Category: Security
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How to Become a Hacker: X Steps to Follow
A hacker is a professional who focuses on the security mechanism of your network systems and computers. Therefore, don’t think of hackers as unethical people who break into the security system of your phone or computer to steal your valuable information. It is only that some people use their expertise in the wrong ways. Here are some 12 steps on how to become a hacker. 1. Learn UNIX-Like Operating Systems UNIX-like and UNIX are the operating systems of the internet. You can use the internet without knowing UNIX but you can never become a hacker without having the UNIX knowledge. There are several forms of UNIX-like OS but the most popular one is Linux. You can run Linux hand in hand with MS Windows on your machine. You need to download Linux and install it on your computer. The other UNIX-like OS is BSD systems that comprise of DragonFly BSD, OpenBSD, NetBSD, and FreeBSD. You have to understand the difference between BSD and Linux. Even though we have other solutions like Open Indiana, it is good to rely on Linux, BSD, and MacOS because they are more popular and have several programs for your use. 2. Write HTML You have to build your proficiency in HTML especially if you are not a programming professional. HTML is used to code everything that you see on any website such as the design components, images, and pictures. You start by learning how to make a basic homepage and grow from there. You can open the source information in your browser to see the examples of HTML. You can either write basic HTML in simple text or processing programs like Notepad. 3. Learn the Programming Language If your goal is to become a hacker, you need to learn programming languages to write your masterpiece. The best language to start with is python because it is well documented, has a clean design, and relatively kind for beginners. Apart from being an excellent language for starters, python is flexible, compelling, and suites large projects well. Once you get into serious programming, you will have to learn Java, JavaScript, and PHP C, and C++. These programming languages will give you the right background that will help you to develop hacking skills. 4. Think Creatively Once you have the basic skills, you need to start thinking artistically. A hacker is like an engineer, philosopher, and artist all rolled up into one person. These professionals believe in mutual responsibility and freedom. The world has so many fascinating problems that are waiting for answers. Hackers delight in solving these problems, exciting their intelligence, and sharpening skills. Hackers have a broad range of intellectual and cultural interests outside hacking. Play as intensely as you work and work as intensely as you play. For most hackers, the boundaries between art and science or work and play tend to merge or disappear into a high level of creative playfulness. You can enroll in martial art training if you want to learn how to become a hacker. 5. Learn to Appreciate Solving Problems Hackers believe that it is a moral responsibility to solve problems. Once you solve a particular problem, put is in the public domain so that you can assist other people to solve the same issue. However, you will not be giving away all your creative product. You will begin to command a lot of respect when you share the knowledge that you have accumulated over time. 6. Learn Recognizing and Fighting Authority The main enemies od hackers are drudgery, boredom, and authority figures who use secrecy and censorship to stifle the freedom of information. Monotonous works discourage the hacker from hacking. You can embrace hacking as a way of life by rejecting the ‘normal’ concepts of property and work. Instead, choose to fight for common knowledge and equality. 7. Be Competent Any person who spends a lot of time on Reddit is able to write up a ridiculous cyberpunk username and pose to be a hacker. However, the internet is an excellent equalizer that values competence over posture and ego. Spend a lot of time to work on your craft and not the mage and you will gain a lot of respect quickly instead of modeling yourself around the superficial things that people think around hacking in the popular culture. 8. Write Open-Source Software Take time and write programs that other hackers believe are useful and fun. Give your fellow hackers the sources of these programs for their use. Hackers respect individuals who have written capable programs and share with their colleagues for use. 9. Help in Testing and Debugging Open-Source Software Reputable open-source authors know that good beta-testers are worth their weight in dollars. These beta-testers know how to localize problems well, describe symbols, can tolerate bugs in quickie releases, and are more than willing to apply few simple diagnostic routines. Try to get a challenge that is under development that you have interest in and strive to become a good beta-tester. 10. Publish Useful Information You also need to gather and filter interesting and useful information into documents or web pages like FAQs lists and avail them. The respect that those who maintain FAQs have is equal to that of open-source authors. 11. Assist in Keeping the Infrastructure Working It is volunteers who operate the hacking culture and the internet’s engineering development. You need to do a lot of unglamorous but necessary tasks to keep everything running. It includes the administration of mailing lists, moderating of newsgroups, maintenance of huge software archives, and the development of RFCs among the other technical standards. You will command a lot of respect by doing all these things with a high level of dedication. 12. Serve the Hacking Culture Itself You will not be able to do this exercise until you have been around for some time. The hacking culture does not have leaders to say but it has tribal elders, culture heroes, spokespeople, and historians. After being in the trenches for a long period, you can develop into one of these. Hackers don’t trust the blatant ego among their tribal elders and hence attaining such fame visibly is dangerous. Instead of striving for it, it is wise to position yourself so that it drops in your lap so that you can be gracious and modest regarding your status. Read Also: How Dangerous Is Ransomware Anyway? Why DRM Is The New Standard For Document Security How To Improve Workplace Security
READ MOREDetailsDeciphering the Myths About Home Security Cameras
