Bank of Ireland has issued a fraud alert today urging extra vigilance against investment fraud. Following an increase in reports of incidence of investment fraud the Bank is strongly advising consumers to be alert to investment scams being carried out by false and unregulated companies offering fake investment opportunities.
Describing how investment scams can operate, Edel McDermott, Head of Fraud at Bank of Ireland said: “There has been a notable increase in false and unregulated companies offering convincing investment opportunities promising a quick profit. For example, they might be selling cryptocurrencies or offering bonds and share investments that do not exist. A consumer or investor who falls victim to these companies and hands over money is unlikely to see their money again. There is unfortunately no redress for a consumer or investor who hands over money to an unregulated firm. By being aware of how these false companies turn up and the tactics that they use, consumers and investors can take steps to protect themselves against fraud and financial loss”.
Common ways to encounter these bogus companies and warning signs include:
Internet search: Bogus firms online may appear when searching for investment opportunities or via pop-up message on a website or through social media.
False endorsement: Online article where a celebrity appears to promote an investment or tells a story about how much they made from it.
Cold calls: Unsolicited calls or emails from someone who claims to be from a legitimate investment company who puts pressure on the consumer to take advantage of an urgent opportunity.
How consumers can protect themselves from these scams:
Do not respond to cold calls and don’t be rushed into investing your money.
Be suspicious of any offers that guarantee a return or a large profit.
Research the company and check the Central Bank register before making any investment.
Many of these firms might appear to have legitimate websites and convincing products or investor ‘log in’ to check your investment. To safeguard against this, consumers and investors are urged to ensure that any company they are considering investing with is a regulated firm by checking the Central Bank of Ireland register (ROI) or Financial Conduct Authority (UK). If a firm is not listed, do not invest with them.
Bank of Ireland is committed to building awareness around fraud, including investment fraud of this nature. Bank of Ireland will continue to focus on the issues around fraud, through the Bank’s own channels and by working collaboratively through the Bank and Payments Federation of Ireland (BPFI) FraudSMART campaign.
HP today released its 2021 predictions on how security threats – such as human-operated ransomware, thread hijacking, unintentional insider threats, business email compromise and whaling attacks – are set to increase in the next 12 months.
“Organizations have had a tough 2020, and in Ireland specifically, the financial services and healthcare sectors have been particularly vulnerable to attacks. The shift to remote working has widened the attack surface and made life even more difficult for security teams, meaning the days of the hardened perimeter are behind us. Now, more than ever, organizations need to shift their focus to delivering protection where it is most needed: the endpoint. Over the course of 2020, we have seen hackers become increasingly targeted, while also using sophisticated lures to trick users into engaging in risky behaviours. Over the next 12 months we will see more of the same, with targeted and sophisticated attacks directed at users and endpoints,”
Gary Tierney, Managing Director at HP Ireland. “Organizations cannot afford to close their eyes and hope for the best in 2021, which is why it’s critical that they adopt a protection-first approach to endpoint security to keep them a step ahead of cybercriminals.”
HP’s cybersecurity experts including – Julia Voo, Global Lead Cybersecurity and Tech Policy; Joanna Burkey, CISO; Boris Balacheff, Chief Technologist for Security Research and Innovation at HP Labs; Dr Ian Pratt, Global Head of Security for Personal Systems; and Alex Holland, Senior Malware Analyst – and experts from HP’s Security Advisory Board – Justine Bone, CEO at MedSec; and Robert Masse, Partner at Deloitte – all gave their predictions for the year ahead.
Weakened organizational security will lead to more unintentional insider threats
The dramatic changes to how we work in 2020 and the shift to remote working will continue to create challenges, says Julia Voo: “COVID-19 has weakened organizational security. Remote access inefficiencies, VPN vulnerabilities and a shortage of staff that can help the business adapt means data is now less secure.” From a cybercriminal’s perspective, the attack surface is widening, creating more opportunities, as Joanna Burkey explains: “We can expect to see hackers identifying and taking advantage of any holes in processes that were created, and still exist, after everyone left the office.”
