Let’s discuss unlocking cyber risk quantification in this post. I’ll also show the steps for mastering the FAIR Model!
In an increasingly connected world, data breaches and cyberattacks have become everyday threats. Every organization, no matter the size or industry, relies on digital systems to operate, and that makes cyber risk management more than just an IT concern. It’s now critical to your organization’s reputation, operations, and financial health.
But here’s the challenge: Most businesses have limited security resources. That means guesswork isn’t an option, and you need to focus on what truly matters.
So, how do you cut through the noise and make informed, strategic cybersecurity decisions that empower your organization?
Meet FAIR, the Factor Analysis of Information Risk framework. It’s a powerful tool that helps organizations measure, prioritize, and manage cyber risks in financial terms, providing clarity in a space often dominated by complexity.
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Managing Cyber Risk with Confidence: Why FAIR Matters
From Technical Risk to Business Language
FAIR stands out because it turns cyber risk into something business leaders understand: dollars and cents. Rather than vague labels like “high risk” or “critical vulnerability,” FAIR quantifies potential losses from specific cyber events. This allows for meaningful discussions around risk at the executive level and helps decision-makers understand what’s at stake.
Think of FAIR as a universal language for cyber risk. It bridges the communication gap between technical experts and leadership by creating a standardized way to talk about threats, vulnerabilities, and impacts, bringing clarity and reassurance to all involved.
Building a Common Understanding: The FAIR Taxonomy
One of FAIR’s core strengths is the way it defines key risk components clearly and consistently. It creates a structured taxonomy that includes:
Risk
Threat
Vulnerability
Asset
Control
By standardizing these terms, FAIR ensures that everyone from IT teams to board members is speaking the same language when it comes to risk. That means better alignment, clearer decisions, and less miscommunication.
How FAIR Combines Insight with Precision
What makes FAIR so effective is its ability to unite qualitative insight with quantitative analysis. Instead of relying solely on instinct or past experience, organizations use data and structured logic to evaluate cyber risk scenarios.
This helps businesses:
Identify and prioritize high-impact risks
Allocate cybersecurity budgets efficiently.
Justify security investments with measurable ROI
Communicate risk more clearly to stakeholders.
Risk analysis uses probabilities, not certainties. FAIR analysis aims for accurate risk ranges (like 60% chance of 125,000-$200,000 dollars in annual losses) rather than precise values.
Key Questions FAIR Helps You Answer
Organizations worldwide turn to FAIR to gain clarity in decision-making. This framework helps you answer critical questions like:
What assets are most at risk?
Which threats are most likely to cause damage?
How frequently could an incident occur?
What would it cost the business?
What’s the right level of investment to reduce this risk?
Which controls will reduce risk most effectively?
By answering these questions, FAIR helps optimize security spending and enhance regulatory compliance without sacrificing business agility.
How the FAIR Model Works
At the heart of the FAIR model is a simple yet powerful formula:
Risk = Loss Event Frequency × Loss Event Magnitude
Let’s break it down:
1. Loss Event Frequency
This estimates how often a cyber incident might happen. It’s based on:
Threat Event Frequency: How often a threat is expected to occur.
Vulnerability (or Susceptibility): The likelihood that the threat will succeed.
2. Loss Event Magnitude
This estimates the financial impact of a cyber incident. It includes:
Primary Loss: Direct costs like system repair, ransomware payments, or lost productivity.
Secondary Loss: Indirect costs, such as legal fees, reputational damage, fines, and loss of customer trust.
Some variables in the FAIR model are objective and data-driven, while others require expert judgment, particularly when estimating hard-to-quantify impacts like reputational loss. However, this specialist judgment is guided by calibration techniques and consultation, ensuring a high level of objectivity.
Tools and Resources for Implementing FAIR
FAIR is flexible. Whether you’re just getting started or already building a mature risk program, there are tools for every stage:
🔹 DIY FAIR
With just spreadsheets, you can perform fundamental FAIR analysis. It’s a good option for teams with data analysis experience.
🔹 FAIR-U
A free tool by the FAIR Institute and RiskLens, FAIR-U helps users analyze one risk scenario at a time through a guided interface ideal for training and small-scale assessments.
In addition to professional accreditation, technical documentation, and training programs, the FAIR Institute also provides a range of free educational resources on its website.
🔹 Open FAIR
An open international standard endorsed by The Open Group. It includes:
The Risk Taxonomy Standard
The Risk Analysis Standard
🔹 RiskLens FAIR Enterprise Model
This is a more advanced, enterprise-grade solution offering automated analysis, scenario modeling, and reporting. It is great for larger organizations looking for scalability and speed.
Steps to Running a FAIR Analysis
To run a FAIR assessment, follow these four core steps:
Step 1: Identify Risk Scenarios
Define what assets are at risk and what threats may target them.
Step 2: Estimate Frequency of Loss Events
Determine how often a threat might occur and succeed.
Step 3: Assess Loss Magnitude
Evaluate the potential financial impact, including both primary and secondary losses.
Step 4: Calculate and Express Risk
Multiply frequency by magnitude to arrive at a quantifiable risk value typically expressed in monetary terms.
The Benefits of FAIR: Why It Works
FAIR offers a modern approach to risk management grounded in business logic. Here’s what organizations gain:
✅ Strategic Alignment: Ensures security decisions support business objectives
✅ Scalability: FAIR is suitable for organizations of any size, from small startups to large enterprises, and across various industries, including finance, healthcare, and technology.
✅ Better Threat Modeling: Analyze and simulate complex attack scenarios
✅ Cost-Effective Security: Prioritize investments with measurable ROI
Bottom Line: Protect What Matters Most
Cybersecurity is about keeping hackers out and protecting your business’s future. With FAIR, you move beyond guesswork into a space where every risk is understood, measured, and addressed with financial clarity.
In a world of evolving threats and limited resources, FAIR helps you focus on what truly matters, making more intelligent decisions that strengthen your business from the inside out.
In this post, I’ll be talking about revolutionizing risk management and also show you how AI is transforming GRC.
Today’s organizations stand at a critical GRC crossroads. The mounting pressures of complex regulations, evolving cybersecurity threats, and unpredictable business disruptions demand immediate action. As regulations become more complex and cybersecurity threats continue to evolve, traditional GRC frameworks no longer suffice.
To thrive in this challenging landscape, leaders must embrace innovative approaches like AI-driven, Integrated, and Agile GRC solutions. The time for transformation is now—how swiftly can you adapt to stay ahead of the curve?
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What Is Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC), and What Makes It Important?
Organizational integrity and performance rest upon three interconnected pillars – Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC). GRC coordinates IT operations with business goals while handling risks and fulfilling regulatory requirements.
The organization’s tools and processes merge tech innovation with governance and risk management functions. Through GRC implementation companies can reach their objectives reliably while reducing unpredictability and maintaining compliance. Together, they ensure that:
– Governance aligns organizational actions with business goals.
– Risk management identifies and mitigates potential threats.
– Compliance requires organizations to follow both regulatory standards and internal company policies.
GRC strategically protects the organization’s reputation while enhancing operational efficiency and building stakeholder trust beyond compliance and penalty avoidance.
The Challenges of Traditional Risk Management
Traditional risk management methods depend on manual work processes while utilizing split systems and focusing on reactive measures. Some common challenges include:
Organizations struggle to detect new risks and understand dependencies between different functions.
The response time remains slow because it depends on outdated data and static reporting methods.
Assessments and decisions can contain human biases and errors.
Scaling risk processes throughout worldwide operations presents significant difficulties.
The presence of these gaps leaves organizations vulnerable to receiving regulatory fines and financial losses while risking reputational damage and operational disruption.
How AI Enhances Risk Management in GRC
Advanced technologies within GRC AI solutions help optimize operations across governance structures and compliance procedures while managing risk effectively. Integrating AI into GRC systems delivers enhanced intelligence and automation, enabling organizations to shift their risk management from reactive methods to predictive strategies. Here’s how:
1. Real-Time Risk Detection and Monitoring
AI systems analyze enormous amounts of structured and unstructured data from internal databases and external sources like social media and news feeds in real time to identify fraud indicators, regulatory warnings, and anomalies. Risk identification across endpoints and data security and workflow becomes possible through monitoring data sources and cybersecurity incidents together with operations and activities. Organizations strengthen their security posture by utilizing real-time risk identification to implement control measures promptly.
Example: NLP technology enables businesses to scan employee emails for potential insider threats and policy breach indicators.
2. Predictive Analytics
Predictive analytics, using AI techniques, recognize risk patterns by evaluating historical data, trend analysis, and variable considerations. The analysis provides early warnings about potential defaults and actionable mitigation approaches.
Example: AI systems predict supply chain interruptions by analyzing geopolitical developments, weather anomalies, and vendor actions.
3. Automated Compliance Monitoring
AI systems systematically track legal databases, regulatory updates, and industry publications to anticipate and adapt to future regulatory changes. Machine learning algorithms, together with natural language processing, analyze regulatory text to detect updates and deliver real-time compliance insights, decreasing the manual workload required for maintaining compliance.
Example: AI-powered tools track changes on regulatory websites to alert your business about potential updates.
4. Smart Decision-Making
AI systems deliver insights based on data analysis, helping organizations make timely and well-informed decisions. The system suggests mitigation methods while evaluating risk consequences and organizing responses by likelihood and seriousness.
Example: Risk scoring engines enable departmental vulnerability rankings to help leaders allocate resources more efficiently.
