Are You Doing Enough to Protect Your Domain Name?

Are You Doing Enough to Protect Your Domain Name?

by | Feb 23, 2016 | Guest Post, Website Security

Whether you are running a full website or just hoping to capitalize on a future opportunity, protecting your domain name is of paramount importance to anyone who is interested in an online career. You don?t hear too many success stories of people who lost their domain name to a hacker or scammer only to come back twice as strong. When you do hear a success story, they are the exception to the rule, and you can be sure they?d be better off not losing the name in the first place.Protect your domain NameJust like any valuable property, your domain name is something worth protecting. This needs to be done on several fronts, and you need to take the steps to protect yourself immediately. The road to victimhood is paved with procrastinated intentions, and getting your domain name back is extremely difficult and/or costly once you?ve lost it. If you have a lot of valuable content associated with the name, it will only be more difficult to get it back.Here are the main things you need to do to protect your domain name:Keep Your Basic Computer and Internet Security StrongYour computer and other online accounts likely have information that could lead to the theft or other loss of your domain name, so you need to make sure that you have great security habits in general. You should be doing the following:
  • Make sure that you have a security suite on any computer or device you use to deal with your domain name. No exceptions.
  • Protect your email using every method you can think of (and even more you can look up). Your email is the main gateway into your other online accounts and is probably the easiest route through which someone can take your domain name.
  • Have a backup copy of all of the data on your computer that you?d miss. That way you?ll be able to recover more easily if your computer falls victim to malware or ransomware.
  • Be wary of most online offers. Scammers are everywhere, and nothing on the internet is truly free or easy. Ask yourself how any offer benefits the giver and how it could negatively impact you.
  • Be careful what you download or what people send you online. You could be clicking right into a trap, and it is very easy for things to become too late.
Protect your domain NameProtect Your WebsiteIf your domain name has a working website attached to it, you should make every possible to protect that website if you aren?t already. If you lose it, then you lose your domain name as well. You need to make sure you are doing the following:
  • Use the strongest verification methods you can associate with your website. Use complex passwords and security questions that no one but you know (you?d be surprised what people can find out online).
  • Make sure you are updating your platform and plugins if you are using any. Get rid of plugins that aren?t getting updated or could potentially lead to an XSS attack. Make a check of this sort every couple of months.
  • Do use plugins, tools and scripts that are beneficial to the security of your website. Once you find an acclaimed tool, make sure that you have something that can scan your website against vulnerabilities and protect you against brute force attacks. Protections against DDOS attacks and some other threats aren?t necessary to protect your domain name, but will prove helpful regardless.
  • Constantly be on the lookout for new threats, and listen when you hear about potential vulnerabilities on your website. It is better to be needlessly cautious than reckless.
Beware of Public NetworksPeople who like to manage their websites and business from more than just their homes and offices (a near necessity in today?s fast-paced world) will often have to pay a lot for their data plans or use public networks whenever they can. Yet public networks are extremely dangerous for any internet user, as on them it is possible for hackers to intercept your data without you having the slightest inkling of what is going on. This can easily lead to your email account or domain name getting stolen and sold within a matter of hours.The best way for you to protect your domain name from this particular threat is to use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) whenever you are using a public network. A VPN is a service that connects your computer to another server around the world via an encrypted connection. This connection will protect you on public networks and not even let hackers know what you?re up to online. It also will also you to access blocked content anywhere in the world and hide your IP address, keeping you anonymous online.Lock Down Your Domain NameCertain domain name providers will have an option to put on additional security onto your domain name, allowing you to lock it down to your account and prevent unwanted transfers. It is likely something you will want to look into so that you can prevent an accidental loss or someone coming into your account and easily taking it away. It might not always be an option, but a quick check right this moment will only take a few minutes and might save you a lot of money and time in the long run. It may even cost a few dollars, but it could still be worth it for the security concerned.Check In RegularlyIt is surprising to see the effectiveness of simply checking in on your website or domain name regularly. It allows you to notice different things that might be out of place and get other notifications. You might be able to check to see if a person has been trying to get into your account depending on your service provider and your timing. Try to set up as many security notifications as possible so you can know if something is up with just an email. It will also get you in the good habit of being more involved with your business.Renew Early and for Long Periods of TimeIf you have a domain name that?s in strong demand, you can bet there will be vultures circling your website via tools ready to tell them the second your domain name is available for purchase. It will only be a matter of minutes (or even seconds) before someone snatches it up, and then they?ll either use it for themselves or be happy to resell it back to you (for a four figure sum).Don?t let your hold on the name expire. If you have an option to renew your hold for five years and intend to keep it for that long, take the option and save yourself some money in the long run. Don?t wait until the very last minute to extend your hold, and choose to automatically renew from an account if that is an option (and update the card information every few years as your cards expire).Keep Your Contact Info CurrentIt is a little known fact that domain name providers can revoke registration if you don?t respond in a proper amount of time to an inquiry about incorrect information (see 3.7.7.2 of ICANN?s Registrar Accreditation Agreement). It isn?t a complex process and is resolved without too many problems most of the time, but your domain name could be in jeopardy if you don?t make the proper contact in time.The main cause of this kind of domain name loss is the lack of contact information. More times than not you can safely know that your provider will be willing to work with you and reach out, but there?s nothing that can be done if you no longer have the email address and phone number that they have on record. Take a quick look to see if everything is current and make adjustments as necessary. Set a yearly reminder to check in on this. You?ll be thankful when it comes up.Know Your OptionsIf your domain name does unfortunately get stolen or otherwise lost, you will need to act quickly and decisively. If the domain is particularly valuable, then you might want to consider legal action, in which case you should know the laws well and any policies your provider has put in place. If your computer is compromised, you should eliminate the threat, then reset passwords and accounts as necessary (be liberal about it). If you think your website is under attack, determine the source of the attack and retaliate as necessary. You need to plan ahead and have a go-to plan for any situation. Ideally, you won?t even have to think about it.If you take the right steps, your domain name will be perfectly safe. It takes a little bit of time and some of your resources, but protecting your domain name properly should be seen as an investment which more than makes up for its costs. Do not be the weakest link online that will get targeted, and instead show the professional community that you care about every aspect of your online career and business.Do you have any experience defending your domain name(s) from hackers and other vultures looking to make a quick dollar? Do you have any other tips that might be helpful to your fellow readers? If you do, please leave a comment below so you can keep the conversation going and share your knowledge with everyone.
Book Review – 7 Simple Steps on How to Create a WordPress Website