Security cameras are the in-thing today. They are used in many homes as a way of enhancing security. However, despite the fact that they are common; there are many wrong perceptions about them. Surveillance cameras usually play a key role to fortify your house. These home security cameras can be installed in either the indoor or outdoor areas of your home. They are used to capture the photos and footages of possible intruders. Since home security cameras are significant in safeguarding your home, you must know the misconceptions about them. This will enable you not to pay due regard to these misconceptions. By doing this, the effectiveness of your home security system will not be affected. Here are six myths about home security cameras; All Security Cameras Serve the Same Purpose: Many people think that all security cameras are the same, so they can serve the same purpose. As asserted by Tech Web Space, this is not true. There are many types of security cameras. They all work differently. Each of them is designed to fulfill a distinct security need. For instance; there are dome, bullet, and IR day/night cameras. Bullet and dome cameras can only be installed in indoor areas, while IR day/night cameras can only be put in outdoor areas. So, a dome camera is effective to monitor your staff; while an IR day/night camera is effective to prevent burglary. Also, IP security cameras can record a video of the ongoing activities of an intruder; while other normal surveillance cameras cannot. There is no security camera which can fulfill two roles at the same time. So, you should know your major security problem which you intend to address. With this problem in mind, you can then choose the most appropriate type of security camera. Security Cameras Are Super Heroes: When some people purchase a security camera, they tend to think that they have solved all their security issues. They believe that their houses will be fortified by the virtue of them possessing a security camera system. They equate home surveillance cameras to superheroes in regard to matters of security. This is a very wrong perception. As much as you buy a security camera, you should still take other appropriate measures to safeguard your home. Security cameras can be limited in discharging their functions. For instance; bullet and dome camera types will not function well in dim lighting. Also, when you don’t position your camera well; you may create a blind spot. This blind spot will give a leeway which will allow criminals to operate in. It Is Very Easy to Install a Security Camera: You cannot learn to install a security camera after watching some few DIY tutorials. Installing a security camera is a difficult task that requires some specific skills. You will have to be equipped with basic scientific knowledge. You will also have to understand how to match the lighting conditions and the recording angle with the camera capabilities. This is not something which you can learn within a few minutes. So, never attempt to install a security camera by yourself. You can only attempt to do so when you have received appropriate guidance. You may tamper with it right from day one. Instead, as provided for by Tweak Your Biz; you should contact your security company which will help you out with the installation. You Can Use a Dummy Camera Instead of a Real One to Keep Off Intruders: Of course, there are some foolish robbers who can be frightened off at the sight of a dummy home security camera. However, this trick will not work well with an experienced thief. In fact, most thieves can detect a non-authentic camera at an arm’s length. So, never go for shortcuts. Use real home security cameras, not fake ones. Home Security Cameras Are Expensive: It is only in the past ages when home security cameras were a reserve of the rich. Nowadays, surveillance cameras are affordable to all and sundry. There are many security companies today. This has enhanced market competitiveness. Different companies are using different strategies to have an edge over each other. This has significantly reduced the costs of security cameras. Moreover, their operation and installation costs are cheap. Home Security Cameras Are Only Used to Keep Off Intruders: Apart from preventing the entry of intruders, surveillance cameras can serve others more purposes. For instance; you can use them to monitor your employees in your servicing business. You can also use them to check on your kids’ activities when you are away from home. Though security cameras are mainly used to prevent crime, they can improve your general living standards. With them, your daily tasks will be simpler and more effectively done. Conclusion: All in all, surveillance cameras will grant you immense assistance in safeguarding your home. They will keep off intruders, reduce crime rates and, prevent robbery and burglary. Therefore, you should not allow these myths to restrain you from owning one. Read Also: How To Improve Workplace Security WiFi Security: Mediocrity To Excellence Why DRM Is the New Standard for Document Security
READ MOREDetailsParts of a Gun: All You Need to Know About the Components of Your Firearm
Anyone who owns a gun understands that they aren't simply weapons, they are amazing creations of engineering and design. Whether you are a recreational shooter, a hunter, or simply out of a need for personal protection, there is a lot more to know about a gun besides simply learning to aim and shoot. The more you understand about your gun, the better you will be able to care for it and operate it. Let's take a look at the parts of a gun so that you can become a more informed marksman. Parts of a Gun: All You Need to Know About the Components of Your Firearms: If you own a firearm, you'll know how to shoot. But do you know how your gun actually works? We take a closer look at all the parts of a gun and what they do. The Grip: Quite simply, the grip is the part of the gun that the shooter holds onto. It's held with the dominant hand, though both hands are typically used to properly steady the gun for aiming. Grips are constructed from a variety of materials, such as rubber, wood, or the same material used for the rest of the gun. The Trigger: This is the small lever used to engage the firing mechanism of the gun. The majority of modern guns generally use a Double-Action trigger which causes the hammer-striker to cock and release in a single action. The trigger is a curved piece of metal designed to rest comfortably against the index finger. It can be set to various degrees of sensitivity so that the trigger will respond to a specific amount of pressure applied from the finger before firing. The apex trigger has long been regarded as one of the best ones in the industry. It is not only safe and efficient but does not add any extra weight to the overall gun. Not only does it result in lesser trigger travel time, but also delivers a far smoother trigger experience. The Trigger Guard: The trigger guard is basically a metal ring designed to protect the exposed part of the trigger. Its purpose is to protect the trigger from getting bumped or snagged, causing the gun to fire inadvertently. The Barrel: This is what you might call the "business end" of the gun. A barrel is made from heavy-duty hardened material that can withstand the tremendous forces involved in discharging and propelling a bullet. On handguns, the barrel is short. Whereas on rifles the barrel is much longer, which enables greater accuracy when shooting over a long distance. The internal wall of the barrel is "rifled" which means it's designed to impart a rotation on the exiting projectile, intended to provide improved accuracy. The Muzzle: If the barrel is the business end of the gun, the muzzle is the business end of the gun. Because this is the last part of the gun that a bullet touches as it exists. Many people fit their muzzles with accessories such as noise suppressors or silencers. For those interested in the latest advancements in firearm accessories, exploring the 2023 linear muzzle compensators can provide insights into modern options for enhancing shooting performance. The Hammer: On a handgun, the hammer is the part of a gun that strikes the cartridge primer or firing pin. This detonates the primer which discharges around from the gun. The Cylinder: This is one of the parts of a revolver, designed specifically to hold each bullet in a separate chamber. Then as each round discharges, the cylinder rotates, bringing each