Best Cybersecurity Tips For Businesses

Best Cybersecurity Tips For Businesses

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Cybercrime is on the rise and no business, big or small, is safe. To avoid major security breaches, your cybersecurity has to be a top priority. If hackers find their way into your business data, your business could make the headlines for all the wrong reasons.

If you want to make sure you’re doing everything you can to keep your business safe, read on. Here are some top tips for the best cybersecurity for your business.

Update Software

Your software should be updated periodically. Leaving it too long could put your business at risk. The benefits of updating your software include the addition of new features that will help you to manage your business well. It also means that any bugs that may have gone unnoticed can be fixed.

Ultimately, the best reason to update software is to ensure cybersecurity. Every software comes with a security update so you can be sure your software security is where it should be.

Outsource Cybersecurity

If IT isn’t your forte, that doesn’t mean your business is doomed. Using outsourced IT services is a great way to ensure your cybersecurity is covered. You won’t need to think about whether your business is at risk from a cyber attack when you have a professional IT package in place.

If you have any concerns, you will have an IT team that you can call on at any time to offer advice and support.

Don’t Open Anything Suspicious

Most people already know that opening suspicious links or emails is dangerous. Just one click and your data could be wide open for anyone to steal. You’ll need to be more vigilant than ever when it comes to suspicious emails if you want a successful business.

Hackers are becoming clever and more elaborate so emails are becoming more convincing. It may not be obvious straight away that an email is suspicious, especially in a business that receives a lot of customer emails. Train employees to spot anything that stands out from the norm.

File Sharing Solution

It’s inevitable that files and documents will need to be shared among employees. This should always be done in a safe way so no information is put at risk. Cloud computing is a great way to store and share documents that are secure.

In addition, there are many other programs you can use to share files that are encrypted rather than taking up your cloud storage. 

Anti-Virus

Using the internet is essential for business but that does mean there is always some form of threat. You can never be completely safe when using the internet but there are some measures you can take to keep your data safe. One of those measures is to install antivirus on your computer.

You may also want to think about installing some anti-malware for extra protection. There may be recommendations for the computer or other devices you use so it’s worth researching.

If you’ve found this article helpful, take a look at the others.

Unveiling the Wonders of NordVPN: A Comprehensive Review of Its Benefits and Services

Unveiling the Wonders of NordVPN: A Comprehensive Review of Its Benefits and Services

Ever wondered what the hype around NordVPN is all about? Well, you're in for a treat! In this blog, we'll unravel the secrets behind NordVPN's popularity, giving you a no-nonsense review of its benefits and services. Ready to see if it's the right fit for your digital life?

Hey there, fellow netizens! You've probably heard a lot about VPNs and how they're the superheroes of internet privacy. But let's face it, not all VPNs wear capes equally. That's where NordVPN comes into play. Imagine having a digital bodyguard for your online activities – pretty cool, right?

In this blog, we'll take a deep dive into NordVPN, breaking down what makes it stand out in the crowded VPN market. We're talking real talk – the good, the bad, and the nerdy. So, fasten your seatbelts, and let's embark on this cyber journey together!

1. The Basics: What is NordVPN?

NordVPN is like your own personal ninja, working stealthily in the background to protect your online data. It's a Virtual Private Network (VPN) service that creates a secure tunnel for your internet traffic, keeping your online activities private and protected from prying eyes.

2. Safety First: Unmatched Security Features

When it comes to security, NordVPN is like Fort Knox! It uses military-grade encryption (we're talking AES-256, folks – the big guns!) to safeguard your data. Plus, it has a strict no-logs policy, meaning it doesn't track or store your online activities. So, you can surf, stream, and download, knowing your privacy is in safe hands.You may also want to look into performing a sql audit to ensure ideal security for your data and information. It can tell you when and where your data was accessed and help you stay on top of security measures to ensure your data is always protected.

3. Around the World in 80 Clicks: Global Server Network

NordVPN's server network is vast – with over 5,000 servers in 59 countries. Whether you're looking to stream your favorite show from a different country or just want to browse anonymously, NordVPN has you covered. It's like having a magic carpet ride around the digital globe!

