Q: Can malware infect a smartphone?

Yes, malware can infect a smartphone. Android phones are susceptible to malicious apps containing viruses, ransomware, spyware, and more. iOS phones are at less risk than Android, but you can still visit websites that steal your data, including your financial information and passwords. That’s why it’s important to have a good antivirus app running. Norton is a great choice — it has tons of features for iOS and Android that can keep your device protected in 2023.

Q: Can malware be installed on Android?

Yes, hackers can install malware on your Android device, which can cause various problems, such as slowing your device down, compromising your data, and even stopping your device from working. Most of this malware is accidentally installed when you download malicious .APK files from outside the Google Play Store, but you can also download compromised files from your email or by visiting dangerous websites. You should never open any emails you don’t trust or download apps from outside the Google Play Store. However, if you’re tech-savvy and want to download third-party apps, remember to always have a good antivirus app , such as Norton , running in the background.

Q: Does changing my password stop hackers?

Changing your password can stop hackers, but it’s crucial to change your password to a strong and unique password. Simply altering a weak or easily guessable password or creating another easily guessable password won’t provide effective protection. By utilizing a secure password manager like 1Password , however, you can generate complex passwords that are resistant to brute-force attacks. These password managers also offer the convenience of securely storing and auto-filling your passwords across various platforms. Regularly changing passwords, coupled with strong password practices and multi-factor authentication, significantly strengthens your defenses against hacking attempts and enhances your overall online security.

Q: Why are strong passwords important?

Strong passwords are important for several reasons. Firstly, they help prevent unauthorized access to your accounts and protect your sensitive information. With a strong password, it becomes significantly harder for hackers to crack or guess your password through brute-force attacks. Secondly, strong passwords can mitigate the impact of data breaches. If your password is weak, it can be easily compromised, putting your personal data at risk. By using a strong and unique password for each account, you reduce the likelihood of multiple accounts being compromised. Lastly, strong passwords are a crucial part of a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy, alongside measures like two-factor authentication, to enhance overall online security.

Q: How does malware infect Windows computers?

There are several different forms of malware, including viruses, ransomware, spyware, and rootkits, but they all have one thing in common: the majority of malware can’t run on your computer without your permission. Malware tries to trick you with deceptive downloads, pop-up windows, and malicious web scripts, but if you don’t download and run malware, it’s very hard to hack your computer. If you see a pop-up notification, look closely — does Windows really need you to download an update, or is this a deceptive pop-up trying to put malware on your device? Fake updates and software notifications are commonly used by hackers to invade unsuspecting Windows users. In general, you need to be very careful about what content you’re accessing online .

Question 1

Can malware infect a smartphone?

Accepted Answer

Yes, malware can infect a smartphone. Android phones are susceptible to malicious apps containing viruses, ransomware, spyware, and more. iOS phones are at less risk than Android, but you can still visit websites that steal your data, including your financial information and passwords.

That’s why it’s important to have a good antivirus app running. Norton is a great choice — it has tons of features for iOS and Android that can keep your device protected in 2023.

Question 2

Can malware be installed on Android?

Accepted Answer

Yes, hackers can install malware on your Android device, which can cause various problems, such as slowing your device down, compromising your data, and even stopping your device from working. Most of this malware is accidentally installed when you download malicious .APK files from outside the Google Play Store, but you can also download compromised files from your email or by visiting dangerous websites.

You should never open any emails you don’t trust or download apps from outside the Google Play Store. However, if you’re tech-savvy and want to download third-party apps, remember to always have a good antivirus app, such as Norton, running in the background.

Question 3

Can malware be installed on iOS?

Accepted Answer

You can’t get malware on iOS, but that doesn’t mean iOS users are completely safe. You can still visit dangerous websites, be victim to network attacks, have your data stolen, or have your online accounts breached.

Since iOS devices can’t get malware and Apple doesn’t allow security apps to perform virus scans, iOS antiviruses don’t include a malware scanner. However, antivirus apps on iOS come with various other features that protect your device from security threats. For example, Norton Mobile Security comes with excellent web protections and dark web monitoring, which alerts you if it finds any of your personal information on the dark web.

Question 4

What happens if you get malware on your phone?

Accepted Answer

If you get malware on your phone, various things can happen. Your phone may run more slowly than usual, you may be issued annoying ads, or you may have apps you don’t recognize appear on your home screen. Cybercriminals may also be stealing your data — which can include your financial information, social insurance number, and more.

Therefore, if you get malware on your smartphone, you should remove it immediately. Follow our above steps which will take you through how to remove malware from smartphones using an antivirus program such as Norton.

Question 5

How do you prevent mobile malware?

