Here, we will address cryptojacking in mobile devices to spread more awareness. We’ll dive into cryptojacking, how to detect it, and how to prevent it.
Cryptocurrency dates back to the 1980s, but its popularity soared from 2017 to 2018. People flocked to invest in these currencies, and their value skyrocketed.
Not everyone bought these currencies; they earned them through crypto mining. This involves completing “blocks” of verified transactions added to the blockchain. However, crypto mining requires a considerable amount of resources and computing power. In return, these miners would be rewarded with cryptocurrency tokens.
Now, we all know hackers never miss an opportunity. So, while crypto mining gained popularity, did cryptojacking, wherein attackers hacked into mobile phones. Next, they steal the device’s resources and divert them to crypto mining activities.
As per Webroot’s Mid-Year Threat Report Update, cryptojacking instances are so rampant that they are now the top cyber threat, surpassing ransomware.
Table of Contents
What Is Cryptojacking?
Crypto Jacking is where cybercriminals hack into target systems like mobile devices, laptops, and personal computers and install cryptocurrency mining software. The software is designed to consume the device’s resources to mine for cryptocurrency.
Once they’re successful in mining cryptocurrencies, the hackers receive a commission from the anonymous cryptocurrency Monero.
There are different types of crypto-jacking – file-based, browser-based, cloud-based, and mobile app-based. In the first instances of cryptojacking, hackers targeted computers and mobiles. They used the browsers on the devices to install Coinhive, a crypto-mining software, to the device.
Cryptojacking In Mobile Devices
With so many mobile devices connecting to websites and apps, these devices are incredibly targeted. Here’s what you need to know:
The crypto mining code is easy to deploy and works in the background.
It’s usually undetected by most victims.
The hacker isn’t granted the usual command-and-control link.
Plus, the user is only losing processing cycles that are already idle, thereby making it even more challenging to catch.
To process transactions, the software uses the device’s processor cycles.
An attacker can also hack other digital wallets using the device’s resources to steal cryptocurrency.
While malware usually disrupts and damages a victim’s device and data, cryptojacking scripts don’t cause any other harm.
How Does Mobile Device Cryptojacking Work?
To run cryptojacking activities, hackers must first install crypto mining code on the mobile device. Usually, hackers set up malicious code on websites and ads to dupe victims into downloading crypto-mining software. Hackers can execute the crypto mining script by simply visiting these malicious sites or viewing malicious pop-ups.
Hackers also send their potential victims phishing emails in hopes they click on the link included in the email. Upon clicking this link, an attachment will automatically download onto their device. This will execute the installation of the crypto mining code.
Hackers popularly use both methods as this gives them better chances of gaining more victims and resources and, thus, successfully running their crypto-mining activities. This script will run quietly in the background, unknown to the victim.
How To Detect Cryptojacking Attacks
For a regular user, it’s hard to detect a cryptojacking attack. They might be under the impression that their device has slowed down because it’s outdated or there’s a problem with the hardware. However, there are ways to identify if crypto mining software is causing the problem correctly.
Look for slow response times and a general lag while using your mobile device.
Check for the severe battery drain on your device.
Monitor your phone for higher-than-normal data usage. There are apps available to track your phone’s data usage.
Install a network monitoring solution on your device like Fing, WiFi Analyzer and NetCut.
Cryptojacking is a resource-intensive process and can cause your phone to become extremely hot. You may see warnings of overheating displayed on your phone.
Use anti-malware software on your phone to scan and detect any hackers.
If you suspect your device is being attacked, it might be best to seek professional help. You can visit your device’s service station to get it checked.
It helps significantly to research the topic and be aware of new and upcoming cryptojacking trends.
How To Prevent Cryptojacking On Your Mobile Device
A report from Digital Shadows titled “The New Gold Rush Cryptocurrencies Are the New Frontier of Fraud” reveals that cryptojacking kits are available on the dark web for as little as $30. Knowing how easy cryptojacking is, it’s best to take ample measures to minimize the risk of becoming a victim of cryptojacking attacks. Here’s what we suggest:
Keep anti-virus software up-to-date on mobile devices.
Close tabs on your mobile browsers after each use.
Be careful about the ads and links you click on. Ensure they are trusted sources.
Be cautious to open suspicious emails, especially if your email provider has flagged them as phishing.
If you need to download files, ensure they’re from authentic sources.
If you’re worried about your organization’s security, here are some essential measures you can take:
Conduct awareness training for employees to understand cryptojacking and how it can affect their computers and mobile devices.
Train your IT team to detect cryptojacking attacks at an earlier stage.
Install anti-crypto mining extensions such as Miner Block, No Coin, and Anti Miner that keep cybercriminals from accessing their devices online.
Block malicious crypto mining code by turning off JavaScript. However, this measure could block many other functions required by your team.
Use ad-blockers to block malicious code in online ads.
Ensure all employees use strong passwords to ensure a better system and protection.
Advise them to download only trusted apps on their phones.
Though cryptojacking is not considered as severe as attacks like ransomware, you wouldn’t want to be a victim. Cryptojacking means your mobile device will be carrying an unnecessary cryptojacking script. This will increase your data usage, drain your battery and slow down your phone.
So, it’s best to be aware of the risks arising from such an attack and take measures to prevent it – whether you’re an individual or an organization.
Of course, with organizations, the stakes are higher. Such an attack poses a significant cost in repairing the hack and an indirect cost in productivity.
That brings us to the end. We hope this article helps shed more light on the topic and brings awareness to preventive measures against cryptojacking in mobile devices.
Note: This is a guest post
Author Bio
Harshit Agarwal is CEO & Co-Founder at Appknox, an utterly automated vulnerability assessment platform. He has eight years of experience in the technology and security space. He has worked with Fortune 100 companies to set up end-to-end and continuous mobile application security processes.
Here are 9 Twitter stats that you can use to boost your business.
Twitter can be a powerful marketing channel because it is a vital indicator of trending internet discussions. However, to use the site fully, you must be familiar with its intricacies. That entails keeping current on the most recent Twitter numbers to understand how people use the site.
So, to ensure you have the most up-to-date statistics to influence your plan in 2021, we’ve compiled a list of 10 of the most critical ones for you. These will inform you whether it’s time to conduct another Twitter audit or how to revise your strategy.
Let’s look at the most essential Twitter stats to boost your Twitter engagement to new heights.
The platform’s users are mostly Americans, with nearly 68.7 million as of October 2020. After the United States, Japan and India are the top two nations in Twitter’s worldwide user base.
Twitter’s broad American number of users makes it a vital messaging and networking platform for brands headquartered in the United States. It’s also an excellent forum for providing fast and dependable customer support.
2. More than 50% of American Users Use Twitter Daily
As of the most recent Twitter consumption figures, 52% of Twitter users in the U.S. use the website regularly. Aside from that, 84 percent of American Twitter users use the website every week.
These statistics showing a high frequency of use demonstrate the platform’s usefulness for staying current on news alerts and how trending trends are changing.
Ultimately, 96 percent of people use Twitter at least once a month.
3. Increasing Number of Monetizable Daily Users
As per Twitter’s Note to Clients, the estimated monetizable Twitter daily users had exceeded 187 million by 2020. This represents a 29 percent rise year on year.
Take note of “monetizable,” which only applies to accounts that can see commercials on the website. This indicates that only a small percentage of Twitter’s user base adds to the platform’s ad sales.
In the meantime, the total number of Twitter users continues to rise slowly. Twitter’s monthly active users (MAU) had hit 330 million by the first quarter of 2019. However, beginning in the second quarter of the same year, the firm shifted its monitoring emphasis to monetizable everyday users.
Thus, according to Twitter, much-discussed current affairs played a role in the rise in monetizable regular active users. For example, the increased global discussion around COVID-19 and the run-up to the U.S. elections fueled interest.
Regarding average demographic groups of Twitter users, millennials and Generation Z account for most of the user base. Twitter is most popular among people aged 25 to 34, who account for 28.9 percent of all users as of October 2020.
People aged 35 to 49 come in second, accounting for 28.2 percent. Furthermore, 21.6 percent of Twitter users are in the age range of 18 to 24 years old.
While these figures provide a high-level overview of who is using the site, audience audiences involved in particular subjects or product categories may differ significantly. Be sure to run a Twitter analytics report to see what statistics your company account has.
This will provide you with specific information on the kind of crowd you’re targeting, allowing you to tailor your approach appropriately.
5. 500 Million Tweets Daily
With Twitter being so popular, you might wonder how many Tweets are sent daily. People on Twitter send out nearly 500 million Tweets daily, as per Internet Live Stats. This equates to about 200 Billion Tweets every year.
If this seems like a daunting volume of material to find out what to post from your handle, use resources like social media monitoring to hone in on the unique (and much narrower) discussions that your target audiences are interested in.
Although Twitter habits shift year after year, 2020 was a little different. Throughout a global health scare, the website was a gathering place to read news and alerts, interact, and keep entertained when quarantined. This had a significant effect on Twitter statistics and topic patterns.
The website receives over 7,000 tweets about TV and film every minute, as per a Twitter recap. In addition, the use of the house emoji increased by 40%. Furthermore, Tweets about recipes almost doubled in 2020, with many food and beverage emojis experiencing a significant uptick in use globally.
We can only predict a new set of trends in 2021 as the scenario and subject of discussion begin to change. So, before you hop into a casual chat, use Twitter listening to figure out what the target demographic is concerned about and where the discussion is coming from.
7. 2 Billion Gaming Tweets
Since the pandemic forced a significant part of the population to stay indoors, many people resorted to gaming to pass the time.
As a result, much of the exchanges on Twitter focused on video games, making it a perfect forum for social media campaigns in the gaming community. There was a record of 2 billion Tweets about games during the year, a 75 percent rise from 2019.
As size grew, so did the number of people tweeting about gaming on Twitter. The subject saw a 49 percent rise in the number of specific contributors.
Twitter is experiencing an uptick in ad sales and a rise in total monetizable daily active users. Twitter’s ad sales rose 15% yearly to $808 million in the third quarter of 2020.
As per Twitter, this rise in ad sales was partially motivated by previously postponed product releases and activities being revisited and restarted, primarily in digital form.
Twitter has since made many attempts to enhance brand advertising experiences. Since then, they’ve launched new ad forms and the beta Branded Likes, which helps marketers make personalized “LIKE” buttons with interactive brand illustrations.
Furthermore, they redesigned the First View ad format, which generates an aggregate of 30-40% impressions per advertising company. Advertisers are investing money in the website due to these improved interactions.
As a consequence, Twitter’s overall sales increased. The platform produced $936 million in net sales during the third quarter of 2020. This 14% growth is mainly attributed to the worldwide revival in advertisement sales.
9. The rise in Ad Engagement
Twitter consumers engaged with advertising on the site further in 2020. The overall number of ad impressions on Twitter increased by 35%. This is mainly attributed to an uptick in ad views due to the rise in monetizable daily active users. The increased demand for advertisements has played a significant role.
