For antivirus software, I trust and recommend TotalAV. Go to protectwithkim.com for more information.
3 reasons you shouldn't go another day without antivirus software
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If you don’t have antivirus software, you’re putting every internet-connected gadget you own at risk. Something as simple as an unchanged router password can be an entry point for an invader to shut down your phone or even taunt your children through a security camera or smart speaker.
All your devices probably tell a detailed story about your life. Our computers and phones are critically important, from work emails and important documents to family photos. Are your devices truly protected? If you don’t have antivirus software installed, the answer is no.
Not all antivirus programs are created equal. Some won’t give you the comprehensive protection you need in our increasingly dangerous digital world. That’s why we’re sharing three critical reasons to upgrade to Kim’s pick and our sponsor, TotalAV.
1. Cybercrime is getting worse
Ransomware attackers prey on panic and fear once you realize your critical files are inaccessible. While stress is at an all-time high, they demand ridiculous money. In 2020, the average payment cybercriminals demanded was $178,000, Coveware research found.
If that weren’t scary enough, you could still be cheated even if you do pay. You might feel optimistic and hope that the hackers will hold up their end of the bargain once you’ve drained your bank account. Unfortunately, that’s just wishful thinking.
The Sophos State of Ransomware reports that only 56% of data gets restored after paying the ransom. That means you should never pay if a ransomware attack hits your system.
There’s no denying the ubiquity of cybercrime in today’s digital world. To make matters worse, their techniques improve every day.
2. Hackers are getting smarter
Here’s more detail on how ransomware works. Hackers break into your computer, ransack all your files and programs, and encrypt everything. You won’t be able to access any of it. It’s a total violation of your work and your personal life.
Now, criminals have beefed up their techniques. They’ve invented a method called double encryption. That’s when they encrypt your data twice at once.
By layering two types of ransomware on top of one another, they’re tricking you into paying double the original ransomware amount. Let’s say they demand $5,000 to decrypt your data. The hackers lift the first layer, only for you to find the second layer.
Using free antivirus? Beware of companies that sell your data or even plant malware
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Saving money can be easy. Simple things like eating dinner at home more often than going to your favorite restaurant or skipping that daily $6 latte can really add up. You’ll have your next vacation paid for in no time.
Do you need antivirus software? Yes! Check out Kim's pick
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With all the cybercriminals and digital threats, you shouldn’t pinch pennies when protecting your devices. Using free antivirus software can actually put you at risk. You need smarter, more robust tools to combat increasingly sophisticated hackers and scammers.
Pro tip: How to securely share passwords
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Any regular visitor to Komando.com knows never to share passwords. While that’s true in general, password sharing is sometimes necessary. You have to be careful and do it the right way.
Essentially, it all comes down to using the right password manager. Keep reading for more details.
Opt-Out Tuesday: How to remove your info from FamilyTreeNow
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People search sites collect your information from publicly available sources and offer it to anyone interested, including thieves and scammers. There are countless sites like this. So, how do you protect your data? You need to remove it.
5 steps to make sure hackers cannot access your home network and files
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Hackers may have already compromised your network. Tap or click here for a free test to see if your router has been hacked. Keep reading for ways to protect your system from hackers.
This tip is brought to you by our sponsor, ExpressVPN. Protect your privacy. Get three months free when you sign up for one year at ExpressVPN.com/Kim.
Scareware 101: How to spot this dangerous cyberattack and protect yourself
Spam is unavoidable: It clutters your phone call history and chokes your email inbox. Like spam, scareware is another annoyance that seems to go hand-in-hand with internet access. It’s why you should never click pop-ups that say your system is at risk.
Use this home security camera buying guide to be safer at home
Here’s a conundrum: Your security camera could expose you to data breaches. Last year, a security researcher found that Eufy cameras uploaded private images to the cloud.
Anker recently admitted to storing images and video feeds in the cloud without users’ knowledge. This popular security cam manufacturer recently didn’t even encrypt the private content. That means anyone could have seen your personal images through your Anker devices.
3 tricks to see if your passwords are being sold on the Dark Web
Hackers can make a ton of money by selling your private information on underground forums. It’s possible that your passwords are being sold on the Dark Web right now. That’s why you should run a cybersecurity check now and then.
Signs your phone or computer is infected with a virus or keylogger
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No matter your device, a hacker with enough gumption and know-how can break in.
Here are surefire ways to know if your system has been hacked and what you can do to fix or prevent it, brought to you by sponsor TotalAV. Your best defense against viruses, keyloggers and other malware? A solid security suite.
Worth it? This router has a built-in VPN
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Protect your internet-connected devices at home, such as an Amazon Echo or a smart thermostat, with a VPN router to prevent hackers from causing chaos.
A VPN-enabled router encrypts data on your network, adding an extra layer of security and privacy for all connected devices. Watch out for these five signs indicating your current router may not keep you safe.
This scary malware screenshots your system to see if you're worth hacking
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It turns out that not every target is worth hacking, and cybercriminals are using a new phishing scheme to sift through information to search for a lucrative payday. Their goal, as always, is to rip you off. But if your system doesn’t appear to be cyberattack worthy, they might leave you alone.
Don't buy these 10 obsolete products
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Have any old gadgets around? Your dusty phones, boomboxes and gaming consoles can be worth a fortune. Here’s a list of items to fatten your wallet.
“New” is a relative term when it comes to tech. One product can remain on the shelves for years while another is replaced annually. The impact this has on your buying decisions can vary. Purchasing last year’s toaster oven may mean missing out on the new air fryer, but it’s not the same as getting an older smart speaker.
Use this site to check your network for unauthorized devices
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You keep your device’s operating systems updated. You’re using internet security software. You’re pretty savvy about not falling for online scams.
Even so, malware and cybercriminals can still get through. Run this free check to see if your router has been hacked by criminals.
Firewall vs. antivirus: What's the difference and do you need both?
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When it comes to protecting yourself online, there’s a lot of confusion. Between VPNs, two-factor authentication, antivirus software and firewalls, there are so many ways to protect yourself that it can be hard to track them all.
Does a VPN slow down your connection? Answers to 6 common VPN questions
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Let’s face it, the internet can be a scary and unpredictable place when it comes to maintaining your privacy and security. You never know who may be keeping virtual tabs on you.
Whether it’s a hacker or scammer out to get your personal info, a government agency or even your creepy neighbor, you need to secure your web browsing.
Tech security tip: How to remove malware from your phone or computer
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Anyone who regularly browses the internet needs antivirus software. Think of it as a life jacket. It’s there to keep you safe in case of an emergency.
And when malware strikes at your defenses, it’s code red. You’re afraid that you’ll lose everything, your emotions are high and you might not be in the right state of mind to find a good solution. That’s why preventative measures make a world of difference.
Google Chrome is safe but here’s how to make it even safer to use
If I were a betting woman, I’d guess you use Google Chrome. It’s far and away the world’s most popular browser. It’s not my pick if you’re looking for the most privacy. Scan my list of browsers ranked by privacy.
A look inside the FBI’s encryption system
Encryption algorithms are used for security purposes in many facets of today’s world. We can use them to keep our messages private, send photos we want to keep discrete and hide our location. But did you know the FBI has its own encryption system that is virtually uncrackable? This complicated algorithm uses a unique system that no one has ever broken.