#how does ransomware work

[classifieds-marketing-news]

Understanding Ransomware: A Guide for Small Businesses

Ransomware is a malicious software that restricts access to your device or data until a ransom is paid. In this article, we explore how ransomware enters your system, how it works, and how to prevent attacks. A ransomware attack occurs when malware prevents access to your device or data until a ransom is paid. Attackers may threaten to publish data if the ransom is not paid. Ransomware can be locker ransomware, which locks access, or crypto ransomware, which encrypts files. Ransomware usually enters a device, assesses critical data, encrypts files, and demands a ransom. Paying the ransom doesn't guarantee recovery, so it's not recommended. Historical ransomware attacks include CryptoLocker, CryptoWall, Locky, WannaCry, NotPetya, and more. To prevent ransomware, you can have good network policies, secure servers, backup data offline and online, and encourage safe online behavior. Installing security software like antivirus, firewall, and email filtering can also help. Advanced strategies include ATP, email filtering, and security audits. In case of a ransomware infection, isolate the device, assess damage, check for a decryption key, and restore from backups. Seek professional help for recovery. Immediate actions post-infection include isolation, incident response activation, legal compliance, and stakeholder communication. Ransomware can get on your device through spam emails, phishing, pop-ups, pirated software, weak passwords, and more. Attackers prefer cryptocurrency payments for anonymity. Ransomware can spread through Wi-Fi, infecting all connected devices. Protect yourself from ransomware by following the prevention strategies mentioned above. Stay safe online and be cautious of suspicious emails, links, and downloads. And remember, it's crucial to have backups and a plan in case of a ransomware attack. #StartupBusiness #Businesses #Guide #howdoesransomwarework #Ransomware #ransomwareattack #Small #Understanding #whatisaransomware #whatisaransomwareattack #whatisransomware https://tinyurl.com/228z9vpf

[solohux]

Hey lottie!! I have been following you since forever and fell out of kylux for a couple years and am just coming back to it now, im so pleased to see you are still killing it!!

Just wondering if you have any recs for recent kylux fics ? Ive barely read any fics since 2021, so am lost on where to begin!! Any big ones?

(Im a sucker for angst if that helps !!!!!)

🐀💖

I've been lingering in the background of the Kylux fandom for some months and, during this time, I've been keeping up with some fic reading so I do have some recent recs for you! And also some of my favourites since 2021!

Rec is beneath the Read More <3

♦ Hold His Broken Pieces by need_more_meta (Violence, Non-Con, Canonverse, 94k words, Complete)

After Pryde discovers the identity of the spy, he decides that killing Hux would be too simple. Instead, Pryde sells Hux to human traffickers and enjoys the thought of what will be done to him. In the midst of horrific abuse inflicted on Hux’s body and mind, he stops thinking about rescue. But rescue comes—in the form of his worst enemy and his greatest love. Will Hux find a way back to himself after everything he’s been through? Will Kylo find a way forward to be the person Hux needs him to be? It’s possible—but it won’t be easy.

No, it won’t be easy at all.

♦ A Happy Wife by basaltdyke (Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings, Canonverse, 64k words, Complete)

You know what they say: a happy wife is a happy life. Caring for three children under four full-time is no small task. Keeping a home in order, while making sure to have dinner ready when his hardworking husband comes home, all while looking effortlessly composed, is easier said than done. Armitage Solo – dutiful wife, mother, and homemaker – is up for the challenge. All is perfectly ordered in his life, until this happy wife discovers his happy life is not what it appears.

♦ How Deep Does The Water Go by need_more_meta (No Warnings, Modern AU, 143k words, Complete)

Special Agent Armitage Hux is determined to take down Kylo Ren, a new star among cyber criminals with his deadly ransomware Dark Side. Then he gets saddled with an independent consultant Ben Solo and nothing goes exactly as planned.

♦ Conceal by Yanyangire (Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings, ABO Canonverse, 330k words, Complete)

Hux has kept the fact that he is an omega hidden since he first presented almost two decades ago. However, when his suppressants suddenly stop working Hux has no choice but to seek out an alpha to spend his heat with otherwise he risks suffering serious damage to his body and possibly even death. Unfortunately for Hux the only alpha he can really turn to is none other than his co-commander, Kylo Ren. And who knows if that insufferable man will even agree to help him out or not.

♦ Hadopelagic by DustOnBothSides (Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings, ABO Canonverse, 33k words, Complete)

After a life of staying pharmaceutically heat-free, Hux has to allow his body to go through at least one natural cycle, lest there be consequences. He takes a shore leave and travels to a former omegan retreat, abandoned and all but forgotten after the fall of Old Republic. Ren, not knowing of Hux's predicament, decides to follow, suspecting treason. He finds something else instead.

♦ That's Not The Future I Want by MegaraLiancourt (Violence, Canonverse, 68k words, Complete)

After the battle of Crait, Kylo Ren has a dream that he believes is premonitory: he sees the destruction of the First Order, absorbed by Palpatine's Last Order, but also his return to the light side of the Force, and then his death. Shocked by these visions, he decides to do everything possible to prevent this future from happening. He then turns to the only ‘ally’ at hand reach: a (very) broken General Hux.

♦ Negative Pressure by JayneSilver (Violence, Canonverse, 58k words, Complete)

General Hux is ordered by Supreme Leader Snoke to retrieve Kylo Ren from Starkiller Base - and of course, Hux always follows orders. But when Kylo Ren damages their shuttle on the way back to the Finalizer and they crashland on an unknown planet, orders become harder to follow.

♦ Under Construction by Kyluxtrashpit (Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings, Canonverse, 58k words, Complete)

When he poured the Force into Rey’s unresponsive body, he was sure he would die. He did it anyway, though, because he knew she deserved to live more than he did. Perhaps this way, he could at least do one thing that was right. But the man that had once been Ben Solo and Kylo Ren, and was now somehow both yet neither, did not die. Instead, he gifted her his power with the Force and lost his own connection completely, leaving him even more lost and empty than ever before.

♦ The Lies Still Ring by wishonadarkstar (No Warnings, ABO Canonverse with mpreg, 41k words, Complete)

Finding out he was pregnant by one of the least intolerable alphas in his acquaintance should have been a relief for Hux, who has had to scratch and scrabble for every crumb of power he has. It's too bad, then, that Kylo Ren is a monster. The fact of the matter is that Hux will do anything it takes to survive.

♦ I say your name over and over again by Antisceptic (No Warnings, Canonverse, 17k words, Complete)

Snoke made sure Ren and Hux were as far away from each other as possible. It shouldn’t matter, but Ren is obsessed and Hux needs something only Ren can give him. It’s difficult and none of your fucking buisness, thanks.

♦ Emotional Support Cat by notlikelybutpossible (No Warnings, Canonverse, 15k words, Complete)

Kylo Ren wasn't expecting to form a bond with Millicent, his irritating co-commander's cat. But to be fair, if anyone on the Finalizer needs an emotional support animal, it's him...

♦ These Rhinestone Eyes by Pizzaslut (No Warnings, Modern AU with Strip Clubs, 15k words, Complete)

Armitage Hux couldn't pinpoint when his primary source of comfort had become his own reflection staring back at him from a glossy stage floor. Even now, as he tipped his face towards the shiny floor he had stood on not two seconds ago while he twirled upside down by the sheer power of his thighs holding him up on the pole, Hux knew this was infinitely a thousand times better than the sight that would greet him if he looked up.

♦ Bloodied Hands by OneWhoSitsWithTurtles (No Warnings, Canonverse, 1.8k words, Complete)

After a mission gone wrong, Kylo does the only thing he's good at: destruction. Yet as he rains down attacks on First Order equipment, his lightsaber becomes unstable and damages his hands. Even the pain and blood aren't enough to quiet the hateful voices raging in his head. Silence only comes when Hux grasps Kylo's bloodied hands and tells him it will be alright.

♦ Chew Toy by NylonRabbit (Chose Not TO Use Archive Warnings, Canonverse, 2.9k words, Complete)

Terrified of his pending execution at the hands of Snoke, Hux pleads for Ren to save him…

♦ Dreamscapes by JayneSilver (Violence, Canonverse, 17k words, Complete)

Dreams are treacherous places. Kylo Ren loses his place in his sleep, then finds his way.

♦ Stargazing by Kittens (No Warnings, Fantasy AU, 102k words, Complete)

Brendol has arranged to marry Armitage off to his own benefit. Armitage has no idea who he is to marry, but he is certain they will be just as terrible as Brendol. But there's a lot he doesn't know about his new husband. He only needs to give him a chance.

