Published on: 19 January 2019
Last Updated on: 09 August 2019
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 The NHS also learned a valuable lesson: don’t use outdated IT systems.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.
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Do you work with chemicals? While working with chemicals, do you take all preventive measures? Whether you have years of experience working with chemical spills or you are new to chemical handling, proper safety is vital. A spillage can happen at any time and can cause massive damage not only to the person handling the chemical but to the surroundings also.
Dangers Of Chemical Spills On Humans, Buildings, And Environment:
We will make you aware of the different dangers that are associated with chemical spillage.
Effects on Human Health:
The threat of chemicals varies from one type of chemical to another. Even their effect varies from person to person. But if we talk in general, the more the concentration of the chemical spill higher are the risks. Chemical spills can have some adverse effects on the humans.
Transferring chemicals without using safety equipment can even lead to loss of life. When a human body comes in contact with the corrosive chemical, you can suffer burns, damaged eyesight, and your respiratory system can also be harmed.
Some chemicals also have delayed effects. For example, if a person inhales asbestos accidentally, the chemical can show its effects years later in the form of lung cancer. Moreover, some of these substances are flammable and makes significant damage via fire burst.
Direct contact with these toxic substances is hazardous to health. They spread quickly and damage the tissue by getting absorbed through the skin.
Effects on Structural Buildings:
When a chemical spill occurs, it possesses immense damage to the property. The equipment can get fully damaged, or it can also make colossal destruction to the complete structure or the building. A fire can break out as a result of the chemical spill. If this happens, it causes massive damage to the building, and if workers are present, their life is also at risk.
Transferring chemicals without a secure liquid transfer pump can put both the operator and the property at risk if there is a spill. If a spill does occur depending on the chemical that was spilled workers may not be able to enter the facility until the spill or chemical is removed entirely which could prove costly for clean up and removal.
Whenever such a spill takes place in a building, the person cleaning the spill is also at risk. It is advisable not to make attempts for protecting property if there is a possibility of any damage to human health or life.
Effects on the Environment:
A chemical spills has a high impact on the environment. Spilled chemicals can run off into the water and cause considerable damage to marine life by making the water contaminated.
When these spills reach the soil, severe ecological damage can be observed. That further results in making the area not suitable for flora and fauna. As the chemical penetrates deep into the soil, it lets the plant absorb it during its growth period. It shows its disastrous results someone consumes these contaminated plants or crops.
Moreover, after penetrating deep into the soil, it reaches underground aquifers and spreads to a large area with the natural water movement. As the water tends to keep moving at its pace, it lets the toxic chemical keep spreading. When its effects are detected, it is difficult or also seems impossible to trace the origin or source from which it had spread
It doesn’t matter how carefully you handle the chemicals, spillage still happens. This is not the event that occurs rarely. So, it is advisable to use proper safety measures and make full proof, spill response plans to minimize the damage. It is also advisable to approach environmental protection agencies to clear the toxic sites from spills before the contamination spread to a broader region.
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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.
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In today's fast-paced world, security concerns have become increasingly prevalent. Whether you're safeguarding your home, business, or personal assets, choosing the right security company can make all the difference. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the world of security companies, exploring their crucial role in ensuring safety and peace of mind.
What Are Security Companies?
Security companies are organizations dedicated to providing a wide range of services aimed at protecting individuals, properties, and assets from various threats. These threats can include burglary, vandalism, fire, cyberattacks, and more. Security companies near me offer both residential and commercial solutions, custom-tailored to suit the unique needs of their clients.
The Role Of Security Companies
Security companies play a pivotal role in safeguarding lives and property. Their services encompass a multitude of areas, including:
Alarm Systems
One of the primary services offered by security companies is the installation and monitoring of alarm systems. These systems act as a deterrent to potential intruders and provide immediate alerts in case of a security breach.
Surveillance Cameras
Security companies install state-of-the-art surveillance cameras to monitor and record activities in and around your premises. This visual evidence can be invaluable in case of any incidents.
Access Control
Controlling who has access to your property is crucial. Security companies offer access control systems that restrict entry to authorized personnel only, enhancing security and accountability.
24/7 Monitoring
Many security companies provide round-the-clock monitoring services. This means that trained professionals are always vigilant, ready to respond to emergencies promptly.
How To Choose The Right Security Company
Selecting the right security company is a critical decision. Here are some factors to consider:
Reputation
Research the company's reputation and read reviews from previous clients. A well-established company with a strong track record is likely to be more reliable.
Services Offered
Ensure that the company offers the specific security services you require. Different companies may specialize in different areas, such as residential or commercial security.
Licensing And Certification
Verify that the company and its employees are properly licensed and certified to provide security services. This ensures that they meet industry standards.
Customization
Choose a company that can tailor their security solutions to meet your unique needs. A one-size-fits-all approach may not provide the best protection.
Pricing
Obtain quotes from multiple security companies and compare their pricing and contract terms. Be wary of hidden fees and clauses.
The Advantages Of Professional Security
Investing in a professional security company offers numerous advantages:
Deterrence
Visible security measures, such as alarm systems and surveillance cameras, act as a strong deterrent to potential criminals.
Peace Of Mind
Knowing that experts are monitoring your property 24/7 provides unparalleled peace of mind, allowing you to focus on other aspects of your life or business.
Rapid Response
In case of an emergency, a professional security company can respond quickly and effectively, minimizing potential damage or loss.
Crime Prevention
Security companies not only react to threats but also work proactively to prevent security breaches through advanced technology and surveillance.
In a world filled with uncertainties, the role of security companies cannot be overstated. They are the guardians of our safety and peace of mind, offering customized solutions to protect what matters most. By choosing the right security company, you are taking a proactive step towards safeguarding your loved ones and assets.
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