If you are looking for a new career, you have probably looked online. Using online tools to scout future employment opportunities is a great way to explore what’s available. This article provides a list of tools to help you find new opportunities.
Being a job seeker is daunting and requires a lot of effort. But with the right technology and online tools, you can be more efficient in your job search.
Knowing the proper steps can be challenging when you’re unhappy in your current job and decide you need a change to improve your life.
While you may have a good idea about your ideal employment path going forward, putting this into action and achieving the desired result might not be as simple as you’d hoped.
Fortunately, in the modern age, you have more tools than ever, and browsing the internet can quickly help you understand just how many possibilities you have. There’s no need to stay in a job you hate; before you know it, you could have radically improved your situation in ways you didn’t think possible.
TOP DEALS
Surfshark
Surfshark is an award-winning VPN service for keeping your digital life secure. Surfshark VPN has servers located in...Show More
Surfshark is an award-winning VPN service for keeping your digital life secure. Surfshark VPN has servers located in more than 60 countries worldwide. Show Less
CyberGhost VPN
CyberGhost VPN is a VPN service provider with more than 9,000 VPN servers spread in over 90 countries. Complete privacy...Show More
CyberGhost VPN is a VPN service provider with more than 9,000 VPN servers spread in over 90 countries. Complete privacy protection for up to 7 devices! Show Less
OmniWatch
Safeguard your identity with OmniWatch, the comprehensive identity theft protection service that provides proactive...Show More
Safeguard your identity with OmniWatch, the comprehensive identity theft protection service that provides proactive monitoring, dark web surveillance, and expert assistance in case of a breach. Show Less
Incogni
Incogni wipes off your personal information from data brokers.
Incogni wipes off your personal information from data brokers. Show Less
Hostinger
Your all-in-one hosting solution for managing a website. Hostinger is a web hosting company that provides affordable...Show More
Your all-in-one hosting solution for managing a website. Hostinger is a web hosting company that provides affordable shared hosting, VPS hosting, and cloud hosting services, along with a range of other website-related services. Show Less
Table of Contents
Starting Your Own Business
You might have decided it’s time to see what you can offer the corporate world. You might have had a good idea about what you’d do for a business, and the latest streak of dissatisfaction with your current employment could have catapulted you into finally taking that step forward. If this is something that you’re interested in, it’s worth taking the time to research everything that you need to know.
However, it’s good to know that this is something that you can mainly do from home with the means afforded to you by an internet connection. Any employees you gain early can work from home and save you money in an office.
Something Flexible
One way or another, the careers that you’ve had in the past will likely have influenced your attitude toward your future professional endeavors. You might think that because you’ve been working in a 9-5 office environment for most of your working life, this is the kind of template it must follow.
Finding yourself stuck in these thoughts can severely restrict your future opportunities – potentially forcing you into something you don’t want to do.
You might find that, after ample research, you find yourself more interested in a job that has you working from home, in a structure that you have more control over.
Alternatively, you may be interested in work that takes you out of the office and on the road, such as shipping work, and what it can offer you. In this case, you can find out more at the provided link.
When you’re using job-searching tools to look for a place to begin your professional life anew, you mustn’t limit yourself if you feel genuinely ready to try something fresh.
For example, while you might be familiar with your current surroundings, taking the time to investigate what a working holiday abroad could do for you could be what you need.
Not only will this be something new in terms of the work, but the complete change of scenery and altered perspective you could achieve through this experience might be what you need to realize your new life goal in the future.
Using Online Tools To Scout Future Employment Opportunities: FAQs
What online tools can I use to find job opportunities?
There are a variety of platforms available, each with its strengths and focus:
Job boards: General platforms like Indeed, LinkedIn Jobs, and Glassdoor offer various positions across various industries.
Professional networking sites: LinkedIn is a valuable platform for connecting with professionals, exploring company profiles, and discovering job openings.
Company websites: Check the “Careers” section of companies you’re interested in for specific job postings and insights into their culture.
Industry-specific platforms: Look for niche job boards or online communities tailored to your field for targeted opportunities.
Government websites: Explore job postings for public sector positions through official government job portals.
How can I effectively use these tools to my advantage?
Create targeted profiles: Optimize your profiles on job boards and professional networks with relevant keywords and skills.
Set up job alerts: Receive notifications for new postings that match your criteria.
Engage with companies and professionals: Connect with companies and individuals to expand your network and gain insights.
Research company culture by Using platforms like Glassdoor to gain insight into the company’s culture and employee experiences.
Utilize advanced search filters: Leverage filter options to refine your search results and zero in on relevant opportunities.
Are there any free online tools available?
Many valuable online tools are free, including most job boards, professional networking platforms like LinkedIn (with limited features), and company websites.
Some tools offer premium features for additional functionalities, but you can often achieve satisfactory results with the free versions.
How can I combine online tools with other job search strategies?
Networking events: Attend industry events, conferences, and workshops to connect with professionals and explore opportunities.
Informational interviews: Reach out to professionals in your field to learn about their careers and gain insights.
Volunteer work: Gain experience and build your network through volunteer opportunities related to your desired field.
Recruiters and career counselors: Utilize the expertise of recruitment agencies or career counselors for guidance and support.
Bottom Line
Remember, online tools are valuable resources, but are one piece of the job search puzzle. Combine them with offline strategies, networking, and continuous learning to maximize your chances of landing your dream job.
In this post, I will show you 10 reasons why project management is vital to organizations.
You’re missing out on chances for exponential growth and optimized efficiency if you don’t have active protocols for project management. Project management is the secret sauce of successful businesses that continuously excel and stay afloat.
In fact, you can streamline your project management activities by utilizing project management apps like WorkSavi.
If you have yet to deploy project management protocols and you’re still clueless as to how essential it is, read on. We talked to experts and gathered ten top reasons why project management is vital to any organization.
10 Reasons Why Project Management Is Vital to Organizations
Reason #1: Leadership
Any successful venture needs a leader. Operating without a project management protocol is choosing to operate without a clear leader. A leader is important because he or she guides each project and team member every step of the way. A leader clearly delineates everything that needs to be done in the manner and schedule that is necessary.
According to Luke Lee, the CEO of Palaleather, “Placing a proficient leader who knows the cuts-and-ends of Project Management will ensure that milestones will be achieved in the soonest possible time as they are the ones steering the wheel that includes the team towards a targeted direction.”
Without a leader, it’s impossible to motivate each and every team member to come up with their best work. This is something that a project manager undertakes. This is something that your company will easily attain if you had a designated project manager who follows structured project management protocols.
Project management is potent in making all goals a reality because it allows people to realign and refocus on one goal at all times. With a project manager, you have someone dedicated to checking on all team members and tasks every single day.
Success is always at hand because you have someone who will always work to have it achieved in the quickest and most efficient way possible – every single day. Working as-is without a project manager is effective and provides results.
However, working with one is simply fantastic as you have someone who’s dedicated to ensuring that all necessary work gets done. With a project manager, you can be sure that no time and effort is ever wasted.
Project management is a critical skill in today’s competitive business landscape. Efficiently planning, executing, and controlling projects can make the difference between success and failure. If you’re looking to enhance your project management skills and open up new career opportunities, consider enrolling in PMP Training.
PMP (Project Management Professional) certification is globally recognized and demonstrates your expertise in project management best practices. It equips you with the tools and knowledge to excel in the field and take your career to the next level.
Reason #3: Achievable Goal Planning
Project management is effective in organizing a team to effectively aim for success because, with it, you have someone who can talk to your team eye-to-eye.
A project manager can sit with each team member and inquire as to their capacity and ability to finish a task. The problem with old team set-ups is that tasks are given without consideration of other people’s time, capacity, and ability.
With a structured project management protocol, all team members are heard. They get to do tasks in a manner that is most effective and efficient because they are heard by project managers who also carefully consider their needs. Hence, all goals become achievable and realistic.
It’s impossible to be successful at any project if there is no focus. This is one of the main reasons why most projects and companies fail — people aren’t focused enough. This ceases to be a problem if you have a project manager.
A project manager will work on making sure that everyone knows what they need to do and how they need to do it. He or she will always dedicate time to check in on members and teams to ensure that all have the same end picture in mind. A project manager ensures that all teams and team members are focused at all times.
Reason #5: Risk Management
A structured project management protocol ensures that all known issues are dealt with even before they become actual problems.
A project manager is aware of all known processes and ensures the smooth flow of all active tasks. With a project manager, you have someone who does daily troubleshooting to avoid delays and problems.
With a good project management system in place, your team won’t have to be shocked whenever an issue arises. This is because you will be fully prepared at all times. A project manager can detect issues even before they happen.
Project managers ensure that what needs to be done gets done in:
the best way possible
the best time possible
Success eludes teams that get the job done but not in the manner hoped for. There is always a standard for everything, and a project manager will always ensure that all tasks get done within the set standard.
This lock-tight system ensures the provision of the best level and quality of work. This can seem complicated and overwhelming, but it is something that can be easily done with the help of project management apps likeWorkSavi.
Reason #7: Continuous Tracking
A project manager is someone who will spend working hours checking on the status of each and every active task. With this level of monitoring in place, all team members will be on their toes as they are fully aware that their tasks and projects are thoroughly monitored.
You will never miss a step if you have a good project management structure in place. This is because a project manager will always provide a clear list of all the steps that need to be done to complete a project.
Your team will always be guided and realigned. With such a set-up, it’s impossible not to succeed.
Reason #9: Expert Eye
A project manager knows all tasks and steps like the back of their hand. As they are well aware of everything that needs to be done and every party that needs to deliver in order to execute goals, they can easily see if something is off or fishy.
They can instantly zone in on all issues to see if things are taking place the way they should. They will always be 10 steps ahead, so they can always prevent things from going south.
All project managers know that the beginning is always hard and that no team is perfect. This is basically the reason why they exist. As working towards a goal is real work, they are the ones tasked to take note of all the successes and failures.
With access to such data, they can empower the whole team to push through in such a way that errors are avoided and wins are doubled.
A Final Word
There you have them! 10 reasons why project management is vital to an organization.
Here, we will guide you through the process of uninstalling a program on a Mac.
Does your Mac feel sluggish lately? Are application icons multiplying like rabbits on your Dock, taking up precious space? Fear not, for this guide will equip you with the knowledge to become a master of Mac application removal!
