Cybersecurity & Online Safety
The Internet Now Has a “Panic Meter.” Here’s What It Means for Your Computer and Phone.
A new live tracker shows computer security threats appearing around the world in real time. Here’s what that means for your computer, phone, router, and home network — in plain English.
The central idea
Think of Vulnocalypse as weather radar for computer security.
Instead of tracking storms, it watches newly discovered security vulnerabilities, active attacks, government cyber-security advisories, researchers, technology companies, and news reports from around the world.
Imagine a weather radar, but instead of storms, it tracks computer security threats moving around the world. That’s basically what a website called Vulnocalypse does.
It watches government cyber-security agencies, tech companies, researchers and news outlets in more than 200 countries, then shows newly discovered security holes on a live map and a “panic meter” that goes up and down throughout the day.
Our techs find it fascinating. Most people would find it a bit much. So here’s the plain-English version.
The basics
What is a “vulnerability,” anyway?
A vulnerability is a mistake in software that a criminal can take advantage of, like a lock that turns out to open with the wrong key.
When one is found, the company that makes the software releases a fix, usually as an update. That’s really what all those “update available” pop-ups are about.
What matters to you
What’s on the radar that affects regular people
Much of what Vulnocalypse tracks is aimed at large corporate systems. But scroll through it on any given week and you’ll spot familiar names.
The browser many people use every day.
Including vulnerabilities in core Windows components.
Including iPhones, iPads and Macs.
The box connecting your devices to the internet.
Software that can also be abused by scammers.
Watch for the phrase “exploited in the wild.”
That means criminals aren’t simply aware of the vulnerability — they are actively using it against real systems right now.
Practical protection
Five simple things that protect you from most of this
- Turn on automatic updates. Keep Windows, your Mac, your phone and your browser up to date.
- Actually restart. Many updates download in the background but don’t take effect until your computer restarts.
- Retire the ancient router. If your router is more than five or six years old, it may no longer be receiving security fixes.
- Never let a stranger “remote in.” No legitimate bank, government agency, Microsoft or Apple employee will call unexpectedly and demand control of your computer.
- Ditch software you don’t use. Old programs nobody maintains can become easy targets. If you don’t need it, uninstall it.
For business owners
For businesses: someone should be watching this
If you run a small office, the stakes are higher: customer data, accounting files, email and the remote-access tools your staff rely on.
Some of the most serious items on security feeds affect exactly those kinds of business tools. Keeping track of it is our job. We monitor security information so we can patch, update and secure business systems before the news ever reaches the people using them.
When something feels wrong
Not sure where you stand? Bring it in.
Whether it’s a laptop that hasn’t updated in months, a phone acting strangely, or a pop-up you don’t trust, we’re happy to take a look.
Alchemy I.T. is locally owned and family-operated in Stony Plain, with appointment-based service, no lineups, no rush fees and free basic diagnostics. Remote help is usually available too.
We also offer discounts for seniors, military members and first responders.
And if you’ve already been scammed or hacked, we can clean up your devices and help you determine the right next steps.
Curious? Have a look at the live radar.
You don’t have to watch it all day. That’s what we’re here for.
Need help with your security?
Better protection doesn’t have to be complicated.
Alchemy I.T. can help update, clean up and secure your computers, phones and business systems — and explain what actually matters without burying you in jargon.