5. Continuous Controls Testing
AI streamlines and automates the testing and monitoring of internal controls to ensure their effectiveness while minimizing audit fatigue.
Example: Robotic Process Automation (RPA) bots enable financial control testing across thousands of transactions while requiring minimal human supervision.
6. Enhanced Vendor Risk Management
AI facilitates automated vendor and third-party risk assessments while streamlining due diligence processes and ensuring compliance with industry regulations.
Example: Advanced machine learning algorithms allow organizations to track vital metrics, including financial health status, cybersecurity status, and vendor compliance records.
Let’s dive into some Real-world Case Studies
HSBC (Financial Sector): Fighting Financial Crime with AI
The company addressed the need for compliance in its operations across 60+ jurisdictions worldwide by implementing AI technology to detect suspicious transaction activities. The result? The organization achieved fewer false positives, while investigations became quicker and more effective.
After identifying inefficiencies in their manual testing processes, Siemens deployed RPA bots for automated control testing. The implementation achieved time savings along with better accuracy levels.
Their use of AI-powered analysis scans on health records enabled them to tackle patient safety and HIPAA compliance by detecting potential risks early. The payoff? Using AI-powered analysis scans resulted in reduced security breaches, better patient outcomes, and strict compliance standards.
Best Practices for Integrating AI into GRC
– Start with a pilot project.
– Ensure high-quality data governance.
– Blend AI with human oversight.
– Continuously retrain and monitor AI models.
Considerations and Challenges
Organizations need to evaluate essential considerations even though AI provides substantial advantages.
Data Quality: The effectiveness of AI systems depends critically on the quality of data, which includes its cleanliness, relevance, and unbiased nature.
Ethical AI Use: AI systems used in compliance and legal decisions must demonstrate clear transparency and explainability.
Integration: GRC frameworks and tools currently in use need to adopt AI technologies.
Human Oversight: AI serves to enhance human decision-making abilities but cannot fully substitute human insight in intricate or critical scenarios.
The Future of AI in GRC
Organizations now rely on AI to establish new risk management standards in today’s interconnected global environment. By leveraging automation with analytics and machine learning technologies, companies can shift their GRC practices to proactive and fully integrated systems. Your organization should begin exploring AI solutions to achieve better visibility, control, and confidence for future navigation.
Join the Conversation!
How is your organization approaching GRC? Have you considered implementing artificial intelligence solutions to enhance your organization’s risk management strategies? Post your opinions or experiences in the comment section below. Join me in discussing how AI could transform risk management into something more beneficial.
Learn how top traders predict viral memecoins before they pump – On-Chain strategy that beats CT.
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Why Most Traders Are Exit Liquidity
You saw the tweet. You bought in. It dumped.
That wasn’t bad luck. That was design.
By the time most traders hear about a memecoin on CT or Telegram, early entries are already up 10x or more. If you’re relying on influencers or trending hashtags to catch early plays, you’re the exit — not the strategy.
This guide shows how top traders consistently enter before the wave hits:
How they find tokens before launch tweets
How they filter for legitimate setups
How they execute using Telegram sniper bots like Banana Gun
And how they scale into 30x trades with risk managed precision
Case Study: $STARBASE – 32x in 12 Minutes
Entry: 12 minutes post-launch
Initial: $72
Unrealized at peak: $2,309
Chain: Ethereum
Method: Token appeared on Banana Gun live scanner. Sniper executed without external hype.
Takeaway: This was not driven by virality. It was pure on-chain momentum, spotted by tooling and confirmed by contract health and wallet behavior.
Case Study: $HOUND – 37x with Delayed Entry
Entry: 4 hours after launch
Size: $145
Unrealized peak: $5,308
Status: Still holding
Edge: Entry came during a low-volume window after an initial shakeout
Takeaway: You don’t need to be first — you need to be positioned before CT re-discovers it. This is a common second-wave sniper pattern.
How to Catch Viral Memecoins Before They Pump
1. Track New Token Deployments in Real Time
Use a bot like Banana Gun with a real-time token feed across Ethereum, Solana, and Base. The scanner should show:
Time since pool creation
LP size and lock status
Contract ownership and minting logic
Trading volume acceleration
Do not wait for Discord or Twitter. Watch on-chain directly.
2. Mirror Smart Wallets, Not Social Posts
Banana Gun’s Top Traders widget highlights wallets with real historical performance. The copy trading system allows you to auto-enter positions as these wallets act, in real time.
The fastest growing wallets are not following anyone. They’re leading by pattern recognition, not posts.
3. Validate the Setup: Is It a Real Opportunity or a Trap?
Run this checklist before entry:
Is the LP locked for at least 30–90 days?
Is the contract renounced or proven safe?
Is initial volume organic or spoofed?
Are insiders dumping or accumulating?
Did smart wallets enter or avoid?
90% of new meme launches fail these tests. Avoid them.
4. Time the Entry Based on Lifecycle, Not FOMO
Most high-return trades come either:
Within 5 minutes of launch after basic validation
Or 30–90 minutes later during the first pullback and reload window
Do not chase green candles. Do not fade volume breakouts if the structure is intact. Enter clean. Set your limits. Exit fast, or scale.
Tools Top Traders Use
Banana Gun Pro – Token scanner, sniper bot, top trader copy system
Dexscreener – Chart + liquidity heat map
Telegram Alerts – Wallet watch, CA alerts, auto-sniper triggers
Why Most People Miss These Coins
Because they wait for confirmation.
Because they read about winners instead of reverse-engineering how they started.
Because they follow hype instead of scanning patterns.
By the time $HOUND or $STARBASE hit their feeds, the winners were already in and positioned.
Tactical Recap: The Predictive Sniper Process
Monitor token launches using real-time tools
Filter for healthy LP, contract, and wallet behavior
Track and mirror sniper wallets who act early
Enter with size control
Exit clean, or ride the full meme cycle
Full Strategy Guide: Go Deeper
This article is part of a two-part tactical drop. For the full sniper breakdown including additional case studies from $FUCKCOIN and more:
How to Turn Incident Management Failures into Long-Term IT Wins
Is your incident management system meeting expectations, or is it like you’re constantly firefighting? What if your approach’s failures could set the stage for long-term success? That’s the power of a strong ITIL framework. By learning from an ITIL Course, your organisation can evolve its ITIL Incident Management practices, creating smoother processes and minimising disruptions.
Instead of seeing incidents as mere roadblocks, consider them valuable insights to drive improvement. So, how do you turn those painful failures into IT wins that last? Let’s explore how the right approach can turn your incident management setbacks into opportunities for growth, stability, and long-term success.
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Key Strategies for Turning Incident Management Failures into Wins
Dealing with incident management breakdowns calls for a thorough strategy. It is about enhancing the system overall, not only about resolving the current problem. These are the key strategies your team may use to make failures into long-term IT triumphs:
Identifying the Root Cause of Incidents
The first inclination during an incident is usually to remedy things quickly, which is very reasonable. Still, finding the underlying source of the problem is among the most crucial steps in turning failure into success. Many times, events are manifestations of more serious underlying issues. Ignoring these fundamental problems will probably cause similar events to recur, compromising your team’s capacity to create a strong system.
Knowing the root cause requires a methodical technique, including root cause analysis (RCA) or post-incident evaluations. Not only is the current problem fixed, but the underlying cause is also sought to understand how such problems might be avoided going forward. Techniques like Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) or Five Whys will help you dissect the issue and identify solutions beyond temporary fixes.
Teams that learn to spot and fix the fundamental problems stop reoccurring events, enabling better, more effective operations. This strategy reduces disturbance over time and raises service standards.
Implementing a Learning Culture
Many companies view events as failures that should be covered up or dismissed. This is a crucial error. Establishing a learning culture inside your company can help you turn events into long-term gains.
This encourages your staff to see events as opportunities for development rather than causes of liability. Failures should be transparently examined, and lessons should be shared throughout the company. Organising frequent post-incident reviews or “blameless” retrospectives, where the emphasis is on learning from the event and avoiding similar problems in the future, helps one apply this.
A robust learning culture enhances one’s reaction to upcoming events and motivates team members to be more aggressive in spotting possible hazards before they become more serious. By developing this thinking, your team will be more ready to face upcoming difficulties and keep enhancing incident handling procedures.
Building a Proactive Incident Management System
Using a reactive approach to event management can lead to a never-ending loop of difficulties, with your staff left scurrying to fix problems as they develop. Developing a proactive incident management system that forecasts possible events before they start will help to break this loop.
Including monitoring solutions with a real-time view of your systems and networks can help you do this. Early identification of problems allows teams to act before a major incident starts. Moreover, a proactive incident management system entails routinely reviewing systems and procedures to find possible flaws and hazards. Predictive analytics and artificial intelligence tools can also help forecast and prevent incidents by spotting trends and patterns that might otherwise go undetectable.
Creating a proactive system requires a shift from responding to problems as they develop to first-hand prevention. This results in fewer accidents and more seamless operations, freeing your staff to concentrate on innovation and expansion rather than constantly juggling disturbances.
Leveraging Technology for Continuous Improvement
Digital times depend on technology to maximise incident management. Using the correct tools and technology can help you to constantly enhance your IT operations, lower reaction times, and simplify incident management procedures.
Many technologies abound that can help automate incident identification and resolution. For instance, automation technologies can reduce the requirement for human involvement by triggering alarms and reactions depending on predefined criteria. By studying past data and identifying trends, machine learning systems can also assist in forecasting and stopping possible events.
