This malware is led by an elaborate network of cybercriminals, who develop and spread the malware, and then collect ransom payments. In every folder that contains the encrypted files, this virus leaves a text note titled “Superlock_Readme.txt”, which contains instructions on how to contact the criminals.

Ransomware Note Overview

Ransom note of the ransomware contains only basic information about what has happened and how the user can contact the hackers. It says nothing about the sum of the ransom payment, suggesting that it is to be discussed during the negotiations over the email that the fraudsters have specified, supersupp@mailum.com or supersupp@startmail.com.

Aside from the contact info, the message also features victim ID, and a public key used in the process of encryption. This information is required for hackers to provide the user with the decryption key, and what they write is true – changing even a single symbol of it will make hacker services useless.

Cybercriminals also offer the victim to try decrypting up to 5 files for free – a generous step to prove they really have a working decryption tool. As the note specifies, the files should not be over 4 megabytes large, and not containing any sensitive information. Such a tactic encourages the victims to pay the hackers for the decryptor.

I would nonetheless emphasize that you should never pay the ransom. Paying the frauds motivates them to keep doing their malicious work, encrypting more and more machines. There are possibilities to get the files back for free, and without sponsoring the future ransomware attacks.

What is SUPERLOCK Virus?

SUPERLOCK is a ransomware-type infection, a type of malware that encrypts the files on the attacked computer and instructs the user on how to pay for getting the files back. It uses quite strong encryption mechanisms that makes the attempts of brute force decryption nearly useless. This, however, does not mean that you cannot recover your files – we will talk about this matter below.

Before the encryption, this virus also modifies a selection of system settings, primarily ones responsible for security and file protection. This is what allows the ransomware to stay undetected by built-in security solutions. To mark the encrypted files, the malware adds its extension to them, and also appends the user ID before it. You can see the example of a folder with encrypted files below.

Once the encryption is over, the malware remains active, which is a major issue. Users may think that the worst part is already over, and start using their system as usual or try recovering their files. But the malware will encrypt these newly introduced files, too. That is why one should remove the ransomware before moving on to recover the files.

How to Remove Ransomware?

To find and remove SUPERLOCK ransomware, I recommend using GridinSoft Anti-Malware. This program will quickly find and delete any malicious files, regardless of the changes they made to the system. Download it by clicking the banner below and run a Full scan – this way, the program will check the entirety of the system, down to the most remote folders and configuration files.

How to Decrypt & Recover Encrypted Superlock Files?

At the moment, there are no decryption tools available for this ransomware. Anyone who pretends to provide such services is either a scammer, or a representative of ransomware actors that tries to make the users pay more often. That is why you should avoid their services, regardless of how realistic their promises may sound. However, there are options that allow for recovering the files without the recovery.

One of the main hopes for people is ransomware activity getting disrupted by law enforcement and cybersecurity researchers. Through arrests of key members, the police can obtain decryption keys for the victims, which they will further make accessible for free. The researchers, on the other hand, may find a flaw in the encryption mechanism that the malware uses, and elaborate a decryptor tool which, once again, will remove the encryption for free. Patience is the key here.

Meanwhile, you can seek for the unencrypted versions of the files you need in various online places you may have uploaded them to. Even if you find an outdated version of your project, that will be much better than having nothing at all. Cloud storages, email messages and even social media may contain your files – do not ignore such an opportunity.

There is also a possibility of this malware using a specific file handling sequence that may allow file recovery tools to be useful for getting the files back to the pre-encryption state. You can try running any file recovery utility of your choice – they will fit equally well, with the general criteria being the support for recovering as many file formats as possible.

The post SUPERLOCK Ransomware Virus Simple Step-by-Step Removal Guide appeared first on Gridinsoft Blog.

But wait, there’s more bad news (sorry). IBM’s latest report shows the average data breach now costs companies $4.88 million. And here’s the kicker – most of these breaches start with stolen passwords. You know, those same passwords you’ve been “meaning to update” since forever.

Look, I get it. Another security article telling you to be careful online. But stick with me – I’ve watched too many smart people lose everything to ridiculously preventable attacks. We’re talking about real protection here, not just the usual “be careful” advice. Plus, we’ll cover those nasty malware variants that are getting smarter every day.

What Is Data Protection? (Spoiler: It’s Not Just Strong Passwords)

Let’s clear something up right away – data protection isn’t just about having a password that would make a cryptographer proud. It’s actually a whole bunch of technical, procedural, and behavioral stuff working together. Think of it like home security – you don’t just lock the front door and ignore the windows, right?

So what are we really talking about here?

• Encryption – The technical stuff (AES-256, RSA-2048 if you’re curious) that scrambles your data into unreadable gibberish. Like a secret decoder ring, but way cooler.
• Access controls – Fingerprints, face scans, those annoying text codes. Yeah, they’re a pain, but they work. Think of it as a bouncer for your data.
• Smart habits – This is the human stuff. Not clicking weird links. Actually reading those security warnings. You know, common sense (which isn’t that common).
• Legal protections – GDPR, CCPA, and other boring acronyms that basically mean companies can’t just sell your data to the highest bidder anymore. Progress!

Here’s a fun fact that’s not actually fun: Verizon’s 2024 report found that 74% of breaches involve good old human error. Not sophisticated hacking. Not elite cybercriminals. Just regular people clicking the wrong thing or using terrible passwords. Ouch.

