Published on: 25 July 2019
Last Updated on: 16 August 2019
Like many other products, choosing a handguard isn’t a walk in the park. Firstly, the names can confuse you. For example, consider the forend, foregrip, and forearm. Don’t they almost sound the same? So, the first confusion is usually faced with names, unless you have experience with the military. Nonetheless, you have to walk through all the challenges. It’s because choosing the right handguard for your AR-15 is critical. Besides, the handguard will determine your AR-15‘s appearance and its functionality. Also, it will accessorize it further. So, what are the things you need to keep in mind when purchasing a handguard for your rifle?
Things to Consider When Choosing a Handguard for Your AR-15:
1. Appearence:
Considering the looks of your handguard may seem like the least of your worries. However, the look will convey a million things about you. So, don’t choose an ugly looking handguard. That’s the reflection you will give others about you, including your rivals. It may also affect the way you think about yourself. Also, there’re three looks to consider- tactical, military, and classical.
2. Weight:
It’s normal to find the grip of a handguard challenging, at first. Everything about the rifle, including the accessories, comes with some pressure. So you need a very lightweight aero precision handguard that’s easy to grip.
3. Price:
Some handguards are quite expensive. Some are moderately costly, and others are quite cheap. You need to consider why the manufacturers place a difference. It may be because of the durability, elegant appearance, or the material that’s used to make it. However, the most critical question you should ask yourself before deciding the purchase is about its functionality and appearance. That’s all that matters. If the cheap one looks great and is functional, great! It will save you some money at the end of the day. However, keep in mind the saying, “cheap is expensive.” Find out the difference between the various aero precision handguards, then decide on which one to buy.
4. Ease of installation:
You don’t want to spend vast amounts of money and time on some guy to help you install the handguard every other time. So, find a handguard that’s easy to install. Installing some handguards requires specific tools, which are hard to find. Don’t go through unnecessary hustles. Purchase one that’s easy to install, and it will save you time and money.
5. Mounting options:
It’s quite necessary that you buy an accessory-friendly handguard. This will allow accessories such as groups, light, optics and laser, and bipods. Always remember that your handguard will need accessories. Thus, look for one with mounting options.
6. Heat resistance:
Some handguards are of a material that can get hot, for example, aluminum. If you think you’ll make prolonged shooting, at some point, then it’s better to avoid aluminum-made handguards.
Bottom Line:
Though not exhaustive, you’re now armed enough to know what to look for when buying a handguard for your AR-15. Do not put more consideration on the price before the quality. Also, remember that appearance matters.
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Although it doesn't happen often, the "your IP has been temporarily blocked" warning will keep you from visiting a website. The error could show if you've attempted to log in too frequently or if you've broken the site's terms of service by uploading prohibited information, for example.
Therefore, to learn how to prevent this issue from happening again, read this guide post till the end. Here, you will learn ten different ways to fix this issue.
How To Fix The “Your IP Has Been Temporarily Blocked” Issue?
To prevent the “your IP has been temporarily blocked” error from happening again, here are the steps you can take:
1. Just Wait
A website frequently temporarily blocks IP addresses. For instance, if you tried to log in too many times using invalid credentials, you may be barred or banned for 24 hours before being allowed to try again. You can either wait a day or see the website's terms of service for details now only.
2. Use VPN
Websites may restrict your IP address as a result of a country ban, as was already indicated. Use a VPN to conceal your IP address in order to get around such a limitation. You will be able to access the website since it will seem as though you are visiting from somewhere else.
Free VPNs are available, however commercial services are more likely to ensure that your IP address is hidden. You will be able to view the website that has blocked your access after you sign up for a VPN. Check out our list of the top 10 VPN service providers if you're unclear about how to choose a VPN service.
3. Properly Configure Your Network And Mail Servers
Incorrectly placed letters or digits might potentially be the reason your IP address is blocked. Your network and mail server need to be configured correctly because of this. Contact the blacklist to get your name taken off of it.
4. Connect To A Different Wi-Fi Network
You should also think about joining a fresh Wi-Fi network. A new IP address is generated while joining a Wi-Fi network. This may be a short workaround to enable you to view the website to which access has been limited.
