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How to store cryptocurrencies, keep funds safe, and spot scams

Given its growing popularity, experts at Avast have provided advice on how to store cryptocurrencies, keep funds safe, and spot scams.

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Avast, a global leader in digital security and privacy, has observed in the first six months of 2021 that cryptocurrency-focused phishing scams are more likely to appear in countries where cryptocurrency is rising in popularity.

Avast’s threat labs researchers have intercepted and protected users against a rise in crypto-related phishing sites since the start of the year, with the majority posing as legitimate custodial wallets. The rise of these sites is higher in countries where cryptocurrency adoption is most prevalent1. The United States, Brazil and Nigeria are the biggest targets for these crypto-scams, with notable levels of scams also in the UK, France, Russia and India. In this research, Avast Threat Labs monitored a selection of 37 samples. The global heatmap below shows where around the world users visited crypto-related phishing in the first six months of 2021:

Peter Kovac, senior researcher at Avast, said, “The crypto market is surging right now. Bitcoin has been given a boost following recent news from El Salvador that it will be recognized as legal tender in the country – with other countries in the region tipped to follow suit.”

“This surge in Bitcoin is having a knock-on effect across the wider crypto space and some analysts are even predicting that 2021 will be a record-breaking year for cryptocurrencies. However, as it has grown in popularity, it has also grown as a more lucrative target for hackers – and our researchers have found the levels of crypto-related scams are most prevalent in regions where cryptocurrencies are gaining popularity.”

Given its growing popularity, experts at Avast have provided advice on how to store cryptocurrencies, keep funds safe, and spot scams.

How to store cryptocurrency

There are several methods and crypto wallets that cryptocurrency owners can deploy to store their cryptocurrency. Each has its own advantages and potential security pitfalls.

Custodial wallets

With a custodial wallet, coins (cryptocurrencies) are managed by some other entity, like a cryptocurrency exchange such as Binance, or similar service. It works like a traditional bank account, where users can log in and manage their funds.

  • The advantages: The burden of securing funds is partially offloaded to the service provider, users have guarantees and insurance to a certain extent.
  • The risks: If the service goes bankrupt or is fraudulent it could lose some or all funds. If this happens, users are at the mercy of the service provider, and they may limit people’s access to their money.
  • Relevant threats: It’s vital that users view their crypto account like any other form of online banking, with the same threats and vulnerabilities facing it, without the same protections and insurances that they have with traditional banks. Phishing is one of the biggest threats facing custodial wallets, with fake websites impersonating exchanges and services designed to steal people’s credentials and funds popping up all the time.

Software wallets

Software wallets are applications that manage cryptocurrency owners’ private keys and allow them to make transactions directly.

  • The advantages: Software wallets are designed to be very convenient and easy to use. As a non-custodial wallet, people have complete control over their funds.
  • The risks: The device the software wallet is stored on will be the single point of failure. If a device with the app is hacked, stolen or even damaged, then the user could lose access to their funds forever. 
  • Relevant threats: Besides the physical risks, ransomware encrypting the device and data stored on it, and demanding a ransom payment to unlock said device and data, pose a major threat. Trojans spying on the user’s data, and backdoors letting intruders into the device, also pose a huge risk to software wallets.

Paper & brain wallets

These are the most simple solution but also the most error prone – simply having the private key written down or memorized.

  • The advantages: Put simply, the advantage is its simplicity, lack of cost and will not be susceptible to hacking or other computer threats.
  • The risks: If something happens to the paper such as damage or theft, or the user has a lapse in memory, they risk losing all of their funds. 
  • Relevant threats: There will be no backup in case of loss of paper or memory. Once it’s gone, it’s gone for good.

Hardware wallets

Hardware wallets are an actual separate device, such as a USB, that acts as the wallet. These wallets also come with a “recovery sheet” with the private key written on a piece of paper (or carved into steel to withstand fire and other forms of physical damage).

  • The advantages: Hardware wallets are especially designed to prevent hacking. Only very select, skilled individuals have shown the ability to crack a hardware wallet after having long-term physical access to it.
  • The risks: As with any physical device, losing it would be one of the biggest risks. However, providing a crypto owner is using it according to the best practices by having a secure safety pin/password, it is rather secure. While not necessarily a risk, hardware wallets can be expensive, with associated safekeeping costs.
  • Relevant threats: Providing a user follows best practices, the threats are minimal. Most hardware wallets require several checks before they allow people to send money. These happen on the device and private keys never leave that device.

How to keep cryptocurrency safe

Users should be wary of scams: Scams can come in many forms online, from “crypto giveaways by Elon Musk” to “we will invest your money for you with XYZ% gains every month”. If it sounds too good to be true, then it probably is.