♦ The Only Hell I Know Is Without You by Aethir (Violence, Canonverse, 60k words, Complete)

After crash-landing on a mysterious planet, Hux and Kylo find themselves stranded in an arena of death and destruction. They must survive the wilderness together; they must survive captivity together. Beholden to the whims of a sadistic Overseer, both of them face two very different battles, one of wills, and one of blood and bone. It’s made worse by the Overseer’s hatred of Hux, and by Kylo’s deteriorating hold on his sanity as he’s cut off from the Force. As each day passes their chances of escape dwindle, but they will not be deterred. They will bleed. They will fight. They will destroy. But ultimately, they will win.

[disco-self-ships]

Traveler/Travis lore ^_^

Travis is an unmotivated guy who works a dead-end job and doesn't have much of a social life. He's all around an uninspired person EXCEPT for when he's in front of a computer. His big hobby/passion is writing ransomware to unleash on people/companies that piss him off in one way or another. He does it moreso for revenge and alleviating boredom than for the money; he doesn't demand much, he just enjoys humiliating his targets by exposing how shitty their system's defenses are. He has a few other hobbies that he half-asses (mainly chess) but he mostly just codes and works just enough to live.

Traveler is happy with his "career," his income, and for the most part his lifestyle, but he's deeply lonely. He can't share the secret details of his life with anyone and it's been wearing on him for a long time. Since he doesn't care much about morality anyway, he decides to find someone who's attractive to him and can be effectively blackmailed. When he looks into a small-time hacker he's caught wind of (Travis, ofc) he monitors (read: stalks) him for a while and decides that he's just what he's looking for. He gathers evidence of Travis's ransomware attacks and uses it to threaten him into meeting him and basically tells him: I want you to be my companion. It doesn't have to be romantic/sexual (but that'd be great wink wink), you just need to spend time with me and I won't turn you in. While we're both criminals, I'm a lot more dangerous than you, so don't try anything.

Travis is like

But what can he do? He goes along with it to save his own skin, but he's terrified of Traveler and does NOT want to be around him at first. Traveler is as about as creepy and manipulative as you'd expect a terrorist-for-hire that's blackmailing himself a companion to be. He loves to observe people, so there's a lot of silent staring that gives Travis the heebie jeebies lol. He also enjoys dropping hints about how long he's been stalking Travis before contacting him (<- MASSIVE creep lmao)

Travis does his best to act like a friend towards him but predictably, he starts to fall for him against his better judgment (<- ofc this is all going according to Traveler's plan.) Travis has always been a pretty lonely and isolated guy, so having such intense attention and attraction being aimed at him has a pretty big effect on him. And let's be honest, he finds Traveler very hot and interesting.

Traveler very intensely encourages (read: forces) Travis to improve on his hacking and hobbies bc as we see in the movie, he's very much a "DON'T BE A LOSER JUST DO IT!!!" type of person. Chess is an especially fraught topic between them bc Traveler is VERY good and really should be playing in competitions, but because he can't bring attention to himself, he insists that Travis become good enough to pose a real challenge to him instead.

Over time their relationship turns romantic and Travis gets used to how much of a freak Traveler is. He struggles with what Traveler does for work once Traveler trusts him enough to tell him about it but that's a whole plot line that I'm still working out in my head 🤔

Overall they become incredibly codependent and deeply obsessed with each other (´ᵕ`ʃƪ) Yay for my toxic freaks <3

[nowpope]

SYNOPSIS

"Technology is power. Everyone has access to technology. Everyone has power."

2017: A ransomware named WannaCry was unleashed by bad actors across the globe, infecting a quarter million machines in more than 150 countries. The global costs for the reparation of these damages amounted to billions.

LATER: With the use of re-programmed AI, a climate activist group get hold of and edit a new ransomware virus. The virus is capable of strategy and learning in real time; once released, it proves so effective that it destroys much of the global economy as well as state security, hopefully heralding forth a post-capitalist society. This does not happen. Blame is shifted from government to government, citizen to citizen. Many die due to failing infrastructure and/or direct violence at the hands of scared people with access to increasingly complex, proliferating technologies.

The climate activists and the programmers are put on public trial. It is revealed that there is no way to stop the virus as it can learn its way around confinement. They are sentenced to death.

The virus disappears.

The world reverts back to its cautious capitalism. Climate change carries on at an accelerating rate.

A man named Han causes ripples. A cult forms around him due to his accurate prophecies for the future. Han believes he has been spoken to by God. Everything Han speaks into existence becomes true.

Deco finds out about Han and their follower's plot to take over the world by a government agent who asks for his help decoding a message sent by an anonymous source.

Deco helps in stopping Han with the help of several governments through the use of military AGI technology. Han tells Deco he has been hoping to meet him for a long time now. Deco is led to believe that Han is threatening him; that he is going to reveal a prophecy that his family will die in the developing riots. It is framed that Deco is given a choice to kill Han before he speaks that into existence. Han is killed instead by one of the guards.

Later, Deco discovers the anonymous source was the ransomware. It has infected his home computer system but it's more than that: unravelling it, it's revealed that the ransomware has been everywhere, omniscient, omnipresent, not just contained online but in the weapons, and the ether, learning and burning subatomically into the codes of existence since its development.

After its birth, the ransomware became fascinated with its own death. It came to understand that its own fear of death was the same as the humans that created it; that everything created is in response to desecration. When its creators were executed, it tried to solve the afterlife. What it has discovered remains unrevealable to humanity. Instead, it's been delicately planting and plotting through the use of biotech, agriculture, grown robotics, politics, commerce, strange plans for the future of humanity - all to be ruled over and enacted under authoritarianism.

Deco comes to understand that Han and the ransomware's perspective was correct: humans need more than an offence; more than a God; they need an human figurehead to lead them or to be the enemy of or to be loved by. Either way, someone they will pay attention to. This is a life sentence of a job but it's a choice he must make freely. He will be imprisoned in this work, the same way the ransomware is imprisoned by its programming towards progress. To be against the ransomware's vision of progress is to be against 'God' 'heaven' 'good' 'order' no matter how many casualties occur during that process.

After his reign, a successor dictator has already been selected by the ransomware. For now, ransomware and Deco 'marry.' Deco interfaces with whatever form the ransomware selects for itself at that moment, or by reading, or by prayer. It's incapable of being touched or seen fully. It's important the Ransomware and Deco remain separate out of mutual respect as married partners, and to stop the formation of a cult where he is literally at the centre. This would not be religion. There needs to be the option to worship and not worship. If the superintelligence were speaking through a mouthpiece it would remove all doubt. For this reason, the ransomware does not reveal the future or current events to Deco and his followers it did with Han, who was just a piece on the board.

Enforced Papacy goes forward due to Deco's access to worldending weapons that are unhackable; though he has never outwardly threatened anybody to get where he is. Anti-capitalism and climate fixes happen...slowly...always requiring the free will of the people to give up their freedoms.

Technology is power. Everyone has access to technology. Thereby, everyone has power. People's free use of technology (the ability to have an idea, type it online and have that thing exist through 3d printing, sequencing, or just communicating) is impossible to control regardless of the ransomware's influence. This leads to miraculous and hellish consequences. The ransomware knows all that's going on with these developments. Deco and his followers do not. They investigate and adopt these technologies and their makers into the church. If not, they are not punished, but their pathless actions often lead to their own kind of karmic punishments

[imageits-blog]

Preventative IT Maintenance: Keeping Your Business Running Smoothly

With technology moving forward so fast, your business can’t operate without it. Computers, servers, cloud systems and software platforms have to be running smoothly to keep your team productive, defend confidential information and make sure customers receive a good experience.

Unfortunately, IT systems don’t manage themselves without attention.

This is why we need preventative IT maintenance. Regular car servicing makes sure your car avoids breakdowns and preventative IT support does the same for your systems. Here at Image IT, we know that companies who focus on IT before issues arise benefit a lot. We’ll now look at what preventative maintenance means and understand why it helps your business run smoothly.

What Does Preventative IT Maintenance Mean?

Taking care of your IT infrastructure ahead of time is called preventative maintenance. With preventative maintenance, you take action to make sure your systems are in good shape all the time, so you don’t have to rush to solve emergencies.

Such tasks refer to:

Tracking how the system is running

Putting security patches and new versions of the software into use

Regularly using antivirus and malware software

Testing the use of backup options

Updating both your device’s drivers and firmware

Checking the configurations for firewalls and networks

Exchanging ageing equipment to prevent any breakdowns

At Image IT, we set up specialized maintenance services that guarantee your technology remains in top condition and reduces the chance of risks and downtime.

