Can extensions be malicious?

Yes, extensions can be malicious, but the harm they can cause is quite specific. In terms of severity, a browser extension is not on par with full-fledged malware. Since extensions cannot go beyond the environment of a browser, they cannot infect the system, modify or delete system files, or directly manipulate the operating system (except for cases with vulnerabilities). However, some extensions can collect personal data, such as browsing history, passwords, and other confidential information, and transmit it to third parties without your consent. This makes them close to spyware and infostealers.

Depending on the type of extension, they can act differently and thus have distinct malicious potential: For example, some can open pop-up ads, redirect users to phishing sites or inject ads into websites where they are initially not present. Some extensions may contain malicious code that can initiate the download of other malicious programs. They can also change your browser settings without your knowledge, alter your homepage or search engine.

It is worth noting that a malicious browser extension these days is a rare find, unless you source them from official websites. Browser extensions are usually distributed through extension stores – platforms that have moderation and requirements, although they are not always effective for stopping malicious stuff. Should their system detect malicious activity or get a well-backed feedback on malignant behavior, the extension’s listing will cease to exist.

Main ways for dodgy extensions to spread are far away from the common routes of the Internet. Usually, they appear from a redirection made by a shady website that trades its traffic to random traffic brokers online. Upon redirection, the user will see an offer to install a “recommended extension” – to enhance security or to display the content. Sure enough, neither of these really happen after the installation.

Browser Hijacker

A browser hijacker is perhaps the most common type of malicious extension. Once installed, this extension changes your homepage and search engine. Even if the user navigates to google.com and performs a search, the extension redirects the query to its search engine. It also adds a special token to each search query, which modifies the search results. In the end, instead of relevant results, the user receives sponsored links that may not even match the query.

The primary risk of such extensions lies in the collection of personal information. The redirection that happens in the process throws the user through a selection of data broker sites, and each of them gathers whatever data they want. Aforementioned alteration of search results can casually throw the user to a phishing page. In some cases, this can result in the download of malicious software.

Adware

Adware extensions, as the name suggests, add advertisements to all the websites a user visits. Typically, these extensions disguise themselves as something useful or basic, such as extensions for finding discounts and promo codes. Notably, similar functionality is already present in Microsoft Edge. In practice, these extensions are useless; instead, they bombard the user with ads. Considering that adware does not do anything beyond the actions I’ve just mentioned, malicious browser extensions may be just an adware specimen.

Typical result of activity of adware browser extensions is hard to ignore. The browser starts to run slowly; clicking on any element on a page opens multiple tabs with ads, some of which may be malicious. Certain sites can automatically initiate the download of malicious software. Overall, the extension can seriously degrade the user experience and pose a threat to privacy.

Fake Cryptocurrency Wallet Extension

Fake cryptocurrency wallet extensions pose as legitimate crypto wallets, but their goal is to steal users’ credentials and funds. As I mentioned earlier, moderation in app stores is far from perfect, and sometimes malicious actors manage to place harmful extensions in official extension stores. These extensions may be disguised as popular wallets but have no actual affiliation with them.

When a user enters their credentials, such as private keys, mnemonic phrases, or passwords, the extension transmits this information to the malicious actors. This info allows the attackers to access the user’s real cryptocurrency wallets. Once they have access to the account, the attackers can transfer the funds to their accounts, leading to a complete loss of cryptocurrency for the user.

How to Stay Safe?

Malicious browser extensions are a type of threat you should not underestimate the dangers of. I have a few recommendations that can help you minimize the risks associated with malicious extensions. Firstly, try to avoid installing unnecessary extensions. I would recommend avoiding extensions from unverified sources altogether.

While most of us tend to click “next” to speed up the installation process when installing an extension from a store, I suggest paying attention to the developer and reading the reviews. Keep an eye on your installed extensions and promptly remove any that are unnecessary. Pay special attention when installing extensions related to cryptocurrency wallets. And finally, consider using decent anti-malware software that will notify you about the malicious activity that comes from such an extension.

The post Browser Extensions: Are They Safe? appeared first on Gridinsoft Blog.

Now, we’re here to set the record straight. We’ll show you which beliefs are myths and which have some truth to them. We’ll debunk 15 common cybersecurity myths.

1: Malware Only Infects Computers and Laptops

When most people talk about “computers and laptops,” they’re usually referring to desktop operating systems like macOS, Windows, and Linux. Indeed, these systems are prime targets for malware, with Windows and macOS representing more than 85% of all malware attacks. However, this doesn’t exclude mobile devices—such as those running Android, iOS, or Windows Phone—from being targeted. Certain types of malware, like banking trojans and spyware, are even specifically designed for mobile operating systems.

Injecting malware into mobile devices can be more challenging because each device manufacturer often adds their own modifications to Android. This lack of standardization complicates malware development. Meanwhile, iOS devices offer robust protection against tracking and sniffing efforts. Knowing how to remove malware from your device is crucial.

2: Spamming Email Can’t Harm Your Computer

Spam in email has become commonplace over the last five years. Despite your best efforts to protect your email from fraudsters, you might still receive spam messages. These emails often contain intrusive advertisements but sometimes include elements designed to capture your attention, such as links to external sites or attached files. These messages are frequently disguised as routine reports, delivery notifications, or invitations. The myth that spam emails can’t harm your computer is widespread.

But how can these emails be dangerous? The attachments often contain scripts that trigger malware downloads. Links may lead you to phishing sites or exploit critical vulnerabilities to install malware on your computer. Don’t be fooled by less harmful-sounding malware like adware or rogue software; these are often just a front for distributing more sinister threats like spyware and backdoors.

3: Cybercriminals Don’t Target Small and Medium Businesses

This common cybersecurity myth suggests that cybercriminals, who often deploy ransomware and spyware, typically overlook small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). While it’s true that certain complex malware types, like Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs), require substantial effort and resources to deploy, making them less cost-effective against smaller targets, this does not imply SMBs are safe from attacks. Some ransomware groups may avoid targeting sectors like government, education, and critical infrastructure, but this doesn’t mean other businesses are off the hook.

