We explore why investing in a premium VPN service is crucial for anyone seeking enhanced online security, privacy, and unrestricted internet access.

Before diving into the advantages of paid VPN services, it’s essential to understand what a VPN is and how it works.

A VPN creates a secure, encrypted tunnel between your device and the internet. This tunnel protects your data from prying eyes, including hackers, government agencies, and even your Internet Service Provider (ISP). By masking your IP address, a VPN allows you to browse the internet anonymously, making it significantly harder for third parties to track your online activities.

The advantages of paid VPN services

1. Enhanced security: One of the primary reasons to pay for a VPN service is the enhanced security it provides. Paid VPNs typically offer strong encryption protocols, such as AES-256, which is considered military-grade encryption. This level of security ensures that your data remains confidential and protected from cyber threats.

Additionally, premium VPNs often include features like a Kill Switch, which disconnects your internet connection if the VPN fails, preventing any data leaks.

2. Improved privacy: Paid VPNs prioritize user privacy by implementing strict no-logs policies, meaning they do not store any information about your online activities. This is crucial for users who are concerned about their data being collected and sold to third parties.

Free VPNs, on the other hand, may track your online behavior and even sell your data to advertisers, undermining the very purpose of using a VPN.

3. Bypassing geo-restrictions: Many streaming services impose geographic restrictions on their content. Paid VPNs allow you to bypass these geo-blocks by connecting to servers in different countries.

For instance, if you’re traveling abroad and want to access content available only in your home country, a VPN can help you do so by masking your location. This feature is particularly beneficial for travelers and expatriates who wish to maintain access to their favorite shows and services.

4. Avoiding ISP throttling: ISPs sometimes throttle bandwidth for users who consume large amounts of data, particularly during peak times. By using a VPN, your ISP cannot see how much data you are using, which can help prevent throttling.

This means you can enjoy faster streaming and downloading speeds without interruptions, making your online experience smoother and more enjoyable.

5. Safe public Wi-Fi usage: Public Wi-Fi networks are notoriously insecure, making them prime targets for cybercriminals.

Paid VPNs encrypt your data when you connect to public Wi-Fi, protecting you from potential hacking attempts. This is especially important for users who frequently access sensitive information, such as banking details or personal data, while on the go.

6. Access to better connection speeds: While free VPNs often suffer from overcrowding and slow speeds due to their limited server capacity, paid VPNs typically offer a wider range of servers and better bandwidth.

This means you can enjoy faster connection speeds and a more reliable service, which is essential for activities like streaming, gaming, and video conferencing.

7. Comprehensive customer support: When you pay for a VPN service, you often gain access to dedicated customer support. This can be invaluable if you encounter technical issues or have questions about the service. Free VPNs may not offer the same level of support, leaving users to troubleshoot problems on their own.

Additional features;

Many premium VPN services come with a range of additional features designed to enhance your online experience. These can include ad blockers, malware protection, and split tunneling, which allows you to choose which apps use the VPN and which connect directly to the internet.

These features can significantly improve your online safety and browsing experience.

Also read:

• • What is a VPN and do you really need one?
  • How to set up a virtual private network (VPN) on your device
  • What your Internet Service Provider sees once you’re connected to a VPN
  • Top 10 VPNs to choose from

The risks of using free VPNs

While the allure of free VPN services may be tempting, they come with significant risks that can compromise your online safety and privacy.

• Data logging and selling

Many free VPN providers log user data and sell it to third parties, including advertisers. This practice undermines the privacy that users seek when using a VPN. In contrast, reputable paid VPNs adhere to strict no-logs policies, ensuring that your online activities remain confidential.

• Inadequate security measures

Free VPNs often lack the robust security measures found in paid services. They may use outdated encryption protocols or none at all, leaving your data vulnerable to interception. This can expose you to various cyber threats, including identity theft and data breaches.

• Limited bandwidth and speed

Free VPN services frequently impose bandwidth limits and offer slower speeds due to overcrowded servers. This can lead to frustrating experiences, especially when streaming or downloading content. Paid VPNs, on the other hand, provide better performance and reliability.

• Ads and malware

Many free VPN services generate revenue through advertisements, which can lead to intrusive ads while you browse. Worse yet, some free VPNs have been found to contain malware, putting your device and personal information at risk. Paid VPNs typically do not display ads and prioritize user safety.

