Technology has evolved rapidly in the last two decades, bringing about new innovations and tools to help us navigate our tech-driven world. While much of this technological evolution has resulted in tools that help us work, live and navigate modern life with more ease, technology has also opened a widening window of security vulnerabilities that cybercriminals love to exploit.

Hackers — and the malware they use in their crimes — have also evolved, and the methods they use to carry out their attacks have become increasingly sophisticated. Today’s modern-day hackers are nothing short of skilled professionals, and they fall into a few different categories based on their motives and how they perform their attacks.

In fact, not all hackers are criminals — some are actually hired to stop criminals in their tracks. Read on for a breakdown of 14 types of hackers to watch out for.

1. Black Hat: Criminal Hackers

A black hat hacker is a cybercriminal who breaks into computer systems with malicious or criminal intent. Black hat hackers are probably what you think of when you picture a typical hacker or cybercriminal. Their advanced technical knowledge and ability to navigate the cybersecurity landscape is what makes them so skilled in carrying out their attacks. They go out of their way to find vulnerabilities in computer systems and software, which they exploit for financial gain or other malicious purposes.

These hackers can do serious harm to individuals and organizations alike by stealing sensitive or personal data, compromising entire computer systems, or altering critical networks.

Motives: to profit from data breaches

Most at risk: organizations, which hackers typically target to steal sensitive data that can compromise a business financially.

2. White Hat: Authorized Hackers

Similar to black hat hackers, white hat hackers are cybersecurity experts who use their skills to find vulnerabilities in organizational networks and computer systems. The key difference between them, however, is that white hat hackers are authorized to hack these systems to spot security vulnerabilities before a criminal hacker can.

Typically hired by governments or large businesses, white hat hackers identify and fix loopholes or weaknesses found in organizational security systems to help prevent an external attack or data breach.

Motives: help businesses prevent cybersecurity attacks

Most at risk: criminal hackers

3. Gray Hat: “Just for Fun” Hackers

A gray hat hacker is a cybersecurity expert who finds ways to hack into computer networks and systems but without the malicious intent of a black hat hacker. Typically, they engage in hacking activities for the pure enjoyment of finding gaps in computer systems, and they might even let the owner know if they find any weak points. However, they don’t always take the most ethical route when doing so — they may penetrate systems or networks without the owner’s permission (even though they aren’t trying to cause any harm).

Motives: personal enjoyment

Most at risk: anyone who doesn’t want unauthorized access to their systems and networks

4. Green Hat: Hackers in Training

A green hat hacker is someone who is new to the hacking world but is intently focused on increasing their cyberattack skills. They primarily focus on gaining knowledge of how to perform cyberattacks on the same level as their black hat counterparts. Their main intent is to eventually evolve into a full-fledged hacker, so they spend their time looking for learning opportunities from more experienced hackers.

Motives: to learn how to become an experienced hacker

Most at risk: no one (yet)

5. Blue Hat: Authorized Software Hackers

Blue hat hackers are hired by organizations to bug-test a new software or system network before it’s released. Their role is to find loopholes or security vulnerabilities in the new software and remedy them before it launches.

Motives: to identify vulnerabilities in new organizational software before it’s released

Most at risk: criminal hackers

6. Red Hat: Government-Hired Hackers

Red hat hackers are hired by government agencies to spot vulnerabilities in security systems, with a specific focus on finding and disarming black hat hackers. They’re known to be particularly ruthless in their hunt for black hat criminals, and typically use any means possible to take them down. This often looks like using the same tactics as black hat hackers and using those methods against them — using the same malware, viruses and other strategies to compromise their machines from the inside out.

Motives: to find and destroy black hat hackers

Most at risk: black hat hackers

7. Script Kiddies: Ametuer Hackers

Script kiddies are amateur hackers who don’t possess the same level of skill or expertise as more advanced hackers in the field. To make up for this, they turn to existing malware created by other hackers to carry out their attacks. Unlike green hat hackers who are eager to learn hacking techniques, script kiddies are more interested in buying or downloading existing tools for hacking.

Motives: to cause disruption

Most at risk: organizations with unsecured networks and systems

8. State/Nation Sponsored Hackers: International Threat Prevention Hackers

State/nation sponsored hackers are appointed by a country’s government to gain access to another nation’s computer systems. They use their cybersecurity skills are used to retrieve confidential information from other countries in preparation for a potential upcoming threat or attack and to keep a pulse on sensitive situations that could pose a threat in the future. These types of hackers are hired solely by government agencies.

Motives: to monitor and prevent international threats

Most at risk: international hackers and criminals

9. Malicious Insider: Whistleblower Hackers

Malicious insider hackers are individuals who employ a cyberattack from within the organization they work for. Also known as whistleblowers, their motivation for attack can vary from acting on a personal grudge they have against someone they work for to finding and exposing illegal activity within the organization.

Motives: to expose or exploit an organization’s confidential information

Most at risk: internal executives and business leaders

10. Hacktivists: Politically Motivated Hackers

A hacktivist is someone who hacks into government networks and systems to draw attention to a political or social cause—hence why the name “hacktivist” is a play on the word “activist.” They use hacking as a form of protest, retrieving sensitive government information and using it for political or social purposes.

Motives: to shed light on an alarming social or political cause (or to make a political or ideological statement)

Most at risk: government agencies

11. Cryptojackers: Cryptocurrency Mining Hackers

Cryptojackers are known to exploit network vulnerabilities and steal computer resources as a way to mine for cryptocurrencies. They spread malware in a variety of ways, often by planting infectious viruses across the web. These viruses and ransomware-like tactics help them deploy malicious code on victims’ systems, which work quietly in the background without the victims’ knowledge. Once the code is planted, it sends the results back to the hacker.

Cryptojackers are tough to spot, since the malicious code can go undetected for a long time. Since their motive isn’t to steal victims’ data, but rather to use their system as a vehicle for cryptocurrency mining, it’s difficult to trace the source of the infection once it’s discovered.

Motives: cryptocurrency mining

Most at risk: any individual or organization with unsecured networks

12. Gaming Hackers: Hackers of the Gaming World

A gaming hacker is someone who focuses their hacking efforts on competitors in the gaming world. With the gaming industry booming, it’s no surprise that its own specialized category of gaming hackers have emerged as a result. Professional gamers might spend thousands of dollars on high-performance hardware and gaming credits, and hackers typically carry out their attacks in an attempt to steal competitor’s credit caches or cause distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks to take them out of the game.

Motives: to compromise gaming competitors

Most at risk: high-profile gamers

13. Botnets: Large-Scale Hackers

Botnet hackers are malware coders who create bots to perform high-volume attacks across as many devices as possible, typically targeting routers, cameras and other Internet of Things (IoT) devices. The bots operate by looking for unsecured devices (or devices that still have their default login credentials intact) to plant themselves in. Botnets can be used directly by the hacker who created them, but they’re also frequently available for purchase on the dark web for other hackers to take advantage of.

Motives: to compromise a high volume of network systems

Most at risk: individuals with unsecured routers and WiFi-connected devices

14. Elite Hackers: The Most Advanced Hackers

Elite hackers are the cream of the crop in the world of cybercriminals, and are considered to be the most skilled hackers in their field. They’re often the first ones to discover cutting-edge attack methods, and are known to be the experts and innovators in the hacking world. They can use their skills for black hat, white hat or any other type of hacking.

Motives: to perform advanced cyberattacks on organizations and individuals

Most at risk: high-revenue corporations

Types of Hackers FAQ

Still have questions about different types of hackers? We answer them below.

What Are the Three Main Types of Hackers?

The three main types of hackers are black hat hackers, white hat hackers and gray hat hackers.

What’s the Difference Between White, Black and Gray Hat Hackers?

The difference between white, black and gray hat hackers lies in their motives. White hat hackers use their hacking skills for good by proactively finding system vulnerabilities before cybercriminals exploit them. Black hat hackers use their skills for malicious purposes, usually for financial gain. As the name might suggest, gray hat hackers engage in hacking activities purely for fun — without good or bad intent.

How Does Hacking Work?

Hackers use various methods to carry out their goal of finding (and often exploiting) vulnerabilities in a computer system or network. They can: 

• Use social engineering tactics or brute force attacks to gain unauthorized access to personal information like usernames and passwords, which they can then exploit for financial or personal gain 
• Use malicious code or programs to infiltrate a user’s device and deploy malware
• Take advantage of open, unsecured networks to gain access to the devices on those networks
• Intercept emails to gain access to sensitive information 
• Install monitoring software to log keystrokes and capture login credentials, credit card numbers and other sensitive data

The constant evolution of today’s cyberscape means an ever-increasing amount of information is available online, and there are countless types of hackers looking to exploit it. While the intent of every hacker is different, the danger they pose to your data remains the same. One of the simplest steps you can take to keep hackers at bay and defend against a potential attack is to make sure you’re equipped with a reliable antivirus.

The post 14 Types of Hackers to Watch Out For appeared first on Panda Security Mediacenter.

Nearly everyone has experienced trying to Google something on their device only to realize they’re waiting a lot longer than normal for the results to load. Maybe your phone starts getting hot in your hands or your laptop’s cooling fans start going when you open up a second application.

