management service in order to stay one step ahead of the data thieves.

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    Posted by AbdyaCyber

    Hacking And Cracking: What's The Difference?

    12:01 PM | Labels: , ,


    In the field of cyber security, there are two distinct groups of individuals, hackers and crackers. A person will ultimately be classified as either one or the other depending on their particular intentions; however there are different skill sets and subgroups typically associated with each title. To help differentiate, below is a breakdown of hackers, crackers and everything in between so you can gain a better idea of who is responsible when a cyber security breach occurs.

    Hackers:

    The term “hacker” typically refers to individuals who seek to fully understand how computers and network systems function in order to gain in-depth knowledge and perform a precise exploit of vulnerabilities.

    These experts in computer security tend to have non-malicious intentions and thus have become colloquially known as “white hat” hackers. White hat hackers engage in ethical hacking, which consists of lawfully breaking into systems for the purpose of exposing security flaws. They either seek to improve the protection of their own security systems or they are hired by organizations to perform this service. In order to do this, the hackers will initiate assessments of the company’s security system by attempting to penetrate it. If the hacker is successful during penetration tests, they are generally responsible for reporting the issue and developing a solution to prevent the same kind of security breach from occurring maliciously in the future. Companies often hire individuals to test for these vulnerabilities instead of leaving possible holes in their security systems open to attack by malicious hackers, commonly referred to as “crackers.”

    Crackers:

    The title of a “cracker” has gained much controversy over the past few years in regards to its malicious connotation and the reputation these individuals have gained throughout the cyber security community.

    Hackers often make the argument that crackers are less knowledgeable of computer systems and lack originality in their work, which is true to an extent. Crackers are motivated solely by personal gain and are not concerned with learning the ins and outs of computer systems as much as their counterparts. Additionally, the fact of the matter is that crackers do not need to follow ethical guidelines; they simply need to exploit the system. The primary goal of a cracker is either to obtain valuable information that will lead to personal gain or to cause mischief for organizations simply because they are capable of it. Regardless of their motives, the malicious intention of these crackers has led to them being labeled as computer criminals, or “black hat” hackers. They may choose their victims randomly or target specific organizations based on profitability and other interests, but the end goal is always for their personal gain never as an ethical profession. These crackers are often caught for their malicious acts because they are not cautious or mindful of the protections that have been put in place by a business’ white hat hackers. Businesses with secure networks will hire ethical hackers to establish a honeypot, which is essentially a trap used to detect and counteract unauthorized breaches by the black hat community.

    Grey Hat Hacking:

    The term “grey hat” is used as a combination of white hat and black hat because it refers to hackers that engage in both hacking and cracking. While they may break into computer systems for the purpose of making a profit, their intentions are not entirely malicious. The grey hat hacker may have to perform illegal actions in order to test a system for vulnerabilities and make the necessary improvements. A possible scenario for a grey hat hacker could be breaching the security system of a company and then notifying them of the vulnerability in hopes of receiving a payment to improve the system. These tactics are seen as questionable in the hacking community, but in the end they result in a positive outcome for the hacker and improved security measures for the involved organization.




    Author Bio:
    Andrew works for a cyber security training company named Phoenix TS based in Columbia, MD.

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    Posted by AbdyaCyber

    Review On Bitdefender Internet Security 2013

    11:47 AM | Labels: , , ,


    Bitdefender Internet Security 2013
    According to AV-Test in Germany Bitdefender was declared as the Best Antivirus engine in terms of protection, repair and usability. Bitdefender also received "Best Product Of The Year 2013" award and is ranking on the top in Top Ten Reviews in terms of it's Performance, Features & Help and Support. There are to many if we have to talk about it's achievements, So let's get into the review of this World's Best Antivirus "Bitdefender Internet Security 2013".

    Features:

    Bitdefender Internet Security 2013

    Bitdefender Internet Security Offers a variety of security features to protect us from variety of online threats and to safeguard our privacy online. It is empowered with lot of tools for parents to monitor their child's activity online, and allowing you to block Suspicious sites, messages and email that contain flagged words or Phrases. Also You can limit time of internet access for each child. When you search for something on a search engine like Google, Bitdefender gives each url in the search results a security rank based on the no. of votes it receives.

    Bitdefender Makes Online banking more secure through it Safepay(Sandboxed Web Browser) feature. This feature prevents any type of keylogger, spyware, etc.. from stealing info. on your bank or other transitions you make online. It is really a must needed tool for safe online transitions.

    Bitdefender automatically check for updates periodically to protect you from the new kind of threads emerging day to day. This feature can be disabled if you plan to check it manually. But it is necessary to get the most out of it's Security.

