Protecting Yourself From Online Computer Virus Attack and Personal Identity Credit Card Data Hacking

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Identity Theft and bank Credit Card Fraud - How to Protect Yourself

Source: WSJ: Wall Street Journal

Identity theft occurs when someone obtains your personal information, such as your credit card data or Social Security number, to commit fraud or other crimes. The Federal Trade Commission estimates that 9 million Americans suffer identity theft annually. It sounds like a big number, but it isn’t.

For one, the hysteria has been stoked by much-publicized data breaches. In reality, identity theft only touches a sliver of the U.S. population each year (about 3%). One-quarter of those cases are credit-card fraud and not full-blown identity theft, according to FTC figures. The credit-card fraud occurs when a thief uses your credit card to make purchases. More serious is when someone uses your information to open accounts or take loans in your name. That’s when you’ll have to fight to get your credit restored and your name cleared, an arduous process that can take months or years to complete.
 Preventing online identity theft:

Identity Theft And How To prevent online identity theft http://onlinevirusprotection.blogspot.in/2016/03/identity-theft-and-how-to-prevent.html


In response to concerns over identity theft, numerous companies and financial institutions have stepped in with products that monitor your credit, reimburse you for lost wages or funds and guard your identity. Some employers also now offer ID theft insurance to help you reduce the amount of time and money spent resolving the crime, so check with your company’s benefits specialist about your eligibility.

Do You Need Identity Theft Protection? Before examining the services available, try these common-sense, no-cost measures to protect against identity theft and fraud:

Guard your information online. These days, many of us do most of our shopping and banking on the web. With all those account numbers and passwords floating around, it’s easy for someone to nab your information and go on a spree.

• Clear your logins and passwords. This is especially important if you’ve been working on a public computer. Change logins and passwords monthly.

• Pay for online purchases with your credit card, which has better guarantees under federal law than your online payment services or your debit card.

• Be alert for phishing, a trick in which spam or pop-ups mimic legitimate banks or businesses to obtain your personal information, which they use to access your accounts. Always verify that you’re on a familiar Web site with security controls before entering personal data.

Monitor your bank and credit card statements. Check your accounts regularly so you know when something’s awry. Purchases you didn’t make should be obvious—like a gas fill-up halfway across the country.

Verify your mailing address with the post office and financial institutions. Identity bandits may fill out change of address forms so that delinquent credit notices remain off your paper billing radar.

Monitor your credit report. By law, you’re entitled to a free report every year from each of the three bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion). Request one every four months, changing bureaus each time. You can order the report directly through each agency, or at annualcreditreport.com. Use this URL—there are hordes of knockoff sites that will try to charge you for your report and other needless services. Scan it for abnormal activity, such as accounts or credit cards you didn’t open. (And don’t fall prey to faux free credit report advertisements.)

Shred sensitive documents. Buy a shredder and regularly shred outdated bank statements, credit card applications, bills, and anything with your personal information before tossing it into the trash or recycling. Junk mail often includes some of your personal details.

Does it make sense to pay for ID theft protection if you’ve taken all these precautions? It depends on your spending habits and overall level of caution. You might want to invest in an identity theft protection service if:

• You do lots of online banking or shopping. • You don’t have time to monitor your information on your own. • The thought of investing time and money into recovering from an identity theft sickens you.

Picking the Right Service Before you spring for identity theft protection, which, at a minimum, is likely to set you back at least $150 a year, consider the no-cost measures you can take to protect yourself. Remember, despite the hype, the odds of having your identity swiped are actually quite low. And no identity theft protection is bulletproof, so consider these factors before you buy.

