La Piazza

The arrival on the market of the new Microsoft operating system Windows 8, innovatively mixes the concept of the traditional PC with the touch devices and laptops. The update for users who want to try either out of curiosity or to improve their experience with other operating systems is tempting, right? However, before venturing out to try it and to prevent headaches, make sure your applications are compatible. For now, rest assured that if you need an antivirus for Windows 8, Panda Security solutions both for the consumer market to the corporate market, are fully compatible, as announced in the post on our Press Center titled Panda Security solutions compatible with Windows 8.

However, you will see that during the process of upgrading the operating system to Windows 8, the Microsoft wizard detects your product Panda 2013 as not compatible.

Why is this message?

Do not alarm yourself, the reason is because Microsoft’s compatibility details page still does not pick the updated information on the compatibility of the Panda 2013 products.

While Microsoft updates this contradictory message, how can you check product compatibility with Windows 8? Well, looking at the Windows Compatibility Center.

You see, this table contains the latest information on compatible products. Just type the name of your program in the search box, click search and voilá!

Is there a workaround for this until the Windows 8 update wizard displays the  correct product information?

Yes, there is. Just follow the steps listed below you:

1. Uninstall your Panda antivirus protection.
   NOTE: We recommend you do the same with all the programs Mirosoft detects as non compatible.
2. Update your operating system.
3. Once the operating system is updated, download the version of the Panda product you’ve purchased which is fully compatible with Windows 8. For more information see the article How to download and install the latest version of Panda 2013?

All the details, on the Panda for Windows 8 page. Don’t miss out!!

Published by Blanca Carton, September 2011

In the past, looking for a job basically involved checking out the classified ads in the local newspaper or handing your resume out to relatives and friends in case any of them knew of a job you could fill. Today, in addition to this, you must also post your resume on the top job sites: InfoJobs (www.infojobs.net), Monster (www.monster.es), LinkedIn (www.linkedIin.com),…

Companies turn to these sites to select candidates quickly and easily. During the selection process they gather both ‘traditional’ information on applicants (education, work experience, etc) and also data regarding their online reputation.

Bear in mind that “First impressions are now shaped by the digital footprint you leave online, long before you meet someone in person”. “When you consider search engines are the first place people go to search for information, you can see that understanding your online reputation, as well as the techniques to protect, manage and enhance it has never been more important” (source: Ben Cotton “5 basic things you should be doing to manage your online reputation”).

Just like in real life, your online reputation will follow you everywhere, for good or bad: the way you interact on the Web with companies, teachers, students, friends, relatives…, your posts and tweets (your interests, what you share and who you share it with), etc.

What are the conclusions that a recruitment agency tracking you online might reach? Maybe you want companies interested in hiring you to see that you are someone who likes solving problems, researching or sharing information, etc.

Having a good professional online reputation will work in your favor. Keep protecting it. If, however, you have spent all these years posting inappropriate comments, photos or content, don’t sweat it, you can still restore it.

Here are some basic tips to manage your online reputation:

Understand your current online reputation

• Discover what websites the Internet equates with you. Begin with a simple search of Google, Bing or Yahoo for your name. Don’t just look for your first name and last name. Enter your first and last name, the + symbol and the place you study or work at… You can also perform searches on people search engines, like 123people.com or PeekYou.com for more information.
• If, during your search, you discover that your identity has been stolen without your knowledge, report it. It is a crime.
• Remember that in order to prevent identity theft you must keep a good antivirus installed on your PC. Don’t forget this when you surf the Web or interact on social networks.
• If, once you have analyzed the results, you realize that you need to clean up your online reputation, you can request to cancel inactive or inappropriate profiles, delete certain content or hire the services of a company specialized in cleaning up online profiles. Wipe the slate clean as they say.

What to do next:

1. Don’t lie. When you are interacting with people online, be honest and never pretend to be someone else.
2. Keep your ‘professional’ identity (sites dealing with your professional life) separate from your ‘personal’ identity (sites where you interact with friends, etc in a more relaxed way).
3. Pay attention to your privacy settings on the different sites (LinkedIn, Facebook, or Twitter). Set proper restrictions and permissions. Bear in mind that anything you post on the Internet with public permissions will be immediately made public for everybody to see.
4. Take part in social media regularly and create constructive content (blogs, podcasts, videos or photo albums). This will improve your reputation in recruiters’ eyes, as they will see that these contents take planning, creativity and compromise.
5. Finally, monitor how often your name is mentioned on the Web. How? You can use free tools like Google Alerts. This tool will send you an email whenever your name is mentioned on the Internet.

