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Best YouTube Scraper (2025): Content, Data & Video Intelligence Extraction

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Want the best YouTube scraper? Read on!

In the age of video-first content, YouTube is the largest video database and one of the most influential digital ecosystems in the world.

Whether you’re a digital marketer, SEO expert, data analyst, competitor researcher, or AI model trainer — you know that YouTube’s vast information can’t be ignored.

But YouTube doesn’t offer full transparency through its public API, and manual data collection is unsustainable for scale. That’s why people are turning to YouTube scraping — using automated tools to extract video metadata, comments, channel insights, and performance stats for analysis.

This detailed guide will walk you through:

  • What a YouTube scraper is
  • How scraping works safely in 2025
  • The best YouTube scraper tools and providers
  • The Editor’s Choice top 3 proxy + scraping brands
  • Tips, use cases, legal notes, and integration workflows

Let’s dive into the world of the best YouTube scrapers in 2025. But first, let me answer the question – what is a YouTube scraper?

Table of Contents

🧠 What is a YouTube Scraper?

A YouTube scraper is a software tool, script, or service that automates the collection of publicly available data from YouTube pages. It simulates a user’s browser session or interacts with rendered HTML and DOM elements to extract information such as:

  • Video title, description, and views
  • Upload date, likes, and dislikes
  • Video tags and categories
  • Channel details (subscribers, video count)
  • Video comments, replies, and usernames
  • Suggested video recommendations
  • Search result rankings

Scraping enables businesses and developers to build data pipelines, train AI models, analyze trends, and enhance decision-making with real-time YouTube data.

🔎 What Can You Do With YouTube Scraped Data?

Use CaseApplication
SEO MonitoringTrack keyword rankings on YouTube search
Competitor AnalysisScrape stats from rival channels and videos
Sentiment AnalysisMine and classify comment sentiment
Ad IntelligenceDetect video ads and brand placements
Trend MappingAggregate video performance by niche or time
AI Dataset GenerationFeed video titles/descriptions into NLP models
Media MonitoringIdentify influencers or viral content early

To scrape YouTube effectively in 2025, your stack should include:

1. Proxy Infrastructure

YouTube throttles IPs and serves CAPTCHAs aggressively. Use rotating residential or mobile proxies to stay undetected.

2. Scraping Engine

Use libraries like:

  • Selenium for browser-based scraping
  • Puppeteer/Playwright for JavaScript-heavy pages
  • BeautifulSoup + Requests for light scraping
  • Headless browsers to mimic user behavior

3. Parsing Logic

Use XPath, CSS selectors, or JSON parsing (for AJAX responses) to extract data from HTML.

4. Storage Pipeline

Send data to:

  • CSV/Excel
  • SQL/NoSQL databases
  • Cloud storage (Google Sheets, Firebase)

5. Error & Throttle Handling

Implement retry logic, randomized delays, and error logs to minimize IP bans and rate limits.

🚀 Editor’s Choice: Top 3 Best YouTube Scraper Infrastructure Brands

Before we explore scraping tools and services, let’s highlight the top 3 providers that offer robust infrastructure and proxy networks optimized for scraping YouTube data at scale.

đŸ„‡ 1. Oxylabs – Best for Enterprise-Grade YouTube Scraping Solutions

Oxylabs – Best for Enterprise-Grade YouTube Scraping Solutions

Category: Residential, Mobile, Datacenter, and AI-Powered Scraping Tools
Best For: Large-scale YouTube data extraction, comment mining, and competitor tracking
Trial: Unlimited trial for scraping tools (up to 2K results)

Overview

Oxylabs is known for its precision and power in handling complex scraping challenges. For YouTube scraping, it provides a Web Scraper API, residential proxies, and a specialized AI data parsing engine that reduces failed requests and keeps your operations undetected.

If you’re extracting large volumes of:

  • Video metadata (title, views, likes)
  • Comments (sentiment, language, keyword use)
  • Channel uploads and keyword trends
    
then Oxylabs is your best partner.

Why Oxylabs Rocks for YouTube:

  • AI-powered dynamic HTML parsing
  • Rotating IPs with geo-targeting
  • Handles JavaScript-heavy pages
  • Built-in CAPTCHA & IP block mitigation
  • Scales up to billions of requests per month

⚠ Please note: Oxylabs’ YouTube scraper does not offer any discounts.

Oxylabs Proxies logo
Oxylabs
Oxylabs is a leading proxy and web scraping solutions provider that empowers businesses with reliable, high-speed, and...Show More
Oxylabs is a leading proxy and web scraping solutions provider that empowers businesses with reliable, high-speed, and scalable data-gathering tools to stay ahead of the competition. Show Less

đŸ„ˆ 2. Webshare – Best Budget-Friendly Proxies for Scraping Tools

Webshare – Best Budget-Friendly Proxies for Scraping Tools

Category: Datacenter & Rotating Residential Proxies
Best For: Small-scale YouTube scraping, bot integration, SEO projects
Trial: Free tier with limited resources

Overview

Webshare is the best-kept secret for developers and solo operators who want low-cost, reliable proxies to power their scraping bots. Whether you’re using Puppeteer, Scrapy, Playwright, or YouTube scraping Python scripts, Webshare proxies provide solid performance and very low block rates.

Most users can opt for affordable datacenter IPs for smaller-scale YouTube tasks, but more advanced users with specific tasks & bandwidth requirements in mind can now opt for YouTube proxies built specifically for bandwidth-intensive use cases like video scraping and AI dataset generation.

Their proxies are perfect for pulling:

  • Channel stats
  • Public playlists
  • Video keywords and tags
  • Upload history scraping

Why Webshare is Ideal:

  • Pay-as-you-go and free plans
  • High concurrency allowed
  • Fast integration with scraping libraries
  • Customizable geo-targeting and sessions
Webshare logo
Webshare
Webshare YouTube proxies deliver fast, reliable, and secure connections that let you bypass restrictions and stream...Show More
Webshare YouTube proxies deliver fast, reliable, and secure connections that let you bypass restrictions and stream, scrape, or manage multiple YouTube accounts seamlessly without interruptions. Show Less

đŸ„‰ 3. Decodo (formerly Smartproxy) – Best All-Around for YouTube API Bypass & Metadata Extraction

Decodo (formerly Smartproxy) – Best All-Around for YouTube API Bypass & Metadata Extraction

Category: All-in-one Web Scraping API
Best For: Mid-tier scraping setups, ad intelligence, AI training datasets
Trial: 7-day free trial with 1K requests

Overview

Decodo is an industry-standard solution that brings reliable IPs, powerful IP rotation infrastructure, built-in usage statistics, and tool integrations for video intelligence scraping. Rebranded from Smartproxy, they now offer an enhanced Web Scraping API with 100+ ready-made scraping templates. 

Perfect for: 

  • Tracking YouTube SERPs
  • Scraping metadata, transcripts
  • Brand monitoring on YouTube

Why Decodo Is Reliable:

  • User-friendly dashboard
  • One-click scraping setup
  • Ability to collect data in real-time or on-demand
  • 100+ ready-made scraping templates
  • 100% success rate
  • 125M+ built-in proxies
  • No proxy setup needed
  • API access
  • 24/7 tech support
  • Extensive documentation and code examples
Decodo logo
Decodo (formerly Smartproxy)
Decodo (formerly Smartproxy) YouTube proxies provide high-quality, secure, and geo-flexible access that ensures smooth...Show More
Decodo (formerly Smartproxy) YouTube proxies provide high-quality, secure, and geo-flexible access that ensures smooth streaming, scraping, and account management on YouTube without blocks or interruptions. Show Less

🛒 Other Great Proxy & Scraping Tool Providers

Let’s now look at other proxy and scraping providers that support YouTube data operations efficiently.

