“Everything we do online leaves behind a digital footprint that can lead cyber criminals back to us,” warned Trend Micro during the launch of the latest version of the company’s flagship all-in-one security solution that utilizes cloud-based technology to proactively stop threats.
Trend Micro Titanium Security 2014 protects multiple devices and supports the Android, Mac and Windows 8 operating systems.
Equipped with Web-threat protection that identifies and blocks dangerous links in websites, social networks, emails and instant messaging, Trend Micro Titanium 2014 can detect spam emails containing phishing scams that can trick users into revealing private personal information.
One of the highlights of the latest version is the improved Privacy Scanner, which now simplifies privacy settings on Twitter, Google+, and Facebook – for both Mac and PC. Facebook settings can also now be managed on-the-go via an Android app. It also gives users control over which apps can access biographical data, and who can tag and see photos.
In this “post first, think later,” era on social networks, the Privacy Scanner can also help ensure that consumers share information only among those they know, says the company.
Social networking media has become an attractive platform for Filipinos as evidenced by its massive user base. In a survey commissioned by Trend Micro, it was found out that almost 70% of the respondents are very active on social networking sites, accessing social networks at least once a day. These respondents post profile updates every day citing entertainment, current activities and shopping deals as their most shared information on Twitter and Google+. Almost 24% actually traded personal information in exchange for discounts, coupons and to have more friends on their profiles and 37% gives personal information to join lucky draws online.
Among the top 15 countries with the highest Facebook penetration globally, the Philippines ranked second with 92% of its online users having a Facebook account.
Your online vulnerability
For users to test their online vulnerability, the company has launched the Trend Micro Vulnerability Quotient, available at http://bit.ly/TMPHpress – an app on Facebook that helps consumers determine how vulnerable they are online. Through a series of questions measuring consumers’ behavior on social networks and password management, amongst other security issues, a consumer finds out what their Vulnerability Quotient is and just how vulnerable they are to falling victim to cyber threats. The test also allows users to tract how they fare among the rest of the population.
The solution has a DirectPass password management system that helps users maintain multiple passwords and securely log on to Web sites, aside from the secure browser that conducts safe online commerce specifically designed to support secure online banking.
To monitor kids on social networks and online activities, the solution provides Online Guardian and parental controls. It also has tools intended to protect data from loss or theft including Secure Erase file shredder, Trend Micro Vault with remote file lock and a 5GB Trend Micro SafeSync account to protect, share and access files for Titanium Maximum products.
The application also offers a set-and-forget security so it won’t hassle users with alerts and pop-ups, and an intuitive interface that is easy to install and use with simple screens and reports.
Trend Micro’s range of Titanium products is currently available in all leading IT retailers nationwide and online at the Trend Micro Web site. It comes in two versions: one with three-device license which include Trend Micro Titanium Internet Security 2014 that costs P1,790, and Trend Micro Titanium Maximum Security 2014 with a price tag of P2,490; and those with one device license composed of Trend Micro Titanium Internet Security 2014 that sells for P990, and Trend Micro Mobile Security (for one Android device) is only P900.
Malware remains a problem
According to TrendLabs, malware remains a big problem as it directly affects the popular Android system-based handheld devices. According to the security report, the number of malicious and high-risk Android apps is steadily increasing and would hit the one-million mark by the end of the year, after hitting 718,000 in the second quarter of 2013.
It was also discovered that there was one identity fraud victim in every three seconds, making it grew sharply in 2012 with 12 million-plus claims. Identity theft is considered a big problem as users make it easy for cybercriminals by sharing too much information. It was found out that 93% share personal information that could be used to answer security questions while 84% is concerned about their personal information being accessed without their knowledge
It was found out that as billions of people go online every day, this would mean more data to steal, more threats to make, and more money to grab for cybercriminals. In 2012, the number of new unique threats reached 6,300 a day, a significant increase compared with the 57 new unique threats reported in 2006.
