Antivirus has changed a lot

Antivirus software used to focus on stopping simple, well-known viruses, but that doesn’t match current threats. Most attacks are designed to trick people rather than drop a single infected file.

We often deal with:

1. Fake browser updates that install malware.
2. Websites that look real but steal login details.
3. Ransomware that locks all your files.
4. Malicious ads that compromise trusted websites.
5. Password-stealing malware.

Modern security tools need behavior monitoring, strong web filtering, real-time blocking, and reliable ransomware protection. Some brands have adapted, while others have stayed mostly the same.

READ MORE:  Is Your Computer Sick?

Big names that lost their edge

Some older antivirus brands built their reputations when everything was sold in retail boxes. Over time, several of these products became heavy, slow, and cluttered. We still see many computers held back by these suites, which include noticeable slowdowns, background tasks that run constantly, frequent pop-ups, and missed detections of common threats.

People often keep these products because they auto-renew each year, but familiar branding doesn’t guarantee adequate protection.

Lab tests are helpful, but real systems tell the truth

Independent testing groups publish detailed results, and these reports matter. They show how products behave in controlled environments.

However, real computers tell a fuller story.

On real systems, we see:

1. Which products miss the threats circulating locally.
2. Which ones break after Windows updates.
3. Which ones slow down browsing or programs.
4. Which ones run smoothly for months.
5. Which ones generate the most support calls.

A product can score well in the lab but still cause frustrating problems day to day. We rely on both lab data and hands-on experience when recommending anything.

Performance and privacy matter

Security software should protect you without slowing your system. Some products run heavy scans at poor times, use too much memory, or introduce delays whenever you open a program or browser. Good protection should feel invisible.

Privacy is also important. Some antivirus suites collect more data than people realize. We prefer tools that explain clearly what they collect and avoid unnecessary tracking.

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Free or paid?

Products like Windows Defender, which is included in Windows, provide basic coverage out of the box, but it may not offer a robust and dependable antivirus solution. And if you do get a virus will Microsoft help you resolve the issue?

A paid product is worthwhile if you want stronger phishing protection, additional ransomware protection, safer online banking, or coverage across several devices.

It comes down to how you use your computer, how much you have to protect, and whether others in the household may click on something risky.

What we recommend

At Hopedale Technologies, we keep your computer protected using VIPRE Managed Antivirus. It runs quietly in the background and updates itself automatically, checking for new threats every hour so you’re always protected with the latest security.

We also keep an eye on things for you. Through our monitoring system, we make sure your antivirus is running properly and staying up to date. If something doesn’t look right, we’re alerted right away and can take care of it—often before it turns into a problem.

How we can help

If you want protection that actually works, we can review your current antivirus and remove outdated or conflicting software and install Managed Vipre Antivirus and set it up correctly.

If you’re unsure whether your current antivirus is still doing its job, we can take a look and give you an honest recommendation based on what we see every day on real customer machines.

The Threat Landscape: What Are We Up Against?

Before diving into specific antivirus programs, let’s take a look at the types of threats lurking out there. It’s more than just old-fashioned viruses these days:

1. Viruses and malware. These are the classic threats that most people think of. Malware includes everything from traditional viruses that replicate to malicious software that can steal your data or even lock you out of your own files (such as ransomware).
2. Phishing and scam websites. Phishing attacks trick you into giving away personal information such as passwords or credit card numbers by pretending to be trustworthy sites or emails. Antivirus software often helps by blocking these sites.
3. Spyware and keyloggers. Spyware hides in the background, watching what you do. Keyloggers are even sneakier, keeping track of what you type, which can put your passwords and sensitive information at risk.
4. Zero-day threats and exploits. These threats take advantage of security holes in software that the developers haven’t yet patched. Good security software can help catch these vulnerabilities before they become a major problem.

READ MORE: Can My Data Be Removed From the Dark Web?

Windows Defender vs. Commercial Antivirus: What Should You Choose?

Now that we know what we’re up against, the next question is: Is the built-in Windows Defender enough, or should you invest in a commercial antivirus program? Let’s compare.

