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April 13, 2024

How To Install Surfshark VPN On Your Devices

This post will show you how to install Surfshark VPN on your Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android devices.

When it comes to protecting your data on the internet, you have a lot of different options. A VPN is one of the best and most reliable ways to do this. It also happens to be one of the most common. That doesn’t mean it isn’t practical, though. Using the right VPN can be extremely helpful in protecting your online activities from potential threats.

As a virtual private network, Surfshark VPN helps you to keep your online activities private. Regardless of how secure Wi-Fi hotspots are, they are still prone to security issues. This is where a VPN comes in handy.

A VPN service provider encrypts your data and tunnels it through an unblockable tunnel that not even hackers can breach. Thus, a VPN secures all your browsing activities, VoIP calls, and online transactions with complete anonymity and digital privacy.

If you’re looking for a perfect combination of fast speed and high security, Surfshark VPN is just the right solution!

Surfshark is one of the best VPN services available that lets users browse the internet safely and securely. Also, their pricing plans are affordable so that everyone can use a VPN.

How To Install Surfshark VPN On Your Devices

How To Install Surfshark On Windows PC

Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) like Surfshark offer a robust solution by encrypting your internet traffic and masking your IP address. This guide walks you through installing Surfshark on your Windows PC, allowing you to browse the internet with greater security and freedom.

Prerequisites

Active Surfshark Subscription: Ensure you have a valid Surfshark subscription before proceeding. Sign up and choose a plan that suits your needs on the official Surfshark website.
Windows 7 or Later: Surfshark for Windows is compatible with Windows 7 and all subsequent versions. Verify your Windows version by going to “Settings”> “System”> “About.”

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

Installation Steps

Download the Application: Visit the official Surfshark website and navigate to the download section. Download the installer specifically designed for Windows.
Run the Installer: Double-click on the downloaded installation file. This will initiate the setup process.
Follow On-Screen Instructions: The installation wizard will guide you through the setup. Click “Install” to begin the installation process.
Complete the Installation: Allow the installation to complete. Depending on your internet speed and system configuration, this might take a few minutes.
Launch Surfshark (Optional): The installation wizard might prompt you to launch the Surfshark application upon completion. Alternatively, you can locate the Surfshark icon on your desktop and double-click it to open the program.
Login to Your Account: Enter your registered Surfshark email address and password in the login window.
Connect to a VPN Server:’ You’ll see the Surfshark interface once logged in. Click on the “Locations” tab on the side menu. Here, you can browse the available server locations.
Choose Your Server (Optional): Surfshark offers a vast network of servers worldwide. You can choose a server based on your desired location or specific needs, such as a static IP address.
Connect and Secure Your Connection: Click the “Connect” button next to your chosen server. Surfshark will establish a secure connection, encrypting your internet traffic and masking your IP address.

Congratulations! You have successfully installed and connected to Surfshark on your Windows PC. Now, you can enjoy a more secure and private browsing experience.

Additional Tips

Leave Surfshark Running: It’s recommended to keep Surfshark running in the background for continuous protection. The application minimizes the system tray for easy access.
Disconnect When Not in Use: When you’re finished using the VPN, click the “Disconnect” button to terminate the connection.
Change Server Locations: Surfshark lets you quickly switch between different server locations based on your needs.
Update the Application: Keep your Surfshark application updated to ensure you have the latest security features and bug fixes. Updates are usually available within the application itself.

By following these steps and tips, you can leverage the power of Surfshark to enhance your online security and privacy on your Windows PC.

How To Install Surfshark On MacOS Devices

Surfshark VPN offers a powerful tool to enhance your online privacy and security. If you’re a Mac user, here’s a streamlined guide on installing the Surfshark VPN application on your device:

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

Downloading the App

Head to the Source: Open your web browser and navigate to the official Surfshark website.
Find the Apps Section: Locate the “Apps” section on the Surfshark website menu. It’s typically found at the top or within the main navigation bar.
Choose Your Download Method: Look for the macOS download option in the “Apps” section. Surfshark usually offers two options:
- Download on the App Store: This method leverages the official App Store for a seamless download and installation experience.
- Download .DMG: This option downloads the installation file directly from the Surfshark website.

Installation Process

App Store Download:
- Click on “Download on the App Store.”
- You’ll be redirected to the Surfshark VPN app page on the Mac App Store.
- Click on “Get” or the download button to initiate the download through the App Store.
- Once downloaded, the App Store will handle the installation automatically.
Direct Download (.DMG):
- Click on “Download .DMG” to download the installation file.
- Once the download completes, locate the downloaded DMG file (usually found in your Downloads folder).
- Double-click the DMG file to mount it and access the Surfshark VPN installer.
- Drag and drop the Surfshark VPN application icon into your Applications folder to proceed with installation.

Post-Installation Steps

Launch the App: After successful installation, find the Surfshark VPN application in your Applications folder and open it.
Log In: If you have a Surfshark account, enter your registered email address and password to log in.
Connect to a Server: Surfshark offers a variety of servers worldwide. You can choose your preferred server location from the user interface. Opting for the “Quick Connect” option for the most secure connection will automatically connect you to the fastest available server.
Grant Permissions: During connection, you might be prompted to grant Surfshark VPN access to your network configuration. Click “Allow” to proceed.
Authorization: You might also be prompted to enter your Mac user password to authorize the VPN connection. Enter your password and click “OK.”

Congratulations! You’ve successfully installed and connected to Surfshark VPN on your macOS device. Now, you can enjoy a more secure and private browsing experience.

How To Install Surfshark On iOS Devices

This guide explores how to install and use Surfshark VPN on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch, safeguarding your online activity on iOS devices running version 9.3 or higher.

Prerequisites

An iOS device (iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch) running iOS version 9.3 or later.
A valid Surfshark VPN subscription.

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

Installation Steps

Launch the App Store: Locate and tap the App Store icon on your home screen.
Search for Surfshark: In the App Store search bar, type “Surfshark” and tap the search icon on your keyboard.
Download the App: On the Surfshark app page, tap the “Get” button. You might be prompted to enter your Apple ID password or use Face ID/Touch ID for verification. The download will begin automatically.
Open the App: Once the download is complete, tap the “Open” button or locate the Surfshark app icon on your home screen and tap to launch it.
Login or Sign Up: If you already have a Surfshark subscription, enter your registered email address and password in the login fields and tap “Login.” If you’re new to Surfshark, tap “Create Account” and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the signup process.

Connecting to a VPN Server

Server Selection: Upon successful login, you’ll be presented with a world map and a list of available server locations. Surfshark offers servers in numerous countries, allowing you to choose the one that best suits your needs.
Quick Connect: Tap the large “Quick Connect” button for a quick and easy connection. Surfshark will automatically connect you to the optimal server based on factors like network congestion and distance.
Manual Server Selection: For more granular control, tap on a specific country or city on the map to view available servers in that location. You can tap the “Connect” button next to the desired server to establish a VPN connection.
Connection Status: Once connected, the “Quick Connect” button will change to “Disconnect,” indicating an active VPN connection. You’ll also see a notification in the status bar at the top of your screen confirming that you’re connected via Surfshark VPN.

Switching Servers

DisconTapn, tap the “Disconnect” button on the main to switch to a different server location screen.
Server Selection: Navigate to the server selection screen (world map or server list).
Choose a New Server: Select your desired server location by tapping on a country or city on the map or choosing a server from the list.
Connect: Tap the “Connect” button next to the chosen server to establish a new VPN connection.

By following these steps and exploring the functionalities within the app, you can leverage Surfshark VPN to encrypt your internet traffic, safeguard your online privacy, and enjoy a more secure browsing experience on your iOS device.

How To Install Surfshark VPN On Android Devices

This guide focuses on installing Surfshark VPN on your Android device, allowing you to enjoy secure and private browsing on your smartphone or tablet.

