Category: Computer Security


Online privacy/ Online security

Online Protection Mantra

Internet, which was invented to simplify lives of people with its instant approach and quick service delivery, now seems to be troubling them. The internet savvy users, venturing into cyberspace, on a lookout for information and prompt services, are now whining about the thriving security threats.

With threats thronging out in the World Wide Web and rising dependence on internet to fulfill the info needs, it gets almost indispensable for a user to acquire a protection mechanism which minimizes risks and capitalizes individual efforts. Let’s go through some quick conducts to check such risks online:

1.      Get Security Software

A simple security program can protect your computer from viruses, malware, and spywares. You don’t have to shell out your money for better security. Free antivirus software like Avira Free Antivirus or AVG Anti-Virus may just work fine for your computer. Experts recommend procuring a number of free cyber-protection tools instead of getting just one. Also, get a firewall.

2.      Smart passwords

Use passwords that are difficult for cyber-criminals to guess. Use lengthy passwords with combination of symbols and numbers for different accounts. Change your passwords more often. Even the software giant Microsoft recommends changing passwords every three months.

3.      Get cagey of WiFi

Using Public Wi-Fi is convenient, but it’s not certainly the safest. Accessing work email, bank accounts or your social accounts may put your privacy under question, while using free Wi-Fi. Enhance your security by logging into secure sites with web addresses starting with “https”.

4.      Be careful while clicking:

Spam emails can subterfuge as mails from your colleagues or businesses. Don’t click on suspicious links in spam emails as they could be a ‘phishing attack’. Type the website address in a separate browser window in case you wish to check the account. Also do not respond to emails promising to send free gifts won by you, seeking your personal information like Address, Bank Account no., passwords, etc.

5.      Evaluate the risks

Know how your information is being used while surfing online. Learn how the World Wide Web tracks you and use the data. Is your current geographical location visible on your Social Networking accounts? Look for steps to hide it.

6.      Remove your trails

Browsing privately gives user the peace of mind that his information is safe. Put your web browser in ‘Private Mode’. Doing so clears the history and cookies automatically. But the websites visited by you may still know your identity. Using updated versions of search engines like Mozilla Firefox and Google Chrome, can further restrict the entry of spywares and malwares into your computer systems.

7.      Intellectual Thinking

Understand the threats.  Don’t click and download frantically. Keep your phones password-protected. Don’t reveal your full name, date of birth, family members’ maiden names, Social Security number and other private information on social networking sites.

These pointers can help computer users build the first protective layer in protecting themselves from cybercrime. But for a complete security shield, it gets mandatory for a user to get professional help from experts. And what better than getting Technical expertise online. A number of premier organizations like PCCare247, that ranks high in the Computer Support arena, provide 24×7 technical support services to millions of computer users worldwide. Get round-the-clock tech support by certified experts at reasonable prices with PCCare247.

flashback-malware-removal-mac-support

Flashback Malware infects Mac Computers

The recently discovered Flashback Malware which is believed to be the biggest Mac malware threat till date gives Apple a tough time. Flashback malware that was found infecting about 600,000 Mac computers worldwide, mostly in the US and Canada, is still believed to be bullying the Mac users.

The Malware

There are reportedly 14 different variations of the Flashback malware. The first 13 versions have been identified as Trojan horses. The most recent version of malicious software, listed as Malware.OSX.Flashback.N by Intego, and .K, exploits a security flaw in Java to install itself on user’s hard drive after visiting infected websites, thereby infecting the Mac machines. Designed to steal private information such as usernames and passwords, Flashback is causing restlessness among the Mac users, raising the question of security.

 

Not Dead Yet

Despite the removal tool released by Apple, the malware continues to exist in about 140,000 Mac machines. Although there has been drop from 600,000 infected machines that were reported earlier this month, the decline is not as good as was expected. According to the Symantec Officials, the rate of removal is slowing. Some believe that the tool is not good enough to remove the malware from the Mac computers. Although a possibility of unawareness of the Mac users about the Malware infection could not be ruled out.