Windows Defender: The Built-In Protector

Windows Defender, which comes free with Windows, has come a long way. It’s built right into your computer and runs in the background without much fuss. Here are the benefits:

1. No extra cost. It comes with Windows, so you don’t need to pay extra.
2. Simple and minimal. It’s easy to use, with no confusing pop-ups or renewal reminders.
3. Integrated protection. Because Microsoft makes it, it fits in seamlessly with your system and is regularly updated.

However, Windows Defender isn’t without its limits. While it’s a solid basic defense, it might fall short when it comes to more advanced threats, such as sophisticated phishing scams or newer forms of malware that commercial packages catch sooner.

Commercial Antivirus: Extra Security, Extra Features

Commercial internet security packages often offer more comprehensive protection. Here’s what they bring to the table:

• Advanced threat detection. These programs usually have more advanced tools for detecting newer threats, including AI-based detection.
• Additional features. Many offer extra features, such as password managers, and parental controls, which can be handy for families.
• Better phishing protection. They tend to excel in blocking fake websites that try to steal your personal information.

Of course, these extras come at a price. You need to pay for a yearly subscription.

What Protection Do You Really Need?

The right level of protection depends on how you use your computer. Let’s look at a few typical situations:

• Casual browsers and email users. If you mainly use your computer for Web browsing, emailing, and light activities, Windows Defender might be enough. It offers decent security for day-to-day use, especially if you already practice safe habits such as not clicking on suspicious links and going to unknown, new websites.
• Families and shared computers. If you have kids or multiple people using the same computer, a commercial antivirus might be a better choice. Additional protection and parental controls can add peace of mind, particularly family members are clicking on things they shouldn’t.
• Heavy online shoppers and work-from-home users. If you shop online frequently, do online banking, handle sensitive work information, or store a lot of important data on your computer such as your taxes, the extra security features of a commercial antivirus package might be worthwhile. They tend to have more sophisticated threat detection and privacy tools that can help protect your information.

READ MORE: 7 Unexpected Ways Hackers Can Access Your Accounts

Final Thoughts: Do You Still Need Antivirus Software These Days?

 Antivirus software is still very important, even with built-in protection such as Windows Defender. The type of antivirus you need depends mainly on how you use your computer and how much peace of mind you want. Windows Defender is great for basic protection, but if you want more features or stronger defenses, a commercial package is worth the investment.Hopedale Technologies recommends VIPRE Managed Antivirus – an effective, hassle-free solution for just $64.99 per year. It runs quietly in the background without annoying pop-ups or slowing down your computer. Plus, we actively monitor it to ensure it’s working properly and hasn’t been disabled by a virus or malicious program. 

Not sure what you need? That’s what we’re here for! Whether you’re looking to install reliable protection or need help removing a stubborn virus, give us a call at 508-478-6010. We’re happy to help.

Ransomware headlines focus on interrupted hospital services or downtime at major companies. But ransomware can just as easily infect your home computer.

You may think the bad guys wouldn’t care about your residential system, but you’d be wrong, especially now. Think of all the people at home connecting remotely to business networks. Plus, kids are a weak cyber protection link as they don’t fully understand the risks.

When you’re a victim of ransomware, you can’t do anything on your computer. Cybercriminals encrypt your files and demand you pay a ransom to unlock your device. They’ll often ask for cryptocurrency in return for the encryption key.

How to prevent home ransomware

Ransomware in residential homes may not grab headlines, but it’s still going to be big news at your house. Any computers connected to the home network with the ability to save to one another could be infected.

Malware may infect your devices, and you might not even know it. You need a cybersecurity solution for your home that looks where you can’t. Strong antivirus software uses machine learning that supports anti-ransomware. This artificial intelligence (AI) reviews a database of known threats before running new files on your computer, detecting and blocking any malware before it runs. We recommend business-grade VIPRE Managed Antivirus for the best protection.

You’ll also need to have a good backup plan. Don’t risk losing access to your precious family photos and important documents. Instead, follow the best practices of backup and use a 3-2-1 backup strategy. This means having 3 copies of your data. Two of these should be located on different devices like your computer and a portable backup drive. The other backup copy should be secured offsite in the cloud. Making frequent backups and keeping them separate from your network can help preserve your data in the event of a malware attack. Could your backups survive a ransomware attack?