That’s exactly why you can’t just install antivirus and call it a day. You need to actually understand how ransomware works (it’s scarier than you think) and get serious about remote work security – especially if you’re one of those “coffee shop office” people.

The Bad Guys Have Gotten Really, Really Good at This

Before we dive into protection (the fun part), we need to talk about what you’re up against. And honestly? It’s gotten pretty wild out there:

Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs) – The Ninjas of Hacking

Picture this: hackers who break into networks and just… hang out. For months. Sometimes years. That’s APTs for you – they’re like digital squatters, except way more dangerous. CISA keeps warning us that these groups are getting bolder, and here’s how they do it:

• They use legitimate tools already on your computer (sneaky, right?)
• They exploit vulnerabilities nobody even knows exist yet (called zero-days)
• They hack one company to get to thousands of others (remember SolarWinds? Yeah, that was fun…)

Social Engineering Got a Major Upgrade (Thanks, AI)

Remember when phishing emails had terrible grammar and claimed you won the Nigerian lottery? Those days are gone, my friend. Microsoft’s 2024 report shows that scammers have seriously upped their game:

• Deepfakes – Your “boss” calling you for an urgent wire transfer? Might not be your boss anymore
• AI-written phishing – These emails now sound exactly like your coworker wrote them (creepy, I know)
• Callback scams – They trick YOU into calling THEM. And people fall for it every single day

10 Ways to Actually Protect Your Data (That Really Work)

1. Multi-Factor Authentication – Your New Best Friend

I know, I know – MFA is annoying. Having to grab your phone every time you log in? Ugh. But here’s the thing: this one simple annoyance blocks 99.9% of automated attacks. That’s not a typo. It literally stops almost everything.

But not all MFA is created equal. Let me break it down:

• Hardware Security Keys (FIDO2/WebAuthn): Physical devices like YubiKey provide phishing-resistant authentication. Unlike SMS or app-based codes, they cannot be intercepted or socially engineered.
• Biometric Authentication: Combine something you know (password) with something you are (fingerprint, facial recognition) and something you have (device).
• Risk-Based Authentication: Implement adaptive MFA that adjusts requirements based on login context (location, device, behavior patterns).

Here’s How to Actually Set This Up (It’s Easier Than You Think):

1. Start with your bank accounts – seriously, do this TODAY
2. Add at least two backup methods (but please, not SMS – hackers can steal your phone number)
3. Turn on those annoying login alerts – they’ve saved me twice already
4. Check your “connected apps” monthly and kick out anything you don’t recognize

2. Get Serious About Antivirus (Yes, You Still Need It)

“But I have Windows Defender!” I hear you say. Cool. That’s like bringing a knife to a gunfight. Modern threats need modern protection, and the MITRE ATT&CK framework (basically the encyclopedia of hacking techniques) shows why:

Essential Components:

• Next-Generation Antivirus (NGAV): Uses machine learning and behavioral analysis to detect unknown threats
• Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR): Provides visibility into endpoint activities and enables threat hunting
• Application Control: Prevents unauthorized software execution, blocking hacktools and pirated software that often contains malware
• Device Encryption: Protects data if devices are lost or stolen

Comparative Analysis of Security Solutions:

When selecting endpoint protection, consider multiple options based on independent testing from AV-TEST and AV-Comparatives. Leading solutions include enterprise-grade offerings from Microsoft Defender, CrowdStrike, and SentinelOne, while consumer options range from built-in OS protection to specialized anti-malware tools. GridinSoft Anti-Malware offers lightweight protection particularly effective against emerging threats, though users should evaluate based on their specific needs and threat model.

3. That Firewall Thing – Yeah, You Need to Actually Use It

Remember firewalls? Those things we all turned off in 2010 because they blocked our games? Well, turns out they’re actually important. Who knew? Here’s the deal:

Windows Firewall Configuration:

# Enable Windows Firewall for all profiles
Set-NetFirewallProfile -Profile Domain,Public,Private -Enabled True

# Block all inbound connections except those explicitly allowed
Set-NetFirewallProfile -Profile Public -DefaultInboundAction Block

# Create rule to block specific ports commonly exploited
New-NetFirewallRule -DisplayName "Block SMB" -Direction Inbound -LocalPort 445 -Protocol TCP -Action Block

# Log dropped packets for analysis
Set-NetFirewallProfile -Profile Domain,Public,Private -LogBlocked True -LogFileName %SystemRoot%\System32\LogFiles\Firewall\pfirewall.log

Advanced Firewall Strategies:

• Application-Layer Filtering: Configure rules based on applications, not just ports
• Geo-blocking: Restrict traffic from high-risk countries if not needed for business
• Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS): Deploy inline detection to block malicious traffic in real-time, especially from obfuscated threats
• Network Segmentation: Isolate critical systems from general network traffic

4. Public WiFi Is Basically a Hacker Convention (Use a VPN)

True story: I once watched a security researcher hack everyone in a Starbucks in about 5 minutes. Just for fun. He bought them all coffee afterward, but still… scary stuff. Check out our public Wi-Fi survival guide if you want the full horror story.

The solution? VPN. It’s like an invisibility cloak for your internet traffic. Without it, you’re vulnerable to man-in-the-middle attacks (yes, that’s as bad as it sounds) and proxyjacking (even worse).

