antivírus - PSafe Blog

Meltdown and Spectre Are Aimed At Your Sensitive Data

Sun, 20 May 2018 12:00:33 +0000

Two of the computing world’s most significant threats were unveiled a few months ago by a research team at Google, showcasing an exploit present in nearly all computer processors that could give hackers access to sensitive information passing through your machine. Known as Meltdown and Spectre, the alarming timeline of the malware was bad enough, but now research shows that the risk is spreading to smartphones.

An excellent way to take this new threat seriously is to download dfndr security. This 4.5 rated app has a full virus scan feature that scans your files, images, and even the SD card of your Android to check for any viruses or malware. You can’t stay alert all day and night, so utilizing an app that has your back is the best way to start.

What’s Vulnerable and Why
A feature known as CPU data cache timing, which allows computers to work fast, is at the heart of this major security breach. Explained in easy terms, a machine’s data cache allows it to access bits of information faster than it would without this feature. Unfortunately, a vulnerability in the data cache timing process allows malware to intercept sensitive data such as password information.

Exploits Are Rapidly Increasing
While the most substantial issue has been laptop and desktop computers running Intel or AMD processors, the ARM processors found on smartphones are also at risk. With almost 140 pieces of malware utilizing the new vulnerabilities, consumers and businesses need to remain cautious and on the lookout.

Most Android devices utilize a processor architecture known as ARM – one of the more vulnerable platforms. This means the most popular devices in the world such as Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, and Motorola’s Moto, are at risk for the vulnerability.

Possible Solutions to Stay Safe
One possible solution implemented by Intel was halted as the company found the security patch caused system instability. When new vulnerabilities are discovered, companies are typically able to patch them and prevent further damage. However, as we stand months later, Intel and other CPU manufacturers have yet to provide a solution for such a collection of risky vulnerabilities.

For now, the best option for protecting yourself is to ensure that all of your devices such as laptops, computers, smartphones are fully updated to the latest software versions. Running a reliable antivirus solution is also strongly recommended and is your best chance of remaining unaffected by the exploits.

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Beware of New Android Malware That Steals Your Facebook Password

Thu, 22 Mar 2018 12:00:44 +0000

The team at Google works hard to prevent malicious Android apps from entering the Play Store, but occasionally something will slip by the gatekeepers. A new threat to Android smartphones, dubbed as ‘GhostTeam’ has been discovered. The malware was found in over 50 different Android applications and targeted users of Facebook.

Keeping yourself protected against malicious malware can be a difficult task. One way to prevent an infestation on your phone is to use dfndr security’s Full Virus Scan feature on your Android phone, which scans for viruses, malicious content, or infected apps even checking your SD card.

Now that you have a way to employ a defense, learn more about this Android malware that’s out there infecting devices.

Dole Out Administrator Permissions Selectively
In the specific instance of the GhostTeam malware, its developers took advantage of both your device’s permissions and your trust. You download and install a supposedly safe app, which then downloads malware in the background and requests administrative access to your device.

Take time to read any Android prompts which ask for specific permissions. For example, consider why a calendar application would require access to your microphone or camera – it typically wouldn’t need this to function. Be careful of what permissions granted to your apps and if one asks to become a device administrator deny the request. Apps with device administrator privileges can prioritize themselves and take control of your device.

Two-Factor For Enhanced Security — The Smart Way to Go
Gaining administrative access to your device was only the first step for GhostTeam. Once the needed permissions were obtained, the device would attempt to phish the user through a barrage of Facebook login requests. Phishing attacks are used to trick users into giving sensitive information to a brand or service they believe to be trustworthy but is only being spoofed for malicious intentions.

While it would be impossible to be completely aware of every trap out there on the web, we should be as alert as possible to potential phishing scams. Some phishing scams are incredibly realistic and fool even the best of us.

This is where two-factor authentication can help. Adding this to your Facebook account is easy, and try to do the same for every account if you can, so hackers won’t be able to get in with just your password. Two-factor authentication ensures you have two pieces of information; in most cases, this includes your password and a one time code texted or emailed to your device of choice.

Consider security practices like two-factor authentication, watch what you download, and you should be quite safe. If you believe that you may have already been infected, be sure to download a security app or use the one you already have to scan your phone.

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3 Ways to Protect Yourself From Malvertising

Wed, 21 Feb 2018 22:00:49 +0000

When you see an ad on a website you trust, you may feel confident that it’s safe to click. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. “Malvertising” (malicious advertising) can spread malware to unsuspecting website visitors. Even though high-end websites strive to prevent this unfortunate situation, the fact remains that not all ads are safe.

The problem is not always with the ads themselves. For instance, someone may try to download a program but then click the wrong link. This malicious link then brings them to a virus that carries out the attack. Websites, browsers, and plugins are attacked on a daily basis. Whether you’re shopping, doing research, reading the news, or just surfing the web, it is important to take some crucial steps to protect yourself.

Enable Click to Play

Enable the plugin to choose when and what you want the plugin to play. Most of the malvertising out there uses these plugins to play the content and then download it to your computer. When you choose to do this manually, you can protect yourself from many viruses.

Do a Full Virus Scan

When you perform a full virus scan through a high-quality secure malware and virus detection software, you can recognize and remove the virus that might be on your computer. These programs can also locate and warn you of any programs that might be lurking within the web browser or other areas. PSafe has a strong antivirus app for this.

Keep Your Web Browser Up to Date

Make sure that your web browser is not outdated. An up-to-date browser ensures that any suspicious links are scanned and then can be removed if necessary. This protects you if you tend to be tempted to click on questionable links. They can also remove any previous malware that might have popped up on older versions that did not have the right protection.

Malvertising is found throughout many places on the web. You don’t want these links to cause you further harm than they have too. Thankfully, a few simple safeguards can help protect your personal information and your privacy.

