Any illegal or false transaction by a cybercriminal is termed payment fraud. In this type of fraud, the perpetrator deprives the victim of sensitive information, personal property, or funds via the Internet. E-commerce primarily depends on electronic transactions to charge customers for services rendered and products delivered. The increased volume of online transactions also causes a spike in fraudulent activities. However, one can avoid payment processing software scams with a few tips and tricks. 1. Closely monitor the transactions Keep a tab on all the transactions and verify all the crucial details during the transaction. These include: The transaction date Amount IP address Shipping address 2. Use strong passwords Encourage individuals to keep unique passwords for their accounts. Doing so is one of the best techniques for avoiding payment processing software scams, as it lowers the probability of any trespasser gaining access to payment details. 3. Use multi-factor authentication (MFA) Whenever feasible, switch to MFA to add an extra layer of security to devices and accounts and boost protection. When one uses MFA, users have to input verification like a code. It lowers the probability of theft as the code goes to the owner’s: Authenticator apps Email Mobile devices 4. Limit access to confidential data One can avoid payment processing software scams when there’s restricted access to private and confidential information, which lowers the probability of the information leaking. So the data is safe and won’t end up in the wrong hands. One must only share one’s confidential information with either trustworthy individuals or any employees whose role in one’s company requires them to have access. 5. Secure payment gateways Ensure the software or the platform has secure payment gateways. These encrypt the information and keep the funds safe. 6. Use fraud detection tools Such software can help monitor transactions for patterns or suspicious activities.

The internet plays an indispensable role in one’s daily life. The digital realm offers unparalleled convenience, from enabling communication and education to shopping and entertainment. But the more the online world is embraced, the more people are exposed to potential privacy breaches in increasingly innovative ways. Protecting one’s privacy online has become an essential skill to master, and fortunately, there are several effective strategies one can employ to do this. 8 Simple Ways to Protect One’s Privacy Online Create Strong and Unique Passwords Passwords are one’s access to all personal information, so one is advised to opt for long and complex passwords. They can include a combination of letters, numbers, and special characters. Use Two-factor Authentication (2FA) Two-factor authentication is often used by businesses and banks. This secondary verification step adds an additional layer of protection and may include a text message, an email, or a specialized authentication app. So, even if an unauthorized individual gains access to one’s password, they would be unable to infiltrate one’s accounts without the next step. Update the Software The updates often prompted by operating systems, web browsers, and apps contain security patches aimed at rectifying vulnerabilities that hackers could potentially exploit. So, updating them ensures that one’s software is the latest, most fortified version. Limit Third-Party App Permissions Many phone apps and websites request access to various aspects of one’s digital life. So, it’s best to review the permissions one has granted to apps and revoke those that don’t require access to sensitive information. Clear Digital Footprint Browsing history, cookies, and cached data can accumulate over time and reveal one’s online activities. So, regularly clearing these traces from one’s devices can help maintain one’s privacy. Do Not Click on Phishing Emails Phishing attacks involve tricking users into revealing personal information through fake websites or emails.

Despite the iPhone’s many advanced security features, the risk of malware remains for one reason ― it is connected to the web. Hackers can still access a phone via the internet, which is why there are antivirus programs to keep sensitive data protected. Picking the right antivirus for the iPhone comes down to the safety options that are offered. Here are some of the best antivirus software that come with robust security features. McAfee Antivirus Plus The McAfee Antivirus Plus offers protection for cloud-based offline and online data for your iPhone. It has a strong firewall, apt malware identification, and quick spam filtration that can be used across multiple devices at home. It protects your identity over the internet and reduces the risk of online theft. Although there is a lack of parental control features, the multi-device security makes it worth getting, especially if many family members own iPhones and other Apple devices. Bitdefender Mobile Security for iOS This antivirus software by Bitdefender offers VPN protection for encrypted data transfer. It will protect your online activity and secure any sensitive information sent via the web. There is also a way to check for breaches of privacy so that you’re always aware of a third-party invader. The software also shields the user from clicking on a malicious page, putting their data at risk. Bitdefender is a good program for privacy and protection in an antivirus for their iPhone. Kaspersky Security Cloud for iOS Kaspersky offers all-around protection for iOS with features like VPN, password manager, and Home Wi-Fi security. It activates automatically when a dangerous connection is detected over the internet. This saves your phone from phishing, false advertising, and other online vulnerabilities which would otherwise spew viruses into the system. The Kaspersky Safe Kids, which comes with the software, is great for adjusting parental controls and protecting the content a child is exposed to.

