10 Best Internet Security Tips you Should Know About

The Internet is a wonder world, and we don’t have to say why. But, while the Internet has its own wonder, it has its own share of dangers. So, to ensure that we are always at the wonderful side of the World Wide Web, let’s get started with the 10 best Internet security tips that everyone must follow when they are online.

1. Begin with having the best antivirus on your computer.

- This is like building a fire around you when you are camping in the wild, so no wild animals harm you.

2. Always remember, what goes on the Internet stays there forever.

- You might thing that posting an embarrassing photo of yours on the Internet may be cool and funny. But this very picture might come back and haunt you in the future.

3. Treat online strangers as you would treat strangers in your neighborhood.

- Strangers are strangers, no matter in what form they meet you.

4. Be stingy about sharing personal information online.

- One of the best Internet security tips that has always worked for me is being careful of what I share online. Sharing too much of personal information increases the risk of identity theft and online frauds.

Read Also: Tips you Must Know about Web Security

5. Strive for stronger passwords

- It does not matter even if you have the best antivirus software in your machine, if you do not use strong passwords. A strong password is one that has a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters.

6. Avoid using cyber cafes and unsecured Wi-Fi

- Cyber cafes and free Wi-Fi hotspots are the worst places where you can log on to any website or carry out an online transaction. These networks can be easily compromised by an attacker to steal your personal and financial information.

7. Know the online site you buy from

- If you are buying something from an online store for the first time, do go through its privacy and security policy. Check whether the site is verified and has a secure connection (a secure site’s URL begins with https:// and has a green padlock icon). Prefer well-known and popular websites that have been in business for a long time.

8. Never trust unknown emails with links or attachments

- Always treat unknown and unexpected emails with caution, especially those that ask you to click links and download attachments. Even if an email seems to have been sent by a known entity such as a friend, family member, or your bank and asks you to click or download anything, do not proceed. Call up the sender and verify the integrity of the email.
 

9. Maintain regular backups of sensitive and important data

- Regular backups can save you from losing your data forever if ever it gets compromised.

10. Encrypt passwords, personal photos, videos, and other sensitive information on your machine

- Data, even if stolen by an attacker, will be of no use if it’s encrypted. Your encrypted data can only be read by you and none. So, use this Internet security tip to your benefit.

And that would be all for now for the 10 best Internet security tips. Stay safe!

The Importance of IT Security Solutions for Small and Medium Enterprises

Online shopping is growing exponentially, and it is only going to grow with time. According to report published by IAMAI-KPMG report, the worth of India's e-commerce market today stands at a mammoth $13 billion. Investors are eyeing this ecommerce space as a cash cow in the near future.

Although, Indian e-commerce does not equate to those in our western counterparts, it has the potential to gain a sizeable market share. And a giant boost to this is the increasing penetration of Internet which brings forth even bigger avenues for online retailers to grow and expand.

While the combination of e-commerce and increasing Internet user base looks handsome and promising for most businesses, there are quite a few challenges for SMEs when we see it with from the perspective of IT Security.

Read Also: How to Choose Best Antivirus System for Your Android Phone?

The challenges might arise due to the following facts:

1. Large and well-established businesses are more preferred by customers, because they are more prepared and resilient against cyberattacks.
2. Small and medium enterprises score low in IT security and this makes customers skeptical about the safekeeping of their personal and financial information.
3. SMEs generally do not make good candidates for getting into a partnership with big businesses, because of the former’s poor network security infrastructure.

To cut a long story short, customers trust online retailers who have a strong IT security infrastructure in place.

Small and medium enterprises that put the need of computer and network security on a back burner, can be compared to the weak animals in a herd that are constantly eyed by predators (cyber crooks). But this scenario can be changed if these business understand the importance of protecting their digital assets with reliable IT security solutions.

Quick Heal End Point Security Solution is a specially designed IT security solution that helps business owners to protect their sensitive data, reduce business risks, and boost productivity.

Salient features of Quick Heal Endpoint Security

• Web Security - Blocks infected, phishing, and malicious websites.
• Web Filtering - Allows blocking of websites based on categories such as adult, gaming, movies, etc.
• Application Control - Allows only authorized devices to connect to the enterprise network.
• Storage Device Control - Prevents usage of unauthorized devices and media on the network.
• IDS/IPS - Reduces risks of security vulnerabilities being exploited by attackers.
• Email Scan - Scans inbox for spam, phishing, and unsolicited emails.
• Tune-up - Helps improve the performance of the corporate endpoints; boosts productivity.
• Vulnerability Scan - Scans for security vulnerabilities in the system, and helps you fix them.
• Firewall - Blocks malicious or suspicious traffic from accessing the company’s network.

