Blog – WebSur https://www.webassured.com Online shopping security Fri, 03 May 2024 14:54:05 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.1.1 https://www.webassured.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/cropped-Screenshot-2023-03-09-at-02-09-06-Logo-Maker-Used-By-2.3-Million-Startups-1-32x32.jpg Blog – WebSur https://www.webassured.com 32 32 Bill of Lading 101: A Comprehensive Guide https://www.webassured.com/bill-of-lading-101-a-comprehensive-guide/ Fri, 03 May 2024 14:54:03 +0000 https://www.webassured.com/?p=256 Imagine stepping into the intricate world of shipping documentation where the ‘Bill of Lading’ stands as a cornerstone of trade practices. Curious to unravel the mysteries behind this essential document that shapes global commerce? Stay with us as we dissect the nuances of bill of lading intricacies and shed light on its pivotal role in...

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Imagine stepping into the intricate world of shipping documentation where the ‘Bill of Lading’ stands as a cornerstone of trade practices. Curious to unravel the mysteries behind this essential document that shapes global commerce?

Stay with us as we dissect the nuances of bill of lading intricacies and shed light on its pivotal role in the logistics domain. From its historical significance to modern-day applications, you’re about to set sail on a voyage of knowledge that can revolutionize your understanding of shipping dynamics.

Definition and Purpose

When considering the Bill of Lading definition and purpose, it becomes evident that they play a crucial role in regulating the contractual agreements and responsibilities between parties involved in the transportation of goods.

A Bill of Lading is a document that serves multiple critical functions. To start with, it acts as a receipt for the goods being transported, acknowledging that the carrier has received the specified goods.

Next, it functions as a contract between the shipper (sender) and the carrier (transporter), outlining the terms and conditions of the transportation agreement.

Additionally, the Bill of Lading serves as a document of title, providing proof of ownership or control of the shipped goods. This document is essential in the domain of transportation as it guarantees proper documentation, facilitates communication between involved parties, and serves as evidence in case of disputes regarding the shipment or carrier liability.

Understanding the definition and purpose of a Bill of Lading is important for smooth and efficient shipping processes.

Types of Bills of Lading

Moving from understanding the definition and purpose of a Bill of Lading, the discussion now shifts towards exploring the various Types of Bills of Lading in the shipping and logistics industry.

  • Negotiable Bill of Lading: This type allows the transfer of ownership through endorsement, providing flexibility in the trading process.
  • Non-negotiable Bill of Lading: Unlike its negotiable counterpart, this restricts ownership to a single consignee, ensuring more control over the cargo.
  • Master Bill of Lading: Issued by carriers to freight forwarders, consolidating shipments from multiple customers into one larger shipment.
  • House Bill of Lading: Provided by shipping intermediaries to exporters, detailing the specific terms of the transportation contract.
  • Order Bill of Lading: Facilitating secure delivery and ownership transfer through endorsement, making it a critical document for trade transactions.

Understanding the distinctions between these different types of bills is essential for maneuvering the complexities of ownership transfer, document of title, and the roles of freight forwarders in the shipping industry.

Components of a Bill of Lading

The components of a Bill of Lading play an important role in documenting and facilitating the shipment process in the shipping and logistics industry.

This important document serves as a receipt for the goods being transported, providing proof of shipment from the shipping lines to the recipient.

The Bill of Lading contains essential information such as the names and contact details of the shipper and receiver, reference numbers like purchase orders, and important dates like the pickup date for tracking and financing purposes.

Detailed item descriptions are included to accurately depict the shipped items, while special carrier instructions guarantee proper handling and delivery of goods.

Endorsing the B/L is necessary to establish ownership of the goods and adhere to the specified terms and conditions.

It’s important to retain the original copies of the Bill of Lading for verification purposes, as these original bills are often required for various processes within the shipping and logistics industry.

Importance and Benefits

Shifting from the components of a Bill of Lading, let’s now examine the significance and advantages associated with this critical document in the shipping and logistics industry. The importance and benefits of Bills of Lading are vital for smooth operations in international trade and freight management.