• Lack of customer support

Free VPN providers often do not offer adequate customer support, leaving users to fend for themselves in case of issues. Paid VPN services usually provide responsive customer support, ensuring that users can resolve any problems quickly and efficiently.

In summary, while free VPNs may seem like an attractive option, they often come with significant drawbacks that can jeopardize your online privacy and security. Paying for a VPN service enhances your protection against cyber threats and provides a range of benefits that improve your overall online experience —from robust security measures and improved privacy to the ability to bypass geo-restrictions and avoid ISP throttling, a premium VPN service is a worthwhile investment for anyone serious about their online safety.

The post Why You Need a Premium VPN Service appeared first on PC Tech Magazine.

CipherTrust Manager is the central command center for all encryption keys within an organization’s IT systems. It handles the full key lifecycle from creation through rotation and replacement based on set rules.

Keys are securely held in specially protected hardware devices. These secure machines, called hardware security modules (or HSMs for short), solely contain the electronic copies of keys. Even if servers or storage units are attacked, the keys stay safeguarded from theft or improper use since they never leave the hardened HSM environments.

The five key benefits of the CipherTrust Manager encryption key management platform.

Centralized key management

The main benefit of CipherTrust Manager is that it provides a central place to create, store, and manage encryption keys for the whole company. Everything in one place makes it organized instead of becoming a messy tangle of different keys used in many spots.

Also, a CipherTrust Manager safely keeps all the keys inside secure hardware devices called hardware security modules (HSMs). HSMs are machines that protect keys by ensuring they are never shown without protection outside of the HSM. The HSM cannot be taken apart or tampered with.

Centralization means keys no longer need to be put into programs or stored on individual computers. This eliminates weaknesses like keys being saved in files or databases that could get stolen or shared by accident. With CipherTrust Manager, you must strongly verify your identity through a website or app to access a key.

Following rules and managing everything makes critical generation, distribution, replacement, cancellation, and destruction easy. It gives complete visibility and control over the keys used across apps, databases, user information, API connections, etc. Auditing and reporting ensure oversight of all critical activities.

Granular access controls

A key management system must have strict rules about who can access or use keys. CipherTrust Manager supports role-based access control (RBAC) with detailed permissions that can be given based on work groups, teams, or specific users. Different user roles determine whether people can view, generate, import, or activate keys. The system also sets whether users can only read or change keys. Controls may allow access to some apps’ keys but block access to others.

Administrator roles separate jobs, so one person cannot handle key activation and auditing, for example. If an employee with key access leaves their job, their login and permissions can quickly be removed using the central dashboard.

CipherTrust Manager’s access management helps follow regulations and protects key material from unauthorized use. Its records and reports provide accountability for all management activities on encryption items, ensuring the right people do the right things with keys.

Encryption policy automation

For encryption to provide security for large groups, the rules for managing keys must follow best practices without needing someone to do tasks by hand. CipherTrust Manager supports automatic policies that take the hard work out of managing encryption daily.

Automated policies regularly perform repeated jobs, like rotating keys on a set schedule. They can also automatically reject weak keys, change keys for passwords at set times, and expire keys after a standard amount of time.

Templates help apply the usual rules to everyone. For example, a template ensures new database fields use strong 256-bit AES encryption with a 90-day key rotation. If encryption needs to change, changes are applied to everything from the template.

Other automatic policies make adding new apps or cloud services easier. Automatic policies also guide the backup/restore process for keys, keeping sure practices without human effort. CipherTrust Manager decreases security risks and provides less work for administrators by automatically following encryption lifecycles according to set rules.

See also: The different types of data encryption explained

Scalable, high-performance architecture

As companies collect more data and use encryption in more places, the need to manage keys grows, too. CipherTrust Manager provides ways to expand and stay reliable to support ongoing growth.

Its flexible design allows adding more appliance nodes to make it larger. Nodes stay together through an active-active group setup, ensuring no single point of failure. If a node has problems, others can instantly take over to keep services running well. Doing tasks in parallel also boosts speed – tests show CipherTrust Manager handles over 250,000 encryption jobs per second.

The solution works with popular remote HSM systems like Luna CloudHSM to expand on demand. Virtual versions offer options to set up on-site, hybrid, or in multiple clouds. CipherTrust Manager’s quick design, immediate copying, and complete disaster backup keep up as encryption use increases across more areas within companies.

