Tag: #cybercrime

Sentencing and Cybercrime: How Irish and English Courts Respond to Digital Image Offences

Technology has transformed nearly every part of modern life — including how criminal offences are committed, investigated, and prosecuted. One area that has seen particular evolution is digital image crime, including offences involving indecent or unlawful images. 

Understanding how courts handle these sensitive cases is vital for anyone seeking advice on sentencing guidelines for indecent images and how the legal systems in England and Ireland compare.

Both jurisdictions aim to balance justice, rehabilitation, and protection of the public, but there are key differences in sentencing approaches and outcomes. 

The Legal Landscape: UK and Ireland

In England and Wales, offences involving indecent images are primarily prosecuted under the Protection of Children Act 1978 and the Criminal Justice Act 1988. These laws make it illegal to create, possess, or distribute indecent images of minors, regardless of intent or profit.

Ireland, meanwhile, enforces similar prohibitions through the Child Trafficking and Pornography Act 1998, with updates introduced under the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act 2017. Both systems categorise offences by severity, with penalties reflecting intent, image content, and distribution level.

In both jurisdictions, courts now face growing challenges due to the global reach of digital platforms, encrypted data, and cloud storage. International cooperation between police and prosecutors is increasingly essential to manage evidence securely and fairly.

How Courts Assess Sentencing Severity

Judges consider several key factors when determining sentences for digital image offences:

  • Volume and category of images: The more severe and numerous the images, the harsher the potential sentence.
  • Level of intent: Whether the offender deliberately sought or distributed the material versus possessing it unknowingly or briefly.
  • Distribution: Sharing or producing images often leads to significantly higher penalties.
  • Previous convictions: Repeat offences or related criminal history generally result in stronger sentencing.

According to the Sentencing Council, judges must consider both the protection of the public and the prospects of rehabilitation when sentencing digital offences.

Digital Forensics and Evidence

In cybercrime cases, digital evidence is crucial. Forensic specialists can trace file creation dates, download activity, and even attempts to delete or conceal material. However, this evidence must be handled with care to preserve integrity and fairness.

Both the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) and the Irish Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) have introduced specialised cybercrime units to ensure investigations adhere to strict standards of digital forensics.

In England and Wales, courts rely on expert testimony to interpret data accurately, particularly when intent or technical misunderstanding is disputed.

Rehabilitation and Treatment Approaches

While punishment remains an important element, modern sentencing in both England and Ireland increasingly recognises the need for rehabilitation. Judges may order offenders to attend therapy, psychological assessments, or sexual behaviour programmes.

The UK Government offers interventions and treatment pathways aimed at reducing reoffending and helping individuals address underlying issues.

This focus on rehabilitation reflects a wider shift towards prevention and public protection rather than purely punitive measures.

Differences Between Irish and English Sentencing

Although broadly aligned in principle, there are notable differences between the two systems:

  • Sentencing structures: English courts use structured guidelines set by the Sentencing Council, while Irish judges have greater discretion within statutory limits.
  • Suspended sentences: These are more commonly applied in Ireland, particularly for lower-risk offenders who engage with rehabilitation.
  • Probationary conditions: Irish courts often integrate community-based supervision earlier, whereas English courts may impose mandatory treatment as part of longer-term orders.

Despite these variations, both jurisdictions emphasise risk management, safeguarding, and proportionality.

The Role of Expert Legal Representation

Cybercrime cases involving indecent images are technically and emotionally complex. Solicitors and barristers specialising in this area must combine technical knowledge with sensitivity and discretion.

A strong legal team will:

  • Ensure digital evidence is properly obtained and analysed.
  • Highlight mitigating factors, including mental health or lack of intent.
  • Present evidence of rehabilitation or therapy engagement.
  • Protect the defendant’s rights throughout investigations and proceedings.

Specialist representation ensures that both fairness and due process are upheld in what are often highly charged cases.

Looking Ahead: AI and Cybercrime Detection

As artificial intelligence develops, law enforcement agencies are increasingly using machine learning to detect illegal content online. These systems can automatically identify, classify, and report potential offences to human investigators.

