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Things To Look Out For When Making Payments Online

Amaya Paucek
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Things To Look Out For When Making Payments Online

This post will show you things to look out for when making payments online…

Nowadays, services and products are abundant and available on the web, and many internet users enjoy them on a daily basis.

To take advantage of everything the WWW has to offer safely, it is vital to pay attention to the needed cybersecurity measures to keep your data safe – especially when transmitting sensitive information such as personal details and bank credentials online.

Before your next purchase online, make sure to look out for these things.

Are Your Computer And Network Secure?

Making payments online

Cybersecurity starts with your own hardware and network. Is your computer secured with a trusted and updated antivirus program? This should be your first step to using the internet safely.

Antivirus and anti-malware programs detect and remove many types of malware, such as Trojan horses and spyware, and protect you from emerging cyber threats that might try to steal your data.

If your hardware is secure, you should also ensure your internet connection is safe. It is best to be connected to a private network for which you know the password when you’re planning on making a payment online.

You shouldn’t do any online transactions while you’re connected to a public Wi-Fi network, as those unprotected networks are especially vulnerable to hackers.

If, however, you want to use a public hotspot, using a trusted VPN service with good reviews from experts is highly recommended to hide your identity and encrypt your traffic.

CHECK OUT: What To Do If You've Been Scammed Online: A Comprehensive Guide

Are You On A Secure Website?

Are You On A Secure Website

Are your hardware and connection secured? Then, it’s time to pay attention to the details on the website you would like to make a purchase.

If it’s a website that handles financial transactions, it should be suitably secured. Check the URL to see if it’s using a secure, encrypted connection. Does it have an “https://” tag with that extra “s”? If so, the website has an SSL certificate, which stands for Secure Sockets Layer and means your connection is secure and encrypted.

If, however, that extra “s” representing this security certificate is missing, it is not advisable to make any form of transaction on that site. While you’re checking the URL, make sure to read it thoroughly.

If you find any spelling mistakes in the URL and switched letters, that could be a sign of a fake website. Some fake shops try to imitate known platforms, so paying attention to details can be essential to make sure you’re on a safe website.

The website’s contact information, security policies, and potentially any quality labels, certificates, and/or awards are also great indicators of whether it can be trusted. Paying attention to details before making payments online is immensely important to make sure your data is safe.

READ ALSO: Most Secure Online Payment Services

Are Safe Payment Options Available?

Are Safe Payment Options Available

If you’ve taken the security measures mentioned above and the website seems legitimate, have a look at the available payment options. The availability and variety of payment methods offered can be a big indicator of whether it is safe to make a purchase or not.

Trustworthy websites will offer a selection of payment options, including digital payment methods that offer an added layer of security. PayPal has established itself as one of the most popular payment options when shopping for clothes and other products online.

As you don’t have to share your payment credentials with the website directly and through added features such as buyer protection, this type of payment is especially secure. Other providers have made a name for themselves in different industries.

For instance, the payment service Neteller has evolved as one of the most popular options for online gaming. Platforms offering real money slots online, which have received positive reviews from experts, let users make deposits to place wagers on different casino games using a variety of payment options.

Neteller is one of the main ones that lets players deposit and withdraw money online safely. For any online transaction, digital payment options such as these are a safe choice.

The internet boasts near-endless options of things to do, enjoy, and buy. When scouring the entirety of the WWW and finding the best products and services, keep your cybersecurity in mind and take the necessary precautions to keep your data safe.

If you watch out for these things before making payments online or any transaction online, you have taken a big step toward enjoying everything the web has to offer with peace of mind.

Things To Look Out For When Making Payments Online: FAQs

Making payments online is convenient, but it's important to be cautious to protect yourself from fraud. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions to help you shop online securely:

Is it safe to use my credit card for online purchases?

Credit cards generally offer more protection than debit cards for online transactions. Most credit card companies have fraud protection measures in place, and you're not typically liable for unauthorized charges if you report them promptly.

What are some red flags to watch out for on a website?

  • Poor website design: Typos, grammatical errors, or unprofessional design can indicate a fake website.
  • Unrealistic deals: If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Beware of extremely discounted products.
  • No contact information: A legitimate business should have a physical address, phone number, and email address listed on their website.
  • Insecure connection: The website's address bar should display “https://” and a padlock symbol. This indicates a secure connection that encrypts your data.

How can I protect myself from phishing scams?

Phishing scams involve emails or texts tricking you into revealing personal information or clicking on malicious links. Be wary of any unsolicited messages urging you to click on links or download attachments. Never enter your financial information on a website you don't trust.

What are some safe practices for online shopping?

  • Shop from reputable websites: Look for established online stores with a good reputation. Read customer reviews before making a purchase.
  • Use strong passwords and enable two-factor authentication: This adds an extra layer of security to your accounts.
  • Beware of public Wi-Fi: Avoid making online purchases or accessing financial accounts on public Wi-Fi networks, as they can be less secure.
  • Review your bank statements regularly: Monitor your bank statements for any suspicious activity and report unauthorized charges immediately.

What should I do if I suspect fraud after making an online payment?

  • Contact the merchant: If you believe you've been scammed, contact the merchant where you made the purchase and report the issue.
  • Contact your bank: Report any unauthorized charges to your bank or credit card company as soon as possible. They may be able to reverse the charges and help you recover your funds.
  • Report the scam: You can also report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to help prevent others from falling victim.

A Final Word…

By following these tips and being vigilant, you can minimize the risk of fraud and shop online with greater confidence.

Remember, if something seems suspicious, it probably is. Trust your gut and err on the side of caution when making online payments.

