General

Exploring the Best Databases to Deploy in 2023

Among the essential assets of any organisation, data ranks highly due to its critical role in decision-making and streamlining operations.

As such, businesses are constantly seeking the most efficient ways of storing and managing their data.

Consequently, the choice of database becomes a crucial determinant of an organisation’s competitiveness, given the increasing reliance on data-driven operations. In this article, we delve into the fastest aand mosthighly efficient databases set to dominate the market in 2023.

Table of Contents

  1. Understanding Databases
  2. Types of Databases
  3. Benefits of Utilising Database Software
  4. Criteria for Selecting the Best Database Software
  5. Top-Ranking Databases
  6. Which Database is Easiest to Use?
  7. In Conclusion

Understanding Databases

A Database constitutes a methodical collection of wide-ranging structured and unstructured data in an electronic system.

This collection is typically managed through a Database Management System (DBMS). Together, the data, database, DBMS, and all associated applications form a database system.

Essentially, a database system can be likened to a vast table with multiple rows and columns, though it is significantly more complex.

As information continues to multiply, the necessity to create an advanced Database Management System (DBMS) has led to the development of numerous databases to yield precise results. Databases can primarily be categorised into Flat Files, Relational, and Non-Relational Databases.

Types of Databases

The three key types of databases include:

  1. Flat File Database: This type of database stores data without any proper structure or indexing. The data in a Flat File Database does not relate to one another, thereby serving as a solution for relatively simple database tasks. This lack of correlation renders it almost ineffective in the data-driven world.
  2. Relational Database: As the name suggests, a Relational Database stores and provides access to related data points. It was developed to structure a wide variety of information. For instance, an E-Commerce business needs to track its transactions. In such a case, storing information in multiple tables proves more accessible than the linear model of storing data. This structure defines a hierarchy to access and manage all the data and hence, it is referred to as a Hierarchical Database.
  1. Non-Relational Database: This database was created mainly to manage Unstructured Data sourced from numerous platforms such as documents, audio, video, social networks, etc. It stores data differently from relational tables to allow related data to be kept within a single data structure. The Non-Relational Database is further categorised into four types of databases, i.e., Document Store, Key-Value Databases, Wide-column Stores, and Graph Databases.

Benefits of Utilising Database Software

The central advantages of using a database include:

  1. Improved Data Sharing: Databases equip users with better access to well-managed data, enabling them to respond promptly to changes occurring in their environment.
  2. Reduced Data Redundancy: The File-based Data management system often led to data redundancy as it comprises several files stored in multiple locations within a system. This issue was fostering numerous copies of the same file. Today, in a database, any minor change is immediately reflected throughout the tables, preventing any chance of encountering duplicate data.
  3. Enhanced Data Security: As the number of new users increase, the amount of data sharing also escalates. This increase heightens the risk for data security. However, Database Management Systems (DBMS) offer a secure platform and robust policies that ensure data privacy.
  4. Faster Data Access: Databases facilitate impromptu responses to database queries, thereby enabling quicker and more accurate data access.

Criteria for Selecting the Best Database Software

Many developers prefer to work with a Database they’re familiar with. However, as your application grows, you are bound to encounter issues that are challenging to rectify.

As such, it is crucial to consider various aspects before choosing Database Software for your project. Your Database option should complement the requirements of your application or project.

Take into account the following factors before deciding on a Database for your application:

  1. Understand your requirements. Check on the speed, scalability requirements, data structures, and amount of data you’re working with. SQL Databases are perfectly suited to store and process structured datasets, whereas NoSQL Databases are best suited for semi-structured and unstructured data types.
  2. Familiarise yourself with different types of Databases. Model your data to ascertain which type of Database (Relational, Columnar, Graph, etc.) is relevant for your use case.
  3. The data stored in your Database should be well protected at all times. ACID-compliant Relational Databases are more secure compared to Non-Relational Databases.
  4. Regardless of the type of application/project, it’s always preferable to opt for a Database Management System with multiple Database options to manage data.
  5. Ensure that your Database securely integrates with third-party tools and services within your project.
  6. Look for additional Databases that support added features like Data Pipeline processing, Searching, and Caching.

Top-Ranking Databases

The 12 best databases anticipated to dominate the market in 2023 are as follows:

  1. MySQL: Launched in 1995, MySQL is an Open-Source Relational Database Management System (RDBMS) based on the Structured Query Language (SQL). It is highly scalable and can run on multiple platforms such as Linux, Windows, and Unix.
  2. PostgreSQL: It is a free and Open-Source Object-Relational Database Management System (ORDBMS) that emphasises extensibility and SQL compliance. It is compatible with several operating systems, including Windows, Linux, MacOSX, Unix, etc.
  3. Microsoft SQL Server: Developed by Microsoft Corporation in 1989, the Microsoft SQL Server is an excellent Relational Database Management System (RDBMS) for both On-premise and Cloud environments. It is available both on Windows and Linux platforms.
  4. MongoDB: MongoDB is an Open-source Document-oriented Database that is used to store high-volume data. It is a scalable, flexible database platform that overcomes the relational database approach.
  5. Oracle: Oracle Database is a widely used Relational Database Management System (RDBMS) across industries. It supports Structured Query Language (SQL) to interact with the database.
  6. Remote Dictionary Server (Redis): Developed by Salvatore Sanfilippo, Remote Dictionary Server (Redis) is an Open-source In-memory Key-value Database that supports multiple data structures.
  7. ElasticSearch: ElasticSearch is an open-source full-text search engine-based Database that stores and indexes any type of data in JSON format.
  8. Cassandra: Cassandra is an open core, distributed, wide column store and commonly used database. It offers high scalability which is very important for handling huge amounts of data in industries.
  9. MariaDB: MariaDB is a popular Relational Database Management System that is compatible with MySQL Protocol and Clients. MariaDB can easily replace the MySQL server without any coding requirements.
  10. IBM DB2: The newest version of IBM DB2 runs queries faster than ever. IBM DB2 supports most of the Data Science languages and AI-dedicated capabilities required to manage complex data frameworks.
  11. SQLite: SQLite is a small but fast open-source best SQL Database with an integrated Relational Database Management System (DBMS). Built upon a C-language Library, SQLite is capable of running SQL queries at faster speeds.
  12. Amazon DynamoDB: DynamoDB is a Non-Relational NoSQL Database offered by Amazon.com as part of the Amazon Web Services (AWS) portfolio. It is a fully managed, serverless Database for mobile apps that supports key-value and document data structures.

Which Database is Easiest to Use?

Upon evaluating the list of best Databases, as a beginner, you might wonder which Database is the easiest to get started with. While there is no straightforward answer to this query, the easiest to use Database really hinges on the use case and the problem you’re looking to solve.

Most modern businesses today utilise multiple databases for their operations. This results in a complex situation since a common analysis integrating data from all these databases can be a complex task.

A data integration solution has to be built first that can integrate all data from these databases and store it in a centralised location. Businesses can either choose to make their own data integration solutions or use existing platforms.

In Conclusion

A few years ago, selecting a database was a more straightforward process, with most organisations opting for a Relational Database for most of their requirements.

However, in modern software development, the selection process has become more intrinsic. The choice of the best databases available in the market is influenced by various factors, ranging from the nature of data, the scale of operations, the business model, and the project needs.

The year 2023 is set to be an exciting year for databases, with several strong contenders lined up. The choice of database will significantly shape how businesses operate and compete in the data-driven world.

Therefore, it is crucial to keep up-to-date with the latest database trends and make informed decisions to optimise the efficiency and effectiveness of your data management practices.

General

Introducing Copilot: Windows 11’s AI-Powered Assistant Takes Center Stage

Experience Windows 11 like never before with the arrival of Copilot, Microsoft’s groundbreaking chatbot, now integrated into the operating system. Powered by OpenAI’s advanced GPT AI, this omnipresent assistant is set to revolutionize the way users engage with Windows settings and interact with their devices.

Embracing the cutting-edge potential of OpenAI’s generative AI technology

Microsoft has seamlessly integrated the chatbot, Copilot, into Windows 11. With its initial debut among Windows Insider program subscribers, Copilot offers a world of possibilities.

By simply installing the Build 23493 update, users gain access to Copilot by simultaneously pressing the Windows and C keys. The Copilot module promptly emerges on the right side of the screen, ready to assist.

Unlike Cortana, Copilot becomes an integral part of the user’s Microsoft account and is designed to be impossible to overlook. Microsoft has deliberately positioned Copilot as a constant presence within the system, ensuring its accessibility and usefulness.

Much like Bing Chat, this interactive chatbot features three conversation styles, enabling users to choose between straightforward fact-based responses or a more imaginative ambiance that encourages increased originality.

However, it is important to note that the latter option comes with a higher risk of “hallucinations” for the AI, adding an element of surprise to the conversation.

Unveiling the Power of Copilot

Copilot takes advantage of OpenAI’s powerful Dall-e 2, a text-to-image generator already present in a more robust version within Bing Image Creator.

Going forward, Copilot will also enable users to seamlessly modify Windows 11 settings using natural language. This capable assistant can execute specific commands that would typically require technical expertise, such as switching to dark mode or capturing screenshots.

Microsoft has reassured users that Copilot’s capabilities will continue expanding over time as new features are introduced, ensuring an evolving and adaptable AI experience.

The Advent of Targeted Advertising within Copilot

Parallel to Bing, Copilot will include targeted advertising content right from its launch. Simultaneously with the Copilot preview update, Microsoft has improved the settings page, providing users with a more user-friendly and practical interface.

Additionally, native support for various compressed archive formats, including Tar, RAR, 7-Zip, and others, has been introduced. This empowers users to effortlessly open files in formats beyond the traditional Zip, enhancing their overall Windows 11 experience.

In Conclusion

Microsoft has revolutionized Windows 11 by seamlessly integrating OpenAI’s chatbot, Copilot, into the operating system. This versatile assistant unlocks the potential for engaging conversations and effortless system settings customization.

