Ransomware is a type of malware that threatens to destroy or withhold a victim’s critical data unless a ransom is paid to the attacker. Unfortunately, cyberattacks are on the rise as we see 71% year-over-year increase in cyberattacks.

Ransomware attacks are more prevalent than ever, and they’re wreaking havoc across a range of industries, including construction, health care, finance, and more. There were 4,611 cases reported in 2023 — a nearly 73% jump from the 2,662 cases in 2022.

Read on to learn about the most important ransomware statistics that will be vital for security in 2024 and beyond, along with prevention tips and how to ensure your organization is prepared for an attack.

Key Ransomware Attack Trends

As the cyber threat landscape continues to evolve, a few key trends can be seen in the ongoing rise of ransomware attacks.

The Rise of Double Extortion: Attack Methods Are Evolving

In years past, ransomware was mainly accomplished by single extortion, where attackers encrypt an organization’s data and demand a ransom in exchange for a decryption key. Now, ransomware groups are exfiltrating victims’ data to an offsite location before encryption, then threatening to leak or publish the data if a ransom isn’t received. The combined threat of encryption and data exfiltration is a form of double extortion, and threat actors are increasingly leveraging this attack method as it proves to be more profitable.

Ransom Demands Are Increasing

As new approaches to ransomware like double extortion continue to pay off, attackers are demanding higher ransom payouts than ever before.

In 2023 alone, numerous global entities — including victims like BBC and British Airways — reported over 317 million instances of ransomware attempts.

Increase in Ransomware-as-a-Service

While home users were once the main target for ransomware attacks, threat actors today are targeting large enterprise networks with more frequency. As a result, the evolution of ransomware-as-a-service, or RaaS, has gained increasing traction.

RaaS is a type of pay-for-use malware that allows cybercriminals to purchase ransomware tools that have already been developed in order to carry out large-scale ransomware attacks. RaaS is an affiliate program in nature — for every successful ransom payment made, the creators of the tools receive a percentage.

Since RaaS allows cybercriminals with even elementary technical skills to deploy a ransomware attack, the RaaS business model will continue to fuel the threat landscape in 2023.

The Industrial Goods and Services Sector Is the Largest Target

In January 2023, Royal Mail — a British postal and courier company — faced a ransomware attack orchestrated by the LockBit group. The attackers listed the company on their extortion site and set a deadline for payment. The attack, which halted international parcel deliveries, threatened to publish unspecified data if demands were not met. 

Despite assurances from Royal Mail that no sensitive customer information has been compromised, the incident has impacted the company’s share value and operations. While Royal Mail works to restore services, British cyber authorities emphasize the importance of resilience and recovery in combating the increasing threat of ransomware attacks across the U.K.

How Common Were Ransomware Attacks in 2022-2023?

In 2024, 59% of organizations experienced ransomware attacks, showing a slight decline from the 66% reported in each of the preceding two years.

1. In 2023, researchers at SonicWall Capture Labs documented a total of 6.06 billion malware incidents, marking an 11% rise from the previous year. (SonicWall)

2. In 2022, roughly 68% of the worldwide reported cyberattacks were ransomware. (Statista)

3. The FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) recently disclosed a new high of 880,418 internet crime complaints in 2023. Among these, ransomware complaints surged by 18% to reach 2,825 cases. (IC3)

4. There was 27% more ransomware in the second half of 2023 than the first half. (SonicWall)

5. Ransomware attacks in Asia reached an all-time high in 2023, soaring to 17.5 million — a staggering 1,627% jump from 2019. (SonicWall)

6. In 2023, the number of ransomware attempts kept rising, reaching 7.6 trillion, marking a 20% increase compared to the total in 2022. (SonicWall)

7. During the second quarter of 2023, ransomware attacks in global organizations saw 34% of cases leading to a ransom payment, a decrease from 45% in the preceding quarter. (Statista)

8. In 2022, Stop/Djvu ranked as the most frequently encountered ransomware Trojan, representing over 16% of all encounters. (Statista)

9. Twenty-six new ransomware families were discovered in 2022, representing a 66% YoY decrease. (Statista)

10. There were 317.59 million ransomware attacks globally in 2023. (Statista)

11. Between the last two quarters of 2022, there was a surge of over 50% in global ransomware attacks, rising from over 102 million to nearly 155 million cases. (Statista)

12. In 2023, the highest number of attacks occurred in November, totaling 89 incidents, trailed by December and September, each with 70 attacks. (Blackfog)

13. In 2022, businesses employing 100 or more workers faced ransomware attacks at a rate of 56%, down from 70% in the previous year. (Delinea)

Ransomware Cost and Payment Statistics

When it comes to the cost of ransomware, cybercriminals are making and demanding more money than ever before. Take a look at cost and payment trends for ransomware below:

14. A total of 83% of victims responded to ransomware attacks by paying the attackers, either directly, through cyber insurance, or via a negotiator. Among them, over half shelled out a minimum of $100,000. (Splunk)

15. The largest sum paid fell within the range of $25,000 to $99,999, accounting for 44% of payments. (Splunk)

16. In 2023, the average expense of a data breach peaked at a record $4.45 million. (IBM)

17. Half of organizations intend to boost security spending following a breach. (IBM)

18. In 2023, smaller organizations with fewer than 500 employees observed a rise in the average impact of a data breach from $2.92 million to $3.31 million, marking an increase of 13.4%. (IBM)

19. In 2022, there was an 11.22% increase quarter over quarter in the third quarter for ransomware incidents, alongside a significant 95.41% YoY rise in activity on leak sites. (Corvus)

20. In 2023, total ransomware payments exceeded $1 billion. (Ransomware)

21. In the fourth quarter of 2023, the percentage of ransomware victims who paid ransom demands hit an all-time low of 29%. (Ransomware)

22. Thirty-three percent of organizations indicated they would consider paying ransom on a case-by-case basis. (Ransomware)

23. In 2023, only 7% of organizations intended to notably boost their investment in technologies to defend ransomware for the upcoming year. (Ransomware)

24. Thirty-eight percent of organizations plan to maintain their current investment levels for ransomware defense. (Ransomware)

25. In the second quarter of 2023, there was a more than twofold increase in the average ransom paid, rising from around $328,000 in the first quarter of 2023 to over $740,000 in the second quarter of 2023. (Statista)

Attacks by Ransomware Group

Both old and new ransomware groups are wreaking havoc on industries across the globe, but a few stood out from the rest:

26. LockBit emerged as the most prevalent ransomware group in 2023, dominating the landscape with 19.2% of reported attacks. (Blackfog)

27. Following closely behind, BlackCat was responsible for 18.4% of ransomware incidents. (Blackfog)

28. Medusa posed a notable threat, accounting for 5.5% of ransomware attacks in 2023. (Blackfog)

29. Play was responsible for 4.6% of reported ransomware occurrences in 2023. (Blackfog)

30. LockBit and BlackCat together represented a significant portion, amounting to 38% of all reported ransomware attack variants in 2023. (Blackfog)

31. LockBit witnessed a notable increase of 3.5%, while BlackCat experienced a substantial surge of 5.4% in reported attack occurrences. (Blackfog)

Attacks by Industry

No industry is safe from ransomware attacks. Let’s look at how different industries have been impacted between 2022 and 2024. 

Health care

32. In 2024, the health care sector saw a 7% rise in the attack rate over the past year. (Sophos)

33. In 2024, malware targeting health care spiked by 20%. (SonicWall)

34. The health care sector was among five industries showing a rise in attack frequency from 2023 to 2024, climbing from 60% to 67%. (Sophos)

35. In 2023, 39% of health care organizations ended up paying more ransom than what was initially demanded. (Sophos)

36. In 2023, health care was one of the top infrastructure sectors affected by ransomware. (IC3)

Education

37. Education, which encountered the highest amount of malware in 2022, witnessed a 3% decrease in 2023. (SonicWall)

38. Moderate and high-severity ransomware incidents surged by 19% in 2023. (SonicWall)

39. Between 2022 and 2024, the education industry paid a median ransom of $6.6 million. (Sophos)

40. Sixty-seven percent of higher education organizations end up paying more ransom than what was initially demanded in 2023. (Sophos)

Government

41. Thirty-four percent of government organizations reported being hit by a ransomware attack in 2023. (Sophos)

42. In 2023, malware targeting government organizations spiked 38% since 2019. (SonicWall)

43. Moderate and high-severity ransomware incidents surged by 46% in 2023. (SonicWall)

44. In 2024, the central/federal government sector reported a 68% attack rate among all industries. (Sophos)

Other Industries

 45. Out of 1,829 cyber incidents reported by financial institutions globally in 2022, 477 resulted in the exposure of sensitive data. (Statista)

46.  In 2023, 55% of IT organizations were hit with a ransomware attack. (Sophos)

47. Malware attacks on the finance sector doubled in 2023 compared to the previous year. (SonicWall)

Global Ransomware Attacks

Ransomware attacks spiked across the globe. Let’s have a look at some worldwide statistics:

48. France reported the highest rate of ransomware attacks in 2024 at 74%. (Sophos)

49. South Africa followed closely behind with 69%, while Italy reported 68%. (Sophos)

 50. Conversely, the lowest attack rates were reported in Brazil (44%), Japan (51%), and Australia (54%). (Sophos)

51. Overall, nine countries saw a decrease in attack rates compared to 2023. (Sophos)

52. Five European countries, including Austria, France, Germany, Italy, and the U.K. (with Germany’s increase being less than 1%), reported higher attack rates. (Sophos)

Ransomware Predictions and Future Trends

Ransomware is evolving at a rapid pace and will continue to impact all industries in 2024 and beyond. Looking ahead, these statistics shed light on the projections and future trends for ransomware.

53. Sixty percent of organizations, along with investors and venture capitalists, will use cybersecurity risk as a key factor in assessing new business opportunities by 2025. (Gartner)

54. By 2025, 30% of nation states will enact legislation to regulate ransomware payments and negotiations. (Gartner)

55. Forty percent of boards of directors will have a cybersecurity committee by 2025 as stricter cybersecurity measures become a top priority. (Gartner)

56. Seventy percent of CEOs will invest in an organizational culture of cyber resilience by 2025. (Gartner)

57. IoT devices are predicted to be increasingly used by attackers to carry out ransomware attacks in 2023 and beyond. (RSA Security via Security Boulevard)

58. Yearly revenue for the corporate web security industry has increased annually since 2016 and is expected to reach nearly $8 billion by 2025. (Statista)

How to Prevent a Ransomware Attack

Defending against ransomware attacks is similar to protecting against other types of cyberattacks. The main difference is that ransomware represents a far higher risk to organizations, so taking the proper precautions should be front of mind in securing your organization’s data and assets.

Invest in Employee Education

Cybersecurity is ultimately a human problem, and fostering internal awareness of how to identify a potential ransomware attack is a critical first line of defense for organizations. A threat can’t be avoided if it can’t be recognized, and educating your teams on how to identify potential cyber threats can significantly reduce the chances of an attack. Investing in ongoing cybersecurity training should be a priority for organizations that want to become more cyber resilient.

