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How to tighten your VoIP systems’ securityFew companies today would survive without effective, cost-efficient collaboration tools like Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) solutions. But like any piece of technology, VoIP systems are fast becoming an easy target for attackers. Here’s how to protect your company’s internet-based communication devices from numerous threats. What many companies don’t realize is that valuable information moves […]

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How to tighten your VoIP systems’ security

Few companies today would survive without effective, cost-efficient collaboration tools like Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) solutions. But like any piece of technology, VoIP systems are fast becoming an easy target for attackers. Here’s how to protect your company’s internet-based communication devices from numerous threats.

What many companies don’t realize is that valuable information moves across VoIP networks just like sensitive data is shared via email. In some cases, internet-based calls are more vulnerable to fraud, identity theft, eavesdropping, intentional disruption of service, and even financial loss. With numerous VoIP-based attacks, it’s crucial to implement these security measures now.

24/7 monitoring

VoIP security breaches usually take place outside operating hours. Attackers make phone calls using private accounts or access call records with confidential information on the sly. Contract outsourced IT vendors to monitor network traffic for any abnormalities to avoid these security breaches.

Virtual private networks

Virtual private networks (VPNs) create a secure connection between two points, as if they belong in the same closed network. It’s like building a safe secret tunnel between you and the person you’re calling. Using a VPN can also help overcome complications involving Session Initiation Protocol trunking, a recommended VoIP feature.

VoIP firewalls

Firewalls specifically designed for IP-based telephony curb the types of traffic that are allowed into your network. They ensure that every connection is properly terminated at the end of a session and identify suspicious calling patterns. Virtually every VoIP vendor provides these protocols, but you should always consult with your IT services provider as to how these protocols will be managed within your organization.

Encryption tools

Due to lack of encryption, VoIP systems can be easily broken into by even inexperienced hackers who can download and deploy tools to eavesdrop or intercept your calls. Some services claim to have built-in encryption, but companies still need to be vigilant and investigate how effective these are.

Using encryption ensures that even if hackers successfully download audio or video, they still can’t decode the file unless they have the decryption key.

Password protection

Using passwords to authenticate your access to private information is not as secure as it once was. Hackers can easily guess a password and use it for cyberattacks. This is why protecting the passwords themselves adds a great layer of protection against threats.

Employees should never divulge any compromising information during a VoIP call, as eavesdropping is one of the easiest and most common cyberattacks against VoIP networks.

VoIP is as important as any of your other network security considerations. It requires a unique combination of protection measures, and we’d love to give you advice on these. Give us a call today to get started.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

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Here’s why you need a VPN and how to choose oneInstalling antivirus software and using strong passwords are no longer considered the bare minimum in cybersecurity. With your online activities transparent to internet service providers, third parties, and hackers alike, it’s important to keep your information secure and private by using a virtual private network (VPN). Here’s why. What is a VPN? A VPN creates […]

The post Here’s why you need a VPN and how to choose one appeared first on Complete Technology Resources, Inc..

Here’s why you need a VPN and how to choose one

Installing antivirus software and using strong passwords are no longer considered the bare minimum in cybersecurity. With your online activities transparent to internet service providers, third parties, and hackers alike, it’s important to keep your information secure and private by using a virtual private network (VPN). Here’s why.

What is a VPN?

A VPN creates a secure tunnel between your device and the websites you visit on the internet. Once you’ve established your PC’s connection to a VPN server, your computer acts as if it’s using the same local connection as the VPN, making it seem as if you’re in a different location. As far as websites are concerned, you’re browsing from that server’s geographical location and not your PC’s actual location.

When you surf the web through a VPN, all the data transmitted and received is also encrypted, preventing anyone, from hackers to government agencies, from monitoring your online activities.

Why should you have a VPN?

Security and privacy are the main reasons you would want a VPN. For example, if you’re connected to a public Wi-Fi network — like the ones at local cafes and airports — using a VPN encrypts the information you’re sending or accessing online. This means your credit card details, login credentials, private conversations, or sensitive documents can’t be intercepted by a third party.

VPNs are also useful for accessing geo-restricted websites. If you’re traveling abroad and certain US websites are blocked in that region, you can connect to a VPN located in the United States to access the sites you need.

How do you choose a VPN?

Given the increasing demand for secure online privacy, VPNs are surging in popularity. The following considerations can help you find the right one.

1. Cost
While free VPNs are available, it’s best to avoid them as they could keep logs of your internet activity. In some cases, data collected by free VPNs are sold to data brokers or worse, cybercriminals. Additionally, maintaining a VPN service is also expensive, which means the free ones will likely plaster ads on your browser to make a quick buck.

Paid VPNs like NordVPN and ExpressVPN often come with more robust features and configurations that keep you secure. Prices differ depending on a VPN’s features and subscription length, and how you pay is also important. Some VPNs offer anonymous payment systems like Bitcoin, while others allow you to use gift cards to avoid giving out your personal information.

2. Location
The physical location of VPN servers is important if you want to access region-blocked websites. So if you’re planning on accessing a UK-based service, your VPN provider must at least have servers located in London.

3. Capacity
Read through a VPN provider’s terms of service to determine how much data you’re allowed to use. If possible, find out how many servers a VPN provider has. If they have plenty of servers online, you can rest assured that they have the capacity to support your internet browsing.

4. Device compatibility
Another important factor to consider is whether the VPN can be used across multiple devices. Nowadays, employees work on laptops, tablets, and smartphones, so you’ll want a VPN that’s compatible with various types of devices.

5. IP leaking
Beyond the fundamental nuts and bolts of the VPN protocol, there are other challenges like dealing with leaky tunnels, which means your IP address could be tracked. A great way to evaluate a VPN service is to sign up for their free trial service and visit IP Leak. This will allow you to check whether your real IP address is being leaked. If it tracks your physical location, you should opt for a more reliable VPN service.

