BullGuard Archives - MPM IT SUPPORT SERVICES

BullGuard Does It Again

If you take a look at our Internet Security and Anti Virus page, you will discover that we are great advocates of BullGuard.

We’re delighted to tell you that BullGuard has once again been awarded top honours in an AV-Test of anti-virus software for home users.

This is an independent test, which assesses security software from 11 different vendors (on computers running Windows 10).

BullGuard wiped the board, scoring the highest in every category.

We’ll let BullGuard tell you more.

BullGuard wins!

Protection

BullGuard Internet Security gained top marks in the protection category which tested for how well it stopped viruses. Including zero-day threats which often cause the most damage. One example is last year’s WannaCry ransomware, which rampaged around the world in a matter of hours taking out the systems of many high profile organisations.

BullGuard’s multi-layered detection engine is specifically designed to stop all threats from getting through. Including all types of ransomware and crypto-mining malware.

Performance

BullGuard Internet Security also gained top marks for performance. This category assesses how well antivirus software operates on a computer.

Does it slow a computer down; does it interrupt other processes on a computer? No; this is why BullGuard ranked highest.

BullGuard Internet Security boosts performance for gamers. Its Game Booster feature ensures players don’t have to turn off their protection to enjoy blisteringly fast gaming.

Usability

Usability was the third and final category that AV-Test assessed across all the antivirus software suites.

Again, BullGuard achieved full marks. This wasn’t surprising given that one of BullGuard’s guiding design principles is to ensure the software is uncompromisingly easy-to-use.

Too often security software can appear complex for home users. As a dedicated supplier of security software for home users, BullGuard takes the position that the user must be at the centre. As a result, the user control panel is simple-to-use, well-designed and aesthetically pleasing, as AV-Test will testify too.

Everyone at MPM IT wants to extend our congratulations to BullGuard and thank them for providing excellent protection.

MPM Computer Consultancy provides IT Services, Support and Training to sole traders and small businesses in Ipswich, Bury St Edmunds, and surrounding villages.

Source: BullGuard

How to Avoid Mobile Scams

mobile scams

Back in 2016, mobile device usage overtook fixed computing internet usage, so it’s hardly surprising that smartphone and mobile devices are a huge target for cyber villains.

According to a recent article in BullGuard, recently:

More than 500 Android mobile apps were removed from Google Play after it was discovered that a software development kit (SDK) embedded in the apps could be leveraged to install spyware on devices

The SDK was developed by a Chinese company and may have been used to install malware

To illustrate the scale of the problem further:

Last year, in a two month period, malware known as CopyCat infected 14 million devices around the world and rooted (i.e. gained root access to your device) more than half of them, about eight million devices

The malware spread via popular apps, which were repackaged with CopyCat and available for download on third-party app stores

It installed a component to the device’s system directory and targeted Android core process that launches apps, basically giving attackers admin privileges

When you get your phone out of the box, you can only alter what the manufacturer allows you to. Gaining root access means you can modify the device’s software on the deepest level, giving hackers remote control over your device.

Scary stuff.

How to beat the scammers

The best way you can protect yourself is by using mobile security. There are lots out there, but here at MPM IT we recommend BullGuard’s free Mobile Security.

MPM Computer Consultancy provides IT Services, Support and Training to sole traders and small businesses in Ipswich. Bury St Edmunds and surrounding villages.

Source: BullGuard

Beware Fake Apps

Fake apps

Yes, there really are fake apps out there masquerading as the real deal.

They can be used to implant trojans onto your device that can, for instance, be used to steal banking credentials, spyware and adware.

Last year, two new types of mobile malware were found that planted adware and spyware:

LevelDropper – discovered in the Google Play Store it first rooted devices and then went on to install applications on the victim’s device such as adware and malicious spyware.
Shedun – masqueraded as legitimate apps such as Facebook, Twitter and WhatsApp and then planted adware

How to spot the fakes

A recent article on Bullguard.com offers some handy tips on how you can spot fake apps:

Many fake apps are clones of popular established apps. If in doubt as to the legitimacy of an app you are about to download back pedal a little bit and do a bit of research.
Read reviews about the app. If they are short and a bit bland it could well be a scam. Also look out for reviews from users who have been duped; they’ll let you know in no uncertain terms if it’s a scam.
However, also keep in mind that an app with few reviews or few downloads might be from a developer who is just starting out.
To establish a developer’s legitimacy see if they have a website. If they are genuine they will likely have website that showcases their apps.
You can also check the app details. If it’s genuine it will likely be well designed with lots of clear instructions. If it’s a scam its likely to be poorly designed so much so it could be actually quite jarring.