This is likely due to not having enough random access memory (RAM) on your device. Luckily, there’s a simple fix you can do yourself to help your devices run better. Keep reading to learn how to free up RAM and avoid a trip to the repair shop.

What is RAM?

RAM is the short-term data that’s stored on your device’s memory chip. Essentially, it’s the memory that allows your devices to run different applications simultaneously so the system can complete multiple tasks at once. If you’re listening to music while sending an email or updating your system while watching your favorite TV show, you can thank your device’s RAM for that. 

When you use up all of the available RAM memory, your computer’s performance can slow down because it doesn’t have the storage required to complete its tasks. When you clear RAM space, it gives your computer the capability to carry out tasks. Depending on your device, there are a few different ways you can free up RAM space. Keep reading for our tips to help your Mac, Windows computer or phone work more efficiently.

5 Ways to Free up RAM on Any Computer

It can be easy to use up your RAM because it supports so many functions. Before you start removing programs from your computer, try these quick fixes to free up RAM space.

1. Restart Your Computer

The first thing you can try to free up RAM is restarting your computer. When you restart or turn off your computer, all of your RAM (stored data) will be wiped clean and programs will be rebooted. This can potentially clear out some processes and programs that are running behind the scenes, taking up your RAM storage.

2. Update Your Software

It’s important to be running the most updated versions of your computer software and applications. Older renditions of software and apps can take more memory to process, causing your computer to slow down. Panda Dome Premium includes Update Manager, ensuring your computer is always up to date and running at its best.

3. Clear Your Cache

If you still find yourself short on RAM, the next option is to try deleting your cache. Like RAM, the cache stores short-term data to keep your device working smoothly. The key difference between cache and RAM is that the cache stores a smaller amount of data and is used for data you’d need to access very quickly. 

The cache holds onto information that your computer uses to reload pages it has seen before rather than downloading them again. Sometimes your cache can take up a lot of space because it uses RAM for memory functions. The cache can save you time when browsing, but if you’re short on RAM, it’s something you can sacrifice with minimal effects on your device.

4. Try a Different Browser

Something else you can try is changing browsers, as some have been known to use more data than others. If you’re not already, try using a browser like Chrome or Firefox, which are typically good browsers for memory management.

5. Remove Browser Extensions

Many of your daily work and home computer operations have been made easy by the use of browser extensions. However, they also require memory, so you might want to think about disabling or removing your extensions.

4 Steps to Free up RAM on Windows 11

If you are still having trouble freeing up your RAM storage, you might have too many programs and applications without even knowing. Try these five ways to free up RAM storage for Windows 11 computers and speed up your Windows PC.

1. Disable Startup Programs You Don’t Need

If you have used your computer for at least a few years, then you have probably downloaded a fair amount of software that you either forgot about or no longer use. After the processes tab tells you which programs use the most space, you will want to maneuver to the startup tab to stop those you no longer need.

To disable startup programs:

1. Hold the Ctrl+Alt+Esc keys to open the Task Manager.
2. Select the “Startup apps” tab from the Task Manager.
3. Click “Startup impact” to organize the programs from high to low usage.
4. Select the app you’d like to disable.
5. Click “Disable” in the upper right corner.

Startup programs are those that activate when your computer is booted up. When these programs start, each one takes up a little bit of RAM in the background without your consent. After a while, all of the software and programs can add up. Be sure that the ones that aren’t needed are disabled or removed.

2. Stop Running Background Apps

The next items that could be taking up RAM are your applications that are set to automatically run in the background. You may have used your computer for years before noticing some of these apps taking up your RAM storage. This can quickly exhaust your memory, battery, and data bandwidth.

To stop background apps:

1. Go to computer settings.
2. Click the “Apps” category.
3. Click on “Installed apps.”
4. Scroll to the app you’d like to disable and click the three dots to the right.
5. Click on “Advanced options.”
6. Select “Never” under the option “Let this app run in the background.”

Applications are often automatically set to run in the background of your device. This enables them to display notifications and update their software automatically. By turning this off on apps you don’t use, you can save RAM storage.

3. Reduce Visual Effects

With improving technologies, there are many more possibilities for computer effects and visuals. For example, you can turn off the animations for apps and icons that use storage for unnecessary effects. If you seem to be running low on RAM storage, there are some effects you can shelve until you free up more memory.

To access your computer’s visual effects:

1. Open your computer settings.
2. Click on the Accessibility tab.
3. Click “Visual effects.”
4. Toggle off the switch next to “Animation effects.”
5. Toggle off the switch next to “Transparency effects.”

This setting will disable all animated features on your computer,l creating more storage but limiting your computer’s aesthetics significantly. However, you can also customize which visual effects your computer will perform to your preferences in the same tab.

4. Track Memory and Clean Up Processes

You should monitor your computer RAM usage so that you don’t deplete your supply before you really need it. To monitor your computer’s memory, you can navigate to the task manager to check the processes. This is where you’ll be able to see which programs are running and what kind of space they are taking up.

To locate your computer memory:

1. Hold the Ctrl+Alt+Esc keys to open the Task Manager.
2. Select the “Performance” tab.
3. Click the “Memory” column to view how much space they are taking up.

You can now see which of your programs are taking up the most time and space on your computer. If you find anything suspicious eating up your memory, you should delete programs you don’t need or use.

5 Ways to Free up RAM on Mac

For Mac users, there are many convenient tools to monitor and free up RAM storage on your computer.

1. Free up Disk Space

If you find that your RAM is completely full but you’re still in need of storage, you can use free space on your Mac’s drive called virtual memory. This extra storage is found on Mac computer’s hard drives so that you can continue running apps. The function is always on; however, to use virtual memory, you will need to be sure you have space available to swap.

Here’s how you can see what’s taking up space on your Mac to identify if there are any files or applications you can delete:

1. Open the System Settings application.
2. Click “General.”
3. Click “Storage.”
4. Scroll to view which applications are taking up the most memory.

2. Check Activity Monitor

To keep track of your RAM usage on Mac, you can check the Activity Monitor, which shows you how much memory is being used and what’s using it. Utilize the Activity Monitor to determine which apps take up most of your RAM storage at any given moment.

To Check the Activity Monitor:

1. Search “Activity Monitor” in the spotlight search bar (Command + space).
2. Click on the “Memory” tab.
3. Manually quit the applications you’re not currently using.

3. Check CPU Usage

You can also use the Activity Monitor app to check your CPU health and usage. CPU is your central processing unit, and it carries out instructions from the computer software information stored as RAM.

To monitor your CPU, just select the “CPU” tab in front of the memory tab. This is where you can see if any apps take more processing power than others.

4. Fix the Finder (Close Finder Windows, Too)

When you open a new window in the Finder, the data each window displays gets stored as RAM. Adjusting the Finder preferences can make your folders open in tabs rather than new finder windows.

To open your Finder preferences:

1. Click “Finder” in the top left of your screen.
2. Click on “Settings” from the dropdown options.
3. Check to “Open folders in tabs instead of new windows.”

Another way to clear RAM storage is by merging your Finder windows. To do this, select the “Window” dropdown rather than Finder. From there, select “Merge All Windows” to put all your Finder windows into one place. This will save storage as well as declutter your desktop.

5. Clean-Up Programs and Applications

If you are looking to keep a consistently healthy amount of RAM storage, then you will want to keep your computer clean and organized. A cluttered desktop is going to use storage much faster because macOS views each desktop icon as an active window. Even if you don’t think you can organize your files, putting everything into one general folder can free up a lot of RAM.

3 Additional Ways to Free up RAM on Windows or Mac

The best thing to do is to be proactive with your computer’s RAM so that you don’t have to worry about freeing up space. Use these additional ways to keep your RAM storage free.

1. Install Extra RAM

You can always add more RAM to your computer if you have a lot of information you don’t want to delete. Buying and installing RAM is easy to do for a desktop computer but can be troublesome for laptops. Research what’s compatible with your device and invest in the correct type of RAM for your computer, as well as the correct amount for your specific storage needs. It’s always a good idea to visit a professional for their opinion and installation help.

2. Scan for Viruses and Malware

When you download any software programs or extensions to your computer, there’s the chance they could have a virus or malware attached. Once you have malware on your computer, it can steal both your information and your RAM space. To prevent picking up any malware or viruses, try using Panda Security antivirus to protect your computer and memory.

3. Install a Memory/RAM Cleaner

If you find that you do not have the time, or you just cannot manage to organize your computer, there are memory cleaner apps to help you disinfect your computer. Many of these cleaners have special features for removing apps or extensions and allow users to manage their startup programs.

Tips to Free up RAM on a Phone

Did you know smartphones use RAM, too? If your phone’s performance is lagging, try these tips to free up RAM space.

Tips for Android

Try these methods to free up RAM and speed up your Android:

1. Turn off transitions and animations in device settings.
2. Use a regular photo as your background instead of a GIF or video.
3. Uninstall apps you don’t use or need.

Tips for iPhone

Apple iOS manages RAM automatically, so there aren’t typically issues with RAM space on an iPhone. However, if you feel like your phone is heating up or working slowly, a forced restart can help improve how your phone operates.