chamber into alignment with the barrel so that the bulletin that chamber is ready for discharge. The Forward and Rear Sights: The forward sight on a firearm is a slight protrusion on the barrel of the gun intended to align with a rear sight for the purpose of aiming. The shooter aims at the target by aligning the front sight in the grooves of the rear sight so that the muzzle of the gun aims directly at the target. These are typically small metal protrusions that in no way impact the actual mechanics of the firearm. Plenty of upgrades and accessories are available on the market, such as laser sights that improve the shooter's accuracy. The Slide: The slide on a handgun is a part of the assembly that houses the upper section of the firearm. It's typically constructed of a material that can withstand the forces involved during the firing of the gun. With most guns, it's designed with a ribbed pattern for improved grip and is manually pulled back to load the gun. Then as each round discharges, the slide automatically recoils and is the part of the firing mechanism that facilitates the transfer of a fresh round from the magazine into the firing chamber. The Slide Lock: This is the part of the gun designed for the simple task of locking the slide in the rearward position. When the final round in a magazine successfully discharges from a semi-automatic weapon, the slide lock engages and holds the slide in the open position in order to alert the shooter that the weapon is now empty. The Magazine: The magazine is a metal cartridge that holds the bullets prior to loading them into the firing chamber. It is manually ejected from the gun, reloaded with bullets, then snapped back into the assembly so that a fresh round can be chambered. Magazine cartridges come in a number of sizes, are able to hold up to several hundred rounds at one time, and can be single or double stacked. The Magazine Well: This is the part of the gun that accepts the magazine cartridge. The magazine well is usually designed with grooves that direct the magazine into a place where it can be engaged by the slide and firing mechanism. The Magazine Spring and Release Button: This magazine cartridge spring is a simple pressure spring intended to move rounds toward the firing action. The more rounds loaded into a magazine at one time, the greater the pressure exerted upon the spring. The release button is used to detach the magazine from the grip so that it can be reloaded, or replaced by another magazine that is already loaded. The Ejection Port: This is the part of the gun designed to eject a spent shell casing. The ejection port is a cutout located along the middle section of the slide that can also help the shooter to inspect the condition of the firing chamber. When the gun jams, the shooter can open the slide in order to look inside and see what the problem is. Sometimes the empty casing simply doesn't eject properly, or an unfired round might get jammed as it's loaded into the firing chamber. The Tang: The tang is a structure designed to assist the shooter in managing the recoil of the firearm. It also helps to protect the hand of the shooter from the slide assembly when it moves quickly backward and forward during the firing action. The Take-Down Lever: This lever is designed to manage the field-stripping of the firearm. The process of field-stripping is important for breaking the firearm down into its individual components for repair or cleaning. Breaking down the weapon on a regular basis is necessary both for proper maintenance as well as for when a part of the firing mechanism has failed and needs to be serviced. For anyone interested in repairing or modifying their own firearms, be sure to check out Strike Industries. The Chamber: The chamber is a portion of the barrel where the cartridge is stored prior to being fired. Each cartridge is chambered one at a time, fired, then ejected prior to the next round being chambered. The Accessories Rail: The accessories rail on a firearm allows the shooter to add on various tactical accessories. These include such devices as flashlights and laser sights. The Breech: The breech is located near the midsection of the gun. This is the part on the vast majority of firearms where the ammunition is loaded. Breech-loaded guns have become the norm in the current market, whereas in the old days' many shotguns, rifles and pistols were typically loaded through the muzzle. The Safety: Safety is one of the most important parts of any gun. This simple mechanism can easily make the difference in preventing a terrible accident. Sometimes the safety is a sliding component on the firearm, and sometimes it's a button. And it's usually located near the trigger where it can be easily reached and engaged. Safety is so important because it blocks the trigger mechanism, thus the gun cannot discharge until the safety disengages. Keep in mind that not every model of the gun has safety. So when looking to buy one for personal or home defensive, we strongly encourage you to look for a model with safety to reduce the chances of accidents occurring. The Importance of Understanding the Anatomy of Your Gun: The simple truth is that guns are complicated mechanisms. They can be dangerous in the wrong hands, yet can save lives in the hands of a trained and knowledgeable user. The more you learn about the parts of a gun, the better you will be able to care for your firearm and operate it safely and effectively. So be an informed marksman and have fun out there! Click here to learn about how gun and security gear has advanced through the years. Read Also: What Is An Airsoft Gun? How Gun And Security Gear Advanced Through The Years
READ MOREDetails5 Safety Awareness Ideas to Maintain a Safe Workplace
In 2018, expenses from nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses amounted to nearly $60 billion. That equates to $1 billion in weekly spending by employers. You need to know how to maintain safety awareness ideas in your workplace. These expenditures can have devastating consequences for businesses. Especially those without appropriate plans in place. Instead of waiting for an accident to impact your revenue, productivity, and employee health, get proactive. Check out these five safety awareness ideas to keep your employees safe and your business protected. 5 Safety Awareness Ideas to Maintain a Safe Workplace: 1. Incentivize Safe Behavior: Reward employees who consistently follow company rules and put safety first. Small rewards encourage employees to go the extra mile when it comes to following safety best practices. They also provide precedents for other workers to follow. Not sure where to start when it comes to implementing safety protocol and company rewards? Check out the Safety 2019 safety conference to learn more about workplace safety strategies that work. 2. Provide Proper Training and Equipment: Training represents one of your most important tools for promoting a safe work environment. So, make sure employees have access to the right training for their positions. And follow up with them to guarantee they complete their training. Having the correct tools and equipment will also ensure your employees stay out of harm's way. Ensure that all employees receive comprehensive training for the equipment and tools they'll use on the job. You can take online osha 10 training as a good starting point. What's more, stay on top of equipment and tool maintenance. That includes using protective machine covers to cut down on damage from rust, dirt, oil, and grime. 