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Today’s Most Common Threats Against Cybersecurity

John Raymond
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Today’s Most Common Threats Against Cybersecurity

There’s no denying that cybersecurity is an issue for anyone who uses a device. It doesn't matter if it's a person, a business, or an institution. Since most people use some form of technology and are always connected online, this is an ideal target for cyberattacks.

Many different types of security risks have come and gone since the advent of the internet. Malicious attacks range from minor nuisance to disastrous, and they will be around for as long as the internet exists.

Computer security concept. Virus in program code

Common Cybersecurity Threats

However, as scary as it sounds, there are several security risks that people face today that are easy to spot and can be avoided.

1. Social Engineering (Phishing)

Social engineering or phishing accounts for the majority of cybersecurity threats, in which victims are deceived into disclosing sensitive information, visiting malicious websites, or granting hackers access to otherwise protected networks.

Email, phone contact, or even voice impersonation software is used to increase the convincing power of the attempt.

Common Examples: Good examples of social engineering are Domain Name System (DNS) spoofing, Business Email Compromise (BEC), and whaling.

  • DNS Spoofing. Also known as ‘DNS cache poisoning,’ DNS spoofing refers to a form of phishing attack in which maliciously faked DNS data is introduced in a DNS resolver's cache. As a result, visitors are often redirected from a legit website to a fake website whose sole purpose is to steal critical information or install malware.

System hacked alert after cyber attack on computer network. compromised information concept. internet virus cyber security and cybercrime.

If a user believes the website they’re on is legit, the attacker can utilize this to their advantage in a DNS spoofing attack. The attacker now has the ability to do criminal acts in the name of a seemingly harmless business.

READ ALSO: What Is Whaling And How To Protect Your Business

Always use the most recent versions of DNS servers to prevent DNS spoofing. DNS servers are a prime target for attackers because of their known vulnerabilities. Nevertheless, problems can easily be patched in the latest software releases.

  • Business Email Compromise. In a business email compromise (BEC) attack, the attacker goes after specific persons, typically an employee with authority to approve financial transactions, to trick them into sending money to an account under the attacker's control. Planned and thorough research is usually required for successful BEC attacks.

Emails sent as part of a BEC scam would typically request login information while implying the situation is time-sensitive. Once a victim gives the scammers the requested information, they have everything they need to carry out the crime.

Computer bot hacks firewall on laptop. Cybersecurity, antivirus, personal data protection. Remote computer administration system. Artificial intelligence, AI protects data on PC. Cyber safety concept.

  • Whaling. Whaling attacks are considerably more specific, targeting top-level management. Though the purpose of a whaling attack is the same as any other phishing attack, the method employed is typically more discreet. 

The term ‘CEO fraud’ is sometimes used to describe whaling, which should help you picture a typical mark. Phishing assaults such as ‘whaling’ are more difficult to spot since they sound legitimate and make use of insider knowledge to fool their targets.

READ ALSO: Computer Viruses Guide

These are some of the cleverly deceptive social engineering scams carried out by cybercriminals.

How To Protect Yourself Against Social Engineering: By using reputable antivirus software to detect strange messages or websites, you may save time and avoid the trouble of examining sources while warding off social engineering attempts. Phishing and cybersecurity attacks can also be prevented by gocomputek.com and other companies providing cybersecurity solutions.

More importantly, consider training employees about security awareness. Staff members should be taught to be vigilant of communications that appear to come from an illegitimate source, impersonate a vendor, or compel them to act urgently.

READ ALSO: 7 Cyber Security Training Awareness Essentials For Employees

2. Ransomware

There are various types of ransomware, but they all operate on the same principle: you have to pay a ransom to get your data back. To prevent stolen information from being distributed online, cybercriminals often demand a second payment.

You may be familiar with ransomware attacks if you keep up with cybersecurity headlines.

The use of ransomware often occurs as a last resort during a cyberattack. Once an attacker has compromised a victim's network, the payload can be released.

Phishing, social engineering, and online application attacks are frequently used as the initial step into networks. Once they have access to the network, they can spread ransomware to every device in the system.

Data protection and cyber security concept

How To Protect Yourself Against Ransomware: While there’s no silver bullet for stopping ransomware, securing your network from the start is your best bet. Limiting the reach of a ransomware attack is also possible through the use of network segmentation, regular backups, and an effective incident response process. 

A large ransom payment may be avoided if only a small number of encrypted systems need to be restored from backups.

3. Credential Stuffing

Credential stuffing involves the use of user names and passwords taken from one company and used to gain access to accounts at another.

To carry out a credential-stuffing attack, hackers upload a list of stolen login and password pairs to a botnet, which automatically tries those credentials across many websites. During a large-scale botnet operation, traffic to a company's website might increase by as much as 180% compared to normal.

Once hackers discover a website that accepts stolen credentials, they’ll have complete freedom over the victim's account and any data stored within it.

How To Protect Yourself Against Credential Stuffing: Strictly enforcing a strong password policy is the best method of preventing credential stuffing. Password managers can be used to quickly and easily create secure passwords and unique login credentials.

To prevent account hacking, users should be instructed to use unique passwords for each account. It’s also advisable to limit the number of unsuccessful login attempts.

Other Ways To Protect Yourself From Cybersecurity Threats

Strengthening your defenses against any type of attack is as simple as adopting these best practices for security in general:

  • Update and apply security patches regularly to reduce the likelihood of your operating system being exploited.
  • Don't install software or provide it with administrative access if you aren't familiar with its function and intended use.
  • Install whitelisting software to stop harmful programs from running in the first place and antivirus software to detect malicious programs like ransomware as they arrive.
  • Back up your files routinely to significantly mitigate the effects of a malware attack.

There is no single infallible antidote when it comes to protecting yourself against the unknown and invisible attackers out there. You need to employ a holistic strategy of communication and education, solid systems, and cutting-edge technologies.