Boris Balacheff points out that this also means that home devices will be under increased pressure: “We have to expect home infrastructure will be increasingly targeted. The scale at which we operate from home increases the incentive for attackers to go after consumer IoT devices and pivot to business devices on the same networks. And as we know, if attackers are successful with destructive attacks on home devices, remote workers won’t get the luxury of having someone from IT turning up at their door to help remediate the problem.”
Burkey also believes there will be more unintentional insider threats: “With employees working remotely, the lines between work and personal equipment are blurred, and innocent actions – such as reading personal email on a company machine – can have serious consequences.” Overall, the pandemic has increased the risk of employees making errors, as Robert Masse explains: “If you view the pandemic as a war experience, then organizations will be dealing with employee burnout. This can lead to an increased risk of errors in judgement.”
Human-operated ransomware attacks will remain an acute threat
Ransomware has become the cybercriminal’s tool of choice, and this is likely to continue in the year ahead, comments Burkey: “What we’ll see is a rise in ransomware-as-service attacks where the threat is no longer the ‘kidnapping’ of data – it’s the public release of the data.”
The rise of ransomware has fueled the growth of an ecosystem of criminal actors who specialize in different capabilities needed to pull off successful attacks. Malware delivered by email, such as Emotet, TrickBot and Dridex, are often a precursor to human-operated ransomware attacks. “To maximize the impact of an attack, threat actors use their access to compromised systems to deepen their foothold into a victims’ networks. Many crews use offensive security tools to gain control of a victim’s domain controllers, which are often the best point in a network to deploy ransomware,” explains Dr Ian Pratt.
This trend is of particular concern to those in the public sector, as Alex Holland explains: “The rise of ‘double extortion’ ransomware, where victim data is exfiltrated before being encrypted, will particularly hurt public sector organizations, who process all manner of personally identifiable information. Even if a ransom is paid, there is no guarantee that a threat actor won’t later monetize the stolen data.”
Greater innovation in phishing will see thread hijacking and whaling attacks
In 2021, there will be more innovative phishing lures designed to trick users and make attacks harder to identify. “The most innovative mass phishing technique we see is email thread hijacking, which is used by the Emotet botnet. The technique automates the creation of spear-phishing lures by stealing email data from compromised systems. This data is then used to reply to conversations with messages containing malware, making them appear very convincing,” explains Dr Ian Pratt. We can also expect to see more of these attacks targeting individuals working remotely, says Justine Bone: “Thanks to everything relying on strong authentication, as opposed to in-person presence, there is more opportunity for hackers to engage in social engineering to trick employees into divulging credentials.”
The prospect of continued social isolation has encouraged people to share more personal information online, which cybercriminals can weaponize. “Whaling, a form of highly targeted phishing attack aimed at senior executives, will become more prominent with cybercriminals able to take personal information shared online to build convincing lures leading to business email compromise fraud,” comments Masse. Many of these phishing emails will continue to exploit people through fear, according to Voo. “New fears will be used to drive people to open malicious emails – whether it’s COVID vaccines, financial concerns related to the lockdown and any political instability.”
Hackers will tailor attacks to target specific verticals – in particular, critical infrastructure, pharma and healthcare, Industrial IoT and education
One of the most at-risk verticals in 2021 will be healthcare. “Healthcare has been a perfect target – society depends on it and these organizations are typically under-resourced, change-averse and slow to innovate. Education also fits this criterion and could be another prime target,” says Bone. However, this threat extends beyond hospitals and doctor’s surgeries into more critical areas. “Due to the race to develop a new vaccine, pharmaceutical companies and research facilities will also continue to face adverse risk,” comments Masse.
But the next 12 months will also see other targets come into consideration for hackers. “Car makers, particularly EV companies, will become bigger targets as they grow in prestige and profitability, and we can also expect to see critical infrastructure and the Industrial Internet of Things continue to be in hackers’ crosshairs,” explains Masse.