3. Hire the Right Candidates: Workplace safety starts as early as the hiring process. As you interview potential employees, consider their qualifications within a safety context. By working with a company that can help with machine guarding safety, businesses can ensure that they are able to educate the workers on the proper safety protocols at work. Expecting that your future employees will already be trained in safety knowledge is a far-fetched idea. Pose questions to find out how much attention they pay to details and whether or not they're open to training and following safety regulations. 4. Understand the Physical Demands Your Employees Face: Enlist a physical therapist to help you better understand the physical demands of the positions for which you hire. The physical therapist will use their findings to create a Physical Demands Analysis (PDA). A PDA provides employers with a systematic structure for the evaluation of all non-essential and essential job tasks for each position. It represents a scientifically proven means of assessing the compatibility of an employee with a specific job. 5. Keep the Lines of Communication Open: Schedule regular meetings to discuss safety regulations and workplace injury and illness prevention. Therefore, during meetings, encourage employees to speak up when it comes to safety and health concerns, and take their suggestions seriously. Proving over-prepared never hurt any workplace. Moreover, since your employees come with different experiences and perspectives, they can provide you with the information you need to make your workplace, healthy, productive, and safe. Safety Awareness Ideas to Save You Money: Did you find these five safety awareness ideas helpful when it comes to your workplace? How will you begin implementing them in your business in the immediate future? When it comes to the business news you need to succeed, we've got you covered. Follow our business blog to remain informed and stay ahead of the entrepreneurial curve. Read Also: How To Improve Workplace Security Staying Safe In The Office: 8 Workplace Safety Tips Everyone Should Know
READ MOREDetailsHow To Replace Your Social Security Card Online
Your Social Security card is a very important document and you need your card for a variety of things. If you want to apply for Social Security retirement benefits or disability benefits you are going to need a copy of your card and you also need a copy of your card to get other types of benefits as well. Your Social Security card is one of the most important documents you own and you need to keep it somewhere safe so it doesn't get lost. Your Social Security card isn't something that you need to show often, but your Social Security number is something that you need to use often. Memorize your Social Security number and that way you won't need to use the card. The Social Security card is small and it is printed on thin paper which makes it easy to lose or damage. If you have lost or damaged your card you are going to need to get a new one. One of the most convenient ways to get your Social Security card is to apply for it online. If you apply for a replacement card online you won't need to leave the house and you won't have to go to the Social Security office. The Social Security office can be a true nightmare, especially if you don't like standing in line. It can take forever to be seen and the office is always crowded no matter when you go. You have to take a number and wait, and wait, and wait. Sometimes it can take hours to be seen. It is much more convenient to get your social security card online because you won't need to wait at the office and you can fill out the application at any time. You don't even save time by going to the office because they won't issue a card on the spot. You have to wait for it to come in the mail no matter how you apply so you might as well get your card online. You will have to prove your identity when you get your replacement card. You need to prove your age and citizenship. You will need your driver's license and birth certificate to prove your age and identity. The birth certificate has to be a certified copy or an original. If you don't have the right documents you won't be able to get your card so make sure that you have the documents you need. You might also need to provide additional documents. You can get a list of the documents you need on the Social Security website. If you are missing even one document you won't be able to get your card so make sure that you have everything you need before you start the application. If you are missing a document you won't be able to get your card so make sure that you have everything you need before you begin the application. It can take some time to gather the documents so give yourself plenty of time to get the documents together so you are ready to get your new card without any problems. There can be a lot of problems when you are applying for your card if you are not prepared so make sure that you have everything you need and that you are prepared to get the card. You can get a replacement card for free. You won't have to pay anything for it and it will come in the mail. It doesn't matter whether you apply for your card in person or you apply online, the card is going to come through the mail no matter what you end up doing. It takes about three weeks to get your card so you need to make sure that you have an idea about when it is going to come. If your card gets lost or stolen you could end up becoming a victim of identity theft and if this happens your life is going to be difficult. The only thing an identity thief needs to steal your identity is your Social Security number. They can easily steal your identity with your Social Security number and start opening up lots of different accounts in your name. They run up the credit cards and leave you with the bill. You could end up getting sued by the creditors and your credit score is going to be destroyed while you are trying to clear your name. You will have to file police reports and do many time-consuming things to clear your name. If you have your identity stolen and you need to buy a car or you were planning on buying a home you won't be able to do the things you want because your credit score is going to be low. Straightening out a case of identity theft can be difficult and it can also be a lot of work. You are going to have to work hard to clear your name and it can take a long time to get things fixed. If you don't get your replacement Social Security card when you are supposed to get it to make sure you that you report your card as stolen or missing. The Social Security Administration will send you out a new card. Once you get your card you want to make sure that you keep it in a safe place. Memorize your Social Security number since you need to use it for many different things. The card you rarely need to show so be sure to keep the card in a drawer or safe. You don't want to end up losing the card again. Getting a replacement Social Security card is very easy as long as you have the right documents. You have to be willing to show the documents you need and you want to keep an eye on the card in case it gets lost. Your Social Security card is an important document and you are going to need it when you retire. Read Also: Why DRM Is The New Standard For Document Security “Which Backend Keys Makes Social Networking Sites & Apps Works Smoothly?
READ MOREDetailsHow Dangerous is Ransomware Anyway?
