From dodging data theft, ads, and trackers to improving digital security and privacy IQ

Welcome to the third edition of CyberFocus, where we arm you with the knowledge to surf the digital waves safely. Here’s what’s in focus this month:

?? The growing danger of payment card malware;

?? Daily cyber threats: key findings from NordVPN ;

?? Digital security and privacy IQ in the National Privacy Test;

?? Dark web monitoring for businesses to stay ahead of cyber threats;?

?? File and link checker – protecting devices from chaos.

CyberFocus of the month

1??? Out of your wallet, onto the dark web – the growing threat of payment card malware

Recent research by NordStellar , a threat exposure management platform, revealed that despite the best efforts to secure payment card data, millions are still vulnerable to data theft. The study identified over 600,000 compromised payment cards, details of which had been openly traded on the dark web.

Key findings:

• Malware is increasingly being used to steal payment details. On dark web marketplaces, it can be purchased for as little as $150 per month.
• 60% of all payment cards were stolen using RedLine information-stealing malware.
• 99% of the stolen cards included not just payment data but also the victim’s name, autofill information, computer files, cookies, saved credentials, and more.
• Most stolen credit card details originate from citizens of the US, Brazil, India, Argentina, and Mexico.
• Major card brands like Visa (54%) and Mastercard (33%) are frequently targeted.
• Stolen data is swiftly sold on Telegram and Dark web marketplaces, enabling rapid malicious activities.?

Learn more about this groundbreaking research and discover how to fortify your defenses against infostealer malware.

2?? ?19 billion ads and 229 million malware attacks – key findings from NordVPN

NordVPN offers? Threat Protection Pro? to guard against online threats such as malware, trackers, and intrusive ads. Recently, the NordVPN team analyzed aggregated Threat Protection Pro? data from the first half of 2024 and found out that:?

• Internet users were bombarded with 19.4 billion intrusive ads.
• 229.9 million instances of malicious software were detected.
• 175 billion trackers were detected.
• Websites with adult content were the leading distributors of malware.
• Office365 was the most impersonated brand for spreading malware, with 86,312 fake URLs detected.
• Internet users from the US, Germany, and the UK were most at risk of malware.
• Video hosting sites had the highest number of intrusive ads (2,389,350,030 ads) and trackers (39,309,112,764 trackers).

To stay safe online:

Be vigilant: Cybercriminals exploit carelessness. Always verify emails and websites, especially if something seems off.

Secure downloads: Download files only from trusted sites and use anti-malware tools like Threat Protection Pro? to inspect them.

Surf smart: Avoid clicking on suspicious links or risky websites, like adult content and free download/torrent sites.

Use security tools: Protect yourself with tools like Threat Protection Pro? to block malware, phishing sites, and intrusive ads.

For more detailed insights, check out the full NordVPN report .?

News from Nord Security

1?? Check your online security and privacy IQ with the National Privacy Test?

Last year, the world’s online privacy and cybersecurity awareness declined from 64% to 61%. Think your digital privacy knowledge is stronger than the global average? Test your wits now to prove it!

2?? NordStellar launches dark web monitoring for business

The dark web is a shadowy marketplace where cybercriminals gather after an attack, trading stolen emails, passwords, and other sensitive data. Monitoring this dark corner of the internet for your organization’s details can greatly enhance your organization’s security posture.

Read more about this new feature in the article and get real-time intelligence for your business from NordStellar.

3?? Are your files and links safe?

With the rise of AI, distinguishing between real and fake has become increasingly difficult. Trustworthy-looking documents and zip files often carry malware, while URLs impersonating finance, healthcare, or government organizations can contain phishing attacks, botnets, or fake websites. So, how can you tell if a downloadable file or link is safe?

NordLabs by NordVPN will help you out. An innovation hub for our engineers and developers, NordLabs is dedicated to experimenting, innovating, and transforming concepts into products that make everyone’s online life safer. The latest NordLabs creations, “Link Checker” and “File Checker” tools, are available now to scan files and links before you click, helping you avoid hidden threats.

Stay tuned, stay safe, and keep your focus sharp with CyberFocus! Subscribe to this newsletter for more cybersecurity updates, practical tips, and expert advice on safeguarding your online experience.