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Learn How Android Antivirus Apps Are Tested

Wed, 21 Feb 2018 20:00:43 +0000

If you’re going to use antivirus software, it’s common sense to make sure that it works and that it’s the best possible option. Luckily, the Internet is full of sites that compare and contrast different antivirus systems. Many of them assign scores to individual programs, which makes finding the top one easy. But what isn’t always apparent is exactly how they’ve come up with the scores.

Testing apps is just like any scientific experiment, and like an experiment, you want to make sure there is only one variable (in this case, the app itself). In order to ensure this, testers need to ensure that the phones they are using to test the product all run the same way, that they have an equal amount of processing power, free memory, etc. After setting the constants, the testers download the apps, and the real testing begins.

Learn More: The Most Common Viruses of 2017 and How to Stop Them

How Successful Is the Antivirus Program?
Generally, the folks running the experiments are looking for two things. The first is obvious: Can this app successfully detect and prevent malware? This is tested by targeting the phone with numerous types of popular malware. It’s important to offer both quantity and variety. A score of 100 out of 100 is obviously better than 10 out of 10. Testers want to ensure the app is able to catch different types of malware, so nothing slips through the cracks. It’s also important to run normal programs in this stage, to see how accurate an app is. Sometimes apps will recognize a perfectly normal app, web page, or file as malware when in truth it’s totally safe, and this can affect the app’s score.

How Does the Antivirus Program Function?
The second important thing to test for is how well the app runs alongside other apps. Antivirus apps have to run alongside a lot of other apps, constantly ensuring the apps aren’t somehow letting malware in the backdoor. But you don’t want the antivirus app to slow down the other apps. It’s great if your Internet is safe, but if keeping your Internet safe means it’ll take an hour to load a web page, it’s hardly worth it.

Finally, there is going to be some subjectivity. Different apps may offer features that others do not, and it’s impossible to perfectly score each app on the same things. Some people may prefer added features at the cost of usability, and some might not. Some may prefer user-friendly interfaces, and some may prefer higher levels of security, even if it grants them less control. At the end of the day, it’s best to do as much research as you can into how testers tested the apps they’re recommending.

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How Do Phishing Attacks via Google Docs Work?

Sun, 04 Feb 2018 13:00:41 +0000

If you’re savvy on digital tech trends, you may have noticed the highly publicized phishing attack that occurred in early 2017 that gained access to Google accounts via Google Docs. The report affected millions of people, and required Google to send out a notification warning users to ignore the phishing request and to change their permissions quickly. This shows how important it is to not only be aware of the latest scams, but to take measures to block phishing attempts. To protect your phone from these kind of hacks use dfndr security’s anti-hacking feature:

If you like the idea of having an antivirus app block malicious links before you even click on them, the anti-hacking feature does just that. So how did this Google Docs attack work, and what can users do in the future to sniff out future attacks before they happen, in addition to using anti-hacking? Continue reading to find out more about Google Docs phishing attacks.

How This Attack Worked
First, the initial issue that caused this was a minor one, and it stemmed from a simple email that appeared as if it was sent by a recent contact. The email then encouraged individuals to open and log in with their Google account. The page that users were delivered to looked exactly identical to the normal Google permission pages, which is what caused so many users to grant and fall for the attack.

Of course, once they had signed over their information, it was too late. Hackers were able to use the information and passwords for whatever they wanted, and users were left scrambling to change their information and ungrant permissions. Of course, while the attack targeted less than .1% of Gmail users, that still means that millions of people were at risk, and many clicked on the link.

Of course, there’s a lot to learn about this that users can use to protect themselves in the future. First and foremost, users should be careful and always think twice about sharing their information. If an email takes you to a page looking for information that you’ve likely already shared on your computer, you may have encountered the phishing page. Maintaining a healthy skepticism is key to staying vigilant and on top of attacks that may be incoming.

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How Do Ransomware Criminals Make Their Money

Tue, 30 Jan 2018 22:00:50 +0000

Chances are, you’ve seen a news report or have possibly been exposed to a virus or ransomware attack at some point while online. If your phone is suddenly behaving oddly, it’s a good idea to use dfndr security’s full virus scan feature to check your phone for hidden malware. This can help you to quickly remove any dormant or silent viruses that may put your information at risk to hackers:

But have you ever wondered how the perpetrators behind those hacks and programs make their money? By understanding what they do to extort information and earn their money, you can better prepare yourself against future attacks, and know the warning signs to watch out for.

Step 1: Hacking Into the Device
The first step for any hacker is to get access to your device or your information. This can be done through software or through a tracker that has been installed on a sketchy website. It can come from a variety of programs or apps that may be vulnerable — which is one reason to make sure that you constantly update your devices. Once that area has been exposed, it can be identified and targeted for installing the ransomware onto your computer or phone.

Step 2: Extort the Device Back to the Owner
Once installed or hacked, hackers and ransomware criminals will try to extort your information for money, likely by emailing you or demanding a form of payment from you, if you want your data kept safe and restored. An example is a famous case involving the HBO hackers, who demanded money from HBO to prevent them from releasing new Game of Thrones episodes.

Oftentimes, criminals will demand payment in the form of Bitcoin, a digital currency that can’t be tracked, so their information won’t be revealed. This form or ransom payment allows cybercriminals to continue doing this to other unsuspecting victims. If you refuse to pay, oftentimes it isn’t worth it for the criminals to continue extorting.

With the knowledge of how ransomware hackers make their money, you can take better steps to prepare yourself against attacks and prevent your information and devices from being compromised. Make sure to be aware of how ransomware attacks work and to report to the authorities when you’re being extorted. More importantly, make sure that you browse safely to ensure that you won’t get a virus or malware to begin with by downloading a reliably performing antivirus app. You can have peace of mind knowing that the security of your device has safeguards in place.

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How Antivirus Works on Windows Vs. Android

Wed, 10 Jan 2018 13:00:18 +0000

If you have devices that run on both Android and Windows, you may be thinking that there isn’t much of a difference in how antivirus software works on each device. However, their operating systems are very different: one is primarily tasked with protecting desktop users, while the other is aimed at mobile devices. If you have an Android and want to ensure that it is free of malware, use dfndr’s security scan feature to quickly scan your SD card and device to remove any threats.

