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

Is the Zeus virus real?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the Zeus virus is a genuine and serious threat. It attacks PCs via drive-by downloads and malicious emails, and steals personal information and passwords from victims.

If you suspect you’ve been infected with the Zeus virus, you should immediately run an antivirus scan on your computer using a quality antivirus software like Norton. The steps above will show you how to do this.

Question 18

Where did the Zeus virus start?

Accepted Answer

The Zeus virus was first officially recognized in 2007, when hackers used it to steal data from the United States Department of Transportation. Two years later, the FBI reported that the Zeus virus had successfully infected devices of individuals worldwide. Due to how quickly it was able to spread, we recommend always having a decent antivirus to protect your device and remove malware like the Zeus virus before hackers are able to steal your data and invade your online accounts.

Question 19

Can the Zeus virus infect Macs?

Accepted Answer

No, the Zeus virus can’t infect devices running macOS. The Zeus trojan is designed to infect Windows users only. However, Mac users can still be victims to other malware threats and online cyber-attacks, so installing a reliable antivirus on your Mac is just as crucial. Intego is an antivirus program designed specifically for Macs, and it’s our top pick for the best antivirus for Macs in 2023.

Question 20

How to remove the Zeus virus from Windows 10?

Accepted Answer

You should use a secure antivirus suite, like Norton, to remove the Zeus virus — no matter which version of Windows you’re running.

If you’ve been infected by the Zeus virus, follow the above steps to remove it.

Question 21

What does Apple Security Alert mean?

Accepted Answer

The Apple Security Alert message is a fake alert that is in fact a browser-based scam. It is designed to steal your data and trick you into giving away your personal and financial information.

Apple never issues security alerts through web browsers, so if you’re seeing this message, you can be certain that it is a scam. Whatever you do, don’t follow any of the instructions on the message — whether it’s to click on a link, call a number, or download software. You need to simply close your browser, and then follow our steps to ensure your device is protected.

If you’re seeing this fake Apple Security Alert message, it means you’ve most likely clicked on a dangerous link or unknowingly downloaded some form of malware. If you’re a Mac user, you may have malware on your device redirecting your web searches to the Apple Security Alert. It’s therefore very important that you scan your computer using a comprehensive antivirus program (Intego is the best antivirus for Macs in 2023).

Question 22

Does Apple send security alert emails?

Accepted Answer

Apple only sends security alert emails if someone logs into your Apple account and you have 2FA enabled. If this is the case, the email will be from noreply@apple.com. If you’ve received any variation of this email, it’s a phishing email, and you should report it as such to your email provider.

Don’t download any attachments in the malicious email, or click on any links. Intego for Mac includes an email scanner that can check your inbox for any malware, so it’s good to have this running every time you access your email. If you suspect you have malware on your device, follow our above steps to scan your device and remove any threats.

Question 23

How to remove the Apple Security Alert message?

Accepted Answer

To remove the Apple Security Alert pop-up, first close your web browser, then follow our above steps to ensure your device is secure.

In many cases, just closing your browser will be enough, and the message won’t reappear. However, after you’ve closed your web browser, it’s a good idea to check for any suspicious browser extensions and reset your browser settings. You should also download and install a secure antivirus to check for any malware, such as adware or other potentially unwanted programs (PUPs), that may be behind the fake Apple Security Alert message.

Intego is the best antivirus for Macs in 2023. If you’re an iOS user, I recommend Norton, which comes with a secure VPN, SMS filter, and more.

Question 24

Is Ytmp3.cc safe?

Accepted Answer

Ytmp3.cc isn’t safe. The website contains many pop-ups that lead to sites containing trojans, computer worms, rootkits, and more. In fact, Ytmp3.cc states in its terms of use that it isn’t responsible if users download malicious files from Ytmp3.cc.

Honestly, this is the case with most YouTube-to-mp3 converter websites. Like any pirate site that offers downloads of restricted media and software, Ytmp3.cc is a front for shady adware vendors, hackers, and data thieves to gain access to user devices by providing them a desirable product.