How to Pick a VPN That Doesn’t Suck:

• Strong encryption – Look for “AES-256” (military-grade sounds cooler, but that’s what it means)
• No logs – They shouldn’t keep records of what you do. Ever. Make sure it’s audited
• Kill switch – If VPN fails, internet stops. No exceptions
• DNS leak protection – Stops your ISP from being nosy (they’re always watching)

Technical Implementation:

# Install WireGuard on Linux
sudo apt-get install wireguard

# Generate keys
wg genkey | tee privatekey | wg pubkey > publickey

# Configure interface
sudo nano /etc/wireguard/wg0.conf

5. Your Email Is Basically a Hacker Magnet

Fun fact: 91% of cyberattacks start with an email. Proofpoint’s research confirms what we all suspected – email is where the party starts for hackers. So let’s ruin their fun:

Technical Controls:

• SPF, DKIM, and DMARC: Email authentication protocols that prevent spoofing
• Email Gateway Security: Filters malicious attachments and URLs before delivery
• Sandboxing: Detonates suspicious attachments in isolated environments
• Data Loss Prevention (DLP): Prevents sensitive data from being emailed externally

User-Level Protection:

1. Use unique, complex passwords for email accounts (minimum 16 characters)
2. Enable login alerts and review account activity regularly
3. Configure email client to display full sender addresses
4. Disable automatic image loading to prevent tracking pixels
5. Use encrypted email services for sensitive communications (ProtonMail, Tutanota)

6. Update Your Stuff (Yes, Right Now)

You know those update notifications you keep dismissing? Yeah, stop doing that. CISA’s data shows that most hacks exploit old vulnerabilities that already have fixes. The patches exist! You just need to actually install them. Wild concept, I know:

Automated Update Strategy:

• Operating System: Enable automatic security updates
• Browsers: Use auto-update features and restart regularly
• Plugins: Remove unused plugins, update remaining ones monthly
• Firmware: Check router, IoT device firmware quarterly

7. Backups: Your “Get Out of Jail Free” Card

Real talk – ransomware is everywhere now. It’s like a digital pandemic that never ended. But here’s the secret weapon hackers don’t want you to know about: good backups make ransomware worthless. Can’t ransom data that’s already backed up, right? Check our ransomware survival guide for the full story.

The Backup Formula That Actually Works (3-2-1-1-0):

• 3 copies total (because stuff happens)
• 2 different storage types (don’t put all eggs in one basket)
• 1 offsite backup (in case your house burns down – yeah, it happens)
• 1 offline copy (unplugged = unhackable)
• 0 errors when you test it (please actually test your backups!)

Implementation Best Practices:

1. Automate backups to prevent human error
2. Encrypt backups using AES-256 encryption
3. Test restoration procedures monthly
4. Implement immutable backups that cannot be altered or deleted
5. Use versioning to protect against ransomware that encrypts over time
6. Consider additional secure storage strategies for critical data

8. Your Passwords Probably Suck (Sorry, But It’s True)

Want to feel better about yourself? NordPass found that “123456” is STILL the most common password. In 2024. After literally decades of warnings. We’re doomed.

But seriously, let’s fix your password game:

The “My Password Doesn’t Suck” Checklist:

• Make it long – 16+ characters minimum. Yes, really. I use full sentences sometimes
• Mix it up – ThRoW !n S0me W3!rd StUfF l!kE th!s
• One password per account – I know it’s a pain, but trust me on this
• Keep it random – Your dog’s name + your birth year = you’re getting hacked

Password Manager Selection:

• Zero-Knowledge Architecture: Provider cannot access your passwords
• Cross-Platform Support: Sync across all devices
• Breach Monitoring: Alerts for compromised credentials
• Secure Sharing: Share passwords without revealing them

9. Phishing Isn’t Just Nigerian Princes Anymore

Gone are the days of obvious scam emails with bad grammar. Today’s phishing is scary good – we’re talking hijacked code repositories and AI-written attacks that would fool your own mother. Seriously:

Advanced Phishing Techniques:

• Browser-in-the-Browser (BitB): Fake browser windows that appear legitimate
• Adversary-in-the-Middle (AitM): Bypasses MFA by stealing session cookies
• QR Code Phishing (Quishing): Malicious QR codes in emails or physical locations
• Voice Phishing (Vishing): AI-generated voice calls impersonating executives

Detection and Prevention:

1. Verify sender identity through secondary channels
2. Check URL legitimacy (look for typos, suspicious domains)
3. Never enter credentials after clicking email links
4. Report suspicious messages to IT/security teams
5. Use anti-phishing browser extensions and email filters

For more detailed guidance, see our comprehensive guide on recognizing and avoiding phishing scams and learn about social engineering tactics.

10. Your Smart Toaster Might Be Plotting Against You

I’m only half-joking. With billions of “smart” devices out there – from fridges to doorbells to, yes, toasters – each one is a potential entry point for hackers. And most of them have the security of a wet paper bag:

IoT Security Measures:

• Network Segmentation: Isolate IoT devices on separate VLANs
• Change Default Credentials: Replace factory passwords immediately
• Disable Unnecessary Features: Turn off unused services (UPnP, WPS)
• Regular Firmware Updates: Check monthly for security patches
• Monitor Network Traffic: Use tools to detect anomalous behavior

Router Security Configuration:

1. Access router admin panel (typically 192.168.1.1)
2. Change default admin credentials
3. Enable WPA3 encryption (WPA2 minimum)
4. Disable WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup)
5. Create guest network for IoT devices
6. Enable automatic security updates
7. Disable remote management unless required
8. Review connected devices monthly

The Scary Stuff That’s Coming Next (Brace Yourself)

AI Is Now Helping the Bad Guys Too

Remember when we thought AI would just help us write emails faster? Yeah, about that… Turns out hackers love AI too. Here’s what’s keeping security teams awake at night:

• Automated vulnerability discovery and exploitation
• Deepfake-based identity fraud
• AI-generated phishing content that bypasses filters, as seen with WormGPT tools
• Polymorphic malware that changes to evade detection

Quantum Computing Threats

While still emerging, quantum computing poses future risks to current encryption. The NIST Post-Quantum Cryptography standards recommend organizations begin transitioning to quantum-resistant algorithms.