Accepted Answer

To prevent mobile malware, you need to adopt proactive security measures. For example, install a reputable antivirus application and only download apps from trusted sources. Additionally, exercise caution when clicking on links or opening attachments from unknown senders, and keep your device’s operating system and applications up to date. You can follow our above steps for a more in-depth guide on how to do this — but honestly, it comes down to just being vigilant and careful online once you’ve got a good antivirus program installed.

Question 6

How many times has my password been hacked?

Accepted Answer

To determine how many times your password has been compromised, use a dark web scanner like the one included in Norton’s security suite. These scanners search the dark web for leaked databases and breached accounts, providing valuable insights into the security of your passwords. By inputting your email address into the scanner, it cross-references it against known breaches and informs you if your password has been compromised in any of those incidents (and sometimes how many times it’s been compromised). This proactive approach allows you to assess the vulnerability of your passwords and take necessary actions such as changing compromised passwords and adopting stronger security measures to protect your online accounts.

Question 7

Does changing my password stop hackers?

Accepted Answer

Changing your password can stop hackers, but it’s crucial to change your password to a strong and unique password. Simply altering a weak or easily guessable password or creating another easily guessable password won’t provide effective protection. By utilizing a secure password manager like 1Password, however, you can generate complex passwords that are resistant to brute-force attacks. These password managers also offer the convenience of securely storing and auto-filling your passwords across various platforms.

Regularly changing passwords, coupled with strong password practices and multi-factor authentication, significantly strengthens your defenses against hacking attempts and enhances your overall online security.

Question 8

What is the least common password?

Accepted Answer

The least common password is one generated by a password manager like Dashlane, incorporating a mix of numbers, letters, symbols, and special characters.

These password managers generate highly unique and random passwords that are rarely used by individuals. By avoiding commonly used words or patterns, password managers create robust and secure passwords that are difficult for hackers to guess or crack. These passwords typically consist of a long string of characters, making them significantly more resilient against brute-force attacks or dictionary-based hacking attempts. Embracing the strength of password managers helps ensure stronger and more secure online accounts.

Question 9

Why are strong passwords important?

Accepted Answer

Strong passwords are important for several reasons. Firstly, they help prevent unauthorized access to your accounts and protect your sensitive information. With a strong password, it becomes significantly harder for hackers to crack or guess your password through brute-force attacks.

Secondly, strong passwords can mitigate the impact of data breaches. If your password is weak, it can be easily compromised, putting your personal data at risk. By using a strong and unique password for each account, you reduce the likelihood of multiple accounts being compromised.

Lastly, strong passwords are a crucial part of a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy, alongside measures like two-factor authentication, to enhance overall online security.

Question 10

How does malware infect Windows computers?

Accepted Answer

There are several different forms of malware, including viruses, ransomware, spyware, and rootkits, but they all have one thing in common: the majority of malware can’t run on your computer without your permission.

Malware tries to trick you with deceptive downloads, pop-up windows, and malicious web scripts, but if you don’t download and run malware, it’s very hard to hack your computer.

If you see a pop-up notification, look closely — does Windows really need you to download an update, or is this a deceptive pop-up trying to put malware on your device? Fake updates and software notifications are commonly used by hackers to invade unsuspecting Windows users.

In general, you need to be very careful about what content you’re accessing online.

Question 11

Does Windows 10 include every security feature I need?

Accepted Answer

Windows 10 has better security features than any of its predecessors — but it’s far from perfect.

While Microsoft’s Bitlocker feature is a really good device encryption tool, Windows Defender doesn’t rank as high in malware detection as most premium Windows 10 antivirus programs.

Plus, antivirus suites include other essential security protections that Windows doesn’t provide — encrypted VPNs, 2FA-enabled password managers, disk drive optimization tools, and high-performance parental controls. Windows Defender only scans for malware.

I use Norton 360 on my PC — it includes all of the above-mentioned features and a substantially better anti-malware engine than Windows Defender.

Question 12

Will security add-ons slow my computer down?

Accepted Answer

There is always a tradeoff between security and performance, but if you’re smart about what kind of security tools you use, you won’t need to sacrifice performance to get high-quality security.