4. MarsProxies – Best for Bot Integration & Comment Extraction

Best For: YouTube bots, gaming content monitoring, social signals
Proxy Types: Datacenter, ISP, Residential

Overview

MarsProxies delivers low-latency proxies ideal for YouTube automation bots — from comment extractors to auto-watch tools. Popular among social marketers and gamers, MarsProxies support mass channel crawling with reliability.

5. IPRoyal – Best for Pay-As-You-Go Scraping Projects

Best For: Casual scraping, research projects, pay-per-GB users
Pricing: Starts from $0.80/GB
Proxy Types: Residential, Mobile, Static

Overview

IPRoyal is great for those who need short bursts of scraping without monthly contracts. Its per-GB billing makes it perfect for freelancers or student projects involving limited YouTube data collection.

6. Nodemaven – Best for Developer-Heavy Projects

Best For: Custom-built YouTube crawlers, APIs, and dev teams
Proxy Types: Residential, Datacenter

Overview

Nodemaven targets programmers and engineering teams with tools that support API access, authentication tokens, and dynamic scaling for backend crawling tasks.

If you’re building a YouTube analytics engine or internal dashboard for content strategy, Nodemaven is a fantastic fit.

7. ProxyEmpire – Best for Geo-Targeted YouTube Research

Best For: Location-specific scraping, region-based keyword monitoring
Proxy Types: Residential, Mobile

Overview

If you need to scrape YouTube content in local languages, trends, or region-specific rankings, ProxyEmpire provides broad country-level IP coverage with stable rotation.

8. Soax – Best for Clean IP Pools for YouTube Compliance

Best For: Corporate research, verified scraping use cases
Proxy Types: Residential, Mobile

Overview

Soax ensures a clean IP pool through ethical IP sourcing and KYC compliance. Ideal for white-hat scraping activities like media research and brand monitoring on YouTube.

2025 BEST PROXY SERVICES FOR YOUTUBE SCRAPERS

Oxylabs Proxies
Oxylabs Proxies
Oxylabs Proxies offer enterprise-grade, AI-powered proxy solutions with a massive 175M+ IP pool, ensuring unmatched...Show More
Oxylabs Proxies offer enterprise-grade, AI-powered proxy solutions with a massive 175M+ IP pool, ensuring unmatched reliability, speed, and anonymity for large-scale web scraping and data collection. Show Less
Decodo (formerly Smartproxy)
Decodo
Decodo (formerly Smartproxy) offers high-quality, affordable, and easy-to-use proxies with a vast global network...Show More
Decodo (formerly Smartproxy) offers high-quality, affordable, and easy-to-use proxies with a vast global network, ensuring seamless web scraping, automation, and data collection without IP bans or restrictions. Show Less
Webshare
Webshare Proxies
Webshare Proxies offers high-speed, customizable, and budget-friendly proxy solutions with flexible pricing, ensuring...Show More
Webshare Proxies offers high-speed, customizable, and budget-friendly proxy solutions with flexible pricing, ensuring seamless web scraping, automation, and online anonymity for businesses and individuals. Show Less
Live Proxies
Live Proxies
Live Proxies is a proxy service that provides high-speed, reliable, and secure residential and datacenter proxy services...Show More
Live Proxies is a proxy service that provides high-speed, reliable, and secure residential and datacenter proxy services for web scraping, automation, and anonymity. Show Less
IPRoyal
IPRoyal
IPRoyal is a leading proxy provider offering reliable, high-speed proxies for various needs, including data scraping...Show More
IPRoyal is a leading proxy provider offering reliable, high-speed proxies for various needs, including data scraping, social media automation, and sneaker botting. Show Less
Mars Proxies
Mars Proxies
Mars Proxies is the go-to provider for sneaker coppers, offering unbanned IPs, blazing-fast speeds, and a massive pool...Show More
Mars Proxies is the go-to provider for sneaker coppers, offering unbanned IPs, blazing-fast speeds, and a massive pool of residential proxies. Show Less
NetNut
NetNut
NetNut is the world's fastest residential proxy network, providing high-speed, reliable connections and a vast pool of...Show More
NetNut is the world's fastest residential proxy network, providing high-speed, reliable connections and a vast pool of IPs for seamless data scraping and automation. Show Less
DigiProxy
DigiProxy
DigiProxy offers proxy services, including residential, datacenter, and sneaker proxies, aimed at providing secure and...Show More
DigiProxy offers proxy services, including residential, datacenter, and sneaker proxies, aimed at providing secure and reliable internet access. Show Less
Nodemaven
Nodemaven
NodeMaven is a premium proxy provider that delivers high-quality IPs, super sticky sessions, and unmatched customer...Show More
NodeMaven is a premium proxy provider that delivers high-quality IPs, super sticky sessions, and unmatched customer support. Show Less
Infatica
Infatica
Infatica provides a robust proxy network with ethical sourcing, reliable performance, and a comprehensive suite of data...Show More
Infatica provides a robust proxy network with ethical sourcing, reliable performance, and a comprehensive suite of data collection tools. Show Less

🔐 Legal & Ethical Considerations for YouTube Scraping

YouTube’s Terms of Service prohibit scraping in certain contexts, especially at scale. However, scraping public data for educational, research, or legal purposes is often allowed under fair use — depending on your jurisdiction.

Key Principles:

  • Scrape only publicly available data
  • Avoid scraping private or sensitive information
  • Respect rate limits and user behavior
  • Rotate IPs to prevent platform harm
  • Use scraping ethically, not for spam or manipulation

Always consult a legal professional before launching large-scale scraping operations.

đŸ§Ș Tips for Successful YouTube Scraping in 2025

  • ✅ Use rotating proxies to bypass IP bans
  • ✅ Add browser fingerprint emulation with tools like Puppeteer-Stealth
  • ✅ Avoid sending too many concurrent requests per IP
  • ✅ Implement smart retry and delay logic
  • ✅ Use CAPTCHA solvers or anti-bot handling libraries
  • ✅ Randomize headers (User-Agent, Referer, Language)
  • ✅ Parse YouTube’s HTML, not its API (if rate-limited)
  • ✅ Automate cron-based scrapers to collect data daily

Best YouTube Scrapers: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Best YouTube Scrapers: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is a YouTube scraper, and how does it work?

A YouTube scraper is a tool or script that extracts publicly available data from YouTube, such as video titles, descriptions, channel info, views, comments, and upload dates. It works by sending HTTP requests to YouTube’s web pages or APIs and parsing the returned HTML or JSON to collect structured data. Some advanced YouTube scrapers also support JavaScript rendering, CAPTCHA bypass, and proxy rotation for scale and reliability.

Is it legal to use a YouTube scraper?

Yes, scraping public YouTube data is generally legal as long as it does not violate YouTube’s Terms of Service, overload their servers, or access non-public/private content. For commercial scraping at scale, it’s highly recommended to use a compliant solution (like Oxylabs or Decodo) and avoid unauthorized usage of YouTube’s internal APIs.

Do I need proxies for YouTube scraping?

Yes, if you’re scraping YouTube at scale (thousands of requests per hour), using proxies is essential to avoid IP bans or throttling. Premium providers like Webshare, Oxylabs, and Decodo (formerly Smartproxy) offer rotating residential or datacenter proxies that help distribute requests across multiple IPs for reliable and uninterrupted scraping.

What kind of data can I extract using a YouTube scraper?

You can extract a wide range of structured YouTube data, including:

  • Video titles and URLs
  • Channel names and metadata
  • Upload dates and video durations
  • Views, likes, and comment counts
  • Video tags and categories
  • Full comment threads (with timestamps)
  • Transcripts and subtitles (where available)

Advanced scrapers may also detect trending topics, generate sentiment analysis from comments, or monitor influencer activity.

What are the best use cases for YouTube scrapers in 2025?