Book Review – 7 Simple Steps on How to Create a WordPress Website

by | Feb 18, 2016 | WordPress

7 Simple Steps on How to Create a WordPress WebsiteIf you have a business or any kind of presence on the Internet, one of the things that you will have to do sooner or later is to set up a WordPress website or blog. As a new entrepreneur or small business owner or startup, wouldn?t you like to set up your own website? Now you can do it, with no coding or design skills required. How? By reading this book titled ?7 Simple Steps on How to Create a WordPress Website,? by: Nick Throlson.Create WordPress Websites in Less Than 2 HoursThis 30-page book will take you step by step through the process of creating a professionally optimized website within the WordPress content management system. Just follow the seven simple steps and you will have your own website or blog up and running in less than 2 hours.You will learn everything from the WP Quick Install process to setup steps, domain choice, hosting packages, and social media optimization and integration with WP posts. You will learn to understand who your audience is and what your niche is. The book is a quick read, and the pictures and illustrations vividly demonstrate what you have to do. Put simply, there?s really no confusion left if you just follow the book page by page. You?ll have a snazzy looking WordPress website up and running by the time you get to the last page.  About Nick Throlson and Where to Buy the WordPress Website Creation Book Nick Throlson is a self-taught web developer, marketer, toastmaster and entrepreneur. He is an expert in WordPress, as well as HTML, Java and JavaScript. Throlson is adept at social media management, and designs and develops web pages, graphics and applications. You can get Nick Throlson?s book, published through the CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform, on Amazon. The first edition, in paperback, is now available on Amazon for $9.99.Get Your Free Book on Creating WP WebsitesThe only thing better than buying a book on how to create a WordPress website is getting the book for free. That is also possible for the time being. Nick Throlson?s book is currently available as a free giveaway on Kindle. You can read it for free if you have Amazon?s Kindle and the accompanying app. Note that this is a limited time offer, so it may have expired by the time you read this article. If not, hurry and get your free book before the offer expires.
Try Chromebook for a Look at the Future of Computing