Crypto owners should:

  • Watch out for unsolicited private messages: Whether that’s on WhatsApp/Telegram or any other social media forum, people should immediately block any unsolicited message that may be fraud. For example, if a message comes from an unknown number, or if it comes from a contact but is an unusual, and possibly urgent message coming from the contact, the contact’s phone might have been hacked. It is recommendable to reach out to a contact, for example via phone call, and verify if they really sent this message before taking any further action. Even if the message is unrelated to crypto, the intention can be phishing, to ultimately spy on the user’s data.
  • Be aware of mobile phishing: Hackers are increasingly targeting people on their mobile devices in order to steal crypto credentials. These social engineering attacks can come from anywhere on a mobile device, including texts, social media, third-party messaging platforms or email. Beyond phishing, malicious mobile apps are also on the rise that have the hidden ability to log keystrokes and spy the activity on people’s screens. To prevent mobile phishing attacks, users can use Avast Secure Browser, which offers an anti-phishing feature that blocks dangerous websites on Android devices. The browser’s anti-phishing feature also works on Windows and Mac devices.
  • Rely on services that use strong security measures: When choosing a custodial or software wallet, people should be assured to choose a provider that offers strong security measures including two-factor-authentication methods. For more security, there are also platforms that encourage the user to set up separate passwords to log in to the platform, and to do a transfer. People who want to stay entirely private may decide for a platform that does not require them to submit an ID, but oftentimes these platforms provide poor security measures. There are platforms that can offer this as they allow crypto trading only instead of trading with Fiat money such as Euro or US-Dollar, which is why they are not obliged to stick to anti-money laundering and know your customer (KYC) rules.
  • Install an antivirus: Crypto owners should ensure that they have strong antivirus protection across all of their devices. For example, many people will have an antivirus on their PC but not on their mobile devices or tablets – which is why malicious mobile phishing and malware campaigns have been so effective for hackers. Crypto accounts can be worth a very significant amount of money, so for users it’s essential to ensure robust internet security on any device on which crypto information is stored or from which accounts are accessed.

Tech & Innovation

Epson launches SureColor-S7130 as latest addition to acclaimed SC S-Series of eco-solvent printers

With the equipment segment expected to capture more than 75% of the market revenue in Asia Pacific’s commercial printing market, where there’s also a growing demand for short-run and on-demand printing, the SC-S7130 aims to meet evolving needs by empowering businesses to operate more competitively and sustainably.

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Epson launched the SureColor-S7130 (SC-S7130), the latest addition to its acclaimed SC S-Series of eco-solvent printers. Designed for print service providers specializing in small-volume production, the SC-S7130 combines enhanced productivity, reliability and print quality in a cost effective solution, making it a significant upgrade from its predecessor, the SC-S40670.

With the equipment segment expected to capture more than 75% of the market revenue in Asia Pacific’s commercial printing market, where there’s also a growing demand for short-run and on-demand printing, the SC-S7130 aims to meet evolving needs by empowering businesses to operate more competitively and sustainably.

Engineered for Productivity and Performance

The SC-S7130 features an upgraded PrecisionCore Micro TFP Printhead, delivering close to a 24% increase in print speed in default mode[1]. Equipped with 3,200 nozzles and a wider printhead than its predecessor, the SC-S7130 achieves expanded print width in one pass—improving throughput across all print modes.

To minimize graininess and banding, the nozzles on the SC-S7130 have been specially redesigned to release smaller M-sized dot and larger L-sized dot for high quality print.

Ease of use is a hallmark of the SC-S7130, which features a 4.3-inch touch display for intuitive operation even when wearing gloves. The SC-S7130 also comes with Epson Edge Print Pro, the latest edition of Epson’s advanced image processing and production software that enhances user convenience and remote management during operations. Further, a new ‘Text Sharpness’ mode in Epson Edge Print Pro enables precise and crisp text printing with the SC-S7130.

Printing made Ultra-Reliable

In addition to a newly designed printhead guard that flattens jammed media to prevent damage to the printhead, the carriage temperature sensor is now mounted closer to the nozzle surface for a more accurate reading. The sensor also detects temperature changes quickly, maintaining consistent color reproduction across jobs.

Equipped with a new Nozzle Verification Technology that monitors nozzle performance in real-time, the SC-S7130 is capable of automatically detecting clogged nozzles and triggering an alert so that businesses can act quickly, ensuring print quality is not compromised across jobs.

The SC-S7130 uses Epson UltraChromeTM GS3 inks in 800ml ink packs, replacing the 700ml ink cartridge found in its predecessor, thereby reducing waste and the frequency of ink replacements. Furthermore, the Epson UltraChromeTM GS3 ink technology is GREENGUARD Gold certified for low chemical emissions and volatile organic compounds, making it safe for long-term indoor use.