5. Check If They Blacklisted Your IP
Image Source: thryv.com
Many websites are members of IP address blacklists that are open to the public. These lists are frequently gathered from well-known spammers, and banning the addresses can assist website owners to keep unwanted visitors away and stop spam abuse.
However, it's possible that one of these blacklists listed your IP address by mistake. The good news here is that you can check your IP Address on a website called WhatIsMyIPAddress.com. If it shows up on their lists after entering your IP address is automatically detected, the website will notify you.
6. Update Your OS
If your computer hasn't received any updates in a while, malware might infect it and restrict your IP address. You may improve your computer's usefulness and security by upgrading it.
If you use a Windows computer, here’s what you should know:
First, go to Settings.
Here, choose Update & Security.
Then click on Windows Updates to see whether any updates are available for installation.
If you use a Mac computer, then here’s what you should do:
First, open System Preferences.
Then, select the App Store.
Finally, select Show Updates.
Wait a day after the upgrade is complete before attempting to access the website that has restricted you.
7. Try Detecting Malware
The problem regarding “why your IP has been banned” can stem from various malware that might have entered your system. This error is typically shown when your IP address has been compromised and your system is now transmitting spam, or even launching DoS attacks in the background.
Therefore, you should scan your computer using antivirus software. To get the best internet security, I recommend using premium antivirus software that always runs in the background.
Here, if you're using Windows, follow the steps explained below:
First, click on Start and type "Security".
When Windows Security appears in the search results, click on it.
After selecting Virus & threat protection, do a Quick scan.
8. Change To A New IP Address
If you want to, you can shift to a new IP address by temporarily changing it using your VPN software. Do this if your IP has been banned.
To do so on a Windows computer, follow the steps below:
First, open the Control Panel by searching for it on the Search bar from the Start menu.
Then, click on Network and Internet.
Here, click on Network Connections.
Now, you will get a list of all the network adapters you have paired with. Select the one you are using and want to change its IP.
To do so on an Apple computer, follow the steps below:
Navigate to System Preferences.
Here, open Network.
Now, click on Advanced Button.
Then, click on the TCP/ICP menu.
Here, you need to add a new TCP/IP configuration. To do so, click on the + sign here.
Then, select Manual and enter the new IP address.
9. Use Proxy Servers That Are Free
If you don't want to spend money on a VPN, you can use a free proxy server. A proxy server is a server that stands between an internet user's request and the website or page they are trying to access. Your IP address is concealed by the proxy, enhancing your privacy and independence.
Keep in mind, though, that a lot of websites and services are aware of proxy servers and will ban the IP addresses of public proxy servers. You will be informed that "the owner of this website has blacklisted your IP address" if they catch you. Remember that you should never browse with proxy servers when providing personal information.
10. Blame The Webmaster
If you searched the terms of service of the website for information on why your IP address was blocked but couldn't find anything, you may contact the webmaster — particularly if it's a tiny website that interacts with its users frequently. If your IP address is being blocked, the webmaster can tell you why it’s being restricted and how to fix it.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
People using the internet have asked various questions similar to “why is my IP address blocked” and “unblock IP address”. Here are my answers to their queries:
Q1. Why Did Instagram Block My IP Address? Ans: Instagram might have blocked your IP address because they might have blacklisted your IP address. This can happen because you might have posted content that might have violated their terms and conditions. If this is not the case, then you might have a problem with your Internet Service Provider (ISP). Q2. How Long Does An IP Ban Last? Ans: On Instagram, an IP ban might last anywhere between 24 hours to 48 hours. This depends on the severity of your actions. If it's pretty severe, then Instagram might block you permanently. Q3. Why Did Cloudflare Block My IP Address? Ans: Sometimes, many of the websites that we visit can contain harmful malicious content in them. If Cloudflare detects this, it can block your IP address from accessing that website.
Unblock Your IP Now!
There are various reasons why you might see the “your IP has been temporarily blocked” error. It can be because your IP has been blocked by the website, or there are various problems with your ISP.
To fix this issue, you can either wait for some time or use VPN software to change your IP. In addition, you can also use free proxy servers, or contact the webmaster if you wish to.
If you have any similar questions regarding this that you would like an answer to, you can reach out to me by commenting down below!