Now that you have a big tip on how to take care of your security, check out how antivirus software works between Windows and Android devices.

Windows Vs. Android
Windows systems often have dedicated software to help control and ensure that the system runs safely. Since the technology for Windows predates phones by several decades — which is an eternity when it comes to phones — a lot of security experts have had time to work out the kinks and specialize their antivirus programs so they can best protect the desktop users and clientele they serve.

However, smartphones and the Android OS are a totally different story. Since the operating system was only released nine years ago, the availability of applications (and antivirus protection) is relatively new. It also faces unique challenges that many desktop programs don’t have to deal with, such as connections to multiple Internet connections, security over mobile networks, and the increased sharing that often occurs on mobile devices by nature of them being phones first. So, mobile antivirus programs face unique challenges that must protect their users on the go.

While both programs need security scans, this is even more true on Android as users can have their information exposed by being connected through public networks, or through the hundreds of malware programs that target mobile users. That’s why mobile users need to stay smart and treat their phones with the protection they give to their desktop devices. This is especially important since more mobile devices are entrusted with personal information like the use of banking apps. It’s important to take steps to make sure that this information is secured no matter how you use it.

That’s where programs like dfndr security steps in. It’s one of the most downloaded and highest-rated antivirus apps for Android in the Google Play store. Not only does it ensure that your device is protected against malware, but it can also help clean up your device to help ensure it runs faster. If you’re looking to better protection, make sure to take advantage of all of the features dfndr security has to offer.

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How Can dfndr Help You When Traveling Abroad?

Tue, 24 Oct 2017 00:00:13 +0000

During the summer months, more than nine million Americans will travel outside of the country. With these increased traveling numbers come a heightened number of phone thefts. Even popular vacation destinations such as Spain have reported theft incidents at rates as high as 1,074.9 per 100,000 individuals. Travelers also face dangers when relying on public Wi-Fi networks, which are common in airports, hotels, and other transportation hubs. Click here to quickly check your Wi-Fi’s security:

The danger of simply misplacing a phone or plugging a charger into an unsafe outlet is magnified in an unfamiliar city. Luckily for dfndr users, the service’s built-in anti-theft and advanced protection features can help prevent and remedy these worst-case scenarios. Find out how to take advantage of both features to protect your phone on your next trip abroad.

anti-theft
Thefts in popular tourist locations, such as (but not limited to) Mexico and Costa Rica, specifically target vulnerable foreigners. Some robberies will occur while a thief poses as a plainclothes cop and asks for credentials, which are then stolen along with valuables. Other times, nice cars harboring visible electronics will be targeted and the windows will be smashed.

However, if you activate anti-theft on your phone in advance, then you will be fully protected in the event of loss or theft. This feature allows you to remotely control your Android device and block thieves from accessing apps and media files or delete these files entirely.

anti-theft also allows users to remotely erase all data on the device, track the device’s location, and sound an alarm (to find the phone nearby). Thanks to these protective functions, thieves will not be able to locate sensitive data or access accounts within the phone. Click here to activate anti-theft now:

advanced protection
Public Wi-Fi networks are notoriously unsafe options for mobile users. Unfortunately, the cost of international data plans forces travelers to become almost entirely dependent on such networks for Internet access. In particular, both Russia and China pose significant risks to mobile security thanks to the number of cybersecurity threats. Further, while travel ports and charging stations within airports are tempting for travelers running low on juice, these outlets are often targeted by hackers, as well.

That’s why it’s important to add additional protection on your phone, especially when traveling abroad. The advanced protection feature will prevent thieves and viruses from disabling dfndr’s security, and ensure that your phone stays protected no matter what. Click here to enable advanced protection on your phone:

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Why Investing in Cybersecurity Is a Great Idea

Mon, 02 Oct 2017 13:00:26 +0000

Many companies think that they won’t be a target of cybercrime, either because they’re too small or they just don’t think it could happen to them. In reality, however, cybercrime is a growing business, and every day hackers are targeting hundreds of thousands of businesses. They can take all of your customers’ private credit card information or even leak your internal emails, besides other devastating information. No matter what the hack consists of, it’s almost always incredibly damaging for a business, the customers, and the employees.

Why Is Cybersecurity Important?
Attacks on a company’s private data are very frequent, and it can be incredibly damaging to a business. These hacks can cost a company not only damage public relations, but it also can be costly because of possible legal fees. In fact, it’s estimated that dealing with these cybersecurity breaches can cost a company anywhere from $10,000 to $100,000 for each hour of remediation costs.

The cybercriminals will often go after and target the lowest level members of your organization. Instead of trying to hack your current software, the hackers will just hack your employee’s account to find the login and password so that they can access your software, which is why it’s important to make sure that employees understand best practices for cybersecurity.

Invest in Cybersecurity
It’s also important because it can keep your computers running quickly. Many viruses that may attack your company’s computers can slow them down and make working much less efficient for your employees. Therefore, spending money on cybersecurity will actually make your computers run better and make your employees more efficient with their time. Another benefit is that having cybersecurity can prevent adware, which is a virus that can spam your computer with advertisements and will also slow it down.

How Much Does Cybersecurity Cost?
Most cyber security companies are relatively affordable. The real cost benefit of having one is that it can save you from having to pay out remediation costs or even from paying a new PR firm after the hack has occurred. If you want to keep your company safe and save money in the long run, then cybersecurity education costs are well worth it. In the long run, you will save your company a lot of money and hassle by hiring a cybersecurity expert or even by hiring a team to help keep your company’s computer virus and hack-free.