With the integration of Dall-e 2, Copilot expands its functionality by incorporating text-to-image capabilities. Microsoft’s strategic decision to incorporate targeted advertising within Copilot demonstrates the potential for revenue generation through this innovative feature.

As Copilot evolves, users can look forward to enhanced functionality and an AI assistant that adapts to their unique needs.

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Frequently Asked Questions

  1. How do I activate Copilot in Windows 11? To activate Copilot in Windows 11, simply install the appropriate update (Build 23493) and simultaneously press the Windows and C keys.
  2. What conversation styles does Copilot offer? Copilot provides three conversation styles: fact-based responses, creative ambiance with increased originality, and an option that carries a higher risk of surprising “hallucinations” for the AI.
  3. Can Copilot perform tasks that require technical skills? Yes, Copilot can execute commands that typically demand technical expertise, such as switching to dark mode or capturing screenshots.
  4. Will Copilot feature targeted advertising content? Yes, similar to Bing, Copilot will introduce targeted advertising content from its launch, creating potential revenue opportunities.
  5. What other enhancements accompany the Copilot preview update? In addition to Copilot, the Copilot preview update includes an improved, user-friendly settings page and native support for various compressed archive formats beyond the traditional Zip.
General

The Role of a Database for a Website

A database is a critical component for a website. It is responsible for organizing information in a secure manner into tables that contain multiple rows and columns. As websites become more dynamic, the role of the database increases.

A static website only displays information, while a dynamic website processes requests and responds differently to different users. There are many different types of databases available in the market today. Each serves a specific service.

Public role

There are a few things to remember before assigning the Public role of database for a website. The role is not explicitly assigned to a user, but it has its own permissions. For example, a user must be able to read and write data. A website user should be able to change the data on a page, but they should not be able to change other properties.

The Public role is the default role for all users of a database. New users will be assigned this role automatically. This role is permanent and cannot be disabled or removed. It grants all users a minimum set of privileges. If the user has this role, it will be able to read and write all data in the database.

Users can also enable roles. In addition, roles can be password-protected. To enable a role, a user must set its password.

The role of a database for a website

Default role

Setting default roles for database users allows you to use the database without specifying the user’s password. However, to use default roles, users must have been granted a role with a GRANT statement. Directory services and other external services cannot manage the database’s default roles. To change a database’s default roles, use the SET ROLE DEFAULT statement.

When using the SET ROLE statement, you can enable and disable roles. You can also restrict the number of roles a user can have. The maximum number of roles that can be enabled at any time is limited by the MAX_ENABLED_ROLES initialization parameter. For example, if you want a clerk role to be enabled, you should use the SET ROLE command to set a password for the clerk role. Oracle will enable the privileges in the user’s default roles if the user has explicit privileges.

Changing the default role of a database is not possible for users who connect through shared servers or other network connections. However, users can change the default role by granting privileges to specific users. To learn more about these privileges, refer to the Oracle documentation.

Cloud database

A cloud database provides flexibility, with features you can turn on and off, a wide range of servers, and a flexible pricing structure. Although cloud databases are popular and widely used, they have their advantages and disadvantages, so it is important to decide which one best meets your needs before making the decision.

The first benefit of a cloud database is the fact that it is managed by a provider, not the website owner. This means that the provider will take care of the hardware, software, and support staff. Depending on your business needs, you can choose between different cloud database types, which include hosted databases, DBaaS databases, and Data API/serverless databases.

The second benefit is the fact that cloud databases are not a one-size-fits-all solution. You can build as much or as little database as you need, and the provider will manage the rest. As long as you don’t use a cloud database for more than one website, it should work just fine for you.

Relational database

When choosing a relational database for your website, you should consider a number of factors. The first factor to consider is the expertise of the developer. It is essential to select a database that has a strong level of data integrity to ensure that data is accurate. Another important consideration is the anticipated growth of your organization’s data needs. If the database must accommodate simultaneous access, consider a relational database with high concurrency and integrity.

Relational databases are based on the idea of tables that are connected to each other by keys. For example, if you own a shoe store, you might have two tables containing information about your customers. The first table would contain customer names and shipping addresses. The second table would contain details about the products purchased, their quantity, size, and color. If the customer made an order online, this key would toggle between the two tables.

Relational databases are used for many different purposes. For example, Firefox uses an SQLite database and bank accounts use an Oracle database.

General

Best internet security practices in 2022

Among the best ways to keep your computer safe is to update your software regularly. If there’s a problem with a specific software version, contact IT to have it fixed. In some cases, they can also help with security alerts and upgrades. However, it’s important to understand that even a savvy IT team may not be aware of all the threats to your computer. For example, many data breaches are the result of internal fraud, so organizations need to restrict employee access to customer data.

Cyber attacks are a common occurrence

Hackers are increasingly targeting Western countries in a bid to get access to sensitive data. In January 2022, hackers attacked diplomats of several countries, starting with an email containing malware. The Iranian government announced that the government foiled a cyber intrusion into its system, but the Chinese government has not provided any evidence that this has happened yet.