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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.
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Would Your E-commerce Website Pass The Cybersecurity Test? Here Are 3 Things You Could Be Doing Wrong
With the rise of digitization, there has been a rise in cybercrime.
In fact, when a cyberattack happens, it harms a company directly and indirectly. Also, it affects its reputation in its potential customers’ eyes. In fact, you cannot count but estimate the loss that happens. Hence, it is important to ensure e-commerce website security.
In this article, you will learn about the top fourteen ways to ensure e-commerce website security. However, before that, it is also important to understand the importance of ensuring security in e-commerce websites. Hence, to learn more, read on to the end of the article.
Importance Of E-Commerce Website Security
In 2024, most businesses are working in the online framework. Their revenues heavily depend on their websites.
If they do not emphasize their website’s security, their customer base and reputation will become vulnerable.
As an eCommerce website owner, you need to comply with certain payment guidelines. These include PCI/DSS (Payment Card Industry – Data Security Standard) to ensure smooth payment transactions.
Moreover, you need to install security protocols to secure your data integrity. They will not only protect your customer data from hackers but also keep the search engines satisfied.
Thus, security is essential for your eCommerce website.
Top 14 Ways To Ensure E-Commerce Website Security
The following are some of the major cybersecurity features you must ensure on your website:
1. Implement 2-factor Authentication
Does not matter how frustrating it may sound. As long as you are keeping your customer’s data secure, every security method is fine.
Employing 2-factor authentication may make your customers a bit agitated. They first enter the login credentials and then enter the OTP received on their number to decrease security breaches and hacks drastically.
So, employ the process and safeguard your customer accounts.
2. Get HTTPs And SSL Certification
To obtain HTTPS authentication businesses need an SSL certificate to be installed on a website. Before installation, you need to buy an SSL certificate. This is because it encrypts the data communication between the server and the client.
Then, it passes the data over a secure network through cryptographic functions (symmetric & asymmetric). This keeps cybercriminals from intercepting the communication.
Out of all the SSL certificates, the EV SSL certificates require a user to undergo a unique validation process to verify his credibility through his name, ID, address, and more.
Thus, get an EV SSL to secure your Ecommerce website and obtain the highest validation level.
3. Comply With PCI-DSS Guidelines For A Secure Payment Gateway System
PCI-DSS or Payment Card Industry – Data Security Standard is a body that governs a website’s right to maintain an online payment transaction system.
If you are a website that sees over six million transactions every year, you must be level 1 compliant. However, if your transactions range from 20,000 per year, you are safe as a level 4 client of PCI-DSS.
The compliance helps you to secure your payment gateway system. Also, it allows you to use a third-party app to accept payments and make refunds on your behalf.
4. Use A VPN As A Night Watchman
When you use public networks such as Wi-Fis to access the site, it is better to use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) to watch your back and restrict other connections to manipulate the ongoing connection between the server and the client.
Without a VPN, hackers can easily manipulate the payment transaction and hack credit and debit card details.
VPN will secure your customers’ payment transactions even on Wi-Fi and keep their sensitive data as safe as houses.
5. Restrict Malicious Bots Using reCAPTCHA
The reCAPTCHA method is extremely effective in keeping hackers at bay. Basically, ReCAPTCHA generates random questions that a bot cannot answer.
There are plenty of malicious bots lurking around the internet in hopes of finding an ideal prey for cybercriminals.
When they get access to your account, malicious bots can steal information, leak it, or even bring your site down.
ReCAPTCHA adds an extensive layer of security that is impenetrable for a code or a bot.
It restricts bad guys’ entrance by protecting login pages, signup pages, contact form pages, form submission pages, payment gateway pages, etc.
6. Start Using A Reliable Content Management System (CMS)
Choosing the right CMS is important for businesses to determine whether an eCommerce website will stay safe.
Mediocre CMSs are a big risk to have. They might help you save a few bucks, but you will always be vulnerable to theft.
But, CMSs like WordPress and Joomla have renounced entities having customer bases in millions.
Moreover, they are regular in updating security patches and always stay a step ahead of the bad guys.
The only thing you need to do is keep them updated.