I hope you find these tips useful to avoid any nasty surprises with your online reputation .

As you know from previous posts, our YouTube Tech Support Channel contains video tutorials explaining how to use our antivirus products.

Today, we would like to present a new video which will guide you through the Panda 2012 Antivirus activation process.

http://www.youtube.com/AntivirusSupportUSA/v/g2fh6xiI9y8?hl=es&fs=1

What do you think? Leave your comments on YouTube, because your opinion will help us to improve!

We advise you to subscribe to the Support channel to find out about the latest videos!

Finally, let us remind you that you can find the answer to any queries you might have about your product in the articles posted on the Panda Security support website, or contact our expert technicians in the Tech Support forum.

Published by Blanca Carton, May 2011

Osama Bin Laden’s death is an opportunity for cyber-criminals to very rapidly spread viruses through email messages including false images of him. They use latest news as the recent earthquake and tsunami in Japan as bait for their target. Cyber-criminals created the very same day web sites, emails, advertisement pop-ups, etc. whereby they tried to get funds to help the victims of the disaster.

Up to now, there are no official photos or videos of the body of Bin Laden, so, if you get messages inviting you to view them, don´t trust them and be careful! In some cases, when you open these messages, you will be asked to give your personal or bank details or you will be warned that your PC is infected and encourage you to download a fake antivirus. This fake antivirus will then contain a trojan or worm which will install on your computer, allowing information theft.

This increase in trojan attacks taking advantage of latest news is well reflected on the first semester 2011 PandaLabs* Virus Report.

His spokesman Luis Corrons indicates that: “These first three months have witnessed some particularly intense virus activity and there have been a number of serious incidents during this period, such as: the largest single attack against Android cell phones or intensive use of Facebook to distribute malware.

There has been a new surge in the number of IT threats in circulation: in the first three months of the year, there was a daily average of 73,000 new samples of malware.

Once again, over this quarter Trojans have accounted for most new threats, some 70 percent of all new malware created. Yet there is logic to this, as these types of threats are favored by organized criminals for stealing bank details with which to perpetrate fraud or steal directly from victims’ accounts.

Finally, remember that the best defense against all types of cyber-attacks is to maintain good practises regarding your personal data when surfing the Internet, access trusted sources and to have an up-to-date antivirus.

Why not try one of our free antivirus programs. They offer the best protection against viruses and software designed to steal your information.  If you are not sure about something during the installation or update processes, don’t leave it for later. Look for the appropriate solution in the support forums available to you for any queries you might have.

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*PandaLabs: Panda Security´s detection and disinfection laboratory.

Published by Carlos Santa Coloma, April 2011

From Beta Services, we would like to share with you the availability of the new beta version 5.50 of Panda Cloud Office Protection

Panda Cloud Office Protection is a security solution for PCs and servers based on the concept of  Software as a Service (SaaS). Software as a Service lets companies focus on their core business, freeing them from the management tasks and operating costs associated with traditional security solutions.

It prevents companies from having to invest in additional hardware, maintenance personnel and other resources dedicated to anti-malware protection while achieving high level security, even in remote offices, with minimum resource consumption.

The Web-based administration console allows centralized management of computer protection anytime from anywhere through single-sign-on.

Panda Cloud Office Protection offers an innovative way to manage security, as it automates all maintenance tasks. This lets many small businesses forget about security management or outsource it quickly and easily with no impact on the user.

Panda Cloud Office Protection is complemented with periodic security audits benefiting from Panda’s exclusive Collective Intelligence Technologies.

Besides, the Web Console of Administration for Service Providers allows the remote and centralized efficient management of the clients security.

Among others, these are some of the new features of this version:

A. Panda Cloud Partner Center improvements and new features

The new partner console, Panda Cloud Partner Center, has been designed so that all our partners can perform all the operations they need to manage their clients both commercially and in terms of security.

Panda Cloud Partner Center is the evolution of the partner console from Panda Cloud Office Protection.

This new solution enables the management of licenses and clients of Panda Cloud Office Protection, Panda Cloud Email Protection and Panda Cloud Protection (some of the features of Panda Cloud Partner Center are not available in the beta version. BTW, it is possible to perform a visual review of them).

Among others, these are some of the new features Panda Cloud Partner Center includes:

Viewing licenses in the console.

Assigning licenses to clients.

Creating a new client.

Importing license packs.

