Three Security Issues Making Headlines: What Families Should Know

This week brought news of three separate security issues affecting different types of software and services. An Ultrahuman fitness tracker app exposed user data in a leak. The Hola Browser, which people use to access websites, was found bundling cryptocurrency mining software without clearly informing users. Additionally, Comodo security software has an unfixed vulnerability that hackers could exploit.

If you use the Ultrahuman fitness app, your personal information may have been exposed in the data leak.

If you have Hola Browser installed on your computer or phone, it may be using your device's processing power to mine cryptocurrency, which can slow down your device and increase electricity usage.

If you use Comodo security software, your protection software itself has a weakness.

Here is what you should do right now. First, if you use Ultrahuman, log into your account and change your password immediately. Monitor your email for suspicious messages and consider placing a fraud alert on your credit if you stored payment information in the app. Second, if you have Hola Browser installed, uninstall it completely from all your devices. Choose a reputable browser like Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge instead. Third, if you use Comodo security software, consider switching to a different antivirus program until the company releases a fix. Windows Defender (built into Windows) or other reputable antivirus software are good alternatives. Going forward, be cautious about what apps and software you install. Before downloading anything, search for reviews and check if the company has had security problems in the past. Free software sometimes comes with hidden costs, like mining cryptocurrency on your device or collecting more of your data than necessary. Stick with well-known, reputable companies for important software like browsers and security programs.