Implement Endpoint Protections

One of the most effective protections against ransomware and other types of malware is endpoint security, which involves securing endpoints and entry points for all enterprise devices within your organization. Protections like URL filtering and anti-phishing solutions can drastically reduce the chances of infection from common ransomware variants, and they should be deployed on all devices for all users within the organization.

Use a Strong Password Manager

Password security is essential to protecting your organization’s data, but many companies fail to implement proper password use and management across their teams. This simple line of defense can drastically reduce the chances of a ransomware attack or any other cyberattack, and organizations that prioritize a strong password management system will be more successful in preventing an attack.

Keep Reliable Offsite Backups

Organizations should ensure they regularly back up their data and that they have a recovery process in place. Since ransomware attackers often target on-site backups for encryption, ensuring all backups are maintained in a secure offline location is crucial.

Ransomware isn’t anything new, but the last year has revealed its establishment as a highly effective and lucrative attack method for criminals to exploit. Hopefully, the explosive increase and evolution of ransomware in recent years will serve to disrupt the widespread indifference to security issues historically seen across organizations of all industries.

Organizations who prioritize properly securing their data will be more successful in defending against an attack in 2023 and beyond. Something as simple as implementing an endpoint security solution across all enterprise devices will equip you to protect, detect and respond to cyberattacks as the threat landscape continues to evolve.

The global landscape of ransomware attacks continues to evolve, with certain regions experiencing heightened vulnerabilities and others demonstrating resilience. It’s imperative for organizations to stay vigilant and prioritize robust cybersecurity measures to safeguard against these threats.

To ensure comprehensive protection for your devices, explore Panda Dome antivirus plans designed to provide peace of mind in an increasingly digital world.

The post 58 Ransomware Statistics Vital for Security in 2024 appeared first on Panda Security Mediacenter.

Have you ever wondered about those quirky network names like “Blues Clues,” “Claire’s Router,” or “SETUP-6555” that pop up when you’re searching for Wi-Fi connections? Well, those are the SSIDs, or service set identifiers, of nearby networks. The SSID meaning is simple — they’re like digital name tags for Wi-Fi networks, making it easier for users to identify and connect to their network amidst a sea of options.

In this guide, we’ll demystify the concept of SSID, show you how to locate it on your device and walk you through the process of changing its name. Plus, we’ll discuss premium services that can offer added protection to your network. Let’s dive in.

What Is an SSID?

An SSID stands for service set identifier, which is the name of your wireless router network. An SSID may also be referred to as a network ID, which you select when connecting to your network.

Most network devices are assigned a default SSID that can be edited or changed, and it’s recommended that you also create an SSID Wi-Fi password — sometimes referred to as a WPA2 key — to protect your network and connected devices.

SSIDs are composed of text up to 32 bytes long, and they are case-sensitive. This ID is broadcast to nearby devices, allowing them to connect with and use your wireless network.

What Is SSID Used For?

SSIDs broadcast themselves to surrounding devices, allowing those devices access to wireless networks. SSIDs are used to differentiate networks from one another, making it easier to find and connect to particular networks.

How to Find Your Wi-Fi SSID

If your network still uses its default SSID, it is most likely located on a sticker attached to the router itself. If you’ve changed your SSID, you will need to locate it elsewhere. 

Here is how to find the SSID of your Wi-Fi on different operating systems.

What Is It Used For?

SSIDs broadcast themselves to surrounding devices, allowing those devices access to wireless networks. SSIDs are used to differentiate networks from one another, making it easier to find and connect to particular networks.

How to Find Your SSID

If your network is still using its default SSID, it is most likely located on a sticker attached to the router itself. If you’ve changed your SSID, you will need to locate it elsewhere. 

With your Wi-Fi on, you can find your SSID on different operating systems.

On Windows:

1. Click on the Wi-Fi icon in the bottom right corner of your device.

2. Your connected SSID will appear under the Wi-Fi symbol in the top left corner.

On MacOS:

1. Select the Wi-Fi icon in the top right corner of your device.

2. Your connected SSID will have a checkmark next to it.

On Android:

1. Navigate to Settings.

2. Select Connections.

3. Your connected SSID will be shown below “Wi-Fi”.

On iOS:

1. Navigate to Settings.

2. Select Wi-Fi.

3. Your connected SSID will have a checkmark next to it.

What Happens When There Are Identical SSIDs?

Because SSIDs are frequently assigned to devices, it’s possible that identical SSIDs exist. If two identical SSIDs have the same security settings, your device will do one of these things:

• Connect to the SSID it recognizes first
• Connect to the SSID with the strongest signal
• Connect to the network most recently joined
• Connect to the device’s preferred ID

To prevent confusion between identical SSIDs and make connecting to the correct network easier, change your SSID to a unique moniker when you first set up your device.

How to Choose an SSID Name

Choosing a good name for your SSID is essential for creating a personalized and easily recognizable Wi-Fi network. Here are a few simple tips to keep in mind when selecting your SSID:

• Be unique: Avoid using generic names like “Home Network” or “Wireless.” Instead, opt for something distinct that reflects your personality or location, making it easier for you and your guests to identify your network among others.
• Keep it simple: Choose a name that is easy to spell and remember. Complicated or lengthy names can be cumbersome to enter manually on devices and may lead to connection errors.
• Avoid sensitive information: Do not include personal information such as your name, address or phone number in your SSID. This helps protect your privacy and reduces the risk of targeted attacks.

Naming your SSID adds a layer of security by making it easier for you to distinguish your network from others, reducing the risk of accidentally connecting to an unsecured or unfamiliar network. 

How to Change Your SSID Name 

While it may be easier to keep your network’s default SSID, consider changing it in order to:

• Remove identical names: Identical SSIDs can cause confusion. Changing an SSID to a unique name can make networks easier to locate.

• Increase security: Evil twin attacks occur when hackers masquerade malicious network access points as identifiable default SSIDs. To avoid falling victim to a cyberattack, change your SSID.
• Limit discoverability: Your network SSID can be unique to you, so changing it can limit who discovers and uses your wireless network, including guests.
  

To change your SSID, follow these seven steps:

1. Use a device to connect to your router.
2. Find the IP address for your router.
3. Enter the IP address into a browser.
4. Use your account credentials to log in. You can find them under or on the side of your router.
5. Navigate to the wireless local area network (WLAN) settings.
6. Change the name of your SSID in its corresponding field.
7. Save and exit.

After you have changed the name of your SSID, it should repopulate automatically on your device’s list of network names.

Secure your SSID Network

Hiding your SSID from the public is a great way to secure it against unwanted access or detection by unauthorized users. 

Here is how to hide your SSID network:

When changing your SSID, look for a checkbox labeled “hide SSID” or “broadcast SSID” and simply select whether you want it hidden or broadcasted.

But does it matter or make sense to hide your SSID? A hidden SSID is usually less susceptible to attacks — including brute force attacks — but an SSID is never completely safe from cybercriminals. 

Hackers have tools that can help them discover hidden SSIDs. Hiding your SSID is not enough to keep your network safe, but it can act as an additional layer of protection.

7 SSID Security Tips

Even if you choose to hide your SSID, follow these seven SSID security tips to keep your wireless network protected:

• Use a VPN: A VPN can hide your IP address and encrypt information sent across your network. 
• Set complex passwords: Complex passwords can protect your network better than default passwords or open access points.
• Enable security encryption: Encryption can hide and protect your activity from hackers and other cybercriminals. 
• Create unique router credentials: Similar to default SSID passwords, routers come equipped with default credentials. These can be easily guessed or obtained, so changing them can improve security for your wireless network.
• Download updates: Software and firmware updates provide additional protection against new security threats.
• Utilize your firewall: If available, enabling a firewall on your router, device or both can protect against and stop suspicious activity.
• Set up guest Wi-Fi: A secondary network for guests can help keep your primary wireless network secure and protected.

At Panda Security, we know your network is important, and more than 30 million customers trust us to keep their activity safe and protected. Check out our security products and plans designed to help keep your digital life secure.

 SSID FAQ

Let’s dive into some common Wi-Fi questions to make things clearer.

 How Do I Find My SSID?

Here is how you can find your SSID on various devices:

• On a Windows computer: Go to the Network and Sharing Center, then click on your Wi-Fi connection to view the SSID.
• On a Mac: Click the Wi-Fi icon in the menu bar (upper right corner) and view the connected network; the network you’re connected to is your SSID.
• On a mobile device: Navigate to the Wi-Fi settings, and your SSID should be listed under the network you’re currently connected to.

Is SSID the Same as a Wi-Fi Address?

No, SSID is not the same as a Wi-Fi address. SSID is the name of your Wi-Fi network, while the Wi-Fi address, also known as the MAC address, is a unique identifier assigned to your device’s network interface.

What Is an Example of an SSID?

Examples of SSIDs could be “HomeNetwork,” “CoffeeShopWiFi,” or “FamilyWiFi.” These names help users identify and connect to specific Wi-Fi networks.

The post SSID Meaning: What Is an SSID and How Can You Find Yours? appeared first on Panda Security Mediacenter.

You may think that when you delete your files and move them into the trash, they’re gone forever. Well, this isn’t the case. In reality, these files are simply redistributed throughout the hard drive. So if you’re trying to learn how to wipe a hard drive, you’ll need to erase all data of those once-existing files.

Your hard drive may store financial documents, personal information and anything else that once called your computer home. Typically those interested in erasing all traces of former files are getting ready to sell a computer, discarding damaged drives, upgrading or wanting a clean slate.

When selling, trading or recycling your device, it’s important to clean the PC so that whoever gets hold of your former device can’t leak or steal any personal information. If you’re interested in protecting yourself from malware, identity theft and other risks, read on to learn how to wipe a hard drive.

• How to Wipe a Hard Drive on Windows 10
• How to Wipe a Hard Drive on Windows 11
• How to Wipe Your Hard Drive Using Third-Party Apps 
• How to Wipe a Hard Drive on a Mac (For All MacOS Versions)
• How to Wipe Devices With a Solid-State Drive (SSD)
• Hard Drive FAQ

How to Wipe a Hard Drive on Windows 10

If you own a Windows 10 computer, there is a simple way to erase your hard drive. No need for a rare-earth magnet or screwdriver — this process involves multiple steps that can all be carried out from the settings application. Follow these step-by-step instructions for your Windows 10. 

1. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery.

2. Click the Get started button under the “Reset this PC” section.

3. When prompted, choose Remove everything.

4. Next, choose the Local reinstall option to reinstall Windows on your computer.

5. At the Additional settings window, click Change Settings.

6. Turn on the switch next to Clean data.

7. Click Confirm and then click Next.

8. Click Reset to start the process.

How to Wipe a Hard Drive on Windows 11

Wiping a Windows 11 hard drive is similar to Windows 10 but with some tweaks. Here’s how to do it:

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Go to System > Recovery.
3. Click Reset PC.
4. Select Remove everything.
5. Choose Local reinstall to reinstall Windows on your device.
6. If local reinstall doesn’t work, select Cloud download.
7. In the Additional settings window, click Change settings.
8. Enable the switch for Clean data and click Confirm.
9. Click Next.
10. Click Reset to start the process.