Virtual Private Networks (VPNs). The best VPNs will only slow down your internet connection between 10-30%. You’ll still be able to stream HD video, download and upload files, and make video calls.
Antivirus software. Cloud-based scanners like Avira won’t slow down your system during scans, and most antivirus programs are designed to have a minimal CPU impact. “Quiet modes” keep your antivirus from interrupting gaming, movies, and other full-screen apps.
Device encryption. Device encryption may create a small amount of slowdown, but you won’t notice it. Most computers have AES encryption built into the hardware, which saves a lot of CPU strain.
Password manager. Password managers are lightweight programs and don’t use a lot of processing power. Most password managers use encrypted cloud storage to store your passwords and data, which keeps them from taking up disk space.
Firewall. Firewalls are 100% essential for anybody using the internet, and they have a negligible effect on connection speed.
Ad blockers. Ad blockers actually increase your browsing speed because they save your computer the hassle of loading and playing advertisements.

Question 13

How much does this cybersecurity stuff cost?

Accepted Answer

It depends. If you’re on a budget, you can get decent protection for free, but if you’re serious about keeping your computer safe, there are a lot of low-cost, high performance cybersecurity tools out there:

Antivirus software. Norton 360 is my favorite antivirus for Windows. It comes with perfect malware detection rates, a secure password manager, a fast VPN, and many other things.
Password manager. 1Password is the most secure and efficient password manager on the market, and it also comes with some pretty unique features like a cool travel mode.
VPN. Antivirus packages like Norton include a VPN, but there are plenty of standalone VPNs that offer unique features that antivirus-bundled VPNs simply don’t provide.

Some people think cybersecurity add-ons aren’t worth the money — until they get hacked. Protect your PC before that happens! It’s not a lot of money!

Question 14

Can you donate to the Ukrainian military?

Accepted Answer

It’s not possible to donate directly to the Ukrainian military, but there are various organizations and initiatives that provide support to the military and its personnel. These organizations focus on delivering humanitarian aid, medical assistance, equipment, and other resources to help Ukraine’s armed forces. By donating to these organizations, you can indirectly contribute to the support and well-being of Ukraine’s military and its personnel.

However, it is crucial to exercise caution and verify the legitimacy and transparency of any organization before making a donation. Look for well-established organizations that have a proven track record of supporting Ukraine’s military and have transparent financial practices. Additionally, consider reaching out to local Ukrainian embassies or government offices to inquire about specific ways to contribute or support the military efforts.

Question 15

Are Ukraine donations tax deductible?

Accepted Answer

Whether Ukraine donations are tax deductible or not varies depending on your location. For instance, if you’re living in the USA, tax-deductible charitable contributions are generally limited to donations made to the U.S.-based charitable organizations. Direct donations to individuals or non-U.S.-based charities are usually not eligible for tax deductions. That said, if you’re not sure, it’s worth checking with your financial institution or local tax service.

Question 16

Which Ukraine charity should I donate to?

Accepted Answer

When donating to Ukraine, there are various charities to support to make a meaningful donation. You can contribute to Ukrainian businesses, which play a crucial role in the country’s economy. Donations to the military can help provide resources and support for their efforts. NGOs in Ukraine work tirelessly to address social, environmental, and humanitarian issues. Supporting animal welfare organizations in Ukraine can make a positive impact on the lives of animals in need. Lastly, worldwide organizations involved in Ukraine offer broad-reaching assistance and aid to the country.

Question 17

How dangerous is adware?

Accepted Answer

There are many different types of adware — some of them are completely harmless, and some of them are very dangerous.

Adware can infect your browser, inserting new icons into your toolbar which redirect you to sites that try to steal your information or sell you products. It can also infect your search bar, inserting suggested products into your searches and manipulating you into visiting potentially dangerous sites.

Adware can also infect your computer, notifying you that your security specs are out of date and convincing you to pay for an upgrade to a product you may never have installed!

Adware removal tools are designed to detect suspicious behavior and flag any potentially unwanted programs (PUPs) on your system. The best tools, like Norton 360, don’t just remove existing adware but also scan your downloads to ensure that you aren’t getting any new adware infections.

Question 18

Are adware removal tools and antivirus software the same thing?

Accepted Answer

No. Many antivirus scanners don’t consider adware to be a serious threat.

That said, the adware removal tools found in the antiviruses on this list are the best on the market. These products protect you against all types of adware and also against a wide range of other threats. Plus they include excellent internet security protections like anti-phishing protection, firewalls, and VPNs to ensure you stay secure and fully protected online.

Question 19

Do I really need adware protection?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you do. Good adware tools actively scan your system for all suspicious behavior — if any process tries to make changes on your system, open a pop-up window, or communicate to an outside server, that action is blocked and you get a notification, asking if you want to grant permission to the file in question.

Adware removal tools also scan new downloads to ensure that you aren’t getting new pieces of adware online. All of the top 5 products on this list provide active scanning, so every single file you download is analyzed using advanced detection tools to ensure you don’t get any adware on your system in the first place.

Question 20

How do I know if an adware removal tool is legit?

