Apr 24 2023

Preventing Malware & Cyber Attacks: Simple Tips for Your Computer

Category: Cyber Attack,MalwareDISC @ 8:15 am

Living without the Internet is hardly imaginable today. However, the anonymity of the internet has led to the flourishing of cyber attacks and malware. Malicious software can cause damage to our devices, steal personal data, and lead to monetary loss. Therefore, protecting your computer from these threats is crucial. This article will outline some methods and resources for protecting your devices from malicious software, and explain why it’s essential to use malware removal at all times.

Tip #1: Keep Your Operating System and Software Up to Date

One of the most crucial things you can do to keep your computer secure is to keep your operating system and software up to date. Security patches are frequently released by software developers to address flaws that hackers could exploit. Failing to update your system and software leaves your computer vulnerable to potential threats.

To ensure that your operating system and software are up to date, it’s important to turn on automatic updates. This will ensure that your system gets updates as soon as they become available. Additionally, you can manually check for updates by accessing the settings for your software or operating system. By doing this, you can be certain that your computer is protected against potential threats.

Tip #2: Use Antivirus and Anti-Malware Software

Antivirus and malware removal software are essential tools for protecting your computer against malicious software such as viruses, spyware, and ransomware. These programs scan your computer on a regular basis for malware and remove it if found. By using antivirus and anti-malware software, you can safeguard your computer from malicious attacks and maintain its security.

When it comes to antivirus and anti-malware software, it’s crucial to choose a reputable and trustworthy option that offers comprehensive protection against various types of malware. With numerous software options available on the market, selecting the right one can be overwhelming. However, by doing some research and selecting the one that meets your needs, you can ensure that your computer remains protected from potential threats.

Tip #3: Use a Firewall

firewall is a crucial security system that monitors and controls network traffic, both incoming and outgoing. It serves as a barrier between your computer and the internet, blocking unauthorized access. By utilizing a firewall, you can protect your computer from potential cyber attacks and enhance its security.

Most operating systems come with a built-in firewall that you can enable by going to your system’s settings. However, you can further increase your computer’s security by installing a third-party firewall. These firewalls offer additional features and customization options that can help you tailor the protection to your needs. By using a firewall, you can safeguard your computer against potential threats and enhance its overall security.

Tip #4: Use Strong and Unique Passwords

Using strong and unique passwords is crucial in safeguarding your device against potential cyber attacks. Cybercriminals frequently use automated programs to guess passwords and weak passwords are easily guessed, allowing them to gain access to your computer more easily. By using strong and unique passwords, you can significantly enhance your computer’s security.

To create a strong password, use a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid using common phrases or words that are easily guessed. Additionally, do not use the same password for multiple accounts, as this can leave you vulnerable if one account is compromised. Consider using a password manager to generate and store strong and unique passwords for all your accounts. By taking these steps, you can ensure that your computer remains protected against potential threats.

Tip #5: Be Wary of Phishing Scams

Phishing scams are a type of social engineering attack that cybercriminals use to trick people into disclosing sensitive information like passwords and credit card numbers. These scams can be sent via email, text messages, or even social media. Falling prey to a phishing scam can lead to significant financial loss and compromise your personal information.

To avoid falling victim to phishing scams, it’s important to be cautious of any suspicious emails or messages. Do not click on any unknown links or download any attachments from suspicious sources. Always check the sender’s email address to ensure that it is from a legitimate source.

If you receive an email that appears to be from your bank or another financial institution, do not provide any sensitive information. Instead, contact the institution directly to confirm the authenticity of the email. By taking these steps, you can protect yourself from phishing scams and keep your personal information secure.

Tip #6: Use Two-Factor Authentication

Two-factor authentication (2FA) is a crucial security measure that adds an extra layer of protection to your online accounts. This security measure requires users to provide two forms of identification before accessing their accounts, making it more difficult for cybercriminals to access your information. Two-factor authentication can prevent unauthorized access to your accounts and protect your sensitive information from being compromised.

