Microsoft released Security Advisory 18002 on Wednesday, January 3, 2018 to mitigate a major vulnerability to Windows in modern CPU architectures. ESET released Antivirus and Antispyware module 1533.3 the same day to all customers to ensure that use of our products would not affect compatibility with Microsoft’s patch.
The first few days of 2018 have been filled with anxious discussions concerning a widespread and wide-ranging vulnerability in the architecture of processors based on Intel’s Core architecture used in PCs for many years, as well as processors from AMD, and even affecting ARM processors commonly used in tablets and smartphones.
The good news is that ESET can help protect against the types of malware that could take advantage of these vulnerabilities.
And, ESET was one of the very first security vendors to allow the Microsoft patch against the flaw to be enabled.
While ESET protects against potential malware infection, you should also take these steps to secure your computers and data:
Make sure your browser is up to date. For Chrome or Firefox users:
Mozilla has released information describing their response, including how Firefox 57 will address these security flaws.
Google has stated, “Chrome 64, due to be released January 23, will contain mitigations to protect against exploitation.” In the meantime, you can enable “Site Isolation” found in current stable versions of Chrome to provide better protection.
Make sure you update your ESET software, then update your Windows OS to protect against this exploit. To update ESET:
ESET Home products (NOD32 Antivirus, Internet Security, Smart Security Premium)
ESET Business products (Endpoint Antivirus, Endpoint Security, File and Mail Security and Virtualization Security)
If you have a cloud-based server or have a website hosted by hosting provider, check to see what mitigations they have implemented already to prevent Meltdown.
Remote work
can be much safer with the basic cyber-hygiene practices in place –
multi-factor authentication is one of them
If you are working from home due to the coronavirus pandemic, it is essential to integrate two-factor authentication (2FA) or multi-factor authentication in your daily login routine. That way, you can beat fraudsters at their own game, since the security of your essentials isn’t wholly dependent on passwords alone.
The interesting
bit with this technology is that you may have already seen it in action; for
instance, when requesting access to your bank account via your smartphone. In
this case, you must enter the one-time code sent to you in addition to your
password to gain access.
See, enabling
such double authentication processes on all your logins can make it difficult
for scammers to access your accounts even if they compromise your passwords.
That said, you may now want to know which MFA option to use? Well, we take a look at some of the ways you can utilize MFA to bolster the security of your connections when working remotely.
First, the use of a physical token
To implement
this technique, you will require a physical device such as a security USB key, a
key fob, or a similar item that will generate a secure code for verification
purposes.
You’ll mostly be
required to integrate this method if you need access to your cloud-based
applications, online office applications, or corporate office technology. The
YubiKey or Thetis is an example of such a device that you can purchase with
less than US$50.
For convenience purposes, most of these devices are designed tiny; you can carry them in your pant pocket or hang them on a keychain for safety purposes.
2. Use of a mobile phone
Most likely, you
own a smartphone, right?
If yes, you can
use it to boost your MFA security capabilities. For instance, you can download
an authentication app such as Google Authenticator, ESET
Secure Authentication, or Authy for your use.
The only caveat
here is to ensure your source has a reputable security background. This is
informed by the fact that the app is going to reside inside your smartphone,
which is also vulnerable to security threats; therefore, robust security is
required to avoid pre-emptying your security efforts.
Importantly, be
on the lookout for spam messages when using your phone as they can trick you
into compromising your accounts.
Fortunately, if you download applications from reputable sources, you can be offered a solution in case you have an issue with the platform itself.
3. Use of Biometrics
Factually, no
single human being shares a fingerprint or retinal scan with another. This
unique feature has been conveniently utilized overtime to provide robust
multi-factor Authentication.
You can also
utilize the same to secure your connections.
For instance, you can take a picture of your face or scan your
fingerprint using a biometric reader – currently, a common feature in
smartphones or other devices ─, and then
integrate it in your login procedure. These will prevent any other user from
accessing your accounts or private information.
On the flip side,
some folks feel that the technique is somehow creepy; therefore, give it a wide
bath. Besides, it can present a challenge when you need to reset your bio
features if your service provider is hacked.
Final thoughts
When scouting for a suitable MFA option for your needs, it is vital to consider one that can easily fit your routine. This stems from the fact that without proper utilization, an MFA option can’t protect you.
Similarly, an
MFA technique can allow some side benefits as well. For instance, in the event
of a security breach, you will be notified that your password has been
interfered with; this can enable you to implement mitigation measures. Not only
that, but you also get protected from the would-be attack since the fraudsters
wouldn’t have access to your other factors.
In case you
require a secure authentication application or consultation regarding MFA
options, then ESET has been here for you for over 30 years. We want to assure
you that we will be here to protect your online activities during these
uncertain times, too.
Protect yourself from threats to your security online with an extended trial of our award-winning software.
