Dec 31, 2018

Brace Yourselves For The Upcoming Cybersecurity Trends of 2019

2018 is coming to an end, and as usual, the arena of cybersecurity is having some new trends coming up. As digital threats are also getting up to a new level, we need security experts to adopt and implement future solutions.

Now, the trends like AI, Biometrics, and IoT have been there as always, but these are evolving to a new level every year which is impacting the related sectors. Further, the zero-trust model and GDPR compliance related legislation are in a boom.

Upcoming Cybersecurity Trends for 2019

Identity management, application improvement, and creating efficient and intelligent threat-management solutions are some of the areas where AI is expanding the cybersecurity arena.

2018 has been a great year for the capital funding of cybersecurity projects. This October 2018 saw an investment of $3.3 billion. Investors are willing to splurge more into this technology as well as security is the crucial concern of every industry.

Let us discuss the emerging trends of cybersecurity for the year 2019 here.

The Zero Trust Cloud Security Model

There is a prediction that 2019 will witness the boom of zero trust security model in the enterprises. Several global enterprises are eager to adopt the zero trust cloud security solution.

So, what is the zero trust approach? Of course, as the title suggests, there should be no trust in any individual. Hence, this zero trust security model regularly checks the actions and behaviour so that it becomes easy to spot and eradicate the probable threats. The legitimate parameters are set to determine the validity of a user's actions and responses. These factors can help in calculating the risk score. The elements can include a user's IP address, physical location, permissions, etc.

So, the zero trust model will always be calculating the risks from various factors, and if that score surpasses the top level, then that user is going to be out of the network. That user can also be asked to go through a multi-aspect authentication procedure.

A Rise in the Use of Biometric Security Systems

The capital investment in the market of biometric systems is going to rise by 25% in 2019.

The concept of biometrics is a threatening one because you get physically connected to the digital world through your online accounts. But, mostly they are in the use of several organisations and have become a significant part of our daily lives like unlocking cell phones via fingerprints or face. These systems increase the efficiency of security functions. By 2023, the investments in the biometric security market are going to be $41.8 billion (as per MarketsandMarkets), but seeing the current demand of the systems, by the end of 2019, the numbers can go up to $20 billion approximately.

IoT Security Advancement

There is widening in the supply of IoT offerings and endpoints which is causing the quantity of IoT security products to boom. The IoT security incidents are going to double in 2019 than in 2018.

The humongous rise in the IoT endpoints/devices is not going to stop at any time. This has given a lift to the necessity of innovating our security service. Even if we have several 'smart' devices, but many of them are having quite big security loopholes. Several technologies and software are helping to protect businesses from attacks like DDoS, but not all the solutions solve the problems from its core. Security professionals will have to determine the underlying cause of insecure IoT endpoints. There is no balance between rising endpoints and security solutions. Therefore, the vulnerability will still exist, and attacks will grow.

GDPR Compliance as a Service

Yes, you read that correct! GDPR compliance as a Service is also capturing the markets through privacy and security services. The growth rate will be about 75% in this case for the year 2019.

The regulations from governments and international authorities have been strict, and hence there is such massive growth. The rise in the number of regulations is causing the businesses to pace up for being updated to keep their customers happy. But, adopting new GDPR and other such technologies related to compliances can help the businesses in a long-term, even though in the initial phases the management can take time. Finally, this will lead to the adoption of fully managed services, and this business will be in a boom.

Looking Ahead in 2019

The trends mentioned here are some of the emerging trends. However, it is believed that these are the most significant trends, considering the changes in the overall market. These are supposed to have the most significant potential impacts on the larger scale of companies as they are going to embrace the security-centric business on a worldwide level.

Dec 24, 2018

A beginner's guide to Bitcoin & Blockchain technology [Infographic]

Ever since it's peak price of over $20,000 per bitcoin in December of 2017, the idea of cryptocurrency and blockchain technology has had the media buzzing about its potential not just as an investment, but real world applications. Many people still don't quite understand the technology though, so we thought we'd share this inforgraphic for all you noobs out there! Enjoy!



[Via Bitcoinfy]

Dec 19, 2018

New Google Assistant Ad Revives Kevin McCallister from 'Home Alone'

Personally I'm not a fan of in-home electronic personal assistants like Google Home or Amazon Echo. Namely, I don't like these companies spying on every conversation I have in my house. Even more, I don't like the NSA using these devices to spy on my every conversation either.

That being said, I am a fan of the original Home Alone movie, which features a young Kevin McCallister protecting his home from the "Wet Bandits"! Well, Google just revived that character in their new ad for Google Assistant!