 

Detecting Flashback

Flashback can be detected by observing the characteristics of the IP address behaving like a Flashback botnet. Flashback installs bot malware onto the Mac machine connecting it to the overall Flashback botnet. The Flashback botnet uses a set group of IP destination addresses. If the computer regularly connects to one or all of those IP addresses, the machine is infected.

Although Flashback malware, that is reported to be one of the worst Mac attacks in decades, has stained Apple’s image of invulnerability. Keeping this issue in perspective, it has only affected a tiny percentage of all Mac computers used worldwide.

 

The Fix

Apple released a Flashback malware removal tool recently for OS X Lion users without Java installed in their systems. Currently, Apple doesn’t offer a similar stand-alone tool for earlier versions of the Operating System.

A number of other third party companies like PCCare247 are offering unending Macintosh Support to the Mac users helping them detect and remove the malware from their systems. Not only removal, the organization ensures continuous Tech Support services for your Mac computers.

April 02, 2012: PCCare247, a vogue pacer in online tech support, has got another feather in its cap in the form of Macintosh Support. The premier Macintosh support dished out by the organization earn its brownie points by incorporating separate service packages for all of Mac entities including iMac, MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, Mac Pro, Mac Mini and whole range of Mac OS versions, right from Jaguar to OS X lion. Whether its installation related blues, or Wi-Fi, blue tooth device maladies or it’s about getting rid of operating system compatibility issues, the thoroughgoing support package has it all to save Mac users from petite to mammoth quandaries disconcerting them from long time.

Apple-Mac-Support

PCCare247 includes Apple Mac Support to its Portfolio of Online Technical Support Services

Later announcing about this development, one of the Managing Directors of PCCare247 said, “After receiving so many requests from across the world for technical assistance of Mac devices, today we are very happy that we have taken a step further to widen the horizon of our services with offering an unparalleled Macintosh support, which aims to deliver suave functioning of Mac systems. And the best of PCCare247 you have to just call on toll free number ‘1-855-877-5848’ to register your matter concerned, and then the customer care executive takes it forward to the team of certified technicians, after that they discuss the matter meticulously to carry out a proper line of action to resolve a particular issue in no time.”

PCCare247 works on the basis of delivering its customers the best of services at reasonable rates among other players in the field of online technical support. Today, PCCare247 is proud and privileged to have served millions of customer across world and pledges to keep this tempo intact by serving cutting-edge Macintosh Support.

About PCCare247: PCCare247 is a proverbial agnomen in doling out online technical support for computer and peripherals. Proffering most immaculate and all-encompassing service portfolios in computer tech support, PCCare247 has now joined the bandwagon of those few, who provide Macintosh Support.

For further details you can log on to http://www.pccare247.com/macintosh-support.html

Or alternatively, get in touch with the company at:

India
Office No. 3, 6th Floor,
DLF Cyber City, Building No. 14B,
Gurgaon, Haryana – India
Phone: +91-124-4655200
Fax: +91-124-4655299
E-mail: contact@pccare247.com

USA
575, Lexington Avenue
4th Floor New York,
NY 10022
Phone: +1-888-291-2867
Fax: +1-516-908-4908
E-mail: contact@pccare247.com

Computer Security - Computer Help

Outsourcing Computer Security Services - A Wise decision

The technologically advanced world with internet as its major information provider has been facing Computer Security issues from time to time. Perpetual threats from cybercriminals have made businesses and home computer users to reassess their Computer protection decisions. Website hacking to attack innocent visitors; penetrating into databanks to pilfer customer information and trade secrets; and entering PCs to steal confidential financial information; cyber crooks are relentlessly targeting millions worldwide. Hence, putting in place a robust Computer security system becomes an indispensable task of every business as well as an individual.

But due to the huge costs involved in acquiring an in-house IT security team, well equipped with security tools, small businesses and home users compromise with their PC security endangering their privacy. Keeping these factors in mind, a large number of small firms and hapless PC users are outsourcing the computer security service providers. These service providers offer advanced technologies and security experts at affordable prices, as the burden of the cost is spread across many clients.

Whether to choose them or not??

