Tag: Security

5 Proven Methods to Save Money on Proxies

The digital world demands investment in technology, and proxies are an essential part of this. However, these can get expensive quickly. You might find yourself wondering how to keep your devices secure and still stay within your budget. Don’t worry – you’re not stuck. Here are five proven methods to save money on proxies without ever compromising security.

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Defining Proxy Usage

Before diving headfirst into saving methods, it’s crucial to define how you’re using proxies in the first place. Were you aware that usage directly impacts cost? It does.

In line with online activities, different proxy types are needed. For businesses that scrape data from websites without getting banned or individuals who wish to anonymously browse the internet – a high-quality proxy is essential. More advanced usage typically comes with a heftier price tag.

Yet how often you use these proxies also matters. Infrequent users may not need the infrastructure that high-demand users necessitate. Therefore, understanding your proxy usage needs allows you to select the most cost-effective proxy solution without paying for unnecessary extras.

Paid vs Free Proxies

The web brims with free options; one might reason why pay for something you can get for free? Yet with proxies, this position could end up costing you more.

While free proxies look alluring due to their non-existent cost, they come with severe limitations, which could hamper productivity and jeopardize security. Using these often results in slow connections, broken or cluttered services, lack of customer support – complete chaos.

You’re therefore advised that if quality and reliable connection matter – steer clear of them. Instead, consider moderately-priced alternatives that provide acceptable performance rates coupled with robust security measures.

Investigating EarthWeb Coupons

Perhaps an unexpected avenue for saving on your proxies is through coupon sites – EarthWeb, specifically. EarthWeb Coupons are known for their steep discounts on various products and services, including proxies. EarthWeb is an excellent resource for those looking to balance their budgets but not sacrifice quality on their proxy choice.

Coupon sites not only provide substantive savings but also deliver variety. You can easily compare offers from different providers and analyze reviews before deciding. Like EarthWeb, it’s a hub of reputable providers that contain valuable information beyond just pricing – reliability ratings, performance statistics, etcetera giving you a holistic picture of what you’re getting before committing financially.

Investing in Shared Proxies

If you’re thinking of investing in proxies, consider shared ones. They’re less costly compared to private or dedicated proxies, making budget-friendly for businesses looking into cost-cutting without compromising operation efficiency.

Shared proxies are exactly what they sound like; collectively used by several users at a time. While this means the response time might be slightly slower as compared to private proxies (due to multiple simultaneous users), using shared proxies could be a practical option if speed is not your primary consideration – saving you considerable costs in the long run.

Benefit of Bulk Purchasing

If you need many proxies, consider buying them in bulk. Many proxy providers offer fantastic discounts for such purchases. Remember, stocks are cheaper when bought wholesale – proxies aren’t any different.

Purchasing cumbersome amounts of data may seem intimidating initially but remember that the more you buy, the lower the price tag. So it’s advisable to plan out your needs in advance and target discount seasons where you can bulk purchase proxies at discounted rates.

Affordable Annual Plans

On top of bulk buying, another effective way of saving money is by subscribing to annual proxy plans. Paying your proxy fees annually typically results in substantial savings compared to monthly subscriptions.

Several reputable providers offer healthy discounts on longer-term subscriptions. While an annual commitment might seem daunting, especially if you’re new to proxies – by thoroughly researching and understanding needs, planning your usage, costs can significantly decrease.

Plus, a longer subscription provides peace of mind as there’s no need for regular renewals or worry about sudden price escalations.

Sales and Discount Periods

Proxy providers have begun mirroring the retail practice of offering significant sales during peak seasons. Black Friday and Cyber Monday are key promotional periods for major tech brands and startups alike. Though tempting, companies and individual users planning their proxy services for the upcoming year should not lose sight of aligning discounted plans with actual needs.

Rather than jump at deals which might overdeliver bandwidth and capabilities, smart shoppers survey the provider landscape in advance. By forecasting usage across devices and campaigns, buyers can determine their ideal plan parameters and price point.

Risk Factors in Cheap Proxies

You’ve probably heard the saying “you get what you pay for”, and it’s particularly applicable when shopping for proxies. While offering short term savings, cheap proxies often end up proving expensive due to several hidden risks associated with them.

