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The Impact of Holiday Traffic on Your Website’s Security

Tips for Protecting Sensitive Information During Holiday Travel

How IT Security Audits Prevent Data Breaches

Why Should You Invest in Video Surveillance?

Cookies and Privacy: What “Terms” Are You Accepting?

National Flash Drive Day

The Importance of Location in Surveillance System Installation

Protecting Your Business with Surveillance Systems

Pros and Cons of Machine Learning

VPNs vs Proxies

Posts Tagged ‘security’

The Impact of Holiday Traffic on Your Website’s Security

Due to the holidays, online shopping shoots through the roof and e-commerce websites often experience a surge in traffic. While this influx is great for sales, it also presents more risks to your website’s security. Understanding these risks and preparing your defenses is crucial to protect both your business and your customers.

Increased Vulnerability to Cyber Threats

The spike in traffic during the holidays makes websites a prime target for cybercriminals. Hackers often exploit this period by launching Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks, which can overwhelm your site and cause downtime. Additionally, phishing scams and malware distribution tend to rise, preying on customer’s urgency to complete purchases quickly. During the holidays, consumers depend on reliable businesses to complete their transactions without the threat of cyber threats. Be sure to monitor your current software carefully during the peak of the season.

Data Breaches

The holidays often see an increase in online transactions, which means more sensitive customer data is being processed. This increase in data exchange can attract attackers looking to steal credit card information or personal details. A data breach during the holiday season can not only result in financial losses but also irreparably damage your brand’s reputation. Your website will appear unstable and you will see a significant decrease in traffic if your site is deemed unsafe. 

Steps to Strengthen Your Security

To strengthen your security, start by upgrading your infrastructure to ensure your website can handle high traffic without crashing, and choose a reliable hosting provider with robust DDoS protection. Implement SSL certificates to encrypt data transfers and protect sensitive information from interception. Utilize advanced monitoring tools to detect suspicious activities in real time and respond promptly. Educate your team by training employees to recognize phishing attempts and maintain strong cybersecurity practices. Finally, regularly update all platforms, plugins, and software to mitigate vulnerabilities and ensure optimal protection.

Partnering with Westec

For comprehensive protection, consider working with a cybersecurity company like Westec. We can provide advanced threat detection, vulnerability assessments, and incident response plans tailored to your needs.

By proactively addressing these risks, you can ensure a safe and seamless shopping experience for your customers. For more tips and professional cybersecurity solutions, visit our website or contact us today. Stay safe and cyber-secure this holiday season!

Tips for Protecting Sensitive Information During Holiday Travel

The holiday season often brings opportunities to travel, whether visiting family or exploring new destinations. Unfortunately, this time of year can also be a prime opportunity for cybercriminals to target travelers. Protecting sensitive information while on the move is essential, especially in today’s digital age. At Westec, we prioritize your cybersecurity, so here are some practical tips to keep your data safe during your holiday travels.

Avoid Public Wi-Fi

Public Wi-Fi networks, like those in airports, hotels, and cafes, are convenient but often unsecured. Hackers can intercept your data over these networks. Instead, use your mobile hotspot or a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to encrypt your internet connection and safeguard your information.

Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Before traveling, enable 2FA on all important accounts, including email, banking, and social media. This extra layer of security ensures that even if someone obtains your password, they cannot access your accounts without the second verification step.

Be Cautious with Devices

Keep your devices like laptops, phones, tablets, and USB drives secure at all times. Use strong passwords and, where possible, biometric locks (like fingerprint or facial recognition) to prevent unauthorized access if your device is lost or stolen.

Avoid Oversharing on Social Media

While it’s tempting to post about your holiday adventures in real time, sharing details like your travel dates or location can make you a target for both online and physical theft. Wait until you return home to share your vacation photos.

Update Your Software

Cybercriminals often exploit vulnerabilities in outdated software. Ensure all your devices are running the latest operating systems and security patches before you leave.

At Westec, we believe proactive measures are the best defense against cyber threats. By staying vigilant and prepared, you can enjoy your holiday travels with peace of mind, knowing your sensitive information is protected.

For more tips and professional cybersecurity solutions, visit our website or contact us today. Stay safe and cyber-secure this holiday season!

How IT Security Audits Prevent Data Breaches

IT security audits are a useful step to ensuring that your company’s cybersecurity structure is sound. Additionally, they help prevent data breaches. Read on to learn more about IT security audits and how working with cybersecurity professionals is essential to ensuring the security of your organization’s data.

What is an IT Security Audit?

An IT security audit generally identifies vulnerabilities and threats within an organization’s computer network. This audit checks for items such as password complexity, who has access to sensitive data within the network, and the soundness of cybersecurity incident response plans. IT professionals assess the entire system as a whole and recommend actions to strengthen security and prevent data breaches.