For home cloud backup, we like iDrive. You can set this program to run automatically, so your off-site backup is always protected. We also offer business-grade managed backup that is monitored by Hopedale Technologies.

Always be on the lookout

Phishing is the top way ransomware infiltrates a computer. Cybercriminals mimic reputable companies and create emails that look like they are coming from a trusted website. Unsuspecting recipients open the familiar-looking message and click on their fraudulent links.

Caution everyone, especially kids, against clicking on links or downloading attachments, especially if the email makes an urgent or emotional appeal.

You can also stay safe by being careful of what websites you visit. One type of ransomware gets you to download and install the software, while another installs it without you knowing when you visit an infected site. When online, look for the lock icon before the domain name, indicating encrypted Web traffic. And avoid clicking on any download links on the sites you visit. Need more ideas to stay safe online? Check out 7 Tips for Better Cybersecurity.

The number of digital buyers is steadily climbing. In 2020, according to Statista, more than two billion people purchased goods or services online. During the same year, e-retail sales surpassed $4.2 trillion U.S. dollars worldwide.

Retailers are embracing the change in consumer behavior. But, do you know who else is taking advantage? Cybercrooks. Before you buy, consider these strategies to stay safe.

#1 Question that great deal

If a deal looks “too good to be true,” it probably is. You’re not going to get a new Apple laptop for $29.99 or the latest Beats headphones or Xbox gaming console for under $20. Anyone offering that price is trying to lure you to their site to enter your payment details, so don’t be surprised when your product never arrives!

#2 Review seller feedback

While scrolling social media, you see ads for perfect gifts for someone on your list. And it’s so easy to click the link and buy! Still, before purchasing, take the time to research the seller.

Read the feedback from other buyers on independent sources. It adds only a few moments to check sites such as Yelp and Google.

#3 Research the business domain

Think about it: who are you more likely to trust with your sensitive data? Someone who has been in business ten years or someone who set up shop ten days ago? Quickly check how long a business website has been around. Enter the URL into the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers’ lookup tool.

#4 Watch out for email scams

Before clicking on any offer links in emails, check the URL. You can hover over the link before actually redirecting there and check the target. Double-check that the address is to the site you’re expecting.

Also, slow down and be sure that the address doesn’t have any typos or atypical endings. You don’t want to confuse www.nike.com with www.n1ke.co and end up a victim of identity theft instead of the proud owner of the latest Air Max.

#5 Check payment site security

There are several ways to verify the security of a payment site. These include:

• verifying that the site uses an SSL certificate – it will start with “HTTPS” instead of “HTTP”;
• checking for a physical address and phone number – call the contact number to confirm it’s not fake;
• reviewing the Terms and Conditions and Return and Privacy policies – any reputable brand has these!

#6 Pay with Online Payments

When you do decide to buy, prefer to pay using PayPal or another online payment tool. You won’t be giving the seller your credit card details. If you can’t take this approach, use a credit card from a credit account rather than debit. You will have more protection this way. You can start a chargeback through your credit card company when the item isn’t as advertised, and the seller’s customer service doesn’t help.

Before online shopping, at any time of the year, update your operating system, and keep your antivirus software current, too.

Smishing is high up on the list of words that do not sound as intimidating or threatening as they should. Smashing the word fishing together with the “SM” for short messaging service (aka text), smishing is a cyberscam.

Especially with online shopping skyrocketing during the pandemic, delivery smishing has gained traction. Don’t fall victim to this type of cyberattack.

What does smishing look like?

You’ll get a text message that appears to be from a shipping company. You’re told you have a package coming but that more information is needed to ensure delivery. You’ll squeal, “a package!” OK, maybe you won’t squeal, but you’ll feel the anticipation and click on the link to help deliver that package to your door.

You might already be expecting a package. After all, as recently as June 2021, PWC was describing a “dramatic shift” toward online shopping. According to its most recent consumer survey, in the last twelve months:

• 44% of those surveyed bought online using a mobile phone or smartphone;
• 42% used smart home voice assistants to shop online;
• 38% used a tablet for online shopping;
• 34% bought something online via PC.