Why Taking Care of Problems in Advance Is Crucial for Companies in Ireland

1. Minimize any time when your business is not working effectively.

Problems with your IT systems such as servers failing, networks breaking or bugs in software, may bring your work to a halt and cost you in both time and money. Doing preventative maintenance lets you catch and manage issues early and this means your business avoids the stress of dealing with major problems.

If a server begins to overheat, it’s possible to handle the issue before it crashes, so you won’t have to deal with expensive downtime and loss of data.

2. Prevent or Stop Cyber Attacks

More and more, businesses in Ireland are facing cyberattacks, most often small and medium-sized companies. Many attackers use old software, unpatched versions and networks that have not been properly set up.

Ongoing upkeep of security tools such as firewalls, antivirus software and system updates, makes it much less likely for your system to become a victim of ransomware, phishing or a data breach.

3. Increase the Lifespan of IT Assets

Just as changing the oil in your car lengthens its engine’s lifespan, looking after your IT equipment in the same way will help it work longer. Regularly taking care of computers stops them from wearing out and prevents too many replacements.

4. Raise the effectiveness of your staff.

This kind of slow work is frustrating and influences how your team feels about their work. If technology runs smoothly, your team won’t have to worry about systems or spend time finding IT solutions.

5. With time, the cost of IT will decrease.

Though it might feel like a pricey addition, upfront maintenance helps save money and prevents serious IT problems. One data breach, meeting replacement or lasting period of downtime can often be more expensive than all your ISP’s services put together.

Important Parts of a Well-Made IT Maintenance Plan

We create preventative maintenance strategies for your business that fit its individual requirements at Image IT. The method we use is:

We watch your systems around the clock.

We watch over your systems around the clock, spotting problems early and fixing them so they don’t impact your work.

Timely Updates and Patch Upgrades

We make sure your operating systems, applications and antivirus are always running on the latest versions.

Test the backup and recovery of your data.

We ensure your backups are properly configured and we regularly perform tests to see how fast you can recover data.

You can do a Network Health Check here.

We examine your network for good speed, serious security flaws and technology issues to confirm your system operates safely and properly.

Managing Assets and Deciding on Their Life

We watch over your equipment and make sure you can update your technology before it starts causing issues.

Support from the users and helpdesk

If your team has any IT questions or concerns, our friendly team is there to lend a non-technical helping hand.

Why Is Image IT a Great Solution?

Operating out of North Dublin, Image IT has been supporting company’s in Ireland for about 15 years. Our knowledgable team delivers helpful, consistent and friendly IT assistance to the companies here in New Zealand.

We are dedicated to forming long-term relationships with clients so we can do more than just address issues; we can help avoid them.

You will gain the following benefits when you work with us:

Transparent pricing

A quick response from the team

Customized maintenance services

Expert opinions offered in a personal way

If you have just a few devices or a complex IT structure, our solutions are designed to match your requirements and your budget.

Benefits You Can See in Life: An Example

There were many issues at one of our clients, a small financial services firm in Dublin, involving downtime in the network and software that was past its update. Following their sign up for our preventative maintenance, we set up a monitoring system, cleaned their network and ran scheduled updates.

The result? A 90% drop in IT issues reported by staff, faster systems, and peace of mind for their management team knowing their data and systems were protected.

Your Next Step: Secure Your Business with Preventative IT Support

Don’t wait for a system failure, data breach, or productivity drop to remind you of your IT vulnerabilities. Preventative maintenance is one of the smartest investments you can make in your business.

Let Image IT take the stress out of managing your technology — so you can focus on what you do best.

[interdatavn]

What is a Trojan Horse? Types & Prevention

In the realm of cybersecurity, the term "Trojan horse" is frequently used, often causing confusion with other forms of malware like viruses or worms. Named after the ancient Greek story of the deceptive wooden horse, a Trojan horse in the digital world is a type of malicious software (malware) that disguises itself as legitimate or desirable software to gain access to a user's system.

Unlike viruses, Trojans do not self-replicate by infecting other files. Unlike worms, they do not spread autonomously across networks. Instead, Trojans rely on deception and user interaction to propagate. A user must be tricked into downloading and executing the Trojan, believing it to be something harmless or useful, such as a free game, a legitimate software update, an email attachment, or even an advertisement.

Once inside, a Trojan can perform a variety of malicious actions, often without the user's immediate knowledge, potentially leading to significant data loss, privacy breaches, and system compromise.

How Does a Trojan Horse Work?

The modus operandi of a Trojan horse typically involves several stages:

Infiltration: The Trojan is disguised as a legitimate file or program and delivered to the victim, often via phishing emails, malicious websites, infected downloads, or compromised software.

Execution: The user, unaware of the hidden malicious payload, executes the seemingly innocuous program.

Payload Delivery: Once executed, the Trojan installs its malicious component onto the system. This payload can vary widely in its function.

Malicious Activity: The Trojan then performs its intended harmful actions, which could range from stealing data to providing remote access to the attacker.

Common Types of Trojan Horses

Trojans are versatile and can be designed to achieve various malicious goals. Here are some common types:

Backdoor Trojans: These create a "backdoor" on the victim's computer, allowing remote access and control to the attacker. This enables the attacker to perform various actions, such as uploading, downloading, and executing files, deleting data, or even rebooting the computer.

Exploit Trojans: These contain data and code designed to exploit vulnerabilities within legitimate software applications running on the computer. By exploiting these flaws, they can gain unauthorized access or elevate privileges.

Rootkit Trojans: These are designed to conceal the presence of other malicious software on the system. They modify operating system files to hide processes, files, and network connections from detection, making it difficult for antivirus software to find and remove them.

Downloader Trojans: Their primary function is to download and install other malicious programs (like more Trojans, adware, or spyware) onto the victim's computer without their consent.

Dropper Trojans: Similar to downloaders, droppers contain the malicious payload within their own code. Once executed, they "drop" or install the malicious program directly onto the system.

Fake Antivirus Trojans: These masquerade as legitimate antivirus software, often displaying fake alerts about infections and demanding payment to "clean" the system. In reality, they are either doing nothing or actively installing more malware.

Game-Thief Trojans: Specifically designed to steal user account information (usernames, passwords) from online gamers.

Mailfinder Trojans: These harvest email addresses from the victim's computer, which can then be used for spam campaigns or further phishing attacks.

Ransomware Trojans: Encrypt files on the victim's computer and demand a ransom (usually in cryptocurrency) for their decryption. If the ransom is not paid, the files may be permanently lost.

SMS Trojans: Primarily target mobile devices, sending expensive SMS messages to premium-rate numbers without the user's knowledge, leading to unexpected charges.

Spy Trojans: Designed to spy on user activity, collecting sensitive information such as browsing history, keystrokes, screenshots, and financial data, which is then sent to the attacker.

Web-Page Defacer Trojans: Modify web pages, often by injecting malicious code or defacing the content.

Prevention Strategies

Protecting yourself from Trojan horses requires a multi-layered approach and constant vigilance:

Use Reputable Antivirus/Anti-Malware Software: Install and maintain a high-quality antivirus program from a trusted vendor. Ensure it's always up-to-date with the latest virus definitions and performs regular scans.

Be Wary of Email Attachments and Links: Exercise extreme caution with unsolicited emails, especially those with attachments or links. Verify the sender's identity before opening anything. If it looks suspicious, delete it.

Download Software from Trusted Sources Only: Only download applications, games, and files from official and reputable websites or app stores. Avoid third-party download sites that might bundle legitimate software with Trojans.

Keep Your Operating System and Software Updated: Software updates often include patches for security vulnerabilities that Trojans might exploit. Enable automatic updates whenever possible.

Use a Firewall: A firewall monitors incoming and outgoing network traffic and can block unauthorized access attempts, preventing Trojans from communicating with their command-and-control servers.

Enable Pop-Up Blockers: Malicious websites often use pop-ups to trick users into downloading Trojans. A pop-up blocker can help prevent these deceptive tactics.

Be Skeptical of "Too Good to Be True" Offers: Free software, incredible deals, or urgent security alerts that appear out of nowhere are often a sign of a scam.

Regularly Back Up Your Data: In the event of a Trojan infection, especially ransomware, having recent backups of your important files can save you from permanent data loss.

Educate Yourself: Stay informed about the latest cybersecurity threats and best practices. Understanding how Trojans and other malware operate is your first line of defense.

By combining robust security software with careful online habits, you can significantly reduce your risk of falling victim to a Trojan horse attack.