As per Q4 2020 statistics, the cost of engagement on Twitter has decreased by 3%. These improvements could make a Twitter advertising campaign appealing to brands not currently interested in one. You can even try to purchase followers to increase your engagement on Twitter.
Conclusion – Twitter Stats For Boosting Your Business
According to these Twitter statistics, the platform has seen significant upheaval, mainly due to the Covid 19 pandemic.
Twitter users are evolving the way they use the app, from their interactions and how they communicate with advertisements. Hence, use these Twitter statistics to boost your business and reach new heights.
Note: This post was originally published in September 2021 but has been updated.
There are free and premium antiviruses. There are also freemium antiviruses – antiviruses that offer both free and paid plans. It’s necessary to understand and check for this whenever you want to purchase an antivirus solution. Price is always an essential factor to consider.
In this post, our focus is on the Surfshark Antivirus. It is undoubtedly one of the most popular antivirus solutions in the market. So, it’s expected to be on your radar if you need an antivirus.
The question is, is Surfshark Antivirus free? Or do you have to pay for it? Read on to find out.
Table of Contents
Is Surfshark Antivirus Free?
No, Surfshark Antivirus is not free. It is a paid service that is available as part of the Surfshark One bundle. The bundle also includes a VPN Alternative ID, and data leak alerts. The Surfshark One bundle is billed at $2.69 per month for 24 months subscription plan plus 4 free months.
However, Surfshark does offer a 30-day money-back guarantee on all of its products, including Surfshark Antivirus. This means that you can try out the service for 30 days and get a full refund if you’re not satisfied.
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Surfshark Antivirus
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What Is Surfshark One?
Surfshark One is a comprehensive privacy and security suite that combines a VPN, antivirus, alert, search, and Alternative ID to safeguard your online activities and protect your personal data.
Surfshark VPN encrypts your internet traffic and masks your IP address, rendering your online activities invisible to prying eyes. This allows you to browse the web securely, access geo-restricted content, and bypass censorship seamlessly.
With Surfshark’s VPN, you can connect to servers in over 60 countries, ensuring a fast and reliable connection wherever you are in the world.
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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
Surfshark Antivirus scans your device for viruses, malware, and other harmful threats, ensuring your system remains protected from the latest cyber threats. It operates silently in the background, providing real-time protection without disrupting your workflow.
Surfshark Antivirus utilizes advanced threat detection algorithms to identify and neutralize even the most sophisticated threats, keeping your device and data safe.
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Surfshark Antivirus
A 360-degree solution for all threat categories.
A 360-degree solution for all threat categories. Show Less
Surfshark Alert actively monitors the dark web and data breach databases to identify if your personal information, such as your email address, credit card details, or ID number, has been compromised.
Upon detecting a breach, Alert promptly notifies you, enabling you to take immediate action to safeguard your accounts and prevent further damage.
Surfshark Alert also provides guidance on how to strengthen your passwords and protect your online accounts, ensuring your personal information remains secure.
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
Surfshark Search prioritizes privacy and delivers organic search results without ads or trackers, ensuring your browsing experience is tailored to your needs and preferences.
It eliminates the intrusive tracking practices employed by traditional search engines, allowing you to explore the internet with complete peace of mind. Surfshark Search also protects your privacy by not storing any of your search history, ensuring your online activities remain anonymous.
Surfshark Alternative ID provides you with a temporary and disposable email address for online registrations, preventing the linkage of your personal information to multiple websites and services.
This helps minimize the trail of data you leave behind, reducing the risk of targeted advertising and data breaches. Surfshark Alternative ID also allows you to create separate email accounts for different purposes, keeping your personal and professional communications distinct.
Surfshark Alternative ID
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Safeguard your online identity with Surfshark Alternative ID, a unique feature that generates a brand-new persona and email address for you to use online. Show Less
With Surfshark One, you can confidently navigate the digital world, knowing that your privacy and security are in capable hands.
Surfshark One provides a comprehensive suite of tools to protect your online activities, safeguard your personal data, and ensure you have a secure and private browsing experience.
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 Antivirus as part of Surfshark One offers three pricing plans tailored to different subscription durations:
Surfshark Starter
Monthly Plan: $13.99 per month
12-Month Plan: $3.03 per month (billed annually at $77.88)
24-Month Plan: $1.99 per month (billed every two years at $59.76)
Surfshark One
Monthly Plan: $17.69 per month
12-Month Plan: $3.07 per month (billed annually at $47.88)
24-Month Plan: $2.69 per month (billed every two years at $71.76)
Surfshark One+
Monthly Plan: $15.95 per month
12-Month Plan: $4.58 per month (billed annually at $59.88)
24-Month Plan: $3.99 per month (billed every two years at $95.76)
With these pricing plans, Surfshark provides options to save money by opting for longer subscription periods. The longer the plan, the lower the monthly cost. For instance, the 12-Month plan offers an 83% discount compared to the monthly plan, and the 24-Month plan provides an 85% discount. Additionally, Surfshark occasionally offers promotional deals and discounts, further reducing the subscription cost.
Alternatively, Surfshark Antivirus can be purchased as part of the Surfshark One or Surfshark One+ bundles, which also include other valuable tools and features. These bundles offer a more cost-effective solution compared to purchasing individual products separately.
Surfshark’s commitment to customer satisfaction is evident in their 30-day money-back guarantee. If you’re not fully satisfied with the software’s performance, you can request a full refund within 30 days of purchase. This risk-free trial allows you to experience Surfshark’s capabilities without any worries.
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Surfshark Antivirus
A 360-degree solution for all threat categories.
A 360-degree solution for all threat categories. Show Less
Now, let’s take a look at an overview of Surfshark Antivirus, and why is it popular.
Why Is Surfshark Antivirus Popular?
Surfshark Antivirus, according to its developers, is a “lightweight solution to virus protection.” It is, indeed, a lightweight solution as the software size is relatively lesser than other top antiviruses.
Thus, Surfshark Antivirus takes up less system space, which is one reason it is popular. By extension, taking up less space means the software won’t strain your CPU. It runs quietly in the background without affecting other apps.
Another reason the Surfshark Antivirus is popular is that it is easy to use. The interface is clean on all platforms, and all features are within quick reach. There is no learning curve when you choose Surfshark Antivirus.
Surfshark won’t be popular if it doesn’t perform the primary duty of antiviruses: eliminate viruses and malware. In fact, the software goes further to protect you from zero-day threats.
Protection from zero-day threats means your device stays safe from new, emerging viruses and malware. This protection is 24/7 since the antivirus works in real time. In addition, you can run manual and scheduled scans at any time with Surfshark.
Notably, Surfshark Antivirus is just one branch of the larger Surfshark One family tree. The other branches include the Surfshark VPN, Alert, and Search tools.
The features of a software usually determine its price, if it’ll be free or paid. So, let’s consider Surfshark Antivirus features next.
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Surfshark Antivirus
A 360-degree solution for all threat categories.
A 360-degree solution for all threat categories. Show Less
Surfshark Antivirus Features
Check out Surfshark Antivirus’s top features below:
Virus and Malware Protection
Surfshark Antivirus will scan all depths and corners of your device to identify viruses and malware. It securely removes them when found. And it works in real-time and supports manual and scheduled scans.
Viruses and malware can creep into your device from the internet. As a result, Surfshark Antivirus keeps your web clean by removing ads and trackers and blocking phishing sites. Subsequently, this stops third parties from tracking and harvesting your data.
Webcam protection
Spyware, a type of malware that gathers information, usually targets your device’s camera. Surfshark stops this with Webcam protection. This protection will watch out for and prevent unauthorized access to your cameras — whether webcam or not.
No logs
The aim of antivirus is to stop others from infecting or hijacking your data. Surfshark, too, won’t attempt to follow your data. The antivirus software keeps no logs, so you can always be sure of your privacy.
Multi-device support
Surfshark supports Android and iOS mobile devices. On desktop, it supports Windows, macOS, and Linux (including the legacy version). The antivirus is more popular on mobile, but it offers the same security and privacy irrespective of the device.
Surfshark One
When you pay for Surfshark Antivirus, you also get Surfshark One. Surfshark One comes with Surfshark’s VPN, Alert, Search, and Alternative ID tools.
Therefore, you’ll be able to browse the internet safely, hiding your IP address from spies with the VPN. Also, you can unblock geo-restricted websites.
With the Alert tool, you get informed whenever your personal info leaks anywhere on the web. This includes your email addresses, passwords, identity numbers, and credit card numbers, to name a few.
The Search tool will allow you to run web searches in the most secure manner. You can avoid ads and switch search locations as you, please. With this, you’re sure of nothing but organic search results.
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Surfshark Antivirus
A 360-degree solution for all threat categories.
A 360-degree solution for all threat categories. Show Less
Frequently Asked Questions About Surfshark Antivirus
Before concluding, here are answers to some frequently asked questions about Surfshark Antivirus:
Do I need McAfee if I have Surfshark?
You do not need McAfeeif you have Surfshark Antivirus. Surfshark and McAfee are different antivirus solutions, and both are highly acclaimed.
If you have an active Surfshark Antivirus subscription, there’s no need to pay for McAfee. Surfshark will do whatever you need McAfee for.
Surfshark has antivirus, anti-malware internet security, anti-spam, IP protection, 2FA, VPN, spyware removal, and web threat management tools. These are the primary features you get with McAfee.
However, McAfee and Surfshark have their differences. Surfshark is more popular as a solution for individual users. On the other hand, McAfee is popular among businesses. So, if you’re a business, you can opt for McAfee instead of Surfshark.
How much does the Surfshark antivirus cost?
Surfshark Antivirus costs $17.69 per month as part of the Surfshark One bundle. However, that is for the monthly plan. You will pay $3.07 per month and $2.69 per month if you go for the 12 Months or 24 Months plan, respectively. That means you’ll pay $49.08 and $75.32, respectively.
Note that the cost of Surfshark Antivirus is the same as Surfshark One. So, when you purchase the antivirus, you also get the VPN and Search and Alert tool.
You cannot get Surfshark Antivirus for free, and the software has no free trial. Nevertheless, after you subscribe, there’s a 30-day money-back guarantee which protects you.
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Surfshark Antivirus
A 360-degree solution for all threat categories.
A 360-degree solution for all threat categories. Show Less
Does Surfshark come with an antivirus?
Yes, Surfshark comes with an antivirus. The antivirus is lightweight and will protect your device from viruses, malware, spyware, and zero-day threats.
Surfshark’s most popular tool is the VPN, not the antivirus. And the VPN is the only Surfshark tool you can purchase as a standalone tool. The antivirus and others are bundled into Surfshark One.
For this reason, some people did not know Surfshark has an antivirus. But the antivirus is now popular. Purchasing the Surfshark antivirus means purchasing the Surfshark VPN, as well as the other tools.
