In this post, I will show you the benefits of CompTIA certifications for IT careers.
One of the most effective ways to demonstrate expertise and commitment to professional growth is through certifications. Among these, CompTIA certifications stand out as a golden standard.
But What is CompTIA, and why are its certifications so valuable for IT professionals? CompTIA, the Computing Technology Industry Association, offers a wide range of certifications that cover various aspects of the IT industry, from foundational knowledge in IT to specialised skills in cybersecurity, networking, and cloud computing.
This blog explores the myriad benefits of CompTIA Certification for IT careers, underscoring their importance in a competitive job market.
Table of Contents
Broad Recognition and Credibility
CompTIA certifications are globally recognised credentials that validate an IT professional's skills and knowledge in specific technology areas. Holding a CompTIA certification demonstrates to employers that you have met the rigorous standards set by the industry.
This recognition is a testament to your skills and enhances your credibility among peers and potential employers, setting you apart in the job market.
Comprehensive Knowledge Base
CompTIA certifications are designed to cover a broad spectrum of IT disciplines, offering professionals a comprehensive understanding of various technology areas.
Starting with the CompTIA IT Fundamentals (ITF+) and moving through more advanced certifications such as the A+, Network+, Security+, and beyond, these certifications ensure that professionals are well-versed in the critical aspects of IT operations, cybersecurity, and network administration.
This broad knowledge base is invaluable in a field that requires a holistic understanding of how different technologies interact.
Enhanced Career Opportunities
Professionals with CompTIA certifications often find themselves with more career opportunities. These certifications are frequently listed as job requirements by employers, indicating the value placed on CompTIA-certified professionals.
From entry-level positions to more advanced roles, CompTIA certifications can open doors to new job prospects, promotions, and career paths within the IT industry.
Higher Earning Potential
CompTIA certifications can also lead to higher earning potential. According to various industry surveys and reports, IT professionals who hold certifications, including those offered by CompTIA, tend to have higher salaries than those without certifications.
This reflects the higher value and expertise that certified professionals bring to their organisations.
A Pathway for Career Development
CompTIA certifications offer a well-defined path for professional growth and career advancement. Each certification builds upon the knowledge and skills of the previous ones, allowing IT professionals to progressively advance their expertise and careers.
Whether you're just starting in IT or looking to specialise in areas like cybersecurity or network management, CompTIA offers a structured path to achieving your career goals.
Lifelong Learning and Professional Growth
The IT field is characterised by constant change and evolution. CompTIA certifications require professionals to renew their credentials periodically, encouraging continuous learning and professional growth.
This commitment to lifelong learning ensures that IT professionals remain current with the latest technologies and best practices, making them more effective and adaptable in their roles.
Becoming part of the CompTIA-certified community opens up numerous networking opportunities.
CompTIA offers a vast network of professionals, educators, and resources, providing a platform for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and professional support. Networking with fellow IT professionals can lead to new insights, career opportunities, and lasting professional relationships.
Industry Recognition and Standards
CompTIA certifications are developed and updated with IT industry experts, ensuring they meet high-quality standards and reflect current industry practices.
This close alignment with the industry ensures that CompTIA-certified professionals have the skills and knowledge that employers need, further enhancing their employability and career prospects.
Conclusion
CompTIA certifications offer many benefits for IT professionals, from enhancing knowledge and skills to improving job prospects and earning potential.
By providing a comprehensive and recognised certification path, CompTIA enables professionals to validate their expertise, stay current with industry developments, and advance their careers in the dynamic field of IT.
CompTIA certifications are a valuable asset for professional development, whether you're starting your IT career or looking to advance to the next level.
In this article, you'll discover the best way to sell a domain name and how to sell domain names fast.
Selling domain names for profit is not so straightforward. You'll have to embark on a journey of trial and error until you find a way to do it right.
This article answers how to sell a website domain and furnishes you with helpful tactics and best practices that will help put you on the right track to making your first sale.
Table of Contents
A Step-by-Step Guide
Many website owners are interested in selling the website's domain because they might plan to move on to a different domain or because the website host charges domain fees.
However, selling a domain name might be a lot more complicated than simply taking the domain off the domain registry and selling it to the highest bidder among a few domain brokers.
If you're selling your domain or know someone who is, here's a step-by-step process for how to sell a website domain.
Determine the Value Of Your Domain
When you're selling a domain, there are a lot of considerations you have to make. The main one is the value of your domain. It is essential because domains give you the best long-term possibilities when planning your digital strategy.
See what you could achieve with the values of each letter in your domain. Then, use these values to match them with a similar domain to see what you would pay.
But your domain's value isn't just what you can do with it. It's how potential customers perceive it. View the domain value in the current market through the existing market-shattering analysis tools. They'll give you some options for monetizing your domain for more gain.
Moreover, DNS security is vital in determining your domain's valuation. Different systems have different access control options.
For instance, Linux has invested heavily in protection measures, such as limiting domain access. This allows system administrators to secure systems and manage domain transitions, view who has access to domains, check running processes in Linux and signal access between domains.
Determine the Best Features for Your Domain
It may be helpful to compare the features of different domains to find the best ones of your own. When it comes to the value of a domain, there are many factors to consider:
Traffic is one of the main factors influencing the value of a domain. The number of users who search, click on links or enter a domain URL considerably affects the domain's value.
TLDs such as .com are the domain names that sell. They are much more valuable than any other domain extension. This is something to consider before actually buying the domain.
The length and readability are other essential factors. The names comprised of one or two words are the most popular. They are efficient if linked to an industry (motels.com, hikin.com, etc.) and can be read and memorized easily.
Domain names are a valuable online asset. Fortunately, they're an asset just waiting to be sold and wondering where to sell a domain name.
There are several ways to sell a domain name; you need only try the one that suits you best. You can start by exploring your options, such as Flippa or a private sale, or contact the owner to ask them to put your domain up for sale.
Sell Your Domain Name Privately
It's not so challenging to sell domain names independently, though you need measures to ensure you can sell domains at market prices. Your advantage is that engaged customers are already looking for you, and your work can pay off quickly. When someone decides to buy a domain name, the first thing they do is go to their favourite search engine.
So,how do you sell web domains privately?
You can design a rudimentary website or hire a web designer to do this for you. This can be pretty simple, as you only need to report that you're selling the domain name. Add the correct contact info, and you're ready to go – although you'll have to deal with the negotiations and set up a safe way to receive the payment. Remember that when dealing with significant amounts of money, you can't avoid fees.
Sell Your Domain Name on a Registrar's Website
If you own a domain name, you could sell it through a narrow auction on a registrar's website. There is no registration cost and only a small fee when transferring the domain, so it's a low-risk way of cashing in on your investmenRememberind that when you sign up to sell a domain on a registrar's website, you'll have to wait a while before somebody makes an offer.
It is easy to sell a domain name on a registrar's website, such as GoDaddy, and this can provide you with the advantages of significant registrar's web traffic, additional deposit, and an intuitive interface.
Usually, a long and tedious process involves buying and selling domain names. But not anymore. One of the best ways to sell your domain name without the headache is to give it to a domain broker.
Domain brokers help people quickly sell their websites and domains for profit. Even if you don't want to sell your domain outright, you might sell your domain name for a few years and then repurchase it for value.