Taking services from an outside firm, generally, makes Managers edgy as they are required to sanction them complete access to their company systems. But obtaining security services from such firms can help small and medium sized firms to reduce their IT costs as well as get expert solution to all the security issues.

The businesses can obtain services as per their requirement than incurring ongoing costs of full-time staff and instruments.  So instead of focusing on the security of their systems, firms can now pay full attention to their actual business processes.

Choosing the reliable one…

After one decides to outsource its computer security services, the question of selecting the most reliable organization ascends. One would probably select such an organization that can meet all the basic security needs including computer security, network security, email filtering for spams, protection against malwares and spywares, and much more.

Checking for legitimacy and the extent of services offered by the company becomes a mandatory task for any business. Among a huge number of organizations offering computer security services, PCCare247 turns out to be a front-runner in providing all inclusive services to small, medium & large businesses as well as home PC users. With its round-the-clock online technical support services by Certified Technicians, PCCare247 ensures complete security of computers giving users freedom of all the technical distresses.

Fend off cybercriminals with an unswerving Computer support services by PCCare247 at reasonable prices.

Computer Security Tips

Computer Security

Mounting information needs and the pervasive use of computer networks, especially internet, to meet these requirements has made computers vulnerable to security threats stealing user’s privacy.

Safeguarding oneself from such security threats and protecting their private data like bank details, email account, photos, videos, etc. from being leaked to the world, users must take some precautionary steps.

Precautionary Steps

Email Security

  • Remove unfamiliar Emails: Delete email attachments from unknown people without opening them as they may contain malwares or virus eyeing confidential information on your computer. Also, beware of strange links or attachments given in Instant Messaging (IM) programs as they may have malicious codes attached.
  • Use smart passwords: Use strong passwords with a minimum of eight characters with a mix of special symbols, numbers and letters. Use different passwords for different accounts.

Secure your Computer

  • Enable Firewall: Install firewalls on computers as they keep unauthorized programs from attacking the computer systems even if they have access to your network.
  • Use updated Antivirus software: Use a trusted antivirus program with regular updates, as an outdated antivirus program may not protect you from newer threats developed by hackers.
  • Use anti-spyware/Anti-malware protection: Install a trusted anti-spyware and anti-malware program. Make sure you keep these programs updated.

Browser Security

Select browsers wisely. Be it Microsoft Internet Explorer, Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox, each browser offer distinctive features with different security settings. Check your Browser Security and Privacy settings periodically, matching your internet activities and usage level.

Use Encryption

If you store your personal data on a laptop or other portables devices, use encryption software. Encrypting the devices helps in protecting the data stored in the device in case it is stolen or lost.

Online Privacy

  • Read Privacy Policies: Make sure you read the privacy policies of websites you are visiting before disclosing any personal information, to ensure security of the data supplied.
  • Avoid downloading files from insecure websites: Download files like wallpapers, screensavers, games, or other programs from secure websites only. Always download files to the Downloads folder and make sure you scan the folder before running them.
  • Social networking safety: Check and disable the GPS locator of your mobile device to display your location on social networking sites like Facebook, Twitter, Orkut, Stumbleupon, etc. while uploading pictures or videos, if you don’t want the world to know your current location.
  • Shop online safely: While submitting purchase information, check for the lock icon on the browser’s status bar that indicates secure submission of data. Also, be sure that “https” appears in the browser address bar before making an online purchase as this indicates the site being secure.

A defenseless computer system without any protective shield is more likely to get infected by viruses and hackers than a computer with some defending mechanism. So, adopting these precautionary steps can dodge the threats mongering the cyber world and protect your computer falling prey to threats unarmed.

Despite taking these precautionary measures, your computer may fall prey to such threats making your computing experience an annoying one. To ensure complete security of your computer system, comprehensive computer technical support services from eminent organizations like PCCare247 must be sought. PCCare247 provides comprehensive Computer support services including Virus Removal, Malware Removal, Spyware Removal, Windows OS Support, Printer Help, Network Support, Browser support and many more.

PCCare247 which has been a major player in providing Computer Support services globally is now offering extensive Mac support services for your Apple products too. Free yourself of all your computer worries by selecting PCCare247 as your computer service provider.