Another crucial technology to consider is a thorough IT service management (ITSM) platform, which centralises incident tracking, ticketing, and communication. This guarantees that no incident goes unsolved and lets your staff react to events more rapidly. Constant integration and improvement of these technologies will help you create an incident management system that solves problems and learns and advances with time.
Conclusion
Though it takes time, turning incident management mistakes into long-term benefits is achievable with the correct strategy. Identifying the causes of events, encouraging a learning culture, developing a proactive incident management system, and using technology will help you turn obstacles into stepping stones towards more success. Consider The Knowledge Academy courses to hone your incident management techniques and give your staff the tools to turn failures into long-term IT successes.
Are you looking for the best anti-pharming software? We’ve got the best picks for you!
Pharming is a cyberattack that focuses on harvesting users’ information by redirecting users’ traffic to a counterfeit website. Therefore, using reliable anti-pharming software is the best way to prevent this.
The term pharming comes from combining two words: phishing because it uses methods similar to phishing to harvest information and farming. This is because it harvests information on a larger scale from multiple users.
There are several ways of countering both malware-based and DNS-based pharming attacks. However, using robust antivirus software and a premium VPN service has proven to be the best way of countering pharming attacks.
For this purpose, I will review some of the best anti-pharming software for countering pharming attacks.
Released in April 2019, the Norton 360 offers complete protection against viruses, malware, Trojan horses, worms, etc.
It also includes a secure VPN for protecting your privacy online, cloud backup for safe file storage, and a password manager for managing and safeguarding your password. Hence, the name Norton’ 360’.
Combining powerful antivirus software and a secure VPN makes Norton 360 one of the best anti-pharming software for protecting you against malware and DNS-based pharming attacks.
Features of Norton 360 antivirus
Real-time threat protection
Secure VPN for browsing anonymously and securely
360O antivirus protects your device from viruses, malware, worms, etc.
Password manager to generate, store, and manage passwords to keep your information safe and secure
PC Cloud backup to save essential files in cloud backup as a measure against hardware failure
Firewall for PC and Mac
Even more, it has parental control to manage your kids’ activities online
SafeCam for PC to prevent unauthorized access to your webcam
Thor Vigilance from Heimdal Security offers unparalleled threat detection and protection using its ‘next-gen’ antivirus engine to protect you from ransomware,e, DNS leakage, viruses, APTs, and other digital threats. This makes Thor a capable anti-pharming software for combating pharming.
Features of Thor Vigilance (Premium)
Next-gen antivirus engine to protect you from advanced phishing and pharming, malware, and ransomware attacks
Secure web browsing feature to ensure you’re clicking on safe links
Continuous monitoring and protection against potentially malicious files
Automatic app updates that ensure that your apps remain updated at all times
Panda Dome is one of the best antivirus software at the forefront of threat protection. It is known to be the inventor of the TruPrevent technology, a series of proactive steps that prevent unknown viruses from infecting your system.
Its collective intelligence model makes Panda the precursor of Adaptive Defence Security, a model that detects, analyzes, and classifies malware automatically in real time.
Therefore, a subscription to the Panda Dome Premium version offers you a set of complete protection tools, which includes
A next-gen antivirus protection engine to protect your device against viruses, advanced threats, and cyberattacks, which include Phishing and Pharming
Premium VPN to browse the internet securely and anonymously, and also evade all forms of cyber attack
24/7 technical support to give you technical assistant
F-Secure brings to the forefront its 30 years of experience in cybersecurity to offer you the F-Secure Total, which is a combination of
One of the most powerful antivirus software to protect your devices from viruses, malware, ransomware, and spyware
Freedom VPN is one of the top-ranked privacy protection solutions for enjoying anonymous browsing and real-time data traffic protection, even when browsing from an unsecured network.
Password manager for generating, securing, and protecting your passwords.
This combination of robust features makes F-Secure an anti-pharming software to reckon with.
Ivacy VPN is a stand-alone VPN solution to pharming attacks. One of Ivacy’s most robust features is an efficient protection mechanism.
Using military-grade encryption technology protects you from data harvesters (phishing and pharming attacks), hackers, and malicious websites. Also, its multitude of dedicated high-speed servers preserves your privacy and keeps you anonymous online.
With over 6,000 servers worldwide and powerful encryption technology, CyberGhost is one of the best anti-pharming software that protects you from DNS leakage and other pharming attacks.
Therefore, CyberGhost offers an anonymous internet experience while protecting your data from all sorts of cyberattacks.
PureVPN offers you a standard VPN package, which includes data protection and encryption using military-grade encryption technology. There is also an online protection option using PureVPN’s numerous dedicated high-speed servers.
Therefore, with PureVPN’s protection features, PureVPN can offer you adequate protection against pharming attacks by preventing the illegal diversion of data traffic from your device to counterfeit websites.
Best Anti-Pharming Software: Frequently Asked Questions
What software can you use to stop pharming?
There isn’t a single magical anti-pharming software. However, a combination of tools can significantly reduce your risk:
Antivirus Software: Many antivirus programs include features that can help prevent pharming attacks. These features might involve:
Blocking access to known malicious websites associated with pharming.
Warning you about suspicious links or websites.
Security Software Suites: Some internet security suites offer additional protection against pharming, including:
Web filtering that blocks access to known phishing and pharming websites.
DNS filtering prevents your computer from being redirected to malicious websites.
Password Managers: Using a password manager reduces the risk of entering your credentials on a pharming site. It automatically fills in login information for legitimate websites, reducing the chance of accidentally entering it on a fake site.
What can prevent pharming?
Here are some practices that can help prevent pharming attacks:
Be Cautious of Emails and Links: Don’t click on links or attachments in emails from unknown senders. Verify the legitimacy of emails before interacting with them.
Check Website URLs: Before entering any information on a website, scrutinize the URL. Legitimate websites typically use HTTPS encryption (indicated by a lock symbol in the address bar).
Beware of Typos: Phishing and pharming sites often have typos or slight variations in the domain name of a legitimate website. Be cautious of URLs that don’t look exactly right.
Use a Bookmark Manager: Instead of clicking on links in emails, use a bookmark manager to access trusted websites directly.
Keep Software Updated: Outdated software can have security vulnerabilities that pharming attacks can exploit. Regularly update your operating system, web browser, and other software.
What is pharming software?
There isn’t technically “pharming software” in the traditional sense. Pharming is a technique used by attackers, and there aren’t any programs explicitly designed to perform pharming attacks (though malware can be involved in redirecting users).
What are the solutions for phishing and pharming attacks?
The solutions mentioned above address both phishing and pharming attacks. Combining security software with cautious browsing habits significantly reduces your risk of falling victim to these scams.
What is a famous example of pharming?
In 2005, a large-scale pharming attack targeted users of Lloyds TSB, a British bank. The attack redirected users to a fake Lloyds TSB website that stole login credentials.
What kind of software can prevent hackers from entering our programs?
While pharming attacks target websites, antivirus and anti-malware software can help prevent hackers from entering your programs directly. These tools can detect and block malware that tries to infiltrate your system and steal information.
By employing a layered approach that combines security software with innovative online behavior, you can significantly enhance your online security and stay safe from pharming and other cyber threats.
Conclusion
Aside from protecting yourself from pharming attacks using a VPN and antivirus, you should also:
Scan removal devices before usage
Use two-factor authentication to protect online transactions
Also, it changes the password of your new WiFi router
Watch out for the padlock logo when browsing a website
In this post, we will show you the top cybersecurity trends every web developer should expect in 2024.
The digital landscape is constantly evolving, and with it, the threats posed by cybercriminals. As web developers, staying abreast of the latest cybersecurity trends is no longer a luxury; it’s a necessity.
In 2024, we can expect a continued rise in sophisticated attacks, demanding a proactive approach to securing web applications and user data.
Let’s delve into the top trends web developers should be aware of and incorporate into their development practices:
Therefore, below are the top cybersecurity trends you should expect in 2024;
1. The Escalation of Ransomware Attacks
Ransomware attacks have become a dominant threat, crippling businesses and organizations with data encryption and extortion demands. In 2024, we can expect a rise in “Ransomware-as-a-Service” (RaaS), making these attacks more accessible to less technical criminals.
What Developers Can Do:
Implement robust access controls and strong authentication mechanisms, such as multi-factor authentication (MFA).
Regularly back up critical data and maintain offline backups to ensure recovery in case of an attack.
Stay updated on the latest security patches and vulnerabilities for all software and libraries used in your application.
Employ encryption at rest and in transit to protect sensitive data.
Traditional perimeter-based security models are struggling to keep up with the increasingly distributed nature of modern applications. Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA) prioritizes “never trust, always verify,” continuously authenticating users and devices before granting access to resources.
What Developers Can Do:
Design applications with the principles of ZTA in mind, focusing on micro-segmentation and least privilege access controls.
Implement strong authentication methods and leverage API security solutions to verify access requests.
Integrate security considerations into the entire development lifecycle, from design to deployment.
3. The Integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Cyber Defense
AI is making inroads into cybersecurity, offering powerful tools for threat detection, analysis, and prevention. AI-powered solutions can analyze vast amounts of data to identify anomalies and potential attacks in real-time.
What Developers Can Do:
Explore the use of AI-powered security solutions to augment traditional security measures.
Leverage automated vulnerability scanning tools to identify and address security gaps in your code.
Utilize machine learning algorithms to detect suspicious user behavior and potential breaches.