From malware-laden emails to fake donations, these are some of the most common cons you should watch out for amid this public health crisis
It’s beyond reasonable doubt that the COVID-19 disease has transformed itself into a pandemic that has thrown the world into a tailspin. Panic is palpable than ever before, and as a result, has led to market closures, travel bans, lockdowns, and panic buying.
Unfortunately, cybercriminals are taking advantage of this chaotic situation to defraud the vulnerable. With more than 60,000 deaths witnessed across the globe due to the virus, fraudsters are finding an opportune moment for launching their fraudulent campaigns, usually disguised as humanitarian interventions.
Therefore, the big question is, how do you sniff potential scammers a mile away? Fret not, in this post, we share some of the common despicable tactics (as identified by the ESET research team) that are currently being used by scammers to defraud innocent souls.
Malicious News
To appear as
convincing as possible, the current retinue of scammers have resorted to
impersonating authoritative sources, especially those concerned with
disseminating news regarding the virus. Such include the world health
organization (WHO) among many other firms.
As such, they will send you emails purporting to come from these sources that contain “vital information” regarding the disease to hoodwink you into clicking on their malicious links. Usually, such links may steal your personal information, install malware on your machine, or try to capture your password and login credentials.
Nevertheless, the good thing is that most of these organizations are aware of such fraudulent activities. And in a bid to end them, have come to the open regarding the issue. For instance, the WHO, on its website, offers advice on how it communicates and also elaborates on what to expect from their official emails.
As an example,
one of the significant points reads:
“Make sure
the sender has an email address such as ‘person@who.int’. If there is anything
other than ‘who.int’ after the ‘@’ symbol, this sender is not from WHO. WHO
does not send emails from addresses ending in ‘@who.com’, ‘@who.org,’ or
‘@who-safety.org,’ for example.”
What’s more, the organization advises that all its web content starts with https://www.who.int/ only, no other domain is used. Therefore, be sure to check on the URL of the email sent to you before clicking on it. If in doubt, input the address directly onto your browser to get the results. Most importantly, the WHO cannot start sending you emails without your subscription or prompt.
Alternatively, you can get real information from your usual trusted sources, but not from unsolicited emails.
In another case (as shown in the image below), the fraudsters are trying to impersonate the wall street journal by establishing a visually similar site (phishing site).
From the image,
you can notice that the URL starts with ‘worldstreet’ while the wording on the
webpage indicates ‘world street,’ which is a red flag.
By creating such a site, they trick people into believing that they are the real wall street journal, therefore gain some revenue from the advertisements placed there. Though the site may not track your credentials, the money generated goes to the wrong hands.
2. Appeal for donation
In another attempt to outsmart the would-be victims, cybercriminals are now packaging themselves as “genuine souls” out there to help in the war against the virus. For instance, in a recent scam, fraudsters were attempting to persuade their audience to contribute towards the development of a vaccine for children in China.
An interesting fact about this example is that the perpetrators are riding on the popularity of an existing campaign by re-purposing its content with Coronavirus details. In another 2019 publication, we talked about how criminals were threatening their victims in an attempt to extort money from them.
Often, such corona themed scams will request you to send your donations in the form of bitcoins to a particular fraudster’s wallet. Though the trick might work on a few people, if done on a global scale can rake in colossal sums of money, which makes it attractive to the criminals.
3. Dubious purchases
The increasing demand for particular products such as face masks and hand sanitizers due to the pandemic has resulted in their short supply. Naturally, this has attracted fraudsters who, according to Sky News, have conned around £800,000 (US$1 million) from United Kingdom residents within February alone.
In an attempt to
steal your money, the fraudsters will send you spam emails purporting to help
you secure face masks. In case you unwittingly click on the provided links,
your financial and personal credentials will be revealed to the fraudsters.
Therefore, you should always be on the lookout for such claims, and only purchase such items from a trusted dealer.
Final thoughts
These are
examples of a few tactics currently being used by cybercriminals in their
attempts of defrauding people their hard-earned money as a result of the
current confusion brought about the COVID-19 stalemate.
Thus, as a
business or individual, you need to remain vigilant regarding such antics, not
only during such emergencies but also during other times.
As a way of
minimizing your chances of falling victim to such schemes, you can always
practice some of the following basics:
Be worrisome of emails
containing alarming messages regarding the pandemic and the need for immediate
action; for instance, ordering for a vaccine or cure via the provided links.
Avoid replying to unknown
messages requiring your credentials; for example, those needing your bank
details and identification number, among other sensitive information.
Be proactive at identifying
potential crowd-funding or fraudulent campaigns.
More Importantly, ESET has been here for you for over 30 years. We want to assure you that we will be here to protect your online activities during these uncertain times, too.
Protect yourself
from threats to your security online with an extended trial of our
award-winning software.
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