Your drive will be wiped and Windows will be reinstalled.

How to Wipe Your Hard Drive Using Third-Party Apps 

You can permanently erase data on your hard drive with the help of professional programs. Although the chances of retrieving erased data is slim with these applications, the good news is that no one else can recover your deleted files.

The majority of these data-destruction tools replace deleted files with zeros and other confusing information. Software for data recovery is unable to recover the files as a result.

• CCleaner includes a “Drive Wiper” tool that securely erases data on entire drives or free space, using multiple passes to ensure the data is irrecoverable.
• Eraser allows you to schedule data destruction tasks to securely erase files, folders or entire drives, employing advanced algorithms to overwrite data multiple times.
• BleachBit cleans unneeded files and securely wipes free disk space to prevent data recovery. It’s straightforward and supports a wide range of data shredding options.
• Disk Wipe securely erases the entire content of a drive using advanced algorithms, ensuring the data cannot be recovered.

Panda Cleanup frees up space on the hard drive with an easy-to-understand program designed specifically for this purpose. It can free up space on a hard drive, monitor cookies and more.

If you’re worried that a program may have left files on the hard drive or you just want a safer guarantee, you can manually wipe your hard drive yourself. 

Rare-Earth Magnet Method

One option that will destroy your hard drive is to use a rare-earth magnet. A rare-earth magnet is very strong, so a standard refrigerator magnet won’t do in this scenario. Here’s how to use it:

• Remove the hard drive from your computer.

• Place the magnet on one side of the hard drive and let it sit for two to three minutes.

• Rub the magnet in circular motions for about one minute.
• Repeat on the other side of the hard drive.

This should cause irreversible damage to your hard drive, but use this method with caution, as inappropriate use could result in bodily harm. 

Screwdriver Disassembly Method

You can also use a screwdriver to physically disassemble your drive from your computer. You can harm it using this technique in such a way that any data can only be recovered by a skilled hacker.

• Flip the hard drive over so you can see the main circuit board.

• Remove the four Torx screws on the circuit board using a Torx screwdriver.

• Take the board out, split it in half and throw it away.

By using this technique, you can recycle the hard drive with confidence that no one will be able to read its contents by simply connecting the drive to another PC.

How to Wipe a Hard Drive on a Mac (For All MacOS Versions)

Not all devices function the same way. Therefore, if you own a Mac computer, follow the instructions below for wiping your hard drive clean. 

1. Restart your Mac and immediately hold down Command (⌘) + R keys after the startup chime to boot into Recovery mode.
2. In the macOS Utilities window, select Disk Utility and click Continue.
3. Choose your hard drive from the sidebar (typically named Macintosh HD).
4. Click Erase, then select a format 
5. Optionally, click Security Options for a more secure erase (multiple overwrites).
6. Click Erase again to confirm and start the wiping process. 

How to Wipe Devices With a Solid-State Drive (SSD)

To ensure thorough wiping of your SSD, encryption is the initial step.

Here’s how to ensure secure encryption and permanent wiping of a Mac SSD hard drive:

1. Navigate to the Apple logo at the top left corner of your screen and choose System Settings. Proceed to Privacy & Security and opt for FileVault from the bottom section of the window.
2. Activate FileVault to initiate encryption of your hard drive. A password will be provided; note it down for future reference. The encryption process typically requires several hours to complete.
3. Once encryption concludes, restart your Mac by holding the Command (⌘) + R keys.
4. Opt for Disk Utility from the Utilities window.
5. Locate the SSD hard drive from the sidebar. Due to the encryption applied, select Unlock from the File menu and enter the password provided in step 2.
6. Click Erase (located in the toolbar at the top of the window). In the subsequent pop-up window, verify that the drive’s name is Macintosh HD (or its renamed equivalent) and opt for APFS from the Format dropdown menu. Proceed by clicking Erase once more.
7. If prompted, enter your Apple ID in a pop-up window to authenticate the action.

After completing these steps, all remaining data on your hard drive should be permanently encrypted, allowing you to safely donate or sell your device.

Whether you’re getting ready to sell or trade in your computer, wiping your hard drive is key to protecting your personal information. To make the process simple and easy, seek help from cybersecurity experts at Panda Security who can help you wipe your hard drive from the comfort of your home.

Hard Drive FAQ

How Do I Back Up My Hard Drive?

Often, backing up your data is as simple as connecting your storage device to your computer and transferring files to it. You can use thumb drives or USB flash drives to back up your data. But keep in mind that these are smaller storage devices, so you might not be able to save all the information you need. 

A better choice might be external hard drives, which can provide more storage. Or you can move your data to a different computer. Cloud backups are another practical choice and are often safe.

When Should You Wipe a Hard Drive?

Consider wiping your hard drive in several situations:

• Before selling or donating your computer: Ensure your personal data, including files, passwords and accounts, are completely erased to protect your privacy.
• When upgrading your computer: Clear out old system configurations and files that might conflict with new hardware or software installations, ensuring a clean slate for optimal performance.
• After recovering from malware or virus attacks: Remove any remnants of malware or viruses that traditional antivirus software might miss, preventing future infections and restoring system integrity.
• When decommissioning old hardware: Erase sensitive business data to comply with data protection regulations and prevent unauthorized access after the hardware is retired or repurposed.

The post How to Wipe a Hard Drive: Windows + Mac appeared first on Panda Security Mediacenter.

Finding out that your computer or laptop is infected with a virus is a scary feeling. You may have important files on the hard drive, irreplaceable photos or an in-progress project that you forgot to save. Viruses, many caused by malware, can significantly impact your device’s performance and even threaten the safety of your personal information and data.

While antivirus software adds additional protection to your devices, you still need to be aware of viruses and their removal processes. Viruses are not a one-size-fits-all type of issue, and each can affect the performance of a phone or computer in a variety of ways.

If you think your device is infected, our guide can help you figure out how to get rid of a virus and restore your device’s productivity. 

• What Is a Computer Virus?
• How to Get Rid of a Virus on Your Windows Computer
• How to Get Rid of a Virus on a Mac
• How Does Your Computer Get Infected With a Virus?
• Signs of a Computer Virus
• 6 Tips to Prepare for Virus Removal

What Is a Computer Virus?

A virus is usually a piece of tampered code that changes how a device functions and operates. Viruses can be passed from device to device through infected attachments or links, and they usually attach to and hide behind previously installed programs. Some viruses are referred to as worms, and these infections can spread to other devices without human interaction. 

Many malware viruses use social engineering to attract and trap users, while others disguise themselves as helpful programs before penetrating an entire system — take, for instance, the heuristic virus.

Other types of viruses are common, including:

• File-infecting viruses
• Macro viruses
• Overwrite viruses
• Polymorphic viruses
• Resident viruses

…and more.

How to Get Rid of a Virus on Your Windows Computer

If you believe your computer may be compromised by a virus, your next step is computer virus removal. You will need to use Windows Security to remove the intruder.

1. Open Windows Security. This can be accessed from the settings menu.
2. In the left panel, select Virus & threat protection.
3. Select Scan options.
4. Choose Microsoft Defender Antivirus and then select Scan now. Your computer will restart and reboot in a safer, offline mode. After your PC restarts, navigate back to Virus & threat protection.
5. Reveal the findings from the virus scan by selecting Scan now under Virus & threat protection in the middle panel. You can also access this history from Protection history on the right-hand sidebar. Then, restart your computer in Safe Mode.
6. Navigate to System in the settings menu and select Storage.
7. Click the Temporary files bar.
8. Choose to Delete all temporary files.
9. Hit Remove files. In regular mode, restart your computer.

After you have run a virus scan and deleted all temporary files, you can download and extract Autoruns. This Microsoft tool identifies malicious programs that should be deleted from your computer.

While most Windows systems have antivirus and antimalware software already installed, you may want to investigate your device’s protections and consider installing an antivirus system to help protect your device in the future.

How to Get Rid of a Virus on a Mac

While many people believe they cannot get viruses on Macs, these devices can also be infected. There are a variety of viruses posing as Mac antiviruses — including MacDefender and MacSecurity — that are malicious and dangerous. If your Mac has been infected, here is how to clean malware on your Mac.

1. Navigate to the Applications Folder in Finder.
2. Move any offending applications to Trash. After moving applications to trash, navigate back to Finder.
3. Select Go in the top menu and then Go to Folder in the dropdown.
4. Enter “/Library” in the search field and click Go. Drag any related or suspicious folders to the Trash.
5. 5. Empty the Trash.
6. Next, you’ll open the Launchpad by clicking on the icon with multiple colorful tiny square icons in the bottom toolbar.
7. In the search field, type Activity Monitor and launch the program.
8. Go to the CPU tab to view all running processes. Keep an eye out for any unfamiliar or suspicious process names by clicking the X in the top left corner. 

9. If you identify a process that seems like malware, select it, then click the gray X in the top left corner of the Activity Monitor. Click Force Quit to terminate the process.

These are just a few simple ways to delete viruses from a computer without antivirus. If your computer has a virus that originated from a browser extension, you will need to delete these as well.

Removing Extensions on Safari:

1. Open Safari and select Preferences from the top dropdown menu.
2. Click Extensions. Here is where you will uninstall suspicious extensions. These could have been added by you or a piece of malware.

Removing Extensions on Chrome:

1. Open Chrome and navigate to the three dots in the upper right-hand corner.
2. Select More Tools and then Extensions.
3. In the new screen, you can click Remove on any suspicious extensions.

In order to prevent a virus, be sure to download a secure Mac antivirus system on your computer. Additionally, it’s important to update your software as often as you can and back up your data regularly to ensure you will not lose previous files if ever infected with a virus. 

How Does Your Computer Get Infected With a Virus?

Viruses are a common threat to computer systems, capable of causing significant damage to data, software and even hardware. Understanding how these harmful programs gain access to your computer is crucial for maintaining a secure system. 

Here are some of the most common ways a computer can get infected with a virus:

• Email attachments: Opening email attachments from unknown or suspicious sources can lead to infection. Malicious attachments can contain viruses or other types of malware designed to compromise your system as a part of phishing scams.
• Infected downloads: Downloading files or software from untrustworthy websites can be risky. Hackers often hide viruses within seemingly harmless downloads like freeware, shareware or cracked software.
• Compromised websites: Visiting malicious or compromised websites can lead to automatic downloads of harmful software. These sites often use scripts or pop-ups to infiltrate your computer without your knowledge.
• Vulnerabilities in software: Operating outdated systems can have security flaws that allow viruses to enter. Hackers exploit these vulnerabilities to inject malicious code into your system.
• Removable media: Inserting infected USB drives or other removable media into your computer can introduce viruses. These devices may carry malware from other systems they’ve been connected to.