Accepted Answer

You should only install reputable internet security programs, and you should only get them directly from the developer’s website.

Because cybersecurity software is given access to your system files, there are tons of deceptive sites out there hoping that you’ll download a fake security program and give it permission to infect your system with malware.

I’ve provided links to all of the home pages for the adware removal tools on my list, so you can download any of these products with 100% certainty that you’re actually getting the tools that you need.

Question 21

Can you get viruses on a tablet?

Accepted Answer

It depends. Both Windows and Android tablets can get viruses, but iPads have really good built-in security protections that limit what files they are able to run, meaning iPads can’t get viruses.

However, all tablet users have to worry about downloading malicious apps (including iPad users) — the Apple App Store, Windows Store, and Google Play Store all have apps that can compromise your security. Plus, you can still have your information compromised online through phishing sites, malicious web trackers, unsecured Wi-Fi networks, and large scale data breaches — no matter what type of device you’re on.

Fortunately, the security programs on this list provide a variety of internet security features to keep you protected against all sorts of cybersecurity threats. Certain security programs, like Bitdefender, even offer continuous monitoring of your downloaded apps for any suspicious activity, adding an extra layer of protection.

Question 22

How can I tell if I have a virus on my tablet?

Accepted Answer

There are a few ways to tell if you have a virus on your tablet. For example, if strange notifications are popping up on your tablet, or if it’s running slower than usual, then you probably have a virus. You may also have a virus if your web searches are being redirected elsewhere when you try looking something up in your browser.

Honestly, the best way to be sure whether or not you have a virus is to download a comprehensive antivirus program like Norton, which can quickly scan your device, alerting you to and removing any viruses that it finds.

Question 23

Doesn’t my tablet have antivirus protection?

Accepted Answer

Tablets have built-in security protections, but they’re not usually good enough to keep your data and device completely safe.

Here’s why:

Windows tablets use Windows Defender, Microsoft’s proprietary security software. It’s gotten a lot better in recent years, but it’s not updated often, and it doesn’t have the next-gen malware scanning capabilities of a standalone antivirus program like Norton.
Androids have Google Play Protect — it’s designed to detect the latest malware and suspicious apps, but it’s not as effective or reliable as third-party competitors like the ones here.
iOS devices are pretty secure. They have internal sandboxing which makes it impossible for malicious code to move from one app to the rest of the operating system. They’re safe from “viruses”, but they don’t provide adequate internet security or privacy protections against phishing, privacy leaks, or theft (unlike the apps on this list).

Question 24

What is the best free antivirus for tablets?

Accepted Answer

If you’re looking for free protection, your best option is Avira. It offers a free mobile security app for Android and iOS devices, and a free Windows antivirus for Windows tablets.

Avira is a good free security app that comes with a malware scanner, a network scanner, device optimization, a VPN, and anti-theft protections, but it also comes with some frustrating limitations — there’s a 500 MB/month limit on the VPN (which makes it practically useless), and you also need to upgrade if you want web, microphone, and webcam protections. I recommend most users invest in Avira Prime, which offers coverage for up to 5 devices as well as a VPN with unlimited browsing data.

Question 25

How can I keep my data and tablet safe online?

Accepted Answer

The single best way to protect your data online is to get an antivirus app with advanced internet security tools, such as anti-phishing software, a Wi-Fi scanner, and a VPN.

All of the apps on this list have pretty good web protections, but I think that Norton provides the best balance of security, high performance, and intuitive features for secure web browsing.

If you need to keep a lot of other devices safe on the internet (phones, computers, etc.), read more about the best internet security suites of 2023.

Question 26

Which antivirus is best for an Android tablet?

Accepted Answer

There are quite a few good antiviruses for an Android tablet. However, Norton is the best choice. Norton comes with tons of security features that can keep you protected in 2023, and each of its features performed really well in my tests. Norton is also straightforward to use and is a good value, offering a 60-day money-back guarantee on all plans. If you want to learn more about Norton, you can read our full review here.

Question 27

Do I really need to use parental controls?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you really need to be using parental controls with your kids. There are all kinds of dangers hiding on the internet:

Online predators can deceive children and get personal details and images.
Scammers can trick kids into giving away sensitive social security and financial data.
Malicious websites can embed malware in files that are aimed at children.
Predators can use AR games like Pokémon Go to target kids.

There are also reports of children experiencing trauma after using the internet unattended — especially after being exposed to violent, hateful, and graphic content. The antiviruses on this list will help you protect your kids against all of these threats.

Question 28

What is the most effective parental control for my family?

