Kaspersky Lab: Celebrating 20 Years of Protecting Online Daters From Cyber Threats With Consumer-Friendly Software

The Short Version: Online dating entails a certain amount of risk — like you risk going on a bad date or being rejected. But what should never be at risk is your own personal security. Since it was founded in 1997, Kaspersky Lab has protected over 400 million users from the world’s most sophisticated cyber threats. Kaspersky’s comprehensive software can block spam, prevent identity theft, protect mobile devices, and generate secure passwords. This international cybersecurity company operates in nearly 200 countries and territories worldwide with a team of more than 3,000 people. Now, in its 20th year, Kaspersky Lab continues innovating advanced security solutions for consumers and businesses in need of some peace of mind online.

I’d been chatting with a guy on a dating site for two days when he sent a message that totally sketched me out. He said he was a dog owner, so we’d been sharing my-dog-is-crazy stories and having a few laughs. I’d described my dog as a gangly black pup, and he responded, “You should see my dog.” And then posted a link.

Alarm bells went off. This is like the internet’s version of “Come see the puppies in my van.” The link wasn’t to a domain I recognized, and clicking something from a stranger seemed like a risky move. I left the link unclicked, so I have no idea if my “Awww” was warranted.

You never really know the person behind a dating profile — so it’s best to proceed with caution. Sometimes scammers and spammers crop up on these sites (and apps) looking to nab someone’s personal information. To protect yourself, you can download cybersecurity solutions for your desktop or mobile device.

Kasperky Lab, established in 1997, safeguards the privacy of everyday consumers with award-winning security software. With a presence in almost 200 countries and territories, this global company stays one step ahead of the latest cyber threats.

Kaspersky Lab protects consumers from phishing scams, malware, and identity theft.

“As our CEO Eugene Kaspersky says, our mission is to save the world,” said Michael Canavan, Senior Vice President of Kaspersky Lab of North America. “This overall company mission shows in our commitment to making cyberspace safer and to protect what matters most to people.”

The company’s most comprehensive product, Kaspersky Total Security, keeps online daters safe from cyber attacks as they log in, browse, and flirt on dating websites. This product is ideal for home use. The software’s proactive threat detection prevents issues on any Mac, PC, or Android device.

The Privacy Browser functionality ensures that malign third parties cannot track your browsing habits nor access your personal information while you’re online. Additionally, Secure Connection will let you use public WiFi safely so you can log in on a dating site without putting yourself at risk.

Kaspersky’s user-friendly features scan your computer and keep cybercriminals at bay.

Consumers can choose from Kaspersky’s one-year, two-year, or three-year protection from malware, spam, and other threats on the web.

“Overall, it protects your privacy, money, identity, photos, and files against internet threats,” said Michael. “There is also a feature that will automatically install the latest updates for all your apps so the user doesn’t have to remember to manually update their apps.”

Kaspersky Internet Security for Android

offers year-round protection for one or two devices. This software automatically responds to new threats, detects malicious links, remotely controls lost or stolen devices, and wards off phishing attempts.

Download Android Security to protect yourself while flirting on dating apps.

Mobile malware doesn’t stand a chance against this thorough software. A two-way firewall and backup encryption ensure safe surfing on any dating app or site. Advanced cloud-based security provides users with real-time protection against hackers.

“One feature online daters may appreciate is the privacy protection function that can hide text messages, phone calls, and logs from anyone who might be snooping on your phone,” Michael told us.

Kaspersky’s Android Security also comes to the rescue if your phone goes missing with remote tools to track its location. Additionally, you can turn on an audible alarm on your phone to ascertain its whereabouts. The alarm can only be turned off using a secret code.

“Let’s say you’re on a date and that person steals your phone,” Michael said, “you can lock the phone remotely, locate the missing device, and take a mugshot of the person using it.”

Keeping multiple passwords for multiple accounts is the safest way to protect your personal details — as long as you can keep track of which password goes to which site. Sometimes this is a real challenge. A complex password is more secure but harder to remember, so one day you may draw a blank and have to click the “I forgot my password” button of shame.

Helping consumers stay safe and keep their passwords straight, The Kaspersky Password Manager generates and stores strong individual passwords. This feature syncs with your data, so as long as you remember one master password, you can get into all your accounts. With this handy tool, you enjoy easy access to all your favorite social sites and online accounts — without compromising your security.

The Kaspersky Password Manager is available as a separate, free application for any device.

“Should an online dater be using multiple dating websites and apps, a tool like Password Manager would help them avoid having to remember all those passwords,” Michael said, “and allow them to create strong passwords that will prevent the accounts from being hacked into.”

If you’re wondering what the best practices are for staying safe while online dating, we have the answers from Kaspersky’s Senior Vice President. Michael gave us some excellent tips to share with our readers on what they can do to avoid unsafe situations.

“The first and most obvious measure is not to automatically trust people online,” he said. “There’s no way to identify someone’s true appearance or motives through the messages they are exchanging with you, so always think twice before sharing your private information.”

Michael Canavan, SVP of Kaspersky Lab, encourages keeping updated security software on all devices before joining a dating site.

He warned online daters against linking a social media account with a dating site or app. “If you happen to match with someone with ill intent,” he said, “they are able to gain access to your social media pages, which are likely to include addresses, pictures, and more personal information.”

You should always protect your identity on the web because you never know who could be prying into your personal details. Sometimes a single click is enough to open the door for a hacker.

“Always check emails from dating websites to make sure they’re authentic,” Michael said. “Phishing emails aim to look like normal emails in order to get you to click on a malicious link or attachment, so make sure any emails you open are coming from a familiar source or a real email address.”

There’s a lot you can do to stay safe on the web by taking common-sense precautions. Kaspersky Lab’s security experts offer their professional help through proactive security products. By keeping updated security software on your desktop or mobile device, you can protect yourself from hackers, scammers, and cybercriminals.

Most likely, the dog owner I talked to wasn’t an elaborate con artist with spammy links, but when you’re dating online, it’s better to be safe than sorry. You can protect your privacy on any dating site or app by downloading Kaspersky Lab’s time-tested software. The company’s downloadable security solutions block spam, manage your passwords, protect mobile devices, and encrypt your personal information so you can browse for dates safely online.

“Kaspersky Lab is passionate about saving the world from cybercriminals… when I look at the security vendor landscape as a whole, there are few that have the knowledge, experience, and resources to keep up.” — Shane Vinup, CEO of Cyber Advisors and Kaspersky Lab client

The international security provider goes to great lengths to find and negate online threats before they ever reach you. Their world-leading security products give consumers and businesses ironclad protections against cyber threats. In 2016, Kaspersky Lab earned the distinction of placing first in 90% of the independent testing analysis of their security products. “That’s more than any of our competitors,” Michael told us.

Today, the online threat landscape means daters should look before they leap into a dating site. “With our connected culture come great risks, such as identity fraud, harassment, and theft,” Michael cautioned. “Online daters should always remember with online communication, you have very little knowledge of a person’s true intentions or motives when they are positioned behind a social media account or dating profile.”

If you’re worried about the safety of online dating, Kaspersky Lab’s security software can give you the reassurance you need to put yourself out there without taking any unnecessary risks.