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Why You Should Only Buy AV-Test Certified Antivirus Software

Wed, 27 Sep 2017 13:00:39 +0000

Rather than taking a chance with your antivirus software — and all of the sensitive data it protects — rely on a professionally tested and trusted antivirus software such as dfndr. The full virus scan feature scans your phone and SD card for hidden malware that can infect and take over your phone. Click now to activate:

dfndr was rated 6.0 by the AV-Test Institute and before you ask what AV-Test is, read more about the importance of finding the best and most effective antivirus software.

The AV-Test
Since its inception in 2013, the AV-Test has stood as an industry-wide standard for separating the best of antivirus and security software from the worst. The test’s multi-step approach inspects software performance in several categories like protection, performance, usability, and repair. Each device is scored within individual categories. It must meet a total passing score, without receiving a zero in any single category, in order to receive official certification. The AV-Test institute has been tasked with setting industry standards for antivirus software for years, as a result of its unrivaled testing capabilities, standardized testing procedures, and dedication to state-of-the-art testing technology.

Validate Vendor Claims
While it’s easy to claim that your security software protects devices from every potential virus threat, backing up these claims with the software’s actual performance is a much more difficult task. During testing, AV-Test challenges pit antivirus software against zero-day malware threats, as well as viruses prevalent in the four weeks leading up to the test.

Additionally, AV-Test results verify claims about performance strain created by antivirus software. When effective security software places strain on daily performance, the software becomes close to useless. While users can uncover these false claims themselves after purchase, relying on the AV-Test certification can save you time and money — and a headache.

Managed by Independent Experts
The AV-Test’s status as independent experts is invaluable to the security software community and its consumers. To achieve the most accurate test results, the institute manages 1,500 terabytes of test data and collects approximately 390,000 new pieces of malware every day. This data is managed with the help of over 200 servers spread over multiple floors, tens of thousands of emails, URLs, and files, and three physically separated networks that ensure the highest possible security standards.

Thanks to the institute’s broad capacity, it’s able to adapt all technical equipment to meet up-to-date IT industry standards, and manual tests are conducted under staff supervision every day of the week. Smartphone users purchasing AV-Test certified antivirus software know that the institute’s approval means peace of mind for users.

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Scary Spyware Apps Found on Google Play

Sun, 03 Sep 2017 01:00:51 +0000

Android users are facing yet another threat from infected Google Play apps, this time in the form of a type of malware named SonicSpy. Capable of accessing, recording, and collecting sensitive information, the frightening malware spawned itself in countless iterations across third-party application platforms. While Google Play removed the infection, Android users shouldn’t feel safe just yet, as similar attacks in the future are possible. To fully protect your device always have the full virus scan feature activated. Click now to turn it on:

The full virus scan feature thoroughly searches your phone and SD card for malware and scans all apps for adware. The cutting-edge dfndr technology is updated in real-time, giving it the capability to protect your smartphone from the SonicSpy malware, or other malicious viruses lurking on your Android phone.

What is SonicSpy?
Masquerading as messaging apps, over 1,000 malicious applications flooded third-party Android app platforms in recent days. Three of these apps were available through the Google Play store: Soniac, Troy Chat, and Hulk Messenger. While the apps have since been removed from Google Play, the spyware apps had been downloaded by thousands of users in the meantime. This strain of spyware has tremendous capabilities, able to execute 73 remote instructions such as recording phone calls and audio, making calls and sending messages without user authorization, controlling the phone’s camera, and stealing information like logs, contacts, and Wi-Fi access details.

How SonicSpy Works
Marketed as customized versions of familiar apps, SonicSpy was able to make its way onto Google Play and other app platforms under this guise. Once downloaded, the malware hides its launcher icon in order to avoid detection from smartphone users and to establish a connection to C2 infrastructure. SonicSpy also utilizes Bind Accessibility Services within the Android operating system in order to capture and record text descriptions of the Android user’s phone activity.

Future Threats
The SonicSpy malware shares a strikingly similar approach to SpyNote, a malware strain that appeared in 2016. According to Michael Flossman, the security researcher who initially identified the threat, the two strains rely on dynamic DNS services and the non-standard 2222 port on top of sharing many code similarities. Both SpyNote and SonicSpy have been linked to an Iraqi developer, whose repeated attempts to infiltrate Android app stores suggests that Android users should continue to be wary of unfamiliar apps, even those hosted by Google Play. Before downloading new applications, smartphone readers should read reviews of the app and make sure their anti-malware software is always running.

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What is the ‘Yahoobleed’ Bug and How It Affects You

Mon, 28 Aug 2017 13:00:11 +0000

Because many malicious online attacks occur using content that mimics familiar companies and their content, it’s best to run a full virus scan after downloading any files from the Internet or from your email. Click below to run check your phone for malware:

A complete scan effectively checks every inch of your device for any malware or security breaches to avoid a loss of personal information.

What is Yahoobleed?
Chris Evans, a security expert, discovered two crucial vulnerabilities in Yahoo’s image processing library earlier this year that put Yahoo users at serious risk of a security breach. The vulnerabilities discovered by Evans have been aptly named “Yahoobleed,” in reference to the resulting leak of information that can be exploited by a malicious attacker. Caused by Yahoo’s negligence and an error in the code, the two issues were directly related to ImageMagick, which is used by Yahoo to condense, convert, and store large image files sent via email.

Shockingly, one of these serious bugs could have easily been avoided had Yahoo updated their version of ImageMagick in 2015 when the company released a new patch to prevent the error. Evans tested his theories on Yahoo’s security by sending himself a malicious email attachment. After opening the file, he discovered that if an attacker employed a similar technique, he could receive access to other private email attachments as well as sensitive information stored in the server memory. If a Yahoo email user opened one of these malicious attachments, it would result in the namesake leak of information to the end user, the attacker.

After Evans discovered the second vulnerability, Yahoo made the decision to halt the use of ImageMagick in an attempt to prevent any further breaches of security. Although many commend Yahoo for their decision, these vulnerabilities are not uncommon and still pose a serious threat. At this time, the company believes the issue has been resolved.

