Category: Internet Security

Your digital footprint is the trail of data you leave behind when using the internet. It includes browsing history, social media interactions, emails, cloud-stored documents, and even your online shopping preferences. While much of this data is harmless on its own, in the wrong hands it can be used for identity theft, fraud, or surveillance.

Maintaining the safety of your digital footprint requires proactive steps, starting with strong cybersecurity measures.

Using Strong Anti-Virus Software

Anti-virus software acts as a frontline defense against a wide range of malicious activities, such as:

• Detecting and removing malware: Malware, which includes viruses, ransomware, spyware, and Trojans, can compromise your personal data. A robust anti-virus system scans for these threats, blocking them before they can infect your devices.

• Protecting sensitive information: As you browse the web, anti-virus software works in the background to monitor potential threats and protect sensitive data. This includes such as passwords, credit card details, and personal identification.

• Preventing phishing attacks: Phishing is a tactic cybercriminals use to trick individuals into revealing sensitive information through fraudulent emails or websites. Many anti-virus solutions now come with anti-phishing tools that detect suspicious activities and alert users.

• Securing real-time updates: Anti-virus software often provides real-time updates, ensuring you’re protected against the latest viruses and malware variations. It’s critical because new cyber threats emerge daily, and outdated protection software won’t offer adequate defense.

Free Anti-virus: Is It Good Enough?

Some users opt for free anti-virus solutions.  While many of these services can offer basic protection against digital attacks, they do not include some of the quality-of-life features that premium solutions offer.

The free anti-virus software provided by Bitdefender, however, keeps you shielded and ethreats at all times, with top level detection and minimum impact on your computer’s resources. It boasts protection against ransomware attacks, rootkits and trojans, zero-day exploits, cryptojacking and ever-evolving AI-powered threats such as “spearphishing”.

Bitdefender’s free solution remains a great option if you frequently engage in online activities that require exposing personal data like shopping and banking, or if you save lots of sensitive personal information to your browsers.

Digital Footprint Safety Tips

Your digital footprint is an ever-present aspect of your online life. Protecting it requires more than just anti-virus software, although that plays a crucial role.  To further enhance your safety, consider following these digital footprint safety tips.

• Use strong, unique passwords: Avoid using easily guessable passwords like “123456” or “password.” Instead, create complex passwords using a combination of upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.

• Enable two-factor authentication (2FA): 2FA adds an extra layer of security by requiring not only your password but also a second form of verification. This can be a text message or email code.

• Regularly update software and apps: Keeping your operating system, apps, and anti-virus software updated ensures that known vulnerabilities are patched, reducing the likelihood of a cyber-attack.

• Be cautious with public Wi-Fi: Avoid accessing sensitive accounts (such as banking or email) over public Wi-Fi networks. These networks are often unsecured, making it easier for hackers to intercept your data.

• Limit personal information sharing online: Be mindful of the information you share on social media and other public platforms. The less personal information you put out, the smaller your digital footprint and the lower your risk of being targeted.

• Clear your browsing history and cookies regularly: This minimizes the trail of data you leave behind, making it harder for cybercriminals to track your online activity.

Conclusion

In a world where your digital footprint grows with every click and interaction, safeguarding your online presence is paramount. Whether you choose a free or paid antivirus solution, the key is ensuring your digital footprint remains as secure as possible from the ever-evolving world of cyber threats.

Children have more access to age-restricted and sensitive content online. While some websites have basic age verification systems in place, let’s face it, anyone can get past them, especially if you’re curious enough to see what’s on these sites.

To protect children and teens during online activities, the US Senate passed two bills in August 2024, namely the Kids Online Safety and Privacy Act (KOSPA) and the Children’s and Teens Online Protection Act (COPPA 2.0).

Both bills aim to keep social media companies accountable for keeping kids safe while they’re on the Internet, and as a response, some platforms have started using biometrics to prevent minors from creating accounts or accessing age-restricted content.

There has been a lot discourse about the pros and cons of biometric security. Although parents have every reason to be concerned about it, biometrics has the potential to keep kids safe, especially at a time when they can access everything with a tap on a screen. Here’s how social media and websites are using biometrics to keep children safe online.

Facial Age Estimation

Depending on how it’s used, biometrics can be a gamechanger or a threat when it comes to protecting individuals online. Since it’s impossible to replicate human characteristics such as fingerprints or facial features, it can be highly useful for things like online banking or digital payments.

However, there’s always the risk of data breaches since poor data management practices can lead to fingerprints or facial scans being compromised. This is why social media platforms and websites should prioritize securing biometric data, especially if they intend to use it to restrict minors.