7. Do Not Use Unsolicited Extensions And Plugins
Plugins and extensions are necessary to enhance your website’s reach. They allow you access to multiple tools and features on the internet.
However, not all plugins are safe to install. These days, due to rising cybercrimes, you must be aware of what you’re installing or adding.
Cybercriminals can engrave malicious codes in the plugins, and when a user installs it, they get access to his site.
Before installing any plugin, make sure that its source is known. Check for its reviews and ratings across the internet.
Also, check its performance reports and badges for further inquiry and self-satisfaction.
8. Perform Audits For Site Security
Site security auditing does not interest a lot of merchants, but it is essential for their survival.
Site security auditing includes checking whether the anti-virus is working appropriately and whether security protocols are repelling attacks or not.
As a merchant, you must initiate site auditing from time to time. It will help you prevent attacks and fix bugs and technical glitches.
If detected early, some security issues can be repelled; otherwise, they may harm the website if they stay for longer periods.
So, keep auditing your website at regular intervals of time.
9. Install A Firewall In Your Web Application
If you own a web application, the firewall can benefit you immensely.
Web Application Firewall or WAF protects the website or web app by analyzing the traffic between the application and the internet.
A firewall protects the user data of the application from XSS (cross-site scripting), SQL injection, cross-site request forgery, etc.
A firewall is the need of the hour to suffice the mounting cyberattacks and help sustain the business.
10. Perform Data-Backup Regularly
In today’s tech world, data is more important than cash in your wallet. Here, you can earn cash again. However, once you lose data, you cannot retrieve them in the same proportion.
For businesses, data is their lifeline. They thrive on data and channel their operations accordingly.
Since it is immensely important, protecting it is quite a task for businesses as cybercriminals are always on the lookout for data.
The best way to protect your data is by creating a copy of it and saving it on the cloud.
Cloud allows you to access your data anywhere at any time, making it extremely reliable.
11. Regular Software Updates
Regular software updates are crucial for e-commerce website security since they come with patches that deal with vulnerabilities. Additionally, since developers always research and improve cybersecurity, new updates let you access the latest features.
In fact, they protect your website from new threats like ransomware. Also, it offers protection against data breach attempts. Moreover, software updates also let your website meet the compliance requirements of the e-commerce industry.
Furthermore, it also helps in improving the overall performance of your e-commerce website.
12. Strong Password Policies
Firstly, if there is a strong password policy, cyber criminals will not gain unauthorized access to the website.
As a result, you can also prevent financial losses that may happen to your business. Moreover, you can also save your business from reputational damage.
Generally, cybercriminals and hackers use weak passwords to penetrate networks. Thereby, they stop your business’s critical processes. Hence, with a strong password policy, you can ensure e-commerce website security.
13. Use A Secure Hosting Environment
A secure hosting environment protects your e-commerce website from various security threats. These include hacking, data breaches, malware, etc.
Apart from that, it also helps to maintain your site’s integrity. Also, it helps you to protect sensitive information like passwords and credit card numbers. Additionally, it also offers protection against DDoS attacks
Moreover, site downtime negatively affects your search engine ranking. Here, a secure hosting environment can help you a lot.
14. Focus On User Education And Training
If you invest in user education and training, you can help them respond to cybersecurity threats. Basically, your users will learn to identify and respond to threats such as phishing, social engineering, and malicious attachments.
Thereby, you can reduce the likelihood of cyberattacks that can compromise your e-commerce website security. As a result, you will gain more trust from your users and customers.
Final Thoughts
eCommerce is booming every day. New ways of marketing, selling, and attracting are in place to make life convenient for customers.
On the hind side, hackers also build new ways to capture as much data as possible. Basically, they employ bots and bugs to do the dirty work. Bots can enter your website and steal customer data, whereas bugs can get attached to plugins and gain access once you install them.
Keeping track of what you are installing, where you are visiting, and who you are allowing access to is of paramount importance. However, everything can get simple if you follow these fourteen steps. This way, you can frame a robust website security system.
Do you have more recommendations on how to ensure e-commerce website security? Please share your ideas and opinions in the comments section below.
Read Also:
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Five Tips to Make Sure Your Security Software Is Actually Secure
Why DRM Is the New Standard for Document Security
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