If possible, you should avoid Ytmp3.cc. However, if you must convert videos through their services, it’s recommended you have a comprehensive antivirus suite with real-time protection (like Norton) running while doing so.

Question 25

Is Ytmp3.cc illegal?

Accepted Answer

Ytmp3.cc isn’t illegal, but downloading copyrighted videos through Ytmp3.cc is a breach of copyright law. The only videos and audio you can legally download from the internet are those in the public domain or under creative commons licensing.

However, most music and videos on video-streaming platforms such as YouTube are licensed to their owners (the original creators of the video, not the uploader). Therefore, downloading any of these copyrighted videos is a breach of YouTube’s Terms of Service.

If you want to download videos and music, it’s better to use a legal and trusted website, such as iTunes and Spotify.

Question 26

Is Ytmp3.cc the best YouTube-to-MP3 converter?

Accepted Answer

No, Ytmp3.cc isn’t the best YouTube-to-MP3 converter. In truth, there isn’t a YouTube-to-MP3 converter that I consider to be safe — however, Ytmp3.cc is a particularly sketchy website. When I tried to download a video from Ytmp3.cc, Norton’s real-time protection engine blocked 5 drive-by downloads!

Also, not only are these Youtube converters dangerous and putting you at risk of getting a virus infection, but the converted MP3 won’t be as high-quality as a legit download through a service like iTunes. Audio on YouTube is compressed to 126 Kilobits Per Second (kbps) AAC after being uploaded — meaning that 128 kbps will be the highest quality your music download can go with Ytmp3.cc. iTunes sells its music at 256 kbps.

Question 27

Can I disable COM Surrogate?

Accepted Answer

You can’t disable COM Surrogate. It’s a core system function within Windows that will be called upon every time an application requests it.

To test this, I opened up Task Manager on my laptop and clicked End Task on each instance of COM Surrogate. Then, I opened a folder in File Explorer and selected Thumbnail View. When I did, I saw COM Surrogate back in my task list.

This is normal, and it shouldn’t be interfered with. COM Surrogate is a part of dllhost.exe’s function and a required Windows background process.

If in doubt, follow this guide on how to remove malicious instances of COM Surrogate.

Question 28

How do I turn off COM Surrogate?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately, it’s impossible to turn off COM Surrogate. Since COM Surrogate is an essential process, even if you force-close it through the Windows Taskbar, Windows will just re-open it the next time it needs it. However, in most cases, there’s nothing to worry about when you see COM Surrogate running. That said, if you’re in doubt, you should check out our instructions on recognizing the malicious version of COM Surrogate and then scan your computer using a comprehensive antivirus scanner such as Norton.

Question 29

Why does COM Surrogate keep popping up?

Accepted Answer

If you keep seeing COM Surrogate popping up in your Windows Task Manager, your operating system is calling it to help draw thumbnails or initiate other system commands. COM Surrogate is a form of middleware, so multiple processes within Windows can run it. However, if you’re receiving an actual pop-up that claims it’s COM Surrogate, it’s probably a malware infection. You should scan your computer using an antivirus program such as Norton.

Question 30

Why does COM Surrogate keep crashing?

Accepted Answer

It’s totally normal for COM Surrogate to crash occasionally. COM Surrogate is a sacrificial process. In fact, surrogate means to “act in another’s place”.

For example, when you open a folder and switch to Thumbnail View, Windows fires a COM Surrogate to draw those thumbnails within File Explorer. If, for whatever reason, this process crashes, instead of having the entirety of File Explorer crash, only COM Surrogate will crash.

In other words, COM Surrogate crashing is a form of protection.

That being said, consistent crashes or system slow-downs may be the symptom of something more serious. Should COM Surrogate crash frequently, follow the above steps. Your computer may be infected.

Question 31

Where is COM Surrogate located?

Accepted Answer

COM Surrogate is an internal process that is initiated by dllhost.exe — which is located in your System32 folder*.

COM Surrogate itself isn’t something you can find in your system files. Therefore, if you do come across “COMSurrogate.exe” or anything similar, your computer is probably infected with malware and you should check out the rest of my instructions for how to remove it.