Zero trust is here to stay, but needs to be implemented in a way that is transparent to the user
Zero trust as a concept isn’t new, but the increase in remote working means that it is now a reality that organizations need to accept. “The traditional ways of securing access to the corporate network, applications and data are no longer fit for purpose. The perimeter has become obsolete. Over the years the workforce has become more dispersed, and SaaS adoption has risen – this means critical data is being hosted outside the enterprise firewall. The time has come for organizations to start protecting against the unknown, which means utilizing zero trust, but in a way that is transparent to the user,” comments Pratt.
COVID-19 will be a key driver behind zero trust adoption and also means we’ll see greater innovation in this area. “Zero trust is the best defensive approach for enabling remote working, but for identity and access management to be seamless it needs to be easy to use. Quality authentication methods are a key enabler of zero trust, which is why technologies such as biometrics will be expected by end users in the future,” comments Bone.
A new approach to security is needed
“2020 demonstrated that is has become critical to manage highly distributed endpoint infrastructure,” comments Balacheff. “Organizations need to accept that the future is distributed. Everything from remote workers’ devices to industrial IoT devices have become the new frontlines of the cybersecurity battleground in our increasingly cyber-physical world. To meet this challenge, organizations need to re-think their security architectures and controls, and embrace the necessary innovation in technology and processes to help them support this new environment. For example, modern hardware technology exists that can help not only protect but also recover employees remotely and securely in the face of destructive attack like those we have seen in the last few years.”
“Organizations face a huge security challenge in the year ahead, with cybercriminals becoming savvier about how to extract the most value out of victims,” comments Ian Pratt. “Relying on detection alone will only result in an unsatisfactory outcome for the organization, so a more architecturally robust approach to security is required; one that builds protection in from the hardware up. Hardware-enforced technologies like micro-virtualization are transparent to the end user – this means they can click on email attachments and download files as they normally would, but are safe in the knowledge that if anything is malicious, it is rendered harmless. This protection-first approach leaves hackers with nothing to steal and no way to persist, helping organizations to deal with the variety of threats 2021 and beyond will throw at them.
This Christmas, it’s more important than ever to stay connected to our loved ones. No matter where you’re spending the holidays. Tesco Mobile wants to help you find the perfect gift with an amazing range of handsets at great prices, available online and in Tesco Mobile Phone Shops nationwide.
You can shop from the comfort and safety of your own home or in store, the choice is yours and enjoy great savings on smartphones, with something for everyone on your list. Give the gift of connectivity, upgrade or switch to Tesco Mobile.
TESCO MOBILE IRELAND BILLPAY CHRISTMAS OFFERS
Dates available: December 1st – December 28th
Including the very best Android and Apple handsets, Bill Pay customers will enjoy great seasonal savings on all the leading smartphones from just €30 per month. Running from today (Tuesday December 1st), right through the festive period, these great value price plans start with 15GB of high-speed 4G data with 500 texts and 500 minutes on our €30 per month plan.
Huawei P30 Pro now only €49.99. Save over €190 (Pay €30/Month)
Capture the best things in the moment and create your vision for the future. Featuring the Leica Quad Camera and an immersive 6.47-inch curved OLED screen, take breath-taking portraits and night shots, all with the Leica quad camera. This unmatched super camera system includes a Super Zoom Lens, a 40 MP Super Sensing Camera, a 20 MP Ultra-Wide-Angle Lens and a HUAWEI TOF Camera, giving you the freedom to capture your incredible moments. Allowing you to record exciting videos while on the go, the professional AIS plus OIS makes handheld video seamless and steady. Capture and relive your precious family memories as you have always wanted with the Huawei P30 Pro.
Apple iPhone XRnow only €49.99. Save over €245 (Pay €40/Month)
Featuring a 6.1-inch Liquid Retina display, advanced Face ID lets you securely unlock your iPhone, log into apps and pay with just a glance. Featuring a 12MP camera system with portrait mode, portrait lighting, enhanced bokeh and all-new depth control as well as a 7MP true depth front camera, an A12 Bionic Chip uses real-time machine learning which will transform the way you experience photo’s, gaming and more. The iPhone XR is brilliant in every way.