While this technology speeds up detection, it also raises ethical questions about privacy and false positives. Balancing technological efficiency with human oversight remains a challenge both in the UK and Ireland.

The coming years will likely see even greater integration of AI into criminal investigations, alongside stronger cross-border cooperation to combat online offences effectively. 

Compassion and Accountability

Facing an allegation related to digital image offences is a life-altering experience. Every case involves both legal and psychological complexity. Courts are increasingly aware that meaningful rehabilitation depends on addressing root causes and supporting mental health recovery.

With the right legal support and access to counselling or therapy, individuals can navigate proceedings more constructively and begin rebuilding their lives responsibly.

Legal Disclaimer

This article is for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Sentencing for cybercrime and digital image offences varies depending on individual circumstances and jurisdiction. Always seek advice from a qualified criminal defence solicitor experienced in cybercrime and cross-border cases.

5 Payment Methods Compared: Which One Is the Most Secure?

In the digital age, the importance of secure payment methods cannot be overstated. With the rise of e-commerce and the increasing frequency of online transactions, it’s crucial for consumers and businesses to understand the safety measures associated with various payment options. This article will compare five popular payment methods, highlighting their security features and helping you determine which one is the most secure for your needs. Whether you’re a seasoned shopper or a merchant looking for the best debt relief merchant accounts, understanding the protection each method offers is vital in the fight against fraud and cybercrime.

1. Credit Cards

Credit cards remain one of the most widely used payment methods in the world. They come with a variety of security features, including the EMV chip that encrypts transaction data, making it difficult for hackers to clone cards. Additionally, most credit card issuers offer zero-liability policies for unauthorized transactions, meaning you won’t be held responsible for fraudulent charges. The three-digit CVV code on the back and the requirement for a signature or PIN add extra layers of protection. However, credit cards can still be compromised if your card details are stolen online or if the card is physically lost or stolen.

2. Debit Cards

Debit cards are linked directly to your bank account, offering the convenience of immediate access to your funds. While they are generally secure, they lack some of the robust protections that come with credit cards. For example, debit cards are not always EMV-chip enabled and may not have the same zero-liability policies. Additionally, if your account is compromised, the funds can be withdrawn directly, potentially leaving you without access to your money until the issue is resolved. However, using a PIN and monitoring your bank statements can help mitigate risks. For businesses, having the best debt relief merchant accounts can provide additional security and protection against fraudulent transactions.

3. E-Wallets

E-wallets like PayPal, Apple Pay, and Google Wallet store your financial information in a digital wallet, allowing you to make payments using your smartphone or computer. These platforms typically require multi-factor authentication, such as a password, biometric verification, or a one-time code sent to your device. This reduces the chances of unauthorized access. Furthermore, they often come with purchase protection policies and the ability to freeze your account if you suspect fraud. However, if your device is compromised or your e-wallet password is stolen, your funds could be at risk.

4. Cryptocurrency

Cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin operate on a decentralized network, which can offer enhanced security through encryption and blockchain technology. Transactions are recorded on a public ledger, making it challenging for fraudsters to alter transaction data. However, the anonymity of cryptocurrency can be a double-edged sword. If your digital wallet is hacked or you lose access to your private key, your funds may be irrecoverable. Moreover, since cryptocurrency is not backed by any government or institution, there is no insurance to protect you from theft or loss.

5. ACH Transfers

Automated Clearing House (ACH) transfers are used for direct payments between bank accounts. This method is often favored for recurring transactions like paying bills or receiving payroll. ACH transfers require your bank’s routing number and account number, which can be risky if shared with untrusted parties. However, with proper security measures, such as two-factor authentication and encryption, ACH can be a secure way to move funds. Additionally, the ACH network has its own set of rules and regulations that protect consumers against unauthorized transactions.