Ransomware alerts are a bit over-the-top. A victim might think the infection is a joke. The pop-up stating the computer owner must pay up a credit card-delivered ransom to regain access to a computer seems like something out of a sci-fi/espionage movie. Here's some news: ransomware is no joke. The infection doesn't exist solely in the mind of a creative filmmaker or novelist. Ransomware is real and, yes, the virus is dangerous. What is Ransomware? Ransomware is a virus that locks down a computer. As the name suggests, ransomware overrides a computer user's password access to his/her computer. Depending on the situation, being locked out of a computer proves troubling. Even a short lockout presents disasters. And the ransomware might not be the only virus infecting the computer. What if the hard drive's contents are being stolen and downloaded? Out of panic, some may think to pay the ransom will get them out of a bad situation. Ransomware architects probably aren't the most trustworthy of persons. Paying up money won't automatically lead to the desired outcome or stop ransomware threats in the future. The Dangers of Ransomware: Anyone who doesn't think a ransomware attack represents serious dangers should look at the 2018 attack on the United Kingdom's National Health Service. The NHS serves as the epicenter of healthcare in the U.K. The "WannaCry" cyber attack put hundreds of thousands of computers on lockdown. Thousands of appointments ended up canceled -- a dire situation. Not everyone booked to see a doctor requires only minor treatments. With the hackers demanding a massive Bitcoin payment to unlock the computer systems, many people were left unable to see a healthcare provider. By the time the situation concluded, the NHS lost £92 million in IT costs. The NHS also learned a valuable lesson: don't use outdated IT systems. Reliance on the archaic Windows XP system made things easier for hackers. Take Steps to Prevent a Ransomware Attack: Contacting a computer security expert to solve a ransomware attack makes sense. So does contacting the same experts to discuss methods to stop ransomware and prevent an attack. Keeping hackers out is a lot easier and less stressful than dealing with the aftermath of their attacks. Sometimes, preventive measures involve little more than not falling into the most common ransomware trap: opening an infected email file. Yes, the age-old concept of malicious fishing still works. So does taking common-sense security steps and updating all security measures. Ransomware Expands Its Targets: Although reports of sensationalized ransomware attacks may be down, the threat always looms over computer systems. Don't think solely relying on Linux OS will save you. Ransomware may hit any operating system. The designers of the virus want to hit as many targets as possible. More targets mean more potential ransom money. While no one should experience paranoia about ransomware-impending doom, it never hurts to be cautious. Learn about trends in ransomware and other viruses. This way, you can take steps to prevent and deal with the threat. Read Also: Bitdefender Antivirus For Mac Review Why DRM Is The New Standard For Document Security
READ MOREDetailsMaintaining Productivity: The Basics of Industrial Safety
Health and safety in the workplace should always be a topic that is high on your agenda if you are working in any sort of industrial environment, and if you can achieve a good safety record it should also contribute to greater productivity too. Here is an overview of what sort of typical safety hazards you need to guard against and what steps to take to avoid an accident, plus a look at some of the main basic safety measures you should adopt in order to keep the production line rolling and workers as safe as possible. Understanding the hazards: A good starting point would be to make a checklist of the main hazards you are likely to have to deal with in your workplace, as a working knowledge of these dangers will help you to take counteractive measures. You can categorize industrial hazards under a number of broad headings. Physical threats to the safety of workers are a key issue and there are numerous challenges to account for in your safety procedures, such as slip and trip hazards, inadequate lighting, the risk of exposure to noise and poor air quality, plus the danger of fire, amongst others. You can take steps to manage these specific threats, such as maintaining good air quality throughout the building, for example, which you can read about on this page. Other key hazard categories include biological and chemical threats, injuries sustained through poor ergonomics and building design, and even the mental health aspect of working in a challenging or hazardous situation on a regular basis. A good suggestion would be to conduct a thorough health and safety review where you take a detailed look at the layout of your building and what specific dangers workers face every time they clock on. Make a comprehensive checklist of all the potential hazards that are relevant to your particular industry and then look to create a health and safety plan that deals with those issues in the best way possible. Dealing with fire risk: The risk of fire is a constant potential threat to every building and that risk is enhanced when you have machinery, chemicals, and other potentially hazardous sources all under the one roof. There are many different ways for a fire to start and electrical faults, chemical spillages, and a lack of safety awareness amongst workers, can all create a fire risk in an instant. You can’t always avoid a fire starting when an accident occurs through an unforeseen set of circumstances, but you can at least have a robust set of fire safety procedures in place to help deal with the situation and limit the potential damage. A good quality fire alarm warning system needs to be installed and regularly tested and maintained, and a sprinkler system might also be necessary, once you have carried out a fire risk assessment. Fire extinguishers installed at regular intervals around the building will allow immediate action to be taken to try and reduce the spread of fire and hi-spec smoke detectors provide a decent early warning of a fire or smoke hazard. Emergency lighting: All workers need to be fully briefed on what to do in the event of an emergency and how to evacuate the building in the quickest and safest way possible. One of the threats to a successful and safe evacuation of the building is when power in the building is lost and it becomes dangerous to walk around in the dark. Power cuts are always a possibility in an industrial setting for a number of plausible reasons and a lack of adequate lighting greatly heightens the prospect of an accident happening. The way to counteract this threat is to install emergency lighting that lights up the building to make it safer to see where you are going and minimize the risk of an accident. Falls are a leading cause of accidents and deaths: One of the main causes of death and injury in the workplace falls, and it should be noted that a worker doesn’t have to fall from a great height to suffer a bad or fatal injury. Nearly half of all fatal falls in an industrial setting occurred when the person fell from a height of fewer than 20 feet. More than 10% of recorded fatal falls were from a height below six feet. Some industries have a higher incidence of falls than others, and it should not be a surprise to learn that the construction sector is considered one of the most hazardous workplace environments for falls. It is reasonable to surmise that a very high percentage of these recorded fatalities and injuries could have been prevented with adequate risk assessment procedures in place and with the right use of safety equipment and adequate