Here are some key points crucial for smooth operations in international trade and freight management:

  • Ownership Transfer: Bills of Lading serve as proof of ownership transfer of goods from the shipper to the consignee.
  • Proof of Shipment: They act as essential documentation providing proof that the goods have been shipped and are in transit.
  • Contract of Carriage: Bills of Lading function as a contract of carriage, outlining the terms of the agreement between the shipper and carrier.
  • Possession of Goods: They enable the consignee to claim possession of the goods upon arrival at the destination.
  • Freight Charges: Bills of Lading detail the freight charges associated with the shipment, ensuring transparency and accuracy in billing processes.

Understanding these aspects underscores the critical role Bills of Lading play in international trade and logistics, emphasizing their importance for all parties involved.

Tips for Effective Management

For efficient handling of shipments, meticulous record-keeping is important to guarantee accurate tracking throughout the logistics process. When dealing with bills of lading, it’s essential to double-check all information for precision before signing the document.

Retaining the original copies of the bill of lading in a secure location serves as proof of shipping and ownership transfer. In cases where a switch bill of lading is used, make sure that all parties involved are aware of the switch to prevent confusion regarding ownership.

Maintaining open communication and collaboration with all parties, especially when dealing with Letter of Credit transactions, is crucial for smooth operations. Proper documentation and management of these essential shipping documents play a significant role in the efficiency of logistics operations.

Conclusion

Now that you’ve explored the intricate world of bills of lading, you’re equipped with the knowledge to navigate the complexities of shipping operations with ease.

Like a skilled sailor charting a course through turbulent waters, understanding the ins and outs of bills of lading will guide you to success in the domain of international trade.

So, set sail with confidence, knowing you have the tools to steer your shipments towards smooth and efficient delivery.

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The Ultimate Guide to Creating a Successful Online Vaping Store https://www.webassured.com/the-ultimate-guide-to-creating-a-successful-online-vaping-store/ Fri, 14 Apr 2023 08:33:20 +0000 https://www.webassured.com/?p=198 In recent years, the vaping industry has seen a surge in popularity, with millions of people worldwide turning to vape as an alternative to traditional smoking. This trend has created a huge opportunity for entrepreneurs to enter the market and start their own online vaping stores. If you’re interested in creating an online vaping store,...

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In recent years, the vaping industry has seen a surge in popularity, with millions of people worldwide turning to vape as an alternative to traditional smoking. This trend has created a huge opportunity for entrepreneurs to enter the market and start their own online vaping stores.

If you’re interested in creating an online vaping store, there are a few key steps you should follow to ensure your business is successful. Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating a successful online vaping store.

Finding Your Niche in the Vaping Industry

The first step in creating an online vaping store is to find your niche within the industry. While there are many different types of vaping products available, it’s important to focus on a specific area of the market to differentiate yourself from competitors.

One way to find your niche is to research the different types of vaping products available and identify areas of the market that are underserved. For example, you might focus on selling high-end vaping devices or specialised e-liquids that appeal to a specific group of customers.

Understanding Your Target Audience

Once you’ve identified your niche, the next step is understanding your target audience. This involves researching the demographics and psychographics of your potential customers to create targeted marketing campaigns that resonate with them.

To understand your target audience, you can use tools like Google Analytics to gather data on your website visitors or conduct surveys and focus groups to get feedback directly from your customers. This information will help you tailor your products and marketing campaigns to better meet the needs and preferences of your target audience.

When it comes to setting up an online vaping store, one of the most important aspects to consider is how to accept payments from your customers. Fortunately, there are many payment gateway options available that can help you process payments securely and efficiently.

Choosing the Right Payment Gateway

When selecting a payment gateway for your online vaping store, there are several factors to consider. First, you’ll want to ensure that the gateway is compatible with your e-commerce platform and offers the features you need to process payments effectively.

You should also consider the fees associated with using the payment gateway, as well as any transaction limits or restrictions that may apply. Finally, you’ll want to ensure that the payment gateway offers robust security features to protect your customers’ sensitive information.

Some popular payment gateway options for online vaping stores include PayPal, Stripe, and Authorize.net. Each of these gateways offers a variety of features and benefits, so it’s important to research your options carefully and choose the one that best meets your needs.

Once you’ve set up your payment systems, the next step in creating a successful online vaping store is to create a compelling storefront that showcases your products and encourages customers to make a purchase.

Creating a Compelling Online Storefront

To create a compelling online storefront, you’ll want to focus on creating high-quality product images and descriptions that highlight the features and benefits of your vaping products. This can be done using a variety of tools and resources, including professional product photography, online graphic design platforms like Canva, and product description templates.

