Keep your Phone Locked

Device locking with a PIN, pattern, or password is an essential security measure that prevents unauthorized access in case of loss or when the phone is left unattended. It is recommended to set your phone to automatically lock after five minutes or less of inactivity.

To create a strong and unique password, use a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. You can also use complex patterns.

Biometric security features such as fingerprint and facial recognition technology, also offer a convenient and secure way to access your device. Make sure to enable at least one biometric feature, as they provide an additional layer of security by using unique physical characteristics that are nearly impossible to replicate or hack.

Lock your SIM Card

For added protection, consider SIM card locking feature in your smartphone. This will prompt for a PIN every time you restart your phone or insert the SIM into a new device.

Download Apps from Trusted Sources

When downloading apps and games, use official app stores such as Google Play. Generally, iOS devices are less susceptible to such risks as users can only download apps from Apple’s App Store. These stores have implemented strict guidelines and security measures to safeguard users from malicious apps.

However, there is a higher risk for Android devices, which allow users to download apps from less secure sources.

How can you ensure the safety of apps downloaded from other sources?

Research and read reviews before downloading unfamiliar apps to ensure they are safe and reliable. Additionally, make sure to scan all downloaded apps using your antivirus software.

Review App Permissions

When downloading new apps, always review the permissions they request before granting access. Take time to read the app’s privacy policy to understand which phone features it will have access to once downloaded. Certain apps may request excessive permissions, posing a risk to your privacy and security. Be mindful of the information you are sharing with third-party apps and only grant permissions that are essential for the app to function properly.

Regular Software and App Updates

Operating System (OS) updates often include security patches that fix vulnerabilities and enhance the overall security of your device. By regularly updating your smartphone’s operating system, you can ensure that your device is protected against the latest threats.

Android OS Update – Screenshot

While automated updates are convenient, opting for manual updates provides you with more control over the timing and process of updating your smartphone. Whichever option you choose, the key is to make sure your phone’s software and apps are always up to date.

Take time to review and remove any outdated or unused apps to further enhance security. Make sure to clear the app’s cache and data manually before you uninstall it.

Backup your Data

It’s essential to regularly back up your smartphone data to a secure location such as a cloud storage service or an external hard drive. This will help you restore your information in case of a security breach or device loss, reducing the risk of data loss. Consider using encrypted USB disks or similar hardware for added security instead of relying solely on cloud storage like Google Drive.

Enable Remote Wipe Feature

The remote wipe feature is a security setting on your smartphone that allows you to erase all data on your smartphone remotely. In case your device is lost or stolen, you can trigger the remote wipe feature to protect your data from unauthorized access.

Avoid Public or Free Wi-Fi

Using free public Wi-Fi can be convenient but also risky. These unsecured networks offer an opportunity for cybercriminals to intercept network traffic and easily obtain your personal information such as passwords, usernames, and other sensitive data.

When you are on unsecure public networks at airports, cafes, hotels, and the like, consider using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) client. A VPN establishes a protected pathway for your data to pass through, securing it through encryption and safeguarding it from potential surveillance. They do so by connecting to an external server and masking your IP address to hide your device’s true location. In addition, we recommend disabling wireless connectivity, such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, when not in use.

Encrypting your Data

Encryption is the process of making data unreadable. It is like turning your sensitive information into a secret code that only you can decipher. From built-in encryption features on your smartphone to third-party apps, you can add an extra layer of security to your valuable information.

Install Antivirus App

Real-time protection is a feature offered by antivirus apps that constantly monitor your device for any suspicious activity. This includes scanning files as they are being downloaded, transferred via Bluetooth or messaging apps like WhatsApp, ensuring that any potential threats are detected and blocked immediately.

Ensure to routinely scan your device for any malicious software or files that could pose a threat to your data security. Also, remember to regularly clear your browsing history and remove cookies to enhance your online privacy.

Stay Alert to Phishing Attacks

Phishing scams targeting smartphones are on the rise. Be cautious of SMS messages and emails that may trick you into revealing sensitive information. Be wary of text messages asking personal information or redirecting you to unknown websites or phone numbers. Keep an eye out for texts containing suspicious links, requests for personal information, grammatical errors, or urgent pleas for immediate action, as these are typical indicators of a scam.