In 2025, YouTube scrapers are widely used for:

  • Market research & competitor tracking
  • Influencer discovery and outreach automation
  • Sentiment analysis on comment sections
  • Video SEO intelligence
  • Trend detection for AI training models
  • Academic research and media analytics

Agencies, brands, and data scientists leverage scrapers to turn video content into actionable insights.

READ ALSO: What is a Proxy Scraper? 10 Best Proxy Scraping Tools

What’s the difference between a YouTube Scraper and YouTube API?

YouTube’s official API provides limited, rate-limited access to data and often requires developer keys, while YouTube scrapers bypass these limitations to extract more data or perform deep scraping. However, APIs are more stable and officially supported, whereas scrapers offer greater freedom but must be carefully managed with proxy rotation and anti-bot handling.

Are there YouTube scrapers with no-code or low-code options?

Yes! Several platforms now offer no-code YouTube scraping tools, including cloud-based scrapers with intuitive dashboards or prebuilt workflows. These are perfect for marketers, researchers, and non-developers who want quick insights without programming. Some popular low-code options include Decodo’s dashboard, Webshare’s API presets, and Oxylabs’ no-code scraper templates.

Can I scrape YouTube Shorts and Community Posts too?

Yes, many modern scrapers now support YouTube Shorts, Community tab posts, and Stories by navigating to specific URL paths and parsing them like standard videos. However, extracting this type of content often requires JavaScript rendering and smart scrolling, which only advanced scraping tools can handle. Look for scrapers with headless browser support and dynamic page rendering to access these features effectively.

🏁 Final Thoughts: Choose the Best YouTube Scraper for Your Needs

In 2025, scraping YouTube is no longer just about hobby bots or rogue data gathering — it’s a critical tool for media intelligence, business analysis, AI research, and content strategy.

If you’re ready to start, your next step is to choose the right scraper infrastructure.

✅ Go with:

  • Oxylabs for enterprise-scale scraping power
  • Webshare for budget and ease of access
  • Decodo for versatility and tool integration
  • MarsProxies/IPRoyal/Nodemaven for niche or lightweight needs

With the right proxies, scraping logic, and ethical intent — the data on YouTube is yours to understand and act upon.


INTERESTING POSTS

Google Rolls Out New Restrictions for Political Advertisers [OLD NEWS]

Google recently announced new restrictions for political advertisers, a significant development in online advertising. These changes aim to address concerns about misinformation and manipulation during political campaigns.

The rise of digital advertising has transformed how political campaigns reach voters. While this offers a wider reach, it raises concerns about misinformation, manipulation, and foreign interference.

Recognizing these challenges, Google has implemented new restrictions to regulate political advertising on its platform.

Political Ads Restrictions: Stricter Verification and Transparency

Political Ads Restrictions Stricter Verification and Transparency

  • Enhanced Verification: Political advertisers must undergo additional checks, including verifying their identity, location, and funding sources, to increase transparency and accountability.
  • Targeting Limitations: Granular targeting based on sensitive demographics like gender, age, or ZIP code is no longer allowed for political ads, preventing potential manipulation and misinformation.

READ ALSO: Understanding Ad Blocker: The Ultimate Guide to Blocking Ads Online

Empowering Users with Transparency

  • Political Ads Transparency Report: This new feature lets users see details about political ads on Google platforms, including who funded them, how much was spent, and even the ad content, promoting informed decision-making.

Impact on Advertisers and the Public

  • For Advertisers: Adaptation is necessary to comply with stricter verification and targeting rules.
  • For the Public: Increased transparency and trust in the information they consume during elections, thanks to easier access to ad details and the ability to evaluate their credibility.

READ ALSO: The Intersection of AI and Privacy: Safeguarding Personal Information in the Age of Intelligent Systems

Conclusion

Google’s new restrictions aim to address misinformation and manipulation in political advertising by enhancing transparency and accountability. They benefit advertisers and the public by promoting a more informed and trustworthy online political advertising landscape.

READ ALSO: Is Google Translate Secure? [We Have The Answer]

In conclusion, Google’s new restrictions for political advertisers aim to address concerns about misinformation and manipulation during political campaigns.

These changes increase transparency and accountability by requiring verification from advertisers and implementing stricter rules regarding targeting options.

With the introduction of the Political Ads Transparency Report, users can now easily access information about political ads running on Google’s platforms.

Political Ads Transparency Report: Frequently Asked Questions

Political Ads Transparency Report

What is the Political Ads Transparency Report, and how does it work?

The Political Ads Transparency Report allows users to easily access information about political ads running on Google platforms like Search, YouTube, and Display Network. This includes details like:

  • Who funded the ad: See the name and location of the advertiser.
  • How much was spent: Understand the budget allocated to the ad campaign.
  • Where the ad ran: Know the platforms and channels where the ad was displayed.
  • The ad content: View the actual text, image, or video used in the ad.

READ ALSO: Beyond Breaches: Turning Cybersecurity Transparency Into a Business Advantage

What are the benefits of using the Political Ads Transparency Report?

This report empowers users in several ways:

  • Increased transparency: Gain insights into who’s influencing elections and what messages they’re promoting.
  • Fact-checking potential misinformation: Cross-check information presented in ads against reliable sources.
  • Holding advertisers accountable: Understand who’s behind specific ads and raise concerns if necessary.
  • Informed voting decisions: Make more informed choices based on transparency and knowledge of campaign messaging.

READ ALSO: How To Report Online Scams In The UK [MUST READ]

How can I use the Political Ads Transparency Report?

The report is user-friendly and accessible through Google’s website. You can:

  • Search by advertiser name: Find ads funded by specific individuals or organizations.
  • Filter by keywords: Look for ads related to particular topics or issues.
  • Browse by location: See ads targeted at specific regions or demographics.
  • Download data: Export information for further analysis or sharing.

Remember: The Political Ads Transparency Report is a valuable resource for understanding the landscape of online political advertising. You can contribute to a more informed and transparent political discourse by utilizing it effectively.


RELATED POSTS

Best Practices And Recognized Approaches Of Software Development

This post will show you the best practices and recognized approaches of software development.

Despite the development of software for years, there is an art to it that not everyone can grasp. Developers are well rewarded for their efforts; there is a good reason for this: coding is complicated, and not everyone’s mind has that coding wiring.

Recognized approaches and best practices have been developed in the area of software. Let’s explore these in more depth.

DevOps on Azure

Microsoft Azure has a dedicated DevOps server that manages projects and assigns tasks. It features version control, reporting, project management, automated builds, testing, and release management capabilities.

As such, DevOps on Azure is where most software development is managed and controlled.

READ ALSO: 5 Industries That DevOps Is Transforming

Agile

Agile software devt

Agile is a software development methodology that came into being to try and combat the limitations of top-down structured design methodologies such as Waterfall. As such, when done right, Agile can speed up the development process and accommodate change when it is needed.

Agile puts a strong emphasis on customer inclusion. This is achieved through producing code that can be demonstrated and tested. Clients and other departments provide their input so that the changes needed are identified sooner rather than later.

Agile is quite forward-thinking as it emphasizes developers rather than tools and inflexible planning, and forces out code rather than documentation. Development teams are encouraged to work in sprints to achieve deliverables faster, which allows for the inclusion mentioned earlier.

Agile is a highly flexible approach, and other methodologies have been built on top of it. Given the agility of Agile, is there room for structured top-down approaches? The answer is yes.

Waterfall

Although for some, Waterfall is outdated, it is still utilized where software teams have an in-depth understanding of project requirements.

The waterfall methodology was developed in the 1970s and has been the number one methodology for decades. It requires every development cycle to be planned to the nth degree with considerable input from both the client and the development team at the beginning of the project.

From this point, documentation is produced, and normally, the project is built in stages. Should a mistake need to be corrected or something added midway through, it means typically starting from the beginning.

