Review: Best Internet Security Suites 2016

Folks, the guy I trust has published his product reviews for the all-important software category of Internet Security for 2016.

* Stay Safe With a Security Suite

“Using your computer for games and social media is fun; keeping it safe isn’t. A security suite can be your one-stop solution. We’ve tested almost four dozen of them, and these 10 get our highest recommendation.” Read more..

I cannot say often or fervently enough that one simply must do everything they can to protect themselves from the scumbuckets and nation-states who have ruined the Internet. It is a most dangerous place. Far worse than we can know. Do what you can!

(And that title should say “safer”, not “safe”. No product is bulletproof.)(And no product protects you from you. Careful what you click!)

* * *

Today’s quote: “It has been said that democracy is the worst form of government except all the others that have been tried.” ~ Winston Churchill

Copyright 2007-2015 © “Tech Paul” (Paul Eckstrom). All Rights Reserved.

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Attn Norton Users!

Folks, this just in:

* Vulnerabilities in Symantec products create worst-case scenario; users urged to update

“Using ominous turns of phrase like “As bad as it gets” and “100 percent reliable exploit,” Google Project Zero researcher Tavis Ormandy yesterday issued an at-times scathing analysis of eight vulnerabilities he discovered across the entire Symantec-Norton security product line.” Read more..

Act now, guys.

New tech security resource

Also, a $99 “PC Stick” (That comes with Windows 10)

Sharp-eyed readers will have noticed that I, for the first time in ages, have added a new referral link to my ‘blogroll’; CNet’s recently announced Security and Antivirus Center. I recommend taking a look-see.

* The best security apps and expert advice

“Today we’re thrilled to launch our new Security and Antivirus Center. Our goal: to give you the tools and tactics you need to protect your privacy, your data, and your devices. You’ll find guides, reviews, and how-tos, including tips on banishing bloatware from your PC, tweaking your browser settings for better security, and building better passwords. We’re especially pleased to present our Best recommendations: we’ve tested security software and services and have declared a winner for best VPN, best password manager, and best cloud backup. Come check it out and let us know what else you’d like to see.” Read more..

Other Items (of possible interest):
* The best tool for protecting your kids (or employees) from malware and porn

“One of the industry’s best security tools gives a hand to frazzled parents.” Read more..

[Note: worth reading even if you are not a parent, IMHO.]

* Archos $99 PC Stick is latest Windows computer that fits in your pocket

“The French device maker joins Lenovo and Intel in offering a miniature system that connects to your HDTV via HDMI, but its version is cheaper and will ship with Windows 10 pre-installed.” Read more..

Today’s quote: “It’s tough to make predictions, especially about the future.” ~ Yogi Berra

Copyright 2007-2015 © “Tech Paul” (Paul Eckstrom). All Rights Reserved.

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All we really have, in the end, are our stories.
Make yours great ones. Ones to be proud of.

Best Free Antivirus, and Security Headlines

Here’s an assortment of Items of Interest for you.

* The Best Free Antivirus for 2015

“Relying on Windows’s built-in antivirus for protection is a big mistake. Luckily, you can get an upgrade without paying a cent.” Read more..

* CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield breached, more than one million individuals notified

“CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield is notifying more than one million individuals that their personal information could have been accessed by attackers who gained limited, unauthorized access to a single CareFirst database in June 2014.” Read more..

Does this next indicate a change in the wind? I hope so.
* Federal prosecutors charge Chinese nationals with trade secret theft

“Over the weekend, federal agents arrested a Chinese professor who had just entered the United States via a flight to Los Angeles – one of six Chinese nationals charged with economic espionage and theft of trade secrets from U.S. tech firms.” Read more..

* Half Of Retail, Healthcare Sites ‘Always Vulnerable’

“Finding vulnerabilities in custom web applications isn’t the major problem; fixing them in a timely fashion is, a new report from WhiteHat Security finds.” Read more..

* Oil & Gas Firms Hit By Cyberattacks That Forgo Malware

“New spin on the ‘Nigerian scam’ scams crude oil buyers out of money with bait-and-switch.” Read more..