Is Surfshark a good antivirus?
Surfshark is a good antivirus considering its features and price. Primarily, it offers advanced protection and is lightweight, easy to use, and cost-friendly.
The basic function of an antivirus is to remove viruses and malware. Surfshark does that and more. For example, the software will allow you to browse the internet without ads, trackers, and phishing threats.
Also, it protects your device from bots and trackers – third-party companies that want to exploit your data. That’s not all. Since the Surfshark antivirus is part of Surfshark One, you also get a VPN, among other tools.
With the VPN, you can mask your IP address and stay anonymous on the web.
Turning on Surfshark antivirus is simple. First, you need to download the software for your device. You can download and install Surfshark antivirus on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. Then, create an account and pay a subscription.
Once done, the software immediately starts protecting your device. In other words, it turns on automatically so long as your subscription is active. You can launch the Surfshark Antivirus app at any time to perform manual or scheduled scans.
If the software locates any virus or malware, it’ll line them up for elimination. So, you either set the software to remove viruses and malware automatically, or you do so manually after reviewing the infected files.
How does Surfshark Antivirus compare to other popular antivirus solutions?
Surfshark Antivirus compares favourably to other popular antivirus solutions in several aspects:
Cost: Surfshark Antivirus is significantly cheaper than many top-tier antivirus solutions, especially when considering the bundled VPN and other tools.
Ease of use: The user interface is simple and intuitive, making it easy to manage your security settings.
Lightweight: Surfshark Antivirus has minimal impact on system performance, ensuring your device doesn’t slow down.
Features: While not as feature-rich as some competitors, Surfshark Antivirus provides essential features like real-time protection, malware scanning, web threat blocking, and anti-phishing protection.
VPN integration: The bundled VPN adds a layer of privacy and security to your online activities.
However, it’s important to consider individual needs and priorities when comparing antivirus solutions. Some users might prefer a solution with more advanced features or better independent test lab results, even if it comes at a higher cost.
Is Surfshark Antivirus safe to use?
Yes, Surfshark Antivirus is safe to use. The company has a strong reputation for data security and privacy, and the antivirus software utilizes industry-standard security protocols and encryption methods. Additionally, Surfshark Antivirus regularly undergoes independent audits to verify its effectiveness and security.
What customer support options does Surfshark offer for its antivirus?
Surfshark offers various customer support options for its antivirus, including:
24/7 live chat: Connect with a customer support representative instantly for prompt assistance.
Email support: Submit your inquiry via email and receive a detailed response within 24 hours.
Help center: Explore a comprehensive knowledge base with articles, tutorials, and FAQs to find answers to common questions.
Video tutorials: Watch helpful video guides on using Surfshark Antivirus and its features.
These options ensure that you can receive timely and effective assistance whenever you need help with Surfshark Antivirus.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, Surfshark Antivirus is not free, but it comes at a relatively affordable price. Although you have to pay the subscription from the onset, the money-back guarantee keeps you safe. And the price you pay for the antivirus is worth the features and other Surfshark tools you get.
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Surfshark Antivirus
A 360-degree solution for all threat categories.
A 360-degree solution for all threat categories. Show Less
Learn how to troubleshoot antivirus problems in this comprehensive guide.
Antivirus software plays a crucial role in protecting our computers from malware, viruses, and other online threats. However, there may be instances where you encounter issues with your antivirus program, such as it not turning on or failing to detect threats.
In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the process of troubleshooting antivirus problems and provide you with practical solutions to ensure your computer’s security.
Table of Contents
Common Antivirus Issues
Antivirus not turning on
One of the most common issues with antivirus software is when it fails to turn on or start up properly. This can leave your computer vulnerable to threats. To troubleshoot this problem, follow these steps:
Check if the antivirus subscription is active and up to date.
Verify that the antivirus program is not blocked by your firewall or other security software.
Restart your computer and try starting the antivirus program again.
If the issue persists, try reinstalling the antivirus software.
False positives
Antivirus programs sometimes mistakenly identify legitimate files or applications as malicious, resulting in false positives. This can be frustrating, as it may lead to important files being quarantined or deleted. To address this issue:
Update your antivirus software to the latest version, as newer updates often include bug fixes and improved detection algorithms.
Exclude the falsely detected files or applications from future scans or add them to the whitelist.
Report the false positive to the antivirus software provider, so they can investigate and update their detection database.
Interference with system updates
In some cases, antivirus software can interfere with system updates, preventing them from being installed properly. This can leave your computer vulnerable to security risks. To resolve this issue:
Temporarily disable the antivirus software while performing system updates.
Enable the antivirus software after the updates are successfully installed.
Ensure that your antivirus software is up to date to minimize compatibility issues with system updates.
Now, I will show you how to troubleshoot antivirus problems.
How to Troubleshoot Antivirus Problems
1. Update the Antivirus Software
Keeping your antivirus software up to date is essential for optimal performance and protection. Antivirus vendors regularly release updates that include new virus definitions, bug fixes, and security enhancements. To update your antivirus software:
Open the antivirus program on your computer.
Look for the “Update” or “Check for updates” option within the program’s settings or preferences.
Click on the update button and follow the prompts to install the latest updates.
Once the update is complete, restart your computer to ensure the changes take effect.
Regularly updating your antivirus software will help ensure that it can effectively detect and remove the latest threats.
Identify any recently installed programs or updates that may be conflicting with the antivirus software.
Temporarily disable or uninstall these programs to see if the antivirus issue is resolved.
If disabling or uninstalling the conflicting program solves the issue, you may need to contact the program’s developer for further assistance or switch to an alternative program.
Remember to re-enable or reinstall any disabled programs once you have resolved the antivirus issue.
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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
40% OFF
AVG Internet Security
Your award-winning antivirus for total security
Your award-winning antivirus for total security Show Less
25% OFF
ESET NOD32 Antivirus
ESET NOD32 Antivirus is essential protection against malware, giving you peace of mind that your devices are safe from...Show More
ESET NOD32 Antivirus is essential protection against malware, giving you peace of mind that your devices are safe from threats. NOD32 also has a blazing-fast virus scanning engine that can detect, block, and remove cyber threats in real-time, so your system is always protected against the latest malware strains. Show Less
25% OFF
G DATA Antivirus
A proactive antivirus program against all malware types.
A proactive antivirus program against all malware types. Show Less
65% OFF
Intego - Mac Premium Bundle X9
Total Protection for all Mac device types
Total Protection for all Mac device types Show Less
Kaspersky Internet Security
Premium protection against online threats.
Premium protection against online threats. Show Less
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
66% OFF
Norton Antivirus Plus
Your award-winning cybersecurity solution for complete device protection.
Your award-winning cybersecurity solution for complete device protection. Show Less
50% OFF
Panda Antivirus Pro
A working antivirus solution for all devices.
A working antivirus solution for all devices. Show Less
44% OFF
Trend Micro Maximum Security
Maximum security for households and office use.
Maximum security for households and office use. Show Less
VIPRE Antivirus Plus
Top-rated cybersecurity solutions for essential protection.
Top-rated cybersecurity solutions for essential protection. Show Less
83% OFF
Surfshark Antivirus
A 360-degree solution for all threat categories.
A 360-degree solution for all threat categories. Show Less
F-Secure SAFE
F-Secure SAFE is an internet security tool offered by F-Secure that provides protection for your devices against...Show More
F-Secure SAFE is an internet security tool offered by F-Secure that provides protection for your devices against malware, viruses, online threats, and hacking attempts. Show Less
HitmanPro
HitmanPro is a cloud-based anti-malware software that provides advanced scanning and removal of various types of viruses...Show More
HitmanPro is a cloud-based anti-malware software that provides advanced scanning and removal of various types of viruses and malware. Show Less
Nord Threat Protection Pro
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Nord Threat Protection Pro is an advanced security feature from NordVPN that offers comprehensive protection against cyber threats, including malware, trackers, and malicious ads. Show Less
3. Perform a Full System Scan
Performing a full system scan with your antivirus software is an essential step in troubleshooting antivirus problems. This comprehensive scan will thoroughly examine your computer for any existing malware or viruses. To perform a full system scan:
Open your antivirus software and navigate to the “Scan” or “Scan Options” section.
Select the option for a full system scan and start the scan.
Allow the scan to complete, which may take some time depending on the size of your hard drive and the number of files on your computer.
If any threats are detected, follow the prompts to quarantine or remove them.
A full system scan will help identify and eliminate any malware that may be causing issues with your antivirus software.
4. Restart the Antivirus Service
At times, the antivirus service itself may encounter issues that prevent it from functioning properly. Restarting the antivirus service can often resolve these problems. Here’s how:
Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog box.
Type services.msc and press Enter to open the Services window.
Scroll down and locate the antivirus service (e.g., “Windows Defender Antivirus Service” or the name of your third-party antivirus program).
Right-click on the service and select Restart from the context menu.
After the service has restarted, check if the antivirus software is working as intended.
Restarting the antivirus service can help refresh its functionality and resolve any temporary issues.
5. Reset Antivirus Settings to Default
If you have made changes to the antivirus settings that may have caused the issue, resetting the settings to their default values can help troubleshoot the problem. Here’s how to reset the antivirus settings:
Open the antivirus program and navigate to the settings or preferences section.
Look for an option to restore or reset the settings to default.
Confirm the action and allow the antivirus software to reset the settings.
Restart your computer and check if the antivirus issue has been resolved.
Resetting the antivirus settings can help eliminate any misconfigurations that may be causing the problem.
6. Reinstall the Antivirus Software
If all else fails, reinstalling the antivirus software can often resolve persistent issues. Reinstalling the software ensures that all necessary files and configurations are in place. To reinstall your antivirus software:
Uninstall the existing antivirus software from your computer.
Download the latest version of the antivirus software from the official website.
Install the software following the on-screen instructions.
Update the antivirus software to the latest version.
Perform a full system scan to ensure your computer is protected.
Reinstalling the antivirus software will provide a fresh installation, which can help resolve any underlying issues.
7. Use an Online Antivirus Scanner
If you suspect that your antivirus software is not effectively detecting threats, you can use an online antivirus scanner as an additional layer of protection. Online scanners can detect and remove malware that may have been missed by your installed antivirus software. To use an online antivirus scanner:
Follow the instructions provided on the website to initiate a scan of your computer.
Allow the online scanner to complete the scan and follow any prompts to remove any detected threats.
Using an online antivirus scanner can help identify and eliminate any hidden threats that may be affecting your computer’s security.
8. Optimize Your Computer’s Performance
In some cases, antivirus issues may be caused by underlying performance issues with your computer. Optimizing your computer’s performance can help alleviate these issues and improve the functionality of your antivirus software. Here are some tips to optimize your computer:
Remove unnecessary programs and files to free up disk space.
Regularly update your operating system and installed software.
Run disk cleanup and defragmentation tools to optimize your hard drive.