Now is the time to stop file hoarding. Many of the files on your computer are taking up RAM space without you realizing it. Now you know how to safely declutter your computer of these unused files and how to free up RAM so your computer runs more efficiently. To help you keep your device running smoothly, Panda Dome Complete features Cleanup, helping you remove unwanted files and keeping your computer up to speed.

The post How to Free up RAM on Your Windows or Mac Device: 15+ Ways appeared first on Panda Security Mediacenter.

No one wants to hop online to look for a new chocolate chip cookie recipe only to discover they’ve opened the door for hackers to find their personal information.

That’s why it’s so important to ensure the websites you browse are secure. 

There are a few ways that you can check this. One is by looking for the lock symbol. Another is heeding the warning on “your connection is not private” windows. If you ignore error messages like the “your connection is not private” error, you are putting your online information at risk. To help you stay safe online, we’ll explain the reasons the “your connection is not private” error may be appearing on your screen and how to fix it.

What Does the “Your Connection is Not Private” Error Mean?

The “your connection is not private” error message is exactly what it sounds like — it’s a message from your browser that informs you that the connection is not secure. This means that if you aren’t using an antivirus or encryption, your device and the personal information it contains are open to hackers. 

To access a website, your browser must run a check on the server’s digital certificates to make sure that the site is up to privacy standards and safe to proceed. If your browser finds something wrong with the certificate, it will stop you from accessing the site. This is when you’ll see the “your connection is not private” message. 

These certificates are also known as Secure Sockets Layer (SSL), public key infrastructure or identity certificates. They provide proof that a website is who it says it is and not just some clever developers imitating another website. Digital certificates help protect your personal information like passwords and payment information.

When your connection isn’t secure, it’s usually because there is an error in the SSL certificate.

What is an SSL Connection Error?

An SSL error connection occurs when there is no secure way for your browser to open what you have requested. This means your browser can’t verify a website’s identity and will automatically block you from accessing the website to protect your device and help you avoid malicious websites.

An SSL certificate serves websites over secure HTTPS connections. You probably recognize “HTTPS” from the beginning of any link you use to navigate online. HTTPS is a security barrier used to safely authorize connections and protect data. 

There are a few different reasons an SSL connection error occurs:

• The certificate is missing or expired
• Your browser isn’t updated
• Your antivirus settings or date and time settings are off
• There’s a server issue

If it’s a server problem, you will have to wait for the website owner to fix it.

What a “Your Connection is Not Private” Looks Like on Each Browser

When you receive this error message, it will take you to a new page. Some browsers use simple messages, while others use codes and warning signs. Let’s look at some examples of how this message appears on common browsers.

Google Chrome

When you receive this error message in Google Chrome, it will take you to a page titled privacy error. From there, it will show a large red exclamation point and a “Your connection is not private” message. It will caution you that attackers might be trying to steal your passwords, messages, or credit cards. The message will give you an option to go back to the previous page, go to advanced settings or attempt to continue to the site.

Additionally, the page will have an error code, here are some of the most common:

• NET::ERR_CERT_COMMON_NAME_INVALID
• NET::ERR_CERT_AUTHORITY_INVALID NTE::ERR_CERTIFICATE_TRANSPARENCY_REQUIRED
• NET::ERR_CERT_DATE_INVALID
• NET::ERR_CERT_WEAK_SIGNATURE_ALGORITHM
• ERR_CERT_SYMANTEC_LEGACY
• SSL certificate error
• ERR_SSL_VERSION_OR_CIPHER_MISMATCH.

Safari

For Safari users, you will get a message on a new page saying “This Connection is Not Private” and it will tell you that the website may be impersonating the site you wish to access to steal your personal or financial information.

Mozilla Firefox

On Mozilla Firefox the message is similar, but rather than “private,” the message appears as “Your connection is not secure” and informs you that the owner has configured their website improperly. It will then give you the option to go back or go to advanced settings. 

Common codes that you might see with Firefox:

• SEC_ERROR_EXPIRED_CERTIFICATE
• SEC_ERROR_EXPIRED_ISSUER_CERTIFICATE 
• SEC_ERROR_UNKNOWN_ISSUER.
• SEC_ERROR_OCSP_INVALID_SIGNING_CERT 
• MOZILLA_PKIX_ERROR_MITM_DETECTED
• MOZILLA_PKIX_ERROR_ADDITIONAL_POLICY_CONSTRAINT_FAILED
• SSL_ERROR_BAD_CERT_DOMAIN
• ERROR_SELF_SIGNED_CERT

Microsoft Edge

If you are using Microsoft Edge, then you will see a message that looks almost identical to the Google Chrome message with the exclamation point and “Your connection isn’t private” message. If the certificate does not match the domain that you are trying to reach, then you will see the same code.

Common codes that you might see with Microsoft Edge:

• NET::ERR_CERT_COMMON_NAME_INVALID 
• DLG_FLAGS_INVALID_CA 
• DLG_FLAGS_SEC_CERT_CN_INVALID
• Error Code: 0

How to Fix “Your Connection is Not Private” Error

There are a few different ways to fix or bypass this error message for each browser. 

1. Double-Check the URL

If you get a connection error message, the first step is to double-check your URL. A simple typo in the URL could be preventing a page from loading correctly. If re-typing the URL doesn’t work, then you can move on to other solutions.

2. Reload the Page

Of course, this seems like the most obvious thing to try, but something simple can do the trick. Sometimes, fixing common glitches like your browser timeouts, internet connections, and typos can solve the problem. If your browser times out or you have a spotty internet connection, a quick reload may resolve your connection issues.

3. Clear Your Browser Cache and Cookies

While browsing online, your computer stores cookies that gather data and take up tons of space on your hard disk. When your computer is trying to process all of that information, it can really slow down

Try going to your settings and clearing your browser cache and cookies. Clearing all that information will speed up your connections.

4. Try Incognito Mode

The next thing that you can try is to enter incognito mode and attempt to access the same website. If the website is truly having security issues, then it should not work once you switch to incognito because this mode lets you browse without saving your history or cache. If the site still says “your connection is not private,” then you should try clearing your cache.

For Chrome: Click on the three vertical dots on the top right of your screen. Open the dropdown menu and select “New Incognito Window” or hit the keys command+shift+N.

For Mozilla Firefox: Click on the three lines in the upper right corner, then click “New Private Window” or hit the keys ctrl+shift+P.

For Microsoft Edge: Click on the three dots in the upper right corner, then click “New InPrivate Window” or hit the keys ctrl+shift+N.

For Safari: Click on “File” in the toolbar, then “New Private Window” to open a private browsing window or hit the keys command+shift+N.

5. Check Your Antivirus or Firewall

If you have an antivirus on your Mac or Windows device, you may still be receiving the error message because the antivirus or firewall is overriding your network. Test this issue by temporarily disabling the SSL scan feature.

6. Consider What Wifi is in Use

Using public wifi might give you a warning because it’s not secure. Some public wifi has poor configuration and does not run HTTPS. If you are uncertain about the security of your connection, look for a different wifi network or wait until you can browse safely at home.

The best way to protect your data while on public wifi is to use a Virtual Private Network (VPN). A VPN helps to hide your traffic and protect your identity while it exchanges encrypted data to and from a distant server. 

7. Check the Date and Time

Double-check that the date and time on your computer are correct. When they don’t match the browser, an SSL connection error may occur. 

How to Check Date and Time on a Mac:

1. Go to the Apple menu in the upper left corner of your screen. 
2. Click on “System Settings.”
3. Click on “General.”
4. From there, choose “Date & Time.”
5. Ensure the date and time are accurate.

How to Check Date and Time on Windows:

1. Right-click the date and time on the taskbar.
2. Click on Adjust date/time.
3. Verify the date and time are correct. 

8. Manually Proceed With Caution

If you’re still seeing a “your connection is not private” message and you’re in a situation where you must reach your desired website, do so with caution. Your browser shows you this message and advises against continuing for good reason. Choosing to proceed may put your personal and payment information at risk of being compromised. The time and money involved with this risk aren’t worth it.

If you follow these steps, you should be able to fix or bypass the “Your connection is not private” error message. Remember that you are receiving this message because the website you are trying to access is not deemed secure. If you fail to fix the issue, bypassing may help you find what you are looking for, but also risk your private information. There is software like Panda Security Dome that you can use to protect your digital life. Your online information holds great value, so be smart with your searches so your sensitive information doesn’t end up in the wrong hands.

The post How to Fix “Your Connection is Not Private” Error appeared first on Panda Security Mediacenter.

Few experiences match the heart-stopping panic that comes with seeing your beloved phone take an unexpected plunge into water (apart from, say, discovering your phone has a virus). Whether it’s a poolside mishap, a bathroom fiasco or an unfortunate encounter with nature’s elements, water damage is a dreaded yet common ordeal.

The good news? All is not lost. With timely action and the right approach, there’s a chance to breathe life back into your waterlogged device. 

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to fix a water-damaged phone in seven easy steps, along with how to recognize signs of water damage.

Step 1: Rescue Your Phone From the Water

Maybe it’s obvious, but the first thing you need to do is rescue it! Every second you wait to get your phone out of the water, there’s a higher chance of your device filling up with water, lowering its chance for recovery.