The domain broker offers a domain auction on your behalf, so you don't need to worry about the bidding process to get the best domain price.
Use an Escrow Service to Receive Payment
Since there are so many scams, frauds, and people challenging to trust online, it is essential to use an escrow service to receive payments during domain name sales.
Setting up an escrow service for payments is a cost-effective way to avoid situations where someone doesn't pay for their work. Domain name escrow services work by holding onto payments until both parties have fulfilled their end of the agreement.
Many people are suspicious of using an escrow service to receive payment. Concerns range from non-payment risk to an endless amount of red tape.
To help mitigate these concerns, many companies now release a groundbreaking new escrow service with unique features to help you maintain cash flow without worry. While this can be complex, it allows for remarkable protections like fraud protection and credits for late payment.
One thing left to do is transfer your domain to the new owner and let them manage your domain according to their style. Taking time for a domain transfer can help ensure that your business doesn't get hurt as more and more people transfer their domains to their new owners.
You can decide to transfer both your domain and your VPS hosting. Getting your site hosted elsewhere is easier than you think, and transfer fees are usually low.
How To Sell A Domain Name Fast With Dynadot
Selling a domain name can be a great way to monetize an unused asset, but navigating the process efficiently is critical.
Here's a detailed guide to selling your domain name quickly with Dynadot:
Before You Begin
Assess Your Domain: Research your domain's value using tools like Dynadot's appraisal tool or external services. Consider factors like keywords, length, extensions, and brandability.
Set a Realistic Price: Don't overprice your domain, as inflated prices can deter buyers. Base your price on your research, domain value, and desired speed of sale.
Prepare Your Description: Write a clear and concise description highlighting the domain's strengths and potential uses. Emphasize relevant keywords and target audience benefits.
Using Dynadot's Marketplace
Sign Up or Log In: Create a Dynadot account or log in if you already have one.
List Your Domain: Navigate to “My Domains” and choose “Sell Domain.” Select your domain and proceed to the listing section.
Choose “Marketplace”: Opt for the “Marketplace” option to reach a wider audience of potential buyers.
Set Your Price & Information: Enter your desired selling price, provide a detailed description, and choose listing duration options.
Visibility & Promotion: Consider optional add-ons like premium listings or listing on partner marketplaces for increased exposure.
Respond to Offers: Engage with potential buyers promptly and professionally. Negotiate if necessary, but don't undervalue your domain.
Boosting Your Chances of a Quick Sale
Promote Your Domain: Share your listing on social media, domain name forums, and relevant online communities.
Consider Auctions: Utilize Dynadot's auction feature to generate interest and potentially drive the price.
Accept Multiple Offers: If you receive several offers, explain your decision-making process to keep all interested parties engaged.
Be Flexible: Adapt your price and negotiation tactics if there's limited initial interest.
By following these steps and leveraging Dynadot's platform effectively, you can significantly increase your chances of selling your domain name quickly and at a fair price.
Patience, realistic pricing, and active promotion are crucial to success!
Here, I will show you the K7 Antivirus review. Read on!
An antivirus is an essential software you must have on your device. It will keep the device safe. But before installing any antivirus software, you must be sure it is reliable. In other words, you trust it.
K7 Antivirus is one software many users trust and swear to be reliable. But is that true? Well, you can find out in this K7 Antivirus Review.
We go in-depth to look at all that makes up the K7 Antivirus — features, versions, prices, and ratings. Read on.
K7 Antivirus was launched in 1991, meaning it has been in the industry for over thirty years.
Throughout these years, it has maintained its rating as one of the best-performing antivirus programs in the world. And it has numerous international awards to back up its performance.
You can use the Antivirus as a business or enterprise at home or work. It comes with various select solutions for individual use cases.
For home, the solutions include
K7 Total Security
Ultimate Security
Mobile Security
Multi-Device Security
For business, the solutions include
K7 On-premises Endpoint Security
Cloud Endpoint Security
Unified Threat Management
Some notable features make K7 Antivirus the efficient antivirus software it is. The 24×7 threat lab, machine learning security engine, and multi-layer endpoint protection are among these features.
The 24×7 threat lab depends on native intelligence systems to detect viruses and malware.
The intelligence systems are always active and work with the machine-learning-based security engine called Cerebro.
Interestingly, the antivirus software does all this work without consuming many resources.
K7 Antivirus has a meager System Impact Score compared to many other popular antivirus solutions.
Currently, over twenty-five million people in over twenty-seven countries use K7 Antivirus.
These over twenty-five million users account for more than forty million protected devices. Thus, it's correct to say that K7 Antivirus is popular.
If you choose to use K7 Antivirus, an advantage is that you can use it on all your devices. In particular, the software has easy-to-use Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS applications.
Now, for this K7 Antivirus review, let's discuss its features.
K7 Total Security
K7 Total Security is a comprehensive security software suite that provides protection against malware, viruses, and...Show More
K7 Total Security is a comprehensive security software suite that provides protection against malware, viruses, and other cyber threats, as well as features such as parental controls, data encryption, and a personal firewall. Show Less
What Are The K7 Antivirus Features?
Experts agree that K7 Antivirus is one of the best antivirus solutions. And their judgment is because the Antivirus comes with the following features:
Smart Firewall
K7 comes with an intelligent firewall that'll make your device virus-proof, malware-proof, and hacker-proof.
It's not only a firewall, but it also doubles as an Intrusion Detection System. As a result, it will detect and stop any identified threat before it gets close to your files.
Keylogging is one of the modern ways hackers and cybercriminals steal data from victims. With K7 antivirus installed on your device, you won't have to worry about this threat.
The Antivirus provides you with a safe, secure virtual keyboard. You can use the keyboard for any input. But in particular, use it when keying in your password or any other sensitive data.
AI Technology
It's hard to see an antivirus without AI nowadays because of its reliability. K7 does feature AI technology, but not a regular type.
What you get from this antivirus software is an advanced multi-layered AI system.
The system secures your activities with several digital layers to protect you from cyberattacks. It's nearly impossible for a hacker to bypass one layer and not talk of two, three, or four.
Threat Detection
The primary function of Antivirus is to stop viruses and malware. You can count on K7 Antivirus' multi-layer threat detection system for that.
Viruses, malware, andll as the threat detection system, can stop ransomware, Trojans, and many other cyber threats.
During this K7 Antivirus review, I tested the tool in our lab against famous viruses, and it excelled in detecting cyber threats.
Anti-spyware
As part of the threat detection system, K7 Antivirus comes with anti-spyware technology.
Thanks to this technology, your data remains safe and secure without any third party having a peek.
VPN Concentrator
K7 features a VPN Concentrator for businesses and is far more dependable than conventional VPNs.
Conventional VPNs don't work well when dealing with many devices and users, like in an enterprise setting.
With K7's VPN Concentrator, however, you can access multiple virtual VPN servers. This allows you to protect every device in your office, whether on-premises or in the cloud.
So, if you're looking for an antivirus solution with a VPN, consider K7 Antivirus.
Free Tools
You pay to use K7 Antivirus, which is expected considering it's a super advanced antivirus solution. However, the software comes with some tools that will cost zero dollars.
Examples include the K7 Offline Updater, Uninstallation Tool, Diag Tool, Disinfector Tool, Auto-Run Tweaker, and DSM Fixer.