Social Media Privacy Protection

Social media platforms collect vast amounts of personal data. Research shows that the majority of users are concerned about corporate data collection:

Privacy Settings Optimization:

• Review and limit app permissions monthly
• Disable location tracking when not needed
• Limit profile visibility to friends only
• Remove phone number from account recovery (use authenticator apps instead)
• Regularly audit and remove third-party app access
• Enable login alerts for all platforms

Building a Security-First Mindset

Effective data protection requires continuous vigilance and adaptation. The CIS Critical Security Controls emphasize that security is an ongoing process, not a destination. Key principles include:

• Assume Breach: Design systems expecting that breaches will occur
• Least Privilege: Grant minimum necessary access rights
• Defense in Depth: Layer multiple security controls
• Continuous Monitoring: Detect and respond to threats in real-time
• Regular Training: Keep security knowledge current

So, Are We Doomed? (Spoiler: No, But You Need to Act)

Look, I’m not going to sugarcoat it – protecting your data in 2025 is harder than ever. The threats are real, they’re sophisticated, and they’re not going away. But here’s the good news: you don’t need to be a tech genius to stay safe.

These ten strategies? They actually work. I’ve seen them stop attacks that would’ve ruined people’s lives. Will they make you 100% unhackable? Nope. Nothing will. But they’ll make you such a pain to hack that criminals will move on to easier targets. And honestly? That’s the goal.

One last thing – security isn’t just the IT department’s job anymore. It’s on all of us. Companies can have the best security in the world, but if you’re using “password123”, you’re the weak link. Sorry, but someone had to say it.

Want to stay ahead of the hackers? Keep learning. Check out CISA’s advisories (they’re actually readable now), follow the Microsoft Security Blog (they break down the complicated stuff), and maybe bookmark this page. You know, just in case.

The bottom line? The bad guys aren’t slowing down. AI attacks, quantum computing threats, social engineering that would make a con artist jealous – it’s all coming. But you’ve got this. Start with the basics, work your way up, and don’t panic.

Oh, and if you want to really geek out on this stuff, we’ve got deep dives on how AI is being weaponized and managing your cyber risk. Warning: rabbit hole ahead.

Stay safe out there, and remember – when in doubt, don’t click that link. Seriously. Just don’t.

The post Your Personal Data Is Under Attack: 10 Ways to Fight Back in 2025 appeared first on Gridinsoft Blog.

How Does Phishing Work?

Phishing attack relies on people’s inattentiveness or recklessness. Most of the cases when people fall victim to phishing are related to the fact that they ignored a strange appearance of the site and the security alarm of their browser or antivirus. So, what is phishing attack and what are the main methods¹?

Since the majority types of phishing attacks happen online, the main place of robbery is the Internet, exactly – the websites. Crooks try to get the information they want in any possible way, and they are getting more and more ingenious with the rise of the potential price of their target. Pay attention to the difference between phishing and pharming and do not try to confuse.

Not all phishing attacks aim at credentials. If we talk about phishing aimed at corporations, it is likely the part of a bigger cyberattack. And oftentimes, such a phishing example baits the user to open the attached file or the website.

**These steps lead to malware installation, or injection of the downloader – precursor for further malware. This or other way, phishing hacker is done through confusing the victim with fake statements and disguise.

There are 6 main types of phishing. In fact, they are actual for almost any online scam. Remember them to understand when someone tries to fool you.

1. You are not expecting the message. Phishing attack may start from different points, but most often it is an email message or one in social networks. If you don’t expect the message from a stranger, or seeing some shocking content – check twice before following it.
2. The sender does not look familiar to you. For sure, not each stranger who texts you in any form tries to involve you into a phishing. However, they must be the object of concern. If there is some shocking statement, or a very generous offer – it is better to refuse and block the sender.
3. Dubious website address. If the link you followed opens a site that looks like something well-known – for example, Facebook or Twitter, but has the URL like “mysite.od317cball.com.in” – you are definitely looking at the phishing page and it is trap phishing. Crooks can counterfeit the login page, attempting to lure your login info. However, they never can get the original URL*.
4. Strange message text. Typos, wrong order of words, punctuation mistakes, overly poor English level – all these things show that the sender is not pretty qualified. If it simultaneously tries to mimic the support of a well-known company – for example, Microsoft or Amazon – it is definitely a scam attempt.
5. Too generous offer for just nothing. Some of the least dangerous phishing, which, however, is still unwanted, offers you to take part in a giveaway after a short survey. In that survey you must specify certain personal information, which then will be used by crooks for profit. You may even receive some prizes – but their value will definitely be lower than the price of your data.

In fact, there is a possibility that cybercriminals may counterfeit the website URL. For that, they must have full control over the network router you use for Internet access.