How to Protect Yourself Online
While Yahoo may no longer have an issue with “Yahoobleed,” the recent vulnerabilities should be a reminder that even trusted institutions like Yahoo are subject to attack. Basic best practices in preventing a leak of personal information should include selective engagement with spam emails and regular virus scanning. First and foremost, do not open an email or an email attachment from a sender that you do not recognize or that looks potentially malicious. If the email appears to be from a familiar sender but is asking for new information or using a heightened sense of urgency that is inconsistent with their typical email content, do not click on any links or download attachments.

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Protecting Your Financial Information When Traveling Abroad

Tue, 22 Aug 2017 13:00:00 +0000

Traveling abroad is an exciting and engaging experience, and you never want to catch yourself saying no to any situations because you are worried about losing valuable financial information. An easy way for others to steal your financial information is through your phone when it is connected to an unsafe Wi-Fi network. This is especially dangerous to do in foreign countries, where you are constantly connecting to any new Wi-Fi networks you can find so you can look up the next good place to eat, shop, or grab a cup of coffee. So, is the solution to simply not connect to the Internet when traveling abroad? No, of course not. Click here to use anti-hacking to remain safe online, no matter where you are:

As you might guess, most places offer Internet with no ulterior motive (besides luring you into the cafe, to begin with). But even with the best of intentions, a network can still be unsafe to use. That is why it is best to take advantage of the Anti-Hacking tool if you are using networks you don’t necessarily trust or know, or even when you’re using your own personal Wi-Fi network. anti-hacking will block you from unsafe or malicious websites, and protect you against phishing attempts. That way, you never have to worry about someone else accessing your personal information.

Of course, even with anti-hacking in place, it is better to err on the side of caution. anti-hacking can protect you from entering your personal information on an unsafe website, but it does not protect against human error. It is important to keep your cell phone on you at all times, and it might be wise to not use sensitive apps (such as banking apps) while you are abroad.

If your phone is stolen, it is important that whoever gets it can do the least amount of damage possible. Before you travel abroad, make sure to activate the anti-theft feature so that you can remotely protect your device, even if it’s (literally) out of your hands. Click here to activate anti-theft now:

Debit and credit cards are susceptible to theft as well and in more than just one way. Identity thieves might be able to access the information you put into an ATM by installing a card reader, thus successfully taking your card number and pin. For this reason, it is best to exclusively use ATMs inside a bank, which have a much higher level of security and attentiveness.

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How Hackers Can Breach Your Phone Security Through Facebook

Fri, 18 Aug 2017 13:00:29 +0000

Facebook is a massive social networking site, now more so than ever. But with its popularity comes spam and potential viruses. Social networks are now a hacker’s paradise, especially when they want an easy way to gain access to the information on your phone. Spam can come in many forms, and it does not always start with your social media’s username and password getting compromised. In fact, you may not even know when you have been hacked. That’s why you should regularly scan your phone for malware, so that you catch any hidden malware before it can do much damage. Click here to download dfndr security and use the security scan feature:

One thing to look for is a scam in your Facebook Messenger inbox. It can be as simple as a friend you know sending you a URL. Here, your friends are not the ones texting you; a virus is sending an automated message using their breached account. All you need to do is click on the link to lose your Facebook account login info, and possibly more.

Another common scam involves chain messages. Like the spam emails of a bygone age, all you need to do is share a bad post to spread the virus, especially a post that links to heavy ad-based clickbait. Get-rich-quick posts are easy to share due to genuine interest but are almost always spam. The clever ones may seem genuine, but they are often too good to be true. If hackers manage to breach your phone, they will have access to your private documents, personal messages, and potentially your credit card information. Because hacking through Facebook is so unexpected, it can often go unnoticed until it is too late.

Once you discover that your Android has been hacked through your Facebook, there are several ways to alleviate the damage that hacking can cause. First, change your password. Make it as complex as you can; add symbols, capital letters, and numbers. Second, if you see that you had “sent” spam or “shared” posts that are suspicious, delete the posts and warn your friends against clicking the false links. Finally, run the full virus scan feature on your Android to remove all the spam and malware that invaded your phone.

Social networks are fun and efficient but are always risky to use. There is no need to be paranoid, but stay prepared and look out for strange behavior so you can stop hackers ahead of time. Just make sure you do not do anything foolish. Do not use a common password, do not share clickbait, and never click strange links from your Facebook Messenger.

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How Risky is it to Check Your Bank Account on Public Wi-Fi?

Wed, 16 Aug 2017 00:00:27 +0000

You’re at a coffeeshop doing some work on the cafe’s Wi-Fi, and you decide to check your bank account to see if you have enough funds to cover your weekend plans. But is this a safe idea? The answer: not really. If you’re going to check your bank account, you should always do so on a secure, private Wi-Fi network, or else on your phone’s cellular connection. Otherwise, a hacker may be able to see your every move. When accessing your bank information online, you should activate anti-hacking so that you remain protected against online scams:

The anti-hacking feature eliminates worry, letting you browse online and stay protected against phishing attempts, hackers, malicious websites, and online scams. That way, even if a malicious website is mimicking your bank’s website, you won’t be able to enter your account information on the site because anti-hacking will warn you of the site’s intentions and block your access. That’s it; think of anti-hacking as your personal browsing bodyguard. That way, you can get back to browsing the websites you love without worrying about a scam.

The Difference Between Public and Private Wi-Fi
Before exploring this issue further, however, it’s important to first establish what it really means to have a secure Wi-Fi connection. If you want to check the security of your network — no matter if the network is private or public, use the wi-fi check feature. This feature will also check your connection, download speed, and DNS security. Click here to use wi-fi check:

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CopyCat Malware Affects 14 Million Devices

Thu, 03 Aug 2017 01:00:43 +0000

We’re all aware that our mobile devices are at risk of being hacked at any given moment, but when that fear becomes a reality, it can be hard to face. These malicious attacks are serious, and allowing them to take a hold of your device is an unwanted headache that you don’t want to deal with. To negate the possibility of an attack, it’s important to take advantage of DFNDR’s various anti-virus features to protect your device. Click here to use the Full Virus Scan to check your device for hidden malware:

When you take advantage of the Full Virus Scan feature, you can use your smartphone confidently, knowing that you’re well-protected from malware and hackers. You’ll have more privacy and control, as well as a better-performing device — and what could be better than that?