The key strength of the waterfall is that progress can easily be tracked and measured as it develops in stages. Typically, one stage has to be created before the next one begins and so assigning tasks is easier for managers as everything is planned from the start.

READ ALSO: How to Choose the Best Software Development Company in the USA

Feature Driven Development (FDD)

Feature Driven Development

Considered to be the precursor to Agile and Lean mythologies, FDD focuses on developing software frequently and is highly client-focused.

The methodology gets its name as ‘Features’, which are client-valued work that should be produced every two weeks.

To achieve this goal, each feature is broken down into 5 steps. They are:

  • Develop an overall model for the project.
  • Build a feature list.
  • Plan each feature.
  • Design by feature.
  • Built by feature.

Reporting is encouraged at the end of each step, which is an excellent way to spot errors and track progress.

Should a feature take longer than two weeks to fully develop, FDD forces the feature to be broken down into more steps to fit the two-week rule. This inflexibility can make FDD a little hard to use for some projects.

READ ALSO: File Sanitization: A Critical Component in Modern Cybersecurity Defense

Best Practices and Recognized Approaches of Software Development: FAQs

The world of software development is brimming with various methodologies and approaches. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions to help you navigate this landscape:

Which approach is best for software development?

There’s no single “best” approach for software development. The optimal approach depends on several factors, including:

  • Project size and complexity: Large-scale enterprise applications might benefit from a structured approach like Waterfall, while smaller projects might thrive with the flexibility of Agile.
  • Project requirements: Clearly defined requirements might favour a Waterfall approach, while evolving requirements might be better suited for Agile methodologies.
  • Team structure and culture: Agile methodologies often work well for collaborative and adaptable teams, while Waterfall might be a good fit for teams accustomed to a more structured environment.

Here’s a brief overview of some recognized approaches:

  • Waterfall: A traditional, sequential approach where development progresses through well-defined stages (requirements gathering, design, development, testing, deployment). Offers a clear roadmap but can be inflexible for changing requirements.
  • Agile: An iterative and incremental approach that delivers working software in short cycles (sprints). Adaptable to changing requirements, but can lead to scope creep if not managed well.
  • DevOps: A collaborative approach that emphasizes communication, integration, and automation between development, operations, and security teams. Aimed at faster deployments and improved software quality.

READ ALSO: 5 Cybersecurity Tips To Protect Your Digital Assets As A Business

What does best practice mean in software development?

Best software development practices encompass principles, methods, and tools that have proven effective in creating high-quality, maintainable software. These practices can include:

  • Version control: Tracking changes made to code throughout the development process.
  • Code reviews: Having other developers review code to identify errors and improve quality.
  • Unit testing: Writing tests for individual units of code to ensure they function correctly.
  • Continuous integration and continuous delivery (CI/CD): Automating the building, testing, and deployment of software.
  • Documentation: Creating clear and concise documentation for the software, its code, and its functionality.

What are the 3 basic approaches applied to software development methodology frameworks?

While there are many specific methodologies, here are three fundamental approaches:

  1. Structured Development: This approach emphasizes a pre-defined series of stages, clear documentation, and a focus on planning and control. A waterfall is a classic example of structured development.
  2. Iterative and Incremental Development: This approach breaks down the development process into smaller, iterative cycles. Each iteration delivers a working piece of the software, allowing for feedback and adaptation. Agile methodologies like Scrum and Kanban fall under this category.
  3. Agile Development: A specific type of iterative and incremental development that emphasizes flexibility, collaboration, and rapid feedback cycles. Agile methodologies are known for their adaptability to changing requirements.

Which of the following are common software development approaches?

Several methodologies fall under the umbrella of software development approaches. Here are a few widely used examples:

  • Waterfall: A structured, sequential methodology mentioned earlier.
  • Agile: A broad term encompassing various iterative and incremental methodologies like Scrum, Kanban, and Extreme Programming (XP).
  • Scrum: A popular Agile methodology known for using short sprints (typically 2-4 weeks) and scrum teams with specific roles.
  • Kanban: An Agile methodology that utilizes a visual board to represent the development workflow. Tasks are visualized as cards that move across the board as they progress.
  • DevOps: While not strictly a development methodology, DevOps emphasizes collaboration and automation between development, operations, and security teams.

READ ALSO: 12 Companies For Outsourcing Web Development [MUST READ]

What are the development approaches?

Development approaches encompass the overall philosophies and strategies used in software development. These approaches can guide the selection of specific methodologies and tools. Here are some examples:

  • Top-Down Development: This approach breaks down the software into smaller, more manageable components, starting with the overall system design and then refining the details.
  • Bottom-Up Development: This approach starts with developing individual components or modules and then integrates them into a larger system.

What are the two main approaches of software design?

There are many design approaches within software development, but two fundamental perspectives are:

  • Object-Oriented Design (OOD): This approach organizes software around objects (data and the operations performed on that data) that encapsulate functionality and data.
  • Functional Programming: This approach breaks down problems into smaller, independent functions that avoid data modification and side effects.

READ ALSO: 6 Ways To Optimize Your DevOps Team Productivity

A Final Word On The Approaches Of Software Development

Software development is complicated, but with the right approach, it can be developed faster and leaner, especially if DevOps on Azure is in use.


INTERESTED POSTS

4 Essential Tips to Improve Home Security

Today, we will show you essential tips to improve your home security.

Our homes are sanctuaries, places of comfort and refuge for ourselves and our loved ones. Ensuring their security is paramount, a responsibility we all share.

Fortunately, there’s a multitude of strategies we can employ, from simple adjustments to our daily routines to more substantial investments in security systems.

This guide delves into essential tips to bolster your home security, empowering you to create a safe and secure environment.

READ ALSO: Your Complete Home Security Guide: Peace of Mind Awaits

Building a Culture of Security: Habits Make the Difference

The cornerstone of home security lies in establishing good habits. These seemingly minor actions, consistently practised by everyone in the household, can significantly deter break-ins.

  • Lock it Up: This may seem obvious, but complacency can lead to vulnerabilities. Get into the habit of routinely locking all doors and windows, even when you’re at home for short periods. Leaving doors unlocked, especially during the day, creates an open invitation for opportunistic thieves.

  • Key Management: Keys are the gateway to your home. Avoid leaving them in plain sight, under doormats, or in planters – these are common hiding places for burglars. Invest in secure key holders or designate a specific, hidden location inside your home.

  • The Strength of Routine: Establish a routine of checking doors and windows before turning in for the night and upon leaving the house. Over time, this ingrained habit becomes second nature, preventing accidental oversights.

  • Be Wary of Strangers: Exercise caution when interacting with strangers at your door. Don’t open the door unless you’re expecting someone, and utilize peepholes or door cameras for identification.

  • Secure Valuables: Keep valuables like jewellery, cash, and electronics out of sight. Invest in a secure safe for important documents and irreplaceable items.

  • Maintain Your Locks: Over time, locks can wear down and become less secure. Regularly inspect your locks for signs of damage or malfunction, and consider replacing them if necessary.

Arlo Home Security
Arlo Home Security
Cutting-edge home protection that keeps out intruders 24/7.
Cutting-edge home protection that keeps out intruders 24/7. Show Less

Empowering Your Home with Security Solutions

essential tips to improve your home security

Technology offers a robust arsenal of security solutions to enhance your home’s defences. Explore the options that best suit your needs and budget:

  • Alarm Systems: Modern alarm systems offer comprehensive security, with features like motion detectors, door and window sensors, and loud sirens to deter intruders. Consider monitored systems that connect to a central station, dispatching emergency services in case of an alarm.

  • Security Cameras (CCTV): Installing CCTV cameras around your property creates a powerful deterrent. The presence of cameras discourages potential burglars and provides valuable video evidence in the event of a break-in. Choose from wired or wireless systems, with options for remote viewing and night vision capabilities.