 

When comparing the security of different payment methods, it’s essential to consider your specific needs and the context of each transaction. For instance, if you’re looking for the most secure option for online shopping, credit cards with EMV chips and zero-liability policies might be your best bet. If you prioritize convenience and speed, e-wallets with multi-factor authentication could serve you well. Meanwhile, ACH transfers might be the safest for recurring payments or when dealing with trusted entities.

 

There isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer to the question of the most secure payment method. Each option has its advantages and vulnerabilities. The key is to be aware of these and to implement good security practices, such as using strong passwords, updating your software, and monitoring your accounts regularly. By staying informed and vigilant, you can significantly reduce the risk of financial loss regardless of the payment method you choose.

1 in 3 financial service organisations falling behind in preparation for new EU rules to fight cybercrime

In advance of the European Anti-Financial Crime Summit taking place in Dublin tomorrow at the RDS, the Compliance Institute is calling on Ireland’s financial services organisations to ramp up their efforts in getting up to speed on their obligations under new EU rules and the enforcement of the Digital Operations Resilience Act (DORA).

Published in the Official Journal of the EU on December 27, 2022, DORA is set to be fully applicable from January 2025 onward and establishes a regulatory framework for digital operational resilience in the financial sector. This Directive addresses the digital operational risk of financial entities regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland and is the first of its kind aimed at preventing and mitigating cyber threats.

According to a recent survey from the Compliance Institute, almost one in three (32pc) financial service organisations in Ireland have not yet begun to prepare for new EU rules which will help them prevent and mitigate cyber-attacks – one of the most prevalent types of financial crime in Ireland, despite it being only seven-and-a-half months before the new rules come into force.

Commenting on the findings, Michael Kavanagh, CEO of the Compliance Institute said:

“This Summit is an important date in the financial services sector calendar for 2024. The forum fosters and prompts discussion and debate on some of the biggest challenges facing Ireland’s financial organisations.

Ireland is now Europe’s largest data hosting cluster, putting the need for elevated cybercrime and data protection systems into sharp focus. Regulators need to ask themselves how they can regulate and supervise without stifling innovation. Businesses and organisations need to ask how they can best prepare and respond, and the general public also needs to know what measures they can take to protect themselves”.

Cybercrime

In a separate survey conducted by the Compliance Institute of 230 compliance professionals in financial services organisations nationwide at the end of 2023, hacking, phishing, online scams, and other variations of cybercrime were found to be the most prevalent financial crimes in Ireland (See Appendix).

Mr. Kavanagh went on to say,

“Cybercrime is developing and advancing at a pace so fast that organisations and legislators cannot keep up. These attacks can have catastrophic consequences not just for those whom they are perpetrated against, but for the wider public. We only have to look at the devastation that was caused to patients following the 2021 hacking of the HSE to understand the severity of the crimes.

Regulators in Ireland, and around the world, are constantly updating and issuing new guidance to firms in response to emerging cyber security issues, such as fake documentation and the reliability of information sources”.

DORA

Mr. Kavanagh explained,

“The main objective of DORA is to prevent and mitigate cyber threats and ensure that financial entities can withstand, respond to, and recover from all types of ICT-related disruptions and threats. So, there are clearly huge benefits and protections in store for both financial institutions and consumers alike as a result of these new rules coming on board – provided the rules are complied with”.

Other headline findings from the Compliance Institute survey reveal that:

  • More than half (54pc) of compliance professionals in the financial services sector have limited awareness of the new rules
  • About one in eight (14pc) have no awareness of the new rules
  • Less than half (46pc) are familiar with the new rules.

Mr Kavanagh added:

“Figures published by the Banking & Payments Federation Ireland (BPFI) earlier this year show there was a 26pc jump in fraudulent scams in the first six months of 2023. The particular scams involved here were authorised push payment (APP) fraud, involving online and mobile banking transfers, with victims conned out of a total of €8.6 million in the first half of 2023.

