Outsourcing Computer Security – A Smarter Choice

Outsourcing Computer Security Services - A Wise decision

The technologically advanced world with internet as its major information provider has been facing Computer Security issues from time to time. Perpetual threats from cybercriminals have made businesses and home computer users to reassess their Computer protection decisions. Website hacking to attack innocent visitors; penetrating into databanks to pilfer customer information and trade secrets; and entering PCs to steal confidential financial information; cyber crooks are relentlessly targeting millions worldwide. Hence, putting in place a robust Computer security system becomes an indispensable task of every business as well as an individual.

But due to the huge costs involved in acquiring an in-house IT security team, well equipped with security tools, small businesses and home users compromise with their PC security endangering their privacy. Keeping these factors in mind, a large number of small firms and hapless PC users are outsourcing the computer security service providers. These service providers offer advanced technologies and security experts at affordable prices, as the burden of the cost is spread across many clients.

Whether to choose them or not??

Taking services from an outside firm, generally, makes Managers edgy as they are required to sanction them complete access to their company systems. But obtaining security services from such firms can help small and medium sized firms to reduce their IT costs as well as get expert solution to all the security issues.

The businesses can obtain services as per their requirement than incurring ongoing costs of full-time staff and instruments.  So instead of focusing on the security of their systems, firms can now pay full attention to their actual business processes.

Choosing the reliable one…

After one decides to outsource its computer security services, the question of selecting the most reliable organization ascends. One would probably select such an organization that can meet all the basic security needs including computer security, network security, email filtering for spams, protection against malwares and spywares, and much more.

Checking for legitimacy and the extent of services offered by the company becomes a mandatory task for any business. Among a huge number of organizations offering computer security services, PCCare247 turns out to be a front-runner in providing all inclusive services to small, medium & large businesses as well as home PC users. With its round-the-clock online technical support services by Certified Technicians, PCCare247 ensures complete security of computers giving users freedom of all the technical distresses.

Fend off cybercriminals with an unswerving Computer support services by PCCare247 at reasonable prices.

Network Security – A mandate

Is your Wi-Fi network secure?

The ever increasing needs for information and services has made the use of Internet practically unavoidable. Recognizing the importance of internet in fulfilling these needs, further enhancement in technology is being done regularly to provide easy internet access to users across the globe.

Wireless networking is one such technology that helps users to stay connected with the world through internet wirelessly. Also known as Wi-Fi, it proves out to be a convenient way to wirelessly access internet permitting electronic devices to wirelessly exchange data over a computer network.

But with the ease and convenience of cable free network availability over a wide area, comes the risk of illegitimate access of the network by cyber hooligans. The unlawful sharing of a network with such cyber-thugs can put users’ privacy under question, revealing private information like passwords, bank account details, photos, videos, etc.

Understanding the security threats hovering over the wireless network, securing it with suitable defense mechanism becomes an essential task of every internet-savvy user.

 

Network Pilferage

The action of tracing and exploiting security-exposed wireless LANs is known as war driving. With an inadequately protected Wi-Fi network, unauthorized users may gain access to network to get free internet or may be to accomplish their nefarious goals.

In an urge to obtain quick and easy access to internet, users tend to accept default settings of the network, leaving it vulnerable to fraud, abuse and even cyber-crime. An open network may invite cyber hooligans to distribute child pornographic content; acquire personal information; or build attacks on other computers/networks.

Network Security Steps

But with the following precautionary measures at user’s end, such network security threats may be restrained.

Router Manual: Every router offers different features in different locations which must be studied carefully before use.

Change Default Passwords: The default usernames and passwords of the router must be changed immediately.

Turn on Encryption: As most routers are compatible with an inbuilt data encryption options like WEP, WPA and WPA2, WPA2 encryption must be used for better security of the network.

Change Default SSID: SSID is the name of the network. Hackers can easily crack network security once they know the brand of the router as mentioned in the default SSID by entering default usernames and passwords of that particular brand. Also, avoid using personal information like name, address, etc. as it allows criminals in the vicinity to locate you.

Turn On Mac Address Filtering:  Every network device (router, wireless card, network card, etc.) consists of a Mac address, a number similar to 06:R5:J8:23:8M:B4 which identifies your network device.  Mac filtering allows only the Mac addresses logged in the router to access the network restricting invaders.