Step 2: Power Off Your Phone

As soon as you’ve rescued your phone from the danger zone, check whether it’s still powered on; if it is, immediately power it off. 

By immediately turning off your phone after it gets wet, you cut off the power source and stop the flow of electricity through the device. This reduces the chances of short circuits, prevents further damage from occurring and gives you a better chance of recovering your phone.

Step 3: Disassemble Any Detachable Parts

After powering down your phone, disassemble any detachable components, such as the phone case, SIM card and battery, to evaluate the extent of damage and prepare them for separate drying.

For iPhone users, it’s important to note that removing the battery requires a complete disassembly, which should only be undertaken by professionals. Avoid attempting this unless you have the necessary expertise.

Step 4: Blot Off Excess Water

Once your phone has been taken apart, use a dry cloth or paper towel to blot excess water from your phone pieces. Make sure you do this gently, dabbing rather than rubbing, to avoid any further damage to your phone. 

Step 5: Soak Up the Moisture

Now that you’ve dried off the surface of your phone, you need to soak up the rest of the water that may have gotten into the internal parts of your phone. While many people place their phone in a bag of uncooked rice, it’s actually not the best method to get water out of your phone.

Instead, consider placing your phone components in a sealed container with silica gel packets — the small packets often found inside new shoe boxes or pill bottles. These are better alternatives to rice since they are specifically designed to absorb moisture.

If you’ve thrown away these packets (as many people do), you can easily buy them online or from a supply shop for a cheap price. In the meantime, you can resort to the rice method or place your phone parts next to a fan or air conditioning vent.

Step 6: Wait It Out

Leave your phone components in your chosen drying method for a minimum of 24-48 hours. This time frame ensures most moisture evaporates, reducing the risk of short circuits and damage. The exact drying time for your phone depends on variables like your chosen drying technique and the extent of water exposure.

For silica gel, the typical drying time is 24 hours. If you’re using rice or a fan for drying, extending the duration to 48 hours is recommended.

If your phone had only brief exposure to water, it might dry faster. However, in cases where the phone was fully submerged or significantly exposed to water, extended drying times may be necessary. 

It’s important to exercise patience during this period to avoid powering on the phone prematurely, which could lead to further damage.

Step 7: Power On and Test

After the initial drying period, you can test your phone to see if it’s functional. If your phone has a normal boot-up, functional touch screen and clear audio, you may be in the clear!

If you encounter any issues, such as a distorted screen, unusual noises or failure to turn on, it’s wise to seek professional help to avoid exacerbating the damage.

How Can You Tell If Your Phone Has Water Damage?

Many phones have built-in liquid damage indicators (LDIs) near the battery, inside the charging port or near the SIM card slot. These small stickers or dots change color when exposed to moisture. If your LDI has turned pink or red, it’s a sign of water exposure.

You can also spot potential water damage by keeping an eye out for any signs that imply your phone’s internal workings have been harmed. Here’s how you can tell if your phone has water damage:

• Foggy display: Condensation under the screen or within the camera lens can indicate water has entered the device.
• Erratic behavior: If your phone is behaving unpredictably, like apps opening and closing on their own, it might be a result of water affecting the internal circuits.
• Slow performance: Water damage can cause the phone’s processor to function poorly, leading to slow performance.
• Touchscreen problems: Unresponsive touch or erratic touchscreen behavior can be linked to water exposure.
• Muffled sound: If you notice decreased audio quality or muffled sound, it could indicate water damage affecting the speaker or microphone.
• Charging problems: Water damage can interfere with the charging port, causing issues with charging or connecting to a computer.
• Battery draining quickly: Water damage might lead to increased power consumption and a faster-draining battery.
• Inconsistent power: If the phone powers on and off on its own or struggles to stay powered on, water damage could be a contributing factor.
• Discoloration: If the internal components have been affected by water, you might notice areas of discoloration on the motherboard or other internal parts.
• Corrosion: Green or white spots on the internal components can indicate the presence of corrosion due to water exposure.

If you suspect your phone has water damage, it’s best to power it off immediately and avoid turning it on until it’s thoroughly inspected and dried. If the signs of water damage are severe or the phone isn’t functioning properly after drying, seek professional repair assistance to prevent further damage.

FAQ

If you’re in the process of discovering how to remedy a water-damaged phone, you might find yourself with numerous other questions. Here are some other frequently asked questions often raised about addressing water damage on phones.

How Long Can a Phone Last in Water?

In most cases, if a phone is submerged for even a few seconds, you should treat it as potentially damaged and take appropriate steps to assess and address any water exposure. 

Some modern smartphones are designed to be water-resistant or waterproof to a certain degree. This means they can withstand brief submersion or splashes, but even these phones have limits to their water resistance. 

For example, Apple claims its most recent iPhone models have a rating of IP68, which essentially means they can stand a maximum depth of 6 meters for up to 30 minutes in water.

The longer the phone remains in water, the higher the likelihood of irreversible damage. It’s important to act quickly to mitigate potential harm and improve the chances of successful recovery.

Does Rice Fix Water Damage?

Rice is a popular DIY method for drying out a water-damaged device, and it can help, but it’s not the most effective solution and doesn’t guarantee success. 

While rice can absorb some moisture from the surrounding environment, it’s not particularly efficient at drawing moisture out of the intricate components of a smartphone. Modern devices have tightly sealed compartments where moisture can become trapped, and rice might not be able to reach those areas effectively.

Rice is also very starchy, which can leave behind dust and residue that could potentially cause further issues or make it harder to clean later on. You also risk grains of rice getting stuck into your device’s ports and connections, which can be quite challenging to remove as the rice swells when exposed to water.

Can You Blow-Dry Water Out of Your Phone?

If possible, avoid using a blow-dryer to remove water from a water-damaged phone. While it might seem like a logical approach, there are significant risks associated with this method.

Instead of evaporating the moisture, a blow-dryer might push the water deeper into the phone’s crevices, potentially causing it to spread to areas that were previously dry.

Additionally, blow-dryers emit heat that can potentially cause further damage to the delicate components inside your phone. High temperatures in your phone can lead to melted plastic, warped components or even circuitry damage. 

Take Protective Measures to Safeguard Your Phone

A water-damaged phone may seem dire, but with this guide on how to get water out of your phone, you can rescue your device. But remember: Phone protection goes beyond physical accidents. 

Just as you need to keep your device’s hardware out of harm’s way, you also need to protect the personal data it contains. Panda Security provides tools to fend off digital risks, offering comprehensive solutions like securing personal data and shielding online transactions.

The post How to Fix a Water-Damaged Phone in 7 Steps appeared first on Panda Security Mediacenter.

You wouldn’t walk around in public handing out copies of your house key. But if you’re not taking the proper precautions to protect your personal information, you could be opening the door for hackers or scammers to potentially steal your identity or commit credit card fraud.

Luckily, there are some simple ways you can stay safe online. Panda Dome has a protection plan for any lifestyle, so you can browse without worry.

Keep reading to learn more about common online risks and how to avoid them with the following 15 best practices.

1. Use Public Wi-Fi Safely

Public Wi-Fi is great for convenience, but it’s not so great when it comes to protecting your personal data. Avoid logging into important accounts, such as your banking app, or sending messages with personal information while using public Wi-Fi.

Hackers can monitor these networks, gleaning your information or passwords. Using a VPN while surfing the web on public Wi-Fi can help protect your personal data and allow you to browse anonymously.

2. Use a VPN

A virtual private network (VPN) conceals and protects your IP address from anyone who might be monitoring a Wi-Fi network. VPNs are helpful when you’re using public Wi-Fi, where you never know who might be spying on your activity, hoping to catch your bank login information. They conceal your IP address, so you can browse anonymously.

Use Panda Security’s VPN for an added layer of protection — so you know your private browsing stays private.

3. Choose Secure and Unique Passwords

It’s tempting to reuse the same password to keep things simple, but that means if someone cracks the code, they’ll have access to all your important accounts. Make sure your passwords are different, and use a variety of numbers, letters, capitalization and special characters.

4. Utilize a Password Manager

If you struggle to keep up with all your passwords, consider using a password manager. Digital password managers help you create and store unique passwords, so you don’t need to keep track of them all by yourself. Some services even monitor the web for you and scan for any potential password leaks so you can take action sooner.

Panda Dome Passwords goes beyond the basics to help you keep track of your secure passwords across all devices, so you don’t need to worry the next time you’re trying to check your email or pay a bill.

5. Install a Firewall

Firewalls protect your internet network and the devices on it by blocking connections from unknown sources. They come in both software and hardware forms, protecting your personal information from prying eyes. Many devices have a built-in firewall, but an extra layer of protection never hurts.

6. Set Up Two-Factor Authentication

Two-factor authentication (2FA) verifies each login attempt to block logins from individuals who may have stolen an account password. It works by sending the account owner a second way to verify their identity, such as a text or email with a unique, one-time code each time they need to log in. To access the account, you need the proper username, password and access to the one-time code. Always enable 2FA if it’s an option to avoid getting hacked.