While the internet and tech are woven into the very fabric of our lives and have brought untold benefits to how we live our lives, they have also brought many dangers. And it’s incumbent on all financial institutions to educate themselves on – and take – the steps necessary to protect themselves and their consumers as much as possible from the dangers of cybercrime. The rules laid out under DORA have been designed with this objective in mind. We would hope that the next few months will see a bridge in the knowledge gap that currently exists around DORA and what it means for Irish organisations. It is important that all businesses and financial services organisations play their part and follow the lead of regulators so that they – and the wider economy – are in a position to withstand the growing incidence and severity of cybercrime.”

 

7 in 10 fear the planned digital euro will leave consumers vulnerable to technical glitches and cybercrime

More than seven in ten (73pc) compliance experts in the Irish financial services sector are concerned that the planned digital euro could leave consumers and businesses vulnerable to cybercriminals and technical glitches. While more than six in ten (63pc) compliance experts in the financial sector don’t believe there is a need for a digital euro.

This is according to the findings of a new survey by the Compliance Institute, which polled 175 compliance professionals working primarily in Irish financial services organisations nationwide. The survey examined attitudes towards the digital euro, which has been described by the European Central Bank (ECB) “as an electronic form of cash for the digitalised world”. The ECB started preparatory work on the digital currency in November 2023 with the earliest possible launch date recently mooted as 2026[1].

Privacy fears around the currency also rank highly in the list of potential cons, with more than half (51pc) concerned that there could be issues around data protection and privacy if the digital euro is introduced. However, approximately half of all respondents accepted that the new digi currency may well bring benefits such as lowering the cost of banking and leading to greater convenience and efficiencies in transactions.

Commenting on the survey findings, Michael Kavanagh, CEO of the Compliance Institute said:

“Just 6pc of respondents said they have no concerns about the digital euro – which mean that the remaining 94pc feel some level of unease about the planned new currency. It would seem that the ECB has much work to do to allay fears around it ahead of any launch.”

The Top Five concerns which compliance professionals have about the digital euro, according to the survey, are:

  1. Consumers would be at the mercy of technology and could be unable to access their money in the event of a glitch (73pc expressed this worry)
  2. Its digital nature makes it susceptible to hackers, fraudsters and cyberattacks (73pc)
  3. The potential for consumer confusion, with a likely lack of knowledge on how to use the digital currency (65pc)
  4. It could lead to issues around data protection and privacy (51pc)
  5. It could displace and lead to less availability of cash (50pc)

Mr Kavanagh added:

“The thinking behind the digital euro is that it would give consumers the option to use central bank money in a digital format, complementing banknotes and coins – however, our survey found that there are concerns that the rollout of the currency could in time lead to less availability of cash. There are also clearly fears that consumers could be at a financial loss with this digital currency, particularly in relation to accessing their money in the event of a technical glitch – and potentially falling prey to fraudsters. Interestingly, almost half (47pc) of those surveyed were worried that the digital euro could give more power to tech and fintech companies.”

 

Asked in the survey what they believed the main advantages of the digital euro to be:

  • One in five (20pc) can see no benefits to its introduction
  • Almost six in ten (59pc) believed it would lead to more efficient transactions, with a similar number (56p) stating the convenience of the digital euro would be one of its main advantages.
  • Half believe it will reduce banking costs and be a cheaper way for consumers and businesses to pay for things and for people to exchange money.
  • Only one in four (24pc) felt it would offer a safer alternative to cash and card
  • Less than one in three (30pc) said the digital euro would be less vulnerable than existing currencies to counterfeiting.

Mr Kavanagh added:

“The ECB has said that the digital euro would make people’s lives easier by providing a digital means of payment universally accepted throughout the euro area, for payments in shops, online or from person to person. However, with a ream of avenues already in place for electronic and digital payments, including contactless mobile phone payments and electronic bank payments, it is understandable that so many compliance professionals believe the digital euro is already redundant. This, combined with the extent of concerns around the digital euro, shows that the ECB has a job ahead of itself in convincing the Irish and wider European public that this is a safe, inclusive and easy-to-use currency.”