We’ll explore various methods for uninstalling programs on your Mac OS, ensuring you reclaim valuable storage space and streamline your digital experience.
Table of Contents
Understanding the Mac Way: Farewell Applications, Not Programs
Unlike Windows, where applications are often referred to as “programs,” Mac OS uses the term “application” more commonly. Throughout this guide, we’ll use Mac terminology to ensure clarity.
Now, let’s explore the methods for removing unwanted applications.
Method 1: The Drag-and-Drop Disposal (Simple & Easy)
This method is the quickest and easiest way to uninstall most applications. Here’s what you do:
Open Finder: The Finder icon usually resides in your Dock, resembling a blue and white happy face. If you can’t find it there, click the magnifying glass icon in the top right corner of your screen (Spotlight) and type “Finder.”
Navigate to Applications: In the Finder sidebar, locate the “Applications” folder. Click on it to open a list of all the applications installed on your Mac.
Locate the Unwanted App: Scan the list and find the application you want to uninstall. It might be helpful to arrange the applications alphabetically by clicking the “Name” header in the list view.
Drag and Drop to Trash: Simply click, hold, and drag the unwanted application icon from the Applications folder to the Trash can located at the end of your Dock. It looks like a small black bin.
Empty the Trash (Optional): Drag the application to the Trash, which removes it from its central location; it doesn’t permanently delete it. To free up storage space, right-click on the Trash can icon and choose “Empty Trash.” Alternatively, you can select “Empty Trash” from the Finder menu bar.
Important Note: This method might leave behind some leftover application files, such as preferences or cache data. If you need a more thorough uninstall, proceed to the following methods.
Method 2: The App Store Purge (For App Store Downloads)
Did you download the application from the Mac App Store? If so, you can uninstall it directly from the App Store itself.
Here’s how:
Launch the App Store: Click on the App Store icon in your Dock (it resembles a stylized letter “A”).
Click on Your Account: Look for your account icon (usually your Apple ID picture) in the bottom right corner of the App Store window. Click on it.
Access Purchased Apps: In the account menu, select “Purchased” from the options.
Find the App: A list of all applications you’ve downloaded from the App Store will appear. Locate the one you want to uninstall.
Uninstall with a Click: Look for a button labelled “Installed” or an icon with three dots next to the application name. Click on it. You’ll see an option to “Uninstall” the application. Click on “Uninstall” to confirm.
Advantage of App Store Uninstall: This method ensures the application and any associated files downloaded from the App Store are removed.
Method 3: The Uninstaller Scavenger Hunt (For Stubborn Apps)
Some applications, especially those downloaded from the internet, might come with their own uninstaller.
Here’s how to find it:
Check the Application Folder: Open the Applications folder using Finder (refer to Method 1 for steps).
Look for an Uninstaller App: Within the Applications folder, browse through the application listings to find an uninstaller app. Some applications might have a separate uninstaller application with a name like “Uninstall [App Name]” or “Uninstaller.app.”
Double-click to Uninstall: If you find an uninstaller application, double-click it to launch. Follow the on-screen instructions provided by the uninstaller to remove the program.
Note: If you can’t find an uninstaller, proceed to the following method for a more manual approach.
This method involves navigating to the Library folders, which contain system files and application data. It’s recommended for more advanced users to be comfortable navigating system folders.
Here’s a breakdown (proceed with caution):
Open Finder: Launch Finder as described in Method 1.
Go to the Library (Carefully!):Here comes the crucial part. While the Applications folder stores the main application files, some applications might scatter additional files throughout the Library folders. Accessing the Library requires a hidden step:
Hold down the Option (⌥) key on your keyboard.
With the Option key held down, click on the “Go” menu in the Finder menu bar.
You’ll see a hidden menu option appear titled “Library.” Click on “Library” to open it.
Warning: The Library folder contains essential system files. Deleting files related to the application you’re uninstalling is crucial. If you’re unsure about a file’s purpose, it’s best to leave it alone.
Search and Destroy (Safely): Within the Library folder, there are subfolders like “Preferences,” “Caches,” and “Application Support.” These folders might contain files associated with the uninstalled application. Here’s how to search for them:
Identify Application Folders: Look for folders within the Library that might have names related to the application you uninstalled. For example, if you uninstalled “ABC Editor,” you might find a folder named “ABC Editor” or “com.company.ABCEditor” (company name might vary).
Search by File Extension (Optional): If you can’t find specific application folders, try searching for files with a particular extension associated with the application type (e.g., .psd for Photoshop files). However, exercise caution with this method, as you might delete unrelated files.
Move to Trash (Not Delete): Once you’ve identified potential leftover application files, don’t permanently delete them yet. Instead, drag them to the Trash can. This allows you to review your selection before permanently removing it.
Empty the Trash (Optional): As mentioned earlier, emptying the Trash permanently deletes the files. Only empty the Trash after you’re confident you’ve removed the correct files.
Remember: Manual uninstallation can be a tricky process. If you’re unsure about any files, it’s best to err on the side of caution and leave them untouched. Consider searching online for specific uninstall instructions for the application you’re removing.
Several third-party applications claim to simplify the uninstallation process on Mac OS. These tools scan your system for leftover files and uninstall applications more thoroughly.
However, proceed with caution when using third-party software. Please research and choose reputable applications with good reviews before installing them.
Here are some things to consider before using third-party uninstallers:
Potential Conflicts: These tools might conflict with your system or other applications.
Unnecessary Features: Some uninstallers come bundled with additional features you might not need.
Security Risks: Always download third-party software from trusted sources to prevent malware infections.
Keeping Your Mac Clean: Beyond Uninstalling
Uninstalling unwanted applications is a great way to free up storage space and streamline your Mac experience.
Here are some tips for keeping your Mac clean:
Regular Software Updates: Keeping your operating system and applications up to date ensures you have the latest security patches and bug fixes.
Manage Startup Applications: Review the applications that launch automatically when you start your Mac—Disable unnecessary startup items to improve boot speed.
Utilize Disk Utility: The built-in Disk Utility tool enables you to manage your storage space and identify large files that may be occupying unnecessary space.
Declutter Your Desktop: Organize your files and folders on your desktop to maintain a clutter-free workspace.
A Final Word
By following these tips and utilizing the appropriate uninstall methods, you can keep your Mac running smoothly and efficiently. Remember, a clean and organized Mac is a happy Mac!
Note: This was initially published in October 2019 but has been updated for freshness and accuracy.
Here, I will outline the key reasons for going cashless.
Over the years, the idea of a cashless society has become less far-fetched. In fact, due to its efficiency and transfer speed, many people are transitioning to this system. It may sound intimidating when you consider the security of your funds. But different money institutions have adapted to the needs of their customers.
Now that we are in the midst of a pandemic, paying with banknotes may not be a wise move. Going out to pay bills and buy goods is a huge risk.
According to studies, the coronavirus can linger on surfaces for up to three days. This includes places like grocery stores, remittance centers, banks, ATMs, and even your banknotes. Most businesses are adopting a cashless approach to reduce the risk of infection. This way, you are not only protecting yourself but also business employees.
If you’re considering going cashless, we’ve listed five benefits and how to get started.
1. Easier to track your expenses
Keeping track of your everyday expenses can be a tedious job. When you use a financial app or website for your transactions, it records everything, including fees and charges. You can usually see a transaction history on your account.
You’ll see the date of the transaction, the amount involved, and where you spent it. No need to rely on your memory for where your money went. Additionally, you can now budget wisely, thanks to the ability to keep track of everything.
2. It is convenient to transfer and receive funds
A good and reliablemoney transfer app can help you with this aspect. Whether you need to transfer money to another local account or internationally, you can do this in just a few clicks. Some apps will automatically convert the money you’re sending into different currencies. No need to visit your local remittance center.
There are several money transfer apps available, so be sure to research the specific features you need. Some apps don’t require you to own a debit or credit card. All you need is a working email. Not only can you transfer money to private individuals, but you may also use the funds in your account to pay for different services and goods.
3. There’s a lower risk for your money to get stolen
Let’s get real. Carrying a few thousand bills can get you a little paranoid. Once it gets stolen, there is a high chance that you won’t be able to retrieve it. If you don’t like carrying a bulky wallet, then having a cashless option will put you at ease.
Most fintech companies are transparent when it comes to where your money goes, thanks to the paper trail. In the unfortunate event that your card is stolen, please contact your bank immediately to report the incident. Any transactions made using your card will be blocked. No funds will be deducted from your account.
Financial institutions may charge a fee for online transactions. However, there are a few incentives to going cashless. One example is in the form of rebates or cashback. When you use your debit or credit card to purchase an item, you can get back a percentage of the money you spent.
You can also earn points that you can use for your next transactions. Some fintech companies partner with other businesses, allowing you to receive free deliveries, discounted items, and freebies with every online transaction.
5. No need to line up to pay for bills
If you are a busy person, you’ll love this feature. Doing transactions online is more convenient and simpler, compared to going to a payment facility in person. Lining up alone could take a few hours. Contactless payment is a new method that most people enjoy.
Generally, cashless transactions are considered safe. Most systems use robust security measures to protect your information. However, it’s always wise to choose reputable payment providers and practice good cyber hygiene.
What if I don’t have a smartphone?
Many cashless options are available beyond smartphones. Contactless debit and credit cards, as well as prepaid cards, are widely accepted.
Will I be able to use cash everywhere?
While cashless options are on the rise, cash remains a legal tender and is widely accepted. However, some stores, especially those focused on tech or convenience, may be entirely cashless.
There are several pros and cons to adapting to a cashless society. Now that we are adapting to the new normal, going cashless is the best option. It can get a little confusing when it comes to the terms associated with going cashless. However, once you get the hang of it, you’re going to be tech-savvy in no time.
At the very least, you must own a smartphone and have internet access to get started. If you own a debit or credit card, it may be wise to download your bank’s app from the app store. Most banks have this feature now.
However, if you don’t own a card, apps like PayPal and TransferWise will only require you to have a working email to send and receive money. Some apps will only require you to sign up using your phone number.
You see, going cashless is not as complicated as it sounds. It’s better to adapt and become familiar with going cashless, so you have more than one option when making transactions.