Signs of a Computer Virus

Before you begin the virus removal process, double-check that your device’s symptoms are characteristic of viruses. A few telltale signs that your computer or phone may be infected are:

• Pop-up messages are appearing. If pop-up messages appear every time you use your device or they are hard to close out of, you may have a virus. Never click on a suspicious pop-up if you think your device may have a virus, even if it’s a virus warning.
• Your device is running slowly. Make sure all of your applications and systems are up to date. If you are unable to increase its speed, it may be experiencing the side effects of a virus that is hijacking your device.
• Your hard drive is making noise. If your hard disk is making continuous noises or spins with minimal to no computer activity, your device could have a virus.
• Programs are continually crashing. If programs are starting and closing automatically, or your system randomly shuts down or freezes, your device could be infected by a virus.
• You have missing files. If you are missing files that you know were not deleted, this may be due to malware. Some malware deletes, moves or encrypts files so you cannot open them.
• High network activity. If your Wi-Fi or internet activity is active even when you are not using it, a virus could be infiltrating your internet to send and steal information.
• Your device overheats. If your device has a virus, it is most likely working overtime to keep things running smoothly. This can cause overheating in phones and computers. Keep an eye on your CPU temps and how hard your device’s fans are working.
• Warnings are being released by your antivirus software. If you have antivirus software installed, don’t ignore its warnings. This could be a sign that your device is compromised.

6 Tips to Prepare for Virus Removal

Even after you’ve detected a virus, there’s preparation to be done before jumping into virus removal. To ensure that all internal and external files have been cleaned, it’s important to keep every possible removal method accounted for and prepare your devices to get rid of a virus.

1. Scan personal data: Before beginning the virus removal process, scan all your personal data for viruses. This will ensure that viruses aren’t accidentally reinstalled after the removal process. Scanning tools like the Panda Cloud Cleaner can help disinfect your PC quickly.
2. Reboot Safe Mode: A virus can only access your device when it’s running. When placed in Safe Mode, your device will only load the essential files, which can stop all viruses from starting.
3. Use a rescue USB drive or rescue disk: A rescue USB drive allows you to scan a device without starting it. This helps keep viruses contained and provides you with an additional safe space to scan for viruses. 
4. Don’t forget manual removal: You may need to view and delete program files manually to get rid of a virus. If you feel comfortable, download Autorun, which allows you to see exactly what it is that is operating on your computer and how to get rid of it. This type of virus removal can be overwhelming, so be sure you’re prepared to determine the legitimacy of your programs before beginning.
5. Employ clean install: If all else fails, it’s possible to resort to a clean install. A clean install deletes everything on your hard drive, but it also almost always guarantees the removal of viruses and malware. You will have to reinstall all programs, but it can save your computer from further infiltration and destruction due to viruses
6. Install antivirus software: Make sure to install an antivirus system that also protects against ransomware, as programs with both can detect things an antivirus program alone does not recognize.

While viruses can be scary, they can also be removed. Cleaning up your device may take some time, but Panda Security offers users a variety of tools to help simplify the process and get your personal devices running again.

The post How to Get Rid of a Computer Virus [Mac and PC] appeared first on Panda Security Mediacenter.

Standing up to bullies was once a brave act that defied social norms. Today, the landscape is not so clear-cut. Enter: cyberbullying. Adolescents are forced to endure online harassment from peers at any given hour of the day — often without even knowing the identity of the bully. The prevalence of digital devices has created a pressing health problem for the world’s youth that’s not limited to school grounds.

In this post, we shed light on 15 of the most alarming cyberbullying statistics that show how dangerous online harassment can be. They cover the root causes and effects of online bullying, where cyberbullying is most prevalent and, most importantly, how to detect online bullying and what to do about it.

Table of Contents:

• What Is Cyberbullying?
• General Cyberbullying Statistics
• Cyberbullying in School Statistics
• Adult Cyberbullying Statistics
• How to Recognize and Prevent Online Harassment
• Cyberbullying FAQ

What Is Cyberbullying?

Cyberbullying is the use of electronic communication to bully a person, typically by sending intimidating or threatening messages. It can happen through social media, text messages, online chats and websites. 

Here are some of the common examples of cyberbullying:

• Sharing embarrassing photos or videos of someone online without their permission
• Sending mean or threatening messages
• Spreading rumors about someone online
• Excluding someone from online groups

General Cyberbullying Statistics

Cyberbullying is a significant issue affecting children, adolescents and adults. It’s prevalent across various online platforms and can target individuals based on their physical appearance, personality, gender, race or ethnicity.

1. Forty-six percent of U.S. teens report experiencing some form of cyberbullying (Pew Research Center)

2. More than half (54%) of adolescent girls have experienced cyberbullying in their lifetimes. (Pew Research Center)

3. Fifty-eight percent of netizens say that hate speech is most widespread on Facebook. (Ipsos)

4. Forty-nine percent of 15-to-17-year-olds have experienced online harassment. (Pew Research Center)

5. About 1 in 5 cyberbullied teens say they were targeted because of their gender (22%) or racial/ethnic background (20%). (Pew Research Center)

6. Sixty-seven percent of internet users have encountered hate speech online, including 74% of those under 35. (Ipsos)

Cyberbullying in School Statistics

Cyberbullying within schools is a widespread concern, impacting students’ well-being and academic performance. Monitoring social media activity and implementing comprehensive prevention strategies are essential in addressing this issue.

7. Thirty percent of teenagers believe that school districts monitoring students’ social media activity for bullying or harassment would be highly beneficial. (Pew Research Center)

8. About 27% of students said they had been cyberbullied in the most recent 30 days. (Cyberbullying Research Center)

9. Fifty-five percent of students reported experiencing cyberbullying at some point in their lives. (Cyberbullying Research Center)

10. When asked about cyberbullying in the past 30 days, students most commonly reported mean or hurtful comments online (30.4%), exclusion from group chats (28.9%), rumors spread online (28.4%) and online embarrassment or humiliation (26.9%). (Cyberbullying Research Center)

11. In a 2023 survey, 24.2% of boys and 28.6% of girls reported being cyberbullied within the last 30 days. (Cyberbullying Research Center)

12. More than 60% of students who encountered cyberbullying reported that it significantly impacted their learning and sense of safety at school. (Cyberbullying Research Center)

13. Ten percent of students admitted to skipping school at least once in the past year due to cyberbullying. (Cyberbullying Research Center)

Adult Cyberbullying Statistics

Cyberbullying isn’t limited to young people; adults also experience its harmful effects. It can lead to mental health issues such as depression and even suicide. Implementing effective prevention measures and promoting digital citizenship are crucial in combating cyberbullying across all age groups.

14. About 16.62% of males and 32.95% of females experienced depressive symptoms due to cyberbullying. (BMC Psychiatry)

15. About 7.54% of females and 2.3% of males seriously considered attempting suicide due to cyberbullying. (BMC Psychiatry)

How to Recognize and Prevent Online Bullying

It’s important to be aware of the types of cyberbullying to combat becoming one of the cybersecurity statistics. If you suspect your child is engaged in one or more of the following behaviors, it’s time to take action and protect your child from cyberbullying.

• Flaming: Online arguments that take place within DMs and messaging apps, oftentimes with vulgar behavior to provoke another person
• Harassment: Sending offensive messages repeatedly, including verbal abuse and unsolicited sexual content
• Denigration: Distributing derogatory or false information about someone to damage their reputation
• Cyberstalking: Repeatedly sending threatening messages in an attempt to intimidate someone; in some cases, this behavior is illegal
• Masquerade: Creating a fake account pretending to be someone else, sometimes even stealing credentials and posting embarrassing or vicious content
• Trolling: Baiting other users to fight online

Notable warning signs of cyberbullying can include withdrawing from social activities, avoiding school, dropping grades or appearing anxious or sad after going online. In some cases, cyberbullying is illegal. In less severe cases, blocking the perpetrator and contacting a school administrator is the best course of action. Be proactive as a parent — keep parental controls on and set a media agreement with your children.

Additional Resources

These cyberbullying prevention resources have additional information for suicide prevention, healthy technology habits and articles with practical parental advice.

• National Crime Prevention Council
• StopBullying.gov
• Technology and Youth: Protecting Your Child From Electronic Aggression
• Stomp Out Bullying

Online bullying is a problem that will persist as technological advances continue. Be aware of your children’s internet use and download proper parental controls to handle and prevent cyberbullying effectively. 

Cyberbullying FAQ

How Many Kids Get Cyberbullied Each Year?

In 2023, the Cyberbullying Research Center found that 55% of students between the ages of 13 and 17 have experienced cyberbullying in their lifetime.

Which Country Has the Highest Rate of Cyberbullying?

A  survey found that about 28% of children worldwide have faced racially motivated cyberbullying, as reported by their parents, with the highest rates in India and the U.S.

What Age Group Has the Highest Rate of Cyberbullying?

The age group with the highest rate of cyberbullying tends to be adolescents and young adults, typically between 12 to 17 years old.

Which Social Media Platform Has the Highest Rate of Cyberbullying?

The most common special media platforms for cyberbullying are Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat.

The post 15 Alarming Cyberbullying Statistics and Facts for 2024 appeared first on Panda Security Mediacenter.

In this seemingly harmless setting, hackers can intercept your data as it travels between your device and the internet, potentially accessing your sensitive information like login credentials without your knowledge. 

Understanding MITM attacks is crucial for safeguarding yourself online, as it empowers you to recognize and mitigate these threats, ensuring your privacy and security in an increasingly connected world.

• What Is a Man-in-the-Middle (MITM) Attack?
• How Does a MITM Attack Work?
• Real-World Example
• Types of MITM Attacks
• How to Detect a Man-in-the-Middle Attack
• Man-in-the-Middle Attack Prevention

What Is a Man-in-the-Middle (MITM) Attack?

A MITM attack is a type of cyberattack where attackers intercept an existing conversation or data transfer, either by eavesdropping or by pretending to be a legitimate participant. To the victim, it will appear as though a standard exchange of information is underway — but by inserting themselves into the “middle” of the conversation or data transfer, the attacker can quietly hijack information.

The goal of a MITM spoofing attack is to retrieve confidential data such as bank account details, credit card numbers or login credentials, which may be used to carry out further crimes like identity theft or illegal fund transfers. Because MITM attacks are carried out in real time, they often go undetected until it’s too late. 

How Does a MITM Attack Work?

Here’s a simplified breakdown of how a MITM attack works in three steps:

1. Interception: The attacker sets up a fake Wi-Fi hotspot in a public space, often without requiring a password. When a victim connects to this hotspot, the attacker can intercept any online data exchanges, such as emails and website logins.
2. Positioning between victim and destination: The attacker uses techniques like IP spoofing, where they alter IP packets to impersonate the victim’s computer system and redirect the victim to the attacker’s website.
3. Decryption: Through techniques like HTTPS spoofing, SSL hijacking and SSL stripping, the hacker decrypts the intercepted data, making the victim’s activity visible to the attacker.