Here at MPMIT, we recommend you use BullGuard to protect your devices.

MPM Computer Consultancy provides IT Services, Support and Training to sole traders and small businesses in Ipswich. Bury St Edmunds and surrounding villages.

 Source: Bullguard

Smart Protection: Security of Things

Internet of Things

It is the age of IoT (the Internet of Things).

More and more IoT devices are being launched, which on the face of it should be a good thing but think again.

The rise of IoT means there are millions of unsecured routers, webcams, IP cameras, baby monitors, etc., out there ready and waiting for a botnet to come along and cause mayhem. This problem will get bigger as smart connected devices become commonplace.

The good news is that security vendors have recognised the need for smart device protection. However, many of these products are reworked versions of existing security suites that are designed to protect computers so not particularly useful.
Effective smart device protection needs a more robust defence. For example, Dojo by BullGuard is a smart home protection technology that features five protective layers, as Forbes magazine said:

“[Recently,] personal security company BullGuard announced it had acquired Israel’s Dojo-Labs, [which] has been working on a product that provides security across devices to the Smart and connected home. Some have called this SoT, the Security of Things, the logical next step in the development of IoT; the much better-known Internet of Things.

“In stealth mode since the winter of 2014, the Israeli startup had been early to realise that a smart home will be wide open to hackers because of the proliferation of devices and the huge challenges of ensuring they are secure.”

This security platform uses artificial intelligence and machine learning to provide the most cutting-edge IoT security available today. It’s also incredibly simple to use.

It is hoped that technologies like this will help redress the balance and provide the much-needed protection that smart device users need as the IoT revolution rolls forward.

MPM Computer Consultancy provides IT Services, Support and Training to sole traders and small businesses in Ipswich. Bury St Edmunds and surrounding villages.

Source: BullGuard

The Internet of Things is Insecure

Internet of Things

Internets of Things (IoT) devices are becoming increasingly commonplace and yet many are widely acknowledged to be insecure.

If that’s the case, why isn’t anything being done about it?

Before you start throwing our your IoT devices it’s worth remembering that they aren’t all insecure. However, many security issues arise during the manufacturing process because the companies that make your IoT devices aren’t security vendors and so end up making fundamental mistakes, such as:

Passwords are hard coded into device firmware meaning they can’t be changed
Web consoles used to control IoT devices don’t encrypt data
Back doors are left open by the manufacturer’s developers when they are creating the software for IoT devices
Pre-set default passwords are often very easy to detect and crack such as ‘admin’
It’s not easy to apply updates to IoT devices to patch against vulnerabilities
Security that does exist is often too complex for average users to manage

If that’s the case why aren’t manufacturers doing anything about it?

Well, there are steps they can take to increase security. These include:

Enabling automatic device updates
Designing devices with security in mind
Providing lifetime support
Incorporating best security practice
Giving users the option to disable specific functionality such as peer-to-peer communications
Incorporating IOT devices into regular security assessments

The reason why they aren’t taking these ostensibly simple steps is that it would mean having to adopt new business models, which would incur additional costs. Most operate on low margins and need to sell lots of devices to be profitable and to adopt the points outlined above would require a lot of investment.

Perhaps the answer is for the government to impose regulations as in other industries. The problem is if a government were to do that it could:

Drive manufacturers to operate in rival territories
Create conflict with other nations
Cause economic conflicts

Above all, it’s seen as an industry issue rather than a government one.

All of this paints a pretty bleak picture, so what can be done?

Change will come down to one thing: large technology companies and organisations coming together to create a working body and set down security standards for IoT devices.

The result will be the adoption of standards, with those companies refusing to comply losing market share. Of course, all of this will take time.

Is there anything you can do now?

If you don’t want to wait for the manufacturers to take action, there is something you can do.

Despite the widespread vulnerabilities of IoT devices, BullGuard is offering consumers the option of protecting their smart devices and home networks with innovative protection.

The Dojo is a smart network device that plugs into a Wi-Fi router and it generates a view of all connected devices on a home network via a device called the Dojo pebble:

All internet traffic on the home network is routed via Dojo, allowing it to secure the home network against cyber-attacks and protect the user from privacy breaches.
Dojo discovers devices connected to the network, secures them and constantly analyses their network activity.
A cloud platform is constantly updated with this behavioural information and with cyber security- related knowledge.
When malicious activity or privacy breach is detected, Dojo notifies its owner through a mobile app, and in most cases automatically emits mitigates the risk.
The Dojo pebble also provides simple colour -based safety indication using green, orange, and red lights.

