Let @AVGfree #Anticipate the imminent Threats to Your Online Security

Yes, you can get the 'free' Anti-Virus Guard (with repeatedly-offered paid-upgrades) through 'the emboldened link(s)' below; but first–after a mention of the free mining-software (giving us free Bitcoin in exchange for energy we're wasting anyway)–I want to teach you about those words. And I find you understand words better if you see 'the words at their base' (then going on to look at the words at those words' bases, then the words at those words' bases, etc.-etc. ad infinitum into their Foundation)

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The word “Anticipate” is built on ancient words that mean "to Take (Grasp) Before (in Front of)" (Take (care of) Ahead of Time, Foreshadowing)

#Anticipated #Anticipating #Anticipatory #Unanticipated #Anticipation

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She's actually a 911-operator; I was looking for a picture of the 'AVG operator' they show answering calls to their helpline, but this was the first HUMAN the search-engine found 😞

Here's the notification AVG sent me today (repeated here, mostly so that I can practice my typing):

Our 2023 online threat predictions

Our experts anticipate an increased risk of ransomware attacks in 2023 threatening to leak data if ransom demands aren't paid. We're also predicting a rise in scams and social engineering that take advantage of economic hardships and energy crisis fears.

Here's what we know:

1. Ransomware: We expect ransomware to really 'up the ante' with targeting both individuals and businesses globally.
2. Scams: Phishing, vishing, smishing and more. We've been living in an online 'scamdemic' and it's not stopping.
3. Social engineering: We foresee scammers using the global financial crisis as a main way to prey on their victims.

Check out the next pages for tips on how to protect yourself.

---"TIPS TO PROTECT ME"--

 

... so I tried 'antivirus guard girl' 🤣

4 ways to protect yourself from ransomware

Remember these key points:
• Keep your software updated
  Making sure you get new updates as soon as they're released will plug security holes and prevent hackers from exploiting your device with ransomware.
• Think twice
  Be wary of strange links sent in emails or on other messaging platforms. Even if the link appears to come from someone you know, always check with them first.
• Back it up
  Ransomware typically gains its power from blocking access to important files. If you have these backed up safely elsewhere, your chances of losing them to ransomware are reduced.
• Use your antivirus
  Keep your antivirus software updated and always running. Remember, ransomware can't hurt you if it can't reach you!

--"4 MORE TIPS"--

Protect yourself from scams and social engineering

Scams are not just flooding inboxes in the form of phishing emails, but are bombarding people via messaging apps, voice calls, and social engineering tactics. It's easier for scammers to use social engineering to prey on the vulnerabilities of people, rather than hack their devices.

What can I do?
1. Do your research
   No matter how urgent an offer may seem or how badly you want the item or service, do your research first. Read the website's corporate information, terms of service, and privacy policy and look up customer reviews.
2. Pay with a credit card
   Compared to debit cards and bank transfers, credit cards are far more secure. So if you can, use one. Your credit card company is on your side when it comes to fraud and it's much easier to get your money back.
3. Secure yourself online
   If a website offers two-factor authentication, use it. Use strong, unique passwords on the websites you visit, and store them securely with a dependable password manager.
4. Keep your personal info personal
   Websites often ask you to answer a series of security questions in case you need to recover your password. (Reminds me of NOW YOU SEE ME's Four Horsemen on the plane-ride with 'their financier.') Remember which information you've set as these answers, and don't share them with anyone.

--"LAST PAGE"--

We hope this has been useful!

We know it's never great to hear about an expected increase in online threats but it's sadly the way of the world we live in. We hope that, by providing you with the correct tips and mindset to protect yourself, we can help make your online life even safer.

From all of us here at AVG, stay safe both online and off.

My New Mantra (one of several)

I really enjoy sharing my unique perspectives and I'm thankful to you for liking this enough to subscribe (FOR FREE) to get alerts when I post something new and -to comment below (to tell me how crazy or -ingenious or -foolish or -enlightening-etc. my writing is).