Prerequisites

An Android device running Android version 5.0 (Lollipop) or later.
A valid Surfshark VPN subscription. You can purchase one directly through the Surfshark website or the Google Play Store app.
A stable internet connection.

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

Installation Steps

Launch the Google Play Store: Locate and tap the Google Play Store icon on your Android device’s home screen or app drawer.
Search for Surfshark: In the Play Store search bar, type “Surfshark” and tap the magnifying glass,s icon or hit enter on your keyboard.
Download and Install the App: Select the official Surfshark VPN app from the search results. Verify the developer is Surfshark LTD and check reviews if desired. Tap the “Install” button and grant any necessary permissions to download and install.
Open the Surfshark App: Once the installation is complete, locate the Surfshark VPN app icon in your drawer and tap it to launch the application.
Login or Sign Up: If you already have a Surfshark subscription, enter your registered email address and password in the login fields provided. If you’re new to Surfshark, tap the “Sign Up” option and follow the on-screen instructions to create a new account.
Connect to a VPN Server: Upon successful login, you’ll be presented with a list of available VPN server locations. These locations represent different countries where Surfshark operates servers. Tap the “Quick Connect” button to automatically connect to the nearest and most optimal server for your needs. Alternatively, browse the server list and tap on a specific country or city to connect to a preferred server location.
Verify Connection Status: The Surfshark app will display a “Connected” notification once connected. You can also check the server location and other connection details within the app interface.
Disconnect and Switch Servers: Tap the significant “Disconnect” button in the Surfshark app to disconnect from the VPN server. To connect to a different server location, tap the server location bar and choose a new server from the list.

Following these steps, you can install and use Surfshark VPN on your Android device. Enjoy peace of mind with a secure and private internet connection wherever you go!

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

How To Install Surfshark VPN: Frequently Asked Questions

How do I set up OpenVPN Surfshark?

Surfshark primarily utilizes its custom WireGuard protocol for its ease of use and strong encryption. OpenVPN configuration is not typically required for most users. However, if needed, Surfshark offers manual setup guides for OpenVPN on their website.

Is Surfshark easy to install?

Yes, Surfshark is known for its user-friendly interface. Installing the app on your device involves a few simple steps through the app store, logging in or signing up for an account, and selecting a server to connect to.

How to get Surfshark VPN for free?

Surfshark does not offer a genuine free-tier VPN service. However, they provide a generous 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing you to test the service risk-free. Be sure to cancel your subscription before the 30 days if you don’t wish to continue.

How do I use Surfshark on my Android phone?

This guide details installing and using Surfshark VPN on your Android device. Download the app from the Google Play Store, login or sign up, choose a server location, tap “Quick Connect”, or pick a specific server. The app provides a simple interface for connecting, disconnecting, and switching servers.

Which VPN is better than Surfshark?

Several reputable VPN providers exist, each with its strengths and weaknesses. When comparing VPN services, consider factors like features, pricing, server network size, and independent security audits. Some popular alternatives include NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and ProtonVPN.

Which is the best VPN location for Surfshark?

The “best” VPN location depends on your individual needs. If you prioritize speed, connecting to a nearby server might be ideal. For content access, you might choose a server in a specific country. Surfshark allows you to try different servers to find the optimal balance for your needs.

Does Surfshark slow down PC?

Any VPN can introduce some overhead, potentially slowing down your internet connection slightly. However, Surfshark utilizes efficient protocols like WireGuard to minimize the impact on speed. The speed difference can vary depending on your original internet connection and server distance.

How many devices can I install Surfshark on?

Surfshark allows you to connect simultaneously on unlimited devices with a single subscription. This makes it a good choice for protecting your household or multiple personal devices.

Final Words

Now, you should be able to install Surfshark VPN on your devices.

Surfshark allows unlimited device connections. Therefore, you can connect all these devices simultaneously with one subscription if you own them.

To get a Surfshark subscription, you can visit their official website.

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

RELATED POSTS

Why End-to-End Email Encryption Is the Way To Go

Features

Chandra Palan | ✔️Fact-checked by: Angela Daniel

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April 13, 2024

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Why End-to-End Email Encryption Is the Way To Go

This post will show you why end-to-end encryption is ideal instead of TLS.

Email communication is a fascinating thing that we all have become used to using hourly. You can attach files, send them to multiple people at once, and design every email with signatures and images.

But nobody necessarily understands or thinks about what is happening behind the scenes when sending an email. We type in our message and recipient and send the email. In the background of every email you send and receive, protocols, certificates, and servers are involved in sending your email messages.

Most email providers are not using the most secure safety measures, which everyone should consider, especially if you send important files via email.

Here’s why it’s essential to encrypt your emails and ensure you’re doing what you should to keep your emails safe and secure.

READ ALSO: Email Security Guide

Table of Contents

TLS vs. End-to-End Encryption

First, let’s look at what TLS and End-to-End Encryption are:

What is TLS?

In short, TLS (Transport Layer Security) is a protocol to keep communication private and secure over the Internet. It works with regular email communication, as well as messaging and VOIP.

TLS can help protect you from data breaches, which has become very important in today’s world, where vital information is sent online, and you are susceptible to hacking attacks.

There is a three-step process for every TLS connection:

Keeps data hidden from third parties not involved in the communication.
Makes sure that both parties are who they say they are.
Ensures that the information is original and has not been changed.

One of the principal vulnerabilities to using a TLS connection is the many touchpoints involved and having a ‘man-in-the-middle’ attack through encryption.

What is End-to-End Encryption?

End-to-end encryption is how we keep private online messages, photos, information, and files out of the wrong hands. To date, it is one of the safest ways to keep your online communication private and can be especially important to those who send essential information.

E2EE ensures the entire line of communication is encrypted so nobody can intercept any message or file in sending and receiving.

E2EE can be pretty confusing, but, in short, it goes like this:

The sender uses the receiver’s Public Key to encrypt a message.
The Sever sees no plain text, only the encrypted message.
The message can only be opened when the Receiver uses their Private Key (which only they have) to open it.
The receiver reads the message.

Things are much more complicated when using End-to-End Encryption, but this should give you an idea of how it works on the surface.

Why Use E2EE?

E2EE is built into your hardware and software, meaning it just happens and doesn’t involve much work. E2EE keeps your data safe from hacks and keeps everything private.

In a world where vital information is shared online through email and other messaging apps (like Whatsapp and private messaging), E2EE can keep you safe from identity theft and the exposure of files you want to stay secure.

How to Get Your Emails End-to-End Encrypted

Well, the process of End-to-End Encryption is complex and deep, which means you ccan’tdo it yourself. TThat’swhy an email encryption add-in is the way to go right now.

Add-ins like Permido allow you to secure your emails with E2EE and, on top of that, become GDPR-friendly. Permido will enable you to safely use your email with the click of a button, so you ddon’thave to worry about having someone hack your data or read your messages.

With all the complexities around encryption, who would have guessed that you can keep yourself safe by using a simple plug-in?

Why End-to-End Email Encryption Is the Way To Go: FAQs

Why is email encryption necessary?

Traditional email communication is often unencrypted, meaning anyone who intercepts the message can read it. Encryption adds a vital layer of security, especially when dealing with sensitive information.

What does end-to-end encryption mean for email?

With end-to-end encryption, the message is encrypted on the ssender’sdevice and remains encrypted until it reaches the rrecipient’sdevice. The recipient then uses their decryption key to access the message content.

What is the critical advantage of end-to-end efficient encryption?

The critical advantage of end-to-end encryption is that it removes the “rust factor” from email service providers. Even if hackers gain access to the email servers, they cannot decrypt the message content without the rrecipient’skey.

Is it reasonable to have end-to-end encryption?