Cheap proxies often suffer from poor service reliability, lack of adequate cyber security features, limited server locations and poor customer support causing operational inefficiencies and potential data breaches. They also tend to be slower, which can significantly hamper your operations.

Ultimately, investing in quality proxies from a renowned and respected provider proves to be more cost-effective. It guarantees reliable service, safeguards vital information, and assures efficient business operations.

Negotiating with Providers

The highly competitive nature of the proxy marketplace gives you a good chance of negotiating deals with providers. Especially if you’re buying in bulk or committing for a longer term, most providers are willing to cut a deal to secure loyal customers.

Often prices listed on websites aren’t fixed and can be tailored according to specific requirements. Don’t hesitate to reach out to their sales team expressing your interest and possible negotiation room. Every penny saved counts towards meeting your bottom line.

Comparing Different Offers

As with any other purchase decision, comparison should form part of your strategy before buying proxies. The internet can expose users to cyber threats, so it’s important to understand what security features different providers offer. Each provider has its pricing model, features, speed, uptime statistics and so on, including whether enhanced cybersecurity is included or lacking. This makes direct comparisons sometimes difficult.

Using comparison websites or manually comparing providers helps decipher what’s available within one’s budget but still meets one’s needs adequately. Comparing different offerings ensures you’re getting the absolute best deal for your cash and aren’t overpaying. It also allows you to select a provider that aligns with your cybersecurity needs.

Avoid Unnecessary Add-Ons

No matter how attractive additional features may appear, stick to your original needs and refrain from unnecessary add-ons that increase costs. Do you really require unlimited bandwidth or premium privacy features? If not, steer clear.

Add-ons prove beneficial if they meet your direct needs. If they don’t align with your business objectives, consider them an unnecessary expenditure. Always evaluate your business needs before falling for extras bundled with your proxy server.

Educating About Scams

There’s lots of ways to save money on proxies, but unfortunately, the marketplace isn’t devoid of scams luring naive buyers with outrageous promises like “unlimited bandwidth for a negligible price”. Maintain a skeptical approach towards these too-good-to-be-true offers.

Instead of ending up paying for something which doesn’t exist or underserved – understand the market average pricing. If it’s far off this range – likely, it’s a scam. Be smart about purchases as any money saved from dodging scams constitutes savings on proxies.

Rounding it Up

In a time where staying anonymous online matters more than ever, proxies are essential tools used by businesses to ensure security and circumvent geographical barriers while economizing where possible. Every bit counts when saving, and by exploring different methods – you’re ensuring you never overpay while keeping operations efficient.

Smart Solutions: Windows Backup Strategies for Marketers

Protecting important assets is an absolute must in the dynamic field of digital marketing as practitioners navigate constantly changing data and information landscapes. Windows backup solutions are at the forefront of protecting marketing initiatives from the capricious vagaries of technology disturbances. As the cornerstone of this defense, these tactics are essential to guaranteeing the durability of critical information and insulating it from the erratic turns of digital disaster. This article outlines several prudent and wise strategies, emphasizing the value of implementing Windows backup solutions to protect marketers from the vagaries of the digital sphere.

Given the demands of ubiquitous data, the fact that Windows is the most widely used operating system in the business world underscores the importance of having a backup plan that covers everything. This strategic necessity is shown by the combination of intelligence and vision contained in Windows backup solutions, which lead the way in reducing the risks related to technological upheaval. The prudent integration of Windows backup solutions becomes the cornerstone of resilience as marketers struggle to preserve important data, guaranteeing imperviousness against the unpredictable nature of the digital ecosystem.

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The Imperative of Prudent Data Custodianship

Nowadays, as data becomes more and more important, marketers have to deal with the difficulty of protecting an increasing amount of critical data. Considering Windows’ continued dominance as the dominant operating system in the business world, creating a comprehensive backup plan is essential. In addition to the financial costs, the immediate risk of data loss can cause long-term damage by eroding consumer confidence and brand value.

The prevalence and indispensability of data in today’s world have made Windows the operating system of choice, putting more pressure on marketers to develop a well-thought-out backup plan. Because of the complex web of possible outcomes that might arise from data loss, it is imperative to exercise financial caution and a clear understanding of the intangible but priceless assets of customer confidence and brand reputation. Adopting a strong Windows backup plan becomes essential protection against the complex consequences that could follow unanticipated data emergencies as marketers maneuver through this era of complex data.

