In September 2020, Cynet released an in-depth report on their findings regarding the impact COVID-19 (Coronavirus) has had on cybersecurity thus far. Some of the findings weren't much of a surprise; for example, it wasn't unexpected that hackers would exploit the pandemic as a means of carrying out cyber-attacks. However, there were some interesting discoveries that both consumers and business owners with an online presence should be aware of. This includes information related to an increase in attacks among certain industries and malware attacks carried out through a method known as spear phishing. Meanwhile, the Cynet report also identified an increase in new attack methods, which is troubling. Below, we’re taking a closer look at Cynet’s findings and what you can learn from them. Increases in Industry-Specific Attacks While there has been an uptick in attacks across all industries, the reality is that some sectors seem to be getting hit harder than others in

Podcasts have become an increasingly popular form of entertainment over the last several years. In fact, about 32 percent of Americans listen to at least one podcast per month! If you've been thinking about launching your own podcast or already have one in the works, you've probably realized that there are a lot of logistical challenges to overcome. One of the most pressing issues you'll need to figure out as a podcaster is how and where you'll host your podcast files and website. Below, we’re discussing everything you need to know about hosting your podcast with a dedicated server.  Podcast Hosting Needs While there is a relatively low barrier for entering the world of podcast publication, the reality is that once your podcast's audience begins to grow, so do your hosting needs. In the beginning, you may only have to worry about hosting your audio files (which will likely not be very large if you're using basic recording

No matter what industry you're in, the reality is that growing businesses are constant targets of web attacks. From phishing and ransomware schemes to distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks, and more, there are serious cybersecurity threats lurking around every corner of today's web. And, unfortunately, even if you take all the right steps to protect your company, all it takes is one unsuspecting employee to open your business up to attacks and data breaches that could tarnish your reputation and bottom line. By educating your employees on cybersecurity best practices, you can reduce the risk of them falling victim to common web attacks. As you prepare for your employee cybersecurity training, there are some specific topics worth covering, which we’ll discuss below. 1. How to Identify Phishing Schemes Phishing schemes have been a nuisance for years, and unfortunately, people still fall for them every day. Most often, these attacks are carried out against

Today, more employees find themselves working remotely than ever before. In fact, up to 42 percent of the United States’ labor force is now working from home full-time. With more employees involved in remote work, many companies are also implementing "bring your own device" (BYOD) policies, allowing workers to use their own personal devices (computers, laptops, tablets, etc.) in lieu of company-issued ones. While instituting these BYOD policies can save organizations money up-front and help employees feel more comfortable while working from home, the reality is that they also pose some major security threats. By understanding the key dangers of BYOD, organization leaders can make informed decisions regarding whether these procedures are truly in their best interests. Lost or Stolen Devices If an employee loses his or her personal smartphone, this can become an instant security risk – especially if they were using it to check work emails, log into company server

Many businesses are turning to video conferencing applications like Zoom and Skype to communicate while Coronavirus restrictions prevent face-to-face meetings from happening. And while these tools have been a lifesaver for some organizations, no video conferencing software is without its potential security risks. However, the good news for businesses of all sizes is that there are many steps you can take to optimize video conferencing security, protect sensitive information, and keep employees safe. Let’s take a look! Understanding Video Conferencing Security Risks Unfortunately, there are a number of risks that accompany the use of video conferencing platforms like Skype and Zoom. For example, there has been an increase in malware files being found on these apps. This means that when employees use the video platform, they could be downloading malicious files in the process. And if these same team members are using work computers that are connected to your company's servers, it's easy

Due to COVID-19, many companies have had no choice but to shift their operations to a work-from-home format. While this has been a smooth transition for some, many businesses have struggled with security and logistical issues as a result of the change. If your organization is dealing with common work-from-home challenges, all hope is not lost. Dedicated server hosting offers solutions to a variety of problems. Plus, investing in a dedicated server now will set you up for success down the road as life begins to return to normal. Security Challenges of Working Remotely There are a number of inherent security concerns that arise when you transition employees to work-from-home roles. These issues begin with the internet connection that your workers use to access company data. Unfortunately, relying on your employees' home internet connections poses several significant security risks. Even if their networks are secured with a password, they still

The internet is an unpredictable place. Even when traffic on your website seems relatively steady from one day or week to the next, it doesn't take much for a sudden influx of visitors to cause issues with your server. Of course, the last thing you need is for your site to crash when demand is at its peak. A variety of factors can lead to web traffic spikes, from seasonality (i.e., an increase in online shopping during the holidays) to DDoS attacks. Below, we’re discussing a lesser-known issue that could lead to a higher volume of visitors, so you can ensure your website is prepared. Let’s take a look! What Is the Slashdot Effect? The Slashdot effect (also known as the Reddit effect or the Reddit "hug of death") occurs when a site crashes due to a sudden and unexpected spike in traffic. This increase happens when a link to

Over the course of the last few months, many businesses have had to shift the majority of their positions to work-from-home roles. Unfortunately, this transition has also resulted in an increase in online scams aimed at unsuspecting remote workers. Phishing schemes and cyber-attacks are on the rise, and some organizations have experienced devastating security breaches.  Considering the current state of the digital world, it’s more important than ever to implement some cybersecurity best practices to protect your data while employees are working from home. Let’s take a closer look at some essential best practices to follow. Provide the Right Training Begin by making sure that your work-from-home employees are educated on the different types of web attacks and how to identify them. You should never assume that your team members understand these threats, how they work, or what precautions to take to prevent them. One specific attack to educate your employees

Every year, Trustwave publishes a Global Security Report that provides valuable insights into cybercrime trends and statistics worldwide. The 2020 report was made available in April and revealed some interesting (yet troublesome) findings within the world of cloud hosting and other related services. Based on these Trustwave Global Security Report findings, it’s more important than ever for website owners and administrators to evaluate their security practices and consider making the switch to a dedicated hosting plan. The Risk of Using Cloud-Based Services According to the 2020 Trustwave report, web attacks on cloud services more than doubled in 2019 alone, making the cloud the third-largest target for cybercriminals. Because cloud hosting makes up such a large part of these services, website owners who utilize this type of hosting plan are especially at risk. Relying on the cloud to host your organization’s website, email, or other services poses a variety of security concerns in

Unfortunately, data breaches have become a relatively common security issue online, affecting organizations of all sizes and leaving millions of users’ information exposed. As a business owner, your clients and customers rely on you to keep their information safe. This includes payment data, names, addresses, and anything else you may have stored in your system. Hopefully, your business will never fall victim to a data breach. However, it's important to plan for the possibility. By understanding what to do after a data breach, you can take the necessary steps to mitigate damage and prevent the same issues from occurring again. 1. Update Your Online Logins When a data breach occurs, your usernames, passwords, and other login information are no longer secure. Therefore, one of the first steps you'll need to take is to update passwords on all of your online accounts – especially those associated with your business. If you have