Updated July 2022

It’s time to turn on MFA on all of your accounts – banking, work, social media accounts… everything needs MFA.

October is National Cybersecurity Awareness month and that’s a great opportunity to talk about data security. 

We use passwords for all kinds of online activity, from social media to our bank accounts. You can probably think of a dozen accounts you have passwords for right now. 

Unfortunately, data breaches including password theft have become so common that the World Economic Forum considered cyber-attacks among the top five risks to global stability in 2019. 

Multi-factor authentication is currently one of the best and most basic defenses you can have to stop the wrong people from logging into your accounts.. Let’s look at what it is and how to set it up.

What is Multi-Factor Authentication?

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is a security feature offered by many online services today that sets up a second verification method for logging into accounts. That second verification method is triggered when certain conditions are met.

Let’s take a look at that and clear up some of the terminology.

What is a second verification method?

When you log into an account with your username and password, your username and password are the FIRST verification. That shows that you own an account with the service. The second verification usually calls for a second device, like your cell phone. 

For example: You log into your email with your username and password. If you have MFA set up and conditions are met to trigger it, before you can access your account a text message with a unique code will be sent to the cell phone you connected when you set up MFA. You’ll need to enter that code online before you can finish accessing your account. 

The second verification method doesn’t always have to be a text message. For example, Google accounts sometimes send a regular push notification that allows you to just tap a prompt on your phone to continue logging in instead of entering a code.

Some accounts also allow MFA to be set up using an “authenticator app.” An authenticator app generates a unique code every 60 seconds that you must enter to log into accounts connected to it. Authy and MS Authenticator are two of the most popular authenticator apps.

Right now you might be imagining that it would be a huge pain to have to enter more than your username and password to log into your accounts all the time. Luckily, even with MFA activated, that isn’t the case.

What are the conditions that trigger the second verification method?

Turning on MFA won’t cause logging into your accounts to be a pain because you’ll rarely trigger the second verification method yourself. Here’s why:

Most accounts recognize the device you are logging in on. This is how you’re able to check the option to “remember me for 14 days” on some accounts and not have to re-enter your password at all during that time. 

Your location is also usually recognized. If you always log into your email from your home or your office, these locations will be recognized. If you visit a friend in another city or state, your location won’t be immediately recognized. 

Changing either of these two conditions, the device and location, are often what trigger a second verification method when using MFA. So when you log into your email from your regular computer or laptop at home or at your office, you won’t have to deal with the second verification method at all after using it once. 

Why is this so helpful? With MFA set up, if someone tries to log into your account from another device or in another location they won’t be able to, even if they have your exact password. The MFA will present them with a second verification that they won’t be able to get past. In addition, you’ll notice immediately that your password has been compromised because you’ll receive a notification for a login attempt you know you didn’t make.

Setting Up Multi-Factor Authentication

MFA must be set up on each account you want to use it for; there is no universal set up at this time. Fortunately it’s pretty easy to set up on the accounts where it is available! We’re going to look at how to set up MFA for some specific accounts below, but in case the account you want to use it for isn’t listed here, these are the general steps:

• Log into the account you want to protect
• Find the account settings
• Find the security settings option
• Look for a multi-factor authentication (MFA) or 2 factor authentication (2FA) option
• Follow prompts to complete the set up

Below are specific instructions to set up MFA for some of the most popular online services that offer it in their security options.

How To Set Up Multi-Factor Authentication for a Google Account (Gmail)

NOTE: If your business uses Google Workspace and your admin enables your organization with MFA, you will be prompted to set it up as soon as you log in. The following instructions are for free Gmail on the web.

• Step 1: Log into your Google account
• Step 2: Go to Security in the account options
• Step 3: On the Security page find “Signing in to Google” and choose “2-Step Verification” (preview shown below)

• Step 4: Click “Get Started” and verify using your password
• Step 5: Choose how to receive second level verification codes
  • Google defaults to setting up push notifications on a cell phone. If you would prefer text messages choose “Show more options” and click that option in the dropdown menu
• Step 6: Follow the prompts to enter your phone number and verify using the appropriate code or push notification sent to you.

How to Set Up Multi-Factor Authentication for a Microsoft Account (Outlook)

NOTE: If your business uses Microsoft 365 and your admin enables your organization with MFA, you will be prompted to set it up as soon as you log in. The following instructions are for free Outlook on the web.

• Step 1: Log into your Microsoft account
• Step 2: Go to Security in your account options and click “update”
• Step 3: On the Security page choose “Two-step verification” (preview shown below)

• Step 4: You should end up on the Additional Security Options page (you may have to verify with your password first). Choose “Set up two-step verification” then click “Next”
• Step 5: Choose how to receive second level verification codes
  • Outlook allows the use of an authenticator app, a phone, or an email
  • NOTE: If you choose to verify using an app, Microsoft has their own authenticator app you can use. If you are planning to set up MFA on multiple accounts, you’ll probably want to use a different authenticator that works with multiple accounts, such as Authy. To use Authy or another authenticator besides the Microsoft one, just choose “set up a different Authenticator app”
• Step 6: Follow the prompts to enter your phone number or email or to set up an authenticator app and verify using the appropriate code.

How to Set Up Multi-Factor Authentication for a Yahoo! Account

• Step 1: Log into your Yahoo! account
• Step 2: Go to the Account Security page
• Step 3: On the Account Security page choose “Phone Number” from the Two-step verification options (preview shown below)

• Step 4: Follow prompts to enter your phone number and verify using the code sent to you.

How to Set Up Multi-Factor Authentication for a PayPal Account

NOTE: Currently setting up MFA on PayPal will cause you to get a second level verification every time you log in, unlike other services which remember your location and device. While it may seem an inconvenience, it’s important to have this extra security on accounts that have access to your financial information.

• Step 1: Log into your PayPal account
• Step 2: Go to Settings page and choose “Security”
• Step 3: Choose “2-step verification” and click “Update” (preview shown below)

• Step 4: Follow prompts to enter your phone number and verify using the code sent to you.

How to Set Up Multi-Factor Authentication for a Facebook Account

• Step 1: Log into your Facebook account
• Step 2: Go to “Settings & Privacy” then “Settings” (after September 2020 update the settings dropdown is now located in the very top right corner of your newsfeed screen under the “Account” arrow in the browser version)
• Step 3: Choose “Security and Login.” Scroll down to the “Two-Factor Authentication” section (preview shown below)

• Step 4: Click “Edit” to open two-factor authentication options
• Step 5: Choose how to receive second level verification codes
  • Facebook allows the use of an authenticator app or a phone
  • NOTE: If you choose to use your phone you will need to set up a new “Forgot Password” method. Facebook does not allow the same phone to be used for both MFA and password resets
• Step 6: Follow the prompts to enter your phone number or to set up an authenticator app and verify using the appropriate code.

How to Set Up Multi-Factor Authentication for a Twitter Account

• Step 1: Log into your Twitter account
• Step 2: From your home feed, click on “More” then “Settings and privacy”
• Step 3: You should end up on the Settings>Account page. Choose “Security” (preview shown below)

• Step 4: Choose “Two-factor authentication”
• Step 5: Choose how to receive second level verification codes
  • Twitter allows the use of an authenticator app or a phone
• Step 6: Follow the prompts to enter your phone number or to set up an authenticator app and verify using the appropriate code.

Looking for More?

Didn’t see instructions for the service you need to set up MFA for? Just contact us or message us on Facebook and we’ll do our best to update with instructions for the service you need.

Remember, MFA isn’t the only way to keep your passwords safe. It’s also important to do the following:

• Use a strong password. Strong passwords should meet all of these requirements:
  • be at least 16 characters long or more, or as many as an account allows if it is less than 16
  • use upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters (where allowed)
  • be random – a password such as “MyTechIsSafe123!” is not as secure as a password like “vCQEe!EK47SayS_B.”
• Make passwords unique and never use the same password for more than one account. If a password is compromised on one account, it compromises all the others.
• Use a password manager such as LastPass, Bitwarden, or Keeper. Bitwarden offers a free password manager with everything you need so you don’t have to remember all of your long, complicated, unique passwords. 