Most cyber attacks begin with spear phishing emails. This form of social engineering allows attackers to target specific people in a company and craft an email campaign specifically for that person. By 2022, spear phishing will be one of the biggest problems facing the world. Most firms don’t have a good idea of what sensitive information they have on their systems, or how critical it is to the company.

Malware tricks users into believing that their security measures are outdated

Malware is a form of malicious software that targets computers to send email spam, monitor web browsing behavior and display unsolicited advertisements. According to a survey by Osterman Research, there are over 11 million malware variants that can infect a computer. The majority of these malware variants are distributed via hidden downloads from popular websites.

Malware attacks have evolved in recent years. In June 2012, attackers compromised the DDoS mitigation service CloudFlare and exploited AT&T’s voicemail service for mobile users. In July of that same year, a malware attack on Google’s account recovery service affected Gmail users. With an estimated 2 billion smartphone users worldwide, mobile malware is growing rapidly. In fact, in 2012, global malware detections on Android devices increased by 17 times. This growth is a concern for cyber security experts, as recent malware variants like banking Trojan Zeus are being adapted to mobile devices.

Multi-factor authentication strengthens security

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is a technology that is designed to increase security by using two or more authentication factors. Those factors may include hardware (such as a keycard or cellphone), biometrics (fingerprints, iris scans), and voice recognition. Multi-factor authentication is important because it decreases the risk of data breaches, and it can be an important tool for businesses as well.

Multi-factor authentication strengthens internet security by adding extra layers of protection for the information on a website or service that an unauthorized person cannot access. It is a way to limit access while still maintaining a frictionless experience for users. Organizations often have third-party users that need access to sensitive information, and it can be difficult to keep their network safe when it contains thousands of people using various devices. Multi-factor authentication allows organizations to define which third-party users are allowed to access sensitive data, which can prevent identity theft.

Privileged users can steal sensitive data

Privileged user accounts are the most dangerous types of accounts in the IT world. These accounts give bad actors access to sensitive data and can make it extremely difficult to track them down and protect the data. Such incidents can take months or even years to investigate. When they are discovered, the data has long since been lost or discarded.

Many organizations do not even realize they have privileged users. In some cases, the privileged account is used by an employee who has disgruntled or malicious reasons for breaking the security policy. These users are highly privileged and have access to corporate secrets and intellectual property. This makes them an attractive target for hackers and insiders. In addition, privileged users are easily able to bypass controls that prevent other users from accessing the data.

Setting up a VPN

Setting up a VPN is a great way to protect your privacy while using the internet. It routes all of your traffic through an encrypted tunnel and hides the history of your network from your internet service provider and other third parties. Without a VPN, your ISP can see everything you do online, including the websites you visit, time you spend browsing, and what device you’re using. Unfortunately, many ISPs share much more data with third parties than they should. In a recent report by the Federal Trade Commission, it was revealed that many of these companies are sharing much more information than their customers would have believed possible.

Setting up a VPN will also allow you to geo-switch your location without compromising connectivity. For example, if you’re working on a remote project, setting up a VPN will allow you to work in a less-congested region without sacrificing your connection speed. VPNs also allow you to geo-relocate with ease and avoid the most popular regions of the globe.

Encrypting traffic between server and device

It is easy to sniff traffic between servers and devices, and the best way to protect yourself from this is by encrypting the data between them. This is a proven method that will not only keep you safe from hackers, but also help you keep your network running smoothly. To encrypt traffic, you need to use a VPN or other secure network connection. You can also use network mapping tools and perform network behavior anomaly detection to detect sniffers.

Using a captcha to counter spam

While CAPTCHA is important in preventing spam, its limitations make it not a perfect solution. It is easy for bots to circumvent it, and it can be annoying for users. Moreover, it cannot prevent malware or other forms of human fraud. In addition, it can be bypassed by modern AI tools.

As the internet gained widespread popularity in the 1990s, bot activity followed. To combat this problem, CAPTCHAs were invented, with the aim of separating human users from bad bots. The acronym stands for Completely Automated Public Turing Test to Tell Computers and Humans Apart. In the early days, these CAPTCHAs simply involved altering text and were highly effective. However, quick advances in computing technology made it possible for bots to decipher text and get around the CAPTCHA

Important Tech Trends

Cloud complexity as a major drawback to mass adoption

Research conducted in early 2022 highlights the main concerns of European IT and security decision makers who are adopting hybrid and multi-cloud models. They believe there is significant room for improvement in their visibility of hybrid and multi-cloud workloads, and see visibility as the key to ensuring high levels of security and better performance.

Advanced network observability is in demand

With cybersecurity at the forefront of business concerns, 50% of respondents now recognise the importance of ‘advanced observability’ of the cloud environment. That is, visibility that provides real-time intelligence at the network level and actionable information to mitigate risk.

While both European and US IT managers see visibility as a key element in strengthening cloud security, European-based organisations ranked visibility of cloud traffic, as well as application access and control of data in motion, between 20 and 30 points higher than their US counterparts.