The Internet has become a crucial part of our day-to-day life. If you consider the amount of time you spend glued to a screen, you will realize just how web-dependent life is today. And this is excluding the time spent working. With increased reliance on devices and cloud storage, we must sit up and take note of common internet mistakes, especially since they can be making you vulnerable to online threats. Relying on public WiFi You would be hard-pressed to find more than a handful of people that do not love the idea of free WiFi. The caveat in being connected to a public WiFi is that you might expose yourself to unsafe surfing practices. Especially if you are trying to make the most of the WiFi connection available at airports and cafes and using it to access sensitive or personal data, you could end up with a malicious threat planted in your devices without you even realizing it. Reusing password It is easy to find people who prefer using the same password across various platforms, irrespective of its strength. This can mainly be attributed to the person’s desire to avoid confusion and the task of remembering different passwords for different platforms. It makes life easier for hackers and makes you more vulnerable to security theft. Snoozing software updates To avoid any vulnerabilities and threats to your data, it is important to keep all devices and software up to date. One of the most common mistakes people with smart devices and internet connections make is putting off software updates frequently. Security software no longer acts as the first line of defense against threats. It is, therefore, essential to keep all your programs up to date to avoid any threats. Keeping the complete system safe is now all the more important than simply security programs.

Conference calls have become necessary, especially as companies expand and onboard employees from different parts of the world. Besides, as the work-from-home culture gains momentum, the reliance on video-calling software has witnessed a further increase. Here, we’ll look at some of the top video conference web software and their pricing options. Zoom Zoom has become one of the most popular video conferencing software recently. You can use it not only for official meetings but also for informal catch-ups with friends and family. The basic plan is free, and you can add up to 100 participants in one call; however, the time limit is capped at 40 minutes. If needed, you can upgrade to a better plan. For instance, the Pro plan costs around $150/year and offers group meetings for up to 30 hours. You can also go for the Business plan or Enterprise plan, which cost $200/year and $240/year, respectively. The former includes recording transcripts and company branding and can host up to 300 participants, while the latter offers unlimited cloud storage and up to 500 people. Google Meet A Google-owned enterprise, Google Meet is famous and easily accessible to anyone with a Gmail account. Like Zoom, Google Meet also offers different pricing and plans besides its free version. The starter plan provides 30 GB of cloud storage and 100 participants for $6/month. The other options include Business Standard and Business Plus for $12/month and $18/month, respectively. With each upgrade, you get better cloud storage and the ability to admit more people. Google Meet also has an Enterprise plan, for which you can contact them directly for pricing. BlueJeans Meetings A Verizon product, BlueJeans is another top video conference web software. As far as the pricing goes, BlueJeans Standard costs $120/year for 100 participants and unlimited meeting time. The Pro account allows you 150 participants and 25 hours of recording limit for approximately $170/year.

According to FBI reports, there are over 1 million burglaries every year across the country. It is essential to keep our homes and businesses safe. One way of doing so is by installing a security system around the premises. The most essential part of this system is the security camera, which helps you keep an eye on the place even when you’re not around. Avoid these common mistakes when installing security cameras: Choosing the wrong location for the cameras The most important factor when installing cameras is their location. For them to truly be beneficial, they need to have a clear line of sight to your areas of interest (such as doors or lockers). Having some visible cameras is also a great way to ward off intruders. Other cameras can be more discreetly placed to monitor areas without their knowledge. That’s not all. Putting security cameras too low lets any criminal disable the surveillance system by cutting the wires or spraying black paint on it. Ensure that the cameras are placed at a higher level, so criminals cannot reach them without a ladder. Having bad security software Security cameras and surveillance systems are only as good as the software that backs them up. Ensure you invest in quality security camera software that can be updated regularly. Not having a backup power source Keeping your cameras online, especially during power outages, is important to prevent burglaries on your property. Install a backup power source when installing your cameras to avoid this risk. Not being careful when you DIY Often, camera installation mistakes happen when people try to put up their cameras themselves. If you would like to carry out the installation yourself, look for easy plug-and-play security options like Lorex Wireless Security Cameras that connect to your WiFi network in minutes and record all the data to an onboard MicroSD card or call a professional camera installation service to do it for you.

