Category: Internet Security

11 Ways to Have a Better Online Experience

Posted on by talhaahmed18

In today’s society, using the internet and computers is a lot different than what it was when they first came about. Although we are living in a world of spam, viruses and malware, there are many ways to stay safe. Take a look below to learn more about what to keep an eye out for and how you can avoid being a victim to hackers.

Things to Do for Internet Security

  1. Relying on default security software

Where many people are mistaken is thinking that once they purchase a new computer or device that nothing can go wrong with it. This couldn’t be any further from the truth. Anyone that catches a hold of your internet connection, hackers for example, are able to discover not only all the sites you have visited but all the things you have ever searched for as well.

The way you can help prevent this is by installing a VPN (Virtual Private Network) to make sure that your data is secure by hiding your IP address. This will also help by making sure that all of the data you receive and send is completely unreadable.

 

  1. Having a weak password

Cyberattacks hit businesses every day throughout the world. Why you ask? For many reasons, but one of the main ones being because of simple passwords. Avoid being an easy target by creating a complex password to lessen the chances of being hacked. Some websites are aimed to help you test if your password is strong enough. Check to see if yours passes the test.

 

  1. Using the same password on multiple sites

Not only is having a weak password erroneous, but so is using the same password for every account – it’s basically like having the same key to every door. If you have the exact same password on multiple sites and someone gets access to one of them, your chances of being hacked across all platforms jumps significantly higher. Take the time to make sure you change all passwords are unique, especially for your financial and personal accounts.

 

 

  1. Frequently visit untrustworthy websites

A big recommendation when surfing the web is to mainly stay on sites that are secured rather than the ones that are not. A good way to tell if a website is safe to visit is to lookout for the “HTTPS” in front of the link, this means that your data will be transmitted securely. Another way is to search for any contact information. 44% of computer users said if a website is lacking any type of phone number or type of contact that they are more than likely to leave the site.

 

  1. Connect to public WiFi

A huge mistake many of us make is connecting to public Wifi. For starters, it isn’t secure. Even if the public WiFi requires a password, do not be fooled. These businesses give out their password everyday to hundreds of people. This is why you should never log into any of your financial accounts for the sake of your information being stolen. According to CSO Online, “One of the biggest threats with free WiFi is the ability for hackers to position themselves between you and the connection point. So, instead of talking directly with the hotspot, you end up sending your information to the hacker.”

 

  1. Too many browser extensions

Take a minute to see how many browser extensions you have floating at the top of your internet browser. Did you know that having too many is a lot more dangerous than you think? Yes, these small tools can help you easily access your everyday websites quicker but they can also remember personal information about you as well as some attaining malicious extensions.

 

  1. Two step authentication

A two-step authentication is basically a way to double check and verify that your identity is legitimate. It works by taking the extra step by having different layers of verifying tactics to make sure you are who you say you are. Its ultimate purpose is to make hackers chances of hacking you less likely and less easier so be sure to have this verification set up on as many platforms as you can.

 

  1. No lock screen protection

Always lock your computer or phone when you are going to leave it unattended. Although most people who walk by your desk or your phone won’t harm your devices, it is better to be safe than sorry. By not locking your items, you’re leaving very sensitive, valuable and highly personal information out for grabs.

 

  1. Ignoring anti-virus updates

How many of us have been in this scenario where we turn on our computers and the first thing we see is “Update Software” and ignore it? Did you know that 98% of computer hacks can be completely prevented if only we took the time to update our antivirus software? And why are these software updates so important you ask? They’re important because they are fixing any issues your computer may be having – from minor bug issues to making sure your computer is up to date with the latest changes that are constantly being developed. Ultimately and most importantly, it’s to make sure that you and your computer or device are secure.

 

  1. Failing to backup data 

Failing to back up our data is a huge mistake that many of us tend to do. The main reason why data backup is so important is to save important files, pictures and documents if your system were to ever crash. This is exactly why cloud operations are available. Additional backup is crucial if a disaster occurs.

 

  1. Clicking random links in emails

Majority of people’s computer and devices are susceptible to hacking and malware because of the attachments they open in the emails that they receive. One simple and basic rule to follow when receiving emails from someone you don’t know is to not open it. Another way to avoid getting hacked is by also installing an anti-spam and an anti-virus software.

 

All in all, good judgement is required when spending our time online. We should try our best not to be too naive when coming across things that seem suspicious and to always try our best to stay two steps ahead. Be sure to do your research and to take precaution.

What are some ways that you like the stay safe when being online or using your computer? Let us know!

 

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Internet Security

America Online Privacy Fears Grow

Posted on by talhaahmed18

During the holiday shopping season, it has become tradition for the media to report at least one breach of a major retailer’s database that exposes the private information of millions of customers. Recently, breaches of federal government databases and the computer networks of companies like Sony have caused many Americans to have second thoughts about online security.

