November 2024 - GlassWire Blog

At GlassWire, we’re constantly striving to improve your experience with powerful features and intuitive design. Our latest update introduces ARM device support, usability enhancements to the Protect Tab, smoother alert management, and much more!

What’s New in GlassWire?

1. GlassWire Now Supports ARM Devices
You can now run GlassWire on the latest ARM-based devices, including:

Microsoft Surface devices.
Macs with virtual machines like Parallels.
Any ARM-based virtualized machines.

This update ensures that GlassWire fits seamlessly into your tech ecosystem, no matter what platform you’re on. The ARM device support will ease the use of GlassWire on a wide set of new devices.

2. Enhanced Protect Tab Management
Managing your apps in the Protect Tab has never been easier:

New Group for Non-Existing Apps:
When apps are uninstalled or moved during updates, they can leave confusing entries in the Protect Tab. We’ve added a new group to identify and delete these non-existing apps, either individually or in bulk, with a single click.
Version Column:
With app updates sometimes leading to multiple entries in the Protect Tab, the new version column helps you differentiate between versions. You can now sort and manage apps by their version numbers for better clarity and control.

3. Snooze Alerts with More Options
Experienced users will love the expanded snooze options for alerts, now available even in Block All and Ask to Connect modes. This enhancement improves user experience by reducing interruptions but could create inconsistencies for less experienced users, as snoozing will suppress notifications for new app access requests.

4. Ad Banner Removed from Network Scanner Tab
The Network Scanner tab is now completely ad-free, providing a cleaner and more professional interface for all users.

5. Improved Translations
We’ve polished translations to provide a seamless experience for users worldwide.

6. Bug Fixes
As always, we’ve addressed several issues to ensure GlassWire runs smoothly.

Why These Changes Matter

This update focuses on usability improvements, making it easier to manage apps on the Protect Tab, control alerts, and navigate the interface. Advanced users will appreciate the flexibility of the new snooze options, while all users benefit from the cleaner Network Scanner tab.

How to Update

Ready to experience the new features? Download the latest version of GlassWire from our official website and take full advantage of these updates!

Stay protected, stay informed, and let us know your thoughts on the new features.

The holiday season is here, bringing joy, festive lights, and unfortunately, an increase in online scams. Cybercriminals thrive during this time, targeting busy holiday shoppers with phishing attacks disguised as irresistible deals, charity appeals, and gift card offers, and that’s why it’s time to talk about holiday cybersecurity. With the rise of online shopping during the holiday rush, protecting yourself from these threats is crucial.

This guide will help you spot phishing scams and keep your personal and financial information secure during the holidays.

Holiday Cybersecurity Insights: Why Phishing Scams Spike During the Holidays

The holiday season is a goldmine for cybercriminals. Consumers are in a rush to snag deals, purchase gifts, and donate to charities. Scammers exploit this by:

Sending fake emails about exclusive discounts.
Impersonating charities to request donations.
Creating fraudulent e-gift card sites.
Spoofing shipping notifications to steal login credentials.

As you can very well imagine, awareness is your first line of defense.

Holiday cybersecurity – how to Spot a Phishing Scam

Phishing scams often mimic trusted brands or organizations to lure you into clicking malicious links. Here are the red flags to watch for:

Urgent or threatening language: “Your account will be suspended!” or “Act now before the deal expires!”
Generic greetings: Emails starting with “Dear Customer” instead of your name.
Spelling or grammatical errors: Legitimate companies rarely make these mistakes.
Suspicious email addresses: Look for slight misspellings like “amaz0n.com” or “paypa1.com.”
Requests for sensitive information: Reputable businesses never ask for passwords or credit card details via email.

Pro Tip: Always hover over links before clicking to check the URL.

5 Tips to Secure Your Online Shopping

Protect yourself from holiday scams with these simple strategies:

1. Shop Only on Trusted Websites

Stick to well-known retailers and ensure the website URL begins with https://. Avoid clicking on links in unsolicited emails; instead, type the retailer’s website address directly into your browser.

2. Beware of Deals That Are Too Good to Be True

If an offer looks suspiciously cheap or demands immediate action, it’s likely a scam. Cross-check deals on official websites or trusted platforms.

3. Use Strong and Unique Passwords

Avoid using the same password across multiple accounts. For added security, enable two-factor authentication (2FA) where possible.

4. Utilize Secure Payment Methods

Pay through trusted platforms like PayPal or use virtual credit cards to limit exposure to your financial data.

5. Avoid Public Wi-Fi for Shopping

Public networks are not secure. If you must use one, connect through a virtual private network (VPN).
Use GlassWire to control you connections, maybe with the Ask To Connect mode.

What to Do If You’ve Been Phished

If you suspect you’ve fallen for a phishing scam, act quickly:

Disconnect from the internet: This limits any ongoing data theft.
Change your passwords: Prioritize email and financial accounts.
Monitor your bank accounts: Look for unauthorized transactions and report them immediately.
Contact your bank or card issuer: Freeze your card if needed.
Report the phishing attempt: Notify relevant authorities like the FTC or Anti-Phishing Working Group (APWG).

Holiday-Specific Scenarios to Watch Out For

Gift Card Scams: Only purchase gift cards directly from official websites or in-store. Avoid third-party sellers on forums or auction sites.
Charity Fraud: Verify charities through platforms like Charity Navigator before donating.
Shipping Notifications: Cross-check tracking information directly with the shipping company if you receive unexpected emails about deliveries.

Conclusion

The holidays should be a time for celebration and joy, not falling victim to cybercriminals. By staying vigilant, recognizing phishing attempts, and following safe online practices, you can enjoy stress-free holiday shopping. Share these tips with friends and family to ensure everyone stays safe.

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