The CopyCat Malware
A newly uncovered malware strain, dubbed “CopyCat,” has infected more than 14 million Android users around the world, drawing in approximately $1.5 million in fake advertisements in only two month’s time. This malware has the ability to root infected devices, to establish persistency, and to inject malicious code into Zygote. This is a daemon that is capable of launching apps on Android and allowing hackers full access to the infected devices.

Most of the victims of this malicious attack reside in South and Southeast Asia. However, more than 280,000 Android devices in the U.S. have been affected by this malware. Experts believe that millions were infected with this malware through third-party app downloads as well as phishing attacks. To protect your device from this type of malware, make sure to only download apps from Google Play, and to use our Anti-Hacking feature to protect your device from phishing attempts and malicious websites:

This malware works by disguising itself as a popular and trusted Android app that users choose to download from third-party stores. Once it is added onto a device, the malware begins to collect data from the phone; it then downloads rootkits to root itself within the smartphone, which proves to be the window to more information and power.

After that, the malware removes the device’s security defenses, injects a code into the Zygote app, and launches a process to fraudulently install apps and display fake ads. When these ads are clicked on, they generate revenue. The tricky thing about these ads is that CopyCat abuses the Zygote process and works to display these fake ads while hiding their origins. That means that Android users cannot understand what causes these pop-up ads, meaning that they also don’t know how to stop them.

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Things You Need to Do If You Suspect a Credit Card Hack

Wed, 02 Aug 2017 01:00:17 +0000

There is perhaps nothing more alarming than the possibility that your credit card information has been compromised. Credit card hacking is a serious problem that can cause you an unnecessary headache. To help mitigate the risk of your information being compromised, take advantage of the Anti-Hacking feature. This feature will detect when a website or program has malicious intent, and it will automatically warn you of the risk, ensuring your information is always kept safe. Click here to stay protected against phishing attempts and malicious sites:

Studies show that 47 percent of the world’s credit card fraud occurs in the U.S. Although lengthy measures are being taken to protect customer information, hacks are still a prevalent part of the credit card world. In this article, you’ll learn about all of the things you should do the moment that you figure out someone has gotten your credit card information, so you can mitigate the risk of your money being spent by someone other than you.

First: Call the credit card company and your bank.
As soon as you realize that there has been a breach, you should call your credit card company and your bank (as needed). Let the company know about the activity you suspect, and have them verify with you the most recent charges, their location, and the amounts. That way, they can claim any unauthorized charges as fraudulent and put a hold on your account, which will halt the ability for anyone to use your card credentials.

Second: Send written notification to your creditors.
After notifying your credit card company by phone, you should follow up with a letter. This will come in handy in the event that you are being held accountable for the fraudulent charges, and having a paper trail makes it easier to prove that you reported the incident. You should do this as quickly as possible. If you send a letter within two business days of the fraudulent charges, the maximum liability to you would be $50. If you report it after two business days, but less than 60 days after your statement is sent to you, your liability would be up to $500. Be sure to send your letter via certified mail (or an alternate, trackable method) and to make copies of it for your records.

Third: Monitor your statements closely.
After a fraudulent attack, it’s important to keep a close eye on your statements, even after you believe the issue has been resolved. Be on the lookout for strange or unauthorized charges and be sure to closely record when you have conversations or contact with your credit card company.

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America’s Internet Attacked by Massive DDoS

Fri, 21 Oct 2016 23:37:45 +0000

Today a DDoS attack took out a major piece of Internet infrastructure in America and Europe. Hackers were able to compromise the security of several smartphones and computers in order to escalate their attack.

We recommend PSafe Total users click below to Scan for Viruses immediately:

Sites affected include Netflix, Spotify, Airbnb, Soundcloud Twitter and Github. DDoS or denial-of-service attack occurs whenever a hacker floods servers that run select internet traffic until it collapses under the load. This attack is sophisticated enough to become more harmful and take over core internet infrastructure providers.

Emilio Simoni, PSafe’s Senior Security Researcher, confirms that for doing an attack such as this, it was necessary for many “zombie” computers and devices to be infected by a malware. “It created a big Botnet (device’s network controlled by a hacker for a specific goal).

In order to get device secured from the Botnet, it’s necessary to keep a reliable antivirus installed and download apps only by reliable sources

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Don’t Let Your Kids Infect Your Wi-Fi with the Latest Virus

Tue, 06 Sep 2016 21:40:14 +0000

The situation has happened: your child is excited about the hottest new game going around school, and he downloads it onto his personal laptop. The game, of course, has a virus. Your teen’s laptop is connected to your home Wi-Fi network, so now, like the chicken pox, your whole family’s devices are infected. While viruses can and do transfer through Wi-Fi networks, you can prevent them from spreading by trying one of these simple tricks.

Turn on your Wi-Fi router’s encryption.

When you first get a router, its encryption feature will likely be disabled. But once it’s installed or turned on, you want to encrypt your router so only certain individuals can use it by connecting the router to an encryption setting called “WPA2.” To encrypt your router, you need to pick a password. You don’t want a password you can easily remember — instead, the best passwords combine letters, symbols, and numbers.

Change your default passwords.

Most routers come with passwords preset, and some hackers can be familiar with the default passwords used on common routers. Again, once your device is installed, you should change the default password and use a longer, more complicated password.

Change the default name of your Wi-Fi network.

Your router comes with a default router name: a service set identifier, or a “SSID.” A computer searching for wireless networks available will be able to see all the wireless networks with public broadcasting of this SSID. You want this SSID to be private to you and your family, so you should change your SSID network name to something original. To increase your security, don’t label your SSID with any identifying information.