Such phishing attack example may be classified as man-in-the-middle: being amidst the data flow from your device to the Web, they counterfeit the packages the server sends to you and substitute them with ones that contain a site copy.

!!Therefore, you will see the site copy which is handled by crooks with an “original” URL. There will be the only difference – the web browser will not be able to establish a secure connection (with HTTPS certificate), and you’ll see the red lock icon at the left side of the URL bar. That is the only sign of such a tricky fraud. Fortunately, it is almost absent due to the high complexity.

NOTE: URL: Phishing is the name of the detection that you can observe while browsing the web. This name is used by Avast, Avira and AVG antiviruses to describe potentially dangerous sites².

Short review of Phishing attack

Basic Types of Phishing

There are over a dozen different types of internet phishing. Almost all online scam nowadays may be considered phishing – just because these days the key point of interest is the information. Hence, fraudsters have to be very inventive to keep going – otherwise, they have nothing to do in the modern cybercrime world.

For sure, phishing is less effective than attacks with advanced persistent threats or other malware that may bring the crooks tons of valuable information. But having a huge rollover of more basic info – such as bank card info, email address, location and so on – may bring a lot of money as well. Let’s have a look at the phishing types that are recognized by the majority of the cybersecurity community.

1) Email Phishing Attack

Classic thing that is considered one of the most widespread ones these days. Contains a link or an attachment with malicious contents. The link may lead you to the counterfeited site (online banking page, social network, etc), or to the downloading of something you don’t really want to see on your computer. The attachment in phishing emails usually contain a malicious script that initiates the malware downloading.

This form of phishing became so widespread due to the price-to-profit ratio. Sure, the next type – spear phishing – is much more efficient, but costs much more. Possibly, the latter may have a much bigger price/profit, but it is still more expensive. Phishing campaigns are effective when massive, and not each cybercrime gang can afford spending hundreds of dollars on each victim. 

How To Prevent Email Phishing:

Yet it is so easy to commit, it is quite hard to avoid it. Crooks may use email databases they got somewhere, or spam the mailboxes randomly, hoping that somebody will eat the lure. Of course, the decrease in the “quality” of the used emails makes the exact phishing much less efficient. The only thing I can advice you about avoiding the email phishing is the steps to make it useless. Learn the top 10 popular ways to recognize and avoid Phishing, what to do, how to protect yourself and your PC.

• Don’t open the attachments. Never open the attached files, as well as enable any add-ons (macros in MS Office, in particular) until you are sure that it is something you are really waiting for.
• Don’t touch the links. Contrary to the attached file, links may spread zero-click malware – one that may be injected just after opening the compromised website.
• Create a separate email for using it at dubious places. The best way to minimize the possible spam flow to your main email is to reroute it on the second one. Use this account in places you don’t trust, or not sure about. Having less spam is already the way to minimize the possibility of malware injection.

2) Spear Phishing Attack Meaning

So, what is spear phishing attack? More precise form of phishing is sometimes called “targeted phishing”. Victim receives a message in the social network, or on the email that looks like one it waits for. It may be a delivery notification or the information about the ticket it purchased the day before. The “main content” of the spear phishing is attached email or a link to the external website. That is quite similar to what we see in a classic email phishing. However, targeting the companies usually means using much more sophisticated text – just to make the victim believe that the message is legit. 

Besides the messages on the email, spear phishing attack may take place in social networks. Some of the companies actively communicate with customers through Facebook or Twitter. These networks are perfect for crooks to spread the targeted malware payload. Disguising it as a bug report or a request about the wholesale supplies is quite easy, and the effects will surely be worth spending money and time. Preventing spear phishing attack is quite complicated, but still possible if you follow all rules.

• Always keep in mind what you expect to receive on the work email. Crooks may suppose what exactly are your contragents, but never able to say for sure until they have insider information. Seeing excessive or misleading information means that someone is wrong, and that is the reason to check it all twice.
• Don’t share the information about your company’s activity. Since spear phishing is often used against companies, it is obvious that crooks will try to find the basic information for that fraud during OSINT events. Spreading the information in social networks or elsewhere is literally collaborating with cybercriminals.
• Instruct the employees to check the sender’s email address diligently before interacting with it. Still, cybercriminals are not able to create a 100% counterfeit of official email addresses. Reviewing who sent the message will stop the fraud at the very beginning.

3) Whaling Phishing Attack

The specimen of spear phishing, it aims at luring some specific information under the disguise of a notable person. Your boss, the founder of your company, mayor of the city you are living in – they may choose among different celebrities. However, their target is almost always the same – to trick you to follow the link. This phishing generally aims at your personal info rather than at malware installation (but variations are still there!). The link in the document may lead you to the fake online banking site, or the page where you will be offered to specify some sensitive information. 

How To Prevent Whaling Phishing:

Avoiding this kind of phishing generally relies on common sense. Why will a certain celebrity contact you personally, especially with the ask to transfer a money sum? The answer is obvious – that couldn’t happen in normal circumstances, and someone rather tries to scam you. If scammers try to mimic your boss, or someone from your company using the email address you have never seen before – ask him/her personally if they send a message to you. 

4) Barrel Phishing Definition

A pretty inventive case of phishing that aims at malware installation. It consists of two messages that arrive within ~10 minutes. First, you receive a message that looks like a security recommendation, sent from the software vendor.

