How to avoid unnecessary blushes on Valentine’s Day
Making sure that users are protected from the sharp rise in malware emails in the days approaching 14 February will ensure that no-one is embarrassed by a breach of security or data theft, says Luke Harley, EMEA Consumer Market Development Manager at Zyxel.
For many people, Valentines’ Day is a chance to express their feelings, either directly or as a secret admirer, to someone special. But we are all busy and despite our best-intentions, many of us leave it until the very last minute before finding a way to make that fitting gesture to someone we love.
To a hacker or an identity thief this is a perfect opportunity. In the few days before on 14 February, there will be millions of people sitting on their PCs or laptops – in the office, at home, in a café, or on the move – trying to get on with their work, answering emails and messages, and all the time worrying about what they are going to do about getting a card, and finding a suitable present or surprise for the object of their affection.
This makes them extremely vulnerable to malware attacks. When an email pops into their Inbox promising them the perfect solution, they are much more likely to click on the link or open the attachment and – regardless of whether it provides any kind of useful suggestion or not – as soon as they do, the damage has been done.
At this time of year, we see a massive increase in the number of malware emails and unfortunately, some individuals are likely to take the bait – if given the chance. The best way is to prevent the malware in triggering malicious software. This is just as important for small businesses, cafes, bars and restaurants that offer WiFi access, as for larger organisations.
The Zyxel Multy Plus mesh WiFi system is the ideal solution. It comes with a one-year security licence that will provide excellent protection from phishing emails and malware of all kinds, as well as ransomware and other threats.
With this kind of protection in place, there will be no need to worry about the prospect of users finding that their efforts to make Valentine’s Day special have only resulted in an embarrassing and potentially costly exposure of sensitive data or personal information. It should ensure that the only red-faces to be seen on 14 February will be those that have been caused by flushes of pleasure and joy.