  • Door and Window Sensors: These unobtrusive sensors detect unauthorized entry by sensing movement or vibrations at doors and windows. When triggered, they can activate alarms, send notifications to your smartphone, or both.

  • Smart Home Integration: Modern smart home systems allow you to integrate various security features, including lights, locks, cameras, and thermostats, into a single, unified platform. This enables remote control and automation, offering additional peace of mind.

  • Security Lighting: Well-lit properties are less inviting to burglars. Install motion-sensor lights near entrances, walkways, and driveways. These activate when movement is detected, illuminating potential intruders and alerting you to activity around your home.

READ ALSO: Security Tips To Protect Your Home From Burglary [Infographics]

Beyond Technology: Environmental Security Measures

Security extends beyond technology and gadgets. Here are some environmental considerations to bolster your home’s defences:

  • Fencing and Gating: Installing fences and gates around your property creates a physical barrier, deterring unauthorized access. Consider the height and material of your fencing based on your security needs and aesthetic preferences.

  • Landscaping with Security in Mind: Trim or remove overgrown bushes and trees that could provide hiding places for burglars—plant thorny shrubs or prickly hedges near windows and entry points to create a natural deterrent.

  • Maintaining a Lived-In Appearance: An empty-looking home is a target. If you’re going on vacation, consider using timers for lights and radios to create the illusion of occupancy. Ask a trusted neighbour to collect mail and keep an eye on your property.

Arlo Home Security
Arlo Home Security
Cutting-edge home protection that keeps out intruders 24/7.
Cutting-edge home protection that keeps out intruders 24/7. Show Less

Cultivating a Secure Community

Security is a collective effort. Here’s how to leverage the power of community:

  • Get to Know Your Neighbors: Build relationships with your neighbours. Look out for each other’s homes and report any suspicious activity to the authorities.

  • Neighbourhood Watch Programs: Participating in neighbourhood watch programs fosters a sense of community and vigilance. These programs often involve coordinated efforts to patrol neighbourhoods and report suspicious activity.

  • Block Watch Initiatives: Block watch programs focus on smaller geographical areas like individual streets or blocks. Neighbours work together to protect their homes.

READ ALSO: How Accepting Better Organisational Skills Can Unlock Your Career Success

Cybersecurity: Protecting Your Digital Doors

The digital age introduces a new security frontier – your home network. Here’s how to safeguard your online vulnerability:

  • Secure Your Wi-Fi Network: Use a strong and unique password for your Wi-Fi network. Avoid using easily guessable information like birthdays or addresses. Consider enabling WPA2 encryption for added security.

  • Beware of Phishing Attacks: Phishing emails and websites attempt to trick you into revealing personal information or downloading malware. Be cautious of unsolicited emails, don’t click on suspicious links, and verify website legitimacy before entering any sensitive data.

  • Strong Passwords & Multi-Factor Authentication: Implement strong passwords for all your online accounts, and wherever possible, enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) for an extra layer of security. MFA requires a second verification step beyond your password, like a code from your phone, making it much harder for unauthorized access.

  • Keep Software Updated: Outdated Software can contain security vulnerabilities. Enable automatic updates for your operating system, web browser, and other applications to ensure you have the latest security patches.

  • Antivirus and Anti-Malware Protection: Invest in a reputable antivirus and anti-malware program to protect your devices from malicious Software that can steal your data or damage your system.

Arlo Home Security
Arlo Home Security
Cutting-edge home protection that keeps out intruders 24/7.
Cutting-edge home protection that keeps out intruders 24/7. Show Less

Insurance: A Safety Net

Even with the most robust security measures, unforeseen events can occur. Homeowner’s or renter’s insurance provides financial protection in case of theft, vandalism, or other covered perils. Review your insurance policy to ensure you have adequate coverage for your home and belongings.

Conclusion: Building a Culture of Security

Home security is an ongoing process, not a one-time fix.

By adopting a layered approach that combines good security habits, technological solutions, environmental considerations, and a strong cyber defence strategy, you can create a safe and secure haven for yourself and your loved ones.

Remember, security is a journey, not a destination. Stay informed about new security threats and update your strategies accordingly. With vigilance and a proactive approach, you can transform your home into a fortress of peace of mind.

Note: This was initially published in May 2020 but has been updated for freshness and accuracy.


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How APIs Help To Improve Your Customers’ Experience [5 Tips]

This post will show you how APIs help to improve your customers’ experience, including 5 things business owners should know.

APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) are becoming increasingly popular in the business world today. They’re simply everywhere, functional without you even knowing they’re in use. Most apps we use today use APIs for a faster and less complicated experience. 

APIs make platforms like Uber, Maps, Weather apps, PayPal, and even Facebook, work efficiently. Anytime you share content with friends or family using any social media, you’ve done so with the help of APIs. 

APIs in business are invaluable. You can use them for various reasons, including improving your product for your customers and opening more avenues for revenue inflow. 

READ ALSO: 6 Ways Ransomware Attacks Harm Businesses And Consumers

Find out how you can use APIs to make your consumers happier. 

Your Customers’ Experience

In today’s world, consumers are looking for a faster and more streamlined way of doing things. The faster you can provide your service the better. With so many competitors on the market, a business that is lagging in providing quality services will get left behind. 

There are five key things every consumer wants today. This is especially important to note as you work towards using APIs to improve their experience. 

  1. Consumers want functionality. They want your product or service to provide the functions it claims it would.
  2. Consumers want speed. They’re busy, and a reduction in the amount of time they take to do business with you is at the top of their needs.
  3. Consumers want convenience. They want the ease of finding out about your products and services from their phones and personal computers and want to be able to pay for services from the comfort of their homes.
  4. Consumers want consistency and reliability. They want to know that you can provide great service for them every time they choose to do business with you.
  5. Consumers want an awesome mobile experience. They want to be able to access your services or products from their mobile phones as easily as they would from a computer. 

How APIs Help Improve Your Consumers

How APIs Help Improve Your Consumers

If you’re considering including APIs into your website or product, here are five ways they enhance your consumer’s experience.

1. They Provide Your Customers with Useful Data

APIs help to deliver relevant data to your consumers right on your app or website. You can provide data from a common source on your platform using APIs, so your customers no longer have to leave your site to source for this data. 

For example, if you own a travel-related platform, a weather API, like this one here, can provide useful information about the weather on your platform. A calendar API enables customers to have access to real-time availability which makes bookings easier.

Travelers, companies booking trips for employees, families going on vacation, logistics companies, and many more site users will find this information useful in making quick decisions about their travel plans. 

It saves the time they spend leaving your site to search for this information and improves your site’s functionality in general.

READ ALSO: Amazon Scraper API: Best Tools To Extract Data From Amazon At Scale

2. They Help to Improve Website Load Time

They Help to Improve Website Load Time

APIs take away the need to create new programs that make your website run more efficiently. Instead, you can integrate already existing programs through APIs, so your website is not laden with programs that make it load slowly. 

With APIs in place, your consumers enjoy a faster and more seamless experience on your website and still enjoy the best of functions because APIs help to streamline and automate internal processes. 

It transfers data instantly, eliminating the need for slowness in your website.

3. They Provide More Avenues for Payments

With APIs, you can offer your clients various platforms to pay for your services. There are now so many platforms for payments that most people prefer to use. 

You can easily integrate these platforms into your product or website with APIs, opening your business up to many more prospective customers. When customers know they have a variety of payment options to make their purchase seamless, they’ll be more eager to do business with you.

READ ALSO: Exploring Security Considerations for Fax APIs

4. They Provide More Personalized Experiences

With APIs, you can gather enough relevant data about your customers to give them a highly personalized experience. Use the data to learn about their online behaviors, shopping preferences, and use it to your advantage through your digital marketing strategies. 

