Google’s Password Checkup Aims to Secure Your Passwords

Ophtek, Password Security, Passwork Checkup, Security, , , , , ,
01
Dec 2020

Passwords are crucial in IT security and will remain relevant for the near future. But Google’s Password Checkup shows there’s always room for improvement. 

We all have a long list of passwords that we use to access various IT apps and services. They’re perhaps the simplest, but most effective step you can take in thwarting hackers. Without a password it’s almost impossible to gain unauthorized access to an IT system. That’s why social engineering and phishing emails have become so popular with hackers. And one of the major problems with passwords is that computer users have a tendency to recycle the same passwords for different IT systems.  

Passwords, therefore, have a number of flaws. Thankfully, Google have designed the Password Checkup app to verify the security of your passwords. 

What is Password Checkup?  

It’s difficult to keep up to date with the sheer number of passwords we use on a daily basis. The simplest way to combat this is to write all your passwords down, but this is one of the biggest password mistakes you can make. Now, instead of writing these passwords down, you can store them in your Chrome browser. As long as you’re running a Google account which is synced to your Chrome browser, you will be able to securely store your passwords. Naturally, this is useful for auto-complete password functions – although even this is risky – but the functionality doesn’t stop here. 

The most exciting and useful feature of Password Checkup is that it will automatically tell you if your login details have been breached. A sophisticated and clever password manager, Password Checkup is linked to a database containing in excess of four billion login credentials. These username/password combinations have all, at some point, been leaked online in large scale hacks. This could potentially mean that, for example, your existing Gmail credentials are visible online for anyone to see. With Password Checkup on your side, however, you will receive an alert in your Chrome browser that your login details have been breached. 

And, going back to the fact that many of us recycle our passwords, these Password Checkup alerts serve as a nudge to use unique passwords. After all, if a hacker knows that you have used the password “abc123” on your Gmail account, there’s every chance you may have used the same password on your Facebook account. Anything that reduces the time taken to breach an account is a win for hackers and you need to minimize this wherever possible. 

How to Use Password Checkup 

Password Checkup originally started as a standalone Chrome add-on and this continued to work until September 2020. The reason for retiring this add-on was down to Google deciding to build Password Checkup into the Chrome browser as an integral component. Therefore, the only way to access the Password Checkup service now is by using an up to date version of Chrome. You must, of course, sign into your Chrome browser with a Google account in order for your details to sync. Ultimately, using Password Checkup will make your online experience safer and securer. 

For more ways to secure and optimize your business technology, contact your local IT professionals. 

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Major Spyware Risks Found Within Google Chrome Add-ons

extensions, Ophtek, Security, Security Threats, , ,
07
Jul 2020

Google’s Chrome is the most widely used browser on the internet, but this dominance also makes it a major target for hackers.

The popularity of Chrome means that it’s a vital asset for PC users and this applies to both domestic and business settings. One of the major advantages of Chrome is that it’s supported by a vast database of add-ons. These add-ons, which are coded by official developers or third-party coders, can be installed within seconds and provide an enhanced browsing experience. But the ease with which these add-ons can be released makes them a security risk.

This risk has been brought into sharp focus by a security lapse which has led to 32 million downloads of malicious spyware. And this startling figure is why we’re going to take a closer look at the situation.

What is a Chrome Add-on?

You may be wondering what a Chrome add-on is and it’s a good question which we will quickly cover. Add-ons, also known as extensions, allow users to modify Chrome in a way which adds extra features and accessibility e.g.  Save to Google Drive. The add-ons are built using web technologies such as JavaScript and are embedded into the user’s browser where they can be turned on and off.

How Has Spyware Infiltrated Chrome Add-ons?

Security researchers have discovered that a number of Chrome add-ons have not been delivering the benefits they promise. These particular extensions, available for free, advertise themselves as providing services which include converting files to different formats and warning about malicious websites. However, these add-ons contain a nasty surprise in the form of spyware. And this spyware has been used to record browsing data and login credentials. Around 70 suspicious add-ons, all uploaded with fake contact details, have been identified and since removed by Google.

How Can You Protect Yourself Against Malicious Add-ons?

The busy digital age we live in means it’s easy to lose focus with what’s happening on our screens. But vigilance is crucial when it comes to threats such as malicious add-ons. Therefore, it’s important that you practice the following when working with extensions:

  • Check Permissions: Whenever you install an add-on it will detail the permissions that it requires to run. These could range from asking for permission to access your hard drive through to analyzing your browsing data. An add-on which asks for a large number of permissions should immediately ring alarm bells. Most important, however, is the nature of these permissions. Anything which feels too invasive should be declined and an alternative sought. 
  • Audit Your Add-ons: It’s always a good idea to monitor the add-ons you have installed in your browser. Any that you deem as no longer necessary should be removed; auditing your add-ons should be carried out every month. This will ensure that your browser does not become bloated with add-ons and minimizes the risk of rogue extensions being present. 
  • Ask a Professional: If in doubt, always reach out to an IT professional before installing an add-on. Their experience of identifying malicious software will allow them to quickly determine whether it is safe or not. And, don’t forget, only ever consider an add-on which provides an invaluable benefit. Otherwise it is recommended to continue without it.

For more ways to secure and optimize your business technology, contact your local IT professionals.

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The Best Plugins for Browsing Safely in Chrome

Chrome, Google, Ophtek, Plugins, Security, , ,
17
Dec 2019

Google’s Chrome browser is a popular browser and one that it is relatively secure. But it can be made even safer with the correct plugins.

