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Securing Your Computer

Posted 02/18/2016

Maintaining the security of your computer can be a challenging task.  Hackers often seem to be one step ahead of computer users, even those who are following the best security practices.  However, securing your computer is essential to protecting your privacy, reducing the risk of identity theft, and preventing hackers from taking over your computer.   Clint Kiser of Kiser Computer Service, LLC, shared his recommendations for protecting your computer privacy.



Tips for securing your privacy:

1.     Update your operating system regularly.
2.    
Use firewalls, Anti-virus programs, and Anti-malware programs.
Kiser recommends, “NEVER, click on anything that claims it can fix computer viruses and NEVER call any phone numbers that pop up for technical support.”

3.     Update your browser with the latest version of the software.

4.     Keep all system software updated.
Kiser advises, “Don’t be misled by malicious update recommendations for Adobe and Java.  Don’t click updates for these programs that pop up in your browser.  Instead update through the taskbar (next to date/time) or update through the programs themselves.”
 
5.     Back up all your data.

6.     Do not open spam email messages, unexpected email attachments, and beware of embedded links in email messages.

7.     Encrypt your wireless network, entire drives, folders and files.

8.     Restrict software and set up administrative rights so that nothing can be installed on your computer without authorization.
9.   Use strong passwords.

SolTerra Communications, LLC Launches New Website, Brand Refresh, and Graphic Design Services

Posted 09/25/2015
PRESS RELEASE

SolTerra Communications, a web design and video production company, has expanded their services and is now offering graphic, print, and identity design services.

With the addition of Solterra’s new artist and graphic designer, Adam Hall, Solterra has become a full service design company, offering corporate identity (logo) design, branding, and print design. Hall holds a Bachelor of Visual Communication (Graphic Design Major) from Shawnee State University, Portsmouth, Ohio with a Dean’s Recommendation of Honors. Hall also holds a Certificate in Web and Multimedia Design from the University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio and retains an impressive portfolio that includes freelance art, corporate logo designs, catalogs, brochures, business cards, posters, and innovative web designs.

SolTerra has also officially launched a newly renovated website and company identity. The new mobile-responsive web design was developed using the latest advances in technology, HTML5, and is compatible with today’s browsers and mobile devices. “We recognize the importance of innovating and adapting to new technology; it is critical for every business,” commented Jeff Huxmann, Solterra Owner and Senior Producer. The new site, http://solterra.us, is designed to make it easy for visitors to learn more about SolTerra, while also showcasing the company’s history of success in the industry.

The basis for the company’s new logo is derived from the ancient cultural symbols for the Sun and Earth. “These symbols have been used for thousands of years, from the time of the ancient Greeks. SolTerra’s new logo is a bit interpretive, and people may see different symbols. For me the new logo is both modern and a nod to ancient times,” explained Huxmann.



Previous Logo
 
New Logo



About SolTerra Communications

SolTerra Communications® of Ohio, LLC is a dynamic team of individuals creating innovative online solutions, video productions, and branding for businesses and individuals to help them effectively represent their business and the products and services they offer to generate business growth and improve reputation. SolTerra offers website hosting, development, design, maintenance, media integration, database-driven solutions, and graphic and print design. SolTerra is located in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains in West Union, Ohio, but serves clients across the U.S. and Canada. For more information about web or video design/development and branding services, visit http://solterra.us or contact 937-779-4412.

Contact:
Jeffrey Huxmann
Owner/Senior Producer
SolTerra Communications, LLC
937-779-4412
info@solterra.us

HTTP vs HTTPS

Posted 07/09/2015

When a website asks you to enter your credit card information, do you look to see if the web address begins with https:// ?  If it doesn't, you should never enter sensitive information like a credit card number.

 
 
 
 
 
There are two primary protocols used to transmit data through the internet for websites, http and https.

Http or the hypertext transfer protocol is the language used to send information back and forth between web servers and clients.  The important thing is the letter S which makes the difference between HTTP and HTTPS.  The problem with http is that it is vulnerable to people who might want to eavesdrop on your activity.  It may not be a serious problem if all you are doing is watching YouTube videos or googling for information.  The true problem arises when you are sending or receiving data that is confidential or sensitive.  For example, when you buy something on-line and pay for it with your credit card, your credit card number gets sent across the internet.  If you are using http for an on-line transaction it makes it very easy for malicious people to gain access to your financial information.

The Internet’s answer to ensure your confidential information is protected is https, a secured connection that transmits data over the internet in an encrypted form.  This security method means that even if someone is eavesdropping, the data they get would not be comprehensible or usable because they don’t have the means to decrypt it.  The entire message is decrypted only when it arrives at its designated location.  Https is used in many situations, such as log-in pages for banking, forms, corporate log-ins, and other applications in which data needs to be secure.  However, if not implemented properly, https is not infallible, and therefore it is extremely important for end users to be wary about accepting questionable certificates and cautious with their personal information while using the Internet.

So why don’t we convert everything to https so that everything is secured?   Although that is possible, transmitting data via https requires additional processing power to encrypt/decrypt the data.  This could cause massive slowdowns on the servers that process millions if not billions of data each day.  That is why https is only used in certain pages that contain sensitive information like credit card numbers or passwords.

Never enter sensitive information in an http website!

Archives

Is Your Website Mobile-Friendly? Posted 05/14/2015

Does My Small Business Need a Website? Posted 02/22/2015

Web 101 Posted 12/04/2014

Is Your Website Search Engine Friendly? Posted 10/31/2014

The Power of Video Marketing Posted 10/05/2014

Are Your Passwords Protecting You? Posted 09/18/2014

Apple Introduces iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus… Posted 09/10/2014

More Americans Using Smartphones as Primary Source of Internet Posted 09/03/2014

SolTerra Web Design Receives Accreditation from Better Business Bureau Posted 08/26/2014

Most of Adams County Ohio has Access to High-speed Internet Posted 08/19/2014

Which state has the fastest internet speed? The winner is... Posted 08/12/2014

iWatch? Posted 05/30/2014

Flash-Burn: Apple vs. Adobe Posted 03/25/2014

Google Drive’s one deep … Posted 03/21/2014

Image is everything, as far as Google is concerned Posted 12/03/2013

A K.I.S.S. to Build the Web On Posted 11/08/2013

How It’s Made: Web Site Edition Posted 10/17/2013

New Web Developement Tool Posted 09/25/2013

Apple announcement unexpected, as expected Posted 09/10/2013

What is Your Social (Media) IQ? Posted 08/30/2013

The Need for Speed Posted 08/27/2013

iSpy an iPhone? Posted 08/23/2013





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