With more and more people working remotely due to the current pandemic, organizations must ensure their data remains secure. Without proper security protocols, companies risk suffering data breaches or other cyber-attacks.

Fortunately, there are steps businesses can take to protect their data while allowing employees to work from home. By implementing these measures, businesses can rest assured that their data will remain safe even in a remote work setup.

Implement Data Security Protocols

Here are some data security protocols you should implement to ensure data protection when working from home:

Use Secure Network Connections

Implementing secure network connections is essential to ensure that any data processed by a remote work setup remains private and secure. This involves using virtual private network (VPN) technology to create an encrypted connection between the corporate network, team members, and their remote devices. This encryption creates a barrier that prevents malicious actors from intercepting data.

It is critical for organizations to actively employ secure networking protocols like VPNs, as cybercriminals have become increasingly sophisticated with their methods of infiltrating insecure networks. Implementing a secure connection also allows control over access to shared information and prevents employees from bypassing security mechanisms when on the company’s remote network.

Implement Access Controls

Access controls are essential to ensure data protection for remote work setups. Access control policies and procedures limit which users can access a computer system, network, or document and set guidelines determining what activity is allowed. This prevents malicious attacks and unauthorized access while protecting confidential information. With the proliferation of virtual team collaboration, having a secure file transfer feature to share files with colleagues without risk to organization data is crucial.

A centralized authentication system provides powerful authentication methods such as two-factor authentication, dynamic passwords, and biometrics to ensure the safe transmission of documents between employees and partners. To properly implement effective access control strategies, organizations should continuously monitor their users’ activities and investigate potential threats for additional proactive security measures.

Set Up Multi-Factor Authentication

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) offers an additional layer of security in remote work setups that can help protect data. MFA adds another form of user identification, often using biometrics or a unique code to access different systems. This helps to generate a significantly stronger encryption algorithm and reduces the chances of malicious actors breaching company networks or accounts.

Implementing these practices will require companies to create an extra level of validation by texting or calling the employee’s phone before they can enter their password and gain access to sensitive data. In addition, having a properly trained team will ensure that everyone is aware of the importance of following MFA security policies with the utmost accuracy, reducing the risk of cyber-attacks and other protections in this new working environment.

Utilize Data Encryption Solutions

Data encryption solutions are important tools for businesses that are setting up a remote work setup to protect sensitive data while employees are working outside the office. By encrypting data with the help of various solutions, businesses can avoid malicious attacks by ensuring their data’s confidentiality, integrity, and availability.

The various levels of security offered by these solutions prevent hackers from obtaining access to confidential information, guarding it against interception and potential loss. Moreover, due to the importance of having secure networks in remote work setups, businesses should also consider implementing authentication procedures for all users with access to their systems. These steps are necessary in today’s digital landscape to keep confidential information safe from prying eyes.

Monitor User Activity Logs Regularly

Considering the changing workplace dynamics due to COVID-19 and other scenarios, monitoring user activity logs from remote locations is becoming increasingly important for data protection. User activity logging monitors user events such as file transfers and transactions, application access, or sessions initiated by a particular user.

It helps protect against unauthorized access to data and malicious activities related to accessing, modifying, or deleting information. Regularly monitoring these logs allows administrators to easily detect suspicious activities and take timely corrective measures to prevent major security incidents. This method also permits organizations to validate compliance requirements ensuring that sensitive data is managed securely.

Educate Employees on Cybersecurity Best Practices

As organizations adapt to the current remote work reality, effective and comprehensive employee education on cybersecurity best practices can be the differentiating factor in preventing data leaks and security breaches. Educating employees on cyber safety protocols should involve timely refresher courses covering important basics, such as password hygiene, email privacy, identifying phishing emails/scams, and regularly sharing updated internal risk strategy policies.

Additionally, simulations and mock drills allow employees to practice responding to potential threat scenarios. This will create an alert workforce ready to handle cyber threats swiftly and inculcate stronger awareness across the organization about potential risks. Education on cybersecurity best practices is vital for any business wanting to protect its data and keep its operations secure.

These are just a few steps businesses can take to protect their data when working remotely. By taking proactive measures and utilizing the latest technologies, organizations can ensure that their data remains secure, no matter where their employees are.