Increase your computer’s RAM if it is running low on memory.
Scan your computer for any malware or viruses using multiple antivirus programs.
By optimizing your computer’s performance, you can ensure that your antivirus software operates smoothly and effectively.
Now, that I have shown you how to troubleshoot antivirus problems, let me reveal additional tips for antivirus troubleshooting.
Additional Tips for Antivirus Troubleshooting
Here are some additional tips to help you troubleshoot antivirus problems effectively:
Use the best antivirus: Choose a reputable, up-to-date antivirus program that offers comprehensive protection.
Regularly backup your files: Backup critical files to an external storage device or cloud storage to protect against data loss.
Keep your operating system updated: Install the latest Windows updates to ensure your computer is protected against the latest threats.
Practice safe browsing habits: Avoid clicking on suspicious links or downloading files from untrusted sources.
Enable automatic updates: Enable automatic updates for your antivirus software to ensure you have the latest virus definitions and security patches.
By following these additional tips, you can enhance your computer’s security and minimize the risk of antivirus issues.
Conclusion
In conclusion, troubleshooting antivirus problems is essential for maintaining the security of your computer. By following the steps outlined in this comprehensive guide, you can identify and resolve any issues with your antivirus software effectively.
Remember to keep your antivirus software up to date, perform regular system scans, and optimize your computer’s performance for optimal protection. Stay vigilant and practice safe browsing habits to ensure the ongoing security of your computer.
If you are looking for the best BullGuard Antivirus alternatives, this post is for you!
As an internet security company, BullGuard provides solutions to keep individuals and small businesses safe online. The antivirus solution is one of their most popular products.
BullGuard Antivirus uses AI and machine learning to keep user devices free from viruses, malware, ransomware, and spyware. The antivirus costs about $60 for the first year.
While the software is excellent for detecting viruses, it lacks some features some customers would want. Furthermore, some users complain that the interface is outdated.
Not to mention, BullGuard has been acquired by Norton LifeLock; hence, it has shut down.
For example, BullGuard Antivirus isn’t optimized for Apple devices. It lacks an iOS application and the macOS app is limited.
If the BullGuard Antivirus program doesn’t meet your interest, here are the best alternatives to BullGuard that you can use:
Table of Contents
Best BullGuard Antivirus Alternatives
1.Heimdal Security
The first mention on our list of the best BullGuard Antivirus alternatives is Heimdal Security.
Heimdal Security is a platform for complete protection. It’s an antivirus and also threat prevention, access management, and vulnerability management software.
The Heimdal Antivirus is lightweight and easy to install and use. It uses local signature-based scanning to detect viruses, ransomware, data leakage, and exploits among others.
With real-time cloud scanning, the software prevents foreign threats from infecting your device. Here’s how it works; unknown files in your local storage are sent to Hemidal’s secure cloud system for real-time scanning.
Furthermore, this best BullGuard Antivirus alternative isolates potentially harmful files in a sandbox for thorough checking. It also stops malicious communication by detecting if the files attempt to access your device via a backdoor.
Heimdal Security ensures your firewall is always on.
Heimdal Security Pricing
Heimdal Security currently costs $44.96 but you can get it for $34.98 by using the link below. Note that you can try the software for free for 30 days before paying.
60% OFF
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
With Norton, you have the best BullGuard Antivirus alternative for your PCs and mobile devices.
Norton Antivirus employs emulation to check if a file could become a future threat. The file is run through a lightweight virtual machine once you attempt opening it. This is done in nanoseconds so you don’t notice a thing.
You can save power with this antivirus software. It features a Power Eraser that scans your device for high-resource-consuming programs; you can stop such programs with just a click.
The antivirus comes with additional features such as a VPN, password manager, and a smart firewall.
Norton Antivirus Pricing
Norton Antivirus costs $19.99 per year for 1 PC. In addition, you can download the free trial version to test the software.
66% OFF
Norton 360
Norton 360 is a security suite that utilizes advanced machine learning technology in dealing with all types of malware...Show More
Norton 360 is a security suite that utilizes advanced machine learning technology in dealing with all types of malware including Trojans, ransomware, etc. 100% guaranteed protection against all types of malware and your best bet for privacy protection. Show Less
McAfee aims to make online protection simple. The software company offers personalized protection, identity monitoring, online privacy, and device security solutions.
With the McAfee antivirus, you get 24/7 real-time threat protection. It’s easy to use and stays up to date with the latest virus and malware.
It’s an ideal BullGuard alternative if you have multiple devices to protect. The Antivirus Plus Plan lets you protect up to 10 devices. It also comes with a firewall, password manager, and file shredder.
McAfee Pricing
You have four pricing plans to choose from with McAfee. The plans include:
Antivirus Plus Plan: $29.99 for one-year subscription
Plus Plan: $39.99 for one-year subscription
Premium Plan: $49.99 for one-year subscription
Ultimate Plan: 74.99 for one-year subscription
50% OFF
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
Looking for a free BullGuard alternative? if yes, AVG is a good option. This free yet powerful anti-virus is available for PC, Mac, and mobile devices. You’ll find this antivirus easy to use thanks to the friendly UI.
AVG employs 6 layers of protection to stop viruses and all types of malware. The software features an expansive virus database that updates in real-time so it identifies the latest threats.
It protects against phishing by auto-blocking unsafe links and web pages. This best BullGuard Antivirus alternative also works as an email shield; it can auto-block malicious emails capable of stealing data.
AVG Pricing
AVG antivirus is free to use but only for personal and family use. For business and commercial use, you must use a paid plan. There are two premium plans (for 10 devices) including:
AVG Internet Security: $59.88 per year
AVG Ultimate: $59.88 per year
40% OFF
AVG Internet Security
Your award-winning antivirus for total security
Your award-winning antivirus for total security Show Less
Here’s a BullGuard alternative that supports all major device types except iPhones. The antivirus is available for home, business, and enterprise use. So far, more than 110 million people use ESET.
This antivirus can block and remove varieties of online threats. It’s an install-and-forget program as, after installation, it runs automatically in the background without interrupting other activities.
Aside from protecting against viruses and malware, ESET protects against phishing, script-based attacks, exploits, and UEFI threats.
ESET Pricing
You can download the ESET free, limited version, or a paid version with any of the following plans:
Ultimate Protection Plan: $59.99 per year
Advanced Protection: $49.99 per year
Essential Protection: $39.99 per year
Note that the above prices are for 1 device. Additional devices cost just $10 each for all plans. In addition, you can use the 30-day free trial before paying.
25% OFF
ESET HOME Security Premium
ESET HOME Security Premium is a fully-fledged security software with amazing features and even a password manager. Smart...Show More
ESET HOME Security Premium is a fully-fledged security software with amazing features and even a password manager. Smart protection for Windows, Mac, and Android devices. Show Less
Top brands like Epson, Samsung, Deloitte, and Glencore use Vipre Antivirus. It’s a favorite software, especially for businesses, due to its simplified approach.
Typically, Vipre Antivirus scans and removes viruses, malware, spyware, and ransomware from your devices. It works in real-time so you’re always safe and it’s fast.
Vipre offers businesses an exclusive cloud-based email and endpoint security solution. It’s easy to deploy and use with security awareness training for businesses.
You can use this best BullGuard Antivirus alternative on Windows, Mac, iPhone, and Android.
Vipre Antivirus Pricing
Vipre features a single, simple plan for home users:
Antivirus Plus Plan
1 PC: $9.99 per year
5 PCs: $14.99 per year
10 PC: $17.99 per year
Plans for business users are custom; you have to contact the Vipre sales team to get a quote.
VIPRE Antivirus Plus
Top-rated cybersecurity solutions for essential protection.
Top-rated cybersecurity solutions for essential protection. Show Less
Malwarebytes is another free BullGuard alternative. However, it’s only free for Windows PCs. You must pay to use it on Mac computers, Android, iPhone, iPad, and iPod devices.
This anti-virus features multiple malware-crushing layers. It uses a proprietary ransomware attack technology to protect files and data from harmful programs.
Malwarebytes will not strain your device as it uses less than 50% CPU resources. You can activate Play Mode, which turns off notifications and updates, to make the software invisible.
Malwarebytes Pricing
With the free Malwarebytes app, you can scan and remove malware and virus from your Windows device. For further protection on other devices and against phishing, exploits, and others, you can go with any of the following plans:
Premium Plans
1 Device Plan: $39.99 per year
5 Devices Plan: $79.99 per year
Premium + Privacy Plan
5 Devices Plan: $99.99 per year
A free 14-day trial is available for all plans.
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 provides simple protection against complex cybersecurity threats. It will stop malware, malicious files, and applications from entering your device. With a friendly UI, clear status reports, and intuitive settings, this is an easy-to-use antivirus.
Trend Micro is the best BullGuard alternative for safe browsing. The software automatically blocks harmful websites targeting your personal data. In addition, it flags malicious emails – for example, phishing emails.
Trend Micro Pricing
Trend Micro features three product/pricing options for three different security levels. They include:
Basic Plan (Antivirus + Security) 1 device: $19.95 for a year subscription
Better Plan (Internet Security) 3 devices: $39.95 for a year subscription
Best Plan (Maximum Security) 5 devices: 49.95 for a year subscription
Premium Security (10 devices): $59.95 for a year subscription
Note that the first two plans are only available for Windows devices. If you use a Mac, iPhone, Android, or Chromebook, the Best Plan is your only option.
44% OFF
Trend Micro Maximum Security
Maximum security for households and office use.
Maximum security for households and office use. Show Less
Another BullGuard antivirus replacement on our list is Panda Security.
Panda Security offers a freemium antivirus solution. The free antivirus is available for Windows and Android devices only. On the other hand, the premium version is available for Windows, Android, Mac, and iOS.
This antivirus will protect you against viruses, help you browse securely, keep your data & password safe, and help you monitor your device. Notably, it comes with a VPN for anonymous browsing.
Panda Security antivirus runs quietly, with minimum impact on your device as its operations are cloud-based. The location monitoring option is only available for mobile devices.
Panda Pricing
If you’re not using the free antivirus version, here are the available premium options:
Panda Dome Essential Plan: $17.49 per year
Panda Dome Advanced Plan: $23.49 per year
Panda Dome Complete Plan: $29.49 per year
Panda Dome Premium: $35.49 per year
Note that the first month is free for all monthly plans.
60% OFF
Panda Dome Security Suite
Your advanced protection suite for home and business needs.
Your advanced protection suite for home and business needs. Show Less
This is an innovative antivirus software for business and private users. It features Next-Gen tech – DeepRay and BEAST – which uses AI and behavioral analysis to detect malware.
G Data Security antivirus comes will scan your devices for viruses, scan emails for phishing and other suspicious content, and protect against ransomware. It also monitors and detects conspicuous in installed apps.
Notably, the G Data BankGuard is an exclusive feature to protect you while banking and shopping online.
