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When it comes to protecting your privacy, take a close look at your social media use—because sharing can quickly turn into oversharing.
The term “oversharing” carries several different definitions. Yet in our case here, oversharing means saying more than one should to more people than they should. Consider the audience you have across your social media profiles. Perhaps you have dozens, if not hundreds of friends and followers. All with various degrees of closeness and familiarity. Who among them can you absolutely trust with the information you share?
And you might be sharing more than you think. Posts have a way of saying more than one thing, like:
“This is the pool at the rental home I’m staying at this week. Amazing!” Which also tells everyone, “My home is empty for the next few days.”
“I can’t start my workday without a visit to my favorite coffee shop.” Which also says, “If you ever want to track me down in person, you can find me at this location practically any weekday morning.”
One can quickly point to other examples of oversharing. Unintentional oversharing at that.
A first-day-of-school picture can tell practical strangers which elementary school your children attend, say if the picture includes the school’s reader board in it. A snapshot of you joking around with a co-worker might reveal a glimpse of company information. Maybe because of what’s written on the whiteboard behind the two of you. And in one extreme example, there’s the case of an assault on a pop star. Her attacker tracked her down through her selfie, determining her location through the reflection in her eyes.
The list goes on.
That’s not to say “don’t post.” More accurately, it’s “consider what you’re posting and who gets to see it.” You have control over what you post, and to some degree, who gets to see those posts. That combination is key to your privacy—and the privacy of others too.
1) Be more selective with your settings: Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and others give you the option of making your profile and posts visible to friends only. Choosing this setting keeps the broader internet from seeing what you’re doing, saying, and posting—not to mention your relationships and likes. Taking a “friends only” approach to your social media profiles can help protect your privacy because that gives a possible scammer or stalker much less material to work with. Yet further, some platforms allow you to create sub-groups of friends and followers. With a quick review of your network, you can create a sub-group of your most trusted friends and restrict your posts to them as needed.
2) Say “no” to strangers bearing friend requests: Be critical of the invitations you receive. Out-and-out strangers might be more than just a stranger. They might be a fake account designed to gather information on users for purposes of fraud. There are plenty of fake accounts too. In fact, in Q1 of 2023 alone, Facebook took action on 426 million fake accounts. Reject such requests.
3) Consider what you post: Think about posting those vacation pictures after you get back so people don’t know you’re away when you’re away. Also, consider if your post pinpoints where you are or where you go regularly. Do you want people in your broader network to know that? Closely review the pics you take and see if there’s any revealing information in the background. If so, you can crop it out (think notes on a whiteboard, reflections in a window, or revealing location info). Further, ask anyone you want to include in their post for their permission. In all, consider their privacy too.
While we’re on the topic, you can take a few other steps that can make you more private online. In addition to your social media usage, other steps can help keep more of your private and personal information with you—where it belongs:
Granted, “social” is arguably the opposite of “private.” Using social media involves sharing, by its very definition. Yet any oversharing can lead to privacy issues.
Maybe you want close friends to know what’s going on, but what about that so-so acquaintance deep in your friends list? How well do you really know them? And to what extent do you want them to know exacting details about where you are, where your kids go to school, and so on? Those are questions you ultimately must answer, and ultimately have some control over depending on what you share on social media.
Also important to consider is this: if you post anything on the internet, consider it front-page news. Even with social media privacy settings in place, there’s no guarantee that someone won’t copy your posts or pics and pass them along to others.
The flipside to the topic of social media and privacy is the platform you’re using. It’s no secret that social media companies gather hosts of personal information about their users in exchange for free use of their platforms. Certainly, that’s a topic unto itself. We cover what social media companies know about you in this article here—along with a few steps that can help you limit what they know as well.
When it comes to your privacy and social media, it depends largely on how you use it. How you use various privacy and audience settings offers one way to manage it. The other is you and the information you put out there for others to see.
The post Sharing Isn’t Always Caring: Tips to Help Protect Your Online Privacy appeared first on McAfee Blog.
In the last decade, the proliferation of smartphones and mobile devices has revolutionized the way we interact with the digital world. The debate between the mobile web and native apps has become increasingly relevant, with each approach offering unique advantages and disadvantages. The choice between implementing a mobile website or a native app depends largely on your end goals. Each possesses key attributes and functions that can affect not only user experience but also online safety.
This article aims to provide a comprehensive comparison between mobile web and native apps, with a particular emphasis on how each can impact your online safety. The objective here is to arm you with knowledge to make informed decisions regarding your digital path. Let’s delve deeper into these two digital mediums, analyze their features, and look at a critical aspect – online safety in the era of increasing cyber threats.
As smartphones and tablets have proliferated, so has the importance of optimizing web content for these portable platforms. Understanding the mobile web involves delving into the unique challenges and opportunities presented by mobile devices, exploring the ways in which users engage with content on smaller screens, and recognizing the impact of mobile technology on the broader digital landscape.
→ Dig Deeper: How the Proliferation of Mobile Devices is Impacting Consumer Security
The mobile web refers to browser-based internet services accessed from handheld mobile devices, such as smartphones or tablets, through a mobile or other wireless network. Essentially, it’s a website that you access through a web browser on your mobile device. These sites are typically written in HTML5 and can display text content, images, video, and data just like any desktop website.