Best Practices Against Common Threats

By understanding these common threats, you can take steps to protect yourself online. Here are some general security practices to consider:

  • Be cautious with emails and attachments: Don't click on suspicious links or download attachments from unknown senders.
  • Use strong passwords and enable two-factor authentication (2FA).
  • Keep your software up to date: This includes your operating system, web browser, and any applications you use regularly.
  • Be mindful of what information you share online: Avoid oversharing personal details on social media or public platforms.
  • Have a reliable security solution: Consider using antivirus and anti-malware software to add an extra layer of protection.

By staying informed and practicing good cybersecurity hygiene, you can significantly reduce your risk of falling victim to these online threats.

Conclusion

Most of the time, cybercriminals aren't amateurs; rather, they are professionals who treat their crimes with the same level of professionalism as a business. These individuals are experts at achieving their goals.

Since individuals and businesses today face persistent and shifting cyber threats, there’s always room for improvement in terms of reducing exposure and strengthening defenses.

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Phone Photography: Photography Tips On The Phone

Amaya Paucek
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0
Phone Photography: Photography Tips On The Phone

Here are photography tips on the phone. It used to be quite difficult to capture your vacation in a photo – not everyone had a camera, and even fewer knew how to use it. Today, you can take hundreds of images every day.

Smartphones and their cameras are getting smarter, and the photos are getting better and better. But often, the desire to take lots and lots of photos spoils the experience for those who later have to look at them.

Try to stop grabbing your phone every second for fear of missing something important. Take three minutes to learn nine practical tips for hikers.

How do you take pictures with your phone so that your vacation photos won't embarrass you? You won't be the only one interested in them. If you want to know what is the best phone for camera quality read Skylum's blog.

person holding a phone near cliff during daytime

Photography Tips On The Phone

1. Wake up early

Most of the beautiful photographs are taken during what is known as mode time. Early morning or early evening, when the sun is gentle and its rays are soft. The harsh shadows disappear, and the light paints beautiful colors.

It's not a “workaday afternoon” when bright lights give you black-black shadows and overexposed faces. Mode time is perfect for taking portraits or selfies.

2. Quit the trembling in your hands

If you don't want blurry shots, hold the phone firmly. Don't shake it. Press your elbows to your sides and hold your breath (just kidding!). Just keep the trembling in your hands to a minimum, and don't wobble.

If you're not able to hold yourself upright (vacation, after all!), and you want to shoot, then press against the wall, elbows to your sides, and… hold your breath – no kidding here. Just don't forget to start breathing again.

READ ALSO: Israeli Cyber Experts Discover Security Flaws in Digital Cameras

3. Turn off the flash

Once and for all, turn off the automatic flash unless you're shooting in total darkness. The flash kills the naturalness of the shot, making the portrait look like a puppet. A modern smartphone can take a normal picture even in difficult conditions without blitzing.

4. Charge your phone on time

It often happens: a masterpiece says “hello”, and the battery says “goodbye”. Timely charge your phone on vacation, and not only. And just in case you need to buy a power bank, it's a very useful thing, a universal tool for long journeys.

Socket in your pocket, so to speak. There are a lot of wireless chargers for different tastes, power, and weight. A good thing – is a power bank capacity of 20,000 mAh. But it's heavy.

So if it says 10,000 mAh on the box, that's enough for a vacation, too. But do not forget to recharge this thing from time to time.

5. Take different pictures

Don't get hung up on just general plans or portraits. Shoot in different ways:

  • landscapes;
  • panoramas;
  • side views.

More variety means more chances to take an exceptional photo that you wouldn't be ashamed of showing off online. Don't forget about the details. Sometimes, just one detail can tell you more about a trip or a country than a whole series of general shots.

man in gray jacket taking photo of body of water during daytime

6. Study the classic photos so you don't repeat yourself

It always amazes me when the Japanese shoot the Mona Lisa, our Gioconda, with expensive smartphones and even more expensive cameras.

Why? Buy a postcard! Now, if there are enough classic photos, why add another hundred? Make one standard one, and then fantasize.

READ ALSO: 9 Ways Technology Can Be Utilized to Streamline Workforce Management

7. Break patterns

See how everyone shoots and does it differently. Climb on top, sit down or even lie down to find an unusual point, move further away, or get closer. Be original. Then, the shot will play with new colors.

8. Make doubles

One of the photography tips on the phone is to make doubles. There's always something that spoils the perfect shot. Vacationers, dogs, birds, meteorites accidentally flying into our universe… Although you can only dream of the latter. So take takes, especially when you're shooting a portrait.

So you won't see closed eyes and open mouths. Everyone wants to look perfect even if it's the third or fourth time.

9. Delete the bad photos right away

Don't fall into the eternal trap of “I'll take more pictures, then I'll delete them. Then it's a thorny and arduous path through a thousand photos, including dozens of the same ones. Then it's never!

You have to filter and select photos every day on vacation. You sit in a bar or on a terrace in the evening, breathe in the sea breeze (or alcoholic vapors), and delete bad photos. Repeated “not bad” shots are also removed immediately. No regrets.

Conclusion

Don't take a standard photo just because everyone is doing it. Or to prove that you were there. Take a picture of something that really surprised, amazed, and attracted your attention.

Then the picture will be interesting to watch not only your wife and mother, but, you know, and dad will condescend to your creativity.

Not to mention the rest of the world, for whom you'll provide your masterpiece. Now you know how to properly shoot on your phone with these photography tips on the phone. If you want to know which gadget is the best phone for camera quality read Skylum's blog.

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How To Secure Your Business In The Times Of All-pervasive Hackers

Gina Lynch
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How To Secure Your Business In The Times Of All-pervasive Hackers

This post will show you how to secure your business.

