You may think that you’re not online enough to risk your safety, or that you never visit unsafe sites. However, the world wide web is a vast network where the exchange of information is often difficult to track. Here are some good reasons to “go incognito”.

With the headlines about data breaches and cyberattacks greeting you every time you go online, it seems impossible to have a surefire, foolproof way to keep your information secure. Sometimes cyber predators are relatively harmless, but oftentimes, their goal is to steal identities and financial information. Virus scanners and firewalls can definitely help, but here’s an added layer of protection when you go online.

What is private browsing?

Your web browser — whether it be Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Safari, or Opera — stores the addresses of the sites you visit, cookies that track your activity, passwords you’ve used, and temporary files you’ve downloaded.

This can be convenient if you frequently visit certain pages, can’t remember your login details, or if you’re trying to recall a website you visited a few days ago. But if someone else uses or gains access to your computer, your most private (and embarrassing) internet activities are exposed for anyone to see.

With private browsing — also called Incognito Mode in Chrome and InPrivate Browsing in Edge — all the information listed above does not get recorded. In fact, all the websites and information you accessed during a private browsing session is discarded without a trace as soon as you close the browser. This can come in handy when you’re using a public computer because you’re instantly logged out of all the accounts after closing the window.

Private browsing also prevents cookies from being stored on your computer. In a normal browsing session, sites like Facebook will inundate you with highly targeted ads based on the sites and pages you’ve visited. But in private browsing mode, your internet activity won’t be used against you by marketing companies.

Another benefit of private browsing is you can use it to log in to several accounts on the same site, which is useful if you need to log in to two different Google accounts at the same time.

Limitations of private browsing

Although private browsing does prevent your web browser from storing your data, it doesn’t keep your online activities 100% private. If your computer is connected to the company network, system administrators can still keep track of what you’re browsing, even if you’re in Incognito Mode. Also, if spyware or keylogger malware is installed on your computer, hackers will still be able to see what you’re doing online.

A keylogger malware records every key you punched in and may send this information to a predefined email address without you knowing. This means passwords, answers to verification questions, account numbers, credit card details, or even the words you type in a chat can be emailed to someone spying on your online activities.

Even though private browsing has quite a few benefits, you shouldn’t solely depend on it for online privacy. Your computers and mobile devices must be equipped with Virtual Private Networks that encrypt your internet connection and prevent anyone from intercepting your data. And don’t forget to scan your computer for viruses with a strong anti-malware program to keep spyware and other malicious web monitoring software at bay.

If you want to know where you can get these solutions or learn more about web browser security, call us today. We have the tools and expert advice you need to prevent anyone from snooping on your internet browsing.

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Major cybersecurity experts believe there are around 1.3 million unique malware designed to attack mobile devices at any given moment. That is why businesses must follow a mobile-first security strategy and devote more resources to protect smartphones, tablets, and laptops. Mobile threat detection (MTD) tactics are an excellent way to accomplish that.

MTD and machine learning

Mobile threat detection is an all-around solution that prevents physical tampering, network-based attacks, and malware infections. MTD is supported by a machine learning mechanism, which enables devices to recognize usage patterns and flag anything that is outside of the norm.

MTD is a very scalable solution, able to monitor dozens of Android mobile devices. When one of them deviates from the rest, machine learning logs the anomaly and notifies administrators.

Does MTD detect malware?

Most malware programs are cleverly disguised as legitimate and useful apps. The key to finding and defending against malware is recognizing irregular patterns in user behavior and how individual devices function. A simple scan is not enough to protect your device, especially from attacks such as phishing scams based on thorough target research.

Without machine learning, observing user and application behavior for suspicious signs would be an overwhelming task. It doesn’t provide total protection though. Mobile security also needs to include ways to blacklist certain apps, prohibit connecting to unsecured networks, and remotely wipe a device when all else fails.

How to implement an MTD solution

Integrating MTD into your mobile security strategy requires a thorough evaluation of important factors, including industry regulations and the sensitivity of the data stored and/or exchanged on your mobile devices. Ideally, it will be part of a larger solution that allows you to inspect a mobile device’s hidden weaknesses and block harmful network traffic.

Developing strong defenses for mobile devices is fast becoming a critical component in many businesses’ cybersecurity strategies. And although mobile threat detection remains an imperfect means to detect malware, it is far more powerful than traditional anti-malware solutions.

Businesses like yours need comprehensive security solutions to fend off cyberattacks, whether on your PCs, laptops, or smartphones. For expert IT security recommendations, call us today!

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