Turn off Broadcasting SSID: Turning off the broadcasting of SSID will make it difficult for a criminal to identify and attack networks.

Assign and Filter IP Addresses for Devices: Setting a static IP address for all devices connecting wirelessly allows the router to further filter the devices that are allowed to use the network.

Firmware upgradation: Firmware upgrades fixes bugs, near susceptibilities and offer new features and security updates for routers.

Update Operating System: Be it Windows, Linux or Mac, operating systems must be updated as it covers the security holes of the computer.

Use Firewalls: Enable firewalls on computers as they keep intruders from invading the computer systems even if they have access to your network.

Use updated antivirus: Use a reliable and updated antivirus program; and scan the hard drives regularly.

Reduce Signal Range: Place routers in the center of your home for a better coverage for home and less spillage of signals outside. Also, some routers allow you to reduce the signal strength so as to cover a limited area.

Turn off Routers: Turn off routers when you leave the home for extended periods.

Though following these steps will not guarantee 100% protection, but these will surely build a strong protective layer for your network.  For a hassle free network security support and matchless computer support services, help from premier organizations like PCCare247 could be sought that ensures service delivery round-the-clock. PCCare247 guarantees unparalleled Online Technical support services at reasonable price for users across the globe.

Tips to Preserve Online Privacy

Online Privacy Secrets

With growing consumer reliance on internet for shopping, banking and other personal communications, web companies’ interest in tracking consumer actions have amplified too. Innocent people accessing internet to avail easy services, end up exposing themselves to cyber thugs. The menacing activities carried out by such mischievous elements in the virtual world have raised concerns on the privacy of users across the globe.

Government interventions

To ease the distress of users, various laws have been passed by governments of different countries protecting the privacy of users globally. USA Patriot Act enacted on October 26, 2001 by United States and the Privacy and Electronic Communications (EC Directive) Regulations legislated by European countries are examples of such interventions.

Various other private organizations like Google came out with a solution to detect malware on sites indexed by it, using automated scanners.

Despite all such measures, privacy of users is still being threatened by newer tricks used by cyber swindlers.

Vigilant Steps

With growing instances of illegal invasion into user’s computer, some measures may be taken to develop a defense mechanism against such threats.

Check all security settings. The privacy, security and advanced preferences on the browser must be checked to see what information is stored automatically.

Use a firewall. Firewall resists unauthorized programs to access computers. Hence, a firewall is a mandatory requirement. Most anti-virus software these days consists of an in-built firewall.

Don’t accept free cookies. Allowing cookies to be stored in the computer, permits sites to store browsing history or preferences. Although not all cookies are bad, but a prior warning of cookie being installed helps in controlling malicious activities.

Clear cache: The browser caches, cookies, history and active logins must be cleared frequently.

Install a link scanner: Link scanner is a free software examining hyperlinks and search engines, making sure the links are safe before clicking on them.

Don’t use public computers. Using cyber café to access Facebook, Twitter, Gmail or Yahoo mail may cause your personal information to be stored on the system enabling dishonest users using the same computer to retrieve them illegally.

Smart Passwords: Personal information like phone numbers, names or birth dates should not be used in passwords. A combination of words, symbols and numbers must be used.

Never make computer remember passwords: Never check on “Remember me” or “Yes, This is the computer I use often”. Don’t rely on computers to remember passwords.

Create a separate email account for important transactions: Don’t compromise key email account with undesirable spam. Create a separate email account for use in online transactions.

Use false information where possible. Don’t reveal personal information like birth date, father’s or spouse’s name, pet’s name, etc. on Social networking sites like Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. Fudging facts is advised. While sharing personal information, consider changing privacy settings of your account, making it visible only to reliable friends.

Watch out for tricky check boxes.  Keep an eye on the check boxes while shopping online. Any checked box may deceive you into agreeing to its tricky terms and conditions or sneak into your email accounts. Read the Terms and Conditions of service agreements before proceeding.

Discourage auto-fill option: Never use the Auto-fill option in the browsers that recognizes familiar fields and automatically fills personal information stored by user in the forms.

Don’t reveal your email: Do not disclose your email to stores while paying for purchases. This is a common method of sending promotional material to you. 