Accepted Answer

You are the most effective tool for protecting your family online. The fact is, no parental control app can completely protect our kids. Even if you block every potentially inappropriate app, read your child’s every text message, block every streaming site, and ban every sensitive word from your child’s search engine, kids will find a way to break the rules.

Many studies have suggested that honest, age-appropriate conversations are the best way to keep your kids safe online. That’s why Norton’s parental controls come with a Smart Talk template to help parents and kids come together to set smart limits for device usage.

The best parental controls can help you keep track of and manage your child’s activity, but ultimately it’s up to us as parents to help our kids safely navigate the digital world.

Question 29

Can my kids deactivate their parental controls?

Accepted Answer

Sometimes, yes — every parental control app offers a different level of control to your children. Some can’t be changed without a password, while others send you a notification if any changes are made. Norton’s parental controls include uninstall protection, which prevents your kids from deleting the app without your parental login credentials.

Question 30

What’s the benefit of using an antivirus with parental controls?

Accepted Answer

Standalone parental control apps are great, but they don’t protect against malware. Malware and phishing sites are also targeting our kids, and parental controls alone aren’t enough to keep them safe. Children are at a very high risk of accidentally compromising their devices with malware, and if that happens, your whole family network could eventually become infected.

There are some excellent parental control apps on the market, but if you want to keep your kids and their devices safe from every threat, you’ll need an antivirus, too. The top antivirus packages include better parental controls than many standalone parental control apps.

Question 31

How do password managers work?

Accepted Answer

Top-tier password managers such as 1Password and Dashlane store all your passwords in a secure online vault, using military-grade 256-bit AES encryption. When you save a password, it’s encrypted on your device before being sent to the password manager’s cloud servers. To access and decrypt your stored passwords, you need your master password, which you create when you first sign up for the password manager. The encryption and master password mechanism make it exceedingly difficult for hackers to compromise your password manager and steal your data.

Question 32

Can a password manager be hacked?

Accepted Answer

While no system is impervious to hacking, password managers have strong safeguards in place. Even if a hacker manages to breach a password manager’s servers, the military-grade encryption employed by top password managers like 1Password and Dashlane means your data remains unreadable. Nevertheless, if your master password falls into the wrong hands, your vault’s contents are at risk. Thus, using a premium antivirus program like Norton, which can deter malware from stealing your master password, is advised.

Question 33

Does a password manager need the internet?

Accepted Answer

Most password managers require you to have an active internet connection because they’re cloud-based. However, some password managers are still accessible if your connection drops. For example, Bitwarden offers the option to store your data locally, so it doesn’t always require an internet connection.

Question 34

Why use password managers?

Accepted Answer

First of all, password managers are super convenient. The top password managers in 2023 allow for unlimited password storage and come with various helpful features, such as the ability to generate passwords, auto-filling and saving functionalities, and vault auditing.

Creating and remembering unique passwords for multiple accounts is challenging, to say the least. That’s why many people use weak, easily hackable passwords — they’re easy to remember. However, using unique passwords is essential, as one compromised account could endanger all others using the same credentials.

Top password managers like 1Password are designed to handle multiple accounts — with unique, complex passwords. For example, 1Password can alert you to reused and weak passwords and help you to easily change them. It can also remember complex passwords for you, allowing you to auto-fill them when you need to log into a website.

Question 35

Are password managers free?

Accepted Answer

There are free password managers on the market, but they all have limitations. For example, Dashlane’s free password manager only allows you to store passwords on 1 device.

Honestly, paying a little bit of money and getting a premium password manager is worthwhile. When you choose a premium option, most restrictions are removed. For example, 1Password’s Individual plan allows you to store unlimited passwords on unlimited devices and only costs $2.99 / month. It also comes with various other features, including customizable password vaults, password auditing, and a unique Travel Mode, and you can try it with a 14-day free trial.

Question 36

Which password manager is the most secure?

Accepted Answer

Truthfully, the 10 best password managers in 2023 are all highly secure. They all use 256-bit AES security — an encryption architecture that’s so secure even the military and banks use it.

As such, your choice of a password manager should be based on the specific features you need. For example, 1Password has a unique Travel Mode, and Dashlane includes a VPN. RoboForm is a really good option if you have to fill out a lot of online forms and want to enter data super quickly.

Question 37

Which password manager should I use?

Accepted Answer

Any of the best password managers in 2023 will cover the basics of password management really well. However, 1Password is my overall favorite. It’s feature-rich, intuitive, and includes some excellent features like customizable password vaults, in-depth password auditing, passkey support, and a unique Travel Mode. You can try 1Password risk-free on a 14-day free trial.

Question 38

Which is better — Dashlane or NordPass?