The Paragon of Proactivity: Incremental Backup Paradigm

A pantheon of backup strategies adorns the landscape, yet the incremental approach emerges as the veritable paragon of proactivity. In this stratagem, only the altered or appended data is archived, fostering operational efficiency by preventing redundant duplications. This modus operandi not only conserves storage resources but also expedites the restoration process, a critical facet of the necessity of data retrieval.

The Aegis of Automation: Scheduled Backups

In the crucible of contemporary marketing difficulties, time is a nonpareil asset. Scheduled backups, an exemplar of automation acumen, engender a protective aegis around the marketer’s data citadel. The risk of oversight or negligence is mitigated by choreographing routine backups at preordained intervals, ensuring that the sanctum of vital data is impervious to the vagaries of human foibles.

Quantum Leap: Cloud-Based Backup Solutions

In the nebula of modern backup solutions, the astral prominence of cloud-based alternatives beckons marketers towards a quantum leap in data fortification. Leveraging the ethereal expanse of the cloud, marketers can transcend the limitations of local storage, forging a resilient bulwark against localized catastrophes. The amalgamation of Windows and cloud-based backups bequeaths an unparalleled synergy, epitomizing a symbiosis of security and accessibility.

The Panacea of Versioning: Time-Traveling Data Resilience

Versioning appears as the all-encompassing solution within the complex fabric of data integrity. This cutting-edge tactic allows marketers to trawl through the pages of history, retrieving the most recent version and the full history of file development. Versioning’s intrinsic temporal flexibility protects against unintentional changes and makes forensic analysis easier, allowing for a more thorough and accurate investigation of data abnormalities.

In the ever-changing field of data management, versioning provides a historical account of file evolution while guaranteeing the preservation of the most recent data. This tactical move gives marketers an extensive toolkit to guard against accidental changes and explore the subtleties of anomalous data, allowing for full comprehension and resolution of possible problems. As marketers integrate versioning into their data management toolkit, they access a dynamic solution beyond simple data preservation and usher in a new era of analytical depth and precise control.

The Bastion of Encryption: Safeguarding Sanctified Data

Encryption is like an impregnable wall protecting sacred data from possible intrusions inside the maze-like passageways of digital evil. Marketers, trusted with protecting confidential data, are forced to use cryptographic protocols to protect their backups from the nefarious activities of online criminals. The harmonious combination of strong encryption algorithms with Windows backup tactics creates an unbreakable wall that guarantees data integrity even in hostile attacks.

The strategic partnership between Windows backup solutions and state-of-the-art encryption technology is a strong protection in contemporary cyberwarfare, where information is both a prize and a target. Not only does this well-balanced combination protect the priceless information marketers have given them, but it also shows how dedicated the company is to maintaining the integrity of digital assets in the face of ever-changing cyberattacks.

Conclusion: Windows Backup Strategies – A Pinnacle of Pragmatism

Throughout the last sections of this speech, caution is a recurrent theme. When cleverly planned and executed, Windows backup techniques combine to form an unbeatable apex of practicality that provides marketers with a vital toolkit for negotiating the complex maze of the internet. As stewards of priceless data, marketers must adopt these clever solutions to protect their businesses from the digital sphere’s unpredictable storms and avoid the imminent threat of data loss.

When done well, the strategic integration of these frameworks propels marketers into a transformational era where data vulnerability fades into the background. Resilience is the unwavering feature of their digital fortitude in this era. Marketers, who are stewards of priceless data, take comfort in Windows backup solutions’ indestructibility as they move forward into a world where the threat of data loss vanishes and is replaced by the unwavering certainty of a digitally secure future.

Now restrict the covid to imact your financial credit

 – Since the beginning of March, COVID-19 has turned millions of Americans’ financial situations upside down.

While the economy is showing signs of recovery, many Americans are still unemployed and having to dip into their savings to cover basic living costs. To that end, the question remains: How do you protect your credit score? Read on for some tips.

• Contact your lender aas soon as possible if you can’t make a payment. On-time payments are the largest factor affecting your credit score. Many lenders continue to offer emergency support such as deferral or forbearance options that may allow you to reduce or suspend payments for a fixed period. However, if those terms are set to expire soon, you should “call your lender to discuss what options are available,” says Rod Griffin, senior director of consumer education and advocacy for the credit reporting agency Experian.