G Data Security has antivirus applications for Windows, Mac, and Android. It’s not the best BullGuard alternative for iPhones.
G Data Security Pricing
G Data Security pricing plans are based on device count. Also, you can pay for 1 year or 2 years with an 8% discount. The pricing plans include:
1-year Pricing
1 device: $29.95
3 devices: $39.95
5 devices: $49.95
2-year Pricing
1 device: $54.95
3 devices: $74.95
5 devices: $94.95
G DATA Total Security
G DATA Total Security is a complete protection suite that offers total security online and offline. The suite includes...Show More
G DATA Total Security is a complete protection suite that offers total security online and offline. The suite includes an antivirus engine, a password manager, firewall protection, device control, and internet security tools. Intelligent security suite for all device types. Show Less
Surfshark is popular for its VPN. However, the security company has an antivirus that’s just as reliable. This antivirus is available for Windows, Android, and Mac. It has features to protect devices from viruses, malware, and intrusive apps.
With the Surfshark antivirus, you get real-time protection. It protects your device as you download, open, and view files, apps, and others.
You can perform manual scans or schedule automatic scans. In addition, you can customize scans – for example, you can exclude specific files and folders.
Surfshark Antivirus Pricing
Surfshark antivirus is sold in a bundle, Surfshark One, along with other Surfshark products – VPN, Search, and Alert. Hence, paying for the antivirus means paying for all. The plans include:
1-Month Plan: $14.44 per month
12-Month Plan: $5.48 per month (billed at $77.64 per year; $66.76 for the first year)
24-Month Plan: $3.98 per month (billed at $95.52 per year)
83% OFF
Surfshark Antivirus
A 360-degree solution for all threat categories.
A 360-degree solution for all threat categories. Show Less
Kaspersky is one of the best BullGuard antivirus alternatives for Windows. You can still use the antivirus on other device types, Mac and Android, but as a part of Kaspersky Internet Security. The exclusive antivirus software is only available for Windows.
As a real-time antivirus, Kaspersky protects your device from malware, ransomware, spyware, file-less attacks, and other advanced cyber threats. It also protects you from phishing by blocking fake websites and suspicious emails.
Ultimately, you can optimize your devices’ performance with Kaspersky.
Kaspersky Antivirus Pricing
Depending on the devices you want to protect, here are the Kaspersky pricing plans to choose from:
Kaspersky Antivirus: starts at $29.99 for the first year for 3 PCs
Kaspersky Internet Security: starts at $39.99 for the first year for 3 PCs
Kaspersky Total Security: starts at $49.99 for the first year for 3 PCs
Kaspersky Internet Security
Premium protection against online threats.
Premium protection against online threats. Show Less
Avira is an advanced antivirus software that will protect your devices from modern and complex threats. It’s a BullGuard alternative available for Windows, Android, Mac, and iPhone.
This antivirus can scan and detect viruses, spyware, malicious email attachments, and other malware.
Furthermore, as the best BullGuard Antivirus alternative, it provides:
browsing protection
banking protection
WiFi protection
tracking protection
breach alerts, etc.
With automatic updates, the software is always up to date and it works without slowing down your PC. Advanced plans like F-Secure Safe and F-Secure Total come with a personal VPN, Killswitch, and online identity monitor.
Avira Pricing
You can use this advanced antivirus software for free. Alternatively, you have three main pricing options to choose from:
Avira Internet Security – $27.99 per year for 1 PC
Avira Antivirus Pro – $35.99 per year for 1 PC
Avira Prime – $47.99 per year for 5 PCs
All plans come with a 60-day money-back guarantee.
40% OFF
Avira Antivirus Pro
Avira Antivirus Pro is an award-winning anti-ransomware protection that secures your PC against cyber threats. Your best...Show More
Avira Antivirus Pro is an award-winning anti-ransomware protection that secures your PC against cyber threats. Your best malware solution for Windows and Mac. Show Less
With its anti-malware engine, Total AV is competent in keeping your digital life safe, which makes it the best BullGuard Antivirus alternative. It’s an antivirus you can use for free on Windows, Mac, iPhone, and Android devices.
Total AV features a spyware remover and adware cleaner to keep your devices free from threats. The Advanced WebShield provides protection while browsing, especially against malicious websites.
Furthermore, Total AV features a data breach search database. Through the database, you can easily check if your private information has been compromised.
This best BullGuard Antivirus alternative also works as a PC optimizer with features like the junk cleaner and browser cleanup.
Total AV Antivirus Pricing
Total AV antivirus is free but Total AV Antivirus Pro is not. You can rely on the free antivirus but, the pro version does a lot more.
Features like real-time protection, smart scans, and PUA protection are only available with the Pro option. It costs $119 per year for 3 devices. However, you pay just $29 for the first year.
You can purchase Total AV Antivirus Pro as a part of Total AV Internet Security and Total AV Total Security for $145 and $179 per year respectively. The first year costs $39 and $49.
Total AV
Protects your devices and online activities in real-time.
Protects your devices and online activities in real-time. Show Less
Last, but not least, on our list of best BullGuard antivirus alternatives is Bitdefender.
Bitdefender is tagged as “the Only Free Antivirus You’ll Ever Need.” However, like most other free BullGuard antivirus alternatives on this list, Bitdefender free software is limited.
Nevertheless, it’s worthwhile free antivirus as it protects against all the latest viruses. It also prevents you from online threats, blocking phishing and fraudulent activities.
This best BullGuard Antivirus alternative is easy to install and the intuitive user interface makes it easy to use. You can download and use Bitdefender free on Windows, Mac, or Android.
Bitdefender Pricing
The free Bitdefender antivirus will scan your device for viruses and protect you online. With the Plus, premium plan, you can keep your device safe from ransomware, protect your network when public, mask your online profiles, and more.
Bitdefender Antivirus Plus costs $39.99 per year but you pay $19.99 for the first year. Don’t forget that pricing is subject to change.
Best BullGuard Antivirus Alternatives: Frequently Asked Questions
Which antivirus program is 100% effective?
The truth is that no antivirus program can guarantee complete protection, as malware is constantly evolving and becoming more sophisticated in its tactics.
However, there are several antivirus programs that are highly effective in detecting and removing malware, and one of those is Heimdal Security. An antivirus program that has consistently received high ratings from independent testing organizations like AV-Comparatives and AV-TEST.
Heimdal Security is a comprehensive security suite that offers much more than just antivirus protection. It provides advanced threat prevention, detection, and mitigation services that are designed to keep your computer and network safe from a wide range of cyber threats.
What has happened to BullGuard?
Norton LifeLock has acquired BullGuard, and all BullGuard plans have been discontinued and replaced with Norton’s plans.
Existing BullGuard subscribers will be able to use their product until its expiration date, after which they will have to switch over to Norton’s plans. Norton offers a range of digital security products that cater to different needs and has a strong reputation in the industry.
Speaking of Norton’s plans, they offer a wide range of digital security products that cater to different needs.
For example, Norton 360 Deluxe offers protection for up to 5 devices (PCs, Macs, smartphones, or tablets) with features like real-time threat protection, password manager, and parental controls.
It’s worth noting that Norton is a well-known name in the digital security industry and has been around since the early days of the Internet. So, you can rest assured that your data and security are in good hands.
Can I use two antivirus programs at the same time?
It’s generally not recommended to use two antivirus programs simultaneously. Running multiple antivirus programs can lead to conflicts and performance issues, potentially impacting your device’s stability and security. Additionally, some antivirus programs may interfere with each other’s functionality, rendering them ineffective.
How often should I update my antivirus software?
Antivirus software developers frequently release updates to address new threats and vulnerabilities. It’s crucial to keep your antivirus software updated to ensure you have the latest protection. Most antivirus programs offer automatic updates, but it’s important to confirm that this feature is enabled.
Can I trust free antivirus programs?
Several free antivirus programs provide adequate protection against everyday online threats. However, free versions often have limitations compared to paid options. They might offer fewer features, limit scan frequency, or display advertisements. Paid antivirus programs often provide comprehensive protection, real-time monitoring, and additional features like anti-theft or parental controls.
Conclusion – What is the Best BullGuard Antivirus Alternative?
Out of the 15 best BullGuard antivirus alternatives above, which among them will you pick?
Well, they are all reliable BullGuard antivirus alternatives, and ultimately, it depends on what you need. Nevertheless, I’ll recommend Heimdal Security as the best BullGuard Antivirus alternative.
Heimdal Securityhas everything you’ll need in an antivirus software. It is dependable and easy to use, and it incorporates robust security features.
Not to mention, it has affordable pricing plans, and although the price is above the competition, you get value for your money.
This post will show you how to fix the work VPN slow at home problem.
VPN is an acronym for Virtual Private Network. It is an app that masks your IP address so that your online activities are not monitored.
Meanwhile, the speed of your VPN connection primarily depends on your internet service provider. Your VPN speed can’t be faster than your internet connection speed.
Also, other factors affect the speed of your VPN connection, and they include server load, server location, encryption strength, network type, and VPN protocol.
However, we will be focusing on what you should do when your work VPN is slow at home.
Table of Contents
How To Fix Slow Work VPN At Home Or Anywhere
Having a slow VPN can be very frustrating as you keep experiencing issues such as
Frequent buffering when streaming video online
Lost connection to the website
Inability to load any website
Extremely slow download speed and others
Meanwhile, there are many ways you can troubleshoot your slow VPN connection. You should consider the steps below:
Step 1: Diagnose the Culprit
Before you start tweaking settings like a mad scientist, identify the source of your sluggishness. Here are some prime suspects:
Server overload: If everyone’s trying to squeeze through the same tiny tunnel, things get messy. Try connecting to a less busy server, ideally one closer to your physical location.
Wi-Fi woes: Ditch the wireless waves! A wired connection offers a more stable and often faster link. If WiFi is your only option, prioritize a strong signal and consider upgrading your router.
Device limitations: Not all devices are created equal. Older equipment or smartphones with lower processing power might struggle with VPN encryption. Try using a more powerful device if possible.
Security software: Your antivirus or firewall could be slowing things down by inspecting your encrypted traffic. Disable them temporarily to see if your VPN picks up its pace.
Step 2: Unleash the Speed
Once you’ve identified the culprit, it’s time to unleash the speed demon within your VPN connection. Here are some potent tactics:
Tweak encryption: Higher encryption offers better security but can be slower. If your work doesn’t require maximum security, consider switching to a lighter encryption protocol like OpenVPN UDP for a speed boost.
DNS fix: Sometimes, your DNS settings can bottleneck your VPN connection. Try switching to a public DNS server like Google Public DNS (8.8.8.8) or Cloudflare DNS (1.1.1.1).
Channel hop (VPN protocols): Different VPN protocols offer varying speeds and compatibility. Experiment with options like OpenVPN TCP, IKEv2, or WireGuard to see which one gives you the best performance.
Restart everything: Sometimes, a simple restart of your device, router, and even the VPN app can work wonders. Give it a shot!