Samsung Galaxy S20FE 4G now only €99.99. Save over €195 (Pay €40/Month)
This is the phone for people who want it all. Whether you’re a fan of photography, gaming or filling your feed with all that inspires you. This is the phone that gives you what you want, to do more of what you love. The 6.5-inch Full HD+ Infinity-O Display with a more immersive screen that makes your gaming, streaming, and video calling way more fun. With a stunning rear-mounted triple camera array featuring 12MP wide angle, 12MP Ultrawide and 8MP Telephoto Camera allows you to get closer to the action. Also allowing you get that professional #nofilter-worthy shot with ease. When there’s a 32MP Front Camera, your selfies and vlogs are taken to a whole new level. Be the star of the shot and enjoy more detail in your photos and videos with the Galaxy S20FE battery packs in 4500 mAh, that’ll keep you going – cleverly using power to save it for when you really need it.
TESCO MOBILE IRELAND PREPAY CHRISTMAS OFFERS
Dates available: December 1st – December 27th
With up to €50 off great Tesco Mobile prepay offers this Christmas, you or your loved one will have the freedom to pay what you want when you want. Clubcard customers will also earn double points on all prepay top ups, with 30GB of 4G data and unlimited* any network minutes when they top up by just €15.00.
Alcatel 1. Only €39.99!
This all-in-one device offers everything you could need! A compact and light-weight handset boasting a 18:9 5” display with high-grade design and smooth system performance, made only better with Android Go- featuring a camera complete with all social media sharing features stay connected with your Christmas festivities.
Nokia 2.3. Now only €78.36. Was €98.36. Save €20
The Nokia 2.3 is guaranteed to get you the best snap, with a feature-packed camera fueled by AI technology and an impressive 6.2” HD+ 19:9 screen. The battery will last up to 2 days and unlocks with just a glance! The gift they want and at a price you’ll love, the Nokia 2.3 is ready for Android 10 and beyond, so you can look forward to 2 years of Android upgrades and 3 years of monthly security upgrades.
Samsung Galaxy A20E. Now only €117.23. Was €167.23. Save €50
Including all the essential features you need on a Samsung Galaxy smartphone, the A20e has you covered with a large 5.8” infinity screen, dual rear camera, huge 3000mAh battery and rear mounted fingerprint scanner.
Check out all these unmissable Christmas deals and more on www.tescomobile.ie
A ground-breaking report has uncovered the astounding ways in which music impacts our everyday lives, as well as the ways it affects us physically and psychologically more than we know. Scientific studies have proven that music can be a mood regulation tool, with tempo significantly altering our emotional response. Major and minor tones can take something from uplifting to melancholy.
58% of people across Europe report feeling lower than ever before during the pandemic, with 72% of people recognising that music has helped them through a difficult time
The report uncovers the relationship between Emotion vs. Music: led by Dr David Lewis of Mindlab International and reveals the power of sound, with music acting as a mood regulation tool that can aid wellbeing
The findings have been brought to life in two beautifully compelling videos; experiment for yourself to see how you feel after watching them. Watch as the body reacts to music – powered by Sony’s MHC-V83D High Power Audio Speaker – with the science of Cymatics demonstrating how omni-directional soundwaves influence paint, sand and liquid to the beat in an erratic but mesmerising way
With 85% of people across Europe having seen their mood affected by music (from instilling happiness and excitement to feelings of nostalgia and sadness), to test this out the second video shows the powerful influence and effect lower tempo music can have.
Dr David Lewis at Mindlab International, said: “Sad music can help us through tough times. The most intense emotional responses, whether of happiness or sadness, were found to occur when one tune contrasts emotionally with that heard immediately before it. The next time you want to be uplifted and re-energised by music, create a musical sandwich. Play a song that saddens you right before one that makes you cheerful, positive and optimistic. That way the power of the uplifting track will prove even more impactful”.
Music is also a powerful cue that can restore, often vividly, long-forgotten emotional experiences, with 88% of those polled across Europe admitting they have a memory where music has played a significant role.
It can affect how our mind works but equally the ways in which we behave and respond to those around us.
