Device Protection

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is Device Protection?

  Device protection means that all of your internet-connected devices contain software that monitors, manages, and protects them from malicious activity, automatically, preemptively, and in real-time.

  And as we demand more and more of our computers and mobile devices, the need for device protection also increases.

  Our Device Protection service allows individuals and businesses to centrally manage the security of all their internet connected technology through systems that offer Dynamic Monitoring & Management of all devices, and Automatic Updates to protect by ensuring that the most current patches, or fixes to the software are automatically added to each of your devices as soon as they are available.

• Why do my devices need protection?

  Think about it: your personal information has become the most sought-after commodity in the world. While a username or password alone may seem useless and without value, access to this type of information is what gives hackers pathways into unlimited additional, and often very valuable, data.

  Consider the many devices you might use on a daily basis to carry out day-to-day tasks, such as ordering pizza, paying your bills, communicating with coworkers, or checking on the security of your home. Each of the devices you use to perform these tasks is vulnerable to a security breach, making your information accessible to cyber attacks.

  All MacBooks, iMacs, and Windows devices need laptop protection, and even digital devices such as the Amazon Echo or Google Home need device protection, as they too can store valuable data. Whether it’s a home address or your search history, a credit card number, bank account number, or a client’s social security number, hackers can methodically mine and analyze the information in your devices, searching for valuable pieces they can use.

  For those who do business over the internet, this means you may even have other people’s private information on insecure devices, putting your profession, your reputation, and your client’s well-being at risk.

• What is malware?

  Malware (short for malicious software), is generally a type of software designed specifically to infect your digital devices, often in an attempt to steal your personal information. Malware can sneak in through a hole in one of your software programs, hidden in an online ad or disguised as a legitimate app you download. Common types of malware are:

• What is spyware?

  Spyware runs in the background of your computer, monitoring web browsing patterns, capturing passwords and usernames. Many hacks start with a period of stalking and information gathering. The data is sorted, assembled, and engineered for maximum gain for the cybercriminal.

• What is key-logging?

  A key-logger is an easily obtainable code that tracks everything you type or “key” into your digital device and then sends that data back to the hacker where the malware code originated. That data then gives hackers access to your accounts or the accounts of others you have communicated with -- all they have to do is wait until you log on to a website, your email, or other accounts, and they'll be able to do the same.

• What is a computer worm?

  According to Wikipedia, a computer worm is a standalone malware computer program that replicates itself in order to spread to other computers. Often, it uses a computer network to spread itself, relying on security failures on the target computer to access it.

  Worms almost always cause at least some harm to the network, even if only by consuming bandwidth, whereas viruses almost always corrupt or modify files on a targeted computer.
  

• What is ransomware?

  Many have called ransomware the fastest growing crime on the planet. Ransomware is software that allows hackers to lock users out of their devices -- encrypting a hard drive or blocking access to files and data until a sum of money, or ransom, is paid.

  For a recent 2018 report on the evolving ransomware threat, and how severe it is becoming around the world, click here.

  All of these possibilities are virtually eliminated with the device security, device monitoring, and automatic updates provided by our comprehensive device protection service. These products scan all of your devices, 24/7 to protect your network, monitor the activity, and update the software, in order to detect and block malicious intrusions before they can cause any harm.