 

[1] See Interview with Christine Lagarde, President of the ECB, on 8 May 2023. Fabio Panetta, Member of the Executive Board of the ECB, also estimated a launch date of 2026. Header image credit 

Cybercrime is the number one threat when it comes to financial crime in Ireland

Hacking, phishing, online scams, and other variations of cybercrime are thought to be the most prevalent financial crimes in Ireland, as found in a new survey by the Compliance Institute, which polled 230 compliance professionals working primarily in Irish financial services organisations nationwide.

When asked what they consider to be the most prevalent financial crime in Ireland, respondents to the Compliance Institute Financial Crime answered as follows:

  • Cybercrime (hacking, phishing, online scams)                                                      34%
  • Tax evasion                                                                                                                    21%
  • Fraud                                                                                                                               21%
  • Money laundering                                                                                                         19%
  • Bribery and corruption                                                                                                  4%
  • Insider trading                                                                                                                 1%

Michael Kavanagh, CEO of the Compliance Institute commented on the findings:

“While financial crimes from tax evasion to insider trading could be classed as the “traditional” criminal pursuits, cybercrime is more new-age and is developing and advancing at a pace so fast that organisations and legislators cannot keep up.

From the mid-term review of the 2019-2024 Cyber Security Strategy launched in the middle of 2023, we learned of the Government’s plans to create a national anti-ransomware organisation and offer cash subsidies to small businesses to help fight cybersecurity threats. The timelines for this are unclear, but there’s no doubt that the move would be laudable and welcomed with open arms by many businesses that continue to be plagued by ransomware attacks.

These attacks can have catastrophic consequences not just for those whom they are perpetrated against, but for the wider public. We only have to look at the devastation that was caused to patients following the 2021 hacking of the HSE to understand the severity of the crimes”.

Fraud

Mr. Kavanagh continued, “Banking & Payments Federation Ireland (BPFI) stats show fraudsters stole nearly €85 million (€84.6m) through frauds and scams in 2022, an increase of 8.8% on 2021. As a New Year commences, there’s a real concern that we will see an uptick in these figures”.

Mr. Kavanagh concluded,

“Ireland is now Europe’s largest data hosting cluster, putting the need for elevated cybercrime and data protection systems into sharp focus.

Regulators in Ireland, and around the world, are constantly updating and issuing new guidance to firms in response to emerging cyber security issues, such as fake documentation and the reliability of information sources.

Regulators need to ask themselves how they can regulate and supervise without stifling innovation. Businesses and organisations need to ask how can they best prepare and respond, and the general public also needs to know what measures they can take to protect themselves”

Irish Cybersecurity company warns of latest scam to hit Ireland!

Galway based Cyber security experts TitanHQ have warned Irish people to be on the lookout for the latest email scam, after a school district in the United States admitted last month to transferring nearly €200,000 to an account controlled by cybercriminals.

TitanHQ are warning the Irish public that the phishing scam is likely to hit Irish shores over the coming months after phishing attacks reached an all-time high in the first part of 2022.

The Floyd County school district in Georgia received an email requesting payment, supposedly from a company that had previously completed building work for a school in the district, called Ben Hill Roofing.

They unwittingly made the payment and only realised their mistake after the real Ben Hill Roofing Company submitted an actual invoice.

The school district explained that “Floyd County Schools has been made aware of a phishing incident. This cyber-attack resulted in funds being stolen from the school system by an outside source.”

The attack is what’s known as “spear phishing”, which is a targeted attack where a cyber criminal poses as a trusted sender and will include information known to be of interest to the target, such as current events or financial documents that they might be expecting.

In a recent survey, TitanHQ found that 85% of organizations have experienced up to 17 types of security incidents in the past 12 months.

Speaking on the latest scam, Ronan Kavanagh, CEO of TitanHQ explained that:

“Cyber criminals have become more and more sophisticated, finding ways to create scam emails and websites that look legitimate. 

We would urge people to be extra cautious and always verify the sender’s contact details. 

If a vendor or customer you are familiar with contacts you via email, asking you to change their account payment details, or anything else that seems suspicious, then be sure to reach out to your direct contact at the company to make sure the request is legitimate.”

