Category: Internet Security

There are currently 6.5 billion smartphone users in the world, each carrying an array of applications in their pocket. Apple’s App Store and Google’s Play Store combined offer over 8 million apps available for download. While most of the applications in official app stores are considered secure, many malicious programs still find their way to these platforms.

One can never be too careful when downloading mobile apps. On top of raising awareness about potential security issues, it is recommended to implement safety measures to increase data security in general. One of these measures would be using a VPN and connecting to a VPN server to encrypt data and devices, thus preventing cybersecurity threats in time.

Here are a few tips that will help you recognize malicious apps on app stores.

#1. Check for Inappropriate Permissions

The most obvious hint that the application you’re about to install is unsafe is the list of permissions it asks for. Normally, an application will require a set of permissions to operate on a mobile device. For example, a camera app will require permission to use the device’s camera to take photos and videos.

However, if you’re installing a game that has nothing to do with video recording, yet the app still asks for permission to use the camera, you have a reason to be worried. Make sure to check whether the required permissions are aligned with the app’s purpose. If not, look for an alternative app instead.  Learn how to detect and remove PUP (Potentially Unwanted Programs)

#2. Look at the Contact Emails

If you check the information about the app developer, you should come across a contact email address. Professional developers would never list a contact address that was opened with a free service such as Gmail or Yahoo!. Therefore, if the email address ends with gmail.com or a similar domain, you are either dealing with a very unprofessional developer or a malicious app.

Even if the app wasn’t malicious, it is most likely low quality, since the developers are not putting enough effort into the project. On the other hand, some apps won’t have any contact addresses listed, which is also a reason to be concerned. If there is no contact email at all, chances are the app is not as legit as you would like it to be.

#3. Read the Description Carefully

Malicious apps designed to scam people and steal information often have very poor descriptions. For instance, if you look at any professionally designed application, you will notice that the app’s listing in the app store is flawless. The description flows naturally, and all of the photos are high resolution.

Suspicious apps, on the other hand, don’t have such professional listings. Make sure to read the app’s description carefully and check for grammar errors or inconsistent wording. Any illogical errors of this sort could point to the fact that the app could be dangerous. If you find any bad language or low-quality images, it’s best to stay away from the app altogether.

#4. Check the Reviews

Users should be exceptionally careful when checking the reviews of said applications. The reviews section is a good place to look for evidence and check whether previous users had any issues with the app. However, one thing you should keep in mind is that the reviews can be staged.

If the app has a poor description and low-quality images, yet it only has five-star reviews, chances are that the developers paid people to write positive reviews without even testing the app. No matter how professional an app is, there should always be a good balance of positive and negative reviews that point to areas that need improvement. Therefore, if the review section is nothing but praise for the seemingly low-quality app, chances are it was staged to fool you.

#5. Google It

Whether it’s the Apple or Google Play, the simplest way to screen for malicious apps and research information is to Google the application you are interested in and check what people have to say about it. There are plenty of review websites out there that take time to test mobile apps and report back on their experience. This is an easy way to check whether any of the previous users had security issues because of a specific application.

Start Paying Attention

According to statistics in the US, 57% of digital media usage comes from mobile applications. We use mobile apps on a daily basis, sometimes even more often than we should. This excessive use of applications gives hackers room to sneak in, steal data, and gain unauthorized access to our accounts. Thus, it is important to stay away from potentially malicious applications that could be hiding in app stores. Another way to stay safe is to invest in a VPN to encrypt your data and browse the internet anonymously.

This article is about malicious apps.  Read about ways to protect your computer as well from ransomware.

And explore was to further protect kids regarding their app data.

Cell phones are a major part of our lives, and getting a new phone can be an exciting time. But just when you’re using the internet there are certain things you need to remember to use your cell phone safely. Here are a few of the most important things to keep in mind.

1. Understand how mobile networks and data work

There’s more than one way to get online with a cell phone: you’ve got your service provider (T-Mobile, Verizon, AT&T, etc.) with its mobile network (usually LTE) and you can also connect to Wi-Fi. Most phones show which one you’re connected to at the top of the screen.

Mobile networks like LTE can have data limits. If you use up all your data for a month, your service might be slowed down or you might get an extra charge on their bill. You’re probably on a family plan, which means this data is shared among all the members of your family. Talk to everyone on your plan about your data limit and how much you can use each month.