End-to-end encryption is highly beneficial for anyone who values email privacy and security, especially when dealing with sensitive information. However, iit’simportant to note that some encrypted email services might have limitations, such as difficulty recovering lost passwords or message retrieval on new devices.

How do I get end-to-end encryption for email?

Several email service providers offer end-to-end encryption options. Research and choose a service that aligns with your needs, considering factors like ease of use, security features, reputation, and potential limitations.

Bottom Line

By understanding the importance of end-to-end encryption and addressing these FAQs, you can make informed decisions about securing your email communication and safeguarding your sensitive information.

In ttoday’sdigital landscape, prioritizing email security is essential for protecting your privacy and maintaining control over your data.

RECOMMENDED POSTS

Interview With Michael Bruemmer, Vice President of Experian Data Breach Resolution Group and Consumer Protection

Daniel Segun

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April 13, 2024

0

Interview With Michael Bruemmer, Vice President of Experian Data Breach Resolution Group and Consumer Protection

Want to prevent identity theft? In this interview, we sat down with Michael Bruemmer, Vice President of Experian Data Breach Resolution Group and Consumer Protection, to learn more about cyber threats and how primary internet users can protect themselves.

Experian is the world’s leading global information services company. During life’s big moments — from buying a home or a car to sending a child to college to growing a business by connecting with new customers — they empower consumers and their clients to manage their data confidently.

Additionally, Experian helps individuals to take financial control and access financial services, businesses to make smarter decisions and thrive, lenders to lend more responsibly, and organizations to prevent identity fraud and crime.

Interestingly, they have 16,500 people operating across 39 countries and every day they’re investing in new technologies, talented people and innovation to help all their clients maximize every opportunity. Also, they are listed on the London Stock Exchange (EXPN) and are a constituent of the FTSE 100 Index.

Table of Contents

Michael Bruemmer Interview

1. Question: What are the threats associated with exposed personal information?

Michael Bruemmer: There are many ramifications to having your personal information exposed or stolen.

For example, we have seen that much personal information, such as name, address, phone number, social security number, and medical identification number, is sold on the dark web. Bad actors run the dark web like a marketplace, with pieces of data being bought and sold regularly.

Ultimately, it is hard to say when the impact, if any, would occur. Cybercriminals may try to use the data to hack into your financial accounts to steal money. Sometimes, they use it to blackmail companies for cash, termed ransomware. They also steal information to cause havoc.

But every consumer should take identity theft seriously and be vigilant about protecting themselves. They should practice good security hygiene by doing the following:

Do not connect to public Wi-Fi.
Only access safe and reputable websites with the SSL security certificate (the s in https://).
Shredders are an intelligent way to destroy unneeded personal documents, like bank statements, so they don’t end up in the wrong hands.
Consumers should also be wary of suspicious emails and avoid clicking links that could be phishing scams.
Password-protecting devices and accounts can also help secure personal information, especially regarding a cell phone.
Mobile technology provides access to sensitive information, so setting a unique password and changing it regularly can help protect that information. Enabling remote finding and wiping software, which tracks the phone or destroys data if the phone is lost or stolen, is an extra step that could ensure the safety of personal information.
Identity theft risk is also reduced by carefully posting information on social media.

There is information here for consumers on our blog: https://www.experian.com/blogs/ask-experian/how-to-protect-yourself-from-identity-theft/

2. Question: What should the primary internet user do in the case of identity theft?

Michael Bruemmer: To protect yourself, you should follow the tips, as mentioned above, to avoid using public Wi-Fi and to only use credible websites.

Also, when online shopping, it’s beneficial to use a specific credit card with a low spending limit used just for online shopping. With a low spending limit, the criminal can’t do much damage if the card number gets stolen and used for fraudulent purchases.

If a person is a victim of identity theft, they should report it to their local authorities.

They should also report identity theft to the Federal Trade Commission. The FTC has a designated identity theft website that offers step-by-step instructions to help victims reach mediation.

Other steps include contacting creditors, changing your passwords to your online financial accounts and checking your credit reports from each of the three national credit bureaus (Experian, TransUnion, Equifax) periodically for any fraudulent activity.

If you suspect fraud, consumers can contact the credit bureaus to submit a claim and have it investigated.

3. Question: What is the most effective pre-breach security measure companies should implement?

Michael Bruemmer: Employees have been – and continue to be – companies weakest link in the security fence.

Our 2019 corporate preparedness study found that, unfortunately, companies are still not shoring up their security training for employees, which is the most effective approach companies should adopt.

Only 72 per cent of respondents say they have an employee security training program, down from 73 per cent the year prior. This number should be increasing.

When asked how often the training is conducted, 49 per cent do it as part of onboarding new employees, only two cent do it every six months, 24 per cent conduct it annually, and 25 per cent conduct it sporadically. Also, only 50 per cent train employees on phishing scams, while 69 per cent of respondents had experienced phishing attacks in the prior 12 months.

Companies recognize this is a problem, though. A majority of respondents (87%) say employee negligence has a significant/very significant influence on their security posture.

This is an easy area to address and improve, and I recommend that training be conducted at least annually.

With the current climate, hackers are even more aggressive right now. They are unleashing email or texting phishing campaigns. We also see that a trend with hackers is they are being more patient than ever and infiltrating systems but just remaining ‘hidden’.

They are taking time to do this across all industries affected by the pandemic. As soon as we get the ‘back to normal’ order, businesses will focus on everything else to get back on track, but cybersecurity may not be a top priority, and then the hackers will spur into action.

It’s a wrap for the Michael Bruemmer interview.

Note: This was initially published in June 2020 but has been updated for freshness and accuracy.

INTERESTING POSTS

SWF File: What Is It? How Do I Play SWF Files?

Features

Daniel Segun | ✔️Fact-checked by: Angela Daniel

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April 13, 2024

0

SWF File: What Is It? How Do I Play SWF Files?

In this post, we will show you the SWF file format, how to play it on a Windows PC, and the best software to play SWF files.

In the past, if you encountered an interactive video embedded on a site, it was most probably an SWF file running in the background.

An SWF or Small Web Format (also known as Shockwave Flash file) is a format created by Macromedia (initially) and has been owned by Adobe since 2005. Beforeay 2008, playing such files was restricted on Adobe software.

Still, over time, Adobe removed the limitations, and other web technologies, such as CSS3 animations and HTML5 video support, have primarily replaced the SWF file format.

Now, let’s answer the question – what is a SWF file?

Table of Contents

What Is SWF File?

In the pre-YouTube era, when online videos are unfamiliar, the most common way to embed a video, or interactive content, on your website is via an SWF file. SWF files hold raster graphics or vector-based animations, videos, text, and interactive content written in ActionScript compressed to make them easy to share online.

Why Can’t I Play an SWF File on Windows 10?

SWF files bring sound, video, and animated graphics to the web, especially when delivering browser-based online games.

They’re not meant to be edited because they contain compressed media and compiled ActionScript, but you can modify the Flash animation by editing the original FLA file.

Windows won’t play SWF files automatically because the format is outdated and is being phased out as Adobe officially designated it an End of Life, which means it won’t be developed or supported anymore.

READ ALSO: Best VPN For 2022

How To Play SWF Files

SWF files are usually played automatically from a browser installed with the Adobe Flash Player plugin, such as Internet Explorer, Microsoft Edge, or Firefox. Consequently, if you have a file with the .swf extension on your computer, you can open or play it by dragging and dropping it into your browser window.

Most browsers sometimes block Flash by default because it’s a known vector of attack for viruses and hackers. You can pick one browser, like Internet Explorer, and use it only for files that need to be opened or played using Flash. This way, you can manage the browser with a potential vulnerability and act accordingly. However, this isn’t a license for downloading anything online or visiting dodgy sites.

In IEdownloading anything online or visitingclicking on the gear cog at the upper right side of the screen next to the search bar. In the new drop-down menu, click Manage add-ons.