The visible consequences, and the financial consequences, of these incidences, are really ringing home with people. And the reality is they are becoming more sophisticated, they are becoming more prevalent, and they’re affecting all different areas, not just large entities like the HSE and Universities but also smaller businesses, many of which you just don’t hear about.

Here are some tips to help you prevent phishing attacks

  1. Learn to spot phishing attacks
  2. Improve Email security
  3. Provide training to boost security awareness
  4. Update web browsers regularly
  5. Install and use an antivirus program
  6. Disable popups and adapt a reporting policy
  7. Use a DNS filter

Leading Computer Security Experts In Irish First As World-Renowned Conference Heads To Dublin #FIRSTCON22

The Forum of Incident Response and Security Teams (FIRST) has chosen the island of Ireland for the first time as the destination for its 34th Annual Conference, entitled ‘Neart Le Chéile: Strength Together’ in the Convention Centre, Dublin, from June 26 to July 1, 2022.

Over 1,000 people from six continents will participate, as the not-for-profit aims to deliver worldwide coordination and cooperation among computer security and incident response teams.

From Tonga to Tanzania, Greece to Guatemala, Australia to America, the participants from nearly 80 countries are the leading lights in their field. From governments, academia, and businesses, all have a critical agenda as cyber security issues continue to rapidly increase worldwide, and global coordination is now vital to make the internet safe for everyone.

Google’s Maddie Stone delves into the unknown during the conference, focusing on 0-day exploits used in-the-wild. A security researcher on Google Project Zero, she will disclose crucial insights and learnings from previously detected 0-day attacks – which occur when a cyber attacker abuses a vulnerability that was totally unknown – to help delegates defend organisations and society in future incidents.

The five-day event will explore various themes with contributors from industry and academia, from notable organisations such as the World Economic Forum, National Police Agency from Japan, Amnesty International, the US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, and the European Union Agency for Cybersecurity.

Other notable discussions on the agenda include the preparation for the Tokyo 2020 Games, analysis of the SolarWinds supply chain compromise, and lessons learned from supporting national responses to COVID-19.

Brian Honan, CEO, BH Consulting and FIRST Annual Conference Programme Chair, commented: “Dublin, and Ireland, is a perfect setting to host leading experts in this area with the cyber security sector on a significant growth trajectory on the island. The recent State of Cyber Security Sector in Ireland 2022 report states that by 2030 the industry will be worth €2.5 bn GVA – an increase of €1.4 bn from 2021 – employing over 17,000 people.

“This conference is critical for the global community of incident responders and security teams. After two years of pandemic uncertainty, we can all come together in person once more to tackle cyber security issues in a united fashion to create a fix and ensure organisations can continue to operate with limited disruption. Our theme, ‘Neart Le Chéile: Strength Together’, is exactly how we, as experts, will beat the criminals and keep people safe from cyber security attacks going forward.”

Chris Gibson, CEO, FIRST added: “The conference program this year is both intuitive and timely, with our keynoters’ covering topics across the full spectrum of computer security – from the practical to the emotional.

“As a membership organisation, we work to ensure that our Annual Conference brings as much value as possible. Over the five days, our goal is to inspire and empower participants to take new thinking and tools back with them to their everyday roles as they continue to defend people across the globe against cyber-attacks.”

Cyber specialists must work together to tackle online crime, as many instances do not occur in isolation, or just in one geographical area. FIRST provides the unique platform for everyone to unite and work towards a safer cyber community for all.

At the FIRST Conference participants will share goals, ideas, and information on how to improve global computer security, with delegates learning the latest security strategies in incident management, increasing their knowledge and technical insight about security problems and solutions, and gaining insights into analysing network vulnerabilities.

Alongside numerous talks and panel discussions, the conference also features Lightning Talks, a Vendor Showcase and Exhibits, and networking opportunities. The full program can be accessed here https://www.first.org/conference/2022/program.