On average, we listen to over 285 hours of music a year (12 full days), giving it a unique power to brighten our lives during these difficult times. With 80% of people saying they want to listen to more music, knowing it has benefits to both our physical and mental wellbeing.
Informed by research from Dr David Lewis, Sony has created two new visual representations of how powerful music can impact us physically and emotionally. Powered by Sony’s new High-Power Audio speakers, the MHC-V83Dand MHC-V73D the videos portray the ways in which high and low tempo music, coupled with the speakers omnidirectional sound and lighting features, effects our bodies and the objects around us.
Experiment for yourself; put the power of music to the test to see what emotions it evokes for you…
Watch the video with a slower tempo music track first, which should evoke more melancholic feelings with Tails by Jack Chown, The Music Lab
Then re-energise with a song that has a faster tempo that should evoke happiness; brought to life by Gutenmorgen from Jack Chown, The Music Lab
Top 10 effects music has on us
Dr David Lewis looked at the effect music has on our bodies, minds and emotions, from increasing our memory function, heartbeat and pupil dilation to triggering teardrops, inducing sleep and instilling happiness.
Tears
Increase memory function
Happiness
Slow down, relax or speed up heart rate
Affect our actions
Create friendships and relationships, and even shape one’s identity
Create a ‘curing’ effect
Help induce sleep
Cause your spine to tingle and make hair stand on end
Pupil dilation and trigger ‘fight or flight’
A Sony spokesperson, said: “We can all think back to a moment in our lives where music has played an integral role. From nursery rhymes as children to our wedding day dance song; it evokes feelings and memories, taking us on a journey.”
“2020 has been a tough year for us all, we wanted to create this report and video to demonstrate how powerful music is, inspiring more people to use it as a tool for positivity in their lives. Our range of High-Power Audio speakers bring the power of sound out loud and clear, perfect for those wanting to enjoy listening to music together.”
Sony’s two exciting new models in its High-Power Audio Systems range, the MHC-V83Dand MHC-V73D, have been designed to expand choices for party lovers and families with omnidirectional sound and lighting, portable design and ultimate party entertainment.
JAM Audio, the lifestyle audio brand, has announced the launch of its new earbuds, the TWS ANC. An affordable solution with luxe, modern style, the TWS ANC extends users’ listening experience with a 7-hour battery life, plus up to 28 hours of undisrupted playtime with the case.
Dynamic 10 mm drivers offer a great combination of sound quality and affordability and its elongated shape provides a snug, comfortable fit with your choice of four soft, anti-slip ear gels, so nothing gets between you and the wireless sound of TWS ANC.
Features include
· True Wireless – True Wireless means no wires. Anywhere. Ever. Whether you’re working, working out, or taking calls. Compatible with Bluetooth® devices and voice assistants.
· Active Noise Cancellation – Superb Active Noise Cancellation lets you tune out distractions and focus on your music, podcasts, or whatever you’re listening to.
· Battery Life – Up to 7 hours of playtime (Bluetooth only), or up to 6 hours of playtime with Bluetooth and ANC. Up to 28 hours total with case.
· On-the-Go Touch Controls / Hands-Free Calling – Control the Convo. Convenient touch controls mean you never have to stop taking calls no matter where you are in your day.
· Premium Sound – Premium sound performance combined with Active Noise Cancellation lets you appreciate every lyric, chord, and heart-pounding beat.
· No-slip tip – 4 sizes of soft, anti-slip ear gels provide a comfortable fit for your 8-hour+ day.
The JAM Audio TWS ANC are priced at £99.99 and available from uk.jamaudio.com.
Edifier, International, prominent designer and award-winning manufacturer of consumer audio electronics for both the lifestyle and multimedia markets announces its latest G4 TE gaming headset
Pinpointing movement by hearing sounds is important for participating in elite game play. The G4 TE over-ear style headset comes equipped with virtual 7.1 surround sound for exceptional sound quality. The ability to hear movements in every direction ensures you figure out enemy positions and stay alert during game play.