Your business IT security is only complete when your employees are aware of the dangers lurking in the wild. It takes one phishing email to put the entire organization’s data at stake. It is essential to educate your employees about the importance of choosing stronger passwords, keeping login information confidential, logging off from idle computers, and exercising caution against unknown websites and unsolicited email.

About Author:

From exploring the mysteries of life to analyzing the IT security world, Rajib has explored a wide gamut of topics on computer security, through his years of writings.

Things you Must Know About Computer Data Security

Inarguably, the most crucial element on your computer is your data. That might include images, video, songs, personal information and even confidential corporate data. So losing any such information, especially those that can affect your privacy, can be a big threat. Data security does not only encompasses securing the data alone, but also what is holding the data like your desktop or laptop. So, keeping this in mind, here are some safety tips that can help you keep your data safe and secure.

 Data Security Tips - How to Safeguard your Computer Data

1. The basic measure that you should be looking into is to keeping your data safe against unauthorized users. Using devices such as USB, any miscreant can steal your data and use it for unscrupulous purpose. So, start by securing your PC against unknown and unauthorized USB devices. Quick Heal’s Data Protection Feature helps you do this with a few clicks. It prevents unauthorized USB drives from accessing your PC and its contents.
2. Another major threat to data security is a hidden malware on your system that steals information and keeps sending it to an external sever controlled by a hacker. Spyware are malicious programs that record your personal information and send it to external parties. Keyloggers, are again, malicious software that can record what you type on your keyboard. So, having an up-to-date antivirus program on your system can take care of these threats.
3. Data security does not only deal with the data that you have on your machine presently. Consider a scenario where you have erased highly sensitive information from your PC. Now, even if you have used ‘Shift + Delete’ to remove the data, it can be still recovered using a data recovery software. In short, nothing gets permanently deleted from your PC. So, ensuring that your deleted data remains unrecoverable also forms an important part of data security. And for this, Quick Heal’s Privacy Protection feature can be at your disposal. It helps you delete your data securely so that it leaves no trace on your PC.
4. As mentioned before, physical security of your PC or laptop is equally important. If they are lost or stolen, your data can be put to jeopardy. Never leave your laptop unattended in a public place; best is not to use it altogether. Also, consider using security cables to secure small desktops and laptops that can be stolen easily. You can also use desktop computer cases that come with padlock slot. This will prevent anyone from stealing the hard drive or tampering with the internal hardware.
5. No antivirus or precautionary measure for data security can replace the importance of regular backups. If your computer crashes, gets lost, stolen, damaged or taken over by money-demanding ransomware, it will be the backup of the data that will act as your damage-control unit. You need not start everything from scratch, coz you have the most important thing and that is your data. So, backup your data regularly on dedicated external storage devices, which also should be kept somewhere safe.

Read also: Why is Application Security Important?

How Does Multi-Layered Security Help?

In the times when cybercrime is increasing at a fast pace, all organizations need a comprehensive multi-layered security system to secure their data and also to maintain a smooth workflow. In order to trust this endpoint security system, it must check threats with strong technological traits, which can be deployed and managed from a single advanced graphical console.

• A robust IT security management system also helps in stopping phishing attacks and provides browsing protection.
• A good security system usually has easy installation and a user friendly interface.
• It simplifies configurations and maintenance with easy policy management.
• It has automatic updates and keeps a track of new threats such as viruses, worms etc.
• The protection technology includes intrusion prevention in order to stop hacking attacks.
• It provides optimized anti-virus scanning with minimized resource utilization, which means it does not slow down the system or interfere with the user’s operations.
• It does not even increase the process time.
• It also has gateway firewall.
• IT security solutions provide content filtering, bandwidth management as well as defense against spam, malicious software and other threats.
• Effective scanning of suspicious emails. 

It eradicates the environmental complexity by installing required security technologies as unified and comprehensive solutions which have coordinated management. They also adhere to essential IT policies and hence do not require excessive vigilance. Therefore, it makes functioning smoother, effective and efficient. Good brands also provide online assistance or effective customer care with regular updates. They help in optimized utilization of organizational resources and some of these often also have central management and control even for backups as well as routine recovery tasks.

Read also : 6 Essential Features of a Home Server Antivirus

One of the most popular solutions is from Quick Heal, which has simplified implementation of operations and is considered to be most user-friendly. It not only educates users about the usage but also keeps the working environment efficient and flawless.

There is a pool of information available online about different brands providing comprehensive solutions for web security which must be filtered well in order to find reliable information from trusted sources and customer centric companies. 

What Features Make the Best Antivirus Software for your Computer

With the market flooded with innumerable antivirus software, it is not easy to decide on the right one for your computer. And to add to that, malware artists are frantically trying to come up with nastier malware and unleash them as rapidly as possible. When the scenario is such, it becomes imperative to know what makes the best antivirus software for your computer. The below gives a quick roundup of features that a comprehensive antivirus solution should comprise.