This message says that there is a security flaw you must fix as soon as possible, and below there is a patch installation you need to run. However, the first message does not contain this file. It goes in the second one – together with the apologies about failing to attach the file to a previous message.

Such maneuvers are needed to scatter your attention. When you see the sequential narration – you usually trust it. Even though software vendors never send the express-patches on the email, or at least notify about the ongoing mailing. The attachment may be an executable file – the malicious code will run exactly after you launch that app. And you will not even raise the suspicion – the message looks legit, doesn’t it?

Steps To Prevent Barrel Phishing:

Assuming that barrel phishing is an exotic form of a spear phishing, things you have to do are pretty much the same. Be aware of all untrustworthy messages and check the senders’ address. However, there are also several things that are specific to this type of phishing.

• Update your software manually. You will not be exposed to any kind of such pseudo-updates when you have already installed the latest version. 
• Check for the actual news on the software you use. When there is really an exploit that may cause a significant danger – the vendor will likely publish a note about it on the official website. If you are not confident – it is better to contact the tech support and ask about the latest actual version and latest vulnerability patches released.

5) Angler Phishing Attack

A pretty new type of phishing, that aims at social networks. Crooks disguise themselves as tech support employees that help customers with their compliances. They mimic the support of banks, restaurants, large grocery stores, et cetera. When crooks see a compliance or hatemail addressed to the company, they ask you to contact them in DM. There, you will receive an offer to explain the problem and specify some basic info – name, surname, city, contact email and so on.

This information already gives a lot to the crooks. They may sell it or use this info for further spamming campaigns. The databases that consist of this information cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars. However, that fraud may sometimes obtain a more dangerous form.

Tips To Prevent Phishing Angler:

If the pseudo-support is lurking under the guise of bank support, it may lure different banking details – card number, expiration date and CVV/2 code, for example. That data set is enough to get all the money from your bank account in just one transaction. Another dangerous action you may meet is the offer to follow the link. This action will likely throw you to the malicious website – with malware downloading, ads, or any other unwanted things.

• Check the username. Until the crooks manage to hijack the support account, they will use the account with similar, but not the same name. Staying diligent will make your life easier – and not just in cyberspace.
• Never follow the links from strangers. Tech support will not likely send you links of any sort, so seeing one, especially to the site that is not related to the establishment.
• Don’t tell the personal details to the people you are not sure about. Tech support can barely explain why they need your phone number or date of birth. And they exactly never need it – until we are talking about the fraud.

6) Social Media Phishing

This is the common name of any phishing that takes place in social networks. The enormous mass of people that use Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and Reddit makes these networks an extremely prospective field for phishing. Social media phishing supposes luring people into following the links, which lead to malicious sites.

Crooks may redirect you to doorway sites, to malware downloading, or to the page that will try to lure your credentials. The text before these links may contain some shocking information – about the death of the celebrity, new disease or other thing that can attract attention.

Avoiding Social Media Phishing:

Since social media phishing is not targeted and generally committed by non-qualified crooks, it is quite easy to avoid this fraud. Strange texts, abundance of capital letters, absence of any reaction to your reply from the sender – all these things definitely point at the fact that it must not be trusted.

• Don’t follow the links sent to you by strangers. An already mentioned axiom that will never stop being effective.
• Check the news by yourself. If the information behind the link looks plausible, it is better to check it manually, by googling.

7) Website Phishing Attack

Website phishing is a site counterfeiting technique I talked about earlier. That action is to make the site maximally similar to the original – to make the user trust it. Among popular sites to counterfeit there are online banking pages, social networks, payment system sites and so on. The site may show different blanks to fill with login information, credentials from online banking, bank card information. However, the effects will likely always be the same – the message like “something went wrong, please try again later”. 

How To Avoid Phishing Websites:

They almost always appear after your action. Clicking the link in the social media, or in the email – it may be any other form of phishing. Fortunately, when you see the site, you still have a chance to go back.

• Check the URL bar. Cybercriminals may create a full-fledged copy of the website, but they will never repeat the website address. It may look like “faseboook.com” or “tvviter.com”, but you will likely see something like “mysite13.xoisqcu.in”. 
• Pay attention to who is texting you. Sure, you must not exclude that even someone familiar with you may get its account hijacked, but still – links from strangers must not be trusted.
• Check the connection type. If you are not sure about the address of the website you see, but cannot remember the correct variant, just check the HTTPS certificate. You can do this by clicking the lock icon at the left side of the URL bar. Absence of the HTTPS likely means that this site is not trustworthy, and likely a counterfeit of the original page.

8) Voicemail Phishing Attack

Voicemail phishing, or vishing, is the fraudulent use of voicemail messages to lure you for the callback. They usually mimic well-known retailers or online marketplaces. Robot-voiced message asks you to specify some delivery information by a certain phone number. This number, however, does not belong to the pretended retailer. Person on the other end of the line may ask for any of your personal details – even though it cannot be useful to proceed with the order.

Avoiding the Voicemail Phishing:

In contrast to the email spam which has phishing contents in it, voicemail phishing can be resolved by simply pressing the Reject call button. If you are not waiting for the delivery – just ignore the call. Even if it is a gift ordered to you by your significant other, the delivery firm will contact you in the other way – email or SMS. 