While quantum computing technology is still in its nascent stages, it poses a significant long-term threat to current encryption standards. These powerful computers could potentially break the algorithms that secure our online infrastructure.
What Developers Can Do:
Stay informed about the development of quantum computing and its potential impact on cryptography.
Start exploring and adopting post-quantum cryptography algorithms in anticipation of future threats.
Encourage collaboration between developers and security researchers to prepare for the quantum computing age.
5. The Growing Threat of Supply Chain Attacks
Cybercriminals are increasingly targeting software supply chains, compromising third-party libraries and frameworks to gain access to multiple applications. These attacks can be especially dangerous as vulnerabilities remain undetected for longer periods.
What Developers Can Do:
Implement secure coding practices and conduct thorough security audits for your applications.
Utilize dependency management tools to keep third-party libraries up-to-date and patched.
Work with vendors and maintain open communication regarding security vulnerabilities in their software.
Data privacy regulations like GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) and CCPA (California Consumer Privacy Act) continue to evolve, imposing stricter requirements on how companies collect, store, and use user data.
What Developers Can Do:
Familiarize yourself with relevant data privacy regulations and incorporate them into your development process.
Implement mechanisms for user consent, data minimization practices, and secure data deletion upon request.
Design applications with user privacy in mind, prioritizing data security and minimizing unnecessary data collection.
7. The Rise of Serverless Computing and Security Implications
Serverless architectures offer several advantages but also introduce new security considerations. Developers no longer manage underlying infrastructure, leaving them reliant on the security practices of cloud providers.
What Developers Can Do:
Choose reputable cloud providers with a proven track record of security.
Understand the shared responsibility model of security in serverless environments.
Implement access controls and security best practices at the application level for serverless functions.
8. The Increasing Popularity of Low-Code/No-Code Development
Low-code/no-code development platforms are becoming more popular, allowing non-technical users to build applications. However, these platforms can have security vulnerabilities if not used carefully.
What Developers Can Do:
Advocate for secure coding practices when using low-code/no-code platforms.
Ensure proper access controls and data security are implemented for applications built with low-code/no-code tools.
Encourage developers using such platforms to receive basic security training to identify potential vulnerabilities.
9. The Continued Importance of Security Awareness Training
Human error remains a significant factor in many cyberattacks. Security awareness training for developers equips them to identify and avoid social engineering tactics used by attackers.
What Developers Can Do:
Participate in regular security awareness training programs offered by your organization.
Stay informed about the latest social engineering techniques used by cybercriminals.
Report suspicious activity and potential breaches to the appropriate security personnel.
10. The Need for Collaboration and Continuous Improvement
Cybersecurity is an ongoing battle, demanding collaboration between developers, security professionals, and management. Open communication and a culture of security awareness are essential for a robust defense.
What Developers Can Do:
Actively participate in discussions regarding security practices within your development team.
Stay up-to-date on the latest security vulnerabilities and trends through conferences, online resources, and security blogs.
Advocate for a security-first mindset throughout the development lifecycle, integrating security considerations from design to deployment.
Conclusion
By understanding these top cybersecurity trends and actively incorporating them into your development practices, you can play a crucial role in safeguarding web applications and user data.
The digital landscape will undoubtedly evolve further in 2024, but by prioritizing security and staying informed, web developers can build a more resilient and secure online environment for everyone.
Note: This was initially published in December 2019, but has been updated for freshness and accuracy.
The menace that is online crime continues to persist, taking different forms. According to statistics, coordinated cybersecurity attacks affect more than 3.8 million records every day. Such a high number is alarming, and as an internet user, it calls for attention to protect your privacy.
Indeed, you must have been told to install an antivirus, VPN, firewall, and the list goes on. These solutions are critical, and as experts in the cybersecurity space, we couldn’t agree more.
But, one problem individuals and businesses face when sourcing cybersecurity tools is cost. Paying for an antivirus, a VPN, a firewall, and other software can be expensive.
Solutions like Surfshark One exist to help you deal with such high pricing. Rather than pay for the cybersecurity tools you need individually, you can get them all in one package.
Nevertheless, is the tool, Surfshark One dependable? Or is it another on the list of poor-performing cybersecurity solutions? We carried out a test to provide answers.
So, you’re on the right page if you want to know is Surfshark One worth paying for. Read on as we uncover our findings from our review of the solution.
Table of Contents
Is Surfshark One Worth It?
The standout tools in the Surfshark One bundle are the VPN and Antivirus. With the former, you can surf the web anonymously to bypass restrictions, while the latter ensures your devices are free from viruses and malware. That you can get both solutions in an affordable package is impressive and 100 percent worth it.
Surfshark Search and Alert tools are still highly reliable for protecting you online. These complementary tools ensure you get unfiltered search results and that you’re notified whenever your data links again. You get them at no extra charge – still for the same affordable price.
Many such software bundles exist. However, Surfshark ranks among the best in terms of features and cost. So, to reiterate, the Surfshark One is 100 percent worth purchasing.
Surfshark One
Surfshark One is a cybersecurity bundle that provides users with Surfshark VPN, Alert, Search, and Antivirus that...Show More
Surfshark One is a cybersecurity bundle that provides users with Surfshark VPN, Alert, Search, and Antivirus that combines security, privacy, and convenience into one powerful package. Surfshark is an award-winning VPN service for keeping your digital life secure. Show Less
What is Surfshark One?
Surfshark set out to protect internet users with a swift VPN solution. Along these lines, the company moved to expand its collection, building more security features. Today, the outcome is a complete cybersecurity package — Surfshark One — with four robust tools, including:
VPN
Antivirus
Search
Alert
You can manage all aspects of your web privacy with the four solutions above, which you’ll confirm as we cover how they work subsequently.
The power of Surfshark One dwells not in the individual strength of each tool the package houses. Instead, the software is reliable due to the collective functions of all four key features.
We found Surfshark One to be highly dependable when we tested the solution. So, based on our experience, the tool is worth it. It’s worth paying for, and it’s worth using.
However, we’re not going to impose our POV on anyone. Let’s review Surfshark One’s features one after the order, and then, you can understand why we recommend the platform for online privacy and security.
Surfshark One
Surfshark One is a cybersecurity bundle that provides users with Surfshark VPN, Alert, Search, and Antivirus that...Show More
Surfshark One is a cybersecurity bundle that provides users with Surfshark VPN, Alert, Search, and Antivirus that combines security, privacy, and convenience into one powerful package. Surfshark is an award-winning VPN service for keeping your digital life secure. Show Less
Surfshark One Features
Let’s look at each tool in the Surfshark One package.
Here’s Surfshark’s flagship feature, the first before every other in the company’s history. It’s a top-rated solution on notable publishers like Cnet and Techradar, and the VPN has also won many industry awards:
This isn’t surprising, considering the features the app packs.
Secure and high-speed protocols, including WireGuard, IKEv2/IPsec, and OpenVPN UDP / TCP.
AES 256 GCM, which, from our experience, is the standard in the industry.
No-logs policy, ensuring your privacy is intact.
Two-factor authentication for added security.
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What You Can Do With Surfshark VPN
Generally, VPNs mask your online traffic via an encrypted tunnel, hiding your actual IP address.
You get the same functionality with Surfshark, with lightning-fast speed and super-tight security. With these, it’s clear how Surfshark VPN can improve your internet privacy and security.
More particularly, you can use Surfshark VPN to bypass internet restrictions. For instance, if you want to access a website unavailable in the US, simply select a VPN server from a country where the site is accessible.
With one or two clicks, you unlock the site. This can work for streaming content on the net, or purchasing items, among other use cases.
Surfshark
Surfshark is an award-winning VPN service for keeping your digital life secure. Surfshark VPN has servers located in...Show More
Surfshark is an award-winning VPN service for keeping your digital life secure. Surfshark VPN has servers located in more than 60 countries worldwide. Show Less
Here’s a solution from Surfshark to protect your devices from viruses and malware. You can install the app on Windows, Mac, and Android devices. It’s a lightweight solution, so it doesn’t consume much space.
In addition, as you use it to scan your smartphone or computer, the antivirus won’t interfere with other apps.
Features of Surfshark Antivirus
Below are the features you get with Surfshark Antivirus:
All-round protection from viruses and malware
Manual, scheduled, and real-time scans
Protection from zero-day threats
Easy-to-use interface
Cloud Protect System for analyzing unknown files
Webcam protection to safeguard your camera
The above shows that Surfshark Antivirus has enough features to rival any popular antivirus solution.
What You Can Do With Surfshark Antivirus
Install Surfshark Antivirus on your device for advanced protection against cyber threats. Unlike many other antivirus solutions, this one isn’t limited to stopping known malware.
Instead, you can protect your device from unknown, zero-day threats with the Cloud Protect System. That’s one of the chief advantages of the Surfshark Antivirus.
Another notable feature is the software’s weight. It runs smoothly in the background, so smooth that you won’t even know it’s running. In addition, you will find the antivirus easy to use, thanks to the uncluttered interface.
Surfshark Antivirus
A 360-degree solution for all threat categories.
A 360-degree solution for all threat categories. Show Less
Surfshark Alert’s primary duty is to inform you whenever your data is at risk. For instance, if your email details appear on an unexpected website, you get a notification to take action. Subsequently, you can act accordingly to ensure your information is off the site.
