IT expert gave tips on safe browser use

In order to make browser use safe, it is necessary to follow a few simple rules, said Elena Maximova, Doctor of Technical Sciences, Head of the Department of KB-4 "Intelligent Information Security Systems" of RTU MIREA.

First of all, the IT expert recommended to always update the browser to the latest version, specifying that developers constantly release updates that are aimed at fixing vulnerabilities and improving data protection.

The next step for safe browser use is to install reliable antivirus programs and extensions to block ads and trackers, the expert shared. "Advertising banners and tracking codes can collect information about your online behavior and can be used by fraudsters to spread malware," she warned in a conversation with Lenta.Ru.

The expert added that to protect privacy it is important to regularly delete browsing history and cookies, as this data can be used to track user behavior on the Web and create user profiles.

She reminded that it is better to use complex passwords with unique combinations of symbols, numbers and letters for each site. It is also recommended to set up two-factor authentication wherever possible - the extra layer of protection will make accessing your accounts much more difficult.

"Be careful and never open files or links received from unknown senders: phishing attacks remain one of the most widespread threats on the Internet," Maximova stressed.

On December 17, Eugene Yushchuk, a competitive intelligence expert and member of the international society of competitive intelligence professionals SCIP, spoke about the danger of malicious mailings via messengers, RT reported.

He explained that a postcard or a gif is embedded with the launch of a malicious program, which starts to dispose on the user's phone as it sees fit, 360.ru reports.

According to the expert, the program gains access to banking applications, logins, passwords and correspondence. In this case, messengers are not protected, as they are just a means of delivery. The virus is embedded in the picture itself, Yushchuk noted.

"If a postcard or a gif comes from a completely unknown address, it is better to just delete it immediately," the expert added.

Bad marks: how scammers cheat Russians through schemes with likes

Victims are offered simple jobs and swindled out of large sums of money

In mid-December it was reported that scammers began to deceive Russians, offering them to earn money for likes. Attackers can have several variants of deception. In the first case, after completing the task, they ask users to provide payment card details for the accrual of rewards and eventually steal the money. In the second variant, after the money is credited for likes, the scammers may ask users to provide their phone number and SMS code to confirm their identity. As a result, they can steal the account in Telegram.

On December 11, the press service of the Department of Transport and Road Infrastructure Development of Moscow warned that fraudulent sites have begun to spread in the Network, through which it is allegedly possible to replenish "Troika" and Muscovite card, reports the agency of city news "Moscow".

Earlier, the head of internal information security Selectel Andrei Barannikov told about the scheme of fraud with disguising malicious content as harmless links and postcards. A user who wants to see the content must enter data on a fake "Gosuservices" website. Thus fraudsters get the opportunity to issue a loan to the victim, conduct real estate transactions and much more, reports IA Regnum.

Also fast battery discharge can indicate that your phone has been hacked. If the smartphone suddenly started discharging faster than usual, it may signal the presence of malicious programs, Pravda.Ru writes.