7. Know the Warning Signs of Hackers

It’s important to know common signs of hacking so you can take action as soon as possible and recover your accounts. Here are some warning signs that you may have been hacked:

• Device internet usage increases dramatically
• Device operating speed slows
• Battery depletes rapidly without explanation
• You receive unauthorized requests to change passwords
• New software or applications are downloaded automatically

8. Update Your Devices and Software

To protect your personal information,  always update your software and operating system on all devices. These updates keep your devices running smoothly and often include patches that give up-to-date protection against any issues developers find. They’re a free and effective way to ensure your devices stay protected against cybersecurity threats.

9. Stay in the Know About Data Breaches

Educating yourself is a vital step in staying protected online. Data breaches are relatively common, and it’s important to know if you’re at risk so you can make new passwords, request new credit cards or take other steps to protect your personal information. A simple daily scan of technology news for recent breaches and malware — or using software that monitors data breaches for you — is an easy lifestyle change that can have a big impact on protecting your data.

10. Don’t Share Personal Information on Social Media

Social media brings people together, but you don’t want to invite scammers into your life. Be careful of sharing information on social media, even if it seems innocuous. Basic information you might not think twice about sharing, such as your favorite color or your pet’s name, could help hackers answer security questions and access your accounts without your consent. Always set your accounts to private for an added layer of defense.

11. Monitor Account Information

Monitor your accounts so you know when there’s suspicious activity. Contact your bank to set up credit monitoring or account notifications so your bank will alert you if anyone accesses your financial accounts or makes any changes. This makes it much easier to identify breaches and recover your account if anything happens.

Panda Security’s Dark Web Scanner constantly monitors your personal information, so you can take action as soon as a leak occurs.

12. Never Share Codes You Receive via Text or Email

2FA helps verify your identity before logging into an account. Some scammers have found a loophole, pretending their phone isn’t working and asking if they can use yours to log in instead. If you share the code, scammers can access or take over your account, and it can be difficult to recover account ownership when this happens. Never share a one-time code with anyone, and if you receive a code without trying to log in to that account, change the password immediately.

13. Never Click an Unknown Link or Attachment

One of the golden rules of using the internet is to never click a link or attachment unless you know exactly who it’s from and what it contains. Many hackers will send a link or attachment with a concerning message to tempt you to click. These links or attachments typically hide malware that can steal your personal information, access passwords or spy on your browsing habits. Some common stories scammers will use include false claims that:

• There are arrest warrants in your name
• You’ve already been hacked or spied on
• There’s mail delivery theft or issues
• Someone’s deactivated your account
• Your banking information has been stolen

14. Back Up Your Data

Back up important information on your devices regularly and store them in a secure cloud or hard drive. If you know your precious photos, documents and other important information are stored securely, you can wipe your devices if something goes wrong without losing anything personal.

15. Install Antivirus Software

If you don’t know what to look for, it can be tricky to spot the signs that someone has hacked your device until it’s too late. And once your device is infected, it can be difficult to get rid of a virus. To protect your personal information, install antivirus software on your devices to block unwanted spyware, hackers and other viruses.

Browse Safely With Panda Security

We rely on the internet now more than ever, so knowing how to use it safely can help protect your personal information. Panda Security Antivirus works around the clock to keep you safe, so you know your devices and personal information don’t end up in the wrong hands.

The post 15 Tips to Protect Personal Information Online for 2023 appeared first on Panda Security Mediacenter.

In today’s world, where nearly everything is online, it’s all but guaranteed you will be affected by a data breach containing some of your sensitive personal information. IBM research indicates that between 2016 and 2018, more than 11.7 billion records and 11 terabytes of data were leaked or stolen in publicly reported incidents. To put that in perspective, 11 terabytes equals nearly a million phone books.

But what information is considered “sensitive” and how can you protect yourself from potential risks? The answers to these questions are not as complex as you might think.

Personal vs. Sensitive Personal Information: What’s the Difference?

Not all data is created equal. There’s a fine line between personal information and sensitive personal information, and understanding this distinction is crucial for both individuals and businesses.

• Personal information is any data used to identify an individual, like their name, address, email, photos, age or gender.
• Sensitive personal information (SPI) is a specific category of personal information that requires stricter protection due to the vulnerable nature of the data. Sensitive personal information includes a person’s race, ethnicity or cultural background, political opinions, religious or philosophical beliefs, trade union membership, genetic data, biometric data, health-related data, sexual orientation, criminal records and financial data.

By knowing these distinctions, you can better comprehend the nuances of data privacy laws and obligations to keep your information safe. Continue reading for a deeper exploration.

What Is Sensitive Personal Information?

Sensitive personal information is a particular category of personal information that is considered more critical and requires higher levels of protection. It includes details that, if exposed, could lead to serious consequences such as identity theft, cyberstalking or discrimination.

The range of what’s considered sensitive is broad and complex. However, if any of this information were to get into the wrong hands, it could have devastating impacts.

What Is Considered Sensitive Personal Information?

Sensitive personal information refers to data that reveals highly private or intimate details about an individual. Some examples include:

• Racial or ethnic origin: information about a person’s race, ethnicity or cultural background
• Political opinions: a person’s political affiliations, beliefs or opinions
• Religious or philosophical beliefs: information about an individual’s religious faith, spiritual beliefs or philosophical convictions
• Trade union membership: details about a person’s membership in labor unions or similar associations
• Genetic data: information related to an individual’s inherited or acquired genetic characteristics
• Biometric data: identifiable markers like fingerprints, facial recognition or other unique physical characteristics used for identification
• Health-related information: data about an individual’s physical or mental health, medical history or treatment records
• Sexual orientation: information related to a person’s sexual preferences or orientation
• Criminal record: details about a person’s criminal history, convictions or legal proceedings
• Financial information: sensitive financial data such as credit card numbers, bank account details or other financial status information

These categories of sensitive personal information are typically subject to stricter legal protections and require careful handling to prevent potential misuse or unauthorized disclosure.

What Is Not Considered Sensitive Personal Information?

While sensitive personal information requires heightened security measures, not all personal data falls into this category. Understanding what is not considered sensitive personal information helps differentiate between the data that requires extra protection and the information that, while still needing to be handled responsibly, doesn’t carry the same level of risk if exposed. Recognizing the difference can help you apply the appropriate level of care and protection and maintain a responsible approach to data privacy.

These are pieces of information that, while personal, are not classified as sensitive. They include:

• Name: your full name or initials
• Address: your residential or mailing address
• Contact information: phone numbers and email addresses
• Date of birth: although personal, it’s not considered sensitive
• Gender: male, female or other gender identities
• Business-related information: your job title or contact details related to your professional life
• Purchase history: records of what you have bought online or in stores
• Browsing history:: The websites you have visited (unless combined with other specific information that may reveal sensitive details)
• IP address: while unique to your device, it’s generally not considered sensitive

Both individuals and organizations should recognize this distinction. For individuals, it helps to know what rights and controls you have over your information. For organizations, it guides how different types of data should be handled, stored and shared, ensuring compliance with various privacy laws and regulations.

How Privacy Laws Address and Define Sensitive Information

The definition of sensitive information varies from law to law. Here are a few different definitions:

• General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR): deems sensitive information as data revealing political opinions, religious beliefs or data about a person’s sex life or sexual orientation
• California Consumer Protection Act (CCPA): defines sensitive information as certain government identifiers, login information, financial data, precise geolocation, personal communications, genetic data, biometric information, health, sex life or sexual orientation, racial or ethnic origin, religious or philosophical beliefs or union memberships
• California Online Privacy Protection Act (CalOPPA): does not distinguish sensitive information but describes personally identifiable information broadly
• Virginia Consumer Data Protection Act (VCDPA): information that includes data about racial or ethnic origin, religious beliefs, mental or physical health diagnoses, sexual orientation, citizenship or immigration status, genetic or biometric data and data from known children
• Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA): any data could be sensitive depending on the context; certain types of data, like health and financial data, are generally considered sensitive
• Personal Information Protection Law of the People’s Republic of China (PIPL): biometric identifiers, religious faith, particular identities, health and financial status, location tracking and data from minors under 14

While the definition of sensitive information varies, all laws indicate that organizations should only collect sensitive personal data if it’s essential to operations.

What Is Personal Information?

Personal information, often called personal data, is any information that can be used to identify a specific individual. It encompasses a wide range of data that could be linked to a particular person. Depending on the context, it can contain a wide range of data, such as names, addresses, phone numbers and more.

What Is Considered Personal Information?

The type and range of data classified as personal information can vary greatly, but generally includes the following: 

• Names: full names, nicknames or any other identifiers that can be used to recognize a person
• Contact information: phone numbers, email addresses and residential addresses
• Identification numbers: Social Security numbers, driver’s license numbers, passport numbers or any other government-issued identification numbers
• Financial information: bank account details, credit card numbers and other financial data
• Online identifiers: IP addresses, cookies or other digital markers that can be traced back to an individual
• Biometric data: information like fingerprints, facial recognition or other biological attributes used for identification
• Health and medical information: medical history, health conditions, treatments and other related data
• Employment details: information related to a person’s job, salary, employer and work history
• Personal preferences and behavior: shopping habits, hobbies, interests and other information that reflects individual preferences or behavior

How to Control Your Sensitive Personal Information

These days, controlling your sensitive personal information is more crucial than ever. With the rise of data breaches and other cyberthreats, it’s essential to take proactive steps to safeguard this valuable data.