Check it out:



Just because I don't like these devices, doesn't mean they are not popular. Millions of people find these to be very handy.

Do you use one? Which one? Why do you like it? Let us know in the comments.

Dec 17, 2018

Is Bitcoin Finished?

It has been a pretty crappy year for Bitcoin investors since it reached an all time high of over $20,000 this time last year. Since then it has been a very turbulent downhill ride. Those who got in in the early days, and cashed out in December last year are laughing all the way to the bank! Those who just got into the game are crying themselves to sleep at night.

Well, in more heart breaking news for late investors, Bitcoin finally dropped below the cost to mine it.

Via New York Post:
To add to the misery to bitcoin enthusiasts, the act of finding or “mining” the cryptocurrency has become unprofitable as the price continues to crater. 
This raises further questions about the viability of the accounting system supporting the cryptocurrency. 
The volatile asset is now fetching under $3,200, off more than 84 percent from the highs seen during its “tulip mania” phase of a year ago.
If it's not even worth it to mine, and miners are what makes up the backbone of the cryptocurrency, then does that mean Bitcoin is doomed?

If not, then it's certainly a good time to buy. At the time of this writing Bitcoin is trading for roughly $3,500. If one were to buy now and the price ever gets back up to $20,000 they stand to make a lot of money.

What do you think? Is Bitcoin finished? Is this just a massive correction? Let us know what you think in the comments.

Bitcoin Mining - How Bitcoins Are Generated?

Cryptocurrencies are the new kid on the block in the financial world. Some of you may have heard of the terms Bitcoin or Ethereum, and some of you may have seen news articles about the increasing price of Bitcoin and its subsequent crash.

Cryptocurrencies are basically a form of digital currency that are created using the blockchain technology and secured with encryption. Currently, the most prominent cryptocurrency is Bitcoin. It was the first digital currencies created and is undoubtedly the most widely accepted in the financial world.

A widely disruptive technological innovation, Bitcoin led to the creation of hundreds of cryptocurrency exchange sites, new ways to conduct business, new marketing strategies and much more. Saving us quite some time and providing great insight into this industry, Btxchange has published an interesting infographic you'll see below.

This article and infographic look at how bitcoins are actually generated.

It is done through a technique known as Bitcoin mining.

Whilst traditional money is simply printed and placed gradually into circulation, Bitcoin is mined using algorithms and dedicated mining computers.

Mining works on the premise that only a set number of bitcoins can ever be created (21 million to be precise). The mining process effectively creates and brings them into circulation. The actual process involves solving a puzzle and adding a hash number to the new block of data. This new data is then added to the public ledger, and the miner who solved the puzzle is granted 12.5 bitcoins as a reward.

The mining process involves a huge amount of processing power and electrical output, and some companies have even created mining farms composed of hundreds of dedicated servers. Mining means big business as the potential rewards can be great, but as the total number of bitcoins in circulation increases the difficulty in obtaining them actually grows.

The infographic below provides additional info about Bitcoin and mining.



Dec 11, 2018

16 Blockchain Disruptions [Infographic]

Blockchain is one of the most revolutionary technologies to emerge in recent years. Many experts believe it will change our world in the next 20 years, as much as the Internet has over the last two decades. Let's find out how businesses from top industries use blockchain technology.



[Via BitFortune]

Dec 10, 2018

Bitdefender Antivirus Overview - Free Version vs Plus Version

If you don't have much experience with IT security programs then you need a solution with a user-friendly interface, like Bitdefender Antivirus. Not only is it easy to use, it's very reliable. The free version alone offers plenty of protection against viruses and malware. This is a fast program that can run at max speed without slowing your system down.

All you need to do in order to use the free version is to create an account to activate it with, which is a simple process that requires only your name and email. The lack of settings and complex configuration options means that the program is easy to install. You should have it up and running within minutes.

The free version of Bitdefender Antivirus alone offers the following benefits:

  • Fast installation and scanning, without slowing down the computer
  • Powerful protection in a light solution
  • Reliable, on-demand and on-access scanning
  • Essential protection through a minimalistic approach
  • No lag or annoying ads out of the blue
  • Automatic, real-time protection
  • Safe browsing and anti-phishing

There is a button to click on for a full system scan and a drag and drop spot for scanning specific folders or files. You can also view a timeline of recent activity,, which appears during a scan's progress.

Its anti-phishing capabilities are next-to-none. You can trust that you are getting the best protection possible when you shop online, pay bills, and do banking.

