Ways to block browser security threats
Nowadays, it’s near impossible to maintain 100% privacy when browsing the web. A variety of malicious actors lurk in the background, whether you’re searching on Google, checking your social media feeds, or accessing business programs online. The fact is that everyone who browses the internet is vulnerable to cyberthreats. Here are a few ways to browse safely. Install ad blocking software Online ads may seem harmless, but they can contain scripts and widgets that send your data to a third party. A decent ad blocking program will stop banner, rollover, and pop-up ads, and prevent you from inadvertently visiting a site that may contain malware. Many blockers also come with additional features such as the ability to disable cookies and scripts used by third parties on sites, the option to block specific items, and options to “clean up” Facebook and hide YouTube comments. Prevent browser tracking If you don’t like the idea of a third party (reputable or otherwise) tracking your browsing habits, enable private browsing using built-in tools in your internet browser such as Chrome’s Incognito mode or Safari’s Private Browsing windows. This offers protection against tracking by blocking third-party cookies as well as malware. Some browser extensions also boast secure Wi-Fi and bandwidth optimization, and can guard against tracking and data collection from social networking sites such as Twitter and Facebook. Set up a virtual private network (VPN) Unfortunately, browser tracking and adware are not the only internet nasties that you need to be concerned about. Hackers can intercept sensitive data between two parties, allowing them to steal and exploit valuable information such as bank details, login credentials, and other personal information. Installing a VPN can help solve this problem. VPNs encrypt your internet traffic, effectively shutting out anyone who may be trying to see what you’re browsing. Install antivirus and anti-malware software Finally, it goes without saying that having antivirus and anti-malware software installed on your PC, tablet, and smartphone is crucial if you want to ensure your online safety. These software programs are your first defense against malicious parties intent on stealing your data. Is browsing at your workplace secure? Would you like a more comprehensive security system for your business? We can tell you all about it and help protect your business from online threats. Get in touch with us today. Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.
What are the top 5 benefits of a cloud ERP?
As more and more solutions are made available in the cloud, more and more small- and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are flocking to use them. One increasingly popular solution is cloud-based enterprise resource planning (ERP). If you want to integrate your systems using an ERP program, then you should seriously consider a cloud-based ERP solution. Define: Cloud-based ERP ERP is management software, usually offered as a bundle of applications, that aims to help businesses automate the collection, storage, management, and interpretation of data from disparate sources like accounting, inventory, marketing, service delivery, etc. With ERP, business owners and managers can get an integrated real-time view of business processes, resources, and commitments. Cloud-based ERP solutions are simply a suite of ERP apps delivered to users over the internet, usually accessed via a browser. The software usually does not need to be installed on computers and is offered on a per-user, per-month, flat-rate fee. Companies using a cloud-based integrated ERP solution have experienced the following five benefits: 1. Decreased operating costs An in-house ERP solution requires purchasing software and hardware to support it. Once you’ve built the solution’s infrastructure, you need to hire staff to install and maintain it. All of these will drive up the overall IT budget, something most SMBs cannot immediately afford. But with a cloud-based ERP system, you normally only have to pay a flat-rate monthly fee, so the total cost of implementation will likely be far lower. Many providers can also manage the solution for you (i.e., they’ll take care of maintenance, upgrades, etc.). This will even out your operating costs, and if implemented correctly, will result in an overall decrease in expenses. 2. Increased ERP performance over in-house solutions In-house ERP solutions require correctly configured hosting and proper maintenance to function at their most efficient. Your IT staff will be responsible for both, but if these are done poorly, then performance suffers. With cloud-based solutions, the provider takes care of hosting the solution. You know that system maintenance is being done by experts, so you’re assured that your ERP software will be at peak performance. 3. Enhanced access to information Companies that don’t have any ERP system will likely struggle to find the information they need, when they need it. ERP programs can help consolidate the relevant information in a more effective manner than, say, spreadsheets. And since cloud-based ERP solutions are accessible via the internet, you now have access to the information you need from anywhere with an internet connection. 4. Continued support Providers of cloud-based ERP solutions offer 24/7 support and can fix problems faster than if you leave them to your employees. They also make sure to keep their solutions updated. Hackers have been known to attack businesses that use outdated versions of popular ERP programs. 5. Increased security ERP systems process critical business information, so you will want to keep your data secure from outside sources and unauthorized users within your organization. In this regard, cloud-based ERP solutions have enhanced security measures that protect your data in storage and when it moves from your systems to the host servers. And for internal data security, users will need an assigned account to access your ERP system. This gives you control over who is given an account or not. Furthermore, you can also limit who can access your system via central admin panels. All of these features make cloud-based ERP solutions more secure than in-house ones. If you want to learn more about cloud-based ERP solutions, contact us. We’ll be glad to assist you. Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.