More Insight from Our San Marcos Cybersecurity Team

For more tips to help keep your data safe, check out our Complete Guide to Password Security 2020 and like our Facebook Page for daily cybersecurity tips throughout October.

Colocation services are an excellent solution for businesses that must keep their data secure and fast. But, what exactly is colocation? It is a cloud service where your company rents server space on another business’s network. This allows you to store, manage and access your data from anywhere with internet access. Colocation services can benefit almost any industry as they can help you cut costs, improve security and accelerate performance. Here are five ways colocation data using an MSP can help your business.

Why use a Managed Service Provider for Data Colocation?

Before you start hosting your data with a colocation provider, you must understand the benefits of using a Managed Service Provider (MSP) for your colocation needs. Businesses prefer MSPs for colocation because they specialize in providing IT solutions and services to other organizations. Because MSPs have experience handling a wide range of industries and company sizes, they are well-equipped to help you find the right colocation solution for your business. Because MSPs have specific data centers for colocation, you can be sure that your data will be securely stored according to your specifications. In addition, many MSPs offer data backup and disaster recovery solutions to help protect your data. Businesses should consider using an MSP for colocation because they provide a wide range of data center solutions tailored to suit various budgets and needs. If you choose to host your data in your own office or data center, you are responsible for the maintenance and security of your data. On the other hand, using an MSP allows you to focus on growing your business while outsourcing the responsibility of maintaining a data center.

Reduce your Dependence on Local Infrastructure

If you choose to host your data in a colocation facility, you will no longer have to rely on the local infrastructure in your office or data center. This can help reduce operational costs since you will not have to upgrade your local infrastructure and hardware. You can also eliminate disruptions in your business operations caused by unplanned outages in your local infrastructure. Colocation providers design their data centers to withstand natural disasters, power outages, and other unforeseen events that might interrupt your business.

Transfer Sensitive Data to a Secure Server

One of the most significant advantages of colocation is that you can transfer sensitive data to a secure server at a colocation facility. This can help you comply with industry regulations, such as PCI compliance, HIPAA, the GDPR, and many more. By moving your data to a colocation facility, you can be sure that only authorized people will have access to your data. In addition, many colocation facilities are located in secure, off-site locations. This can protect your data from natural disasters, such as hurricanes and floods that can damage or disrupt your office.

Leverage Fast, Reliable Networks and Storage Infrastructure

A colocation facility often has a high-quality, fiber-optic network, which can significantly improve data transfer speeds. In addition, the storage infrastructure at a colocation facility is usually reliable and redundant. Colocation providers often use significant data center space to install redundant equipment. This means that a single server can be mirrored on two or more separate pieces of hardware. The mirrored servers can then provide failover functionality if one of the servers becomes unavailable. This can be ideal for certain types of businesses, such as financial institutions, where unplanned downtime is unacceptable.

Maintain your Data Control at all Times

Another advantage of colocation is that you can always maintain complete control of your data. This can help you prevent costly data breaches, as you will have no direct access to the servers hosted by your data. In addition, colocation providers are responsible for maintaining and managing the servers where your data is hosted. You can focus on growing your business without worrying about constantly maintaining and upgrading your servers.

Conclusion

You can significantly improve your data security by colocating your data with a Managed Service Provider. You can also reduce your dependence on local infrastructure, transfer sensitive data to a secure server, and leverage fast, reliable networks and storage infrastructure. You can maintain control of your data at all times and reduce your dependence on local infrastructure. And, you can leverage fast, reliable networks and storage infrastructure. With these benefits, it’s clear that colocation is a great solution for businesses that need to keep their data secure and fast.

Cybersecurity is the practice of maintaining control over computer systems and data integrity while minimizing the risk of unauthorized access or damage through malicious attacks. A cybersecurity policy defines a set of security practices used by employees, contractors, partners, users, and third parties interacting with your organization’s network(s). The goal of a well-written cyber policy should be simple. Ensure you are keeping up with current best practices so as not to put your business at risk due to outdated policies unintentionally. The following are cybersecurity policies to consider implementing for remote employees.

Access Control Policy

Your company may have an existing access control policy that includes guidelines on who can enter specific areas of your network where sensitive information or assets reside. In general, if you do not limit entry based on precise job functions and responsibilities, it will be difficult for management to ensure that only the desired people are accessing certain areas of your network when necessary for their job function. Your access control policy must also address how often individuals can change their passwords, which services they can use to connect to your networks, what types of devices they can use to connect to the Internet, and whether your staff can get online from home computers or mobile devices, and much more.

Administrator Rights Policy

This policy addresses administrators’ rights and privileges to manage a network. A good administrator rights policy outlines what administrators can and cannot do on the network, including installing software, configuring network settings, backing up files or databases, performing backups, etc. An example of a lousy admin rights policy would let anyone add new accounts or modify user accounts without first getting approval. A good policy might require all changes to be approved. Make sure you understand the implications of this policy before you roll out any updates or changes.

Audit Log Policy

If you allow employees to connect to your network via public WiFi hotspots like coffee shops, airports, or hotels, consider setting up a policy that requires them to log into each site beforehand. Otherwise, they may leave valuable files, such as credit card numbers, customer or vendor records, bank statements, or personally identifiable information, publicly available because they connected through a wireless connection. Some companies even go further than requiring people to log in to a VPN, requiring them to identify themselves using their valid work email address and password before accessing anything work related.

Data Loss Prevention Policy

DLP is a technology that monitors file transfers and automatically blocks certain types of content from being transferred between different locations within your network (for instance, blocking malware attachments). It’s important to note that this policy does not prevent employees from transferring sensitive data outside of the company but instead prevents the transfer of potentially illegal or harmful files inside the firewall. Any time someone needs to send sensitive data outside of the firewall, they should obtain explicit permission from IT.

Data Security Policy

All of your employee’s data belongs to them but ultimately it belongs to the company too, so ensure you give them adequate privacy options to protect that data. You can implement policies regarding when and how frequently they can access their Gmail account, calendar, contacts, voicemail, and other electronic communications tools; whether they can back up their data remotely; what operating systems and applications their device(s) can utilize; and more. Giving your employee secure tools to utilize to store and manage their data can be a great start to ensuring they are more secure when working from home.

Sometimes you may find that you receive a lot of unnecessary emails in your inbox. For example, the sender might be someone you don’t know, or the message is either irrelevant or contains abusive language. You may have gotten yourself in a store, social media app or website mailing list from which you keep receiving unwanted emails and hitting the unsubscribe button isn’t just working. You can, however, Block the Sender in Microsoft Outlook to keep them from bothering you.

Blocking people in Outlook is quick and easy! Here’s How Its Done:

Microsoft Outlook has an easy way of blocking unwanted emails in the format – block a sender. It just takes a couple of minutes to add them to your list of blocked senders, and then all future messages from them will be automatically filtered out. This is particularly useful if you are getting emails that contain any suspicious or threatening language.

1. Necessary Permissions

The first thing to do is ensure that your email account has the necessary permissions required to make this action possible. It’s likely that your webmail address will have these permissions, but other options such as mobile apps may not.

2. Find The Unwanted User

The first step is to go to the person who is bothering you. This can be done by simply selecting the message from the sender you want to block.

3. Blocking The Sender

You can then remove a sender from your inbox by going to the Home tab, clicking on the Junk button and selecting Block Sender.

4. Confirm

You will then receive a pop-up dialog box asking you to ‘Ok’ adding the sender to your blocked list.

5. Adds Them to Blocked List

This action will then add this person’s ID to your blocked list which will in turn dump all the emails sent by the sender to your Junk folder.

6. Junk Folder

Emails in the Junk Mail folder can only last up to 30 days before they are automatically deleted. Unless you manually check your Junk Mail folder and decide to save an email, it will be automatically deleted from there.

7. Check Your List of Blocked Senders

To check the list of blocked senders, go to Junk menu on the Home tab and then click Junk E-mail options. Here you will see a list of blocked sender’s emails with the option to edit, add or remove a sender from the list.

8. If you ever Want to Remove a Sender

To remove the sender from this list, simply click the ‘Remove’ and then click Ok to confirm.