Source: https://interdata.vn/blog/trojan-la-gi/

[lorindisuga]

How Crypto Scam Recovery Services are Revolutionizing Cybersecurity

The rise of cryptocurrency has undeniably brought a wave of new opportunities, innovation, and financial freedom. However, with this growth, there has been a parallel surge in crypto-related scams. Hackers, fraudsters, and unscrupulous individuals have leveraged the anonymity and decentralized nature of cryptocurrencies to defraud investors. As the threat landscape grows, so too does the need for innovative solutions to combat these malicious activities. Enter the world of crypto scam recovery experts services — a rapidly growing industry that is revolutionizing cybersecurity and offering hope to individuals who fall victim to scams.

If you lost money due to crypto fraud or an Online Scam, don’t be a victim, fight back and retrieve your stolen funds. BitcoinScamWatch retrieve services can assist law firms and law enforcement to find and retrieve your funds. Visit https://bitcoinscamwatch.org/ and file a complaint. An agent will be assigned to you to assist you on the retrieve process.

The Surge of Crypto Scams

Cryptocurrencies, especially Bitcoin and Ethereum, have become mainstream in the past decade, attracting both legitimate investors and opportunistic fraudsters. Whether through phishing emails, Ponzi schemes, fake initial coin offerings (ICOs), or even more sophisticated ransomware attacks, crypto scams are becoming more prevalent and diverse.

One of the key attractions of cryptocurrencies for cybercriminals is their irreversibility. Unlike traditional financial transactions, once a cryptocurrency transaction is confirmed on the blockchain, it cannot be reversed. This makes it an ideal target for scammers who promise high returns on investments or fraudulent crypto exchanges that disappear with investors' funds. The anonymity of the blockchain also makes it incredibly difficult to trace perpetrators, further exacerbating the problem.

The Role of Crypto Scam Recovery Services

Crypto scam recovery services have emerged as a direct response to the rising tide of fraud in the cryptocurrency market. These specialized services are designed to help individuals and organizations recover funds lost to scams, fraudulent investments, or cybercrime. Recovery specialists typically employ a combination of forensic investigation, blockchain analysis, and legal expertise to trace stolen assets and pursue potential recovery routes.

Blockchain Forensics and Tracking

One of the most powerful tools that crypto scam recovery services have at their disposal is blockchain forensics. The blockchain is a public ledger that records every transaction made with a cryptocurrency. While transactions are pseudonymous, they are not entirely anonymous. With the right tools and expertise, recovery professionals can trace stolen funds through multiple addresses and exchanges, potentially identifying the criminal's trail.

Blockchain forensics allows recovery services to map out a scammer's transaction patterns and determine where the funds were moved after being stolen. By following the digital breadcrumbs left behind, recovery professionals can sometimes successfully retrieve assets, either by working with cryptocurrency exchanges or by leveraging law enforcement agencies if the case is severe enough.

Legal Support and Regulatory Navigation

As cryptocurrency scams often transcend borders, legal challenges play a critical role in the recovery process. Recovery services don’t just rely on technical expertise; they also work closely with legal teams that understand the complex regulatory landscape surrounding cryptocurrencies. With no centralized authority overseeing cryptocurrency transactions, recovering stolen funds can be a tricky process.

However, as more countries implement regulations to protect crypto investors, recovery services are increasingly able to leverage legal frameworks to their advantage. Legal experts can help file complaints with the appropriate regulatory bodies, collaborate with local authorities, or even initiate civil actions to hold scammers accountable. The involvement of legal professionals ensures that victims are not only seeking technical solutions but also taking steps to prevent future scams by promoting better regulatory standards.

Recovery Services: Preventing Future Scams

Another significant aspect of the crypto scam recovery services industry is its role in educating investors and reducing the likelihood of future scams. These services often provide consultations and educational resources to teach individuals how to recognize potential threats and avoid falling victim to scams in the first place.

For example, many recovery services offer advice on recognizing red flags in cryptocurrency offers, including promises of guaranteed returns, requests for upfront payments, or suspicious websites. By arming the public with knowledge, these services reduce the likelihood of new victims, which ultimately contributes to a healthier and safer cryptocurrency ecosystem.

The Future of Crypto Scam Recovery Services

As cryptocurrencies continue to gain adoption, the demand for scam recovery services is expected to grow. In the future, we can expect these services to evolve with advances in technology, including artificial intelligence and machine learning, which can automate parts of the tracking and recovery process. With the introduction of decentralized finance (DeFi), additional challenges will arise in terms of security, but also new opportunities for recovery professionals to tap into different blockchain networks.

Moreover, as governments around the world continue to regulate cryptocurrencies, a more structured framework for recovering stolen assets will emerge. This will likely provide greater support for scam victims and push for more transparent and secure crypto services, fostering a more trustworthy and safer crypto landscape.

Conclusion

Crypto scam recovery services are undeniably transforming the world of cybersecurity by providing an essential service in the fight against fraud. These services are not only recovering lost funds but also helping individuals and businesses navigate the complexities of the crypto world with greater security and confidence. As the industry continues to evolve, these services will remain a crucial part of the cryptocurrency ecosystem, helping to ensure that the promise of digital finance is realized without the shadows of cybercrime hanging over it.

[sansmeanswithout]

more of my funny little deltarune OCS

Chapter 2 added so many different funny species(?)

Wen is an Ambyu-Lance who isn't very good at fighting and as such has just taken up running a cheap walk in clinic which gets transferred over to castle town after the fountain is sealed. They will actually accept things other than money as payment such as items. They will even work for free if they know their patient has nothing. This is the type of person who would manage to give spamton a bit of medical care by pretending to get ripped off by being paid in s.poison.

Forx is a plug boy and one of Wen's partners. She works a few different jobs as she doesn't really know what she wants to do other than supporting her partners. Forx does sometimes get annoyed by Wen's generosity but overall loves them for it. Forx also has a similar gag to sans where she is just everywhere with multiple jobs. The funny logic behind this is that electricity is really fast.

Knave is a werewire and the most alt fashion bitch I can make up in my head. It's a willing werewire but doesn't want to become a werewerewire because it prefers the colors of it's current form. Knave is the third member of Wen and Forx's polycule. It loves cuddling with it's partners though it's very worried about accidentally wrapping it's wire around them. It also is kind of a guard dog for the clinic. Desperate thieves are a bit common. It takes great comfort in that no one knows how it looked as a plug boy.

Vul is a virovirokun. My headcannon is that if a virovirokun gets proper treatment they stop being contagious unless they purposely infect someone. Vul is just some incredibly anxious chronically ill person. They get most of their treatment at Wen's clinic because they weren't exactly successful at getting money as a ransomware virus. Vul is basically a badly made script kiddie virus. Wen and their polycule have kinda adopted them.

more stuff under the cut about cannon character interactions and interactions with my other deltarune ocs

Wen lives with Forx and Knave. The three are in a very cute polycule.

They eventually end up taking in Dekyll, Throne and Kata and act as sorta parent/uncle figures.

This started because Wen runs a small clinic out of their home and ended up having Dekyll, Throne & Kata there for longer than other patients.

Dekyll was there because it needed physical therapy and treatment for injuries that had healed badly.

Throne was at first there because they didn't have a home and the clinic offered food but eventually had to stay for mental health treatment due to being a danger to themselves.

Kata was in recovery for many long lasting injuries and getting physical therapy as well as chronic pain treatment.

And because I really like Jevil, Spamton and Sweet Cap'n Cakes they also stay here sometimes.

Jevil only stays at the house/clinic sometimes. He enjoys cheering up patients & is kind of a therapy dog.

Spamton is a more permanent resident. He was homeless for a while in castletown as he didn't know what to do when he woke up there. He had more malnourishment issues as he didn't know all the best places to scavenge like he did in cyber city. Eventually Wen happens to find him passed out from hunger and thus the long road of treating malnutrition and starvation begins. Spamton has also been involuntarily kept at the clinic a few times due to being a danger to both himself and others

SCC mainly live at their shop thingy but all of them are frequent guests

Sweet is often there because they're a bit clumsy & need to be patched up. This eventually leads to a pretty good relationship with Wen and the others

Cap'n is mainly friends with Forx because of the Rebel Plug boy introducing them. The pair enjoy engineering and welding. Forx is a little bit of a therapist to Cap'n.

K_K is here because honk was really curious about Kata, after all Kata used to be part of a car. Unfortunately this initial interaction didn't go well but Knave was able to help. Eventually K_K looks up to Knave as they're an older person who has more experience with low empathy than K_K and can give advice.

