Check your phone: Necro malware has infected 11 million Android devices through the Wuta Camera and Max Browser apps. The malware steals info and downloads harmful programs. If you downloaded either app, uninstall it and run a malware scan. My pick is TotalAV.
Malware warning: Red flags your computer is under attack
It’s Computer Security Day, and there’s no better time to remind you malware is lurking everywhere. From phishing emails to unsuspecting ads, just one wrong click can compromise your personal info or infect your devices.
Don’t panic! Knowing how to spot the early warning signs can save you a world of trouble. Let’s make your devices malware-free zones.
I saw the sign … and it slowed down my computer
🚩 Sluggish performance: Does your computer seem like it’s running so‑o‑o‑o slowly? Most malware hogs your system’s resources. Start by checking for too many open tabs or outdated software. Still slow? It’s time to dig deeper.
🚩 Pop-up pandemonium: Random pop-ups are a big red flag. They might be ads or flashing warnings saying your system’s infected. Rule No. 1: Don’t click them. That’ll only lead to more trouble.
🚩 Mystery programs: Malware can lead to other sneaky software installed on your device. Go through the apps installed on your computer, phone or other device, and look for anything unfamiliar.
🚩 Hijacked browser settings: Did your homepage or search engine suddenly change? It could be malware trying to redirect you to sketchy sites. Fix this by removing any extensions and changing the default search page in your browser.
🚩 Disabled firewall: If your firewall turns off mysteriously, malware might be covering its tracks. To check your firewall settings:
- On Windows: Go to Settings > Update & Security > Firewall & network protection.
- On Mac: Go to System Settings > Network > Firewall.
🚩 Skyrocketing data usage: A sluggish connection or unexplained data spikes could mean your machine is sending data to who-knows-where. To check:
- On Windows: Open Task Manager > App History and look at the Network column.
- On Mac: Open the Activity Monitor app > View > Dock Icon > Show Network Usage.
Don’t wait for the worst to happen
6 pro tips to stay protected against malware
When a word begins with mal-, you know it’s bad news. Malodorous. Maleficent. And one that’s woefully underused: Malversation. (Look it up; it’s a good one.)
But the most dangerous to our tech lives? Malware. These insidious little programs crawl into our phones, laptops and any other smart device and wreak utter havoc. And unfortunately, it’s everywhere.
600 million cyberattacks
Target Windows every single day. Microsoft’s latest report with all the gory details says more than 99% of attacks go after your passwords. Antivirus software is a must, folks.
6 ways to stop digital stalkers from harassing you
The more time you spend online, your risk of online harassment grows. Being proactive can stop digital stalkers before they track your every move, change your passwords and shatter your sense of security. I’ve heard from people who have been fending off hackers for years — and they describe scary situations.
More fake ChatGPT malware spreading – Don't download this
OpenAI’s artificial intelligence platform ChatGPT is an incredible showcase of how we can interact with machines in futuristic ways. The text-based generative AI system can produce stunning results for just about any question or request. Tap or click here for everything you need to know about ChatGPT.
It took one bad click to hack the personal details of 7.6 million individuals, including full names, email addresses, telephone numbers and order details. The breached org? Evolve Bank & Trust, a vendor for Affirm, Wise, Bilt, Shopify, Plaid, Stripe and Mercury. There’s a good chance that hacked info includes yours. Solid, award-winning antivirus software is more important than ever, folks.
Quick security fix: Stop clicking Google's 'sponsored' results
What should be a simple Google search can quickly turn into a nightmare if you aren’t careful. Not everything you see on the internet is safe, and just because it’s on the tech giant’s platform doesn’t mean you should click it.
How to spot Super Bowl betting scams
Crooks never sleep, and they’re incredibly aggressive during busy times of the year when the victim pool is deep. Tax season is here, and we already see an uptick in scams. Here’s how to spot one and avoid sending your hard-earned money to a criminal.
10 tips to secure your accounts with strong passwords
Two decades ago, you had a single password to keep in mind, maybe two. But these days the list of sites and accounts you might want to sign up for is nearly endless. What’s worse is hackers prey on people who reuse passwords, so it’s important to use strong, unique passwords for every site.