training. Large numbers of workers are treated for fall-related injuries each year but with the right precautionary measures and by raising awareness of the potential dangers, many of these accidents could have been avoided. Know your limits: Pushing your body to its limit and beyond is another leading cause of accidents in the workplace and overexertion is cited as the cause of about a third of all work-related accidents according to the National Safety Council. Every worker should be encouraged to assess and know their limitations before undertaking a task that might lead to an injury through overexertion. Ergonomic injuries are when you do something like tear a tendon, damage your spine, or overreach when attempting to lift an object that is too heavy, or is not being lifted and handled correctly. Every worker needs to have health and safety training that highlights and talks about the dangers of ergonomic injuries and provides guidance on how to work safely and know your physical limitations. It is not just physical jobs that create injuries and office workers can also suffer injuries if they don’t set up their work environment in an ergonomically efficient way and don’t take regular breaks away from their desk. These are some of the main causes of accidents but with some basic safety training and an ongoing risk assessment program, it is possible to significantly reduce the prospect of an accident happening in your workplace. Read Also: How To Improve Workplace Security
READ MOREDetailsStaying Safe in the Office: 8 Workplace Safety Tips Everyone Should Know
Workplace accidents don't only happen on construction sites and in warehouses. The office environment poses risks to health and safety, too. Although most office hazards don't result in death, they do cause injury and sickness. In this article, we take help from one of America’s leading work injury lawyers, Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard. We ask them to list down some constructive steps which can help businesses not be at the receiving end of workplace injury lawsuits. If you are a business organization that is concerned about your workplace safety requirements, please read on to get a fair idea of the topic. Are you safe in your workplace? Do you know which hazards to look out for? It's your employer's responsibility to make the workplace safe, and yours to maintain it. It's important to know how to protect yourself from potential hazards. Keep reading for the eight most important workplace safety tips. 1. Ergonomic Desk Setups: The most common office injury is muscle strain from a poor desk setup. When the body stays in uncomfortable positions too long, it causes strain. Muscle strain can create short and long-term pain. You can prevent this situation by making sure your desk is set up ergonomically. First, make sure the height of your computer monitor is at eye level. Your chair should allow you to sit with a straight posture, your elbows at desk height. When you type on the keyboard, your forearms should sit gently on the desk. They shouldn't be straining to reach the keyboard. Second, make sure your office chair is on wheels. Reaching for objects and twisting to grab them cause back strain. Use the wheels to move closer to whatever you're grabbing. If you use the phone a lot at work, invest in a headset. This prevents neck pain from leaning into the phone. Your employer should supply any ergonomic materials. 2. Make Emergency Exits Clear and Known: It's crucial that everyone in the office know where the emergency exits are. In the case of a fire, you can't take the elevator. You must be able to take the stairs. Not only does mean you need proper signage, but you need clear pathways. Many offices are guilty of having filing boxes sit in the hallway for weeks. Someone will put them away eventually, right? If these boxes get left in front of an emergency exit, they could prevent a speedy exit. This is only one of the reasons to have a clean and clutter-free office. 3. Prevent Slips and Falls: Boxes left on the ground are also serious tripping hazards. You might turn a corner expecting it to be clear, only to knock your shin on a stack of boxes. If you don't trip and fall this time, someone else will. Make it a rule to always keep pathways clear of clutter. If someone takes a box from its storage spot, they must put it back. Slips are another common office safety concern. The breakroom is where people fill their water bottles and prepare lunch. Spilt liquids are hazards for slipping and falling. Your office needs to have "wet floor" signs so employees can signify a spill right away. Until the janitor gets there, people will know to use caution near the spill. 4. Proper Storage: Improper storage of boxes can cause muscle strains and injuries. The basic rule is to keep heavier items on the bottom shelf, lighter on the higher ones. If a box were to fall from the top shelf, you don't want it to be the heavy one. Every bookshelf should have a step ladder near it. Reaching upwards to lift a box is dangerous for your back muscles. Instead, use the handy ladder to bring down whatever you need. When it comes to filing cabinets, it's crucial all the drawers aren't opened at the same time. This can cause the cabinet to fall over and land on you. Open one drawer at a time and make sure it's closed when you're done. 5. Inspect Electrical Cords: Fire hazards exist in office workplaces, too. Since so much of the office equipment relies on electricity, there are tons of cords and wires. Cords and wires that have tears or rips are risks for starting a fire. Some offices use extension cords as a regular office tool. These, too, are serious fire hazards. Check the state of your office’s cords regularly. Don’t get used to using extension cords. Instead, have an electrician from Barwon Heads to re-position the outlets. 6. Use Hazardous Tools Correctly: Even the office has hazardous tools that need instruction. All employees should get training on the various office tools and equipment. For example, large paper cutters are common for workplaces that work with paper. Without proper training, these tools can cut off a finger or seriously slice you. Any automatic office equipment requires caution. Keep your hair, jewelry, and sleeves away from any openings. 7. Be Aware of Surroundings: Many workplace incidents occur when the employee isn't aware of their surroundings. You may walk around reading text on your phone or looking at the ground. While you'll see clutter on the ground, you won't see hazards at eye level. When people don't close the top drawer of a filing unit, someone could walk into it. If you bump into a ladder, the person using it could fall. It's everyone's responsibility to be aware of their surroundings. Encourage all employees to slow down; it's better to be safe than fast. 8. Choose a Health and Safety Officer: Staying on top of all the different health and safety aspects is tedious. You may not have time to check cords, signs, and declutter every day. As a solution, elect one employee to be a health and safety hazard. Give them the task of doing a weekly or bi-weekly check of the office. They can have a report to fill out. Any hazards that need fixing can be on the report. Bonus pay could be the incentive for an employee to take this role. Even the employees who aren't appointed officers should take safety training. Click here to find out why safety skills are important in the office. Want More Workplace Safety Tips? The safety of all employees depends on health and safety procedures. If you keep the workplace clean, organized, and up to date, there will be fewer risks of incidents. Use the workplace safety tips above to make your office a safer place to work. There are tons of other ways to improve your workplace. Stay up to date on business news and trends to improve your office. Happy employees do productive work which thus boosts sales. Read Also: How To Improve Workplace Security The Top Reasons Why Your Business Needs A Security Guard
