Distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks have been a growing issue in cybersecurity for years. However, few people would have guessed that the increasing use of Internet of Things (IoT) devices would have an impact on DDoS risks. In the last few years, cyber-criminals have discovered that IoT devices can be used to carry out large DDoS attacks, causing all kinds of damage, downtime, and devastation. The Problem with IoT Devices What is an IoT device, anyway? This term generally refers to any product that has its own computer built in, along with the ability to connect to the internet. This can include anything from the smart light bulbs you have in your home to the Wi-Fi baby monitor you use to keep an eye on your little one. The problem with IoT devices is that users often don't take the proper steps to secure them because they don't see them

If you stay on top of web security news, you're probably familiar with the concept of distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks and the havoc they can wreak on businesses and websites across the globe. Hopefully, you've also taken some measures to protect your site from these increasingly common cyber-threats. Unfortunately, there's another potential risk that you may not be aware of – botnet-driven DDoS attacks. In recent years, there has been a notable increase not only in the number of these attacks but in their size and potential for damage, too. By having a solid understanding of what these attacks are and how they originate, you can take even better measures to protect your site and server. What Is a Botnet-Driven DDoS Attack? A botnet-driven DDoS attack refers to one that utilizes a network of computers or other devices that have been compromised by malware. Hackers essentially use them to build an "army"

There are many reasons why you may need to create an Internet of Things (IoT) platform. From collecting data to carrying out tasks, IoT systems can utilize any number of small, interconnected devices to make your life easier. Of course, in creating a custom IoT system, there's always the issue of hosting. IoT platforms can be hosted in a number of ways. For example, you can self-host your platform or utilize a shared or cloud server. Unfortunately, these options tend to fall short when it comes to security, reliability, and speed. For this reason, you may want to consider investing in a dedicated IoT server to meet your needs. The Importance of a Dedicated IoT Server Having an Internet of Things server in place can help to optimize your IoT strategy, whatever it may be. When you're setting up an IoT platform, you're probably going to have dozens (or even

These days, having an online presence is essential, no matter what industry your business operates in. Many companies rely heavily on their websites for generating new leads and even bringing in profits through ad revenue and eCommerce sales. It's not surprising, then, that unexpected site outages can create problems for business owners and customers alike. Beyond frustration and inconvenience, website downtime can also impact your company’s bottom line. By having a better understanding of the real cost of downtime, you can take measures to better protect your business. The Average Cost of Downtime The cost of network downtime can vary greatly based on a number of factors. For example, a business that runs an eCommerce store is likely to lose more direct money due to site downtime than a company with relatively light daily traffic that only uses its website for informational purposes. On the other hand, even businesses without eCommerce sites can

If you stay on top of online security news, you've already heard about distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks and the impact they can have on a server. However, what you may not be aware of is a new type of DDoS attack that is sweeping the web and leaving destruction in its path. These WS-Discovery-based (WSD) protocol attacks were discovered by researchers back in May of 2019, and have become a growing problem ever since. If you have a website or rely on a server to maintain sensitive information, it’s important to understand what WSD protocol attacks are and how they work. From there, you can take the measures needed to protect yourself. Understanding WSD Protocol Attacks Many network devices use something called WS-Discovery protocol, which allows devices to connect to each other automatically. When used for its intended purpose, WSD is useful and harmless. However, when hackers discovered that this

Are you looking for practical ways to beef up data security on your dedicated server? If you’ve already implemented our basic tips and tricks, it may be time to take things a step further by employing a moving target defense (MTD) strategy. When properly executed, this security plan can reduce your risk of falling victim to data breaches and a host of other cyber-attacks. By having a better understanding of what MTD entails and how to set up this strategy on your own site, you can feel confident knowing that your data is secure. Is a Moving Target Defense Strategy Right for You? Generally, an MTD strategy involves the intentional creation of a dynamic attack surface, which makes it harder for hackers to hone in on what they’re aiming for. This strategy was initially developed by the Department of Homeland Security but is now commonly used by web hosts and administrators all

Random access memory (RAM) is one of several key components that make up your dedicated server. It’s used for a number of functions, such as storing and reading data on a hard drive. RAM is also required to run various applications on your website. If you don't have enough RAM, you can expect your site to run slowly (both for you and your users). Of course, this poses a significant issue, as a slow site will likely drive potential customers or clients away. At the same time, RAM isn't necessarily cheap – and you don't want to be paying for more than you actually need. By having a better understanding of how much RAM your website requires, you can optimize your dedicated server's performance without wasting your hard-earned money in the process. General RAM Recommendations The amount of RAM offered on a dedicated server can vary depending on the dedicated hosting company you choose. In

In today's digital world, there is a seemingly endless race to develop new protections against the latest cyber-threats. Unfortunately, these solutions often end up being short-lived, as hackers are quick to find loopholes and other ways to implement their attacks. Currently, organizations and even governments across the globe are striving to build the first "quantum computer," which would be able to significantly improve web security through the use of quantum cryptography. So, what does this all mean for those who currently rely on dedicated server hosting and basic security protocols to keep their important information safe? Let’s take a closer look at quantum cryptography and how it may affect web security in the future. What Is Quantum Cryptography? In its simplest terms, quantum cryptography applies key principles of quantum mechanics to optimize data encryption. With quantum cryptography, messages and data could be encrypted so that the only person able to read it would

Firewalls play a vital role in protecting networks from potential attacks. More than likely, you already have a firewall on your home computer or laptop that assists in detecting malicious files in your email, scans sites for possible malware, and takes other measures to protect your device from attacks. But did you know that a firewall can serve a similar purpose for your dedicated server? Still, if you're relying on a "traditional" firewall for your dedicated server security, you may not be getting the most advanced protection possible. Making the switch to a next-generation firewall (NGFW) can provide you with an added layer of security. Let’s take a closer look at what you need to know about NGFWs. What Is a Next-Generation Firewall? What's the difference between traditional firewalls and NGFWs, anyway? For starters, a typical firewall uses packet information from open systems and layers to scan, control, and otherwise monitor connections to

In the world of cybersecurity, there are defenders and there are attackers. Defenders are constantly looking for new ways to keep their data safe on the internet, while attackers are typically quick to circumvent whatever new security technology may have been put in place. This inevitably results in a generally unproductive cycle of attacks and the implementation of new defenses. However, a concept known as moving target defense (MTD) that was created by the Department of Homeland Security is now being applied to cybersecurity to help users better protect their information. If you run an online business or simply want to keep your personal information safe, having a better understanding of the MTD strategy could aid you in your quest to improve overall data security. Let’s take a closer look! Understanding the Moving Target Defense Strategy The primary component that differentiates MTD from standard security strategies is that the attack