Tag Archive for: Avoid

Update WinRAR right now to avoid a huge security exploit

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WinRAR, one of the most popular compression software options available on the planet, is currently at risk of a huge exploit. The app has been around for years, and while many have downloaded it, most probably don’t keep it updated to the latest version, as they only open it when compressing or uncompressing files.

If you use WinRAR, though, it’s recommended that you update it immediately to the latest version of the available software, as government-backed hackers in China and Russia have exploited a known vulnerability in outdated versions of the app. With over 500 million users, the pool of available victims for bad actors is massive.

Google’s Threat Analysis Group (TAG) revealed this week that it has observed a number of government-backed hacking campaigns that utilize the bug as far back as early 2023. Organizations and users running the popular compression software should update it immediately to avoid these issues, as the WinRAR exploit exists in all versions prior to version 6.23.

computer hack
A computer screen with a warning sign is shown. Image source: WhataWin/Adobe

“The cybercriminals are exploiting a vulnerability that allows them to spoof file extensions,” Andrey Polovinkin, a malware analyst with Group-IB shared in a blog post back in August. “They are able to hide the launch of malicious script within an archive masquerading as a ‘.jpg’, ‘.txt’, or any other file format.”

This is a huge issue and one that users will want to rectify immediately by updating WinRAR. WinRAR also shared a note when it released the latest version, thanking Group-IB and the Zero Day Initiative for making them aware of this long-standing vulnerability so that they could patch it.

Most users don’t update their software as regularly as updates are released, and while it isn’t always the case, this latest WinRAR exploit is a great reminder of why you should always make sure to update software, even if you don’t use it outside of very specific points. We’ve seen several new…

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16 Ways to Protect Yourself from Cyberattacks—and Avoid Getting Hacked

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Update Your iPhone 15 Before Transferring Data to Avoid Malware Exploits

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If you recently purchased an iPhone 15 and are planning to transfer data from your older iPhone using Quick Start, there’s an important step you need to take. Before initiating the data transfer, you should update the software on your iPhone 15 to iOS 17.0.2. This update addresses a serious bug that could potentially allow malware to be installed on your device.

Ideally, your iPhone 15 will prompt you to update to iOS 17.0.2 before starting the data transfer process. However, if you encounter an issue where your iPhone 15 gets stuck on the Apple logo during the iPhone-to-iPhone transfer, you can resolve itconnecting your new iPhone to a Mac or PC and performing a reset to complete the transfer.

For those who are setting up the iPhone 15 as a new device or retrieving data from iCloud instead of using Quick Start, you have the option to update to iOS 17 later on.

It’s worth noting that even if you do not own an iPhone 15, it is still crucial to update your device. Apple has released two updates this week for iOS 17 to fix three zero-day exploits discovered in the operating system. Additionally, updates have been issued for iOS 16, iPadOS, Safari, watchOS, and macOS Ventura and Monterey.

These vulnerabilities could potentially allow an attacker to install malware on an iPhone, granting them unauthorized access to sensitive data and bypassing Apple’s security checks for app safety. The exploits are suspected to have targeted an Egyptian politician running for president.

To restore your iPhone 15 using a computer, follow these steps:

1. Connect your new iPhone to a computer using a cable.
2. Press and quickly release the volume up button, followedthe volume down button. Then, press and hold the side button.
3. Continue holding the side button until the Apple logo appears, and do not release it until an image of a computer and cable is displayed.
4. On your computer, locate your new iPhone in the Finder (on a Mac) or in iTunes (on a PC).
5. When given the option to Restore or Update, choose Restore.

Updating your software and taking necessary precautions will help ensure the security and smooth functioning of your new iPhone 15.

Sources:
– Source article
– Apple.com (for iOS update…

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Follow these tech tips to help avoid malware, ensure cybersecurity

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If you're getting a new printer, Kim Komando recommends a factory reset it to erase the details of what you’ve printed over the years.

You need a timer and you need it fast. Do a Google search for “timer” and one appears right there for you to use. There’s a stopwatch option too. Easy, right?

Here’s another smart tech tip I’m surprised so many people mess up. Most people fill in the email recipient section before writing the message. That’s a mistake. Make that your very last step – that way, there’s a much lower chance you’ll send an email before it’s truly ready to send.

Don’t stop there. Let’s dive into easy, quick tech tips you’ll use all the time.

Cybersecurity 101: After you download a PDF file online, look at the file extension. You’re looking for .pdf. If the filename ends with .exe, delete it – it’s likely malware.

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