IT security audits can also assess an organization’s data backup procedures and assist with creating a plan to store this data, whether in cloud storage or physical hard drives. In the event that a cyber attack does occur, having backups of your organization’s information and files is essential.

What Organizations Should Have an IT Security Audit Performed?

Any organization, large or small can benefit from an IT security audit. Statistically, small businesses tend to have weaker cybersecurity because they may lack the resources that larger organizations have. This makes them far more vulnerable to cyber attacks where their or their customers’ information could be compromised. Working with an IT company to perform an IT security audit strengthens any organization’s security and protects the organization from cyber-attacks if appropriate steps are taken.

WesTec primarily serves small to medium-sized organizations and we work with our clients to negotiate a price that works well for them. Regardless of the size of your business, WesTec works to prevent data loss and protect your business from cybersecurity threats.

All in all, IT security audits are a general assessment of an organization’s system that identifies weaknesses and problems within a system as well as recommends steps that should be taken to strengthen these weaknesses. Businesses of all sizes can benefit from a general assessment of their computer network to ensure their organization is protected against cyber threats.

The world of IT is evolving at an unprecedented pace and being driven by the rise of emerging technologies. Businesses that embrace these trends stand to gain a competitive edge, unlocking new possibilities and efficiencies. As we navigate the future of IT, staying informed and adapting to these transformative technologies will be crucial for organizations and individuals alike. Learn about which of our IT services may suit your business’s needs the best. If you have any questions about our IT services, contact us today! Follow us on Facebook to keep up with our latest blogs!

Why Should You Invest in Video Surveillance?

In an era where security concerns are at the forefront of priorities, investing in advanced technologies such as video surveillance has become imperative. Video surveillance has emerged as a powerful tool for enhancing security measures, offering a wide range of benefits that extend beyond simple monitoring. Whether you are a homeowner or a business, security should be a pressing concern for your property. Those looking to strengthen their security measures should always consider video surveillance for multiple reasons we will explore in this article.

First and foremost, the mere presence of visible video surveillance cameras acts as a strong deterrent to criminal activity. Potential intruders, vandals, and trespassers are less likely to target a property that is equipped with surveillance systems, knowing that their actions are being recorded. The proactive nature of video surveillance helps prevent crimes before they occur, creating a safer environment for both physical assets and individuals. In cases like these, video surveillance acts as a preventative measure to any harm that could occur on your property. 

In the unfortunate event of criminal activity, accidents, or disputes, video surveillance serves as a crucial tool for documentation and evidence collection. High-quality video footage can help law enforcement and legal authorities in investigating incidents, identifying culprits, and establishing the facts surrounding an event. This evidentiary support can be the key piece in resolving disputes and ensuring justice. 

All of these advantages lead to another one which is the overall feeling of safety to those on the premises being secured. Video surveillance provides an extensive means of monitoring and safeguarding spaces, promoting a sense of safety among occupants. In the event of an emergency or security threat, real-time monitoring allows for swift responses, enabling security personnel or authorities to address situations promptly. Advancements in technology have promoted these quick responses with the integration of security systems with remote monitoring capabilities. This allows users to access live feeds and recorded footage from their smartphones, tablets, or computers, providing real-time visibility into their premises. Whether monitoring a business, residence, or public space, remote accessibility enhances situational awareness and enables timely decision-making, regardless of physical location.

Investing in video surveillance is an essential step toward reinforcing security measures and addressing the evolving challenges of today’s world. From deterring criminal activity and enhancing safety to providing documented evidence and supporting remote monitoring, video surveillance offers a well-rounded approach to security. As technology continues to advance, these systems will play an increasingly vital role in safeguarding assets, individuals, and the overall well-being of communities. Learn about which of our IT services may suit your business’s needs the best. If you have any questions about our IT services, contact us today! Follow us on Facebook to keep up with our latest blogs!

Cookies and Privacy: What “Terms” Are You Accepting?

It’s common to jump on a website and immediately see a pop-up regarding accepting cookies, and can even be mandatory if you wish to continue to the site. But have you ever truly understood what exactly you’re accepting? Cookies and privacy terms can vary website to website, but here’s what you should know before you make the click.

What Are Cookies?

Cookies allow websites to remember and store information when you use their site. This information can include your name, your login, your purchase history, and more. Depending on what site you visit, it may or may not be wise to accept cookies. Some sites enforce the use of cookies to produce a better experience for the user. This can include personalizing the site based on your preferences and to save your desired items for later. Some cookies are placed by advertisers, which is considered a third party to the site. In this instance, you may want to install safety software to prevent private information from being stolen. The privacy terms you are accepting are there to let you know that the site is transparent about data tracking. So if this concerns you, be sure to read over the conditions before allowing cookie usage. 

