ransomware

7 basic tips to protect the banking data of a cyber attack

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Every day more companies join the different changes that digital transformation implies in their services, in order to provide greater comfort, usability and agility to their customers. However, digitalization leads to an increase in risks in terms of cyber attacks, which are growing by leaps and bounds and cover any business sector, especially the financial sector, since customer banking data is the most desired objective by hackers.

A common example is the mobile applications of the banks, the clients, without a doubt, prefer to carry out their transactions from their smartphones, for the speed and ease that it offers them. But if the necessary measures are not taken, this would be an open door for any cybercriminal to obtain information or money easily from the users and the banks.

Phishing, Ransomware, Malware, DDoS attacks and ATM attacks are terms that have become increasingly common in the financial world. This has forced security professionals to increase their efforts so that banking data remains protected and at the same time are easily accessible to users.

According to the Cisco Latin America blog, the main concerns of security professionals are: the use given to mobile devices (58%), sensitive data stored in public clouds (57%) and finally (57%) behavior of the user. It could be said, according to this data, that it will largely depend on the degree of awareness regarding cybersecurity that the user may have when handling sensitive information.

That is why education on issues of cybersecurity and privacy plays a fundamental role. Start with some tips or online security measures that can make a difference when making a bank transaction safely, and here we mention some.

How to protect your banking data from a cyber attack?

  1. Keep your computer’s operating system updated: starting with the basics is the first step in improving the security of your information, especially computers. One of the most common vulnerabilities that facilitates cyber attacks are outdated operating systems. The most likely to be affected can be: Microsoft Windows Vista SP2, Windows Server 2008 SP2 and R2 SP, Windows 7, Windows 8.1, Windows RT 8.1, Windows Server 2012 and R2, Windows 10 and Windows Server 2016. 
  2. Avoid connecting to a network Public Wi-Fi: when it comes to banking data and transactions, it is preferable to avoid connecting with a public network at all costs, in case it is very necessary, here you can read some extra security measures.
  3. Use Two-factor authentication: most banks have this service, it is important to take advantage of it, with this the bank will be able to verify if the account holder was connected or made any transaction, since it recognizes which devices are registered by the client.
  4. Disconnect or log out of the mobile or web application: if you are not going to continue using the account, it is preferable to disconnect or log out, from any of the devices you are using. A simple step that adds more difficulty to cybercriminals.
  5. Activate notifications by text message: it is advisable to activate notifications on the mobile to have up-to-date information on all transactions, and thus easily recognize any suspicious activity. You can also activate it (some banks already do it automatically) for notifications of high amounts.
  6. In case of being a victim of an attack like some ransomware, it is important to resist the impulse to pay the delinquents, since that will not ensure that the information is recovered. The most advisable thing is to call the relevant authorities so they can follow up on the case.
  7. Store banking data in secure applications: Data such as users, passwords, and other sensitive banking information can be stored in secure applications that allow you to keep your files encrypted.  With Hushapp you can save these types of files in the Hushbox of your mobile and they will remain safe, even if your device reaches inadequate hands, only you will have access to those files. You can also send them to whoever you want from the application and they will remain protected.

We invite you to learn more about Hushapp and how we can help you protect your important information.

What you need to know to choose a good antivirus

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One of the first steps you must take to protect yourself from a cyber attack is to have an antivirus, the web is full of threats, so we should be prepared for any eventuality of this type. The question is: how to choose a good antivirus between many options that exist in the market? And which one best suits your needs?

The risks of not being protected are very high, the fact of not having a good antivirus, could bring serious consequences just by accessing the most common sites: an infected email or websites with malicious codes, could bring any virus type or malware such as: Trojans, a computer worm or the feared ransomware, which would allow the cybercriminal to take control of your computer and your personal information.

Each user has different needs, so it is important to define which antivirus is the one that suits you best. Follow some basic tips to protect your computer and your most important information.

How to choose a good antivirus for my devices?

Before choosing an antivirus, you must define the use that you give to your computer, so you will know the protection level you need, it is not the same an antivirus for a company to a personal one, also, if you only check the mail or social media, or if on the contrary, you use your computer for downloading videos and entering many unreliable websites. There are risk in both cases, but precaution levels can be adapted.  

Take into account the computer speed, if it is a new and fast computer you won’t have problem using a powerful antivirus, but if it is an old and slow computer, you will need a lighter program, so that it does not affect your PC efficiency.

After you determine these characteristics, you can start to choose features, which can be adapted to the computer and your budget. Also, choose an antivirus compatible with the operating system you are using.

The basics

  1. You can find on internet paid versions or the free ones, generally, the paid versions will give you many more options, analyze if it is worth making the investment. It is best to choose one with a trial version, with you can test antivirus before paying the license.
  2. It is essential that the antivirus you choose has a firewall, this will allow you to protect your device from any unauthorized access to your local network by some cybercriminal.
  3. Consider the product reputation: buy products with have good references in the market, recognized manufacturers will give you credibility and confidence, in some cases you can see awards and recognitions given by associations and specialized media, as well as the opinions of others users through forums or specialized websites.
  4. Make sure buy it at the official store
  5. Even if you have a fast computer, it is advisable to look for an antivirus that consumes few resources. A good antivirus should protect your computer without delaying processes.
  6. Choose an easy-to-use software, an antivirus must perform its work automatically, in real time and almost without you noticing.
  7. A point to value is that the antivirus has customer service, which can provide technical support in case of any problem.

Plus+ to value

  1. Some antivirus programs also offer a multiple devices license, this allows you to protect not only your computer but other devices such as your mobile phone or tablet.
  2. If you have children, you could use an antivirus with parental control, with this you can limit the children access to the internet.
  3. To reinforce your computer security, some antivirus programs bring other advanced features, for example: Protection against ransomware, artificial intelligence that updates defenses while computer attacks evolving, antispam, phishing protection, protection against banking trojans, among others. Depending on your budget, you can add it to improve your security.

HushApp: Another type of information protection

Do not think that just by choosing an antivirus you will be completely safe, the technology advances and with it the cyber attacks, si If you have more security, it will be better for your computer. The good news is there are other solutions to continue protecting your privacy, many of them are free, and will not modify the budget that you have prepared for cybersecurity.

For example HushApp, which in its FREE version allows you to store and share your most important files easily and securely, through end-to-end encryption systems and other features that will help protect your privacy.

We invite you to try HushApp…