Ransomware groups, from small outfits to globally known ones, view SMBs as their primary targets. Unlike large corporations that can afford advanced Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) solutions tailored to their specific needs, smaller businesses often rely on more affordable, less sophisticated anti-malware software. This makes them an easier target for cybercriminals, who capitalize on these vulnerabilities for profit.

4: Computer Viruses Do Not Affect PC Speed

Some malware is indeed designed to operate stealthily to avoid detection. Malware like backdoors and spyware, for instance, can run quietly in the background, mimicking legitimate system processes while consuming minimal CPU and RAM. You might not even notice their presence until flagged by an antivirus application. However, these types of malware are less common compared to their more disruptive counterparts.

Cryptominers and ransomware can severely hinder your computer’s performance, making it nearly unusable. Both activities demand substantial CPU resources as they run intensive processes in the background. Even seemingly less harmful programs like adware or rogue antivirus software can cause significant slowdowns and performance issues similar to those experienced with more serious malware. Amateur programmers often create these nuisances, leading to potential memory leaks that progressively degrade your system’s performance. Imagine a throwback to the Windows 95 era, complete with frequent blue screens of death (BSOD) and necessary reboots after each new device installation!

5: You Cannot be Attacked on Facebook or Other Social Networks

Facebook, Twitter, Instagram—all these social networks are extremely popular nowadays and are prime targets for major spam campaigns. These campaigns manifest in comments on posts, advertisements, and even direct messages (DMs). While you can mitigate the risk by closing DMs to strangers, cybercriminals sometimes use hijacked accounts to send spam to people on their friends’ list. It’s a sly but effective tactic, and cybercriminals are not known for their morality.

Attacks on social networks often involve phishing (more commonly) and malware installation. The latter may include a redirect link that triggers a malware download, misleadingly described as a very useful tool that’s extremely popular. Another common method involves malicious links within advertisements. Paid promotions on Facebook and Instagram suffer from lax moderation, making it easy for attackers to use appealing images and links that lead to malware downloads.

6: Antivirus is Enough to Keep Your PC Safe

Imagine dropping your mobile phone from three feet. It might survive without any noticeable damage. However, if you repeatedly throw it against a wall or wash it in the shower, it will eventually break down, despite being dust- and waterproof. Antiviruses work similarly. While they may offer robust protection and feature advanced heuristic engines, they are not foolproof. Constant exposure to a barrage of different malware samples can result in one slipping through.

Gridinsoft Anti-malware software can offer nearly perfect protection efficiency in a well-protected operating system where basic cybersecurity principles are followed. However, vulnerable and outdated systems can render antivirus software ineffective against sophisticated malware. Moreover, disabling antivirus to install a cracked application can completely neutralize its effectiveness. Using anti-malware software correctly is crucial to ensuring it provides adequate protection for your PC.

7: Individuals Should Not Be Afraid of Spyware and Stealers

Spyware and stealers are often associated with cyberattacks on corporations. In these cases, highly sophisticated malware is used to extract as much confidential information as possible. While it might seem illogical to deploy such precise tools against individuals, there’s another side to this coin. Spyware, stealers, and similar malicious software are not limited to “professional” use. They also exist in unwanted programs and mass-market malware.

Apps that track the geolocation of your significant others, activity trackers, and no-name navigation applications—these can be spyware. They may offer real functionality that you enjoy, but this doesn’t negate their malicious nature. While individuals might not have valuable data to sell on the Darknet, the information gathered can still be valuable. Advertisers, spammers, and cybercriminals looking to build a botnet are willing buyers.

8: Cyber Threats are Only External

Cybersecurity experts often focus on external threats like RDP brute-forcing, exploits in software like Photoshop and Exchange, and email spamming. However, they sometimes overlook one of the hardest-to-avoid threats: insider threats. Insiders are company employees who work for rivals or cybercriminals aiming to compromise your organization.

Implementing an insider threat can be complex and may take years to fully execute. Initially, new employees don’t have access to sensitive information. Over time, as restrictions ease—especially if the imposter has high neuro-linguistic programming skills—they can gain access to the company’s network and data. While external threats are significant, an insider can bring these threats into the company, either intentionally or recklessly.

9: Viruses Can Be Easily and Immediately Identified

This myth is only partially true because the success of virus detection depends on several factors. These include the type of malware, its variations from previous versions, and the quality of the anti-malware software you use. Different antivirus vendors provide updates with varying frequency, affecting the quality and speed of detection.

The detection ratio can vary based on the type of malware. Classic malware like spyware and backdoors are usually easier to detect because they have more recognizable patterns. In contrast, adware and browser hijackers are easier to disguise and obfuscate as they don’t penetrate deeply into the system. For malware that is a reshaped version of an original, detection relies heavily on heuristics—the ability of the security tool to identify malware based on behavior alone.

10: The Backdoor Virus Does Not Affect the Operation of the Computer

Backdoors, as their name suggests, provide unauthorized access for cybercriminals. Once they have full control of your system, their actions can be unpredictable. If the malware is injected just for amusement, cybercriminals might scare you by moving the mouse pointer, opening and minimizing tabs, or shutting down the system. While this reveals the backdoor’s presence, it’s not the most common scenario. More often, cybercriminals use backdoors for profit, operating stealthily.

Backdoors typically prefer silent activity to facilitate ongoing operations. For the initial period (1-2 weeks post-injection), the backdoor remains completely silent, collecting information about the system, typical activity hours, and login credentials if possible. To maintain invisibility, the backdoor might create a secondary administrator account and hide it using basic Windows functions. This action can have noticeable effects, as another user requires disk space and hardware resources. Therefore, you may observe indirect signs of its presence.

11: Botnets Do Not Launch Spam Campaigns and Do Not Attack Social Networks

This is another cybersecurity myth to watch out for. While it’s true that botnets cannot launch spam campaigns on their own, they are essentially networks of compromised computers controlled by cybercriminals. These cybercriminals can orchestrate spam campaigns using the botnet. Conducting spam campaigns manually is challenging and costly, even with a large team. Botnets provide an efficient solution for mass spamming. Another cybersecurity myth that confuses users.