Next, click Toolbars and Extensions to highlight it.

In the list of applications, go to the Microsoft Windows Third Party Application Component section and click on Shockwave Flash Object.

Check whether the Status says Enabled or Disabled. If it’s disabled, click Enable and then close the window.

When done, open File Explorer and find your SWF file, right-click on it and click Open With. If you see the How do you want to open this file? Ignore that and click the More Apps option instead. Select Internet Explorer from the list of applications and then click OK.

Internet Explorer will open up a new window and display the contents of your SWF file. If you see the warning asking whether the SWF file uses ActiveX, click Allow if you’re sure the file is from a safe place.

READ ALSO: 5 Best Browsers for Online Gaming

You can then view the contents of your SWF file, whether it’s audio, video or animation. You can embed the SWF file into a PDF file and use it with Adobe Reader 9 or later versions.

Using Software to Play SWF Files

You can use several tools to play SWF files besides using it on your web browser.

Adobe’s products like Animate, Dreamweaver, After Effects or Flash Builder can open SWF files.

Some non-Adobe tools include the SWF File Player for Windows, which plays SWF games for free, and others like GOM Player and MPC-HC, which are also free to use.

For Mac users, you can use free SWF file players like Elmedia Player or SWF & FLV Player. The Elmedia Player is designed to play audio and video files, so it may not work with SWF-based games.

You can also use the Scaleform part of Autodesk Gameware, which works with SWF files.

Suppose you don’t like the hassle of trying to opopen an SWF file or playing other software in that case. You can still convert it into a video or audio file format using free video file converters like Freemake Video Converter. If your computer hasn’t installed Flash Player, you can convert it into an EXE file using Adobe Animate and run it on your machine.

READ ALSO: How To Secure Your USB Flash Drive

SWF File: Frequently Asked Questions

How do I play SWF files on VLC Media Player?

Unfortunately, VLC Media Player does not natively support SWF files. While some older versions might have had experimental support, it’s unreliable.

What app can play SWF files?

Due to Flash’s limitations on mobile platforms, there isn’t a single, universally recommended app for playing SWF files on mobile devices. Exercising caution is advised when downloading mobile apps for this purpose.

How can I play SWF files without Adobe?

The methods mentioned above allow playing SWF files without Adobe Flash, but they might have limitations or reliability issues.

Are there alternatives to SWF files?

Modern web development utilizes various technologies like HTML5 animation and JavaScript to create interactive content, replacing the need for Flash and SWF files.

Wrap Up

We hope you now know what is SWF file is all about, how to open it, and how to play an SWF file using the steps above. Adobe may have placed it on End of Life, but if you still have it on your device, you still have the option to help you play it easily.

Since Flash is no longer supported, playing SWF files might become increasingly difficult. If you encounter an SWF file, consider searching for alternative sources of the content in a more current format or using online archive tools (like the Wayback Machine) to access older web pages that might have used Flash elements.

Note: This was initially published in July 2020 but has been updated for freshness and accuracy.

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Essential Google Chrome Add-ons for Security

Reviews

Chandra Palan | ✔️Fact-checked by: Christian Schmitz

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April 13, 2024

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Essential Google Chrome Add-ons for Security

Google Chrome is believed to have the most extensive user base worldwide due to its unique features, such as easy syncing, swift performance and straightforward interface.

Nevertheless, it also utilizes some add-ons for a better experience. Note that some of these ads or extensions are not secure. Using an insecure add-on leaves your browser at the mercy of a third party. Therefore, you must use Google Chrome add-ons for maximum security.

This post will look into some secure add-ons essential for Google Chrome browser security. Below are a few

Table of Contents

Essential Google Chrome Add-ons for Security

In today’s digital landscape, online security is paramount. While Google Chrome implements various security measures, browser extensions, also known as add-ons, can provide an extra layer of protection for your browsing experience.

Read Also: Online Security Tips for Kids

Here, we explore some essential Google Chrome add-ons that can significantly enhance online security.

Content Blocking and Privacy Protectors

uBlock Origin: This open-source ad blocker goes beyond essential ad removal. It blocks ads, trackers, malware, and unwanted pop-ups, offering a comprehensive defence against intrusive content. uBlock Origin is highly customizable, allowing you to whitelist specific websites or elements if desired.
Privacy Badger: This add-on by the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) focuses on blocking third-party trackers that monitor your browsing activity across different websites. Privacy Badger employs a machine learning algorithm to identify and block trackers as you browse, helping you maintain online privacy.
Ghostery: This popular add-on identifies trackers, web bugs, and other privacy-invasive elements embedded in websites. Ghostery provides detailed information about the trackers it detects, allowing you to make informed decisions about blocking them or allowing them on a case-by-case basis.
HTTPS Everywhere: This Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) project automatically upgrades websites to HTTPS whenever possible. HTTPS encrypts communication between your browser and the website, protecting your data from interception.

Password Management and Security Enhancement

Bitwarden: This highly-rated password manager offers a secure way to store and manage your login credentials. Bitwarden uses strong encryption to protect your passwords, allowing you to access them from any device with your master password. It also offers features like auto-fill and secure password sharing.
LastPass: Another popular password manager, LastPass, simplifies password management by securely storing your logins and automatically filling them in on websites. LastPass offers features like secure notes, multi-factor authentication (MFA), and a password generator to create strong, unique passwords for all your online accounts.
Dashlane: This robust password manager goes beyond password storage. Dashlane offers features like secure password sharing, data breach monitoring, and a virtual private network (VPN) to encrypt your internet traffic for an extra layer of security, especially when using public Wi-Fi.
Avast Online Security: This comprehensive add-on by Avast provides real-time protection while browsing. It blocks malicious websites, phishing attempts, and suspicious downloads. Avast Online Security also protects against browser hijacking and data leaks, offering a multi-layered defence against online threats.

Read Also: Online Security Tips for Seniors

Additional Security and Privacy Tools

Privacy Redirect: This add-on automatically redirects you to any website’s privacy policy page. This can help you understand how websites collect and use your data.
DuckDuckGo Privacy Essentials: This add-on by the privacy-focused search engine DuckDuckGo blocks tracking scripts and enforces HTTPS connections on websites. It also provides a bang search feature, allowing you to search directly on specific websites from the address bar.
Click&Clean: This add-on offers a range of cleaning and privacy tools. Click&Clean helps you clear your browsing history, cookies, cache, and download history with a single click. It also includes features for managing browsing extensions and protecting your privacy.
Web Scraper: While not strictly a security add-on, Web Scraper can be a valuable tool for developers and researchers. This add-on allows you to extract specific data from websites, but it’s essential to use it ethically and responsibly, respecting website terms of service.

Remember, installing too many add-ons can slow down your browser performance. Carefully evaluate your needs and choose add-ons that address specific security concerns without compromising browsing speed. Regularly update your add-ons to ensure they have the latest security patches.

Bottom Line

By implementing these essential Google Chrome add-ons and practising safe browsing habits, you can significantly enhance your online security and protect yourself from a wide range of threats.

Stay vigilant, update your software, and enjoy a more secure browsing experience.

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How To Protect Your SaaS Applications Against Ransomware

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Daniel Segun | ✔️Fact-checked by: Christian Schmitz

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April 13, 2024

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How To Protect Your SaaS Applications Against Ransomware

This post will show you how to protect SaaS applications against Ransomware.

SaaS adoption is growing at a faster rate than ever, with a Deloitte survey from the end of 2018 revealing that a massive 93% of respondents reported that they were adopting or at least considering cloud computing, with over half expecting to use cloud software for mission-critical applications over the next three years.

Even though businesses are increasing the overall trust they place in these cloud applications through their daily use, users are still expressing security concerns over the data they are storing within and transmitting through the cloud.