The rapid development of technology has made our lives much easier by providing us with great conveniences. However, it has also exposed us to cyber threats on a global scale. 

Hackers are always looking for vulnerabilities in any system that can be exploited for their personal gain or for some political agenda. 

The more we are connected through the internet, the higher chances there are for hackers to get into our systems and steal valuable data from them.

The thing is that most businesses have no clue how vulnerable they are when it comes to cyber attacks – until it’s too late.

READ ALSO: Enterprise Security Guide

Here are six important steps you need to take in order to secure your business:

How To Secure Your Business In The Times Of All-pervasive Hackers

#1. Install the latest updates

Install the latest updates

The first thing you should do is to make sure all your devices are running the latest version of their operating systems and applications.

Updates are important because they fix bugs, improve performance, and can even add new features that could help secure your network and data.

If you aren't sure whether or not you have the latest updates for your devices, check for them manually on each device's Settings panel.

READ ALSO: 16 Best Protection Tools Against Hackers [100% WORKING]

#2. Use strong passwords

Use strong passwords

A strong password is the most important thing you can do to secure your accounts. Hackers are constantly scanning for weak and reused passwords, which means that if you use any of these on multiple sites, they could gain access to all of them at once.

To avoid this, using a password manager and generating unique logins for each site or service you sign up for is best. This way, if one gets compromised, the damage will be contained to only that single account.

A good rule of thumb is using 8 to 16-character random combinations of letters, numbers, symbols, and capitalizations.

READ ALSO: How To Generate Strong Passwords With SecureBlitz Password Generator

#3. Set up strong authentication

Set up strong authentication

The third step to secure your business is to set up strong authentication. As we mentioned earlier, passwords are easily hacked and should be avoided whenever possible.

Instead of relying solely on passwords for authentication, you'll want to add two-factor authentication (2FA) or biometric authentication methods.

These measures can be used in conjunction with passwords and will help prevent hackers from accessing your accounts even if they do gain access to one of your passwords.

#4. Secure your mobile devices and networks

Secure your mobile devices and networks

To protect your sensitive data, you should use a VPN (Virtual Private Network). A VPN encrypts all of the data that travels to and from your device and then forwards it to the desired destination. This makes it much harder for hackers to intercept communications between your devices and other systems.

It's also a good idea to enable encryption on any mobile devices in use by employees at work. This will prevent unauthorized access even if the device is stolen or lost altogether!

In addition, all devices must have a passcode or other login mechanism enabled so that only authorized users can gain access when needed.

READ ALSO: How To Become A Certified Ethical Hacker

#5. Safeguard website, payment systems, and customer data

Safeguard website, payment systems, and customer data

The most common way hackers break into a company’s system is through the website. This is because it’s easier to get in than the actual network of a business or organization, which is usually protected by a firewall.

So if you haven’t yet made sure your website has been scanned for vulnerabilities and isn’t protected by a firewall, do so immediately. Once that step is taken care of, consider hiring someone who can help secure both your website and your payment systems against hackers.

Next up, make sure that you have backups of all important data stored somewhere other than where it normally exists on your server. In case hackers manage to access it anyway via the web or via an employee's computer connected directly to the network where all these files are stored.

READ ALSO: Network Firewalls: Comprehensive Guide For Non-Tech-Savvy People

#6. Secure your office

Secure your office

You can also secure your office by protecting your network, access points, servers, workstations, and printers.

  • Secure your network with a firewall and intrusion detection systems.
  • Ensure that all employees have the latest antivirus software installed on their computers and regularly update it to keep pace with the latest threats.
  • Install an IDS/IPS device on each computer that will alert you if someone tries to access sensitive data or attempts to install malware onto their machine (many of these devices offer real-time alerts).
  • Place physical barriers around sensitive data, such as files and folders stored on drives attached to client machines, to prevent unauthorized persons from accessing them when they come into contact with a client machine.
  • Keep an assortment of guns, ammo, and parts like AR 15 barrel to deal with any physical threat knocking at your door. 

Editor's Note: We don't support violence.

Conclusion

We hope this article has given you some insight into the world of cyber security.

There’s a lot to learn, but by keeping these tips in mind and following them, you can secure your business from hackers and other malicious actors. 

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Why Your Business Needs To Invest In Cybersecurity Solutions

Daniel Segun
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Why Your Business Needs To Invest In Cybersecurity Solutions

Here, I will show you why your business needs to invest in cybersecurity solutions …

Data is considered the new gold and has become a prime target of hackers in recent years. Small businesses are the most vulnerable to data breaches and cyber-attacks.

Often, these businesses haven't invested much in cybersecurity solutions and aren't aware of their importance. It leaves them at a higher risk of being hacked and their data stolen or leaked. 

In a world where technology is constantly evolving, it's more important than ever for businesses to invest in cybersecurity solutions.

Hackers are getting increasingly sophisticated and can easily steal sensitive information or bring down your entire network if you're not prepared.  

Here are several more reasons why your business needs to invest in cybersecurity solutions:  

Why does Your Business need To Invest In Cybersecurity Solutions?

1. To Protect Your Business From Financial Losses

Every year, more cases of data breaches worldwide result in losing countless data records. This, in turn, leads to the loss of thousands of money in data recovery, paying ransomware, compensation, and brand damage.

A recent cybercrime report indicated an average of over fifty thousand in losses from cybercrime per successful breach, showing the severity of the issue. 

The cost of cybercrime is expected to rise with the internet of things and remote working forming several entry points where hackers can access networks.

By investing in cybersecurity solutions, businesses can protect themselves from these financial losses. When it comes to cybersecurity, prevention is better and cheaper than cure.

To Protect Your Business From Financial Losses

2. To Ensure Compliance 

There are several data protection regulations in different countries, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), The Privacy Act 1988, and The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA). These regulations govern how businesses collect, use, disclose and store personal information.  