The notion that botnets do not attack social networks is also false. Spam campaigns are most effective when they reach large audiences, which is why they often target social networks. A single bot’s message on social media can attract the attention of dozens of people. Thus, when you hear “botnet spamming,” it usually refers to activities on social networks or email.

12: Sophisticated Security Tools Keep Your Business Safe

This cybersecurity myth is close to being true. Anti-malware vendors worldwide offer EDR solutions that can protect entire networks, including servers and IoT devices within a company. However, the human factor is often overlooked. Zero-click attacks, which require no human interaction, are rare. Most cybercriminals rely on human errors.

Both ransomware distributors, who acquire malware samples through affiliate programs, and skilled hackers who inject self-made APTs into corporate networks often exploit human recklessness. For instance, system administrators might neglect to establish secure RDP connections, or an overworked secretary might open an email with a suspicious attachment. While EDR can thwart many attacks, it is not a cure-all. People frequently believe cybersecurity myths, which can lead to vulnerabilities.

13: Regular Scanning is Enough to Keep Your Computer Clean

There is some truth to this cybersecurity myth. Many classic anti-malware programs are designed to offer peak protection through on-demand scans. However, all vendors emphasize that proactive protection alone is insufficient for keeping a device 100% malware-free. An important variable often overlooked is the detection database and its updates.

Many anti-malware vendors offer free versions of their software, allowing users to remove viruses without charge. However, these free versions typically do not include regular database updates. While free versions may still receive patches unrelated to detection, their ability to effectively spot and remove malware diminishes over time. It is essential to rely on trusted sources to avoid believing in cybersecurity myths.

14: Ordinary Users are Completely Protected From PC Hacking

This common cybersecurity myth is far from the truth. Ordinary users, who make up the majority of the PC market, are prime targets for cybercriminals. Cybercriminals exploit users’ inattention, recklessness, and desire to save money. Although the average level of cybersecurity knowledge has increased significantly over the past decade, it is still not enough to eliminate the need for anti-malware software or deter cybercriminals from targeting individuals.

As long as there is a market for hacked software, film camrips, and hacktools, there will be a risk of acquiring malware along with (or instead of) the desired product. The primary characteristic of this majority is, unfortunately, greed. People often prefer not to pay for legitimate products, only to end up paying for PC repairs. Breaking this vicious cycle is necessary before making such broad claims about security.

15: Phishing Does Not Target Confidential Information and Personal Data

This myth likely stems from misconceptions about the evolving nature of phishing attacks. Today, cybercriminals often distribute malware by attaching it to emails and tricking users into opening it. This form of phishing is straightforward and devoid of the traditional nuances. However, people often overlook “classic” phishing, which involves counterfeit websites and forms designed to steal your credentials.

Classic phishing has not disappeared, contrary to popular belief. Some might think it’s in decline, but there are still numerous phishing pages on the Internet. Maintaining vigilance is crucial to avoid falling victim. While the effectiveness of classic phishing has diminished due to advanced security measures in web browsers, phishing techniques are constantly evolving. Cybercriminals will inevitably find new ways to deceive users, often when least expected. It’s essential to dismiss cybersecurity myths and rely on accurate information.

The post 15 Cybersecurity Myths and Denials appeared first on Gridinsoft Blog.

Emails are used daily by millions worldwide professionally. Over time, however, this beneficial tool has also become a potential threat. Like anything connected to the internet and technology, email is vulnerable, particularly email attachments seen in most messages. This susceptibility has heightened concerns about email security.

Common Threat Types for Email Security

Before exploring how to protect yourself from the dangers associated with email attachments, it is important to understand the basic types of malicious email threats to which we are all susceptible.

1. Ransomware: Ransomware is a prevalent threat typically delivered through email. In such attacks, the perpetrator hacks the victim’s data and demands a ransom for its return.
2. Phishing: Phishing involves criminals sending emails that appear trustworthy, containing links or attachments that prompt for login details. These credentials are then used for malicious purposes. Many people inadvertently trust and interact with these deceptive emails.
3. Spam: Despite various methods developed to filter out unwanted spam, the issue persists. While some spam is merely bothersome, much of it can carry malware.

Email Safety Tips

The dangers associated with email attachments, as mentioned above, are common challenges faced routinely by users. However, there are numerous ways that your emails could be carrying malware and other threats like ransomware.

To help you stay safe and secure your email communications, we’ve compiled a list of effective email security tactics. These strategies will help you recognize potential dangers and avoid them before they escalate into serious issues. Let’s explore these tips!

1. Check the Sender

Business professionals often receive emails daily from various contacts, necessitating them to open and review each one. However, during a phishing scam, the sender’s name may appear familiar or even if not, the nature of business may compel you to open it regardless. Despite this, there is a precaution you can take: always verify the sender’s email address. Unusual email addresses are a common indicator of scams. Remember, it’s not necessary to open every email. If an email is critical, the sender will likely follow up with a phone call if they don’t receive a response. Trust your instincts; if an email feels suspicious, it’s safer to avoid engaging with it.

2. The Message Inside the Email

Even when you recognize the sender or are anticipating an email, exercise caution before opening it and engaging with its contents. Before clicking on any attachments, consider the following to ensure the email’s legitimacy:

• The subject line of the email is critical. If it lacks a subject line or the subject line is vague, proceed with caution. For example, if the subject mentions an “invoice”, verify your recent purchases. If you haven’t ordered anything that matches the described item, do not open the email and consider marking it as spam.
• Emails that lack detail and use generic greetings like “Hi” are often indicative of phishing attempts. A legitimate email will include specific details about the company and a clear explanation of the email’s purpose. If these elements are missing, it’s best to disregard the email.

3. Digital Signature in Emails

For those engaged in corporate communications, verifying the presence of a digital signature is crucial. Before opening any attachments, check if the email purportedly from a company includes a digital signature at its end. For emails sent through Microsoft Outlook, a digital signature may be indicated by a red ribbon icon within the message, signaling corporate authenticity.