    Speed and Performance:

    Speed and Performance
    Like other Antivirus programs Bitdefender also slightly appears to slow the system when a scan is in progress, But fortunately it is empowered with some additional features to utilize best time to scan without slowing your system. Bitdefender Internet Security can run full system scan quickly with less utilization of Internal memory. You can even schedule scans. But Don't worry! These scans runs on background without affecting your work in progress and allowing you to do multitask at one time. Usually bitdefender Scans only if your system is idle. The Scan Dispatcher tool will make a scan only if the PC usage falls below a certain level.

    Bitdefender's "AutoPilot" which is present at the top right corner of the window can be turned on/off. Autopilot is really a great option if you are busy and don't want to get interrupted in the middle of your work in applying decisions to the actions to be taken against the threats.

    Help & Support:

    When it comes to Help & Support Bitdefender is 24/7 and ready to help you at any time. You can search for your answers online, ask questions to the professionals, chat with them or even call them. Their Blog has interesting post on Security topics and Emerging Threats.

    System Requirements:

    If you ask for minimum system requirements. Then here it is,
    • Operating system: Microsoft Windows XP SP3 (32 bit) , Vista (SP2), Microsoft Windows 7 (SP1), Microsoft Windows 8
    • CPU: 800MHz processor
    • Memory (RAM): 1 GB
    • Available free hard disk space: 1.8 GB free space (at least 800 MB on the system drive)
    • Additional Softwares: .NET Framework 3.5 (automatically installed by Bitdefender if necessary)

    Price/Shopping:

    Bitdefender is comparatively low when compared to other Antivirus softwares who have less features when compared to Bitdefender.

    1PC                         -               $24.97 (1 Year)  $44.98(2 Year)   $64.98(3 Year)
    Upto 3PC's             -               $34.97(1 Year)   $54.97(2 Year)   $79.97(3 Year)
    Upto 5PC's             -               $54.97(1 Year)   $89.98(2 Year)   $124.97(3 Year)
    Upto 10PC's           -               $89.98(1 Year)   $159.97(2 Year) $214.97(3 Year)

    You can visit Bitdefender Antivirus to download a trial version/buy this product, or check out other antivirus solutions.

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    Posted by AbdyaCyber

    5 Strategies To Fight Anonymous DDoS Attacks

    9:38 AM | Labels: , ,


    How To Prevent DDoS Attacks?
    Img.Credit:chanpipat
    There are lots of ways to protect your site against spammers and other folks who generally do not do nice things online. You are not safe online, and you should remember it all the time. However, if you can protect yourself against spammers, often you’re helpless when your site is under DDoS attack. By the way, do not feel guilty for not being able to protect it. Such companies as eBay or the US government sites used to be victims of hackers and they were also helpless for some time, although they had enough money and resources to hire the best engineers to deal with the attacks.

    Of course, you have to bear in mind that DDoS attacks can be so big and intense that you will need much resources to stop them. If 200k computers are trying to connect to your site all at once, there is no hardware and software that can handle it. Yet, there are a few little secrets that will help you fight anonymous DDoS attacks.

    1.) There are no invulnerable sites:

    In fact, if you think that only government sites are hit by Anonymous group, you are mistaken. Sure, they target mostly government sites of countries they don’t like. However, recently sites of New Zealand government were hit. Can you say anything controversial about New Zealand? So, your site might well be a target for such attacks. Be prepared for the worst.

    2.) DDoS attacks are better to stop at the initial stages:

    As a rule, site owners do not do much at first. They just wait for the site to go down and then start complaining. What you should do is to implement the best practices in the industry to protect your site, network, any additional services, such as DNS. Don’t wait until hackers destroy your site.

    3.) Identify the bottleneck of the attack:

    There should be a part of your network which is most vulnerable. Hackers use it to assault your site. These weak areas may include a firewall, a server, an Internet pipeline, a security system, a load balancer or a SQL server. Any of these elements of your network can be vulnerable to attacks. So, identification of where the attack comes from will certainly help you ‘stand and fight’. Some experts recommend slowhttptest tool to stop DDoS attacks. You can also configure your server to allow only 1k requests at once.

    4.) Monitor your network:

    Yes, you have to see what’s happening in your network, especially if your site is a part of a large corporate network. Sometimes, you may just block your network to be access from the Internet and analyze the attack. Sure, this is not the best solution, but this will give you a few extra hours to handle the attack.

    5.) Cooperate with your ISP and a hosting company:

    Yes, this is the best decision to make. Call your ISP, and make sure they are aware of the problem. Reliable ISPs and hosting providers have enough resources to deal with DDoS attacks, of course, if they are not too big. It is fair to say that if your site has become a target for Anonymous you will have problems.




    Author Bio:
    Aleksey is an independent consultant in matters of the Internet security and data protection. He personally oversees a dozen of sites for small and mid sized companies, as well as cooperates with such services as http://www.vistnet.com.