Here is the ultimate guide to proxy service. Discover the best proxy service providers in 2025. Learn how proxies work, when to use them, and which service fits your needs.
In today’s hyper-connected, data-driven world, a proxy service is no longer just a tool for anonymity — it’s infrastructure.
Whether you’re scraping data, managing social media accounts, running ads, bypassing geo-blocks, or securing your identity online, a proxy service is critical. It allows you to mask your real IP address, rotate through multiple locations, prevent bans, and automate safely across the web.
But with the growing sophistication of anti-bot mechanisms, you can’t just use any proxy provider. You need intelligent, fast, reliable proxy services — ones that integrate with your workflows, offer massive IP pools, and come backed by real customer support and performance SLAs.
This tutorial will break down:
What a proxy service is
The different types: residential, datacenter, mobile, ISP
How proxy rotation works
When and why to use proxies
The Top 3 Editor’s Choice proxy service providers
Other powerful proxy providers to consider
Real-world use cases and integrations
Table of Contents
🚀 Editor’s Choice: Top 3 Proxy Service Providers (2025)
After evaluating over a dozen proxy vendors based on performance, pricing, infrastructure, customer support, and use case flexibility, here are our top 3 picks for 2025:
🥇 1. Oxylabs — Best Enterprise Proxy Service for Web Intelligence and Scraping
Proxy Types: Residential, Mobile, ISP, Datacenter Specialties: Enterprise-scale web scraping, AI-driven data pipelines, global coverage Starting Price: Starts from $4/GB Free Trial: Unlimited trial for scraping tools (up to 2K results)
Why Oxylabs Tops the List
Oxylabs is the gold standard in the proxy industry. Trusted by Fortune 500s, it delivers ethical, stable, and high-volume access to the internet through millions of residential, mobile, and datacenter IPs across 190+ countries.
Their Web Scraper API, Real-Time Crawler, and Next-Gen Residential Proxies are ideal for advanced use cases like:
E-commerce and SEO data scraping
Market research
Brand protection
Price monitoring
Ad verification
Beyond these, Oxylabs also provides a dedicated YouTube Scraper — a specialized API designed for extracting video metadata, comments, channel uploads, and keyword trends at scale.
This makes it an excellent tool for enterprises tracking brand presence, monitoring influencer campaigns, or analyzing audience sentiment directly from YouTube’s ecosystem.
Standout Features
Over 175M+ IPs (residential + datacenter)
Supports JavaScript rendering
Built-in CAPTCHA solving
Excellent proxy health monitoring tools
Dedicated account managers and 24/7 enterprise support
Perfect For
Enterprises, data agencies, developers, and SaaS teams that require reliable proxy rotation and scale.
⚠️ Please note: Oxylabs’ YouTube scraper does not offer any discounts.
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
🥈 2. Webshare — Best Budget-Friendly Proxy Service for Developers and Startups
Proxy Types: Datacenter (Shared/Private/Dedicated), Static Residential (Shared/Private/Dedicated), Rotating Residential Specialties: Developer-first tools, low-cost scraping, automation Starting Price: Free plan available; paid from $2.99/month Free Tier: Yes, includes 10 free datacenter proxies & 1GB/month of free bandwidth
Why We Love Webshare
Webshare delivers performance and affordability like no other provider. It’s ideal for startups, coders, or individuals building scrapers, bots, or automation tools that need clean IPs without breaking the bank.
Webshare is developer-centric, with:
Easy API access
Unlimited bandwidth plans
Flexible IP rotation controls
Support for SOCKS5 and HTTPS
80M+ IP pool & 195+ country coverage
Extensive Academy learning hub
Standout Features
Free datacenter proxies
Daily fresh proxy list
Authentication via user/pass or IP whitelist
Live usage stats and monitoring
Free Chrome proxy extension
Perfect For
Python developers, students, solopreneurs, and tech startups who want reliable proxy access without enterprise costs.
Webshare
Webshare delivers fast, affordable, and customizable proxy solutions designed to give businesses and developers seamless...Show More
Webshare delivers fast, affordable, and customizable proxy solutions designed to give businesses and developers seamless access to reliable data at scale. Show Less
Proxy Types: Residential, ISP, Mobile, Datacenter and Site Unblocker Specialties: Easy integration, browser extension, scraping tools Starting Price: $1.5/GB Residential, $0.27/IP ISP, $4.5/GB Mobile, $0.026/IP Datacenter, $1.6/1K req Site Unblocker Trial Option: 3-day free trial with 100MB
Why Decodo Excels
Decodo balances advanced proxies with user-friendliness,making it perfect formarketers, agencies, and even beginners. Whether you’re scraping search engines, doing social media automation, or bypassing geo-restrictions, Decodo makes it easy.
The rebrand from Smartproxy brings fresh UI, improved documentation, AI-powered tools, and a focus on hybrid users – both coders and non-coders.
Standout Features
125M+ IP pool
195+ global locations
User-friendly dashboard
Free tools with every subscription
99.99% uptime
#1 response time in the market
24/7 tech support
Extensive documentation
Easy integration with third-party tools
Perfect For
Digital marketers, SEO experts, researchers, fast-growing companies, and those looking for plug-and-play proxies with 24/7 support.
Decodo (formerly Smartproxy)
Decodo (formerly Smartproxy) provides powerful, user-friendly proxy and web scraping solutions that make large-scale...Show More
Decodo (formerly Smartproxy) provides powerful, user-friendly proxy and web scraping solutions that make large-scale data access effortless, efficient, and cost-effective. Show Less
📘 Understanding Proxy Service Types: Know What You’re Buying
A top proxy service should offer the right proxy type for your needs. Here’s a breakdown:
🔹 Residential Proxies
IPs provided by real residential devices. Ideal for:
Data scraping
Sneaker bots
Ad verification
Account creation
🔹 Datacenter Proxies
Fast, low-cost proxies hosted in data centers. Ideal for:
Basic scraping
Web automation
Bypassing geo-blocks (non-sensitive sites)
🔹 Mobile Proxies
IPs from real 3G/4G/5G devices. Ideal for:
Social media automation
Ad testing
Avoiding bot detection
🔹 ISP Proxies
Hybrid proxies — datacenter speed with residential legitimacy. Ideal for:
E-commerce scraping
Competitive research
Reputation monitoring
🔧 How a Proxy Service Works (With Rotation Explained)
You configure your script, bot, or scraper to use a proxy IP.
The proxy server masks your IP, routing requests through an intermediary IP.
MarsProxies is a performance-oriented proxy provider offering low-latency, high-thread proxy infrastructure.
Developers building SEO trackers, sneaker bots, or large-scale scrapers will benefit from their blazing-fast datacenter IPs, stable rotation, and optimized back-end routing.
Highlights:
High concurrency support
Premium uptime and low block rates
Instant delivery and easy dashboard
Flexible packages for scaling projects
2. IPRoyal – Best Pay-As-You-Go Residential Proxy Service
Proxy Types: Residential, Datacenter, Mobile Strength: Usage-based billing, affordable access Price: From $0.80/GB
IPRoyal offers flexible pricing without subscriptions, making it ideal for freelancers, one-time scraping projects, and developers testing smaller apps.
The pay-as-you-go model is perfect for cost control and prototyping without monthly commitments.
Highlights:
Pay-per-GB model for residential and mobile proxies
Real-user IP pool with high trust scores
Sneaker and gaming proxies available
Browser and script-friendly authentication
3. Nodemaven – Best Dev-Oriented Proxy Service With API Focus
Proxy Types: Residential, ISP Strength: Developer APIs, detailed logs, session control Price: From $12/month
Nodemaven is tailored for tech teams that need API-level access to proxy sessions, rotation, and logging.
With advanced usage metrics and DevOps integration support, it’s great for AI data pipelines, bot automation, and complex workflows.
Highlights:
Full-featured proxy API (token-based)
Smart IP rotation and geo-targeting
Sticky session support for logins
Simple Python & Node.js integration guides
4. NetNut – Best for Static Residential IPs
Proxy Types: Static Residential (ISP) Strength: Speed, session persistence, direct ISP IPs Price: From $100/month
NetNut specializes in non-rotating static residential proxies, backed by direct ISP connections.
Ideal for account management, long sessions, ad testing, and stealth tasks that require stable identities without IP churn.
Highlights:
Session-stable static IPs
No peer-to-peer or end-user dependency
Great for login-based apps and persistent scraping
High-speed connection via Tier-1 ISPs
5. Proxyrack – Best for Scalable, Unlimited Bandwidth Residential Proxies
Proxy Types: Residential, Datacenter, Rotating Strength: Scalable bandwidth with massive IP pool Price: From $49.95/month
Proxyrack is known for offering unmetered residential proxy plans, making it ideal for businesses and developers who require high volumes of data scraping without worrying about bandwidth limits.
Their rotating residential proxy pool supports over 2 million IPs globally and is optimized for search engines, e-commerce, and content scraping.
Highlights:
Unlimited bandwidth on select plans
Multi-threaded scraping support
Fast proxy switch and rotation intervals
Easy integration with Python, Puppeteer, or browser bots
6. ProxyEmpire – Best for Geo-Targeted Proxy Access
Proxy Types: Residential, Mobile Strength: Geo-specific IPs down to the city level Price: From $10/GB
ProxyEmpire delivers pinpoint geo-targeting across its residential and mobile proxy network, allowing access to IPs based on country, region, city, or ASN.
Perfect for SERP tracking, market research, and multilingual content scraping.
Highlights:
150+ countries supported
Pay-as-you-go bandwidth or subscription plans
ASN and city-level targeting
Easy filtering dashboard and API access
7. Storm Proxies – Best for Simplicity and Small Teams
Storm Proxies is ideal for teams, solo developers, or beginners looking for an easy way to start using proxies.
The setup is simple, with automatic port-based IP rotation and minimal configuration required.
Highlights:
Unlimited bandwidth (datacenter)
1-click proxy rotation setup
Great for tools like GSA, Scrapebox, and SEO AutoPilot
No advanced tech knowledge needed
8. Bright Data (formerly Luminati) – Best for Compliance & Scale
Proxy Types: Residential, ISP, Datacenter, Mobile Strength: Massive pool, enterprise tools, ethical sourcing Price: From $15/GB
Bright Data is the industry titan, offering over 72 million IPs, rigorous compliance, and advanced scraping automation tools.