Tips to boost the speed of your WordPress site
A decade ago, five seconds was a completely acceptable page load time. But today, most users expect a web page to load as soon as they open it. Otherwise, they will simply close it. To prevent users from bouncing off, try these tips that will surely speed up your WordPress site. Keep WordPress and plugins up to date Updating your WordPress version and plugins will not only keep your website secure but also speed it up. Therefore, you should install those updates as soon as they become available. Choose a website host wisely Your website’s host can make or break your website, so before you select one, carefully compare the details of their service plans — especially the website speed and uptime — against those of other vendors. While it may be tempting to opt for shared hosting because of its low cost, know that it’s also going to offer the slowest speeds because many websites are simultaneously relying on the same server for bandwidth. In contrast, a dedicated server will provide the best speed, but it may be too costly for many small- and medium-sized businesses. A great mid-performance, mid-price alternative is a virtual private server (VPS). A VPS acts like a dedicated server in terms of functionality but still technically uses a shared server. It will speed up your site better than the typical shared hosting without breaking the bank. Keep your site lean The leaner your site is, the faster it will be. To create a lean site, be mindful of these four aspects: Theme – While the promise of a versatile theme can spark the imagination, implementing one can set you back in terms of speed. When a theme has a ton of features, the huge amount of code that powers those features can bog down your site. Avoid this by testing the theme demos to see how long they take to load. If the loading time is more than three seconds, look for another theme that loads faster. Design – Design elements can also dramatically slow down your site. Simple sites are faster, so carefully consider the ads, images, and extras that you’re thinking of adding. Plugins – Not all plugins are created equal; some run fast and others slow. To tell one from the other, use special plugins that show the impact a plugin has on your site’s load time. What’s more, think twice before installing a plugin because having fewer plugins translates to a faster site load time. Images – While many raw images are around 3,000 to 4,000 pixels wide, most featured images are only 600 to 800 pixels wide. To reduce image weight and thus gain a faster site, resize your site’s images to the exact size they’ll appear on screen. Leverage speed-boosting plugins Use plugins that speed up your site. Cache plugins like W3 Total Cache and WP Super Cache can provide more speed by caching every aspect of your site, thereby reducing its download times. Another helpful plugin is Lazy Load. It boosts your site’s speed by loading the elements at the top of the website first, then loading subsequent elements as one scrolls down. But before installing the Lazy Load plugin, make sure to check your Theme Options to see if it’s already included. Use redirects sparingly Web pages that point to your old URLs can really slow down your site, so make sure to avoid or limit them. Also use the Redirect mapper tool or similar alternatives to uncover redirects that you don’t need. Implementing some or all of the tips above will surely speed up your WordPress site’s speed. But if you need more help optimizing your website or in other IT matters, just give us a call. Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.
How does the human cloud benefit SMBs?