Real-World Example

The Lapsus$ targeting Office 365 incident in 2022 highlights how attackers can combine MITM techniques with social engineering. By spoofing the Office 365 login page, Lapsus$ group stole user credentials and bypassed multi-factor authentication (MFA) to access email accounts.

Types of MITM Attacks

Hackers use various techniques to carry out man-in-the-middle attacks, aiming to intercept and manipulate communication between two parties. Here are some common types of MITM attacks:

ARP Spoofing

ARP spoofing is a technique used by attackers to intercept and manipulate data packets in a network. By sending falsified Address Resolution Protocol (ARP) messages, the attacker links their own MAC address to the IP address of the victim’s device, tricking the network into sending data packets to the attacker instead of the intended recipient. This allows the attacker to eavesdrop on communication, modify data or launch further attacks on the network.

DNS Spoofing 

DNS spoofing, or DNS cache poisoning, is a type of man-in-the-middle attack where an attacker alters the information in a Domain Name System (DNS) server to redirect users to malicious websites. By tampering with the DNS records, the attacker can deceive users into visiting fake websites that closely resemble legitimate ones. 

SSL Stripping

SSL stripping is a technique attackers use in MITM attacks to downgrade a victim’s secure HTTPS connection to an unsecure HTTP connection. 

By intercepting the communication between the victim and the website, the attacker removes the encryption layer (SSL/TLS) from the connection. This makes the victim’s activity visible to the attacker in plain, unencrypted text, allowing them to capture sensitive information such as login credentials, financial details and personal data exchanged between the victim and the website.

IP Spoofing

IP spoofing is a technique in which attackers manipulate IP packets to impersonate the victim’s computer system, redirecting them to malicious websites. 

By altering the source IP address in the packets, attackers make it appear as if the data is coming from a trusted source, fooling systems into accepting and processing it. This allows attackers to intercept and manipulate communication between the victim and the intended destination, leading to potential data theft or unauthorized access.

Email Hijacking

Email hijacking occurs when an attacker gains unauthorized access to someone’s email account, often through phishing or malware, and takes control of it without the owner’s knowledge. Once hijacked, the attacker can read, send, and delete emails, as well as access any linked accounts or sensitive information contained within emails. Email hijacking can lead to privacy breaches, financial fraud and even identity theft.

Stealing Browser Cookies

Stealing browser cookies involves attackers intercepting and obtaining the cookies stored on a victim’s web browser without their knowledge. 

These cookies contain information such as login credentials, session tokens and browsing history, which the attacker can exploit to gain unauthorized access to the victim’s accounts, track their online activities or impersonate them on websites. 

Session Hijacking

Session hijacking is a type of cyberattack where an attacker intercepts and takes over an ongoing session between a user and a website or service. 

This typically occurs by stealing the session ID or token used to authenticate the user’s session, allowing the attacker to impersonate the user and gain unauthorized access to their account or data. Once hijacked, the attacker can perform actions on behalf of the user, such as making transactions, sending messages or accessing sensitive information.

How to Detect a MITM Attack: 5 Signs

Detecting a MITM attack can be challenging, but there are several signs to watch for:

1. Unexpected HTTPS warnings: If your browser shows warnings about invalid or suspicious HTTPS certificates, it could be a sign that someone is trying to intercept your connection.
2. Unusual network activity: An unexpected spike in network activity, slow internet speed or frequent disconnections can indicate a possible MITM attack.
3. Strange URLs or website behavior: If you notice odd URLs in the address bar, unusual redirects or websites that look slightly different than usual, it could be a sign that traffic is being manipulated.
4. Repeated login prompts: Being repeatedly asked to log in to websites, especially those that normally keep you logged in, can indicate that someone is trying to capture your login credentials.
5. Unrecognized devices on your network: Finding unknown devices connected to your network can be a sign that an unauthorized user has accessed your network, potentially facilitating a MITM attack.

If you’re not actively searching for signs that your online communications have been intercepted or compromised, detecting a man-in-the-middle attack can be difficult. While it’s easy for them to go unnoticed, there are certain things you should pay attention to when you’re browsing the web — mainly the URL in your address bar. 

Here is how you can check if the website is secure:

• The sign of a secure website is denoted by “HTTPS” in a site’s URL. 
• If a URL is missing the “S” and reads as “HTTP,” it’s an immediate red flag that your connection is not secure. 
• You should also look for an SSL lock icon to the left of the URL, which denotes a secure website. 

Man-in-the-Middle Attack Prevention

While being aware of how to detect a potential MITM attack is important, the best way to protect against them is by preventing them in the first place. Be sure to follow these best practices: 

• Avoid Wi-Fi networks that aren’t password-protected, and never use a public Wi-Fi network for sensitive transactions that require your personal information.  
• Use a virtual private network (VPN) — especially when connecting to the internet in a public place. VPNs encrypt your online activity and prevent an attacker from being able to read your private data, like passwords or bank account information. 
• Log out of sensitive websites (like an online banking website) as soon as you’re finished to avoid session hijacking. 
• Maintain proper password habits, such as never reusing passwords for different accounts, and use a password manager to ensure your passwords are as strong as possible.  
• Use multi-factor authentication for all of your passwords. 
• Use a firewall to ensure safe internet connections. 
• Use antivirus software to protect your devices from malware. 

As our digitally connected world continues to evolve, so does the complexity of cybercrime and the exploitation of security vulnerabilities. Taking care to educate yourself on cybersecurity best practices is critical to the defense of man-in-the-middle attacks and other types of cybercrime. At the very least, being equipped with a strong antivirus software goes a long way in keeping your data safe and secure. 

The post What Is a Man-in-the-Middle (MITM) Attack? Prevention + 7 Types appeared first on Panda Security Mediacenter.

Infected emails, malicious links, backdoor threats and even targeted advertisements can all be malware carriers. Malware is one of the biggest security threats to any type of technological device, and each type of malware uses unique tactics for successful invasions. These cyberattacks can cause financial and personal harm, including data breaches and system damage. 

Even if you’ve downloaded a VPN for internet browsing, our in-depth guide discusses the 14 types of malware you should be aware of, what malware is and how to prevent it from overwhelming your systems.

1. Ransomware

Ransomware is a virus that encrypts all the files on an infected device. Once encrypted, the device becomes unusable because none of the data stored on it can be accessed.

Ransomware attacks request a ransom in exchange for a decryption key that will unlock a device’s files. As there is no guarantee that the hacker will release the decryption key, paying a ransom is not an ideal solution. To prevent ransomware attacks, keep a current backup of all your files on hand so you can restore your device yourself.

Ransomware example:

Rogue security software is a type of ransomware that poses as a virus or security breach. Users are required to pay the rogue software to remove the fake issue.

2. Fileless Malware

Fileless malware is a type of malware that uses macros and system tools to invade a system rather than executable files. This type of malware will edit already installed files, which many systems recognize as legitimate. Fileless malware is difficult to protect against because no malicious program has been installed.

To protect your devices against fileless malware, limit login credentials and knowledge. Multifactor authentication is an additional protective element that can keep hackers from infiltrating a system and running stealth operations unknowingly.

Fileless malware example:

PowerShell-based malware exploits Windows PowerShell to execute malicious commands directly in memory, evading traditional antivirus detection by not writing files to the disk. It can download and run additional malicious code, manipulate files and gather sensitive information with minimal traces.

3. Adware

Adware tracks internet surfing habits and suggests ads and spam to the user. While this type of malware doesn’t install anything onto your device, it can hamper performance, which can make your items more vulnerable to other types of attacks. 

Adware that plants malicious ads onto a user’s device is known as malvertising. These types of malware are intended to plant dangerous code onto a device when a link, pop-up or advertisement is clicked on. Updated operating systems and spam filters can help protect devices against adware.

Adware example:

Browser hijackers can modify a user’s web browser settings without permission. They redirect searches, change the homepage and flood the device with unwanted ads, often leading to malicious sites. This intrusive behavior not only disrupts browsing but can also compromise security by exposing devices to further malware infections.

4. Trojans

Trojans, named after the Greek legend of the Trojan Horse, are a type of malware that sneaks onto a victim’s device. Once installed, the trojan waits to be activated before attacking.

This form of malware may delete and damage data or simply create a backdoor, allowing hackers to access and use the infected device when they choose. Trojans are a popular way to connect devices to botnets — another type of malware — or launch distributed denial-of-service attacks (DDoS).

Trojan example: 

Remote access trojans (RATs) allow attackers to gain unauthorized remote control over an infected system. They can monitor user activity, steal sensitive information, install additional malware and manipulate files, often operating covertly to avoid detection

5. Spyware

Modern systems are designed to protect passwords and sensitive data using encryption. Spyware helps attackers get around and break down encrypted data.

Once installed, spyware collects and logs usage data, including the websites you visit, credentials you use and keyboard buttons you push. This information is periodically updated, reported and reassembled, allowing the hacker to read your passwords and use them to break into your online accounts.

Spyware example:

RAM scrapers steal and store data from devices before it can be encrypted. For example, point-of-sale devices temporarily store credit card information, which RAM scrapers can monitor and steal.

6. Viruses

Viruses may be one of the most commonly known types of malware. These invaders can affect device speed and performance, steal sensitive data, damage and destroy files and create backdoor opportunities for larger-scale attacks.

Viruses depend on host applications to run and survive. Removing a virus requires users to also remove its host. Viruses can infect additional systems, so downloading antivirus software is the best way to prevent this type of malware from affecting your devices.

Virus example:

Logic bombs will only attack a system once they have been triggered. These triggers can be a certain date and time, a specific number of logins or the startup of a certain application. Viruses use them to deliver malicious code at specified times, and they can go completely undetected until triggered.

7. Worms

A worm is a type of virus designed to copy itself and spread to devices on a shared network. This means that an infection on your home PC can quickly spread to your laptop, phone and any other systems connected to the same network. 

While the infection may not necessarily damage or delete files, it can cause your devices and network to slow down or become unresponsive. This type of malware may also use your digital address book to email itself to other people you know, potentially infecting their devices, too.

Worm example:

Conficker is a type of worm that exploits vulnerabilities in Windows to rapidly spread across networks, creating botnets for malicious activities. It disables security features and updates, making infected systems even more susceptible to further attacks.

8. Rootkits

Injected into applications and firmware, rootkits are a type of malware that give hackers complete remote control of an infected device. Because this software gives attackers administrative privileges, they can conceal other malware attacks and affect different types of files.

Rootkits were not initially created as malware, but their remote capabilities have made them a favorite attack option of hackers. Multifactor authentication and limited administrative credentials can help protect against this malware type.

Rootkit example:

Kernel rootkits are a type of rootkit that manipulate the operating system’s kernel to gain unauthorized access and control over a computer system. By modifying critical parts of the kernel, they can hide malicious processes and files, making them invisible to traditional security measures.