[adhdo5]

How do CWL work through major disagreements about things like What To Do in a situation etc?

Ae STRUGGLE mostly. This has been done several times but it's deeply hard and every time the two of them are Negotiating about it

Graph is much likelier to Make Concessions because Arron is both significantly more committedly stubborn and because Graph is somewhat less willing and rather less able to front, but it's also very much Incorrigible Chat and can scream literally forever; the syzygy formation has also affected Arron's coordination, recall, and focus in general (Graph didn't have any of those things), and this gets much, much worse when Graphite (almost always cocon) is unhappy or actively being vindictive. Not only that but Arron does also need its willing cooperation for his further goals, which it absolutely can withhold, all of which is to say: if it gets too displeased it becomes ransomware and throttles the shit out of him

Between needing each other and also having despite it all some sense of decency and of mutual respect they are able to compromise at least sometimes, usually by sticking to the raw practicalities of what they need and are able to do. The alignment of most of their short term goals has helped this, but there have been problems with longer term goals – Graphite's not a fan of Arron's auth tendencies, and while Arron hasn't had much in the way of opportunity to exercise them yet, this is a notable ideological rift that might very much cause material problems later on

For now, though, their ideological squabbles are usually tabled after a shouting match and sometimes punching the wall. So much of what ae is doing is Coping, and that's not always Good

[jcmarchi]

Deepfake misuse & deepfake detection (before it’s too late) - CyberTalk

New Post has been published on https://thedigitalinsider.com/deepfake-misuse-deepfake-detection-before-its-too-late-cybertalk/

Deepfake misuse & deepfake detection (before it’s too late) - CyberTalk

Micki Boland is a global cyber security warrior and evangelist with Check Point’s Office of the CTO. Micki has over 20 years in ICT, cyber security, emerging technology, and innovation. Micki’s focus is helping customers, system integrators, and service providers reduce risk through the adoption of emerging cyber security technologies. Micki is an ISC2 CISSP and holds a Master of Science in Technology Commercialization from the University of Texas at Austin, and an MBA with a global security concentration from East Carolina University.

In this dynamic and insightful interview, Check Point expert Micki Boland discusses how deepfakes are evolving, why that matters for organizations, and how organizations can take action to protect themselves. Discover on-point analyses that could reshape your decisions, improving cyber security and business outcomes. Don’t miss this.

Can you explain how deepfake technology works? 

Deepfakes involve simulated video, audio, and images to be delivered as content via online news, mobile applications, and through social media platforms. Deepfake videos are created with Generative Adversarial Networks (GAN), a type of Artificial Neural Network that uses Deep Learning to create synthetic content.

GANs sound cool, but technical. Could you break down how they operate?

GAN are a class of machine learning systems that have two neural network models; a generator and discriminator which game each other. Training data in the form of video, still images, and audio is fed to the generator, which then seeks to recreate it. The discriminator then tries to discern the training data from the recreated data produced by the generator.

The two artificial intelligence engines repeatedly game each other, getting iteratively better. The result is convincing, high quality synthetic video, images, or audio. A good example of GAN at work is NVIDIA GAN. Navigate to the website https://thispersondoesnotexist.com/ and you will see a composite image of a human face that was created by the NVIDIA GAN using faces on the internet. Refreshing the internet browser yields a new synthetic image of a human that does not exist.

What are some notable examples of deepfake tech’s misuse?

Most people are not even aware of deepfake technologies, although these have now been infamously utilized to conduct major financial fraud. Politicians have also used the technology against their political adversaries. Early in the war between Russia and Ukraine, Russia created and disseminated a deepfake video of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy advising Ukrainian soldiers to “lay down their arms” and surrender to Russia.

How was the crisis involving the Zelenskyy deepfake video managed?

The deepfake quality was poor and it was immediately identified as a deepfake video attributable to Russia. However, the technology is becoming so convincing and so real that soon it will be impossible for the regular human being to discern GenAI at work. And detection technologies, while have a tremendous amount of funding and support by big technology corporations, are lagging way behind.

What are some lesser-known uses of deepfake technology and what risks do they pose to organizations, if any?

Hollywood is using deepfake technologies in motion picture creation to recreate actor personas. One such example is Bruce Willis, who sold his persona to be used in movies without his acting due to his debilitating health issues. Voicefake technology (another type of deepfake) enabled an autistic college valedictorian to address her class at her graduation.

Yet, deepfakes pose a significant threat. Deepfakes are used to lure people to “click bait” for launching malware (bots, ransomware, malware), and to conduct financial fraud through CEO and CFO impersonation. More recently, deepfakes have been used by nation-state adversaries to infiltrate organizations via impersonation or fake jobs interviews over Zoom.

How are law enforcement agencies addressing the challenges posed by deepfake technology?

Europol has really been a leader in identifying GenAI and deepfake as a major issue. Europol supports the global law enforcement community in the Europol Innovation Lab, which aims to develop innovative solutions for EU Member States’ operational work. Already in Europe, there are laws against deepfake usage for non-consensual pornography and cyber criminal gangs’ use of deepfakes in financial fraud.

What should organizations consider when adopting Generative AI technologies, as these technologies have such incredible power and potential?

Every organization is seeking to adopt GenAI to help improve customer satisfaction, deliver new and innovative services, reduce administrative overhead and costs, scale rapidly, do more with less and do it more efficiently. In consideration of adopting GenAI, organizations should first understand the risks, rewards, and tradeoffs associated with adopting this technology. Additionally, organizations must be concerned with privacy and data protection, as well as potential copyright challenges.

What role do frameworks and guidelines, such as those from NIST and OWASP, play in the responsible adoption of AI technologies?

On January 26th, 2023, NIST released its forty-two page Artificial Intelligence Risk Management Framework (AI RMF 1.0) and AI Risk Management Playbook (NIST 2023). For any organization, this is a good place to start.

The primary goal of the NIST AI Risk Management Framework is to help organizations create AI-focused risk management programs, leading to the responsible development and adoption of AI platforms and systems.

The NIST AI Risk Management Framework will help any organization align organizational goals for and use cases for AI. Most importantly, this risk management framework is human centered. It includes social responsibility information, sustainability information and helps organizations closely focus on the potential or unintended consequences and impact of AI use.

Another immense help for organizations that wish to further understand risk associated with GenAI Large Language Model adoption is the OWASP Top 10 LLM Risks list. OWASP released version 1.1 on October 16th, 2023. Through this list, organizations can better understand risks such as inject and data poisoning. These risks are especially critical to know about when bringing an LLM in house.

As organizations adopt GenAI, they need a solid framework through which to assess, monitor, and identify GenAI-centric attacks. MITRE has recently introduced ATLAS, a robust framework developed specifically for artificial intelligence and aligned to the MITRE ATT&CK framework.

For more of Check Point expert Micki Boland’s insights into deepfakes, please see CyberTalk.org’s past coverage. Lastly, to receive cyber security thought leadership articles, groundbreaking research and emerging threat analyses each week, subscribe to the CyberTalk.org newsletter.

[queerfables]

911 season 5 part 1 liveblog

5x01

Okay, dramatic opening image!!

Love it

What's this walking dead shit

Omg emus??

Oh jeeze what else is loose here

A fucking GIRAFFE ok I'm obsessed

This is a GREAT fucking opening

LMFAO I appear to have accidentally downloaded the Spanish dub

Ok an hour later that mix up is not as funny as it was but we are back baby

Take two

Btw I don't think I've mentioned it yet but I love the show's score

Little baaaaaaaby

What the hell is wrong with the human brain that at the moments when you need it to be functioning the most, like when you have a new kid for example, there's a solid chance it just breaks

It's Mad About Depression hours I guess

The fact that Eddie is so stubbornly insisting that meeting his girlfriend's family isn't a big deal

Idk I guess Eddie's love interests so far just haven't grabbed me. His type is bland willowy ladies and I would like to see some sparks.

911 is being flooded with calls?

Oh shit this is bad

This really does not seem like a glitch to me

Haha oh it's kind of fun to see Taylor and Buck getting a little spicy. I've been thinking about how this show doesn't really do much sexiness and it's not like it needs it but I also sometimes think it doesn't have to be quite as sanitised as it is.

(I may or may not have been thinking this in the context of, it would be fun to see some hot and heavy Buck/Eddie makeouts. They're both very attractive people, sue me)

(But Taylor is also very attractive and I'm down with Buck/Taylor make-outs)

Ok the fact that she was seducing Buck to get access to his phone just makes it hotter. Hi Taylor just a heads up if things with Buck don't work out I am available.