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When it comes to our data, we can’t be too careful. We shouldn’t just trust anybody or any company with our data without knowing their reasons for using it.

There are many reasons why we should be careful with our data. For one, companies often sell our data to other companies. They may do this without our knowledge or consent, and we may not even know that our data is in the hands of even more people. These can lead to several problems, such as identity theft or fraud.

We can all prevent those from happening if we make an effort to protect our data and take data privacy seriously. Here are some ways you can keep your data private and secure:

Password Managers

Password managers are a great way to protect your data and maintain your online privacy. They allow you to store all of your passwords in one place, and they make it easy to log in to websites without having to remember your passwords.

Password managers also provide many security features, such as two-factor authentication and encryption.

Two-factor authentication is a security feature that requires two forms of identification to log in to a website or account. It can be a password and a code combination sent to your phone or a password and a fingerprint scan.

Two-factor authentication provides an extra layer of security and makes it harder for someone to hack into your password manager account.

Encryption is a technique that scrambles data so that no one can’t read it without the correct encryption key. Encryption protects your data from being stolen or accessed by unauthorized people.

Together, two-factor authentication and encryption make it difficult for anyone to access your data without your permission. That means that your passwords are safe and secure, even if someone gets to access your accounts.

VPNs

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a great way to protect your data when you’re online. VPNs create a secure connection between your computer and the VPN server, making it difficult for anyone to spy on your traffic or steal your data.

There are many VPN providers to choose from, and it can be challenging to decide which one is right for you. You’ll need to research each one to see which provider offers the best features and the best price.

It’s crucial to find a VPN provider with robust security features, such as encryption and two-factor authentication. You’ll also want a provider with an extensive network of servers to find a server that best suits your needs, and your internet speed doesn’t get bogged down.

Price is another essential factor to consider when choosing a VPN provider. You don’t want to pay too much for a VPN, but you also don’t want to skimp on security features.

Be sure to take your time and do your research before choosing a VPN provider. It’s crucial to find one capable of protecting your data and keeping you safe online. But if you think that you cannot trust even VPN providers and want to take your data security to the next level, consider setting up a custom VPN. Many IT service providers can either build one for you or teach you how to make your own and what you need to do.

Secure Browsing

Secure browsers are another great way to protect your data and maintain your privacy online. Secure browsers have built-in security features that make it difficult for anyone to spy on your traffic or steal your data.

Secure browsers also provide many privacy features, such as tracking protection and anti-fingerprinting. Tracking protection prevents websites from tracking your browsing activity and collecting your data. Anti-fingerprinting protects you from websites that use fingerprinting techniques to track you across different websites.

Secure browsers are a great way to keep your data private and safe, and they are beneficial for people who use public Wi-Fi networks. Be sure to choose a secure browser with the features you need, such as tracking protection and anti-fingerprinting.

Secure browsers also protect your data from malware and other online threats. So if you’re looking for a secure browsing experience, consider using a secure browser.

Conclusion

There are many other ways to protect your data online, but these are some of the most effective methods. It’s vital to be proactive about data privacy and security, and taking these simple steps can help keep you safe on the internet.

The post Online Protection: How To Protect Your Data appeared first on New Horizons Message.

But simplicity also comes with bigger challenges, which can greatly compromise your overall safety and security. This article will talk about ways to avoid online shopping scams and ensure a hassle-free online shopping experience.

Avoid ‘too good to be true’ product deals

Everything in the world comes at a price. If a certain product looks cheaper than it seems to be, then something might be wrong. But this can be possible if there’s a big sale or a major offer going on.

Remember, any item that looks so good in the pictures but comes with an incredibly low price is a reasonable cause for suspicion. For instance, an online shopping site is featuring an ad for a holiday calendar with a listed price of $59.99 but is currently being sold for a promo price of $29.99. At first, you might think you’ll be getting a big discount, but make sure to investigate first.

If the retailer hasn’t established a reputation and isn’t popular with buyers, give yourself a favor and walk away because this is how scammers catch buyers’ attention. You can find this out by checking out if the product photo doesn’t seem to belong to the seller, or the feedback section includes negative comments from buyers who received a counterfeit or low-quality item.

