Backing up your files is the best way to protect your files and data. Once you have a great backup system installed, you’ve already taken the most important step in protecting your computer – but there are threats beyond data loss that you can prepare for.

Malware (short for malicious software) is software that is developed to disrupt or damage a computer system. It can appear in a number of ways and can be used to gather private information, delete data or even lock people out of their own files. According to Kaspersky Labs, there are more than 200,000 new malware threats per day!

One such malware, Cryptolocker, has been making the internet rounds over the past several weeks. The software is called “ransomware”, as it encrypts the files on infected computers so users can’t access them. When someone tries to open a file on a computer infected with this malware, they are alerted that they must pay $300 for their files to be unencrypted so they can access them. Deleting the malware or refusing to pay the ransom will leave their files encrypted.

As a trusted partner in data protection, Carbonite Backup wants to ensure that our customers are aware of these threats and know how to prevent them from infecting their computers and servers. Here are some tips that can help you avoid malware and other types of viruses to protect your files:

• Be an email skeptic: Malware is often spread through email links or attachments. Don’t open attachments or click on links from people or companies you’re not familiar with.
• Free software – too good to be true?: Downloading free software is tempting, but it may include spyware and other malicious content. Only download software from trusted vendors.
• Down with the pop-ups: Block pop-up windows and don’t click on links or buttons within them.
• Bump up your browser security: Go into your web browser settings and make sure your security settings are set to medium or higher.
• Beware of illegal downloads: While it’s tempting to watch a movie that’s still in theatres on your computer, many files shared on illegal file-sharing sites have pieces of malware attached to them.

These are just a few tips that can help you avoid the headaches to protect your files and other negative effects of malware. Need more information on backup software? Contact Us or Open a Support Ticket, we are here to help.

Reprinted from an article

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Affected users were warned not to reboot their machines

An antivirus program labeled itself as malware, causing some computers it was running on to stop working.

After an update, essential components in two Panda Security antivirus programs became corrupted, leading them to be mistakenly identified as malign and quarantined.

Panda said a fix had been released and warned that rebooting affected systems could exacerbate the issue.

Steps to Fix You Computer: http://www.pandasecurity.com/uk/homeusers/support/card?id=100045

It asked those affected to get in touch so it could help fix their machines.

One security expert noted the irony. “People’s first response is to turn [their computer] off and back on again, but in this case, it seems like the wrong thing to do,” said Prof Alan Woodward, of Surrey University.

The “last thing” people would expect to cause their computers to break down was its security software, he said.

Corrupted files

Panda Security said that the signature file in both its PCOP and its Retail 2015 packages became corrupted.

Read the Full Story at: http://www.bbc.com/news/technology-31851125

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Tips To Avoid Hackers and Viruses
Cybersecurity is critical for businesses of all sizes. These 18 tips can help you secure your computers and mobile devices from malicious actors.
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This is going to be my first build, I just wanted some professional advice, opinions, and help. I am only 16 years old and trying to build a gaming computer. This is going to be the build: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/9HyRwP. First: Is it going to be cool …
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Eight tips for improving battery life on your MacBook
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Ransomware is malicious software used by cybercriminals all across the world to get hold of your computer and computer files for ransom, demanding payment from you to get them back in normal working condition. Although ransomware is not a common malware, over time it has proved to be a very effective one. Various new variants of ransomware are swarming in the digital market these days, all specifically designed to frighten the victim into paying a fee to get their computer back in a normal working state. Lately, many cybercrooks have started targeting it locally, making it even more dangerous than before.

However, you can save your system from giving in to the ransomware attack by employing these simple, yet effective steps-

Back up your valuable data

This one is an overall security tip on which you can fall back if your computer system is attacked by ransomware. Have a regularly updated backup of your valuable data so that even if you do become a victim of ransomware, you don’t have to lose all your vital data. In such a case, you can easily restore your system and refurbish all your important documents from backup. Having a regular backup regimen is really important for you, preferably on an external hard disk or any backup service.

Use a robust security suite

It’s always good to have a strong backing of a robust Internet security software program to help you pick out the identity thefts, suspicious activities, and unsolicited dangers. These days many new variants of viruses, malware, and ransomware have hit the digital world, escaping even from the strong detection systems. Hence, it becomes really essential to have an added layer of protection to help detect the ransomware or mitigate its effects after the attack. Install CryptoPrevent as well as a commercial-grade anti-virus like ESET Nod 32.

Patch/update your software

The ransomware authors and programmers heavily rely on the people who are running outdated software. This outdated software is vulnerable itself and it makes the whole computer system susceptible to any malicious attack, which can exploit other programs on your computer to silently get into your system. So, keeping all your software updated can decrease the potential threat of ransomware. For this purpose, you can turn the update notification system of your software program, which will timely alert you about the security updates and patches.

Disconnect from the Internet immediately

Getting a ransomware note from an unknown source can prove to be a real threat to your computer system. In such a case, don’t panic; rather disconnect your system from the Internet so that your personal information isn’t transmitted to cybercriminals and hijackers. The best action could be to simply shut down your computer system and re-install the software and data backup after turning it on. This way, you can not only start afresh but your computer system will be saved from literal damage by a malicious program.

In the end, all you have to do is to stay alert and use a robust security suite to prevent ransomware attacks. Though, following these steps will help you avoid your computer system from becoming a victim of ransomware.

