Tag Archive for: Top

Top Antivirus Alternatives to Google Play Protect

/in


In the ever-evolving digital landscape, Android devices have emerged as a prime target for malicious actors. Despite Google’s efforts to fortify its platform with Google Play Protect, recent studies reveal that this built-in security measure falls short in comparison to other antivirus solutions. As of February 14, 2024, Android users are strongly advised to consider alternative antivirus options to safeguard their devices and data.

Google Play Protect: An Inadequate Guard

Google Play Protect, a security feature pre-installed on Android devices, is designed to detect and eliminate harmful apps. However, recent findings from AV-TEST, an independent organization specializing in IT security and antivirus research, expose the deficiencies of this shield. In a six-month endurance test, Google Play Protect demonstrated a significantly lower malware detection rate than its competitors, leaving Android users vulnerable to a multitude of threats.

Top Alternatives to Google Play Protect

In the quest for optimal protection, Android users have access to a plethora of free antivirus software options. Let’s explore some of the leading choices:

  • AVG Antivirus: With over 100 million downloads on Google Play, AVG Antivirus offers robust protection against viruses, malware, and privacy intrusions.
  • Norton 360: Mobile Security: This comprehensive security solution boasts advanced features such as a smart firewall, web protection, and app adviser.
  • Avast Antivirus: Avast provides real-time protection, ensuring that your device remains secure from the latest threats.
  • Dr. Web Security Space: Recognized for its high detection rates, Dr. Web offers a reliable defense against various malware.
  • Kaspersky Antivirus & VPN: Kaspersky’s combination of antivirus and VPN technologies guarantees privacy and security across multiple fronts.
  • Lookout Security & Antivirus: In addition to antivirus protection, Lookout provides features such as identity protection and safe browsing.
  • Bitdefender Mobile Security: Bitdefender’s antivirus engine and comprehensive security tools ensure top-notch protection for your Android device.
  • ESET Mobile Security & Antivirus:…

Source…

Johnson Controls Ransomware Cleanup Costs Top $27M & Counting

/in


Johnson Controls International (JCI) spent $27 million remediating a September 2023 ransomware attack on its systems — an attack that government officials warned at the time could threaten physical security.

According to a filing with the US Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC) this week, the building automation, HVAC, and fire protection giant uncovered the attack the weekend of Sept. 23, after receiving reports of system outages. It was a ransomware hit that locked up internal IT infrastructure and allowed assailants to exfiltrate company data.

The filing didn’t mention which gang JCI determined to be behind the cyberattack, but at the time researchers attributed it to Dark Angels using a custom VMware ESXi encryptor.

“The company implemented its incident management and response plan and business continuity plans, including implementing remediation measures to mitigate the impact of the incident and restore affected systems and functions,” JCI noted in the SEC filing, adding that the $27 million price tag for the effort takes into account cyber insurance payouts, and includes the cost of retaining outside cybersecurity specialists.

The filing noted that the investigation and remediation efforts remain ongoing, “including the analysis of data accessed, exfiltrated or otherwise impacted during the cybersecurity incident,” and expects to spend more on the recovery as a result.

Contrary to fears floated by the Department of Homeland Security after the attack, JCI also said that there is “no evidence of any impact to its digital products, services, and solutions including OpenBlue and Metasys,” referring to its smart-building and AI-enabled lines of business, which are often deployed in industrial settings and bring operational technology (OT) together with IT systems.

Source…

Ransomware and Darknet Markets Top List For Most Prominent Crypto Crimes

/in


Rachel Wolfson

Last updated:

| 5 min read

Hacker with computer and golden coins on dark background. Cybercrime concept, hacker without a face is trying to steal cryptocurrency using a computer, AI Generated

A new report from blockchain analysis firm Chainalysis found that crypto related crimes decreased in 2023. While notable, findings also show that ransomware and darknet market activity involving cryptocurrency increased considerably.

Eric Jardine, cybercrime research lead for Chainalysis, told Cryptonews that both ransomware wallets and darknet market wallets saw more inflows during 2023 than 2022 measured in terms of dollars. Jardine further explained that these two categories of illicit activity involve different underlying patterns of behavior. He said:

“In the case of ransomware, for example, increased inflows mean that individuals, companies, critical infrastructure providers, and governments are paying more or larger ransoms after being the victim of a cyberattack by a malicious actor in 2023 than they did in 2022.  In the case of darknet markets, inflows often represent various forms of illegal activity, most notably the purchase of illicit drugs such as fentanyl, heroin, or cocaine.”

Why ransomware and darknet market activities are increasing


Unfortunately, Jardine believes that 2023 marked the recovery of the illicit darknet ecosystem. He mentioned that the closure of Hydra Marketplace in 2022 – one of the largest darknet marketplaces – reduced the aggregate inflows to darknet markets that year. However, this also resulted in an influx in darknet market activity during 2023.

Source: Chainalysis

A

Source…

The top 3 ways to protect your new devices online

/in


Cyberattacks are at an all-time high, and with the cost of dealing with a cyberattack doubling last year, their ramifications are more intense than ever. With your ISP and government trying to track your IP and internet activities, malicious actors devising schemes to infiltrate your device with malware or steal your sensitive data using phishing attacks, you absolutely need to wrap your devices with foolproof safety nets using the best VPN, the best antivirus, and the best password manager.

However, with so many security software on the market that release updates left, right, and center, you need a reliable team of experts that regularly test VPNs, antiviruses, and password managers first-hand—and TechRadar’s in-house experts do just that.

Source…