APIs can also help you build more accurate data about your consumers. Through APIs, you can confirm the accuracy of your consumer’s data and create a detailed profile of them based on this.

5. They Can Help Secure Your Site

APIs Help Secure Your Site

You can make your product and website more secure with authentication APIs. Many consumers consider security when they interact with any website. If your website does not have the basic, necessary security protocols in place, it could be a red flag for them.

Integrating an authentication API into your site can help to prevent security breaches. It provides consumers with a 2-step authentication procedure that helps them feel safer when doing business with you.

READ ALSO: Best Web Scraper APIs: Unlocking the Web’s Data

How APIs Help Improve Your Consumers: Frequently Asked Questions

How can using APIs benefit consumers?

APIs offer a variety of benefits to consumers, making their digital experiences smoother, more efficient, and more convenient. Here are some examples:

  • Enhanced Functionality: APIs allow developers to integrate features from various services into new applications. This can provide consumers with a wider range of functionality within a single app.

    • Imagine a travel booking app that uses APIs to integrate flight options, hotel reservations, and car rentals, all in one place.
  • Improved User Experience: APIs can streamline processes and eliminate the need to switch between different apps or websites. This creates a more seamless and user-friendly experience.

    • For instance, a food delivery app might use an API to connect with a payment gateway, allowing users to pay for their orders directly within the app without needing to enter their card details on a separate website.
  • Personalized Services: APIs can be used to personalize experiences based on user data and preferences. This can lead to more relevant recommendations, targeted advertising, and a more tailored user experience.

    • Imagine a music streaming service that uses an API to recommend new songs based on your listening history and favorite artists.
  • Greater Choice and Innovation: APIs foster innovation by allowing developers to create new applications and services that leverage existing functionality from other platforms. This gives consumers more choices and access to cutting-edge features.

    • Many fitness trackers use APIs to connect with health apps, allowing users to track their workouts and manage their overall health data in one place.

READ ALSO: 6 Strategies To Make Your Model Serving API More Robust With Testing & Analysis

How can APIs help your business?

While this FAQ focuses on consumer benefits, it’s worth mentioning that APIs can also significantly benefit businesses. They can:

  • Improve operational efficiency
  • Facilitate data exchange with partners
  • Create new revenue streams through data monetization (with user consent)
  • Enhance customer engagement

What is the API used by customers?

Consumers typically don’t directly interact with APIs themselves. They interact with the applications and services that leverage APIs to provide functionality. For instance, you wouldn’t use a social media platform’s API directly, but you would benefit from the API integration that allows you to share content from that platform on another app.

READ ALSO: YouTube Scraper API: Guide for Developers, Marketers & Data Analysts

What does an API consumer do?

An API consumer is any application or service that utilizes an API to access data or functionality from another platform. This can include mobile apps, web applications, and even other software programs.

What are the main benefits of using REST APIs?

REST (Representational State Transfer) APIs are a popular type of API known for their:

  • Simplicity: REST APIs are relatively easy to understand and integrate compared to other types of APIs.
  • Flexibility: They can be used to perform various operations like retrieving data, creating new data, or updating existing data.
  • Scalability: REST APIs can handle a large volume of requests efficiently.

By understanding how APIs work, you can appreciate the invisible forces that power many of the digital tools and services that have become an essential part of our everyday lives.

READ ALSO: API Development: Everything You Need to Know

The Way Forward

There’s no doubt that APIs are here to stay and are an essential part of interaction with consumers today. 

To ensure a better experience with your customers, you may start to look into integrating functional and relevant APIs into your website or product. 


INTERESTING POSTS

How Will The Right CRM System Improve Your Business Today?

How will the right CRM System improve your business today? Read this post to find out how.

When you look around the roofing business and see which firms are genuinely nailing it in their regions, you’ll see a few things in common among the most successful contractors. Using a customer relationship management (CRM) system is one of such factors.

But what does this technology mean for roofing industry executives, and why should you consider implementing it?

4 Benefits Of A CRM For Contractors

A CRM system is a piece of software that keeps business data such as contacts, to-do lists, and invoices, as well as generating reports on the development of your firm.

A CRM handles many issues, but its primary objective is straightforward: What you’re already performing manually can be automated with a CRM system.

A CRM system might be helpful if you’re utilizing a combination of paper files and web tools to keep track of leads, get pipeline reports, build a list of action items for the day, or inquire if a team finished yesterday’s work list.

Continue reading to discover four ways a CRM may assist you in overcoming typical difficulties and expanding your business.

For Contractors, The Benefits Of A CRM

1. Reports And The Sales Funnel

The ability to line up future projects while working on a current project is one of the most crucial abilities to have in the roofing business.

Once you begin a project, you work diligently to complete it properly and efficiently. If you don’t have a regular stream of leads and new clients under contract, you can find it challenging to stay in business.

On the other hand, a reliable sales pipeline might help you make more educated financial decisions if you track your existing and upcoming jobs frequently. A CRM provides periodic sales data that assist you in seeing where you need to grow or develop your business.

2. Visibility Of The Goal

You should do so today if you don’t already have net profit, sales, and gross profit targets.

After you’ve agreed on these objectives, it’s time to figure out how you’ll achieve them. CRM software allows you to see what each team member should do every week or day to meet these objectives.

Those everyday duties create habits over time, allowing your company to achieve consistent outcomes.

READ ALSO: The Real Impact of Cloud-Based Integration Solutions on Businesses Today

3. Workflows That Are Customized

While everyone on your team should be working toward the company goals you’ve set, their daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, and yearly objectives will differ depending on their position.

Most CRM software allows users to customize workflows based on their position or project. This will enable you to set uniform goals and expectations for each team member, whether they work in sales, project management, or as part of your crew.

If you’ve ever observed five individuals execute the same job and then tried to train a newcomer, you know how inefficient and confusing inconsistent workflows can be.

Standardizing procedures and milestones is an excellent method to help your team work more efficiently with less supervision while keeping track of progress toward the objectives that will propel your company forward.

4. Accountability Measurement

Accountability Measurement

If you didn’t track each player’s batting average, you’d have difficulty analyzing a professional baseball team’s performance and determining how to coach them.

One of the advantages of using a CRM for contractors is that it allows you to track work performance and give support to your team members.

READ ALSO: 5 Smart Software Choices Every Business Should Make

Frequently Asked Questions

How does a CRM system help companies improve their business?

CRM systems offer a multitude of benefits that can directly impact your business’s success. Here are a few key ways:

  • Enhanced Customer Relationships: A CRM centralizes all your customer interactions (calls, emails, notes, etc.) in one place. This fosters a 360-degree view of your customers, allowing you to understand their needs, preferences, and purchase history better. This knowledge empowers you to personalize communication, offer targeted recommendations, and ultimately build stronger, more loyal customer relationships.
  • Improved Sales Pipeline Management: Manage your sales pipeline efficiently by tracking leads, opportunities, and deals within the CRM. You can visualize the sales process, prioritize leads, automate tasks, and forecast sales more accurately. This streamlines the entire sales cycle and increases the chances of closing deals.
  • Boosted Marketing ROI: CRM data can be invaluable for targeted marketing campaigns. You can segment your customer base based on demographics, purchase history, and interests. This allows for sending personalized marketing messages, maximizing campaign effectiveness, and return on investment (ROI).
  • Increased Productivity and Collaboration: A CRM streamlines communication and collaboration within your sales, marketing, and customer service teams. Everyone has access to the same customer information, eliminating data silos and ensuring everyone is on the same page. This leads to improved teamwork, faster response times, and ultimately, increased productivity.
  • Data-Driven Decision Making: A CRM system accumulates valuable customer data over time. This data can be analyzed to identify sales trends, customer preferences, and areas for improvement. You can use these insights to make informed decisions about your sales, marketing, and overall business strategy.