Apart from practicing these routines, users must ensure complete security by obtaining professional help from premier organizations with unfailing computer support services. PCCare247, which is recognized as an elite online tech support provider, offer computer help in various realms like Virus removal, Malware removal, Spyware removal, Firewall Support, Browser Support, Anti-virus Support, Network Security and many more related services.

Beware!!! Computer Viruses are on a killing spree

Computer Virus may kill you

This Christmas eve, when the whole world was high with enchanting carols and “Merry Christmas” greetings, a heart-rending episode took place in Russia. An eight year old boy was found hanging in his room, and that’s all because of a computer virus. “Strange indeed, but how is this possible?” perhaps this must be the first reaction of most of us but this is not a spiced up news or a fabricated rumour. It may take some time to gulp this fact down the throat but in reality it shows how virtual world can defeat online privacy to invade our individualities. The chronology of events on that very day suggest that the boy while surfing through his laptop had encountered a virus manoeuvred Window stating the Criminal Code of Russian Federation on “Manufacturing and marketing materials or objects with pornographic images of minors”. Further, it reads on that the banner can be removed with ease if an SMS is send to the given number. Fearing a bash from his parents, the innocent kid decided to do away with his own life.

Online Security: A waning essentiality  

The tragic death of the boy implicates that if the noose is not tightened on cyber hooligans, the things can get out-of-proportion bringing in more disastrous and unanticipated consequences. Cyber looters in their looting spree can go to any extent and this is clearly inferred from the fact that every year thousands of new versions of viruses and malware are being released, thus challenging the already threatened online security. The new kid on the bloc is ransom-ware, a yet another wicked mechanism, which in some cases engages panic and indignity as its main tools to victimize innocent PC users.

In recent times, Trojan was detected in the wild display phony messages from law enforcement agencies in Europe which asked the users to pay fictitious fines within 24 hours. On non-payment, it threatened erase their data from their hard drives. There are many such other thugs who can surpass your network security to take control of your systems and sometimes you.

Making unachievable, achievable

There is a lot much said about computer security and online security related issues but dealing with them has become a tough nut to crack. Seeking a professional help is not only advised but looking at the southward march of the internet, one day it will be made mandatory.  A reliable computer support is what all it needs to protect your PC from ever-evolving virus and malware related threats. Otherwise, similar such incidents will soon come to be the order of the day.

PCCare247, a reliable pal of yours in troubled times, provides you with best of customized tech support services such as virus removal, malware removal, spyware removal and many more, for easing all your online security concerns.

Tips for Good Computing Practices at office

Office Computers need assistance too

With each sphere of life getting revitalised with digital revolution, office premises are the first one to get a scent of this change. Now it’s practically impossible to think of an office setting without a computer. With computers sneaking into our work domains, technical hitches are also becoming rampant, giving a serious setback to the work performance. Therefore, it’s the need of the hour to get acquainted with how to give back those rosy hues of youth to your computer.

The haunting threats

Computers today have become bread and butter of the office culture and there is no ambiguity on this. Offices heavily rely on internet, emails and online software to achieve the desired goals but this has put their integrity on stake, at much greater level than ever before due to constant loitering danger of viruses, malware, spyware and other such malicious strategies used by cyber goons to outline their dodgy intentions. When the mongering risk of data getting confiscated became evident, many business establishments started putting stress on use of sturdy defence mechanisms. But cyber beasts are becoming smarter day-by-day and evolving their knives to cut through internal security so as to siphon out business and in-house credentials. At this point, it’s highly imperative that a second thought should be given to the security issues.

Answering the fears

Really looking for an effective solution to avert cyber menace from peeping into your office computer? Just a few steps to follow and that’s sufficient to fortify your computer at office. Here are some of these:

• Always go for effective and reliable firewall and antivirus.
• Never try to open unsolicited email attachments as they may direct you to compromised websites.
• Run virus and malware scans from time-to-time.
• Keep updated on your antivirus version to prevent newly evolved viruses from tiptoeing into your system.
• Last but not the least; get Computer support for your office computer too to secure it from all prospective threats.