4. Check the Email Links

After confirming the internal contents of the email, including the presence of a digital signature, a relevant subject line, and the company’s logo, you might feel confident about the email’s legitimacy. However, it’s essential to remain vigilant by checking the links as well. Hover your mouse over any link or attachment to preview the destination address. If the address appears suspicious or unrelated to the expected content, it likely indicates a malicious intent such as ransomware or another type of scam. In such cases, it is advisable to delete the email immediately and avoid clicking on any links.

5. Use GridinSoft Anti-Malware for Enhanced Protection

To further secure your email communications from malware and other cyber threats, consider using GridinSoft Anti-Malware. This powerful tool offers robust protection against a wide array of threats, including those commonly disseminated through email, such as ransomware and phishing scams. GridinSoft Anti-Malware provides real-time protection by scanning incoming emails and their attachments for any malicious content before it can harm your system.

Download and install Anti-Malware by clicking the button below. After the installation, run a Full scan: this will check all the volumes present in the system, including hidden folders and system files. Scanning will take around 15 minutes.

After the scan, you will see the list of detected malicious and unwanted elements. It is possible to adjust the actions that the antimalware program does to each element: click "Advanced mode" and see the options in the drop-down menus. You can also see extended information about each detection - malware type, effects and potential source of infection.

Click "Clean Now" to start the removal process. Important: removal process may take several minutes when there are a lot of detections. Do not interrupt this process, and you will get your system as clean as new.

Conclusion

Email has undoubtedly simplified and accelerated communication, revolutionizing business operations and opening countless opportunities. However, as technology has advanced, so too has the susceptibility of email to scams and other security threats. Prioritizing email security is essential for both individuals and businesses. By implementing the straightforward security measures discussed above, you can protect yourself and your business data effectively. Paying attention to the finer details and practicing vigilance can take just a minute or two, but these efforts are crucial in safeguarding against potential dangers.

The post How to Stay Safe When Using Email? appeared first on Gridinsoft Blog.

Cracked Games Origins

Every not-freeware program has its own license checking mechanism. Such a check may be performed exclusively on the user’s PC and using a PC and a server where all data about licenses is stored. But the code responsible for this operation is stored inside the program’s root directory. Hence, a hacker is able to find this code and modify it in a specific way: he creates a specific “jump” on the license checking stage, so the operation will be simply skipped, and the program will think it is activated¹.

Why are cracked programs dangerous?

• Exposed to a range of cyberattacks.
• Adware infections.
• Third-party crypto mining viruses.
• Phishing attacks.

After the described modification hacker can distribute his program for the wide pirate public. However, he will not have any profit in such a scenario. To solve this problem, hackers add several programs to the initial package. Which programs? Ones whose developers agreed to pay the pirate for this operation. And here goes the most interesting.

Many small developers distribute their programs as a part of the games bundle. It can be whatever – antiviruses (Segurazo, Santivirus, McAfee, Avast, et cetera), “fast and comfortable browsers”, different utilities with or without practical use, etc. Such apps are more annoying than harmful, but their usage may be dangerous because of wrong actions in tight places, like the registry or Group Policies.

But, besides free trash bag-like apps, computer pirates can add different malicious apps. And their type and severity depend only on the size of the reward promised to the hacker by malware developers. It may be something non-critical, like adware or browser hijacker. However, in most cases of malware injection through the cracked games, users get a full-house: trojan-stealer, trojan-backdoor, trojan-downloader, worm, virus, and, finally, ransomware. Because of modern trends through malware, you will get every malware mentioned earlier inside the single app. Bad perspective, isn’t it?

Breaking The Law With Cracked Games

Using cracked games is an outlaw action in all civilized countries. And if you use it on your home computer and do not create any commercial product with the pirated programs, you may keep calm – it is tough to detect that you use exactly unlicensed games. However, the executive authorities can check big companies and any other commercial organization. And in case cracked games usage is confirmed, the corporation will receive a large fine. The size of this fine is usually much bigger than the license cost for all games that has been used in its cracked version. So, think well before using cracked Spiderman Remastered or Call Of Duty.

Download games without any risks

There are various ways to download games without exposing yourself to any risk. Here are some tips on how to practice safe gaming:

• Download games from official stores only.
• Avoid buying games from bizarre locations like forums or random pages.
• Learn how to protect your accounts on Twitch, Discord, Origin, Battle.net, and Steam. Many of them offer two-factor authentication, allowing you to protect your device from unauthorized access even further.
• Check the security features on the platforms you use.
• Always try to download the platform’s official app.
• Use an antivirus for PC when going online and downloading anything.
• Use a reputable antivirus program on all your devices and never disable it.

If you’ve used cracked games in the past, it’s imperative to check your computer for viruses. One effective way to do this is by using a reliable security tool like Gridinsoft Anti-Malware. This software specializes in identifying and removing malware that might have sneaked in through unsecured downloads. By conducting a thorough scan, you can ensure that your system is clean and secure. Remember, proactive measures are key to maintaining the health of your computer and the safety of your personal information. Always prioritize security in your digital activities to avoid potential hazards.

Download and install Anti-Malware by clicking the button below. After the installation, run a Full scan: this will check all the volumes present in the system, including hidden folders and system files. Scanning will take around 15 minutes.

After the scan, you will see the list of detected malicious and unwanted elements. It is possible to adjust the actions that the antimalware program does to each element: click "Advanced mode" and see the options in the drop-down menus. You can also see extended information about each detection - malware type, effects and potential source of infection.

Click "Clean Now" to start the removal process. Important: removal process may take several minutes when there are a lot of detections. Do not interrupt this process, and you will get your system as clean as new.

As you can see, cracked game usage carries many disadvantages that can cost you much more than the license for this program. Yes, in some cases, cracked game usage can be forced – for example, if you want to test the program before purchasing, being not sure if it can satisfy your needs. But even in such a situation – pirating with good intentions – you can become a victim of malware attacks.