IoT devices are here to stay and will continue to dominate our lives. With growing fears about security, BullGuard’s solution will offer you peace of mind.

MPM Computer Consultancy provides IT Services, Support and Training to sole traders and small businesses in Ipswich. Bury St Edmunds and surrounding villages.

Soure: BullGuard

Why We Recommend BullGuard Internet Security

We always recommend BullGuard Internet Security to our clients, which inevitably means they ask why.

That’s why we decided to write this post so we could give you the low down on why we think it’s the best product on the market.

For starters, in January this year UK consumer champion Which? endorsed BullGuard Internet Security 2016 with a Which? ‘Best Buy’.

BullGuard Security

On top of that, it also offers you all of this:

It’s simple to install and easy to use.

BullGuard installs in minutes. Its intuitive layout makes it simple for you to run a quick scan, adjust protection levels, back up your files, customise your settings and more. Everything is just one click from the main BullGuard home screen.

Malware and Spyware Protection

The latest version of Antivirus includes Behavioural Detection, which spots new viruses by how they act on your computer. Together with Signature-based Detection, which deals with known malware, they make up a multi-layered defence system for PC that’s virtually impenetrable.

Safe Browsing

Some websites have malicious code hidden in them. Or they are used to launch phishing attacks. The BullGuard protection software checks the websites that come up in your searches and lets you know which ones are safe.

Stop unwanted applications take control

Some programmes contain adware, they install toolbars and modify your system settings. They’re not malicious like trojans or worms but they can change your browser settings, alter your home page and direct you to another search engine by default. BullGuard’s unwanted app tool flags up these programmes and stops them from changing your settings.

Advanced Backup

There is a whopping 5GB of FREE online storage included so you can keep your important data, photos, music and more safe. You can choose what you want to back up and how often, or just set the feature to auto backup. You can even back up content directly from folders with one click. Plus your back-up data is easily accessible whenever you want to view it or restore it to another computer or even your smart phone.

Firewall

This is your first line of defence against unwanted hackers and identity thieves. The firewall protects you against network attacks and prevents cyber crooks from entering your system.

Spam filter

BullGuard Spamfilter keeps out junk mail and email scams, like phishing attempts, virus spreading and foreign language spam. You can also customize filters to block emails you don’t want to receive.

PC Tune Up

You’ll never have to wait again to get your computer up and running. BullGuard’s PC Tune Up removes unnecessary files and frees up memory so your computer runs faster

Vulnerability Scanner

Checks your computer for out-dated software that hackers and viruses can exploit to gain access to your system, damage it or steal personal information. Once this software is flagged up it can then be removed.

Free 24/7 support

The BullGuard support team is there for you 24/7, providing expert advice and quick answers to your questions.

As you can see, it’s a pretty comprehensive internet security package. If you want to learn more give us a call.

MPM Computer Consultancy provides IT Services, Support and Training to sole traders and small businesses in Ipswich. Bury St Edmunds and surrounding villages.

Source: BullGuard

Look Out Windows 10 Hackers Are About

Windows 10 hackers

This shouldn’t really come as much of a surprise, but hackers have latched on to Windows 10.

Let’s face it, considering the number of spoof emails and malware there is floating around the internet these days, the latest from Microsoft’s stables was not going to remain unscathed for long.

Phishing attempts have already been detected.

One of the latest pretends to be a Windows 10 installer, but in fact installs ransomeware instead. The hackers send out emails claiming to be from Microsoft with an email attachment. The claim is that by unzipping the attached file you’ll receive a Windows 10 upgrade.

Of course, that’s not what you get. This particular one originates from Thailand, but you’ll need to be vigilant because the email’s colour scheme is very similar to the Windows 10 update app.

Protecting yourself from the hackers

The growing number of phishing tricks like this one highlights the need for protection.

Here at MPM IT we recommend BullGuard Internet Security because it guards against ransomeware and it features behavioural-based detection so new malware strains are identified and stopped.

But don’t take our word for it. Recently, it was awarded Best Buy status by the UK’s leading consumer champion, Which?

In their own words, BullGuard Internet Security was as impregnable as Fort Knox!

That’s quite an accolade.

Having the right protection and remaining vigilant at all times is the only way to stay safe and out of the clutches of the hackers.

MPM Computer Consultancy provides IT Services, Support and Training to sole traders and small businesses in Ipswich. Bury St Edmunds and surrounding villages.