*For the less tech-savvy users, the System32 folder is where Window’s most important .EXE and .DLL files are located. If you were to delete System32, Windows would no longer function.

Question 32

Why is the COM Surrogate virus dangerous?

Accepted Answer

The COM Surrogate virus is hazardous as it can create a backdoor into your system. This vulnerability can be exploited by cybercriminals to gain unauthorized access to your computer and steal sensitive information, including:

Usernames
Email addresses
Passwords
Bank account details
Credit card information

The hacker might download additional harmful content onto your device via a backdoor. This enables them to dominate your OS and use it in botnets and cryptojacking software. Therefore, it’s crucial to thoroughly remove the COM Surrogate virus and any potential malware that may have infiltrated your machine. If you’re uncertain about virus removal from your PC, continue reading my guide on how to eradicate the COM Surrogate virus.

Question 33

How do I get rid of COM Surrogate in Windows 11?

Accepted Answer

If you’re seeing COM Surrogate running in Windows 11, it’s perfectly normal. COM Surrogate is a form of middleware that Windows uses to draw thumbnails, among other processes. However, since COM Surrogate is an essential process your computer relies on that can’t be closed, hackers have been known to disguise malware as COM Surrogate. If your computer is running more slowly than usual, or you experience a lot of pop-up ads all of a sudden, you may have a malicious version of COM Surrogate installed. You should follow our guide on recognizing the malicious version, then install a comprehensive antivirus program like Norton that can scan your Windows 11 machine for malware and remove any it finds — including the malicious files disguised as COM Surrogate.

Question 34

What does the Facebook virus do?

Accepted Answer

The Facebook virus is a generic term for a set of threats that can be sent through Facebook or Messenger. However, it most often appears as the FormBook Trojan via Facebook Messenger. Attackers can be quite clever in disguising contests, messages, and posts with links that direct users to malicious or phishing websites.

The Facebook virus can also spam your contact list or timeline with posts containing false information. If you suspect your computer is infected with the Facebook virus, follow these steps to clean your device.

Question 35

How dangerous is the Facebook virus?

Accepted Answer

The Facebook virus can be a mild annoyance or a serious problem depending on the circumstances. It might only pollute your timeline or it could do something as serious as collecting your personal information and using it for malicious purposes. The Facebook virus can also install malware onto your device, affect its performance, or take control of even more personal data. If you think your device has been infected with the Facebook virus, follow these 3 simple steps to remove the virus from your computer.

Question 36

How do I get rid of the Facebook virus?

Accepted Answer

The Facebook virus can be easily removed through an antivirus program. Norton is my preferred antivirus as its malware directory is constantly updated with the latest threats. Norton uses advanced heuristic analysis and machine learning technology that will help detect and block threats from infecting your account or device.

If your computer is infected with the Facebook virus, make sure to follow our steps and run a virus scan using a comprehensive malware scanner, like Norton.

After you’re finished removing all malware:

Avoid downloading files or opening attachments from strangers on Facebook.
Always contact a Facebook friend on a platform outside of Facebook if you receive a suspicious file from them to confirm it actually was sent by them (their account may have been hacked).
Don’t open any messages from strangers that Facebook places in your Message Request folder.
Make sure you install an antivirus program with excellent real-time protection running in the background (I recommend Norton).

Question 37

Is WinZip Driver Updater safe?

Accepted Answer

No, WinZip Driver Updater is a scam app designed to steal user data and fleece users into paying for a useless premium subscription. While WinZip Driver Updater won’t wreck your computer, you should remove it as soon as possible by following these steps.

If you’re looking for trustworthy driver updaters and software vulnerability scanners, I recommend TotalAV and Avira. Both of these products will scan, detect, and help you remove files like WinZip Driver Updater and other malware.

There are other ways to keep your computer protected from these types of threats. For example, always keep your software and drivers updated with the latest versions to prevent software exploits. Also, don’t download files from shady sources or click on email links from unknown senders. In addition, you should create strong passwords for your wireless network and internet of things (IoT) devices by using a good password manager like Dashlane. And lastly, make sure to protect all of your devices with a comprehensive antivirus such as Norton.

Question 38

What does Winzip Driver Updater do?