The post Cracked Games appeared first on Gridinsoft Blog.

What Is “Your computer is infected” Notification?

The “Your computer is infected” pop-up notification is a scam that aims at intimidating the user and forcing them into further fraudulent actions. These notifications usually appear as pop-up windows or alerts that can look like legitimate system messages, antivirus alerts, or browser notifications. In fact they are totally fake, designed to scare or trick users into taking a particular action, often by making them believe their computer is infected with a virus or other malware.

This usually results from visiting websites with pirated content, such as movies or games, as well as adult content sites. These websites often embed malicious code, so any interaction with the site, whether it’s clicking a link or pressing the play button, can lead to redirects and, eventually, pop-up notifications or a flood of ad banners.

How Does This Scam Work?

Let’s go through the entire course of action to understand the source of fake notifications. As I mentioned earlier, in most cases, the first step is about the user visiting dubious websites. The issue lies in the fact that the owner of a pirated site usually adds hidden redirect links to everything on the site: buttons, images, links, etc. With such traps, any click on these elements automatically triggers a redirection, and the user finds themselves on another site, the one that offers to allow pop-up notifications.

From the user’s perspective, this looks like anti-DDoS or anti-bot protection. They allow pop-ups, willing to keep watching. But that is what allows for the rest of this scam.

Flood Of Notifications & Fake Scan

Typically, right after clicking “Allow,” nothing seems to happen, so the user doesn’t pay much attention to it. However, after a while, the websites start sending a huge number of notifications. Although these notifications come from the web browser, they look like system alerts and can contain various messages.

This is where “Your computer is infected” pop-ups hove into view. Appearing in dozens, they confuse people due to excessive usage of capital letters and alarming wording. When the user clicks on this notification, it throws them to a fraudulent website. The site then performs a fake scan, finds numerous issues, and suggests installing a “fix tool” to resolve these problems.

Obviously, all these “issues” and detected malware are fake because no website can scan a device for viruses – it is just technically impossible. These actions aim to trick the user into installing unwanted software, particularly rogue antiviruses or pseudo-effective apps.

Fake Support Page

An alternative scenario involves redirecting the user to a fake tech support page. In this case, the user lands on a webpage that mimics an official Microsoft support site. Typically, this page displays banners or notifications claiming issues with the computer and urges the user to call a specified number for assistance.

If the user calls the provided number, they reach scammers posing as legitimate support staff. These fraudsters may attempt to obtain personal information or credit card details, trick the user into paying for “fixing” nonexistent issues, or gain remote access to their computer through a remote connection. The latter is particularly dangerous as it grants the scammers full control over the device.

Is Your Computer Infected?

It is possible to manually remove the pop-up source through the browser interface. To do this, go to your browser settings, find notification settings, and remove all the sites listed as ones that can send notifications. Reload the browser to apply the changes.

Disabling browser pop-ups (scroll images)

Afterward, I still recommend performing a system scan for malware using legitimate antivirus software.

Download and install Anti-Malware by clicking the button below. After the installation, run a Full scan: this will check all the volumes present in the system, including hidden folders and system files. Scanning will take around 15 minutes.

After the scan, you will see the list of detected malicious and unwanted elements. It is possible to adjust the actions that the antimalware program does to each element: click "Advanced mode" and see the options in the drop-down menus. You can also see extended information about each detection - malware type, effects and potential source of infection.

Click "Clean Now" to start the removal process. Important: removal process may take several minutes when there are a lot of detections. Do not interrupt this process, and you will get your system as clean as new.

The post Your Computer is Infected appeared first on Gridinsoft Blog.

What Is Data Protection?

People have been practicing data protection since ancient times. Imagine a messenger running from one city to another, carrying a ribbon with seemingly random letters. Or a medieval scribe who makes copies of his manuscripts. Both were protecting data. The runner was using a scytale encoding to keep the message from being read by enemies should he even be caught. The writer made a copy of the text to hide it in a chest to protect it from wind, rain, snow, and thieves. Today we do the same things, but the threats are different.

Data protection encompasses any measures we take to secure data regardless of where it is stored: on a remote server or a hard disk of our computer. These measures include inputting passwords to any devices or Internet accounts, undergoing biometric authentication, installing antivirus software, conducting regular scans, etc. These measures can be arbitrary or obligatory.

What Are Data Protection Regulations?

People’s attitude to the security of their private data can be astoundingly careless. But it’s their problem. On the contrary, those companies who take responsibility for storing or processing their clients’ personal data (like social networks or electronic mailboxes, state registries, public services, etc.) oblige themselves or are obliged by law to implement data protection regulations within their workspace. An example of such obligatory guidelines is GDPR, the International General Data Protection Regulations accepted in the European Union in 2018.

Why Is it Important?

One can hardly find a modern industry that would not rely on information technologies or involve them. Criminals and thieves of all sorts now have a new catch – information. Hackers can steal information, destroy it, blackmail owners with its disclosure, or encrypt the data on hacked computers. Then they can demand a ransom from their victims for having their data decrypted. The last case is the first viable and widely-used hacker business scheme – a ransomware attack. In a world where all person’s work, private life, plans, notes, and even dreams become the content of a portable device – the security of this content becomes crucial, and its loss can be deplorable.

Ways To Protect You Personal Data

What is very important to remember is that although various internet services comply with their data security policies and regulations, users should cooperate with these services and not overthrow all the responsibility for the safety of their data on the corporations. The following list of data-safety measures is good for protecting data on a personal device and the cloud.

1. Set up two-factor authentication on your financial accounts.

Financial accounts are usually more protected than social media profiles, mailboxes, or messengers, but they require more attention and care. A breach of a bank account is like nothing you want to experience. Therefore, use the two-factor authentication in your banking service to protect yourself from fraud, deceptive social engineering, and phishing attacks. All it takes is to press a button on your telephone every time you try to access your banking account. If any crooks get your login and password, you won’t let them use those credentials.