As great as the free version is, however, it's still not as great and comprehensive as Bitdefender Antivirus Plus. With the plus version, you can run your security from a mobile device. It has superior cyber-threat detection and multi-layer ransomware protection to keep all of your files safe.

Bitdefender Antivirus' Defense Against Ransomware

Ransomware is becoming a bigger problem this day and age, so the average person needs as much protection as he or she can get. Bitdefender Plus uses behavioral threat detection to keep your important documents safe from ransomware encryption. You'll have the peace of mind that your money and data are never compromised.

Another benefit of the Plus version is that it offers a Rescue Mode to prevent sophisticated viruses, such as rootkits, from affecting your system. When Bitdefender detects such threats it will reboot your PC in Rescue Mode to clean-up and restore your files properly.

Bitdefender Antivirus reviews praise this product's ability to protect PCs and mobile devices. There are other versions available for MAC users as well. It's recommended that you at least give the free version a try before deciding if this is the ideal antivirus and anti-ransomware solution for you.

You won't have to spend much money when investing in the Plus version, thanks to Bitdefender Antivirus promo codes. This antivirus software has won a lot of awards for its performance and fast-scanning technology. Compare Bitdefender coupon offers when shopping online.

To find out more about antivirus software, internet security suites, and VPNs along with coupons, discounts, and special offers, visit George's website (Best PC Security).


Dec 7, 2018

How to Become CompTIA Security+ Certified

This vendor-neutral certification is popular among IT enthusiasts who have some prior experience in IT administration and want to shift their focus to security. Mobile devices and cloud computing have changed the way that business is done. Hence, with the massive amount of data transmitted on networks, security has become an essential part of any organization. This certification validates the skill-set required to make the data flow safer and deter hackers.

Objectives of CompTIA Security+ Certification

The primary objective of this certification is to validate that the student is proficient in security measures to be adopted to deter network attacks. The exam aims to confirm that the examinee has adequate information about the following fields:
  • Competence in Network Security
  • Proficiency in Cryptography
  • Knowledge of identity management and access control
  • Ability to detect threat and vulnerabilities
  • Ability to secure application, data and host information
  • Ability to create the infrastructure to cater to security breaches
  • Ability to anticipate security risks and guard against them
  • Ability to react to security breaches

Syllabus of the CompTIA Security+ Certification

Before a candidate starts the preparation of the CompTIA Security+ exam, it is expected that the candidate is well versed in aspects of IT administration with a great focus on security. It is also expected that the candidate has a broad knowledge of the implementation of security measures. An inherent interest in the field of Network Security is an added advantage that lets candidates obtain the certification with ease.

Scope and Benefits of the CompTIA Security+ certification

Data networks are becoming more important each passing day. They are the backbone of all kinds of companies around the world. A person equipped with the knowledge of network security and with a certification in CompTIA Security+ certification will be able to secure these data networks and mitigate possible risk. There are following benefits of obtaining certification;

1. Globally recognized

This certification is a well-known in over 147 countries around the world. Once a candidate obtains the certification, he/she is capable of getting career opportunities related to IT security across the globe.

2. Earning potential

The earning potential associated with the CompTIA Sec+ is varied. Security Specialists, Administrators, and Security Managers are more in need today than ever before.

3. Vendor-neutral

This certification is a vendor-neutral certification which allows one to understand the basic concepts behind IT security without being tied to one specific brand. Obtaining this certification means that a person can work with a variety of software, hardware, and network configurations. This enables you to use your expertise in the security industry without being tied to a specific brand or network architecture.

4. Industry supported

The Security+ examination, its syllabus and examination questions are developed and maintained by experts in the field of IT security. The content of the syllabus is presented after in-depth survey feedback and contributions from a massive number of industries. Hence, having the certification means that the candidate is recognized as someone who can work in most industries.

Job roles after CompTIA Security+ certification

There are a considerable number of job opportunities available after the completion of the CompTIA Security+ certification. The job opportunities available are:

  • Network Administrator
  • Systems Administrator
  • Security consultant
  • Security Specialist
  • Security Architect
  • Information Assurance Technician
  • Security Manager
  • Security Engineer


NOTE: If you are pursuing your Security+ or any other certifications, you can get a 45% off discount on test materials from PrepAway by using promo code GP264719 at check out! 

Dec 6, 2018

Your Brain on Passwords [Infographic]

Remembering a myriad of passwords or passphrases can be very difficult. It's one of the reasons that I started using LastPass years ago. You only have to remember one password when you use LastPass, and that is the password to access your LastPass vault. Every other password you need in the world can then be randomly generated and stored there keeping you secure!