9. Botnets

A botnet is a software made up of bots that can follow automated, remote commands. While many botnets and bots are used for important, legitimate tasks — like search engine indexing — they can also be used as a type of malware that attacks central servers.

If botnets are used for flood attacks like DDoS attacks, they can incapacitate systems, servers and devices. Additionally, botnets can include large numbers of technological devices, so they can be difficult to shut down completely.

Botnet example:

Zeus, also known as Zbot, is a notorious botnet that primarily targets financial institutions. It infects computers through phishing emails or drive-by downloads, allowing cybercriminals to remotely control infected machines to steal banking credentials, credit card information and other sensitive data.

10. Mobile Malware

Unlike traditional types of malware, mobile malware is designed to target a specific type of device: mobile devices. Mobile malware for smartphones, tablets and other mobile devices can spy on user actions, steal credentials, overtake administrative privileges and more.

Mobile malware is frequently spread through SMS phishing (smishing) and text message scams. Trojans, ransomware and adware targeting mobile devices can also be considered mobile malware. Additionally, jailbroken phones are at a higher risk of a mobile malware invasion.

Mobile malware example:

SMS trojans are a type of mobile malware that disguise themselves as legitimate applications but, once installed, silently send premium-rate text messages without the user’s consent. This can result in financial losses and potentially compromise personal information stored on the device.

11. Wiper Malware

Wiper malware is a type of malware with the sole purpose of erasing data and making it unrecoverable. Many attackers use wiper malware to target both private and public businesses. 

Wiper malware is also used after other malware attacks. Because it can erase and destroy data, attackers will use wiper malware to remove traces of invasions, which can make organizational recovery difficult or even impossible.

Wiper malware example:

Ryuk is a wiper malware type notorious for its targeted attacks on large organizations. It encrypts files and demands exorbitant ransom payments, but even after payment, it often leaves systems corrupted or data irrecoverably wiped, causing significant disruption and financial loss.

12. Keyloggers

Keyloggers are malicious programs designed to record keystrokes on a computer or device, enabling attackers to capture sensitive information such as passwords, credit card numbers and other confidential data. For example, a keylogger installed on a victim’s computer can silently record every keystroke they make, allowing the attacker to obtain login credentials for online banking accounts.

Keylogger example:

Hardware keyloggers are physical devices inserted between a computer’s keyboard and USB port, capturing keystrokes directly. They are difficult to detect because they operate externally to the computer’s operating system and antivirus software, making them a stealthy choice for attackers aiming to gather sensitive information.

13. Cryptojacking

Cryptojacking is when malicious actors secretly use your computer’s processing power to mine cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin or Ethereum without your knowledge or permission. This can slow down your device, increase energy consumption and potentially cause hardware damage. It often happens through infected websites, malicious ads or compromised software.

Cryptojacking example:

Remote access cryptojacking involves malware infecting computers or servers, granting attackers remote access to control the systems for cryptocurrency mining without the user’s knowledge. It operates silently in the background, utilizing the victim’s resources for profit.

14. Hybrid Malware

Hybrid malware combines features of different types of malicious software to create more sophisticated attacks. For example, it could blend the characteristics of ransomware and botnets, encrypting files while also enslaving devices into a network for further malicious activities.

Hybrid malware example:

Ransomworm is a combination of ransomware and worms. A ransomworm spreads rapidly across networks, encrypting files on infected systems and demanding ransom for decryption.

What Is Malware?

Malware is a software that is designed to attack, control and damage a device’s security and infrastructure systems. Once launched, malware will attach itself to a selected program or device. In order for malware to infect a device, it must be sourced. Some of the most common malware sources include:

• Phishing: Phishing consists of an attacker posing as a trustworthy individual or site to convince a target to reveal personal or valuable information.

• Social engineering: Social engineering gains a target’s trust to obtain information. This tactic harnesses human error and interactions in order to receive information. 

• Pop-ups: Pop-ups can include malicious links or lead to fake landing pages where malware is waiting to infiltrate a system.

• Drive-by downloads: Visiting fake websites that host malware exploit kits can compromise systems.  

• Shared networks: Shared networks with a malware-infected device may spread malware to other network devices.

How to Prevent Malware

Preventing malware from infecting your devices can be difficult. If they manage to invade your systems, they can move from device to device, slow down entire servers and steal, delete or encrypt sensitive data. To prevent this from happening, follow these six tips:

1. Use multifactor authentication. Multifactor authentication adds additional security to accounts, including banking, social and shopping accounts. This can help protect your credentials and passwords.
2. Don’t click suspicious links. Many attackers embed malware into email links or pop-ups. Avoid clicking anything that doesn’t come from a trusted source.
3. Adjust email security settings. Email is one of the most common delivery methods for malware. Keeping spam filters high and email security on can reduce the number of infected messages landing in your inbox.
4. Regularly back up files. If your device is invaded by malware — like ransomware or a virus — you can restore your device’s most recent files. This can help you remove malware without paying ransom or infecting other devices.
5. Keep devices updated. Device updates frequently include security updates to patch holes and potential backdoor entries. Enabling automatic updates or updating a device as soon as new software is available can help keep you protected.
6. Remove malicious apps or downloads. If your device becomes infected, remove the malware, app or download as soon as possible. Each device has a different removal process, so be sure to research the safest way to remove malware before diving in.

Most importantly, install antivirus software on all of your devices. Because all types of malware can cause varying levels of damage — from simple annoyances to total data loss — they should never go ignored, tolerated or concealed. 

In addition to antivirus software, our Panda Dome security toolkit can help prevent malware installation, and detect, block and clean viruses that may already be infecting your devices.

The post 14 Types of Malware and How to Prevent Them appeared first on Panda Security Mediacenter.

Whether you’re a remote worker who thrives in coffee shops or simply need a quick internet fix while you’re out, finding free Wi-Fi can be a lifesaver. It can also be a challenge, especially when traveling to unfamiliar places. The good news is that there are a number of ways you can find a free Wi-Fi connection anywhere.

In this post, we’ll explore a variety of methods, including Wi-Fi finder apps, how to use your phone as a hotspot, using a portable router and more to help you find free Wi-Fi anywhere you go.

1. Find Somewhere With Public Wi-Fi

When you’re on the go, free Wi-Fi can make life easier. Here are a few ways to find a free connection:

• Chain businesses: Many restaurants and hotel chains around the world offer free Wi-Fi for their customers. The login process is usually simple, with a quick login page or occasional ads. Some chains might ask for an email address. It’s best to use a separate email address for these situations to keep your email clean and free from any promotional emails.
  • For example: Apple Store, Macy’s, Best Buy, Target

• Public establishments: Public libraries are a classic free Wi-Fi resource, but many other shared spaces offer connections as well.
  • For example: Public libraries, metro stations, bus terminals, museums

• Find Wi-Fi in your city: Many large cities offer free Wi-Fi within a designated central area. You can check the city’s website or tourism board for the exact location where you can find free Wi-Fi.
  • For example: Malmö, Sweden; Tel Aviv, Israel; New York City, USA; Bangalore, India

Pro tip: Loyalty programs are great ways to connect to free Wi-Fi when password-free connections are not available. Hotels like Hilton give free Wi-Fi to those who sign up for Hilton Honors Rewards, a free service that offers discounts and a points system for members.

2. Use Your Phone as a Hotspot

When in doubt, you can always use your phone as a hotspot device (also known as tethering), although this may be a costly choice unless you have an unlimited data plan. Some carriers have restrictions or fees associated with tethering, like only being able to use a certain amount of data, so be sure to check with your provider.

We’ll walk you through how to set up your mobile hotspot for both Android and iPhone. 

Setting up a Wi-Fi hotspot on an Android phone:

Note: We used a Google Pixel 6 Pro for this example.

Step 1: Open your phone’s settings. 

Step 2: Click on Network and Internet.

Step 3: Click on Hotspot and tethering.

Step 4: Turn on Wi-Fi hotspot.

Step 5: Go to your computer’s Wi-Fi settings and find the list of available Wi-Fi networks. You’ll see the mobile hotspot you want to connect to. In this case, we’ll connect to Pixel_5279 on an iMac. 

Step 6: Click on Wi-Fi hotspot on your phone settings, and you’ll see the password. Enter the hotspot password on your computer. 

Step 7: Once you enter the password and click OK, you’ll be connected to the mobile hotspot and all set to browse!

Setting up a hotspot on an iPhone:

Step 1: Go to Settings > Cellular. Confirm your Cellular Data is on. If you’re traveling, make sure your Cellular Data is set to Travel.

Step 2: Navigate back to Settings and click on Personal Hotspot. 

Step 3: Turn on Allow Others to Join. You’ll also see the Wi-Fi password here to note for the next step.

Step 4: Go to your computer’s Wi-Fi settings and find the list of available Wi-Fi networks. You’ll see the mobile hotspot you want to connect to. In this case, we will connect iPhone 15 Pro Max to an iMac. 

Step 5: Enter the hotspot password and connect your device.

3. Use Wi-Fi Hotspot Apps

While finding free Wi-Fi is great, many question whether the network is safe to join. While we always advise that you use a VPN when accessing free Wi-Fi, you can also download Wi-Fi hotspot apps. These can pinpoint Wi-Fi locations you can connect to, including networks that are hidden from view. The apps can also show you Wi-Fi networks outside your vicinity.

Pro tip: With an app like Instabridge, you can find crowdsourced Wi-Fi connections all in one place. Wi-Fi communities help you connect with others who have been to your locations and rated the Wi-Fi quality. This is a good way to plan ahead if you’ll need Wi-Fi for more than a few hours.

This app offers free Wi-Fi connectivity in just about every city in the world. It contains an interactive map that pinpoints all the hotspots near you. By clicking on the Free Wi-Fi Near Me button, Wifinity will show you how far you are from the nearest Wi-Fi hotspot and how to get there. 

This Wefi app automatically connects your device to the best network in your location. It also contains a map showing Wi-Fi hotspots around you. Wefi delivers up to two times faster data transfer speeds on average than manual Wi-Fi selection.

4. Use a Portable Wi-Fi Router

Imagine carrying your own internet access wherever you go. A portable Wi-Fi device, also known as a mobile hotspot, is a pocket-sized gadget that creates its own personal Wi-Fi network. 

Unlike relying on finding free public Wi-Fi, a mobile hotspot provides a secure and reliable connection. This is especially helpful in areas with limited or unreliable Wi-Fi availability, like remote locations or during travel. With a portable hotspot, you can connect your laptop, phone or tablet to the internet anytime, anywhere.

Here are a few of the best travel Wi-Fi devices: Tep, Roaming Man, TravelWifi and Google Fi Wireless.