Accepted Answer

Dashlane and NordPass are both great password managers, and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend either one of them. However, Dashlane is slightly better, in my opinion. It has better advanced features (like a VPN powered by HotSpot Shield), is quicker to set up, and has a more active support community.

Question 39

How secure are Dashlane and NordPass?

Accepted Answer

Both Dashlane and NordPass prioritize security and employ industry-standard encryption algorithms to safeguard your passwords. Both password managers also employ zero-knowledge architecture, meaning that your passwords are encrypted and decrypted locally on your device, ensuring that only you have access to your data. Additionally, both services offer two-factor authentication options, further enhancing the security of your accounts. In terms of security, you can trust both Dashlane and NordPass to protect your passwords effectively.

Question 40

Can I trust Dashlane and NordPass with my personal information?

Accepted Answer

Both Dashlane and NordPass take privacy seriously and have strict privacy policies in place. They employ strong encryption methods to protect your data, and neither sell nor share your personal information with third parties. They’ve both been audited independently and passed those audits. They’ve never had a data leak, either. However, it’s always recommended to review each password manager’s privacy policy yourself to understand how they handle your personal information and make an informed decision based on your comfort level.

Question 41

Can you get viruses on Fire devices?

Accepted Answer

There are many malware files that can affect Fire tablets, including ransomware, adware, and fleeceware. While you’re not likely to accidentally download any viruses or malware from the official Amazon App Store, Fires do allow you to install applications from unknown sources — meaning shady developers can create malicious apps that target Fire OS-based devices.

There’s also a possibility of accidentally downloading malware on your Fire that can attack more vulnerable operating systems like Windows and Mac. That’s why it’s super important you download and install a Fire-compatible antivirus program, such as TotalAV.

Question 42

How to tell if your Fire has a virus?

Accepted Answer

Is your Fire running slowly, displaying pop-up ads, or crashing frequently? Then chances are you have malware installed on your device. You should also look out for applications you don’t recognize that have mysteriously appeared on your home screen, as well as unusual toolbars or favorites in your browser.

However, the best way of knowing whether or not your Fire has a virus is to run a system scan on your tablet using a comprehensive and reliable antivirus suite such as TotalAV.

Question 43

How to remove the FBI virus from Fire devices?

Accepted Answer

You need to scan your tablet using one of our top antivirus apps for Amazon Fire if you’re receiving constant pop-ups with fake FBI warnings. Doing this will find whatever application or malicious file on your tablet is causing the warnings and remove it.

If the virus scan fails, you can try factory resetting your device. However, doing this will remove all of your files and apps — so only use this method as a last resort. Before attempting a factory reset, try to back up any important files on your Amazon Fire.

Once your tablet is restored, you should install an antivirus app like TotalAV, so your tablet doesn’t get reinfected.

Question 44

Can I run Google Play antivirus apps on my Fire?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can run Google Play apps on Fire, and doing so will allow you to access the best antiviruses for Android. However, I wouldn’t recommend it. Many of the top Android antiviruses (including Norton) have made it clear they don’t support FireOS.

In my testing, I experienced frequent crashes, slower performance, and unreliable malware scanning results when sideloading Android antivirus apps. Your best option is to pick an antivirus like TotalAV with native Fire support.

Question 45

Do you need an antivirus for Amazon Fire tablets?

Accepted Answer

I recommend getting an antivirus to protect your Fire tablet. The biggest reason is to protect yourself from phishing attempts. Though there are far fewer viruses out there aimed at Fire devices, this doesn’t mean they’re 100% safe. Given that FireOS is very similar to Android, malware aimed at smartphones can still infect Fires.

There’s a lot more to staying safe online than simply avoiding viruses. I’d argue that the bigger threat these days is phishing. Any device that can access the internet is susceptible to phishing attempts, a type of attack that can steal your accounts and personal information. The antiviruses on this list are affordable and come with effective protection against phishing attempts and viruses alike.

Question 46

How to run virus scans on Fire tablets?

Accepted Answer

Running a virus scan on Fire tablets is easy. First, download and install an antivirus app from the Amazon App Store. I recommend TotalAV, which has a number of excellent security features, including near-perfect malware detection rates, a secure VPN, and really good web protections. However, ESET is a good choice too.

Once you’ve installed your chosen antivirus, look for the option that lets you initiate a full scan of your tablet. If you run this scan, your antivirus will scan for and quarantine any malicious files on your Fire tablet. You can go through the files one by one, removing any malware or whitelisting any false positives.

Question 47

What does it mean if Chrome is “managed by your organization”?

