Netgear Router Bug Allows Full Remote Access
You already know how vital it is to keep your operating system and applications fully up to date. This is because most updates include security enhancements and patches to vulnerabilities.But few people give thought to updating the firmware of their routers and modems–and this is perhaps even more important. Because if there is a vulnerability in your router or modem, a bad actor can have full access to your network and all the data that travels along it. And that has just happened, again.
Automatically Protect All Devices From Internet Malware and Adult Content
With your computers, tablets, and smartphones, you can add a layer of protection against malware by installing quality antimalware software. But what about your printer, smartwatch, doorbell, thermostat… you get the picture. Each of these smart devices are open to a breach, and few offer any option to install or configure security.
80% of Orgs That Paid Ransom Were Hit Again
A new study by Cyberreason has found that 80% of organizations that were hit with ransomware and paid to get the decryption key, were then hit once again with another ransomware. Approximately 50% of the new attacks were from the original criminals, and 50% were from new criminals. Discover how to quickly and easily improve your ransomware defenses.
Secure ALL Your Internet of Things with VPN
Criminals are focusing attention on your IoT devices because they are often far easier to penetrate than servers, computers, and mobile devices. In fact, many of the older IoT devices (when it comes to technology, older may mean three years old) have no functional security at all!
Amazon Set to Share Your Internet With Neighbors – How to Opt Out
Come this Tuesday, June 8, 2021, Amazon will launch the Amazon Sidewalk service. This service for Echo and Ring devices automatically opts-in to share your internet bandwidth with other Amazon devices in the neighborhood.
At first glance, this service is a great idea. Share a small slice of your internet bandwidth – 80Kb/s and a 500Mb monthly cap – with other Echo and Ring devices that have lost connection with their home wi-fi. For example, if your next door neighbors’ Ring doorbell loses connection with the home wi-fi, the it will automatically connect with the neighbor’s wi-fi for uninterrupted service.
Apple’s MagSafe Devices May Affect Pacemakers
As reported in the Journal of the American Heart Association, the MagSafe wireless charging technology used in Apple’s latest iPhone 12 phones may interfere with cardiac pacemakers.
It was found that the additional magnet used in the new iPhones could cause interference when placed on the skin directly above the pacemaker, or approximately within 0.6″ of the pacemaker. Apple has an advisory stating the iPhone 12 does not pose a greater risk for magnet interference when compared to older generation iPhones.
Hiding in Plain Sight: Office 365 Email Encryption and Prevent Forwarding
No need to use a third-party encryption application if you have an Office 365 subscription and an Outlook.com account. By sending an email from the Outlook.com site, you can automatically encrypt your email, or both encrypt and prevent forwarding of your email.
Google (Finally) Blocking Access to Android Advertising IDs
All Android devices have the option to opt-out of targeted advertising by hiding the device Advertising ID. Google now admits this setting doesn’t do much to protect the user from being tracked. However, starting with Android 12 devices coming late 2021, and then rolling out to all other Android devices with Google Play, true opt-out will come in 2022.
Practical Paranoia macOS 11 Security Essentials Version 5.0.2 Released
Practical Paranoia macOS 11 Security Essentials version 5.0.2 has just released. Includes new cybersecurity and privacy fixes for macOS 11.4. Owners of the Live edition have automatically been updated. Owners of the Kindle version can receive their free update by deleting the current version from their Kindle device, and then downloading the update from their Kindle Library.
New macOS Malware Breaks Apple Security To Take Photos
A new malware has been discovered on macOS (both Intel and Apple silicon Macs). This malware is able to bypass the built-in privacy feature called Transparency Consent and Control. By assuming another apps’ authorization settings, the malware is able to record the screen, take photographs, and other privacy-invading actions without notifying the user. The vulnerability has been fixed in macOS 11.4.
More Reasons to Ditch Your Browser Extensions
Researchers have analyzed 186,434 Chrome browser extensions, finding 2,485 disabled at least one security header. By disabling the security header, the user computer system was made vulnerable to issues such as bypassing HTTPS encrypted connection, cross-site scripting attacks, and stealing browser data. Read more to find how to protect your system, data, and privacy.
Using a Weak Wi-Fi Password Leads to Arrest
A couple is arrested for online posting of child abuse photos, uploaded over their router. The case is dropped when it is discovered criminals had taken control of the router due to never changing the default passwords.
Most people never change the default passwords for any of their IT devices unless forced to during the installation process. This gives criminals easy access to their network, devices, and communications.
100 Million Android Users Hit by Cloud Leaks
100 million Android users were hit by cloud leaks from only 23 apps. Data leaks from cloud services are up over 500% in just 12 months. Everything from e-faxes and text chats between taxi drivers and their next fare, to astrology readings, are free for the taking. These apps, some with over 10 million users, have misconfigured server settings that allow your “private” data to be seen by almost anyone. Read how you can stop the leakage of your data.
Linux on Chromebook is Exiting Beta
Linux on Chrome OS is exiting beta with the next version (91). This is great news as you can now have the ease of Chrome and power of Linux on one device.
It’s Time to Upgrade Your Router
Chances are there are a couple of things about your current router that you would be much better off without. By upgrading to a modern router, you can significantly increase your LAN and Internet speed, add more devices without slowing down, and greatly improve your network and device security and privacy.