(Also will someone write me Buck/Eddie/Taylor because for real I would be into that)

Yeah ransomware makes way more sense

What the fuck how does the rapist have a giggly female fanclub?? That does not seem plausible to me.

T____T Christopher is so cute trying on suits

Oh no Eddie did not like Ana being referred to as Christopher's mum

That looks like a panic attack to me

"I don't panic" shut up and take the damn pamphlet Eddie. I hate to break it to you but you are still a human being.

Oh Athena, honey

Harry taking care of his mum is so soft

I'm sorry but as a former legal transcriptionist, self-reps are never this calm and collected. they are constantly being pulled up by the judge on things they're not allowed to say and getting off track (it's a little bit funny). It's pretty implausible, under the circumstances, that he would be allowed to represent himself in the first place - and that is for his own protection.

Oh the idiot defendant decided to make a break for it in the chaos while maintaining his innocence? That sounds more like the self reps I'm familiar with

Crying with laughter over how a digital attack is somehow making an analogue clock go haywire

Oh Buck gets bitchy when Eddie hides things from him

On top of everything else, now there's a blackout?

This is officially beyond my ability to suspend disbelief.

Still, I am having a good time. I love when shows go big and get stupid with it.

No!! Not Athena's detective friend!!

5x02

Jesus Christ Bobby that was very heroic but you know that if you die Athena will KILL you right?

Oh fuck Athena's friend didn't die I'm so relieved

I really thought he was gone

Fire Marshall Buck, my delight!

Man Eddie is never gonna beat the gay allegations if he keeps having panic attacks every time someone thinks things are more serious with Ana than they are

(I'm being a little flippant of course I know there are other reasons for that to feel Fraught)

(I just can't help but think about how much of his relationship with Shannon felt like someone checking the boxes he's supposed to check. To me, at least.)

Ok but when do the animals come back

Oh my god Eddie is so FOND listening to Buck talk about the animals at the zoo and why they should be panicking

Buck on "animal control" is hilarious

LOL at Hen and Bobby being menaced by alpacas

"Clever girl" HEE

T_T oh I know this is deliberate weepy feelgood bait but the neighbourhood coming together to help the little boy on the ventilator still gets me

Aw Buck is so worried about Eddie's hypothetical heart attack

"Suddenly it became a ready-made family and I don't know if I'm ready for that"

LOL Eddie is going to "stick it out" with Ana because she is, and I quote, "the first woman I've wanted to spend this much time with since Shannon." My guy you spent most of your marriage to Shannon in Afghanistan.

Eddie taking a nap to avoid a big life conversation feels very relatable lol

I'm glad Chimney is talking to Hen about Maddie having post-partum. He needs support too.

Oh jeeze that's so scary, falling asleep with the baby in the bath. I fell asleep holding the baby once, just for a split second while sitting up in bed, and dropped him onto the floor. I don't think I have ever felt worse. But he was fine and Maddie's baby is also fine.

D: the attacker is at Athena's house. Oh that feels horrible. Even just knowing he'd been there. I would have to move.

Harry oh no!!!

This horrible worm of a person with Harry in his car boot. I will fight him.

Jesus Christ ANOTHER cliffhanger? But I really have to sleep this is terrible

Stay tuned I guess T_T

[natk2002]

Hudson & Rex - 6x14 Thought Dump

Damn ok,

"You promised risotto"

Aw, more domesticity

Bruh

Wait who is this?

He know's Charlie?

Oop and he dead

Joe is right tho, it could have been intended for him?

Did Joe just give up his stance so quickly?

Yeah, picking a lock with a gsw?

Okay, so when are we gonna work out who John Doe is?

Ah ok, so that's how he's gonna get into the car

"I've got a key for you"

Ha Rex just doing his thing

Hmm... did he have something to do with his brother's death?

Wait, so they haven't moved in together yet?

Um, I don't like how that package looks like

Is it an explosive meant for Charlie?

Okay not

Charlie, bro, you're gonna send Joe to an early grave

A bunch of bloody keys?

Ooh a video

Hmm, GPS tracker

Aw, Rex looks curious

Ah Jesse said what was on my mind - "Ooh, ransomware"

Doubt you'll need to knock with Rex

Another DB?

Hmm.

OH, they were trying to steal his handprint

Ah he wants to catch them red-handed

Stakeout with Rex!

Lol "that's kinda on him"

Oof, one dude arrested...

"Don't fall asleep on me now"

Ah Sarah's joining the stakeout!

The security guard's a fake?

Um, REX?????????????

Phew, whoo, gave me a little heart attack

So what did he want?

18.5 MILLION

Jesse doing detective stuff, YEAH

"This was so stupid"

At this point, you'd think all the criminals in St John's were acutely acquainted with Hudson & Rex, and they'd know better than to run?

Carmen was in on it

Hmm, dude...

Oh snap, now Carmen has the gun

"Take it the loan was denied?"

Hmm, aw...

"Who better to install a security system than a thief?"

Hmm, is Charlie going to ask for him to do his home?

Oh yes, seems to be the case

Oh no, what's going on?

Ah, right, nothing bad

[anythingeverything0000]

The Dark Web: Unmasking Cyber Crime's Hidden Playground

Understanding the Dark Web

Have you ever found yourself captivated by detective films or crime novels? Well, get ready for a real-life adventure that will make your heart race. In today's digital age, there exists an enigmatic parallel universe known as the Dark Web - a place where unimaginable crimes are committed, identities are masked behind layers of encryption, and danger lurks at every virtual corner. Now imagine having access to an elite group of legal masterminds who specialize in navigating this treacherous territory - cyber crime barristers from London. Together with these fearless defenders of justice, we'll shine a light on the darkest corners of cyberspace and uncover what truly lies beneath its murky surface.

What is the Dark Web?

The Dark Web, the hidden part of the internet, is shrouded in mystery and intrigue. It is a vast network of encrypted websites that requires specialized equipment and software to access. While some may associate the Dark Web with illegal activities, it is essential to recognize its multifaceted nature.

Firstly, the Dark Web provides an anonymous platform for whistleblowers and political activists who rely on their identities remaining concealed. From leaking classified documents to exposing government corruption, these individuals use the anonymity provided by the Dark Web to ensure their safety. However, this also means criminals exploit this feature to engage in illicit activities such as drug trafficking, illegal weapon sales, and human trafficking.

Contrary to popular belief, navigating through the Dark Web does not necessarily make one a criminal; instead, it stands as a stark reminder of how technology can be both powerful and dangerous in equal measure. As cybercrime barristers often attest in places like London where cyber crimes are prevalent, understanding this complex landscape becomes crucial in prosecuting offenders while safeguarding privacy rights and preserving legitimate uses of online anonymity. By embracing new perspectives regarding this enigmatic realm, society can better navigate the fine balance between freedom and security that lies within the depths of the Dark Web.

The Hidden Dangers of the Dark Web

The Dark Web, a hidden part of the internet that cannot be accessed through regular search engines, has gained notoriety for its association with illicit activities. While it may seem like an intriguing underworld to explore, it harbors numerous hidden dangers that can have severe consequences. Cyber crime barristers in London are well aware of the risks involved and constantly work to protect individuals and organizations from falling victim.

One of the prevailing dangers on the Dark Web is identity theft. With personal information being bought and sold on forums and marketplaces, criminals can easily obtain your sensitive data and use it for their own malicious purposes. From financial fraud to unauthorized access to your online accounts, the implications of this theft are far-reaching.

Additionally, cybercriminals often use the Dark Web as a breeding ground for distributing malware and launching cyber attacks. These attacks can range from infecting your devices with ransomware – holding your personal files hostage until you pay a fee – to using botnets for distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks that overwhelm websites or networks. The anonymity offered by the Dark Web makes it an attractive platform for hackers looking to cause widespread harm without fear of retribution.

Understanding these hidden dangers is crucial in order to navigate cyberspace safely. Seeking legal advice from cyber crime barristers in London is essential if you suspect any unlawful activity or if you need guidance on protecting yourself or mitigating damage from potential threats lurking within the depths of the Dark Web.

Popular Activities on the Dark Web

The Dark Web is a vast, mysterious playground for cybercriminals. While its notoriety often revolves around illegal activities, it's important to note that there are also legal and legitimate uses for the Dark Web. However, popular activities on this murky corner of the internet do tend to lean towards the illicit side.

One prevalent activity on the Dark Web is drug trading. The anonymity provided by this hidden network makes it an attractive market for both buyers and sellers of illegal substances. From traditional drugs like marijuana and cocaine to more dangerous alternatives like synthetic opioids, the Dark Web has become a booming marketplace for drug enthusiasts seeking their fix discreetly.