In addition to creating compelling product listings, you’ll also want to ensure that your online store is easy to navigate and use. This can be achieved by choosing a user-friendly e-commerce platform, creating clear product categories and subcategories, and including helpful product search and filtering tools.

Another important aspect of creating a successful online vaping store is to provide excellent customer service and support. This can include offering a variety of contact options, such as email, phone, and live chat support, as well as providing detailed product information and shipping and return policies.

Finally, you’ll want to focus on driving traffic and sales to your online store through a variety of marketing and promotional strategies. This can include social media marketing, email marketing, content marketing, and paid advertising, as well as search engine optimization (SEO) to improve your store’s visibility in search engine results pages (SERPs).

By following these strategies and focusing on providing high-quality products and excellent customer service, you can create a successful online vaping store in Canada that attracts customers and drives sales. With dedication and hard work, your online vaping store can become a thriving business in the competitive world of e-commerce.

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4 Rules, or How to Check the Reliability of the Internet Store https://www.webassured.com/4-rules-or-how-to-check-the-reliability-of-the-internet-store/ Fri, 23 Sep 2022 19:22:00 +0000 https://www.webassured.com/?p=140 So, what is safety when shopping online for shoppers? What do you need to pay attention to in the first place? If you visit the site of a large and well-known online store, then there is no reason to expect that you will be cheated. Large online stores have a multi-million dollar turnover, and there...

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So, what is safety when shopping online for shoppers? What do you need to pay attention to in the first place?

If you visit the site of a large and well-known online store, then there is no reason to expect that you will be cheated. Large online stores have a multi-million dollar turnover, and there is absolutely no reason for them to “deal with nonsense”. Their owners have long ago realized that you can earn much more by conducting an honest business on the Internet than by engaging in deception of customers. Therefore, when you visit such a store, all your precautions should be to make sure that you are really on the page of the store you need, and not on a fake site. This will be obvious to you in the address bar of your browser.

So, rule number one, make sure that you spell the address of the site without errors! Make sure the site is genuine!

But what if the site is not too big or famous? Are all small or not very “old” sites owned by scammers and created to cheat? The question is rhetorical and the answer is obvious – of course not. Every online store starts somewhere. Smaller sites were also the ones that started out as small and have now grown into online supermarkets. It is on small sites that you often find very good deals and very attractive prices. After all, a small site should somehow “promote” itself and stand out against the general mass.

But how to assess the reliability of the site of a small online store? Here are a few recommendations.

Always visit the section About us, Contact us, etc. Any normal firm, this section should contain the registration information firm, the full address and telephone. If you are going to buy on this site, but are not sure yet, pay close attention to the description of the firm. Do not be lazy to write a short general letter to the online store. Or better yet – call the online store and ask a few questions about the product you are interested in.

So rule number two says – read and check the section or page “About the company”.

Well, let’s assume that with the section “About the company” you have successfully sorted out. The data are available, phone and mail are working, the staff responds to your request. Is it enough to make a purchase? Of course, it is not enough. Now just look at the site you visited. Is it done well? Is there a lot of material on it? After all, if the online store is a permanent trade, and not created for one week, it should look solid. More than once I’ve seen on sites “selling” the latest models of cell phones was not the simplest of functions, such as a shopping cart.

Here it should be noted that much enthusiasm in terms of “solidity” of the site is still not worth it. But also to make purchases on the site “clumsy work” is also not recommended.

Our third rule – the site should be solid, ie, have a certain visual minimum of impressiveness and quality.

Well, let’s assume that the site you’re interested in went through this filter as well. It would seem that the time has come to make a purchase. But take your time. Now is a good time to…check the reviews for this site! “Google” this site and everything related to it! Try to find negative reviews. Use different word combinations in your search that may help you. It’s important to note here that any firm that works should have not only positive reviews, but also negative ones. So, a moderate number of negative reviews should not scare you much, but rather should alert you to their complete absence, which is typical for brand new online stores.

Rule number four – look for site reviews on the Internet.

Now finally it is time to draw a line and pass a verdict. If the “researched” site passed all the stages of verification safely – you can make a purchase. But since you (or your friends) haven’t shopped at this site before, buy something cheaper to start with. Don’t go shopping for large sums at once. It makes sense to have a successful smaller transaction before you buy from this site in earnest!