A Holistic Solution for Diverse Printing Needs

In addition to delivering exceptional performance and enhanced productivity, the SC-S7130 also integrates seamlessly with Epson Cloud Solution PORT, providing businesses with a holistic solution for managing their printing needs. This intuitive, cloud-based remote monitoring software offers real-time insights into printer fleet performance, usage and efficiency, empowering print service providers to make data-driven decisions.

With Epson Cloud Solution PORT, businesses can also seamlessly integrate large printer fleets, monitor printer status, track ink consumption and access operation history remotely, to ensure optimal performance at all times.

“The SC-S7130 is engineered for a wide range of applications, including outdoor and indoor signage, banners and more. Its versatility and reliability, coupled with its cost-effective ownership, make this printer a valuable addition to any print service provider’s lineup,” said Noelle Gonzalez, Head of Marketing and Customer Service at Epson Philippines Corporation. “The SC-S7130 is a testament to Epson’s dedication to creating innovative solutions that empower businesses to remain competitive while meeting their unique needs.”

[1] Printing speed increased 23.8% in default mode using adhesive vinyl in 600 x 1200dpi, 6-pass.

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Tech & Innovation

Acer launches TravelMate X14 AI business laptop to empower SMBs and hybrid workforces

The lineup includes the Acer TravelMate X14 AI Copilot+ PC and three new additions to the eco-friendly Vero projector series: the Acer Vero XL2320p, Vero XL2521, and Vero SL2520n.

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Acer announced a suite of commercial products designed to empower the modern workforce. The lineup includes the Acer TravelMate X14 AI Copilot+ PC and three new additions to the eco-friendly Vero projector series: the Acer Vero XL2320p, Vero XL2521, and Vero SL2520n.

“As AI is becoming increasingly important in modern business workflows, small and medium businesses need devices that integrate intelligent tools, robust security, and mobility,” said James Lin, General Manager, Notebooks, Acer Inc. “The TravelMate X 14 AI was designed to deliver just that, powered by the latest Intel Core Ultra processors and Copilot+ PC experiences, offering professionals a lightweight yet durable solution crafted to accelerate productivity and collaboration from anywhere.”

“The Acer TravelMate X14 AI demonstrates what’s possible when advanced hardware and modern processors come together. With powerful performance, enhanced security, and unique AI experiences, it’s an ideal choice for today’s professionals looking to upgrade to a PC that prioritizes portability and performance. Together with Acer, we’re redefining what the modern workforce can expect from their Windows 11 PCs.” — Mark Linton, Vice President, Windows + Devices, Microsoft

TravelMate X4 14 AI: Lightweight, Secure, and AI-Ready to Boost SMBs

Built for small and medium businesses (SMBs) and mobile professionals, the TravelMate X4 14 AI (TMX414-51) is a sleek and secure AI business laptop. It features up to an Intel Core Ultra 7 Processor 258V with 115 TOPS[1] of overall performance, up to 32 GB LPDDR5X memory, and up to 1 TB PCIe storage, ensuring smooth multitasking. Running Windows 11 Pro, the laptop supports Copilot+ PC experiences[2], including Recall (preview), Click to Do, improved Windows search, Cocreator in Microsoft Paint, and Live Captions for real-time multilingual translations.

Weighing just 1.27 kg (2.8 lbs) and measuring 15.9 mm (0.63 inches) thin, it is ideal for professionals who travel frequently and work remotely. Built to meet MIL-STD 810H durability standards, it can withstand vibrations, humidity, and extreme temperatures, making it a reliable travel companion. Coupled with its stylish design, the portable AI business laptop can certainly make an impression within any work setup or business meeting.

The 14-inch 16:10 WUXGA display provides ample screen space, with an optional OLED panel with 500 nits peak brightness delivering vibrant colors with TÜV Rheinland Low Blue Light certification[3] (hardware solution) to support better eye comfort. Acer PurifiedView 2.0 and Acer PurifiedVoice 2.0 technology, paired with DTS:X Ultra Audio-enhanced speakers, ensure crystal-clear video calls.

This business laptop complies with TCO certification[4] and includes security features to help protect data and on-screen information. Acer UserSensing 2.0 enables the built-in proximity sensor to dim and then lock the screen when the user is away. Lightning-fast Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 keep professionals connected for seamless streaming, lag-free video calls, and fast file transfers, and is equipped with two Thunderbolt 4 ports, a USB 3.2 Type-A port, a USB 2.0 Type-A port, an HDMI 2.1 slot and a Gigabit Ethernet port, offering versatile connectivity options.

Acer Vero Projectors

The Acer Vero XL2320p, Vero XL2521, and Vero SL2520n are mercury-free laser projectors made for sustainable and long-term use. With lifespans up to 30,000 hours and 40% lower power consumption compared to traditional lamp-based models, these projectors help reduce the total cost of ownership while delivering reliable performance. As a short-throw projector, the Vero SL2520n can produce a 100-inch image from just 1.1 meters, making it great for space-constrained environments.