Many online services, such as email and social media platforms, offer two-factor authentication as an additional security measure. To enable two-factor authentication, go to your account settings and follow the instructions provided by the service. You can usually choose between receiving a code via text message or using an authentication app. Enabling two-factor authentication can greatly improve the security of your accounts and help keep your personal information safe.

Tip #7: Back Up Your Data Regularly

The best practice to protect your data from cyber attacks is to regularly back it up. If your computer is infected with malware or hacked, you might lose all your data. By backing up your data regularly, you can easily restore your data in the event of a cyber attack.

In conclusion, adhering to the tips and tools mentioned above can not only safeguard your personal or business data but also prevent potential embarrassment and costly fines.
Use anti-virus and anti-malware software.

The Cybersecurity Playbook for Modern Enterprises: An end-to-end guide to preventing data breaches and cyber attacks


InfoSec Threats
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InfoSec Threats
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Tags: cyber attacks, data breaches, Malware


Feb 03 2022

Oil terminals in Europe’s biggest ports hit by a cyberattack

Category: Cyber AttackDISC @ 9:41 am

Some of the major oil terminals in Western Europe’s biggest ports have been targeted with a cyberattack.

Threat actors have hit multiple oil facilities in Belgium’s ports, including Antwerp, which is the second biggest port in Europe after Rotterdam.

Among the impacted port infrastructure, there is the Amsterdam-Rotterdam-Antwerp oil trading hub, along with the SEA-Tank Terminal in Antwerp.

“A spokesperson for prosecutors in the northern Belgian city confirmed on Thursday they had begun an investigation earlier this week, but declined to give further details.” reported Reuters agency. “Belgian business daily De Tijd reported that terminal operator Sea-Tank had been hit by a cyber attack last Friday. The company declined to comment.

The AFP agency reported that the attackers have disrupted the unloading of barges in the affected European ports.

“There was a cyber attack at various terminals, quite some terminals are disrupted,” said Jelle Vreeman, senior broker at Riverlake in Rotterdam. “Their software is being hijacked and they can’t process barges. Basically, the operational system is down.”

The attacks were also confirmed by Europol, which is supporting the authorities in Germany, where other ports were hit by the threat actors.

“At this stage the investigation is ongoing and in a sensitive stage,” Europol spokeswoman Claire Georges said.

This week, two oil supply companies in Germany were hit by cyber-attacks that caused severe problems to petrol distribution.

The Hacker and the State: Cyber Attacks and the New Normal of Geopolitics

Tags: cyber attacks, Oil terminals, The Hacker and the State


Jan 04 2022

List of data breaches and cyber attacks in December 2021 – 219 million records breached

List of data breaches and cyber attacks in December 2021 – 219 million records breached

Luke Irwin  4th January 2022

2021 was a difficult year many of us, and with the hope that COVID-19 will dissipate in the spring, this is a new year more than any other where we want to look forwards, not backwards.

But before we turn our attention to 2022, we must first round out 2021 with our final monthly review of data breaches and cyber attacks. December saw 74 publicly disclosed security incidents, which accounted for 219,310,808 breached records.

You can find the full list of incidents below, with those affecting UK-based organisations listed in bold.

Additionally, we’ll also soon be publishing our latest quarterly review of security incidents, in which you can discover the latest trends and take a look back at the year as a whole.

Contents

Big Breaches: Cybersecurity Lessons for Everyone

Tags: Big Breaches, cyber attacks, data breaches


Dec 01 2021

List of data breaches and cyber attacks in November 2021 – 223.6 million records breached

Luke Irwin  1st December 2021

In November, we discovered 81 publicly disclosed cyber security incidents, accounting for 223,615,390 breached records.

With one month left in 2021, the annual total running total of compromised records is to just shy of 5 billion.

Keep an eye out for our end-of-year report in the next few weeks, where we’ll break down the findings of these lists – or subscribe to our Weekly Round-up to get the latest news sent straight to your inbox.