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Virtual Card. Payment with Virtual Card https://www.webassured.com/virtual-card-payment-with-virtual-card/ Wed, 30 Jun 2021 20:15:00 +0000 https://www.webassured.com/?p=137 A virtual card is a card designed only to pay for purchases and make payments on the Internet. Such cards cannot be used at ATMs. A virtual card can have no tangible medium and be issued electronically for specific purchases or transactions, or it can be issued on a tangible medium. It works without a...

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A virtual card is a card designed only to pay for purchases and make payments on the Internet. Such cards cannot be used at ATMs. A virtual card can have no tangible medium and be issued electronically for specific purchases or transactions, or it can be issued on a tangible medium.

It works without a PIN-code. The following parameters are used for payments: card number, its expiration date and three-digit code to check the authenticity of the card. Card payment system Mastercard has a code called CVC2.

The use of such cards for payments via the Internet increases the security level of the transactions executed, since the virtual card allows not to disclose the main card details.

When you create a virtual card, you set a limit on it yourself. For example, you need to buy a TV for 400 dollars at an online store, but you don’t want to enter your bank card data for fear of fraud. Then you should create a virtual debit card with a $400 limit and pay for the purchase. No one else will be able to use this debit card later, since the limit on it has been used up. You can set a limit on the card that is higher than the cost of online purchases. In this case, you can set a one-time debit limit, which cannot be exceeded, which also reduces the risk of fraud. The card can be blocked or deleted at all.

Virtual cards are issued in U.S. dollars and euros and come in single-use and multi-use versions. Their validity may vary from one day to several years. Virtual cards can be purchased not only at bank branches (in the form of a plastic card) but also via the Internet, ATMs, or mobile communications (without a tangible medium). You can replenish the virtual card in the bank branches or through remote banking systems. Banks can set limits on the amount and number of operations performed on the virtual card per month.

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Shopping via Smartphone – How to Secure Payments https://www.webassured.com/shopping-via-smartphone-how-to-secure-payments/ Tue, 13 Apr 2021 21:44:00 +0000 https://www.webassured.com/?p=128 The number of online shopping scams and identity thefts increases every year. While hackers and fraudsters are perfecting new methods, many mobile device users still don’t know the simple rules of safe online shopping. You don’t have to be one of them. Read on and take precautions to protect your hard-earned money and shop safely....

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The number of online shopping scams and identity thefts increases every year. While hackers and fraudsters are perfecting new methods, many mobile device users still don’t know the simple rules of safe online shopping.

You don’t have to be one of them. Read on and take precautions to protect your hard-earned money and shop safely.

How online shopping puts you at risk

Shopping online may seem safe, but that’s far from the truth. It takes two things to be safe: an online store that cares about customer safety, and smart consumers who know how to protect their personal information.

Hacking and identity theft are not as visible as traditional theft, and hackers are harder to catch. However, millions of people fall victim to online theft each year. You don’t have to be one of the victims. With a few simple rules and tricks, you can shop safely on your smartphone.

Basic rules to prevent online fraud

  • Only shop on HTTPS sites

Make sure that the online store you visit uses HTTPS. This means that your data is protected by basic TLS encryption all the way from your browser to the site where you shop. HTTPS sites aren’t necessarily super-secure, but if an administrator has implemented HTTPS to protect your data, you know they’ve taken at least one important step. It’s easy to check – just look in the address bar to see if there’s a padlock icon next to the web address. If the Web site is unsafe, you’ll see a circle with an “i” on Android devices and an “Unsafe” message on iOS.

  • Make sure you’re visiting a legitimate online store

Before you enter any personal information to complete your purchase, make sure you’re at the right online store. Hackers and scammers have many opportunities to redirect you to the wrong website or, in other words, spoof the URL. You might think you’re buying new sneakers directly from Nike, but you ended up at “n1ke.com” (hypothetical example). If that’s the case, it’s time to delete everything you just entered and back off!

  • Be careful with URL shorteners

Marketers love URL shorteners because they make long URLs filled with tracking codes less unsightly. However, scammers can also use URL shorteners to hide the URL they send you to. When you see ads with an abbreviated URL, consider going to the brand’s website yourself by simply using the address bar. Chances are, you’ll find the same deal on their site. Otherwise, it’s possible that the URL abbreviation you listed was used by a scammer. There’s nothing wrong with clicking on a shortcut, but if you do, make sure the URL you go to looks legitimate.