9. Another Way to Add a Sender

If you wish to add another sender, click on the ‘Add’ and then proceed to enter the email address you want to block.

Click Ok to confirm your request and this will add the blocked email address to your list.

10. Another Way to Block

Another quick and easy option for blocking senders is to right click on the message from the sender you want to block and select ‘Junk’ from the context menu. From the menu options select Block Sender and this, then will add the sender to your blocked list.

Key Takeaway

There are a couple of things that you should be aware of when blocking senders. If you are not sure whether the sender is actually a spammer or not, it might be an idea to report them as junk mail and just move on. That way they don’t continue to fill your junk mail folder up.

A laptop is a wonderful invention that has changed our work and play. Whether you recently got your computer or have had it for years, laptops need to be cared for to remain functional. Here are some of the best tips on caring for your laptop:

Avoid Exposing your Laptop to Extreme Temperatures

This includes setting your computer near a heater, leaving your laptop in the car on a really hot or cold day or anything else that could cause damage. Exposing your laptop to extreme temperatures can cause your computer to overheat, leading to a very costly repair. Its best to treat your laptop as you would treat yourself. You would not leave yourself super close to a heater, or leave yourself in a super hot car, so its best to do the same for your laptop as well.

Keep the Dust Bunnies Away

Dust particles in your laptop can cause permanent damage, so you should use compressed air regularly to clean the exterior of your computer. When it comes to interior cleaning, you should invest in a small vacuum designed for computers. Never use anything sharp or abrasive that could accidentally puncture the screen on your laptop. Clean your laptop regularly to ensure that no dust build up effects the functionality of the fan or the keyboard or any other important part of your computer.

Use Only Approved Power Adapters and Cables

Ensure the manufacturer approves the cable or adapter you use for your computer. You can check the back of your computer for a label that tells you which wattage to avoid. It would be best to never use a power cable from a different laptop model on your machine. Chargers can vary in power output and other things from model to model, so just because the charging port fits your laptop does not mean it is designed to charge your specific device.

Keep an Eye on The Temperature

Laptops can get extremely hot, and this is something that you should always be aware of. Your computer will usually have some indicator that tells you when it is overheating. This problem can be caused by dust, overheating, or software problems.

Keep Moisture Away

Laptops should also not be stored next to anything wet such as water, coffee pots, bathroom sinks, etc. This can cause your computer to overheat or malfunction.

Keep the Screen Clear and Free of Scratches

The screen on a laptop is made up of several parts called LCDs. Most manufacturers recommend removing the screen from the laptop every six months to clean it. Be sure to replace the screen if you have purchased a new laptop.

Avoid Plugging in Too Many USB Devices

The connection ports that your computer has can be destroyed if you are using too many USB devices at once. Ensure that the manufacturer approves any external USB devices you use on your laptop.

Don’t Overwork Your Laptop

Laptops can overheat and malfunction if you are using them too much. You should also ensure that you are not downloading malicious software that could slow down your computer. If your computer starts to have problems that could be caused by malware, run an antivirus scan immediately or contact a professional who can assist you in removing the malware so that your computer does not have to work overly hard to function.

Use the Right Software

Some laptops have a feature that allows you to update the software that you are using automatically. This can make your computer run better, but there is always a possibility that you could end up with malware or other software not approved by the manufacturer. Always make sure that you are using the right version of software, from the correct manufacturer to avoid getting any viruses or unwanted malware on your device.

Don’t Download or Use Pirated Software

You should avoid doing this because there is a chance that the software could be infected with malware or some other type of malicious program. If you are a fan of a particular software brand, you should always make sure you purchase it and not download it illegally. These tips will help keep your laptop running in top condition for years.

In Conclusion

Laptops must be taken care of to maintain working conditions. The above tips should help you take care of your computer and keep it healthy for the long haul. If you have any specific questions about maintaining high functionality on your computer, contact tekRESUCE, we would be happy to guide you in the right direction with any repairs or maintenance needed on your device.

This article will compare the three most popular types of computers out there. The desktop, laptop, and tablet. Which one will work best for your needs? Are you going to be using your computer to mostly check social media? Are you going to be using it for creative purposes? Are you going to be developing software? Keep those questions in mind, because they will be helpful in making your decision, along with your preferences for weight, portability, performance, as well as the price.

Tablet

Tablets can provide a smooth touch screen experience and offer great portability, but they’re not nearly as powerful as laptops or desktops when it comes to multitasking and crunching data. The thinner and lighter the tablet, the fewer features it will offer. Tablets are better for consuming content, such as videos or music, but not so good at creating content. Certain tablets can connect to external keyboards or mice, but they’re usually clunky and awkward to deal with. You’ll also be limited on screen size (typically 7 or 10 inches), connectivity options, memory space, etc. Tablets are great for those who need access to the internet, but may not necessarily need a full workspace to get a lot of things done at once. Some tablets are geared more in this direction, so if you want portability and computing power, it can be good to look into tablets that are great for both.

Laptop

Laptops bring computer technology to life with the most powerful and versatile hardware. Modern Laptops are known for having long battery lives and being more portable. They’re a great way to take your existing files along on the road or even use a laptop as your only computer. Laptops are equipped with enough performance to do virtually anything you need, especially if that’s doing several things at once. The best part about laptops is that they come with varying ranges of specifications. If you need a faster processor, you can find a laptop that has one. If you want better graphics, you can also find a laptop that has an advanced graphics card. They’re more expensive than a tablet, making it wise to consider all the features of a laptop. The best part is that you pay a little more money in most cases for a lot more features and computing power, which many people find worth it. Laptops are better for creating content but not so great for consuming content. That is another thing to think about.

Desktop

With the high upfront cost of a desktop, you will not likely purchase a new computer every year. A desktop computer will typically have enough performance to do everything you need, and it’s relatively hard to damage since there is no mobility to worry about. Of course, certain things will be harder to do on a desktop. For example, moving around a large and bulky monitor, keyboard, and mouse is not very easy. A desktop computer can also offer more display options and more power. They are also fully customizable inside and out, which is alluring for many computer users. You can customize just about anything on your desktop for your needs and desires when it comes to your computer usage. Some people also prefer that desktops are compatible with monitors that they can select in any size. You can also have multiple monitors for increased efficiency while working. One thing to consider before purchasing a desktop is will you need to take your computer anywhere and also do you have the space at home for it? Will you want to purchase a desk to house your new desktop and its accessories. These are all questions to ask before making any purchases of new devices.

Conclusion

All three types of computers are great options for different scenarios. The tablet or laptop will be your best option if you’re looking for portability. If you need power and performance, a laptop or desktop computer is likely the best choice. If your trying to be more creative and want a touch screen interface for drawing or other projects, a tablet or touch screen laptop may be the device for you. If you are coding and developing games or software, or really any form of work that may need more computing power to allow you to efficiently do multiple tasks at once, a laptop or a desktop with a fast processor would be your best bet.

So what’s best for you? You may have various needs that can only be met by one of the three types. It just depends on your preferred usage and how easily you can get along with each.

It can be frustrating when you’re trying to do something and your computer is slowing you down or not responding quickly. A slow computer can be caused by a variety of problems, and if it is consistently getting slower over time it might also be time to ask for professional help.

Reasons Why your Computer Might be Running Slower than Usual

1. Too Many Active Programs

When you have too many active programs open, your computer becomes cluttered. This slows down the speed of your computer and causes the programs to run slower. It’s best to close any programs, as well as web browser windows/ tabs you aren’t using.

2. Old Computer Hardware

If you’ve had your computer for quite some time, chances are it has become outdated by newer models that are faster and more efficient. If your PC is outdated, its likely slow because the hardware is outdated. It’s time to consider getting a new one.

3. Hard Drive/Memory Maxed Out

If your computer is maxed out on memory or hard drive space, it can slow down and even get to the point where it won’t work at all. To fix this, you will need to use a program such as CCleaner, or you can purchase a new hard drive or memory.

4. Corrupted Programs

Some programs that you install may not be compatible with the rest of your computer, which slows down its performance. Programs that are not designed for your computers architecture, or that are designed for another operating system can take up valuable space on your computer. You need to go into your disk and uninstall any program that might be causing your computer to slow down.