In addition, 64% of European IT managers have made visibility their number one priority when it comes to building a more secure cloud environment.
Cost and complexity are the two confirmed barriers to cloud migration

The Pulse and Gigamon survey also identified cost and complexity as two major barriers to cloud migration. According to the survey, 78% of European IT managers believe that the high cost of cloud makes it more difficult to migrate workloads and applications.

Other migration issues raised include

Finally, the survey results indicate that IT managers want to streamline their approach to the cloud to ensure security and performance are optimised across multiple cloud environments.

  • 97% of respondents believe that network bottlenecks and complex cloud incident resolution operations slow down migration to hybrid or multi-cloud
  • 99% say teams are not meeting expected application workload SLAs due to the complexity of cloud infrastructures
  • 60% believe that the cost and complexity of cloud infrastructure is reducing the budget that would otherwise be required for investment in other mission-critical applications.

In Europe, 68% of respondents said they prefer to manage the security of their working environments with a single source of visibility across the entire environment, rather than working in silos.

“The cloud is now an integral part of business strategies and the speed of migration has accelerated dramatically. This means that organisations are facing a number of challenges for which they were not prepared and for which they did not necessarily budget,” comments Bertrand de Labrouhe, Sales Director Southern Europe at Gigamon France. “It is very positive to see that companies value visibility as a top priority for cloud security, as well as for performance and cost reduction. Ultimately, an advanced level of observability through an overview of all data in motion has never been more valuable for the continuity and success of business development.

Security

World Backup Day 2022: automate your backups!

Every year more and more data is produced. According to an IDC study, the total amount of data created and consumed worldwide was 64 zettabytes (ZB) in 2020 (or 64,000 billion gigabytes) and could reach more than 180 ZB by 2025! On 31 March 2022, the 14th World Data Backup Day will be held to remind people of the risks of storing their data on a single device. Everyone who owns a computer, smartphone or tablet is encouraged to make a copy of their files on another medium (external hard drive, USB stick, cloud, etc.).

Data backup

Remember that backup consists of making a copy of data in order to preserve it in the event of events that could damage it. Backing up documents is applicable both to active files that are used on a daily basis and to inactive, unmodified documents. Backing up data ensures that it will not be affected if it is lost. It is also strongly recommended to store documents on two different sites.

For most people, World Data Backup Day means that they should pay more attention to the data stored on their electronic devices. Many people already do some form of backup, with an occasional download to a computer and then to a hard drive. And increasingly, backups are made to a cloud that is subscribed to or made available by default by devices or applications.

Most people are only concerned about the integrity and availability of their personal or family data. If it is lost and unrecoverable, it is unfortunate and probably very inconvenient for a while, but rarely will the consequences be catastrophic. For a professional whose job it is to ensure the integrity and availability of the company’s data and digital assets, however, any loss is far more significant. Not having backups of data or being able to recover them can have disastrous consequences, both financially and reputation-wise.

A backup professional works with one or more dedicated backup and recovery products. They must be able to back up any source or platform, ranging from unstructured files and media to structured data in databases such as SAP, SAP HANA or Oracle. It must be possible to back up physical infrastructure and virtualised environments as well as different file systems and operating systems. As storage technologies evolve, the manager is also looking at the possibility of backing up containers and cloud-based applications such as Microsoft 365 Online.

However, the volume of data to be backed up is increasing exponentially and the backup window continues to shrink as businesses need to operate 24/7. Therefore, anything that improves performance is key. For example, if deduplication is available, it can be used to reduce network traffic and conserve storage utilisation. The same goes for block backup. While multi-threading can help manage the many backup jobs that need to be run daily, weekly and monthly. All this contributes to the improvement of the backup.

There are many aspects to consider for a backup product. However, the most important of all is the ability to restore data when needed. It is essential that businesses can continue to operate with as little disruption as possible, even in the event of data loss or corruption.

So, this World Backup Day, it may be worth considering running a full data and systems recovery test. Companies often have a disaster recovery plan in place, but when was the last time it was tested? Testing today to ensure that all daily work is recorded on backups and recoverable when needed may be a good resolution.

Important Tech Trends

Google Chrome notifies you if your password has been stolen

Chrome is one of the most used web browsers in the world, if not the most used. Whether on a computer or smartphone, on Android, Chrome OS, Windows, macOS, or iOS, the browser offers a relatively similar experience on all platforms it is present. A visual experience, on the one hand, but also the protection of users. Chrome provides the possibility to save and enter passwords.

Chrome putting security first

Google has updated the protection tools built into Chrome, including those related to passwords. The main new feature is a message that alerts the user if they have entered their credentials on a site whose security has been compromised. Protection against phishing has also been extended.

However, if the identifiers stored at Google are globally secure, they are not necessarily stored outside Chrome. Two situations are potentially at risk: servers of websites where passwords are stored can be attacked, and websites to which users connect can be fraudulent. Google has an answer to both these problems. Today the Mountain View firm detailed how it plans to improve the safety of Chrome users.

The first interesting element: the security alert. If you have saved a password in Chrome and the security of the website associated with that password has been compromised, Chrome displays an alert inviting the user to check the password and change it. This function was first integrated into the Password Checkup extension. It is now extended to Chrome in the Safe Browsing protection package. Log into Chrome with a Google Account for this to work.

