Security

Why You Should Care About HTTPS

Business, Personal, Security, Technology
One basic internet security habit that everyone should remember is to avoid websites that aren’t secured with the HTTPS protocol. This is as simple as looking at your URL bar to check whether the URL string starts with “https” and whether there is a symbol of a closed padlock beside it.   HTTPS Encryption When you visit a website that doesn’t use HTTPS, which is common with older websites that have been left on its domain with minimal intervention, everything you type or click on that website is sent across the network in plain text. So, if your bank’s website doesn’t use the latest protocols, your login information can be decrypted by anyone with even the most basic tools. HTTPS Certificates The other thing outdated web browsing lacks is publisher certificates. When you enter a web address into your browser, … READ MORE »

The Dangers of Autocomplete Passwords

Business, Cloud, Personal, Security, Technology
Hackers have found a new way to track you online. Aside from using advertisements and suggestions, they can now use autocomplete passwords to track you down. Feeling unsecure? Here are some ways to keep you out of harm’s way. Why auto-fill passwords are so dangerous As of December 2018, there are 4.1 billion internet users in the world. This means users have to create dozens of passwords, either to protect their account or simply to meet the password-creation requirements of the platform they’re using. Unfortunately, only 20% of US internet users have different passwords for their multiple online accounts. Certain web browsers have integrated a mechanism that enables usernames and passwords to be automatically entered into a web form. On the other hand, password manager applications have made it easy to access login credentials. But these aren’t completely safe. Tricking … READ MORE »

Should You Adopt the Cloud During COVID-19?

Business, Cloud, Security, Technology
With the COVID-19 pandemic, many business owners are cutting costs and jeopardizing their organization’s efficiency as a result. If you want to avoid this outcome, you should invest in cloud technology. The cloud will not just help you save money, but it will also help your business run more efficiently.   Ensuring continuity and efficiency with the cloud The need to stay at home and practice social distancing have changed the way many businesses operate. With their employees unable to come to the office, organizations are forced to function with a remote team whose members are often miles away from each other. This is where cloud technology helps. When you migrate your data to the cloud, your files are stored in a centralized server that can be accessed via the internet. So as long as a user has an internet-connected … READ MORE »

How Businesses Continue to be Impacted by COVID-19

Business, Security, Technology
Businesses are facing a lot of uncertainty because of the coronavirus pandemic. As COVID-19 continues to spread, the only thing that seems certain is that it will continue to impact businesses, particularly the way they operate and use technology. Increased reliance on communications technology The need for remote interactions and stronger communications technology will inevitably continue to increase. Businesses are expected to immediately adopt things like 5G technology (where available) to enhance communication speeds and performance. Meanwhile, specific industries like healthcare will adopt technologies that optimize current processes. This includes using telehealth platforms that let healthcare providers diagnose and issue prescriptions remotely. To do that, they need systems that will efficiently facilitate consultations. Many companies have already shifted to remote work setups. Business leaders now and in the foreseeable future will use more platforms that efficiently facilitate collaboration with colleagues, … READ MORE »

Protect Your Business Data in the Cloud

Business, Cloud, Security, Technology
Though touted for its increased security, the cloud isn’t 100% safe from data breaches. A small- and medium-sized business has to be proactive with data security, even in the cloud, or it risks costs tied to lost business, damaged reputation, and regulatory fines. Make sure you’re securing your business data in the cloud with the following steps. The cloud opens up some great benefits for businesses and is here to stay. However, as with all technology advancements, you need to also be aware of its vulnerabilities and security issues. If you want to proactively prevent data security breaches in the cloud, then here are five tips to follow: Know your cloud apps: Get a comprehensive view of the business readiness of apps. Ask questions like: Which ones render you more or less prone to a breach? Does an app encrypt … READ MORE »

A Smart Approach to Cybersecurity Investment

Business, Personal, Security, Technology
Cybersecurity is a threat to businesses across industries. Sometimes, organizations invest in security software without realizing the risks that come with it. Here are compelling reasons why identifying threats before buying cybersecurity products is paramount. Uncover threats and vulnerabilities Every business should run a risk assessment to evaluate its current cybersecurity infrastructure. Doing so is one of the easiest ways to identify, correct, and prevent security breaches. After discovering potential issues that cyberterrorists could exploit, rate them based on probability of occurrence and potential impacts on your business. Keep in mind that risk assessments are specific to every business, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach for technology that will work for small- and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). Variables like your line of business and operating environment will account for differences in needs and risks. For instance, manufacturing companies and insurance groups … READ MORE »

Protecting Your Android Phone From Malware

Business, Personal, Security, Technology
As a smartphone user, you should be just as concerned about your phone’s security from malware as you are about its physical safety. Malware and other forms of cyberthreats are becoming more and more common in smartphones and ignoring them can lead to disaster. Mobile malware MO Mobile malware can be just as harmful to a business’s network as infected desktops and laptops are. Potential problems include overcharges on phone bills, stolen data, intercepted messages, phishing attacks, and fake notifications to one’s contact list. Most examples of malware come from applications downloaded from third-party app stores. These give hackers access to passwords, user account information, and other sensitive personal data. Since many business users link their Android devices to each other, malware could transfer across multiple devices with ease. Who is responsible? The burden doesn’t fall solely on smartphone users. … READ MORE »

TECHLINQ – COVID-19 Update: Now More Than Ever, Proper Security, and Technology Support is Key

Business, Cloud, Personal, Security, Technology
Written by: Anton Ruighaver, COO – TECHLINQ With the recent Coronavirus situation sending a shockwave through the world, many businesses are facing unprecedented uncertainty. Companies that were thriving are seeing a sudden and significant decline in their overall revenue, while businesses operating with thin margins are fearful of having to shut the doors permanently. Unfortunately, this is completely out of our control, and is the landscape we’re facing. I am devastated for those companies that have been forced to close due to new government stipulations imposed to stop the spread of the virus. Based on my observations to date, it seems that of businesses that remain open, few are actually addressing the situation in a thoughtful and logical manner. I’ve heard countless stories of small companies immediately laying off their entire staff, or a large majority of it. Others that … READ MORE »

Improve Internet Security With These Easy Tips

Business, Cloud, Personal, Security, Technology
With over three billion internet users around the globe totaling roughly 40% of the population, the internet is rife with opportunities for hackers to steal users’ information. And with technology constantly evolving and the internet growing, it’s not likely to get safer anytime soon. It therefore pays to take extra precautions when surfing the web. We’ve compiled these three easy tips that can amp up your online security. Tip #1: Use HTTPS Short for Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure, HTTPS indicates that a website has an extra layer of security for its users. This layer encrypts data exchanged between a user’s browser and the web server that delivers the data that the user requests. To use a simpler comparison, imagine someone tapping your landline, but instead of getting to listen in on your conversations, they’ll hear people speaking in tongues instead. … READ MORE »

3 Ways to Browse the Web Safely at Work

Business, Cloud, Personal, Security, Technology
Amidst the current climate of malware, hacks, and phishing scams, companies must take precautions when accessing the internet. Without safeguards, browsers that you or your employees use are vulnerable to cyberattacks that may cripple productivity and profit. Here are steps that your company should take to browse the net safely. Prevent browser tracking If you don’t like the idea of a third party (reputable or otherwise) being able to track your browsing habits, enable private browsing using built-in tools in your internet browser such as Chrome’s incognito mode. 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. Block adverts While online ads may seem harmless, the truth is they … READ MORE »