5. Virus or Malware Infecting Your Computer

If you’ve recently downloaded any sort of software or file from an untrusted source online, there is always a chance it could have infected your computer with malware. If this is the case, it is best to contact a professional to assist you in the removal of the malware. It is many times the case that simply downloading antivirus software after already becoming infected will not actually remove malware from your device.

6. Unnecessary Software Updates

Some programs may be downloading unnecessary updates automatically during the day, or even at night which can slow down your computer. You will need to update these programs on a schedule that is conducive for your computer use schedule, or if it is a software that you never use, either uninstall it or disable auto updates for that specific software program.

7. Many Apps Opening Automatically When PC Starts

Each time you start your computer, there are multiple apps that you have turned on that will automatically open and slow down your computer. To fix this, go to “run” and type in “msconfig”. Click the tab for startup. You will see all the programs that automatically start when you turn on your PC. Uncheck any programs that don’t need to be running each time you reboot your PC. Alternatively use CTRL+ALT to open the task manager and close all unnecessary apps.

8. Computer Running In Low Power Mode

If your computer is running in low power mode, it will run slowly. You should turn off low power mode by changing the settings on your computer and selecting “High Performance” or anything synonymous to that setting in the battery and performance settings.

Bottom line

It is important to rule out these problems before just deciding to get a new device. If you have found yourself the target of malware or malicious activity, make sure to contact a professional such as the Cyber Security experts at tekRESCUE. Always remember that the technicians at tekRESCUE are here for you with any issue that you have regarding your computer and would be happy to answer any questions you may have about why your computer might be running slower than it used to.

The Internet is full of resources that can provide information on how to stay safe when browsing the Internet. Internet users should surround themselves with tools and tricks to heighten their security and ensure their presence on the web is as secure as it can be. With a plethora of websites out there, tips and tricks that can be offered to keep you safe from viruses or anything else that might be dangerous for your computer can be harder to make one size fits all. Its best to use all of the tips that we suggest here and research more ways to secure your information and devices while surfing the web to ensure the maximum safety while using the worldwide web. This is a list of helpful tips for staying safe and aware while Web Browsing.

Update Your Browser and Windows

One of the most important things to do when using a computer to browse the web or connect to internet in general is to keep it updated. This applies to both OS updates and your web browser. Software that protects you from viruses, and other risks, gets better over time, so always keep it up-to-date. Ensuring you have the most up to date version of a software is really important to ensure that hackers and cyber criminals cannot exploit weaknesses in software to access your important data.

Use Strong Passwords Only

Make sure you have a strong password for all the sites that you use online. Passwords are one of the best starting places for defense against cyber criminals because if someone gets their hands on your password, they could easily log in and access anything on your computer or even on your email, which will give them the ability to reset other account passwords that you have created using that email. If you have trouble remembering a good password, there are many ways to create one. A strong one is usually made up of mixed letters, numbers, and unique character and is 18-20 characters. If you are having trouble thinking of a secure password, try mixing two words together that would not normally go together, and that you can remember, like quicksand and skyscraper, then add in some numbers and unique characters to replace some of the letters. Make sure to store your password in a secure password saving software. These software can also help you up your security game by making completely random passwords that you do not ever have to remember, and you can use the software to login to all your accounts, thus making your accounts extremely secure.

Secure Sites

Be very careful of sites you sign in to – make sure you are on the correct one before entering your login credentials, i.e., email, user name, and password.
Phishing websites look like the real thing, but tiny details often help you tell the difference. For example, a phishing site might have a slight delay when loading. Or a phishing site might even resemble an actual page but with a slightly different domain name and extension.

Use a Firewall

A firewall is a way to filter traffic and stop potentially dangerous programs from accessing your computer. A firewall can prevent malware, viruses, trojans, etc., from getting onto your system. If you need assistance in configuring your firewall, it is always important to enlist the help of a professional. Making sure that no malware or viruses initially infect your devices is one of the most important defenses against cyber attacks because once a cyber criminal has made it onto your device it is much harder to get them out, but it is still possible, especially with the help of an experienced professional.

Install and use Antivirus Software

Antivirus software scans your computer for malware, which can cause your computer to run slowly or become infected. It is essential to have an antivirus installed and updated to help keep you safe from viruses and other dangerous things online. If you are curious about using the best forms of antivirus, make sure to ask your local cybersecurity company, such as tekRESCUE, about their top choices in regard to Antivirus Software, because remember that all Antivirus is not created equal.

Bookmark Important Sites

Bookmark sites that you consider necessary so that if you log out and then log back into the same site again, you will still be on the correct page. This is to avoid logging into malicious sites through miss-typed urls, making your device vulnerable to potential viruses or anything else that is bad when browsing the Internet. If you want to save a particular page on a page in the future, you can create a bookmark of it while logged in. A bookmark can help you keep track of the various pages that interest you without going through all of them each time.

Why This is So Important

Whether it is simple maintenance, virus avoidance, or software update – these are the simple tips and tricks you need to utilize when browsing the internet. However, the most important tip that one can give is perhaps to be more aware of what to do while you’re surfing the web. This way you can try and prevent accessing sites that may be waiting for potential victims.

Businesses have a legal obligation to protect their customers’ data, and one way of doing that is through cybersecurity risk assessment reports. These reports are documents that outline the risks a business faces when it comes to cybercrime, and spell out steps that need to be taken in order to mitigate those risks. Many businesses are not aware of the different types of cybersecurity risk assessment reports, or of the purposes they serve. Here, we will explore the different types of reports and their purposes.

1. Vulnerability Assessment Report

A vulnerability assessment report is a document that outlines the vulnerabilities a business faces when it comes to cybercrime. This report spells out steps that need to be taken in order to mitigate those risks. The purpose of this type of report is to help businesses identify and fix potential security weaknesses before they are exploited by cyber criminals. A vulnerability assessment report typically includes: A list of the vulnerabilities that were identified, a description of each vulnerability, an assessment of the risk posed by each vulnerability, and recommendations for mitigating the risks.

2. Penetration Testing Report

A penetration testing report is a document that outlines the results of a simulated attack on a business’s system. This type of assessment is designed to evaluate the security of a system by simulating the actions of a real-world attacker. The purpose of this report is to help businesses understand their strengths and weaknesses when it comes to cybersecurity, and to provide recommendations for improving their security. Several factors are typically included in a penetration testing report, such as: The types of attacks that were simulated, the results of the simulations, and recommendations for improving security.

3. Cybersecurity Audit Report

A cybersecurity audit report is an evaluation of a company’s cybersecurity posture. The purpose of this type of report is to identify weaknesses and vulnerabilities in a company’s systems, and to make recommendations for improvement. This type of report is usually conducted by an external party, such as a consultancy firm or a managed security service provider. According to a recent study, a typical cybersecurity audit report will include an assessment of a company’s “cybersecurity governance, policies and procedures, incident response plans, technical controls, and user awareness and training programs.”

4. Website Penetration Assessment Report

A website penetration assessment report is a document that outlines the results of a simulated attack on a business’s website. This type of assessment is designed to evaluate the security of a website by simulating the actions of a real-world attacker. The purpose of this report is to help businesses understand their strengths and weaknesses when it comes to cybersecurity, and to provide recommendations for improving their security. Several factors are typically included in a website penetration assessment report, such as: The types of attacks that were simulated, the results of the simulations, and recommendations for improving security.

Key Takeaway

The above are just some of the different types of cybersecurity risk assessment reports that businesses can use to improve their security posture. It is important to remember that no two businesses are alike, and therefore no single report will be right for every business. The key is to choose the type of report that best suits your needs and your budget.

The blue light eye injury is no mere coincidence. You may be at risk of blue light eye injury if you spend several hours on your computer. Your computer screen naturally emits blue lights. And if you stare at it for too long, it will hurt your eyes. In addition, light is thought to cause sleeplessness. Other harmful effects of blue light on the eyes may exist, although eye injury is the most common.

What is Blue Light?

Visible light is created by combining several wavelengths. Blue light is the most energetic component of the light spectrum. As a result, it can rapidly pierce the retina towards the back of the eyes. Unfortunately, unlike other hazardous wavelengths, blue light cannot be stopped by other elements of the eyes, such as the lens and cornea.