If you're found to breach these regulations, you could face significant fines. For example, under HIPAA, businesses can be fined USD$100 to USD$50,000 per violation. Such fines could strain your business's finances and reputation.

Moreover, failure to comply with these regulations could also lead to your business's license being revoked. These are some of the impacts your business shouldn't have to deal with, mainly when you can prevent them by investing in a robust cybersecurity system.

3. To Boost Your Business's Reputation

In today's day and age, customers are concerned about their data being stolen or leaked. They want to ensure their information is safe when doing business with you.

If your company has a history of security breaches, your customers will likely not trust you. It could lead them to take their business elsewhere.  

But with robust cybersecurity solutions, you can show your customers that you're serious about protecting their data. It can boost your business's reputation, which is essential for long-term success.

With customers leaving a trail of personal details such as addresses, birthdays, and contact information online, businesses must do everything possible to protect this data.

To Prevent Downtime And Boost Productivity

4. To Prevent Downtime And Boost Productivity

Cybersecurity attacks can cause downtime, which can significantly impact your business. For example, if your website is down, you'll lose out on potential customers and sales. You'll also have to deal with the cost of fixing the issue.

In some cases, downtime can also lead to legal liabilities. For instance, if you cannot meet your contractual obligations because of a cyber-attack, your client could take legal action against you.  

But when your systems are up and running, your employees can confidently go about their work, and your business can function as usual. Your customers can also access your business network without any issues. But you would need robust cybersecurity to prevent such downtimes and operate optimally.

5. For Employee Protection 

Your employees are one of your business's most valuable assets. But if they're not adequately trained in cybersecurity, they may risk your business. They might unintentionally click on a phishing email or download a malicious attachment, which could give hackers access to your network.

Once hackers are in, they could steal sensitive data or plant ransomware, which can lock up your systems until you pay a ransom.  

By investing in cybersecurity solutions, you can protect your employees as well as your business. Cybersecurity training will educate your employees on identifying and avoiding potential threats.

Furthermore, by implementing security measures such as two-factor authentication, you can make it more difficult for hackers to gain access to your network, even if they have your employees' login credentials. 

Why Your Business Needs To Invest In Cybersecurity Solutions: FAQs

Why Your Business Needs To Invest In Cybersecurity Solutions: FAQs

Cyberattacks are a growing threat for businesses of all sizes. Strong cybersecurity solutions are no longer optional – they're essential for protecting your data and your bottom line. Here are answers to some common questions businesses have about cybersecurity:

Isn't my business too small to be a target for cyberattacks?

Unfortunately, cybercriminals don't discriminate by size. Smaller businesses are often seen as easier targets because they may have weaker cybersecurity defenses.

What kind of damage can a cyberattack cause?

Cyberattacks can have a devastating impact on your business. They can lead to:

  • Data breaches: Sensitive information like customer data or financial records can be stolen and sold.
  • Financial losses: Businesses can lose money from stolen funds, ransom payments, or business disruption.
  • Reputational damage: A cyberattack can damage your company's reputation and erode customer trust.

How much does cybersecurity cost?

Investing in cybersecurity may seem expensive upfront, but it's far cheaper than the potential costs of a cyberattack. There are also many affordable cybersecurity solutions available for businesses of all sizes.

What cybersecurity solutions does my business need?

The specific solutions you need will depend on your business size, industry, and data security needs. However, some essential solutions include:

  • Antivirus and anti-malware software: Protects your devices from malicious software.
  • Firewalls: Filter incoming and outgoing traffic to block unauthorized access.
  • Encryption: Secures sensitive data both at rest and in transit.
  • Employee training: Educates employees on cybersecurity best practices to avoid phishing scams and other threats.

How can I get started with cybersecurity?

There are several steps you can take to improve your business's cybersecurity posture:

  • Conduct a risk assessment: Identify your vulnerabilities and prioritize your security needs.
  • Develop a cybersecurity policy: Set clear guidelines for employee behavior regarding data security.
  • Implement security solutions: Install the necessary software and hardware to protect your systems.
  • Regularly update your systems: Patch software vulnerabilities promptly to stay ahead of cyber threats.

Conclusion

There you go! 5 reasons why your business needs to invest in cybersecurity.

By investing in cybersecurity solutions and taking proactive steps to protect your data, you can significantly reduce your risk of a cyberattack and safeguard your business's future.

Investing in cybersecurity solutions is essential for businesses of all sizes. Doing so can protect your business from financial losses, ensure compliance with data protection regulations, prevent downtime, boost productivity, and increase your business's reputation.

Cybersecurity is no longer a luxury; it's a necessity. So don't wait until it's too late; take action now to protect your business.

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9 Apps That Will Help Every Student Stick To A Routine

Amaya Paucek
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0
9 Apps That Will Help Every Student Stick To A Routine

Do you want time management apps for students? How many times have you been distracted too easily and, as a result, fail to finish the task? Or how frequently do you catch yourself thinking about where all your time went that you couldn’t accomplish much during the day? 

Don’t worry; even the most productive students tend to be distracted and struggle to keep everything under control, especially given the heavy homework load. This can lead to academic burnout, stress, and anxiety. 

Luckily, students can pay to write essay to get rid of this tension. By turning to qualified specialists, you save so much time and prevent any possible mental and even physical health issues. 

The key to keeping up lies in working smarter – learning the art of time management. In this article, we will guide you on several apps designed to keep you on track and build healthy habits. 

9 Apps That Will Help Every Student Stick To A Routine

1. Rize

The cool thing about this useful tool is that it will not only teach you how to track your time but also provide you with valuable insights. Besides, with this app, you can build better habits and stay focused for the whole day.

