My @AVGFree reports an increase in #Exploits (their security-programs are faithfully cracking-down on)

... hmm ...

---

The word “Exploits” is built on ancient words that mean "to Fold (Plait) Out (i.e. to Unfold)."

#Exploit #Exploited #Exploiting #Exploitation #Exploitative #ExploitAttacks

---

To Keep Up on My 'Research,' Follow @mythmanjay

---

This notification (which I'm typing here 'so that you can see it,' yes; but mostly because a) it gives me practice typing & b) I probably wouldn't read it if I weren't typing it) popped-up on my computer-screen desktop this morning:

There's a 70% increase in exploit attacks in the USA

Compared to the end of 2022, AVG has noticed an increase in the amount of malware trying to exploit out-of-date software, such as browsers, PDF readers, Microsoft Office applications, video games and more, to gain access to your devices. They use malicious websites, ads, PDF files, emails and other documents to infect your computer and cause problems.

Here's what we know:

1. Worldwide, more exploit attacks are happening
   In some parts of the world, there are more than twice as many exploits as ther were last year.
2. AVG is leading the charge to fight back
   We've already identified and protected users from a number of these threats: including "Zero-Day" attacks.
3. It's easy to protect yourself
   You already have everything you need to keep yourself safer from these attacks. See how on the next slide

---

WAYS TO STAY SAFER→

---

3 ways to protect yourself from these exploits

Remember these key points:

• Keep your software up-to-date
  Exploits take advantage of security flaws in your software to wreak havoc: usually, these are found and fixed quickly by developers, but you need to update your stuff (especially your operating system and browser) to ensure you get those fixes ASAP!
• Keep your shields on
  AVG's Behavior Shield, Anti-Exploit Shield and Script Shield will help keep you safe from most malware attempting to make use of exploits, and they're turned on by default. Just don't turn them off.
• Don't be too generous with your exclusions
  While it's fine to trust AVG Antivirus doesn't recognize, don't be too liberal with exclusions: it's always a roll of the dice, and--with exploits on the rise--your odds of getting in trouble will only get worse.

---

MORE ABOUT ZERO-DAY ATTACKS→

---

The most dangerous exploit of all: Zero-Day

While all exploits are a problem, AVG has noticed that some of these attacks have been "Zero-Day" attacks: that is to say, exploits that target undiscovered or unfixed bugs built into software. These are the most dangerous kinds of exploit, as there's no more-'secure' version of the software you can update in order to fix the problem: you're stuck with it until it can be patched out.

But while Zero-Day attacks might keep companies up at night, there's no reason for you to lose sleep: Zero-Day attacks tend to be very expensive to operate, so the hackers who are using them maliciously are generally seeking to exploit "high value" targets. So not only are you probably not being targeted, but AVG has all the tools to help keep you safe from Zero-Day attacks anyway.

---

EXPLOIT EXAMPLES→

---

Here are some examples of how it looks

These are decoy documents we found in the wild, but--in truth--decoys could look like anything: their only purpose is to be up-and-running while the exploit does its thing.

---

LAST PAGE→

---

We hope this has been useful!

Just because a threat is on the rise doesn't mean you're in any more danger: but all the same, staying informed will help you avoid dangers new and old, and is hopefully pretty interesting as well!

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).