A variety of means are available to ensure a user’s cybersecurity. These range from education about the dangers on the Net to training in information technology security to the use of tools and programs that enable users to protect themselves from attacks from cyberspace. Given that cyberattacks do not always occur via the Internet, cybersecurity encompasses yet another aspect: fending off threats that take advantage of modern electronic, telecommunications and IT capabilities.

The dangers of the digital world

The term cybercrime is broad. Often, cybercrime – like cybersecurity in the reverse case – refers to crime on the Internet. Therefore, while in common parlance users are concerned with security measures on the Internet, they often disregard the fact that any form of crime that makes use of electronic, telecommunications and IT means can be classified as cybercrime. Therefore, computer crime is by far the more appropriate term to describe the entire subject.

Cybercrime includes, among other things, the illegal tapping of private, personal or even critical information. This information can be stolen from a corporate network via the Internet just as it can be stolen from a person’s credit card by means of technical devices, while the person unsuspectingly passes the perpetrator in the crowd.

What is cybersecurity and how do I take care of it?

The vastness of the topic and the threat level – especially due to the daily increase in digital possibilities – already show: cybersecurity is important. You only have to consider how much data you process every day on your computer, tablet or smartphone, how many accounts you use for a wide variety of applications and on various platforms on the Internet, and how much credit and bank data and similarly sensitive data is requested in everyday life. All this data is vulnerable and, without protection, exposed to cybercriminals who misuse it for their own purposes. Most consumers will have experienced credit card fraud at least once in their lives. But offenses with even more far-reaching consequences are also wide open without the necessary precautions.

In order to prevent cybercriminals from harming oneself, loved ones, or even one’s own company, and possibly resulting in legal consequences for the victim as well, it is important to familiarize oneself in detail with the topic and learn about the necessary security and cybersecurity tools.

Recommendations for more cyber security: Put a stop to data theft

Simple gadgets such as lead-reinforced credit card holders prevent data theft offline. A small but effective blockade makes it difficult or even impossible for criminals to tap into sensitive bank or credit card information.

Such a blockade must be set up in a figurative sense for IT systems. One of the most important recommendations for cyber security is still something that many users have long been fed up with: strong passwords. They may be long, unwieldy and complicated to remember, but in terms of basic protection, they are highly effective. Whether it’s a person trying to gain unlawful access to a computer and failing to enter the correct password. Or be it a hacker trying to crack an online account.

For comprehensive basic protection, however, other cybersecurity tools are needed that should be standard for every user. A firewall, for example, is essential. This can exist on the computer and / or router, but should be used in any case. A firewall prevents unauthorized access to one’s computer or network. The settings are used to configure who or what can access the Internet from the network and vice versa who or what can access the network from the Internet.

A firewall is particularly effective in combination with an antivirus program, which not only detects viruses, Trojans and other malware, but also removes them immediately. Regular security scans on the PC or network are essential and should become routine for optimal cybersecurity.

What is scareware?

The term “scareware” is made up of the English words “scare” and “software”. Scareware is malware that tricks the user into believing that there is an acute or imminent threat, and is thus intended to induce the user to take certain actions. This can be a payment or the installation of an actual malware program. Such social engineering tactic is thus a scam that can cause a lot of damage. This also happens because the scareware is not always easy to recognize as such.

How can you recognize scareware?

The best and easiest way to recognize scareware and other malware and take the best possible action against it is to stay calm. With a little distance and a clear head, you can recognize the malware in many cases at first or at least second glance. A good antivirus program does not build up a threatening backdrop, but instead calmly and seriously presents a solution. Concentrated capital letters, numerous exclamation marks and horror scenarios, as well as an unrealistic threat posed by several viruses at the same time, are therefore good indicators of a fraud attempt. The same applies to the second example: an authority does not communicate via pop-up or desktop display – but scareware does.

However, if a scareware is more professionally designed, it may not be distinguishable from a legitimate program at first glance. Even in this case, however, there are some clues that indicate malware. These include:

• High frequency alerts: when an antivirus program has detected a threat, it makes itself known and then guides you through the necessary steps. Scareware, on the other hand, often follows up with several pop-ups to make the supposed threat seem even more acute.
• New windows and programs: If you have already clicked on scareware, it may install programs or add new windows on its own. If your browser or desktop changes without your intervention, it is an indication that malware is already on your computer, smartphone or tablet.
• Decreased performance: malware harms your device, often slowing it down. So, if you notice that operations suddenly take longer, the screen freezes or programs crash for no apparent reason, this can be an indication of scareware.
• No access to certain programs: You may also find that you can no longer access certain programs. This can also indicate an infestation and definitely requires immediate countermeasures.

What to do in case of scareware infection?

The question arises as to which countermeasures are most suitable in the event of an infection with scareware. Different malware may also require different approaches, but the following steps are usually promising:

1. First, remove the downloaded program and all files associated with it. On a PC, this can be done via the Control Panel and the “Uninstall a program” option. Find the malware in the list and delete it completely. On a Mac, select “Programs” in the Finder and find the scareware there. Then drag it to the Trash and empty it. While this step is important and correct, scareware often infects other areas as well, so, unfortunately, a simple deletion process will not remove all of its components.
2. For this reason, you should turn off your computer afterwards and restart it in safe mode. In this mode, the computer only accesses the most important programs and thus stops the scareware from working. In Windows, click “Restart” and hold down the Shift key at the same time. After the restart, select “Troubleshoot” and “Advanced options”. Here you will find the item “Startup Settings” and press the “F5” key. This will start your PC in safe mode with network drivers. On the Mac, also hold down the Shift key while restarting. After a short time, the login screen will appear.
3. This way, your computer will work with only the most necessary programs, keeping the scareware at bay, but still allowing you to access the Internet. Thus, you can download, install and run a real anti-malware program. Such a program will find all the components of the scareware and delete them. If you already have an anti-virus program installed, run it. It is important that the software fits your device. There is special software for Android and iOS that achieves the best results.