Accepted Answer

The “managed by your organization” message on Chrome can mean 2 things. It either means that you’re using a work device with Chrome’s policies being managed by the company’s IT department, or there’s a PUP (potentially unwanted program) messing with Google Chrome’s settings.

If you’re on a work computer, check with your management to make sure they’re controlling Chrome’s policies. If not, or if you’re using a personal computer, this message is likely the result of a PUP or other malware. In this case, you should uninstall any recently installed suspicious apps/extensions, and then follow our steps to run a full system scan of your computer using a trustworthy antivirus like Norton.

Question 48

How can Chrome be managed by an organization?

Accepted Answer

Companies can fully control Chrome settings on organization-owned devices. For example, they’re able to modify the home page, block you from installing or using any non-approved extensions, or using incognito mode.

It’s fairly common to see this on a work computer, but not on a home computer. However, personal computers can sometimes show this message if an application on your system has policies that affect how Chrome works. Sometimes this can be caused by legitimate software, but it’s usually the case that you have a PUP (potentially unwanted program) or other malware infecting your computer. In this case, you should follow our steps to uninstall any recently installed apps, and then run a full system scan using a top-quality antivirus such as Norton.

Question 49

How to remove “Chrome managed by your organization”?

Accepted Answer

You need to identify the legitimate program or PUP (potentially unwanted program) causing the issue. There are several ways to do this, including removing recently installed programs and extensions, which are explained in the above steps.

If Chrome is officially overseen by your organization, such as on a work device, there’s no need to tamper with it. If it’s an issue, it’s better to discuss it with your management or IT department. However, if “Chrome managed by your organization” pops up on your personal device, you’ll have to find the issue and remove it.

Once you’ve identified the issue and removed the PUP causing the problem, it’s best to run an antivirus scan with a secure anti-malware program to ensure your device isn’t infected with dangerous malware.

Question 50

Why is my device managed by an organization?

Accepted Answer

“Device managed by organization” is a pop-up message on Android devices that blocks access to things like the settings menu and installed apps menu. This is fairly common on a company device, but if your personal device displays this message, it may be infected with malware. You should download a mobile antivirus suite and run a full scan to detect and remove any suspicious apps.

Question 51

Are Google security alerts real?

Accepted Answer

Google security alerts are real if they were sent to your email inbox and addressed from no-reply@accounts.google.com. Otherwise, Google security alerts are fake notifications used by hackers to trick you into giving them access to your PC or downloading malware. If you receive a fake Google alert, you should close the alert and run a full scan of your computer using a secure antivirus like Norton.

Question 52

What to do if I get a Google security alert?

Accepted Answer

If Google sends you a real security alert, it means that an unrecognized device is trying to access your account. In this scenario, you have a couple of options:

Click the Check activity button on the alert and verify it was you who attempted to log into your account. Make sure the email came from no-reply@accounts.google.com first.
Change your account password using a secure password manager like 1Password to prevent any unauthorized access.

If you received a fake Google alert through your web browser, you need to close it and scan your computer using a secure antivirus suite.

Question 53

Why do I keep getting security alerts from Google?

Accepted Answer

You might have a PUP/adware issuing a fake alert via your web browser if you keep getting security alerts from Google. Alternatively, someone is trying to force their way into your Google account.First, scan your PC using a secure antivirus suite to ensure you haven’t got any malware issuing the alert. Then, if you’re still receiving the alert, change your Google password with a password manager like 1Password to ensure any brute force attempts fail.

Question 54

How to remove a security alert in Gmail?

Accepted Answer

Don’t dismiss genuine security alerts from Gmail. Such alerts fortify your account against unauthorized device logins. While you can’t stop Google from alerting you about new device logins, you can choose “Remember this device” to reduce notifications from recognized devices, blending improved security with fewer alerts.

If you’ve set up two-factor authentication (2FA) for your Google account, here’s how to turn it off:

Click on your profile picture in the top right corner of Gmail and click Manage your Google Account.
Click Security from the menu on the left side of your screen.
Click 2-Step Verification.
Click Turn off.

If you choose to turn off 2FA, I suggest getting a good antivirus like Norton. This is crucial as hackers might use malware to breach your accounts. Additionally, if Google’s 2FA isn’t appealing due to its need for an authenticator app, consider a premier password manager like Dashlane. It has built-in authenticators, offering fast and secure 2FA logins on many websites.

Question 55

How did the Google Security Warning virus get on my computer?

Accepted Answer

The Google Security Warning virus can get on your computer in a number of ways — whether it’s via an infected email attachment, a link on a compromised website, or hidden within downloaded software. Using a reliable antivirus with real-time protection (like Norton) and being cautious about your online behavior can protect against such threats.