When To Say No

While most websites use cookies to create a better experience, there are plenty of reasons to be cautious. If you notice a website is not encrypted, it means there is very little protection for your information. If you are able to catch that the cookie agreement is for third parties, refrain from accepting them. This can allow your data to be stolen, sold, and more vulnerable to hackers. Finally, if you are entering in personal or banking information, do not allow cookies to be used. It is always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your data.

It can be hard to differentiate between a trustworthy or an untrustworthy site, so always pay attention to what terms you accept. If you have any questions about our IT services, contact us today! Follow us on Facebook to keep up with our latest blogs!

National Flash Drive Day

USB flash drives have been a practical and reliable way to transport valuable files to and from different computers. Since the year of 2000, they have been a viable trinket to businesses and students when needing to back up data. Over the years, their storage capacity has reached a whooping 512GB, when it only started at 8 MB. For something so small to become so powerful is a huge deal, which is how it came to getting its own national holiday. 

 

Benefits of the Flash Drive

In respect to the flash drive’s infamous reputation, let start by noting reasons why they come in handy when storing data. A flash drive is very simple to use, and can be easily stowed away because of its size and weight. It is a relatively fast way to transfer files over to different devices, as well as having plenty of storage options. While all these things make the flash drive great, security should remain the biggest concern and priority.

 

Is it Secure?

Flash drives can be secure if they have advanced enough features. Some are equipped with a passcode, preventing users from accessing private material if your flash drive becomes lost or stolen. The problem is that hackers utilize this nifty object to help invade your personal information to spread attacks. It’s important to be aware of what you insert into your computer, considering that a flash drive is capable of carrying dangerous malware. This kind of threat can rupture your IT infrastructure, creating various amounts of issues. These threats can be so serious that in certain situations, the damage is irreversible. Plugging a drive into the USB port can record and gather the information it needs. This information could include access passcodes, sensitive data, and business owned files. Attackers can also use flash drives to maliciously damage your PC all together, completely destroying anything it’s electronically attached to.

 

Conclusion 

While it may seem far-fetched to assume something as tiny as a flash drive can wreak all this havoc, you must consider the importance of your or your business’s data to ensure proper security. Backing up digital data can be simple and secure with the right form of integrated security. If you have any questions about our IT services, contact us today!

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The Importance of Location in Surveillance System Installation

If you own a business, protecting it is probably on the top of your priority list. Surveillance systems and cameras can help you do just that. When making the decisions about CCTV or IP cameras, there are a few different factors to consider before mounting them.

Purpose

Surveillance System Camera

The first thing you want to identify when deciding on the  location(s) of your security cameras is, what are you trying to protect? Is it one building? All the doors to the office? Outdoor equipment? Employee workspaces? Thinking about these questions will help you narrow down exactly where you need cameras and what type.  The whole purpose of a security camera is to protect your business from numerous different threats.  Making sure you are capturing the correct areas is the first step.

Power Source

Cameras need a power source to operate. Is there access to a power connection or can new wiring be installed in the areas you are wanting to place the cameras, or do you want to go with a battery powered or solar panel option.

Mounting

Thinking about the places you are installing the cameras and the material that the surveillance cameras will be mounted to. There are many different brackets and methods for mounting security cameras. Our professionals can help you decide what would work best for your needs.

Environment

There are many all-weather or weather resistant cameras. Thinking about what kind of environment your security system will need to operate in will help you decide the location and what type of camera you will need.

Lighting

Are there lights in the area you want to cover? Is it natural or artificial lights? At night is the space well lit or will you need a camera with night vision?

 

There are many factors that go into deciding the location of your security cameras and the type of system that would be best for your business. Surveillance cameras help protect your company from a range of hazards from theft and crime to workplace accidents. WesTec Services can help make sure you are getting the most out of your surveillance system and assist with answering those questions about camera placement. 

Contact us today if you have any questions about adding a surveillance system to your business or learn more about installing a WesTec Guardian CCTV/ Video Surveillance System here.

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Protecting Your Business with Surveillance Systems

When you think of surveillance systems, do you think of the fuzzy CCTV shots from old true crime documentaries? Video systems have come a long way since then. Past are the days of not being able to identify individuals from recordings. So how can a surveillance system add a level of security to your business and help you mitigate risk?

Surveillance systems for protecting your business

Protection from Theft and Crime

Security cameras can help stop crimes before they even occur. Setting up exposed cameras lets trespassers know that they are being recorded and the likelihood of them being caught just went up. A surveillance system proactively protects your business, and can reduce insurance costs.