Predictive and real-time protection against phishing

The second interesting element is the predictive detection of phishing sites. To understand the interest of this function, let us recall the rules of phishing. It is a fraudulent site that poses as a legitimate site and invites you to enter your login and password to steal your credentials and usurp your identity (or take a few pennies). Google has a list of sites identified as dangerous or potentially dangerous. When you click on a link to a hazardous site, Chrome protects you from it.

This list is updated every 30 minutes. During this time, new fraudulent sites may appear (or old sites may change their address). And you are exposed. Hence the interest of predictive protection, which identifies potentially dangerous sites according to their behavior. This protection already existed for all Chrome users connected to their accounts and having activated synchronization between devices. It now extends to everyone, even without synchronization. It is especially useful if you connect with a device that does not belong to you (such as a public computer).

General

How to know the performance of a site: website analytics

Monitoring is one of the essential components of any good website project.

Indeed, it is necessary to monitor the performance and results of a website to judge the interest or performance of the actions to be carried out. Today, there are various criteria to observe to carry out proper monitoring. Similarly, there are numerous free tools available to webmasters to monitor their site. We talk to you about all these points in this article dedicated to website monitoring!

Free tools to monitor your website!

One of the main tasks of the digital project manager is to monitor visits to his site. And for that, nothing could be more natural, Google itself provides a free comprehensive monitoring tool: Google Analytics.

Similarly, to control its loading time, Google makes its Google PageSpeed Insight tool available to webmasters, which highlights points for improvement to optimize the loading speed of your site, both on the server and the client side.

However, these free monitoring tools can quickly prove to be limited, and it will then be necessary to subscribe to a paid monitoring software to deepen your website monitoring.

Analytics: an essential component of digital project management!

According to the marketing definition of the term, website monitoring consists of monitoring the accessibility, availability and loading times of the website to access it. The objective of monitoring is therefore to work in such a way as to keep the site accessible and to optimize its operation day after day, particularly in terms of loading time.

To successfully monitor a website, a digital project manager must set up different monitoring tools 24/7. In particular, it must set up alerts in the event of an accessibility problem. It must also perform regular analyses and diagnostics to detect any security breaches or problems related to loading time or database accessibility.

What are the essential criteria to be followed in the context of proper monitoring?

Most often, monitoring consists in detecting and correcting errors that users of a website may encounter. These can be unavailable pages, totally buggy sections of the site, but also infinite loading loops that prevent good navigation on the site.

The server-side response time is also monitored very closely during monitoring, as it can lead to longer loading times on the user side. It is also recommended that companies set up a private hosting solution which, although technical to be set up, allows better management of loading problems than a shared hosting which, in all cases, will cause slowdowns depending on the sites that share the hosting with you.

As you will have understood, website monitoring is an essential component of web project management. Today, there are various tools available at the click of a button to help you define areas for improvement for your website, so take the opportunity to learn about hosting and accessibility issues.

Security

Web Hosting and Data Security: Things to Know

Certain things require the most significant attention when it comes to websites. The most important is “data security.” In the world where we live, the Internet has revolutionized the way we interact with people and do business. However, the Internet is not perfect and, as you may already know, cybercrime is one of the greatest threats we face.

Things haven’t improved in recent years. So, as we said, security is a big issue, and the hosting service you choose will depend on it.

The need for security in web hosting

The Internet is borderless, and anyone can access anything. It is what makes the Internet so exciting and dangerous at the same time. This very open structure makes websites vulnerable to all kinds of security threats, with data breaches being the most significant.

The colossal amount of money is traded every day on the Internet, which means hackers are targeting the most vulnerable sites. You can be sure that once a site is identified as vulnerable, hackers will cross it in no time.

Thus, it becomes a prerogative for website operators and owners to provide the best possible security and this means choosing a reliable web hosting service.

What to look for in a secure web host?

So, what should we prioritize in are we looking for in a web hosting service in terms of security?

Well, here are a few things:

  • Backup: Does the hosting service offer data backups? Data backup is vital and must be performed regularly. The objective is to ensure that all your data is available even in the event of a security problem. Of course, the data backup can be done on your side. However, it is always useful to have this option when your hosting provider provides it. If so, try to conduct further assessments on the type of data backup systems they use, where the data is stored and how often they are performed.
  • SFTP: When you upload files to your hosting account, you work with what is called FTP or File Transfer Protocol. However, there is a protocol called SFTP or Secure File Transfer Protocol, which, as you may have realized, offers a safer way to do the same. SFTP provides an additional security layer, which is not available with FTP. Of course, this does not mean that FTP lacks security. It offers safety, but not the one you find with SFTP.
  • Server support: Your hosting provider must ensure that the server is regularly updated to not only operate efficiently but also to ensure that it provides sufficient security. Find out if your supplier offers a published security protocol that lets you know if you have the latest updates/patches.
  • SSL: Finally, look for SSL (Secure Socket Layer) certificates. It is the most fundamental component of security, and your hosting provider must offer it. SSL encrypts data transferred from one system to another, preventing other systems in the network from seeing or accessing it. In other words, only the sender and the recipient have access to the data.