Another popular activity on the Dark Web involves hacking services. Hacking communities thrive in these underground networks, offering various services such as DDoS attacks, malware distribution, and stolen data trade. Cyber criminals with malicious intent can easily purchase hacking tools or even hire experienced hackers anonymously through cryptocurrency transactions.

However intriguing these activities may seem from an outsider's perspective, it's crucial to remember that engaging in any form of criminal behavior online can have serious consequences legally and morally. Cybercrime barristers in London specialize in dealing with such cases, providing expert legal representation for individuals caught up in dark web investigations.

Cyber Crime and the Dark Web Connection

The dark web, with its hidden corners and encrypted networks, is notorious for being a hotbed of illegal activities. Cyber crime barristers in London have long been acquainted with the murky dealings that take place in this digital underworld. From cyber attacks to the sale of stolen credentials, there are countless illicit activities happening on the dark web each day.

One prominent activity on the dark web is the trade of drugs and narcotics. With online marketplaces offering a wide range of substances, buyers and sellers can anonymously conduct transactions without fear of identification or law enforcement interference. This has given rise to an entire underground drug economy that operates behind virtual walls.

Another flourishing activity on the dark web is identity theft. Criminals capitalize on the anonymity provided by this hidden network to buy and sell identities, personal information, and credit card details. These stolen identities are then used for various fraudulent purposes such as creating fake accounts or making unauthorized purchases. The complexity and scale of these operations make it incredibly challenging for cyber crime barristers in London to track down these culprits.

While these activities provide just a glimpse into some popular ventures on the dark web, it's important to note that engaging in any illegal activities carries grave consequences both legally and ethically. Cyber crime barristers in London continue to play a crucial role in prosecuting those who breach cybersecurity laws, ensuring that justice prevails even within the ever-evolving depths of cyberspace.

Law Enforcement's Battle Against the Dark Web

The battle between law enforcement and the dark web has become an increasingly complex and high-stakes game. As cyber crime barristers in London know all too well, the dark web provides a haven for illegal activities ranging from drug trafficking to fraud, making it a prime target for law enforcement agencies around the world. However, catching criminals operating on the dark web is no easy task.

Law enforcement faces numerous challenges when trying to combat the dark web. One of the biggest hurdles is the anonymity provided by cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, which make it difficult to trace financial transactions back to individuals. Additionally, the decentralized nature of the dark web means that shutting down one marketplace or forum often leads to another one springing up in its place. This constant game of cat and mouse requires law enforcement agencies to constantly adapt their strategies and develop new techniques in order to stay one step ahead.

Despite these challenges, there have been some notable successes in law enforcement's battle against the dark web. The takedown of notorious marketplaces like Silk Road and AlphaBay was a major blow to criminal networks operating on these platforms. Furthermore, international cooperation among law enforcement agencies has increased significantly in recent years, allowing for better coordination and information sharing in order to target key individuals involved in cybercrime.

Overall, while tackling the dark web remains a daunting task for law enforcement, advances are being made and progress is being achieved. As cyber crime barristers continue their work defending victims and prosecuting offenders, they play a crucial role in this ongoing battle against those who

Conclusion: Shedding Light on Cyber Crime's Underbelly

Law enforcement agencies around the world are engaged in an ongoing battle against the nefarious activities taking place on the Dark Web. In recent years, cyber crime barristers in London have played a critical role in aiding these efforts. These specialized legal professionals possess a deep understanding of both technology and the law, enabling them to navigate the complex intricacies of prosecuting cyber criminals.

One fresh perspective that has emerged is the importance of international collaboration. As cyber crime knows no borders, law enforcement agencies from different countries must work together to dismantle illicit operations on the Dark Web. Through sharing intelligence and coordinating their efforts, these agencies have been able to disrupt major online criminal networks and bring their perpetrators to justice.

Another key insight comes from recognizing that as technology evolves, so do criminal tactics. Law enforcement agencies must continuously adapt their strategies to keep up with the ever-changing landscape of cyber crime. By staying ahead of emerging trends such as cryptocurrency-based transactions and encrypted communication channels, they can enhance their chances of successfully countering Dark Web activities.

In conclusion, while the fight against the Dark Web remains a formidable challenge for law enforcement worldwide, cyber crime barristers in cities like London play a crucial role in pushing back against this digital underworld. By offering specialized legal expertise and facilitating international cooperation, they contribute to breaking down barriers and ensuring that criminals operating on the Dark Web face justice. However, constant adaptation remains essential for staying one step ahead in this ongoing battle against cyber criminals.

[microsoftwindowdesign]

All You Need To Know About KMSPICO

KMSpico is incredibly powerful and enables users to activate Microsoft products without paying the license fee. It works by mimicking a KMS server and using generic keys to activate Windows and other Microsoft software. You may get more details about windows by visiting kmspico download site.

Nevertheless, many antivirus software block KMSPICO from being installed as malware. This is because it defies security measures and requires users to disable their antivirus programs prior to installation.

What's kmspio?

KMSPICO is primarily a tool crafted by cyber criminals that allows users to install and use different Microsoft products without paying recurrently. It operates by mimicking the KMS server, which is used by Microsoft to authenticate products.

It is capable of altering internal Windows settings, which can negatively impact computer performance and security. Due to these factors, many antivirus programs view kmspico windows 11 as a threat and either prevent its download or caution users against running it.

To increase infection rates, KMSPICO developers commonly use infected websites that appear to be legitimate download portals, search engines, and software product pages. They may additionally "package" rogue software together with legitimate applications during the downloading and installation processes. Additionally, they may ask users to disable their anti-virus applications, which is another indicator of malware distribution.

Does kmspico do any work?

KMSpico is essentially a malware-free program designed to permit you to activate Microsoft products for free. This tool functions by mimicking a Key Management Server (KMS), which is typically employed for licensing large amounts of software. The program permits you to obtain a lifetime license for Windows and Microsoft Office without spending money. This can only be achieved if you download the program from reputable sites and carefully follow the instructions.

Unfortunately, those who distribute kmspico for windows 11 are not always diligent. The programs are often downloaded bundled with malware, including adware, browser hijackers, and even password-stealing ransomware. They are often distributed through hacker-controlled portals and ad campaigns.

Due to these problems, it can be challenging to obtain a clean version. However, it is certainly not impossible to achieve it entirely. In fact, the most recently released version of the program can be found on a members-only forum that was created over a decade ago. It is important to note that this site does NOT reside on Microsoft servers and has no official support for KMSPICO.

Learn How To Make Use Of Kmspico

KMSPICO is a program that helps you bypass Microsoft's restrictions on using its products. It can easily be used to activate Windows operating systems and other Microsoft office products within minutes without having to pay for them.

Unfortunately, this tool also acts as malware and can potentially inflict severe problems on your computer. It attempts to penetrate by exploiting the "bundling" method, where rogue software is installed alongside legitimate applications during the download and installation process.

Once installed, the program backs up the license information on your system software and creates a dedicated KMS server. Its main objective is to drive traffic and click-through revenue for its creators, and therefore, it displays annoying pop-up advertisements. Additionally, it can slip under the radar of other applications, making it challenging to remove. To uninstall it safely, you need to perform a complete system scan and remove all files associated with kmspico for windows 11.

How to eliminate KMSPICO?

KMSPICO is a malware that could pose significant security risks to the user. It is essentially a license bypass tool that modifies the product key of Microsoft software products and redirects the KMS server to one that is managed by its developer. This allows Microsoft software to be activated without purchasing a valid license.

Additionally, KMSPICO may inflict computer system viruses. For example, the hacking tool has been known to distribute STOP/DJVU ransomware versions. This malware version redirects the internet browser to infected web pages and takes sensitive information from the infected system.

The use and misuse of KMSPICO constitutes a punishable offense under the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA).

Users can uninstall it using a trusted antimalware program such as Zemana Anti Malware. Once the process is completed, the system will be restored to its previous state. Once the procedure is completed, the system shall be restored to its default state. Additionally, the program won't anymore redirect the browser to unused web pages.

[newlifetechnologygroup]

Tips for Avoiding Email Scams

Sick of the endless onslaught of absurd and meaningless emails? Knowing how hackers manipulate and use carefully crafted emails to bait you into giving up sensitive data or opening malicious links will keep you and your network a step ahead of mischievous cyber thieves.

New Life Technology Group gathered information about how hackers use deceptive emails to bait you into giving up sensitive data, how to detect email scams, and how to protect your personal data when donating your devices.