Comprehensive audit trail

Sometimes, investigating incidents requires a full record of encryption activities to meet rules. CipherTrust Manager keeps a detailed history of every key management step through its centralized logging and reporting dashboard. All stages of a key’s life — from creation and sharing to rotating, limiting, and deleting — get documented with metadata like date, time, user, and app or system requesting it. This audit log provides clear proof.

CipherTrust Manager’s records provide undeniable evidence and help comply with rules. Its reporting catches policy breaks or suspicious behavior early. Configurable reports let teams or auditors analyze encryption management carefully.

Therefore, for encryption to work well across a company, the key management system must have central control, strict access rules, automatic policies, expansion options, and complete record-keeping. CipherTrust Manager brings all these things together into one strong system. It securely manages encryption keys everywhere and allows them to increase over time and cloud spaces.

The post 5 Key Benefits of Using CipherTrust Manager For Data Protection appeared first on PC Tech Magazine.

Last month, X’s Director of Engineering, Haofei Wang shared that the social platform was working on making likes private saying “Public likes are incentivizing the wrong behavior.” “For example, many people feel discouraged from liking content that might be “edgy” in fear of retaliation from trolls, or to protect their public image,” Wang added.

While the “likes” tab will be gone from user profiles, a user will still be able to see who has liked their posts under notifications but won’t be able to see those who liked somebody else’s posts.

“Like count and other metrics for your posts will still show up under notifications.” X’s engineering account (@XEng) posted saying that this update is meant to better protect everyone’s privacy.

“This week we’re making Likes private for everyone to better protect your privacy.” the account revealed to which X CEO Elon Musk quoted and confirmed, “Important change: your likes are now private”

Musk on Tuesday had responded to The Verge’s post about hiding likes saying it is “important to allow people to like posts without getting attacked for doing so!”

This is the second update this month and comes after the microblogging website recently announced a policy change that allows users to post adult content, “Porn” on the platform as long as it is “labeled and not prominently displayed” as per the social platform’s “adult content policy” page.

“We believe that users should be able to create, distribute, and consume material related to sexual themes as long as it is consensually produced and distributed. Sexual expression, visual or written, can be a legitimate form of artistic expression,” reads X’s “adult content” policies.

However, while the site is allowing adults to engage with and create sexual content, X said it is balancing “this freedom” by limiting exposure of such content for children and adult users who wish not to see it.

The post X is Officially Making Likes Private appeared first on PC Tech Magazine.

To mitigate these risks and ensure the security of your professional profile, it’s crucial to implement proactive measures. This article takes you through the essential tips for fortifying your LinkedIn account against potential security breaches, offering practical advice to enhance your online safety.

How strong is your password

When it comes to online security, the strength of your password serves as the frontline defense against unauthorized access. Creating a robust and unique password for your LinkedIn account is foundational.

Avoid the temptation of using easily guessable passwords like “123456” or “password,” which are akin to leaving the front door of your digital identity wide open to attackers. Instead, opt for a combination of letters, numbers, and special characters, making it resilient against brute force attacks.

Employ 2FA always

Two-factor authentication (2FA) acts as an additional layer of security beyond the traditional password protection. By enabling 2FA on your LinkedIn account, you add a supplementary verification step, typically involving a code sent to your mobile device or generated through an authenticator app. This extra hurdle significantly reduces the likelihood of unauthorized access, even if your password is compromised.

Look out for phishing acts

Cybercriminals often employ phishing tactics to trick unsuspecting users into divulging their login credentials. Be vigilant against suspicious emails, messages, or links purportedly from LinkedIn requesting sensitive information. Remember, LinkedIn will never ask for your password via email. Exercise caution and scrutinize any unexpected communications, verifying their authenticity before taking any action.

Update your software, regularly

Regular software updates are not merely about adding new features; they play a crucial role in bolstering security. Ensure that your device’s operating system, web browser, and LinkedIn app are promptly updated with the latest security patches. These updates often contain fixes for known vulnerabilities, strengthening the overall resilience of your digital ecosystem.

Be keen on integrated apps

Third-party apps integrated with your LinkedIn account can introduce additional security risks if not carefully managed. Periodically review the list of apps with access privileges and revoke permissions for any outdated or suspicious applications. Limit access to only those apps you genuinely trust and actively use, minimizing potential points of vulnerability.

Regular reviews are essential

Monitoring your account activity is essential for detecting any unauthorized access or suspicious behavior promptly. Regularly review your LinkedIn account for any unusual logins, unrecognized devices, or unexpected changes to your profile information. Early detection allows for swift action to mitigate potential security threats and safeguard your professional identity.