  • Avoid links in emails

Another method that scammers can use to get your credit card information is phishing. This is a very popular and effective way to “hack someone” using carefully crafted emails. They usually offer you discounts or offers that are hard to refuse. They may also include a fake URL that will take you to an order page and make the scam even more convincing. Whenever you get an email like this-especially on Black Friday, Cyber Monday, or just before New Year’s Eve-ask yourself the following questions:
What are they asking for? Most legitimate websites won’t ask you for more information after you make a purchase. If an email asks you for a password or some information that should already be on the site, it’s a scam.
Where do these links lead? You’d better not click on any links in the email before you check the URL they sent you. Does it use the same domain name (“paypal” for www.paypal.com) and top-level domain (“.com” for www.paypal.com)? You can hover over the link or right-click on it before you click on it to see where it leads.
Who is the sender? Anyone can set their visible name as “Paypal.com” or “SberBank,” but only an employee of these companies can use an email address ending in @paypal.com Make sure you research their email address carefully before trusting them.

  • Never shop on public

Wi-Fi networks If possible, never shop online on public Wi-Fi networks. Public Wi-Fi is an ideal place for scammers and hackers to operate. These networks have low security and can be scanned by hackers looking for weak connections. If you absolutely must use public Wi-Fi, install and run a VPN on your smartphone. An encrypted connection ensures that your online banking or credit card credentials are safe when you click “Buy.”

  • Keep track of your debit and credit card statements

This may seem obvious, but you should always keep track of your purchases and their prices. This can help you spot potential hacks or dishonest business practices so you can react as soon as possible. Legitimate companies may manipulate discounts or add hidden fees that will be charged to you after you complete your purchase.

If you use the banking app, turn on push notifications to keep track of the payments you make. You can even call your bank to see what other notification options are available, or simply order your debit card or credit card statements. Pay attention to fraudulent payments. When you see them, contact your bank to dispute the charge and close the card. This will make the leaked information useless in the hands of a hacker.

  • Consider using a virtual credit card

A virtual card is exactly what it looks like – a purely digital bank card that can only be used online. By linking it to a real credit or debit card you own, you can make purchases online without even revealing the actual card information. You can also set up your virtual card so that it only allows you to make purchases for a certain amount or expires after a certain day.

  • Update your browser regularly

Your browser is what takes you from one online store to another. That’s why it’s important to keep it updated to take advantage of the latest security improvements and bug fixes.
There are many hacking techniques that target the vulnerabilities of outdated browser versions or unprotected online stores. After all, updates are usually released to fix known vulnerabilities. Don’t give hackers a chance and stay informed.

  • Practice strong password protection

Good password protection is always important, but it’s easy to forget that when you create new accounts to shop at different online stores. Creating unique and secure passwords for each site (and remembering them) can be tricky, but there are tools that can help you – password managers.

  • Shop only from trusted apps

When using shopping apps, be sure to download them from official sources: the Play Store for Android users and the App Store for iOS. Avoid downloading apps from suspicious sites, as this is an easy way to get malware on your smartphone. However, not all apps in official stores are trustworthy. We recommend always checking reviews and looking for more information about the developers.

The less information you provide, the better After making a few purchases on trustworthy websites, you begin to understand what data they require:

  • Your payment information;
  • The address where you want them to ship your product;
  • Your name and contact information.

If a website asks you for more personal information, turn around and leave. Some websites ask for additional information for marketing purposes, but this is not required. No website should ask for your personal identification number or password to access another site or service in order to sell you something. If they ask, turn around and run – you’re probably about to be scammed. One last piece of advice – always be vigilant. If something sounds too good to be true, it’s probably a scam.

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What are the Dangers of Public Wi-Fi Networks and How to Protect Your Data https://www.webassured.com/what-are-the-dangers-of-public-wi-fi-networks-and-how-to-protect-your-data/ Thu, 06 Aug 2020 06:03:00 +0000 https://www.webassured.com/?p=134 We asked information security specialists to explain to us the rules of hygiene. Ever since we were children, we know that we have to wash our hands when we come in from the street. But we don’t think much about the fact that by the same principle (“from the street”) our mobile devices can also...

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We asked information security specialists to explain to us the rules of hygiene.