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    Posted by AbdyaCyber

    A Password Manager Ensures Safe Browsing Anywhere

    3:13 AM | Labels: ,

    Password Manager to ensure safe browsing!
    A password manager keeps people safe from hackers.
    Consumers who regularly sign up for some type of online service are likely required to include a password to access their account. The process of filling out complex phrases that include punctuation marks, numbers and other symbols can be tiresome for anyone, but using complex passwords is one way to make it more difficult for hackers to obtain sensitive information.

    A password manager,such as Sticky Password, is another and more effective option for consumers looking for ways to improve their password security. Such tools create complex passwords for accounts so people don't have to. These phrases are backed by advanced algorithms, making them a challenge for any hackers to break.

    In addition to staying safe on a home computer, people must also practice safe browsing habits while on the move. Smartphones have become a staple for consumers and employees alike. These powerful gadgets are not just for making phone calls or sending text messages. The devices come equipped with mobile browsers, making it possible for people to access their most important accounts. Apple's iPhone remains the king of the smartphone arena, but its popularity means that cybercriminals are likely trying to take advantage of iPhone owners. Luckily, password managers keep users of iOS devices safe anywhere they travel.

    Passwords are sometimes overlooked for various reasons. Although it may seem impossible that a hacker can guess a person's unique phrase, cybercriminals prove this is possible on a daily basis. Instead of trying to create a uncrackable password, consumers can use a password manager to do the heavy lifting for them and protect their most critical information from being breached. The only safeguard a person must remember is a master password and the rest is handled by the manager.

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    Posted by AbdyaCyber

    5 Data Backup & Disaster Recovery Tips

    5:06 AM | Labels: , ,


    Backup your files on discs!
    Backup your files on discs and be sure to store them in a secure location off-site.
    Whether you own a large corporation or run a small business from home, it is essential that you are aware of the Importance of data backup and disaster recovery. Unfortunately you can never predict when disaster is going to strike in the work place. A disaster can be anything from system failure, to damage caused by a flood, fire or earthquake. Many businesses that experience a disaster never fully recover. Follow our simple tips below to ensure that your business does not become one of them.

    1.) Primary back-up solutions:

    Your customer database is one of your most valuable assets. Without it your business may not be able to function. This is why it is essential to make back-up copies of your database as well as other important files and information. Back-up copies can be made on disks, USB sticks and external hard drives. Understandably many business owners are wary of copies being made, especially of confidential data, so it is important that these copies are stored in a secure location off-site.

    2.) Secondary back-up solutions:

    Larger businesses will be able to store back-up copies of their files in an off-site data centre, but this is not an affordable option for many small to medium sized businesses. Instead why not Store your files on the cloud? This virtual form of storage, known as cloud computing, enables businesses to upload their files to a safe place on the internet. These files can be accessed remotely using a username and password.

    Cloud computing is an affordable solution for small to medium sized businesses. Shop around to find the host offering the best price and be sure to check their terms and conditions. Using cloud storage will give you the peace of mind knowing that your files are safe, even if your physical IT infrastructure has been damaged.

    3.) Use a virtual server:

    A virtual server is capable of hosting a replica of your physical environment. It can be accessed remotely and often works out much cheaper than having a physical back-up server. If something unfortunate has happened to your workplace, you can simply access the virtual server within minutes from an off-site location.

    4.) Create a data retention policy:

    All businesses should have a data retention policy in place. This policy should inform your employees of the importance of backing up their data. It should tell them what data they need to back up, when they should do it and how it needs to be done. Business owners should schedule regular back-up sessions and appoint a member of their team to oversee it. If you fail to teach your staff the importance of backing up data, you may find that you are left with out of date copies of your files, which will not be of any worth to your business in the event of a disaster.

    External hard drives are great for backing-up
    External hard drives are great for backing-up data but it is essential that they are kept in a secure location, especially if they contain confidential data.

    5.) Test your plan:

    It is important to create a disaster and recovery plan that is clear, concise and easy for your staff to follow. A step-by-step guide is always useful. Appoint a leader to oversee the whole procedure as you may be busy doing other things like contacting your insurance company.

    We cannot stress enough how important it is to regularly test your plan. It would be no good to find out that your back-up copies do not work, or that you cannot gain access to your virtual server in the middle of a disaster. The more you test your plan, the less likely you are to face problems recovering your data, should disaster strike your workplace.

    The key to successful data back-up and disaster recovery planning is to always plan for the worst. It is much better to spend time and money preparing for a disaster than to find that you are left with no resources to run your business if something unfortunate happens.



    Author Bio:
    Written by SAS London, digital agency based in the United Kingdom.

    Image credits: bobbigmac&miss karen

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    Posted by AbdyaCyber
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