Step 3: Upgrade Your Arsenal
If all else fails, it might be time to consider upgrading your tools. A premium VPN provider often invests in faster servers, better infrastructure, and advanced optimization techniques. Some top choices known for their speed include Surfshark, NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and CyberGhost VPN.
A smooth-running VPN shouldn’t be a luxury. By understanding the potential bottlenecks and applying these expert fixes, you can transform your work VPN from a sluggish slug to a speedy cheetah, making your remote work experience a breeze!
Work VPN Slow At Home Fixes
Problem
Possible Cause
Expert Fix
Slow download/upload speeds
• Overloaded VPN server • Distance to server • Shared home network
1. Switch to a less crowded server: Look for servers with lower load or closer to your location. 2. Connect wired instead of Wi-Fi: Wired connections offer more stable and faster speeds. 3. Minimize background activity: Close unnecessary apps and programs consuming bandwidth. 4. Upgrade your internet plan: Consider a higher bandwidth plan if your current one is insufficient.
1. Troubleshoot your home internet: Restart your router and modem, and check for outages. 2. Temporarily disable antivirus/firewall: See if they interfere with the VPN connection. 3. Update VPN software and device drivers: Ensure you have the latest versions for optimal performance. 4. Contact your IT department: They might have specific network settings affecting VPN connections.
Specific applications lagging
• VPN split tunneling not enabled • Application bandwidth limitations
1. Enable split tunneling: Exclude trusted applications from VPN encryption for improved speed. 2. Adjust application settings: Check for bandwidth limitations within the applications themselves. 3. Contact your IT department: They might have specific restrictions on certain applications over VPN.
Overall performance sluggish
• Outdated VPN protocol • Encryption overhead
1. Change VPN protocol: Try switching to a lighter protocol like UDP, if allowed by your IT team. 2. Adjust encryption level: If security allows, consider using a less resource-intensive encryption standard. 3. Upgrade your device: Older devices might struggle with VPN processing power demands.
How Does VPN Work?
Imagine a secret tunnel: When you use a VPN, it’s like creating a secure tunnel between your device and the internet.
This tunnel is encrypted, meaning your data gets scrambled up before it travels through the tunnel, making it unreadable to anyone who intercepts it.
The magic behind the tunnel: Here’s what happens step-by-step:
Connect to the VPN: You launch the VPN app and choose a server location (think of it as the tunnel entrance).
Encrypting your data: Your data gets encrypted on your device before entering the tunnel. This is like adding a layer of invisible armor to your data.
Through the tunnel: Your encrypted data travels through the secure tunnel to the chosen VPN server.
Masking your identity: The VPN server acts as your online mask. It takes on a new IP address (the tunnel exit), hiding your real IP address and making it look like you’re located somewhere else.
Reaching the Internet: The VPN server connects to the website or service you want to access on your behalf.
Decrypting and receiving: The website or service sends back the response, which the VPN server receives and decrypts for you.
Back to you: The decrypted data travels back through the secure tunnel and gets decrypted on your device, revealing the information you requested.
Benefits of the tunnel: This whole process offers several benefits:
Enhanced privacy: Your online activity is shielded from prying eyes, protecting your identity and browsing habits.
Bypass geo-restrictions: Access websites and services that are blocked in your region.
Boosted security: Encryption safeguards your data from hackers and snoopers.
Increased anonymity: Your real IP address is hidden, making it harder to track your online movements.
Note: VPN speed depends on various factors like your internet connection, server load, and encryption strength. Choose a reliable VPN provider with a strong infrastructure for optimal performance.
Work VPN Slow At Home Fixes: Frequently Asked Questions
Let’s tackle those pesky slow VPN issues that disrupt your remote work productivity!
Why is my company’s VPN so slow?
Several factors can cause a sluggish work VPN:
Server Overload: Too many users on the same server can squeeze the bandwidth, leading to slowdowns. Try connecting to a less busy server, ideally closer to your location.
Wi-Fi Woes: Ditch the wireless waves! A wired connection offers a more stable and often faster link. If Wi-Fi is your only option, prioritize a strong signal and consider upgrading your router.
Device Limitations: Not all devices are created equal. Older equipment or smartphones with lower processing power might struggle with VPN encryption. Try using a more powerful device if possible.
Security Software: Your antivirus or firewall could be slowing things down by inspecting your encrypted traffic. Disable them temporarily to see if your VPN picks up its pace.
Why is my VPN making everything slow?
While a VPN can enhance privacy and security, it adds an extra layer of processing, potentially impacting speed. Encryption, server location, and protocol choice also play a role.
How can I increase VPN speed?
Here are some ways to boost your work VPN speed:
Switch Server Location: Opt for a server closer to your physical location for a faster connection.
Tweak Encryption: Consider switching to a lighter encryption protocol like OpenVPN UDP for a speed boost, if maximum security isn’t crucial.
DNS Fix: Try switching to a public DNS server like Google Public DNS (8.8.8.8) or Cloudflare DNS (1.1.1.1).
Channel Hop: Experiment with different VPN protocols like OpenVPN TCP, IKEv2, or WireGuard to find the one with the best performance for you.
Restart Everything: Sometimes, a simple restart of your device, router, and even the VPN app can work wonders.
Why is my work server so slow?
Separate from your VPN connection, your work server itself could be experiencing issues.
Server Overload: Similar to VPN servers, overloaded work servers can struggle to handle high demand, leading to slowdowns for everyone.
Network Issues: Internal network problems within your company can also cause sluggishness. Contact your IT department for assistance.
Which VPN is the fastest?
Determining the “fastest” VPN is subjective, as performance depends on various factors like your location, server load, and internet connection. However, some consistently well-reviewed options for speed include:
For a smooth VPN experience, aim for a download speed of at least 10 Mbps. However, higher speeds are recommended for activities like video conferencing and streaming.
Remember, troubleshooting your slow work VPN is a process of elimination. Start by identifying the culprit, then apply the relevant fixes from our list. With a little patience and these tips, you’ll be zipping through your tasks in no time!
Conclusion
If you still experience a slow VPN at home, you should consider choosing a different VPN that is continually updated to provide you with the fastest available speeds.
Security researchers have uncovered a sophisticated campaign by the Turla hacker group, known for its ties to the Russian government, where they hijacked logs from ESET antivirus software to test their malware.
This revelation raises concerns about the evolving tactics of cybercriminals and the potential vulnerability of antivirus systems.
Table of Contents
Turla Hackers Group Attack
According to researchers at ESET, the Turla group targeted three high-profile entities, including a national parliament in the Caucasus and two Ministries of Foreign Affairs in Eastern Europe.
The attackers managed to inject malicious code into the targeted systems, allowing them to steal antivirus logs containing information about detected threats and blocked attempts.
Experts believe the Turla group used the stolen logs to:
Refine their malware: By analyzing the data on detected threats, they could identify weaknesses in their own malware and modify it to avoid future detection by ESET and potentially other antivirus software.
Develop new attack strategies: Understanding which types of threats were being blocked could help the group develop new and more sophisticated attack vectors.
Gain insights into specific targets: The logs might have revealed information about the targeted organizations’ network configurations, security practices, and even ongoing investigations, aiding future attacks.
This incident highlights the growing sophistication of cyber threats. Attackers are increasingly targeting antivirus software, attempting to bypass detection and gain valuable intelligence for further attacks.
“This is a worrying development,” said David Harley, senior security consultant at ESET. “It shows that attackers are constantly innovating and looking for new ways to compromise security systems. It is crucial for organizations to keep their antivirus software updated and implement additional security measures to protect against these types of attacks.”
In response to the incident, ESET has released updates to its software and is working with affected organizations to investigate the breach and mitigate any potential damage. The company also recommends that users enable multi-factor authentication and use strong passwords to protect their accounts.
This incident serves as a stark reminder for individuals and organizations alike to prioritize cybersecurity measures.
A Final Word
Staying informed about evolving threats, implementing robust security practices, and remaining vigilant can help mitigate the risks posed by sophisticated cybercriminals like the Turla group.
Will a VPN prevent my ISP from seeing what I download? Absolutely yes! A VPN can prevent your ISP from seeing what you download by encrypting the data leaving your device.
Your VPN sees scrambled data with no way of knowing or seeing what you’re downloading, the website you’re downloading from, and the exact size of your download.
In this post, I will discuss what happens to your data when you browse the internet using a VPN.
A VPN is an acronym for Virtual Private Network, a technology that makes your online presence and activities anonymous. When you connect to the internet via a VPN, the VPN client on your device encrypts your data before it leaves your device.
Suppose you connect to the internet through a router or public WiFi network. In that case, the encrypted data from your device passes through your router or public WiFi network, and since it is encrypted, nobody can see what you’re doing online, nor can any person or process intercept data traffic from your device.
The encrypted data is sent to your ISP, and like your router or WiFi network, your ISP sees only encrypted data traffic but does not know what you’re doing online, nor does it know the destination of your data traffic since your data traffic is encrypted using an advanced, robust military-grade encryption protocol.
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Table of Contents
Will A VPN Prevent My ISP From Seeing What I Download? Facts
Feature
Prevent ISPs from seeing downloads?
Explanation
Encrypted Traffic
Yes
VPN encrypts data, making it unreadable to your ISP.
Tunnelling
Yes
Traffic travels through a secure tunnel bypassing your ISP’s network.
DNS Leaks
No, if not protected
Data leaks can reveal website addresses you visit. Choose a VPN with DNS leak protection.
VPN Logs
No, if the VPN keeps logs
Choose a no-log VPN provider for maximum privacy.
Meta Data
Not completely
ISP might see download size and timestamps.
Internet Speed
Might decrease slightly
Due to the encryption process.
VPN Blocking
Not always effective
Some countries and services might block VPNs.
Free VPNs
Use with caution
It might sell your data or inject ads. Choose a reputable paid VPN.
Will A VPN Prevent My ISP From Seeing What I Download?
Yes, a VPN can effectively prevent your ISP from seeing what you usually download. Here’s a breakdown of how it works:
Encryption: When you use a VPN, your internet traffic gets encrypted before leaving your device. This encryption scrambles the data, making it unreadable to your ISP (and anyone else snooping on the network). They can see how much data you transfer but not the actual content.
Tunnelling: Your encrypted traffic travels through a secure tunnel to the VPN server. This tunnel bypasses your ISP’s network, so they can’t see where the data is going or coming from.
Limitations: However, it’s essential to be aware of a few limitations:
DNS leaks: Sometimes, your device might bypass the VPN tunnel for DNS requests (finding website addresses). Ensure your VPN offers DNS leak protection to prevent this.
VPN logs: Some VPN providers keep logs of user activity, which authorities could access if needed. Choose a reputable, no-log VPN provider for maximum privacy.
Metadata: While the content is hidden, your ISP might still be able to see some metadata like the size and timestamps of your downloads.