Designed for regulated use cases, it’s a go-to for enterprise-grade data extraction across industries like fintech, retail, and legal.
Highlights:
Proxy Manager with fine-grained rules
Auto CAPTCHA-solving and browser emulation
Global support with legal transparency
24/7 enterprise-grade support and monitoring
9. Proxy-Cheap – Best for Affordable Mobile Proxy Plans
Proxy Types: Mobile (4G/5G), Residential, Datacenter Strength: Mobile IPs on a budget Price: From $9/month
As its name suggests, Proxy-Cheap offers affordable proxy solutions, particularly for mobile automation and app testing.
With support for rotating 4G/5G IPs, it’s ideal for Instagram bots, ad placement, and Android emulation.
Highlights:
Global mobile proxy pools
Sticky and rotating sessions
Simple panel with usage tracking
Cryptocurrency payments accepted
10. Shifter – Best Peer-to-Peer Proxy Network for Anonymity
Proxy Types: P2P Residential Strength: Scale, anonymity, large IP pool Price: From $125/month
Shifter (formerly Microleaves) is one of the largest P2P residential proxy providers with a strong focus on anonymity, scale, and rotating access.
Great for stealth data gathering where source diversity is crucial.
Highlights:
100M+ residential IPs
Unlimited bandwidth
Sticky or rotating sessions
Ideal for mass market research or stealth scraping
11. SOAX – Best for Precision and Targeting Granularity
Proxy Types: Residential, Mobile Strength: Clean IPs + advanced filters (ASN/city/ISP) Price: From $99/month
SOAX stands out with its ultra-clean IP pool and hyper-accurate geo-targeting. Whether you need country, city, provider, or ASN-level control, SOAX gives you surgical-level IP filtering.
Highlights:
Fresh, verified IPs
Full targeting stack: country, city, ASN, ISP
Real-time usage insights
Transparent pricing and helpful documentation
12. GeoSurf – Best for Corporate Market Research & Ad Verification
Proxy Types: Residential, Mobile Strength: Precision geo-targeting, enterprise tools Price: From $50/month
GeoSurf offers enterprise-focused proxy access with legal compliance and deep geo-targeting capabilities.
Trusted by ad networks and digital intelligence teams, it excels in ad verification, competitive tracking, and affiliate fraud prevention.
Highlights:
Supports thousands of global cities
Quick IP refresh system
Powerful admin controls
High SLA-backed uptime and speed
13. Blazing SEO – Best for High-Performance Datacenter Proxies
Blazing SEO provides high-speed, highly customizable datacenter proxies with massive threading support and zero bandwidth caps. It’s perfect for developers running aggressive crawlers or automations with consistent IP needs.
Highlights:
Uncapped bandwidth
IP testing & speed reporting
Bulk IP purchasing
Supported SOCKS and HTTPS formats
14. HydraProxy – Best On-Demand Proxy Pools for Temporary Projects
Proxy Types: Residential, Mobile Strength: On-demand access, short-term plans Price: From $4/month
HydraProxy is a flexible solution for short-term proxy usage, testing campaigns, or temporary scraping needs. Ideal for freelancers or side projects where full monthly commitments aren’t necessary.
Highlights:
Pay-as-you-go bandwidth
Affordable mobile proxy options
Sticky or rotating sessions
Easy IP switch on demand
15. TheSocialProxy – Best for Social Media Management
Proxy Types: Dedicated Mobile (4G/5G) Strength: Mobile-focused automation and stability Price: From $90/month
Designed with social media marketers in mind, TheSocialProxy offers premium mobile proxies hosted on real devices.
Perfect for managing multiple Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn accounts without triggering bans.
Highlights:
Unlimited bandwidth
4G/5G proxies on real SIMs
Static IPs with session control
Compatible with Jarvee, MetaBots, and more
16. PacketStream – Best Peer-to-Peer Residential Proxy on a Budget
Proxy Types: Residential (P2P) Strength: Budget-friendly access to real IPs Price: From $1/GB
PacketStream is a community-powered peer-to-peer network, offering super low-cost residential IPs ideal for light scraping, market research, or educational projects. Performance may vary, but the pricing is unbeatable for entry-level needs.
Highlights:
Global residential IPs
Extremely low-cost
Simple dashboard and integration
Monetization for bandwidth sellers
17. Rayobyte – Best Ethical Proxy Provider with Compliance Focus
Proxy Types: Datacenter, ISP, Residential Strength: Ethical sourcing + full transparency Price: From $15/month
Rayobyte emphasizes compliance, transparency, and responsible proxy sourcing.
It’s one of the few US-based proxy services that offers a mix of ethically obtained IPs, open legal documents, and sustainable infrastructure.
Highlights:
U.S.-based data centers
Supports public institutions and research
Offers dedicated or rotating setups
Great documentation and support
18. ScraperAPI – Best for Proxy Management via Scraping API
Proxy Types: API-based (built-in proxies with rotation) Strength: Handles proxies, CAPTCHAs, and browsers in one Price: From $49/month
ScraperAPI isn’t just a proxy service—it’s an all-in-one scraper delivery engine. It manages IP rotation, geolocation, CAPTCHA solving, and JavaScript rendering, allowing you to focus on data, not infrastructure. Just call the API with your target URL, and it returns clean HTML or JSON.
Highlights:
Auto-rotating proxies with success rate tracking
Custom header support
Compatible with most languages
Great for MVP scraping tools or AI data feeds
19. ProxyMesh – Best for API-First Proxy Access with JSON Support
ProxyMesh offers a developer-friendly proxy solution with a focus on rotating proxies accessible via API endpoints. It’s lightweight and integrates well with curl, Python, or Node.js applications.
Though limited in IP volume compared to larger providers, it’s great for lightweight, low-footprint applications.
Highlights:
Easy REST API to manage proxies
Regional IP selection
Daily IP refresh for rotation
JSON support for scraping outputs
20. WebScrapingAPI – Best for Turnkey Scraping with Proxy + JS Rendering
Proxy Types: Residential + API Strength: Built-in proxies + JavaScript rendering + CAPTCHA bypass Price: From $49/month
This platform offers an elegant all-in-one web scraping API that includes proxies, headless browser rendering, and geo-targeting.
Designed for devs building dashboards, search engines, or crawlers, WebScrapingAPI removes the need to configure rotating proxies or manage sessions.
Highlights:
JavaScript-rendered content returned in HTML or JSON
Residential and datacenter proxies built-in
Auto-throttle and concurrency support
Easy proxy switching via API parameters
21. NetProxy – Best for Static Residential Sessions
Proxy Types: Static Residential Strength: Long-session proxies for account management Price: From $80/month
NetProxy focuses on delivering long-lasting residential sessions that are perfect for web apps requiring login persistence, account automation, or session-based tasks.
Their static IP pool is less likely to be flagged by anti-bot systems, making it excellent for marketplaces or reputation-sensitive platforms.
Highlights:
High-uptime static residential IPs
Perfect for eBay, Amazon, Facebook automation
Global pool with country-level targeting
Long session persistence (ideal for stealth automation)
22. Zyte (formerly Scrapy Cloud) – Best for Enterprise Data-as-a-Service Scraping
Proxy Types: Smart Proxy Manager + API Strength: AI-driven content extraction at scale Price: From $49/month
Zyte provides smart proxy management plus scraping services, built for large-scale data teams.
With advanced capabilities like structured output, auto-formatting, and compliance filters, Zyte is ideal for enterprise-grade data pipelines, training AI, or powering SaaS apps.
Highlights:
Automatic retries, CAPTCHA bypass, and rendering
Built-in scraper logic with schema templates
Scalable proxy pool included
Excellent customer support for complex data needs
23. InstantProxies – Best for Simplicity and Static IPs
Proxy Types: Static Datacenter Strength: Fast activation, simple setup Price: From $10/month
InstantProxies is a no-frills, easy-to-use static proxy service suitable for testing, lightweight scraping, or low-volume bot usage.
It lacks residential IPs and rotation but shines in scenarios where static IP consistency is required.
Highlights:
Quick purchase and delivery
Perfect for Craigslist, ticketing, or basic login tasks
IP testing tool is included
Cost-effective for solo users or devs
🛠️ Tools to Pair With Your Proxy Service
Tool
Use
Scrapy
Python framework for scraping with proxy support
Puppeteer / Playwright
Headless browsers for dynamic pages
Octoparse / ParseHub
No-code scraping with proxy support
Bright Data Proxy Manager
Proxy rotation tool
Fiddler / Charles Proxy
Debug proxy connections
💡 Best Practices When Using a Proxy Service
✅ Use residential IPs for sensitive or large-scale scraping
✅ Rotate IPs regularly to avoid detection
✅ Monitor status codes (403, 429 = you’re blocked)
✅ Respect site terms and avoid aggressive crawling
✅ Use user-agent rotation and spoof headers
✅ Combine with headless browsers for dynamic pages
✅ Log and retry failed requests
⚖️ Is Using a Proxy Service Legal?
Using a proxy is 100% legal for public web access — but you must:
Never scrape private or restricted content
Avoid spamming, fraud, or abusive automation
Read and respect the target site’s Terms of Service
If collecting user data, comply with GDPR/CCPA
Best Proxy Services For 2025
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
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 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 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
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
50% OFF
Decodo (formerly Smartproxy)
Decodo (formerly Smartproxy) provides premium residential proxies for bypassing geo-restrictions, CAPTCHAs, and IP...Show More
Decodo (formerly Smartproxy) provides premium residential proxies for bypassing geo-restrictions, CAPTCHAs, and IP blocks with industry-leading success rates and flexible pricing options. Show Less
RESI50
Oxylabs
Oxylabs proxies offer diverse, ethical, and reliable solutions for data scraping, web testing, and privacy needs.
Oxylabs proxies offer diverse, ethical, and reliable solutions for data scraping, web testing, and privacy needs. Show Less
Webshare
Webshare is a company that provides proxy servers that are used for data aggregation, analysis, and collection.