• Check the phone number the voicemail offers you to call. Most of the numbers used by support are published on the official website, in the Contacts tab. If the offered number is not among them – ignore it.
• Think twice before sharing personal information by phone. It is an antiquated way of communicating, which is more expensive than email forms or sites. A real support will likely call you only if something is wrong with the order – and not to ask for detailed information about your person. 

9) Credential Phishing Attack

The subtype of website phishing, which supposes the use of a site with a fake login form. That website, exactly, has only 2 pages – the one you see when you open it and the “something-went-wrong” page you will see after typing whatever in the login form. This fraud is quite effective when you don’t use the designated social network pretty often. With time, you are getting logged out from the websites, so the ask to log in will not look dubious.

How To Avoid Credential Phishing:

• Always make sure where you are going to type your credentials. Check the site URL – crooks will never use an original address, but a poor looking counterfeit instead.
• Change your passwords regularly. While it will not prevent the exact phishing, that action will definitely be useful in preventing the use of leaked credentials. It is very important to use only strong passwords because they cannot be cracked and you will not endanger your data.

10) SMS-phishing (Smishing) Attack

Smishing is an approach of a fraud that goes preliminary to the website phishing. Threat actors send you an SMS that contains the link to a counterfeited website. Since it takes place on mobile devices, the cases of malware installations are pretty rare – they mostly aim at your credentials and personal information.

Avoiding The Smishing:

It is pretty easy to recognize the fraud. Cellular operators never give the crooks’ number the naming of a well-known campaign. However, crooks still may successfully mimic the delivery boys or small shops that do not purchase the naming for their number.

• Don’t follow the links in dubious SMS. This advice is likely obvious, but it is better to repeat it once again
• Publish less information about the ongoing deliveries, orders and so on. Publishing this information equals voluntarily giving the crooks the chance to scam you. Open-source intelligence matters!

11) Clone Phishing Attack

Clone phishing is a pretty sly method that is based on complete copying of the email sent by a certain company. For such a disguise, crooks try to get one, change the links and attachments to malicious counterparts, and then just send it to you. The mechanism of malware injection/credentials stealing is the same as in all other methods.

How To Avoid The Clone Phishing: 

It is quite hard to figure out what kind of message you are looking at. However, there is a single key that never fails – the email address. Crooks can make it similar to the original sender’s address, but it is still impossible to copy it completely. Compare it diligently to uncover the fraud even before checking the attachments.

12) Wi-Fi phishing Attack

This tactic is pretty rare, and not as effective as earlier. However, it is still possible to lure something valuable. Wi-Fi phishing is the creation of a Wi-Fi access point that is named similarly to one offered by something well-known. For example, create a _Dominos_ access point in the Domino’s Pizza – the original is named the same – Dominos – and there is a big chance that someone will connect to your network instead of the original. Controlling the access point means the ability to sniff all unencrypted packages sent through it.

However, this method became much less profitable than it was in the ‘00s because of the spread of HTTPS connection spreading. HTTPS means that all packages are encrypted at the stage of sending to/from the site. Hence, you will not be able to read those packages until you get a decryption key – which is accessible only to the server and the client. Sure, there are several sophisticated approaches that allow you to counterfeit whole sites and even save the URL of the official address, but it is way much easier to try some other phishing methods.

What Happens When You Go To URL Phishing?

Following the URL that is inside of the phishing message may have different consequences. Most of the cases, you will see the counterfeit of a popular social network that offers you to log in. Some cases are about the counterfeited pages of the payment system – this time, their target is your bank card information.

The most rare cases are ones where the website you receive a link to contains the exploit kit. Opening it means zero-click malware injection – and you have nothing to do with it. While other situations are reversible, this one can possibly be stopped only by rapid closing the site.

However, the bad situations with exploits are very easy to prevent. Browser vulnerabilities that allow such a situation to happen are pretty rare, and usually patched as fast as possible. Hence, keeping your web browser up to date is enough to stay safe. Online security has never been so easy!

Steps On Protection Against Phishing

In fact, most of the approaches to protect yourself against phishing attempts bear on your own. Exactly, like in the majority of malware cases. Just keep in mind that you must be diligent, and never allow yourself any reckless actions – until you value your credentials and your money, or course. Nonetheless, there is a chain of steps you can follow to increase your chances of staying safe.

• Check the sender. Seeing the message from Amazon, Walmart or Lowes, ensure that it was sent by those companies. They will never use an email address like “johndoe138037713@cock.li.
• Check the URL of the site that opened by the link. Sure, that advice is actual only for the links that you meet in not-so-trustworthy places. However, reviewing it may help you to prevent money loss or account hijacking.
• Never follow the links posted on the sites you don’t trust. Such advice is especially useful if you often guest on different online forums. Those places are rarely moderated diligently enough to prevent phishing attempts.
• Never ignore the security notifications in your web browser. Yes, sometimes they can trigger on the site you trust (for example, when its security certificate has expired), but when you see the security alarm on the site you open for the first time – it is better to stay on the alarm.
• As the continuation to the previous paragraph – use security software with Internet Security features. Such a function allows the anti-malware software to serve as an additional network shield. And when both web browser and anti-malware program alarms you about the danger – it is better to follow their guidelines.
• Filter the information you publish. Threat actors who plan and commit the spear phishing and its specimens preparing the attack basing on what you expect to receive on your email/in your DM. The less information you will give to open-source intelligence actors – the less realistic the phishing emails you receive will look like.
• Keep an eye on your personal information. Besides the OSINT methods described above, fraudsters may get precise information to prepare the attack by just buying it. Darknet is full of such offers, and until the last few weeks, there were also places to buy it in the Upper Web.