Wipe Data Before Reselling

Before donating, disposing, or reselling your phone, take steps to protect your privacy. Erase all data from your device and reset it to its original factory settings.

Restrict Location Sharing

Modern smartphones are equipped with GPS and other technology that can accurately determine your location. Consequently, many applications may collect your location data. Only enable location sharing when necessary, such as when meeting up with friends or navigating to a new place.

Disable Auto Login

One of the convenient features of smartphones is the ability to easily access email or social media accounts with a simple touch. However, if your phone is lost or accessed by a hacker, they can easily open the app and gain access to your accounts.

While it may be slightly inconvenient to access these accounts through a web browser instead, taking this precaution can greatly enhance the overall security of your device.

Do not Store Passwords or Other Sensitive Information on Smartphone

While it may be tempting to save passwords, account numbers, or personal data on your smartphone, the less sensitive information you keep, the lower the risk of unauthorized access.

In conclusion, by incorporating these security tips into your daily routine, you can significantly reduce the risk of unauthorized access to your data and ensure a safer digital experience. Remember, safeguarding your smartphone is not just about protecting your device but also about safeguarding your personal information and privacy. Stay vigilant, stay informed, and stay secure in the knowledge that you are taking proactive steps to enhance your smartphone security and protect what matters most.

The post Top Smartphone Security Tips to Protect Your Data appeared first on SmartnTechs.

Ransomware is a kind of virus. They affect your Personal Computer mainly in dual ways. One, they infect and lock down everything on your computer. Second, they demand payment of ransom in the form of huge amounts for unlocking your computer. Anyway, Ransomwares end up in locking down of your PC and also loss of your money.

Types of Ransomwares

There are many types of Ransomwares and they use various methods to extract money from you. They are:

1. Locks up certain important data in your laptop or personal computer.
2. May threaten you that they have access to your credential files and claims money from you.
3. They tend to lock down to PC and frighten you that they will wipe out the entire data within a preset time period.
4. Ends up in locking down the entire activities of your computer.
5. Annoys you with continuous popups that cannot be closed down under any circumstances.
6. May prevent from booting your computer ending up in a complete mess.
7. May come with displaying messages that you have been detained by law enforcement agencies like FBI or Gendarmerie Nationale etc. These types of messages say that you have been fined for viewing illegal contents over the internet.

Attacks of Ransomwares

The earliest known Ransomware was PC Cyborg Trojan, AKA the AIDS Info Disk in 1989. It was developed by Dr. Joseph Popp. His program replaced certain files in the infected systems. The Ransomware got activated after the user booted his computer for 90 times. It made the system crash by changing the filenames in C drive. It gradually made certain important directories invisible. Finally Trojan claimed a huge sum of money to have access to their respective systems. But Popp was caught and sentenced to serve imprisonment at Brixton prison in England.

Next major attack of Ransomwares took place during 2005-06 in the regions covering the Russia and Eastern Europe. These Ransomwares zip certain types of files and folders with a password. The user cannot open those files without the help of password. The people who were behind the Ransomware charges nearly $300 for passwords to open those folders.

How they get into your PC

One of the ways is by downloading certain kinds of files from compromised websites. This again can be by accidently clicking on any ads on the website or on certain occasions while opening certain mail attachments. Another method is by infected removable drives. This includes using same storage device for multiple systems. It can also be infected due to program vulnerabilities. This may be due to weakness caused by various forms of malware that had already affected the machine. It can also get into the system by not updating web browsers. Ransomware can also get into your PC by certain applications like browser tools, software keys, .exe files, messenger applications, file sharing with peers and so on.

How far Ransomware affected?

According to the studies conducted it was found that nearly 5700 computers are being affected daily. The programmers of these malwares charges $60-$200 from each user. Nearly 2.9% of the victim has already paid the sum of money. The data reveals that the programmers behind malware had made a sum of $394000. During the earlier quarter of 2013, Russia reported nearly 250,000 instances of malware attack. US Homeland Security reported that a malware named CryptoLocker collected nearly $100 million in last 10 months. Even the Massachusetts Police Department ended up in paying $750 to reestablish access to their files in the year 2013.