Webshare is a company that provides proxy servers that are used for data aggregation, analysis, and collection. Show Less
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
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
30% OFF
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
PRXY30
10% OFF
Webshare
Webshare delivers fast, affordable, and customizable proxy solutions designed to give businesses and developers seamless...Show More
Webshare delivers fast, affordable, and customizable proxy solutions designed to give businesses and developers seamless access to reliable data at scale. Show Less
10% OFF FIRST PURCHASE PRE-APPLIED
35% OFF
Decodo (formerly Smartproxy)
Decodo (formerly Smartproxy) provides powerful, user-friendly proxy and web scraping solutions that make large-scale...Show More
Decodo (formerly Smartproxy) provides powerful, user-friendly proxy and web scraping solutions that make large-scale data access effortless, efficient, and cost-effective. Show Less
35OFFDEAL
30% OFF
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
PRXY30
10% OFF
Webshare
Webshare delivers fast, affordable, and customizable proxy solutions designed to give businesses and developers seamless...Show More
Webshare delivers fast, affordable, and customizable proxy solutions designed to give businesses and developers seamless access to reliable data at scale. Show Less
10% OFF FIRST PURCHASE PRE-APPLIED
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
Start For Free
10% OFF
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
10% OFF FIRST PURCHASE PRE-APPLIED
35% OFF
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
35OFFDEAL
30% OFF
Oxylabs
Oxylabs is a premium proxy and web intelligence solutions provider with 175M+ IPs across 195 countries, offering...Show More
Oxylabs is a premium proxy and web intelligence solutions provider with 175M+ IPs across 195 countries, offering ready-to-use Scraper APIs that seamlessly extract structured public data while bypassing IP blocks and CAPTCHAs. Show Less
Discount30
Decodo (formerly Smartproxy)
Decodo (formerly Smartproxy) is an AI-powered proxy service and web scraping solutions provider that enables seamless...Show More
Decodo (formerly Smartproxy) is an AI-powered proxy service and web scraping solutions provider that enables seamless, large-scale data extraction with smart, reliable, and cost-effective tools for businesses of any size. Show Less
Start For Free
35% OFF
Decodo (formerly Smartproxy)
Decodo (formerly Smartproxy) is a powerful proxy service provider with advanced APIs, including its Amazon Scraping API...Show More
Decodo (formerly Smartproxy) is a powerful proxy service provider with advanced APIs, including its Amazon Scraping API, which delivers effortless, real-time access to accurate Amazon data at scale with zero blocks and zero maintenance. Show Less
35OFFDEAL
Ultimate Guide To Proxy Service: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is a proxy service and how does it work?
A proxy service acts as an intermediary between your device and the internet. When you send a request (like visiting a website or scraping data), the proxy routes the request through its own IP address before it reaches the target server. This hides your real IP, improves anonymity, and can help you bypass geo-blocks, rate limits, or content filters.
Which type of proxy is best for web scraping?
For most scraping use cases, residential proxies and ISP proxies are the best choices. Residential proxies offer high trust scores since they come from real users, while ISP proxies provide the stability of datacenter speeds with residential legitimacy. If you’re scraping heavily or from protected websites, rotating residential proxies with sticky session options are ideal.
Are free proxy services safe to use?
Free proxies often come with major risks such as data interception, poor anonymity, high latency, or IP blacklisting. Many free proxy servers log your traffic or sell your data. For serious tasks like scraping, social media management, or e-commerce monitoring, premium proxy providers are far more secure, reliable, and efficient.
What is the difference between residential, datacenter, and mobile proxies?
Residential proxies use real user IPs provided by ISPs, making them highly legitimate and low-risk for bans.
Datacenter proxies are fast, cheap, and hosted in cloud environments but are easier to detect and block.
Mobile proxies use real 4G/5G connections and are ideal for app testing, social platforms, and mobile-only tasks due to their extremely high trust levels.
How do rotating proxies work?
Rotating proxies assign a new IP address to every request or at fixed intervals. This helps avoid detection, ban blocks, and rate limits. Providers like Decodo, Webshare, and Oxylabs offer rotating proxy pools where the IP changes seamlessly, ideal for scraping dynamic websites or gathering large-scale data.
Can proxies help with ad verification and SEO tracking?
Yes. Proxies are essential tools for ad verification, SEO monitoring, and SERP scraping. With geo-targeted IPs, you can view ads and search results as they appear in specific cities or countries. Providers like ProxyEmpire, GeoSurf, and SOAX excel in precise geo-targeting for these tasks.
Do I need technical skills to use a proxy service?
Not necessarily. Many modern proxy providers offer plug-and-play dashboards, browser integrations, and no-code options. Services like Storm Proxies or Webshare provide simple interfaces, while others like Nodemaven cater to developers with full API control. Choose a provider based on your comfort level.
How do I choose the best proxy provider in 2025?
Choosing the best proxy depends on your use case. For web scraping, go with rotating residential or ISP proxies. For social media, mobile proxies are better. If you’re budget-conscious, look for pay-as-you-go options like IPRoyal. Enterprise needs may demand premium tools from Bright Data or Oxylabs. Prioritize providers that offer reliability, scale, ethical sourcing, and excellent customer support.
🏁 Final Thoughts: Which Proxy Service Should You Choose?
TL;DR:
Pick Oxylabs for enterprise-scale needs and full-stack scraping
Choose Webshare if you’re building your own scrapers and want affordability
Go with Decodo if you want flexible tools with minimal setup
Other niche options like MarsProxies, IPRoyal, and Nodemaven are perfect for specialized scraping goals and dev-first integrations.
Here, we will show you ways to prevent supply chain attacks.
Your supply chain is the lifeblood of your business. When it works properly, you can accomplish a great deal of work efficiently while making your customers happy to work with you. However, there is a wealth of valuable information in supply chains, and you must ensure that it is safe and secure to help prevent attacks.
It is estimated that supply chain attacks have increased by 78% in the past few years. This presents a significant concern that companies must address now, rather than postponing it until the future. Taking the right actions will protect your ecosystem now and make it less likely that a potential attack will occur against you later.
Companies must be ready to take the reins and keep the attacker out. Some of the steps that they can take to prevent supply chain attacks include:
Table of Contents
Know Who is In the Ecosystem
The first step in protecting your supply chain is to have a clear understanding of who is part of the ecosystem and what their role is. This requires some preparation on your part. You can’t let everyone have full access to everything, or you set yourself up for failure.
Keep in mind that you are now part of an ecosystem, and there are a lot of threats that come to you. Many of these will come asymmetrically. You are not always the intended target, but you will still have to deal with them, or a hacker will have a lot of fun taking your information.
To ensure you are aware of what is happening in the ecosystem, consider conducting a risk assessment to take a closer look. This helps you to analyze the system and identify some of the possible issues that may be there. This is one of the best ways to ensure that you can fix some of the problems later on.
Understand Security Postures
Similar to your business’s security posture, your ecosystem requires one of these. Understanding how members of the same ecosystem handle their security, including security policies, regulations, and compliance with these measures, can help you get started.
As you examine the ecosystem, you may notice that there is a lack of security within it. Although this is not uncommon, it is something that requires your attention. If your system lacks the necessary security, you must sit down and put one together, ensuring everyone is trained to use it.
Through this plan, you need to know whom to contact, either the suppliers or the end customers, in the event of a breach in the supply chain. In most cases, the faster you can respond to the issue, the less damage it causes to the system.
Another thing to consider is staying informed and aware of developments in your industry. If you hide away from the information, it is hard to know when things are changing and when you may need updates or other changes to keep your supply chain safe.
There are various groups you can join that will keep you fully informed throughout the process. The FBI’s InfraGard program is a good option. This public-private sector partnership allows collaboration to protect critical information, including some of the information in your supply chain.
If you do not want to work with that group, you can consider ISAOs as a source of information. These resources will provide a wealth of information and analysis on various topics, making it more likely that you will find the information you need.
Leverage Assessments and Testing
How do you know that your system is safe if you do not take the time to test it out? This is where penetration testing will come in. Penetration testing is conducted by ethical hackers who assist businesses. Their goal is to review the system and network, with the company’s permission, and identify and exploit all vulnerabilities they discover.
When they are done, they will present a report to the company, sharing what they found, where they found it, and some of the steps that they believe the company should follow to prevent an actual hacker from causing damage.
While this kind of testing is a useful way to identify some of these gaps in the system, companies have tried to limit its scope and eliminate its use because they want to obtain certain answers or hope to save face in the news and among others in their industry. This may look good now, but it still leaves the company vulnerable to a major attack.
If your company wants a penetration test, conduct the entire process. Let the ethical hackers go to work and identify any issues present in the system. This may be hard to hear, especially if you have worked hard to keep the system safe, but it gives you a clear picture of what is working and what you can improve.
Finding ways to keep the supply chain safe is always a good idea. There are many people who would love to gain access to the data inside.
Having a good plan in place to keep the whole thing safe will be key to ensuring your supply chain is not disrupted or compromised. With the help of the tips above, you can make this a reality.
Ways To Prevent Supply Chain Attacks: Frequently Asked Questions
How can supply chain attacks be prevented?
There’s no single foolproof method, but a layered approach combining various strategies is most effective:
Vendor Risk Management: Thoroughly assess potential vendors’ security practices before entering into a partnership. Look for certifications, security policies, and a proven track record of addressing vulnerabilities.
Patch Management: Ensure your systems and software are up-to-date with the latest security patches to close known vulnerabilities attackers might exploit.
Asset Inventory Creation & Management: Maintain a comprehensive inventory of your organization’s hardware, software, and cloud resources. This helps identify potential weaknesses and prioritize patching.
Sandbox Testing: Test new software or updates in a secure sandbox environment before deploying them to your main network. This helps detect vulnerabilities before they can be exploited.
User Awareness Training: Educate employees on recognizing phishing attempts, social engineering tactics, and best practices for secure software downloads.
Access Control Policies: Implement strong access controls to limit access to sensitive data and systems only to authorized users based on the principle of least privilege.
Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA): Implement a ZTA approach that verifies user and device identity before granting access to resources, regardless of location.
Security Monitoring: Monitor your network and systems for suspicious activity that might indicate a potential attack.
Incident Response Plan: Develop and regularly test an incident response plan to ensure a coordinated and efficient response in case of a breach.
Vendor Transparency: Select vendors with a proven track record of transparency in their security practices and a commitment to responsible disclosure of vulnerabilities.
Code Signing and Verification: Implement code signing and verification processes to ensure the integrity of software updates and downloaded applications.