The highlight is that this app automatically inputs information for you. Keeping yourself on track and managing time efficiently with this tool has never been easier.

With Rize, you can track how many hours you have dedicated to studying and working and how much of that time you really focused on your tasks. In addition, you will see time spent context-switching along with information about websites that distract you most during the working process.

Apps That Will Help Every Student Stick To A Routine

2. Momentum Habit Tracker

Wondering how to build and track healthy habits? This tool will come in handy as it provides customers with tons of useful features designed to monitor any routine.

The one cool fact about this app is that you can even import your data into an Excel document. That means you can perform cross-platform viewing of your progress. 

One of the disadvantages of Momentum is that it’s only optimized for Apple devices. That’s why, unfortunately, Android users can’t give this tool a try. However, a benefit of this con is that the Momentum profile can be easily integrated into iCloud.

READ ALSO: Student Cybersecurity: 5 Simple Tips for Safety

3. Todoist

If you keep putting things off for tomorrow, it’s the right time to download Todoist, as it is a great checklist app that will help you prioritize your tasks and manage time.

With its rich features, this user-friendly tool will definitely help you to manage time efficiently and, in turn, study and work smarter.

It is designed to simplify your workflow and organize tasks easily. In addition, you can prioritize and personalize assignments to match them with your study methods and workflow. 

4. Toggl Plan

This tool is considered to be one of the most efficient checklist apps designed to optimize your management tasks, as huge companies like Netflix, Stripe, Spotify, and Airbnb trust it.

In addition, people prefer using Toggl as it has a straightforward, easy-to-operate drag-and-drop interface.

With the help of this tool, you learn how to set up tasks and, assign deadlines accordingly and set up a daily estimated time you must dedicate for each assignment. Thus, you will keep everything under control, save time, and study smarter.

Pomodoro technique

5. Forest

Unlike other apps, Forest incorporates the Pomodoro technique: breaking a big task into small ones with short intervals.  

If you are concentrated on your work, your virtual forest will grow. Otherwise, if you are distracted and lose focus, trees will die one by one. By the way, answering the call doesn’t count as a distraction.

In the end, if you remain a diligent student, you will grow a wonderful forest. But keep in mind that dead trees will not disappear anywhere.

Such an idea was developed so that anytime people who were not focused on the tasks by looking at those trees would regret killing them, thus learning to stay concentrated and complete everything in time.

READ ALSO: Exploring The Benefits Of AI-Powered At The 2022 Qatar World Cup

6. StickK

SticK is quite a unique app as after signing up, you conclude a commitment contract with yourself. You can even bet money on yourself. Besides, if you lack self-discipline and can’t stick to the contract, you can assign a family member or friend to check your progress.

On top of everything, this tool will catch your attention with its interesting layout and interface.

time app

7. 135List

Being a student means being overloaded with plenty of tasks and overwhelmed with deadlines. When people are under such pressure, they simply don’t know where to start. 

Thus, this time management tool will definitely come in handy as it guides you on how to prioritize the assignments by following one simple 3-step formula:

  • pick one major task to accomplish,
  • divide it into three medium tasks 
  • divide those three medium tasks into five small ones

8. Focusmate

This tool is a great alternative for students who prefer working and studying in groups. As the name indicates, in Focusmate, you will be involved in working with an accountability partner to get important work done.

Thus, you will improve your time management and teamwork skills and will stay productive. 

Best Features:

  • You decide when you want to be productive
  • You will be provided with 50-minute sessions to study and work peacefully in tandem with your mate

time management

9. Noisli

One of the main distractions that can interfere with your studying or working process is your surroundings, whether it’s your neighbours, family members, or some random noises outside.

It’s quite challenging to get down to business and stick to a routine in such an environment. Luckily, you can download Noisli, as it helps to get rid of distractive noises with ambient background sounds.

Best Features:

  • Provides customers with high-quality, realistic sounds
  • You can mix different sounds to create your perfect work environment

READ ALSO: Google Chromecast Vs Amazon FireStick – Which Is Better?

To Wrap It Up

Make sure to try all the apps listed above to determine which one suits you better and meets your expectations.

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5 Secrets to Running a Successful Business

Marie Beaujolie
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0
5 Secrets to Running a Successful Business

In this post, I will show you 5 secrets to running a successful business.

You have a business idea, and it’s underway. You’re working to build a company that makes it big and sees success in the future from your humble beginnings.

The secret to success isn’t a straight line, that’s for sure. However, many of the most successful companies are built using specific values and techniques.

Here are a few of them:

5 Secrets to Running a Successful Business

1. Use the latest software

In this day and age, if you’re not using the latest software, you’re probably missing out on some big company gains and falling behind your competition. The thing about top technology is that it simplifies processes that used to take hours and manpower to do.

With options like project management and tax software for accountants, work life is easier for your team. And best of all, things get done quickly and effectively. So, if you’re not taking advantage of great software yet, take a look at the various options that can benefit your company today.

Running a Successful Business

2. Take time hiring

If you want to build a team that you can trust, you need to make sure you’re hiring a crew that is dependable and honest. You want to make sure you’re working with people who can provide the work ethic and attitude that can bring your brand to success.

Use screening software to check out potential hires and don’t shy away from requiring aptitude tests during the interview process, so that you can rest assured that you’re bringing on people who have the skills and integrity for the job and your company.

READ ALSO: Green Business 101: How to Make Your Company Eco-Friendly

3. Be Eco-Friendly

Adopting eco-friendly business practices is not only beneficial for the environment, but it is also crucial and advantageous for running a successful business.

In today's market, consumers are increasingly interested in purchasing products that have been packaged sustainably. By using custom sustainable packaging, businesses can show their commitment to environmental responsibility and attract more customers.