One such platform that has started implementing stricter measures to verify users’ age is Instagram. Typically, social media sites would just ask users to input their birthday to create an account, but Instagram has started using a facial age estimation software called Yoti for biometric analysis. The software prevents users from representing themselves as older or younger than they really are, which means that it’s not just kids who are prevented from making accounts, but also older people who intend to prey on children and teens online.

To address privacy concerns, Instagram’s owner, Meta Platforms Inc., says that the stills from video selfies are deleted immediately after verification, and adds that Yoti cannot recognize a user’s identity based on their videos or pictures.

Digital ID

Apart from selfies or real-time video clips, biometric systems can also use digital IDs to prove that a person is old enough to access content or use certain platforms. Although there are concerns that they might be accessed by cybercriminals, digital IDs are in fact incredibly safe since they require multi-factor authentication and data encryption, making identity theft nearly impossible.

Certain states, such as Georgia, are now requiring people to submit digital IDs to access pornography websites, or any other site that is deemed to be harmful to minors. Doing so restricts children and teens from viewing explicit material, as well as simulated sex acts or animated porn.  Other states that have passed or agreed to pass age verification laws on pornographic websites include Florida, Alabama, Nebraska, Indiana, Arkansas, Idaho, Montana, Mississipi, Oklahoma, North Carolina, Virginia, Utah, and Texas.

Multi-Authentication Using Biometrics is on the Horizon

It’s only a matter of time before we see popular platforms use multi-authentication processes to prove a user’s identity and protect minors during online activities. Apart from age verification with an ID and selfie capture, websites may use systems for biometric authentication, deepfake detection, and document verification to prevent even the most advanced Internet users from faking their identities. We can also expect these systems to have global coverage, enabling them to access data from different parts of the world.

Protecting kids and teenagers from harmful content, as well as stalkers and cybercriminals, should be a priority at all times. Biometrics can keep children safe while they’re online, but parents and teachers should also do their part to monitor kids’ online activities and educate them on best practices to keep them out of harm’s way while they’re on the Internet.

We’ve written extensively about cybersecurity and much of the time it’s about prevention.  In most areas related to safety, one of the tips commonly conveyed is to keep your software updated.  We hear it so often, it’s easy to take for granted.  You may even ask, “Does updating software really matter that much?” 

Personal privacy and device security are at stake when we do not heed the warnings.  You can do everything possible to follow safety strategies to keep scammers at bay and protect your identity from cyberthieves, but if your apps, software, and operating systems are not up to date, you remain vulnerable.

What Are Software Updates?

Software is updated by developers when known threats are discovered. It happens often because the battle to close loopholes and fend off newly found vulnerabilities never ends.  But there is one simple thing you can do to stay up to date without even thinking about it. Say hello to “Automatic Updates”.

Now, you may say that you do not want to have things updated regularly. You may say you don’t like it when features change with an operating system or app.  But the fact is, change is inevitable.  As hardware devices become faster, software must be updated eventually to keep your device operating properly.  And, you simply must accept updates to ensure safety online.

Why Automatic Updates Are Necessary

Software updates often patch weaknesses that cybercriminals could exploit to gain access to your system.

• Turning on automatic updates is recommended to ensure your software is updated without delay.

• Automatic updates help keep your software current and secure by applying patches as soon as they are released, not by waiting for you to do it manually.

​Delaying software updates leaves your system exposed to attacks that exploit known weaknesses, increasing the risk of a cyber attack.  This includes apps, software programs on PCs and Macs, and gaming consoles.

And let us not forget about smart home technology, such as your smart TV, smart appliances, your router, and even your printer.

Are Automatic Updates Safe?

Automatic updates are safe because they always come directly from the software provider.  Make sure you never download software updates from unsolicited emails or untrusted links. Legitimate companies only notify you about updates within the systems you are using.

What About Manual Updates?

If you are going to update manually, always use the official platform or device settings.  Sometimes you’ll get a notice that the update will happen later in the day or overnight.  You may be presented with an option to update now.  This is OK. But in the event you forget, having automatic updates enabled will ensure it happens without your input.

Some devices will give you the option to delay an update. You may be working on a large project and wish to ensure your system is not unavailable at a specific time.  Most will do the updates when you traditionally are not using your device, such as in the middle of the night or after work hours.

Firmware Updates

On some devices you may see a request to do a firmware update, such as on a printer.  In reality, firmware is basically software for hardware and can be updated as well.  The main difference between firmware and software is that firmware is what helps a device boot up and communicate.  Software is more about user interaction.

Sometimes devices, such as a printer, may not have auto updates selected by default.  Check with the user manual of any device you have and you’ll find ways to set them to update automatically. The option to update printer firmware can be done directly on the printer or by selecting it on the software you’ve installed to run the printer.

Smart home devices like your smart TV should be doing these updates automatically.   The same goes for your Wi-Fi router, which is updated by your internet company.  However, keep in mind that hackers can easily access your Smart devices if your Wi-Fi password is weak.  This is also true of baby monitors.