READ MOREDetailsHow Gun and Security Gear Advanced through the Years
Over the years, more companies have been hiring security to keep their buildings safe and secure from any intruders. With this increased need for security, the need for gun and security gear has also increased. Throughout time, this type of gear has advanced a lot meaning that it is of better quality and keeps people safer for longer. Keep reading to find out about how gun and security gear has advanced throughout the years. Pouches: As a security guard, it is important that you have all of the right gear to protect yourself and others around you. In the past, things like lights and batons were carried around making them on the show to intruders and allowing them to plan ahead with their attack. Over the years, special pouches have been created to allow for items like batons or sprays to be concealed in order to give security guards the upper hand. These pouches can be placed under clothing in order and have come in very handy. Bulletproof Vests: image source: personaldefenseworld.com Another piece of security gear that has improved over the years is bulletproof vests. Previously, bulletproof vests were not very common as they were expensive and hard to come across. Now, this technology is a lot easier to make and so more security guards are able to protect themselves from those with guns. Without bulletproof vests, police officers, security guards and those who are in dangerous situations could be in real danger. Now that these vests are easier to get a hold of, more people can be protected. Belts: In terms of security gear, a belt might not be the first thing that you think you will need to protect yourself. However, over the years, security belts have been used a lot more to hide various pouches and security gear that could save someone’s life. These heavy duty belts come in many different sizes and can have different features added to them. Many security guards need to have a heavy-duty belt to keep everything together and ensure that they are ready for whatever is thrown at them. Gun Holsters: Over time, gun holsters have become a lot more advanced and safer for both the gun owner and those around them. When you are now shopping for a new gun holster, you can choose the exact model of your gun and find a holster that fits perfectly. In the past, generic gun holsters might have been used which often left space for them to move around. Now, gun holsters are a lot safer and those whose duty it is to protect others can ensure that they are doing exactly that. Final Thoughts: It is clear that gun and security gear has really advanced over the years in order to make everything a lot safer for everyone. Gun owners and security guards can now be sure that they are protected and that they have all of the right tools at their disposal if something goes wrong. Read Also: What Is An Airsoft Gun? How To Improve Workplace Security
READ MOREDetailsWhy DRM Is the New Standard for Document Security
Document security has been a bone of contention for quite some time. There are so many reasons why some documents should not be seen by everyone. For example, documents containing national secrets should only be accessed by people with a security clearance because, in the wrong hands, the information could ruin whole countries and regimes (or at least the careers of some people). Similarly, businesses store some of their most sensitive information, including trade secrets and intellectual property, in documents. If the information in such documents were to be made available on the Internet for free it could ruin a business. What is more, people nowadays prefer to share their documents electronically rather than via hard printed copies. Of course, electronic sharing offers some extra benefits, for example, the authors save on printing costs, distribution is much quicker, and you can reach global markets more easily. But, unfortunately, it can also become too easy to share electronic documents. For example, people can copy and paste another person’s work or company secrets and sell them as their own. Various controls have been employed in the past to guard against such documents falling into the wrong hands or being distributed for free. As it stands, these controls have not been very successful in carrying out their mandate and so many document security products fail to adequately protect documents from unauthorized use. One such method which falls short is encryption. As soon as a file is opened by an authorized person, they can do anything they want with it. This includes copying and sharing the information. Even using watermarking to prevent copying does not solve the problem. Using regular software to process a document gives the recipient the ability to remove the watermark and go on to redistribute documents as they see fit. Likewise, internal document management systems fall flat as soon as a document is moved outside of the organization. The most effective tool for document security should be able to tackle all the problems associated with the above-named control mechanisms to be considered an industry standard. Digital Rights Management (DRM)and licensing controls do just that. With regard to forwarding documents, DRM ensures that only an encrypted file can be shared with authorized users. It is, therefore, paramount that each recipient is given a key so that he or she can access the contents of a document. The key needs to be transparently relayed and locked to the authorized user’s device so that it cannot be shared along with the protected document. The fact that a key cannot be transferred from one user to another also means that each person will have to be individually authorized by the admin. What is more, DRM can be used to enforce expiry, prevent screen grabbing as well as stopping copying and pasting techniques from being used while the document is on display. That leaves the subject of printing a document. You can use DRM to prevent printing but it is sometimes necessary to allow a document to be printed by the recipient. If the recipient were to misuse this privilege by “printing” the document to a PDF driver, then he or she has effectively created a control-free document. DRM controls could be used to prevent the use of file drivers to ensure that an unprotected document is created. That being said, once a document is printed, it can be rescanned and a PDF can be created. The easiest way to prevent this would be to watermark it in a way in which the watermark itself cannot be easily tampered with. Also, using DRM, a dynamic watermark can be added to ensure that, if a person were to try and share his or her version of the document, there would be evidence to identify him or her. A static watermark can also be used to prevent scanning as it works to effectively distort the image that the scanner or photocopier picks up, making the scanned copy unusable. DRM can also be used to revoke documents that have already been distributed and to automatically expire documents once they have been viewed or printed a number of times or after a number of days use. So, DRM is the only complete solution to document security as it supports previous methods of document security (encryption and access controls) and fills in the gaps that the other methods cannot. Also, it is effective both inside and outside of organizational controls. If you are looking to enhance security for all your documents, then DRM may be the only sure way to go. Read Also: Top Cloud Security Controls You Should Be Using Would Your E-commerce Website Pass The Cybersecurity Test? Here Are 3 Things You Could Be Doing Wrong