First, decide whether you’d like to purchase the services of a dedicated identity theft protection firm or one of the products offered by your bank or insurer. Many banks now offer customers daily credit checks that alert them to fishy activity in their accounts. Some will also provide insurance to repay lost wages or legal fees incurred as a result of identity theft or fraud. Other plans assign you a caseworker to help restore your credit. You can also try to bundle identity theft insurance with your home or auto coverage. Be wary of this kind of insurance, however — these policies can be riddled with exclusions that may prevent you from ever collecting in the event of theft.
Preventing online identity theft:

Identity Theft And How To prevent online identity theft http://onlinevirusprotection.blogspot.in/2016/03/identity-theft-and-how-to-prevent.html


Then there are the specialty companies—LifeLock and TrustedID are two of the most prominent—that market themselves as identity theft protection experts. These companies offer a mix of preventive and reactive tools to maintain your identity and credit, the most common being fraud alerts and credit freezes.

Fraud alerts. Some identity-theft protectors will immediately place fraud alerts on your files with the three main credit bureaus, whether you’ve been victimized or not. In essence, it forces any bank or credit agency to balk before approving credit requests in your name. It’s not foolproof, though. The law only requires the creditor to take reasonable precautions before extending credit. This may only be a speed bump for a practiced thief, so don’t consider it a guarantee that your identity won’t be swiped.

Credit freezes. Freezes are far more effective than alerts. Icing your files prevents any company from accessing your credit unless you already do business with them, effectively sealing your records against any new creditor. Freezes can be a pain if you’re seeking a mortgage or student loan—or any form of credit. You’ll have to contact the bureaus to unfreeze your records, which can take up to three days. Plus, the credit bureaus normally charge a small fee whenever you freeze and unfreeze your files. Credit freeze rules vary by state.

Alerts and freezes are two measures you can take yourself, so consider whether you want to pay a company to do it for you.

If you’ve detected fraudulent activity, notify the financial institution where the fraudulent activity occurred first so they can freeze your account. Depending on the situation, you’ll need to file a complaint with the FTC and your local police department, as well as investigate all of your other accounts. And keep a vigilant eye on that credit report.
 

Preventing online identity theft:

Identity Theft And How To prevent online identity theft http://onlinevirusprotection.blogspot.in/2016/03/identity-theft-and-how-to-prevent.html

Source: WSJ: Wall Street Journal
Posted by Unknown at 4:56:00 AM
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Emerging Trends Impacting the Global Antivirus Software Package Market

BUSINESS WIRE
Source: Technavio
Technavio’s latest report on the global antivirus software package market provides an analysis of the key trends expected to impact the market through 2015-2019. Technavio defines an emerging trend as a factor that has the potential to significantly impact the market and contribute to its growth or decline.
 
Technavio announces top three emerging trends impacting the global antivirus software package market through 2019.
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The global antivirus software package market is likely to exceed USD 36 billion by 2019, growing at a CAGR of over 9%. The market is predicted to grow significantly during the forecast period because of increased use of the Internet, which is giving rise to malware threats such as viruses, Trojans, and worms.

“Malware threats have also become more complex and have found more channels for propagation in computer systems. Therefore, the adoption of antivirus software for protection against such threats has become important and will gain popularity in the future,” says Amrita Choudhury, lead analyst at Technavio for enterprise application research.

The top three emerging trends influencing the global antivirus software package market according to Technavio’s ICT research analysts are:

Popularity of cloud-based antivirus software

As the cloud is proving to be a convenient and cost-effective way of storing critical business data, its adoption is increasing among SMBs worldwide. This increases the need for cloud security solutions such as cloud antiviruses. Cloud-based antiviruses do not require any hardware or software and are controlled remotely, making them cost-effective for end-users.

Cloud-based antivirus software provides quicker response to new threats or malicious activities. Cloud-based antiviruses are updated on the central server in the cloud and immediately available to all end-users. The Internet is required for automatic updates to the virus signatures.

Some antivirus vendors like Panda Security, F-Secure, Sophos, ESET, and Kaspersky are increasingly incorporating cloud-based capabilities in their products.

“Although, cloud-based antiviruses are beneficial for end-users, they are not recommended as a full replacement for desktop antivirus protection. It is safer to adopt the cloud-based antivirus along with a traditional desktop antivirus to mitigate the deceleration of the computer’s performance and provide the best protection,” says Amrita.

Partnerships between antivirus software vendors and telecom vendors

There is an increasing number of partnerships among antivirus software vendors, smartphone manufacturers, and telecom services providers, which is supporting the growth of the global antivirus software package market.