These are system optimization tools that all contribute to keeping your device safe. Consequently, they make the work of the antivirus software easier.
K7 Antivirus is user-friendly and easy to use. But if you encounter any software issue, you have a dedicated customer support team to turn to.
For this K7 Antivirus review, we contacted their customer support team through several channels.
First, you can visit the Support Center for help articles and guides. If you still need help, submit a contact form, and you'll get a reply in no time.
You can even talk with support staff using Live Chat. But it would be best to use only the option when requesting offers and discounts.
K7 Total Security
K7 Total Security is a comprehensive security software suite that provides protection against malware, viruses, and...Show More
K7 Total Security is a comprehensive security software suite that provides protection against malware, viruses, and other cyber threats, as well as features such as parental controls, data encryption, and a personal firewall. Show Less
What Are The K7 Antivirus Products?
K7 Antivirus has different product versions, each providing an additional security level. Also, the versions differ for home and business use.
K7 Antivirus Products For Home
If you're a home user, below are the K7 Antivirus products you can opt for:
Antivirus Premium
K7 Antivirus Premium is the standard version of the antivirus software, which will protect your devices from cyber threats in real time.
It features an intelligent firewall, intrusion detection system, anti-spyware, and advanced multi-layered artificial technology.
As it operates in the background, the premium antivirus software will not slow down your device.
On the contrary, it'll make it fast, as it clears malicious files that affect your device's performance.
In summary, K7 Antivirus Premium features:
Threat detection system
Internet protection
Automatic updates
Anti-spyware protection
Advanced security
Note that the antivirus premium software is available in different Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android versions.
Total Security
K7 Total Security is one step higher than the Antivirus Premium software. So, you get all the features of the Antivirus Premium and more.
Notably, with K7 Total Security, you get PC Tuneup Tools. These tools will help optimize your device for the best all-around performance.
Furthermore, Total Security supports Web Protection, which is more extensive than Internet Protection with the Antivirus Premium software.
Another commendable feature of K7 Total Security is Privacy and Parental Controls. Thus, it's suitable software if you're a parent who wants to ensure the safety of your kids' devices.
In summary, K7 Total Security features:
All features of the Antivirus Premium version
Web protection
PC tuneup tools
Parental and privacy control
Ultimate Security
As the name says, this is the ultimate K7 antivirus version for home use. It's a multi-device and multi-platform software for all aspects of data security.
K7 Ultimate Security protects your device and any connected device – USBs, webcams, microphones, etc.
K7 Ultimate Security is also the version to use if you perform many online transactions. It has select features to protect users who bank and shop online.
The software will block fake and phishing websites, allowing you to surf the web safely. It'll also help track and monitor your device if it gets missing.
In summary, K7 Ultimate Security features:
All features of the Total Security version
Anti-theft protection
Anti-phishing protection
Memory booster
Duplicate file finder and file shredder
Data locker
Data backup and restore
You can use K7 Ultimate Security on all major devices with a single license.
K7 Total Security
K7 Total Security is a comprehensive security software suite that provides protection against malware, viruses, and...Show More
K7 Total Security is a comprehensive security software suite that provides protection against malware, viruses, and other cyber threats, as well as features such as parental controls, data encryption, and a personal firewall. Show Less
K7 Antivirus Products For Business
If you're a business user, below are the K7 Antivirus products you can opt for:
Endpoint Security
K7 Antivirus endpoint security is particular for enterprise-wide deployments. It comes in two versions: On-premises endpoint security and Cloud endpoint security.
The On-premises endpoint security provides a multi-layered security solution that needs no middleware. In other words, the software secures each device independently.
On the other hand, Cloud endpoint security provides more general protection. It will protect all connected devices in the enterprise. And since it's cloud-based, it works 24/7.
No matter the size of your business or enterprise, you can count on K7 Endpoint Security solutions to keep you safe. It'll protect your systems from both old and new threats.
Notably, the software gets multiple daily updates to match the new threats as they come out.
Network Security
K7 Network Security is the solution to protect your systems across different locations. For example, you can defend systems across your business's headquarters and branches.
Like the Endpoint Security Solution, it also works on the cloud, which keeps it running continuously. The main feature of the Network Security solution is the Unified Threat Management system – K7 UTM.
K7 UTM uses triple-A framework integration to boost security and performance. It will stop primary threats like viruses and malware and advanced ones like DOS attacks and gate-level malware.
Despite all these top-rate features, the software is relatively affordable. You can request a demo before you request a quote. And you pay according to the number of users.
Small Office Security
With Small Office Security, K7 provides a solution for small businesses. If you're a business with basic IT setups, this is the K7 software. It's easy to install, administer, and operate. And its centralized nature means no system goes unprotected.
K7 Small Office Security, like all other K7 products, provides real-time protection. It employs native AI technology and behavior-based detection to identify and stop cyber threats.
Furthermore, K7 Small Office Security has an intelligent firewall with gateway security. So, it's reliable for preventing insecure external networks, and it's highly customizable.
If you need assistance with the setup, dedicated, real-time support is always handy to help.
K7 Total Security
K7 Total Security is a comprehensive security software suite that provides protection against malware, viruses, and...Show More
K7 Total Security is a comprehensive security software suite that provides protection against malware, viruses, and other cyber threats, as well as features such as parental controls, data encryption, and a personal firewall. Show Less
K7 Antivirus Pricing
Since K7 has multiple antivirus products, it has varying prices. Also, the cost differs depending on how many devices and how many years you're paying for.
The higher the number of devices and the number of years, the lesser the price.
Check out its pricing plans below:
K7 Antivirus Premium Pricing
1 Device / 1 Year: $9
1 Device / 2 Years: $11.40
2 Devices / 1 Year: $11.40
3 Devices / 1 Year: $13.80
K7 Total Security Pricing
1 Device / 1 Year: $16.20
1 Device / 2 Years: $20.40
2 Devices / 1 Year: $20.40
3 Devices / 1 Year: $24.60
K7 Ultimate Security Pricing
1 Device / 1 Year: $21
1 Device / 2 Years: $19
2 Devices / 1 Year: $26.40
3 Devices / 1 Year: $31.80
Note that for K7 Antivirus Premium, Total Security, and Ultimate Security, you get up to 50% discount on your first purchase.
Subsequently, you pay the above prices. Also, you can try the antivirus software for thirty days before you pay.
Also, the pricing for K7 Security products is subject to change.
K7 Total Security
K7 Total Security is a comprehensive security software suite that provides protection against malware, viruses, and...Show More
K7 Total Security is a comprehensive security software suite that provides protection against malware, viruses, and other cyber threats, as well as features such as parental controls, data encryption, and a personal firewall. Show Less
K7 Business Pricing
K7 Endpoint Security and Network Security have private pricing plans.
To purchase them, you must request a quote from the sales team. It's an advantage because you can negotiate and settle on the most convenient price for your business.
If you're a small business, however, here is the pricing plan for K7 Small Office Security:
1-Year Plan: $499
Like the home plans, you can request a free trial before you pay for K7 Small Office Security.
K7 Antivirus Pros
User-friendly interface
Flexible customization options
Adequate protection against viruses, malware, and other threats.
Robust features include real-time scanning, firewall, and web protection.
User-friendly interface and is easy to install and use.
Low system impact and minimal resource consumption.