4. Speedy Gonzalez: Fast and Reliable Connections

Worried about slow speeds? Fear not! NordVPN offers lightning-fast connections, ensuring your streaming or downloading sessions aren't hampered by annoying buffers. It's like having a turbocharger for your internet connection.

5. The Extra Mile: Unique Features

NordVPN isn't just about basic VPN services. It offers unique features like CyberSec, which blocks malicious websites and ads, and the Double VPN feature, which routes your traffic through two VPN servers for an extra layer of security. Talk about going the extra mile for safety!

6. User-Friendly: Easy Peasy Lemon Squeezy

Even if you're not a tech whiz, NordVPN is a breeze to use. The interface is user-friendly and intuitive, making it easy to connect to a server or change your settings. It's as simple as pie – or, in this case, as easy as clicking “connect.”

7. Multi-Platform Support: All Your Gadgets Covered

NordVPN plays well with others. It supports a wide range of devices and platforms, including Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and even Linux. Plus, you can use it on up to six devices with a single subscription. Talk about getting bang for your buck!

8. Customer Support: Here to Help

Got a question or need some help? NordVPN's customer support is top-notch. With 24/7 support through live chat and email, you're never alone in your VPN journey. They're like your friendly neighborhood tech gurus, always ready to assist.

9. The Price Tag: A Small Price for Big Privacy

NordVPN offers various pricing plans to fit different budgets, with the longer-term plans offering the best value. It's a small price to pay for top-tier privacy and security.

10. Conclusion: The Verdict

In a nutshell, NordVPN is a robust, reliable, and user-friendly VPN service that offers excellent value for your money. Whether you're a privacy-conscious individual or just looking to access geo-restricted content, NordVPN is a solid choice.

Remember, you can explore NordVPN and its fantastic features by clicking on this referral link. It's your first step towards a more secure and private digital life!

FAQs About NordVPN

Q: Is NordVPN easy to set up? A: Absolutely! It's a straightforward process – just download, install, and you're good to go.

Q: Can NordVPN access streaming services like Netflix? A: You bet! NordVPN can bypass geo-restrictions, giving you access to a wide range of streaming content.

Q: Is there a money-back guarantee? A: Yes, there's a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it risk-free.

And there you have it – a comprehensive look at NordVPN and all its glory. Whether you're a digital nomad, a privacy enthusiast, or just your average Joe looking for a bit more security online, NordVPN has got your back. Stay safe out there in the digital world, folks!

Hey there, savvy surfers! Hold onto your hats, because I've got a deal that's too good to pass up. When you use this referral link to sign up for NordVPN, you'll snag an extra 3 months absolutely free. That's right – free! It's hands down the best deal out there for NordVPN.

Imagine all the extra coffee you can buy with the savings, or hey, maybe even a couple of extra movie rentals for those cozy nights in. So, don't wait around – grab this deal and start enjoying the internet with the security and freedom you deserve!

The Ultimate WordPress Security Checklist: Safeguard Your Site from Cyber Threats

The Ultimate WordPress Security Checklist: Safeguard Your Site from Cyber Threats

As the popularity of WordPress continues to soar, its attractiveness as a target for cybercriminals also increases. Safeguarding your site against vulnerabilities and potential attacks is not only crucial for maintaining your website's reliability and trustworthiness but also for protecting your customers' sensitive data. To ensure the continued success of your online presence, adhering to best practices in WordPress security should be a top priority.

Embark on the journey to fortify your WordPress site with our ultimate security checklist that addresses common security issues and helps protect against cyber threats. This comprehensive guide is tailored to help you evaluate your website's current security stance, implement robust protection measures, and adopt preventative practices to minimize future risks.

Boost your WordPress site's resiliency and strengthen your defense strategy by exploring our expertly-crafted security checklist that empowers you to tackle vulnerabilities head-on while securing your online presence.

The Ultimate WordPress Security Checklist: Key Steps to Protect Your Site

1. Bolster Login Security

One of the primary ways hackers access WordPress sites is through weak login credentials. To enhance your login security, follow these recommended practices:

  • Strong passwords: Use complex, unique passwords for all user accounts, including admin. Combine uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters to create a strong password. Consider using a password manager for added security and convenience.
  • Change your admin username: Avoid using default usernames like “admin” for your administrator account. A custom username makes it more difficult for attackers to guess credentials.
  • Limit login attempts: Install a plugin like Login LockDown that restricts the number of failed login attempts, preventing brute-force attacks.
  • Implement two-factor authentication (2FA): Implement 2FA using a plugin like Google Authenticator, adding an extra layer of protection during login.