Keep your gadgets secure

Securing your devices goes hand in hand with protecting your online accounts. Utilize reputable antivirus software to defend against malware and other cyber threats that could compromise your LinkedIn credentials. Additionally, exercise caution when accessing your LinkedIn account on public Wi-Fi networks, as they pose inherent security risks.

Discretion

While LinkedIn serves as a platform for professional networking, exercise discretion when sharing personal information on your profile. Avoid oversharing sensitive details that could be exploited by malicious actors. Strike a balance between showcasing your professional achievements and safeguarding your privacy to maintain a secure online presence.

Therefore, safeguarding your LinkedIn account requires a proactive approach to cybersecurity. By adhering to these basic yet effective tips, you can significantly reduce the risk of your account being hacked and ensure the security of your professional information. Stay vigilant, stay informed, and prioritize the protection of your digital identity in today’s interconnected world.

The post How to Safeguard Your LinkedIn Account appeared first on PC Tech Magazine.

Do not give any more information

This is the most important rule. If something feels ‘off’ about a website you are led to after clicking a link, asking for your name, email, phone number, or bank card information, close it immediately. If you are talking to someone on the phone, and the conversation seems even just a little strange, hang up immediately and do not answer if they call back. And if you are communicating through video conferencing tools, end the meeting and close the application.

Disconnect your device from the Internet

This is essential if you have installed any applications at someone’s request, or someone’s done something on your computer using remote control tools. If this has happened, chances are that malware has been installed on your computer or smartphone. To prevent cybercriminals from controlling your device remotely, disconnect the device from the Internet by turning off Wi-Fi and your mobile data or unplug the ethernet cable of your computer. See Step 6 below for further actions.

Put yourself in the hacker’s shoes

If you already have visited a suspicious website or talked on the phone, try to remember any information you entered on the site or shared with the caller. Address and name? Phone number? Bank card number? Password or security code received in SMS? If you only shared your name, address, and phone number, no further action is required. Unfortunately, the situation is worse if you have shared more sensitive information, such as passwords, photos of personal documents, or banking information. If this has happened, follow Steps 4 and 5 as outlined below.

Change your passwords

You must regularly change the passwords to all your accounts. However, when you have interacted with a hacker, it is vital to quickly log in to the service in question and change the password immediately. If you disconnected your device from the Internet, use another device rather than plugging in the potentially infected one. Do not hesitate to ask your friends or co-workers for help if you do not have another device. When accessing any services, enter the site address manually or open it through your browser bookmarks rather than clicking on links in emails.

ALSO READ: THE MOST OVERUSED PASSWORDS AND HOW TO AVOID THEM

Contact your bank or service provider

If you provided bank card numbers or other financial information, contact the bank immediately. You can usually block cards through a dedicated hotline, as well as through a mobile app and your account on the website. For other types of data, such as bank account details, consult with specialists from the bank or online service about protective measures to take.

Check your device

If you followed our advice and disconnected your device (computer or smartphone) from the Internet due to potential infection, thoroughly check it for malware or potentially unsafe software before reconnecting to the network. If you already have a comprehensive protection system installed, such as Kaspersky Premium, ensure that the protection databases have been updated recently and all protection and scanning technologies are enabled, and then run the deepest scan possible, applying settings that can detect not only malware but also potentially dangerous software such as remote control tools.

If your device does not have protection or if the protection databases are outdated, then use another device to download protection from the manufacturer’s official website. You can then transfer the installation files across using a USB flash drive or SD card.

Check for any suspicious activity

After taking all the steps above, make sure that the hackers have not managed to do anything harmful with the potentially compromised accounts. If these are online stores or bank accounts, check your recent purchases. If you see any purchases that you did not make, try to cancel them by contacting the online store or your bank.

On social networks, check recent posts, new friends, photo album content, and so on. In messaging apps, check your recent chats to make sure no fraudulent messages were sent from your account.

Beyond these tips, below are a few precautionary measures you can take in advance:

• Protect your smartphone from potential theft or loss.
• Use unique passwords and two-factor authentication for every account. A password manager with a built-in authenticator will help you create new unique passwords and store both the passwords and the authentication tokens.
• Install a comprehensive security system on all your computers and smartphones. This will prevent most phishing and fraud attempts as well as unauthorized access and hijacking of your computer, neutralize viruses and malware, and repair your PC if it has already been infected.

