Pointers to Consider When Buying a Firewall

March 12, 2019| Mario Cain| 0 Comment| 12:52 PM

Categories:

Technology

Information security is essential to the success of any business. Now that many people seem to have come tech-survey, protecting your business from malicious hackers becomes inevitable. While there are several ways that you can use to protect your business, a firewall is the most outstanding.

However, one needs to understand that buying a firewall is never a walk in the park.

Now that several companies are dealing with firewalls, for you to get the best option, you will need to make sure are well informed.
Here are essential points that you should always consider when it comes to buying the best firewall for your business.

Future Trends

Before buying a firewall, you need to make sure that you have a proper plan for the future of your business. If one of the dreams that you have is to have a large company in the future, then it is prudent to put this into consideration when buying a firewall for your business. Firewalls come in different sizes, and people often make mistakes by choosing the wrong size.

Business Environment

Another important factor that you are supposed to consider is the environment under which your business operates. It is good to understand that if you run your business in a cloud environment, the purchase of a firewall will be influenced by this. In a cloud environment, you expect a lot of threats, and you can best handle them when you have the right type of firewall.

Company Size

The company size might appear to be an obvious consideration, but the truth is that many people do not stop to pay attention to it. If your company size is large, then it means that you have many employees and this means that there are lots of applications used. In such a circumstance, you will need a robust firewall to be sure that your business is safe.

The Circuit Size

The circuit size is a critical factor to consider anytime you think of buying a firewall for your business. This is because it plays an essential role when it comes to the sizing of a new firewall. The circuit size enables you to get more than the enabled features from your firewall.

The Security Features

The security features that you intend to incorporate in your business is another important factor that you need to consider when buying a firewall. If the security features are sophisticated, then it merely means that you will need a robust firewall.

Deepfake News Videos Are Here – How to Spot and Stop ThemDeepfake News Videos Are Here – How to Spot and Stop Them

April 26, 2025| Debbie Hobbs| 0 Comment| 6:03 PM

The digital landscape is evolving at breakneck speed, and with it comes a new breed of misinformation: deepfake news videos. These highly sophisticated manipulations can distort reality in ways that seem almost magical. From political speeches to celebrity scandals, the potential for misuse is staggering.

As viewers, we find ourselves questioning what’s real and what’s fabricated, like what happened the first time we heard that the time to make the donuts actor, Michael Vale, died. But fear not—awareness is our greatest weapon against this burgeoning threat. By understanding how to identify these deceptive clips and knowing the tools available for verification, we can reclaim our ability to discern truth from fiction.

Open-Source Tools to Verify Suspicious Footage

When faced with dubious video content, open-source tools can be a lifesaver. They empower users to scrutinize footage effectively and spot potential signs of manipulation. Platforms like InVID allow you to break down videos frame by frame. This tool can analyze key elements such as metadata and source verification. It provides insight into the originality of clips that might otherwise slip under the radar. Another useful option is FotoForensics, which examines images for inconsistencies in pixelation or editing patterns. These subtle clues often reveal whether an image has been altered. Additionally, tools like TinEye help trace back where a video originated, establishing its authenticity through reverse image searching.

How BBC and Reuters Are Preparing Their Newsrooms

As deepfake technology evolves, news organizations like BBC and Reuters are stepping up their defenses. They recognize the potential threat that manipulated videos pose to public trust. Both outlets are investing in advanced training for journalists. This includes workshops on recognizing deepfakes and understanding the tools available for verification. By enhancing media literacy within their teams, they aim to foster a culture of skepticism towards unverified content. Moreover, these newsrooms are adopting cutting-edge software designed to detect alterations in video footage. This proactive approach allows them to filter out questionable material before it reaches viewers.

The Role of Blockchain in Authenticating Media

Blockchain technology is transforming how we authenticate media. By creating a decentralized ledger, it ensures that content remains tamper-proof and traceable. Each piece of media can be hashed and stored on the blockchain. This process generates a unique digital fingerprint. Anyone who views the footage can verify its authenticity against this record. Moreover, blockchain allows for clear attribution to original creators. It reinforces trust by providing transparency about who produced what content and when. This level of security is crucial in combating deepfakes and misinformation. As news organizations adopt these technologies, they gain powerful tools to maintain credibility in an era where fake visuals are rampant.

Why Watermarks Aren’t Enough Anymore

Watermarks used to be a reliable method for verifying authenticity. They served as a visual cue, giving viewers confidence in what they were watching. However, with the rise of deepfake technology, this reassurance is fading fast. Digital manipulation tools have evolved significantly. Today’s software can easily remove or alter watermarks without leaving a trace. This means that even if footage appears authentic at first glance, it may not be trustworthy. Moreover, audiences are becoming more sophisticated and skeptical. A simple watermark does little to convince them of credibility when misinformation spreads like wildfire on social media platforms.

How to Stop the Spread of Deepfake News

Deepfake news poses significant challenges for media consumers and journalists alike. To mitigate its spread, education is key. Individuals need to be informed about the existence of deepfakes and how they work. Teaching critical thinking skills can empower audiences to question what they see. News organizations must adopt a proactive approach as well. Collaborations between tech experts and journalists are essential in creating guidelines for identifying manipulated content. But most importantly, let’s use social media power. Enhanced algorithms that detect altered footage before it goes viral could significantly reduce misinformation’s reach.