What Can Your ISP See When You Connect To A VPN?
When you connect to a VPN, your ISP knows the following:
An IP address belonging to a VPN
Port Number via which VPN traffic exits your device. Your ISP can identify the Port Number via which VPN traffic leaves your device.
The VPN protocol you’re using.
The amount of time you spend online
You have encrypted data traffic with a VPN server as its destination. This means your ISP cannot see the website you’re visiting, what you’re downloading, and other online activities you may be engaged in.
With A VPN, Your ISP Cannot See
The websites you’re visiting and the web pages you’re checking out
The amount of time you spend on different web pages
What you’re downloading or uploading
The personal information you enter online
This means your ISP does not know much about you; neither does it know what you do online, nor can it collect personal information about you when you connect to the internet using a VPN.
This is the essence of using a VPN to keep your digital life private, protect you from the prying eyes of your ISP, and prevent the websites you visit from collecting personal information about you and your browsing history.
What Does Your ISP Do With The Data It Collects From You?
Suppose you’re browsing the internet without a VPN. In that case, you might be embarrassed to discover that your ISP knows what you’re doing online, the dating sites you’ve just checked out, the credit facility you applied for, the movie you downloaded via torrent, the amount of time you spend online, and just about everything you do online.
Hence, your ISP can create a very accurate profile of you from the personal information and browsing history it collects from you.
So, what does your ISP do with your information?
ISPs make millions of dollars by selling users’ data to large marketing companies, which use your information to serve you with targeted ads.
ISPs store your personal information on servers vulnerable to hacking and data theft.
ISPs can hand over information collected about you to the government or law enforcement agents when asked to do so.
Hence, the only way to protect your identity, guard against annoying ads interrupting your activities, and safeguard yourself from data breaches is by surfing the web via a VPN connection. Other benefits you can enjoy by using a VPN service include:
Safe torrenting
You are streaming geo-restricted content from Netflix US, Spotify, BBC iPlayer, Hulu+, Disney World, etc.
Access to censored websites. Live in countries or work in organizations where social media usage is censored. You can use a VPN to bypass such censorship and enjoy unrestricted access to social media or other censored websites.
However, a VPN cannot protect your identity when you log into your Google account or browse websites without clearing previous browsing cookies. Therefore, it is safer to remove browsing cookies before using a VPN and to use privacy-focused browsers and search engines when using a VPN connection.
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Conclusion – Will A VPN Prevent My ISP From Seeing What I Download?
Using a VPN prevents your ISP from seeing what you’re downloading. When downloading with a VPN, your ISP only sees scrambled data but does not know what data type it is; neither does it know what you’re doing or your data traffic destination.
However, choosing the best VPN for downloading will depend on the following criteria.
They are choosing a VPN with a strict ‘no log’ policy, preferably a VPN with headquarters in Switzerland, Panama, Romania, or the British Virgin Islands, where their data and privacy laws do not require that VPN keep logs of users’ activities.
A Kill switch feature that prevents your data from accidentally spilling online when your VPN connection trips off by cutting off the internet connection to your device
Large server numbers evenly distributed on all continents of the world
Optimized servers for safe and fast torrenting
Robust encryption technology
WebRTC and DNS leakproof
VPN protocol in use
Ability to bypass geo-blocking and internet censoring
In today’s digital world, our personal information is more vulnerable than ever to identity theft risks. With just a few clicks, cybercriminals can access sensitive data that can lead to devastating consequences, both personally and financially.
That’s why it’s critical to understand the importance of identity protection and learn how to protect yourself from identity theft. Taking the necessary steps to safeguard our personal information is essential in preventing identity theft.
In this comprehensive identity protection guide, we’ll delve into identity theft statistics, explore the various types of identity theft, the impact of identity theft on individuals and businesses, and strategies for effective personal data protection.
By following these best practices for online security and privacy, utilizing identity theft monitoring services, and educating yourself and others on identity theft protection plans, you’ll be well on your way to ensuring your personal data remains secure in an increasingly connected world.
This identity protection guide aims to provide an in-depth look at the importance of safeguarding your personal data and the various strategies you can employ to prevent identity theft.
Table of Contents
What Is Identity Protection?
Identity protection is a set of strategies and practices aimed at safeguarding your personal information from unauthorized access and use, helping you protect your identity.
It encompasses various measures to prevent identity theft, a crime where someone steals your personal details to impersonate you and commit fraud, thus emphasizing the importance of prevention of identity theft.
Here’s a breakdown of the key aspects of identity protection:
Identity protection focuses on securing sensitive information such as:
💳 Financial Information: Protect credit card numbers, bank account details, and loan information.
📄 Government-issued IDs: Safeguard driver’s license, passport, and national ID number.
🩺 Medical Records: Secure health insurance information, medical history, and prescriptions.
🖥️ Digital Accounts: Guard login credentials for online accounts and email addresses.
🏠 Personal Details: Safely manage name, address, date of birth, and social security number.
The consequences of identity theft, also known as identity fraud, can be severe and long-lasting, impacting you financially, emotionally, and even legally.
Potential risks include:
Financial losses: You may be held responsible for fraudulent debts, making it difficult to secure loans and mortgages in the future.
Damaged credit: Fraudulent activity can negatively impact your credit score, making it difficult to get loans, rent apartments, and even get certain jobs.
Emotional distress: The process of recovering from identity theft can be lengthy, stressful, and emotionally draining.
Legal issues: You may need to file police reports, take legal action against the perpetrators, and clear your name from any false claims.
Taking proactive steps to protect your identity is crucial to mitigating these risks and safeguarding your personal information. Check out our OmniWatch review, a tool that can help you remove your personal information from the dark web and data broker websites.
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As technology continues to evolve and our lives become more interconnected, it’s essential to remain vigilant and prioritize identity protection. From shopping online and using social media to managing our finances and accessing various services, our personal information is at constant risk.
Beyond Financial Loss: The Importance of Data Security
Protecting personal data is not just about safeguarding our finances but also about protecting our privacy and security in the digital world.
As we rely more and more on technology for communication, financial transactions, and even healthcare, ensuring the security of our data is crucial:
Maintaining trust: When personal data is compromised, it can erode trust in digital systems and institutions. This can have negative consequences for businesses, governments, and individuals alike.
Promoting innovation: Secure data environments foster innovation and encourage the development of new technologies and services. By protecting our data, we can create a more secure and prosperous digital future.
Empowering individuals: Owning and controlling our data empowers us to make informed decisions about how it is used and shared. This is essential for ensuring our privacy and protecting ourselves from exploitation.
Now, for this identity protection guide, let me reveal the common types of identity theft, including those that may affect your identity theft credit report.
Common Types Of Identity Theft
There are several types of identity theft, and each poses unique risks and challenges.
Some of the most common types of identity theft include:
1. Financial Identity Theft
This involves criminals accessing your personal information to:
Open new credit cards or accounts in your name.
Obtain loans or credit using your identity.
Make unauthorized purchases online and in stores.
File fraudulent tax returns to claim your refund.
This ID theft can lead to significant financial losses and damage your credit score, making it difficult to secure loans, mortgages, and even employment.
2. Medical Identity Theft
This occurs when someone uses your personal information to:
Receive medical services or prescription drugs in your name.
Falsely bill your insurance company for medical services.
This can result in incorrect medical records, which can affect your health and treatment options. It can also lead to denial of insurance coverage and difficulty obtaining future medical care, a scenario that underscores the importance of being vigilant about irs identity theft and identity theft irs issues.
3. Tax Identity Theft
This involves criminals using your personal information to:
File a fraudulent tax return and claim your refund.
Claim dependents or deductions that are not yours.
This can lead to delays or complications when filing your legitimate return, and you may be liable for taxes and penalties attributed to the fraudulent activity, such as a fraud tax return.
4. Employment Identity Theft
This occurs when someone uses your personal information to:
Gain employment using your identity.
Collect unemployment benefits or wages in your name.
This can lead to issues with your taxes, social security benefits, and employment records. You may also be held responsible by the IRS fraud department for any illegal activities committed by the individual using your information.
5. Child Identity Theft
This involves criminals using the personal information of a child to:
Open fraudulent credit accounts.
Apply for government benefits in the child’s name.
This can go undetected for years, impacting the child’s financial future and causing difficulties when applying for credit, loans, or other financial products due to identity theft.
6. Social Security Identity Theft
This involves criminals using your social security number to:
Open credit accounts in your name.
Apply for government benefits.
Engage in other fraudulent activities.
This can have severe consequences, affecting your financial stability, credit history, and access to government benefits, all of which can be compromised by identity theft.
7. Criminal Identity Theft
This occurs when someone uses your identity when interacting with law enforcement, leading to:
Wrongful attribution of criminal activities to you.
Arrests and legal troubles based on false accusations.
Damage to your reputation and future opportunities.
8. Driver’s License Identity Theft
This involves criminals using your personal information to:
Obtain a fraudulent driver’s license in your name.
Commit traffic violations or other criminal activities.
This can lead to your being held responsible for these actions, impacting your driving record and potentially leading to legal issues.
9. Insurance Identity Theft
This occurs when someone uses your information to:
Obtain insurance coverage in your name.
File false claims on your insurance policy.
Receive medical services under your insurance plan.
This can lead to rising insurance premiums, denial of coverage, and legal repercussions for fraudulent activities.
10. Utility Identity Theft
This occurs when someone uses your information to:
Open utility accounts such as electricity, water, or cable services.
Use these services without your knowledge.
This can lead to unpaid bills impacting your credit score and potentially disrupting your service.
11. Character Identity Theft
This occurs when someone uses your identity to:
Tarnish your reputation or engage in activities that harm your character.
Impersonate you online or in-person to damage your relationships.
This can lead to social stigma, loss of employment opportunities, and personal and professional difficulties.
12. Social Media Identity Theft
This involves criminals:
Creating fake profiles or impersonating you on social media platforms.
Using your personal information to deceive others.
Potentially engaging in fraudulent activities using your identity.
This can damage your personal and professional relationships and harm your reputation online.
13. Elderly Identity Theft
This involves criminals targeting seniors and taking advantage of:
Cognitive decline or limited technological awareness.
Vulnerability to scams and fraudulent schemes.
This can have devastating consequences, affecting financial stability, healthcare, and overall well-being.
Maintaining identity awareness is essential to remain vigilant and take proactive steps to protect your personal information, thereby minimizing the risk of falling victim to various forms of identity theft.
Regularly monitor your financial statements, consider an identity theft credit freeze, and review your credit reports, promptly addressing any suspicious activities to mitigate potential damage.
The Ripple Effect of Identity Theft: Devastating Impacts on Individuals and Businesses
Identity theft is a growing threat, posing significant risks to individuals and businesses alike. Its consequences can be far-reaching and long-lasting, causing financial hardship, emotional distress, and reputational damage.