The post Kaspersky Tips on What to do if Someone Tries to Hack You appeared first on PC Tech Magazine.

According to the blog post, in case you prefer to chat without sharing your phone number, you will now be able to create a unique username that you can use instead. The company however notes that you will still need a phone number to sign up for Signal.

“Note that a username is not the profile name that’s displayed in chats, it’s not a permanent handle, and not visible to the people you are chatting with in Signal. A username is simply a way to initiate contact on Signal without sharing your phone number.” wrote Randall Sarafa, the chief product officer at Signal.

Once the feature rolls out, by default, your phone number will no longer be visible to everyone you chat with. However, users who already had your number saved in their contacts will still be able to see it. Signal further says that users will also be able to control who can find them on the app by phone number by enabling a new, optional privacy setting.

“This means that unless people have your exact unique username, they won’t be able to start a conversation, or even know that you have a Signal account — even if they have your phone number.”

The encrypted messaging app emphasizes that “Signal usernames are not logins or handles that you’ll be known by on the app – they’re simply a quick way to connect without sharing a phone number.” Your profile name will still be whatever you set it to and your username will not be displayed on your Profile details page or chats if you don’t personally share it.

To create one, you can head to your profile settings. But keep in mind that your username is supposed to be unique with two or more numbers at the end. The company says this is intended “to help keep usernames egalitarian and minimize spoofing.” Signal usernames can be changed or deleted if the user decides they no longer want to have one.

The post Signal Users Will Start Using Usernames to Keep Their Phone Numbers Private appeared first on PC Tech Magazine.

1. Man-in-the-Middle Attacks (MITM)

When a hacker intercepts communication between two parties, it’s called a Man-in-the-Middle (MITM) attack. Instead of data going directly between you and the server, the hacker sneaks in and can even show you their version of a website, including fake messages.

Public Wi-Fi users are prime targets for MITM attacks because the information they send is often not encrypted, meaning it’s easy for hackers to access your data. Once they’re in, they can grab your emails, usernames, passwords, and more. They might even lock you out of your accounts by resetting your passwords.

Look for the “https” in the website’s URL—it means there’s some level of encryption. Avoid entering any data if you see a warning message about a site’s authenticity. Most browsers will alert you if a site isn’t secure.

2.   Fake Wi-Fi Connections

Also known as the “Evil Twin,” this type of attack tricks you into joining a fake Wi-Fi network set up by a hacker. They can then intercept all the data you send over that network, without you even realizing it.

Creating a fake Wi-Fi network is surprisingly easy for cybercriminals, and they often do it near genuine hotspots to lure in unsuspecting victims.

Be cautious if you see two Wi-Fi networks with similar names. If you’re unsure, ask the staff at the place where you’re connecting to Wi-Fi. Also, consider using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to encrypt your data and make it unreadable to hackers.

3.   Packet Sniffing

This method allows hackers to capture data packets flying through unencrypted networks and analyze them at their leisure. Packet sniffing isn’t always illegal — IT departments use it to maintain security but it’s also a favorite tool for cybercriminals looking to steal passwords and other sensitive information.

Invest in a VPN to encrypt your data and ensure the websites you use have SSL/TSL certificates (look for “https” in the URL).

4.   Sidejacking (Session Hijacking)

Sidejacking or Session Hijacking is like packet sniffing in real time. Hackers use intercepted data to hijack your current session on a website, giving them access to your private accounts and information.

While they can’t directly read your password, they can still download malware or gather enough information to steal your identity.

Use a VPN to encrypt your data and always log out of your accounts when you’re finished using them, especially on public Wi-Fi. Check your social media accounts for active sessions and log out of any you don’t recognize.

5.   Shoulder-Surfing

Sometimes, the simplest scams are the most effective. Shoulder surfing involves someone watching over your shoulder as you type in passwords or other personal information.

Be aware of your surroundings and who might be watching you. If you’re unsure, avoid entering sensitive information or use a privacy screen to block prying eyes.

6.   DNS Spoofing

DNS (Domain Name System) is like the internet’s phone book, translating domain names into IP addresses. Hackers can manipulate DNS settings to redirect your internet traffic to malicious websites, even if you entered the correct web address.

Consider using a reputable DNS service or a VPN that offers DNS encryption to prevent your traffic from being redirected.