If the prevalent image of a startup is a couple of guys in a garage (think Amazon, Apple, Microsoft), the emerging picture of the workforce of the future consists of skilled talents collaborating in the cloud. Thanks to the human cloud, small- and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) can now eliminate the barriers associated with traditional workspaces and enjoy cost-effective solutions. What is the human cloud? The human cloud is a working platform where staff perform white-collar tasks from any location and on any device. Collaboration, file sharing, or discussions on projects are done in a flexible and productive manner, rewarding team members solely for their output. Benefits of hiring on the human cloud Companies looking to take advantage of the human cloud are entitled to the following benefits: Low cost The human cloud helps save time and money spent on traditional employment processes. Hiring is fast and easy, and you pay for the skills you need on a transactional basis. No overhead Hiring through the human cloud requires no overhead for office space, thereby enabling firms to stay lean and profit-focused. By becoming virtual, teams can work independently from anywhere. Remote collaboration via the human cloud is a game-changer that benefits companies, such as startups, that are inclined to spend fewer resources to build their business infrastructure. Get skills on demand Employers can contract for micro-tasks, such as copying text from business cards, to larger tasks, like selling products for a fee, to even more complex projects such as software design and programming. Global talent pool Even startups can be multinational today, so they are no longer limited by geography in finding key talent with specialized skills. Business can leverage overseas creative, administrative, engineering, and other high-level talent to build a well-rounded team. A good idea can come and be executed from just about anywhere.For instance, Foundr Magazine’s Editor-in-Chief and Publisher Nathan Chan started a passion project that enabled him to interview some of the most influential entrepreneurs around the world, which he shared through his monthly digital publication. For Chan, the launch of this successful project would not have been possible if it wasn’t for human cloud service and freelancing platform Elance. Elance allowed him to leverage overseas talent and build a solid team of graphic designers, audio/video editors, and writers. All tasks and projects for each issue of his magazine run through the platform, which also conveniently processes payments for his contractors. Easy collaboration Using an online platform gives SMBs the ability to manage projects through virtual workrooms. Collaboration software can be extremely important and even mission-critical for remote teams to work efficiently. As more startups and SMBs become familiar (and comfortable) with the advantages of the human cloud, the future of work means that location is not the most important factor in determining who will contribute to your business’s success. A worldwide network of online contractors is now ready to serve you with the qualifications, skill sets, and shared enthusiasm you seek to turn ideas into valuable products or services. For more information on how to leverage cloud technologies or collaboration software, get in touch with any of our cloud specialists. Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.
Must-have Google Chrome extensions
Chrome is the most-used web browser on the planet. It’s already powerful on its own, but with the thousands of add-ons in the Chrome Web Store, you can further enhance its functionality. Today, there’s an extension for almost every need, and it can be quite overwhelming and time-consuming to choose the right ones. But don’t fret. We’ve hand-picked the six must-have Chrome extensions so that you don’t have to sift through the whole catalog. BlockSite BlockSite helps you stay focused by blocking any distracting or harmful websites. If you’re in front of the computer all day, it’s the perfect solution to stop getting sidetracked by the many wonderful things on the internet. Essentially, BlockSite restricts access to websites that can cause your productivity to dip, particularly social media sites like Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter. If you don’t want to completely block these sites, you can schedule limited access to them; for instance, during your breaks. AdBlock AdBlock claims to be the most popular extension for Chrome. It has over 10 million active users — and for good reason. In a virtual world full of advertisements, AdBlock offers a break by blocking most ads from showing up on the screen. It also prevents shady, malware-ridden advertisements from popping up, which helps keep your browser speeds at optimal levels and improve your overall experience. LastPass Remembering passwords can be quite a headache; good thing there’s LastPass. It’s a great alternative to Chrome’s integrated password manager, and it generates new and secure passwords every time you log in to a website. It can also sync your passwords across devices, enabling you to easily access your accounts, enter credit card details, and fill out online forms with just a few clicks. Evernote Web Clipper Never lose anything on the internet again with Evernote Web Clipper. While you can mark sites using Chrome’s bookmark feature, Evernote is an even more powerful option: it allows you to quickly and easily save web content from Chrome and transfer it straight into your Evernote account. With the press of a button, you can grab an image from any web page, make annotations, create summary links, and save a distraction-free version of that page for later use. Pocket Pocket is another way to keep track of your favorite web content. With this extension, you can save articles, videos, and web pages for later viewing. Simply hit the Pocket extension button when you come across something interesting and that page will automatically be synced across all your devices, so you can view it at any time, even without an internet connection. If you come across something interesting but can’t waste time because of a pressing task, keep the web page in your Pocket for later. Momentum Momentum is a custom page that replaces the default Chrome landing page. Equipped with a personalized dashboard that features a beautiful scenic background, a daily inspirational quote, a weather report, a to-do list, and widgets for your favorite sites, Momentum could just be the dose of inspiration you’re looking for. Learn more about the different productivity apps the Chrome Web Store has to offer. Get in touch with our experts today. Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.