An effectual Computer Support is sufficient to breathe in a new lease of life to your ailing PC at office. There are many organizations which dispense a whole spectrum of computer support services but PCCare247 has become an unsurpassed force in this domain. With PCCare247 you can now avail best of services such as malware removal, spyware removal, virus removal and support for your antivirus, browsers, emails, printers, and other peripherals.

Social Networking – A Chronic Ailment

Online Social Invasion

Social Networking is emerging as a powerful medium announcing arrival of an era of association. It is not merely changing the nature of social and political influences, but is also renovating work and business strategies.  Apart from being a change agent, it has empowered its users like never before.

With benefits of enabling people to find friends and keep in touch, it has some obscured hurdles in the backdrop spawning an inescapable network of menacing deeds and threats.

A Social Affair

Social networking that provides a common platform to keep in touch with the world, has amplified in the last few years. With pedestals like Facebook, Twitter, Orkut, Flickr, etc. in the social arena, users across the globe are interacting with each other, defying the time and distance barriers. Enormous amount of information is passed through such platforms edifying and revolutionizing attitude and beliefs of millions of people.

Apart from social connections, social media has emerged as a potent assistance to corporate convention. It is being used widely for various business purposes like recruitment, marketing, promotion of goods and services, etc.

But with ever increasing dependency over Social Media, a pool of uninvited plights has been created making users worldwide to review their social habits. As a result of their aggressive socialization manners, users end up sanctioning unauthorized access to hackers, virus infection, data theft, loss of privacy and pilfering of financial information. Recently, a Facebook virus was found invading socializer’s space in the social networking world.

An Antidote

A drive for social acceptance and a sense of cyber entitlement has made the youth to violate security policies, exposing themselves to cyber thugs. Keeping at stake their privacy and vital information, they enter into the trap of the techno-criminals.

But with every disease, there is an antidote. Users worldwide are advised to follow precautionary measures while socializing online:

- Never reveal username or passwords to anyone.

- Do not accept friend requests from strangers.

- Do not click on suspicious links.

- Do not download unfamiliar apps and games to your system.

- Do not click on advertisements promising free products and discounts blinking on the screen, as they may download malicious files to the computers.

- Teenagers must be discouraged to use such Social networking websites especially in the absence of an adult supervision.

Apart from imparting broader education, well-defined guidelines, application and answerability among the youth, rampant threats pestering a user necessitate them to obtain professional help.

With arrival of Christmas and holiday season, share your photos and videos without the fear of netting hackers with reliable computer support companies like PCCare247.

PCCare247 is a premier online tech support company offering solutions to hapless PC users 24×7. The expansive range of tech support solutions offered by the company acts as a lifeline for many PC users in desperate times.

Online Shopping – Shop Smart, Stay Safe

With the impulse for instant & convenient services and advancement of technology, more and more people are drifting towards shopping online. Online shopping also known as E-Commerce is enticing millions of shoppers across the globe, assuring huge discounts and many other promotional sales offers. Offering the same, or even better, deals than going to store, it relieves the shopper of standing in long queues, wasting his precious time.

E-Commerce websites now-a-days offers shoppers with a variety of goods, that could be purchased conveniently, with goods delivered at one’s doorstep. Books, Cards, Electronic goods including music players, mobile phones, cameras, Television sets, etc. are among the products offered by such e-commerce websites.

A large number of people are becoming habitual to online shopping for all their purchases. But this habit of online shopping using credit cards and online bank accounts has made shoppers vulnerable to deceiving hackers. In an urge to save more and acquire easy services, one may fall prey to a swindle. Hence, before submitting such critical information over cyberspace, few precautions must be observed for a secure shopping experience.

Safety measures for Shopping Online

Firstly, computer must be protected with a trusted antivirus and anti-malware software. User must use a secure browser and look for URLs starting with “https://”, as they label a secure website.

A thoughtful selection of company should be done before making a purchase, with particular attention to shipping charges. One must look out for unbelievably low prices and keep record of purchases done by him.

A shopper may be persuaded to reveal his private credentials by phishing emails and scams which may steal his hard earned money in just a click. One must keep all his passwords and other vital information private.

Safe payment methods must be adopted to shop product over internet. Instead of using debit/credit combo cards, credit card on a secure site must be used, which empowers buyer to dispute charges on non-receipt of product. It also provides additional protections like complete replacement in case of damage or non-worthiness of product.