In addition, sustainable packaging is often more cost effective than traditional packaging options. By investing in custom sustainable packaging, businesses can save money while also reducing their environmental impact.

4. Appreciate your team

A big part of your company’s success will be due to the team that you have. When you take the time to hire the right people, you will have a great team of people working for your company. It’s important to value them.

Appreciating your employees will help you to retain them. From bonuses to paid time off and more, there are a plethora of ways to appreciate the people who are helping to move your company forward. Let’s not forget how a fair salary can help you retain a great employee, as can a top work environment that allows for growth and workplace satisfaction.

5. Take care of your customers

Your company’s success will also be due to the interest of your customers. When you have loyal customers who love what you have to offer, it’s easier for you to spread the word about your brand.

When people are satisfied with the products or services that you provide, your quality and customer care sell your stuff for you. From loyalty discounts to simply providing top-notch customer support, caring for your customers makes a difference.

READ ALSO: How To Keep Your Business Running Smoothly

6. Make sure you stand out – Bonus Secret

Your company may be one of many in a field full of competitors. How can you build a successful brand with so much competition? Make sure you stand out.

From knowing how to best market your brand to providing a service or product that fills a need in the industry, being a unique presence in a competitive environment can help you reach the kind of success that you have in mind.

Running a Successful Business

In Conclusion

If you’re looking to build a successful business, there are ways to get there, but it won’t be easy. Work with a business mentor who can help educate you on how best to reach your company goals and give you customized advice for your specific brand and needs.

From hiring the right people to appreciating your team, there are various steps you can take to help ensure your brand’s success.

Most of all, have patience. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and your company won’t be either. With the right things in place, you’ll get there!

INTERESTING POSTS

What Are Overlays Used For In Web Design?

Marie Beaujolie
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0
What Are Overlays Used For In Web Design?

Overlays are simple website features that create ‘floating’ islands of content over the main body of a page. They can be programmed to follow a user – being available to a user no matter where they are on a site.

Here are some of the main ways in which web developers and designers have put overlays to use.

Data Collection Options

In many countries, websites need to offer users the option of opting out of data collection efforts. Almost all site designers use overlays to offer this option to users. Overlays can ensure that users definitely see their options before they are able to see the main body of the site.

Overlays In Web Design

Accessibility

If you are a developer looking to make your site W3C compatible, you can overlay information to improve your website accessibility.

Information is not the only thing that can be overlaid in order to improve accessibility. Text-to-speech, scaling, and contrast controls can be ‘hosted’ on a floating overlay that is always present no matter where on a website a user is.

Overlays are often used as an efficient alternative to more deeply ingrained accessibility measures. They can be used to make a formerly inaccessible website much easier to browse for people with varying abilities.

Chat Bots

Chatbots are extremely common ways of providing good customer service features without committing many resources. The latest machine-learning algorithms power the best modern chat bots.

They can contextually answer customer queries. Chat bots have purportedly passed the Turing Test – convincing scientists that they are indistinguishable from real humans in a test setting.

Overlays are regularly used as display vehicles for chatbots. They enable users to access chat bots as they navigate the entirety of a site. Almost all chatbot overlays can be minimized by users in order to facilitate good UX.

READ ALSO: Importance of CAPTCHA in Web Security

Movement Based Popups

Popup advertisements serve an important marketing function for many companies. Special seasonal deals and products, for instance, can be advertised on a company website via popup.

In recent years, traditional ‘automatic’ popup advertisements have gone out of style. This is largely due to just how plain annoying they can be – potentially damaging user experience quality.

Movement-based popups are now relatively common. These advertisements appear as overlays when site users hover their mouse cursors over small thumbnails. This creates a degree of consent for the popup.

Navigation Buttons

Many websites facilitate ‘endless scroll’ or very long pages. This presents problems when it comes to effective and intuitive navigation. Overlays have been used for the creation of navigation buttons that ‘follow’ users.

Most of these buttons enable users to navigate back to the top of a page – something that would be extremely inconvenient to do if they had to scroll all the way to the top of, say, an endless Tumblr blog.

Overlays Explained: FAQs on Their Use in Web Design

Overlays are a versatile design element used in web design to add functionality and visual interest to a website. Here's a breakdown of their uses and how they can enhance your website:

What are website overlays?

Overlays are interactive or non-interactive elements that appear on top of a web page's existing content. They can be full-screen or partial overlays, taking up a specific area of the page.

What are the different types of overlays used in web design?

  • Modal windows: These are pop-up windows that appear on top of the current page content, blocking interaction with the background. They're often used for login forms, signup prompts, or age verification checks.
  • Lightboxes: Similar to modal windows, lightboxes focus on a specific piece of content, like an image or video, while dimming the background. They're commonly used for showcasing product details or portfolios.
  • Dropdown menus: These menus appear when you hover over a specific button or element. They're space-saving and visually appealing for navigation menus or additional options.
  • Notifications: These non-intrusive overlays display alerts, messages, or confirmations without blocking the entire page.
  • Head-up displays (HUDs): These overlays present essential information directly on the webpage, often used for e-commerce shopping carts or live chat functionalities.
  • Navigation bars: Sticky navigation bars that remain visible as you scroll down a page can be implemented as overlays.

What are the benefits of using overlays in web design?

  • Enhanced User Experience (UX): Overlays can improve UX by providing focused content or functionality without requiring users to navigate away from the current page.
  • Increased Engagement: Well-designed overlays can grab user attention and encourage interaction with specific calls to action or promotions.
  • Clear Communication: Overlays can effectively deliver important information or messages without overwhelming users with additional page elements.
  • Creative Freedom: Overlays offer design flexibility to showcase visuals, animations, or interactive features that wouldn't be possible within the main page layout.

Are there any drawbacks to using overlays?