Real-time Security against Malicious Websites

If you own a PC or a laptop, odds are, you also use Internet on it. And while the Internet is probably one of the finest inventions of mankind, it is a cauldron of threats. In the present time, even trusted websites cannot be deemed as safe anymore. You never know when your favorite news website drops a malware on your computer. And then there are websites designed for phishing attacks. Sometimes it is practically impossible to tell a fake site from the original one. To counter all such threats, your antivirus software must be armed with real-time web security protection. This feature ensures that you only land on safe, genuine, and clean websites through its real-time monitoring.

Protection from Internet Downloads

When you download a certain file from the Internet, you are permitting the file to access your computer. Most malware infections occur from Internet downloads, especially those that are free and are from unverified publishers. And then there are certain downloads that occur automatically the moment you land on a website. These are known as drive-by-downloads; a common medium of malware attacks. An antivirus solution that offers Sandbox Protection is what you require to mitigate such risks. This feature takes your Internet Browser into a virtual environment that blocks any malicious download from reaching your computer.

Protection from new and unknown threats

Does your antivirus protect you from threats that presently have no solution? If no, then you must switch to one that offers the same. New and unknown malware can prove to be the most lethal to your computer security. Because these threats have no identification, they bypass ordinary security and wreak havoc on infected machines. Advanced DNAScan is a technology that Quick Heal has introduced in its product range. This technology scans programs and analyzes their behavior. And based on their behavior, it can identity whether it as a malicious, suspicious, or clean file.

Email Scan

Email has proven to be the most resourceful carrier of malware for hackers, especially in phishing campaigns. One email with an infected attachment or a link to an infected website is good enough to hack the network of an entire organization. So, another essential feature that the best antivirus software must offer is email security. The software must be able to filter clean emails from malicious ones before they reach your inbox.

Automatic Virus Updates

No antivirus software can do without automatic regular security updates. These updates are like sentries that constantly keep a watch on new threats and block them from entering your computer.

Protection against Data Theft

Your personal, financial and login data are sensitive information that must have the highest level of protection in your computer. Things may turn ugly if they happen to fall into the wrong hands. So, data theft protection is another feature that you should be looking for while getting an antivirus software. This feature can be used to authorize external storage devices that you know, and deny access to unknown ones.

Certification

It goes with saying that the best antivirus software must come with certifications. The following is a list of some reputable organizations who are known for rating antivirus software:

1. Virus Bulletin
2. AV-Test.org
3. West Coast Labs
4. ICSA Labs
5. ESET Awards

By following the above tips and running a thorough research on the antivirus product you intend to buy, your investment can be worthwhile for your computer.

About the Author: With a humble Bachelor degree in Physics, Rajib penned his way into the world of technology and its wonders. In his journey as a techno blogger, he came across the world of computer security. And he has been there since, curating stories and serving them to readers across the world.

4 Home Truths about Android Malware

It is no great secret now that Android is the targeted platform of choice for malware authors and malicious programs that are aimed at infecting and stealing data from smartphones. The reasons for this are manifold – the wide utilization of millions of smartphones all over the world, the open-source nature of the platform and the general carelessness of users to safeguard their data while using their smartphones.

While the former points can be tackled with an effective antivirus for Android solution like Quick Heal Total Security, the latter issue about the negligence and carelessness of Android users is something that needs to be rectified. Most people feel that Android malware is nothing but a hyped up threat so as to persuade them to purchase a mobile security app. This could not be more inaccurate, as security solution providers only create solutions for platforms that have genuine threats on them. With that in mind, here are 4 home truths about Android malware that every Android owner must know. 

1. Android malware does exist after all

Any device or platform that has access to the Internet, can contract malware or security threats. This is a truth every user should know. There is no reason to believe that Android is an exception to this, especially when you take into consideration the millions of Android devices already in use and the hundreds of thousands new devices being activated every single day. 

2. There is built-in security available from Google

While Google has several inbuilt security features that protect Android users and Google Play visitors, the fact is that these measures are the bare minimum necessary. Just like a Microsoft Windows platform will not ship out without some inherent security feature, Google cannot afford to ignore the inclusion of such security measures. Whether these features are app scanners, device scanners or something else is irrelevant. The fact that Google also acknowledges the security threat should be reason enough for users to realize that the threat exists and that greater protection in the form of an antivirus for Android is necessary.  

3. Security apps can also be fake

Riding on the crest of this security wave, certain malware authors have created fake security tools for Android. These apps display messages that create panic in the users’ minds and entice them into installing the fake security app. The app then turns out to be malicious in nature and injects further malware into the device, or opens a backdoor or leaks out private information. 
  