If a crime does occur, you’ll have a place for the investigation to start and be able to provide evidence. You can choose cameras that continually record or are triggered by an event, such as someone walking by. All-weather cameras allow you to continue capturing activity in extreme conditions. With the climate in the Houston area, you never know what circumstances your surveillance system will need to be working under.

Reducing Workplace Hazards

CCTV and IP camera systems are not just for the outside of your building, installing cameras in work areas can help reduce work-related accidents. By monitoring work spaces, you can mitigate risk such as verifying machinery is functioning properly, confirm safety procedures are being followed and eliminate hazards that could cause injury. More employee accidents results in higher workers’ compensation rates. A surveillance system allows you to document exactly what occurred.

The decision to add surveillance cameras comes down to keeping your business and employees safe and reducing costs associated with thief, employee accidents and workers’ compensation and insurance.

If you would like to learn more about leveling up your security and adding a surveillance system, contact us today. Learn more about installing a WesTec Guardian CCTV/ Video Surveillance System to your business here.

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Pros and Cons of Machine Learning

 

Machine learning is a type of artificial intelligence that is capable of predicting, detecting and prescribing solutions to many equations. It is mainly used by inserting thousands of images or algorithms into the system, which causes it to recognize the data and know the difference between them. This creates an algorithm that can be used for digital chat bots, voice recognition services and spam detection softwares. But what are the pros and cons of machine learning?

Pros 

When it comes to the pros of machine learning, there are many including prediction, detection and prescription. These complex machines are able to conduct data analysis fast and are more effective than any human. They can predict accurate information that can lead to more health and technological advances. Along with predicting information, machines can also detect this information at a faster rate than humans. They can detect data, images, voices and more. Not only can machines predict and detect information, they can also create solutions for certain algorithms. Scientists believe that machine learning devices can create solutions 100 times faster than humans. Machine learning can be used for many different areas of work or study, especially with the amount of tasks it can perform. 

Cons 

On the other hand, machine learning does have some disadvantages including data privacy and security. Machine learning can conduct many solutions including facial and voice recognition, which can be a problem for some people. When the machine does these types of tasks, many people argue that it is taking vital information from people and storing it internally. When the data is stored, almost anyone can access it, leaving a problem of data security. How to Avoid a Spear-Phishing Attack - WesTec Services

The bottom line is that machine learning is extremely useful. Like other technologies, it has its pros and cons. 

WesTec Services is your one-stop-source for all things IT support & consulting in Houston! Does your business require network installation, backup & disaster recovery, managed services, consulting, and more? We’ve got you covered! Contact us today.

VPNs vs Proxies

 

In the new age of technology, everyone is wanting to protect their data, especially for their business. VPNs and Proxies can both be used as a barrier to protect vital information from being stolen or hacked. But which one is better for you and your business? Here is a breakdown of VPNs vs Proxies:

 

VPNs

A VPN, or Virtual Private Network is an established private service that is used when connected to a public internet network. It provides a user with a different IP address before connecting to the service. It creates a secure connection of different destinations that ensures the privacy of data and information. When using a VPN, it will encrypt any information being sent so it can further be protected. People can easily install a VPN through their computer or an app. Not only that, but certain VPNs give the user the ability to change their location of the IP address. 

Pros and Cons of VPNs

Pros of VPNs include:

  • Encryption of all data
  • Filter everything on the website 
  • Higher security coverage

Cons of VPNs include:

  • Can make connection speed slower
  • Some VPN softwares are expensive

Pros and Cons of Proxies

Pros of proxies include:

  • Cheaper than VPNs
  • Can balance traffic loads without slowing down the connection 
  • Can be used with big companies and servers

Cons of Proxies Include:

  • Less secure than VPNs
  • Some proxies can track certain information including passwords

Proxies

Proxies are simply a barrier between the user and the internet. The proxy acts as a filter when entering data on a website, securing any data that may be at risk. There are many different types of proxies including, forward proxy, reverse proxy, transparent proxy and anonymous proxy. All do the same thing but act upon it in a different way.

 

Which One is Better? 

When it comes to which one is better for you, there is no definitive answer. They both successfully protect user identity and information. They both have pros and cons and it is important to do research in order to find the perfect option for you. 

WesTec services can assist you with any IT questions or services. We offer skilled expertise in all technologies and are ready to help. Contact us for any further information on data security and how to protect yourself. 

Mission: WesTec will be a “turn-key” solution for all of its clients’ business connectivity needs. It will offer efficient and effective solutions, directly and with strategic partners, that create tangible value for its clients at every point of contact. Westec will serve all people and entities with a servant’s heart.

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Houston, TX 77018


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