Another technique is listing popular items for a discounted price only to lure customers to get their personal details and payment information. Always verify the site URL for broken or malicious links and make sure the checkout process is secure before finalizing a purchase.

Don’t use your debit card

When it comes to online shopping, credit cards have stronger security than debit cards. Most payment cards today come with an EMV chip technology, a security feature that makes it hard for fraudsters to acquire the card holder’s information.

Also, credit cards aren’t linked directly to bank accounts, unlike debit cards. If someone stole your card information, they can easily access your account since your money is already tied to your debit card. Meanwhile, credit cards provide more consumer security because of fraud protection.

For extra measure, avoid saving your card information in any web browser. Saving your card details in your browser means allowing any person who has access to your personal device can make unauthorized purchases with your card just as easily as you can. This can get even worse if you lost your card, and a cybercriminal hacks your device.

Although saving card information may seem easy and convenient, there’s always a risk involved in terms of cyber security. Devoting a few seconds to manually enter your card information is worth the effort than sacrificing your savings and cyber security.

If you decide to use your credit card for online purchases, make it a habit to check your credit card statements regularly to make sure you aren’t being scammed. Visit the website of your bank or credit card company and check your electronic statements to monitor your recent purchases and the amount you’re spending.

Shop with legitimate sites

Watch out for suspicious operators running fake shopping websites designed to victimize unsuspecting and excited online shoppers. Whether an online site is new or popular, it’s important to think before you click instead of simply allowing hackers to steal your cash.

Avoid visiting online stores advertised on social media or a shoppable post or link you received in a random email. Once you’re done with your investigation, you can check people’s comments and feedback on the store’s website and social media to find out what customers say about them.

Shopping online isn’t that completely different when buying from a brick-and-mortar store you’re familiar with. If you want to minimize the risk of getting scammed online, stick to stores that are trustworthy and legitimate, especially for big purchases, such as gadgets, gift cards, and electronics. Still, you have to be aware that there are online sites that exactly imitate legitimate sellers.

Shopping online can be an exciting and enjoyable experience only if you do proper research on the websites or retailers you purchase from. From performing basic checks, such as checking buyer’s reviewers, identifying information about the vendor, and checking for secured URLs, these measures can go a long way from preventing yourself from falling into the traps of online shopping fraud. With these strategies, you can ensure a hassle-free online shopping experience anytime and anywhere you want.

The post Looking for a Scam-free Shopping Experience? Here Are Ways to Do It appeared first on New Horizons Message.

But how about the finance sector? Do people trust them enough? That depends on how the sector handles data privacy and how they address the issues that come with customer data. A recent survey showed that 33% of financial firms lack plans to address privacy risks, 76% plan to increase their investments in data privacy, and 70% see privacy as a key risk for their businesses. The finance industry understands and recognizes that data privacy is a key issue for customers. Still, many of them lack the necessary security measures to keep customer data private.

How Should This Affect Personal Finance?

A quick search on Google will reveal to you that what people are more concerned about is how their employments can be affected by a lack of data privacy in financial institutions. There were some experiences in the past of employers finding out that an employee filed for bankruptcy. Should this affect that person’s employment? Isn’t it enough that this person had to find a bankruptcy attorney to file Chapter 13 and face the financial woes? Now, this person has to face the prospect of losing a job, too?

But if financial institutions are not careful, it will become easy for information like this to be accessible to those who should not have access to it in the first place. The law is explicit about protecting consumer data, but even major banks have problems protecting their customers’ data. In many parts of the world, especially in developing and underdeveloped countries, banking is still vulnerable to hackers and scammers who steal money and personal information.

The impact of the lack of data protection in the finance sector goes a long way. This is not just about losing money. It’s about losing opportunities to invest that money. Mistrust will lead people away from managing their finances well. Instead of entrusting financial institutions with their hard-earned money, they will keep it in security boxes, vaults, and savings accounts. They will not maximize the opportunities of investment that banks and the stock market present through mutual funds, time deposits, and many other things.

Building Consumer Trust

The finance sector has a deep understanding of what will make customers entrust them with their money. In fact, they identified three factors—privacy risk monitoring, accuracy and maintenance of records processing, and records management and data deletion or retention—that affect consumer trust. In the United States, consumers can ask companies to delete or erase their personal data.

