- Details
- Category: Identity Theft
- Published: Thursday, 10 September 2015 07:12
- Written by Robert Siciliano
- Hits: 32104
- Computer programs and smartphone applications open and close spontaneously.
- Computer runs very slowly for no apparent reason.
- Someone you know emails you about the global email you recently sent out promoting a product you have nothing to do with.
- A malment is a common way to let a virus into your computer. This is a malicious attachment that, when clicked, downloads the virus. The email message tricks employees into clicking that attachment. Unless it’s been confirmed by the sender that you’ll be receiving an attachment shortly, never open attachments. Or at a minimum, scan them with antivirus software.
- Never open an attachment sent out of the blue by the IRS, company bank, credit union, medical carrier, etc.
- Apply the above rules to links inside emails. A “phishing” email is designed to look legitimate, like it came from the bank. Click on the link and a virus is released. Or, the link takes you to a site that convinces you to update some login credentials—letting the hacker know your personal information.
- Never use public Wi-Fi unless you have a VPN (virtual private network) encryption software.
- All devices should have continually updated security software including a firewall.
- Browser and operating system as well should be updated with the latest versions.
- Prevent unauthorized installations by setting up administrative rights.
- Employees, from the ground to the top, should be aggressively trained in these measures as well as bring-your-own-device protocols.
- Back up your data. Why? Because when all else fails and your data and devices have been destroyed by malware, a cloud backup allows you to not only recover all your data, but it helps you sleep at night.