Increasing number of applications, make mobile devices more vulnerable to virus attacks, which necessitates the need for antivirus software.

Antivirus software vendors such as Symantec and Kaspersky are entering into partnerships with smartphone manufacturers and telecom service providers to boost the sales of antivirus software and increase their customer base and geographical reach. These vendors are looking to incorporate antivirus software into smartphones and have planned to provide a subscription-based model through telecom companies.

According to Technavio, smartphone users are willing to pay for antiviruses, especially high-end smartphone users who prefer online banking payment transfers, mobile banking, and mobile commerce. Online transactions, therefore require a high level of security because they involve a customer's monetary and confidential financial data. Therefore, the demand for antivirus software is likely to increase significantly with the increased adoption of mobile commerce.

Increased adoption of BYOD

The introduction of mobile devices into the workplace is changing the way users access enterprise resources. With the adoption of bring your own device (BYOD) policies worldwide, employees are using their personal mobile devices for work. This has increased the demand for uninterrupted connectivity between a corporate network and its employees' mobile devices. Employees need to access and store confidential information on their mobile devices, which has increased the need to protect data.

However, these devices are not secure, and it is easy for hackers to gain unauthorized access to firewalls, VPNs, and corporate networks. This can lead to fraudulent activities with the misuse of business-critical data. As personal mobile devices are being used for professional purposes, it has become extremely important to protect the data being transmitted in order to reduce the chances of unauthorized access to data.

“Therefore anti-virus software providers have a huge potential market in reducing the security risks in the BYOD model and making it more sustainable for enterprises,” adds Amrita.

Some of the top six vendors in the global antivirus software package market, as researched by Technavio analysts are:

    AVAST Software
    AVG
    Avira
    Symantec
    McAfee
    Microsoft

Source:
LONDON--(BUSINESS WIRE)
Source: Technavio on http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160323005040/en/Technavio-Announces-Top-Emerging-Trends-Impacting-Global
Posted by Unknown at 4:06:00 AM
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Identity Theft And How To prevent online identity theft: By Irem Bright C'mezie



What Is Identity Theft And How To Avoid It?
Identity theft refers to impersonation of your personal data by antisocial elements who try to steal your money in some way or the other. The internet is such a great tool that simplifies our life but it has also its downside. At various points of time, we share important information online thinking that they are insignificant. Some of the details we share online without thinking of the consequences are our full name, phone numbers, residential address, your date of birth, work place address, credit card details, policy numbers, debit card information and other such sensitive data. 

These might look like bits and pieces of information and individually they may not have any special significance. However when they are compiled, one can easily reconstruct your profile and misuse it robbing you of your money. Identity theft has become a sort of institutionalized crime with people systematically working on stealing information. Identity thieves also use your profile in other situations such as fraudulent transactions, job applications, terrorist activities, fraudulent driving licenses etc.
Ways to prevent identity theft
Are you scared to read about all these and wondering how to prevent identity theft? Here are few important tips that show you how to avoid identity theft. 

One of the important pieces of information that every identity thief will require is your social security number. You should not share your social security number randomly with people. Do so only when you think that it is necessary. It is not a good idea to carry your social security card in your wallet. It is also not a good idea to share them online. 
Invariably, all of us use computers and use them extensively to shop online. Make sure that your computers are fully secured. You should have the latest or the most up to date antivirus program installed in your computer and it should be enabled all the time. Keep your firewalls in your computer turned on all the time. Do not forget to install anti-spyware program in your computer. 

These security measures will help you save you from identity theft and it will also prevent credit card theft. Another important factor to remember here with regard to credit card identity theft is that you should check your credit card statements carefully for purchases or expenses that you have not incurred.