Individuals Face a Financial and Emotional Toll
For individuals, identity theft can be financially devastating. Victims often face:
Mounting debt: Fraudsters often open credit cards or loans in the victim’s name, leaving them responsible for paying off the fraudulent charges.
Damaged credit: The fraudulent activity significantly impacts their credit score, making it difficult to secure loans, rent apartments, and even obtain certain jobs.
Financial instability: Victims may struggle to meet their financial obligations, leading to stress, anxiety, and even depression.
Recovering from identity theft can be a long and arduous process, requiring countless hours and significant effort to ensure identity theft recovery.
Dispute fraudulent charges: Victims must contact creditors and financial institutions to dispute fraudulent charges and close compromised accounts.
Repair credit: The process of rebuilding a damaged credit score can take months or even years.
Report the crime: Reporting identity theft to authorities is crucial for initiating legal action and preventing future harm.
Businesses Bear the Brunt of Financial Losses and Reputational Damage
Businesses are also not immune to the detrimental effects of identity theft. They often experience:
Financial losses: Fraudulent transactions and unauthorized use of company resources can lead to significant financial losses.
Data breaches: Security breaches expose sensitive customer data, leading to fines and legal repercussions.
Reputational damage: News of a data breach can damage a company’s reputation and erode customer trust.
Businesses may also incur additional costs associated with:
Implementing identity theft prevention measures: Investing in cybersecurity infrastructure and employee training can be costly.
Assisting customers: Companies may need to dedicate resources to assisting customers in recovering from identity theft.
The Ripple Effect: A Call for Collective Action
The impact of identity theft extends far beyond the individual or business directly affected. It can have a ripple effect, impacting the wider community and economy. This underscores the need for collective action on multiple levels:
Individuals: Increased awareness and proactive measures can significantly reduce their risk of becoming victims.
Businesses: Robust security measures and incident response plans are crucial for protecting customer data and mitigating potential damage.
Governments: Implementing strong data protection laws and enforcing them effectively is essential for deterring crime and supporting victims.
Technology companies: Developing secure technologies and fostering a culture of responsible data handling are key to building a more resilient digital ecosystem.
By working together, we can create a safer digital environment where individuals and businesses alike can thrive without the fear of identity theft.
Strategies For Effective Personal Data Protection
To prevent identity theft, there are several strategies you can employ to protect your personal data and minimize the risk of falling victim to this crime. These include:
Be cautious with your personal information: Avoid sharing sensitive information, such as your Social Security number or bank account details, unless absolutely necessary. When providing personal information online, ensure that you’re using a secure website (look for “https” at the beginning of the web address).
Monitor your accounts: Regularly review your bank statements, credit card statements, and credit reports for any suspicious activity. If you notice any unauthorized charges or accounts, report them immediately.
Use strong, unique passwords: Create complex passwords that include a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols, and avoid using the same password across multiple accounts. Change your passwords regularly and consider using a reputable password manager to help keep track of them.
Be cautious with public Wi-Fi: When using public Wi-Fi networks, avoid accessing sensitive information or conducting financial transactions, as these networks may not be secure.
Keep your devices secure: Install reputable antivirus software on your devices and ensure that your operating system and applications are up to date with the latest security patches. Use a firewall and secure your home Wi-Fi network with a strong password.
Best Practices For Online Security And Privacy
Apart from the strategies mentioned above for this identity protection guide, adopting several best practices can further prevent identity theft and enhance your online security and privacy. These include:
Be cautious with social media: Limit the amount of personal information you share on social media platforms, and be mindful of the privacy settings on your accounts. Cybercriminals often use social media to gather information about potential victims.
Use multi-factor authentication: Whenever possible, enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) on your online accounts. MFA adds an extra layer of security by requiring additional verification, such as a fingerprint or a unique code sent to your phone.
Beware of phishing scams: Be cautious when clicking on links in emails or messages from unknown sources, as they may lead to fraudulent websites designed to steal your personal information. If you’re unsure about the legitimacy of a link, hover your cursor over it to reveal the destination URL.
Secure your mobile devices: Lock your phone and other mobile devices with a passcode, fingerprint, or facial recognition. Be cautious when downloading apps, and only download from reputable sources.
Dispose of personal information properly: Shred or destroy documents containing personal information before disposing of them. Delete any sensitive files from your devices before disposing of or selling them.
Utilizing Identity Protection Services
Identity protection services can provide an additional layer of security and identity theft resolution services to help safeguard your personal information. These services typically offer a range of features, such as credit monitoring, identity theft insurance, and assistance in recovering from identity theft.
Some services also provide identity theft detection through dark web monitoring, which involves scanning the dark web for any instances of your personal information being bought or sold.
While identity protection services can be a valuable tool to prevent identity theft and bolster your overall security strategy, it’s important to remember that no service can guarantee complete protection from identity theft. For this identity protection guide, I have collated the best deals to help you get started.
Here are the best identity theft protection services:
McAfee Identity Protection
Total protection from identity theft and financial crimes.
Total protection from identity theft and financial crimes. Show Less
Norton LifeLock Identity Advisor
Your best solution to protect your personal information from data leaks.
Your best solution to protect your personal information from data leaks. Show Less
55% OFF
Incogni
Incogni wipes off your personal information from data brokers.
Incogni wipes off your personal information from data brokers. Show Less
DeleteMe
DeleteMe is a service provided by Abine that helps users remove their personal information from data brokers and other...Show More
DeleteMe is a service provided by Abine that helps users remove their personal information from data brokers and other websites to protect their privacy online. Show Less
Social Catfish
Social Catfish is an online service that helps individuals verify and investigate the identity of people they meet...Show More
Social Catfish is an online service that helps individuals verify and investigate the identity of people they meet online, including potential scammers and catfishers. Show Less
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
OmniWatch
Safeguard your identity with OmniWatch, the comprehensive identity theft protection service that provides proactive...Show More
Safeguard your identity with OmniWatch, the comprehensive identity theft protection service that provides proactive monitoring, dark web surveillance, and expert assistance in case of a breach. Show Less
AVG BreachGuard
AVG BreachGuard shields your online data from leaks and breaches, like a vigilant bodyguard for your digital life.
AVG BreachGuard shields your online data from leaks and breaches, like a vigilant bodyguard for your digital life. Show Less
Avast BreachGuard
Avast BreachGuard is a privacy tool designed to protect personal information online by preventing data breaches...Show More
Avast BreachGuard is a privacy tool designed to protect personal information online by preventing data breaches, removing personal data from data brokers, and providing real-time alerts for compromised data. Show Less
Legal Shield: Protecting Your Identity through Law
While individual vigilance is essential, legal measures play a crucial role in safeguarding our identity from theft. In the United States, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) acts as the primary guardian, enforcing numerous laws and offering invaluable resources to victims.
Key Legal Protections
Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA): This empowers you with specific rights regarding your credit report. You can access it annually for free, dispute any inaccuracies, and place a fraud alert or credit freeze to restrict access and prevent unauthorized credit applications.
Identity Theft and Assumption Deterrence Act: This federal law criminalizes the knowing use of another’s personal information for fraudulent purposes. This protects against credit card fraud, financial scams, and other identity-related crimes.
Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA): This safeguards financial information held by banks, credit card companies, and other financial institutions, requiring them to implement robust security measures and data breach notification protocols.
Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA): This protects the privacy of children under 13 online, restricting the collection and use of their personal information without parental consent.
These are just a few examples of the legal framework protecting your identity. Additionally, individual states may have their own laws offering further safeguards.
Reporting Identity Theft
Prompt action is crucial in mitigating the damage of identity theft. If you suspect your information has been compromised, report the crime immediately to:
Local authorities: This initiates a police investigation and ensures a formal record of the incident.
Federal Trade Commission (FTC): Filing a report with the FTC helps them track trends and identify patterns of identity theft, ultimately leading to stronger enforcement and consumer protection.
On the other hand, Incognigoes beyond basic browsing history deletion. It allows you to manage your digital footprint, remove personal information from public records, and monitor data leaks. However, it requires a subscription fee to access its full range of features.
By understanding the legal framework and taking advantage of available resources, you can significantly strengthen your defences against identity theft and protect yourself from financial harm, emotional distress, and other potential consequences.
Now, for this identity protection guide, let me show you how to extend the knowledge to others.
Educating Yourself And Others On Identity Protection Measures
Knowledge is power, and when it comes to safeguarding your identity, education is the cornerstone. By proactively informing ourselves and others about effective measures to prevent identity theft, we can build a collective defence against this pervasive threat.
The landscape of identity theft is constantly evolving, with scammers and thieves devising ever-sophisticated techniques.
To stay ahead of the curve, it’s crucial to:
Continuously update your knowledge: Stay informed about the latest scams, fraud tactics, and data breach trends. Resources like the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the National Cyber Security Alliance offer valuable information and educational materials.
Share the knowledge: Don’t keep your knowledge to yourself. Share information with family, friends, colleagues, and even children, making them aware of the risks and best practices for data protection.
Building a Community of Awareness
Supporting organizations dedicated to promoting identity protection is another powerful step. These organizations work tirelessly to:
Advocate for stronger data privacy laws and regulations.
Develop educational programs and resources for individuals and businesses.
Provide support and assistance to victims of identity theft.
By contributing to these organizations through donations, volunteering, or simply spreading awareness, we can collectively strengthen the defences against identity theft.
Protecting Our Future Generation
Teaching children about the importance of data privacy and protecting their personal information is vital. This can include:
Open and honest conversations: Discuss the risks of identity theft and how it can affect their lives.
Empowering them with knowledge: Teach them how to identify suspicious emails, websites, and phone calls.
Encouraging responsible online behaviour: Guide them on creating strong passwords, using secure websites, and limiting the amount of personal information they share online.
By prioritizing education and fostering a culture of awareness, we can empower ourselves and others to proactively protect our identities and build a safer digital environment for all.
Wrapping Up The Identity Protection Guide
To wrap up this identity protection guide, you should know that safeguarding your personal data is critical in today’s digital world.
Protecting your personal data in today’s digital age is not just a possibility; it’s a necessity. By understanding the diverse forms of identity theft, its impact on individuals and businesses, and implementing effective personal data protection strategies, you can significantly reduce your risk of becoming a victim.
While the technological landscape evolves, innovative solutions like biometric authentication and blockchain technology hold immense potential for enhancing data security. However, the ultimate responsibility lies with each individual.
By actively engaging in best practices, leveraging identity protection services, and maintaining ongoing vigilance, you can empower yourself with identity theft alerts to secure your personal information in a world increasingly reliant on digital connectivity.
Remember, the time to act is now. Take proactive steps today to safeguard your identity and build a secure future for yourself and your loved ones.
Drop a comment below regarding this identity protection guide.
![Is Surfshark Antivirus Free? [Here’s the ANSWER]](https://secureblitz.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Is-Surfshark-Antivirus-Free-768x402.jpg "Is Surfshark Antivirus Free? [Here’s the ANSWER]")