With Christmas round the corner, and long queues, full parking spaces and crowded stores, shoppers are hurling away with a click of mouse over internet. For a pleasant holiday shopping experience, user must secure his network from criminals stealing their vital information. With round-the-clock services and unparalleled computer support, many reliable organizations like PCCare247 provide users across the globe, complete freedom from such computer threats.

Browse well to safeguard your computer

Hacking and cyber black marketing have become a profitable business in this cyber-age instigating people to undertake unlawful activities. With the advancement of technology, cyber criminals are discovering more and more ways to sneak into your computer systems through network. This in turn exposes you to malwares, spywares, viruses and ad wares, challenging your privacy. A bunch of threats which mandates a user to adopt safe browsing habits in order to protect sensitive personal information and computer systems.

Tips for Safe Browsing

Safe Browsing Tips

The Antivirus solutions available in the market, alone cannot protect your system from all such security threats. Antivirus products doesn’t offer any guarantees, especially against user errors. To protect your system from such threats, certain safe browsing and general security tips, apart from antivirus products, must be followed.

- The browser plug-ins, especially Flash and Java, must be updated consistently. Malware often takes advantage of third-party plug-in security exploits, and plug-in developers regularly release updates to cover any glaring gaps.

- The operating system must be timely updated. Whether it’s Windows, OS X, Android, or some other operating system, updates must be installed upon availability; especially when it comes to security updates.

 - A web browser other than Internet Explorer must be used for browsing, due to the IE security holes. While the newest version of IE performs well while browsing sites over internet, alternative browsers which could be used include Firefox, Chrome, Safari, and Opera.

- Advertisements are a common attack path for malware distributors. Ad Block Plus must be installed for Firefox or Chrome users to prevent 99% of advertisements getting displayed in your browser.

- Beware of phishing emails stealing usernames, passwords and other private information, redirecting to a page similar to a secure website but operating with an ulterior motive of stealing information.

- Care must be taken while supplying personal info on social networking sites like Facebook, Google+, Twitter, Orkut, etc. Do not accept friends request from random people, unless you confirm their identity.

- Use difficult-to-answer “security questions” for password reset tools and do not reveal the same on social networking sites or blogs.

But no amount of caution and safe browsing habits can ever guarantee complete internet security, but following these tips will drastically reduce the probability of an Internet user becoming a victim of malware, identity or data theft.

All said and done, when in doubt about the security, a professional help could be sought from various premier organizations which offer services to shield your system from all sorts of threats.

Your Network might be at risk

Secure your network

In this modern and technologically advanced era, individuals and business entities dream of reaching the pinnacle of techno-tree. And buoyed by this urge for easy and anytime access to information and resources, the use of a network is mandated. Furthermore, with the advent of internet, security threats have become a major concern across the cyber world.

What is a network?

A network is an assembly of hardware components and computers interlinked by communication networks allowing a user to share resources and information. It may be either public or private and may help businesses, government organizations and individuals to conduct transactions and connect on a daily basis. In short, a network is a group of two or more computer systems linked together which enables information sharing. There are a number of networks namely, Local Area Networks (LANs), Wide Area Networks (WANs), Campus-area networks (CANs), Metropolitan-area networks MANs and Home-area networks (HANs).

Network Security:

Network security is an action taken to detect as well as avert unauthorized usage of your computer. It consists of application of software as well as networking infrastructure for safeguarding computers from illicit use, breakdown, destruction or improper revelation. In fact, network security provides a protected environment within which users can perform important functions on a computer.

In pursuit of various financial, political or social motives, a number of cyber criminals perform malicious activities though the network, challenging your privacy. An effective network security policy aims at detecting risks and selecting the best tools to tackle them.

Secure your Network:

A prior knowledge of the attacking methods allows a user to take appropriate security measures against all threats. A network security means the security of the network as a whole covers computers as well as the communication channel. The network structure itself causes many security threats to arrive into a network.

The security of a network initiates with authenticating the user, usually with a username and a password. Encryption of files and firewalls are various security measures which can be implemented to protect the network from cyber criminals.

In order to obtain a secure system environment, network security is an indispensable step every business entity needs to take. Without a safe network, your computer and business might be at risk. There are a number of leading organizations in the market intending to provide solutions for issues concerning computer security.