Common Public Wi-Fi Threats

Public Wi-Fi offers a tempting connection to the internet, but it can be a breeding ground for security threats. Before you jump online at the coffee shop, be aware of the potential dangers lurking beneath the surface of that free signal. Here’s a breakdown of some common public Wi-Fi threats:

• Fake Wi-Fi hotspots: These malicious networks disguise themselves with names that look legitimate, like “Free Airport Wi-Fi” or “Coffee Shop Guest.” You can spot a fake Wi-Fi hotspot if it asks for your credit card information or any other confidential information. If you connect to one, hackers can easily intercept your data, including passwords, emails and even credit card information.
• Malware: Public Wi-Fi can be a breeding ground for malware, malicious software that can infect your device. Clicking on a suspicious link or downloading an unverified app can unleash a hidden threat. This malware can steal your data, track your activity or even take control of your device.
• Unsecured connections: Many public Wi-Fi networks lack proper encryption, which scrambles your data as it travels between your device and the internet. Without this encryption, anyone lurking on the network can eavesdrop on your online activity, potentially exposing sensitive information.
• Phishing attacks: Phishing emails or websites designed to trick you into revealing personal information are more prevalent on public Wi-Fi. Hackers can exploit the unsecured connection to send you emails that appear to be from legitimate sources, like your bank or a social media platform. Clicking on a link or entering your information on these fake websites can compromise your accounts.
• Unsecure file sharing: Downloading files on public Wi-Fi can be risky. The file itself may be infected with malware, or the download process could be intercepted, exposing your device to vulnerabilities. This is especially true for peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing, where you connect directly to other users’ devices.

How to Stay Safe on Public Wi-Fi

While public Wi-Fi offers undeniable convenience, it can expose your devices and data to a range of security vulnerabilities. However, by adhering to well-defined security protocols, you can mitigate these risks and utilize public Wi-Fi connections with greater confidence.

Tips to stay safe on public Wi-Fi:

• Use HTTPS sites only
• Refrain from accessing confidential data (ex. bank account)
• Give a secondary “spam” email for sign-ups
• Avoid performing online transactions
• Cover your keyboard when entering any passwords or credentials
• Install an antivirus that includes parental controls for kids accessing public Wi-Fi
• Always make sure paid Wi-Fi is legitimate and use a third-party payment system
• Keep antivirus up-to-date

Browsing on public Wi-Fi can be risky, but security doesn’t have to be complicated. A VPN encrypts your data like a virtual tunnel, shielding your online activity from prying eyes. Plus, a strong antivirus protects your devices from malware lurking on unsecured networks. 

Download Panda VPN and antivirus for complete peace of mind while you connect on the go.

Free Wi-Fi Connection FAQ

Here are some answers to the most common questions about unlocking the web anywhere you go.

What Is the Difference Between Hotspot and Wi-Fi?

Wi-Fi and hotspots might seem interchangeable, but there’s a key distinction. Wi-Fi is a wireless networking technology that allows devices to connect to the internet. It acts like an invisible bridge between your device and a router or access point, which provides an internet connection.

On the other hand, a hotspot is a device or location that creates a Wi-Fi network. Think of it as a source that broadcasts the Wi-Fi signal. Your phone can use Wi-Fi to connect to a hotspot and access the internet through that connection.

What Is a Wi-Fi Hotspot?

A Wi-Fi hotspot is essentially a location or device that broadcasts a Wi-Fi signal, providing internet access to nearby devices equipped with Wi-Fi capabilities. For example, Wi-Fi at a coffee shop, public library and airports are all considered Wi-Fi hotspots.

Can I Get Free Wi-Fi at home?

Yes, you can get free Wi-Fi at home, but it can be a bit tricky. While options like using your phone’s data as a hotspot or finding open networks exist, they have drawbacks like data limitations or security risks. For reliable and secure internet access, a traditional home internet plan might be a better solution in the long run.

The post 4 Easy Ways to Find Free Wi-Fi Anywhere You Go appeared first on Panda Security Mediacenter.

Are you OK with a stranger reading your emails?

Most people would answer that question with a resounding “no” — but unfortunately, in this modern technological age, it’s far too easy for cybercriminals to gain access to your email accounts or the messages themselves. To guarantee your information is safe from prying eyes, you need Pretty Good Privacy (PGP) encryption. 

So what is PGP? In short, it is an encryption system that scrambles your data, making it unreadable to anyone who doesn’t have the means of decoding it. By coordinating and sharing virtual keys, email senders and receivers can ensure their information stays private and secure.

In this article, we’ll detail the basics of PGP encryption: what it is, how you can use it and if this technology is right for you.

What Is PGP Encryption?

PGP is an encryption system that’s used to safely send sensitive or private information. First developed in 1991, this technology has become one of the most popular encryption methods on the market due to its security and accessibility.

PGP encryption is most commonly used for sending and receiving confidential emails. Cybercriminals can easily intercept messages and access email accounts, and PGP ensures that the user’s information remains secure.

In an age where cyberthreats lurk around every virtual corner, this type of encryption is an essential tool for anyone who wants guaranteed privacy in their digital communications.

How Does PGP Encryption Work?

PGP encryption works by scrambling, or encrypting, a message in a way that makes it unreadable to anyone who lacks the means to decode it. In order to fully understand PGP encryption, we will look at it from a technical perspective and provide a practical analogy.

At a high technical level, PGP encryption protects data by using a combination of public keys, private keys and session keys.

When a user wants to send a private email or message, they’ll encrypt it using the receiver’s public key — an encryption key that’s known to everyone. Once the receiver gets the email, they’ll decrypt it using their private key — an encryption key that is only known by one user. This ensures that the message gets where it needs to go and that the recipient is the only one who can decrypt the message. 

To sum it up, PGP encryption works in a three-step process:

• Step 1: PGP generates an extremely complex single-use random session key that cannot be guessed.

• Step 2: This session key is encrypted using the recipient’s public key. This public key is associated with the individual, and they can share it with anyone they wish to receive messages from.
• Step 3: The sender passes along their session key, and the recipient can use their private key to decrypt and read the message.

Now that we’ve walked through the technical aspects of PGP, let’s look at an analogy to reinforce the concept:

1. Michael wants to send Beth a private message.
2. In response, Beth sends Michael an open box (her public key) as well as an open padlock (that only she has the key for).
3. Michael puts the message in the box, closes it and locks it with the padlock. Now that the padlock has been closed, no one but Beth (the owner of the private key) can open it.
4. Michael sends the box to Beth, who opens it with her private key.

As you can see, with PGP encryption, Michael won’t have to worry about the box getting lost or stolen in transit because only Beth has the means to open the lock.

At the end of the day, that’s what makes PGP encryption so secure — and also why it’s critical you don’t lose or share your private key if you’re sending encrypted files regularly.

How to Use PGP Encryption

You can use PGP encryption wherever you need an assurance of technological privacy. That said, the three most popular ways of using it are email and file encryption and digital signature verification.

Encrypting Emails

Email messaging has become one of the most common ways of exchanging information, but this communication method comes with risks. Both email accounts and the messages themselves can easily be intercepted by cybercriminals and other unauthorized individuals, leading to potential data leaks. 

PGP encryption solves this problem by engaging in the secure information exchange process we outlined above. Protecting emails is the most common reason people use PGP encryption. Here’s what it looks like in action:

Encrypting Files

Because the complexity of the PGP algorithm makes it virtually unbreakable, this encryption method is also useful for securing personal files.

Individuals can use PGP to encrypt files on their computer, flash drive, external hard drive or other storage devices. Paired with threat detection and response tools, PGP file encryption helps keep your personal information private.

Digital Signature Verification

Through PGP, individuals can also ensure the authenticity of electronic documents by verifying the identity of the sender and confirming that the information in the message has not been tampered with.

These digital signatures work by generating and encrypting a hash of the message, or a fixed block of data, when it is sent. The recipient of the message can access this data through the use of public and private keys, and they will be able to see if the message has been altered or otherwise manipulated.

Is PGP Encryption Right for You?

PGP encryption is a powerful tool, but is it right for you? Below, we highlight the pros and cons of this technology.

Pros of PGP Encryption

PGP encryption is a popular method to keep information secure — and for good reason. A few of the top benefits of this technology include:

• Unbreakable algorithm: PGP’s algorithm is virtually unbreakable, meaning your communications, files and other information is guaranteed to be safe from unauthorized users. 

• Enhanced security: Consistently using PGP in communications will enhance cloud security, leading to a more secure online experience for individuals and businesses.
• Inexpensive: PGP software is affordable, with a multitude of cheap yet effective options on the market.

Cons of PGP Encryption

While this technology is extremely effective, there are still a few downsides users should be aware of. A few of the cons of PGP encryption include:

• Complex: PGP encryption is a complicated software that can be difficult and time-consuming to learn.

• Requires training: To guarantee security, all users must safeguard their private keys. If an individual misplaces or accidentally gives away this information, there is real potential for security breaches and exposed information.
• Can’t be anonymous: All senders and recipients of information sent with PGP can be traced, meaning there is no ability for anonymity with this encryption method.

How to Set Up PGP Encryption

Now that you’re an expert on PGP, you may have decided to use the technology in your communications going forward. Luckily, setting up and using PGP is an easy process.

Choosing a PGP Provider

The first step is to select a PGP provider. There are plenty on the market — both free and paid options — that are compatible with Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS and more. OpenPGP and Gpg4win are two free options with good reviews. Alternatively, you can sign up for an email platform that utilizes PGP or install a PGP browser extension.

Setting Up PGP

Once you’ve downloaded the software, you will generate your public and private keys directly from the platform. From there, your email client will have a new option to easily encrypt the email message — and with that, you’ll be communicating securely with PGP.

PGP Encryption FAQ

Finally, we will wrap up with a few frequently asked questions about PGP encryption.

Is PGP Encryption Still Used?

Yes, PGP encryption is still used today. In fact, it is one of the most popular security methods when sending sensitive information over email.

What Is a PGP Key?

PGP keys come in three forms: public, private and session. The session key is a massive number that cannot be guessed, which is then encrypted by the public key. The private key decrypts the PGP-encrypted message once it has been delivered.

How Do I Get a PGP Key?

PGP keys can be generated using PGP encryption software. If you don’t want to download a program, some email platforms support PGP and can generate keys for you.

How Secure Is PGP?

PGP is very secure. PGP encryption is an extremely complex algorithm that cannot be cracked, guaranteeing the safety of your data, email communication and other information.

Is PGP Better Than AES?

PGP is just as effective as AES (Advanced Encryption Standard), and which one you choose depends on your preferences. The main difference is that AES uses the same key to encrypt and decrypt, while PGP uses two different keys.

Panda Security Can Help With Online Privacy

PGP encryption is a powerful tool you can use to protect emails, personal files and other sensitive information. That said, online privacy doesn’t start and end with PGP — to achieve comprehensive security, you need to make sure your devices and networks are safe.

At Panda Security, we have a variety of tools such as password managers, antivirus tools and dark web scanners to ensure you stay safe no matter where you virtually visit. Let us help you on your tech journey today.