The internet is one of the richest information sources and a platform to enjoy content. However, the flip side to the net is that there are too many ways one could fall prey to scammers, hackers, or viruses. While it could happen to anyone, seniors who do not fully understand the internet might be at a greater risk of getting scammed. Here are five tips to help safeguard everyone’s interest, including seniors, while navigating the internet. Avoid unsecured transactions While the internet has made paying for things much easier, one should never do this on a public, unsecured network. Sometimes, scammers intentionally create these networks to gain access to all the sensitive information a user has on their device. Update systems regularly Hackers constantly look for loopholes to access user data. This is why manufacturers work around the clock to patch these weak points and strengthen a device’s security. Therefore, it is essential to update each device regularly to keep it safe from cyber threats. Do not click on unfamiliar email links If one receives an email from an unfamiliar address, one should not open or click links in its contents. These links could secretly install malware on an electronic device, such as a computer, and damage it. It may also grant unauthorized access to the scammer, who may siphon vital data, such as that associated with banking. Be aware of scareware Sometimes hackers might find ways to transmit a popup to smartphones or computers, usually referred to as scareware. An “urgent” window may appear on the screen that the device is compromised and needs repairing. However, clicking the link may ask for payment to clean the computer. However, one should close such popups immediately. If these appear after installing a particular app or software, it’s recommended to uninstall and delete all associated files right away.

Buying a new computer can be incredibly expensive, given the significant investment it requires. Also, the amount of choice available in terms of prices and configuration can make the whole process of buying a new device very overwhelming. Shoppers often make mistakes when buying a new computer, especially those who are less tech-savvy. In this article, we’ve listed a few common mistakes you can avoid when buying a new computer. Purchasing a computer that does not meet your needs Before buying a computer, it is important to determine your needs, whether you want to use it for home, work, or gaming. There is no reason to buy a computer with tons of RAM if you are not going to use it for heavy workloads or gaming. Shoppers often spend more money on features that they do not need. Before buying, you must list all the features you need and purchase the best one that meets your needs. Not thinking about other costs If you buy a gaming computer, be aware of what is included in your purchase. Most computer software is accessible on a trial basis, and you would need to pay after the trial period ends. It is best to look for deals where software is included in the price to help save money. For example – many computers come standard with Windows 10. Again, shoppers often forget to buy antivirus software, a must-have when buying a computer. Some computers may come with a 90-day free virus scanner; if you want to use it, it is best to purchase the updated software. Paying for an extended warranty Most computers come with a 1-year warranty, and it is better to skip the extended warranty when buying a new computer. Extended warranties are available for a fee, and companies profit significantly from them.

Companies hire more staff as they grow. Sometimes, different people from across the globe join them. However, managing a global workforce can be challenging. The company must manage multiple employees’ payrolls, monetary benefits, and taxes and handle many other things. Hiring an Employer of Record (EOR) to govern these tasks can somewhat smoothen the company’s operations. So, here are four of the most essential benefits of using an EOR service: Hassle-free management of compliance Although necessary, compliance is quite time-consuming. Companies must remember and follow many rules, like creating financial reports, fulfilling minimum requirements for insurance coverage, and filing taxes. As a company grows, compliance work only increases, which can be challenging. A better way to manage compliance is to hire an EOR. It will help the company ensure proper compliance at the global level and save time on these tasks. Timely payment of employee salaries Paying employees on time is essential to ensure they are happy with their jobs and continue to do well. However, as companies hire more people, it can become difficult to handle their salaries. An EOR service manages the entire company payroll, ensuring individuals get their monthly salaries on time. Easy hiring of employees from around the world As mentioned, some companies must start branches abroad and hire people from different countries as they expand. However, getting the embassy’s approval to start business operations in another country can take a long time. In such cases, a company may be unable to independently hire employees from these countries, even if they are good. Luckily, an EOR can hire employees worldwide and pay them for their services. So, by hiring an EOR service provider, companies can get on their way toward expansion! Use of high-end HR software tools and platforms Many companies use modern software to carry out HR processes, which may be expensive.