Reasonable pricing and frequent discounts are available.
K7 Antivirus Cons
Some users have reported false positives and detection errors.
Limited customer support options and slow response time.
No built-in VPN or password manager.
It's worth noting that experiences with K7 Antivirus may vary based on individual use cases and preferences.
Heimdal is a Denmark-based antivirus solution that shares many similarities with K7 Antivirus. Notable is that both software solutions use AI to identify cyber threats.
In particular, Heimdal works for threat prevention, access management, and vulnerability management. Hence, it fights viruses and malware and identifies and fixes other vulnerability points.
Like K7 Antivirus, Heimdal works 24/7, and you can use it with any significant device platform.
One advantage of Heimdal is the powerful analytics that comes with the business solution. But, generally, Heimdal doesn't have as many business solutions as K7 Antivirus.
When it comes to price, Heimdal pricing starts at $59.95 per year, but you can click on our link below to get a 60 percent OFF deal.
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
Norton Antivirus, also known as Norton 360, is a popular software with millions of users. It's a lightweight antivirus solution that is easy to install and use.
Thanks to its lightweight nature, Norton shares a notable characteristic with K7 Antivirus; both programs will not slow down your device.
However, the downside of Norton Security is that the software has no particular solutions for businesses.
So, while you may consider Norton Security as an alternative to K7 Antivirus for home use, it won't work well for business use.
Norton is more of an antivirus for gamers. If you're a gamer, K7 Antivirus — the Ultimate Security software in particular — will provide whatever protection you need.
As Heimdal mentioned previously. Norton Security offers affordable deals for its Antivirus solution – the Antivirus Plus plan. The higher plans – Standard and Deluxe – are more or less double the cost of the Antivirus Plus plan.
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, like K7 Antivirus, has been in the antivirus industry for over thirty years. Based in the United States, it's a comprehensive solution for complete online protection.
McAfee Security is multi-platform compatible and has a firewall, file shredder, and web protection. These are features similar to those you get with K7 Antivirus.
Unlike other K7 Antivirus alternatives, McAfee incorporates a VPN service for obfuscating your online identity.
However, McAfee Security targets home users with plans for individuals and families. On the other hand, K7 Antivirus has plans for individuals, families, and businesses.
Furthermore, you can get the basic antivirus version for one device and one year.
McAfee Total Protection
An easy-to-use security suite for data safety and device protection.
An easy-to-use security suite for data safety and device protection. Show Less
K7 Antivirus Reddit Users Experience
Are you searching for a reliable antivirus that can protect your devices from malware attacks? Look no further than K7 Antivirus!
This powerful antivirus software has garnered much attention and positive reviews from Reddit users. Many users have shared their experiences with K7 Antivirus on the platform, and the feedback is overwhelmingly positive.
One of the most common praises that K7 Antivirus receives from Reddit users is its ability to detect and remove viruses and malware.
The software's advanced algorithms and real-time scanning capabilities ensure that even the most sophisticated threats are detected and eliminated before they can cause any damage to your system.
Another aspect that Reddit users appreciate about K7 Antivirus is its user-friendly interface. The software is easy to navigate and configure, even for those who are not tech-savvy.
The dashboard is designed to provide all the essential information about the system's security status at a glance, making monitoring and managing threats easier.
K7 Total Security
K7 Total Security is a comprehensive security software suite that provides protection against malware, viruses, and...Show More
K7 Total Security is a comprehensive security software suite that provides protection against malware, viruses, and other cyber threats, as well as features such as parental controls, data encryption, and a personal firewall. Show Less
Furthermore, K7 Antivirus offers a wide range of features and tools, making it an all-in-one solution for all your security needs.
From anti-spyware and anti-phishing tools to firewall and parental controls, K7 Antivirus has everything you need to keep your device and data safe from all kinds of threats.
In conclusion, if you are looking for reliable and effective antivirus software, K7 Antivirus is worth considering. Its positive feedback from Reddit users is a testament to its capabilities and effectiveness in protecting your devices from malware attacks.
K7 Antivirus Review: Frequently Asked Questions
Is K7 Antivirus Legit?
From expert and user reviews, there is no doubt that K7 Antivirus is legit. On G2, for example, the software has 4.3 stars out of 5 from multiple reviews. Similarly, on Capterra, the software has 4.6 stars out of 5.
K7 Antivirus has received numerous industry awards and certifications to prove its legitimacy further.
In 2022, the antivirus solution won the DSCI Excellence Award for Security Product of the Year.
According to AV-Comparatives, the antiviruses top the list of antiviruses with the lowest impact score. This top ranking backs the fact that it's an antivirus that won't slow down your computer.
K7 Antivirus also has a perfect six score in all categories of the AV test. Hence earning an AV-Test Top Product certification.
With all these, you can use K7 Antivirus and be assured that you get what you pay for. You don't even have to pay from the onset.
For the home products, you can use the free trial. For the business products, you can request a demo.
Is K7 Antivirus Good?
K7 Antivirus has all the features you expect from a top antivirus solution. And more. As a result, it's good antivirus software that will protect your device from any threat.
As explained earlier, the Antivirus has home and business solutions. So, whatever your use case may be, you will find a solution.
Do you want to stop viruses? Malware, spyware, ransomware, phishing, scams, DoS attacks? K7 Antivirus has solutions to deal with all these cyber threats. Thanks to the regular daily updates, it will protect you from cyber threats you don't even know about.
One problem with harmful antiviruses is that, while they keep your device safe, they make it operate slowly. About 50 percent of antivirus users agree that it slows down their computers.
With its low impact score, K7 Antivirus does the opposite – it makes your computer operate faster.
Is K7 Antivirus Free?
K7 Antivirus is not free. It's a premium antivirus, so you pay for any version for your home or business. However, K7 Antivirus is a solution you can purchase on a shoestring. In other words, with little money.
From the pricing plans listed earlier in this K7 Antivirus review, the Antivirus Premium costs $9 per year for one device. And in your first year, you get close to a 50% discount, meaning less.
In addition, the price becomes cheaper as the number of devices and years increases. This is why you won't pay $30 but $18 for one device for two years.
K7 Total Security
K7 Total Security is a comprehensive security software suite that provides protection against malware, viruses, and...Show More
K7 Total Security is a comprehensive security software suite that provides protection against malware, viruses, and other cyber threats, as well as features such as parental controls, data encryption, and a personal firewall. Show Less
Does K7 Antivirus offer a money-back guarantee?
K7 Antivirus offers a 30-day money-back guarantee on all its home and business products. This allows you to try the software risk-free and see if it meets your needs. If you are unsatisfied, you can request a full refund within 30 days.
Is K7 Antivirus compatible with my device?
K7 Antivirus is compatible with a wide range of devices and operating systems. It supports Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. You can check the specific system requirements on the K7 Antivirus website to ensure compatibility with your device.
Is K7 Antivirus user-friendly?
K7 Antivirus is designed to be user-friendly, even for those with limited technical expertise. The interface is straightforward and intuitive, making navigating and managing your security settings easy. The software also includes comprehensive help documentation and online tutorials to assist users.
A Final Word On The K7 Antivirus Review
To conclude this K7 Antivirus review, I will say that K7 Antivirus may not be as popular as many top antiviruses in the industry, but it's a highly reliable solution. You can count on it to protect your devices at home or work.