Software Updates for Online Safety

If there is an option to turn on automatic updates, do it.  This includes your smartphone, tablets, any other device connected to Wi-Fi, Macs or PC computers.

Heed warnings when a device is asking you to update, such as printers or smart home devices.

Software runs our lives online, so be safe.  Ensure it is always up to date.

Ensuring Only Safe Apps are Installed

Once an app is safely installed, automatic updates will ensure the app stays up to date and secure.  But what about new apps you want to download?  Learn about our safe app search that filters out bad app downloads.

Holiday shopping is already buzzing, with more than 60% of us ready to hit “add to cart” on most things. Unfortunately, as shopping excitement rises, so does the risk of fraud. Shoppers aren’t the only ones prepping, though—scammers are all set, too.

In 2023, according to the research, nearly 34 million folks here got caught up in online shopping scams just during big sales events.

Coupons—who doesn’t love ‘em? Saving money on stuff you need, whether you’re browsing online or grabbing something in-store. They show up everywhere: email, magazines, and even in-store displays. But watch out!  Coupons, while great, can also spell trouble. Scammers? They use these little deals to lure people in, turning our quest for bargains into financial risks and sometimes even identity theft..

5 Coupon Scams You Must Be Aware of

Coupon cons are rampant at different channels, the most frequent of which involve:

1. Phony Coupon Websites with Too-Good-to-Be-True Offers

I was scrolling through deals when, out of nowhere, this “too-good-to-be-true” coupon caught my eye—70% off! Right? But plot twist: it’s a total scam. These sites look legit, almost like the real thing, but they’re after your personal info. They’ll have you fill out forms and maybe sign up to “unlock” the deal. In reality? You’re not scoring a discount; you’re handing over data. It’s all bait. They mimic popular brands so well that you don’t even suspect a thing until it’s too late.

2. Fake Coupons in Your Inbox 

Holidays hit, and your inbox is packed with deal emails. From brands you trust, luring you with offers you feel you can’t ignore—at least, that’s the trick. Hidden among these? Phishing scams dressed up to look like they’re from real stores. A quick click, thinking it’s legit, but boom, you’re taken to a malicious site or, without even noticing, malware slips into your device. They’re sneaky, and yeah, it’s so easy to be tricked. Blink once, and suddenly, you’re in deep before you even realize it.

3. Scam Ads on Facebook, TikTok, and Beyond

Social media’s no safer. As Black Friday nears, your feed swarms with ads, all flashing wild discounts. But don’t be so quick to trust! Some of them are scams, leading you to fake sites, ready to grab your info or get you to buy junk. Remember the $75 Costco coupon on Facebook? Tons fell for it, data stolen for a fake deal. No savings there, only headaches.

4. The Pop-up Trap

You’re browsing when—bam—a pop-up promises 70% off, sounding almost too good. But that’s the catch. These pop-ups are often traps, and one-click pulls you into sketchy sites or drops malware right onto your device. Be cautious because online deals aren’t always what they seem.

Coupon Scam Awareness – Learn How to Avoid Being a Victim

Always be cautious about where your coupons come from.

Stick with trustworthy sources—maybe the local paper, stores nearby, or official apps. Check the store’s website, too, if you’re not sure if the coupon’s legit.

Paying for coupon books is a no-go!

Coupons should be free; companies give them out to pull us in, not to make us buy them. Never pay for these.

Now, those surveys—watch out.

A real business won’t ask for sensitive details just to give you a discount. At most, they might survey you after a purchase. Scammers? They’ll trick you into giving info, even enrolling you in unwanted monthly payments.

When it comes to high-value coupons, be skeptical.

If it looks too good, there’s probably a catch. Confirm the coupon’s authenticity before using it anywhere.

Some red flags are easy to spot.

Low-res photos, odd wording, mismatched fonts—all can be warning signs. Legit coupons? They often come with fine print, like expiry dates.

The URLs matter, too.

Double-check that it starts with “https://” and seems familiar. Never visit a site if the URL looks strange.

As for those “work-from-home coupon” gigs? Stay far away. Don’t trust these online offers to resell coupon books or certificates—they’re often scams.

Spam emails with deals? Ignore them.

Instead of clicking those links, go directly to the store’s site for the offer.

No matter what, don’t ever give out personal or financial details to get a coupon. Sharing that info? Not worth it.

Security software is a must-have

Protect your devices from malware, phishing, and all that mess. Something like Bitdefender Mobile Security helps stop bad links and phishing attempts that come in through SMS or messaging apps.

See anything suspicious? Report it

Whether it’s a coupon, site, or weird email, let the retailer know, or report it to the BBB or FTC. Keep your guard up.