2. Malware protection is a must.

Without an anti-malware solution any system today is bare against a jungle of harmful entities. A modern security program will:

1. warn you about suspicious webpages you are trying to access;
2. stop you from entering overtly dangerous sites;
3. quarantine and remove any recognizable malicious programs as soon as they end up on your device;
4. clear all hidden threats with the help of a deep scan function.

GridinSoft Anti-Malware is a versatile solution featuring all the described functions and providing consistent protection without inconveniences typical for bulky and “heavy” antivirus programs. Economically beneficial, Anti-Malware is one of the most efficient and quick security programs on the market.

3. Use a firewall.

A firewall is a program filter separating a network it protects from the external environment. It can be protecting one computer or an entire workgroup. Most of the OSs have an in-built firewall. It controls the incoming and outbound traffic using pre-defined rules. Users tend to switch off firewalls temporarily to access suspicious websites but later forget to reactivate the defense. That is dangerous and puts a device or a network at risk.

4. Use free Wi-Fi with care.

A Wi-Fi router can be a source of a so-called Man-in-the-middle attack that uses a spoofed network name. After you access the wrong network by mistake, all the data outbound from your device comes into the possession of crooks. Later your data can be used directly against you up to identity theft or blackmailing, or, in better cases, it can be collected and sold to third parties for their own needs.

5. Protect your email accounts.

An email account is the core of any person’s virtual representation. Profiles in social media and other internet services often refer to your email address, and that address is essential to password restoration if you happen to need that. Therefore, email safety should be of the utmost concern. Remember to log out from your mailbox on any device except for yours. Also, make sure you use a strong password and change passwords from time to time.

6. Update your software regularly.

Computer software nowadays gets updated automatically or with the slightest effort from the user. However, many program vulnerabilities emerge in in-between moments, when one program (let’s say operating system) is already updated, while some different software is not yet up-to-date. Such inconsistent versions can lead to malware infection if cybercriminals intend to pull that over. The most wanted updates are the updates of security programs. The more malware signatures an antivirus program has in its libraries, the more malicious items it will remove from your PC before they can even harm it.

7. Back up your data.

Advice to have a backup of all critical information to preempt physical damage of the drive, loss, or theft is one of the wisest hints one could harken to. Anyone who has ever experienced anything mentioned above knows how important it is to have everything in two or maybe even three instances.

8. Don’t store passwords on your laptop or mobile device.

Always consider that your portable device might get into someone else’s hands. It might be a good person, but some bad person might also steal your device. You must be ready for such an unfortunate event. And that means not only photos and videos you wouldn’t like anyone to see should not be there on your device, but definitely, passwords should not be stored thereon. By the way, don’t forget to log out from all the accounts remotely when you notice your device is gone.

9. Use Strong, Unique Passwords

Using strong, unique passwords for each of your online accounts is one of the most effective ways to protect your personal data. Weak passwords are easy for hackers to guess, and using the same password for multiple accounts means that if one account is compromised, all of your other accounts are at risk too.

Tips for Creating Strong, Unique Passwords:

• Make It Long: Aim for at least 12 characters. The longer your password, the harder it is to crack.
• Mix It Up: Use a combination of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters (like !, @, #, $).
• Avoid Obvious Choices: Don’t use easily guessable information like your name, birthdate, or common words like “password” or “123456.”
• Use a Password Manager: Password managers can create and store complex passwords for you, so you don’t have to remember them all. This ensures each of your passwords is unique and secure.

Imagine your password is a secret code that only you and your best friend know. Make it something fun and memorable, like a phrase from your favorite book or movie, but change some letters to numbers or symbols.

Example: If you love the book “Harry Potter“, you could start with “HarryPotterRocks” and make it stronger by adding numbers and symbols: “H@rryP0tt3rR0ck$!“

Instead of a single word, think of a sentence or phrase you can remember easily. Make it something silly and fun.

Example: “MyC@tJumpsOver7Rainbows!” This phrase is long, includes a mix of characters, and is easy to remember because it’s a funny mental image.

Just like you wouldn’t use the same secret handshake forever, change your passwords from time to time to keep them fresh and secure.

10. Be Cautious with Phishing Attempts

Phishing is when scammers try to trick you into giving them your personal information, like passwords or credit card numbers, by pretending to be someone you trust. They often do this through fake emails, messages, or websites. Being cautious helps you avoid these traps and keeps your information safe.

• Check the Sender’s Email Address: Scammers often use addresses that look similar to real ones but have slight differences.
• Look for Red Flags: Be suspicious of emails or messages with urgent requests, bad grammar, or unfamiliar links.
• Don’t Click on Suspicious Links: Hover over links to see where they lead before clicking. If it looks suspicious, don’t click.
• Verify Requests: If you get an email or message asking for personal information, verify it by contacting the company directly using a phone number or website you know is legitimate.
• Use Anti-Phishing Tools: Many email services and web browsers have built-in tools to help detect and block phishing attempts.

Always question messages that ask for personal information or seem unusual. It’s okay to be curious and skeptical – it’s better to be safe than sorry.

The post 10 Ways to Protect Your Personal Data appeared first on Gridinsoft Blog.

What is Computer Viruses?

A computer virus is a type of program that when executed modifies the other existing programs. What it does is that it replicates itself and inserts its code. The areas of the program affected in such a way by the malicious program are said to be infected.

Some computer viruses can steal your data, or encrypt your files to demand a ransom. The other kinds of malicious programs like cryptominers make your PC completely unusable. Not to mention that there exists quite an aggressive form of malware that once gets on the computer destroys the data with no recovery possible.