Accepted Answer

WinZip Driver Updater tells you that you have out-of-date drivers and then asks you to buy a premium plan to update these drivers — but it’s all a scam. If you want to keep your software up-to-date, many antivirus programs like Avira include software vulnerability scanners — they scan your system for vulnerabilities and even automatically perform updates of your drivers and other software.

Question 39

How can I remove WinZip Driver Updater?

Accepted Answer

Removing WinZip Driver Updater is really easy. You can manually uninstall it from your computer by following these steps. However, if WinZip Driver Updater is on your computer, chances are you also have other infections. To make sure your computer is free of malware, buy a good antivirus program like Norton and follow our simple steps to remove any threats from your device.

Question 40

What Is Segurazo Antivirus?

Accepted Answer

Segurazo Antivirus is a potentially unwanted program (PUP) that disguises itself as legitimate antivirus software. If you’ve accidentally installed Segurazo Antivirus, it will start up automatically every time you turn on your PC. Segurazo Antivirus scans your PC for malware and displays fake malware installed on your system — then prompts you to buy a license to fix these non-existent issues.

If you have installed Segurazo Antivirus on your computer, follow these 3 easy steps to remove it.

Question 41

Is Segurazo Antivirus safe?

Accepted Answer

No, Segurazo Antivirus is an untrustworthy program that can slow down your computer, produce false scan results, and trick you into purchasing a subscription to solve a problem that doesn’t exist. If you’ve accidentally installed Segurazo Antivirus on your PC, follow our steps to get rid of it.

Question 42

How do I remove Segurazo Antivirus?

Accepted Answer

The best way to get rid of Segurazo Antivirus is by using anti-malware software such as Norton — it uses advanced heuristic analysis and machine learning technology that will help detect and block threats from infecting your device. If you have downloaded Segurazo Antivirus onto your computer, make sure to follow our steps and run a virus scan using a comprehensive malware scanner, like Norton. The scanner will remove all instances of malware it finds, including Segurazo Antivirus.

Question 43

Doesn’t my device/browser already have a free password manager?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Browsers like Chrome and Firefox, as well as mobile operating systems like Android and iOS, have free built-in password managers, but they just aren’t as useful as third-party password managers. All third-party password managers provide better features and security than the ones already built into Chrome, iOS, and Android. Free third-party password managers include a variety of unique features that aren’t included in built-in password managers, like:

Password auditing. If your passwords are simple and repetitive, it’s super easy for a hacker to crack your logins. Password auditing scans your entire vault for simple and repeated passwords — Dashlane has a password auditing tool that works as promised and is very intuitive.
Two-factor authentication (2FA). Many password managers are compatible with third-party authenticators which use a one-time password to verify your identity. This means that your password vault stays secure, even if your master password gets stolen.
Secure encryption. Password managers use 256-bit AES encryption, which is the same encryption used by banks and militaries around the world. Many built-in password managers don’t have as good encryption.
Built-in authenticator. Products like LastPass and Avira Password Manager include a built-in authenticator, saving time when trying to log into 2FA-enabled websites.

Question 44

Are free password managers good enough?

Accepted Answer

Free password managers have a lot of great features, but every free password manager has some limitations that will affect your user experience and security. For example, Dashlane Free limits you to 1 device, which might not be enough for everyone.

Paid password managers aren’t very expensive, and the best ones include dark web monitoring, encrypted chat and storage, unlimited password sharing, and emergency access in case you’re unable to access your account. Free password managers may be good enough for some people, but I still recommend paying a few bucks a month for a high-quality premium password manager.

Question 45

Are third-party password managers safe?