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Use MFA to add an extra layer of security to access control, making it harder for attackers to gain unauthorized access even if they steal credentials.
Network Segmentation: Segment your network into different zones, limiting the potential impact of an attack if a vulnerability is exploited.
How do you ensure supply chain security?
Supply chain security is an ongoing process, not a one-time fix. Here’s how to prioritize it:
Regular Vendor Risk Assessments: Don’t Rely on a Single Evaluation. Regularly reassess your vendors’ security posture to stay informed of any changes.
Collaboration: Collaborate with your vendors on security best practices. Open communication is key to building a strong defense together.
Stay Informed: Stay updated on the latest supply chain attack trends and vulnerabilities to proactively adapt your security measures.
What’s the most overlooked element of preventing a supply chain attack?
People: While technical measures are crucial, human error and social engineering tactics can be effective entry points for attackers. User awareness training and fostering a culture of security are essential.
Supply chains are complex and interconnected. Attackers can target any point in the chain, from software vendors to third-party service providers. Maintaining complete control and visibility over all potential vulnerabilities makes it challenging.
Additionally, the constantly evolving nature of cyber threats necessitates ongoing vigilance and adaptation of security strategies.
In this post, we will show you the methods for increasing the availability of your app. Read on.
App availability is essential for upholding the desired user experience and functionality that defines your software. And if your app is taken out of action due to backend issues, previously loyal users could be put off it for good.
As a result, you should do everything possible to increase and maintain the availability of your app. To help you with this, here are a few methods to try yourself.
Table of Contents
Methods For Increasing The Availability Of Your App
#1 Make The Most Of Monitoring Tools
Although you may plan for outages and take steps to prevent them, the reality is that no solution is entirely resilient. This is why you need to harness monitoring tools to track how resources are being used and identify potential issues so they can be addressed before they cause chaos.
For example, if you always use Availability Groups (AGs), assuming they will function flawlessly without being monitored is incorrect.
Instead, you should keep track of the AGs that power your app so you are always attuned to its performance and if any problems are looming large.
When building an app, you likely have a specific use case in mind and an intended number of users you expect to serve simultaneously.
This is all good in the short term, but if your app becomes more popular and needs to support the added influx of simultaneous users, it could crumble under the strain.
Because of this, it makes sense to design your app with future usage scenarios in mind and implement as much scalability as possible early on, rather than having to add it in a panic when the app is overwhelmed by traffic further down the line.
Of course, that does not mean you need to over-allocate resources upfront. Still, that built-in scalability should allow additional servers to be added to the mix without causing performance issues, unexpected bugs, or security vulnerabilities.
#3 Plan Your Responses To App Availability Issues In Advance
We have already touched on the impossibility of building a perfectly available and functional app. Therefore, if you anticipate that outages will occur at some point, it makes sense to plan ahead for how to address them.
This is all about establishing processes to codify your response to availability dilemmas. You should know who is responsible for what aspect of the reaction and which tools they will be called to use in such circumstances.
Standardizing your response will make it faster and more efficient and will also give you a means of diagnosing the causes of downtime rather than being baffled when they crop up.
Preparations like these are also advantageous because they will help you overcome some of the pitfalls usually associated with troubleshooting apps in an emergency. So, rather than staff being overwhelmed, they will be empowered and ready to act effectively.
Strategies to Bolster Your App’s Defenses: The Cybersecurity Fortress
In today’s digital world, applications are the lifeblood of many businesses. They connect us to customers, streamline operations, and drive revenue.
However, just like a physical castle needs strong defences to withstand attack, your app requires robust cybersecurity measures to ensure availability and protect sensitive data.
Here’s how to fortify your app against the ever-present threats in the cybersecurity landscape:
1. Code with Security in Mind
Secure Coding Practices: Implement secure coding practices from the get-go. This includes techniques like input validation to prevent injection attacks, proper data sanitization to avoid vulnerabilities, and secure password hashing to safeguard user credentials.
Regular Security Audits: Don’t Rely Solely on Initial Secure Coding. Conduct regular security audits by internal teams or external security experts to identify and address potential vulnerabilities in your codebase.
2. Secure Your Infrastructure
Robust Authentication and Authorization: Implement strong authentication and authorization protocols to control access to your app and its data. Multi-factor authentication (MFA) adds an extra layer of security, while role-based access control (RBAC) ensures that only authorized users have access to specific functionalities.
Vulnerability Management: Maintain an up-to-date inventory of all software components used in your app development stack. Regularly patch and update these components to address known vulnerabilities and prevent attackers from exploiting them.
3. Continuous Monitoring and Threat Detection
Proactive Security Monitoring: Don’t wait for a breach to happen. Implement continuous security monitoring tools to detect suspicious activity, identify potential threats in real time, and enable a prompt response.
Incident Response Plan: Develop a well-defined incident response plan that outlines the steps to take in the event of a security breach. This plan should include procedures for containment, eradication, recovery, and communication with stakeholders.
4. Stay Ahead of the Curve
Security Awareness Training: Educate your development team and staff on cybersecurity best practices. Regular training sessions can help them recognize phishing attempts, identify social engineering tactics, and avoid introducing vulnerabilities through human error.
Stay Updated on Emerging Threats: The cybersecurity landscape is constantly evolving. Keep yourself informed about the latest threats and vulnerabilities by following security blogs, attending industry conferences, and subscribing to security advisories from trusted sources.
By remaining vigilant, adapting your defences, and prioritizing security throughout the development lifecycle, you can create a secure environment for your app and safeguard your valuable data and user trust.
Frequently Asked Questions: Keeping Your App Up and Running
A highly available app is essential for ensuring user satisfaction and driving business success. Here are answers to some common questions about ensuring your app’s availability:
How do you ensure application availability?
There’s no single solution, but a layered approach combining:
Proactive Monitoring: Utilize tools to track resource usage and identify potential issues before they cause outages.
Scalability: Design your app to handle increasing user loads by quickly adding resources (servers) when needed.
Secure Coding Practices: Write secure code with input validation and data sanitization to prevent vulnerabilities.
Regular Security Audits: Conduct audits to identify and address weaknesses in your code and infrastructure.
Incident Response Plan: Have a well-defined plan that outlines the steps to take in the event of a security breach or outage.
Redundancy: Implement redundant systems and components to ensure that the failure of one element doesn’t bring down the entire app.
How can we improve availability?
Focus on preventative measures: It’s more cost-effective and less disruptive to prevent outages than to fix them after they occur.
Invest in automation: Automate tasks such as backups, updates, and scaling to reduce human error and enhance efficiency.
Conduct regular testing: Stress-test your app to identify potential bottlenecks and ensure it can handle peak loads.
Stay updated: Keep your software and libraries up to date with the latest security patches and bug fixes.
What are the tactics that would generally apply to improve availability?
Common tactics include:
Load balancing: Distributing user traffic across multiple servers to prevent overloading any single server.
Clustering: Grouping servers together so that if one fails, another can take over its workload seamlessly.
Disaster recovery: Having a plan to restore your app and data quickly in case of a significant outage.
What are the measures that can be implemented to improve system availability?
Many measures contribute to availability, including:
Using reliable hardware and software: Invest in high-quality components with proven track records.
Proper system configuration: Configure your systems for optimal performance and security.
Effective logging and monitoring: Track system events and identify potential problems early.
Regular maintenance: Schedule regular maintenance tasks to keep your systems running smoothly.
What are the major principles to ensure high availability?
The core principles for high availability include:
Redundancy: Having multiple components that can take over if one fails.
Scalability: The ability to easily add resources to handle increased load.
Fault tolerance: Designing your app to continue operating even when some components fail.
Disaster recovery: Having a plan to recover from significant outages quickly.
What is the high availability method?
High availability isn’t a single method; it’s a philosophy and a set of best practices to maximise your app’s uptime. It involves planning, proactive measures, and building resilience into your system from the ground up.
Addressing these questions and implementing these strategies can significantly increase your app’s availability and deliver a reliable user experience.
Conclusion
By following the tips above, you can increase the availability of your app and minimize the impact of any outages that do occur. This will help to ensure that your users continue to have a positive experience with your software and that your business remains competitive.
In addition to the above, it is also essential to understand your app’s architecture and how its various components interact with one another. This will help you to identify and address potential bottlenecks and vulnerabilities before they cause problems.
It is also essential to regularly test your app’s availability and performance under different conditions. This will help you identify any areas that need improvement and ensure that your app is ready to handle even the most demanding workloads.
Here, I will discuss addressing geopolitical risks in vendor relationships.
In an increasingly interconnected global marketplace, businesses rely heavily on vendor relationships to maintain operational efficiency, drive innovation, and meet consumer demands.
However, the landscape of international commerce is not without its challenges, and geopolitical risks have emerged as a critical factor that can significantly impact these business partnerships. Understanding and addressing these risks is crucial for businesses seeking to establish resilient and stable vendor relationships in today’s dynamic world.
Geopolitical risks encompass a broad spectrum of factors, including political instability, trade disputes, regulatory changes, economic sanctions, and even natural disasters. These risks can disrupt the supply chain, affect pricing and availability of goods and services, and potentially strain relationships between vendors and their clients.
Navigating these complexities requires a proactive and strategic approach from businesses that engage in global trade.
Table of Contents
Understanding Geopolitical Risks
The first step in mitigating geopolitical risks is to comprehend and analyze the geopolitical landscape. This involves closely monitoring global political developments, trade agreements, economic sanctions, and regional conflicts that could impact the countries where your vendors operate.
By staying informed, businesses can anticipate potential disruptions and take proactive measures to minimize their impact.
Comprehensive Monitoring: Businesses must establish dedicated teams or utilize specialized tools to monitor geopolitical events, such as political unrest, changes in trade policies, sanctions, or natural disasters, that might affect the countries or regions where their vendors operate. This ongoing monitoring helps in the early identification of potential risks.
Risk Analysis and Impact Assessment: Once identified, these risks should undergo thorough analysis to assess their potential impact on the supply chain. This analysis should evaluate the specific vulnerabilities within the supply chain and the potential ramifications on cost, quality, delivery timelines, and overall business operations.
Diversification of vendors and supply sources is a crucial strategy to mitigate geopolitical risks. Relying on a single vendor or sourcing materials from a single geographical region increases vulnerability to disruptions.