… I’ve noticed that the Apple Watch dropped out of the headlines quite quickly.. (listen Folks, it’s pretty simple: Never Buy The First Version of Anything) but if you are thinking it’s time for you to get a “smartwatch”, this article may interest (I’ll never own one, but, hey, here you go): The Best Smartwatches You Can Buy

“Think it’s time to upgrade your traditional watch by adding some apps and notifications to your wrist? Check out our top-rated smartwatches for the best place to start” Read more..

Today’s quote: “If it is not right do not do it; if it is not true do not say it.” ~ Marcus Aurelius

Copyright 2007-2015 © “Tech Paul” (Paul Eckstrom). All Rights Reserved.

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All we really have, in the end, are our stories.
Make yours great ones. Ones to be proud of.

And the winner is…

Two “winners” items today. One good. One vile.

Let’s start with the bad news:

* Oracle extends its adware bundling to include Java for Macs

“For years, Oracle has tormented Windows users by bundling adware with its Java installer for Windows PCs. With the most recent update of Java for the Mac, Oracle has begun including the same adware as part of a default installation, using the same deceptive techniques.” Read more..

[I cannot print what I’d like to say about that..]

And now the good:

* This year’s security app all-stars

“If reading about Superfish and Gazon has made you want to put your PC in a panic room and your Android in an armory, you’re not alone. Protecting your privacy and your gear requires constant vigilance and regular software updates — of all your software, not just the antivirus apps. If you’re searching for a new or updated security app, check out AV-Test’s and AV-Comparatives’ recent award winners. These independent labs benchmark effectiveness, speed, usability, and other factors, so when they crown apps as the best, that’s the result of rigorous tests. Read on for the lab results and our reviews.” Read more..

[The “FREAK” vulnerability made news after this was written, apparently..]

* * *

Today’s quote: “Those who are not looking for happiness are the most likely to find it, because those who are searching forget that the surest way to be happy is to seek happiness for others.” ~ Martin Luther King Jr.

Copyright 2007-2015 © “Tech Paul” (Paul Eckstrom). All Rights Reserved.

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All we really have, in the end, are our stories.
Make yours great ones. Ones to be proud of.

Best Android security app

I had never heard of this product, so I took notice.

Qihoo 360 – 360 AntiVirus

“For the best protection of Android systems in all 2014 certification tests, AV-TEST is honoring the product Qihoo 360 – 360 AntiVirus with the BEST ANDROID SECURITY PRODUCT 2014 AWARD.”

To read the summary, click here.

And, yes, folks. Your smartphone, and/or tablet needs an antivirus.

Today’s quote: “Of all the preposterous assumptions of humanity over humanity, nothing exceeds most of the criticisms made on the habits of the poor by the well-housed, well- warmed, and well-fed.” ~ Herman Melville

Copyright 2007-2015 © “Tech Paul” (Paul Eckstrom). All Rights Reserved.

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All we really have, in the end, are our stories.
Make yours great ones. Ones to be proud of.

Do NOT Call This Number..!

AKA Norton Users Be Aware

I just received an alert from an alert reader (ahem) which demonstrates a new twist on an old attack tactic.

Yup. That’s a fake. (One hint is the “Message from webpage” in the title bar.. [Norton is not a web program, it’s installed on your machine.])

The website you’re visiting is poisoned (and you probably have some programs in need of updates). Keywords, if you’re interested in learning more are “scareware” and “rogue anitvirus” (and maybe “poisoned website”, too).
*  Your Computer Is Lying To You… The Epidemic Of Rogues
* Why You Don’t Stand A Chance Against Cyber Crime

Copyright 2007-2014 © “Tech Paul” (Paul Eckstrom). All Rights Reserved.

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All we really have, in the end, are our stories.
Make yours great ones. Ones to be proud of.
And please, never forget – one person can make a difference.
Find a way to make someone’s day today.
(Best advice I ever heard? Don’t sweat the small stuff.)