Designed with 50mm neodymium magnet drivers which effectively reproduce the sounds in your game straight into your ears, the G4 TE has a frequency response equalling 20Hz – 20kHz, producing excellent, precise tones.
The over-ear style of the G4 TE limit any outside interference with your play, ensuring you stay focused throughout your session. The self-adjusting, dual suspension headband and soft leatherette ear cups let your whole ear hear every sound, while providing a comfortable fit for long-time wear.
The flexible omni-directional, 360-degree microphone lets teammates with active noise cancellation hear your every word ensuring smooth communication during game play. The microphone is also detachable for easy storage and safe keeping.
The headset feature 1.68 million RGB LED lighting effects, illuminating the ear cups to personal your gaming space and enhance your play atmosphere.
The G4 TE comes equipped with a USB connection, easily plugging into your PC or laptop for instant game chat capability. The robust PVC cable and in-line remote and control switch offer ease of use while gaming.
Level up above casual game players and join the ranks of the elite.
Specifications:
Driver Unit:
Φ50mm moving coil unit
Frequency response:
20Hz-20KHz
Impedance:
32 Ohms
Sensitivity:
99dB
Cable length:
2.5m
Main Features:
7.1 surround sound with 50mm NdFeB driver tuned specifically for E-Sport.
Flexible and detachable omni-directional microphone.
Programmable light effect LED lit earcups.
On-wire controls for easy access.
Plug-and-play USB connection.
Price & Availability: Available for £89.99 on Amazon –
Three Irish NGOs that support small businesses, job seekers and skills training will receive a share of €500,000 funding from Google.org to help them respond to the repercussions of the pandemic. The funding from the philanthropic arm of Google is the second tranche of the €1 million grant funding announced in April.
The funding was dedicated in two tranches, the first of which was provided to help NGOs and non-profits providing vital services to the most vulnerable in our communities during the initial Covid crisis, followed by a second tranche dedicated to economic recovery.
This second tranche of grants will be shared among NGOs that focus on upskilling, mentoring and supporting job seekers to help them gain the skills, knowledge and qualifications they need for roles in the tech sector. The projects to be funded by each of the grantees are:
Jobcare delivers virtual, 7-week training programmes to jobseekers in Dublin. Its goal is to support 500 participants and to help with this, they’re building a new platform for participants to use which will help them engage with the course material, other participants, and the trainers.
Ringsend Community Services Forum (RCSF) provides mentorship, job training, and train-the-trainer programmes to 50 community leaders in Ringsend and Pearse Street. This will provide an opportunity for each of the leaders to deliver training to their own target groups. In partnership with St. Andrew’s and The Anchorage Project key support in digital skills and employment opportunities will be provided to jobseekers in the wider communities of Pearse street and Ringsend.
INCO provides virtual job and skills training to young people (18-35) who have been economically impacted by COVID-19, primarily in Cork, Galway, and Waterford (achieved through working with local partners). INCO focuses on developing tech skills amongst this group with a view to young people gaining vital experience that will help them get full time roles in the tech sector.
Nick Leeder, Head of Google in Ireland said, “When we announced this funding back in April, we wanted to ensure that the second tranche would be dedicated to organisations that are providing support to job seekers and people needing to upskill from different backgrounds and locations around the country. Jobcare, INCO and RCSF provide these vital services that must not only continue amid the pandemic and public health guidelines, but must also continue to adapt their services to meet evolving challenges. It’s also very important to us that we continue to support our neighbours in Ringsend and the surrounding areas as they navigate this extremely difficult time.
Paul Mooney, Founder of Jobcare, one of the grantees to receive funding from Google.org said, “We are working tirelessly to support jobseekers, now including those who have unfortunately been economically impacted by COVID-19. It’s crucial that we continue our services during this extraordinarily difficult time, and the Google.org grant will help us expand our reach and adapt our platforms so that we continue to provide vital support.”
The first tranche of the €1 million euro funding was shared among NGOs that address different aspects of the crisis in communities across Ireland, including FoodCloud, ALONE, A Lust for Life and the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre, in addition to Google’s local community in Ringsend and Pearse Street.