Accepted Answer

Password managers are designed to protect all of your passwords, as well as credit card information and private notes. It can be scary to trust all of this sensitive information to one program, but password managers actually make you safer online. Here’s how:

Secure encryption. Most password managers store your vault on their servers, which makes it easy to sync between devices. Before your data leaves your device, it’s encrypted using end-to-end 256-bit AES encryption, which scrambles your data so thoroughly that it’s impossible to decipher.
Zero-knowledge architecture. Good password managers are built using zero-knowledge architecture, meaning only you can access your stored data. Not even the password manager company or its developers can view your stored passwords or payment card details, which means even if the password manager company’s systems were hacked, no one could view or steal your information.
Auto-fill. Hackers often steal user passwords using screen logging and keylogging spyware — this dangerous malware can record what’s happening on your screen, as well as every keystroke on your keyboard. By auto-filling your passwords, password managers keep your login data from being seen on your screen or entered into your keyboard.
Password generators. If you aren’t using a password manager, then your passwords are probably easy for you to remember and easy for a hacker to crack. Password generators are built into every password manager, and they create completely random and complex passwords with tons of symbols, numbers, and letters that your password manager can easily remember, but which are super difficult to crack.

Password managers increase your security by protecting you from screen loggers, generating hyper-complex passwords, and protecting your data with secure encryption. It’s much safer to use one of these password managers than to try and juggle all of your passwords on your own.

Question 46

How do accounts get breached?

Accepted Answer

Password breaches most frequently happen because of user error. Passwords can be stolen using keylogging malware or cracked through brute force attacks — which throw thousands of passwords in the login field until one of them clicks.

RoboForm allows you to protect your password vault using authenticator apps like Authy, which generate a temporary one-time password — you need both the one-time password and your Master Password to log into RoboForm. This means that anybody using your master password to hack your vault remotely can’t do it without also having your physical device with the authenticator app on it.

Large websites can also succumb to data breaches — hackers will break into a company’s servers and release all of their users’ login information to the dark web. Hackers can then access your account on the breached site and use the information from your account to crack into more and more of your accounts. This is why it’s so important to use a password manager that provides breach notifications — like Dashlane, 1Password, and LastPass.

Question 47

Is Apple’s built-in password manager safe to use?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Apple’s built-in password manager (called iCloud Keychain) is a safe password manager that’s available free of charge on iOS and macOS devices. It uses end-to-end encryption and a zero-knowledge architecture (so Apple doesn’t have access to your passwords).

Apple’s password manager can also generate strong passwords and store account passwords, credit card numbers, and Wi-Fi passwords. What’s more, it comes with auto-filling, security auditing (alerts you if your passwords are weak, reused, or compromised in a data breach), and 2FA support for applications like Google Authenticator or Authy. And to access your passwords, you need to verify your identity using a passcode or biometric login (FaceID on iOS and TouchID on macOS). But while Apple’s built-in password manager is safe to use, it’s not as convenient or full-featured as top competitors like Dashlane — here’s why:

It only works on Apple devices, so you can’t securely share passwords with members of your family or friends who use Android smartphones and Windows or Linux computers.
There’s no dedicated app for the password manager — instead, you access it inside your iOS or macOS device’s settings, which can be confusing.
It’s missing emergency access, which lets a trusted user access your account if you lose access to it or can’t access it for any reason.
It can’t store passports, social security numbers, medical records, or reward schemes (like 1Password).

Question 48

Is Google Password Manager safe to use?

Accepted Answer

Google Password Manager is free to use and auto-fills usernames, email addresses, and passwords, but it doesn’t offer the same level of security as the top password managers on my list. That’s because I couldn’t find any proof that Google Password Manager uses end-to-end encryption and zero-knowledge architecture (meaning Google could see your passwords, which is terrible for your privacy).

What’s more, Google Password Manager doesn’t allow secure sharing (if you want to share a password with someone, you need to find a different way to do it securely). I also don’t like that Google doesn’t require two-factor authentication when you want to view your passwords — so anyone who has access to your browser and your Google account password can see all your passwords!

Question 49

Is Firefox Password Manager safe to use?

Accepted Answer

Firefox Password Manager is free to use and provides good security — it encrypts your passwords, generates strong passwords, auto-fills login credentials, and alerts you if your passwords have been leaked online. That said, I don’t think Firefox’s password manager is as good as the other top free password managers mentioned in this article (like 1Password or Dashlane).

My main issue with Firefox Password manager is that it doesn’t specify what type of encryption it uses (all top password managers use 256-bit AES encryption or a similar alternative). Also, Firefox claims that it can’t see your passwords if you enable Firefox Sync (a feature that syncs login data), but I couldn’t find any proof that Firefox uses zero-knowledge architecture.