• Look for ways to boost your credit score. If you have limited credit history, building credit can be challenging. Experian’s free tool, Experian Boost, can help raise your FICO score instantly by giving you credit for on-time utility, phone and streaming service payments.

This type of alternative financial data, known as “consumer-permissioned data,” allows you to manage your data with confidence and qualify for better credit. In fact, two out of three Experian Boost users see an increase in their credit score with an average increase of about 12 points. That’s enough to make a significant difference when applying for a loan or any type of credit.

• Consider getting a balance transfer credit card or one with an introductory offer. Handled responsibly, this actually has the potential to increase your credit score while either buying you time to pay off your debts or getting a “welcome bonus” of perhaps hundreds of dollars. If you’re looking for personalized credit card options, tools like Experian CreditMatch can help you get the right card based on your financial profile.

• Pay attention to your utilization ratio. Your credit score is based on your total balance-to-limit ratio (a.k.a. “utilization rate”). Adding a new credit card increases your total available credit. As long as your total credit balance remains the same, you’d be decreasing your utilization rate, which can potentially boost your credit score. Be sure to transfer balances to the card with lower interest and be mindful of temporary low interest rates.

While any balance can cause scores to decline, you should keep your utilization under 30 percent, both overall and on individual accounts. Shooting for a top credit score? “Keep your utilization in the single digits, or even better, pay your credit card balances in full each month,” says Griffin.

• Fight fraud by checking your credit report regularly.According to the Federal Trade Commission., there’s been a huge jump in attempted credit – and debit-card fraud since the pandemic hit; consumers have lost more than $100 million to COVID-19-related fraud

CYBER SECURITY

What is Cyber Security?

Computer security, cybersecurity or information technology security (IT security) is the protection of computer systems and networks from the theft of or damage to their hardware, software, or electronic data, as well as from the disruption or misdirection of the services they provide.

The field is becoming more important due to increased reliance on computer systems, the Internet and wireless network standards such as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, and due to the growth of “smart” devices, including smartphones, televisions, and the various devices that constitute the “Internet of Things”. Owing to its complexity, both in terms of politics and technology, cybersecurity is also one of the major challenges in the contemporary world.

Importance of Cyber Security

In today’s connected world, everyone benefits from advanced cyber-defense programs. At an individual level, a cybersecurity attack can result in everything from identity theft, to extortion attempts, to the loss of important data like family photos. Everyone relies on critical infrastructure like power plants, hospitals, and financial service companies. Securing these and other organizations is essential to keeping our society functioning.

Everyone also benefits from the work of cyber-threat researchers, like the team of 250 threat researchers at Talos, who investigate new and emerging threats and cyber attack strategies. They reveal new vulnerabilities, educate the public on the importance of cybersecurity, and strengthen open source tools. Their work makes the Internet safer for everyone.

Types of Cyber Security threats

  1. Phishing is the practice of sending fraudulent emails that resemble emails from reputable sources. The aim is to steal sensitive data like credit card numbers and login information. It’s the most common type of cyber attack. You can help protect yourself through education or a technology solution that filters malicious emails.
  2. Ransomware is a type of malicious software. It is designed to extort money by blocking access to files or the computer system until the ransom is paid. Paying the ransom does not guarantee that the files will be recovered or the system restored.
  3. Malware is a type of software designed to gain unauthorized access or to cause damage to a computer. 
  4. Social engineering is a tactic that adversaries use to trick you into revealing sensitive information. They can solicit a monetary payment or gain access to your confidential data. Social engineering can be combined with any of the threats listed above to make you more likely to click on links, download malware, or trust a malicious source.
  5. SQL (structured language query) injection is a type of cyber-attack used to take control of and steal data from a database. Cybercriminals exploit vulnerabilities in data-driven applications to insert malicious code into a database via a malicious SQL statement. This gives them access to the sensitive information contained in the database.

Recent Cyber Threats

Dridex malware: In December 2019, the U.S. Department of Justice (DoJ) charged the leader of an organized cyber-criminal group for their part in a global Dridex malware attack. This malicious campaign affected the public, government, infrastructure and business worldwide.