CrytoLocker Infection statistics shows that it had affected 25,841 systems in Canada, 336,856 in US, 4,593 in UK, 1,832 in India, 15,427 in Australia and other countries together 100,448. CrptoLocker demanded its payments in Bitcoins and Green Dot MoneyPaks. CryptoWall, an innovated version of CryptoLocker successfully locked down nearly 625,000 systems and successfully plundered $1 million from users.

What Should you do, If your PC Got Affected With Ransomware

The most important thing that you must do is to never pay the ransom. Even if you pay the money, you won’t get any assurance that they will unlock your PC. Also paying ransom may encourage the hackers to plunder more money from your hard earned pockets.

If you thinks that your PC is affected, then you must avoid connecting any external devices to your PC further. You must also disconnect other devices on the network in order to avoid affecting them from malwares. The safest method is to install Antivirus and Antimalware Software in your PC. Even after trying all these, if you still fail to prevent the infection, get a Boot recovery CD/DVD/USB and restore your system to factory conditions. Also you must request help from Internet Crime Complaint Center.

How to Protect your PC from Ransomware

1. You must use a Spam filter option on your emails.
2. Install highly secured antivirus software and remember to update it regularly.
3. Always download, install and attach pop-up blocker to your browser to avoid accidental clicking on them.
4. Also update your Operating System from time to time. Always keep a back-up of important files in your PC.
5. Then if you are going to open any mails, remember to activate the firewalls in antivirus that you are using.

Ransomware has got sophisticated from the days it used to spread with the help of floppy disks. Now they spread with a label of important mail in the name of your bank. When you open those mails, your PC may get affected with malware. So always treat every file with a suspicion. Always remember that ‘Prevention is Better than Cure’.

The post Enhance File Protection to Prevent Ransomware Attacks appeared first on SmartnTechs.

Here are some of the best 10 antivirus software available for Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 7 and Windows Vista that you may want to check out. But before we dive into the best antivirus, we think it’s crucial that we share with you what makes a great antivirus.

Criteria of a good antivirus software

When selecting a virus protection program, you have to consider a few things:

• Ease of use: the antivirus should be easy to install and use. Moreover, it should also have a user-friendly interface.
• Effectiveness: The software should be very effective in detecting and removing viruses, Trojans, spyware and other malware. It also must have a good reputation to be able to protect your PC from new threats.
• Compatibility: You should make sure the software is compatible with the operating system and any other software you have installed on your computer.
• Value for money: It is useless to pay for an antivirus if it does not offer good value for money. Please, make sure to compare the features and prices of different antivirus softwares before making your final decision.

Best 10 antivirus softwares for Windows 10

Based on four important criteria above, we list the ten best antivirus for windows 10.

1 Bitdefender Total Security

Bitdefender is an antivirus available from $39.98 per year, half the base price thanks to our discount. We consider it without hesitation as the best antivirus for Windows 10. This is why we have decided to give you this clear-cuts opinion.

First of all, Bitdefender is versatile. We can divide its features into three categories. The first one concerns the security of the device to be protected. More specifically, it is about antivirus protection, which is separated into 7 distinct functions. The first feature in this collection is Safe Files. This allows you to lock the Windows folders you want, for example those containing industrial secrets. After that, you are the only one who has the security key to open them, so hackers cannot access them.

Bitdefender is a fast antivirus for Windows. It consumes very few resources and will quickly be forgotten on your machine. It will not overheat your computer, thanks to several other features. The first is called Autopilot, a kind of help camp that tells you how to set up the antivirus. You can also count on the ultra-fast scan and its protection against possible slowdowns. Finally, Bitdefender Photon is a proprietary technology that studies in detail the energy consumption of your PC. The goal is to adapt the settings to make it faster.

Excellent pricing. Bitdefender Total Security prices change depending on the number of devices you want to equip. Therefore, you will get a better antivirus in terms of price if you have only one PC at home. On the other hand, with multiple machines to protect and a longer plan, the bill will logically be less expensive. for example, if you want the licenses for five pc, the price is almost 40usd, and you only have to spend around 5USD for 5 more licenses (around 45usd for 10 devices (phone, pc, tablets, etc.).