Opt Out of Collection on Websites or Browsers

One effective way to manage your sensitive personal information is by opting out of data collection on websites or browsers.

Start by doing an online search for your name. Many data broker websites like Radaris, Pipl, Spokeo and Whitepages will have your information listed. To remove your data from these platforms, visit the opt-out pages or send an email request. 

The Privacy Rights Clearinghouse provides a comprehensive directory of such websites and their opt-out options. Scrutinize the privacy policies of your bank or other financial institutions since they often share data with brokers but typically allow you to opt out.

Submit a Data Subject Access Request (DSAR) Form

A data subject access request (DSAR) form can be instrumental in gaining control over your sensitive personal information. For instance, under the GDPR, an individual has the right to ask an organization whether or not it is processing their personal data. 

In practice, a DSAR allows users to access the stored information about them and understand its usage. They can then demand the rectification of incorrect data or its deletion. Companies must comply with DSARs within one calendar month for GDPR and 45 days for CCPA, upholding your right to control your personal data.

Use “Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information” Links

The California Privacy Rights Act (CPRA) has expanded the “Do Not Sell My Information” option from the previous CCPA to “Do Not Sell or Share My Information.” 

This link, which must be visibly placed on a business’s homepage and Privacy Policy page, allows users to opt out of having their personal or sensitive personal information sold or shared with third parties. 

When a user selects this option, businesses are legally obligated to stop the sale or sharing of that user’s sensitive data, enhancing users’ control over their sensitive personal information.

Sensitive Personal Information FAQ

Navigating the world of sensitive personal information can be perplexing, especially with the ever-changing landscape of data privacy laws. Let’s look at some frequently asked questions about sensitive personal information.

Why Is Protecting Sensitive Personal Information Important?

Protecting sensitive personal information is vital for several reasons, including safeguarding individual privacy, preventing identity theft and ensuring legal compliance.

Is an Email Address, Nationality or Name Considered Sensitive Personal Data?

An email address, nationality or name alone is considered personal data but not sensitive personal data. However, they may be categorized as sensitive when combined with other specific information.

How Do I Know if My Sensitive Personal Data Is Collected?

You can determine if your sensitive personal data is collected by staying vigilant about your online interactions and doing the following.

• Review privacy policies: Reputable organizations will disclose what data they collect, how they use it and with whom they share it in their privacy policies.
• Use privacy tools: Various privacy tools and settings can help you control and monitor the collection of your sensitive personal information.
• Exercise legal rights: Laws like GDPR allow EU residents to inquire about collecting and processing their personal data, enabling them to have control and awareness.

Navigating the complex landscape of sensitive personal information can be challenging, but understanding its importance and how to protect it is crucial in today’s digital world. Whether you’re an individual seeking to safeguard your privacy or a business aiming to comply with data protection laws, being informed is the first step.

More than 30 million daily users trust Panda Security to protect their sensitive personal information. Consider our premium protection services to help keep your digital data secure.

The post Personal vs. Sensitive Personal Information: Differences & Examples appeared first on Panda Security Mediacenter.

In the realm of the digital age, data privacy has become an unsung protagonist. It’s the mysterious figure lurking behind every email sent, every transaction made and every site visited. Yet, for many, data privacy is a foreign concept often overlooked until it’s too late.

Data privacy is about keeping your personal information secure. Companies, governments and cybercriminals all seek this information for various reasons, making it vital to understand how to keep data protected. Luckily, our guide on data privacy provides the information you need to claim control of your digital footprint.

What Is Data Privacy?

Data privacy is the control an individual or organization has over sensitive information stored or collected about them. It is the ability to determine who has access to this data, how it’s used and the safeguards in place to protect it from unauthorized exposure. 

Personal data associated with data privacy includes sensitive information like names, addresses, Social Security numbers and financial data. It also extends to less overtly personal data like browsing history, location data, IP addresses and online purchases. Further, it may encompass biometric data, health care records and employment details.

The concept of data privacy traces its roots to the early days of computing, where personal information was stored electronically for various purposes. As the digital landscape expanded, concerns regarding data misuse and privacy breaches rapidly increased. 

The evolution of social media further compounded these concerns. With users freely sharing personal information on platforms like Facebook and Twitter, the amount of data being generated has reached unprecedented levels.

Why Is Data Privacy Important?

With technology advancing at breakneck speed, the importance of data protection and privacy is no longer optional — it’s a requirement. Data privacy hinges on allowing individuals to control their digital footprint.

Every time we connect to the internet, we generate an extensive amount of data. From simple social media likes to our shopping habits, this seemingly innocuous data paints a vivid picture of who we are. When this private data ends up in the wrong hands, repercussions can include:

• Identity theft: Personal data could fall into the wrong hands, leading to identity fraud, where individuals could face unauthorized transactions or criminal activity conducted under their name.
• Financial fraud: With access to sensitive financial information, cybercriminals could carry out fraudulent transactions, leading to serious monetary loss.
• Lack of trust: Companies could lose their customers’ trust, impacting customer loyalty and leading to business loss.
• Legal repercussions: Without adherence to data privacy laws and regulations, companies could face heavy fines and legal actions, damaging their reputation and finances.
• Increased cybercrime: The risk of cyberattacks could increase as more valuable data becomes easily accessible to hackers.
• Loss of privacy: Without data privacy, our personal lives could become an open book, accessible to anyone.
• Manipulation and exploitation: Data could be used to manipulate behavior and decisions, often without an individual’s knowledge or consent.

Data Protection vs. Data Privacy vs. Data Security

Data protection, data privacy and data security are three intertwined yet distinct concepts in the world of digital data.

Data protection is the overarching umbrella under which data privacy and data security find their shelter. It includes everything we do to keep information safe from things like data breaches, mishandling of information or misusing it. This wide-ranging concept includes regulations and policies to prevent data mishandling.

Nestled within this sphere is data privacy. It’s about the “right” use of data. It sets the rules for how and why businesses collect personal data, ensuring they use it in line with the individual’s consent and intended purpose. Data privacy is about respect and ethical treatment of information while maintaining user trust.

Finally, there is data security, the tech whiz of the group. It carries out protective digital measures, like firewalls, encryption, two-factor authentication and more. Data security is the buffer that protects against breaches and other cyberthreats.

In short, data protection, data privacy and data security work in harmony. Each has a distinct role, but together they create a secure digital environment.

Data Privacy Regulations

As technology advanced, so did the need for legal frameworks to govern the use and protection of personal data. These regulations include:

• The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), established in 2016, guarantees fundamental rights for EU residents, including the right to be informed, the right of access, the right to rectification, the right to deletion, the right to restrict processing, the right to data portability, the right to object and the right to opt out of automated decision making. These rights apply to EU citizens, regardless of their location outside the EU.
• The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), California’s 2018 response to increasing concerns over data privacy, intends to provide consumers increased control over their personal data, irrespective of their location outside the state. To address certain shortcomings, the California Privacy Rights Act (CPRA) was introduced, modifying several elements of the CCPA, with enforcement beginning in 2023.
• The U.S. Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) was implemented in 1996 to set nationwide standards for health data. It clarifies the classification of sensitive health information, provides guidelines for data protection and outlines rules for compliant data releases.
• The Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), a U.S. law passed in 1998, concentrates on protecting the privacy of children under 13 years old. It sets stringent rules on the collection and usage of personal information related to children by websites and other online services.
• The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), enacted in the U.S. in 1970, assures individuals of their rights and protections concerning credit information. It imposes a legal obligation on credit reporting agencies for the accurate and fair management of this information, providing legal remedies for any violations. The FCRA also establishes restrictions on who can access a person’s credit information and the purposes for which it can be used.
• The Federal Information Security Management Act (FISMA) is a federal law introduced in the United States in 2002 seeking to fortify the security of government-operated computer and network systems. It requires every federal agency to develop a comprehensive program to ensure the security of information relevant to their operations and related assets.

How to Keep Your Data Safe

Safeguarding user privacy has become more important than ever before. Here are some examples of data privacy to make sure your personal information is secure:

• Create strong passwords: Your first line of defense is a robust password. Be creative and avoid common, predictable choices like “123456” or “password.” Using a password manager helps protect your password with encryption,  simplifies the login process and significantly enhances your online security
• Activate two-factor authentication (2FA): This adds an extra layer of security, making it difficult for unauthorized users to access your information.
• Beware of phishing attempts: Cybercriminals have become crafty, often disguising their attempts to steal your data as legitimate emails or messages. Be skeptical of any unexpected communications asking for sensitive data.
• Keep software up to date: These updates are not just fancy new features — they often include security patches to fix vulnerabilities, making it harder for hackers to access your data.
• Use a secure network: Don’t compromise user privacy by using public Wi-Fi for sensitive transactions. If it’s the only option, use a virtual private network (VPN) to encrypt your data, rendering it unreadable to outsiders.
• Limit social media sharing: Be careful of what you share on social media. Cybercriminals can use personal details for identity theft or to answer security questions.
• Encrypt your data: Encryption turns your data into unreadable text until it reaches its intended recipient. You can use encryption for emails, files and even your entire computer.

