Month: March 2022

What to do:
Use an AdBlocker to prevent being shown ads, and avoid possible malware infection.

Why do it?
Attackers can inject malicious code or malware-filled ads into legit online advertising networks and websites. This is called malvertising and it can infect your computer.

Some websites rely heavily on ads for revenue and ask that you sign up to their website (so they can send you marketing material), or disable the ad-blocker software. You can temporarily disable the ad-blocker for the website so you can continue to access their content. Bear in mind that your PC would be vulnerable to malvertising for the duration of the ad-blocker being disabled.

What to do:
Be suspicious of any email in general, and of all links and attachments in email.Don’t open email from people you don’t know, and never open an attachment unless you’re expecting it.

Why do it?
A bad link or attachment can cause your device to be infected with malware, a virus, or ransomware.

Examine email sent to you: what email address it was sent from; and if there’s any typos in the email address. Are you addressed by name, or by Sir/Madam, or by email address (most suspicious). Are there uncharacteristic grammatical errors?

Did you expect this email? Malicious links and files may come from friends who have been infected too.

The only safe attachment to open is .txt

What to do:
Turn off push notifications from apps. If you really need them then turn off preview of the content from your locked device.

Why do it?
What is available on your mobile screen without signing in?

Can a glance of your locked phone tell someone where your next appointment is and with who? Can he see the one-time-PIN that the bank just sent you, or your bank balance, or any other personally identifiable information?

Turning off previews will let the phone tell you that you have one unread message but will have no further details until you sign in with your PIN or fingerprint.