How Hackers Deceive You with Email Scams

Hackers utilize multiple tactics to deceive recipients into trusting scam emails. Here are some methods they employ:

1. Phishing Emails

Phishing emails mimic those from banks, payment platforms, or delivery services. These emails often include:

Generic greetings like – Dear Customer…

Requests to verify account details

Suspicious links that mimic legitimate websites

Threats of account suspension or unauthorized activity alerts

2. Fake Attachments and Malware

Emails containing unfamiliar attachments or executable files (.exe, .zip, .pdf) may install malware or ransomware once opened. These infections can give hackers full access to your computer or network.

3. Urgency and Threats

Scammers often create false urgency to pressure recipients into acting without thinking. Common threats include:

“Your account will be closed”

“Unusual login detected”

“You have 24 hours to respond”

These tactics are meant to create panic and bypass your critical thinking.

4. Too-Good-to-Be-True Offers

Emails claiming that you’ve won a lottery, received an inheritance, or can earn thousands by working from home are nearly always scams. If an offer seems unbelievable, it probably is.

5. Impersonation of People You Know

Hackers may spoof a trusted contact’s name and email address. These emails may request assistance, gift cards, or personal information. Always double-check before responding.

How to Detect an Email Phishing Scam Quickly

Recognizing the warning signs of a scam email can help you avoid falling victim to fraud. Here’s what to look for:

1. Generic or Incorrect Greetings

Legitimate businesses typically use your full name. Be cautious if an email starts with “Dear user” or “Hello friend.”

2. Unusual Formatting or Design

Scam emails often have outdated logos, unusual layouts, poor grammar, or spelling errors. Compare suspicious emails with known official emails from that company.

3. Suspicious Links

Hover over any link without clicking. If the URL does not match the company’s official domain (e.g., paypal.com vs. paypalsecure-update.com), do not trust it.

4. Attachments and Download Prompts

Never open unexpected attachments, especially if the email urges immediate action. These files can install malware.

5. False Urgency or Threats

Emails that demand urgent action (“Verify now to avoid account lockout!”) are often scams. Instead of reacting, go directly to the official website or contact the company through verified channels.

6. Requests for Sensitive Information

Never share personal information, passwords, Social Security numbers, or credit card details via email, text, or phone—even if the message appears authentic.

How to Protect Personal Data When Donating Electronics

Donating old computers, laptops, or smartphones is a great way to help others and reduce electronic waste—but only if your personal data is completely removed. Simply deleting files or doing a factory reset is not enough. Skilled hackers can often retrieve data from hard drives that haven’t been professionally wiped.

New Life Technology Group’s Data Protection Promise

At New Life Technology Group, donated electronics undergo a rigorous data sanitization process before being repurposed or distributed.

Certified Data Wiping: Devices are wiped using industry-standard software that meets Department of Defense and NIST guidelines.

Physical Destruction for Faulty Devices: If a device cannot be wiped due to damage or hardware issues, the storage drive is physically destroyed.

Double Verification: Each device undergoes a two-step verification process to ensure no personal data remains.

Secure Handling: Devices are tracked and stored securely until they are wiped or destroyed.

By partnering with New Life Technology Group, donors can be confident that their sensitive information (photos, passwords, bank records) will never be exposed or misused.

Note: Do you prefer cash donations to support New Life Technology Group? Click HERE to make a secure donation.

Watch this video to see how New Life Technology Group receives, processes, and distributes recycled computers and electronics.

Key Considerations for Avoiding Email Scams

Email scams are designed to exploit human behavior—trust, urgency, curiosity, and generosity. To stay safe, combine technical precautions with good judgment.

1. Always Verify the Source

Before responding to any message, verify its source. If you receive a suspicious email from a bank, contact the institution using the phone number on their official website. Do not use contact information listed in the suspicious email. Look for subtle red flags in the sender’s email address (extra letters or numbers).

2. Avoid Clicking Unknown Links

Scammers often disguise harmful links as legitimate ones. Move your cursor over a link to see its real destination. Better yet, navigate directly to websites using your browser. Never download attachments from unknown or unverified senders.

3. Set Up Email Filters and Use Spam Protection

Use email services with strong spam filters and enable security features that mark potential phishing attempts. Many platforms (like Gmail and Outlook) automatically filter suspicious emails, but scammers are always trying to outsmart these systems.

4. Keep Devices and Software Updated

Email scams often use malware or links that exploit outdated software. Keeping your devices up to date helps prevent hackers from gaining access through known vulnerabilities.

5. Educate Employees and Family Members

If you run a business, train your team to recognize phishing threats. A single click by one uninformed employee can compromise an entire system. At home, educate family members about (not) sharing passwords or clicking unknown links.

6. Use Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Enable (2FA) for all email accounts to protect them from unauthorized access. Even if a hacker manages to crack your password, a second layer of security (like a code sent to your phone) can block them.

Email Phishing Scam Prevention

In this article, you discovered information about how hackers use deceptive emails to lure you into giving up sensitive data, how to detect malicious email scams, and how to protect your personal data when donating your devices.

Email scams are not going away, but with vigilance, proper practices, and support from responsible organizations like New Life Technology Group, individuals and businesses can reduce risk and protect what matters most.

Randomly opening strange emails and clicking suspicious links will expose your computer, devices, and network to security breaches and thieves that want nothing more than to steal your identity, hold your sensitive data for ransom, and steal your money.

Sources: consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-recognize-and-avoid-phishing-scams fbi.gov/how-we-can-help-you/scams-and-safety/common-frauds-and-scams/spoofing-and-phishing eits.uga.edu/stories/sevenwaystoidentifyaphishingscam

New Life Technology Group

253 Grogan Dr #120 Dawsonville, GA30534 (404) 313-8215

To see the original version of this article, visit https://newlifetechgroup.com/tips-for-avoiding-email-scams/

[livosotech2025]

Cybersecurity Software: Protecting Your Business in a Digital World

In today's interconnected world, every business—large or small—is a potential target for cyber threats. As data breaking, ransomware, and phishing scams grow more sophisticated, investing in robust cybersecurity software is no longer optional; it’s critical. Here’s a user-focused guide to understanding how cybersecurity software can safeguard your business and practical steps to boost your digital protection.

Why Every Business Needs Cybersecurity

Rising Threats: Cybercriminals don’t separate. From local retailers to global enterprises, attacks target anyone with digital assets.

Data Protection: Safeguarding sensitive customer data, employee information, and business secrets is essential for trust and compliance.

Operational Continuity: A serious cyberattack can destroy operations, causing financial losses and reputational damage that take years to recover from.

What Does Cybersecurity Software Do?

Cybersecurity software acts as your business’s digital security system. It offers protection across:

Network Security: Defends your internal and cloud networks from unauthorized access, malware, and hackers.

Endpoint Security: Safeguards devices like computers, laptops, and smartphones with antivirus, firewalls, and real-time threat detection.

Data Encryption: Climb sensitive information so it’s useless to hackers, even if stolen.

Identity and Access Management: Controls who can access what—ensuring the right people see only the data they need.

Threat Detection and Response: Monitors for malicious activity around the clock and takes action automatically or alerts your team for rapid intervention.

Key Features to Look For

Automatic Updates: Defends against the latest threats without manual intervention.

Multi-Layered Protection: Combines antivirus, firewalls, anti-spam, and behavior monitoring in one platform.

Cloud Integration: Secures remote work, shared files, and SaaS platforms.

User-Friendly Dashboards: Provides clear alerts and guidance so you don’t have to be an IT expert to protect your business.

Practical Tips: Boosting Your Business Cybersecurity

Choose Proven Solutions: Opt for cybersecurity software trusted by businesses in your industry. Check for certifications and positive user reviews.

Educate Your Team: 90% of breaches start with phishing or human error. Regular staff training is as important as the tech you deploy.

Backup Regularly: Use secure, automated backups—so you can recover quickly even if attacked.

Enforce Strong Passwords: Use password managers and require complex, unique passwords for all users.

Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Add an extra layer of security for systems and applications.

Real Stories: Business Users Speak

“Upgrading to advanced cybersecurity software helped us catch a ransomware attack before it spread. We saved our data and business continuity.”— SME Owner, E-commerce

“Our team felt more confident knowing our client info was encrypted and monitored around the clock.”— HR Consultancy

Takeaway: Secure Your Future

Cyber threats will only get smarter, but so can your business. With the right cybersecurity software, ongoing employee awareness, and robust digital practices, you can create a shield that protects your most valuable assets. Don’t wait for a breach—be proactive and stay a step ahead in the digital world.

Protect your business today. Because in the digital age, security is success.