On top of that, LastPass can be used on multiple workstations for free! If you want to take it with you on your mobile device, you'll have to upgrade to premium for the bargain price of $10 per year.

Anyway, the folks at LastPass put together this interesting infographic that shows how your brain works when it comes to passwords. Check it out!



Dec 5, 2018

I think I will be sticking with CompTIA certifications

I have been in the IT business for 14 years now. I know this because my now ex-wife was pregnant with my daughter right before I took my first job in IT. Well my daughter's 14th birthday is right around the corner. You do the math.

Since that time I've completed two bachelors degrees in computer networking and network security, and have earned several IT certifications including Microsoft, VMWare and of course CompTIA.

Early on I started with CompTIA certifications just to get my basics down. I quickly earned my A+, Network+ and Server+. After those, I started working on Microsoft certifications and eventually earned my MCSA, then turned around and got VMWare certified.

All of that was great, but really when it comes down to it, I'm a technology generalist. I don't just use Microsoft. I don't just use VMWare. I use a little bit of everything! That's why I've always liked CompTIA certifications. They are not vendor specific! The stuff you learn while studying them are good to know no matter what platform you are using!

Last year I finally got Security+ certified, which brought me back into the CompTIA fold, and just last week I earned my Cloud+ certification. With CompTIA's stackable certifications now, that makes me a CompTIA Secure Cloud Professional (CSCP).


Now I mentioned that I had already taken A+, Network+ and Server+. I took those back when CompTIA's certifications didn't expire, so if you look at my transcripts, CompTIA still recognizes me as being certified in those areas. The problem though is with their new stackable certification program, they don't recognize those certifications as being stackable apparently... I guess that means it's time to renew! At least, I'll renew my Network+ and Server+. I'm not too worried about A+ at this point in my career.

When I renew Network+ and Server+, that will make me  CompTIA Network Infrastructure Professional (CNIP) and CompTIA Cloud Admin Professional (CCAP) certified! 

On top of that, next year they are releasing a brand new single exam Linux+ certification. I plan to take that exam as well shortly after they do. With that and my renewed Network+, I'll be CompTIA Linux Network Professional (CLNP) certified!

I figure after that, I just need to keep these five individual certifications up to date, and thereby keep my stackable certifications up to date and I'll be good to go until I decide to retire.

Early on in my career, I might not have seen things this way, but at this point in my career I would rather keep things simple. I feel like my experience speaks for itself, and just keeping these certifications will just be gravy.

What do you think about this approach? Do you agree or disagree? Do you think it's still important to get vendor specific certifications if you are a technology generalist? Why or why not? Let me know what your thoughts are in the comments.

On a related topic, if you too are pursuing CompTIA or any other certifications, you can get a 45% off discount from PrepAway by using promo code GP264719 at check out! I thought I'd throw that in there.

Dec 4, 2018

If you can't beat 'em, join 'em! Microsoft to dump Edge and create a Chromium based browser!

Well, it's official, Microsoft is reportedly throwing in the towel on their latest attempt at browser relevance and are giving up on the widely unpopular Edge browser! It's kind of ironic too, since it was Microsoft that won the original browser wars of the late 90's when they killed off Netscape Navigator by installing Internet Explorer by default in Windows.

What goes around comes around I guess right? I mean, Microsoft was king of the heap until Firefox and eventually Chrome came around. Well, apparently Microsoft is officially throwing in the towel and will now be making their next browser based on Chromium, the engine that powers Chrome!

From BI:
...Microsoft is moving away from its own EdgeHTML rendering engine and towards Chromium, the web engine that powers Google Chrome. Chromium, first released by Google in 2008, has become the web's predominant standard, thanks to the wild success of the Chrome browser. 
The success of Chromium has become something of a headache for Microsoft, both internally and externally — the Verge reports that employees and customers alike have been "frustrated" that the Microsoft Edge browser doesn't work properly with some websites and apps that were optimized for Chromium. 
And so, it sounds like Microsoft is poised to release a new browser, based on Chromium, that would leave EdgeHTML in the past. Intriguingly, the Verge reports that this move would also open the door for a version of Google Chrome on the Windows app store — the main thing stopping that from happening, so far, is that Microsoft has required all web browsers in the Windows Store to use EdgeHTML. If EdgeHTML goes, so too will that barrier.
What do you think about this? Do you think Microsoft will finally give us a browser worth using? Let us know what you think in the comments!



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