Ever since we were children, we know that we have to wash our hands when we come in from the street. But we don’t think much about the fact that by the same principle (“from the street”) our mobile devices can also get sick. More specifically, your data can be stolen.

How to protect yourself from sly crooks taking advantage of the naivety of fans of free public Wi-Fi? We asked information security experts to explain to us the rules of hygiene.

I’m not afraid of anything, because I use strong passwords.

Difficult passwords are fine, but they can still be cracked. It just takes longer for programs to figure out the key relative to “qwerty12345”. In the case of Wi-Fi hotspots, the password has nothing to do with it, even if it contains over twenty characters, alternating Cyrillic/Latin, special symbols and numbers. The vulnerability appears at the moment when the device joins a public network.

Consider also that gadgets can automatically connect to known networks. For example, you went to a cafe and used a local hotspot, getting the password from the waiter. The next time you go in, your smartphone or laptop will connect to that network when Wi-Fi access is enabled. Moreover, in some establishments or public networks there is not even a password – anyone can connect.

What is the danger of automatic connection?

With the right skills an intruder can easily access the data from the computers connected to the point. Attackers can also create a doppelganger – a network with the same name (network ID, SSID) and password. Of course, there is no guarantee that the connection will be made to the “evil twin”, but this variant is possible: for example, such a network can have a stronger signal and you have an automatic connection installed or you will just be unlucky when choosing between two networks with the same name.

By pairing your device to a rogue network, you run the risk that the data sent from your gadget will fall into the wrong hands. Your accounts and bank cards are at risk, as well as information from the drive if viruses were able to leak into your computer.

So the first tip is to disable automatic connection to known networks in your device settings. This item is usually found in the wireless access settings.

You can recognize the twin only by indirect signs. Firstly, the browser can warn you of the potential danger when opening pages: by displaying an encryption error message or simply by not opening the site. Secondly, sometimes substituted pages are not always identical to the original. If suddenly you see different fonts on a familiar resource (and you did not change them in your browser), there is no animation or it is not the same as usual – this is a serious reason to beware.

With an “evil twin” a fake site may have the same URL as the real one. The malicious user will simply give you a fake site using his DNS.

We recommend that you change your DNS servers to Google’s DNS servers when connecting to a public network.

In practice, it is almost impossible to identify a twin. It is impossible to patent or license an access point name. Anyone can deploy access points with any name, even if similar ones already exist.

So what to do?

If your mobile operator has a financially acceptable plan, then use the Internet from your smartphone, and if necessary, distribute traffic to your laptop. But this is not always possible – say, when traveling abroad. You can go broke on Internet roaming traffic.

The first rule of working safely on public networks: never connect to public networks. The second rule of working safely on public networks: never connect to public networks at all.

If you really need to, follow these rules:

  • Don’t use a public network to access mail, social networks, online banking and other important services. Searching on Google, watching YouTube is acceptable.
  • “Proper” public networks should have an authorization page – you enter your phone number there, they send you a code.
  • Check the certificate on the network’s authorization page. If the network does not have an authorization page, do not connect to it.
  • The certificate on the authorization page must be trusted.

Okay, then what NOT to do?

  • Try not to shop online or enter passwords while your device is connected to a public hotspot.
  • As cliché as it sounds, make sure no one can see what password you are entering. Just in case, check to see if there’s a security camera above you.
  • Do not connect to networks that do not require a password at all. The “MTS_wifi_free” may not be an access point of a well-known operator, but just a bait for gullible people.

The user should understand that when connecting to an open Wi-Fi network in a subway, hotel or airport, his data could be intercepted by an intruder. The risk of such connection is high, that’s why we advise against using Wi-Fi networks that do not have a password. Such networks are easy to connect to and just as easy to intercept any user’s data. Attackers with basic hacking skills can easily intercept traffic, including users’ passwords from Internet banking, email, etc.

And one more tip – when connecting, pay attention to the type of encryption: ideally, WPA2-Enterprise should be used.

What kind of encryption is this, and why do I need to know about it?

The type of encryption in Wi-Fi is a characteristic that has to do with the security of the network, not the user. The more complex the type of encryption, the harder it is to pick a password to access.

WEP encryption is the least secure because it transmits several bytes of the encryption key along with each data packet. Consequently, regardless of the complexity of the key, any transmission can be exposed by intercepting a sufficient number of packets. Using special software, the task will take a few seconds.