From the review above, it's confirmed that the Antivirus is feature-rich. Yet, you can get it on a low budget compared to other antiviruses.
What's more? You have a 30-day free trial before you pay to get started at no cost.
Leave a comment below on this K7 Antivirus review.
K7 Total Security
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Russian police have arrested the former head of a post office branch in Mineralnye Vody, southern Russia, on suspicion of cryptojacking.
Local media reports allege he misused computers entrusted to him for mining cryptocurrency.
Table of Contents
Cryptojacking Post Office: Investigation and Accusations
The investigation revealed the suspect installed and connected unauthorized crypto-mining equipment to the national power grid. This act bypasses standard procurement procedures and raises questions about potential fire hazards from unapproved equipment.
He is accused of using this equipment for personal gain for approximately six months, causing damages estimated at 30,000 rubles (around $427). The cost of the stolen electricity is likely just a fraction of the potential profits from mining cryptocurrency, making it a potentially lucrative but risky scheme.
Currently, charges haven't been officially filed as the investigation is ongoing, with authorities focusing on evidence collection. The suspect's identity remains undisclosed, but this may change depending on the outcome of the investigation.
The accusation falls under “abuse of power.” This charge highlights the potential breach of trust associated with the suspect's position as a public servant.
Similarities to Previous Case
This incident bears resemblance to a 2019 case where Denis Baykov, a Russian nuclear warhead factory employee, was fined for using state computers to mine Bitcoin.
Two other employees were also implicated in using the factory's supercomputers for personal mining.
These cases suggest a pattern of cryptojacking attempts within Russian institutions, potentially due to lax security measures or a lack of awareness about the consequences.
This recent arrest highlights a broader trend of cryptojacking in Russia. It's unclear if this is an isolated incident or part of a more extensive network. Further investigations may reveal if there were any accomplices or if the suspect was operating alone.
In March 2023, authorities apprehended individuals suspected of stealing electricity worth $200,000 per month to mine Bitcoin using tampered meters. This case demonstrates the lengths some individuals will go to mine cryptocurrency illegally.
Overall
The case raises concerns about the potential abuse of power and unauthorized resource utilization within Russian institutions. It also emphasizes the ongoing battle against cryptojacking schemes worldwide.
Law enforcement agencies around the globe are working to develop strategies to counter these increasingly sophisticated cybercrimes.
Cryptojacking Post Office: Frequently Asked Questions
The recent arrest of a former Russian post office head for allegedly using office computers to mine cryptocurrency has sparked questions. Here are some frequently asked questions to shed light on the situation:
What is cryptojacking?
Cryptojacking is the unauthorized use of someone else's computer to mine cryptocurrency. This process consumes processing power and generates revenue for the attacker, while the victim experiences slower computer performance and potentially higher electricity bills.
How did the post office head allegedly carry out cryptojacking?
Reports suggest he installed unauthorized crypto-mining equipment and connected it to the national power grid. This raises concerns about bypassing standard procurement procedures and potential fire hazards from unapproved equipment.
What are the potential consequences for the suspect?
The investigation is ongoing, and charges haven't been officially filed. However, the accusation of “abuse of power” suggests a potential breach of trust due to his position as a public servant. He could face fines or even imprisonment, depending on the severity of the offense and the evidence collected.
Is this an isolated incident, or is cryptojacking a bigger problem in Russia?
This incident seems to be part of a more significant trend. There have been previous cases of cryptojacking attempts within Russian institutions, like the 2019 incident involving a nuclear warhead factory employee. Additionally, authorities apprehended individuals in March 2023 for stealing electricity to mine Bitcoin. These cases suggest a need for stricter security measures and increased awareness about the consequences of cryptojacking.
Note: This was initially published in June 202 but has been updated.
Here's an answer: do you still need antivirus protection for your business?
Cyber attacks are becoming one of the most pressing dangers to everyday business operations.
While it is increasingly common for modern operating systems to come equipped with various built-in security features, they are still insufficient to cover your most frequent attacks.
Unfortunately, most business owners get so enmeshed in the daily challenges of running a business that many ignore their security baseline and think free packs or built-in security software is enough to protect them from attacks.
Managed IT Services Provider states that hackers count on security vulnerabilities like these. This can expose entire businesses (and their associated partner, vendor, and client network) to permanent and long-term cyberattack damage.
Viruses can be created and used by anyone from a business competitor to espionage agencies to random groups of miscreants looking to make a quick buck or achieve notoriety.
The damage can temporarily or permanently turn off your systems, steal information, or force you to pay a ransom (doubled with fines or legal hassle, as many local or regional governments have deemed paying ransom illegal).
The safer way out is always to use a reliable antivirus program to detect worms and viruses and a firewall to protect you against attacks. Good antivirus and security software are usually packaged together to root out compatibility problems and make it more straightforward for users to protect their systems.
Your local IT Support Provider should be able to provide you with recommended packages that suit both your needs and budget.
Table of Contents
How Does Antivirus Work?
Antivirus software can detect malware and viruses on your system. Users often think that it should be enough to protect them if they take ‘common sense’ protection, such as not clicking on suspicious links or attachments.
But as cybercrime evolves, many malicious programs are designed to be ‘sleeper’ in nature, i.e., they can lie dormant in your system and be activated at will. These programs are hard to detect and harder to get rid of. An antivirus program runs in the background, does periodic system scans, and can alert you to anomalies whenever it detects them.
If it suspects malicious activities, it will stop that program or file from executing further and put it in quarantine.
Depending on settings and permissions, the program can automatically delete such files or keep them in quarantine until the user decides to restore them (in case of a false alarm).
Ransomware attacks are getting increasingly common, with data from not just individual users but large public institutions like schools, hospitals, and private businesses being held hostage with threats from malicious actors.
Also, ransomware can act by restricting access to systems or simply stealing the information stored on systems until the demands from the attackers are met.
Ransomware can result in total access or permanent data loss, apart from the financial and legal pressures it creates for unfortunate victims. These attacks can bypass the feeble protection offered by bundled and free security software and antiviruses.
Data Protection
One of the primary reasons for using a robust and reliable antivirus is to protect your system from spyware that can try to ‘read’ and steal your valuable personally identifiable information (PII) and financial data.
This is primarily a sensitive use case for businesses where many workers can handle transactions. Tapping into the system of any of them can give hackers access to the entirety of your financial operations.
Following from above, phishing attacks are now commonplace among businesses of all sizes where malicious actors can try to ‘scope’ your employees to try and gain a foothold in your business network.
Apart from phishing attacks, e-mails can also be used as a distribution channel for viruses and Trojanslure people to enter their data on spoofed websites.
Strong antiviruses can prevent human error by clicking on seemingly innocuous images, text files, and links. They scan all incoming files, including attachments, and alert you early about suspicious activity.
Improved Online Security
It is crucial for businesses engaged in e-commerce activities to have a high-functioning antivirus solution. This can help your business block phishing attacks, spyware, and more trying to snoop in on your financial data and all your stored customer information.
Look for security solutions offering enhanced security features, such as data encryption during financial transactions.
Ease of Use and Management
Why choose business packs over standard or home edition antivirus? Well, for one, business editions have much more centralized control.
You can manage the security of all your systems with a single administrator interface on this centralized console. This means ease of management through remote management and intuitive controls.