The post TOP 12 Most Dangerous Types of Phishing Attacks 2022 appeared first on Gridinsoft Blog.

Seeing these stats, it becomes essential to protect your computer against all such viruses, malware, and automatically installed unwanted programs (PUPs). If you think you are safe by having an antivirus program on your PC, then I would frankly tell you that you are delusional! There are more than enough viruses and malware that can easily get through your antivirus program and firewall. It is good to have an antivirus program on your system, but you also need to learn more. Hence, it is an absolute necessity for you to learn the most effective ways of virus protection. It is better to stay safe than to cry over spilled milk.

With this in mind, I have researched extensively and, after careful administration and use, have come up with some of the most effective ways to prevent viruses from entering your system.

You can avoid getting infected and can enjoy the internet on your terms by following these methods meticulously.

System updates for virus protection

It does not matter which operating system you are using. It can be Windows, MAC, Linux, or any OS. But what matters is that your operating system should be up to date. Always try to use the latest system and update it regularly. OS releases updates to fix security leaks and faults in the system. So this regular update can help you keep your system secure and safe.

Install GridinSoft Anti-Malware

It is not the only thing that keeps you safe, but this goes almost without saying that having an antivirus on your system is the essential step to avoiding viruses and securing your operating system. Also, do not forget to regularly update Gridinsoft Anti-malware³ to maintain a database that helps you to fight against all new viruses, adware, trojans and others.

Perform Daily Scans

You should perform daily scans on your system. Sometimes it is hard to do, and you cannot work while the virus scanner is running, so if you find the process irritating, then it is recommended that you schedule a weekly scan on your software or set up a nighttime scan working on your computer. In this way, your system can be cleaned out regularly, making you less susceptible to viruses.

Disable auto-startup on your PC

Many devices act as sponges and attach themselves to external hard drives, USBs, or any other kind of portable media. The minute you connect an external device to your computer, the viruses launch themselves and start propagating and spreading in your system.

If you want to improve your virus protection, it’s in your best interest to disable the auto-run feature in your system. Depending on your operating system, you can follow the steps given by Microsoft to disable this feature.

Use a Standard User account

It might be a bit of extra work to install every program manually and grant permissions for everything with a standard user account. But a standard user account can also help you stay safe by regulating and monitoring everything that enters your system. You can keep a check on any unwanted program that tries to install itself, and you can also quickly reverse harmful changes. This hint increases your virus protection enormously because of the specification of malware for Windows.

Use a secure Network for virus protection

If your operating system is connected to the printer, wi-fi, or any other network, ensure that you are using a secure connection. Do not connect your computer to an open Wi-Fi___33 network. Always use WPS or WPA 2 protection to secure your network. It will also be good for you not to broadcast your SSID and password.

Avoid Clicking on Anything and Everything

Now, this is a mantra that you need to keep repeating to yourself until it is completely embedded in your brain. It’s a rule that needs to be religiously followed to prevent viruses from entering your system. Do not click on everything. It includes everything; Crafty email messages, email attachments and links, unknown websites, attention-grabbing banner ads, false download buttons, pop-ups, or any such thing that wants you to click on it!

You want to stay safe while on the internet? Do not ignore this rule. If an email is sent by a friend, relative, or colleague, never open it without scanning it first. Do you want to download email attachments? Scan first. Want to click on a download button for software? Verify first that the software is coming from a licensed source.

Make sure that your browser is configured to ask first before running or downloading any program or file because most viruses only attack after you grant permission or “click” on the file containing the virus.

Always beware of nefarious pop-ups and never click on the “X” to close the pop-up.

Surf Smart

Always use a secure internet browser. Do not stay dependent on the old Internet Explorer versions as they are incompatible with modern plug-ins and features. It is best to use an advanced business-class browser. Once you have a good browser in your system, then be smart and make good use of its additional features such as Add-ons and Plug-ins. Many browsers provide you with Add-ons that coordinate with your antivirus program to block harmful sites, cookies, and links.

Install ad blockers and pop-up blockers in your browser to stay safe while browsing the internet. Also, install browser plug-ins to protect you against ‘drive-by’ malware, phishing attacks, fake hyperlinks, and harmful web pages.

It is in the best interest to never enter your personal, professional, and financial information on a page that you have not opened manually and is not a verified link or secure website.

You can also add unchecked to your browser plug-ins to uncheck unnoticeable small checked boxes that install PUPs to your computer. Also, don’t forget to clear the cache of your browser.

Use Multiple Strong Passwords and Back-ups For Everything

It’s better to be safe than sorry. While you are on the internet, a simple virus is not the only thorn in your backside! It would help to stay safe and secure from hacking programs while shopping online or doing banking transactions. It is advisable not to use one or similar passwords on all your social or professional accounts. Also, keep all your data backed up at all times to avoid losing anything to viruses.

Use a Hardware-Based Firewall

The simple software-based firewall provided with your system is insufficient when using the internet or connecting with external networks or devices. It would help if you had a capable and hardware-based solid Firewall to protect your system against viruses, worms, infected network traffic, malicious adware, and other vulnerabilities.

Did you know about all these ways of preventing viruses from entering your system? Use them well and enjoy a virus-free computer and life!

The post Virus Protection Hints & Advices in 2023 appeared first on Gridinsoft Blog.