At Panda Security, we know nothing is more crucial than safeguarding your personal details. That’s why over 30 million daily users trust us to keep their data protected. Check out our premium protection services to see how we help keep your digital life secure.

The post What Is Data Privacy? The Secret to Safe Surfing appeared first on Panda Security Mediacenter.

You’ve probably heard of companies having massive data breaches and thought, “How did that happen?” or “What if I had been affected?” A data breach can be scary, as it’s a type of security violation where confidential data is exposed or stolen without authorization. They can also have serious outcomes like payment card fraud or even identity theft.

Here’s a deeper look into how data breaches can affect you, how they happen and how to prevent them.

What Is a Data Breach?

A data breach is a security incident where private, confidential or sensitive information is exposed or stolen by someone without authorization. They happen for various reasons, from human error to malicious attacks, and the consequences can be significant. Anyone is at risk of a data breach, especially if their accounts aren’t protected. 

Data breaches can result in: 

• Stolen credentials
• Identity theft
• Compromised assets
• Payment card fraud
• Third-party access to your accounts

Phases of a Data Breach

Unlike what your imagination may suggest, a malicious data breach looks less like someone dressed in all black sneaking into a building with a flash drive and more like people in a remote location scheming about how to hack into a database. 

However, not every data breach is malicious. Some are the result of human error or negligence, but we’ll go over that more in the next section. Here are the three stages of an intentional data breach.

1. Research

In the very beginning of a data breach, an attacker picks a target, usually a company or organization with access to personal data, and researches how they can infiltrate their target’s database. The attacker gathers information like employee information, financial records and security budgets. They also look for vulnerabilities like weak passwords, outdated software or unprotected network connections.

2. Attack

Taking what they’ve learned from their research, the attacker can now attack the data system. Here are some common ways attackers gain access to company systems or networks:

• Stolen credentials: Compromised usernames and passwords can be collected through the dark web, phishing, brute force attacks or even physical theft of devices to impersonate legitimate users and gain access to systems.

• Phishing emails: Attackers also use personal information from their research, like job titles or coworkers’ names, to trick their targets into providing credentials or clicking a malicious link that downloads malware onto their computer.

• Malware: Hackers use malicious software to secretly infect and take control of a victim’s computer or network to steal data. 

• Vulnerability exploitation: The attacker uses any vulnerabilities like weak passwords, misconfigurations or unpatched systems found within a company’s computer system to gain access.

• Denial of service (DoS) attacks: This attack overwhelms a website with excessive fake traffic until it’s unavailable to actual users. It’s a distraction from other security weaknesses so attackers can carry out data breaches.

3. Extract Data

Once the attackers have gained access to the target’s system or network, they can locate and extract valuable or sensitive data, including personal information, financial records or any other data that could be sold on the dark web. The extracted data is then copied or transferred to the attacker’s own servers where they can control and exploit it. Oftentimes a company won’t know its data has been stolen until a third party like law enforcement, service providers or customers report the breach.

How Data Breaches Happen

Data breaches can be a type of cybercrime if done maliciously, but it can also be an unintentional error from someone with authorized access to the data. Here are the causes of data breaches:

• Malicious insiders: People with access to the database intentionally misuse their access privileges to steal or leak sensitive information. 
• Malicious outsiders: Someone from outside the organization attacks a database via phishing, malware, vulnerability attacks or denial of service (DoS) attacks.
• Accidental insiders: Individuals with authorized data access accidentally expose data due to mistakes or lack of security measures. This is technically classified as a data leak since it’s an internal mistake; however, it still has the same consequences for those affected, and the company may still face legal ramifications.

Major Data Breaches and Their Consequences

Unfortunately, data breaches happen regularly, and every company without appropriate security measures in place is at risk. Check out these recently reported data breaches and their consequences: 

• T-Mobile: In 2023, T-Mobile was the victim of two data breaches. The first data breach affected over 37 million people, and the second affected over 800 people. Personal information including names, contact details, account PINs, Social Security numbers, birthdays and government IDs were compromised.
• ChatGPT: A vulnerability in ChatGPT’s open-source library caused a data breach in March of 2023. The breach exposed 1.2% of ChatGPT Plus subscribers’ names, payment addresses, email addresses, credit card expiration dates and the last four digits of credit card numbers during a nine-hour window.
• Roblox: Almost 4,000 attendees of the Roblox Developer Conference had personal data including physical addresses, names, email addresses, dates of birth and phone numbers breached in July of 2023.

Data Breach Prevention 

Companies with your personal data are responsible for safeguarding it, and you could still be a victim of a data breach even if you follow data security best practices. However, you can make it harder for attackers to use your devices or passwords to gain access to databases with these tips:

• Update software: Regularly updating your software ensures you have the latest security patches and fixes potential vulnerabilities attackers could exploit so you can avoid getting hacked.

• Encrypt data: Encryption converts your data into unreadable code so attackers have a harder time accessing or understanding your information. Some ways to encrypt your data include password managers, file encryption software or cloud storage.

• Upgrade devices: Keeping your devices up to date ensures you have the latest security features and protection against known vulnerabilities. You don’t always need the latest model, but you should upgrade when the manufacturer no longer supports your current software.

• Use strong passwords: Strong, unique passwords for each account makes it harder for attackers to guess or crack your credentials. Passwords should be at least eight characters (but the longer, the better) and have a combination of numbers, symbols and uppercase and lowercase letters.

• Implement multi-factor authentication: An additional verification step, like a unique code sent to your phone, is required for logging into your accounts with multi-factor authentication, making it more difficult for attackers to get into your account even if they have your password.

Data breaches can have serious consequences. Follow security best practices and use Panda Security’s antivirus software to further protect your accounts. 

Sources: IBM | The Verge | Open AI | PC Gamer

The post What Is a Data Breach + How Do You Prevent It? appeared first on Panda Security Mediacenter.

In today’s increasingly interconnected digital world, even the most secure organizations face ever-growing cybersecurity risks. Sophisticated cyberattacks, data breaches, natural disasters and other unforeseen events can disrupt business operations, or worse — they can compromise sensitive information and damage an organization’s reputation. Businesses must have a well-defined incident response plan to protect consumers and enable a swift recovery. 

Our guide can help you outline the steps you need to prepare for a cybersecurity incident — because it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Table of contents:

• What Is an Incident Response Plan?
• Why It Matters
• How to Build a Cybersecurity Incident Response Plan
• Benefits of an Incident Response Plan

What Is an Incident Response Plan?

An incident response plan — sometimes referred to as a security incident response plan, or SIRP — is a comprehensive set of procedures and guidelines designed to detect, contain, eradicate and recover from security incidents swiftly and effectively. 

Incident response plans help minimize the frequency and severity of cybersecurity incidents, like:

• Data breaches: security incidents where unauthorized individuals gain access to sensitive or confidential data, potentially exposing it to theft, manipulation or unauthorized use
• Cyberattacks: deliberate malicious activities launched against computer systems, networks or digital infrastructure with the intent to disrupt, steal or damage data, or gain unauthorized access
• Distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks: a type of cyberattack where multiple compromised devices are used to overwhelm a target server or network with a flood of internet traffic, significantly slowing down operations and preventing legitimate users from accessing it
• Natural disasters: any incident where physical damage to infrastructure, power outages or disrupted communication networks increase an organization’s vulnerability to cyberattacks
• Corporate account takeovers (CATO): cyberattacks that occur when unauthorized individuals gain control of a company’s financial accounts, typically through phishing, malware or social engineering techniques
• Human error: vulnerabilities created by authorized users through actions such as falling for phishing scams, weak password practices, improper handling of sensitive information or unintentionally installing malicious software

Why does your business need an incident response plan?

According to a recent study, 77% of companies still lack a formal incident response plan, despite a 7% increase in cyberattacks in the first few months of 2023. Not having a SIRP in place can lead to uncoordinated and chaotic responses during cybersecurity crises, resulting in:

• Prolonged downtime
• Increased financial loss
• Compromised data security

An incident response plan allows you to identify and address an incident as soon as possible, making sure damage is minimized and solutions are applied almost immediately.

How to Build a Cybersecurity Incident Response Plan

An incident response plan consists of a series of proactive processes that can be divided into five key phases:

1. Preparation
2. Detection and analysis
3. Containment and eradication
4. Recovery
5. Continuous improvement

1. Preparation

The first phase in constructing a cybersecurity incident response plan is to thoroughly assess potential risks and vulnerabilities within your systems, networks and processes. This means analyzing areas prone to cyberattacks, including:

• IT infrastructure 
• Data storage 
• Access controls
• Existing security measures 

By identifying these risks and vulnerabilities upfront, you can develop appropriate strategies and countermeasures to address them effectively, enhancing the resilience and preparedness of your incident response plan.