Although accidental deletion is the leading cause of data loss within SaaS environments – a more easily compatible risk through improving internal policies – this is closely followed by Ransomware, a much more aggressive and unpredictable threat.

This article will discuss the rise of Ransomware, the threat this poses to your SaaS applications, and clear, actionable steps to secure your environment, such as cloud-to-cloud backup or security awareness training.

Table of Contents

How do Businesses use SaaS Apps?

Before diving into the growing ransomware threat, we first need to establish how organizations use SaaS technology to understand the associated vulnerabilities.

Although the same few prominent providers might come to mind when considering SaaS applications – such as Microsoft, Adobe and Salesforce – most businesses use department-specific apps without realizing it.

The average company with 200 to 500 employees uses about 123 SaaS apps regularly, making application management a daunting task.

The Threat of Ransomware

After years of making headlines, Ransomware remains one of the most damaging threats to organizations globally. Recent studies show that 85% of managed service providers named Ransomware the most common malware threat to their clients in the last year, with 1 in 5 SMBs falling victim to an attack. But how does this affect cloud users?

In 2018, 44% of scanned organizations had some form of malware in at least one of their cloud applications, and as the most common form of malicious software, Ransomware is likely to make up most of these numbers. With how drastically SaaS adoption has grown in the few years since this, experts are warning users to prepare for an upsurge in cloud-targeting Ransomware in the coming year.

Infiltrating the Cloud

Typically, ransomware attacks infiltrate cloud applications through social engineering campaigns delivered to users via email. These emails use varying tactics to manipulate recipients into opening malicious attachments or links, often by impersonating trusted services or personal contacts.

From here, just like any other ransomware attack, the attauser’sompromises the user’s device key, making all of their importfilesiled inaccessible until a ransom is paid – but when the user in question is connected to the cloud, the threat doesn’t end there.

Hackers can spread the impact to more users within the company by uploading an infected file to the cloud. This can be done in two ways; either the hacker can sit back and allow a tool like Google & Sync or Office 365 Sync to do the work for them automatically, or if the user does not have file synchronization, they may use their social engineering tactics to get their hands on the targettargetinntials, compromising their account and uploading the corrupted file manually.

From this point the malware has the potential to encrypt every file within the cloud storage, as well as the on-premises data of any users who try to download the infected files.

“Cloud-computing organisations have an environment that is not only likely to be hosting a lot more data than those working strictly on-premises, but it also creates an easy path for criminals to spread the threat through the whole network by weaponizing shared files.
For attackers looking to create the biggest impact, and thereby claim the biggest ransom, it is certainly in their best interests to have their sights aimed at the cloud, and the fast rate of SaaS adoption is only going to bring them to this realisation sooner.”
Ben Carr, Technical Services Manager at Altinet UK

Protecting Your Cloud Environment

Due to the complexity of Ransomware attacks and the fast-changing nature of the tactics involved, there is no single solution to securing against the threat – instead, ad users must follow recommended best practices and consider adopting a multi-layered security salongsideprotect their data at every entry-point.

Below are various suggested steps that, when actioned along-side each other, make up a highly effective strategy for mitigating the ransomware threat for your SaaS applications and cloud-hosted data.

Keep Track of Your Apps

SaaS providers take full responsibility for monitoring applications for vulnerabilities and patching them through completely automated updates – o, you have nothing to worry about, right?

Not exactly. As previously highlighted, the average company uses over 100 SaaS applications, and many users fail to consider that these services can eventually shut down and – just as we’re doing with Windows 7 at the moment – this means that the provider is no longer ensuring these applications are free of vulnerabilities.

It outlines clear security policies that ensure the IT team approves all new cloud applications and is regularly monitored to avoid this scenario.

Security Awareness Training

With Ransomware being most commonly introduced to companies through social engineering – a tactic that relies solely on user error through manipulation – the most effective solution for preventing the threat is to regularly train your users on how to effectively identify and respond to suspicious emails that show signs of containing malware.

Identity & Access Management

To minimize the impact that a successful Ransomware infection could have on a company, admins should define access rights according to user roles and responsibilities, segmenting the network into smaller, similar groups so that any single affected user cannot lead to a company-wide data compromise.

Cloud-to-Cloud Backup

Cloud-to-cloud backup solutions are purpose-built for SaaS environments and involve securing data by backing it up from one cloud to another. Most C2C Backup solutions include point-in-time retrieval, meaning that in the event of an attack, users can delete the encrypted files and restore a version before the attack.

How To Protect Your SaaS Applications Against Ransomware: FAQs

What is the best way to protect against ransomware attacks?

A layered approach combining various security measures is most effective:

Strong Passwords and MFA: Implement robust password policies and enforce Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for all SaaS applications. This adds an extra layer of security beyond just a password.
User Awareness Training: Educate employees on recognizing phishing attempts and social engineering tactics commonly used in ransomware attacks.
Regular Backups: Regularly back up your critical data stored in SaaS applications. Ideally, store backups offline or in a separate cloud storage solution to ensure they are not compromised during an attack.
SaaS Provider Security Features: Many SaaS providers offer built-in security features like data encryption, access controls, and anomaly detection. Please familiarize yourself with these features and utilize them effectively.
Security Software: Consider implementing endpoint security software on devices used to access SaaS applications. This can help detect and block malware that might attempt to encrypt your data.

Can cloud providers prevent ransomware attacks?

Cloud providers offer a certain level of security for hosted data but cannot wholly prevent ransomware attacks. Your responsibility lies in securing your access and data within the SaaS application.

How do organizations protect against Ransomware?

Organizations can protect themselves from Ransomware through a combination of the following strategies:

Vulnerability Management: Regularly update software and operating systems on devices that access SaaS applications to patch known vulnerabilities that attackers might exploit.
Access Controls: Implement granular access controls within SaaS applications, granting users only the permissions they need to perform their tasks. This minimizes the potential damage if an account is compromised.
Incident Response Plan: Develop a clear incident response plan outlining the steps to take in case of a ransomware attack. This plan should include procedures for isolating the attack, notifying relevant authorities, and restoring data from backups.

What are ransomware protection practices used to protect the application data?

Here are some specific ransomware protection practices focused on application data:

Data Encryption: Encrypting your data at rest and in transit adds an extra layer of security, making it more difficult for attackers to decrypt it even if they gain access. Some SaaS providers offer data encryption options, while others might require you to implement encryption solutions.
Data Loss Prevention (DLP): DLP solutions can help prevent sensitive data from being accidentally, maliciously leaked, or exfiltrated from SaaS applications.

What is the first action to take against Ransomware?

The first action to take depends on the specific situation. However, some general steps include:

Identify and Isolate the Threat: Identify the infected device or application and isolate it from the network to prevent the Ransomware from spreading.
Disconnect Infected Devices: Disconnect any infected devices from the internet to prevent further communication with the attack attackerattackattackers’nd overs.
Assess the Damage: Evaluate the extent of the attack and determine what data has been compromised.
Report the Attack: Report the ransomware attack to the relevant authorities and your SaaS provider.
Restore from Backups: If possible, restore your data from clean backups to recover from the attack.

By implementing these security measures and being prepared to respond to an attack, you can significantly reduce the risk of Ransomware impacting your SaaS applications and minimize potential damage.

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Cybersecurity for Small Businesses: What Makes it so Important

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Daniel Segun

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April 13, 2024

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Cybersecurity for Small Businesses: What Makes it so Important

Here, I will show you why cybersecurity for small business is so critical.

Every small business is fast adopting the new technology offered by virtual data rooms.

Since the world has become almost digital, there is also a need for people and more importantly, businesses and organizations to follow the same trend. This technology ensures that data and vital information are safely stored, sorted and transferred between transacting parties.

Small businesses and large businesses are all victims of potential cyber-attacks. As a defence mechanism, cybersecurity is what makes data rooms secure. This is because the data rooms are virtual and allow small businesses to carry out transactions without fear of hacks or data breaches.