Pros

• Bitdefender protects against privacy breaches and ransomware on virtually all platforms.
• The solution boasts of being the most effective suite designed specifically for Windows PCs

Cons

• Its VPN is limited to 200 MB per day

2 McAfee

McAfee is the second in our selection of the best antivirus for Windows 10 and it has a free trial version. It was well rewarded by AV-TEST and AV Comparatives, but not only. Indeed, PC Mag also gives it a very good mark.

The features offered by McAfee antivirus are multiple on Windows. The following features are available regardless of the package you choose: the antivirus; options to make your computer faster; the firewall, to counter viruses from the Internet; customer support available every day of the week; a password manager: a real plus for those who are in a hurry.

However, there are still some features of McAfee that are not available on all packages. For instance, the most affordable package does not include Safe Family.

Indeed, Total Protection provides parental controls to help you manage your family’s online activity, and it includes a web-based console that makes it easy to monitor and manage your devices from anywhere. Whether you’re looking for basic protection against online threats or comprehensive security for all your devices, McAfee Total Protection is there for you.

While this may be the best-value antivirus, we think it is too expensive to be suitable for most households. It is therefore better to focus on the other offers mentioned in this list (e.g., Bitdefender).

Pros

• Premium plan supports an unlimited number of devices
• Cross-platform device compatibility: protect your Windows, Mac OS, iOS and Android compatible device
• Internationally recognized virus detection and removal capabilities;
• Wide range of file protection tools;
• The application is available in English, French, Japanese, Spanish, Italian, German, Dutch and Portuguese

Cons

• Expensive.

3 Norton 360

In our opinion, the Norton antivirus solution has the merit to occupy the third place of this list. As hacker attacks wreak havoc in public places, the two most complete packages include unlimited quality VPN access. The most popular one these days is man-in-the-middle.

In addition, Norton 360 includes a password manager that is extremely useful in 2022. Moreover, Thanks to the Norton Manager Dark Web scanner that tells you live if your credentials have been leaked. You’ll be able to let the manager choose a very strong and unique replacement password with just a few clicks – one you don’t have to remember.

In addition, Norton offers some useful extras for families. The two most interesting offers are the Deluxe offer and the Premium 360 offer. You can test them for free during 14 days.

Pros

• Outstanding scores in independent tests
• Data Protector thwarts ransomware attacks.
• Includes firewall, exploit protection, online backup, password manager and other interesting bonus features.

Cons

• Expensive and does not come with multi-license pricing.

4 Kaspersky

Best known for its in-depth scans of the malware and virus landscape, Kaspersky earned its place on our list thanks to its reliable approach to software security and internet protection.

On top of that, Like Bitdefender, Kaspersky offers its full range of protection and detection technologies without paying. And we’re talking about one of the best in the industry in terms of security. You will not even receive any advertisements while using this software. Just keep running the program in the background and you will hardly notice it.

Kaspersky Total Security also comes with a number of tools to help you manage your passwords, encrypt your personal data and file backup and coverage for your Windows and mobile devices. With Kaspersky Total Security, you can be sure that your devices and data are safe from the latest threats.

Pros

• Friendly pricing and transparency
• Industry-leading approach to antivirus design
• Important additional features, such as microphone and webcam protection
• Regular and free software updates
• Paid and free versions can be downloaded

Cons

• Considering its price, the Essentials line could be equipped with more features

5 Panda Security

The Panda Security tool has been around for many years now and its latest Windows detection engine is one of the best systems on the market. If you are looking for a piece of evidence to use this antivirus software, you can check out the AV-Comparatives Real Word Protection test website and there you will see this program getting a 100% protection score in many categories

Panda Security offers various packages depending on your protection needs for your devices. In terms of value for money, it is one of the most interesting antivirus products on the market. Panda Security antivirus protects you from any computer attack or ransomware, as well as from any fraudulent site.

Moreover, all offers include a firewall, a free VPN (150MB per day) and a protection of your Wi-Fi network. Furthermore, Panda Security allows you to protect yourself against threats coming from external devices, connected via USB.

Pros

• Many discounted packages available
• Based on a machine learning approach to detecting zero-day vulnerabilities
• Provides protection for Wi-Fi connections and USB ports
• Quick scan of the entire system

Cons

• The Essentials package offers a few features compare to the competition.