It’s estimated that over half of all web traffic goes through Chrome browsers and this popularity is down to its innovation and simple interface. However, the success of Chrome has made it a target of hackers. And this has been highlighted by the recent WizardOpium vulnerability which required a swift patch from Google. There’s added danger for Chrome users from more generalized online threats such as malicious websites and data security concerns. Thankfully, help is at hand for web users in the form of security plugins.

And, to help you enhance your Chrome experience, we’re going to examine the best plugins for browsing safely in Chrome.

What is a Plugin?

You may not be familiar with plugins, so it’s probably a good idea that we start by explaining them. A plugin is a piece of software which, as the name suggests, ‘plugs in’ in to your browser. Acting as an additional software component, a plugin adds extra features to your browser. The types of plugin availability aren’t just limited to security features either. Adobe’s Flash player, for example, is probably one of the most well-known browser plugins.

Chromes Best Security Plugins

It’s now time to take a look at the best plugins for browsing safely in Chrome:

  • Ghostery: A privacy ad blocker, Ghostery grants Chrome the opportunity to block adverts and stop data trackers from harvesting your data. The plugin allows you to customize which ads and trackers remain active whilst blocking the more suspicious ones. And, best of all, by blocking ads and data trackers you will speed up the load time of webpages.
  • Web of Trust: It’s estimated that there are up to 18.5 million malicious websites online, so you need to be careful where you browse. With a plugin such as Web of Trust you can maximize your safety. Not only does Web of Trust advise you when you land on an unsafe website, but it also displays ‘reputation’ icons next to the results generated by search engines.
  • Blur: Passwords are a crucial element of safe web browsing, but they need to be kept secure. If your passwords are compromised then you’re at risk of having your personal data stolen. Blur helps you to avoid this. It’s a powerful plugin which can generate strong passwords while also encrypting and saving them. This ensures that there’s no need to memorize or write down you passwords; you can just click and go. 
  • HTTPS Everywhere: The best websites are those with a URL which starts with https rather than just http. The additional S of https indicates that it’s a secure website. However, if you have installed the HTTPS Everywhere plugin then, in most cases, it will be able to automatically switch a http site to a more secure https version.

For more ways to secure and optimize your business technology, contact your local IT professionals.

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Google Chrome Helps Block Flash Ads

Internet, , ,
05
Aug 2015

frame_ext

Wouldn’t it be great if you could block Flash ads which drain your PC’s resources? New features in Google Chrome disable flash ads automatically.

The Problem with Flash Ads

There is nothing more irritating than loading up a webpage and beginning to devour the content on offer when, out of the blue, a noisy Flash advert pops up and takes over your speakers.

It jars your concentration and means you lose focus on that amazing article about Malware you were enjoying.

Yep, we’ve all been there and we’ve all rolled our eyes and tutted aloud!

Unfortunately, for users of Chrome, the only choice they’ve had in these situations is to take a heavy handed approach to Flash plugins (tiny pieces of software embedded in a webpage). The choice has been to either allow all Flash plugins or disable all Flash plugins.

Now, with the dynamic nature of the web these days it’s impossible to disable all Flash plugins or you’ll find that you miss out on key information e.g. some older website still use flash to deliver the content you want.

Taking on the Ads

adobe-and-google-logos

Google, as we all know, are pretty much the guardians of the internet these days. They protect us from dangerous websites, offer us incredibly personalised search results and even find us the best price for a pair of jeans.

It’s this dedication to customer service which has inspired them to go that little bit further and make our web experience smoother than ever.

This is why Google has teamed up with Adobe (creators of Flash) to tackle this advertising nightmare through the Google Chrome browser.

Hitting the Pause Button

By utilising intelligent software, Google and Adobe have managed to program the latest beta version of Chrome to give context to content on a web page.

Say, for example, you’re on a website which features IT tutorials and you want to view their video on how to setup printers. If there’s a series of Flash adverts trying to sell you holidays to Brazil then Chrome will be able to determine which one to silence.

And, believe me, you won’t be hearing about holidays to Rio de Janeiro for long!

No piece of software, of course, is 100% fool proof so, yes, there’s a chance that Chrome could accidentally pause your video tutorial on printers. But the key word here is “pause”. No content will ever be blocked and it will all be readily available at the click of a button.

Thumbs up for Chrome

Google is cooking up something special with this latest advancement in browser software and we can only applaud them for it. We wouldn’t stand for an advert popping up unannounced in the middle of a TV show, so why would we tolerate it online?

The feature is currently only available in the Chrome desktop Beta version, but all the signs are pointing to it becoming a permanent Chrome feature in the near future, so keep your eyes peeled.

For more ways to secure and optimize your business technology, contact your local IT professionals.

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How To Fix: Browser stuck on a New Tab

Software, , , ,
11
Apr 2014

Typical Chrome New Tab page

Typical Chrome New Tab page

If your browser cannot leave a new tab page such as the Chrome one shown above and cannot navigate to another web page, here are a few possible remedies.

First, check if the keyboard or mouse is the issue.

Check if the backspace or other key is stuck. If that is the case, try to raise the key. Failing that, unplug the mouse and keyboard and see if the problem persists. Perhaps a key or short cut is being repeatedly triggered without the user’s knowledge. This can be confirmed by using a different keyboard or mouse.

Second, if it’s an issue with the browser

Other than Internet Explorer, you should save bookmarks into an html file then uninstall the browser thoroughly with an uninstaller tool such as Revo or from the Windows Control Panel. Reinstall the browser and see if the browser still freezes on the new tab page.

Internet Explorer is integrated with the Windows installation and cannot be simply uninstalled. For IE, after backing up desired new settings, configurations, and files, perform a system restore. Restore Windows to the last remembered time that the browser did not experience the new tab persistence problem.

For more tips or advice on troubleshooting common software issues, contact your local IT professionals.

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