Trials for new clients.

Access to the partner console for Panda Cloud Email Protection.

Compatibility with new browsers:
1. End of support for Internet Explorer 6.0. The console is optimized for Internet Explorer 7.0 or later.
2. Support for Firefox 4

B. Administration Web Console improvements and new features

Remote access to computers using remote control tools.

Nowadays, when the administrator sees errors in one of the supervised computers, or if he wants to look at something in them, there is no tool to access the computers from the console.

In this new version 5.50 of Panda Cloud Office Protection, the administrators have the option to access their computers using remote control Tools previously installed in the computers.

The remote access is allowed using one of these Remote Control tools: Team Viewer, RealVNC, UltraVNC, TightVNC and LogmeIn.

For more information about this Beta version, or to take part in it, please browse the Beta Zone in the Panda Security’s web site

If you have any issue, doubt or suggestion about this version, please, do not hesitate to contact us by our mailbox beta@pandasecurity.com

We will be pleased to help you. Thanks!!

Beta Services
Panda Security

Published by Blanca Carton, April 2011

If you suddenly realized that your bank password or your login credentials for Facebook had been stolen, what would you do? It’s a frightening thought that a stranger could access your computer, or even your cell phone, and steal and publish your intimate photos, for example. This is not science fiction, in fact it happened to Scarlett Johansson (source cbs.news).

Think it couldn’t happen to you? Only you know your passwords? Think again. In addition to accidently losing your passwords, there is the very real threat of them being stolen when you type them into your PC. This is because certain programs called keyloggers allow cyber-criminals to record and store your keystrokes.

And if your passwords fall into the hands of cyber-criminals, what can they do with them?  You’ll find the answer in the following presentation: It’s a business for them!

What can you do to avoid this situation?

As always, use your common sense and follow some basic practical advice when using the Internet:

• Do not reveal your passwords or send them via email.
• Only visit trusted sites.
• Change your passwords frequently.
• Remember that although virtually all browsers give you the option to store the passwords you use, this is not advisable, particularly on a shared PC. Try to avoid it.
• If you have to enter passwords, use virtual keyboards.

And when you create your passwords:

• The more complex your passwords are, the better. Use passwords that are a combination of numbers and letters and make sure you have different ones for your webmail, your social networks, etc. not to mention your phone PUKs and PINs for credit cards, etc.
• Size does matter: the longer the password, the safer it will be.
• Do not use your name and phone number (joe2124561234), easy passwords (654321) or your child’s name, as this information could be (although it shouldn’t be) available on social networks such as Facebook.

Finally, remember that the best defense against all types of cyber-attacks is to have an up-to-date antivirus. Why not try one of our free antivirus programs: Panda Global Protection 2012 beta?  They offer the best protection against viruses and software designed to steal your information.

Published by Blanca Carton, Abril 2011

How many times you wished you could have accessed documents stored in your home PC when you were out? In my case, many. And I hate to say “I cannot send it right now”

This situation has changed. My Panda Global Protection 2011 integrates the BeAnywhere technology which allows remote access to my home computer from any other machine through the Internet. It does not matter whether it is done from work or from a cyber-café. Now, everything is at hand.

Installing it is really easy.

1. Go to Start / Programs / Panda Global Protection 2011 / Additional tools.
2. Select Install remote access.
3. The program installation wizard will give you two installation options:
   • Install to this computer. This option installs the program on your computer.
   • Install to a pen drive (any USB removable storage device). This option lets you store the file on a USB drive so that you can install the Remote Access program on other computers later on.
4. Finally, click Next.

Once you have installed the product, you need to create a remote access administrator account. To do this:

1. Open the program from Start/ Programs / Remote Access (BeAnywhere) / Beanywhere Drive.
2. Select a language from those available: English, Portuguese, Spanish, French, German and Dutch.
3. Create a login account for using the program. This account consists of an email address and password.
4. You will receive a confirmation email to activate your account by clicking the link in the message.
5. Once you have completed these steps you will have an administrator access account to manage computers remotely.

With these steps, you can remotely access all the documentation and files available. Easy and safe

Remember that if you have queries during the installation and activation of your antivirus you can always find help in the Technical Support forum.

Posted by Carlos Arias, March 2011

It is not unusual to receive alarming emails warning that your email service will shortly be shut down or your favorite social networking site will no longer be free. It happens to all of us. Also, these messages are usually signed by some big shot in the relevant company…. But, don’t worry!! Fortunately enough, these messages also state that if you forward them to X people, you will be saved from all these calamities.