By diversifying vendors across different countries or regions, businesses can reduce exposure to geopolitical uncertainties in any one location. Additionally, building redundancy into the supply chain, such as alternative transportation routes or secondary suppliers, can provide a safety net during times of crisis.
Supplier Portfolio Diversification: Businesses should strategically diversify their supplier base across different geographical regions or countries. This diversification reduces dependency on a single source and minimizes the impact of geopolitical disruptions in any one region.
Establishing Redundancy: Creating redundancy within the supply chain involves identifying alternative suppliers, transportation routes, or storage facilities. This redundancy provides backup options in case the primary vendors or supply routes are affected by geopolitical turmoil.
Robust Due Diligence and Risk Assessment
Conducting thorough due diligence and risk assessments before engaging with vendors is paramount. Evaluating the political stability, regulatory environment, and economic conditions of a vendor’s operating region can help identify potential risks beforehand. Assessing a vendor’s resilience to geopolitical risks and their contingency plans for handling disruptions is equally important.
Vendor Evaluation: Before entering into agreements, businesses should conduct comprehensive due diligence on potential vendors. This includes assessing their financial stability, operational resilience, compliance with international regulations, and their ability to effectively manage geopolitical risks.
Risk Assessment Protocols: Developing standardized risk assessment protocols specific to geopolitical factors is essential. These protocols should consider the political climate, regulatory changes, and potential disruptions in the vendor’s operating regions to gauge their susceptibility to geopolitical risks.
Flexibility is key when drafting contractual agreements with vendors. Including clauses that address potential geopolitical disruptions, such as force majeure clauses or provisions for renegotiation in case of significant changes in political or economic conditions, can provide a level of adaptability during uncertain times.
Incorporating Contingency Clauses: Contracts should include clauses that address the possibility of geopolitical disruptions. Force majeure clauses can permit renegotiation or suspension of contractual obligations in the event of unforeseen geopolitical events beyond the control of either party.
Renegotiation Mechanisms: Businesses should establish protocols for renegotiating terms in response to significant geopolitical changes. This flexibility enables both parties to adapt to evolving circumstances without adversely affecting the relationship.
Collaborative Relationship Building
Developing strong, collaborative relationships with vendors goes a long way in mitigating geopolitical risks. Open communication channels and a mutual understanding of the challenges faced can facilitate proactive problem-solving when disruptions occur.
Collaborating closely with vendors to develop risk management strategies can enhance resilience and responsiveness to geopolitical challenges.
Open Communication: Foster transparent and open communication channels with vendors to discuss potential risks and devise joint mitigation strategies. Establishing a collaborative approach ensures that both parties are aligned in their efforts to manage geopolitical uncertainties.
Shared Risk Management Plans: Working collaboratively to develop risk management plans can strengthen the relationship. This may involve joint contingency plans, sharing information on risk assessments, and mutual support during disruptions.
Embracing Technology and Data Analytics
Utilizing technology and data analytics can significantly aid in managing geopolitical risks. Leveraging predictive analytics to forecast potential disruptions, implementing supply chain monitoring systems, and employing tools that provide real-time geopolitical insights can empower businesses to make informed decisions and take timely action.
Predictive Analytics and Forecasting: Leveraging advanced analytics and predictive modeling tools can help anticipate potential geopolitical risks. These tools utilize historical data and real-time information to forecast disruptions, enabling proactive decision-making.
Real-Time Monitoring Systems: Implementing supply chain monitoring systems that incorporate geopolitical data feeds allows for real-time tracking of potential risks. This enables swift responses to emerging geopolitical challenges.
Addressing Geopolitical Risks in Vendor Relationships: Frequently Asked Questions
How can I assess the geopolitical risk associated with a potential vendor?
Research the vendor’s location: Consider the country’s political stability, its relationship with your own country, and its history of trade disruptions. Resources such as the World Bank and the Economist Intelligence Unit publish reports on these topics.
Evaluate the vendor’s industry: Certain industries, such as technology or resource extraction, can be more susceptible to geopolitical shifts.
Review the vendor’s contingency plans: Does the vendor have backup suppliers or production facilities in other regions?
How can I mitigate geopolitical risks in an existing vendor relationship?
Diversify your supplier base: Don’t rely on a single vendor, especially if they’re located in a high-risk region.
Negotiate contract clauses: Include clauses addressing force majeure events (unforeseen circumstances) and potential sanctions that could disrupt your business.
Maintain open communication: Regularly discuss potential risks and mitigation strategies with your vendor.
What should I do if a geopolitical event disrupts my vendor relationship?
Review your contracts: Understand your rights and obligations under the agreement.
Seek alternative suppliers: If necessary, explore options to source materials or services from other suppliers.
Communicate with stakeholders: Keep your team and clients informed about the situation and potential delays.
By proactively assessing these risks and taking steps to mitigate them, you can safeguard your business from geopolitical disruptions and maintain strong vendor relationships.
Conclusion
Geopolitical risks are inherent in today’s interconnected global economy, and their impact on vendor relationships cannot be underestimated.
Businesses can effectively navigate these risks and build resilient vendor relationships by adopting a proactive and multifaceted approach that includes diversification, robust risk assessment, flexible contracts, collaborative relationships, and technology-driven solutions.
In the face of geopolitical uncertainties, businesses that prioritize proactive risk management and maintain agile and adaptable vendor relationships will not only mitigate potential disruptions but also position themselves for long-term stability and success in the global marketplace.
Learn how to safely remove viruses from your computer in this comprehensive guide.
In today’s digital age, computer viruses pose a significant threat to the security and functionality of our devices. These malicious software programs can infiltrate your computer, wreaking havoc by corrupting files, stealing sensitive information, and causing system crashes.
Identifying and removing viruses promptly is essential to protect your data and ensure your computer’s optimal performance.
This comprehensive guide will explore the best practices for removing viruses from Windows and Mac computers. We will cover various methods, including using antivirus software, entering Safe Mode, deleting temporary files, and more.
These steps can eliminate viruses and safeguard your computer from future infections.
Table of Contents
What is a Computer Virus?
Computer viruses are malicious software programs designed to infect and disrupt the normal functioning of a computer system. They can infiltrate your computer through various means, such as email attachments, poisoned macros, or malicious links.
Once inside your computer, viruses replicate themselves and spread to other devices, causing harm.
There are different types of computer viruses, each with its own characteristics and modes of operation. Some viruses primarily affect internet browsers, while others can infiltrate the internal controls of your system. Trojan viruses, for example, disguise themselves as legitimate programs but carry out malicious actions behind the scenes.
Signs of a Virus Infection
Detecting a virus infection early is crucial for minimizing the damage it can cause. Here are some common signs that your computer may be infected:
Slow computer performance: If your computer suddenly becomes sluggish and programs take longer to load, it could be a sign of a virus using your system’s resources.
Excessive pop-ups: Unexpected and persistent pop-up windows that are difficult to close could indicate a virus infection.
Unfamiliar programs or apps: If you notice unknown programs or apps appearing on your computer without your knowledge, a virus has likely installed them.
Changes in settings: Viruses may alter your computer’s settings, such as browser home pages or default search engines, without your consent.
Corrupted or erased files: If you find that your files are missing, corrupted, or behaving erratically, a virus may be the cause.
Unusual sounds or overheating: Strange noises from your computer or excessive heat emanating from it can indicate the presence of a virus or malware.
Frequent crashes or freezes: If your computer crashes, freezes, or exhibits other unusual behaviour frequently, it may be due to a virus infection.
It’s important to note that experiencing one or two symptoms does not necessarily confirm a viral infection. However, if you notice multiple signs coinciding, it’s advisable to investigate further and take appropriate action.
Acronis Cyber Protect provides data protection for personal users, including backup, archive, access, and recovery for...Show More
Acronis Cyber Protect provides data protection for personal users, including backup, archive, access, and recovery for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android operating systems. Your all-in-one solution for cybersecurity. Show Less
40% OFF
Avira Antivirus Pro
Avira Antivirus Pro is an award-winning anti-ransomware protection that secures your PC against cyber threats. Your best...Show More
Avira Antivirus Pro is an award-winning anti-ransomware protection that secures your PC against cyber threats. Your best malware solution for Windows and Mac. Show Less
60% OFF
Heimdal Security
Heimdal Security protects its users from advanced malware attacks by making use of next-generation technology. Your best...Show More
Heimdal Security protects its users from advanced malware attacks by making use of next-generation technology. Your best intelligent threat prevention tool. Show Less
40% OFF
AVG Internet Security
Your award-winning antivirus for total security
Your award-winning antivirus for total security Show Less
25% OFF
ESET NOD32 Antivirus
ESET NOD32 Antivirus is essential protection against malware, giving you peace of mind that your devices are safe from...Show More
ESET NOD32 Antivirus is essential protection against malware, giving you peace of mind that your devices are safe from threats. NOD32 also has a blazing-fast virus scanning engine that can detect, block, and remove cyber threats in real-time, so your system is always protected against the latest malware strains. Show Less
25% OFF
G DATA Antivirus
A proactive antivirus program against all malware types.
A proactive antivirus program against all malware types. Show Less
65% OFF
Intego - Mac Premium Bundle X9
Total Protection for all Mac device types
Total Protection for all Mac device types Show Less
Kaspersky Internet Security
Premium protection against online threats.
Premium protection against online threats. Show Less
Malwarebytes
Your everyday protection against malware like ransomware, spyware, viruses, and more.
Your everyday protection against malware like ransomware, spyware, viruses, and more. Show Less
66% OFF
Norton Antivirus Plus
Your award-winning cybersecurity solution for complete device protection.
Your award-winning cybersecurity solution for complete device protection. Show Less
50% OFF
Panda Antivirus Pro
A working antivirus solution for all devices.
A working antivirus solution for all devices. Show Less
44% OFF
Trend Micro Maximum Security
Maximum security for households and office use.
Maximum security for households and office use. Show Less
VIPRE Antivirus Plus
Top-rated cybersecurity solutions for essential protection.
Top-rated cybersecurity solutions for essential protection. Show Less
83% OFF
Surfshark Antivirus
A 360-degree solution for all threat categories.