So, you might not think twice about clicking on a link appearing to be from a major delivery service.

Don’t do it!

What happens next?

You click on the link and are asked for personal information, even a credit card number or password. Otherwise, clicking on the link will download malware onto your phone. The bad guys use their access to snoop and/or send your sensitive data to its servers without you knowing it.

The smishing scam is a global one:

• March 2021 saw a 645% jump in Royal Mail-related phishing attacks, equating to an average of 150 per week.
• UPS warns about this type of fraud on its website.
• FedEx has tweeted the reminder, “We do not send unsolicited texts or emails requesting money, packages, or personal information. Suspicious messages should be deleted without being opened and reported to abuse@fedex.com.”

Package delivery isn’t the only common smishing tactic either. You might also see:

• urgent messages saying your bank account is locked;
• a warning from your credit card company about a fraud alert;
• something promising that you’ve won a great prize;
• an unusual activity report from a company where you have an account.

All that would get your attention, right? So, what do you do about smishing? That’s covered next.

Protect against smishing

Avoid getting drawn in by the urgency or emotional appeal of the SMS. Don’t click the link, and don’t call the number in the message either. Instead, look through your bills or go online into your account for information on contacting that company.

Reputable mail carriers and financial institutions won’t send text messages asking for credentials, credit card numbers, ATM PINs, or banking information.

Look at the sender more closely. A message from a number with only a few digits was likely sent from an email address, which can flag that it’s a scam.

Also, don’t store personal banking or credit card information on your mobile phone. That way, the criminals can’t access it, even if they get you to download malware onto your phone.

You can help others not to fall victim to smishing as well. Report any attempts to your wireless carrier.

What to avoid doing when working remotely

 Log in to an unprotected network

Working outside the office means you are more mobile. If you have a business laptop, you could decide to work one day in a coffee shop and the next in a public park. But in doing so, never connect to public Wi-Fi, which is an unencrypted network. Hackers can position themselves to compromise your computer.

If you absolutely must use a public network, add a layer of protection by using a virtual private network. This step can help shield your browsing from anyone monitoring your online activity.

Save personal files

You spend so much time on the work computer, and you want to get a few personal things done during the day. You might even start saving personal files on the computer. Maybe you created a “my stuff” folder on the desktop.

This isn’t a good idea because personal data could get automatically backed up with the work files to the cloud. Cloud backup is good practice for the business, but now you’re losing control of your personal information. Plus, if you leave the job, you lose access to that computer and those personal files.

Let family and friends surf the Web

Working from home changes the office environment. People want to look something up, or kids need to submit schoolwork online. And your work computer is right there! Why shouldn’t they use it?

This could expose proprietary business data or sensitive information. You may think, “my 10-year-old won’t know what that spreadsheet says.” Yet, especially in a regulated industry, you could be compromising compliance.

What to avoid doing when in the office

Stream personal entertainment

You have a break, or things are slow, so you decide to catch up on your favorite TV show at work. What’s the harm?

You could be making it more difficult for your colleagues to do their work. Streaming takes up bandwidth, and there is only a set amount available to your business. So, while you’re laughing at a sitcom, others are struggling. Colleagues could drop from video calls or wait longer to download important files.

Click on unrecognized links or download attachments from unknown parties

This one is well-known. It’s up there with not using simple access credentials such as “password” or “letmein.” Be wary of what links or attachments you click on or download. Cybercriminals constantly leverage human error to gain illicit access to business networks. Don’t be the weak link in your company’s security posture.

Also, avoid visiting non-work-related websites. You are more likely to visit a site that harbors malware if you surf the Web for personal use at work.

Download software without first asking IT

You might have a preferred way of doing things, but the business computers don’t have the software you’re familiar with. Deciding to download it to your computer seems safe enough. It could be a well-known app or piece of software. It’s not like one of those shady downloads from the point above.

Yet downloading software to a work computer can cause problems for the IT team, as they don’t know what’s working on the systems. There could be upgrades or system updates you miss that create a vulnerability. You could also, again, risk non-compliance.

These six things should be avoided if you’re using a work computer. It doesn’t matter where you’re working; you still need to be thinking of cybersecurity and productivity for you and your colleagues.

