Google Chrome Security Alert

Google last week issued an update to its Chrome web browser that includes a fix for a critical security flaw. But because it doesn't want evil hackers exploiting the vulnerability, the browser maker didn't give many details other than the flaw involves "use after free in speech recognizer."

https://www.tomsguide.com/uk/amp/news/chrome-security-bug

Corona Virus Phishing Attacks

Read this article about how Corona Virus related phishing attacks increased in March 2020.

https://www.securitymagazine.com/articles/92157-coronavirus-related-spear-phishing-attacks-see-667-increase-in-march-2020

Remote Connectivity

Due to recent events a lot of us are working from home. Remote work can put businesses at risk. Read this article to find out why some businesses might be at risk by connecting remotely.

https://www.forbes.com/sites/carrierubinstein/2020/04/10/beware-remote-work-involves-these-3-cyber-security-risks/#6f3b5a261c44

Cybercriminals Increasingly Harnessing Stolen Identity Data to Launch Global Attacks

This week's article is about how cybercriminals are using stolen data to launch global attacks.


https://www.securitymagazine.com/articles/91836-cybercriminals-increasingly-harnessing-stolen-identity-data-to-launch-global-attacks

Useful Chrome Extensions

Last week I did a post on Firefox useful extensions. This week the provided link covers some fun and useful extensions in chrome. My personal favorite is caramelized. Check out the link for more.

https://download.cnet.com/news/the-best-chrome-extensions-to-make-your-browser-work-for-you/

Avoid VPN Apps

If you're an android VPN user you need to read this article that I found. It mentions 7 VPN apps to stay away from. 

https://www.cnet.com/news/avoid-these-7-android-vpn-apps-because-of-their-privacy-sins/

Can add-ons help us stay secure?

You can download extensions to customize your browser to match your needs. You can add different themes and add-ons to monitor your privacy. If you're a Mozilla Firefox user read this article, it explains all the Firefox add-ons in detail that will help you keep your browser secure.

https://download.cnet.com/news/stay-private-and-protected-with-the-best-firefox-security-extensions/

Common Cyber Attacks

Cybercrimes have been increasing every year. Some of the common cyber-attacks today are described here:

https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/products/security/common-cyberattacks.html#~types-of-cyber-attacks

Cold Boot Attacks Are Still Hot

I found this article very interesting and informative and everyone should give it a read. It talks about how cold boot attacks can steal passwords in under two minutes, how the attack occurs, and how to defend against the attack.

https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/cold-boot-attack-steals-passwords-in-under-two-minutes/

What are bots?

Bots are internet robots, also known as spiders, crawlers, and web bots. They are basically used for repetitive jobs. You've probably seen these bots on social media in the comments section. They often come in the form of malware which will take over your computer. Bots can also be used for positive things such as gathering info, automatic interaction with instant messaging. However, most bots are used for negative purposes such as gathering pass3words, to obtain financial info, launch Dos attacks, open back doors on the infected computer. These bots usually go unnoticed and will hide in "the shadows" of a computer. Your computer is probably affected by bots if your internet access is slow, computer crashes for no reason, programs are running slow, pop ads popping up even when you're not using a web browser and much more (check the link). Some of the ways you can protect your computer from these bots are:
Install firewalls
Use complicated passwords
Don't use the same password
Make sure your software's are up to date
Don't use portable storage drives in an infected computer.

Link: https://us.norton.com/internetsecurity-malware-what-are-bots.html

Ako Ransomware

Ako ransomware is the most modern ransomware and it is spread through networks. This ransomware will post a file labeled "ako-readme.txt" on the desktop. According to Bleeping computer, this ransomware was found targeting an entire network instead of individual workstations. How does it work? This ransomware will delete the shadow volume copies and backups. It then disables the windows recovery environment. During file encryption, it will randomly add extensions to the files. It skips files with .exe, .sys, .dll, .ini, .key, and .rdp extensions. It checks other connected machines on the network to complete the encryption process. In the end, the ransomware will place a file labeled "ako-readme.txt" on the desktop. Ako ransomware is a very serious threat. By infecting the entire network it forces the victim companies to pay the ransom, which could cost them millions.

Source:https://cyware.com/news/ako-ransomware-could-be-the-next-threat-to-your-network-f2ff369b