How to Protect Eyes from Blue Light

There are several technologies available that will filter Blue Light for you. We’ll guide you through the five major techniques to filter blue light and discuss the benefits and drawbacks of each approach.

1. Make use of Flux Software

Flux is a fantastic tool for protecting your eyes from blue light while working on your laptop or desktop PC. Flux filters your computer screen to make it cooler, warmer, and more attractive. Blue light is blocked by the filters, which protect your eyes from further harm. The Flux app may be a better alternative if you don’t want to strain, have a lengthy headache, or sleep poorly. Furthermore, the software is simple, handy, and effective, allowing you to enjoy working on your computer.

2. Wear Eyeglasses with the Correct Prescription

Squinting at screens for long periods is harmful to your eyes. If you wear glasses to correct your vision, be sure the prescription is for a distance of at least an arm’s length between your eyes and the screen. The majority of glasses are made for longer distances. Consider talking to an expert for advice on which glasses are suitable for looking at screens for long periods of time.

3. Change the screen settings

If your screen appears dull or too bright, adjust the brightness to match the ambient light. A greater brightness level indicates that your computer or smartphone screen emits more blue light. The blue light filter option is becoming more common on computer screens. If this is accessible, make sure to enable it.

4. Lighting the Room

The brightness of your room’s lighting must match the brightness of your screen. When operating electronic devices, strive for a consistent brightness level since low ambient light tricks your eyes into allowing in more blue light. Do not adjust your computer screen’s lighting from the normal level whatsoever. Instead, ensure your room is properly lit.

5. Let Your Eyes Rest

How can you avoid digital blue light overexposure? One simple method is to follow the 20-20-20 rule. Every 20 minutes, take a 20-minute break from your computer and gaze at anything 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. This method can reduce eye strain while also being a regular reminder to limit your exposure to blue light.

Conclusion

Excessive blue light exposure can lead to digital eye strain (computer vision syndrome) and retinal cell damage (which can increase the risk for issues like macular degeneration). There are, however, a few things that can help lessen the risk of problems, such as the ones discussed above.

Technology is a force for good in our society, but it can also pose threats. Before you can take steps to ensure the security of your business, you need to understand the risks that are out there. You need to know what vulnerabilities exist and how they could impact your business. To do this, you will have to conduct a Cybersecurity Risk Assessment. A Cybersecurity Risk Assessment is a method of evaluating the security of your data and business processes. It involves looking at the potential threats out there and identifying ways in which they could cause problems for your organization. Here, we will discuss your cybersecurity risk assessment and what comes next.

The Key Components of an IT Security Assessment Report

A cybersecurity risk assessment report is a document that outlines the findings of the risk assessment process. It will contain a list of the vulnerabilities found and the potential threats to your organization. It should also include recommendations on how to mitigate those risks. After reading the report, you will have a good idea of your current security posture and the steps to be taken to strengthen it.

What To Do After Getting The Report

Distribute the report to the relevant stakeholders in your organization, such as the IT department, finance department, and marketing department. Review the information with each of these groups to ensure they are aware of the security vulnerabilities and how they could affect your business. Now that you have read the report, it is time to implement the recommendations. For example, you can use the risk assessment report to determine whether you are running an outdated operating system that contains security vulnerabilities. You can also use the report to identify which of your business applications are outdated and need to be upgraded. In addition, you can use the report to identify any security threats that could affect your organization.

What You Need To Know About The Threats Out There

There are several different ways an attacker can get access to your information. They could try to hack into your computer system, or they could try to steal your data. Most of the time, it is the latter that happens. Cybersecurity is a growing concern for businesses, which means that there is a lot of competitive activity in this space. Many different vendors offer solutions to prevent unauthorized access, but you need to make sure that you choose the right one for your organization’s needs. You should look at whether they are selling software or hardware solutions or whether they have a strong history of customer support and satisfaction. You will also want to ensure that the vendor has suitable security certifications from respected organizations like the ISO 27001 standard (for software) and ISACA (for IT professionals).

Key Takeaway

The more information you have about what kind of data you have, the easier it will be to determine appropriate security measures. You need to look at the information in your business and determine what is essential to your organization. You need to know where the privacy boundaries lie for your company and then work to design appropriate security measures.

If you are interested in having a cybersecurity risk assessment done for your business, tekRESCUE is here and ready to help. We will run the assessment, digging through everything to ensure that no vulnerabilities go undiscovered. Then we will take the steps to advise you on how these vulnerabilities can be resolved and work alongside you to remove every last one. Give us a call or visit our website to discuss what we can accomplish together!

Your company’s website needs to be effective when it comes to capturing the attention of your clients. It’s often the first point of contact a new client has with your business, so you want to catch their attention, build trust, and communicate your company’s values from the get-go. If you find that your website isn’t keeping visitors long enough to convert them to customers, it might be time for a redesign. Or if your business is new and doesn’t yet have a website, you’ll need to work with a designer to create your brand’s online presence. In either case, you’ll need to get inspired! Having a better idea of what you want out of your company’s website can help your designer give you a new website you’ll love. Below are a few ideas to get your creativity going!

1. Using Eye-Catching Illustrations

When it comes to catching your clients’ attention, you can bring in some eye-catching illustrations that will effectively draw their attention to your website. In a sea of commercial websites littered with photographs, having some unique artwork will help your site to stand out among the crowd. Illustrations in a simple, flat style are also more lightweight than photographs, making your website quicker to load for visitors. You can even have animation effects that make the images almost pop out of the screen. As long as you keep these effects simple and clean, they can help guide the visitor through your site without distracting from your message.

2. Break Text Up with Variety

When attracting your clients, you have to keep in mind that you do not want to read a long, boring block of text. It would be best to break up your text content with a variety of different formatting types to help your readers skim through the information more quickly. For example, instead of a single block of text, try adding some bulleted or numbered lists; these make it easier for people to understand the content. Blockquotes are another great way to break up long sections of text, making the page look less cluttered and more organized.

3. Vintage Web Design

Vintage typography is one of the most popular designs in the past decade. The use of fonts that evoke the past but still look classy to modern eyes is one way to make your website look unique and very attractive. To add more appeal to your website design, you could even use a color combination or texture that looks old-fashioned and vintage. This will make your website look interesting and unique. This also includes vintage photos that you could use on your website to add to the aesthetic.

4. Think About Color Schemes

A great color scheme can make a website cozy, attractive, and relaxing for visitors. If you want your website to utilize color to its maximum effect, you’ll need to think about color schemes. Think about your brand’s colors and how you’d like for them to be highlighted on your website. Pantone schemes can be a great place to start looking for inspiration; these are already very popular with companies in all kinds of industries. Also consider using unexpected combinations, such as pastels and metallic tones. Sometimes, going against the grain is the perfect way to make your website stand out in visitors’ memories.

5. Tell them where to go

Easing navigation through your website is one of the most underrated principles of great website design. Think about how the website should guide visitors to the information they need. If someone has never heard of your company before, what would you like them to know? What do you want them to do while on your website—call you, send an email, or something else? How can you organize everything your business does into a neat package that doesn’t confuse or overwhelm visitors? All of these considerations are important. And while it’s your designer’s job to create a well-organized user experience on your website, you know better than anyone what customers are looking for when they come to your business.

Key Takeaway

This list is by no means exhaustive; there are all kinds of other techniques and elements that can come together to create an effective website. If you’ve been thinking of having a new website designed, keep an eye out and observe trends in other websites. You might find something you really want for your own site! We hope these tips have helped get you inspired, and we look forward to helping you create a website you’ll truly love for your business.

Insider threats in Cyber Security can be tricky, as most defenses against breaches and hacks are designed to protect against external attacks rather than threats originating inside the organization itself. The latest data breach at the US Office of Personnel Management (OPM) is a good example of how even an organization as large and sophisticated as the US government can be unaware of threats coming from within. An insider threat is someone in an organization who has access to sensitive information that is used to harm the organization. This harm can be done intentionally or unintentionally, but both scenarios can be equally devastating.

