Fact Sheets
AntiVirus
Content Filtering
Tag Archives: protection
What is the POODLE Vulnerability?
The vulnerability relates to version 3 of an encryption technology known as SSL (Secure Socket Layer) that dates back to 1996. SSLv3 is still supported by most of the browsers and webservers on the Internet but has been replaced as the default encryption selection by newer encryption technology known as TLS (Transport Layer Security). Encryption is used to secure our connection on the Internet when we do, for example, online banking or purchase online.
When a browser connects to a webserver that supports this older technology there is a risk that if SSLv3 is the primary encryption or the connection security falls back from the newer TLS technology to SSLv3 then an attacker could potentially exploit this vulnerability. While it is unusual for websites to still be using SSLv3 as the default encryption technology, it is possible for an attacker to cause connection failures that force the server to default back to the older, insecure, technology. By exploiting this vulnerability, an attacker could gain access to things like passwords and cookies, enabling him to access a user’s private account data on a website.
Companies have kept this old technology on their servers to ensure backward compatibility if needed. The two main options for companies to fix this vulnerability are to disable SSLv3 entirely, or change the security downgrade feature so that only the newer TLS encryption is used so that users remain safe.
As we have seen with these previous vulnerabilities it takes companies time to upgrade or in this case disable the software that is causing the issue (SSLv3 support) on the server and browser sides.  72 hours after the disclosure of the vulnerability, AVG researchers reveal that 37% of the top 100,000 domains are still vulnerable.
Staying safe:
Although web users can’t take any direct action to stay safe from POODLE, it is always good practice to keep all their systems and software updated.
For Windows users, run Windows Update to ensure you have installed all of the latest security patches. For Apple Mac users, ensure you run the Mac App Store and update to the latest security patches for your system.
By keeping your browser, operating system and security software up-to-date, you will ensure you have the best chance of avoiding malware and web based vulnerabilities.
AVG and Sony partner to protect devices right out of the box
Mobile devices have become the cornerstone of our connected lives and we use them for everything from gaming to banking and tracking our health. This makes life incredibly convenient for smartphone users but it also carries a risk to our privacy and security.
Many apps on our smartphones stores generate and store information about us as people. With the average Android users having as many as 95 apps installed on their device, it quickly becomes clear that our devices are portable databanks that carry our contact, financial, health and location data.
With so much personal information stored on our devices, it’s never been more important for smartphone users to protect their data with basic security measures such as setting up a passcode or installing a security app that will check links and scan for infections when you download software or surf the web.
That’s why AVG is delighted to announce that we’ve teamed up with Sony Mobile to make it easier than ever for Sony Xperia customers to protect their devices and their data.
From autumn 2014, all Xperia Z3 smartphones and tablets will come with a free 180 days of AVG AntiVirus PRO so that devices are protected straight out of the box.
After the trial expires, users can either renew or downgrade to AVG AntiVirus FREE for Android so that their device is protected free of charge.
AVG AntiVirus FREE for Android was the first mobile security application to exceed 100 million downloads on the Google Play Store and has powerful tools to help you protect your device, keep it running smoothly and even locate your device should it get lost or stolen.
AVG CloudCare scoops award in independent tests
AVG CloudCare’s AntiVirus 2014 component has just received an award following its first ever participation in one of the industry’s top security comparison tests. The latest Virus Bulletin gave us a score of 91.2 out of a possible 100 in both Reactive and Proactive tests.
In an age where security breaches are common and a company trades more than ever on its reputation, small businesses simply cannot afford to take any chances when it comes to protecting their confidential or customer data.
In fact a recent eMarketer study shows that undetected malware and cloud-based security are still among the top security concerns for small businesses.
That’s why I’m delighted that the Virus Bulletin test singled out AVG CloudCare for its scanning and detection performance. It is a strong indicator that we design our product wholly with users in mind and are addressing their very real concerns.
Here’s what Virus Bulletin had to say:
“Scanning was very fast indeed, even in the initial runs, and overheads were pretty light, barely detectable once files had been checked for the first time. Our set of activities ran through in good time, and resource use was low. Detection was very strong indeed with excellent scores throughout our sets, and with no issues to report in the WildList or clean sets, a VB100 award is well deserved, adding another good result to that strong score.â€
Our customers are echoing this sentiment:
Thomas Keats of Rainbow Computers, a small business and AVG IT partner told us “I love so much about AVG CloudCare, it’s increasing the bottom line, increasing interaction with the customer on more than one level, keeping me and my shop more in their mind each step of the way.”