Virtual data rooms (VDRs) are already widely used among small businesses today because of the enormous benefits they enjoy from using data rooms.

Virtual data rooms such as DealRoom and others allow small businesses to make transactions and keep records safely without any hitch. In other words, all business processes and deals are securely done in the virtual data rooms.

Despite the size of small businesses, hackers and cyber attackers are always trying to gain unauthorized access to vital information in the care of small businesses. One would have expected cyberattacks only to be targeted at more prominent companies. The truth is that, regardless of the business size, cyber-attacks are imminent.

Small businesses also have specific data that hackers are all after. Such confidential information may include the business’s intellectual property, customers’ addresses and contacts, clients’ and investors’ credit card information, health information records of people in the company or organization, and other sensitive documentation.

The risk of your business information being hacked by external parties on the internet is very high. This is because your small business has what those cybercriminals target.

Small businesses usually lack the resources to build a strong security network compared to more prominent companies. Nonetheless, virtual data rooms leverage small businesses to secure their data and vital documents.

In this digital age, ensuring cybersecurity has gone beyond just using firewalls or specific antivirus software that are easily susceptible to cyber attacks.

As a result of their high-level encryption network, virtual data rooms remain the safest bet for small businesses to switch to when it comes to cybersecurity.

VDRs have indeed replaced the conventional physical data rooms known to be liable to all sorts of attacks.

Table of Contents

What Makes Cybersecurity Important For Small Businesses?

Have you ever wondered why there has been so much emphasis on the need for small businesses to ensure cybersecurity? The importance of cybersecurity to small companies is many, and you cannot overemphasize them.

Some of the benefits of cybersecurity to small businesses include these;

1. Cybersecurity preserves your business data

Every aspect of a business has to do with data, whether you are storing data generated from transactions or sharing data with interested clients during a deal.

Overall, the heartbeat of any business is the safety of vital information in its possession. Cybersecurity helps to keep your business protected from cyber thefts and attacks targeted at your business data.

By this, your customers’ information, as well as business strategies, stay out of the hands of hackers.

2. It boosts the confidence level of both workers and clients

When your clients are assured that their data and information are safe with your small business, they can confidently transact and invest with you. Your customers would not need to be doubtful whether to share their credit card information with you.

In the same vein, cybersecurity will make sure that your workers are confident when they are online. As a business owner, you must see that your workers are well-trained to stay safe and secure online.

Once this is done, in addition to the cybersecurity platform for your business, you are assured that there will be fewer risks of cyberattacks.

3. It saves your business from being held for hacks and leaks

The effects of successful cyber attacks could be disastrous. It could be as much as being held liable for data breaches, being levied for fines and damages, and your business folding up.

On the contrary, cybersecurity saves you from such disasters and creates an atmosphere where you can do business safely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is cybersecurity critical for small businesses?

Small businesses are attractive targets for cybercriminals for several reasons:

Perceived Easier Targets: Smaller businesses may have weaker cybersecurity defences compared to more giant corporations, making them easier to exploit.
Valuable Data: Even small businesses possess valuable data, such as customer information, financial records, and intellectual property, which attackers can steal or exploit.
Limited Resources: Small businesses often lack the budget or personnel to invest in robust cybersecurity solutions.

A successful cyberattack can have devastating consequences for a small business, leading to:

Financial Loss: Data breaches, ransomware attacks, and other cybercrimes can result in significant economic losses.
Reputational Damage: A security breach can erode customer trust and damage your business reputation.
Disruption of Operations: Cyberattacks can disrupt critical business operations, leading to downtime and lost productivity.

What are the reasons why cybersecurity is essential now more than ever?

The digital threat landscape constantly evolves, with new cyber threats always emerging. Here’s why cybersecurity is more important than ever for small businesses:

Increased Reliance on Technology: Businesses increasingly rely on technology for core operations, making them more vulnerable to cyberattacks.
Remote Work: The rise of remote work creates new security challenges as employees access company data from personal devices and unsecured networks.
Growing Cost of Cybercrime: The cost of cybercrime is rising globally, highlighting the importance of preventative measures.

What is the most critical aspect of cybersecurity for businesses?

There’s no single most important aspect, but a comprehensive approach is crucial. Here are some key elements:

Employee Awareness Training: Educating employees on cyber threats and best practices is essential to prevent them from falling victim to phishing attacks or social engineering scams.
Strong Passwords and Authentication: Implementing strong password policies and multi-factor authentication can significantly improve your security posture.
Data Security Measures: Protecting sensitive data with encryption, access controls, and regular backups is critical to prevent unauthorized access and data breaches.
Regular Software Updates: Keeping software and operating systems updated with the latest security patches is essential to address known vulnerabilities.
Incident Response Plan: Having a plan to respond to cyberattacks can help minimize damage and facilitate recovery.

How does cybersecurity improve business?

By prioritizing cybersecurity, small businesses can gain several advantages:

Reduced Risk of Cyberattacks: Implementing strong security measures can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to cyberattacks.
Enhanced Customer Trust: Demonstrating a commitment to cybersecurity can build trust with your customers and give them peace of mind.
Improved Business Continuity: A robust cybersecurity strategy can help ensure business continuity by minimizing downtime and data loss from cyberattacks.
Compliance with Regulations: Many industries have data security regulations that businesses must comply with. Strong cybersecurity practices can help ensure compliance.

What are the benefits of using cybersecurity?

The benefits of using cybersecurity extend far beyond simply avoiding cyberattacks:

Protection of Intellectual Property: Cybersecurity safeguards your valuable business ideas, trade secrets, and other forms of intellectual property.
Improved Operational Efficiency: Effective cybersecurity measures can streamline operations and minimize disruptions caused by cyberattacks.
Competitive Advantage: In today’s digital world, a strong cybersecurity posture can be a competitive differentiator, attracting more customers and partners.

What is the value of cybersecurity to business?

Cybersecurity is an investment, not an expense. By protecting your business from cyber threats, you can safeguard your financial stability, reputation, and customer trust. The value of cybersecurity lies in its ability to ensure the long-term success and sustainability of your small business.

Conclusion

Cybersecurity as a security measure is critical to small businesses. Ranging from safe data storage and transfer, it ensures that your company has a healthy platform that gives utmost confidence to all clients and workers.

As a business owner, virtual data rooms and other security measures are a must for your business to stay secure and safe on the internet.

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12 Common Online Scam Tactics: Shielding Yourself from Digital Deception

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Chandra Palan | ✔️Fact-checked by: Christian Schmitz

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April 11, 2024

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12 Common Online Scam Tactics: Shielding Yourself from Digital Deception

The Internet offers many opportunities for connection, information, and commerce. However, this digital landscape also harbors a dark side: common online scam tactics that trick unsuspecting users into revealing personal information or parting with their money.

These scams can be sophisticated and persuasive; even the most tech-savvy individuals can fall victim.

This guide explores various online scam tactics, equipping you with the knowledge to identify and avoid them. By understanding these deceptive practices, you can confidently navigate the online world and protect yourself from financial loss and identity theft.

Table of Contents

12 Common Online Scam Tactics

#1 Phishing Scams: The Bait and Switch of the Digital Age

Phishing scams remain one of the standard online scam tactics. Phishing emails or messages appear from legitimate sources, such as banks, credit card companies, or social media platforms. These emails often create a sense of urgency or fear, prompting you to click on a malicious link or download an attachment.

Once you click on the link or attachment, it might:

Direct you to a fake website: This website may closely resemble the actual website of the supposed sender, tricking you into entering your login credentials, social security number, or other sensitive information.
Download malware: The attachment might contain malware that infects your computer, steals your information, or holds your data hostage with ransomware.