How can your organization spot potential cyber threats from within before they cause damage? Awareness is key. Below are strategies that an organization can use to stay vigilant and protect itself against insider threats.

Perform enterprise-wide risk assessments

To identify potential insider threats, an organization should conduct a risk assessment. This is a process where the organization surveys employees and creates an inventory of their current position and job function. A risk assessment should be conducted for every employee and include factors such as whether or not they have been involved in any suspicious activity, what access they have to sensitive information if they have been given any special privileges, etc.

Develop policies

It is important to develop policies that outline how information is shared within the organization to prevent insider threats from occurring. The policies should outline how employee data is handled and how third parties can access it. For example, do employees need permission to share information on social media? Are there restrictions on accessing certain types of information? The policy can also outline what will happen if an employee tries to share sensitive information with individuals who are not authorized to view it.

Document and consistently enforce policies and controls

To identify potential threats against an organization, it is important to document and enforce policies and controls. An employee who shares information with a third party without authorization will be identified as an insider threat. This is especially true if a third party accesses sensitive information without the proper authorization.

Create internal accountability measures

One of the best ways of preventing insider threats is by creating internal accountability measures. An employee who tries to share sensitive information will know that they will be held accountable for their actions. The measure can be anything from losing their job or getting fired, but this should always be made clear in writing and signed off on in a meeting that all employees are aware of. This way, employees know that they can’t share information without being caught and punished.

Establish physical security in the work environment

It is important to ensure that sensitive information is stored in a secure location to protect company information. This means that it has to be protected from unauthorized individuals who may try to access the information. For example, if an employee tries to share sensitive information that they shouldn’t have access to, they will be identified as an insider threat and threatened with their job.

Key Takeaway

Insider threats are a major problem for organizations. They can be caused by disgruntled employees, rogue government officials, or cybercriminals. Organizations are now taking steps to prevent these threats by establishing policies and monitoring the actions of their employees. Following these five tips will make it easier to identify potential insider threats in your organization and prevent them from accessing sensitive information.

What is pay-per-click (PPC) management?

PPC management is a strategy for online advertising that helps advertisers manage and optimize their PPC campaigns so that they can generate the maximum number of conversions in the shortest period of time.

Why is PPC Management Important?

PPC Management is important because it allows companies to measure their marketing efforts and take control of the ROI (Return on Investment) they get from those efforts. With a good PPC campaign, companies can finally make changes and improvements in real-time based on what’s happening with each ad campaign.

PPC Management is also important because it helps companies focus on precisely what they are doing. With PPC management, companies can have real-time access to their ROI and conversion rates and make real-time decisions about the success of their ad campaigns.

How Does PPC Management Work?

PPC management is essentially a means of measuring, monitoring and analyzing key performance indicators (KPIs) to control the success of a PPC ad campaign. By assigning KPIs to individual ads, companies can monitor how their ad campaigns are performing on an ongoing basis.

In addition, with the right kind of technology, companies can use PPC management solutions to run automatic bid adjustments that are custom-made for each advertising campaign and track how well the campaign is performing.

PPC management also helps companies continually improve the performance of their advertising campaigns. For instance, with PPC management, companies will know what works and what doesn’t work with each ad and can initiate changes in real-time.

What Are the Benefits of PPC Management?

The benefits of PPC management are many. Let’s look at a few.

• Easier to Set Up and Monitor: PPC management software makes it easier for companies to set up and monitor their pay-per-click campaigns.
• Better ROI: The ability to measure performance in real-time using PPC management software helps companies improve their ROI. That’s because they get instant feedback on what’s working and what’s not working with their ad campaign. Companies can then adjust their strategy in real-time to make improvements based on this information.
• Better Conversion Rates: Tracking each ad’s conversion rates helps companies keep their campaigns focused on high-value conversions.
• Better Customer Experience: Having a comprehensive understanding of how their PPC campaigns perform helps companies improve the customer experience. For example, they can see when certain ads are getting a lot of traffic while others aren’t generating much and thus know which ads to promote or not promote to gain that much-needed extra exposure.

What does Effective PPC Management Entail?

Effective PPC campaigns involve continuous monitoring and analysis of performance data to identify opportunities for campaign optimization.

The following are Some of the Key Activities Involved in Effective PPC Management:

1. Campaign Management

Campaign management involves setting up and optimizing PPC advertising campaigns. This includes setting up ad groups, creating ads, choosing keywords and deciding on an appropriate budget.

2. Monitoring & Reporting

This involves monitoring performance data for each campaign on a real-time basis so that you can make adjustments to your strategy as needed.

3. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

KPIs are the key performance measures that allow you to monitor and analyze the progress of your campaigns. They are just some of the analytics tools you can leverage to optimize your PPC campaigns. These KPI tools help you identify PPC campaign performance and provide real-time feedback.

4. Reporting

Real-time reporting is a crucial aspect of PPC management. You’ll want to check campaign performance every day. Reporting should also be part of any strategy that integrates Google AdWords with a website, CRM, or e-commerce platform.

5. Bid Management

Bid management is an important aspect of PPC management that involves setting up automatic bid adjustments so you can test different bid strategies and boost performance.

6. Ad Review

Ad review compares your PPC ad results with your business objectives to identify additional campaign optimizations.

7. Bid Adjustments

Bid adjustments, also known as auto-responses or auto bids, are automatic bids associated with a particular Ad Group, Ad and keyword combination. They are custom-made for a particular campaign based on KPIs and bid strategy during that period of time. You can make additional adjustments after a certain period of time if performance is still needed.

Benefits of Hiring a PPC Management Company

When you hire a PPC Management company, you get access to the right tools to make your PPC marketing campaigns successful. There are many benefits that can be derived when you hire a PPC Management Company.

• A highly experienced and qualified team of Advertisers, Developers, and Analysts: Hiring an agency with a large pool of experts who specialize in SEO is highly recommended because they are versed in what an effective SEO campaign needs to be. They can effectively drive more traffic to your site thus generating more clicks for your PPC campaign. The agencies will be able to analyze the least performing keywords, make changes to them and bring new things to your Adwords account. You can also utilize their services to advise on how you can improve the performance of your website.
• Cost-Effectiveness: When you choose an agency for PPC management, you need to choose an effective method otherwise the investment is not worthwhile. Choosing a PPC management company can be a better option than going for an in-house agency which requires payment of a high salary if someone leaves or is fired. Moreover, if the in-house agency fails to deliver the results, it will be not easy to terminate them. PPC Management companies are more affordable usually than in-house agencies.
• Real-Time Reporting: The agencies provide you with real-time reporting, allowing you to track your PPC Campaigns’ performance and learn from what works and what doesn’t. This will help you decide if a campaign is not working or if something needs to be changed.
• Getting Your Money’s Worth: A company needs to invest in Google AdWords or other PPC marketing services so as to get their money’s worth. This is the best way to increase your sales all while getting more traffic to your website. But it isn’t easy to earn a profit with just organic searches, which means that you will have to spend heavily on ads. Therefore, it is recommended to hire a PPC Management Company to assist you in the creation of these ads.
• Control Over the PPC Campaigns: Before you start your campaign, you need to set the right goals. This is important because it will help you control your budget. When you hire a PPC Management Company, they can take care of your campaigns as they will be able to do a better job than an in-house agency.

Conclusion

PPC management is an important aspect of online marketing. It involves monitoring and analyzing the data from a campaign to ensure that you are always getting value for the money spent on your digital marketing efforts. Hiring a PPC management company can allow you to focus on your core business and let experts manage your PPC campaigns for you. These companies can also suggest valuable search engine optimization strategies that will help improve the performance of your PPC campaigns.

What is web design? What is web development? Web design and development are two words used interchangeably, but they are different. One person can be a designer who also builds a website, while another can be a programmer who specializes in user interface (UI). This article will explore the differences between web design vs. web development

What is Web Design?

Web design is the process of conceptualizing a visual interface for a website. It involves creative thinking about how the website will look and feel to the user. It also includes deciding on keywords, image, color, and the site’s overall content.

What is Web Development?