Turn off your router’s name broadcasting.

After you’ve changed the SSID name, you also want to stop it from broadcasting publicly. To do this, you should turn on your network’s privacy settings. This will require you to set a password, but it will also prevent anyone from getting on your Wi-Fi without knowing this password.

Even if your child does bring a virus home, all hope is not lost. Simply download PSafe Total for Windows. PSafe’s antivirus software protects your computer from computer viruses and malware by scanning for intruders in real time. With 24-hour protection from PSafe, your home network will never be invaded by the hottest new (virus) trend again.

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Keep Your Digitally-Savvy Teen Safe Online

Fri, 02 Sep 2016 23:43:38 +0000

Even though your teen is a digital native, it doesn’t mean that he or she knows everything there is to know about internet security. Help teens stay safe online by reminding them about ways to protect themselves. Here are six essential virtual safety tips that will help keep your teen — and your home Wi-Fi network — safe from threats.

Keep personal information private.

Kids should know that they should never post private information, like their home addresses or cell phone numbers, online. Even if their friends are posting their phone numbers to Facebook or other places, it’s better to share this kind of information in private messages or emails.

Never meet up with anyone you meet online in person.

Even as the world of online dating expands, it’s still dangerous to meet up with new friends or potential romantic partners met online. The likelihood of “catfishing” — when someone adopts a different persona online than in real life — is significant. If your teen does insist on meeting a new online acquaintance, he or she should never meet that person alone.

Don’t post anything online you wouldn’t want your parents to see.

A digital footprint starts when your child ventures online for the first time — and will stay with them forever. Emphasize how colleges, employers, and friends can — and will — find those embarrassing photos they posted in high school that they never thought anyone could discover.

Don’t share your passwords with anyone.

Your teen should know that sharing passwords is the easiest way to get information stolen. Even if they trust their friends, they can never be sure that their friends will take care of their account information, especially if they forget to logout of accounts opened on public networks.

Don’t install any software, even on personal devices, without asking your parents first.

Plenty of enticing apps are simply malware or viruses in disguise. Teens shouldn’t get in the habit of downloading anything, even the hot new game, without parental permission. You can do proper research to see that the game is legitimate before letting your teen download it onto her phone or computer.

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Back at College? Keep Your Info. Safe on Public Wi-Fi

Mon, 29 Aug 2016 21:28:53 +0000

On college campuses, you’re probably not going to have a private Wi-Fi connection. Whether you live in a dormitory or use an on-campus coffee shop to study, your Wi-Fi is probably going to be used by hundreds — if not thousands — of other students. This, of course, makes your connection at higher risk for hacking. Learn to keep yourself safe with these simple tips for using public Wi-Fi.

What are the risks of public Wi-Fi?

Unlike with a private Internet connection, anyone who logs onto the public network can access your data with some simple pieces of software that help them figure out your passwords or other private information. You also have to be cautious about the public Wi-Fi you choose. Some hackers might set up their own Wi-Fi hotspots on-campus or elsewhere so when you sign on, they can easily take your information.

How can I stay safe on public Wi-Fi?

First, make sure you know that you’re connecting to the actual Internet that is set up for use in your dorm, coffee shop, or library. To be extra safe, make sure your phone isn’t set up to automatically connect to Wi-Fi networks; it should ask you before it connects.

Second, you want to make sure you’re using two-factor authentication whenever you can. Popular services like Google, Facebook, and Twitter offer two-factor identification, a system that asks you for both a password and a numerical code — usually sent to you via text — before you can log onto a website.

Another thing to make sure of is that you’ve disabled sharing. This might be simple if you want to share files with friends on a trusted network, but also gives hackers easy access to your system. To do this in Windows 10, follow these steps:

Click on the Windows icon to enter your Settings
In Settings, click on Network and Internet and then Wi-Fi
Find Advanced sharing settings and click it
Turn off file and printer sharing and network discover
Save your changes

Finally, the best precaution you can take to protect your information is downloading PSafe Total Windows. PSafe’s anti-virus protection performs real-time virus scans that stop invading viruses before they’re embedded onto your computer. PSafe also runs scans that ensure your computer stays virus-free. Use public Wi-Fi with less worry by downloading PSafe Total for Windows.

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How Hackers Can Get Into Your Device Through a YouTube Video

Fri, 19 Aug 2016 13:50:10 +0000

Non-encrypted websites, such as YouTube, can be used as a tool for hackers to gain access to your smartphone or another Android device. Unencrypted YouTube video streams can be filled with malicious code, which will allow the hacker to gain control over the computer, smartphone, or other device, unbeknownst to the user.

Hackers sometimes set their sights on a specific target. When this person is targeted, the hacker finds a way to physically access their device. YouTube videos are one way in which hackers can physically access the smartphone or another Android device of a targeted victim. A hacker can simply insert malicious code into an unencrypted YouTube video that the victim may watch and, when watched, the code makes its way onto the device of the victim. This allows the hacker to gain access to all of the information on the device.

Mangled voice commands hidden in YouTube videos can be used as a manner in which to insert the malicious code. Devices that execute voice commands can pick up on these mangled commands and execute them. The mangled command typically works by instructing the device to download and install malware. The victim of this type of attack may have all of his or her data that is kept on the device compromised.

The good news is that this type of hacking attack is complicated and is usually directed at specific targets. Thus, the ordinary YouTube video watcher does not have to worry about being hacked in this nature, at least not until the hacking technology is improved. Hopefully, YouTube will find a way to improve upon the security of its videos by then.

PSafe and Hacking

PSafe products can help to protect a device from being vulnerable to hacking attacks. PSafe Total, contains Antivirus protection that helps to guard a device against malware and other online threats. In addition, it includes features such as Advanced Protection, which protects your phone from third-party uninstalls, and Anti-theft, which allows you to block or wipe your data in case your phone is lost or stolen.

