Tag Archive for: PROTECTED

Stay Protected: The Best Free Internet Security Tools You Need to Know


Welcome to the digital age, where everything is just a click away. While embracing the endless possibilities that come with the internet, there’s no denying the growing concern for online safety. Cyber threats loom around every corner, waiting to exploit vulnerabilities and compromise your privacy. But fear not! In this blog post, we will unleash a powerful arsenal of free internet security tools that will keep you shielded from hackers, malware attacks, and all other malicious entities lurking in cyberspace. Get ready to navigate the virtual world confidently as we unveil top-notch protective tools designed exclusively for your peace of mind!

Introduction to Internet Security

Internet security is a vital aspect of our online lives, and it has become increasingly important as technology continues to advance. With the internet being an integral part of our daily lives, it has also opened up new avenues for cyber threats and attacks. As a result, protecting ourselves and our personal information while using the internet has become more critical than ever.

But what exactly is Internet security? In simple terms, it refers to the measures taken to protect our devices, systems, networks, and data from any type of malicious attack or unauthorized access over the internet. These attacks can include viruses, malware, spyware, phishing scams, identity thefts, hacking attempts and more.

The need for robust internet security measures has become paramount due to several reasons. Firstly, with the rise in popularity of social media platforms and online shopping sites, we have been consistently sharing sensitive information such as credit card details and personal data on the internet. This makes us susceptible targets for cybercriminals who are constantly looking for ways to exploit vulnerabilities in websites or apps to gain access to this information.

Why You Need Internet Security Tools

In today’s digital age, the internet has become an integral part of…

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The Global Impact of Ransomware on Business Operations and How to Stay Protected


Understanding the Global Impact of Ransomware on Business Operations and Strategies for Protection

Ransomware, a type of malicious software designed to block access to a computer system until a sum of money is paid, has become a global menace, causing significant disruptions to business operations worldwide. The global impact of ransomware on business operations is profound, with companies of all sizes and across all industries falling victim to these cyber-attacks.

In recent years, the frequency and sophistication of ransomware attacks have increased dramatically. Cybercriminals are now targeting not only large corporations but also small and medium-sized businesses, which often lack the resources and expertise to defend against such attacks. The consequences of a successful ransomware attack can be devastating, leading to significant financial losses, operational disruptions, and reputational damage.

According to a report by Cybersecurity Ventures, the global cost of ransomware is expected to reach $20 billion by 2021, up from $325 million in 2015. This staggering increase underscores the growing threat that ransomware poses to businesses around the world. Moreover, the actual cost of ransomware is likely much higher, as many attacks go unreported due to fear of reputational damage or regulatory penalties.

The global impact of ransomware extends beyond direct financial losses. Businesses affected by ransomware often experience significant operational disruptions as they struggle to restore their systems and recover their data. These disruptions can last for days or even weeks, leading to lost productivity and missed business opportunities. In some cases, businesses may be forced to shut down operations entirely until the ransomware issue is resolved.

Furthermore, ransomware attacks can have a lasting impact on a company’s reputation. Customers, partners, and stakeholders may lose trust in a company that has fallen victim to a ransomware attack, particularly if sensitive data is compromised. This loss of trust can lead to lost business and can take years to rebuild.

Given the significant global impact of ransomware on business operations, it is crucial for businesses to…

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BlackCat ransomware takes control of protected computers via new kernel driver


A new kernel driver was discovered from a February 2023 BlackCat ransomware incident that leverages a separate user client executable as a way to control, pause and kill various processes on target endpoints of security agents deployed on protected computers.

In a May 22 blog post, Trend Micro researchers said they believe that the new kernel driver was an updated version that inherited the main functionality from samples disclosed in previous research in December 2022 by Mandiant, Sophos, and Sentinel One.

The three companies published a coordinated disclosure that malicious kernel drivers were being signed through several Microsoft hardware developer accounts. The joint researchers said these profiles had been used in a number of cyberattacks that included ransomware incidents. Microsoft subsequently revoked several Microsoft hardware developer accounts that were abused in these attacks.

Trend Micro’s researchers explained that malicious actors use different approaches to sign their malicious kernel drivers. In this case, the attackers tried to deploy the old driver disclosed by Mandiant, but because this driver had already been known and detected, the threat actors deployed another kernel driver signed by a stolen or leaked cross-signing certificate. The kernel driver typically gets used during the evasion phase, say the Trend researchers.

The recent activity of the BlackCat ransomware group signals a disturbing escalation in the cyber threat landscape, said Craig Jones, vice president of security operations at Ontinue. Jones said by exploiting signed kernel drivers, this raises the stakes in an ongoing high-stakes game of “digital cat and mouse” between cyber criminals and those tasked with thwarting their attempts.

“One of the intriguing aspects of this incident is the fact that the ransomware operators are using malicious kernel drivers signed through Microsoft’s portals or using stolen certificates,” said Jones. “This offers them privileged-level access to the systems they attack and lets them bypass security protocols. It also indicates a high level of sophistication and a solid understanding of Windows system operations. They are essentially used to manipulate and…

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How to stay protected against screen hacking


Anybody who connects to the internet is at risk of cyberattacks, hacking and scams that want to rip you off. Everybody knows it’s an inherent risk, but it’s not always easy to spot a hacking attempt. Millions of routers are at risk of hacking thanks to this bug.

Most people are familiar with phishing scams, where criminals urge you to click on a malicious link to steal your details. There are also government agency impersonators who make it their goal to steal your money. 

But there is another form of hacking that few know. It’s called screen hacking. Read on to see how this hack works and what you can do about it. 

Here’s the backstory

Hackers have found a new way to infiltrate your device. It’s called screen hacking and uses tech know-how to take advantage of touchscreen technology. The display’s touch capabilities initiate everything you do on your device, from opening and navigating apps to typing text messages.

Screen hacking lets criminals see everything you do on your device and, sometimes, initiate certain actions. 

Through electromagnetic interference (EMI), hackers can manipulate the electrical signals on your device. It seems like it’s from a sci-fi movie, but the displays on modern mobile phones use electrical signals to detect finger movements, making this a reality.

What you can do about it

It’s easy to think that you’ll never be the victim of a hacking attempt, but all it takes is an unsecured device and an internet connection. If a criminal steals your personal information, it’s easy for them to commit identity fraud and launch other attacks. All that hackers need is to get close to your display.

“People might place their smartphone face-down on the table in places like a cafe, library, meeting room, or conference lobbies. An attacker may embed the attacking equipment under the table and launch attacks remotely,” researchers from the Technical University of Darmstadt wrote in a study.

Is there anything that you can do about it? Well, there are a few options. 

  • Ensure that you…

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