PowerA – a leader in enhancing interactive entertainment with officially licensed gaming accessories – is excited to announce that the FUSION Pro Wireless Controller for PlayStation 4 is now available. This officially licensed controller is designed from the ground up to keep up with the play demands of the modern gamer and is available at retailers for £99.99.
Play Like A Pro
The FUSION Pro Wireless Controller for PlayStation 4 features a mappable Pro Pack on the back that gives players the ability to assign button actions on-the-fly to the four removable paddles. In the heat of gameplay, being able to quickly access programmable commands without losing control of the thumbsticks can determine the difference between winning and losing. The FUSION Pro empowers players to Play Their Way with swappable analog sticks, anti-friction rings, and even a racing clip for masterful control in high-speed gameplay moments.
Style and Substance
The gamepad is designed with ergonomics in mind with ALPS analog thumbsticks giving players firm control over their game and the option to switch from short to tall sticks. The soft-grip front and rubberized rear grips makes the FUSION Pro a comfortable fit even after long gaming sessions. The 3-way trigger locks can be adjusted for the perfect response while the magnetic impulse triggers provide enhanced precision feedback for more immersive gameplay.
All the Bells and Whistles
The FUSION Pro Wireless Controller for PlayStation 4 also features motion sensors, dual rumble motors, touch pad, lightbar LED, built-in speaker plus share, PS, and options buttons. It also comes with a USB charging cable for wired gameplay on PC and PS4 as well as a rechargeable battery that boasts over 20 hours of play per charge.
Cyber security provider F-Secure has released the latest version of its premium cyber security service TOTAL. TOTAL has undergone updates and improvements to offer users the very best in online protection.
Offering malware, browsing and banking protection, TOTAL has a new look and feel with many usability improvements such as faster and easier installation, improved instructions and streamlined flows. It also includes the recently launched F-Secure ID PROTECTION which is the evolution of KEY password manager.
F-Secure TOTAL is premium cyber security for users and their devices rolled into one subscription. It features F-Secure SAFE, which protects users online security; F-Secure FREEDOME, which maintains privacy online, and F-Secure ID PROTECTION, which keeps important credentials safe in one secure password manager and identity monitoring offering.
SAFE works across PC, Mac, Android and iOS devices to provide online security with antivirus, browsing and banking protection against various threats including hacking and criminal activity on personal data. Family Rules also enable parents to set healthy boundaries for kids’ device use.
The latest additions to SAFE include:
Stalkerware protection
Banking protection enhancements for Windows users, including no longer blocking non-browser applications that are trusted by the scanning platform
Browsing protection enhancements
Redesigned Family Rules to improve usability and now allows for daily time limits and bedtime to be set across all supported macOS versions and accounts
Silent upgrades to make sure SAFE mac upgrades are installed automatically
An ADBlocker for iOS users
Also included now is F-Secure ID PROTECTION as it takes over from KEY as F-Secure’s password manager that stores logins, card details and other key personal information. ID PROTECTION takes this one step further by also continuously monitoring and detecting exposed personal information online and enables users to respond quickly to threats to their online accounts and identity.
ID PROTECTION’s features include:
Identity management that provides instant alerts and guidance on how to respond when personal information has been found as part of a breach or data leak
A comprehensive breach database consisting of billions of recovered assets and plain text passwords
A combination of human intelligence and Dark Web monitoring to recover breach data up to 6 months faster
Protection for the entire family with a single subscription
Password management that makes it easy to create unique, strong passwords that are automatically synchronised and auto-filled on all devices
Also included in TOTAL is F-Secure FREEDOME, an intuitive online privacy and security VPN that lets you stay invisible to online trackers, protects data on public Wi-Fi and changes virtual location. In addition to typical VPN capabilities, FREEDOME supports browsing protection, anti-phishing, anti-tracking, and Tracker Mapper, protecting users from harmful sites, trackers and apps that want to forward personal data without you knowing about it.
F-Secure TOTAL is available from £59.99 per year and has 50% off for Black Friday (25-30 November 2020).