I am sure most of you have already realized that I am talking about computer hoaxes. A hoax, in computer jargon, is simply a false warning about some danger that really does not exist. They are normally harmless, except when they contain links that take you to a malware-downloading site.

But then the question is: why are you asked to forward them? Well, the answer is this: these chain letters are normally designed to collect email addresses later used to send spam messages, malware or other hoaxes. So, if you receive a message similar to this, NEVER EVER forward it.

Social networks are becoming an increasingly important part of our lives and cyber-crooks are turning to them to spread their creations. Hoaxes are no different, and they are starting to proliferate on sites like Facebook, as shown by the example below:

Another popular scam exploits users’ natural curiosity by offering an application that supposedly allows them to view who visited their Facebook profile or even sneak into other people’s conversation history. Who wouldn’t like to discover other people’s secrets? Fraudsters even offer users the possibility to activate their contacts’ webcam. That is, sheer espionage…

Well, I am sorry to inform that there is no such application, and even if there was, it would be absolutely illegal. If you actually downloaded it, you would become infected and the victim of espionage yourself. The predator becomes the prey!

In short: Don’t believe everything delivered to your inbox. Actually, be very wary of messages you receive from unknown sources. And no, you can rest assured that they are not shutting down Hotmail, and you won’t have to pay for your Facebook account if you don’t forward this message.

Finally, keep an antivirus installed and update it frequently. This is your barrier against spam and phishing.If you are not sure about something during the installation or update processes, don’t leave it for later. Look for the appropriate solution in the support forums available to you for any queries you might have.

Published by Leyre Velasco, March 2011

The other day, my husband and I were sitting al fresco enjoying a coffee, when I noticed a bunch of teenagers sitting at the table next to us. Most of them were fiddling about with their latest generation mobile telephones when I heard one of the girls comment: “You should not have interfered in Laura and Pedro’s relationship. It is none of your business what they do. You have most definitely overstepped the mark! She was reading out loud the comment she had just posted, when a couple other friends immediately posted further comments of the sort.

So what? Yes, I know, it does not have to turn into a nasty situation, but, then again, the opposite could happen very quickly. Because, as Mark Zuckerberg said at a technology conference hosted by TechCrunch: “Today, users are more comfortable sharing more information more openly. The social norms have evolved.” Fair enough, I fully acknowledge the advantages of social networks but, in the case of teenagers, they can be a double-edged sword and I cannot help but thinking how easy somebody’s reputation can publicly and rapidly be damaged. What is known as cyber-bullying or “the use of information and communication technologies to support deliberate, repeated, and hostile behavior by an individual or group, that is intended to harm others”.

Because, deep down, and paradoxically, as I am saying this from a blog , I think social networks are the perfect tool to feed one’s ego. And the ego of a teenager is still “in progress”: they need to reaffirm their identity and because the visibility of they write is immediate, they can build their personality as they post along. Some of them actually find it easier to express their views by just hitting Send, or Post than by words. Through social networks, teenagers can get adherence to their comments, involve their allies and reinforce their role as a leader. Harassing the weaker teenager is not a new phenomenon, yet the Internet allows the harasser to take refuge in the comfort of anonymity. Social networks can take the role of the new “toilet wall” where teens used to write insults and names to annoy their colleagues.

It is tricky. Whenever I have mentioned to the parents of friends of my pre-teen daughter how important it is for us to keep an eye on how our kids behave on social networks and how it is vital to promote tolerance and civism, I very often get looks as to say: You, control freak!

Well, all I can say is: would you not warn your baby if his fingers are dangerously close to an electric plug? To me, it is a question of sheer common sense because teenagers are very vulnerable yet adorable creatures (well, most times ) What do you think?

Further information and useful links on cyber-bullying.

Posted by José Manuel Bernal, March 2011

Panda Security has just launched a beta version of Panda Global Protection 2012 and a special contest for beta testers.
If you want to become one of the winners, go to our Beta Area where you will find the Contest Terms & Conditions and the file to download.

Once you have downloaded and installed the solution, you’ll see that…:

• Panda Global Protection 2012 is extremely easy to use. Check out its simple and straightforward installation process and new, more attractive interface.

• The Beta provides even more detection and protection capabilities against all kinds of malware.

Download it and see for yourself!!

The Panda Security Beta Team needs your feedback, opinions, suggestions and ideas to get the best possible product.

Join the Beta Program and become one of the winners!