All the projectors share the same high-performance specifications, including up to Full HD resolution1 and 4,000 ANSI lumens brightness, projecting crystal clear images with impressive brightness. They support 360-degree projection, portrait mode, and advanced 2D and 4-corner keystone correction, to adapt flexibly to any space or scenario. ​Their IP6X dustproof rating and 24/7 operation capability ensure performance even for demanding use cases, and their 93% Rec.709 color gamut and 50,000:1 contrast ratio deliver immersive images. Viewing experiences are enhanced with 15W built-in speakers and have dedicated modes tailored for entertainment – football mode for the Vero XL2 Series, and golf mode for the Vero SL2520n. The SL2520n comes with its own Ethernet slots, while all three models possess a pair of HDMI ports for flexible display setups.

Staying true to Acer’s eco-conscious values, all three Vero projectors feature 50% post-consumer recycled plastic in their chassis and 100% recyclable packaging, reinforcing their commitment to sustainability.

Pricing and Availability

Exact specifications, prices, and availability will vary by region. To learn more about availability, product specifications and prices in specific markets, please contact your nearest Acer office via www.acer.com.

[1] Specifications may vary depending on the model and/or region. All models are subject to availability. 

[2] Copilot+ PC experiences vary by device and market and may require updates continuing to roll out through 2025; timing varies. See aka.ms/copilotpluspcs 

[3] TÜV Rheinland Low Blue Light (Hardware Solution) certified panel only available on the OLED display SKU. 

[4] Acer TCO-certified models are identified with the “TCO” suffix in the model name (ex: XXXXXX-XX-TCO). For more details on Acer TCO-certified products, please see https://tcocertified.com/product-finder/ 

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BizWiz

Always connected, always creating: Chef Ina Bilbao stresses need to stay online to be on point

Whether she’s navigating the bustling food markets of South Korea or live-posting from a Michelin-starred pop-up in Taiwan, Ina’s digital presence is as vibrant as her dishes. In this exclusive feature, she shares how Smart Roaming keeps her seamlessly connected, productive, and worry-free while traveling the world.

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For culinary content creator and globetrotting chef Ina Bilbao, staying connected isn’t just a convenience—it’s a necessity.

Whether she’s navigating the bustling food markets of South Korea or live-posting from a Michelin-starred pop-up in Taiwan, Ina’s digital presence is as vibrant as her dishes. In this exclusive feature, she shares how Smart Roaming keeps her seamlessly connected, productive, and worry-free while traveling the world.

For Ina, connectivity is non-negotiable. “Before I head out on any international trip, I make sure I’ve pre-booked a Smart Roaming package,” Ina shares. “It’s always one of the first things I do because I know that as soon as I land, I need to be instantly connected to everything—from maps and apps to staying in touch with my team back home.”

One of the biggest challenges for frequent travelers like Ina is managing data usage without falling into the trap of bill shock. “It’s so easy to get caught up in the excitement of a new place and forget to keep track of data usage,” she says. “A Smart roaming package always helps me make sure I’m not running into any unexpected data charges.”

Smart GigaRoam’s transparent pricing and real-time data usage tracking help Ina stay in control, even in the busiest travel moments.

As a culinary explorer, Ina’s work depends on her ability to stay connected. “I’m always on the lookout for new spots to try, whether it’s a local hidden gem or a pop-up restaurant,” she explains. “I use navigation and transportation apps to get around, access e-wallets to pay for meals, and I’m constantly updating my social media for my followers.”

With Smart Roaming, Ina never misses a beat—or a bite.

Ina’s top tip for business owners and frequent flyers? “Never leave your connectivity to chance. Pre-book a Smart Roaming package so that the moment you land, you’re already online. Connectivity is the backbone of staying productive while traveling.”

She also recommends being mindful of data-heavy apps and checking usage regularly through the GigaRoam portal.

Having tried other roaming services in the past, Ina is confident in her choice. “Nothing beats the convenience and peace of mind that comes with Smart Roaming. The packages are affordable, and I never have to worry about my service dropping or getting hit with crazy bills.”

And if issues arise? “Smart Roaming’s customer support is always quick to respond. I can troubleshoot through the GigaRoam portal or check my phone settings to resolve things fast.”

For Ina, staying connected means more than just convenience—it’s about sharing her culinary journey in real time.

Chef Ina Bilbao’s recipe for stress-free travel? A dash of planning, a sprinkle of tech-savvy, and a generous helping of Smart Roaming. Whether you’re a business traveler, content creator, or simply someone who values staying connected, her story is a reminder that with the right tools, the world is truly at your fingertips.

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