As the end of the financial year closes in, many people find themselves scrambling to file income tax returns in time this year. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) issues strict guidelines for ensuring a smooth and quick tax filing process. The last thing you want is a notification from the IRS citing an issue with the income tax return submission. So, here are six mistakes to avoid when filing your income tax return: Filing returns prematurely You might receive documentation regarding your current financial status, and this information has to be updated with the IRS. Filing prematurely can result in mistakes like omissions that only delay the processing of returns. Choosing the wrong form or filing status The IRS issues several forms for individuals, businesses, commercial establishments, and government entities to file returns. Ensure you choose the correct form and update the filing status on the official website. If there are dependents in the house or you are filing for a joint return, your filing status can vary accordingly. Making calculation errors Adding the wrong amount, excluding critical tax breaks, or even making mathematical errors while computing your income tax return are issues that IRS software can detect. However, miscalculating the return can delay the process. If you are unsure, always get expert assistance from a firm that specializes in tax returns. Adding incorrect details Avoid spelling mistakes, adding inaccurate details about your social security status, or omitting crucial financial information. Enlist the help of a certified accountant or consider using tax filing software to simplify the process of filling out forms. Overlooking important updates The IRS shares regular updates and circulars after the conclusion of any financial year to update citizens about the changes in the tax regime. You should stay informed of all the criteria for successfully filing returns.

Public Wi-Fi spots are free to use and available across the country. So you can easily connect and enjoy seamless browsing on the go. However, these connections are not completely secured and can easily be hacked by scammers and phishing sites. But you can ensure your browsing experience is safe and not vulnerable to online attacks in a few ways. Here are a few tips to secure your computer while accessing public Wi-Fi hotspots: Pick a secure network Don’t just click on the first Wi-Fi hotspot that shows up in the phone menu. Pick the correct network name if it’s at a coffee shop, as scammers and hackers duplicate these names. However, you should be able to spot the spelling mistakes in these decoy networks and avoid opening such links at all costs. Ask for the official Wi-Fi names at these places, and only then connect to a secure encryption network. Use a VPN A Virtual Provider Network (VPN) connection is one of the best ways to prevent hackers and scammers from publicly accessing your computer’s IP. A VPN is software that masks the real IP address of the computer connected to a public network by rerouting the connection to a private server. So, the real address is not visible as long as the VPN is active. Most premium VPNs provide access to servers across the globe. Configure device settings Laptops, smartphones, and smart tablets are all, by default, configured to locate and select the first available network on a public Wi-Fi hotspot. However, this is how scammers and hackers can quickly gain unauthorized access to your computer. Change the default discovery settings and disable these options. You should always manually choose the preferably password-protected network only after turning on the VPN software. These three simple steps ensure the connection remains private and safe.

For most purposes, mobile phones have made cameras, clocks, computers, and many devices redundant. With their ever-expanding capabilities, mobile phones today have also become increasingly vulnerable to online threats like nasty, damaging cyber-attacks and data pilfering. As per a 2022 study, mobile phones face more than 60 percent of digital fraud via stolen passwords and phishing attacks. To stay clear of these, one needs to avoid making some of the following mistakes: Installing fake apps on smartphones Scammers can create apps that look legit but are just viruses or other threats disguised as actual mobile applications. To avoid this threat, one needs to complete software and security updates regularly, provide personal information only if it is necessary, check customer reviews for any app before installing it on their phone, and verify applications they want to download from the app store for duplicates. Fake apps are among the most common smartphone threats, and taking these simple precautions can prevent a person from exposing themselves to a cyber-attack or another kind of online fraud. Not being careful during online shopping Most people choose eCommerce apps on their phones to make purchases. However, online shopping sites can contain threats too. For example, an individual may fall into the trap of giving away their card details to scammers via the aforementioned fake or fraudulent shopping apps. Other than that, one may share the password of their shopping apps with their friends, thereby landing themselves in trouble. For this reason, one must only buy goods and services from trusted shopping sites and apps. Additionally, it is wiser not to save one’s payment details on such sites. Opening links/attachments in shady emails Emails from vague, potentially illicit sources need to be directed straight to the “spam” or “trash” folder on smartphones as they can cause data loss and software damage.