 We hope you enjoyed reading this article!

Companies

Siteground: A web host everyone is talking about!

Siteground has just celebrated its 10th anniversary! It has been 10 years since former university classmates launched themselves into the accommodation market from their student rooms. And with what success?!

Every day, hundreds of webmasters rely on this company’s hosting services. In total, Siteground already hosts more than 320,000 websites and offers its services in no less than 11 different countries. Data centers are now located in Europe, the US, and Asia. In short, it is possible to host your site where you want it!

In this post, we do a summary analysis and a review of siteground. We hope this will help you to make an opinion and an avis sur siteground! If you want to react, don’t hesitate and drop us a comment below!

SiteGround-Hosting-logo-2018

The creation of the Siteground host

Siteground is a hosting company founded by Tenko Nikolov. It was during his second year of university that he had the idea of launching an Internet hosting platform at a time when the demanding offers for the general public were not very widespread. Success was quickly achieved as Siteground now employs more than 150 employees and handles more than 1000 customer calls per day. With a critical level of service, Siteground can boast of answering all its customers’ requests in 10 minutes at the most! And yes, you read it right: only 10 minutes!

What are the hosting plans offered?

Siteground offers both hosting services for the general public and more specialized packages for larger companies.

Details of the hosting services offered at SiteGround

Beginner webmasters will be particularly interested in the first pack of the host. The latter is only $3.95 per month. For this price, someone who wants to get started has everything they need: a domain name, 10-gigabyte disk capacity, unlimited traffic, unlimited emails and databases, and a multitude of pre-installed applications.

The Geeks will be able to go further by obtaining 30 Giga disk space, about thirty backup backups per day, including an SSL certificate, all for $14.95.

For more essential needs, in order not to make this ticket too long, we invite you to consult their offers by yourself by visiting their website.

Pro tip

Siteground, thanks to a “fantastico” type interface, allows its customers to pick for free in a series of templates for Joomla, WordPress, Free Mambo, Drupal which are regularly updated. Thus, you can create a site in a few clicks and without knowing anything about it. It is ideal for beginners!

Siteground’s strengths

Siteground’s principal assets are the quality of impeccable service, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and offers adapted to small and large companies. It is no coincidence that this company is winning more and more customers: it is promised a certain future and allows many websites to obtain optimal hosting.

Siteground’s weak points

The rates applied are slightly higher than those of competing companies, but it is a rate that corresponds to an excellent price-quality ratio. The resources are invested in offering customers high-end techniques and processors.

What do Siteground’s customers think?

The customer comments on the Siteground website and those available on Google are quite positive. Siteground is frequently cited as a reliable and fast alternative to the traditional hosting providers available worldwide. The first quality we recognize is the reliability and speed of the servers. The speed with which customer service is provided is also appreciated.

If you are interested, take advantage of Siteground’s offers now, especially since some packs are currently on sale.

Security

10 tips for protecting your data

How to protect your data without leaving it open to hackers? With these tips, you will be able to deal with scams and other computer attacks.

Although the Internet is a public space, the risks are multiple: phishing, intrusion, data theft, software rescue, etc. Unfortunately, there are still some Internet users who underestimate the consequences of such acts or the value of their data.

To prevent hackers from facilitating access to your data, follow these tips:

1. Create a secure password

And, above all, avoid having the same password in all your accounts, messaging.
So forget your birthday, your pet’s name, etc.

Define long passwords (at least 12 characters), mixing upper and lower case letters, numbers and special characters.

2. Update your operating system

As well as all your security software such as your antivirus, personal firewall, etc..

3. Check the wifi key of your box

By default, ISPs offer a WEP key, but it is the least secure key.

To increase the security of your data, select a WPA 2 key.

To modify your password, access the configuration of your wifi box from your account.

4. Remember to make a backup copy of your data

No one is immune to computer problems, theft, data loss or rescue.

Back up reasonably regularly to an external hard drive or USB memory stick.

5. Beware of hyperlinks

Don’t click too quickly on links, even those that are familiar to you.

Phishing is a typical example of this type of risk,

It consists of deceiving the Internet user by encouraging him to click on malicious links in an email.

A solution: enter the address of the link in the address bar of your browser.

6. Beware of email attachments

Be alert, even if they come from friends or people you trust.

Beware of the following extensions:.pif;.com;.bat;.exe;.vbs;.lnk

7. Avoid using your online administrator account

If hacked, the cyberpirate will have full control of the user machine.

Therefore, to minimize the risks, prefer a user account.

8. Avoid giving out personal information

On the Internet, you are not anonymous, so be careful about distributing private information.

Avoid providing confidential data in forums or on sites that do not offer all the required guarantees.

The advice: consult the protocol https:// at the beginning of the web address and the presence of a small padlock.

It means that your website is secure and certified, otherwise, in case of doubt, it is better to abstain.

9. Use an antivirus and/or firewall

An updated operating system doesn’t mean you’re safe from viruses.

The safer your computer, the more difficult it will be for malicious people to access your data.