This knowledge will also give you an idea about the functionality of your devices. From connecting my AirPods to streaming videos on my smartphone, understanding your data usage helps you manage your online activities effectively and avoid unexpected fees. Knowing how your device works will make sure you can safely use your phone without any connectivity issues.

2. Remember you can make emergency calls on other networks

No matter what type of network you’re connected to, you can always use your phone to dial 911 in case of an emergency. You can even dial 911 when you have no signal at all if you’re still in a service area of another network. This is important to remember because emergencies can happen anywhere. If you have an iPhone, you can also call for help by holding down the side button (iPhone 8 or later) or pressing it five times (iPhone 7 or earlier).

3. Don’t answer calls or texts from numbers you don’t know

Scam phone calls have become really common in the last couple years. Some phones, like the iPhone, sometimes show “Scam Likely” on the caller ID if this happens. But it’s a good idea to ignore calls and texts from any number you don’t recognize. To make sure you don’t miss an important call, add your friends and family to your contacts so you know who’s calling before you answer. 

4. Never send photos or videos to someone you don’t know

Instead of trying to scam or steal personal information, strangers might ask you for photos or videos of yourself. The person may pretend to be someone you know. Never send photos of yourself to numbers you don’t recognize. This also goes for people on Snapchat or Instagram or other apps. If someone is asking for pictures or videos, take a screenshot and investigate.

5. Talk to an adult about whatever makes you uncomfortable

If you come across something in an app or online that seems strange or makes you feel uncomfortable, discuss it with your someone you trust. This might sound scary, but they want you to be safe while using the internet, and they can explain what you’re seeing and give you advice for dealing with it in the future. And remember, if something seems too good to be true, it probably is!

In Conclusion

Cell phones are exciting, but they can also be overwhelming. They give us access to a world of information and entertainment. If you have questions about using your phone, making your phone more safe and secure, or anything you find online, proceed with caution. They can give you advice on how they use their phones and how to stay safe with yours.

Victoria Schmid enjoys writing about technology for the “everyday” person. She is a specialist in online business marketing and consumer technology. She has a background in broadcast journalism.

Let’s be real here: our computers are our lifelines. We work with them. We order things with them. We use them for entertainment. Our phones, tablets, and even iPods are all computers to their core. Our lives are very much revolve around computers. It would be hard to go a full day without them.

If a virus or malware hits your computers, it will be a major hassle to clean and secure your files. Of course, that is if you’re lucky to catch the problem in time. In some cases, your whole computer may be fried with no hope of retrieving any lost data. But it doesn’t have to be that way.

There are ways to protect your computer from the nightmare of spam, viruses, and malware. Common sense goes a long way in preventing the worst from happening. But taking care of a computer doesn’t always have to be a lot of work. It’s much easier than you think. Here are a few tips to save your computer from utter disaster.

Anti-Virus and Anti-Malware Programs

The installation of a reliable anti-virus program cannot be stressed enough, but it’s only one piece of the puzzle. You should also install a program that specializes in scanning for removing malware. These programs can regularly do a deep scan and clean of your entire computer.

Be careful when installing virus protection and malware cleaners. Some of them are legitimate while others will make the problem even worse. How can you tell you are getting a good program to protect your computer? Do your homework. It doesn’t take much to get on Google to check out which programs are recommended by reputable websites.

Anti-Virus typically focuses on protecting your email. Anti-malware programs are better at block malicious websites you visit or block a session hijacking attack.

Ad blocker is your friend!

Blocking pop-up ads will cut down on the chances of being a victim of computer infections, including ransomware. Ransomware is a nasty program that will hold your computer hostage until you pay up.

Pop-up blockers will lessen the chances of getting all sorts of malware or viruses. As well, your web surfing experience will much smoother. The browser you are using will probably have an ad blocker but you’ll need to activate it.

Back up everything!

In case your computer crashes for any reason, make sure everything backed up. Cloud backup programs have made this much easier. External hard drives are also good for backing up files, whether you set it up automatically or do it manually every once in a while. There is nothing worse than losing your treasured pics and videos when it doesn’t take much effort to copy them to another device.

Having a strong password will help too. Not having a password is like leaving your front door wide open. It’s not wise to have a weak password either. Some sites will require at least one capital letter, one number, and one symbol to be strong. However, many accounts your sign up for are not so picky. Choose a unique password for each of your accounts.

Keep all software up to date.

Out-of-date software is an invitation for malware and viruses. Within all of your computer programs, select “automatic updates” and you won’t have to worry about it. This includes your computer operating systems, whether it be Windows, Mac or any tablet.