And while Firefox has a primary password (you use it to access your logins), I don’t like that it’s not enabled by default — if you forget to set a primary password, anyone who has access to your browser can see your passwords. Firefox Password Manager is also missing other security features that are present in most top password managers, like secure sharing (securely shares login credentials with other users), password security auditing (alerts you if your passwords are weak or reused), and two-factor authentication support (adds an extra login step when you access your accounts to verify your identity).

Question 50

Is CSRSS.exe a virus?

Accepted Answer

CSRSS.exe isn’t a virus. It’s a critical process used by Windows to control various elements of your operating system.

Sometimes hackers may disguise malware as CSRSS.exe, but you can quickly check if your version is genuine. If you’re not running a genuine version of CSRSS.exe, you need to follow our steps to remove CSRSS.exe using a secure antivirus program like Norton.

Question 51

Can I end CSRSS.exe process?

Accepted Answer

No, you can’t end the CSRSS.exe process. If you try to end CSRSS.exe in the Windows Task Manager, Windows will display a message asking you if you want to shut down your PC. This is because Windows can’t run without CSRSS.exe. However, if you think CSRSS.exe is a virus, you can check whether it’s genuine or not from the Task Manager.

Question 52

Why is CSRSS.exe running twice?

Accepted Answer

CSRSS.exe controls several features on your Windows PC, so it runs a separate instance for every job it’s doing on your computer. In other words, it’s perfectly normal to see CSRSS.exe running more than once.

However, you can follow our guide to check each instance of CSRSS.exe if you’re worried you have a virus. If it turns out you do, you can use a secure antivirus like Norton to scan your PC for any infections.

Question 53

Is CSRSS.exe needed?

Accepted Answer

Yes, CSRSS.exe is needed. Without it, Windows won’t be able to operate, and your PC will shut down. If you force delete CSRSS.exe, your computer will show a blue screen of death (BSOD) when you try to boot.

You should never delete CSRSS.exe. If you suspect it may be a fake version made by hackers, you need to investigate further to see if your version of CSRSS.exe is legit. If you do have a fake version of CSRSS.exe, you should use a virus scanner like Norton to remove it.

Question 54

What is Gstatic?

Accepted Answer

Gstatic is a genuine domain used by Google that hosts images, CSS, and javascript code to reduce bandwidth usage online.

Gstatic isn’t a virus and will not damage your PC in any way. It’s completely normal to see the Gstatic URL while loading a web page. It means Google is processing the content on the page.

However, if you begin to see harmful pop-ups from a site claiming to be Gstatic, it could mean your PC has been infected with malware. It’s advisable to conduct a full system scan using a robust antivirus scanner, like Norton, to eliminate any threats.

Question 55

Can I block gstatic.com?

Accepted Answer

You can block any website on the internet, including gstatic.com, by going into your firewall settings and disabling connections for a specific — but you shouldn’t block Gstatic.

If you are having problems with your computer, then chances are they’re not caused by Gstatic. When in doubt, it’s always a good idea to run a full system scan with a secure antivirus to find out if you have any threats harming your PC. If you need to block an unsafe domain with your firewall, Bitdefender’s firewall is really easy to use.

Question 56

How to remove Gstatic virus?

Accepted Answer

Gstatic is a standard aspect of Google’s website processes and isn’t removable. If Gstatic triggers an antivirus alert, ensure it’s from a genuine Gstatic source, validate its authenticity, and classify it as a false positive. A counterfeit Gstatic variant causing computer issues would be the exception to this.

This is recognizable by abnormal slowdown or pop-ups — you should only see Gstatic as a domain name when you are loading static images and other content online. If you’re getting unusual pop-ups from Gstatic, you should run a full disk scan of your computer and send a picture of your virus logs to your antivirus’s customer support team. They will be able to confirm if the Gstatic virus appearing in your quarantined malware list is malicious or not. Norton is a good platform to do this on.

Sam Boyd

Published With SafetyDetectives

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