If you are a small business looking for a way to stay ahead of the security curve why not ask a local IT contractor about AVG CloudCare? Your company’s security would be one less thing to worry about!
Learn more about AVG CloudCare at: www.avg.com/cloudcare
Learn more about the Virus Bulletin 100 test at: https://www.virusbtn.com/virusbulletin/archive/2014/06/vb201406-comparative
AVG and Sony partner to protect devices right out of the box
Mobile devices have become the cornerstone of our connected lives and we use them for everything from gaming to banking and tracking our health. This makes life incredibly convenient for smartphone users but it also carries a risk to our privacy and security.
Many apps on our smartphones stores generate and store information about us as people. With the average Android users having as many as 95 apps installed on their device, it quickly becomes clear that our devices are portable databanks that carry our contact, financial, health and location data.
With so much personal information stored on our devices, it’s never been more important for smartphone users to protect their data with basic security measures such as setting up a passcode or installing a security app that will check links and scan for infections when you download software or surf the web.
That’s why AVG is delighted to announce that we’ve teamed up with Sony Mobile to make it easier than ever for Sony Xperia customers to protect their devices and their data.
From autumn 2014, all Xperia Z3 smartphones and tablets will come with a free 180 days of AVG AntiVirus PRO so that devices are protected straight out of the box.
After the trial expires, users can either renew or downgrade to AVG AntiVirus FREE for Android so that their device is protected free of charge.
AVG AntiVirus FREE for Android was the first mobile security application to exceed 100 million downloads on the Google Play Store and has powerful tools to help you protect your device, keep it running smoothly and even locate your device should it get lost or stolen.
Why There’s Room for RealPad
In my last blog, I discussed the current disconnect —or lag—with some seniors, especially older ones, when it comes to smartphone adoption.
As research by Pew and others has suggested, the reasons many older people have lagged in adoption of smartphones seems rooted in the footprint of the device, i.e. size of the user interface and thus ease of reading, viewing and manipulation.  This is evident in the rapid adoption of larger devices  like tablets and e-readers – by this demographic.
In recognition of the stumbling blocks for some seniors, earlier this month AARP launched its new RealPad tablet. The $189 device, produced in partnership with Intel, includes larger text and icons. But it also smartly packages all-hour tech support and video tutorials – tools designed expressly for seniors. And it comes preloaded with an AARP app, eBook reader, email (Gmail), photo sharing, video chat, games, tools and other features like a retirement and health calculators. Additional apps will be available on Google Play.
It’s basically a tablet—about the size of an iPad mini—that runs Google Android 4.4 with a custom app launcher featuring large icons.  AARP says the tablet is designed for anyone who is apprehensive about using tablets and embracing technology and going digital.
AARP specifically targets 70-million 50+-age group, who haven’t adopted tablet technology. But I think the sweet spot for this product really isn’t most Boomers, but older seniors – the generation born before 1946. As we’ve discussed before, many Boomers are plenty tech savvy – and I also would be remiss if I didn’t mention that some seniors I’ve come across are plenty tech savvy…but not all.
OK, so why should you consider it for or recommend it to the seniors in your life? I like the design concept and larger icons and readability, but more than that, I like the addition of its one-click RealQuick Fix troubleshooting feature and 24/7-tech support. (Amazon’s Kindle Fire HDX also offers 24/7 support).
In terms of security, AARP has also made a smart move: It allows, among other free downloads, “Protecting Yourself Online for Dummies.†As it says, “Don’t let news about Internet risks deter you from taking full advantage of its benefits.â€
My previous post had some of our own safety suggestions for seniors. I’m not clear on AARP’s entire security offering. We at AVG offer strong security apps on the Android platform, check out our Google Play page.
Is the RealPad the right choice for everyone over the age of 50? Probably not. But it was designed with an older adult in mind who needs a little extra care – and I applaud that.
I agree with AARP, there’s just too much value in the digital world for seniors to be shut off.  Tablets and larger format smartphones can really enrich their lives. In addition to providing grandparents with a digital photo album of their grandkids and a social platform to stay connected with family and friends, it’s a ready-made platform and market for important things like health monitoring and management apps. RealPad is a great step in the right direction to address that need.
We should all be interested in addressing the needs of this market. After all, we are all likely to be seniors someday.
