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

These days, more businesses are relying on connected devices than ever. Rather than simply using a network of computers, for example, your organization may begin to utilize tech tools like smartwatches, smart sensors, and other devices that improve efficiency and enhance project management. However, with a larger number of connected devices also comes some major security concerns that your organization must take seriously in order to safeguard sensitive data. While the evolving Internet of Things (IoT) has relied heavily on the cloud for many years, more organizations are beginning to see how dedicated servers can be useful for IoT platforms and provide solutions to many of the security concerns associated with cloud hosting. Common IoT Security Concerns If you rely on cloud hosting, a variety of inherent security issues could put your data at risk. These issues can be compounded when you're using cloud hosting for an IoT platform because you're

Having security issues on your website can be detrimental in a number of ways. First, consider how you would feel if a site you frequently visit fell victim to security issues. Most likely, you would avoid it going forward, and its reputation would be tarnished in your mind. Security problems can also pose a threat to your site’s uptime, as certain types of cyber attacks can cause your server to go down completely. No matter what type of website you run, keeping it as secure as possible will always be in your best interest. Fortunately, there are several steps you can follow to avoid security vulnerabilities on your site – even if you don't have experience with IT maintenance. 1.     Install Updates and Patches Regularly When developing a cyber security plan, you should start by staying on top of all patches and updates. Typically, patches are released when a known security vulnerability

Data breaches are a genuine concern among all companies that do business online. It seems as though news about another major breach comes out daily – and the last thing you want is for your own company to make one of those headlines. Unfortunately, there is no way to safeguard your information against potential hackers completely. However, there are a few proactive steps you can take to protect your site's data. Below, we’re breaking down four of the best ways to prevent data breaches. 1.     Opt for Data Encryption One of the best things you can do to protect sensitive data from ending up in the wrong hands is to encrypt it. When data is encrypted, it is essentially "translated" into unreadable text when an unauthorized user opens it. With this service, even if hackers gain access to data files, they won't have the "key" needed to decode the text.

When you're choosing a dedicated server on which to host and store your important data, the server specifications (RAM, processor, storage, etc.) are undoubtedly important. However, one detail you won't want to overlook when deciding on dedicated hosting is your server's data center location. This refers to the exact building where your server hardware will be stored and maintained. Data center location matters a lot more than you might realize. By having a better understanding of why the setting of your data center is important, you can make informed decisions regarding your hosting. The Importance of Data Center Location The physical location of your server's data center can affect your website's speed and latency. If your server is far away from its users, information and data will have to travel greater distances. For example, when someone visits a page on your website, their computer needs to communicate with your server to access your files, photos,

No matter what industry you're in, having your website optimized for search engines is a must. Optimization makes it easier for potential customers to stumble across your site organically, which can increase business and boost your reputation. Search engine optimization (SEO) is one of many services offered by marketing firms – but did you know that simply choosing the right hosting for your site could help with your SEO efforts? Let’s take a closer look at how a dedicated server can improve your site’s SEO. Site Speed and SEO Rankings These days, speed is a major factor that search engines like Google take into consideration when ranking websites. There are several free tools, such as WebPageTest.org, that allow you to test your site's speed. These resources can also help you pinpoint slow-downs or other speed issues that could be negatively impacting your SEO. Individual page load times are also taken into account by Google when

Launching your first website can be both exciting and intimidating. There are many decisions to make regarding your site, but one you definitely won't want to overlook is which web hosting option to choose. The right web host will not only fit your budget but will also be reliable and fast enough to keep your site running smoothly. There are three main hosting types to consider as you prepare to launch your site – shared, virtual private server (VPS), and dedicated hosting. By getting to know how these hosting types differ and the potential benefits and drawbacks of each, you can ultimately make the right choice. Shared Hosting For many websites that are just starting out, shared hosting is a popular choice due to its low cost. Shared hosting works just as the name implies; your site shares its server and resources with many other websites. The specific number of websites

If you have plans to launch a website in the near future, there are some specific services you may need. This remains true whether you're starting a site for your small business, personal blog, or anything in between. While some services may be easy to do on your own, others may require the help of a professional. Therefore, it’s a good idea to determine what you’re comfortable handling before creating your site. Let’s take a look at a few essential services for launching a website. 1. Domain Registration The very first step of website creation is to purchase and register a domain name – without one, you won't have a website. A domain registration service allows you to secure your website's URL, provided that the name isn't already taken. Registration is inexpensive (usually about $10 per year), and you can set up your URL to auto-renew so it doesn't lapse. In

With the holiday season upon us, now is an important time to review your hosting plan. This is especially crucial if you run an eCommerce site and are anticipating increased traffic and sales during the holidays. As we all know, November and December are busy shopping months for those stocking up on gifts for loved ones. This presents your site with an excellent opportunity to bring in more revenue – but only if your server is prepared. If your eCommerce site isn't currently hosted on a dedicated server, you may want to make the switch before the holiday shopping season begins. That way, you can provide shoppers with the best possible experience and avoid potentially expensive downtime and other issues. Let’s take a closer look at why dedicated servers are beneficial during the holidays. Protect Against DDoS Attacks Unfortunately, instances of crippling distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks have been on the rise