The strongest type of encryption is WPA2 (IEEE 802.11i). It uses the AES encryption standard (128-bit block size, 128/192/256-bit key) that is resistant to tampering. There are two varieties of WPA2:

WPA2-PSK (Personal) – login to the network is by a single password for all clients; WPA2-Enterprise – password is checked against a remote database on a third-party server. The password is unique for each node. As far as I know, no one has been able to crack WPA2-Enterprise yet.

WPA2-Enterprise encryption is available only in the corporate environment, and to rare users. This type of encryption requires an additional RADUIS-server – a separate protocol for the implementation of authentication and authorization.

WPA2 PSK (or WPA2-Personal) encryption has one key for all, this is convenient for home use, as usually all those connecting are trusted users. However, using WPA2 PSK in public places can lead to loss of sensitive data. Users should also avoid Wi-Fi access points if they have WPS enabled. This is a technology that is specifically designed to make it easier for devices to connect to a Wi-Fi network. An intruder can penetrate such a network, even if it uses strong encryption.

How else can I protect myself?

Use a VPN, also known as a virtual private network. It’s a generic name for technologies that are used for different purposes. For example, you can use a VPN to switch your location to access blocked resources in your country (let’s pretend we don’t know what sites we’re talking about).

In short, a VPN is a network inside a network. Imagine an oil pipeline with a cocktail pipe inside it – that’s what a VPN is. The technology forms a separate encrypted channel through which data is transmitted. If you want, of course, you can hack it too, but it’s not easy to do.

Also try to open sites starting from “https://имя domain”. HTTPS is an extension to the HTTP protocol, which allows for encrypted data transmission. Many resources, especially the larger ones, support it.

Some resources also use SSL to transfer information between the server and the client. It is considered secure even on public networks.

Conclusions

The basic rules of hygiene are as follows:

  • If possible, do not connect to public Wi-Fi, and when it is unavoidable, choose the password-protected networks and use a VPN
  • Do not make purchases or enter passwords to log in to accounts on resources when your device is connected to a public network without an urgent need.

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Why are Software Updates Important? https://www.webassured.com/why-are-software-updates-important/ Mon, 09 Dec 2019 06:59:00 +0000 https://www.webassured.com/?p=131 Often we all see warnings that “updates” or “software update needed” are available. How often have we just clicked “cancel” because an update popped up at an inconvenient time? Chances are, you most likely, put off downloading the latest updates until the next day, week or even month. Delaying the installation of updates can play...

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Often we all see warnings that “updates” or “software update needed” are available. How often have we just clicked “cancel” because an update popped up at an inconvenient time? Chances are, you most likely, put off downloading the latest updates until the next day, week or even month. Delaying the installation of updates can play a cruel trick.

It is very dangerous to think that updates are a waste of time, or that they are not important, or to turn them off altogether. This is a mistake that can cause security risks, such as giving attackers access to your personal information and provoking identity theft. Not to mention updating your antivirus software databases to protect your computer.

Recently, multiple security breaches affecting many users have been identified. Unupdated computers have fallen victim to cybercriminals. Updating your software is important because updates include critical fixes for malicious vulnerabilities, protecting against them. Many “high-profile” attacks could have been prevented if updates had been installed in time.

An update is a set of software changes, fixes, or improvements. However, patches do not always work correctly and new problems can unintentionally appear. Therefore, it is important to test the system before and after an update. Some argue that updates are the most important aspect of enterprise security and the best measure to combat software vulnerabilities.

Attackers can exploit security vulnerabilities in several ways, such as writing code for a targeted vulnerability that may be hidden within the malware. By browsing a Web site, opening a compromised message, or transferring data on infected media, exploits can infect your computer without any action on your part. Malware on someone else’s computer on the same network can also exploit vulnerabilities to infect your computer over the network. Regular updates are necessary to prevent this.

In addition to security patches, software updates can include driver updates, improved compatibility with various devices and applications. Updates can improve software performance, fix known bugs and remove outdated features that take up hard drive space. Developers are constantly adding new and improved features. Updates are available for both the operating system and individual programs, and are very important for their security and stability. Many of the most dangerous malicious attacks can exploit software vulnerabilities in most common applications and browsers.

Instead of ignoring or procrastinating, install software updates. You can set it to automatically download and install updates. Installing regular updates is integral to protecting your personal information and keeping your computer running and safe.

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