2. Detection and Analysis

Once you’re aware of your system’s vulnerabilities, implement detection methods and tools to identify and alert you of potential security incidents. This involves deploying security technologies that can continuously monitor your networks, systems and user activities for any signs of suspicious or malicious behavior, like:

• Intrusion detection systems (IDS): Monitor network traffic and identify potential unauthorized or malicious activities, such as intrusion attempts, malware infections or suspicious network behavior.
• Intrusion prevention systems (IPS): Goes a step further than IDS by actively blocking and preventing identified malicious activities, providing real-time protection against network-based threats.
• Log monitoring tools: Detect and analyze log files generated by various systems, applications and network devices to identify unusual or suspicious activities.
• Security information and event management (SIEM): Aggregate and correlate log data from various sources, allowing for centralized monitoring, real-time alerting and advanced analytics to detect security incidents and anomalies.
• Endpoint detection and response (EDR): Focus on monitoring and protecting individual endpoints, such as desktops, laptops and servers.
• Behavior analytics: Employ machine learning algorithms and user behavior modeling to detect unusual activities and deviations from normal patterns, helping identify potential insider threats or compromised accounts.

These tools allow you to quickly respond to and mitigate potential threats by proactively detecting security incidents. 

Don’t settle for a cybersecurity solution that’s only effective against select viruses and malware. Panda Security’s 100% threat detection rate has been guaranteed by the leading IT security institute AV- Comparatives, so you’ll know you’re getting the best protection available.

3. Containment and Eradication

When responding to a cyberattack, outline immediate actions to isolate and contain the security breach, preventing it from spreading further and causing additional damage. This may include:

• Identifying affected systems
• Quarantining compromised devices
• Disconnecting infected network segments 
• Employing network segmentation to safeguard critical systems and sensitive data
• Temporarily revoking or restricting user access
• Utilizing external cybersecurity experts or incident response services to help contain and remediate the incident 

After containment, the focus shifts to eradicating the root cause of the incident, which involves removing malware, closing vulnerabilities and implementing necessary security patches or updates.

4. Recovery

Once the incident has been contained and eradicated, you can start restoring affected systems, services and operations to their normal state. Your incident response plan should have a thorough recovery process in place that includes:

• Applying data backups to recover lost or corrupted information
• Reconfiguring systems and networks to ensure their security
• Conducting post-incident testing to verify the integrity of restored components
• Ensuring all recovery actions align with legal and regulatory requirements, particularly regarding data breach notification and incident reporting
• Installing security patches and updates to close known vulnerabilities that may have been exploited in the incident, reducing the risk of further attacks

The recovery phase aims to minimize downtime, enabling operations to resume as swiftly as possible while preventing similar future incidents.

5. Continuous Improvement

An incident response plan should be treated as a living document — as threats evolve, so should your mitigation strategy. After successfully responding to and recovering from an incident, focus on enhancing your incident response capabilities based on lessons learned through a comprehensive post-incident analysis. These analyses typically include:

• A detailed incident timeline
• A description of the attack, including attack vectors, affected systems and data exposed or compromised
• A list of response actions and their effects
• A root cause analysis

Schedule regular reviews, updates and testing of the incident response plan to ensure it remains effective against evolving threats. By consistently refining your incident response procedures, you can strengthen your ability to detect, contain and mitigate future incidents, reinforcing your overall cybersecurity resilience.

Benefits of an Incident Response Plan

Having an organized response plan in place before an incident occurs has many benefits, including:

• Insight into existing security gaps: outlines the steps taken to detect, respond to and mitigate incidents, revealing areas where vulnerabilities and weaknesses may have been exploited
• Reduced downtime and recovery time: provides predefined procedures and resources for effectively restoring systems, services and operations, enabling a quicker return to normalcy
• Protection of sensitive data: implements measures such as encryption, access controls and secure data handling protocols, reducing the risk of data compromise during and after an incident
• Ensured compliance: defines procedures for incident reporting, data breach notification and adherence to relevant regulatory requirements, helping organizations mitigate potential legal and reputational consequences

It’s imperative for organizations of all sizes to have an incident response plan in place — even better if you never have to use it. Panda Security’s premium protection services continuously scan your devices for vulnerabilities and automatically apply security patches to minimize the risk of cyberattacks. If all else fails, you’ll always have a dedicated technician ready to get you up and running again in record time.

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In today’s day and age, it’s more important than ever to keep financial information close to the chest. Anyone can become a victim of credit card fraud, which is why it’s critical to acquaint yourself with prevention tactics. 

Credit card fraud is a form of theft where someone uses your credit card or bank information to purchase something without your authorization. Common warning signs include: 

• Fraudulent charges or unauthorized transactions on statements
• Credit report changes such as new credit searches, accounts or address registrations
• Stolen identities, receiving collection notices or invoices for accounts you didn’t open

Safeguard yourself by implementing these 12 effective and practical tips for credit card fraud prevention.

1. Review Your Statements Regularly

Monitor your bank statements for signs of fraud, like purchases you don’t recall making yourself, monthly if not more regularly. If possible, ask your bank to notify you of any suspicious or abnormal activity. This will help you promptly nip potential fraud in the bud.

2. Monitor Your Credit Report

A quick dip in your credit score can be indicative of activity from a malicious third party. Set up automatic score updates with your bank, or set monthly or even weekly personal reminders to check your score. To make this easier, consider downloading your bank app to your smartphone. If you notice any anomalies, contact your bank and ask if they can shed some light on what might be causing them.

3. Report Lost Cards or Stolen Cards

If you notice one of your cards is missing, you should act immediately. Call your credit card issuer and report your lost card as soon as possible to prevent the escalation of fraudulent activity. The bank will deactivate the card and send you a new one. Once you receive your new card, continue to monitor your accounts for any suspicious activity.

4. Protect Your Account Information

Your account has delicate and private information like your name, address, PINs, saved fingerprint data, and passwords. Avoid sharing or leaving this information to other people. You should also avoid easy passwords that other people can guess (like your birthday) and be careful when online shopping.

5. Destroy Old Financial Documents

The last thing you want is someone rummaging through your trash to steal your personal financial information. Instead of throwing sensitive financial documents in the trash, you can take the extra step to cut them up or put them through a shredder. Financial documents you should shred include:

• Receipts
• Bank statements
• Credit reports
• Tax returns older than 7 years
• Insurance claims
• Medical bills

6. Sign Up for Transaction Alerts and Payment Limits

Leverage features like transaction alerts offered by online bank services. You can receive real-time notifications regarding your card activity, like suspicious transactions and large payments or withdrawals. Plus, implementing a payment limit adds an extra layer of security.

7. Don’t Carry Cards You Won’t Use

Though you may feel like you need all of your cards on you at one time, this is rarely the case. Avoid carrying around all your credit or debit cards to reduce the risk of theft or loss. Only go out with the ones you’ll need to use, and store the other ones in a safe place.

8. Avoid Phishing Scams

You can find suspicious phishing scams in emails, phone calls, or text. They pretend to be your bank or someone else demanding money, trying to obtain your personal information, or getting you to click a link or downloadable file to infiltrate your system.

9. Look Out for Skimming Devices

Get into the habit of approaching card readers with a healthy level of suspicion. Data thieves can attach skimming devices to these readers that copy credit card information when a card is inserted. If you notice the machine looks off, whether that be certain parts bulging out, misaligned, or broken, think twice before inserting your card, as it may have been tampered with.

10. Use Different Cards: Autopay vs. Everyday Spending

Splitting costs and automatic payments between several credit cards is a great way to prevent fraud from deeply affecting you before it even begins. If information from one gets stolen, quickly canceling it won’t be nearly as big a deal as it would be if you made all your purchases using the same card.

11. Only Shop on Secure Websites

Secure websites have HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure) before the URL — avoid using the ones that don’t. HTTPS indicates that the website is secured and encrypts your data so malicious hackers don’t have access to you or your financial information.

12. Be Wary of Public Wi-Fi

It’s a good idea to avoid using public Wi-Fi since it rarely offers the same caliber of security as home networks, opening the door to malware. If you have to use it, avoid performing credit card transactions or accessing your bank account. Cybercriminals can intercept public Wi-Fi networks and access your information.

What to Do if You Become a Victim of Fraud

Credit card fraud has become so sophisticated that it may feel impossible to avoid. If you fall victim to credit card fraud, it is imperative to implement the right damage control tactics and do it fast. Follow these steps:

• Notify your credit card company: Don’t hesitate to contact your bank and report your concerns. They’re here to help and guide you through disputing charges and repairing your card security.
• Contact the credit bureaus: These may include Equifax®, Experian®, and TransUnion®. Report the incident and ask them to place a fraud alert on your credit file to prevent more accounts from being opened with your name in the future.
• Update your security information on all accounts: Change your passwords, security questions and PINs to add an extra layer of security and prevent more damage.
• Report fraud to law enforcement: Report all instances of fraud and identity theft to law enforcement. Provide relevant information and evidence about the fraud incident and file a report.
• Continue monitoring: Even though you did all the necessary reports, it’s essential to keep monitoring all your accounts since your information got exposed.

Protect Your Financial Information With Panda Security

Safeguarding your financial information is crucial in today’s digital landscape. Make a habit of implementing the 12 tips above to prevent credit card fraud. 

Panda Security’s VPN protects your online browsing so you can shop and use your credit cards in public places with peace of mind. With our expertise and next-generation digital protection, you’ll receive cybersecurity tailored to your wants and needs. Stay secure, stay protected!

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