Does your website have an SSL certificate? If not, then now may be the time to get one. A Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) certificate is like a virtual padlock that helps to protect your visitors’ data. This can give users added peace of mind when they enter usernames, passwords, and even payment information on your site. In fact, security-conscious individuals often look for this certificate when determining a website’s legitimacy and safety. There are many benefits to having an SSL certificate displayed on your website, including an improved reputation and added security. However, many website owners don't realize that this certificate can also boost your search engine optimization (SEO), thus improving your search engine rankings and potentially making your site easier to find. Improving SEO With an SSL Certificate How can having an SSL certificate boost your SEO? For starters, the algorithms that Google uses to rank websites on search engine results

No matter what industry you find yourself in, the fact remains that keeping your data secure and your website up-and-running is important. In the medical industry, however, this is especially vital. Unfortunately, there has been a recent rise in the number of distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks carried out against healthcare providers, especially on patient portals that users rely on to receive medical information, schedule appointments, and more. By having a better understanding of the unique challenges that healthcare organizations face on the web, you can take steps to protect your own business. Unique Security Challenges for the Healthcare Industry Health records are protected by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), which was passed and implemented nationwide in 1996. This law requires healthcare organizations to take certain measures to protect their patients' health records and other sensitive data – imposing serious penalties and fines for organizations that fail to

When you operate a business in the medical field or any other industry that handles sensitive health information, it's no secret that you're required to maintain compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). This law sets forth several regulations that businesses and organizations are required to follow to keep personal data (including medical records) secure. Having a HIPAA-compliant server is a must if you'll be collecting or transmitting sensitive health data over the web. Shared or cloud-based servers may appear to be an effective option due to their convenience and low cost, but they often lack necessary security features and capabilities. Dedicated servers, on the other hand, offer a variety of security options. Plus, because they are not shared with other users, you’ll have greater peace of mind knowing that your clients’ or patients’ data won’t fall into the wrong hands. Of course, not all dedicated hosting

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