  • Accessibility Concerns: Overlays, especially modal windows, can hinder accessibility for users with screen readers or keyboard navigation. Ensure proper coding to maintain accessibility.
  • User Annoyance: Excessive or poorly designed overlays can disrupt user experience and lead to frustration. Use them strategically and avoid blocking important content.
  • Mobile Responsiveness: Overlays need to be optimized for mobile devices to ensure proper display and functionality across all screen sizes.

How can I use overlays effectively in my web design?

  • Define a clear purpose: Every overlay should serve a specific purpose and enhance the user experience. Don't overuse them for aesthetics alone.
  • Prioritize mobile responsiveness: Ensure overlays adapt seamlessly to different screen sizes and devices for optimal user experience.
  • Maintain accessibility: Use clear visuals and proper coding, and consider alternative options for users who rely on assistive technologies.
  • Balance aesthetics and functionality: Overlays should be visually appealing but not distracting. Prioritize user experience and avoid overwhelming users with too much information.

READ ALSO: eCommerce Design Trends

Are there any examples of websites that use overlays effectively?

Many websites leverage overlays strategically. Look for inspiration from websites in your industry and see how they use overlays to enhance navigation, showcase products, or deliver important messages.

A Final Word…

By understanding the different types of overlays and their functionalities, you can leverage them strategically to create a more engaging and user-friendly web design.

Remember, prioritize user experience, maintain accessibility, and use overlays thoughtfully to achieve your design goals.

In order for these navigation overlays to be practical, they need to be extremely unobtrusive as well as intuitive to find. Design compromise is essential!

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Six-Step Guide To Establish A Strong Digital Presence For Your Brand

Daniel Segun
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0
Six-Step Guide To Establish A Strong Digital Presence For Your Brand

Here, I will show you six-step guide to establish a strong digital presence for your brand.

In today's digital age, businesses of all sizes must have a strong online presence. A strong digital presence can help you reach a wider audience, establish credibility and trust, and drive sales and revenue.

However, with so many options and platforms available, it can be overwhelming to know where to start.

In this six-step guide, we'll provide a roadmap for establishing a strong digital presence for your brand. By following these steps, you can effectively reach and engage with your target audience online.

Six-Step Guide To Establish A Strong Digital Presence For Your Brand

1. Utilize Social Media Platforms

Utilize Social Media Platforms

Utilizing social media platforms is an influential step in establishing a strong digital presence for your brand. Social media allows you to reach and engage with a large audience, build relationships with your customers, and promote your products and services.

To get started, it's important to choose the social media platforms that are most relevant to your business. Some of the most popular platforms include Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, and TikTok.

Each platform has its unique features and demographics, so it's important to do your research and choose the ones that are most likely to reach your target audience.

Once you've chosen your platforms, create and optimize your profiles. This includes filling out your profile information, adding a profile picture and cover photo, and including links to your website and other relevant online profiles.

By actively using social media, you can build relationships with your audience, establish a strong online presence, and learn how to reach your followers at the right times for maximum engagement.

It's important to be consistent and engage with your followers regularly to keep them interested and actively learn more about their needs.

READ ALSO: The Ultimate Social Media Security Guide for Individuals and Businesses

2. Define Your Brand and Target Audience

Define Your Brand and Target Audience

Before you can start building your digital presence, it's important to have a clear understanding of your brand and who your target audience is.

First, identify your brand values and messaging. Figure out what sets your business apart from competitors, what you stand for, and what are your goals. This will help you establish a strong and consistent brand identity that will be reflected in all of your online communication.

Next, research and understand your target audience. Who are you trying to reach and what are their needs and interests? By understanding your audience, you can create content and campaigns that will resonate with them and effectively reach and engage them.

READ ALSO: 4 Tips on How to Reach Your Target Audience More Effectively

3. Set Up a Professional Website

Set Up a Professional Website

Your website serves as the foundation for your online presence and is often the first point of contact for potential customers. 

The first step in setting up a professional website is choosing a domain name and hosting platform that reflects your brand and is easy to remember. Your domain name should be unique and easy to spell, as well as relevant to your business.

Many hosting platforms offer a range of options for hosting your website, including shared hosting, VPS hosting, and dedicated hosting.

Once you've chosen a domain name and hosting platform, it's time to focus on the design and content of your website. Make sure to design a website that is visually appealing and easy to navigate.

Use clear headings and subheadings, and include important information about your business, such as your services, products, and contact details.

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

4. Develop Email Marketing Campaigns

Email marketing is an effective way to stay in touch with your customers and promote your products and services. Set up an email and create a list of subscribers.

Then, develop and send out newsletters or promotional emails that provide value to your audience and encourage them to take action. Make sure to include a clear call-to-action and track your results to see what works and what doesn't.

5. Invest in Search Engine Optimization (Seo)

Invest in Search Engine Optimization

To ensure that your website appears at the top of search engine results, it's important to invest in SEO.

Research and use relevant keywords in your website content and meta tags, and build backlinks to your site. This will not only help you increase your website's visibility but also drive more traffic to your site.

6. Engage With Customers Through Online Reviews

Online reviews are an important factor in building trust and credibility for your business. Encourage satisfied customers to leave reviews on your website and review platforms such as Yelp or Google.

If you receive any negative reviews, it's important to respond professionally and helpfully. This shows that you value your customers and are willing to listen and address any concerns they may have.

READ ALSO: The Importance of CCTV Cameras in Safeguarding Your Home and Business

Final Thoughts

By reaching out and engaging with your audience, you’ll be able to build a strong digital presence, which is crucial if you want your business to be successful.

Remember to monitor and adapt your digital presence to ensure continuous success.

Stay up-to-date with industry trends and constantly evaluate your online strategies to see what works and what needs improvement.

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