The post PGP Encryption: The Email Security Standard appeared first on Panda Security Mediacenter.

Malware removal can seem daunting after your device is infected with a virus, but with a careful and rapid response, removing a virus or malware program can be easier than you think. We created a guide that explains exactly how to rid your Mac or PC of malware. 

If you think your PC or Mac has a malware infection, follow the steps below to remove it.

Table of contents:

• How to Remove Malware From a Mac
• How to Remove Malware From a PC
• What Is Malware?
• How Your Devices Become Infected With Malware
• What If Malware Removal Doesn’t Work?
• How to Protect Your Devices From Malware
• Malware Removal FAQ

How to Remove Malware From a Mac 

Step 1: Disconnect From Wi-Fi 

Before you do anything else on your Mac, you must disconnect from Wi-Fi to keep it from transmitting any of your information back to the malware server or infecting other devices. 

To do so, click the Wi-Fi symbol in the top right corner of the screen and toggle the Wi-Fi switch to off.

If you need to go online to download a tool, immediately disconnect once it finishes and stay offline from that point forward. It may help to print these instructions before disconnecting. 

Step 2: Engage Safe Mode 

Isolate any issues with your Mac by entering safe mode. Do this by starting or restarting your device, then immediately hold the shift key. The Apple logo should appear on your screen. If this doesn’t work, defer to Apple support. 

Step 3: Refrain From Logging Into Accounts 

Many forms of malware aim to access your sensitive information. They do this by poaching your login credentials after tracking your keystrokes or lifting your password from your screen or clipboard. Prevent losing any login info by avoiding logging in at all. 

Step 4: Delete Temporary Files

Before you erase temporary files that may have been installed by malware, close any apps you have open by right-clicking them and selecting “Quit.”

Step 1: Open Finder from the dock.

Step 2: From Finder, select Go in the top bar, then Go to Folder.

Step 3: In the Go to Folder box, type or copy and paste ~/Library/ and open the Library.

Step 4: Go to the Caches folder.

Step 5: Select all cache files by pressing Command + A, then right-click and Move to Trash.

Step 6: Empty the trash.

Step 5: Check Your Activity Monitor 

If you think you have malicious software on your Mac, then you must find it in the Activity Monitor and stop it. Through the Activity Monitor, you can see all the applications running on your computer and how each one affects its performance. Locate the malicious software and delete it through the Finder. 

Step 1: In Finder, select Applications.

Step 2: Select Utilities. 

Step 3: Go to the Activity Monitor.

Step 4: Double-click suspicious or unknown applications and then click Quit.

Step 6: Run a Malware Scanner

Now you’re ready to actually cure your Mac of its malware infection. Luckily, running a malware scanner is usually enough to get rid of most standard infections. If you already have an antivirus program on your device, you should download an on-demand malware scanner that’s different from what you’re using for antivirus. 

Download a scanner from a reliable source, such as Panda’s Cloud Cleaner, run it and then install security software that works constantly in the background to protect you from existing and emerging security threats. Programs like Panda’s Antivirus for Mac work great for this. 

Step 7: Fix Your Web Browser 

In many cases, malware will modify the homepage of your internet browser so that it can reinfect your device, show you lots of ads and slow down your browsing. Verify that the homepage address is legitimate and then move on to check your browser for malicious extensions. We cover this in our guide to removing the Chromium Virus, but you can review the basics below. 

Fix your web browser on Safari 

Step 1: In the Safari dropdown menu at the top left of your screen, select Settings.

Step 2: Select Extensions.

Step 3: Find recent suspicious extensions and click Uninstall.

Fix your web browser on Chrome

Step 1: Click the menu icon on Chrome (three little dots in the top right-hand corner).

Step 2: Hover over Extensions and select Manage Extensions.

Step 3: Locate unknown or suspicious browser extensions and select Remove.

Step 8: Clear Your Cache

After you’ve checked your browser’s homepage and removed any suspicious extensions, clear your cache of any downloads that may have infected your computer in the first place. 

Clear your cache on Safari 

Step 1: Open Safari Settings.

Step 2: Click Privacy. 

Step 3: Select Manage Website Data. 

Step 4: Select Remove All.

How to clear your cache on Chrome

Step 1: Go to the menu dropdown on Chrome and click History.

Step 2: Click Clear Browsing Data.

Step 3: In Time Range check All Time. 

Step 4: Select Clear Data.

How to Remove Malware From a PC

Step 1: Disconnect Your PC From the Internet

Before you do anything else, disconnect your PC from the internet so your computer can communicate with the malware server that might be controlling it, and so it can’t transmit any of your personal information it may have collected. If you have to download a tool to help remove the malware, do it quickly and immediately disconnect from the internet when it’s finished. Do your best to stay offline.

Step 2: Enter Safe Mode 

Isolate any issues with your PC by rebooting it in safe mode. This allows your computer to perform checks while it runs on the minimum number of programs it needs to operate. 

Step 1: Restart your PC.

Step 2: When you see the sign-in screen, hold down the Shift key and select Power → Restart.

Step 3: After your PC restarts, go to the Choose an option screen and select Troubleshoot, then Advanced Options and then Startup Settings.

Step 4: On the next screen, click Restart and wait for the next screen to load.

Step 5: A menu will appear with numbered startup options. Select number 4 or F4 to start your PC in safe mode.

Step 3: Refrain From Logging Into Accounts 

The goal of many forms of malware is to gain access to your sensitive information. They do this by poaching your login credentials by tracking your keystrokes or lifting your password from your screen or clipboard. Prevent the loss of any login info by avoiding logging in at all. 

Step 4: Delete Temporary Files

Speed up your scan for viruses and free up some disc space by deleting temporary files. 

Step 1: Search for the Disk Cleanup app and run it.

Step 2: Select the drive you want to clean up.

Step 3: Click Clean up system files to select the file types you want to delete.

Step 5: Check Your Task Manager 

If you think you have malicious software on your PC, then you need to find it in the Activity Monitor and stop it from running. Through the Activity Monitor, you can see all of the applications running on your computer and how each one affects its performance.

Step 1: Go to your search bar and type in Task Manager to find the app.

Step 2: Locate unknown or suspicious apps under Processes.

Step 3: Right-click on the apps you want to close and select End task.

Step 6: Run a Malware Scanner

Now you’re ready to actually cure your PC of its malware infection. Luckily, running a malware scanner is usually enough to rid your computer of standard infections. If you already have an antivirus program on your device, you should download an on-demand malware scanner on top of what you’re using for antivirus. 

Download a scanner from a reliable source, such as Panda’s Cloud Cleaner, run it, and then install security software that works constantly in the background and protects you against existing and emerging security threats. Programs like Panda’s Antivirus for PC work great for this. 

Step 7: Fix Your Web Browser 

If you’ve been infected with malware, it may try to modify your internet browser so that it can reinfect your device, show you pop-up ads and slow down your browsing. Check that the homepage address is the right one, and then move on to check your internet browser for malicious extensions. We covered this before in our guide to removing the Chromium Virus, but you can review the basics below:

How to fix your web browser on Google Chrome

Step 1: In the Chrome menu, select Manage Extensions.

Step 2: Remove suspicious or unknown extensions. 

Step 3: Locate unknown or suspicious browser extensions suspicious and select Remove.

Step 8: Clear Your Cache

How to clear your cache on Chrome

Step 1: Go to the menu dropdown on Chrome and click History.

Step 2: Click Clear Browsing Data.

Step 3: In Time Range check All Time.

Step 4: Select Clear Data.

What Is Malware?

Malware (short for malicious software) can manifest in various forms: spyware, legitimate programs bundled with viruses, backdoors, worms, adware, ransomware, trojans and more. No matter what form it takes, malware aims to profit from your misfortune, either by stealing your personal information and selling it on the dark web or by encrypting your data, locking you out until you pay a ransom to regain access. 

Malware can find its way onto your devices — both PCs and Macs are vulnerable — in several ways, potentially exposing your social security numbers, debit and credit card information, login information, and bank account data. This is why being able to recognize the symptoms of an infected device is vital to protecting your personally identifiable information and fending off identity theft. 

How Your Devices Become Infected With Malware

So how does malware infect a computer? There are plenty of ways to fall victim to a malware infection. Sometimes it can be as simple as visiting a malicious website or clicking a fake link in an email scam. Oftentimes, these infection attempts will try to instill a sense of urgency to install software or download a file containing a hidden virus. Be sure to exercise caution online and be wary of clicking any unfamiliar links or emails. 

Malware can infect both Macs and PCs. Although PCs are more commonly known for this vulnerability, Macs can be just as susceptible. No matter which type of device you have, it’s important to be aware of the threat of malware.

If your Mac or PC has malware, it may show symptoms such as:

• Slower than usual performance
• A tool or plug-in in your browser that you didn’t install 
• Pop-up ads that are hard to close, contain offensive content, or are generally annoying, even outside your internet browser
• General out-of-the-ordinary function 

What If Malware Removal Doesn’t Work?

Sometimes malware infections can be present even after all these steps. If you believe your device is still infected, you’ll need to completely wipe your hard drive and reinstall your operating system. Before doing this, it’s a good idea to consult the Apple or Microsoft support teams to ensure you take the correct steps. 

How to Protect Your Devices From Malware

Developing a keen eye for suspicious activity online is the best way to protect yourself and your devices from a malware infection or other viruses. There are already plenty of ways that malware can find its way onto your computer, and there are more types of malware being created all the time. Some best practices to defend your computer and your information against a breach are:

• Create stronger passwords 
• Delete files from your downloads and trash often 
• Update your operating system and applications when prompted 
• Avoid suspicious emails, links and websites
• Upgrade your antivirus 

Malware is a threat to any device connected to the internet and hackers are getting more creative with how they infect them. Exercising your best judgment online, knowing the signs of a malware infection and acting quickly when you think your device is infected are some of the best ways to protect your information online — in addition to strong malware detection and antivirus software. Be sure to check out how Panda Security helps protect your devices and your information online with great tools like free antivirus software.  

Malware Removal FAQ

Still have questions about how to tackle a malware infection? Keep reading for answers to common questions.

What Is the Best Way to Remove Malware for Free?

To remove malware for free, start by downloading and running a free malware scanner. If it can’t detect a virus, you’ll have to remove it yourself. To do so, delete suspicious applications and extensions, clear your cache and erase temporary files from your device. 

Can Malware Be Deleted?

If malware can be detected, it can often be deleted using the steps listed in this article. In rare cases, you may need to wipe your hard drive and reinstall your operating system to rid your device of viruses. 

What Should Be Used to Remove Malware?

Malware can be removed by deleting suspicious programs, files, extensions or applications that may have infected your computer. You can also use a malware scanner to locate and remove certain viruses. 

How Do I Check for Malware?

To check for malware, disconnect from the internet and search your computer for any programs, applications or browser extensions you don’t recognize. If nothing turns up, install and run a safe, reliable malware scanner. 

Sources:

PC Mag I PC World I MalwareTips I Apple

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