Need help knowing what your employees are doing with work computers on- or off-site? A managed service provider can help. Learn more about remote monitoring and other helpful tools. Contact us today at 508-478-6010.

Here’s how people are making money with computer viruses:

Bank account theft: Virus creators are more than happy to help themselves to your bank details, sneaking in to grab your login details or credit card info. They can either transfer your funds away or use your credit card details to go on a shopping spree. Sometimes they’ll leave the fun to another person though, and simply sell your details to the highest bidder.

Ransomware: Rather than a financial snatch and grab, sometimes a virus will encrypt your files and demand money for the unlock code. Without a true backup plan in place beforehand, you’re at their mercy. You’ll be given very helpful information on how to pay, plus a firm deadline before your files are destroyed permanently.

Ad swappers: A cheeky technique, this is when they create a virus that either puts annoying ads on websites you visit or places affiliate codes on pages so that when you buy something legitimately – eg, from Amazon – they get a percentage as a ‘referral fee’. Their kickback doesn’t make your purchase cost more and you may not even know you’re supporting their activities.

Bitcoin mining: You might have heard of digital currencies being used for payment, but did you know you can also earn them with your computer processing power? Unfortunately, ‘renting’ out your computer’s processing power means paying more in running costs than you’d make – unless you were very clever and sneaky, and used a virus to rent out other people’s computers.

Botnets: Certain infected computers can be remotely controlled to do whatever the virus creator wants. In this case, they’ll usually set the infected bot computers to overwhelm a target web server, like an e-commerce store. Sometimes it’s done as revenge, but more often it’s blackmail. The ‘Botmaster’ says “pay me thousands of dollars or I’ll crash your site during the biggest shopping day of the year.”

Account stealing: Subscription accounts like Netflix and Hulu are often hijacked, leaving you to pay the bill for someone else’s entertainment. But sometimes, virus creators go one step further with online gaming accounts. All those digital items that you fought so hard for (special clothing, weapons, etc.) can carry real-world value and be stolen from your account and sold on a black market. Yes, that’s cheating!

A strong antivirus program is the first step in protecting your computer. Hopedale Technologies recommends VIPRE Managed Antivirus. Since we manage and monitor your account, VIPRE is always up to date. We receive alerts and make sure it is active.

NO!

Do not call the number! Microsoft NEVER includes a phone number on any of their security alerts. This phone number is the number of the people who installed the scammy browser popup. If you call them, the scammers will ask for a credit card number to pay for a tech support plan or service so they can “unlock” your computer and clean it of viruses. They could also install a remote access program on your computer so they can access your computer to remove the “virus.” This remote access allows them to install programs that may run in the background without their victim knowing. They can install malware and viruses to capture sensitive passwords, banking information, and other personal data remotely. Often if someone refuses to pay, they will use scare tactics. Customers have gotten yelled at by irate scammers.

How To Break Out of the Popup If You Haven’t Called

Chances are, if you haven’t called, your computer is not infected by this browser popup. This popup is a trick to get you to call the number. Here’s how you can remove it:

• Open the Task Manager by pressing Ctrl+Alt+Del on your keyboard and then select Task Manager.
• Select your web browser (Chrome, Edge, Firefox, etc.) and left-click on it. Then select End Task.
• The next time you open your browser, do not select “restore browser.”
• Check your browser extensions to make sure nothing new has been added without your permission.
• Do a deep scan of your computer with your antivirus program.
• Still worried? Give us a call at 508-478-6010. We offer over-the-phone tech support.

If You Have Called the Number
Your best bet is to shut down your computer, even if you have to do a hard shut down with the power button, and bring it into us asap. We will ensure your virus protection is up to date and active, remove unwanted remote programs, and check for hidden viruses and malware. 

What Else Should You Do?

• Run Microsoft updates when they become available. Microsoft offers patches and updates for operating systems to help keep your computer secure on the internet.
• Don’t use old operating systems like Windows 7, which are unsupported and obsolete.
• Make sure your virus protection is active and not disabled! Most virus protection needs to be renewed each year. If you have automatic renewals, make sure your credit card information is correct and up to date.