How to Spot Phishing Scams

Suspicious Sender: Be wary of emails or messages from unknown senders. Legitimate companies will typically address you by name.
Sense of Urgency: Phishing emails often pressure you to act immediately, claiming your account is at risk, or there’s a limited-time offer.
Grammatical Errors and Typos: Legitimate companies typically have professional email formatting. Phishing emails might contain grammatical errors or typos.
Unfamiliar Links or Attachments: Don’t click on links or open attachments in emails from unknown senders. Verify the sender’s legitimacy before interacting with any content.

#2 Pharming Scams: A Deceptive Domain Disguise

While similar to phishing, pharming scams take a slightly different approach. Common online scam tactics in pharming involve manipulating your device’s DNS (Domain Name System) settings.

DNS translates website domain names whatbignext.com into IP addresses that computers can understand. In a pharming scam, attackers redirect you to a fake website that looks identical to the legitimate one, even though you typed in the correct URL.

Once on the fake website, you might unknowingly enter your login credentials or other sensitive information, which is then stolen by the attackers.

How to Avoid Pharming Scams

Bookmark Trusted Websites: Instead of relying on links in emails or search results, access websites directly through trusted bookmarks.
Check the URL Carefully: Before entering any information on a website, scrutinize the URL for typos or slight variations from the legitimate domain name.
Look for Security Indicators: Ensure the website uses HTTPS encryption (indicated by a lock symbol in the address bar) for secure communication.

#3 Tech Support Scams: The “We’ve detected a Problem” Con

Common online scam tactics often involve unsolicited calls or pop-up messages claiming to be from technical support. These messages might warn you of a virus infection on your computer or other security threats.

The scammer then offers to “fix” the problem for a fee, often pressuring you to grant remote access to your computer or purchase unnecessary Software.

How to Avoid Tech Support Scams

Don’t Trust Unsolicited Calls: Legitimate tech support companies won’t contact you immediately.
Verify Information: If you receive a call about a supposed computer issue, contact the tech support department of your Software or hardware provider directly to verify its legitimacy.
Never Give Remote Access: Don’t grant remote access to your computer to unknown callers.
Keep Software Updated: Outdated Software can have security vulnerabilities. Regularly update your operating system and security software to minimize the risk of malware infections.

#4 Investment Scams: Promises of Quick Riches and Empty Pockets

The allure of easy money can be a powerful motivator, making investment scams a prevalent common online scam tactic.

These scams often involve unsolicited investment opportunities with unrealistic promises of high returns with little or no risk. The scammers might pressure you to invest quickly or use fake testimonials and endorsements to create a sense of legitimacy.

How to Avoid Investment Scams

Be Wary of Unsolicited Offers: Legitimate investment firms won’t pressure you into investing quickly.
Research Before You Invest: Never invest in anything you don’t understand thoroughly. Research the investment opportunity, the company involved, and its track record before committing any money.
Beware of Guaranteed Returns: Promises of guaranteed high returns are a red flag. All investments carry some degree of risk.
Check with Regulatory Bodies: Verify the legitimacy of the investment opportunity and the individuals promoting it with relevant regulatory bodies.

#5 Fake Online Stores: Bargain Basement Blues

The Internet offers many online stores, but not all are created equal. Common online scam tactics include fake online stores that lure you in with unbelievably low prices on popular brand-name items.

Once you place an order and pay, you may receive nothing, a cheap imitation of the product or even malware-laden Software.

How to Avoid Fake Online Stores

Shop at Reputable Retailers: Stick to established online retailers with a good reputation.
Check for Reviews: Read online reviews from other customers before purchasing.
Beware of “Too Good to Be True” Prices: If a price seems suspiciously low, it probably is.
Look for Security Features: Ensure the website uses HTTPS encryption and has a secure payment gateway.

#6 Social Media Scams: Friends, Followers, and Phony Profiles

Social media platforms are a breeding ground for common online scam tactics. These scams can take many forms, such as:

Fake friend requests: Scammers might create fake profiles pretending to be friends, family members, or celebrities to gain your trust and eventually ask for money or personal information.
Impersonation scams: Scammers might impersonate legitimate companies or organizations on social media to trick you into revealing sensitive information.
Social media contests and giveaways: Fake contests or giveaways on social media might promise expensive prizes but require you to share personal information or pay a participation fee.

How to Avoid Social Media Scams

Be Wary of Friend Requests: Don’t accept friend requests from people you don’t know.
Scrutinize Profiles: Look for inconsistencies in profile information and photos of fake profiles.
Don’t Share Personal Information: Be cautious about what you share on social media, especially financial information or social security numbers.
Verify Information: If you receive a message from someone claiming to be a friend or a company, contact them directly through a verified channel to confirm its legitimacy.

#7 Dating and Romance Scams: Love in the Time of Deception

Dating platforms can be an excellent way to connect with people, but they also attract scammers who use common online scam tactics to exploit emotions.

These romance scams often involve the scammer building an online relationship with the victim, gaining their trust, and eventually manipulating them into sending money or gifts.

How to Avoid Dating and Romance Scams

Beware of Early Declarations of Love: It might be a red flag if someone professes deep feelings for you very quickly.
Be Wary of Requests for Money: Legitimate love interests won’t ask you for money online.
Reverse Image Search Photos: If you suspect a profile might be fake, do a reverse image search of their profile picture to see if it appears elsewhere online.
Meet in Person: Once you feel comfortable, arrange to meet in person in a public setting. Online relationships should eventually transition to real-life interaction.

#8 Work-from-Home Scams: The Elusive Path to Easy Money

The dream of working from home and earning a good income can be enticing, making work-from-home scams a prevalent online tactic.

These scams often advertise jobs with minimal effort required and high potential earnings. However, they may require upfront fees, involve pyramid schemes, or become illegal activities disguised as legitimate work.

How to Avoid Work-from-Home Scams

Research the Company: Before applying for any work-from-home job, thoroughly research the company and the job description.
Beware of Upfront Fees: Legitimate companies typically don’t ask for upfront fees for employment.
Investigate the Job Description: Be wary of jobs that sound too good to be true or require minimal effort for high pay.
Check with Regulatory Bodies: Verify the company’s legitimacy with relevant regulatory bodies, especially if the job involves financial transactions.

#9 Beware of Free Trials and Auto-Renewals

Many online services offer free trials to entice users to sign up. However, some common online scam tactics involve free trials that automatically renew

into paid subscriptions without proper notification. You might unknowingly incur charges if you don’t cancel the service before the free trial ends.

How to Avoid Free Trial Scams

Read the Fine Print: Before signing up for any free trial, carefully read the terms and conditions, including the auto-renewal policy.
Set Calendar Reminders: Set calendar reminders to cancel the free trial before it converts to a paid subscription if you don’t intend to continue using the service.
Use a Separate Payment Method: Consider using a virtual credit card or a prepaid debit card specifically for free trials to avoid unintended charges.

#10 Fake Antivirus Software Scare Tactics

Common online scam tactics often involve unsolicited pop-up messages or websites warning you of nonexistent virus infections on your computer.

These fake warnings might pressure you to download and purchase supposedly essential antivirus software to remove the “threats.” However, the downloaded Software might be malware designed to steal your information or harm your computer.

How to Avoid Fake Antivirus Scams

Don’t Trust Unsolicited Pop-Ups: Never download or install Software from pop-up messages or untrusted websites.
Use Reputable Antivirus Software: Install a reputable antivirus program from a trusted source and keep it updated.
Schedule Regular Scans: Scan your computer with antivirus software to detect and remove potential threats.

#11 Beware of Scareware and Urgent Downloads

Common online scam tactics sometimes involve scareware tactics. Scareware is Software designed to frighten users into purchasing unnecessary Software or subscriptions. These tactics might involve fake virus warnings, pop-up messages claiming your computer is locked, or urgent prompts to download Software to fix a nonexistent problem.