7.   Wi-Fi Phishing

Similar to email phishing scams, Wi-Fi phishing involves setting up fake Wi-Fi networks that mimic legitimate ones. When users connect to these networks, hackers can intercept their data or trick them into entering sensitive information.

Always verify the authenticity of Wi-Fi networks before connecting, especially in public places. Avoid connecting to networks with generic names like “Free Wi-Fi” and be cautious of any network that requires you to input personal information to connect.

8.   Rogue Access Points

Hackers can set up their wireless access points in public spaces, posing as legitimate hotspots. Once connected, they can monitor and capture users’ data or launch attacks on their devices.

Use a VPN to encrypt your internet traffic and avoid connecting to unfamiliar Wi-Fi networks. If you’re unsure about a network’s legitimacy, ask an employee or look for signage indicating the official Wi-Fi network.

9.   Keyloggers

Keyloggers are malicious software or hardware devices that record keystrokes on a computer or mobile device. If a hacker manages to install a keylogger on a public computer or compromised device, they can capture usernames, passwords, and other sensitive information entered by users.

Avoid using public computers for sensitive activities like online banking or entering passwords. If you must use a public computer, consider using a virtual keyboard or typing sensitive information in a secure document and then copying and pasting it into the intended fields.

In conclusion, while public Wi-Fi offers convenience and connectivity, it also presents numerous security risks. Hackers employ various tactics such as man-in-the-middle attacks, fake Wi-Fi connections, and packet sniffing to steal sensitive data from unsuspecting users.

It’s essential to consider a VPN as it can provide an extra level of security to your online activities, especially when you’re using public Wi-Fi or handling sensitive information. When you change your virtual location on an iPhone, computer, or any other device and hide your real IP address, you can protect yourself from potential security threats.

However, by implementing security measures like using VPNs, verifying Wi-Fi network authenticity, and practicing vigilance against common threats, individuals can safeguard their personal information and minimize the risks associated with using public Wi-Fi. It’s crucial to remain vigilant and take proactive steps to protect oneself in an increasingly interconnected digital world.

The post Techniques Hackers Employ to Exploit Public Wi-Fi and Compromise Your Sensitive Data appeared first on PC Tech Magazine.

Seeing as how often security and data breaches happen, staying protected and vigilant at all times is an absolute must. From your banking accounts to your email, you need strong passwords and two-factor authentication, if it’s available.

But managing all of those different passwords can be tough, and although it seems helpful, you don’t want to write them all down on sticky notes and place them all over your desk, monitor, or office. That opens you up to other security issues, like your family or visitors having full access to accounts.

The next best option is a password manager like LastPass and 1Password alternatives. If you’re on the hunt for one, here are a few options worth checking out;

1. Bitwarden (Best overall)

Bitwarden is a free, open-source password manager that also provides one of the best personal security options in the field. The platform’s code is regularly audited by independent researchers and security experts, ensuring its users are not vulnerable to hacks, breaches, or other nefarious events.

It’s easy to use, works great across all devices, from mobile to desktop, and allows you to store an unlimited number of passwords. You can sync your vault across devices for free, too.

If you need to, you can use it to store credit card and payment details, identity info, account logins, and secure notes.

Free is always free and gives you unlimited access, but Premium for $1 (approx. UGX3,800) per month unlocks the Bitwarden Authenticator tool, allows you to attach and store files, delivers security reports, and offers emergency access. You can also share vault items with one other user, like your partner.

2. Dashlane (Best for collaboration)

Functionally, Dashlane is the same as other 1Password alternatives, but it also tacks on a few extra features like a dark web monitor, VPN, and vulnerability scanner.

There is a free plan available, but it’s limited to only one device. If you need to install the service on more you’ll need a premium plan. It’s easy to use, is very responsive across all devices, browser included, with quick password captures, and supports multiple forms of multi-factor authentication.

It’s an excellent option for those working with a team or small group, as you can seamlessly share passwords across the group, they can access the related accounts without knowing the passwords themselves.

Dashlane auto-enters the account info as long as they’re logged in.

3. Password Boss (Best browser companion)

Password Boss is an excellent password companion for browser users. It works well with pretty much any browser you throw at it, is easy to set up and log in to portals, and comes with several excellent features. For example, you can securely share passwords or set up a password inheritance, so if anything happens to you, your family can still access everything they need to.

It is cross-platform, so if you save an account or password on one device, you can access it everywhere. The free plan allows you to store passwords locally on up to one device.