Mobile websites are designed to work on any device, making them universally accessible. They are responsive by nature, meaning they adjust their layout to fit any screen size. This is a significant advantage to businesses as it allows for a broader audience reach, regardless of the device a consumer uses.
McAfee Pro Tip: While you may be familiar with anti-spyware and antivirus tools that react after a threat emerges, opting for a secure browsing tool is optimal for enhancing your web security. Learn more about safe browsing.
One of the standout features of the mobile web is its universal accessibility. A user can access the mobile web from any device with an internet connection and a web browser. This creates a high level of convenience as there’s no need for downloading or installing anything.
→ Dig Deeper: Celebrate National Download Day With This Safe Downloading Checklist
Another major advantage of mobile web is easy updates. Changes to the content or design of a mobile website can be published instantly and are immediately visible to users. This is a significant boon for businesses that need to make frequent updates to their site, ensuring their audience always has the most current information at their fingertips.
Now, let’s explore what constitutes a native app that lays the foundation for understanding its distinct characteristics, advantages, and limitations compared to mobile apps.
Native apps are applications developed for specific platforms or devices. Because they’re built for a particular operating system, they can take full advantage of all the device features — they can use the camera, the GPS, the accelerometer, the compass, the list of contacts, and so on. They also incorporate gestures – either standard operating-system gestures or new, app-defined gestures.
Besides, native apps can use the device’s notification system and can work offline. They also have direct access to application stores, which makes app distribution easier. As they are tailored to the platform, they have the look and feel of the operating system, leading to better performance and a better user experience overall.
Native apps offer a high degree of reliability and fast performance. They are more efficient as they store their data directly on the device. This leads to a better user experience as users can navigate the app smoothly and without loading delays. Moreover, native apps allow for deeper integration with the device’s system, making maximum use of all the device’s hardware capabilities.
Another key advantage is the ability to work offline. Unlike mobile websites that require an internet connection, native apps can function offline, providing continuous access to their content and features. This can prove useful in situations where connectivity is limited or unavailable.
Taking a closer look at mobile web and native apps, it’s evident that each method caters to different needs and situations. While the mobile web is universally accessible and easy to update, native apps provide a more integrated user experience and the ability to work offline. Depending on the nature of your digital project, you may lean towards one over the other.
It’s essential to consider the nature of your project, target audience, and key objectives before choosing between a mobile website or a native app. In the next section, we will cover a crucial topic that significantly impacts the decision between these two mediums – online safety.
Figuring out whether to go for the Mobile Web or Native Apps is a real head-scratcher. And let’s be real: we’ve all got safety concerns while cruising the digital highway. This dive is about checking out what’s what when it comes to staying safe online with the mobile web and native apps.
When it comes to online safety, the mobile web offers quite a few advantages and some risks as well. Since mobile websites are accessed via browsers, they are generally subject to the same security measures that web browsers employ. Browsers are being updated regularly to fix bugs and respond to new threats, and they also typically include features like pop-up blockers and phishing filters. Moreover, since users don’t need to download anything to use a mobile website, the risk of downloading malicious software is significantly reduced.
However, the mobile web is not exempt from threats. Cybercriminals can create rogue websites that look like legitimate sites to trick users into entering their credentials or personal information. Users might also encounter malicious ads that try to install unwanted software or direct users to harmful websites. Therefore, users must exercise caution when visiting new websites and clicking on links.
Native apps, on the other hand, offer a different set of security considerations. Since they are downloaded from app stores, they generally go through an approval process that aims to remove any malicious software. App stores also often provide user reviews, which can give potential downloaders insight into any potential issues or security concerns. Once downloaded, native apps can function offline, reducing the risk of threats that rely on internet connectivity.
Nonetheless, native apps are not free from risks either. Although app stores have vetting processes, some malicious apps manage to slip through the cracks. Furthermore, users may unintentionally grant permissions to apps that allow them access to sensitive information on the device. Therefore, users need to be careful about what apps they download and what permissions they grant.
Understanding the unique risks and protective measures associated with each app and platform is crucial in empowering users to make informed choices and ensuring the integrity of their digital experiences. Let’s shed light on the considerations that may arise when engaging with the mobile web and native apps in an increasingly interconnected world.
There are several measures users can take to enhance their safety when using the mobile web. First and foremost, it’s crucial to use a secure browser. A secure browser will utilize encryption to protect your data and will receive updates to combat new security threats. Additionally, users should be wary of the websites they visit and the links they click on. Ensuring that the website is using secure HTTPS protocol rather than unsecured HTTP can also enhance safety.
Furthermore, users should be careful with providing personal information. Giving out sensitive information should only be done on secure sites, and only when necessary. Using strong and unique passwords can also help protect your data. Finally, consider using a trusted VPN to encrypt your online activity and shield your data from potential eavesdroppers or hackers.
Just as with the mobile web, there are precautions to take when using native apps. Firstly, download apps only from trusted sources, like official app stores. Even then, be sure to check user ratings and reviews for any red flags. Be cautious of the permissions the app asks for; if an app requests permissions that seem unrelated to its functionality, it’s best to reconsider the download.