6 ESET security

Highly rated by independent tests in terms of security, all the software in the ESET suite is equipped with anti-virus and anti-phishing, and some also have a firewall, parental control and even an anti-theft function that allows you to track your stolen or misplaced device via the ESET Web platform.

Still in terms of key features, you will also find an option that sends you alerts when someone tries to connect to your webcam or wireless network.

ESET also offers encryption of your data and keyboard actions to secure your online banking and payments, while also protecting you from infected USB sticks, external hard drives and Bluetooth connections.

Other interesting points: it is possible to try ESET Suite for free for a period of 30 days, and note that the “multi-Device” version allows to protect up to 10 devices.

Pros

• Does not slow down the computer;
• Easy to use;
• High performance in virus detection.

Cons

• URL filtering needs improvement.

7 Avast

Avast is one of the biggest names in the whole antivirus software industry, it is synonymous with online protection all over the world. But despite the majority of people using Avast’s free antivirus option, Avast has decided to force people to switch to the better premium plans.

Avast’s premium plans offers an amazing overall protection against online threats. Not only does it scan your devices to make sure they are secure, but it also inspects your online network, protects your webcam, and blocks suspicious activity and downloads. On top of that, it even offers you a VPN service for safe browsing.

Completely free of charge (in its free version), the software offers an array of indispensable tools for both home and office.

Pros

• You don’t have to pay anything to use it;
• Comes with many useful features;
• Performs well in independent lab tests;
• Very easy to download and use.

Cons

• You have to pay extra for a lot of features;
• Avast is known for leaking user data in the past.

8 Avira Antivirus

Avira Antivirus appealed to us for several reasons, some of which go beyond its usefulness as an antivirus tool for Windows 10. It’s one of the few options on the list that offers monthly subscriptions, a model that is surprisingly rare in the antivirus market. It also provides a robust and free antivirus tool that is a step above Windows Defender.

Avira’s antivirus tool for Windows 10 is very popular and its service can boast of having won awards for its protection and received the distinction of “Best Product” from the independent testing lab AV-Test. This complements its high average consumer review scores and should prompt you to at least explore some of the package options and features that Avira offers beyond basic malware scanning and removal.

Pros

• Easily handles zero-day vulnerabilities;
• Enhanced security for online banking and shopping;
• Strong ratings from independent testing labs;
• Monthly subscription available.

Cons

• Charges significantly more for multi-device protection.

9 Trend Micro

Trend Micro‘s packages are competitively priced, especially compared to AVG. In addition, the basic protection, while still lacking in features, offers more options than most other basic offerings available from its competitors.

Trend Micro is one of the largest computer security companies in the world. Because it primarily offers products targeted at businesses, its offerings are surprisingly small for home users. However, its three consumer packages are designed to handle common risks threatening Windows 10 computers. Even basic subscription users will get a few more features than other antivirus products, including protection against phishing emails and Trend Micro Pay Guard, which adds an extra layer of digital security to online banking and shopping.

Pros

• Reasonable first-year pricing;
• Provides a unique social networking privacy tool;
• Provides parental protection tools for children’s computers;
• Can be installed in many technologies.

Cons

• Payment’s page is too salesy

10 BullGuard

BullGuard is a Danish antivirus brand that regularly wins awards from various independent testing labs for its antivirus products.

In addition to a powerful antivirus engine, this European brand also offers numerous security tools, such as phishing and ransomware protection, parental controls and online identity protection.

Game booster is a remarkable feature that few antivirus programs offer. This feature frees up system resources to ensure smooth gameplay. It also prevents pop-ups and other annoyances that interrupt your gaming sessions.

By enabling BullGuard’s game booster, you prevent your PC from slowing down during gameplay, isolating all other active applications from a single CPU core.

Pros

• Basic antivirus program cheaper than the competition
• Fast performance with fast and complete scans
• Smooth user interface

Cons

• Shows some slowness

Note: BullGuard products and services are transitioning to Norton

Conclusion

This list has shared some of the best antivirus for Windows 10 currently available in the market with the excellent review. So, if you haven’t installed any antivirus software on your computer system yet, you should do so immediately as your system is at high risk.

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