Question 56

What damage can Google Security Warning do?

Accepted Answer

The Google Security Warning virus is more than an annoyance — it’s a potential gateway to broader security breaches. By displaying false alerts or encouraging the download of malicious software, it can create vulnerabilities in your system. Moreover, it might track your online activity to steal sensitive data, like passwords or credit card numbers. In some instances, it could give attackers a foothold in your system, enabling further malicious activities. Employing a solid antivirus program and following best practices in cybersecurity can help protect you from such dangers.

Question 57

How do I remove Microsoft Virus Alert from my PC?

Accepted Answer

The best way to remove the Microsoft Virus alert from your PC is to follow our above steps. In short, you need to download a comprehensive antivirus program like Norton and run a full system scan. Norton will look for all traces of malware causing your computer to issue the fake virus alert from Microsoft. Once you’ve removed all malware, you should keep running Norton for its additional security features, or choose another antivirus program with good web protection.

Question 58

Will Microsoft alert you if you have a virus?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Microsoft will alert you if you have a virus. However, Microsoft won’t alert you through your web browser or ask you to dial a number. If you receive a fake notification from Microsoft asking you to dial a number, you should follow our steps to close the fake virus alert and remove it.

If you do have malware on your computer and Microsoft detects it, Windows Defender will alert you through your computer’s notification menu. You’ll then be prompted to run a virus scan via Windows Defender, but it’s a good idea to instead choose an alternative antivirus suite like Norton, as it comes with better malware detection rates.

Question 59

What does “Virus Alert from Microsoft” mean?

Accepted Answer

The “Virus Alert from Microsoft” pop-up is a scam that can give bad actors access to your PC. Windows does have a built-in antivirus, but its notifications never carry the message “Virus Alert from Microsoft.”

If you see “Virus Alert from Microsoft” on your computer, you’re either on a sketchy website that is trying to hack your device, or you have a malware file on your computer that is issuing false pop-ups.

You need to download a comprehensive antivirus like Norton to determine if you have malware on your system and protect your device when you’re online. A high-quality antivirus will scan your PC for threats and safely remove them. Follow our simple steps to learn how to do this.

Question 60

Is “Virus Alert from Microsoft” real?

Accepted Answer

No! If you see this notification appear or receive the “Virus Alert from Microsoft” pop-up, you should download a comprehensive antivirus like Norton and follow our steps to run a full system scan. Microsoft will never show a virus alert in a web browser pop-up window or ask you to call a phone number to resolve virus threats.

Nevertheless, Microsoft provides authentic virus protection for your computer. Windows Defender operates seamlessly in the background, and only notifies you when it detects a potential threat (with a push notification in your screen’s corner). This alert informs you of the possible danger and directs you to the Windows Defender Security Center for additional actions.

Question 61

How did “Virus Alert from Microsoft” get on my computer?

Accepted Answer

Shady websites or malware are responsible for this type of message. Many people accept money from scammers to host these kinds of pop-ups on their sites. Alternatively, there could be malware already downloaded on your device causing this window to constantly reappear. This can be hard to get rid of, so I recommend getting an antivirus like Norton and running a scan right away.

Question 62

I provided my personal info to scammers — what should I do now?

Accepted Answer

You need to take immediate action if you’ve given any info to scammers. If you’ve given financial information, contact your bank immediately and let them know. Even if you’ve only given out your name or address, you should be careful. I recommend downloading an antivirus right away and practicing good cyber hygiene going forward. Norton also provides dark web monitoring to customers in several countries, and US users can even get identity theft protections which includes legal help and credit monitoring.

Ultimately it depends on what information you’ve given out, but changing your passwords and running scans on all of your devices is definitely advisable.

Question 63

How to identify a pop-up scam?

Accepted Answer

If a pop-up is asking you to do something immediately, it’s probably a scam. You should also be suspicious of any message that tells you to call a phone number. Companies like Windows and Google have other means of contacting you, and they’ll always use more official channels. Pop-ups loaded with flashing lights and spelling mistakes are also highly suspect.

Use your best judgment, but I also recommend running an antivirus like Norton, which will warn you about scams and malware.

Question 64

How to remove “Virus Alert from Microsoft”?

Accepted Answer

If you’re getting the “Virus Alert from Microsoft” pop-up, immediately close your browser and consider installing a trusted antivirus, like Norton. This will ensure a thorough system scan, rooting out any rogue software causing the alert.

Follow our above steps to learn how to scan your PC using an antivirus like Norton. This process will guide you through removing all traces of malware you have on your system, including the malware causing the “Virus Alert from Microsoft” pop-up.

Sam Boyd

Published With SafetyDetectives

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