READ ALSO: Why Choosing the Right Roofing Company Determines the Long-Term Health of Your Home

How can a CRM system improve the overall efficiency of a business?

By automating tasks, streamlining workflows, and centralizing customer information, a CRM significantly improves business efficiency:

  • Automated Tasks: CRM systems can automate repetitive tasks such as sending follow-up emails, generating reports, and scheduling appointments. This frees up your team’s time to focus on more strategic activities.
  • Streamlined Workflows: CRMs establish clear workflows for handling leads, managing sales opportunities, and providing customer service. This ensures consistency, reduces manual work, and allows your team to work smarter, not harder.
  • Centralized Information: Having all customer data readily available in one place eliminates the need for searching through emails, spreadsheets, or sticky notes. This saves time and ensures everyone has access to the most up-to-date information.

Why is a CRM system important to your business and its future growth?

In today’s customer-centric world, building strong relationships is crucial for business growth. A CRM empowers you to:

  • Provide exceptional customer service: With a complete customer history at your fingertips, you can personalize interactions, resolve issues promptly, and exceed customer expectations, leading to increased customer satisfaction and loyalty.
  • Retain existing customers: A CRM helps you identify at-risk customers and proactively address their concerns. Additionally, it allows you to personalize marketing campaigns to re-engage existing customers and encourage repeat business.
  • Attract new customers: By analyzing customer data and identifying successful marketing strategies, you can refine your approach and attract new customers who are more likely to convert into loyal patrons.

READ ALSO: Non-Digital Marketing Tools to Attract New Leads

What is the role of CRM in today’s business environment?

In today’s competitive landscape, businesses need to be data-driven, customer-centric, and efficient. A CRM system provides the tools and insights to achieve these goals. It acts as a central hub for managing all your customer interactions, streamlining internal processes, and ultimately driving business growth. By leveraging a CRM effectively, you can gain a competitive edge, build stronger customer relationships, and ensure the long-term success of your business.

A Final Word

Still undecided about whether or not a CRM for a roofing company is suitable for your company? Inquire of other roofing contractors that utilize a CRM system and what duties it has aided them in completing. You could discover it’s the tool you need to knock out your next project.


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Are PayPal’s Executives Looking Towards Re-Inventing the Product’s Identity?

Are PayPal’s executives reinventing the product’s identity? Read on!

PayPal has been around for a very long time, and it has served millions of people from around the world through its money-transfer services. 

Even though the primary functions of the service were of a very generic fund-transferring nature, PayPal managed to create an extensive customer base that regularly uses its website or application to send money from “Point A” to “Point B.” 

Family members have used it to send money to loved ones easily, merchants have used it as a payment method for their products and services, and people have even used it as an alternative online savings account. 

Now, it feels like it is time for PayPal to take the next step in its operation, as its directors are looking for ways to utilize the product’s functionality and its vast customer base. 

PayPal Executives ReInventing

PayPal is used as a payment method in several industries. It can be found both among the payment methods of online casinos offering traditional and supportive processing options in the United Kingdom as well as on websites gathering donations for people in need. It has helped start-up entrepreneurs gather money for products showing potential and allowed students to pay their tuition fees for online courses and seminars.

Nevertheless, it looks like the above examples are just a fraction of what the service can do for businesses and individuals.  

PayPal’s executives are heading toward a new direction as the company’s latest endeavor seems to be the immersion of PayPal into the cryptocurrency market. The service is already being used by PayPal account holders to purchase cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin.

READ ALSO: How Do I Claim Free $200 Credit From DigitalOcean?

Interestingly, the news of buying, selling, and holding cryptocurrencies through PayPal has not been mainstreamed yet. Still, indeed, we will soon see one article after another talking about how people can use this money-transferring service to get their hands on one or more crypto coins. 

Are PayPal’s Executives Looking Towards Re-Inventing the Product’s Identity

Not Everything Is Great When It Comes to Having a PayPal Account

PayPal Holdings Inc. is trying to re-invent its product, turning it from a basic online fund-transfer service to a product that will compete with the world’s largest banks. This journey will come with a lot of pros and cons for PayPal’s customers.

Some will be happy to know that they can use PayPal to purchase cryptocurrencies, while others will get upset about the fact that PayPal is introducing a fee for inactive accounts. Those who have not used their account for more than a year, will need to pay £9 as a maintenance fee for their account. Luckily, all it takes to avoid paying the inactivity fee is a simple login to your PayPal account, and this process takes more or less ten seconds. 

Having to consider this new fee might be highly annoying for individuals who rarely use their PayPal accounts for basic transactions like buying a book or a video game. 

READ ALSO: StatesCard Review: Is This Card Worth Your Wallet?

Still, it will not feel like such a big problem for the average online consumer or online merchant. Inactivity and account maintenance fees are more or less a given when banking with traditional financial institutions from all over the world, and PayPal account holders will need to get used to the idea of having to pay it for PayPal if they decide to leave their account dormant.


USEFUL READINGS

Coinsquare cryptocurrency exchange suffers data breach [OLD NEWS]

In November 2022, Coinsquare, a prominent Canadian cryptocurrency exchange, faced a data breach that sent shockwaves through the crypto community.

This incident, exposing sensitive user information, highlighted the vulnerabilities inherent in digital asset storage and the importance of robust cybersecurity measures.

Let’s delve deeper into the details of the breach, its potential consequences, and the lessons learned.

READ ALSO: Best Lightweight Antivirus For Old Computers [EXPERT LIST]

The Coinsquare Data Breach: Exposed Data and Potential Harm

According to reports, the breach resulted in the compromise of a significant amount of user data, including:

  • Email Addresses and Phone Numbers: Over 50,000 email addresses and phone numbers were reportedly stolen. This information is valuable to cybercriminals, as it can be used for phishing attacks, spam campaigns, and social engineering scams.
  • Physical Addresses: The breach potentially exposed users’ physical addresses, increasing the risk of targeted attacks.
  • User Ratings: While seemingly innocuous, leaked user ratings could be used to create fake accounts or manipulate online reputations.
  • Transaction Details: Details of user deposits for the past six months were reportedly accessed. This information could be used to target high-volume traders or identify users holding significant cryptocurrency assets.

The Motive: SIM Swapping and Beyond

Reports suggest the stolen data was intended for sale on the dark web, with cybercriminals potentially aiming to profit through SIM swapping attacks.

This method involves hijacking a victim’s phone number, allowing attackers to intercept two-factor authentication codes and gain access to online accounts secured by this method.

Cryptocurrency exchanges, where significant financial value is stored, are prime targets for such attacks.

The Insider Threat: A Compounding Factor

The situation becomes even more concerning when considering the possibility of an insider threat.

While Coinsquare maintains no evidence of a direct network breach, the CEO acknowledged that a former employee improperly accessed sensitive user information through a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system in 2019.

This stolen data, even if not directly accessed by the hackers responsible for the November 2022 breach, may have ended up in their possession, potentially facilitating the attack.

READ ALSO: How To Choose The Ideal Cryptocurrency To Invest In

Consequences and Lessons Learned

The Coinsquare data breach is a stark reminder of the critical need for robust cybersecurity practices in the cryptocurrency industry.

Here are some key takeaways:

  • Prioritizing User Data Security: Cryptocurrency exchanges possess significant user data that requires robust security measures. This includes implementing encryption, employing multi-factor authentication, and conducting regular security audits.
  • Employee Training and Access Control: Strong internal controls and employee training on data security are paramount. Implementing access restrictions and monitoring employee activity can help prevent unauthorized access to sensitive information.
  • Transparency and Communication: Prompt communication with users during a data breach is crucial. Coinsquare faced criticism for the delayed disclosure of the 2019 incident, highlighting the importance of transparency in maintaining user trust.
  • Regulatory Scrutiny: Regulatory bodies are increasingly focusing on data security in the cryptocurrency space. This incident underscores the need for clear regulations and enforcement mechanisms to ensure user protection.

