Latest in computer security

When using Firefox - or any web browser for that matter - one of the best practices you can develop is to always be mindful of your privacy and security. You never know when someone could be snooping on you or intercepting your data. Indeed, being vigilant about this could mean the difference between a blissful browsing experience and maliciously stolen accounts. Encryption is great but there are other considerations you need to make.
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There are simple steps you can take to protect yourself online. Using a firewall and antivirus software, creating secure passwords, not leaving your devices unattended; these are all absolute musts. Beyond that it comes down to keeping up with the latest news about spam, scams, phishing attempts, hacks, and malware. This is where the following list of Twitter accounts come into play.
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Online passwords are something of a double-edged sword. In order to be safe, you need to have multiple unique passwords that are complicated enough that they won’t be cracked or brute forced easily - but with every additional password, it becomes harder to track them all. The usual alternative is to use one password for everything, but this is not the path you want to take. Instead, use Sticky Password. We’re giving away 25 copies of Sticky Password Pro 6.0 worth a total of $750 for FREE!
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The term DDoS whistles past whenever cyber-activism rears up its head en-masse. These kind of attacks make international headlines because of multiple reasons. The issues that jumpstart those DDoS attacks are often controversial or highly political. Since a large number of regular users are affected by the attacks, it's an issue that plays with the people. Perhaps most importantly, a lot of people don't know what constitutes a DDoS attack.
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Securely store your passwords. Complete with encryption and a decent password generator – not to mention plugins for Chrome and Firefox – KeePass just might be the best password management system out there. If you read our password management guide you will know the importance of having diverse passwords. Sure, using one password for all of your online services is simple...until someone compromises one of your accounts.
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Sites like Twitter are not soft targets. Twitter has even implemented security protocols like DMARC for stronger phishing protection. But even as I write this, news has come in of a hijacked Associated Press Twitter account being used to broadcast false update of an attack on the White House. The Stock Market nosedived. Twitter will beef up its defenses. We, the users are part of those fortifications. Usually, we are its weakest link too.
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Malware is usually very specific in what it does to your PC, whether that's displaying ads, taking over your browser homepage and search bar, or nagging you to pay for some fake anti-virus. Hijacking however is potentially far more devastating, giving the hacker backdoor remote access to your entire PC. This is the holy grail for most hackers, so it's important to understand how it can occur and what you can do to protect yourself.
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There is a growing amount of so-called "spy software" available that promises to log everything the user of an infected phone does while attempting to remain undetectable. Compromised devices are easily traceable via GPS, record all incoming and outgoing text messages and phone calls and can even be used to spy on captured photos and browser history. Installing such software on Android or BlackBerry devices is morally reprehensible but not quite as damaging as doing so on an iPhone...
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Ever heard that quote about trying to explain how a television works to an ant? I'm not calling you an ant, even though you are hard-working and enjoy the occasional sip of aphid milk. What I am saying is that I'm going to explain how Windows BitLocker works, without you having to have a degree in computer science and cryptography experience.
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Having a different password for each service is a must in today's online world, but there's a terrible weakness to randomly generated passwords: it's impossible to remember them all. But how can you possibly remember hundreds of passwords? The human brain is only capable of so much, isn't it? Let me fill you in on some priceless tips and tricks on creating strong, solid passwords that are impossible to guess, but easy to remember.
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Just imagine if someone showed up on your doorstep and said, "Hey, there's mice in your house that you didn't know about. Give us $100 and we'll get rid of them." This is the Ransomware Scam in its original form. There actually used to be people that would go around, let pests into your house and then knock on your door and point them out to you. "Good thing we saw them while driving by!" This scam must be making someone some good money because it's still going on.
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USB drives are so pervasive in today’s world of technology, but when they first debuted, they revolutionized data exchange. The first USB flash drives had an 8MB capacity, which isn't much by today’s standards, but a far cry better than the alternatives - the 1.44MB floppy or the CD that required permanent burning. Nowadays we have USB drives that are larger than traditional hard drives.
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Encryption isn’t only for paranoid conspiracy theorists, nor is it just for tech geeks. Encryption is something every computer user can benefit from. Tech websites write about how you can encrypt your digital life, but we’ve all done a poor job of explaining why you should actually care. Now we'll get back to basics and explain the many threats encryption can help protect you from.
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The greatest aspect of the telephone? The fact that you can speak to anyone at a moment’s notice, even if they’re halfway across the world. Sit back and think about that for a second because it’s amazing. But there’s also a drawback: spammers can constantly attempt to reach you with texts and calls and you may feel helpless against the endless barrage.
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Every convenience in life comes at a cost. That's why things are so expensive at the corner store compared to the grocery store. They aren't selling you a carton of milk, they're selling you a way out of a mistake in not remembering to pick up your milk early at the supermarket. That kind of convenience has a readily tangible cost - more money out of your wallet. The convenience cost of other things, such as technology, might not be so readily apparent.
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