Features of Surfshark Alert
Using the Surfshark Alert notification, you can set up notifications for the following details:
Email addresses
Passwords
Phone numbers
Credit card details
ID numbers
Besides the above, Surfshark Alert will occasionally deliver security reports to your email inbox. This ensures you’re constantly updated on the status of your online data.
Using the tool is easy. Simply authorize Surfshark to monitor your info on the web by supplying your details, and the tool starts working automatically. Rest assured that the information you provide the Alert tool to work with stays 100% secure.
What You Can Do With Surfshark Alert
Considering the features, we recommend Surfshark Alert for identity protection. If you’re unaware, identity theft is one of the most pressing cybersecurity concerns, with more than 1.4 million cases reported in 2021.
The downsides of having your profile hijacked by a hacker are innumerable, making Surfshark Alert a crucial solution for safety.
Surfshark Alert
Surfshark Alert is a real-time data breach protection tool that safeguards your email accounts, passwords, personal...Show More
Surfshark Alert is a real-time data breach protection tool that safeguards your email accounts, passwords, personal identification numbers, and credit cards from cyber-attacks. Show Less
If you want genuine organic search, Surfshark Search is the go-to solution. Google, Yahoo, and Bing will filter search results depending on your region and other factors. But Surfshark Search won’t.
It gives you pure organic search results without ads or trackers. Consequently, you can scout for information on the web without exposing your browsing history.
Features of Surfshark Search
Many premium benefits come with using Surfshark Search. Check out some of the top features below:
True organic search results
Online search without any trace of adverts
Online search without trackers
No browser history logging
Support for multiple countries for regional search results
With these features, Surfshark Search is one of the best alternatives to Google, Yahoo, and Bing in terms of security.
What You Can Do With Surfshark Search
You can use Surfshark Search for a smoother online search experience. Indeed, the tool lets you search the web for authentic organic results, not considering your location. However, you can still select a country for native results. It’s like using the Surfshark VPN.
For instance, if you stay in the US and you want to get native search results in Canada, simply select the country from the All Regions list:
Notably, since the solution skips displaying ads, you can save data — in other words, money. Your browsing will also be faster.
Another important aspect to talk about as we answer the question – is Surfshark One worth it? – is the Surfshark One pricing plan.
Antivirus programs cost between $30 to $100 per year on average. How about VPNs? They have a median cost of around $10 per month.
With Surfshark One, you get an antivirus, a VPN, and other security tools. Yet, you don’t pay as high.
Check out the Surfshark One pricing plans below:
1 Month Plan: $14.99 per month
12 Months Plan: $3.07 per month (plus 4 free months)
24 Months Plan: $2.69 per month (plus 4 free months)
If you plan to use a VPN or Antivirus long-term — which you should — we recommend opting for the 24-month plan. It’s lower than the regular monthly plan by over 80 percent.
Surfshark One
Surfshark One is a cybersecurity bundle that provides users with Surfshark VPN, Alert, Search, and Antivirus that...Show More
Surfshark One is a cybersecurity bundle that provides users with Surfshark VPN, Alert, Search, and Antivirus that combines security, privacy, and convenience into one powerful package. Surfshark is an award-winning VPN service for keeping your digital life secure. Show Less
Conclusion
In this post, we answered this question – is Surfshark One worth it? You can save on purchasing individual cybersecurity tools when you get the Surfshark One Bundle. It includes a VPN, antivirus, online search tool, and identity alert solution.
We recommend the package not only because the programs it houses are dependable but also because of the cost-friendly pricing plans.
Surfshark One
Surfshark One is a cybersecurity bundle that provides users with Surfshark VPN, Alert, Search, and Antivirus that...Show More
Surfshark One is a cybersecurity bundle that provides users with Surfshark VPN, Alert, Search, and Antivirus that combines security, privacy, and convenience into one powerful package. Surfshark is an award-winning VPN service for keeping your digital life secure. Show Less
Here is the Heimdal Security review. Are you looking for a security solution to protect your device from the many dangers online? Well, I was once in the same position. And truthfully, the many solutions available can be overwhelming, making it challenging to settle on one.
After many searches, I came across Heimdal Security and tried the software. The initial interest was because the software promises complete protection from all cybersecurity dangers. In this post, I’ll share my first-hand experience using Heimdal Security.
So, if you’re like me and considering using a versatile cybersecurity solution, this Heimdal Security review will help. Ultimately, you’ll learn about its features, pricing, and how it compares to some alternatives.
Let’s get into the Heimdal Security review.
Table of Contents
What Is Heimdal Security?
Heimdal Security is a device protection solution. It has a comprehensive, unified threat platform to defend your devices from several cybersecurity harms. In particular, the unified threat platform includes the following:
Email fraud protection
DNS filtering
Remote desktop control
Next-Gen antivirus
Ransomware encryption protection
DNS filtering
We’ll subsequently discuss most of these features and my experience using them in detail. Besides the unified threat protection system, Heimdal includes Patch & Asset Management and Admin Rights Management. These are advanced features you’ll appreciate if you’re an enterprise user.
It’s worth noting that Heimdal boasts more than 10,000 business users. The number of individual users is even higher, which is a testament to the platform’s reliability.
Furthermore, top platforms like Trustpilot, Capterra, G2 Crowd, and even Reddit highly rate Heimdal Security solutions.
Heimdal Security
Heimdal Security protects its users from advanced malware attacks by making use of next-generation technology. Your best...Show More
Heimdal Security protects its users from advanced malware attacks by making use of next-generation technology. Your best intelligent threat prevention tool. Show Less
All of these were influential in my decision to use Heimdal Security.
In my experience, the protection software employs a five-step approach to cybersecurity. These include:
Prevent: First, the software aims to stop attacks before they manifest.
Detect and Respond: Suppose cyber threats already penetrated your device. In that case, Heimdal Security will detect and attend to the associated files accordingly.
Comply: While fighting off digital dangers, Heimdal Security always stays on the good side of the law. The tool ensures your rights and access are handled as they should.
Defend: The Defend approach primarily targets businesses. If you’re one, you can count on Heimdal Security to protect your brand image and customers.
Assist: whether you’re a business or individual user, you can get help managing your cybersecurity anytime, anywhere.
Heimdal Security started by developing security add-ons for antivirus software. With the widespread success of its add-ons, Heimdal Security decided to upgrade its services to combat the rising incidence of cybercrimes by launching its Thor series.
A traditional antivirus only has a layer of security, but Heimdal stepped up its game by offering an antivirus and a traffic monitoring application in one package.
Heimdal Security has four significant products, namely:
Heimdal Thor Free
Heimdal Thor Vigilance
Heimdal Thor Foresight
Heimdal Thor Premium
Heimdall Security has two classes for all products, excluding Thor Free – Home (for individuals) and Enterprise (for organizations). Let’s take a brief look at what these products offer.
Thor Free
The Thor Free package increases your PC’s security by monitoring and automatically updating outdated applications. Outdated applications are often vulnerable to cyber-attacks; Thor Free helps you update your applications in the background.
It saves you the stress of constantly checking for outdated apps and prevents you from downloading infected updates. Thor Free also provides free and fast installation of popular applications with a single click.
And you guessed right. It’s free to use!
Thor Vigilance
Thor Vigilance is Heimdal’s antivirus system. Thor Vigilance uses some of the most sophisticated malware detection technology to protect you from malware and viruses. It also offers a comprehensive range of scanning options (seven options) you can find on any antivirus.
Thor Vigilance Scanning
Thor Vigilance uses signature code to scan your local files to detect malware, viruses, data leakage, and other threats. Unknown files are sent to its cloud system for more scanning. It also ensures your firewall is always on to protect you from online threats.
Thanks to Thor Vigilance, home and enterprise users can access next-generation technology absent in regular antivirus applications.
Thor Foresight
Heimdal Security created Thor Foresight as a proactive internet security add-on for antivirus applications. Thor Foresight protects you from cyber-attacks by scanning your internet traffic for malicious content and filtering out cyber threats before they reach your computer.
Xploit dashboard on Thor Foresight
Besides being fully compatible with any antivirus in the market, Thor Foresight provides three layers of protection – Xploit Resilience, VectorN Detection, and Darklayer Guard.
Xploit Resilience is responsible for automatic updates of your applications. It also offers Compliance, Vulnerability, and Software Asset Management.
VectorN Detection identifies malware that no Antivirus or Endpoint platform can detect by using Machine Learning Detection.
Darklayer Guard is a two-way traffic filtering engine that blocks network communication at DNS, HTTP, and HTTPS levels to mitigate Zero Hour exploits, next-generation attacks, Ransomware C&Cs, and data leakages.
This unique product stops second-generation attacks that no antivirus can detect from coming close to your computer. Thor Foresight is available for home and enterprise users.
Thor Premium is the ultimate product in the hierarchy of Heimdal Security’s products. It’s just as it’s called – Premium. This product contains a combination of Thor Vigilance and Thor Foresight.
Thor Premium is considered one of the best products on the market that can provide you with all-around protection against malware.
While Thor Foresight is a unique product, Thor Vigilance is not the best stand-alone antivirus. However, both products, combined with additional next-generation protection layers in Thor Premium, are highly recommended security solutions you might want to use.
Thor Premium offers you reactive protection against malware on your local computer alongside proactive protection to keep threats away from your computer as you surf the internet.
It also patches your installed applications automatically to ensure no window for cyber attacks.
Even though all the products are packed into this supreme product, it is straightforward to use and navigate for beginners.
Let’s now consider how Heimdal Security’s onboarding process weighs up.