It’s also important to keep your apps updated. Updates often include security patches that protect against newly discovered threats. For extra security, consider using a mobile security app. These apps can provide features like virus scanning, remote data wiping, and other security tools. However, similar to other apps, only download security apps from trusted sources.
→ Dig Deeper: Why Software Updates Are So Important
Both the mobile web and native apps offer unique advantages in terms of user experience and accessibility. However, they both also come with their own sets of security considerations. It’s not a matter of which method is inherently safer, but how you use them. By staying informed about potential threats and following safety guidelines, you can enjoy a safe and secure digital experience whether you’re browsing the mobile web or using a native app.
Remember: Keep your browsers and apps updated, be cautious of the websites you visit and the apps you download, pay attention to the information you share and permissions you grant, and consider using additional security tools like secure browsers, VPNs, and security apps. At the end of the day, your online safety is in your hands.
The post The Mobile Web vs. Native Apps appeared first on McAfee Blog.
On March 3, 2020, the cyber division of Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) issued a private industry notification calling out Business Email Compromise (BEC) scams through exploitation of cloud-based email services. Microsoft Office 365 and Google G Suite, the two largest cloud-based email services, are targeted by cyber criminals based on FBI complaint information since 2014. The scams are initiated through credential phishing attacks in order to compromise business email accounts and request or misdirect transfers of funds. Between January 2014 and October 2019, the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) received complaints totaling over $2.1 billion in actual losses from BEC scams targeting the two cloud services. The popularity of Office 365 and G Suite has positioned themselves as attractive targets for cybercriminals.
Trend Micro Cloud App Security is an API-based service protecting Microsoft® Office 365, Google G Suite, Box, and Dropbox. Using multiple advanced threat protection techniques, it acts as a second layer of protection after emails and files have passed through Office 365 and G Suite’s built-in security.
In 2019, Trend Micro Cloud App Security caught 12.7 million high-risk email threats in addition to what Office 365 and Gmail security have blocked. Those threats include close to one million malware, 11.3 million phishing attempts, and 386,000 BEC attempts. The blocked threats include 4.8 million of credential phishing and 225,000 of ransomware. These are potential attacks that could result in an organization’s monetary, productivity, or even reputation losses.
Trend Micro started publishing its Cloud App Security threat report since 2018. For third year in a row, Trend Micro Cloud App Security is proven to provide effective protection for cloud email services. The following customer examples for different scenarios further show how Cloud App Security is protecting different organizations.
Customer examples: Additional detections after Office 365 built-in security (2019 data)
These five customers, ranging from 550 seats to 80K seats, are across different industries. All of them use E3, which includes basic security (Exchange Online Protection). This data shows the value of adding CAS to enhance Office 365 native security. For example, a transportation company with 80,000 Office 365 E3 users found an additional 16,000 malware, 510,000 malicious & phishing URLs and 27,000 BEC, all in 2019. With the average cost of a BEC attack at $75,000 each and the potential losses and costs to recover from credential phishing and ransomware attacks, Trend Micro Cloud App Security pays for itself very quickly.
Customer examples: Additional Detections after Office 365 Advanced Threat Protection (2019 data)
Customers using Office 365 Advanced Threat Protection (ATP) also need an additional layer of filtering as well. For example, an IT Services company with 10,000 users of E3 and ATP detected an additional 14,000 malware, 713,000 malicious and phishing URLs, and 6,000 BEC in 2019 with Trend Micro Cloud App Security.
Customer examples: Additional Detections after third-party email gateway (2019 data)
Many customers use a third-party email gateway to scan emails before they are delivered to their Office 365 environment. Despite these gateway deployments, many of the sneakiest and hardest to detect threats still slipped though. Plus, a gateway solution can’t detect internal email threats, which can originate from compromised devices or accounts within Office 365.
For example, a business with 120,000 Office 365 users with a third-party email gateway stopped an additional 27,000 malware, 195,000 malicious and phishing emails, and almost 6,000 BEC in 2019 with Trend Micro Cloud App Security.
Customer examples: Additional Detections after Gmail built-in security (2019 data)
*Trend Micro Cloud App Security supports Gmail starting April 2019.
For customer choosing G suite, Trend Micro Cloud App Security can provide additional protection as well. For example, a telecommunication company with 12,500 users blocked almost 8,000 high risk threats with Cloud App Security in just five months.
Email gateway or built-in security for cloud email services is no longer enough to protect organizations from email-based threats. Businesses, no matter the size, are at risk from a plethora of dangers that these kinds of threats pose. Organizations should consider a comprehensive multilayered security solution such as Trend Micro Cloud App Security. It supplements the included security features in email and collaboration platforms like Office 365 and G Suite.
Check out the Trend Micro Cloud App Security Report 2019 to get more details on the type of threats blocked by this product and common email attacks analyzed by Trend Micro Research in 2019.
The post Trend Micro Cloud App Security Blocked 12.7 Million High-Risk Email Threats in 2019 – in addition to those detected by cloud email services’ built-in security appeared first on .
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