Category Archives: Consumer Alerts

Are Google and Bing Serving You Safe Search Results?

New research has concluded that despite best efforts to keep search results clean, Google and Bing often serve malware-infected sites among their top search results. This malware (or malicious software) can include sites infected with viruses, Trojans, computer worms, and more, making it extremely important for consumers to pay close attention to what they click. Read more…

Auschwitz survivor seeks twin brother by “going viral”

Seventy-three year old Menachem Bodner lost his twin brother Jeno (Jolli) 68 years ago when the Auschwitz concentration camp was liberated.  He knows only one thing about his brother:  The Auschwitz ID number tattoed on his arm –  A 7734. With the help of his grandchildren and genealogist Ayana KimRon, Mr. Bodner is now using […]

Smartphone Shopping 101: Are Mobile Devices Less Secure than PCs?

According to a recent survey, nearly half of all consumers believe that their smartphones and other mobile devices are less secure than their laptop or desktop computers.  In the same survey, only 36% of respondents said they trust online retail sites to keep their personal data safe. Still, holiday shopping from mobile phones increased by Read more…

Don’t Want to Read Through the Fine Print? There’s an App for That

We’ve always been told to “read the fine print before you sign on the dotted line,” but let’s be frank. In today’s digital world, all we want to do is play that new game, test that new app and hear that new song. The fine print seems like an unnecessary barrier to our fun.  Most Read more…

What is malware and why should I be concerned?

“Malware” is a shortened version of the words malicious software. It is defined as: a generic term used to describe any type of software or code specifically designed to exploit a computer/mobile device or the data it contains, without consent. Most malware is designed to have some financial gain for the cybercriminal. Whether they are Read more…

Is one search engine safer than another?

Question of the week: Since I have been using avast! I have been conscious of staying secure online. Does it matter which search engine I use? Is one safer than the other? Thanks for using avast! to protect your computer. Yours is a great question, but maybe not one that people consider when thinking about the […]

Top 5 Mobile Security Mistakes to Avoid in the Workplace

Do you use the same smartphone at home and at work? Whether your company allows employees to bring in personal devices or issues office-specific phones and laptops, those devices likely contain sensitive corporate and personal information. Unfortunately, many people use these devices in ways that can jeopardize the security not only of your personal data Read more…

Is antivirus protection for a smartphone really necessary?

Question of the week: I have avast! Free Antivirus on my computer and I love it, but isn’t antivirus for a smartphone overkill?  I mean, there are not so many threats to a phone, are there? This is a question being asked by lots of security firms lately, and the answer is a resounding, YES. […]

Digital Stalking: Physical Eavesdropping on Your Mobile Device

Did you know that while you innocently play games or browse Facebook on your smartphone or tablet, someone might be tracking your every move?  Through a stream of data “leaked” by your mobile gadgets, cybercriminals can determine which direction you’re headed, how fast you’re walking and how long your strides are. Leaked data can even Read more…

Do I Need to be Concerned About Cybercrime?

The short answer is yes! You should be concerned. And even if you’re not concerned for yourself, with the Internet all of us are interconnected so cybercrime does not just affect one person or one group, but all of us. Imagine your body being targeted by 100 million viruses. That is exactly what cybercriminals are Read more…