READ MOREDetailsShould you Replace or Rekey Locks? — What Locksmith Richmond says
Should you Replace or Rekey Locks? Each home or business owner has different requirements for this question. Have you moved? What types of locks are installed? How old are the locks? Have they meet the security level you want to be installed in your home or office. These are all questions you should ask yourself before making a decision about making a new key or change your locking account completely. You usually want to rekey locks for your house or car because of burglary, theft or vandalism. You can also rekey your locks if you lose your keys if you feel that too many others have copies. Before you decide if you should re-key or replace your home or business locks, it's important to know what the lock-re-key is doing once. This is one of the most basic locksmith tasks, but it can be complicated by higher security locks. Lock the key again to lock the glasses so that each waffle takes place in a different order than before. This is done to keep the same lock and effectively change the keys. The cursor can use the new code lock on the glasses so that the old set of keys does not work with new glasses. If your door locks are a security class (ANSI) Grade 1 or higher, you should be able to re-enter these unlocked locks. If you can turn on the lock again, then you do not have to buy any additional hardware that makes it much costlier. Here are some other benefits. Preserves the look of the door (no color lines) Locks can be tensed with the same locks (convenience) Cheaper! If your locks are old and weak but fashionable, it can take a lot of time to completely replace the entire locking system. There are a couple of times that it is necessary to go over like: 1. If your lock is broken or other malicious haps: If some locks' assembly has spent so much that some locks or keys no longer catch, to ensure the safety it is time to take new locks. 2. Your locks are too old to find parts: If you have an antique locker and the parts are no longer able to be replaced or re-keyed in the glasses, it is the time to upgrade your existing locks to the new ones. The new locks at this age have a much better level of security as the safety procedures have been upgraded over the years. It's very difficult to find a locksmith that works with antique locks, and if you encode or repair a premium for a fee. 3. You require a higher level of security for your home or business: If you have locks installed so that a low-security rating should be in your to-do list, add them at least ANSI 1 level. These locks are harder to choose, drill, or otherwise manipulate. We recommend good lock known companies like Schlage and Kwikset, but there are many good locks on the market. Compare the performance charts of Consumer Reports when you are on the market. You can also ask your local locksmith, as which they install is never a bad choice. Now you know the benefit of rekeying vs. changing your locks and you made the decision to rekey them, then there are three options. Hire a local locksmith Richmond (if you are in Richmond) to come to your home again for rekeying to your locks. Remove the locks from the door frame by calling the local locksmith shop or local locksmith and reset them for you. DIY - There are many re-key kits, that can be purchased, provide basic guidelines to rekey the locks. If your locks fall into the category of lock change, there are about the same options, but then you have to first choose then opt new types of locks that you want to install. You can hire a handyman or a local locksmith to complete a professional lock change. It is often suggested to hire a professional that you will find from Vancouver, BC locksmith or other trusted source with a review like a swear to have hassle-free lock changing procedure. You can buy a lock-set online and make out the lock nodes yourself. Read Also: Dutch Locksmithing Company Reveals How To Get Best Prices Top 10 Effective Tips To Keep Your Home Safe
READ MOREDetailsThe Top Reasons Why Your Business Needs a Security Guard
Whether you have a small- or medium-sized business such as a restaurant, a convenience shop, a retail shop, or a bank, your business could well be a target for intruders and those who are criminally inclined. Security should be a top priority, and for good reason, especially if your business is in an area that has had its share of security issues. The need for security guard is huge when you want to ensure the safety of your business. The good news, however, is that you can make use of a security guard to enhance security for your premises, and security guards are not just there to provide protection, either – they can also assist your employees and customers. So how else can a security guard benefit your business? Here are the top reasons why your business needs a security guard. Reasons Why Your Business Needs Security Guard These are some of the factors that you have to take care of while you want to make choices to achieve your objectives for making the use of a security guard. 1. Enhanced security and protection One apparent reason why you need a security guard for your business is enhanced security and protection. If you have a security guard present at your business, they can enhance your peace of mind as well as the peace of mind of your employees along with your customers. Employees who work in an area with a high risk of security breaches can be more productive because they need no longer worry about theft or break-ins and their personal safety. Your customers will also be assured by the knowledge that you have taken substantial steps to ensure their security while they are on your premises. This is especially true if you have highly-valuable merchandise or if your business is in an area with a high incidence of crime. 2. An invaluable deterrent Just the simple fact that you have a security guard at your premises is often enough to deter criminals from breaking in or steal something from your premises. A thief or burglar will think twice before they target your business if they can see a professional security guard at your premises. Aside from this, professional security guards are specially-trained to identify and detect suspicious behaviour or activities. They can assess a specific situation and take the necessary steps to ensure that no security breaches occur. A security guard is also a better deterrent than a camera or a standard system for security, as they are highly visual. 3. Improve your service to customers With a static security guard such as one from specialists in security in Oxford like Securipol Ltd, you can improve your service to your customers. The security guard can assist your customers and man a desk or reception area, and they can also serve as a sentry in order to control access to a specific sector of your premises. A security guard can act as an escort for employees and customers who are trying to locate their cars in the parking lot, and they can help your customers reach their destination within your premises. 4. A thorough way of dealing with criminal incidents and other situations Security guards often receive different levels of professional training in regards to responding to an incident or a crime. Some guards can note down specific details of a situation and then get in touch with the police. Others can detain intruders and suspects. Most will also know how to handle difficult situations (such as fights and disturbances). With a security guard, you can be sure that any problematic situation will be dealt with in the proper manner. Read Also: How To Improve Workplace Security Protecting Your Business From Retail Theft
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