Use these Firefox features to work more efficiently
Firefox isn’t the most popular browser today — that honor goes to Google Chrome. But Firefox has a devoted set of users who find it to be the better browser. If you’re one of those people, here are some tips to make the most of Firefox. Customizable Firefox toolbar Choose which tools you want to see on your Firefox toolbar and maybe even discover new ones you haven’t heard of. Click on the menu button on the top-right corner and then click Customize. Drag and drop desired items onto the toolbar, which is located along the address bar near the top of the browser page. Secret tweak interface Catering to more tech-savvy users, Firefox’s secret interface gives you a peek behind the curtain into the world of coding. This helps you make adjustments to improve browser performance. Primary password setup If you want greater privacy over your Firefox browser, set up a primary password, pronto. The primary password (formerly called Master Password) acts as a key that unlocks all your passwords and information that could be detrimental if left exposed. To enable this function, click on Menu > Preferences > Privacy & Security, or type about:preferences#privacy directly in the address bar. Then check the box next to “Use a Primary Password” and follow the directions in the pop-up window. Custom shortcuts Mozilla has plenty of keyboard shortcuts, but you may prefer using shortkeys you’re already familiar with or ones that you use for other browsers. To create your own shortcuts, click on Menu > Add-ons and install the Shortkeys add-on. URL autocomplete Firefox’s URL autocomplete feature lets you type the name of a website without having to type in URL prefixes and suffixes (https://www, .com, etc.) in the address bar. If you’re logging on to Facebook, for example, just type in “facebook” in the address bar, press Ctrl + Enter (Mac: Command + Enter), and you’ll be redirected to Facebook.com. Hardware acceleration If your computer’s speed is fine but Firefox is slowing down (especially after comparing it to other browsers’ speed), it could be a problem with Firefox. To fix this problem, turn on hardware acceleration. Go to Menu > Preferences > General, scroll down to Performance, and untick “Use recommended performance settings”. Then, tick “Use hardware acceleration when available” and you’ll observe a noticeable difference in performance. With every new version of Firefox, its features become smarter and more useful for business users. If you want to discover more ways to work more efficiently with better technologies, chat with our computer experts today. Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.
Protect your business data in the cloud
Despite its enhanced security features, cloud computing isn’t 100% safe from data breaches. A small- or medium-sized business still needs to be proactive in making sure their data is secure in the cloud. The following tips will help tighten cloud data security. Know your cloud apps: Get a comprehensive view of the specific threats that business apps pose. Ask questions like: Which ones render you more or less prone to a breach? Does an app encrypt data stored on the service? Does it separate your data from that of others to limit exposure when another tenant has a breach? Migrate users to high-quality apps: Cloud-switching costs are low, which means that you can always switch to another application that best suits your needs. Take the time to consult with your vendor before switching to another app to make sure the new app is secure and compatible with your systems. Now more than ever, you have choices. Find out where your data is going: Take a look at your data in the cloud. Review uploads, downloads, and data at rest in apps to determine whether you have potential personally identifiable information (PII), or whether you simply have unencrypted confidential data. If you do have PII stored in the cloud, you need to make sure there are additional layers of security measures in place such as encryption. This is to avoid violating compliance regulations and paying hefty fines. Look at user activities: It’s important to understand not only what apps you use but also how these apps use your data. Determine what apps employees are using to share content and whether such apps have a sharing functionality. Knowing who’s sharing what and with whom will help you understand what policies to best employ. Mitigate risk through granular policy: Start with your business-critical apps and enforce policies that matter to your organization in the context of a breach. For example, block the upload of information covered by certain privacy acts, block the download of PII from HR apps, or temporarily block access to vulnerable apps. The key to preventing a data security breach in the cloud lies in careful attention to your cloud applications and user activity. Analyzing your apps and looking into user activities might be time-consuming, but minimizing cloud and data security breaches makes this task worthwhile. Looking to learn more about today’s security? Contact us and let us manage and minimize your risks. Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.