Most people don’t change their online activity habits until some sort of security concern affects them directly. But the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) published a survey in July 2015 that just about every American is having second thoughts about online security.

The Numbers Are Striking

According to the survey, nearly 19 million American homes have experienced an Internet security breach of some kind, with the majority of breaches occurring in homes that have two or more devices connected to the same Internet source. When asked what they feared most about online transactions, 63 percent of the survey respondents said identity theft.

The interesting thing about that number is that 70 percent of the homes that had already experienced a security breach said they feared identity theft, while 62 percent of homes that had not had a breach indicated they had an identity theft fear. No matter how you slice it, Americans are fearful for their identities online.

All of this data is interesting, but how does it translate into real dollars? The truth is that 29 percent of all American consumers said that they had stopped doing any business online because of their fears regarding Internet security. The percentage of people who stopped shopping or doing business online due to identity theft fear was as high as 35 percent. This survey shows that online security is a real concern among Americans, and high profile breaches are not helping.

Corporate America Is Making It Worse

As if American fears about online security were not bad enough, the corporate world is not helping itself when it takes liberties with consumer information. According to Info Wars, Samsung and Apple are both guilty of selling voice activated data from their smart phones and televisions to third-party marketing companies.

While consumers were outraged at this policy, it does show that consumers need to be more careful when they make certain types of purchases. Samsung and Apple both include their right to sell marketing information to third parties in their service agreements that consumers are given, but that hardly helps to stem the tide of concern.

The Government Needs To Step In

The report released by the NTIA indicates that the federal government is aware that there is a significant problem with the interaction between American consumers and the Internet. While the idea of regulating the Internet is not an attractive option, the government can create policy that forces companies to better protect consumer information in the event of a breach.

There also needs to be federal regulation on the wording that goes into consumer agreements from companies such as Samsung and Apple. Many of these agreements are unnecessarily long, and they often include extra information and policies that only benefit the manufacturer (such as the third-party information exchange clause). By forcing manufacturers to create user agreements that are more accessible, the government can reduce the flow of secure consumer information into the wrong hands.

Protecting Yourself

If you are a consumer who wants to be able to utilize online services but you are concerned about security, then there are a few tips you can follow to help protect your information and avoid giving your information to criminals.

  • Always read the user agreements that go with devices that share information on the Internet. You have the option of not purchasing the device if you are uncomfortable with the agreement, or altering your online habits to prevent your information from being shared.
  • Never conduct transactions online on a website that is not secure. A secure website will start its address with “https://” instead of the traditional “http://.” The added “s” on the beginning of the address indicates a secure page.
  • Consider having a credit card that you only use for online purchases. Many people buy credit cards that must be loaded with cash before they can be used to help prevent their being any tie between the card and their personal information.

Online security is a real concern to American consumers, and it is an issue that will have to be addressed by corporations and the federal government. As more Americans lose faith in the Internet, more money is being lost by online companies. At some point, online security policies will need to change if American consumers are going to trust the Internet again.

Internet Security

Beware of Scammers Posing as Global Tech, Global PC or Global IT

Posted on by talhaahmed18

scammerIf you have been contacted by a telemarketer informing that you have been sending out viruses or adware from your computer, this is a SCAM and we are recommending that you follow the following steps.  This company is known to pose as Global Tech, Global PC or Global IT and saying that they are partnered with Microsoft.

1. If you have allowed them into your computer:

  • ASAP dispute your credit card transaction with the bank.
  • Contact a trusted computer technician and ask them to remove any last installed software programs.

2. Report a complaint to the following organizations:

RESOURCES AND BLOGS CONCERNING THIS ISSUE:

Google search on Global Tech & Microsoft Scam

Microsoft article

YouTube video of captured telemarketer by IT technician

Please forward this blog post to friends, family and co-workers to help minimize the effects of this Internet Phone Scam.

Please visit our Corporate page for additional information: https://globalit.com/resources/global-microsoft-scam-alert/

 

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Internet Security

Beware of Yellow Pages Online Directory Scam

Posted on by talhaahmed18

There is a reoccurring scam going on where companies (they go by various names) are soliciting business listings and misleading people to believe that they are free.  Here is an example of one that was faxed, https://globalit.com/reports/yellow-pages-scam.pdf.  These type of forms are being sent via email, fax and mail.

As you can see, they seem to be advertising that there is no charge for the listing:yellow-pages-scam-top

But if you read the fine print it says that this is an order form, that you are subject to pay $1099 for two years and that you have to cancel three months in advance or your listing will auto renew.

yellow-pages-scam-highlighted

This company will send multiple collections agencies after you if you do not pay the invoice. Have a look at their actual website.  It generate very little search results when you do a search.  Do you notice that they have the fax number listed twice, however there is no phone number for this company.

Please be cautious for companies like these.  They consistently change their name and website address to mislead people.

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Internet Security