Consumers are aware of their rights when it comes to banking and finance. They might not always be aware of other civil and constitutional rights, but they are accurately knowledgeable of how to protect their hard-earned money. So, when they don’t see financial institutions protect their money, they are quick to back away from them. No one will risk their money on the grounds that a bank lacks security measures. People can risk their money on businesses and investments, but never at the expense of neglect.

Need for Clear Privacy Strategy

Banks and other financial institutions must incorporate privacy into their overall customer retention strategy. Part of a customer’s journey in transacting with them is the assurance that their data is safe and secured. There are two ways for financial institutions to do this. The first one is to give customers more control over their data. The second one is to delete personal information upon their request (for bank account closure, this is extremely important).

Ensuring data privacy will elevate the customer’s experience and journey. This is more than just about complying with consumer protection laws. This is about giving consumers what they want but not at the expense of their personal data. At the end of the day, consumers are willing to share information about themselves as long as they can get something in return—better services, personalized offers, competitive pricing, and discounted deals.

The post How Data Privacy in the Finance Sector Is Affecting Consumer Trust appeared first on New Horizons Message.

Too many people think that whatever they do on the internet stays on the internet. The perception of anonymity provided by the world wide web emboldens users to express their every emotion or thought.

In reality, the digital landscape is not inextricable from real life. There are consequences to behaviors and actions made online. These consequences cross over and affect real life.

The Prevalence of Cyberbullying

Everyone who has spent some time on the internet has likely encountered a cyberbully.

Cyberbullying is the term used when someone is harassed by someone through electronic means of communication, particularly the internet. Children who spend hours of their day on social media are vulnerable to it. Across the United States, about 37 percent of all students between the ages of 12 and 17 have been victims of cyberbullying. To about 30 percent of them, the harassment happened more than once.

Girls are more likely to become victims of cyberbullying compared to boys. About 15 percent of teenage girls have been a target of at least four kinds of online harassment. In comparison, only 6 percent of teenage boys had experienced the same.

Worse, the majority of the victims do not open up about the abuse. Only one in 10 victims of cyberbullying tell their parents or another trusted adult about the situation.

Being exposed to cyberbullying can cause psychological distress. The victim may feel scared and anxious. They may develop low self-esteem. They may also have behavioral issues or become unable to participate in school activities, resulting in absenteeism and bad grades.

Victims of cyberbullying also show signs of depression, including loneliness, insecurity, and feeling of not belonging or being rejected by their peers. In some cases, the person may harm themselves or have suicidal thoughts.

Can You Sue?

Cyberbullying is a serious problem, and it is one that mostly affects young people. Although anyone can be a target of online harassment, children and teenagers are most vulnerable to it. And, becoming a victim of cyberbullying can have lasting impacts on mental health.

People who have been targeted by cyberbullies naturally want to hold the perpetrators accountable.

The victim, or their parents, can stop online harassment with the help of the law. They need to first speak to a lawyer and ask for advice, but there is a possibility that the victim can bring a legal claim under personal injury law.

In society, every person has a general duty to allow others to go about their day without harm or interference. Cyberbullying is a violation of that.

Moreover, the victim suffers because of online harassment. They might have gone through physical illness because of it, or they had to get counseling for mental health issues resulting from the experience.

It is also illegal in the majority of the country to inflict physical and psychological harm against another person. Some laws address bullying in 49 states, and almost all of them include cyberbullying. Most, however, only require school sanctions, not criminal penalties.

Either way, the victim will have to gather evidence to present a lawyer. They can use social media capture tools to gather evidence of online harassment.

Other Ways to Stop Cyberbullying

There are other ways to address cyberbullying, especially if the victim is a minor. Children who are experiencing online harassment should first tell their parents or a trusted teacher. Victims do not often share the experience because of fear or shame. They hesitate because they are afraid of retribution if the bully finds out that they told an adult. This alone will not stop the cyberbullying, but the child will feel safer knowing they have an ally.

Victims should also refrain from responding. A cyberbully only feels more empowered when they know that they have gotten into their target’s skin. Block the cyberbully across all social media platforms, email, or phone.