Need a reliable antivirus program? We recommend and install VIPRE. This annual subscription is available unmanaged (you run the updates) and managed (Hopedale Technologies runs the updates).

We also offer managed protection which blocks program installs until Hopedale Technologies approves the installation. This helps prevent accidental installations of rogue programs to your system.

Someone watching through a small laptop or personal computer camera may sound farfetched. And if you don’t make a hat out of tinfoil, aliens will take over your brain, right?

Except, it is true that webcams can be used for spying.

Seeing someone with a piece of tape over their webcam isn’t that unusual. Even Facebook’s founder does it. At conferences now, you might even receive a branded sliding webcam cover as swag.

How Webcam Spying Works

How can someone access your webcam in the first place? Typically, they’ve installed malware. The malicious software allows them to remotely control your computer and view its webcam.

A cybercriminal might access your webcam using spy software, a remote access trojan (RAT). The software spreads through freeware, spam emails, infected attachments, or fake website links.

The software allows the remote user to take control of your computer. They could view your online activity, read messages, or capture screens and keystrokes, and they’ll be able to turn your webcam on to spy on you – without you knowing it.

The webcam light located near the lens will indicate whether camera is currently recording. However, it’s easy to miss and many people don’t understand what the light means.

What to Do About Webcam Spying

Well, there’s that piece of tape, or you might use a Post-It note to cover the camera, but that doesn’t address the bigger issue. Since we’re talking about malware here, the usual rules apply.

• Don’t trust attachments, even from people you know.
• Hover over external links to see where they will take you before clicking.
• Question the credibility of any freeware you might download onto your computer.
• Install a good antivirus system, especially one that checks emails.
• Put a good firewall in place to prevent attackers from accessing your computer.
• Install patches for your operating system, browser, and software to keep security current.

While we’re talking about webcams, keep in mind your smartphone camera and any surveillance cameras need protection too. On your phone, keep your passcode private and make sure antivirus and security patching is up to date. With a surveillance system, always change the default password – you’d be amazed how many people don’t bother to do so – as that’s just making the hackers job easy for them!

Want to be sure you’re not being spied on? We can make sure you have a strong firewall in place to monitor network traffic and block suspicious activity. We can also ensure your antivirus and malware security is top notch.

Don’t find yourself on camera when you’re not ready for your closeup! Give us a call at 508-478-6010.

Advertising: Much like a free app making its fortune with in-app purchases, the free antivirus software will push for payment. Expect popup boxes pestering you to sign up to the paid version at least daily. Some free options will also try to change your browser home page and default search engine, an inconvenience you may be stuck with. Managed antivirus protection is more respectful and largely invisible unless it has detected a problem.

Effectiveness: It’s fair to expect your antivirus to detect malware, and testing showed that in a head-to-head battle free and paid are about equal at catching known infections. And therein lies the kicker: generally speaking, free antivirus needs to have recorded a virus to its library before it can detect it. Managed antivirus is more likely to identify and stop a new virus. It essentially bases the detection on suspicious behavior, source and attributes, a far more effective method of detection.

Features: Free antivirus options are usually created from the paid version, taking out everything except the bare minimum. In your managed paid version, you can expect advanced features like spam filters, firewalls, parental controls and secure web browsing. Managed paid antivirus will also monitor updates and scan reports to reduce the risk of infection, forming a more secure protection against attacks. For example, you might view a malicious image file that takes advantage of an exploit in your PDF software. Unfortunately, hackers have advanced beyond simple tactics and it’s not just about avoiding email attachments anymore.

Support:  Free antivirus options are the most popular choice because they’re… free. Obviously.  This also means there’s generally no support available. If there’s a problem or conflict with another program, you may find yourself without protection until it can be resolved. WE are your support with managed paid antivirus! Should any remediation be necessary, we can address and resolve the issues at a 25% discount.

Free antivirus is fine for very basic protection, those on a budget or those with an older PC. In these cases, something is always better than nothing. But we generally recommend you go with a paid managed antivirus to defend you from the new attacks that are released daily, and to ensure you’ve got solid protection that will make a real difference to your digital safety.

Talk to us at 508-478-6010 about upgrading to a managed antivirus system.