2. Regularly Update WordPress Core, Themes, and Plugins

Updates are essential for maintaining security, as they frequently contain patches for vulnerabilities. Adopt the following update practices:

  • Regularly update your WordPress core installation: Consistently check for and install updates to the WordPress software to remain protected against newly discovered vulnerabilities.
  • Update themes and plugins: Keep your site's themes and plugins up-to-date by regularly checking for and installing available updates. Outdated themes and plugins are common targets for hackers.
  • Remove unused themes and plugins: Deactivate and delete unused themes and plugins to minimize potential security risks.
  • Activate automatic updates: Enable WordPress automatic updates for the core, themes, and plugins to ensure consistent security. Use a plugin like Easy Updates Manager for greater control over this feature.

3. Implement a Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) Certificate

An SSL certificate encrypts the data transferred between your website and its visitors, protecting sensitive information from being intercepted by hackers. Follow these steps to implement SSL:

  • Obtain an SSL certificate: Secure an SSL certificate from a reputable Certificate Authority (CA). Some web hosting providers, like SiteGround or Bluehost, offer free SSL certificates in their hosting packages. Alternatively, Let's Encrypt provides free SSL certificates.
  • Install your SSL certificate: Follow the installation instructions provided by your CA or web hosting provider. Install the SSL certificate on your site's server, ensuring a secure connection.
  • Update your site's URLs: Configure your WordPress settings to use HTTPS instead of HTTP. Update any hardcoded URLs within your site or use a plugin like Better Search Replace to make the changes more automated.
  • Enable HTTPS redirection: Use a plugin like Really Simple SSL or configure your .htaccess file to redirect your visitors automatically from HTTP to HTTPS.

4. Implement Regular Backups

Regular backups are essential for ensuring your website's data is safe and recoverable in case of a cyber attack or other unforeseen event. Follow these recommendations for your backup strategy:

  • Use a reliable backup solution: Choose a robust backup plugin like UpdraftPlus, BackupBuddy, or VaultPress that offers automated, scheduled backups to offsite storage locations.
  • Store multiple backup copies: Save multiple copies of your backups in diverse locations to protect against data loss. Use cloud storage services like Google Drive, Dropbox, or Amazon S3.
  • Test your backups: Periodically test your backups to ensure they are functional and can be easily restored.

5. Strengthen Site Security with Essential Plugins

Plugins can further enhance your WordPress site's security. Consider incorporating the following plugins for additional protection:

  • Wordfence Security: Features a web application firewall (WAF), malware scanner, and login security tools.
  • iThemes Security: Offers malware scanning, two-factor authentication, and brute-force protection. 
  • Sucuri Security: Provides a WAF, malware scanner, and additional security features like security audits and post-hack recovery.

6. Enhance Server and File Security

Optimizing your server's security settings and managing your website's file permissions can prevent unauthorized access:

  • Choose a reputable web host: Opt for a web hosting provider that offers server-level security features and support.
  • Enable server-side security measures: If possible, configure security measures like disabling directory indexing and browsing, which prevents unauthorized users from accessing your site's folders.
  • Restrict file permissions: Review and adjust your site's file permissions to ensure the correct level of access for each file type to prevent unauthorized modification.

By diligently implementing the steps outlined in our ultimate WordPress security checklist, you can minimize vulnerabilities and significantly reduce the risk of cyber threats to your website. These practices will help fortify your online presence and safeguard your valuable data, maintaining your website's trustworthiness and reliability for your users.

Invest in Your WordPress Site's Security with Expert Guidance

In conclusion, the journey to protect your WordPress website from cyber threats may seem daunting, but with the right strategies in place, you can secure your site and confidently maintain your online presence. Implementing our ultimate WordPress security checklist not only fortifies your defenses but also enhances your site's credibility and trust among your users.