If there are threats of violence, take screenshots of messages and print them out. Report it to law enforcement.

Cyberbullying has become so prevalent that it affects the lives of so many people around the world. It should not be an accepted part of being online. People, especially young generations, should use and explore the internet without fear of harassment. But, victims of cyberbullying do not have to experience it or tolerate it on their own. They can take action against the perpetrator and, once and for all, stop the harassment they experience online.

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While consumers will not have to be anxious about pickpockets, they still have to be careful when shopping online. There are many ways cybercriminals can steal from people, and one of these is by getting their personal and financial information. Here are some ways people can stay safe while shopping online.

Avoid Debit Cards

One thing that online shoppers should avoid is using a debit card to pay for online purchases. Since debit cards are linked to the bank account of shoppers, the risk of losing money is high if someone can get their personal information. Instead of debit cards, they can use payment gateways, like PayPal or credit cards.

Credit cards have better protection than debit cards. The liability is also lesser when someone hacks the credit card number. Shoppers can also get refunds in case there’s something wrong with a transaction. The credit card company normally reverses charges after discovering a fraudulent transaction.

Additionally, shoppers who lose money after losing their debit cards will get their money until the bank completes the investigation. If the shopper does not have a credit card, he can opt to use a prepaid card. Unlike debit cards, these types of cards are not linked to the consumer’s bank account, which makes them safe to use online.

Update the Software

Another good way to protect personal and financial information is to ensure the software is always updated. Keeping the software updated enhances its security and allows it to stop any cyberattacks. Software developers continuously update their software to patch security holes and deal with any bugs in the system.

While people find it inconvenient to wait for the computer or device to restart, the benefits of the update ensure they remain protected from anyone who wants to steal their information. The update also protects people from cyberattacks. So, whenever an update alert comes out on their devices, people should make sure to allow it to be completed.

Strengthen the Password

Using a strong password for online accounts is very important to prevent unauthorized access to these accounts. People should also use unique passwords and avoid using the same one for different online accounts.

If people do not want to make a new password for each online account, they can use password generators to create complicated passwords. A password manager also allows them to keep track of the passwords they are using for their accounts.

People should remember that the more complicated a password is, the stronger and harder it is for a hacker to crack it. So, they should make sure to use strong passwords, especially when it comes to their online banking accounts.

Beware of Phishing

Phishing is a fraudulent online attack where people receive an email or text message from someone who poses as a real organization or company. These hackers normally provide links that people can click and enter their login or personal information. When this happens, the hacker will receive all the information he needs to access the user’s account illegally. This can result in financial losses or identity theft.

Similarly, people should also avoid clicking on links from people they do not know. Clicking these links may result in a virus installing itself on the computer or device of the user. The virus may even steal their personal and financial information and clean out their bank accounts. So, if they receive an unsolicited email, they should research first before clicking on anything.

Shop in Secure Sites

With many businesses going online due to the pandemic, people will notice an increase in the number of online stores. With this, shoppers should make sure to check if the store is secure and legitimate. One easy way to check this is to look for the “https” at the start of the store’s web address.

If the beginning of the web address or URL only contains “http” without the “s,” then that website does not have the encryption to protect their information. Due to this, it may not be safe to transact with this website.

Another way to check is to look for the padlock symbol on the left corner of the URL. This padlock symbol means the website is secure. So, shoppers can be assured that the website has the necessary encryption and is safe to use.

Many people prefer to shop online these days. But they should make sure to protect themselves so that they will not end up losing their money along with their identity to cybercriminals.

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Regularly changing your passwords is a good start. However, it is not the best way to keep your accounts from getting hacked. Adding another layer of online protection, such as two-factor authentication, can help you prevent malicious online attacks.

What is two-factor authentication?

This method, also known as the 2FA or two-step verification, offers another layer of security in your online accounts. Through this method, you need to provide two different ways of identifying yourself whenever you access your online accounts. Unlike single-factor authentication (SFA), which is normally done through a personalized link, code, or a password, 2FAs rely on a user’s primary code (i.e., a password or a custom code) and another verification factor. It could be a security token or a biometric pass, such as a face ID or a fingerprint scan.