A 360-degree solution for all threat categories. Show Less
F-Secure SAFE
F-Secure SAFE is an internet security tool offered by F-Secure that provides protection for your devices against...Show More
F-Secure SAFE is an internet security tool offered by F-Secure that provides protection for your devices against malware, viruses, online threats, and hacking attempts. Show Less
HitmanPro
HitmanPro is a cloud-based anti-malware software that provides advanced scanning and removal of various types of viruses...Show More
HitmanPro is a cloud-based anti-malware software that provides advanced scanning and removal of various types of viruses and malware. Show Less
Nord Threat Protection Pro
Nord Threat Protection Pro is an advanced security feature from NordVPN that offers comprehensive protection against...Show More
Nord Threat Protection Pro is an advanced security feature from NordVPN that offers comprehensive protection against cyber threats, including malware, trackers, and malicious ads. Show Less
To further enhance your computer’s security, it is highly recommended that you use a reliable antivirus program. Antivirus software provides real-time protection against viruses, malware, and other online threats, significantly reducing the risk of infections.
Select a reputable antivirus program that meets your needs and update it regularly to protect against emerging threats.
Remember, prevention is critical. Adopting good security practices and investing in reliable antivirus software can significantly reduce the likelihood of falling victim to virus infections, thereby effectively protecting your computer and personal information.
How To Remove Viruses from a Windows Computer
Windows computers are susceptible to viruses and malware, but you can effectively remove them with the right tools and techniques. Follow these steps to eliminate viruses from your Windows computer:
Step 1: Download and Install Antivirus Software
Using reliable antivirus software is crucial for detecting and removing viruses from your computer. One popular option is Microsoft Defender, which comes pre-installed on Windows 10 and offers real-time protection against viruses and malware. Ensure that your antivirus software is up to date and running before proceeding with the virus removal process.
Step 2: Run a Full Virus Scan
Once your antivirus software is active, initiate a full system scan to identify and eliminate viruses on your computer. The scan may take some time, depending on the size of your hard drive and the number of files it needs to examine. Allow the scan to be completed thoroughly before proceeding to the next step.
Step 3: Delete or Quarantine Infected Files
After the scan, your antivirus software will display the results, indicating any infected files detected. Take appropriate action based on the software’s recommendations. You can either permanently delete the infected files or quarantine them to prevent further harm. Quarantining isolates the files, rendering them harmless without deleting them entirely.
Step 4: Restart Your Computer in Safe Mode
Restarting your computer in Safe Mode allows it to boot up with only essential programs and services, making it difficult for viruses to run. To enter Safe Mode on Windows 10 or Windows 11, follow these steps:
Press the Windows key on your keyboard.
Type “Settings” and click on the “Settings” app.
In the Settings window, click on “Update & Security.”
Choose “Recovery” from the left panel.
Under “Advanced Startup,” click on “Restart Now.”
Your computer will restart, and a new options screen will appear.
Select “Troubleshoot” and then “Advanced Options.”
Click on “Startup Settings” and then “Restart.”
Finally, press the number key corresponding to “Enable Safe Mode.”
Step 5: Use Autoruns to Delete Malicious Files
Autoruns is a Microsoft tool that allows you to view and manage the programs that start with your computer. By using Autoruns, you can locate and remove suspicious files that may be associated with viruses. Follow these steps:
Download and extract Autoruns from the official Microsoft website.
Open the extracted folder and run the Autoruns file.
In the Autoruns window, review the list of startup processes and files.
Identify suspicious services and conduct online research to confirm their association with viruses.
Once verified, delete the questionable services, along with any related files or folders.
Continue to the next step for further virus removal instructions.
Step 6: Restart Windows and Change Browser Settings
After removing suspicious services with Autoruns, restart your computer in normal mode. To do this, click on the Start menu, select the Power option, and choose Restart. Once your computer restarts, follow these steps to change your browser settings:
Open your web browser and navigate to the settings or options menu.
Locate the section for home page settings.
Ensure that your home page is set to a trusted and desired website.
Make any necessary adjustments to restore your browser settings to their default state.
Step 7: Run a Malwarebytes Malware Scan
If you encounter persistent virus-related issues or suspect some viruses may have gone undetected, running a malware scan with Malwarebytes can provide an additional layer of protection. Malwarebytesis a powerful anti-malware application that can detect and remove various types of malware. Follow these steps to use Malwarebytes:
Visit the Malwarebytes website and download the free trial version of the software.
Double-click the downloaded file to start the installation process, and follow the on-screen instructions.
Once installed, open Malwarebytes and click on the “Scan” tab.
Click “Scan Now” to initiate a scan of your computer for malware.
Allow the scan to complete, and follow the prompts to remove any detected malware.
Step 8: Reinstall Windows if Necessary
In rare cases where all previous steps fail to remove the virus or if your computer has been severely compromised, reinstalling Windows may be the most effective solution.
Reinstalling the operating system erases all data on your computer, so it’s crucial to back up your files before proceeding. Consider seeking professional assistance or guidance from a trusted source to ensure a smooth reinstallation process.
Following these steps, you can effectively remove viruses from your Windows computer and restore its security and performance.
Mac computers, although generally less prone to viruses than Windows PCs, are not immune to malware attacks. If you suspect a virus on your Mac, follow these steps to remove it safely:
Step 1: Force-Quit Persistent Malware Programs
If a program or group of programs is preventing you from restarting your Mac, use the Activity Monitor utility to force-quit them. Here’s how:
Click on the Spotlight magnifying glass icon in the top-right corner of the screen.
Type “activity monitor” and press Return.
Select the program or service you want to force-quit in the Activity Monitor window.
Click the “X” button in the top-left corner of the window.
When prompted, click “Force Quit” to terminate the selected program.
Step 2: Accept Prompts to Move Malware to the Trash
If your Mac detects a known virus after a software update, it will prompt you to delete it. Follow the on-screen prompts to move the malware to the Trash, and then empty it to permanently remove it.
Step 3: Restart Your Mac into Safe Mode
Restart your Mac in Safe Mode to prevent most programs, including viruses, from starting up. Here’s how:
Click on the Apple menu in the top-left corner of the screen.
Select “Restart…” from the drop-down menu.
When prompted to restart, immediately hold down the Shift key on your keyboard.
Release the Shift key when you see the login window appear.
Step 4: Download and Install Malwarebytes
Malwarebytes is a reputable antivirus program that can detect and remove malware from your Mac. Follow these steps to download and install Malwarebytes:
Double-click the downloaded file to start the installation process.
Follow the on-screen instructions to install Malwarebytes on your Mac.
Step 5: Click Scan Now and Remove Discovered Viruses
Once Malwarebytes is installed, open the application and click the “Dashboard” tab. Then, click “Scan now” to initiate a scan of your Mac for viruses and malware. After the scan, follow the prompts to remove any detected viruses and ensure their complete elimination.
Step 6: Delete Malicious Apps and Associated Files
If Malwarebytes detects malicious apps on your Mac, it’s crucial to remove them to prevent further infections. Follow these steps to delete malicious apps:
Open Finder by clicking the Finder icon in the Dock or pressing Command + Space and typing “Finder.”
In the Finder window, click “Applications” in the left sidebar.
Locate the app you want to remove and drag its icon to the Trash.
Click and hold the Trash icon in the Dock, then select “Empty Trash” to permanently delete the app.
Remember to delete any associated files or folders related to the malicious apps. Use Spotlight to search for and locate these files and move them to the Trash before emptying them.
Step 7: Clear the Downloads Folder
If you suspect you accidentally downloaded a file that triggered the virus, consider clearing your Downloads folder. Follow these steps:
Open Finder and click on “Downloads” in the left sidebar.
Select the files in the Downloads folder that may be associated with the virus.
Drag the selected files to the Trash.
Empty the Trash to remove the files permanently.
Step 8: Change Browser Home Pages if Necessary
Viruses often manipulate browser settings, such as the home page, to redirect users to malicious websites. To prevent these unwanted redirects, follow these steps to change your browser’s home page in Safe Mode:
Open your web browser and navigate to the settings or preferences menu.
Locate the section for home page settings.
Ensure that your home page is set to a trusted and desired website.
Make any necessary adjustments to restore your browser’s home page to its default state.
Step 9: Restart Your Mac and Reinstall the OS if Needed
After completing the virus removal steps, restart your Mac in normal mode. Click on the Apple menu, select “Restart…,” and click “Restart” when prompted.
If the virus persists or your Mac has been severely compromised, reinstalling the operating system may be necessary. Prioritize backing up your important files before proceeding with the reinstallation.
Following these steps, you can effectively remove viruses from your Mac computer and restore its security and performance.
Best Practices to Prevent Virus Infections
While knowing how to remove viruses is essential, prevention is the best defence against infections.
Here are some best practices to help you minimize the risk of virus infections:
Use an Antivirus Program: Install reputable antivirus software and keep it up to date. Regularly run scans to detect and remove any potential threats.
Keep Your Operating System and Software Updated: Enable automatic updates for your operating system and other software to ensure you have the latest security patches.
Be Cautious with Email Attachments and Links: Avoid opening email attachments or clicking on suspicious links from unknown senders. These can be vehicles for viruses.
Download Software from Trusted Sources: Only download software from reputable sources, such as official websites or trusted app stores.
Enable Firewall Protection: Activate the built-in firewall on your computer to monitor and block unauthorized access.
Use Strong and Unique Passwords: Create strong, unique passwords for all your accounts, and consider using a password manager to securely store and manage them.
Regularly Back Up Your Data: Maintain regular backups of your important files to protect against data loss in case of a virus infection or system failure.
Educate Yourself: Stay informed about the latest virus threats from cybercriminals and common tactics they employ. This knowledge will help you recognize and avoid potential risks.
These preventive measures can significantly reduce the likelihood of virus infections and protect your computer.
Conclusion
Viruses pose a continuous threat to the security and functionality of our computers. Knowing how to detect and remove viruses is essential in safeguarding our data and ensuring optimal system performance.
Whether you’re using a Windows or Mac computer, following the steps outlined in this comprehensive guide will help you effectively remove viruses and restore your computer’s security.
Remember to use reliable antivirus software, run regular scans, and keep your operating system and software up to date. Additionally, practising safe browsing habits and employing preventive measures can significantly reduce the risk of virus infections. You can maintain a secure, virus-free computing experience by staying vigilant and proactive.
Protect your computer and stay informed about the latest virus threats to ensure your digital world remains safe and secure.