In the meantime, you can find the full list of security incidents below, with those affecting UK organizations listed in bold.

Contents

Different techniques and tools used by cyberattackers to exploit a system are thoroughly discussed and analyzed in their respective chapters.

Use promo code XMASTOOLS to redeem your 10% discount on any toolkit, but hurry – this exclusive offer ends December 5.

Toolkits are sets of documents and tools that allow you to easily create and maintain up-to-date compliance documents. Each toolkit contains:

* Pre-written policies, procedures, and templates created by industry experts that will save you time and money

* Additional tools to ensure complete coverage of the relevant standard, framework, or regulation

* Work instructions and guidance

Tags: cyber attacks, data breach, infosec toolkits


Mar 08 2010

Nuke hack attack puts military on high alert

Category: CybercrimeDISC @ 2:56 pm

Chinese, North Koreans suspects in security breach
By Mike Maloof

WASHINGTON, D.C. – A message that North Korea had conducted a nuclear attack on the Japanese island of Okinawa turned out to be false, but the fact it was delivered via U.S. military communications has prompted a high alert, according to U.S. officials who asked to remain anonymous.

U.S. military channels were hacked either by the Chinese or North Koreans, the source said. Access to such communications – even unclassified military systems – suggests a serious breach of technology security.

A Pentagon spokesman declined comment.

A purportedly “U/FOUO” or “Unclassified but For Official Use Only” message claimed to have been put out Saturday by the Office of National Intelligence and prepared by the Defense Intelligence Agency. It said:

“Today, March 06, 2010 at 11.46 AM local time (UTC/GMT -5 hours),US seismographic stations recorded seismic activity in the area of Okinawa Island (Japan). According to (sic) National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea has carried out an average range missile attack with use of nuclear warhead (sic). The explosion caused severe destructions (sic) in the northern part of the (sic) Okinawa island. Casualties among the personnel of the US military base are being estimated at the moment.”

An analyst noted the grammatical errors suggested the text was written by someone who has not yet mastered the English language use of articles.

The report included a long list of U.S. agencies that should be on alert, from the Central Intelligence Agency, the Department of State and the Department of Homeland Security to the Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps and Navy.

U.S. officials have expressed growing concern over cyber attacks, especially from China. The attacks have targeted not only Google and other Western companies but also the Pentagon.

Chip Gregson, assistant secretary of defense for Asian and Pacific affairs, said that in addition to their nuclear and space programs, the Chinese have undertaken an aggressive cyber assault that presents “an asymmetrical threat to our ways of doing business.”

The latest hacking effort follows urgent warnings that also have gone out through the North Atlantic Treaty Organization to protect all classified databases due to the recent surge of Chinese cyber attacks.

Last Friday, a U.S. report said that the number of cyber attacks on U.S. government agencies and Congress rose exponentially in the past year to an estimated 1.6 billon a month.

Only a few months ago, there were reports that a powerful cyber attack overwhelmed computers at U.S. government agencies and South Korean agencies for several days. The report said the attacks also targeted the White House, Pentagon and the New York Stock Exchange.




Tags: china hack, Chinese cyber attacks, Congress, cyber attacks, Defense Intelligence Agency, north korea hack, NYSE, Okinawa, Pentagon


Jul 08 2009

Cyber attacks on US Government websites

Category: CybercrimeDISC @ 4:51 pm

cyberattack
Image by Boyce Duprey via Flickr
Associated Press reported by Hyung-jin Kim, Wed Jul 8 “South Korean intelligence officials believe North Korea or pro-Pyongyang forces committed cyber attacks that paralyzed major South Korean and U.S. government Web sites, aides to two lawmakers said Wednesday.”

See the details at the link below:
Cyber attacks on South Korean and U.S. government Web sites

Information Warfare: How to Survive Cyber Attacks

Cyber Threat

Cyber Security





Tags: cyber attack, cyber attacks, cyber crime, cyber criminals, cyber security, cyber terrorism, cyber threats, Cyber-warfare, cybergeddon