Keep Your Kids Safe Online With BullGuard’s Guide

You grew up in a very different world to your children.

If you wanted to talk to your friends you either met up or used the telephone.

You didn’t have a photographic record of your every move mainly because by the time you’d finished the film and got it developed you’d forgotten all about it.

Today, children are used to everything happening immediately.

There’s nothing they can’t do on their phones and other devices: play games, chat with friends, take selfies, do homework and look at things they shouldn’t.

As a parent you have 2 choices: watch every move they make and be constantly looking over their shoulder, or educate them about the dangers of the internet and trust them to do the right thing.

Of course, that is if you are well versed in everything technological and let’s face it, how many of us really understand the internet as well as our kids do?

Thankfully, help is at hand.

BullGuard have put together A Parent’s Guide to Protecting Children Online to help you understand the dangers of the internet, offering helpful tips on how to keep your children safe and how to engage with them about their online activities without being overbearing.

It also includes the results of a survey of 2,000 parents that highlights the widespread concerns parents have about their children using the internet and the struggle of keeping up with technology and all that it entails.

Plus, there’s a really useful section on introducing children to the basics of security and understanding that online security isn’t just about stranger danger, it also encompasses malware and viruses.

Packed with practical advice, it’s a must-have for all parents.

You can get your copy here.

MPM Computer Consultancy provides IT Services, Support and Training to sole traders and small businesses in Ipswich. Bury St Edmunds and surrounding villages.

7 Ways to Protect Your Online Privacy

Internet privacy

The Internet has undoubtedly made your life easier.

You can find just about anything on it from the comfort of your own home and has made shopping around a lot easier.

As a business owner its transparency means you can use your website analytics to help define effective marketing campaigns. Mind you its transparency isn’t always good because it’s helped agencies such as GCHQ to develop tools and techniques to “snoop” on what people are doing whilst online.

You may think that’s a good thing, especially in today’s terrorist threats, but so you really want ad agencies scooping up information about your web movements so they can sell them on to the highest bidder?

If you’d rather they didn’t, here are a few tips to help you.

1. Search engines

Google is the number one search engine of choice for most people, but it also makes oodles of cash tracking your searches by selling on their data to advertisers.

How can you browse in peace? Well, the simple answer is to switch from Google to one of the smaller engines such as Blekko and DuckDuckGo.

2. Internet browsing

If you’re a Mac user you probably use Google Chrome, Internet Explorer or Safari, but you guessed it, they all snoop on you and track your searches even if you’re using private search mode.

If you want the snooping to stop switch to Firefox, Tor or Opera.

3. Email

You probably remember a while ago the fuss and bother that hit the fan when it came to light that Hotmail and Gmail were scrutinising the content of your emails. Again, the simple answer is to switch to a provider that encrypts your emails to keep them safe from prying eyes – such as Hushmail and Zixmail.

Mind you, changing email addresses is a bit of a faff, so I guess this one depends on how much you want to protect what you’re sending to people.

4. Social networks

These are the biggest giveaways of personal data. They are regularly trawled by hackers, criminals and the police. Pulling away from the digital social scene entirely may not be your cup of tea, so use them wisely and always be on your guard.

5. Encrypting files

For some this may seem a bit over the top, but if you’re serious about protecting your privacy encrypting all your files is the way to go.

Its a great way to keep all your files secure whether you’re sending them over the internet, backing them up or carrying them around on your laptop. The best place to start is by encrypting your hard drive.

Goof encryption tools include VeraCrypt and AxCrypt and if you use Windows 7 or 8 you can use BitLocker. Of course, your encryption is only as good as your secure password!

If you store you data in the cloud use a product such as BullGuard Backup.

6. Internet service providers

Yes, you guessed it, most of the popular ISPs also monitor your internet usage – including chat services, videos and Skype.

If you want to stop their income-generating fun try one of these services – VoxOx instead of Skype and Google Hangouts, Vimeo and Veoh rather than YouTube, Tresorit instead of Dropbox and Google Drive, and Crypto.cat and Pidgin.im rather than Gchat or Facebook chat.

7. Smartphones

The easiest way to stop apps from snooping is to ditch your smartphone and go back to your old school Nokia.

That might be a bit extreme, so how about switching off location services and turn off the apps that track you in the background. A useful app that roots out those that snoop is Protect My Privacy, which is available for both Android and iPhone.

MPM Computer Consultancy provides IT Services, Support and Training to sole traders and small businesses in Ipswich. Bury St Edmunds and surrounding villages.

Source: Bullguard.com