You are free to add/ modify permissions/ delete as many devices as you like and don’t need a specialized IT employee to manage it.
Professional Support
Professional technical support is only a click away with business-class antivirus, as many manufacturers provide exclusive on-demand services for business customers.
Additional features include having a personal manager, 24/7 support, firewall, file shredder, anti-spam filter, VPN services, on-demand phone and video consultations, and more.
Background scanning without system slowdown
Your systems need to be monitored 24/7 to be protected against malicious attacks. However, due to poor resource management, many free antivirus solutions slow down your systems to a crawl when performing these periodic background checks.
This is another reason premium business antiviruses are an excellent long-term investment in ensuring round-the-clock protection with minimal impact on system performance.
Antivirus for business has become a critical necessity in the post-pandemic environment as cybercrimes rise to an all-time high.
Your local dedicated IT Support Services Provider often has security experts who can help you find the highest quality and cost-effective antivirus and security solution for your business.
This post will show how hackers impersonate big brands and scam people.
When you receive an email saying that it is from a company that you do business with, it features the company’s logo. It appears professional; you may trust it, especially from a reputable business.
Unfortunately, hackers know this and piggyback reputable brands to try to accomplish their nefarious objectives.
Here is what you need to know about impersonation and phishing – and how to protect yourself.
Table of Contents
Phishing Explained
They were wondering how hackers impersonate big brands. Phishing is the most common way for criminals to gain entry into networks. This is because it is one of the easiest and cheapest cybercrimes to commit.
If successful, the criminal can potentially gain valuable information from their targets. Scammers use phishing to try to obtain the following from people and businesses:
Money and other monetary benefits
Login credentials
Financial data
Identities
Most phishing attacks are carried out over email, but some occur on social media or other platforms.
In a typical phishing scam, the criminal tries to get the victim to take a specific action, such as providing login information, updating their account, or making a payment.
The victims may be asked to click on a link, download an attachment with malware, or respond directly with the information.
Statistics on identity theft indicate that hackers like to impersonate reputable companies. The more trustworthy the impersonated business, the more its customers may be able to give the scammers what they want.
Additionally, the statistics on identity theft clearly show that it is on the rise. Yet, there is still not a very clear solution to it, nor enough coverage about this issue.
According to a Vade Secure analysis of recent phishing attacks, the most popular brands hackers are impersonating include:
Microsoft – Microsoft remains the most prominent brand hackers use in phishing attacks. In a year-over-year comparison, there are 15.5% more URLs in emails claiming to come from Microsoft. Microsoft is appealing to hackers who may use Office 365 accounts to view and steal restricted files in larger-scale attacks or use a legitimate address to access other accounts.
Netflix – Netflix’s recent price adjustment gave hackers a new opportunity to spoof customers.
PayPal is the most widely used global online payment service and is a trusted brand, two characteristics that make it particularly attractive to hackers.
Bank of America – Banks are often an attractive target to hackers because of the quick financial payoff.
Chase – 9 out of 25 brands in the full report, including Chase, come from the financial industry.
DHL – This global logistics firm realized an increase of 24.5% in phishing attacks.
Facebook – Fake URLs listing Facebook as their source increased by 176% in a year. Hackers who get login credentials from Facebook could obtain additional information that may be used in other attacks.
DocuSign – Electronic document service company DocuSign made the top ten list. This account could allow hackers access to critical financial documents and data.
LinkedIn – LinkedIn experienced an increase of 15.8% in phishing attacks.
Dropbox – A document storage company rounded out the tenth position.
Other reputable companies also find themselves targets for these phishing campaigns. For example, Amazon experienced an increase of more than 400% in phishing emails citing the conglomerate.
According to Barracuda researchers, Google brand sites make up 4% of spear-phishing attacks in 2020.
Apple also experienced a significant number of attacks.
Not only that, but many big corporations also suffer from data breaches, the most famous being Amazon’s. Hence, this should not be taken lightly.
Some signs that you are receiving a phishing message include:
Denied access – Many phishing scams purport to tell you that you cannot access your account if you do not update it. Others may say that fraudulent activity was detected on your account and may urge you to provide new login credentials.
Mismatched email address or URL – The sender’s email address or the URL where you are redirected may differ slightly from the one you have received from the company before.
Poor spelling or grammar – The message may contain spelling or grammar errors since many of these attacks are carried out by people who speak different languages.
Urgency in the content – Hackers may try to bypass your better judgment by claiming that you must take action NOW.
Too good to be true messaging – If you receive a message congratulating you for winning a prize or lottery, you should be very hesitant.
How To Protect Yourself From Phishing
The FTC recommends taking the following steps to protect yourself from phishing scams:
Install and regularly update security software
Set up your mobile phone to update automatically since many attacks target mobile devices
Use multi-factor authentication to protect your accounts
Back up your data regularly
If you run a business, you will want to take extra precautions to safeguard your corporate accounts and customer data, including:
Providing ongoing training to your workers to spot and avoid phishing attacks
Disabling macros from being run on your business computers
Restricting access to confidential information to only those workers who need it
How Hackers Impersonate Big Brands: Frequently Asked Questions
Why do hackers impersonate big brands?
Their main goal is identity theft and financial gain. By impersonating trusted brands, hackers leverage the brand's reputation and familiarity to:
Steal login credentials trick victims into entering usernames and passwords on fake login pages that appear legitimate.
Deploy malware: They lure victims into clicking on infected links or downloading attachments that contain malware, giving hackers access to their devices and data.
Commit financial fraud: They exploit stolen information like credit card details or bank account numbers to make unauthorized transactions.
How do hackers impersonate big brands?
They employ various tactics to make their scams appear genuine:
Phishing emails: These emails appear to be from the brand, often with urgent demands or tempting offers. They might contain typos, grammatical errors, or a sender address that doesn't quite match the brand's official email format.
Spoofed phone calls: Hackers can use technology to make caller ID appear as the brand's contact number, tricking victims into picking up and potentially revealing sensitive information.
Fake social media accounts: Hackers might create fake social media profiles imitating the brand, often with slightly altered usernames or logos. They may attempt to connect with victims and send them direct messages containing malicious links or requests for personal information.
Malicious websites: Hackers can create websites that closely resemble the brand's official website, using similar layouts, logos, and even stolen content. These websites often trick victims into entering their login credentials or downloading malware.
What are some red flags to watch out for?
Sense of urgency: Emails or messages demanding immediate action, like threats of account suspension or promising unrealistic rewards, are often used to create panic and prevent victims from thinking critically.
Grammatical errors and inconsistencies: Legitimate companies typically maintain high standards for professionalism. Typos, grammatical errors, or inconsistencies in email addresses, website URLs, or branding are red flags.
Suspicious requests for personal information: Reputable companies rarely request sensitive information through email or unexpected phone calls. Be wary of any requests for passwords, credit card details, or Social Security numbers.
Unfamiliar links or attachments: Never click on links or open attachments in emails or messages from unknown senders, even if they appear to be from a familiar brand.
How can I protect myself from being impersonated?
Be cautious with unsolicited communication: Don't click on links or open attachments in emails or messages from unknown senders, even if they appear legitimate.
Verify the source: If you receive a message from a brand, contact them through their official website or verified social media channels to confirm its authenticity before taking any action.