It is also a recommended good habit to get your own annual credit report. This will help you keep a tab on your identity and if there is something wrong, you will be able to take immediate action to rectify the situation. 
One of the major reasons for identity thefts is our own carelessness. We are reckless with our personal information. Basic precautions will go a long way in protecting your online identity and your credit card. Always access online shopping sites from a fully secured computer and use only trusted online stores to shop. Think twice before you share any sensitive personal information online.
Posted by Unknown at 8:44:00 AM
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How To Prevent online Credit Card Theft: By Irem Bright C'mezie



How To Prevent Credit Card Theft?
Are you scared of using your credit card online because of the increasing accounts that you hear about online credit card frauds, identity thefts and other scams? Yes, the situation could be really scary, but do not worry there are ways to prevent credit card fraud. Preventing credit card fraud is possible by following certain basic safety measures. Here are some of the important factors for your consideration.

Get into the habit of checking your monthly statements regularly
Many a time fraudulent credit card transactions take place for smaller amounts whereby the credit card owner is unlikely to suspect such fraudulent transactions especially if they use credit cards extensively. It is therefore important to check your credit card statements regularly and match with your expenses. If there are any items that do not match with your actual expenses then it is important to report it immediately.

Never share your credit card information in any instant messengers
It is highly recommended that you do not share your credit card information online even in your instant messenger chats such as Whatsapp or Google Hangout chats. If you are seriously looking for helpful ways on how to prevent credit card theft online or if you are keen on avoiding identitytheft, then this is one point that you cannot afford to make mistakes. 

Keep to online security basics
You might have all the information available online on how to prevent credit card theft but if you do not follow them carefully then you are subjecting yourself to unnecessary risks. All that it takes is to keeping to few online security basics. Here are few such basics:
-        Shop only in trusted e-commerce websites.
-        Do not click on dubious links that come to your mail offering exceptional discounts or freebies.
-     Check whether the website you are using to shop is SSL protected. SSL protection prevents third party interception during the credit card transactions.
-        If the checkout page is not working, do not make multiple attempts, it is better to report the problem to the online store’s customer support and shop at a different time once the issues are resolved.
-        As much as possible type the website address of the e-commerce site that you want to use rather than clicking on links in your emails. The links may read one thing but the landing page will be totally something else.
-        Always shop only from secure computers that have antivirus, spyware and firewalls enabled.


     Rather than using credit cards online for every purchase, you could think of third party payment processing systems, which will reduce the number of times or the frequency at which you will be exposing your credit card details online. 

This will also minimize the risks of credit card frauds and online identity thefts. You need to however, identify the most trusted payment processors. 

There are number of trusted services such as Skrill, PayPal, etc. Abiding by these basic safety factors will go a long way in protecting you from online credit card frauds.


Posted by Unknown at 8:35:00 AM
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prevent computer virus attack hacking cybercrime cybersecurity with anitvirus internet security software


Tips On How to Protect Computer From Hacking: By Irem Bright Chimezie
The number of cybercrimes (cyber security issues) including computer hacking and identity thefts are increasing day by day. You are required to take adequate precautionary measures to protect yourself against such menaces.

Here are some key tips on how to prevent hacking.
#1 Make sure that you have up to date antivirus software installed in your computer and it is enabled. Most of the basic threats could be avoided by ensuring this primary level of protection enabled in your computer. The antivirus software that you install should have real time protection so that threats could be stopped before they manifest themselves in your computer.

#2 If you have been looking for ways and means on how to prevent hacking on your computer then make it a point to keep your computer firewalls on all the time in your computer. Do not allow too many exceptions to your firewall.
#3 The third level of protection that you should implement when you are looking for ways on how to prevent computer hacking is by installing an antispyware program in your computer. You can choose an antivirus program that also protects your computer from spyware. What spyware programs do is to send out data to unauthorized third parties regarding your online behavior and sensitive information from your computer such as user names and passwords, credit card details and banking information. They result in identity thefts. If you want to prevent identity theft, it is important to install a powerful antispyware in your computer.