VPNs are now a vital component of cybersecurity, and if you need help in selecting the right one for your business, consult with our security experts today. We also offer comprehensive cybersecurity services so no hacker or third party can get their hands on your data.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

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Optimize your new laptop with these tipsLaptop computers aren’t cheap, so you’d want to make sure you get every bit of performance for your buck. Bear in mind that they may not be set up to function at their best straight out of the box, so to do just that, you’ll need to take these steps. 1. Update your laptop’s operating […]

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Optimize your new laptop with these tips

Laptop computers aren’t cheap, so you’d want to make sure you get every bit of performance for your buck. Bear in mind that they may not be set up to function at their best straight out of the box, so to do just that, you’ll need to take these steps.

1. Update your laptop’s operating system

One of the first things you should do before using your laptop is to update its operating system (OS). Assuming you did not purchase the laptop when it was first released, it will still be running an older OS. Because important patches and fixes are released with each new update, you must install the latest ones to ensure your laptop doesn’t have vulnerabilities that malicious third parties can exploit.

2. Remove bloatware

When turning on your laptop for the first time, you might notice that there are several preloaded software in the system — some of which you will probably never use. These are known as bloatware.

These apps take up a lot of your valuable drive space, so consider getting rid of them. The easiest way to do this is by downloading a bulk uninstaller, which allows you to check all the bloatware apps you don’t want and remove them in one fell swoop.

3. Install protection software

It’s no secret that there are cybercriminals who would steal sensitive data, such as your account credentials, protected health information, and sensitive company files. It is therefore necessary to protect yourself from losing important data from your computer. The solution to this is very simple. By installing antivirus software that can scan your computer at a scheduled time or whenever you feel like it, you can thwart potential attacks.

Not only is the data stored in your laptop vulnerable to cyberattacks, but there is always a chance that your laptop will get lost or stolen. While there are preventive steps you can take — such as being mindful while using your laptop in public places — installing anti-theft software like Find My Device for Windows 10 can help you locate your device if it’s ever stolen or misplaced.

4. Optimize your power settings

One of the most frequent problems that laptop users have is that their batteries run out of juice too fast. However, you can actually extend the battery life by making a few tweaks to your power settings.

Reduce your display brightness, but not so much that it causes eye and mental fatigue.
Use the Sleep or Hibernate mode for your operating system.

5. Set up a backup plan

Imagine spending months working on an important project and suddenly finding it corrupted because your laptop crashed. Deadlines will be missed. Profit margins will decrease. Customers will leave unhappy. And if worse comes to worst, you’ll be out of business.

Why add stress if you can prevent it from happening in the first place? By setting up an automatic backup system, you can regularly save all your important files. This way, you’d still be able to recover your data should anything happen to the original file.

You can also store all your important documents in the cloud, which ensures access whenever you need it, even if your laptop crashes or gets stolen.

Getting a new laptop can be fun, but the joy might be short-lived if you don’t set up any preventive measures from the start. Call us for information on how we can help you secure your company’s laptops today.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

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What private browsing can and can’t doAs you surf the web, it’s nearly impossible to keep your internet activity completely private. Certain websites collect personal information for marketing purposes and your browser keeps track of all the websites you visit. That browsing information can also fall into the wrong hands, which is why you should consider using private browsing if you […]

The post What private browsing can and can’t do appeared first on Complete Technology Resources, Inc..

What private browsing can and can’t do

As you surf the web, it’s nearly impossible to keep your internet activity completely private. Certain websites collect personal information for marketing purposes and your browser keeps track of all the websites you visit. That browsing information can also fall into the wrong hands, which is why you should consider using private browsing if you want to keep your online activities to yourself.

What is private browsing?

Your web browser — whether it be Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Safari, or Opera — remembers the URLs of the sites you visit, cookies that track your activity, passwords you’ve used, and temporary files you’ve downloaded.

This can be convenient if you frequently visit certain pages, can’t remember your login details, or if you’re trying to recall a website you visited a few days ago. But if someone else uses or gains access to your computer, your most private (and embarrassing) internet activities are exposed for anyone to see.

With private browsing — also called Incognito Mode in Chrome and InPrivate Browsing in Edge — all the information listed above does not get recorded. In fact, all the websites and information you accessed in the private browsing session are immediately discarded without a trace as soon as you close the browser. This can come in handy when you’re using a public computer because you’re instantly logged out of all the accounts you accessed after closing the window.

Your cookies also won’t be tracked. In a normal browsing session, sites like Facebook will display highly targeted ads based on the sites and pages you’ve visited. But in private browsing mode, your internet activity can’t be tracked by marketing companies.

Another benefit of private browsing is that you can use it to log in to several accounts on the same site, which is useful if you need to log in to two different online accounts at the same time.

What are the limitations of private browsing?

Although private browsing does prevent your web browser from storing your data, it doesn’t stop anyone from snooping on your online activities in real time. If your computer is connected to the company network, system administrators can still track what you’re browsing, even if you’re in Incognito Mode.

Also, if spyware or keylogger malware is installed on your computer, hackers will still be able to see what you’re doing online. Even though private browsing has quite a few benefits, you shouldn’t solely depend on it for online privacy. Instead, you should use a virtual private network (VPN) when you go online. These encrypt your internet connection and prevent anyone from intercepting your data. And don’t forget to use a strong anti-malware program to scan your computer and keep spyware and other malicious web monitoring software at bay.

If you want to know where you can get these solutions or learn more about web browser security, call us today. We have the tools and expert advice you need to prevent anyone from snooping on your internet browsing.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

The post What private browsing can and can’t do appeared first on Complete Technology Resources, Inc..

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