READ ALSO: Essential Cyber Security Plan for Small Business

Beyond Coinsquare: A Call for Industry-Wide Action

The Coinsquare data breach is not an isolated incident. Several cryptocurrency exchanges have experienced similar violations in recent years, highlighting the industry’s vulnerability.

This incident calls for collaborative action from industry leaders, regulators, and security experts to develop robust security protocols and raise user awareness.

Building a Secure Future for Cryptocurrency

The future of cryptocurrency hinges on trust and security. The cryptocurrency industry can move towards a more secure and sustainable future by prioritizing user data protection, implementing robust cybersecurity measures, and fostering open communication.

Users, in turn, should remain vigilant, practice good online hygiene, and choose platforms with a proven security track record. Working together, we can mitigate the risks associated with cryptocurrency and pave the way for its wider adoption.

READ ALSO: Cryptocurrency Payment: Pros And Cons

Coinsquare Data Breach: FAQs

Did Coinsquare get hacked?

The answer depends on the definition of “hacked.” Coinsquare maintains that its core network wasn’t directly breached. However, a significant amount of user data was compromised, likely through a combination of factors:

  • Potential Insider Threat: A former Coinsquare employee may have accessed sensitive user information through a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system in 2019.
  • External Attack: Cybercriminals potentially obtained this data and combined it with information harvested from another source, such as stolen email addresses and phone numbers.

How secure is Coinsquare?

Following the data breach, Coinsquare’s security practices came under scrutiny. The incident highlights the need for improvement in several areas:

  • Data Access Controls: Stronger internal controls and employee training on data security are crucial to prevent unauthorized access.
  • Transparency and Communication: Prompt and transparent communication with users regarding security breaches is essential for maintaining trust.

Is Coinsquare legal in Canada?

Yes, Coinsquare is a registered Money Services Business (MSB) with the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC). This registration allows them to operate legally within Canada.

Where is Coinsquare located?

Coinsquare is headquartered in Toronto, Canada.

Why can’t I withdraw from Coinsquare?

There can be several reasons why you might be unable to withdraw from Coinsquare. These could include:

  • Account Verification Issues: Ensure your account is fully verified and that all required documentation has been submitted.
  • Maintenance or Downtime: Temporary platform outages might prevent withdrawals. Check Coinsquare’s official channels for updates.
  • Payment Method Issues: Verify your chosen withdrawal method is supported and there are no limitations on your account.
  • Insufficient Funds: Double-check that your account balance covers the withdrawal amount and any associated fees.

If you’re facing withdrawal issues, it’s recommended that you contact Coinsquare’s customer support for assistance.

In Conclusion

The Coinsquare data breach serves as a cautionary tale. It highlights the importance of data security in the cryptocurrency industry and the need for proactive measures to protect user information.

The industry can build a more secure and trustworthy future for cryptocurrency investment and transactions by learning from this incident and prioritizing user protection.

Note: This was initially published in June 2020 but has been updated for freshness and accuracy.


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Can I Install A Hidden Camera In A Nursing Home?

We are in the new millennium, where technology has led to several innovations and inventions at large. We can now install cameras at home to monitor everything from any place and at any time. Hidden nursing cameras are now used to monitor our loved ones in the nursing facilities.

But then, can I install a hidden camera in a nursing home? This project will highlight largely whether it is right to make such installations. The reader will also learn the steps to take whenever they find any form of abuse and neglect in the nursing rooms. 

Can I Install A Hidden Camera In A Nursing Home?

Can I Install A Hidden Camera In A Nursing Home?

Cameras in nursing homes are employed to monitor the common points around the facility. These can be at the entry points, parking lots, and other common areas within the facility.

At times, these cameras may be installed in the residents’ rooms whenever there is a need to do so. The cameras provide people with maximum safety for their loved ones in these places at large.

However, not all nursing homes allow such installations. Directors of such facilities fear that people might invade the residents and staff’s privacy at large. This leads most people to resort to fixing hidden cameras to watch over their loved ones from anywhere and anytime. So, can I install a hidden camera in a nursing home?

Yes, you can install them. However, the installation of hidden cameras in nursing homes has legal and privacy implications at large. These cameras are mostly installed by parents who suspect forms of abuse and neglect.

This provides a parent or guardian peace of mind wherever they are. Even if there is no form of abuse and neglect, hidden cameras help ensure caregivers use proper techniques that don’t cause residents’ problems.

On the other hand, hidden cameras are fond of raising privacy concerns among caregivers and residents at large. Most residents find it awkward to be monitored whenever they are doing particular activities such as bathing and changing attire.

Everyone needs privacy, and by installing such cameras, you would have trampled on the privacy of every person going in and out of that place.

READ ALSO: 5 Hidden Truths About Working From Home

Is the installation of a mini hidden camera for nursing homes permitted by administrators? This is a good question, and we are going to provide the right answer for it. Permits are provided depending on the particular facility. A few facilities have banned hidden cameras or, at times imposed requirements for use.

Other states have allowed such installations in recent days over concerns of elder abuse in several nursing homes. However, the states that permit this installation require families to agree with the residents and roommates before installing them.

Besides this, you should contact an expert attorney to guide you through the legal and private implications before installing hidden cameras.

Step To Take If You Suspect Abuse And Neglect In Nursing Homes

Step To Take If You Suspect Abuse And Neglect In Nursing Homes

In case you suspect any form of abuse or neglect in the nursing home, there are steps you should undertake to get justice. First, you are required to gather evidence of the events that happened to support the claim you plan to put across.

These can be in the form of photographs of the physical occurrences, such as broken bones, lacerations and cuts, and other things, such as unexplained medical problems and gradual loss of weight.

These are the things you will present to your attorney seeking justice in the form of abuse and neglect of your loved ones in a nursing home.

However, you won’t like such things to happen to your loved ones at any time again. There are several things to stop cases of abuse and neglect from happening, and hold a particular facility accountable if they occur.

Such things include:

  • Ensure you report the allegations immediately they occur to the nursing facility. They should take action on it fast. In case they don’t, consider getting justice anywhere else.
  • Take a report of your allegations to the state department that investigates such issues. They will act swiftly to provide a solution to the problem.
  • In the case of developing a medical problem, consider seeking medical opinions. Seek a medical practitioner’s help to examine the issue immediately. The examination provides evidence of the possibility of any form of abuse and neglect in the nursing home.
  • Visiting your loved one should be a habit for you. This reduces cases of abuse and neglect by the facility staff. 
  • In case of sudden weight loss, track them, and seek a professional guide about the incidence. Such changes might serve as evidence of the form of abuse and neglect in a nursing facility.

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The Future Of Nursing Home Cameras

The Future Of Nursing Home Cameras

Families whose loved ones spend time in nursing homes benefit a lot from installing hidden cameras in those facilities. However, such installations do not provide any form of advantage to staff members and residents, and roommates alike who need privacy at large.

Several states are now considering the installation of hidden cameras in nursing homes at large. However, since this doesn’t benefit all parties, it is better if lawmakers strike a balance between residents’ privacy and the safety of people in these facilities.

Few states have gone through this issue and tried to fix the problem. They have aimed at balancing both parties to benefit from what they pass as law.

For instance, states have permitted installing them, but then they get turned off periodically. This is when residents and roommates are changing or even when bathing. This way, both safety and privacy have been resolved.

Conclusion 

Can I install a hidden camera in a nursing home? Abuse and neglect happening in nursing homes have raised issues in the recent past. Some facilities don’t allow such installation for fear of invading their staff and residents’ privacy.

However, as days pass, this is slowly becoming law in different states at large. Installation of hidden cameras in nursing homes provides people peace of mind all through about their loved ones. 


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