Try Chromebook for a Look at the Future of Computing

by | Feb 3, 2016 | Off Topic

If you only buy one gift for yourself or others this holiday season, make it a Chromebook to stay safe online. They?re going to be the future of computer use. Educational institutions are shifting to Chromebooks and no longer investing in Windows or Apple computers. They have the advantage of being simple to use, while offering a very secure operating system. Chromebooks are revolutionizing the way we think and use computers.Chrome OS was launched six years ago and the system has steadily been gaining converts. The cost and price point make them perfect for schools. Users have access to the Share to Classroom extension that connects all students in the classroom to the same webpage.They?re equally at home in the office, featuring the best of Google and an array of apps for creating documents, spreadsheets and presentations. At home, users can stream in crystal clarity, download music, play games and engage in all their normal activities at blazing speeds.The OS integrates exceptionally well with existing technologies and provides a superior level of security on multiple levels. The company says the OS is so secure, users can eliminate antivirus software. That?s particularly important in a time when hackers everywhere, not just in cosmopolitan cities. Even those in rural areas must safeguard against the unscrupulous.Chromebooks come in all sizes and styles to accommodate anyone. They?re light, thin, portable, and offer extreme versatility. Depending upon the chosen model, they flip from a tablet to a laptop. Prices begin at as little as $149 and the operating system is available on multiple brands, ranging from Acer and Dell and to Samsung and Toshiba.The computers utilize the Chrome OS with cloud storage so you don?t need as much RAM, which significantly increases operational speeds. The hard drives are smaller and you get 100 GB of Google Drive storage free for two years.The security measures alone make Chromebooks a prime choice. They combine all the computing power of a bulky desktop or laptop in a small, compact machine that can go with you anywhere. They?re fast, affordable and equally applicable for home, work and school use, while offering state-of-the-art security across multiple levels.
The Perfectionist’s Guide To Public Speaking by: Matt Kramer

The Perfectionist’s Guide To Public Speaking by: Matt Kramer

by | Jan 24, 2016 | Off Topic

My buddy Matt Kramer has written an exponential book about public speaking being in toastmasters for over 3 years I've seen word championship speakers & Matt is one I look up too he knows his stuff when it comes to getting 100% of the rooms attention it's been a pleasure to see him grow and get this book published. If you are new to public speaking or are a professional speaker we all can learn something From Matt. Download his book to your kindle or get his audio book what are you waiting for its FREE!!!! ?The Perfectionist's Guide To Public Speaking by: Matt Kramer??For more info about matt visit :?TacticalTalks.comThe Perfectionist's Guide To Public Speaking by Matt KramerHow would you like to...? Shed your primal fear of public speaking and be able to speak in front of anyone, anytime?? Get a restraining order against your internal critic?? Free yourself from the constant pressure of having to be ?perfect??? Build powerful, memorable messages and deliver them with confidence?? Read the best book ever written? Do all of the above (except the last thing) and maybe smile while you?re at it?If yes, you will definitely, most likely, maybe, sorta like this book. [The last sentence was put through a lie detector test?results inconclusive.]The book takes you on a journey through the eyes of the author, Matt Kramer, a perfectionist who was once petrified of public speaking. You?ll read about his embarrassing speaking moments as well as the raw, internal thoughts that once crept into his mind time after time. Lastly, you?ll know after reading this book that there is hope for you?that public speaking is not just for the Tony Robbinses of the world. It?s for anyone who dares to break through their self-imposed barriers. Matt tells you how he overcame his fear of public speaking?and how you can, too.Inside You?ll Find:? 8 methods to control nervousness while waiting your turn to speak? How to avoid forgetting what to say (Including one thing you should NEVER do)? Several bad jokes? How to construct a presentation from nothing but a blank slate? The secret to winning the war against your inner critic? How to deliver: From your seat to the final call to action? How to thoroughly prepare for your next presentation? The most effective way to stop saying ah, um, and other filler words? Other stuff and at least one good jokeSo, only one thing left to do go get his book here:?http://www.amazon.com/The-Perfectionists-Guide-Public-Speaking/dp/1517773393?
3 Things to Consider When Choosing an Influencer