With the rise of phishing and theft campaigns, the 2FA is a must-have to prevent an online user from having their data stolen. The 2FA makes it harder for account hackers to obtain access to a device or account because entering the password is not enough to prove that they own an account. Most service providers with online platforms are switching to 2FA methods to protect sensitive data.

Not all authentication factors are the same. It could be a mix of two kinds: a traditional method or a password and another factor.

Knowledge factors are things that other users know, such as a password, a PIN code, or a secret. A possession factor could be a mobile app, a token, or an ID to help approve login requests. Inherence factors use biometrics, or certain parts of the account owner’s body. Facial and voice recognition, as well as thumbprints, are usual inherence factors. Meanwhile, location factors are typically used for apps that require a particular location to be logged in. Authentication is often based on IP address or GPS data. Time factors restrict users in a particular time frame, as logging in could be restricted outside a particular time window.

Will 2FA ensure online account safety?

While 2FA helps reduce your chances of being hacked, it still relies on your knowledge of a password. There is still a chance that your account will be compromised even with a 2FA system. 2FA could be easy to apply and is user-friendly. However, it is still vulnerable to attacks, especially if the 2FA is linked to a personal phone number. Setting up 2FA could also restrict access when you have older devices. Aside from relying on 2FA, here are other ways to protect your personal accounts:

• Avoid suspicious addresses and websites. Many phishing websites mimic sensitive sites like banks and government outlets. Do not confirm your identity unless you are sure that you are in the right link. Access sensitive sites with a secure URL, one with a lock icon, and make sure that the URL in the search bar is accurate.
• Stay alert when using work emails and other related accounts. Spear phishing targets individuals to obtain access to confidential information. Even the wisest employees and executives could be victims of such attacks.
• Be careful when sharing your personal information. When a company asks you to share your personal information, do not divulge details right away. If you think that the contact is not legitimate, ask for another mode of contact to ensure their legitimacy.
• Do not post personal events and other sensitive information online. Hackers can use these to pretend they are you. Keep your social media accounts private and do not accept friend requests and follow requests from people you do not personally know.

Future of online security

Many organizations are looking to improve their security measures through passwordless logins and other related technologies that are also attributed to 2FA. While biometrics are becoming more popular and common, these login options still pose threats to digitally-wary individuals. Passwordless authentication is starting to gain popularity because getting rid of the need to enter passwords can help people log in easily and securely. This could also help with easier account recoveries and reset requests.

In the 21st century, crimes are done digitally. Therefore, we must protect our identity wisely. While 2FA can help add another layer of security, what we post online can be used against us. Think before you click, and think before you give out your details.

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Data hacking can be very detrimental to organizations. It can make them lose millions apart from the fact that they already have some of their vital information known to unauthorized groups of people. This is the very reason why cybersecurity is essential for businesses of all sizes. Each business should take some steps to secure their network computers, gadgets, websites, and many other types of portals to make sure that no unauthorized persons will be able to gain access and steal their important data.

Below are some ways that organizations can protect their valuable data from hackers and other cybercriminals.

Perform Regular Network Testing

Organizations should constantly be wary of vulnerabilities in their IT infrastructure. They should continually check and perform network penetration testing so that they can readily resolve any vulnerability in their systems. Pen testing is basically a legal form of hacking wherein the security of a network is tested through the use of systematic probing that allows the discovery of vulnerabilities.

It also makes it possible to identify potential application flaws and improper configurations that may lead to system vulnerability. With pen testing, an organization can spot suspicious end-user behavior and block potential cybersecurity hazards before they escalate into bigger problems.

Use Complicated Passwords

Data security breaches sometimes happen due to passwords being too easy to decipher.  Securing passwords and making them hard to guess is an important step in preventing network intrusions. Hackers will have a difficult time invading a system if a more intricate password is used. Intricate passwords are often longer and more complex and may comprise a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, spaces, and special characters.

Hackers usually have tools that help them break short and easy passwords in just a short period. By using longer, more complex passwords, it will take them some time before they can decipher the password and break into the system. Changing passwords on a regular basis should also be a frequent practice.