Web development involves creating a website from start to finish. Web developers are usually required to understand the software development life cycle, which is the process of programming and building a website. Web development also refers to programming languages including HTML, CSS, XML, and JavaScript. These languages work together to create web pages. Web developers must be knowledgeable about interfaces, server-side scripting, and databases for the content management system (CMS).

Differences between Web Design and Web Development

Skills Required

A good web designer should have strong visual skills. They should be able to think creatively regarding how the website will look. They should be able to decide on the color scheme for the site, compose keywords and write content for it appropriately. Qualified web designers are usually creative individuals keen on the internet and computers. Web designers can come from various backgrounds, including graphic design, photography, or psychology.

Web developers are usually software developers who have knowledge of programming and systems. They should be computer savvy, capable of learning new programming languages such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Web developers need to understand the software development life cycle because they work with the back-end of websites.

Tools Used

A web designer uses vector graphic editor software to layout the site’s features. These programs enable easy navigation between layers and objects. The most common vector software are Inkscape, Corel Draw, and Adobe Illustrator. A web developer uses HTML and CSS editors such as Sublime Text, Dreamweaver, Espresso, or Atom.

Conceptualization of Website

The website concept is created by the designer based on the project provided by the client or in-house creative team. This step involves planning, research, and development. The client inputs their requirements, and the designer presents his concepts to the client for approval. Once approved, the developer begins working on on-site creation. The website is created through the coding language HTML, CSS, JavaScript.The final product is a website built from coded HTML.

SEO and Site Security

Web designers are required to know SEO, Google Analytics, and Google Webmaster Tools. Web development requires knowledge about site security and ethical hacking to prevent DDoS attacks.

Nature of Projects

Web designers work on website projects either as part of a team or as individuals. They work for various companies worldwide, either in their own office or remotely. They have a team of designers that work together to make the project succeed.

Web developers generally work on different projects as independent contractors, and they may be based out of the country they are in. Web developers establish the needs of websites and then decide on software languages to create things like flowcharts, wireframes, and mock-ups based on that information. The web developer also decides how to create a website within a CMS (content management system).

Project Management

A web designer will oversee and manage the project to ensure that the website meets the client’s needs, while the developer will directly focus on coding. The web design process can be iterative; adding new features can fundamentally alter aspects of a previously completed site. These alterations are possible due to changes in design and strategy after all visual elements have been completed.

What to consider when choosing the best web design and development company

When choosing a web design and development company, there are many factors to consider. They must be able to build the website you need and do it on time and within budget. The best web design and development companies will have the following qualities:

• Highly experienced. They have at least 10 years of experience, and the person you will be working with should have a blog on the website where they discuss their work.
• Their portfolio should showcase their work, which is original and creative.
• They should also be responsive to questions via email or chat, and they must respond quickly during business hours in your time zone. This means they are available to contact if a problem occurs with your website.
• They should be able to guide you through the process of building a website and should be able to explain technical terms if you do not understand them.
• They must be able to solve problems with your website, and they can fix bugs that occur due to updates from Google or WordPress.
• Their service package should include SEO, site security, and CMS education for the development of your site.
• The website design and development company should give you a free estimate for the project and explain how their pricing works before the project begins.

Conclusion

Web design is the art of creating the elements of website, and web development or web programming is the process of developing that website into an actual website.
A combined effort of web design, graphic design, and web development is required to create a successful website. An effective user experience can be created by considering both web design and development. With an effective website developed by experts with high-quality standards, businesses can be made more competitive in the global market rather than being entirely offline.

There are many unscrupulous things that a hacker can do to get access to your organization’s information and steal it. They can break into accounts, share dubious websites, send fake emails, trick your employees into dishing out their personal info, and spread malware, among others. Hackers do all this using one of the most dangerous tools in their kit; the botnet.

What is a Botnet?

A botnet is a network of computers running malware that are all controlled by a master computer. The infected computers are known as zombies, and they all work to accomplish the hacker’s goal. The master computer is known as the “command and control center.” This is the computer that sends a command to all the zombies and gets them to do something.

Botnets can attack businesses in one of two ways; your computers can either join the network as a zombie, or your business could fall prey to one of the botnet schemes.

The zombies can get their commands from a single server or a website. This is known as a client-server model. However, this system is not common today. It is easy to shut down as the zombies only run if the website or server is active.

The peer-to-peer model is now the most common where the infected machines communicate to more machines in the network. These new infected machines communicate to other machines, widening the network.

How Do Botnets Spread?

Botnets spread through a Trojan. This is malicious software that gets into your computers through phishing emails, pirated software, or any other channels. If an employee unknowingly installs a trojan on a company computer or BYOD, the hacker gets access to their device and creates a backdoor. Through the backdoor, they can adjust the settings of the infected device and other connected devices, including company networks. The Trojan can stay inactive for a long time until the hacker decides to send a command to the PC.

When the botnet is set up, it allows the hacker (also known as the ‘bot herder’) to make the computers do the same thing at the same time or send out phishing emails and other attacks faster. They can send millions of phishing emails and millions of malware attacks within a short time. They can also use the infected network to coordinate DDoS attacks better.

How To Protect Your Business from Botnets

If a company computer or an employee’s BYOD is a zombie for a botnet, it will be slow and may lead to a breach of personal or company information. It makes your business an easy target, and the hacker can prevent your IT team or MSP from installing an antivirus. You can protect yourself by:

• Installing antivirus software and scanning for malware on all company computers and employee BYODs.
• Keeping antivirus and all applications up to date
• Monitoring your network for any unusual activities and monitoring failed login attempts
• Training employees not to download any suspicious attachments or attachments from unknown sources
• Ensuring that employees use an up-to-date browser when accessing the internet and stay away from untrustworthy ads and sites
• Having employees use a password protector
• Limiting network sharing outside the organization
• Working with a managed service provider to maintain these security standards if you don’t have a large enough in-house IT team

If your system is already part of a botnet, professionals use methods such as signature-based detection, flow-based detection, and honeypots to establish the malware. Businesses need to teach employees how to surf the internet without risking an attack. With the right employee training, you can ensure your business’ computers and data don’t fall victim to a botnet.

Nowadays, the world has changed, and it isn’t easy to run any business without an online presence. Customers are using the web to search for goods and services, and if you have a business, it should be visible as possible on the web. The best way to achieve this is to have a functional home site that should reflect your brand. Hiring a company that specializes in Web Design is the key to ensuring that the people that visit your page make the decision to seek out your product or services.

Top Tips When Working with a Web Design Agency

If you can’t create a responsive web design, you must hire a web design agency. According to many people, the web design process is complicated and tiresome, but it doesn’t have to be that way. A Web Design Agency specializes in Web Design and has teams of designers that are dedicated and thrilled by the process of designing beautiful and dynamic sites. They will come in, design your site and help you increase traffic to your site. Once you have hired a company to work with you designing and managing your website, the next step is ensuring that proper communication with them is established so you can ensure you are getting exactly what you want in terms of the design and functionality of your website.

Here are some tips that will help you in the process:

Establish Your Expectations

The worst way to start your journey with a web design agency is by telling them to create a site without first presenting what you have in mind. Before you reach out to an agency, you should at least have an idea of what you want, how you want the site to appear, and what message you want to communicate. If you have no idea, you can go through several web design idea sites on the internet or take a look at competitors’ sites in order to have a clear idea of what you do and don’t want your site to be like.

The work of a web designer is to implement and develop your idea, and it can really help the process if you have some direction for them when they are beginning to work on your site.

Possible details include but are not limited to:

• Some websites you like
• Layouts, Aesthetic and Color Scheme
• Your competitor’s sites
• Marketing content
• Information on the target audience

Understand the Process

Web design is a process, and it takes time. Some agencies might complete the task quickly depending on your requirements, while others might take time due to the complexity of the task given. At times the designer might have to change, review and redesign some parts of the website before the entire process is done. You can help your designer by giving them constructive criticisms on what you do and do not like about the site as they are working on it. Ensure you give your feedback and enough time to make the required adjustments. This will help you to get the most out of your money when it comes to investing in hiring a Web Design Agency.

Attend All Meetings

Professional web design agencies always schedule meetings with clients. The purpose of such meetings is to understand your expectations and ask if changes are needed as the work progresses. During these meetings, ensure you ask questions and address your concerns.