Premium unlocks access to unlimited devices, and you can try it free for 30 days before paying. After that, plans start at about $3 (approx. UGX12,000) per month.

4. Keeper (Best cross-platform experience)

Keeper earns a spot on our list for two reasons. First, it offers an incredibly user-friendly cross-platform experience with compatibility for a huge selection of platforms, from mobile to desktop.

Second, it offers a Keeper Family Package with five Keeper Unlimited vaults. You can essentially protect your entire family that way, and it’s not too expensive either.

A personal plan is about $3 (approx. UGX12,000) per month for unlimited storage for one person, while a Family plan is $6 (approx. UGX24,000) per month for five vaults, 10 GB of secure file storage, and the option to share data across your group.

5. NordPass (Best for personal security)

From the team behind NordVPN, NordPass is both a personal and business-focused password manager with many features.

More specifically, recent updates have added a data breach scanner — to alert you when your data is compromised — a password health report, a web vault, and password inheritance options.

Above all, it helps you maintain good password hygiene by helping you select strong passwords and grade existing passwords to change or improve them. That’s sort of the goal with NordPass to improve your security all around while still helping you securely protect your passwords and accounts.

The free plan allows you to store passwords, passkeys, and credit cards and access autofill for a single user account.

The Premium plan is $1.50 (approx. UGX5,800) per month and includes access to advanced features like masking your email, scanning for data breaches, and more.

How we chose these 1Password alternatives

Here are all of the factors to consider when choosing password managers and 1Password alternatives;

Vault Access

Most premium password managers limit how many accounts and passwords you can store in your vault for the free or basic plans. Opt for services that maximize this, allowing you either unlimited or a large storage capacity, even on the lower tiers.

Password Sharing

Sometimes, you need to share an account login or password with a colleague, friend, or family member. Choose password managers that allow this in a more secure format. Dashlane, for example, allows entire teams to share passwords that are saved to their vault and otherwise inaccessible.

Cross-Platform

It doesn’t matter whether you’re browsing on desktop or mobile, all of these password managers allow you to seamlessly bring your vault with you across platforms. You can log in from mobile or desktop, whether through an app, browser extension, or dedicated software.

Price

All of the password managers offer reasonable pricing, at least if you’re looking for an individual or personal plan. Keeper even has an exceptional and affordable Family plan that offers protection for up to five users.

Security

Breaches can happen, with password managers, too. LastPass, Bitwarden, and also KeePass have all had some issues. A breach doesn’t necessarily mean bad actors can see and utilize all of your secure passwords.

With the Bitwarden breach, for example, the affected elements were confined to iframes and autofill in browsers. Even so, a breach is scary, and the thought of someone accessing all of your most secure logins is, well, just as frightening.

Most of these tools include extra layers of security like multi-factor authentication or data encryption, but you should always be looking into yourself — don’t just take our word for it.

ALSO READ: MY CYBERSECURITY PREVIEW FOR 2024

The post 5 Password Managers You Can opt for Instead of 1Password in 2024 appeared first on PC Tech Magazine.

I didn’t have such luxury presented to me this Friday morning, as I was up early to go through the usual early morning routine which doesn’t care about public holidays, ahead of a Digital Marketing and Social Media training facilitated by Patricia Kahill and Joy Akatukunda. These ladies know what they are doing and talking about; whenever you can, give them your money and let them teach you about Digital Marketing!

A few days prior, while passing by Arena Mall, my attention was drawn to a billboard proclaiming “Black Drip.” I wondered whether it was a new brand or I’d just been living under a rock or something. On Friday afternoon I discovered on Twitter that the Black Drip social media pages were abuzz earlier that day, showcasing extravagant purchases made by their clients.

It was all going well, the netizens were captivated; at least some of them. My friend Mark Ruhindi, a Tax and Corporate Lawyer wasn’t too impressed, he instead offered them free advice: DELETE, which they followed, but apparently, not fast enough as plenty of screenshots had already been taken. Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) also picked interest.

By the way, kudos to URA for adopting a tone that combines business acumen with a touch of humor on social media. It’s a refreshing approach that underscores the seriousness of their work while maintaining a connection with the public.

Black Drip is probably going to have extra scrutiny of their books from the Taxman, thanks to their viral post.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the ramifications of oversharing, perfectly aligning with the ethos of #DataPrivacyDay, observed annually on January 28 to raise awareness and promote privacy and data protection best practices.