Install a Firewall

Firewalls are the barriers between an organization’s important data and the outside resources. They monitor incoming and outgoing traffic and either permit or block data packets based on a given set of security rules. They are essential in blocking malicious traffic and viruses that may be used by hackers to enter the organization’s internal system. Hackers often use spyware or malware, a program that allows them to infiltrate an organization’s system and obtain privately hidden information. Robust firewalls act as a shield against these programs, keeping the organization’s network safe from the dangers of cybersecurity.

Make Use of Antivirus Software

Viruses can delete important files, damage programs, and reformat hard drives. They also slow computers and other devices down. Other types of viruses can also replicate and flood internal networks with unnecessary traffic, making it futile to perform any form of activity. To prevent this from happening, it is essential to install antivirus programs across all devices. These programs can block security threats made to computers and other devices. They thwart unauthorized codes and software that may gain access to devices and threaten the operating system.

Make Backups

Computer hard drives are vulnerable to viruses and other forms of cyberattack. Due to their vulnerability, it is important to keep backups of all files and data on a regular basis. Not creating backups can spell a disaster. Once hackers succeed in getting through and hacking the organization’s system, files may get lost and may no longer be retrieved, leading to a significant loss. Backups help prevent data damage in cases of a security breach.

Data backups can be done in a variety of ways. They can be done through the cloud or through external drives that include USB sticks, networked attached storage, or by having printed copies of all data.

Employ Two-Factor Authentication

Passwords serve as the first line of defense against unauthorized access to data. But passwords are sometimes vulnerable to hackers due to their nature. Because of this, the second line of defense is recommended. Two-factor authentication helps boost security and data privacy.

Hackers always seem to find ways to gain access to systems even when there are security measures put in place. Just the same, it is always better to have security protocols in place than none at all.

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Here are some of the best advancements in security technology that every modern office should have.

1. Access control system

Every office–or any commercial building, for that matter, should have a reliable access control system such as Brivo access control. In fact, having this security feature is more of a necessity nowadays than a luxury, as technology continues to develop at breakneck speed.

Simply put, an access control system is an electronically powered form of physical security that controls access to a building, room, or particular area. It eliminates the need for traditional keys and helps ensure that only authorized personnel has access to a certain room or area. This type of system uses credentials to allow access, and this may be in the form of an ID, a key card, or stored information on a mobile device.

With the increased security that an access control system provides, an office can reduce the risk of theft, trespassing, and data breaches, among other threats. If employees work at different times (which is a common set-up in many modern offices), an access control system can also provide freedom to work when they need to, without having to wait for someone to open the doors.

2. Advanced surveillance system

As mentioned before, security technology has long since passed low-quality security camera footage. Today, surveillance systems capture higher-definition video, have significantly larger storage capacities, and have a myriad of features that weren’t possible for security cameras before, including low-light vision, audio recording, and remote access from computers or mobile devices.

Any modern office should also have modern surveillance systems. With advanced security cameras, it is much easier to predict certain incidents and prevent them from happening, as well as to review incidents that do manage to occur, both inside and outside the office building.

Take this scenario, for example, an employee leaves the office late and walks to the parking lot alone. The security guard on duty is behind the monitors and spots a suspicious figure loitering in the parking lot. With the low-light capabilities and high-definition capabilities of advanced security cameras, the security guard is better able to see what’s happening in the parking lot, and can thus act quicker if said suspicious figure attempts to harm the employee.

3. Reception kiosk

A reception kiosk or visitor management system can be found in a lot of different facilities, including doctor’s offices, dental clinics, banks, hotel lobbies, and, of course, offices. The main purpose of a reception kiosk is to allow visitors to check-in without having to interact with a human receptionist, making the check-in process easier and allowing the actual receptionist to focus on more important tasks.

Generally, the system collects data regarding the visit, such as the date, check-in time, basic information of the visitor, the reason for visiting, the host, and the check-out time. Data collection is then much more efficient, and offices don’t need to spend money on manual logbooks.

Apart from streamlining the check-in process, visitor management systems help increase office security by keeping track of all people entering or leaving the premises, serving as an investigative tool in case a crime occurs, and being an effective crime deterrent. Some visitor management systems are also able to print identification badges that visitors can wear during their entire stay in the office, making it easier for personnel to spot anyone who doesn’t belong.