If you wish to receive expert assistance in implementing these website security measures or require guidance on other aspects of your WordPress site, trust the expertise of Nick Throlson. With years of experience, Nick is dedicated to providing tailored solutions that meet your website's unique security needs while ensuring a seamless and robust online presence.

Get started on fortifying your WordPress website security today. Schedule a consultation with Nick Throlson and unlock the benefits of expertly implemented security strategies that protect your online domain.

Why Web Developers Need Anti-Malware Software

Many web developers know the value of the data in their computers but many of them do not install anti-malware software. They are so busy that this is relegated to the back of their minds as they grapple with beating deadlines and cultivating new clients. However, installing and updating anti-malware software is crucial, and we are going to look at why this is so in this article.

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It Protects Developers from Phishing and Other Attacks

The right anti-malware software checks all emails that a web developer receives. By doing so, it can alert a web developer that an email carries a payload or a phishing link. Using these functions, antimalware software can help protect web developers against malware as well as from visiting potentially dangerous websites

Protecting Client Data

In many cases, web developers hold client details such as logins and passwords to different web hosting websites. Some malware acts as keyloggers and they collect all keystrokes on computers they have infected. Once they send this data to a mother server, the person the server belongs to can go through these keystrokes to find logins and passwords to different websites. At this point, it becomes very easy to log into these servers using the stolen details.

They Help Protect Networks

If you use a network at work, a single infected machine can lead to the infection of the whole infrastructure. These attacks are not only annoying, but they can get very expensive if the infecting malware is created to carry ransomware. To ensure this does not happen, businesses should hire IT professionals such as those from totalit.com to not only make sure their infrastructure is robust but to also ensure their anti-malware software is up to date.

It Helps Protect Against Risks Associated With Removable Devices

Although there are only a few web developers who actually use physical media, some still use removable media to transfer photos or other material they need for their websites. Flash drives and other types of removable media can carry malware that can do a lot of damage.

Anti-malware software helps protect your computer from malware that is transferred using removable media.

It Helps Speed Up Their Computers

Malware can use up a lot of CPU power and RAM thereby making a computer slow. In fact, sluggishness is one of the most common symptoms of a malware infection. Anti-malware software can help keep a computer fast by protecting the computer from malware or make the computer faster by removing malware that may be slowing a computer down.

Protects from Spam and Ads

A lot of people do not know that spam and ads can be conduits for malware. Spam and ads have been used for a long time to deliver viruses because most antivirus software does not inspect them. However, the right anti-malware software blocks them all, thereby eliminating the chances of them doing any damage.

Because of the amount of sensitive data on their computers, web developers should install anti-malware software. The price of not doing so can be the loss of sensitive data that ends up costing them and their clients a lot.

The Race To Hire Cyber Security Professionals In The US

The Race To Hire Cyber Security Professionals In The US

Cyber crime is a threat to almost every business and organization in the world. With the number of breaches increasing year on year, and high-profile attacks hitting the headlines, IT professionals with skills and experience in cyber security are like gold dust. The growing threat of cyber crime has prompted businesses to take measures to secure systems and networks, but it has also exposed a major shortage of employees with the skills needed to keep cyber crime at bay.

The fascinating infographic below highlights the impact of cyber crime and the risks faced by modern-day organizations. In 2013, the identities of over 552 million people were exposed, and 1 in 8 websites were found to have critical vulnerabilities. 

The cost of cyber attacks rose by 26% between 2012 and 2013, with the average incident costing $11.6 million. While the financial implications are clear to see, for 83% of organizations, reputation is the main concern. 

Cyber crime has become one of the most significant threats for businesses, but as the infographic shows, most still aren’t prepared for an attack. One of the most common problems organizations face is a shortage of skilled workers. Over 70% feel that a lack of employees with cyber security skills had either a ‘great’ or ‘very great’ impact on their business. 

The meteoric rise of cyber crime has contributed to an explosion in opportunities for IT professionals who do have expertise in cyber security. The number of vacancies has grown at a rate that is 67% higher than for all jobs, and this area is expanding faster than any other sector of the IT field. Over 40% of organizations are trying to fill gaps in information security and the US is looking to train more than 5,000 cyber security professionals. 


Infographic Created By Norwich University