Enable two-factor authentication (2FA): This adds an extra layer of security to your online accounts, requiring a secondary verification code beyond your password when logging in from a new device.
Keep your software updated: Regularly update your operating system, web browser, and other software to ensure you have the latest security patches and bug fixes.
Use strong and unique passwords: Avoid using the same password for multiple accounts, and create strong passwords using a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.
Change your passwords immediately: If you've entered any information on a suspicious website or shared your log in credentials, change your passwords for all associated accounts.
Report the incident: Report the fraudulent attempt to the brand directly and consider reporting it to relevant authorities, depending on the nature of the impersonation attempt.
What To Do If You’ve Been Catfished?
If you think you were a victim of this attack and may have given out your personal information, go to IdentityTheft.gov and follow the steps. Also, update your computer’s security software if you accidentally downloaded malware.
In this post, we've shown you how hackers impersonate big brands and scam people.
Even if you trust a company, you may not be able to charge an email or other message. These online privacy tips can help you outsmart hackers and protect your personal information.
Staying vigilant and informed about these tactics can help you stay safer online and avoid falling victim to impersonation scams. Remember, if something seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Always exercise caution when dealing with any unsolicited communication, even if it appears to come from a trusted source.
This post will show you the top 4 online video editors for adding subtitles to videos.
Give your followers the ability to watch a video with subtitles counts towards a profile for the production of the video. It also demonstrates seriousness and respect for the audience and content. Discover the best tools for subtitles in this text!
The subtitles are a fundamental part of image-based content and allow the public, whatever it is and wherever you go, to watch your videos without audio or that they are accessible to the natives of other languages.
They can also be used for intro scenes, credits, song lyrics, or even to explain the context of what's going on on screen.
However, many still find that putting subtitles in online videos is complicated and time-consuming.
But they are wrong because nowadays, many free tools are created especially for this or as part of the video editors' functionalities available on the net. They can be online or not, free or paid, but they are all relatively simple and easy to use.
Table of Contents
Top 4 Online Video Editors For Adding Subtitles To Videos
When choosing the tool to put subtitles in online videos, there are many options; the exciting thing is trying as many of them as possible. One will fit the way you work, that's for sure!
This article will introduce the top 4 online video editors for adding subtitles to videos. As we said, please get to know them and decide on the most interesting!
1. RecordCast
RecordCast is an intuitive tool for easy online screen recording and video editing, which counts among its many features, such as subtitles for the videos you produce.
It is an online tool, which means you don't need to download any software or application for your device to add subtitles to videos. It works on Mac, Windows, and Linux, regardless of your browser.
All you have to do is select a font and its size and align the text. In addition, you can also choose its color and background to make the subtitles brighter and black and white.
It is an excellent option for quickly subtitling movies in the browser because RecordCast has many of the most popular video editing functions and is very easy to use.
2. Adobe Spark
You can share essential details and enhance your video by adding subtitles with Adobe Spark. Explore the available video themes and find the font and style that best fits your video.
Adobe Spark video editor helps you format videos for YouTube, TikTok, or any other social network and add subtitles that sync with your audio. Edit, subtitle your videos, and share in minutes.
Kapwing is a great web tool for adding subtitles to your video without watermarks. Research shows that subtitled videos get significantly more engagement on social media than videos without subtitles.
This editor allows you to record subtitles into the video directly, so the subtitles appear on any platform the video is shared.
Kapwing also has an AI-powered auto-generation feature for subtitles. Automatically create subtitles with it, then edit them to match the audio in your video perfectly. Machine transcription is a great way to subtitle a video in half the time.
You'll also be able to adjust the subtitles' font, size, color, and position, besides placing them higher or lower in the video or resizing them so that the subtitles fit precisely where you need them.
With Veed, you have three ways to add subtitles to your videos: manually enter them, automatically generate them (using the program's voice recognition software, or even upload files (e.g., SRT, VTT, ASS, SSA, TXT) and add them to your videos.
Whichever way you choose, you can make simple edits to your subtitles. You can change your subtitles' timing, color, font, and size and edit the subtitles' text.
Online Video Editors For Adding Subtitles To Videos: Frequently Asked Questions
What format should my subtitles be in?
The most common subtitle format is SRT (SubRip Text). SRT files are plain text files containing timestamps and the subtitles' text. You can create SRT files using a text editor or a subtitle editing program.
How can I create subtitles if I don't have a transcript?
If you don't have a video transcript, you can use a speech-to-text program to generate subtitles automatically. However, speech-to-text programs are not always accurate, so you may need to edit the subtitles afterward.
How can I translate my subtitles into another language?
There are several online translation services that you can use to translate your subtitles into another language. However, if possible, it is always best to have your subtitles translated by a human translator.
How can I make sure my subtitles are accessible to everyone?
There are a few things you can do to make sure your subtitles are accessible to everyone:
Use a clear and easy-to-read font.
Use a large enough font size.
Use a high-contrast color scheme for the subtitles (e.g., white text on a black background).
Make sure the subtitles are appropriately timed.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are exciting options to subtitle videos. Get to know them, and it will be worth it.
With the chosen tool, we don't measure effort and invest time and attention not only in the form of the subtitles but also mainly in the spelling and typing of the words. In this material, any error is obvious. So, attention and good luck!
IPVanish VPN + Backup is a security solution that simultaneously secures users' connections and guards their essential data.
This software combines the IPVanish VPN and SugarSync Backup and encrypts and protects everything from your files to your internet connection.
It shields your online activities, grants access to restricted sites, and protects and manages your documents, photos, and videos.
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How Does IPVanish VPN + Backup Work?
The IPVanish VPN + Backup works as a privacy tool that encrypts both your internet connection and files.
The VPN service uses a secured server to tunnel users' web traffic and mask their IP addresses. The cloud backup supports different video, photo, music, and document types and provides secured file backup, syncing, and sharing.
IPVanish VPN + Backup Customer Support & Resources
Subscribers of the IPVanish VPN + Backup enjoy 24/7 customer support from IPVanish and SugarSync Support Centers via live chat for assistance concerning the VPN and Backu, respectively.
Users can also get help by sending a request or navigating through the setup guides, featured articles, and FAQs.
IPVanish VPN + Backup Pricing
The IPVanish VPN + Backup has two pricing plans, allowing users to subscribe monthly or yearly, depending on their available resources.
The Monthly Plan costs $12.99 while the Yearly Plan costs $54.99; that's $4.58 per month for the first year of subscription and then $109.99 every other year.
The Yearly Plan includes a 30-day money-back guarantee and helps you to save 64% of the monthly purchase fee.
Is IPVanish VPN + Backup Safe?
Considering how the software protects users' online activities and personal data, we can say that IPVanish VPN + Backup is safe.
Is IPVanish VPN + Backup Legit?
Undoubtedly, IPVanish VPN + Backup is legit. It serves as a shield that protects users' online activities from cyber criminals and safeguards their sensitive personal files.
Is SugarSync Free With IPVanish?
SugarSync is not accessible with IPVanish but is paid for at a reduced price along with the IPVanish VPN subscription. Individual SugarSync Cloud Backup (500 GB) plans cost $18.95 Monthly, with no Yearly plan. IPVanish VPN plans, without SugarSync Backup, cost $10.99 monthly and $89.99 yearly.