Affecting victims since 2014, it infects computers though phishing emails or existing malware. Capable of stealing passwords, banking details and personal data which can be used in fraudulent transactions, it has caused massive financial losses amounting to hundreds of millions.

In response to the Dridex attacks, the U.K.’s National Cyber Security Centre advises the public to “ensure devices are patched, anti-virus is turned on and up to date and files are backed up”.

Romance scams: In February 2020, the FBI warned U.S. citizens to be aware of confidence fraud that cybercriminals commit using dating sites, chat rooms and apps. Perpetrators take advantage of people seeking new partners, duping victims into giving away personal data. The FBI reports that romance cyber threats affected 114 victims in New Mexico in 2019, with financial losses amounting to $1.6 million.

Emotet malware: In late 2019, The Australian Cyber Security Centre warned national organizations about a widespread global cyber threat from Emotet malware. Emotet is a sophisticated trojan that can steal data and also load other malware. Emotet thrives on unsophisticated password: a reminder of the importance of creating a secure password to guard against cyber threats.

End-User Protection

End-user protection or endpoint security is a crucial aspect of cyber security. After all, it is often an individual (the end-user) who accidentally uploads malware or another form of cyber threat to their desktop, laptop or mobile device.

So, how do cyber-security measures protect end users and systems? First, cyber-security relies on cryptographic protocols to encrypt emails, files, and other critical data. This not only protects information in transit, but also guards against loss or theft.

In addition, end-user security software scans computers for pieces of malicious code, quarantines this code, and then removes it from the machine. Security programs can even detect and remove malicious code hidden in Master Boot Record (MBR) and are designed to encrypt or wipe data from computer’s hard drive.

Electronic security protocols also focus on real-time malware detection. Many use heuristic and behavioral analysis to monitor the behavior of a program and its code to defend against viruses or trojans that change their shape with each execution (polymorphic and metamorphic malware). Security programs can confine potentially malicious programs to a virtual bubble separate from a user’s network to analyze their behavior and learn how to better detect new infections.

Security programs continue to evolve new defenses as cyber-security professionals identify new threats and new ways to combat them. To make the most of end-user security software, employees need to be educated about how to use it. Crucially, keeping it running and updating it frequently ensures that it can protect users against the latest cyber threats.

Security Measures

A state of computer “security” is the conceptual ideal, attained by the use of the three processes: threat prevention, detection, and response. These processes are based on various policies and system components, which include the following:

  • User account access controls and cryptography can protect systems files and data, respectively.
  • Firewalls are by far the most common prevention systems from a network security perspective as they can (if properly configured) shield access to internal network services, and block certain kinds of attacks through packet filtering. Firewalls can be both hardware- or software-based.
  • Intrusion Detection System (IDS) products are designed to detect network attacks in-progress and assist in post-attack forensics, while audit trails and logs serve a similar function for individual systems.
  • “Response” is necessarily defined by the assessed security requirements of an individual system and may cover the range from simple upgrade of protections to notification of legal authorities, counter-attacks, and the like. In some special cases, complete destruction of the compromised system is favored, as it may happen that not all the compromised resources are detected.

Today, computer security comprises mainly “preventive” measures, like firewalls or an exit procedure. A firewall can be defined as a way of filtering network data between a host or a network and another network, such as the Internet, and can be implemented as software running on the machine, hooking into the network stack (or, in the case of most UNIX-based operating systems such as Linux, built into the operating system kernel) to provide real-time filtering and blocking. Another implementation is a so-called “physical firewall”, which consists of a separate machine filtering network traffic. Firewalls are common amongst machines that are permanently connected to the Internet.

Some organizations are turning to big data platforms, such as Apache Hadoop, to extend data accessibility and machine learning to detect advanced persistent threats.

However, relatively few organizations maintain computer systems with effective detection systems, and fewer still have organized response mechanisms in place. The primary obstacle to effective eradication of cybercrime could be traced to excessive reliance on firewalls and other automated “detection” systems. Yet it is basic evidence gathering by using packet capture appliances that puts criminals behind bars.


In order to ensure adequate security, the confidentiality, integrity and availability of a network, better known as the CIA triad, must be protected and is considered the foundation to information security. To achieve those objectives, administrative, physical and technical security measures should be employed. The amount of security afforded to an asset can only be determined when its value is known.