Common IT Problems and How an IT Support Company Can Solve ThemCommon IT Problems and How an IT Support Company Can Solve Them

November 13, 2023| Debbie Hobbs| 0 Comment| 5:48 AM

Are you tired of dealing with constant network issues, hardware failures, and software glitches? Is the fear of a security breach or data loss keeping you awake? If so, it’s time to consider partnering with an IT support company. These experts have the knowledge and tools to solve your IT problems efficiently and effectively. If you are interested in finding one trusted by many, consider checking Charlotte Managed IT Services North Carolina. In this blog post, we’ll explore five common IT problems that businesses face regularly and how an IT support company can help alleviate these headaches.

Network Issues

Network issues can be a major source of frustration for businesses. Whether it’s slow internet speeds, dropped connections, or intermittent outages, these problems can severely impact productivity and hinder daily operations. One common network issue is bandwidth congestion. Too many devices using the same network simultaneously can lead to sluggish performance and slower data transfer rates. An IT support company can assess your network infrastructure and recommend solutions, such as upgrading your router.

Hardware Failures

Hardware failures are a common issue that many businesses face. Whether it’s a faulty hard drive, a malfunctioning printer, or a crashed server, these problems can bring operations to a standstill and cause significant disruptions in productivity. When hardware fails, it can be frustrating and costly for businesses. Employees may be unable to access critical files or complete their tasks efficiently. This can lead to missed deadlines and unhappy clients. One of the main reasons behind hardware failures is outdated equipment. Over time, technology becomes obsolete and prone to failure.

Software Problems

One of the most frustrating software problems is when applications crash unexpectedly. This interrupts work and leads to data loss if unsaved changes are involved. An experienced IT support team will have the expertise to diagnose and troubleshoot such crashes quickly, minimizing downtime. Compatibility issues between different software programs can also cause headaches for businesses. When systems aren’t properly integrated or don’t communicate effectively with each other, it becomes challenging to streamline processes and share information seamlessly across departments.

Security Breaches

These fraudulent attempts to obtain confidential information, such as passwords or credit card details, often come as deceptive emails or websites. By educating employees about the signs of a phishing attempt and implementing strong email filters, an IT support company can help minimize the risk of falling victim to these scams. Another type of security breach is malware infection. Malicious software can infiltrate a system through various means, including infected downloads or compromised websites. An IT support team can detect and remove any potential threats by regularly updating antivirus software and conducting thorough system scans before they cause significant damage.

Data Loss and Backup

Losing important data can be a nightmare for any business. The consequences can be devastating, Whether due to hardware failure, accidental deletion, or a malicious attack. That’s why having a robust data backup system is crucial. One common IT problem related to data loss is the lack of regular backups. Many businesses neglect this essential task and only realize its importance when disaster strikes. Without proper backups, recovering lost data becomes much more challenging and time-consuming.

Another issue that often leads to data loss is human error. IT problems can cripple businesses, causing downtime, loss of productivity, and potential financial losses. However, by partnering with an IT support company, businesses can have peace of mind knowing that their technology is in capable hands. These experts are equipped to handle a wide range of IT issues, from network and hardware failures to software problems and security breaches. They can also help implement proactive solutions such as regular backups and system updates to prevent future problems. Don’t let IT problems hinder your business’s success any longer – reach out to an IT support company today and experience the difference it can make for your operations.

Your Office Wi-Fi Isn’t the Problem, Your IT Strategy IsYour Office Wi-Fi Isn’t the Problem, Your IT Strategy Is

August 1, 2025| Debbie Hobbs| 0 Comment| 5:41 AM

When tech issues pop up, most businesses don’t call for help, they Google it, tap the one guy who “knows computers,” or ignore it until things explode. But here’s the kicker: those “minor” problems? They’re quietly draining your productivity, exposing your data, and killing morale. For companies based in North Carolina, RCOR Managed IT Raleigh offers an actual solution. But do they include the best IT strategy?

Quick Fixes Are Costing You More Than You Think

If your team’s losing time trying to troubleshoot slow laptops or reconnect printers, that’s payroll wasted. And it adds up. One minute here. Ten minutes there. Multiply that across employees and weeks, and you’ve burned through a chunk of your budget just waiting on error messages to clear. Managed IT means those issues get handled immediately and permanently.

Outdated Systems Are Basically Open Doors

Hackers don’t need Hollywood-level skills to get into vulnerable networks. Most of them just need one old app or a forgotten software update. That’s all it takes. And don’t assume small businesses aren’t targets. In fact, they’re easier targets. You might not even know something’s off until customer data goes missing or your system locks up and demands a ransom. Working with an IT service means someone’s always watching your tech, not just reacting when it’s already too late.

You’ve Got a Business to Run

Every time someone on your team stops what they’re doing to fiddle with the router, your business slows down. You hired people to move the company forward, not play part-time IT techs. Would you ask your office manager to rewire your building’s electrical system? Didn’t think so. The same logic applies here. Professionals handle the updates, the support tickets, and the panic moments. You get back to focusing on what actually pays the bills.

Patched-up Security Isn’t Real Security

Antivirus software alone doesn’t cut it anymore. Cyber threats evolve, and they evolve fast. You need protection that adjusts without you lifting a finger. That includes things like email filtering, automatic backups, device monitoring, and even keeping tabs on employees working remotely. Managed IT keeps your tech covered from all angles, without turning your inbox into a tech support hotline.

Your Business Deserves the Best Tech Teams

You don’t have to understand every part of your network. You just need it to work fast, safely, and with zero drama. That’s what managed IT does. It keeps the engine running in the background while you handle the big stuff. And no, you don’t need a giant company budget to get this level of service. That’s the beauty of working with experts who understand small business pressure points.

You wouldn’t fix your own plumbing with duct tape. Stop patching up your tech with Google searches and guesswork. If your business depends on functioning systems, then it’s time to treat your tech with the same care you give your clients. Let professionals carry that weight so you can breathe easier. Your inbox (and your staff) will thank you.