Featured sponsors of the 2022 event include: AWS, SentinelOne, Uptycs, ENISA, Torq, Palo Alto Networks, Tines, LinkedIn, Amazon, Ericsson, OTRS, Mandiant, Group-IB, Conceal, Joe Security, Fortinet, DomainTools, ThreatRay, Intezer, Recorded Future, Cybereason and Google.

Also in attendance are many exhibitors including Arctic Security, Bank of America, CTM360, Thinkst Canary, NRD Cyber Security, EclecticIQ, Intel 471, Semperis, VMRay, Quarkslab and Mitiga.

Complimentary media spaces are available at the conference, please contact us for further details and with any interview requests.

5 Reasons Why You Should Protect Your Laptop from Data Loss During Academic Paper Preparing

Your laptop is a very important tool when preparing to write your academic paper. It is the tool you use to connect to the internet and search for information sources. After getting all your information, you save it on your laptop for use during the writing process. 

Someone might access your laptop and copy all your sources to use them for their academic work. Your files can get corrupted and lead to data loss. You can also accidentally delete your data and your laptop’s hard disk can fail. Many things can lead to loss of your data and that is why you should protect your laptop from such incidences. 

You can accidentally delete your data

During research for your academic paper, you will gather a lot of information from multiple sources. After you complete your research, you will go through your data and separate what you are likely to use and what you might not need. Before you start to write your paper, you might feel there is no need to keep data that you will not use and delete it. 

Human is to error and you can accidentally delete the important data. If your computer recycles bin is full, the data will be permanently deleted. It is also possible that liquid accidentally spills on your laptop and you lose data too. To protect data loss, always have a backup copy or copies. Double-check your files before deleting them and confirm it’s the right file you want to delete. 

Students who want to perform better must learn to balance between their course demands and personal issues but it’s not always easy to balance the two. In most cases, personal issues prevail over education matters and that is why it is advisable to have a plan to help you cover the lost time. As for me, I pay Edubirdie to write my paper when I realize I’ve spent much time with my friends and forgot that there’s a paper to be done. It gives me an advantage too because my paper is written by professionals and I get better grades. 

Someone else can steal or intentionally delete your data

Some people are jealous and they feel irritated when they see or think someone else is succeeding more than them. Another person might be lazy and fail to research on their paper. They might plan to steal data or paper from another student. 

To prevent this from happening, always use passwords to restrict access. Always keep your laptop safe under lock and key and use system-wide data encryption. Your data will look scrambled if someone tries to access it. 

Viruses can cause data loss

Viruses can easily infect your laptop, especially if you access many unsafe websites or connect your laptop with an unsafe external hard disk. Viruses can change your files, making them impossible to use while others might delete them. Some other viruses affect your operating system and lead to system failure. 

Protect your data from being attacked by viruses by installing strong antivirus protection. Make sure your antivirus is updated regularly to keep it up to date. Always have a backup copy and, if possible, work from the cloud, such as Google Docs. 

 

Your hard disk or system might fail

Computer hard drives fail due to various reasons. It can overheat, become exposed to a strong magnetic field, power surge, damaged after accidental fall, fire, water, etc. Files can also get corrupted, or the system fails and you lose your data. In some instances, it might be impossible to recover data after the system or hard disk fails. Have several backups in external disks and do back up every time you update your data. 

Your laptop can be stolen

Someone might steal your laptop to go and try to access your data. They might also steal to go and sell or use it for their work. If this happens, all your data will get lost. Try to keep your laptop safe to prevent theft. Take another step and do full disk encryption or use software that can enable you to delete your data remotely. You can use your operating system settings to enable find my laptop to help you track it down. 

Conclusion 

Many reasons can lead to the loss of your data during the research and writing process of your academic paper. Your computer system might fail, the hard disk can crash, you can accidentally delete your data and someone else might steal your data or laptop. Keep your laptop protected using passwords, use full system encryption, and install antivirus software. You can also use application protection, enable find my laptop and always keep your laptop under lock and key. 