Article Credit Tech Genie @ http://blog.techgenie.com/security-how-to/five-steps-to-avoid-ransomware-attack.html

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The security firm Malcovery said it identified a new trojan based on the Gameover Zeus malware, which officials said infected up to one million computers in 12 countries, and was blamed in the theft of more than $100 million.

“This discovery indicates that the criminals responsible for Gameover’s distribution do not intend to give up on this botnet even after suffering one of the most expansive botnet takeovers/takedowns in history,”.

By infecting large numbers of computers, the cybercriminals were able to control the devices to steal passwords and send out emails to further spread the infection.

The news came as the Department of Justice said it had made progress in rooting out the malware infections.

In a status report filed in court, officials said that “all or nearly all of the active computers infected with Gameover Zeus have been liberated from the criminals’ control and are now communicating exclusively with the substitute server established pursuant to a court order.”

A blog post by the security firm Emsisoft said the new variant may be harder to combat because it is using “an evasive technique that allows the botnet to hide its distributive phishing sites behind a constantly shuffling list of infected, proxy computers.”

Gameover Zeus, which first appeared in September 2011, stole bank information and other confidential details from victims.

The FBI blamed the Gameover Zeus botnet for the theft of more than $100 million, obtained by using the stolen bank data and then “emptying the victims’ bank accounts and diverting the money to themselves.”

The June crackdown also targeted another computer virus, dubbed “Cryptolocker,” which appeared in September 2013.

Russian Evgeniy Mikhailovich Bogachev, 30, an alleged administrator of the network, was charged in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with 14 counts including conspiracy, computer hacking, bank fraud, and money laundering in the Gameover Zeus and Cryptoblocker schemes.

Originally from: http://news.yahoo.com/bank-stealing-malware-returns-us-crackdown-193233883.html

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There’s no shortage of competition in this area, of course, but Live Creator has one or two useful touches that you might appreciate.

This starts with the download itself. There’s no bulky ISO here, just a single 8.8MB executable that is ready to run whenever you like.

The program opens with a simple wizard, asking if you’d like to create a bootable CD or USB key. Conveniently, there’s also an option to use a previously downloaded ISO image. (We wondered if this could work with any ISO, as a general way to create bootable USB’s, but sadly not. It’s strictly ESET-only.)

ESET SysRescue Live Creator then downloads its bootable image (a 324MB ISO), and prepares your CD or USB immediately afterward. In another thoughtful touch, you’re given an option to create another CD/ USB or save the ISO for reuse later.

Booting ESET’s rescue environment reveals more welcome extras in tools to check your RAM and system drive for defects. Hardware issues can cause odd malware-like problems, so it’s worth trying these if you can’t find anything else.

The ESET SysRescue tool is the real star here, of course, and it has more options than some similar tools. You’re able to download the latest virus signatures and check your system with various scan types. The core antivirus engine gets mixed results with the independent labs — AVTEST’s April results found it had an above-average 100 percent detection rate for known threats, a below-par 93 percent for zero-day attacks — but there’s more than enough power here to be useful.

When it’s all done, you can keep the USB key around for reuse later. But if you need it for something else, ESET SysRescue Live Creator is also able to wipe the drive in seconds. Just connect the drive, start the program again and click “Erase existing SysRescue USB”: another useful feature that you won’t always find elsewhere.

Article Originally from: http://betanews.com

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Federal Trade Commission

Even the U.S. Federal Trade Commission, a governmental agency that is designed to help consumers, had to issue a press release stating that “consumers, including corporate and banking executives, appear to be targets of a bogus e-mail supposedly sent by the Federal Trade Commission but actually sent by third parties hoping to install spyware on computers.”

There’s little doubt that spyware, malware, and insidious virus attacks make any computer with Internet access vulnerable. But, because not all Internet security breaches are immediately apparent, people are often unaware that their seemingly hassle-free computing is anything but. The Federal Trade Commission offers seven guidelines to help consumers surf the Web safely:

1. Protect your personal information. For example, when shopping on an eCommerce site, make sure that the page where you enter your personal information is secure, as designated by “https” before the URL. It’s important to stop identity theft before it starts.

2. Know before you click. For instance, many cyber-criminals impersonate legitimate businesses or send “phishing” email that asks you to click a hyperlink. Check out the online merchants and never click on emailed hyperlinks unless you’re certain of the source.

3. Update anti-virus, anti-spyware, and firewall software often. Hackers and others who engage in cybercrime seem to always be a step ahead of the good guys. If your computer protection is outdated, you’re vulnerable.

4. Use a Web browser and operating system security features. Make sure your browser settings give you optimal privacy and security and ensure that you update your operating system regularly to take advantage of security patches.

5. Safeguard your passwords. For example, create a unique password for each site you visit, and keep them in a secure place. Use letter, number and symbol combinations that can outsmart automated password detection programs.

6. Always do backups. If your computer does get a virus or a worm, your files may be goners. Make sure to regularly back up any important files and store them in a secure place.

7. Prepare for emergencies. If something does go wrong, such as your computer being hacked or infected, or if you accidentally divulge personal information, know what courses of action you should take to remedy the situation and prevent further problems.

A1 Computer Repair Services Can Help

Protecting your computer from all of the threats in cyberspace can seem like a full-time job. Our computer repair service provides full system optimization, problem diagnosis and repair, installation assistance, and a full complement of security services for your home or business like backup and cloud computing. You pay a small monthly subscription fee and in turn can surf the Web knowing that your computer is locked down and that you’ll never again have to stay abreast of the latest security software or lug your computer down to a high-priced repair center. Contact us for more information on securing your personal or business computer today.

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