SaaS vs. PaaS vs. IaaS: Which is the right cloud service for you?
Cloud computing has become a staple in business strategy and IT architecture over the past years. It provides the simplest and quickest access to myriad hardware and software over the internet. Compared to traditional on-premises infrastructures, cloud-based solutions such as SaaS, PaaS, and IaaS offer a host of benefits. Let’s take a look at these and find out which cloud computing service is best for your business. 1. Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) Unlike software that you install on your computer, SaaS solutions are apps that are hosted on a provider’s servers. Easily the largest and most well known cloud-based service, SaaS uses the cloud to process app functions for users. That is, when a user opens a mobile or web browser app, the device merely sends inputs to a data center. The data center then processes the inputs and sends its outputs back to the user’s device. Minimal to no processing is done on the user’s device itself. And for as long as users have an internet connection, they can access the software from any device, at any time. With SaaS, your provider is responsible for software maintenance and updates, which means all users will be using the same version of a particular software and get updates at the same time. As a business owner, this means that managing the software on all of your computers is not only easier but more affordable. SaaS software solutions include office document creation suites, accounting software, email service, HR solutions, content management tools, customer relationship management systems, and more. In a nutshell, SaaS is: Available over the internet Hosted on a remote server by a third-party provider Scalable, with different tiers for small, medium, and enterprise-level businesses Inclusive, offering security, compliance, and maintenance as part of the cost 2. Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) PaaS is primarily used by developers who need a virtual environment for developing and testing their own custom software or apps. This means developers don’t need to build and maintain their own infrastructure — which is comprised of networking devices, storage, servers, an operating system, and other necessary hardware and software — when developing applications, saving the firm time and money. Most companies that utilize PaaS do so to either host or develop their own software solutions, or provide support for software used by employees. But while PaaS is gaining popularity with many small businesses, most won’t have firsthand interactions with this type of cloud unless they need to build their own software or app. In general, PaaS platforms are: Accessible to multiple users Scalable, as you can choose from various tiers of resources to suit the size of your business Built on virtualization technology Easy to run without extensive system administration knowledge 3. Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) IaaS offers services such as pay-as-you-go storage, networking, and virtualization. The most popular and well-known type of IaaS is the virtual machine — a digital version of a computer or server that is accessed over the internet. IaaS gives users cloud-based alternatives to expensive on-premises infrastructure so businesses can use their funds to invest in other things. In other words, if you are looking to virtualize your systems via the cloud, IaaS is a good place to start, as it allows you to move existing support systems into the cloud. Other solutions can then be migrated or introduced as needed. IaaS is essentially: Highly flexible and scalable Accessible by multiple users Cost-effective While the cloud offers a wide variety of benefits and solutions, choosing the service which is best for your company’s needs can be tedious. To ease this burden, get in touch with us today. We’ll help you find the best solution your business needs and ensure proper migration and implementation so you can focus on running your business. Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.
Protect your private data with mobile device-based biometrics
Cybercriminals are always on the lookout for ways to steal information, so you should seek to beef up your data protection. One such way is with biometric authentication on mobile devices. Authenticate your profile on your mobile device Chrome OS, Windows, MacOS, Linux, and Android are all adding features to help users safely log in using biometric identification via USB, Bluetooth, and NFC devices connected to smartphones and tablets. With such convenience, users can verify their accounts on the go. iOS users already enjoy either TouchID (fingerprint scanning) or FaceID (facial recognition) authentication, depending on their specific device. Android users can also use biometrics to protect their data, as most new Android devices have fingerprint scanners that make use of a secure storage protocol called Trusted Execution Environment. Prevent cyberattacks with browser-based biometrics Passwords are notoriously bad at protecting users’ accounts and the information they store. Thankfully, facial scans, fingerprints, and voice recognition make it exponentially harder for hackers to commit identity theft. That means you’re also less likely to be duped by an email from a hacker pretending to be your boss asking for the company credit card’s details. The concept behind this protection is the practice of two-factor (2FA) or multifactor authentication (MFA). This means that access to private information requires two or more stages of authentication, instead of just one. And because biometric authentication is an active authentication attempt by the user, it makes unauthorized access much more difficult to attempt. Enjoy more secure online transactions Biometric verification will also retire the need for logging in your information when shopping online, streaming videos, using cloud applications, and other internet-based transactions. Windows 10 has already adopted features that offer limited account management with fingerprints and facial scans. Another example is Samsung Pay, which turns smartphones into digital wallets that are protected by fingerprint or iris scans. Browser-based biometrics is starting to revolutionize and streamline the steps in verifying online accounts. It promises to add more security and ease in logging in and transacting on the internet. To keep up with the latest and greatest in browser-related innovations your company can benefit from, give us a call now. Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.