3 Things to Consider When Choosing an Influencer

by | Jan 6, 2016 | Guest Post

With big brands like Chloe, Mercedes and Capital One jumping on the social influencer marketing trend and using them to increase brand visibility, and help more people notice their ads, small business owners would do well to get on the same train right now.?A smart person once said, "stocks are gold when the taxi driver on the street hasn't heard of them". The same thing applies to marketing strategies. Now is the right time to get into social influencer marketing before it becomes public knowledge and the market becomes saturated and fiercely competitive.To do this. However, you'll need to know what to look for in a social influencer. Choosing the right social influencer for your campaign is just as important as the ad campaign itself. Align your brand with the wrong influencer and you're wasting money. That said, here are the things you need to look out for before choosing a social influencer to promote your brand and products.Reach, Influence and Relevance? Social influencers are often selected regarding how much influence they exert over their audience and the size of their audience. However, please note that reach isn't the most important metric out there. The relevance is also extremely important. You might want to resist the urge to look at parameters like unique visitors, and instead, focus on how relevant the audience is. For instance, a gardener with 200,000 Youtube subscribers is less important than a travel blogger with a reach of 50,000 on Pinterest if you're a hotel or restaurant looking to increase your reach.?Influence is also key. How much engagement is apparent from their social platforms? Is there increased interactions and activity from every post, picture or video upload? How rabidly do their audiences consume their content? These will help you determine if they are the right fit for your brand.Trust and Credibility These days, marketing without credibility is a total crock. People are more likely to buy from people, personalities and brand they trust than those they don't. So, if you'll be picking a social influencer, you need to be sure that their audiences trust them and think of them as credible. Check out their interactions on their platforms to see if they have the necessary clout. More important, see if they have a lot of sponsored content and posts on their websites or social media platforms. This is important because influencers with less sponsored content are more likely to be taken seriously and trusted than those without.Platforms and Rate These are also very important if you want to succeed with your campaigns. Some platforms just don't work well with certain brands. For instance, image or video based platforms work better for food and restaurant brands. So, look at their platform(s). Some influencers have multiple presences on multiple platforms.?So, check to see if they are a good fit for your brand. Then, there's also the issue or pricing or how much they will be charging for their services. Whatever prices they throw at you, always know that you can negotiate their rates. However, you want to be considerate and offer a worthwhile rate.Social influencer platforms like Neoreach have made all these very easy. With Neoreach, you will find social influencers who have a history of consistently delivering great results for brands at reasonable rates.?If you don't want to go through all the stress of manually sorting them out, NeoReach'ssocial influencer platform is the best place to find instantly and interact with influencers whose information, data, and ability to deliver excellent results that are verified.

As a freelance writer and small business owner, Oscar King?enjoys creating articles for his readers with information on running a smooth and effective business. If you would like to learn more about Oscar, you can check out his google+ profile.