4. Gun-detection technology

Mass shootings can happen anywhere and at any time, including offices. The harrowing Capital Gazette shooting wherein a gunman killed five employees and injured two others is just one example.

While better gun control is the best option to prevent these shootings, schools, malls, offices, and other commercial buildings can take initiative by using gun-detection technology to spot a potential active shooter before they open fire. This type of technology uses AI to identify guns among a crowd, marks the carriers as suspicious, then goes on red alert if it detects a real threat (e.g. the carrier pulling out the gun), and notifies the police in seconds.

Offices are not very common places for crime, but the threat of theft, trespassing, assault, and other types of crime is never zero. With these high-tech security measures in place, however, modern offices can reduce the risk of these threats to the lowest that they can be.

The post Must-Have Security Technologies For the Modern Office appeared first on New Horizons Message.

Outside technological savants, the dark web is a mystery. Then again, it’s easy to fear what we don’t know. Most of what we—the general masses—know about the dark web is its cybercrime and unofficial dealings, hidden under a cloud of anonymity.

While the movies get a part of the truth right, there is a part of the dark web that is legal and safe. So, just how shady is the dark web? ;

What Is the Dark Web?

One can access the dark web only through specific browsers, software, or configurations. It may also require special authorization. Thus, under this system, private networks can communicate anonymously.

The dark web has been easily misconstrued to be the deep web, which generally cannot be indexed by search engines. But the dark web only forms a part of the deep web.

Threat to People

Although not as thrilling as some movies make it seem, hackers can find a way into your financial records. A single attack on a bank gives a perpetrator access to hundreds and thousands of credit reports, which was what happened when 140,000 social security numbers were compromised after CapitalOne Bank was hacked. To rouse media attention, hackers would sometimes target high-profile names. Finding a path within networks of data brokers, hackers were able to secure ID details of former first lady, Michelle Obama.

Threat to Businesses

Corporations are not immune from the threat of fraudulent criminals online. In 2019, 127 million records stolen from eight companies were sold online on Dream Market. The seller is only known through the alias “Gnosticplayers.” It is even unsure whether Gnosticplayers is an individual or a group of hackers working as one.

There can be a wide range as to how much a cyber attack could hurt a company. For some, finding an Office 365 backup restore point could do the job. But this is only when the company has done the precaution, with the help of professional security services. Businesses can no longer avoid the era of cloud storage, but at least recovery points and system backups provide the best line of defense.

Unfortunately, for others, data becomes irretrievable once encrypted and sold under a guise. Attacks cannot only be data theft; they can also be through a stubborn virus that could wipe out years of corporate data.

How Non-tech Savants Commit Crimes on the Dark Web

Hacking someone else’s Facebook account is what the IT guy may consider basic. But a simple hacking on social media already requires technical skill. From there, all the other forms of Internet fraud will require deeper technical knowledge and deception skills. For those who do not possess either of these abilities, there is always ransomware.

Simply, ransomware is holding someone’s online information for ransom. The attacker usually uses malicious software to encrypt data on the victim’s browser. For the victim to restore access to the files, the attacker would extort money in exchange for the decryption key.

So Is it Illegal to Dive Dark?

No, it is not. Technically speaking, accessing the dark web is not breaking the law. It has provided legal value for users who would otherwise be endangered if identified online. These include whistleblowers and abuse victims.

One may argue that users with ill motives are likewise using the dark web for these benefits. However, the dark web is no longer as deep as it once was. It is no longer impenetrable, as it was when Ross Ulbricht leisurely roamed around the “Silk Road,” his online drug cartel.

The Dark Web Getting Some Light

The dark web is the very concealed portion of the deep web, but much has changed over the years. Before, only cybercriminals and law enforcement officers could be found on the dark web. Now, through anonymization software such as Tor, anyone could find themselves on the dark web if they want to.

Many dark web browsers are users with no ill motives, simply looking for a fun place to pass the time. This wider landscape means perpetrators cannot be as anonymous as they want anymore.

Criminals will find a way to commit crimes. It doesn’t matter whether it’s in real life or online. With proper use, the dark web can be a safe space, where people can exchange ideas without the fear of judgment and criticism. And with just the right security tools and enough knowledge of its bounds, users can protect themselves from malicious attackers hiding in the corner.

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