Tag Archives: tips

Security Tips & Advice on Safe Internet Browsing Habits

private_browsing If there is one item that pretty much everyone is familiar with on the Internet, it is the very thing we use to browse it, the Web Browser. Whether you use Firefox, Chrome, Safari, on a Desktop or Mobile device, this article concerns you. How you use a Web Browser has implications about your security position and any information that you handle.

1. Do not trust your browser.

It’s simple really, there are just as many ways to compromise a browser and its host operating system as there are to skin the mythical cat. Software exploits for all major browsers are being developed and sold on the black market and also officially by well-known businesses. This means that even if you update regularly and follow good security practices, you are still at risk of getting your browser and its host machine compromised. Once that happens, all bets are off. Therefore it makes even more sense to develop good habits when it comes to using your web browser.

2. Never store passwords in your browser Password Manager.

Yes, storing them, stops you from having to remember them. Well, that’s lovely, guess who else doesn’t have to remember them either? Mr./Ms. Random J Hacker. All he/she has to do is compromise your browser to get your login credentials to your Bank, Insurance Company or Company VPN. There is an option in your settings which can stop the browser from ever asking you to save them. Where should you store them? Use an encrypted off-line password-manager and keep its database on an encrypted USB stick/drive.

3. Learn how to enable and disable particular browser extensions or plug-ins.

Malicious browser extensions bring about security risks as they often lead to system infection. There are more bugs and exploits for browser extensions and plug-ins than you can conceive. There are many cases where these extensions are needed and cases where they’re not needed. Learn to recognize the difference.

4. Frequently clear your browser cache, saved passwords, cookies, history and form data

Your browser will store data while you are using it. What websites you’ve browsed, any cookies from sites you have visited, forms that you have filled and passwords that you have saved (see number 2), the content of visited websites, such as pictures, videos, scripts and text content etc. All of that data can be used to do bad things. Your browser will work fine without that data. If you’re afraid of losing a page you’ve visited just bookmark it.

5. Do not carelessly give your data and information to a web site.

In the course of browsing the Internet, many times will you be asked for various bits of information. It could be something as simple as a user name and a password but could go as far as requesting your full name, address, phone number, email, names of siblings and so on. Just because a web site is asking for that information does not mean they actually NEED IT. Ask yourself whether that Vintage Cars forum really needs to know where you live. If you do not intend to buy something or do not intend to do any business transactions with a website, refrain from providing such information.

6. Install HTTPS Anywhere

When data is transmitted to and from a website, it can be done in a secure way or an insecure way. The secure way will use HTTPS, the insecure one will use HTTP. When data is transmitted with HTTP, a hacker could intercept your traffic and read it or modify it at will, while you’re browsing. If HTTPS is used instead, intercepted traffic is encrypted and cannot be read. That’s a gross over-simplification but will suffice in this context. Not all websites support HTTPS but by using the browser extension HTTPSAnywhere you’ll automatically force any website that you visit (that supports HTTPS) to use HTTPS by default. Remember always check with your IT department before installing anything to your machine.

 

web_address_internet_browsingSome simple habits will make your browsing experience and information safer. It is easier to avoid bad habits than to break them. Now is the time to give up these bad security habits. Use technology tools available to move your organizations security habits in the right direction. Practicing these habits does not guarantee that your browser won’t be compromised but at least you won’t be the “low hanging fruit.”

8 Motivational tips for entrepreneurs

3620643190_15926cdf52_oBeing an entrepreneur means that you will often blaze you own trail. No career guides, counselor or maps will guide you from one step to the next. You have to make it up as you go. Here are some tips to keep you entrepreneurs motivated.

 1. Keep the big vision in sight.

A big vision will take you far. When things go wrong on the path to your success, and they will, keeping the big vision in mind will enable you to steer your way back to a successful course. It may not always be the course you imagined, but your big vision becomes your north star, which in turn helps you navigate and orient yourself through the darkness. Your vision is your base, compass and cosmic beacon, lighting the way forward.

2. Fuel your vision with perseverance.

What should go hand-in-hand with a big vision is the perseverance you’ll need to keep moving forward. If you’re a Game of Thrones watcher, there was a great line in a recent episode when Stannis Baratheon was being advised about the lack of wisdom in starting a battle in the snow. He responded: “We march to victory or we march to defeat, but we go forward, only forward.”

Sometimes, when things get challenging on your path as an entrepreneur, you have to commit yourself to moving forward, regardless of the anxiety and fear surrounding the next steps. When you fuel your big vision with determination and the spirit of “only forward,” in time you will meet your success.

3. Make a plan, but be flexible.

You need a few sets of plans, even if each is only a few pages. A business plan, with a complementary marketing outline, are important blueprints for success. They help you map out the major landmarks of the road ahead, state your success and break the journey into important milestones you can track your progress against.

Most people don’t like giant, robust plans nobody will access, but I am a believer in a more modest go-to plan that can act as your basic instruction manual and hold you accountable to specific numbers. The reason most people don’t support highly detailed plans is that they believe you need the flexibility to alter the course as necessary. Sometimes, large changes in a plan will be unavoidable.

4. Embrace your expertise.

If you are already naturally good at something, or have a skillset, embrace it. Don’t try to be all things for all aspects of your business. Hire out or sign contracts with agencies for the things you can’t do, and focus on your strengths as quickly and often as possible. Don’t be a jack-of-all-trades and a master of none. For all those computer problems remember Apex IT Solutions is here for you ready to provide you with fast, reliable services at affordable rates. We offer computer repair & support, IT consulting, server support, cabling services, and much more.

5. Don’t reinvent the wheel.

What is already working in other people’s business models, in your industry, in software applications and other business operations that you can emulate instead of re-create? Don’t waste your time trying to set up systems when you can simply purchase and install one, saving precious time and spending little money. Sometimes the best decision is to take on the expense of some good systems so you don’t have to waste time and make mistakes building your own.

6. Don’t burn out.

This isn’t a piece of advice. Your health is literally the most important thing in your life. When your body gives out, you’re done. Your heart doesn’t care how good a business you have; your circulatory system isn’t all that impressed with your money or accomplishments. Try to eat really good food, get good sleep and take as much time as you can to enjoy the small things in life. You will burn out if you sacrifice your physical and mental health on the “altar” of your business. So, take care of yourself.

7. Leverage everything.

Learning life hacks may seem cliché, but they can teach you an important mini-lesson in leverage. When you use leverage to your advantage in every aspect of your life, you go further, faster. Leverage outsourced help to streamline tasks and gain traffic time for important phone calls. Leverage down time waiting anywhere (the doctor’s office, your child’s school, your auto shop, an airport) to get stuff done.

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8. Keep your sense of humor.

 

If you can’t laugh at yourself, you’re missing out. I too am guilty of not doing this enough however laughing is a good cure to diffuse stress. So put some joy into life and get some perspective on the fact that this is only life after all you don’t have to take it so seriously.

So, try to laugh more and stress a little less. It strengthens your emotional and mental well-being, keeps other people from getting under your skin and keeps you cool and collected, plus it makes you a lot more fun to be around.