Tag Archive for: Signs

Five signs to check for Android users

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Phone hacking: Five signs to check for Android users
  • Phone hacking is common, especially among Android devices, so users need to check now and then for signs of device compromise.
  • Hackers often target Android devices as its operating system powers many mobile devices today.

Hacking of a phone is more commonplace today than it ever was before, and a check online shows that devices powered by the Android operating system are still far more vulnerable than its counterpart, the iOS. Android has had a long journey toward securing its app store, the Play Store since developers are granted more freedom.

For starters, Android’s open Google Play Store marketplace has far more apps to choose from than Apple’s App Store. Android devices also rely on open-source code, meaning that the owners of these devices can tinker with the operating system of their phones and tablets. 

But, hacking is more possible if the phone runs on Android, and without proper checking, there’s a far greater chance that hackers can distribute malware through malicious apps. Statistics over the years also prove that Android remains the top target for internet attacks despite the progress in security measures. 

To top it off, since the world has mainly gone mobile, so have fraudsters. Of the world’s cyberattacks, around 60% are initiated on mobile devices, according to RSA Security. What is more alarming is the fact that about 80% of attacks against mobile devices take place via apps. 

A separate statistic by Kaspersky shows that over 98% of mobile banking attacks target Android devices, which is no surprise. “Android is the most popular mobile platform in the world (over 80% of the global smartphone market). Also, Android is the only popular mobile platform that allows users to side-load software,” Kaspersky said.

As for iOS, every app on the Apple App Store has always been closely inspected, to begin with. That practice has reduced the number of apps available and helped reduce malware-riddled apps and security issues. But iOS being considered more secure doesn’t mean cybercriminals can’t hit Apple devices with malicious software.

How to check if there was hacking on your…

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Data Doctors: Signs your computer is infected

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Data Doctors’ Ken Colburn explains how signs of a malware infection can be somewhat obvious or, in some cases, very difficult to detect, and not to ignore strange behavior from your computer.

Q: I’m seeing unusual activity on my computer — what are the signs of it being infected?

A: It could be malware. Malware is a general term for any kind of ‘malicious’ software designed to exploit users or cause harm to their devices.

Signs of a malware infection can be somewhat obvious or, in some cases, very difficult to detect, depending upon the goals of the author of the software.

Malware that’s designed to exploit users for their personal information, ransomware, or ID theft is the most dangerous, so it’s important not to ignore strange behavior from your computer.

Slow Performance

One of the most obvious signs of malware is noticeably slower performance.

If you’re waiting a long time for your computer to start up or it seems to lag regularly, it’s not necessarily a sign of malware, but it should be investigated either way.

Your computer has a finite number of resources that malware or running excessive programs can silently be consuming, which can lead to diminished performance.

Determining what is causing the slow performance will help you determine if you have been infected or just have too much loading up automatically when you start your computer.

Browser Changes

Your web browser has become one of the most valuable targets for malware because your daily internet activity can be monetized by bad actors by redirecting you to their sites and services.

Some malware will hijack your browser and change your start page or default search engine, or change where and how you connect to the internet, which can force you onto malicious websites and cause everything to seem sluggish.

They can also add new toolbars or add-ons that appear in your browser’s headers.

Unusual Notifications

If you see unusual messages or errors popping up, this can be an indication of a form of malware that has infected your operating system. This type of malware can also create new icons on your desktop or add programs that you…

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A brief explainer on signs your computer could be infected

/in


Q: I’m seeing unusual activity on my computer – what are the signs of it being infected?

A: Malware is a general term for any kind of “malicious” software designed to exploit users or cause harm to their devices.

Signs of a malware infection can be somewhat obvious or in some cases very difficult to detect, depending upon the goals of the author of the software.

Malware that’s designed to exploit users for their personal information, ransomware or ID theft is the most dangerous, so it’s important not to ignore strange behavior from your computer.

Slow Performance

One of the most obvious signs of malware is noticeably slower performance.

If you’re waiting a long time for your computer to start up or it seems to lag regularly, it’s not necessarily a sign of malware, but it should be investigated either way.

Your computer has a finite number of resources that malware or running excessive programs can silently be consuming, which can lead to diminished performance.

Determining what is causing the slow performance will help you determine if you have been infected or just have too much automatically loading up when you start your computer.

Browser Changes

Your web browser has become one of the most valuable targets for malware because your daily Internet activity can be monetized by bad actors by redirecting you to their sites and services.

Some malware will hijack your browser and change your start page or default search engine, or change where and how you connect to the Internet, which can force you to malicious websites and cause everything to seem sluggish.

They can also add new toolbars or add-ons that appear in your browser’s headers.

Unusual Notifications

If you see unusual messages or errors popping up, this can be an indication of a form of malware that has infected your operating system. This type of malware can also create new icons on your Desktop or add programs that you don’t recognize.

Message Inquiries From Others

If your friends start asking if you sent a strange email or social media message, it’s possible malware has infiltrated your email program or social media profiles.

Disabled Security Program

Internet security…

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FACT SHEET: President Biden Signs Executive Order to Strengthen Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Across the Federal Government

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On his first day in office, President Biden signed Executive Order 13985, Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government. That Order emphasized the enormous human costs of systemic racism and persistent poverty, and provided a powerful and unprecedented mandate for all federal agencies to launch a whole-of-government approach to equity. Over the past two years, agencies have taken historic steps toward ensuring that federal programs are serving the American people in an equitable and just manner and supporting communities that have been locked out of opportunity. Through the implementation of landmark legislation and historic executive action, the Biden-Harris Administration is working to make real the promise of America for everyone—including rural communities, communities of color, Tribal communities, LGBTQI+ individuals, people with disabilities, women and girls, and communities impacted by persistent poverty.

Despite the meaningful progress that the Biden-Harris Administration has made, the reality is that underserved communities—many of whom have endured generations of discrimination and disinvestment—still confront unacceptable barriers to equal opportunity and the American Dream.  It is imperative that we reject the narrow, cramped view of American opportunity as a zero-sum game. When any segment of society is denied the full promise of America, our entire Nation is held back. But when we lift each other up, we are all lifted up. As the President has said: “Advancing equity is not a one-year project. It’s a generational commitment.”  

To strengthen the federal government’s ability to address the barriers that underserved communities continue to face, today, President Biden signed a new Executive Order, Further Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government. This second Order reaffirms the Administration’s commitment to deliver equity and build an America in which all can participate, prosper, and reach their full potential.

The Executive Order:

  • Launches a new annual process to strengthen racial equity and support for underserved communities….

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