Cloud Storage Providers: well-known options are Google Drive, Dropbox, and OneDrive.
Is a VPN necessary for cloud storage backup?
Not necessarily. Cloud storage providers typically implement their security measures. However, using a VPN can add an extra layer of security by encrypting your internet traffic while transferring data to the cloud storage.
What features should I look for in a cloud storage backup service?
Storage capacity to meet your needs.
Robust encryption protocols to protect your data.
Automatic backups to ensure your data is always up-to-date.
Easy-to-use interface for managing your backups.
Reliable customer support.
Conclusion: IPVanish VPN + Backup Review
With this IPVanish VPN Backup review, we can conclude that IPVanish VPN + Backup is an excellent combination for users seeking to protect their online data and files. Its yearly pricing is fair, it has fantastic features, and it is safe.
Here, we will show how a Nigerian Fraud ring hijacked the Washington unemployment system in one of the most significant business email compromise (BEC) scams.
It is no longer news that Washington and about six other US states have been victims of fraud attacks by the Scattered Canary. According to an ongoing investigation from the Federal Department of Justice, hundreds of millions of dollars were siphoned from the endless unemployment benefits pay-out due to the economic and financial effects caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
In what appears to be the biggest COVID-19 unemployment fraud to have ever come out of Africa, the world was woken to the scattering report from multiple sources involving millions of dollars fraudulently stolen by hackers.
A West African-based cybercrime group allegedly spearheaded these named the “Scattered Canary,” as revealed by Agari, a security research firm. The group used stolen identities from a previous consumer data breach.
Seattle Times and other local media outlets reported the COVID-19 unemployment fraud. However, Agari’s Cyber Intelligence Division (ACID) has been trailing and investigating the cybercriminal group of hackers involved and has managed to penetrate the group’s activities.
When the news broke out about Washington State losing millions of dollars to cyber-criminals, the security research firm intensified its investigation to expose the criminal masterminds behind the group.
Table of Contents
Scattered Canary And The 35 Cybercriminals
This West African-based cybercrime group did not start big, but it was founded in 2008, so they’ve had enough time to hit big while being un-identified until now. From a “one-man gang” known as Alpha, whose operation was centered on Craigslist, eBay, check, and romance scams, to a full-blown cartel of criminals strengthened by 35 members engaged in various kinds of frauds running concurrently.
Before now, Alpha, who had a mentor called Omega (under whose nose he sharpened his nefarious activities), carried out profitable scams by exchanging about 1,950 emails. Reportedly, he made up to $23,500 monthly.
Presently, the “Scattered Canary” group has evolved into sensitive data phishing, romance scams, tax fraud, employment scams, social security fraud, W-2 scams, credit card fraud, fake job listing, payroll diversion, business email compromise (BEC) amongst others as outlined by ACID.
According to ACID, “one common fallacy is that crime rings run within set steeps; believing that cybercrime groups only run business email compromise (BEC) scams and concentrate only on such is a misconception. They are like entrepreneurs in any industry; cybercriminal gangs operate to achieve growth by designing and evaluating extensible business models through various sets of revenue streams.”
The security research firm continued, “During the research into Scattered Canary, records of how the main cybercrime leaders encountered situations where opportunities for diversification came calling saw them delve into them like genuine entrepreneurs.”
Based on their agile working methods, they expanded by recruiting more “skilled” cybercriminals through material and financial enticement by displaying their wealth on social media and other possible platforms.
“With trust, a biased approach to candidate selection can be achieved, and many relationships were built while still in the tertiary institutions within West Africa where talent is effortlessly noticed, and recruitment is easily done.” The research firm alluded.
Scattered Canary’s Operations
Since 2008, when the group became active, they have been linked to several significant attacks:
This, without argument, overshadows their previous engagements, not because it is the most recent and currently trending, but because it is the biggest so far and happened due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
According to the Seattle Times, the group filed about 174 unemployment and insurance claims using stolen identities in Washington alone, which are estimated to be worth about $1,339 a week per claim. Experts estimate that about 1 out of 4 claims are said to be from cyber criminals, of whom Scattered Canary remains a top suspect.
Most of their proceeds end up in Asia, Nigeria, and other parts of West Africa after being converted to Green dot prepaid cards and cryptocurrencies,
Targeting of top CEOs (2018)
It was reported in 2018 that a group called London Blues (suspected to be in collaboration with Scattered Canary) attacked top business executives and chief financial officers around the world through business email compromise (BEC), requesting vast sums of money to be paid to an external account while posing as insiders in these companies.
Businesses around the world lost an estimated $12 million between 2013 and 2018, according to the FBI. Even though the scam looks common, about 50,000 top CEOs were targeted by the group.
Members of the Scattered Canary group deploy various tools to help them WORK faster and easier. This includes phishing message templates and multiple VPNs to mask their location as they exchange scam emails with their victims.
VOIP phone numbers were also gotten from online service providers like Hushed, Google Voice, and TextMe while operating from Nigeria or any part of West Africa. ACID investigation revealed that the group used the same call-back number for previous cyberattacks, making it easy for the research firm to dig deep into their activities.
The cybercriminal gang also uses a variety of model text documents called “formats,” which speed up their phishing process. ACID revealed that “the group gathered their potential victim’s leads by signing up with Lead411 lead generation service and using 7-day trial accounts totaling twenty times within three years.” “We could identify a format containing 26 different message templates that could be used to target corporations in various BEC scams, including W-2 fraud and direct deposit”, ACID concluded.
Scattered Canary And The Present Reality: 4 Years After
Hushpuppi Wealth Display – one of the Scattered Canary Syndicate
ACID relayed all evidence and reports gathered from their investigation to the FBI and Interpol. This helped the security agencies in the recent raid that led to the arrest of some of the Scattered Canary gang members like Woodberry (Mr. Woodbery) and Hushpuppi (Raymond Igbalodeyl) in Dubai with their properties allegedly seized.
In Nigeria, their arrest trended on popular social media sites like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. The duo is known to display their luxurious lifestyles, with the “in your face” show of expensive cars, houses, clothes, and even drinks on these platforms.
Many Nigerians, including KCee, an influential Nigerian musician, have often questioned their sources of wealth to afford such a lifestyle.
With this new development, it appears that more cybercriminal gangs will undoubtedly end up in the net of law enforcement agencies.
The group’s present reality revolves around sophisticated cybercrime operations. Business Email Compromise (BEC) scams have become their weapon, infiltrating company email systems to divert funds to their accounts.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Scattered Canary capitalized on vulnerable unemployment systems, stealing millions of dollars in government aid. Their reach extends beyond BEC, encompassing tax return fraud and credit card scams, demonstrating a diverse and adaptable criminal repertoire.
A Persistent Threat
Scattered Canary’s continued success highlights the ever-present threat of cybercrime. Their longevity underscores the need for robust cybersecurity measures at both individual and organizational levels. Businesses must prioritize employee training to identify phishing attempts and secure email systems.
Looking Forward
As technology continues to evolve, so will the tactics of cybercriminals like Scattered Canary. Staying informed about the latest threats, employing online solid security practices, and remaining vigilant are crucial steps toward a safer digital future.
By understanding the present reality of cybercrime groups like Scattered Canary, we can proactively protect ourselves and mitigate their potential impact.