Is your web browser safe enough?
Web browsers are gateways to the internet, which is why you should care about how they transmit and store sensitive information. In an era where too much security is never enough, you need your browser to also have built-in cybersecurity features. But which web browser is the safest? Read on. Microsoft Edge Microsoft Edge, Windows 10’s current default browser, is an improvement over its predecessor Internet Explorer (IE). Edge is based on the open source Chromium browser, resulting in a powerful and efficient browser that supports Progressive Web Apps and Google Chrome extensions. Edge’s main advantage is that it is Windows 10 co mputers’ native browser, which means it should integrate more seamlessly with the Windows OS ecosystem in terms of power usage and data security. It uses Windows Defender SmartScreen to protect users from phishing and malware attacks. And it has a three-level defense against third-party trackers, allowing users to choose between Basic, Balanced, and Strict levels of blocking trackers from collecting personal data and monitoring browsing behavior. Safari Safari is a graphical web browser developed by Apple for iOS, iPad OS, and macOS. The current iteration is Safari 14, released September in 2020 alongside macOS Big Sur, and it’s also compatible with Catalina and Mojave. Safari has long been using a system called Intelligent Tracking Prevention (ITP) that identifies and prohibits trackers from accessing a user’s personal data. Safari 14’s Privacy Report feature shows all the trackers ITP has blocked. Safari also has secure password monitoring, which notifies users if any of their saved passwords in iCloud shows up in a data breach. The browser, however, is only available on Apple devices, with full capabilities found only on MacBooks and Macs. Mozilla Firefox Mozilla Firefox is a free and open-source web browser developed by the Mozilla Foundation. It is widely available across platforms, even on Unix and Unix-like operating systems such as FreeBSD, OpenBSD, illumos, and Solaris Unix. Because of Firefox’s open-source development platform, it can be quite unsecure to use on public computers. For personal and single-user business devices, however, Firefox is relatively safe, especially once all security features are activated and tweaked to your needs. Some key features include a password manager called Firefox Lockwise, a third-party tracker protection system, Private Browsing, and Firefox Monitor, which checks if your email address has been compromised in a data breach. Mozilla also has a Bug Bounty program, which offers a financial reward to anyone who can identify gaps and holes in Firefox code, so the browser can be patched and improved as urgently as possible. Mozilla also promises no legal action against anyone who complies in good faith under its Bug Bounty program, including any claim under the DMCA for circumventing technological measures. Google Chrome Google Chrome is a cross-platform web browser developed by Google. It is the default browser for Google’s line of laptops and third-party Chromebooks. Chrome utilizes a process allocation model to sandbox tabs. Sandboxing is a security mechanism for separating running programs to keep software vulnerabilities from spreading. Chrome also regularly updates two sets of blacklists, one for phishing and one for malware, which it uses to warn users of potentially harmful sites. It also touts site isolation and predictive phishing protection features that receive regular and critical updates every six weeks and within 24 hours of a threat being discovered, respectively. Being aware of how your web browser stacks up against the competition is only half the battle. Ransomware like WannaCry can spread to uninfected systems through a gap in the Windows security framework, and most other malware infections prey on human error. What your business needs is a comprehensive security audit. For more information, call us today. Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.