Our interconnected world provides a platform to share experiences, but it also demands a cautious approach, both for personal or business use.

As we commemorate Data Privacy Day, it’s crucial to reflect on our online habits. One fundamental step is to exercise caution in oversharing. In the era of constant connectivity, a momentary pause before posting personal details or locations can prevent unintended consequences. Additionally, take time to review and secure privacy settings on your online platforms. Limiting the visibility of personal details ensures that your online presence is shared only with your intended audience.

When many think of #Cybersecurity, images of hacking and technical intricacies come to mind. However, you go a long way toward safeguarding your data and privacy by simply being mindful of what you share online. Remember, the internet never forgets, as evidenced by URA’s timely reminder to Black Drip.

Happy Data Privacy Day!

The post Data Privacy Day — Raise Awareness and Promote Privacy & Data Protection appeared first on PC Tech Magazine.

Using RaaS also increased by 40% over the last year. Threat actors now sell their sophisticated ransomware solutions and services, keeping up to 80% of the profits.

Ransomware attacks are rapidly posing a greater threat due to the availability of RaaS solutions on the dark web. These solutions can be purchased at varying prices, ranging from less than USD$100 (approx. ZAR1865, UGX370,000) to thousands of dollars.

The ease of access to these kits, coupled with the fact that they often come with customer support, allows attackers to quickly set up and execute multiple ransomware attacks with little to no technical skill. This accessibility to RaaS solutions has led to the evolution of ransomware, with cybercriminals focusing on enhancing its sophistication and capabilities.

The aim is to create a product that is highly effective and profitable, catering to the demands of potential buyers in the cybercriminal market. They readily select their ransomware from a shopping list, pay the creators, and go. This represents the epitome of commodity attacks — a matter of utmost concern, especially for South Africa.

“One of the key factors contributing to South Africa’s vulnerability to these types of attacks is the widespread use of English,” explains Collard.

Collard adds that “attackers often need to negotiate with their victims, which means they need to speak a common language. It is difficult to negotiate with someone whose culture and language you do not understand. As a result, Western countries are more frequently targeted because of a higher percentage of threat actors originating from Europe.”

She also says, “South Africa, with its strong English-speaking business culture, advanced digital infrastructure, and thriving financial services ecosystem, is consequently at risk of being targeted by these attacks.”

In South Africa, both the private and public sectors rely significantly on digital infrastructure for their critical operations. Companies are prioritizing digitalization efforts to maintain their competitiveness in the local and global markets.

This strategic investment in digital technologies has proven invaluable, enabling companies to navigate through the challenges posed by the pandemic and fostering remarkable innovation.

South Africa was recognized as the most innovative country in Africa in 2022. However, this increased reliance on digital platforms has also exposed the country and its companies to vulnerabilities and risks.

“North America was the primary ransomware target for a long time but there has been a downward trend because the government has come down hard on these criminal organizations,” says Collard.

“They have the resources, law enforcement, and probably the budgets to clamp down on cybercrime syndicates that South Africa does not. In short, countries like the United States have become more responsive to threats and so the bad actors are turning to countries that do not have these resources or systems in place,” Collard adds.

When we combine this significant change in targeting, as highlighted in the recent Cy-Xplorer 2023 report by Orange Cyberdefense, with the swiftly evolving RaaS market, it is obvious why South African organizations need to stop and pay attention to the rising ransomware threat.

It has been commoditized and simplified, turned into a solution as easy to use, and implemented as an app for a smartphone. Plug, play, steal.

“RaaS presents a very real and constantly evolving challenge to cybersecurity specialists and organizations, the methods of attack, the approaches, the level of sophistication—it is very easy for anyone to be caught out. End users must remain vigilant to ensure that they do not become the reason a company falls victim to ransomware, and companies must continually train and remind employees of the risks to prevent complacency,” concludes Collard.

User awareness is critical. If people can recognize threats, they will not click on links or make mistakes. If people are aware of how easy it is to be fooled by fake emails and sites, they will be cautious with their passwords and their information.

If companies constantly reinforce these messages, they are protecting their data, their people, and their systems from an onslaught of RaaS threats that are only set to get even better and more prevalent in the future.

ALSO READ: BEST CYBERSECURITY PRACTICES FOR REMOTE EMPLOYEES

The post Cybercriminal For Hire: The Rise of Ransomware-as-a-Service appeared first on PC Tech Magazine.