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Security Concerns Can Arise While Using Snapchat

Tue, 16 Aug 2016 21:27:59 +0000

Snapchat, a social media image messaging application released in 2011, boasts an estimated 200 million users and is considered to be the fastest growing social media app for teens across the globe. One of the features that has led to the surge in this app’s popularity is that it does not mimic the timeline model followed by other popular social media applications such as Facebook and Twitter.

Instead, users can instantly send quick snapshots with short blurbs to their contacts, which disappear quickly, allowing users to avoid having to take public responsibility for thoughtless statements that they make on social media. This type of social media platform may raise less security concerns in the minds of users when compared to other social networking sites. However, Snapchat does pose some security concerns that users should know about.

What are Snapchat’s Security Concerns?

One of the most significant security concerns that Snapchat poses is that users are more likely to share more intimate images and statements that they would not post on other social media platforms.

Users who believe that their communications over the app are only temporary and not stored on a permanent timeline often share things that they may find inappropriate to share on other social media sites. Furthermore, Snapchat, similar to other social networking apps, also poses the risk of dangerous internet users posing as friends to interact with vulnerable targets.

How to Make Snapchat More Secure

Users need to be aware that the seemingly temporary pictures can easily be made permanent by the receiver simply taking a screenshot. Thus, it is important not to send out any photos or text that you do not want the people you interact with on the app to have forever.

Another way to make your use of Snapchat more secure is to utilize a password which you change often; this will prevent unauthorized users from accessing your account. In addition, limit the people who can view your personal photos and information to only the people that you know. Moreover, be sure that you are aware of who your online friends are — do not add users that you do not know to your friends list.

PSafe Total can also enhance your security while you interact on Snapchat by preventing malicious online threats and viruses from affecting your Android device with its anti-virus technology. You can even use PSafe Total’s Applock feature to add a second password to your Snapchat app.

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Why You Should Exercise Caution When Opening Emails

Tue, 16 Aug 2016 14:43:35 +0000

In some cases, you can pick up a virus simply by opening a malicious email. So, it’s best to recognize hackers before this ever happens. There are methods you can use to distinguish scam emails from others.

If an email tries to sell or gift you something and it seems too good to be true, then it probably is too good to be true. For instance, if you are offered a cruise in the Bahamas for $20 and you need to enter your credit card information, that is an obvious red flag. However, phishers and fraudsters have also found ways to seem convincingly legitimate. Take these steps below before opening an unrecognized email.

Check for a salutation, as phishers will often times address you as “valued customer.”

This is an impersonal salutation. Any legitimate business will use your name in the introduction. While this certainly isn’t a litmus test for fraudulent emails, it is a good place to start.

Be cautious if you see an email that asks for personal information.

Whether it’s a bank or a firm, businesses almost never ask for personal information over your email. Exercise caution when you see an email that mentions handing over credit card or banking information.

Look for urgent or threatening subject lines

Examples include “Click here NOW for a sweet deal,” “Your account will be terminated,” or “You will be arrested if…” If there seems to be a sense of urgency within the subject line, exercise caution in opening it.

Look out for clickbait…don’t bite!

Phishers always think of clever subject lines to try and get you to open the email. If the subject line seems like an incredibly good lead to an interesting story, then it is likely a scam. You see these all the time on social media. Examples include “A man was walking down the beach. You won’t believe what happened to him next!” Clicking on clickbait oftentimes results in malware and hacked accounts.

Keep an eye out for spelling mistakes

While fraudsters are computer savvy, computer users oftentimes find that their grammar doesn’t live up to their technological knowledge. Poor grammar and typos are a red flag for malicious emails.

Don’t click on any attachments

Finally, if you do end up opening a malicious email, be sure not to open any attachments. Many are plagued with malware that can badly infect your device. Assess the legitimacy of the sender prior to opening any of these attachments.

Worried about hackers accessing your computer or phone?

Head to PSafe.com and check out how to keep your devices safe and malware free!

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Unknown LinkedIn Connections Could Be Hackers in Disguise

Tue, 09 Aug 2016 21:54:20 +0000

LinkedIn is a social and professional networking site upon which users build professional networks by making connections with others in their field or related fields. Users then utilize these connections to find out about jobs, career advancement opportunities, and more. Unlike other social networking sites upon which users ‘friend’ other users, users of LinkedIn are often not previously acquainted with those requesting to make a connection. This can put the privacy and security of a user’s files and data in jeopardy as some unknown connections may actually be hackers in disguise.

Unknown Connections Could be Hackers in Disguise

Hackers may use LinkedIn to target senior level executives. In order to accomplish this goal, however, the hacker may try to connect with junior level executives and others within the company in order to seem as though they have a legitimate reason to try to connect with the upper level execs. When the hacker gains the connections that he or she is seeking, the hacker then tries to gain access to sensitive information such as usernames, passwords, credit card information, company information, and more. In addition to trying to connect to higher-ups within an organization, a hacker may pose as a recruiter or other trustworthy connection in order to either get users to open damaging links or visit websites that contain malware.

How to Spot a Potential Hacker

Fake profiles often contain fake pictures that have been retrieved from Google Images or other free stock photography sites. In addition, the profile information may be copied from somewhere else on the internet; this can be detected, oftentimes, through a quick internet search. Furthermore, it is important to take some time to try and gauge why those seeking connections would want to connect with you. One key to spotting a potential hacker is to assess your position within your company, organization, or industry. Hackers have a tendency to target upper level professionals through LinkedIn. Thus, those in senior level positions should only connect with people on LinkedIn whose identities they can verify offline.

PSafe and LinkedIn Hackers

PSafe provides products that can help to make a LinkedIn user’s Android device safer and more efficient. PSafe Total’s antivirus protection guards your device against malicious online threats so that even if you do fall victim to a LinkedIn hacker, your device and personal information will be safe. PSafe Total Windows will also keep your desktop computer safe from threats.

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