How to Detect a Computer Virus: Pay Attention

Despite the myriad of computer viruses existing out there in the world you will know when you get infected with some of them. Because in case of a computer infection, everything that doesn’t work properly may hint at it. But more precisely it is the following:

1. Browser lags or makes unwanted redirects;
2. You noticed that from your account has been sent emails that you clearly remember you didn`t write and send;
3. You also noticed that the hard drive seems to be working overly when you even don’t do that much;
4. New unknown applications appeared without you actually downloading them;
5. Unexpected pop-up windows started to annoy you increasingly;
6. The system began frequently to crash and message error;
7. You started to have missing files;
8. You also started to have shutting down or restarting system;
9. Your computer performance significantly slows down (it takes too much time to start up or open programs);
10. If your laptop’s battery is draining quickly, it could be a sign of malware running in the background. Malicious software can use a lot of your computer’s resources, causing your battery to deplete faster than usual, even when you’re not doing anything demanding.
11. Antivirus programs or firewalls don’t work or work problematic.

Prevent Computer Viruses

Of course the old rule says it’s better to prevent a problem than deal with it. In the case of computer safety and security, the same rule also applies. Bad security hygiene makes the way for various kinds of viruses to infect your computer and interfere with its work. For the responsible user, cyber security hygiene is one of the top priorities if not the first. Make yourself a note to always keep up with the next points:

#1. Have additional security solutions.

Apart from having your main antivirus and firewall, consider buying another antivirus or firewall. Just in case the main security solution fails you will always have the backup of your security tools.

#2. Make regular Backups.

Make it a habit to do regular backups of all important data you have on your computer. You can store it securely in the cloud or on the hard drive. In case of a compromise you won’t get your data completely lost.

#3. Use a firewall.

If you have some antivirus solution it doesn’t necessarily mean you have a firewall. But both PCs and Macs have pre-installed firewall software so make sure you have that activated on your computer.

#4. Use antivirus software.

There’s not that much to say that`s the most essential thing in your cybersecurity. Don`t leave yourself without an antivirus solution at all.

#5. Use strong passwords.

Strong password will consist of symbols, letters, and numbers and is at least eight characters long. And don`t reuse your username and password because once a hacker obtains them they can access all your accounts you have the same username and password on.

#6. Keep Everything Up to Date.

Just saying, if you have the latest version of the software it means you have a little possible percentage of being hacked. Companies like Oracle and Microsoft regularly do their updates to eliminate the bugs that hackers have been already exploiting.

How to Remove a Computer Virus?

So if you suspect that you have a virus on the computer take the steps below immediately to remove the threat:

1. Update your antivirus. Before you do a scan check if your antivirus solution has the latest update. Software vendors regularly do the updates adding to the list of new discovered in the wild or lab threats. If you have not done it yet your antivirus solution may not detect the virus that has infected the computer.
2. Disconnect from the internet. It will be a good idea to disconnect your computer from the internet as some viruses use the connection to do their malicious work. Once you have done it you can proceed further.
3. Do the reboot of your computer into safe mode. In the safe mode you can remove the virus without it returning. Because in some cases malware tends to return. But this mode leaves only the essential programs to work while disabling all others and of course, it will stop the virus.
4. Delete any temporary files. Some viruses initiate when your computer boots up. You may get rid of the virus if you delete the temporary file. But the advice will be not to rely on the deletion and proceed further to have the full proper deletion process.
5. Delete or quarantine the virus. After a scan is finished you can delete or quarantine the found file. Having done the step, run another scan to make sure there’s no malware left.
6. Reboot your computer. Simply turn your computer on. It doesn’t need to be in Safe Mode any longer.
7. Change all your passwords. If you fear that your passwords may have been compromised, change on all accounts the passwords.
8. Update your software, browser, and operating system. By doing so you will ensure that hackers cannot exploit the same vulnerability again.

Types of Computer Viruses

Out of the variety of viruses there are some most common ones. The possibility that it’s this particular virus has got onto your machine is very high. Because they are widely spread it won’t take too much effort to get rid of one of them.

But don’t underestimate them the sooner you detect a virus and erase it the better. So once you know the cause of the problem it should be the matter of time to successfully deal with it:

1. Trojan Virus. At first site a seemingly legitimate looking program but once on the victim’s machine will secretly do its primary job to steal, disrupt or damage the user`s data or network. Trojan can’t replicate itself. A victim should start the execution of it.
2. Ransomware. A malicious software that encrypts files and keeps them locked until the ransom is paid. All the encrypted files receive “.encrypted” extension.
3. Macro Virus. A computer virus written in the same macro language as Word or Microsoft Excel. It works with these software applications and doesn’t depend on what OS the victim has. If a macro virus infects a file it can also damage other applications and the system.
4. Bootkit Virus. This virus infects the boot sector and executable files simultaneously. Most viruses infect only one thing either the boot, system or program files. Because of such a double functionality the virus causes much more damage than any other.
5. Browser Hijacker. A malicious software that will change browser`s settings, appearance and its behavior. Browser hijacker creates revenue by dircting users to different websites and constantly showing pop up windows forcing users to click. Apart from such “innocent” things the virus can also collect the victim`s data or do the keystroke logging. Remove it as soon as you notice any changes you didn’t actually remember to make to your browser.

Find The Best Computer Virus Protection

It won’t be wrong to say that any antivirus protection is still protection. But of course, the question is how good that protection is. The best thing to do to know which antivirus software has the quality of protection is simply to try it out.

In this way you will see the work of the product in action and will decide for yourself if what this or that antivirus software vendor proposes is enough for your needs.

The search for the ideal antivirus solution won’t be hard if you know what the thing should do. The antivirus solution searches detects, and removes the malware. It’s the basic three-part system of any program that calls itself an antivirus solution. Additionally, most antivirus software has the feature of removing or quarantining the offending malware. Also an antivirus solution works on two principles: either way it scans the programs upon their uploading or checks those already existing.

Download and install Anti-Malware by clicking the button below. After the installation, run a Full scan: this will check all the volumes present in the system, including hidden folders and system files. Scanning will take around 15 minutes.

After the scan, you will see the list of detected malicious and unwanted elements. It is possible to adjust the actions that the antimalware program does to each element: click "Advanced mode" and see the options in the drop-down menus. You can also see extended information about each detection - malware type, effects and potential source of infection.

Click "Clean Now" to start the removal process. Important: removal process may take several minutes when there are a lot of detections. Do not interrupt this process, and you will get your system as clean as new.