#4 Enable automatic OS updates. Regardless of whether you are using Windows or MAC OS, you need to ensure that your operating system is updated regularly. These updates may not essentially change the way how your computer or laptop works but it better equips your computer from external threats. These updates also fine tunes your computer’s operations. Many people disable their regular Windows or MAC updates thinking them as nuisance. If that is what you too are doing, immediately change your settings to automatic updates.
#5 It is not enough to surf the web checking for information on ‘how to protect computer from hacking’ what is more important is to cultivate healthy browsing habits. You should not download files from random sources. Most importantly, never download anything when your antivirus and your spyware software programs are down in your computer.

#6 If you do not have the habit of switching off your computer or laptop, then it is high time that you cultivate that habit. Switch off your device when you are not using it and in particular, it is a good practice to switch off your device when you go to bed. This will deter the hackers and attackers because when you switch of your device it breaks the connection and prevents the hackers from having unlimited or ongoing access to your system. So pulling off the plugs is equally important.
Do not think that these are simple tips and hence you could ignore them. They are simple and easy to follow tips but highly effective in preventing hackers from getting into your computer.
Posted by Unknown at 8:33:00 AM
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how to Protect Your Computer from virus, spyware, hacking hackers with firewall antivirus software

How to Protect Your PC-Computer and Be Safe Online

Article Source: https://www.fbi.gov/scams-safety/computer_protect
 
The same advice parents might deliver to young drivers on their first solo journey applies to everyone who wants to navigate safely online. A special agent in our Cyber Division offered the following:
- “Don’t drive in bad neighborhoods.” - “If you don’t lock your car, it’s vulnerable; if you don’t secure your computer, it’s vulnerable.”
- “Reduce your vulnerability, and you reduce the threat.”

Below are some key steps to protecting your computer from intrusion:

- Keep Your Firewall Turned On: A firewall helps protect your computer from hackers who might try to gain access to crash it, delete information, or even steal passwords or other sensitive information. Software firewalls are widely recommended for single computers. The software is prepackaged on some operating systems or can be purchased for individual computers. For multiple networked computers, hardware routers typically provide firewall protection.

- Install and Update Your Antivirus Software: Antivirus software is designed to prevent malicious software programs from embedding on your computer. If it detects malicious code, like a virus or a worm, it works to disarm or remove it. Viruses can infect computers without users’ knowledge. Most types of antivirus software can be set up to update automatically.

- Install and Update Your Antispyware Technology: Spyware is just what it sounds like—software that is surreptitiously installed on your computer to let others peer into your activities on the computer. Some spyware collects information about you without your consent or produces unwanted pop-up ads on your web browser. Some operating systems offer free spyware protection, and inexpensive software is readily available for download on the Internet or at your local computer store. Be wary of ads on the Internet offering downloadable antispyware—in some cases these products may be fake and may actually contain spyware or other malicious code. It’s like buying groceries—shop where you trust.

- Keep Your Operating System Up-to-Date: Computer operating systems are periodically updated to stay in tune with technology requirements and to fix security holes. Be sure to install the updates to ensure your computer has the latest protection.

- Be Careful What You Download: Carelessly downloading e-mail attachments can circumvent even the most vigilant anti-virus software. Never open an e-mail attachment from someone you don’t know, and be wary of forwarded attachments from people you do know. They may have unwittingly advanced malicious code.

- Turn Off Your Computer: With the growth of high-speed Internet connections, many opt to leave their computers on and ready for action. The downside is that being “always on” renders computers more susceptible. Beyond firewall protection, which is designed to fend off unwanted attacks, turning the computer off effectively severs an attacker’s connection—be it spyware or a botnet that employs your computer’s resources to reach out to other unwitting users.

Article Source: https://www.fbi.gov/scams-safety/computer_protect
 
For more information on Internet schemes and how to protect yourself online, see the following areas:

Posted by Unknown at 11:02:00 AM
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Two things to bear in Mind while we talk about Protecting yourself Online in order to Prevent Online Identity Theft and being Victim of Cyber-Criminals:

A. Keep in mind that antivirus software protects only your device, not your internet connection. It’s only Secured and Protected Virtual Private Network, VPN can securely protect your internet connection communications between your computer device, servers and websites.

B. A VPN is a must-have utility to protect your privacy and prevent hackers and snoopers from stealing your personal information.