For additional protection, a VPN might be a good way to go too. More people are looking for a secure way to enjoy their time on the internet. This will keep out spying eyes for sure. It does not take more to look up how to install a VPN either. Again, just be careful to look for a legitimate VPN system that will not mess up a computer.

Use Comment Sense. In all your online activities, don’t rely on an anti-virus software program to do all the work for you. If an email looks suspicious, don’t click the link or open the attachment. Delete it right away. If a website doesn’t look right, close your browser and don’t visit the site again.

Read about more ways to protect yourself online:

How Browsing Fingerprinting is Used to Track You

In 2017 there were 16.7 million victims of identity fraud in the United States – a record high, according to a study by Javelin researchers. Children fall among the most vulnerable targets for identity theft due to the existence of so many points of entry.

These access points include tablets, mobile phones, computers, and good old-fashioned home break-ins. As a result, protecting your family from a security breach can feel overwhelming.

However, there are ways to reduce risk and increase identity theft protection. Use the following tips to keep you and your family safe.

1.  Use long, random passphrases

Unless your password is a random set of letters, numbers, and characters, it’s easier to crack than you might think.

To reduce your chances of a security breach, keep the following tips in mind:

Create a long passphrase.

Don’t write passwords on notes near your computer.

Don’t use identical passwords across multiple accounts.

Don’t use words or numbers that are significant to you.

Fraudsters scan public profiles for personal information and identifying details to try to crack passwords. That’s why it’s important not to use things like birth dates, pet names, or details about your kids in your passwords. Especially for the most important online accounts, such as your bank, insurance, or home Wi-Fi.

The easiest way to create secure passwords is to use random (meaningless) phrases mixed with numbers and symbols (e.g., Fox8thegiAntsandwich!).

Because it’s difficult to keep track of multiple random passwords, consider using a dedicated password manager to generate and save secure passwords. That way all your passwords are truly random and saved in a secure location.

2. Be careful using smart speakers and other automated toys

The Internet of Things and smart tech have created a more connected world than ever before. In fact, even some children’s toys can now connect to Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. However, not all smart tech is secure.

Several toy manufacturers have come under fire in the past few years for having inadequate security and, in some cases, data breaches that put millions of children’s personal information at risk.

If you decide to buy a smart toy, do your research ahead of time. One important thing to look for is where the data is stored. If data is stored directly on the toy, the risk should be relatively small. If the data is sent to a server, it could be stolen by hackers who eventually use the information for credit card fraud or identity theft. 

Play it safe by inputting only false info (e.g., fake birth dates and pseudonyms), or consider forgoing smart toys altogether.

3. Upgrade your home security

The digital world isn’t the only place your family is at risk. The home is often where identity theft begins. Burglars aren’t just looking for fancy jewelry or TVs—personal information can be much more valuable.

Always keep important documents such as passports, birth certificates, Social Security cards, and other sensitive records in a locked safe or file cabinet. And be extra cautious during high-risk periods when thieves are more active, such as over holidays—never share your vacation plans publicly until after you’ve returned home.

Also, think about investing in a home security system so you can keep tabs on your property while you’re away and protect your family 24/7.

4. Monitor and freeze your child’s credit

Children are likely targets for identity theft because they have clean credit and the theft is likely to go undetected for years until the child is older. By this time, the damage is done, making it difficult for the child to apply for credit, get school loans, and pursue job opportunities.

Luckily, there are steps you can take to prevent credit fraud. One of the best ways is credit monitoring to keep tabs on your child’s credit. If you notice any bank loans, credit card applications, or other activity, your child’s identity has likely been compromised and you need to take immediate action and report the fraud.

You can also go one step further to prepare and freeze your child’s credit until they’re older. A credit freeze limits access to your child’s credit file, making it harder for would-be thieves to open accounts in your child’s name.

5. Talk to your kids about internet safety

Once your child can use their own digital devices, they’re at a greater risk of a security breach. Talk to your children early and often about how to stay safe on the internet. Teach them to avoid sharing personal information (such as full names, birth dates, addresses, or school names), talking to strangers online, and making online purchases without your permission.

By limiting how much information you share online, you can protect your family from child identity theft, credit fraud, or worse.

As the world becomes more connected, thieves and fraudsters have more opportunities to take advantage of you and your family. Follow these tips to protect yourself and your children for years to come.

By Andrea Harvey