Find the Right Web Design Agency

Lastly, your efforts won’t be fruitful unless you work with an agency that knows what they do. You should find the best web design agency for the project and design you have in mind. There are so many agencies out there, so you will have to research before settling on a specific agency. Check out the agency’s portfolio, their customer testimonials and ensure they meet your requirements.

Conclusion

Ensure the web design agency you work with can create a site that reflects your brand in all the best ways. That way, customers will notice your site and get attracted to your products and services. As long as there is proper communication and feedback between you and the agency, your expectations should be met and your business will see an increase in customers.

People have been using removable media such as CDs, USB drives, SD cards, smartphones, and pen drives to move data from one computer to another for years now, but these devices come with several risks. They can carry malware from one computer to the other, and there is always a chance that they can fall into the wrong hands, leading to security breaches. When handling sensitive business data, there is a need to employ the highest security measures possible. This makes the risks of removable media even more serious when it comes to an organization’s data. We’ll discuss some of these risks and how they can be mitigated below.

Data Security issues

As we mentioned above, there is a risk of data that you can carry in the USB drive falling into the wrong hands. For example, if you transfer data to a given computer using the USB drive, the data will remain in the USB drive if you do not delete it. Removable media such as CDs can be stolen, and unauthorized people will access the information. If an organization has stored substantial amounts of data on removable media, they risk the information falling into the wrong hands, exposing them to data security breaches.

Malware Infections

Removable disks such as CDs can carry malware that can easily infect computers if the autorun feature is allowed. Computer viruses can lead to serious threats like ransomware attacks, causing your organization to incur serious losses that could have easily been avoided. To keep your systems protected, there is a need to hire a team of experts who will run antivirus and monitor any threats to keep everything running safely. However, no amount of antivirus will protect a computer from user error. You should always be careful when using removable media to avoid cases where malware can affect company computers.

Copyright Infringement

The data stored on a removable disc may be copyrighted. For example, if you carry software in removable media and end up using it outside the licensed computers, then there is a risk of being exposed to the issue of copyright infringement. There is a need to ensure the data you carry in the removable media does not have any copyright issues. There are cases where people have been exposed to hefty fines due to copyright infringements. Take necessary action to avoid cases where the data will expose you to copyright issues.

Hardware Failures

Sometimes, CDs and USB drives can fail. If you use them as the primary storage for your data, they can fail at any time. For example, if you have a USB drive and it ends up falling in water, its data may not be retrievable. Hardware failure is an issue you should take seriously because it can lead to data loss. Some business data can be time consuming or even impossible to recreate if no reliable backups exist. It will be a big loss to your organization if the data is lost.

Bottom Line

There is a need to have a reliable backup solution if you use removable media to store data. Removable media can play a significant role in a business’ productivity, but they should be used cautiously and responsibly. Whenever possible, look for an alternative way to store data to reduce the risk associated with removable media.

tekRESCUE has been nominated for two separate Best of Hays awards this year, and your votes will help decide who wins. Curious what we’ve been nominated for and how you can help determine the final Best of Hays 2021 winners? Just keep reading!

tekRESCUE Best of Hays Nominations

Below are the categories tekRESCUE has been nominated for in Best of Hays 2021. To vote, simply follow the links and select “Vote” for your candidate of choice. You will be prompted to log in with a valid email.

BEST TECH SUPPORT

BEST COMPUTER REPAIR

Haven’t voted in Best of Hays before? Here’s what it’s all about

Every year the citizens of Hays County, Texas vote to choose the best businesses in a variety of categories for the previous year (in other words, the businesses you’re voting for in 2022 will be receiving awards for their performance in 2021).

The contest is administered by the local newspaper, the San Marcos Daily Record. Voting has historically taken place by newspaper ballot, but this year the contest has gone digital. If you’re concerned about being able to access Best of Hays online, your San Marcos Public Library has guest computers available for use daily.

This year, nominations for Best of Hays took place early in February. After nominations closed, the top three businesses in each category were determined. Voting to determine the final winner in each category will take until the March 11th at midnight, after which the final tally will be determined by the San Marcos Daily Record.

Be a part of the results and vote!

Who is tekRESCUE?

tekRESCUE is a web developer and IT service provider based in San Marcos, Texas. We have been serving the hill country and beyond for nearly a decade. Our team is proud to provide the best IT, digital marketing, and web design services possible to clients across a wide variety of different specialties.

Interested in learning more about our services?

Managed IT Services

To keep your business running smoothly, your technology needs to be secure and up-to-date. tekRESCUE offers IT service options for businesses of all sizes. We keep your devices safe and running smoothly so you can concentrate on your customers.

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Website Design & Development

Whether you need web hosting, a website redesign, or a whole new website built from the ground up, tekRESCUE is here to help. Our expert designers have built countless sites for a variety of business, all made to fit your brand and perform well in today’s online market.

SEE PORTFOLIO

Digital Marketing

Our experienced team is available to help with a wide range of digital marketing campaigns. From search engine optimization (SEO) and social media management (SMM) to geofenced ad campaigns, we’re here to make sure your brand gets seen in online.

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Need more information about how technology services can benefit your business? Contact tekRESCUE to speak to a professional who can help!

Search engine optimization is a significant factor in the success of any online business. If your website is not well optimized for search engines, it will be challenging to get the desired traffic. SEO’s first and foremost objective is to get more traffic to the website. Community outreach is an excellent way to achieve this objective and increase your brand visibility. Most companies that are marketing to an online customer base believe that SEO helps them acquire more traffic.

What is SEO Outreach

The term “SEO outreach” is used for the process of getting your website “link” published on websites that are highly trafficked. This is done to ensure that the SEO effort that your company has made is magnified. This is done, for example, by getting your website’s link on blogs and news websites otherwise known as backlinking. Once this is done, syndicated blogs and social media profiles are used to post updates, otherwise known as Community Outreach. Community outreach is an extension of SEO outreach in which you send out a “press release” in the form of posting optimized original content to all your social media accounts such as Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Google Plus. There are no limits on the number of times a press release on social media can be forwarded to other websites in most cases. That is why this is such an effective strategy for SEO.

Why is SEO Outreach Important for SEO?

SEO outreach with the assistance of an Austin SEO Company helps in boosting your brand visibility. When you reach out to relevant people with SEO strategies, they can spread the word about your website and assist you in getting more traffic. You can also use this opportunity to promote your business and increase sales and revenue. When you engage in community outreach, you need to get active on social media platforms such as Facebook, Google+, Twitter, Pinterest, etc., and create an account for your business. A value of community outreach lies in connecting with other people from different industries so that they can provide valuable feedback about your product or service.

Backlinks You Can Get Through SEO Outreach

There are numerous ways through which you can get backlinks. The most common one is to ask your friends and colleagues to share the link of your website on their social media profiles. You can also add your website link to your social media profiles. The other method is to accept guest posts from different websites. You must provide high-quality content in exchange for a link. By doing this, you will be able to establish a good rapport with the website owner, and they will be more likely to share your links with their readers and in the process form more backlinks for your SEO endeavors. Backlinks can be a driving search engine optimization force when it comes to driving traffic and your website’s search visibility on search engine services in Austin.

Launching Successful SEO Outreach Campaigns

The most effective way is to write articles and post them on relevant sites. However, digital marketing in the form of SEO is not limited to writing content for blogs in Austin, Texas. You have to share your business with people who are actively looking for new products and services. This can be achieved by distributing quality articles through social media sites like Facebook, Twitter, etc. You can also send emails to various bloggers in your niche and ask them to share your content on their blogs.

SEO In Austin, TX

If you are a business owner and looking for something new and exciting to do, partnering with a Austin SEO Company and starting SEO outreach is a perfect option for you. It is all about engaging with people and helping them get what they want from your website. By adding search engine optimization services to your current outreach program in Austin, you will also get more traffic for your website and increase sales and revenue.

Interested in increasing traffic to your website but not sure how to start? TekRESCUE can help! We are an SEO and Digital Marketing company in Austin, Texas & we can get your rankings up and help you reach your customer base more effectively! Give us a call today or visit our website.