The function of the firewall is to limit incoming and outgoing connections.

10. Caution with known shippers

The email address of your contacts can be retrieved to send you emails with malicious links.

Pay particular attention to the way in which they are expressed, to spelling errors.

Be careful, if the email contains an attachment and be careful with the presence of hypertext links.

With these controls, which are very easy to implement, it is possible to protect your data with a minimum of knowledge and avoid many concerns for your privacy.

Have you already implemented these tips? Or will you do it quickly?

Security, Web Hosting

5 Tips to Have a Secure Web Hosting in 2018

The world of hosting is something complex but necessary. It’s what helps the system to be able to store any type of information, files or content over the internet. Sometimes, it brings certain complications like threats to your server and more, so here are some tips to have a secure web hosting in 2018:

JavaScript Coding

JavaScript is a programmer that many computer servers have, and to avoid any danger, you must code it. This is necessary and indispensable, in addition to trying to clean any website entry that you’re going to use.

Effective Passwords

Try to put complex passwords, so you provide security to your server. In order to do this, you should avoid using any common words, family names or specific dates. It’s best to try to combine upper and lower case letters with signs, numbers, and symbols.

Error Reports

Many servers have an error reporting tool, which collects any information automatically. Therefore, experts recommend for you to disable this tool in case you are not cleaning any website.

Unreliable Applications

This is always an alarm that shows up with the use of certain pages. To avoid this, there are websites codes that you need to check and verify that it’s safe to use. Besides, you should also try to clean any type of third party application.

Secure Hosting

You must try to use the most secure hosting in the world of computing in order to provide greater security and protection to your server. This will not guarantee a server free of dangers, but it guarantees greater efficiency.

Script attacks, weak countersigns, falsification of requests or even a very common one is the possession of an unsafe host. Following these tips without hesitation, you can get rid of this type of issues that could be damaging your hosting website service.

Companies, Web Hosting

The 5 Best Web Hosting Service Companies to Consider in 2018

Having in mind that to catch peoples’ attention it is necessary to have the right tools, you should know which web hosting services work best for you when making a website. Whether it may be bloggers or corporations, they all can find something of their liking here, so here’s a list of the 10 best web hosting service companies to consider in 2018.

GoDaddy

I’m sure you have seen this add on TV. This web hosting service is available in many languages all over the world, and little by little is getting more recognition thanks to its advertisements and reliability. Dedicating their time entirely to its clients, it works 24/7 and supports both Windows and Linux. Also, with its WordPress-like interface, it is very user-friendly. All this for only $1.00

DreamHost

As what we dream gets stored in our memory, based on its name, DreamHost Web Hosting offers you high-security features to store your information. With extensive domain-management tools, feel free to create your website the way you like it. Also, cloud hosting offers you the guarantee to have your money back if expectations aren’t met. Its price starts at $2.59.

HostGator

With a diverse set of hosting plans, created to meet the customers’ needs, excellent sharing options, and a great uptime (the time where it will work alongside you), HostGator truly helps you host your website. Pay $2.64 and be ready to let HostGator help you run your site.

TMD Hosting

The beauty and variety seen in WordPress are also seen in this hosting service to make your website look really pretty. With cloud-based support, good service, and uptime, TMD is a nice pick, especially if you are familiar with WordPress. $2.95 is the price to pay for this extremely user-friendly web hosting service.

A2 Hosting

Probably the most expensive but most ambitious web hosting service on this list, A2 Hosting goes all out when it comes to getting its work done. The price to pay is $3.92, but don’t worry, a refund plan is provided in case things do not go as planned.

And there you have it, the 5 best web hosting service companies to consider in 2018. Out of these five, there is surely one to meet your needs.

Web Hosting

Web Hosting Services – 4 Tips to Know Which One is Right for You

Anyone can create a website, but can it remain on the net being secured, trending, and accessible to the people who are going to visit the site? Here are some tips to know which Web Hosting Service is the right one for you.

Be Aware Of Compatibility

Windows 7, Windows 8.1, Windows 10, Mac, and even Windows, all these OS are crucial to navigating through a website. Always make sure, according to the design of your own webpage, the support should try to be as wide as possible. Nobody wants to go to the site and see a ‘Your OS is not compatible with this site’ notice.

Learn About Its Security

Once something is up there on the Internet, it’s like letting a defenseless kid on the streets. Why not checking how secure the hosting provider really is beforehand? By knowing where the provider fails in terms of security and learning how to solve it you can save your website from a lot of troubles.

Know Yours And The Provider’s Bandwidth

Even though it doesn’t seem as such, one website can store little too much data depending on the owner’s content. Also, providers vary from really structured, to basic and user-friendly ones, so knowing which one to choose is a very important step to take.

Look For Good Reliability Offers

Web hosting is something you will pay in order to make more money at some point, so having a site of your own over the Internet running and active at all time is important. The uptime is actually the time the provider offers its clients all the support they need to have the site up and ready, so look for the best plan for your needs.

Having a page of your own sounds great, and hosting providers are right there to help you make that dream come to life. Just know which one to pick, and be prepared to receive lots of clicks.