Category Archives: Consumer Alerts
5 malware attacks making the news | Avast
BMWs at risk of hacking
BMW is in the process of issuing security patches to drivers of its 2017 i3, 2016 X1 and 525Li, and 2012 730Li. The patches will cover fourteen newly-discovered vulnerabilities, four of which can be triggered only through physical connection to the car computer systems, while another four require USB connection to the car. The remaining six vulnerabilities can be exploited remotely. A diligent cybercriminal can gain access to the cars’ infotainment systems, T-Box components, and UDS communication. In light of the findings, BMW has embraced the value of third-party cybersecurity research, and they are working on fixes.
Spectre continues: Did we all trade speed for security? | Avast
For anyone in the cybersecurity industry, 2018 began on January 3rd — the day a trio of CPU bugs was announced. What trio? You probably recall Meltdown and Spectre, but from our perspective, the latter bug is really two for the price of one. While Meltdown and Spectre both got plenty of coverage in media outlets and security blogs around the globe (yes, that includes us, too), there’s an important distinction to make and more to say on this matter.
Are your SMB clients GDPR-ready? | Avast Business
A survey this month from International Data Corporation (IDC) found that less than half of European Union (EU) small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are prepared for the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). For companies operating outside the …
Android devices ship with pre-installed malware
Blog post and analysis by Vojtech Bocek and Nikolaos Chrysaidos
When you get a brand new phone, you expect it to be clean from any malware and adware. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. The Avast Threat Labs has found adware pre-i…
GDPR is coming – here’s why you don’t need to panic | Avast
GDPR – the EU General Data Protection Regulation – is coming. It promises to change the way you and your clients process private customer data. It will apply in all EU member states from 25th May. And for the UK, it’s unlikely Brexit will make any difference as the UK government looks set to duplicate the regulation.
Zobrio views Managed Workplace as multi-faceted diamond for managed security | Avast
The Customer
Headquartered in St. Louis, with satellite offices in Illinois and Massachusetts, Zobrio delivers financial software, network infrastructure, and managed services to more than 650 local government, nonprofit, and business clients.
John Quatto, Zobrio’s Channel Partner Manager who oversees the company’s managed services business, explains the company’s unique differentiation: “Our familiarity with financial software and ERP solutions, along with our proactive approach to managed services, gives us a market advantage. Many of our financial services customers also have network and security needs in addition to the comprehensive fund accounting and cash management software we provide. This gives us the opportunity to deliver new services and build strong client relationships.”
Avast Mobile Security for Android put to the test | Avast
Cybercriminals have caught on. Our mobile devices are where it’s at. Personal info, bank accounts, passwords, important contacts — all this data is on our phones. And data today is more valuable than gold, which makes smartphones the new motherload. Realizing “there’s gold in them thar cells!” the cyber-underground targeted devices more than ever over the past year.
Public and personal best practices essential for a free internet | Avast
The Cambridge Analytica/Facebook scandal that has captured the media spotlight in recent weeks is a reminder that online security threats are amplified by the ever-expanding reach and power of the digital world. They may seem abstract and less urgent t…
5 tips for ultimate online security and privacy | Avast Infographic
Cybersecurity encompasses multiple defenses. It’s not just an antivirus, it’s not just a VPN, it’s not just a password manager, internet security, and anti-track software. It’s all these things and more, working together to ensure every vulnerability is protected, whether the threats are coming from a phishing email, a malicious website, a botnet, public Wi-Fi, or other avenue. Cybercriminals are trying every angle to crack into our data, and they won’t rest until they do.
Click to view a larger version of the infographic here.
We need to defend our digital lives comprehensively. Here are 5 ways to protect yourself online:
- Get Antivirus Protection: Every month, our network protects hundreds of millions of users from 2 billion malware attacks. Avast Premier is our top-of-the-line antivirus that stops emerging threats, ransomware, spyware, and then some.
- Use a VPN to encrypt your internet connection: A VPN protects your privacy online by masking your IP address and providing an encrypted connection between you and the internet. Access streaming shows when you travel, safely use a public Wi-Fi, and remain anonymous online.
- Use a fast, secure, and private browser: Get state-of-the-art protection for all your online activities—plus ad-blocking, anti-tracking, and anti-fingerprinting. This makes it impossible for others to create an online profile of you. Avast Secure Browser includes all this and it’s up to 4x faster than your standard browser.
- Make your passwords unique and strong: Ever-changing, complex passwords are key to data protection. Use a password manager to securely sync your passwords across all your computers, smartphones, and tablet
devices. Avast Passwords Premium is a great option for
managing your passwords and it also has the added benefit of detecting when sites have been compromised and prompts you to change your password. - While you’re at it, speed up and clean up your PC: Along with all this protection, apply a full optimization suite like Avast Cleanup Premium which includes over 10 features to improve your PC’s reliability and speed. Our patented technologies provide next-gen tuning and cleaning which frees up disk space, removes bloatware, fixes problems, and increases speed.