McAfee Guards Against Cybercrime in 2011 with Tips for Securing New Devices in the New Year
January 13 2011 - 8:00AM
Business Wire
Millions of people worldwide rang in 2011 with the latest in
technology gadgets and devices, jumpstarting the New Year with the
most innovative smartphones, savviest tablets and PC/Mac laptops on
the market. But many consumers neglect to take the necessary steps
required to protect themselves from the dangers of cybercrime
associated with their new prized-possessions and tech gadgets.
If you were one of the millions of adults and kids who received
tech gifts during the holidays, beware. Computer and cybercrimes
have risen by more than 22% according to the most recent statistics
from 2009. McAfee Labs™ predicts an increase in mobile, social
media and PC-based threats in 2011, with cybercrooks finding new
ways to do harm via all types of connected devices. And millions of
new device owners will become easy targets if they don’t take
proactive measures to ensure their security.
Here are some practical tips from McAfee to ensure optimal
Internet safety and security in 2011:
- Be aware that threats aimed at
mobile phones are growing – Use software that backs up smart
devices and use strong discretion when storing, saving or editing
personal information on your smartphone or device. Don’t keep all
of your personal passwords on your device, and avoid using it to
store financial information like credit card and bank account
numbers.
- Keep in mind that gaming and
entertainment devices are now Internet-connected – Many people
don’t realize that their new gaming console may represent another
port of entry for cybercrooks into their household. Some Internet
TV applications can expose personal information, so be sure to
install anti-virus software, two-way firewalls, anti-spyware,
anti-phishing, and safe search capabilities, just as you would on a
PC. Block free browser access via these devices and use parental
controls wherever possible to ensure the safety of children who
play interactive games.
- Use technologies to protect
information on USBs – Secure USB sticks by encrypting
information, making it unreadable to someone who has taken or found
it. In addition, install security software to protect portable hard
drive devices and never leave such devices unattended.
- Make sure that you are using a
comprehensive security software platform for your PC– Free
point solutions may work well for specific concerns and known
threats, but it won’t protect you against emerging threats and is
usually only being offered to get you to buy more comprehensive
software.Rather than going with the cheapest solution on the
market, research the capabilities of your security software package
to ensure that it is comprehensive – meaning it has anti-virus with
cloud computing, a two-way firewall, anti-spyware, anti-phishing
and safe search capabilities.
- Free anti-virus software doesn’t
provide complete protection – These products typically deliver
only basic level protection and aren’t up-to-date with the most
recent or emerging threats. Install security software that provides
protection using cloud computing, since multiple servers can
provide current data and resources on-demand.
- Make sure to transfer your PC best
practices to all of your Internet-connected devices – If
you have an Apple device, Apple’s MobileMe service is available,
providing tools for synching, backing up and securing data.
Consider installing security software for new Internet connected
devices such as smartphones, and make sure the device’s Wi-Fi is
connected to a secure network.
- Pay attention to your children’s
online activities – Communicate with children about
cybercrimes, monitor their web activity and consider keeping the
family computer in a common space to minimize their exposure to
inappropriate content. For additional advice on child safety, visit
the McAfee Family Internet Safety Center at www.mcafee.com/family
and 10-Step Internet Safety Plan For Your Family.
- Search and shop safely –
Before submitting credit card numbers or other personal
information, always read the online vendor’s privacy and security
policy. Consider using a trusted website safety advisor, such as
McAfee® SiteAdvisor® software, included in all of McAfee consumer
security suites, to determine which ecommerce sites are safe. Also,
look for the McAfee SECURE™ trustmark before heading to the
check-out counter.
- Back up critical information
– Guard against data loss by utilizing a regular back-up
software program to ensure that all critical information and
personal files are safe in case of emergency.
For more information or to view a more comprehensive tips
report, please contact Andrea Heuer at
andrea.heuer@redconsultancy.com or Kim Eichorn at
kim_eichorn@mcafee.com
“STOP. THINK. CONNECT.” Consumer
Advice:
STOP. THINK. CONNECT. is the first-ever coordinated
message to help all digital citizens stay safer and more secure
online. The message was created by an unprecedented coalition of
private companies, nonprofits and government organizations.
The coalition advises consumers to STOP. THINK.
CONNECT.
When you cross the street, you look both ways so make sure it’s
safe. Staying safe on the Internet is similar. It takes some common
sense steps -- Stop. Think. Connect.
Stop: Before you use the Internet, take time to
understand the risks and learn how to spot potential problems.
Think: Take a moment to be certain the path ahead is
clear. Watch for warning signs and consider how your actions online
could impact your safety, or your families.
Connect: Enjoy the Internet with greater confidence,
knowing you’ve taken the right steps to safeguard yourself and your
computer.
STOP. THINK. CONNECT. Protect yourself and help keep the
web a safer place for everyone.
www.stopthinkconnect.org
About McAfee
McAfee, headquartered in Santa Clara, California, is the world's
largest dedicated security technology company. McAfee delivers
proactive and proven solutions and services that help secure
systems, networks, and mobile devices around the world, allowing
users to safely connect to the Internet, browse and shop the Web
more securely. Backed by its unrivaled Global Threat Intelligence,
McAfee creates innovative products that empower home users,
businesses, the public sector and service providers by enabling
them to prove compliance with regulations, protect data, prevent
disruptions, identify vulnerabilities, and continuously monitor and
improve their security. McAfee secures your digital world.
http://www.mcafee.com
McAfee, McAfee Labs, SiteAdvisor, and McAfee SECURE are
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