Author’s Bio 

Alisia Stren works for an academic institute and is part of a team that tests and reviews academic software and tools for introducing them in classroom teaching. She’s a brilliant academic writer as well and has done some great essays for a digital library. She enjoys meditating, watching hockey games and reading historical fiction in her free time.

The Main Benefits Of Using Proxies For Business. #Proxies #Business #Tech

No matter what type of business you might be running, the danger of cyberattacks is always present. According to the latest trends, cybercrime will cost companies over $10.5 trillion every year by 2025. That’s why you should do whatever you can to secure your company’s data and servers.
Most traditional methods such as antivirus and antimalware software often aren’t enough to prevent hackers from breaching your systems. That’s why you should think about investing in a proxy server, for example, a Japanese Proxy, and appear as a private user from another country. Stay with us, and we’ll explain everything in more detail.

Web Proxy? What is it?

But before we get to the benefits of using proxies, we first have to explain what they are. Proxy servers are privately owned servers found in locations all over the globe. Most proxy providers have a server in dozens of different countries and across all continents. These servers generate real IP addresses, and the more there are, the better.
Every time you want to connect to the internet using a proxy, you connect through a proxy instead of connecting directly from your device. That gives you an extra layer of protection and can send hackers on a wild goose chase. Apart from that, proxies offer other benefits, but we’ll get to that in a moment.

What Proxies Do

Proxies act as a middleman between your device and the internet. When you want to access a website or a server, you leave your IP address. It works as a virtual postal address, and it helps the server send the information to the right place.
That’s how the internet works. The problem is, once a website or server gets your IP address, they can easily find out your location, browsing preferences, and other personal information. Proxies simply switch your original IP with another located far from your original location, making it impossible to track you down. As a company, proxies can provide you with all kinds of benefits that will help you improve your operation and stay safe from cybercriminals.

Genode Proxy

Main Benefits of Proxies

Now we get to the good stuff – the benefits. As we already explained, proxy services hide your original location, making it much harder for anyone to track your online activity. However, they also provide some other benefits that will undoubtedly help your business in the long run. Here’s what you can expect.

Better Connection Speeds

Proxy servers remember the files and websites you frequently visit, speeding up your connection and loading time. So, instead of loading everything from scratch every time you go online, proxies will display the information you need much faster, freeing up the bandwidth and upping the loading time.

Bypass Geo-Restrictions

You can also use proxies to bypass geo-restrictions and internet censorship. Some areas of the world limit the data and type of files you can access. For example, you can’t access some of the content in Japan, while Japanese people can. But, if you get a Japanese proxy, you’ll be able to use all Japanese websites even if you’re not in Japan.
Employee Internet Usage Control
You can also use a proxy server to limit internet use within your company. For example, you can create a list of websites or areas in the world you want to block. The proxy will simply prevent your employees from loading those websites while at work.

Common Business Uses

Now, when it comes to business uses, proxies have a very wide application. Professional proxy services like SmartProxy, offering over 100M+ residential IPs covering 195+ countries, are tailored to meet the needs of large-scale concurrent data collection and precise geolocation. They are mostly used for common practices such as competition monitoring, web scraping, gathering user reviews on your brand, and so on. Here are a few more applications:

Web Scraping

Finding the right information you need to improve your business is crucial for your success. However, most of your competitors and websites will try to prevent you from scraping their data. They can block you once they know your IP address, but if you mask it with a proxy, you’ll appear as a different user, so they won’t know who to block.

Better Security

Knowing what websites your employees visit and limiting their choice will go a long way in protecting your sensitive information. Not only that, since no one will be able to track your online activities, you will drastically reduce the chances of a cyberattack.

Conclusion

Proxy servers are definitely a must if you want to stay safe and hidden from cybercriminals. However, they can also help you conduct web scraping projects without interference, speed up your website, limit internet use within the company, and of course, help you bypass geo-limitations. Just like the example with a Japanese proxy. If you are interested in various proxy pools, visit Oxylabs website and learn more about proxies in multiple locations around the world.