How to Avoid Scareware Scams

Don’t Download Under Pressure: Never download Software under pressure from pop-up messages or urgent warnings.
Restart Your Computer: Restarting it might resolve the issue if it seems sluggish or displays unusual behavior.
Consult a Trusted Technician: If unsure about a supposed computer problem, consult a trusted technician for assistance.

#12 Beware of Malicious Mobile Apps

Mobile apps offer incredible functionality and convenience but can also be a gateway for common online scam tactics. Malicious mobile apps might:

Contain malware: These apps can steal your personal information and banking credentials or track your online activity.
Incur hidden charges: Some apps might subscribe you to premium services or in-app purchases without your explicit consent.
Bombard you with intrusive ads: Malicious apps might display excessive or inappropriate advertisements that disrupt your user experience.

How to Avoid Malicious Mobile App Scams

Download from Reputable App Stores: Only download apps from official app stores, such as the Google Play Store or Apple App Store, where some security measures are in place.
Read Reviews and Ratings: Read user reviews and ratings before downloading an app to understand its legitimacy and functionality.
Check App Permissions: Pay attention to the permissions requested by an app. Be wary of apps requesting access to unnecessary features like your microphone or location data.

Stay Vigilant and Protect Yourself

By familiarizing yourself with common online scam tactics and implementing the security measures mentioned above, you can significantly reduce your risk of falling victim to online deception. Remember, a healthy dose of skepticism and caution is crucial in the digital age.

Don’t hesitate to verify information and research opportunities before committing, and avoid sharing sensitive information readily. By staying vigilant and informed, you can confidently navigate the online world and protect yourself from financial loss and identity theft.

In conclusion, we cannot say that we’d stop using the Internet due to all these stories of scams. We should maintain high social media hygiene when dealing with strangers online.

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How to Securely Send Sensitive Information Over the Internet

Tips & Hacks

Abraham Faisal | ✔️Fact-checked by: Christian Schmitz

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April 11, 2024

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How to Securely Send Sensitive Information Over the Internet

In today’s digital age, we routinely share vast information online, from social media posts to online banking details. However, regarding sensitive information, like social security numbers, financial documents, or confidential work documents, how to securely send sensitive information over the Internet becomes crucial. Unprotected data can fall into the wrong hands, leading to identity theft, financial loss, or even reputational damage.

This guide explores various methods to securely ensure your sensitive information reaches its intended recipient. By understanding the risks and implementing these best practices, you can significantly reduce the chances of data breaches and safeguard your privacy.

Table of Contents

How to Securely Send Sensitive Information Over the Internet

1. Utilizing Encrypted Messengers

Many popular messaging apps now offer end-to-end encryption, which scrambles the content of your messages before they are sent.

This encryption ensures that only the sender and recipient can read the messages, even if a third party intercepts them.

Here are some popular encrypted messaging apps:

Signal: Widely regarded for its strong focus on privacy and security, Signal offers end-to-end encryption for messages, calls, and file sharing.
WhatsApp: While recently under scrutiny regarding data collection practices, WhatsApp offers end-to-end encryption for messages by default.
Telegram: Provides end-to-end encryption for chats designated explicitly as “Secret Chats.” Standard Telegram chats offer cloud-based storage, which might be less secure for susceptible information.

Important Considerations:

End-to-end Encryption: Ensure the chosen messaging app offers actual end-to-end encryption. This means the messages are encrypted on the sender’s device and decrypted only on the recipient’s device, without being accessible on any servers in between.
Recipient Compatibility: Verify that the recipient uses the same encrypted messaging app to ensure end-to-end encryption capabilities. Sending encrypted messages to someone using a non-encrypted platform negates the security benefits.

2. Secure File-Sending Services: Sharing Large or Encrypted Files

While encrypted messaging apps are great for text and small files, they might not be suitable for sending large documents or susceptible files requiring additional security measures. This is where secure file-sharing services come into play. These platforms offer features like:

Encryption at Rest and Transit: Files are encrypted both on the user’s device and while transferred to the recipient, ensuring maximum protection.
Password Protection: An extra layer of security can be added by password-protecting the files before uploading them to the service.
Access Controls: Some services allow you to set expiration dates for file access or restrict downloads to specific recipients.

Here are some reputable, secure file-sharing services:

Citrix ShareFile: A popular business-oriented solution offering robust security features and access controls.
Mega: Provides a free plan with a generous storage limit and user-friendly interface.
Sync.com: Known for its strong focus on privacy and zero-knowledge encryption, where even the service provider cannot access your data.

Important Considerations:

Storage Limits: Many services offer free plans with limited storage space. Depending on your file-sharing needs, upgrading to a paid plan might be necessary.
Security Features: Compare the security features of different services, such as encryption protocols and access control options.
User Interface and Ease of Use: Choose a service with a user-friendly interface that simplifies the file-sharing process for both you and the recipient.

3. Secure Browsers: Guarding Your Information During Online Transactions

While most modern browsers offer basic security features, using a browser specifically designed with security in mind can provide an extra layer of protection when sending sensitive information over the Internet. Secure browsers often include features like:

Enhanced Phishing Protection: They can warn you about suspicious websites or emails that might be phishing attempts to steal your information.
Blocking Malicious Content: Secure browsers might actively block malicious websites or scripts that could compromise your data.
Sandboxing: This technology isolates websites you visit, preventing them from accessing other parts of your system or stealing data.

Here are some secure browsers to consider:

Tor Browser: Offers the highest level of anonymity by routing your traffic through the Tor network, ideal for situations requiring maximum privacy. However, it can be slower than traditional browsers.
Brave: Provides built-in ad blocking, tracking prevention, and robust security features while maintaining good performance.
Firefox Focus: A privacy-focused mobile browser from Mozilla that prioritizes user privacy and data protection.

Important Considerations:

Balance Between Security and Performance: Some secure browsers might have features that can impact browsing
speed. Consider your priorities and choose a browser that balances security and performance well.
Browser Updates: Like any software, keeping your browser updated with the latest security patches is crucial to maintain optimal protection.

4. Utilizing One-Time Links: For Temporary File Sharing

One-time links offer a convenient and secure way to share sensitive files. These links are generated by file-sharing services and allow access to the file only once within a designated timeframe.

The file becomes inaccessible after the link expires or is used once, minimizing the risk of unauthorized access.

Here are some benefits of using one-time links:

Limited Access: One-time use prevents the link from being forwarded or shared further, restricting access to the intended recipient.
Password Protection: Many services allow adding password protection to one-time links for an extra layer of security.
Download Tracking: Some services offer download tracking, allowing you to see if and when the recipient has accessed the file.

Important Considerations:

File Size Limitations: Some services might limit the size of files you can share using one-time links.
Service Reliability: Choose a reputable file-sharing service with a good security and uptime track record.

5. Additional Methods for Enhanced Security

Here are some additional methods to consider when sending sensitive information over the Internet:

Public Wi-Fi Caution: Avoid sending sensitive information over public Wi-Fi networks. Public Wi-Fi is inherently insecure and can be easily intercepted by hackers. If you must use public Wi-Fi, consider using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) to encrypt your internet traffic.
Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Enable 2FA on all accounts containing sensitive information. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second verification code and your password whenever you log in.
Strong Passwords: Creating strong, unique passwords for all your online accounts is crucial. Avoid using easily guessable passwords or the same password for multiple accounts. Password managers can help you generate and store strong passwords securely.
Be Wary of Email Attachments: Exercise caution when opening email attachments, especially from unknown senders. Malicious attachments can contain malware that can steal your information or compromise your system.

Conclusion

By understanding the risks and implementing these best practices, you can significantly reduce the chances of your sensitive information falling into the wrong hands.

Remember, securely sending sensitive information over the Internet requires a layered approach.

Combine the above methods with a healthy dose of caution and awareness to navigate the digital world and confidently protect your privacy.

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