Getting Started With Heimdal Security
When you launch the Heimdal website, you can get started by clicking the “Start a free trial” button. Indeed, the platform allows you to open a free account. However, when I registered, the free account version was more or less a demo.
So, if you want to use Heimdal Security, prepare to pay a complete subscription before you can access most features.
Nevertheless, as a first-time user, you must book a demo with an expert. I recommend it, as it allows you to verify if the solution is right for you. It’s more essential if you’re a business.
Thankfully, the demo-booking process is as straightforward as I did when writing this Heimdal Security review. You only need to fill out a form, as shown below:
Accordingly, you’ll enter your name, company name, business email, and phone number. You’ll also join the number of workstations with which you aim to use Heimdal Security. This translates to the number of computers you have in your office. In my case, I registered 20 workstations for a start.
After submitting the form, a Heimdal agent will contact you. Subsequently, after the demo, you’ll get a quote that suits your business size.
If, from the demo, you recognize that the solution is the best for you, then pay and start using it.
Heimdal Security
Heimdal Security protects its users from advanced malware attacks by making use of next-generation technology. Your best...Show More
Heimdal Security protects its users from advanced malware attacks by making use of next-generation technology. Your best intelligent threat prevention tool. Show Less
How To Download And Install Heimdal Security
Installing the Heimdal Security app is a straightforward process. Follow the below steps:
Download the Heimdal Security installer file from the website.
Run the installer file after download. You may get a pop-up if Windows Defender is installed on your PC. If you do, click on “Run anyway” and proceed.
Accept the installation terms and conditions by clicking on “I agree.”
Set your preferred language (default is English), and click on “Next.”
Choose if you want to customize the installation (it’s recommended that you do not), and click “Next.”
Choose the version of Heimdal Security you want to install: Trial, Free, or Home/Enterprise. If you’ve purchased the tool, select Home/Enterprise, enter your activation key, and click “Activate.”
Click on “Install” and allow the software to install. Afterward, click on “Finish.”
That’s all; you can start using Heimdal Security on your PC. Ideally, it would be best if you reboot your PC after installation.
Let’s discuss its features to help you understand if Heimdal Security is the solution your business needs.
Heimdal Security
Heimdal Security protects its users from advanced malware attacks by making use of next-generation technology. Your best...Show More
Heimdal Security protects its users from advanced malware attacks by making use of next-generation technology. Your best intelligent threat prevention tool. Show Less
Heimdal Security Features
Check out Heimdal Security’s top features below and what you should expect when you start using the tool:
Next-Gen Antivirus
Heimdal Security’s flagship feature is the next-generation antivirus.
In particular, this is a 4-layer malware-fighting solution that works against both old and new threats. Old threats like worms and trojans and new threats like ransomware and stealth viruses.
The first stage of the antivirus is to compare suspicious files with Heimdal Security’s virus database. This helps uncover whether a file is infected or not. In my experience using the tool, this helped, as you can spot corrupted files before they spread.
The software scans the files in stage two using the native Threat Cloud. This is a relatively fast process that uses AI for maximum effectiveness.
Stage three and stage four are similar. Both ensure no malicious links exist between the corrupted files and other device controls.
Extended Firewall
Also included in the Heimdal next-gen antivirus is a firewall. The firewall doesn’t stand out as a sub-feature of the antivirus. However, after trying it out, I found some aspects worth highlighting.
Notably, what you get with Heimdal Security is a hybrid firewall. Such a firewall type is typically associated with antiviruses or other inspection systems. And it’s comprehensive enough to check every aspect of your network.
The above is possible thanks to support for deep packet analyses. Also known as deep packet inspection (DPI), this feature automatically implements critical actions to protect a computer’s network. These actions include blocking, alerting, re-routing, or logging.
Notably, it saves you time, as you won’t necessarily need to configure the firewall yourself. Furthermore, based on first-hand observations, the firewall is dependable for fending off brute force attacks.
Email Security
Email Security is one of Heimdal Security’s best features for businesses. It stops mail-delivered threats, including malware, malicious URLs, ransomware, and phishing.
Phishing and scam emails remain prevalent among cyber threats. Heimdal Premium Security Home tackles these with a dependable email protection system. It employs live threat intelligence and over 125 vectors of analysis to identify and block malicious emails of any kind.
Drawing from my experience, the feature works in three ways. First, it applies more rigorous spam filters – much more reliable than your email’s default ones. As a result, you’ll hardly get junk mail in your inbox.
The following approach is Full Email Protection. Heimdal Security monitors emails you send and receives any red flags via this medium. If any, it immediately identifies them for you to take action.
The third approach focuses on email attachments. It involves deep-scanning attachments for any malicious content.
With the three-approach protection, you can rest assured that this software gives you prime email security.
Email Fraud Prevention
In addition to email security, Heimdal offers an exclusive email fraud prevention solution. The option focuses on stopping business email compromise and phishing. It works with the live platform threat intelligence, using data from over 125 analysis vectors.
You get advanced email scanning technology with Heimdal Security’s email fraud prevention. It also supports multiple languages. So, it doesn’t matter how hackers attack; it’ll stop their efforts.
One popular method of email fraud is CEO imposter or impersonation. This is a situation where a hacker poses as a company’s CEO and contacts you.
Using Heimdal Security, we confirm that preventing such fraud is straightforward. All in all, it’ll save your business from suffering negative brand impact.
Ransomware Encryption Protection
Ransomware encryption protection forms a core part of Heimdal Security’s endpoint protection. The software has an antivirus that stops ransomware. However, this option is a more particular solution to deal with the malware type.
Heimdal Premium Security transcends just virus, malware, and ransomware attacks. With ransomware encryption protection, the software protects you from malicious encryption attempts common with ransomware attacks.
It works as a high-grade defense system against advanced persistent threats like exfiltration and data loss. With incident reports, you can review the full details of every attack.
Based on first-hand observations, this feature works against any ransomware attack. And it integrates seamlessly with the antivirus, so both solutions work hand-in-hand.
However, what’s more, interesting is that the feature is universally compatible. Universally compatible, it will work with any antivirus, not just that of Heimdal Security.
Furthermore, you get insightful reports occasionally to stay on top of the software’s performance. The report is accessible from the dashboard, and you can filter the metrics or export them as you deem fit.
Software Updater
When your installed program and applications become obsolete, you don’t have to stress about updating them. Heimdal Security includes a software updater you can use at no cost. The updater will monitor your apps and automatically update them the moment there’s a recent version.
However, note that this feature only works on Windows PCs. In particular, you can install it using Windows 7 or recent versions. And there are versions for 32 and 64-bit variants.
When you install the software updater, you can specify which apps you want it to work on. The software will check each program version every two hours and update accordingly. As you’d expect, for this to work, you must be online.
Remote Desktop
Heimdal Security Remote Desktop is handy for enterprise and business users. It allows you to access and secure devices remotely from anywhere.
This state-of-the-art feature will work on Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android devices. Aside from security, Heimdal Security Remote Desktop also works for content sharing and collaboration.
As an enterprise user, you can leverage Heimdal Security’s remote desktop software to manage your devices from anywhere. This feature allows you to transfer files without trouble and record sessions.
Heimdal Security’s remote desktop supports multiple operating systems. When we tested the tool, we used it on Windows and MacOS. However, it’ll also work on Android, iOS, and Windows Server.
Furthermore, the feature is ideal for leveraging collaboration. As you remotely manage your devices and files, you can invite others to support you. And when it comes to file sharing, the solution supports all types of files.
It’s worth mentioning also that the remote security feature is highly secure. It supports multiple encryptions with RSA 2048/4096, AES-256, and multi-factor authentication (MFA).
Threat Hunting
Heimdal Security doesn’t sit and wait for viruses and malware to come. According to our findings, you can leverage the software to find and finish malware in its earliest stages. This is possible with the threat-hunting feature.
You’ll appreciate using threat hunting as it’s relatively straightforward. You get a single, unified interface, which isn’t complex to navigate. And from there, you can issue any action to combat malware.
One mention-worthy aspect of this feature is enhanced visibility. You get a clear picture of your entire digital landscape as an enterprise. With this, you can easily spot the areas the feature should target.
It’s up to you to specify what action follows when threats are identified. Nevertheless, Heimdal Security offers expert action tips to guide you.
Extended Detection & Response (XDR)
You can’t leave out Extended Detection Response (XDR) when discussing Heimdal Security features. This feature is next-level and revolutionary in the cybersecurity space.
With XDR, you get more accurate threat detection and faster response. The feature employs artificial intelligence and machine learning to find and remedy threats. It’s also less complex to use yet uses powerful technologies.
The reports you get from XDR are well presented in graphs and charts. Consequently, using the insights to make data-driven decisions becomes easy.
Customer Support
Most Heimdal Security users attest that the company has a staunch, quick-to-respond support team. The support will handle any problem you have using the security solution.
From first-hand experience crafting this Heimdal Security review, we can confirm that the platform has a prompt support service.
You can initiate a quick help session with the live chat button on the website. The live chat is available 24/7, so you can use it anytime.
Besides the live chat, you can also call Heimdal Security’s helpline. Another option is to send an email; a third is to submit a support ticket.
However, you can quickly get help from the Heimdal Knowledge Base for most inquiries. The knowledge base is well-detailed, with guides for home, enterprise, and free users. There are FAQs also and a troubleshooting guide.
Furthermore, you can get exclusive VIP support as a premium user.