4. Self-awareness is the perfect solution

You should also be aware that genuine security apps do exist on Google Play. They are verified by Google and used and reviewed by hundreds of Android owners across the world. But the best Android security can only be achieved if you are aware of the security risks involved. That is half the battle won. Always read app reviews before installation, always download apps from trusted sources, always read the permissions needed carefully, always be wary of clicking on suspicious links or ads and always keep your antivirus for Android turned ON. 

Apps are the single biggest source of Android malware so being cautious about their installation and nature will ensure smartphone protection. With these pointers in mind, every Android user can remain protected and avoid malware and security threats.

5 Foolproof Security Tips for Your Android Smartphone

Android has several in-built security features within the system kernel that ensure device safety. However, Android also happens to be the mobile platform that faces the most malware attacks and security risks. This is due to the widespread usage of the Android platform and also the ease with which applications and programs can be developed for the system. 

Android prides itself on being an open-source platform; hence, there are bound to be malicious parties that misuse this privilege from time to time. Moreover, with millions of Android devices actively in use across the world, it is absolutely necessary to be aware of the security risks that Android devices contain. 

With that in mind, here are some common mobile security precautions that every Android owner should remember to follow so as to stay safe against malware and other threats. 

Disable app installation from Unknown Sources
It is well known that Android has thousands of compatible apps over Google Play. However, there are several third-party sources for downloading apps as well. These sources can be easily accessed over the web and they usually contain many apps that Google Play deems inappropriate or unsafe. Android devices by default, disallow the installation of apps from Unknown Sources. However, there are many people who do download apps from such sources. Many times, the major source of Android malware are apps from such third-party sources. 

TIP – DO NOT DOWNLOAD ANDROID APPS FROM THIRD-PARTY SOURCES

Upgrade to the latest Android version possible
The problem of fragmentation is one that usually troubles Android as a platform. This issue arises because there are so many Android handsets being used in the world at any given moment, and most of these devices run different versions of Android due to them possessing different hardware specs. Google also releases Android versions at a furious pace, so each version gets outdated pretty soon. What this leads to is severe device and version fragmentation, which in turn leads to security threats. While it may not be possible to upgrade your device to the very latest Android version as it depends on the hardware of the device and also the availability of the upgrade in the first place, you should check to see if you are running the latest version possible for your specific Android device. 

TIP – CHECK YOUR DEVICE MANUFACTURER’S WEBSITE TO SEE IF ANY UPDATES ARE AVAILABLE FOR YOUR DEVICE

Don’t connect to unsecured Wi-Fi networks
Yes we all love free Wi-Fi at coffee shops and airports. But do you know who else does too? Hackers and malware creators and other malicious parties. What better way to infiltrate an Android device than over a free Wi-Fi connection? This Android mobile security tip goes without saying but sadly, there are many people who refuse to follow this rule. Free and public Wi-Fi allows a hacker to get access to your device and thus gives him access to your phone contacts list, your SMSs, your emails, your passwords, your photos and your history of locations. Is the leakage of all this data worth some free minutes of free Internet usage? Do yourself a favor and get a data plan to ensure complete Android safety. 

TIP – NEVER CONNECT TO AN UNSECURED PUBLIC WI-FI NETWORK WHICH DOES NOT ASK FOR A PASSWORD.

Make use of screen lock passwords and device encryption
With mobile phones, one real threat is getting your phone in the wrong hands. In such a case, it is important that your Android device stays as protected as possible. In-built Android security features allow you to adjust settings so that the device cannot be unlocked without a PIN or a password. Moreover, you can also choose to encrypt the device upon startup. This means that if the phone is switched OFF, it requires a password to operate when it is switched back ON. All these features are there for your safety and security, so they should be utilized. 

TIP – PICK A TOUGH TO GUESS PASSWORD FOR YOUR LOCK SCREEN AND ALSO FOR THE START UP SCREEN

Install an effective antivirus and security suite
Needless to say, the best solution for all Android security needs is an effective antivirus solution. Many people feel that such solutions are not really necessary, but the truth is that they are. With advanced features such as virus protection, device scanning, call blocking, web security, anti-theft measures, mobile tracker and more on offer, it would be unwise to not invest in a good security solution like Quick Heal Total Security for Android.

TIP – INSTALL THE BEST MOBILE SECURITY PACKAGE AVAILABLE TO STAY SECURE AGAINST MALWARE AND TO ALSO ENHANCE DEVICE PERFORMANCE.


About the Author: Rajib Singha is a web enthusiast and blogger, and has been writing about the computer security industry for the last two years. With a keen interest in the world of technology, he has written several articles and blog posts related to the industry.