Now that you’ve secured yourself with knowledge, try to secure your computer with Gridinsoft Anti-Malware. Not a bad start in testing out the various antivirus solutions in the search for that special one.

The post 11 Signs If Your Computer Has A Virus appeared first on Gridinsoft Blog.

Search Tabs for full information

Use Tabs introduced under the search bar if you need to get more complete information about the subject of the search. This advice may sound like a truism, however, there is still a significant amount of people who don’t use this function. If the object you are searching is quite popular, Google may offer you fresh news about it, as well as videos on YouTube.

Quotes for precise google searching

Sometimes, Google searching can disappoint you with useless results. Such a situation occurs when you are searching for a specific subject with a complex search query. When your search query looks like , the search engine will show you a lot of irrelevant or low-relevant websites, which, however, contain the majority of words of your query. Google tries to find the website where all words you typed are present, regardless of their order. But if you specify that you need to find an exact phrase by taking your search query into quotes (“ntoskrnl.exe error fix”), Google will try to find the phrase you inputted with a strict word order.

Hyphen to exclude excessive results

It’s quite a common case when your search queries have several commonly used meanings. For example, if you are googling for fast food images, you will see a lot of photos of full bunch of different fast food dishes. However, you are likely searching for other pics – without fries, for example. To avoid any results with fries during Google searching, add an unwanted adjective/subject to your search query, dividing it with the “-” symbol after the initial part of the query (fast food -fries).

Specify the websites you need

Imagine that you may need an article/deal from a specific website. It’s quite hard to find this post manually on this site. Google will show you a lot of different materials following this theme, but missing the website you need. To force the search engine to show you the results from the exact website, enter the site name in the search bar, using the following syntax:

Asterisk wildcard to uncover the forgotten words

I think everyone was in the situation when you want to find the song by a single line, but don’t remember several words of this line. There are no chances to find the song without any tricks – Google searching mechanisms will show you everything despite the song you need. To solve such a problem, enter the search query with the asterisk symbol substituting the forgotten words.

Google searching by the time period

Google searching about some events that took place in a specific period of the past is possible without this advice but will take much more time. For example, you need to find the list of prime ministers of the UK in the 90s. Usually, you search for the Wikipedia article that contains this information and then scroll down to the period you need. But if you will google “UK Prime Ministers 1990..”(exactly with 2 dots after the lower timeline border), you will see this list at the top of the results window. By analogy, you may search for something that was before the specified period, by simply adding 2 dots before the upper timeline border (..1990).

Professional slang for professional help

You may notice that Google will show you different forums or other low-trustworthy resources if you google something like “my chandelier is blinking constantly”. Of course, it is unlikely that you will get good advice on the mentioned resources. But it can be solved easily: just try to use more formalized vocabulary to form your search query: “repair the blinking chandelier”.

This is not a full list of hints that are embedded in the Google search engine. But these are the most useful and will surely help you to find exactly what you need. If you like this article, and this advice helped you with your queries, please, share it with your friends or on social networks.

The post Google Tricks For Better Searching appeared first on Gridinsoft Blog.

There are a lot of reasons to reset your browser. Generally, they have malicious origins. Most of the malware infects not only your system but also your browser. Nasty redirects, slow performance of search process, ads, replaced homepage and search engine – these are consequences of annoying browser virus.

Moreover, such browser hijacker possesses a real threat to your privacy. GridinSoft Team found lots of cases when an unwanted search engine collects the search history and personal information of the victim and uses them in own purpose. Not each anti-malware program can offer the online security feature, which prevents data collection. But GridinSoft Anti-Malware does.

We also recommend resetting your browser settings regularly if you use a lot of browser plugins. Plugins have a bad habit of conflicting with each other, and the more ones you have in your browser – the higher is the chance to have problems. No one wants to see the web browser slow and buggy, right?

How to reset my browser settings?

The most efficient way is to reset browser settings automatically. GridinSoft Anti-Malware offers a free tool that will make your browsers clean with just one click. In order to reset these settings back to the normal mode, please click the “Tools” menu tab and then select the “Reset Browser Settings” option.

Choose browsers that you want to reset and items that need to be back to default mode. Click “Reset. That’s all!

Browsers that you chose will be closed after resetting.

Please, save all your important data before cleaning. All bookmarks will stay no matter which items you will choose to reset.

The post Reset Browser Chrome, Opera, Edge, Firefox and Safari to Default appeared first on Gridinsoft Blog.

1. Gather Information: Before you report a false positive detection to Gridinsoft, you should gather some important information about the file that was flagged as malware. This includes the name and location of the file, as well as any other relevant details such as the size, date modified, and the software that the file is associated with.
2. Verify the False Positive Detection: It is important to verify that the detection is indeed a false positive before reporting it to Gridinsoft. You can do this by submitting the file to an online malware analysis tool or by scanning it with other antivirus software.
3. Contact Gridinsoft: Once you have confirmed that the detection is a false positive, you can contact Gridinsoft to report the issue. The easiest way to do this is by using their online contact form. In your message, be sure to include the following information:
   • The name of the detected file
   • The name and version of the Gridinsoft software you are using
   • The reason why you believe the detection is a false positive
   • Any other relevant details about the file and your system
4. Provide Supporting Evidence: To help Gridinsoft investigate the issue, you may also want to provide supporting evidence such as a screenshot of the detection or a log file generated by the antivirus software. This will help us to understand the issue better and determine the cause of the false positive detection.
5. Follow Up: After you have reported the false positive detection, it is important to follow up with Gridinsoft to ensure that the issue is resolved. They may ask for additional information or request that you submit the file for further analysis. Be sure to respond promptly to any requests and provide any additional information that may be needed.

In conclusion, if you believe that Gridinsoft has generated a false positive detection, it is important to report the issue to us. By following the steps outlined above, you can help to ensure that legitimate files are not incorrectly flagged as malware and that Gridinsoft remains accurate and effective.

The post How to Report a False Positive Detection? appeared first on Gridinsoft Blog.