Heimdal Security includes a plethora of cybersecurity solutions. When preparing for his Heimdal Security review, I can say that Heimdal costs around $35 annually.
Heimdal Security has different pricing plans to suit your needs. However, you can try out any of their products for free for 30 days.
Thor Vigilance: This next-generation antivirus is the cheapest product in the Heimdal Security suite. You can download Thor Vigilance for $49.95 annually if you only need a traditional antivirus.
Thor Foresight: This is a required add-on that complements your antivirus work. If you have viable antivirus software, you can get this proactive security add-on for $59.95 yearly.
Thor Premium: This ultimate plan provides proactive security from Thor Foresight and reactive security from Thor Vigilance for just $89.95 annually. If you are starting or need a complete security package, this is the plan for you.
Note: These prices are for home users. As a business user, you must register or contact support for prices.
Note that you get a 30-day money-back guarantee with each subscription you make. This is ideal as it means your payment is safe. I never needed to request my money back anyway. And if the software works for you as it did for me, you won’t need to either.
Furthermore, in my experience, Heimdal Security supports multiple currency payments. Euro, Dollars, British Pounds, Danish Krone, and Swedish Krona.
Irrespective of your currency, the price stays the same as Heimdal Security, which uses international exchange rates.
Heimdal Security
Heimdal Security protects its users from advanced malware attacks by making use of next-generation technology. Your best...Show More
Heimdal Security protects its users from advanced malware attacks by making use of next-generation technology. Your best intelligent threat prevention tool. Show Less
Heimdal Pros
Free tools
Malware and ransomware protection
Reliable antivirus
Relatively fast
Agile Internet security solutions
24/7 prompt support
Advanced threat protection
Software updater
Email Protection
Threat hunting and action center
Heimdal Cons
Some features are limited to Windows
Pricing isn’t transparent
Heimdal Security Review Ratings
Features
Heimdal Security features several cybersecurity solutions to keep you safe. Most importantly, these features are regularly updated to keep up with the dynamic nature of the internet.
Score: 5/5.
Apps
Heimdal Security is primarily a security solution for businesses mainly targeting desktop users. Only a few of the software’s solutions are available as apps for mobile users.
Score: 3.5/5.
Pricing
Most Heimdal Security users say the price is expensive, which is true. However, it’s the industry standard as other alternative solutions cost just as much. The good thing is that from time to time, you get price discounts.
Score: 4/5.
Customer Service
Quality customer service is one of the best aspects of using Heimdal Security. They quickly respond across all support channels and are skilled in resolving issues.
Marlin Equity Partners owns the Heimdal Security company. Marlin Equity Partners wasn’t the company behind the conception of the platform. However, the company acquired the cybersecurity solution after some years. Note that Marlin Equity Partners is a UK-based company operating out of buildings in London.
Who is the CEO of Heimdal Security?
The current CEO of Heimdal Security is Morten Kjaersgaard. Morten has years of cybersecurity experience, reflecting his position as a critical cybersecurity solution leader. In one interview, the CEO confirmed that the focus of Heimdal Security is to remain proactive in the correct approaches to tackling cyber threats.
Where is Heimdal Security headquarters?
Heimdal Security has its headquarters in Copenhagen, Hovedstaden, Denmark. From Denmark, the company can offer cybersecurity services to Europe and other continents. Notably, Heimdal Security’s parent company operates from London. So, it’s safe to say the company also has a strong presence in the United Kingdom.
What Does Heimdal Security Do?
Heimdal Security ensures 360 cybersecurity protection. The software has an antivirus that stops malware and a firewall that protects your network from hackers. Furthermore, it also includes email protection to secure your email messages and prevent fraud. Another thing Heimdal Security does is automatically update your installed programs.
Is Heimdal Free?
Heimdal Security Thor is just one part of the Heimdal Security package. It’s the antivirus part of the package and is not free. You must pay the annual subscription fee to use it.
The only free tool Heimdal Security features is the free software updater for Windows. It ensures your installed apps and programs are up to date to avoid vulnerabilities.
How much is Heimdal Security?
Heimdal Security doesn’t have explicit pricing plans. The amount you pay will depend on the size of your business. And you’ll discuss with a sales agent to settle on an ideal price. However, from my experience using the cybersecurity solution, pricing typically starts from around $35 per year.
Is Heimdal Security Safe?
Heimdal Security is a verified company on TrustPilot with 4.6 stars out of 5 ratings. The company has 77 percent excellent ratings and 15 percent great ratings from close to one thousand reviews. That’s a total of 92 percent positive Heimdal Security reviews. As a result, it’s clear-cut that Heimdal Security is safe and software you can count on to keep your devices safe.
Is Heimdal Security Legit?
With all the positive reviews and features, it’s evident that Heimdal Security is a legitimate security solution. According to customers who have used and are currently using the platform, it’s easy to implement and lightweight. In other words, it won’t affect the performance of your device. As mentioned before, people only complain about the price, but reliable products aren’t always low-cost. Ultimately, you get the worth of your money with Heimdal.
Listed below are a few benefits of Heimdal Security.
Security from all forms of cyber attack: Heimdal Security Suite protects you from malware hidden in emails, instant messages, online ads, and malicious links. It also provides different layers of security between your computer and infected content.
Optimal Performance: Heimdal Security uses very little memory while running scans in the background. It doesn’t eat into your RAM as it scans files, allowing your computer to run smoothly. This is good because you can do other things with your laptop while Heimdal Security runs.
Automatic patching of third-party apps: Heimdal automatically updates your outdated and vulnerable third-party applications. It checks for new updates every two hours. Heimdal Security also patches vulnerabilities in your operating system.
Ease of Use: The Heimdal Security suite is straightforward for beginners. It also doesn’t require any tech knowledge to install as I did for this Heimdal Security review. Its user interface is vibrant and user-centric.
Multiple Computers: Heimdal allows you to use a single subscription across various computers, depending on the number you pay for while subscribing.
Flexible Payment Options: Heimdal Security is flexible with its payment plans. You can opt for the monthly pay-as-you-go license. It also offers a 30-day free trial period for all products.
Heimdal Security
Heimdal Security protects its users from advanced malware attacks by making use of next-generation technology. Your best...Show More
Heimdal Security protects its users from advanced malware attacks by making use of next-generation technology. Your best intelligent threat prevention tool. Show Less
Heimdal Security Alternatives
Before concluding the Heimdal Security review, let’s see how it compares with other cybersecurity solutions.
Here, we compare the software with popular alternatives like Surfshark Antivirus, Malwarebytes, and Trend Micro.
1. Heimdal vs Surfshark Antivirus
Surfshark Antivirus is an affordable solution to free your devices from viruses and zero-day threats. It’s a relatively simple solution with an intuitive interface, so anyone would find it easy to use.
While the antivirus is at the forefront, that’s not all you get with Surfshark. You can purchase the Surfshark One package and get a VPN, secure search tool, and alerts tool.
To use Surfshark, your pricing options start at $12.95 per month. This is unlike Heimdal Security, which has no public pricing. In addition, you can reduce the rate to $2.39 per month when you pay for 24 months.
However, Surfshark Antivirus doesn’t have as many advanced features as Heimdal Security. For instance, the software lacks solutions such as email protection, threat hunting, and extended detection response.
You can pick Surfshark Antivirus ahead of Heimdal Security if you need a lightweight, low-cost solution. However, Heimdal Security is the better tool for advanced features and business applications.
Surfshark Antivirus
A 360-degree solution for all threat categories.
A 360-degree solution for all threat categories. Show Less
Like Heimdal Security, Malwarebytes offers a cybersecurity solution for homes and businesses. Home users get an antivirus for Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android.
The home solution also comes with a VPN connection and an Ad Blocker. These tools help ensure a better browsing experience.
For businesses, you can use Malwarebytes as an SME or enterprise. Available solutions include endpoint protection, detection, and response. Malwarebytes also comes with managed detection and response. Accordingly, millions use the software.
From first-hand observations, it’s easy to say Heimdal Security and Malwarebytes are equal solutions. However, Heimdal Security offers more to IT security teams than Malwarebytes.
You can use Heimdal Security or Malwarebytes as an individual business or enterprise. But if you’re an IT security firm, you get more versatility with Heimdal Security.
This is thanks to exclusive features like ransomware encryption protection, email fraud protection, and threat hunting, as depicted in this Heimdal Security review.
Malwarebytes
Your everyday protection against malware like ransomware, spyware, viruses, and more.
Your everyday protection against malware like ransomware, spyware, viruses, and more. Show Less
Trend Micro is a renowned cloud security solution patronized by many enterprises. The company has been operating since 1988, so it’s easy to understand why it has such a strong cybersecurity stance.
Trend Micro products include cloud security, network security, endpoint and email security, security operation, and SME security. These are the same features Heimdal Security offers.
So, which should you pick? Heimdal or Trend Micro? It’s worth noting that Heimdal Security has the upper hand in some areas, as depicted in this Heimdal Security review.
An example is Managed Detection and Response (MDR). Heimdal Security is more reliable for MDR than Trend Micro, although the latter software takes the upper hand regarding cloud security.
Like Heimdal Security, Trend Micro doesn’t have public pricing plans. You first need to contact the sales team and discuss a quote. But you can request a demo or free trial.
Then, it depends on your business needs. But you won’t go wrong whether you pick Heimdal Security or Trend Micro.
Trend Micro Maximum Security
Maximum security for households and office use.
Maximum security for households and office use. Show Less
McAfee is an award-winning security solution with two significant products: an antivirus and a VPN. Other security products you get from McAfee include identity monitoring and personal info removal tools.
Using McAfee is simple, as you can personalize all the solutions. You can use McAfee on all major devices, including Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS.
McAfee is a premium solution like Heimdal Security. Pricing starts from $29.99 for the first year with the basic plan.
The highest is the advanced plan, which costs $84.99 per month. Notably, this progressive plan comes with identity theft coverage worth $1 million.
You can also go for the exclusive antivirus plan, which gives you access to all antivirus features for $29.99 per year.
McAfee Total Protection
An easy-to-use security suite for data safety and device protection.
An easy-to-use security suite for data safety and device protection. Show Less
To conclude this Heimdal Security review, I will say that Heimdal is dependable if you need an extensive security solution to keep you and your device safe.
Heimdal is renowned by businesses and individuals as a reliable solution to stop cybersecurity threats. I can always attest to that, having used the tool. And this is why I recommend it.
This review clearly shows that the software is indeed robust regarding cybersecurity. The next-gen antivirus, hybrid firewall, endpoint protection, email security, and software updater all stand out. The only major con is that there aren’t detailed pricing plans.
Leave a comment below regarding this Heimdal Security review.
Heimdal Security
Heimdal Security protects its users from advanced malware attacks by making use of next-generation technology. Your best...Show More
Heimdal Security protects its users from advanced malware attacks by making use of next-generation technology. Your best intelligent threat prevention tool. Show Less
Here, I will show you the top dangerous VPN providers and the top red flags to identify and avoid dangerous VPN providers in 2024.
In today’s digital landscape, a Virtual Private Network (VPN) has become an essential tool for many internet users. VPNs encrypt your internet traffic, masking your online activity and location from prying eyes.
However, not all VPN providers are created equal. Some engage in practices that can actually compromise your privacy and security. In 2024, staying vigilant is crucial, as free or low-cost VPNs often come with hidden costs – your data and online safety.
This comprehensive guide exposes red flags to watch out for when choosing a VPN provider, highlighting potentially dangerous practices you should avoid. We’ll also explore some of the top concerns associated with certain VPN providers in 2024.
Table of Contents
Red Flags to Identify Risky VPNs
Unrealistic Claims & Free Offers: Be wary of VPNs promising complete anonymity or undetectable browsing. Every internet connection leaves a trace, and reputable VPNs acknowledge this. Free VPNs are especially concerning, as they often lack the resources to maintain robust security measures. They might monetize your data through targeted advertising or worse.
Suspicious Logging Practices: A crucial factor in VPN selection is its logging policy. A “no-logs” policy indicates the VPN provider doesn’t retain user activity data like browsing history or connection timestamps. This protects your privacy in case of a security breach or government inquiry. Beware of ambiguous logging policies or those that claim to only log “non-identifiable data.” This data could still be used to build a profile of your online activity.
Weak Encryption Standards: Strong encryption is paramount for a secure VPN connection. Look for providers utilizing industry-standard protocols like OpenVPN (UDP/TCP) or IKEv2/IPsec with AES-256 encryption. Outdated or proprietary encryption methods leave your data vulnerable.
Jurisdiction & Data Retention Laws: The VPN provider’s location significantly impacts your privacy. Choose providers based in countries with strong privacy laws and limited government data retention policies. Avoid VPNs headquartered in countries known for aggressive data collection practices, like China or Russia.
Shady Payment Methods & Refund Policies: Legitimate VPN providers offer transparent payment methods like credit cards or reputable online payment processors. Be cautious of VPNs requesting payment exclusively through cryptocurrency or anonymous methods. A clear and fair refund policy is also a good indicator of a trustworthy provider.
Limited Server Network & Unreliable Speeds: A robust server network with geographically diverse locations allows you to connect to servers closest to your desired location, minimizing latency and improving connection speeds. A limited server network or unreliable speeds can hinder your online experience and potentially leak your real IP address.
Lack of Transparency & Independent Audits: Reputable VPN providers are transparent about their ownership, security practices, and infrastructure. They might even undergo independent security audits by reputable cybersecurity firms to verify their claims. Avoid VPNs with a shroud of secrecy or those lacking third-party verification of their security measures.
Bombastic Marketing & Deceptive Practices: Be wary of VPNs relying on aggressive marketing tactics or exaggerated claims. Legitimate providers focus on providing a secure and reliable service, not outlandish promises. Deceptive practices like fake user reviews or misleading testimonials should be red flags.
Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Network: Hola utilizes a P2P network, potentially routing your traffic through other users’ devices, raising privacy and security questions.
Data Leaks: Hola has faced criticism for potential data leaks in the past.
Limited Functionality: The free version offers limited features and might throttle speeds.
2. HideMyAss (HMA) VPN
Past Ownership Concerns: HMA was previously acquired by a security software company, raising concerns about data collection practices. While HMA claims a no-logs policy now, some users might be wary of past associations.
3. Hotspot Shield VPN
Free Version Limitations: The free version of Hotspot Shield has significant limitations and injects ads, potentially compromising user experience and privacy.
Unclear Logging Policy: Hotspot Shield’s logging policy has been criticized for lacking clarity in the past.
4. VPN Master (Likely referring to SuperVPN)
SuperVPN Apps: This category often includes mobile apps with generic names and exaggerated claims. They might lack basic security features or engage in data collection.
Limited Information: Without knowing the specific “VPN Master” app you’re referring to, it’s difficult to assess its risk factors.
5. VPNSecure
Limited Online Presence: There’s limited information readily available on VPNSecure. A reputable VPN provider should have a transparent website and online presence.
6. Facebook Onavo Protect (Discontinued)
Data Collection by Facebook: Onavo Protect was a VPN service by Facebook, raising concerns about data collection for targeted advertising within the Facebook ecosystem. While discontinued, it highlights the importance of considering a VPN provider’s data practices.
7. Yoga VPN
Limited Reviews & Information: Similar to VPNSecure, there’s limited information readily available about Yoga VPN. Conducting research on user reviews and security practices is crucial.
8. proXPN VPN
Limited User Reviews: While proXPN might offer a service, there might be a lack of user reviews or independent assessments, making it difficult to gauge its reliability.
9. oVPNSpider
Technical Knowledge Required: oVPNSpider appears to be a service focused on technical users who configure their own VPN connections. If you’re not comfortable with technical aspects, this might not be the most user-friendly option.
10. SwitchVPN
Mixed Reviews: SwitchVPN might have mixed user reviews, with some praising its features and others expressing concerns about performance or logging practices. Researching user experiences can be helpful, but consider the overall sentiment.
11. Seed4.Me VPN
Limited Information & Unclear Jurisdiction: There’s limited information readily available on Seed4.Me, and its jurisdiction is unclear. Choosing a VPN based in a privacy-friendly country is important for optimal security.
Remember: This list of dangerous VPN providers is not exhaustive, and the landscape can change. It’s crucial to conduct your own research before choosing a VPN.
Top Concerns with Specific VPN Providers
While we cannot name specific providers due to potential legal issues, here are some general concerns associated with certain types of VPNs:
Free VPNs: As mentioned earlier, free VPNs are often a gamble. They might inject malware into your device, throttle your internet speeds, or sell your data to third parties. If you cannot afford a premium VPN, consider a reputable freemium model with limited features but a strong privacy policy.
Super-VPN Apps: Mobile app stores can be breeding grounds for risky VPN apps, especially those with generic names or exaggerated claims. These apps might lack basic security features, steal your data, or even bombard you with intrusive ads. Always research an app’s developer and user reviews before installing.
VPNs with a History of Leaks: Unfortunately, even established VPN providers can experience data leaks or security vulnerabilities. Stay informed about the VPN landscape and choose a provider with a proven track record of addressing security issues promptly.
Choosing a Safe & Secure VPN
With so many VPN providers vying for your attention, thorough research is crucial. Here are some tips for choosing a safe and secure VPN:
Prioritize Privacy: Choose a VPN with a strict “no-logs” policy and strong encryption standards.
Consider Jurisdiction: Opt for VPNs based in privacy-friendly countries.
Evaluate Features: Look for features beyond basic security, such as kill switches that automatically disconnect your internet if the VPN connection drops (preventing accidental data leaks), split tunneling (allowing you to choose which traffic goes through the VPN and which doesn’t), and leak protection to guard against IP and DNS leaks.
Read Reviews & User Feedback: Check reputable tech review websites and user forums for insights on VPN providers’ performance, security practices, and customer service.
Consider a Paid Service: While free VPNs might be tempting, investing in a reputable paid VPN service offers significantly better security features, privacy protection, and overall performance.
Look for Free Trials: Some reputable VPN providers offer free trials with full access to their features. This allows you to test the service and see if it meets your needs before committing financially.
Conclusion
The internet offers a wealth of information and opportunities, but it also comes with inherent risks. A secure VPN can be a valuable tool for safeguarding your online privacy and security.
By understanding the red flags to avoid and recognizing the potential dangers associated with certain VPN providers, you can make an informed decision and select a service that protects your data and empowers you to navigate the digital world with confidence.
In as much we have made our list, we still love to hear from you. Do you think the listed VPNs are dangerous VPN providers? Which other VPN should make the list?
![Is Surfshark One Worth It? [Honest ANSWER]](https://secureblitz.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Is-Surfshark-One-Worth-It-Honest-ANSWER-768x402.png "Is Surfshark One Worth It? [Honest ANSWER]")
