Security Geeks

Showing posts with label HOW TO. Show all posts

Wednesday, 22 April 2015

Leveraging WordPress For Impressive Podcasting

Posted By: Security Geeks on 11:24

In the recent years, podcasting has been successful in gaining a good amount of traction among the technically-inclined individuals. Latest addition to the concept is taking full advantage of WordPress blog to start podcasting in the right way. If you too are thinking about podcasting using your WordPress powered website. This is a must-read guide which will allow you to dig deeper into podcasting using WordPress.

Getting started with preparing your WordPress website for podcasting

Since not everyone owns an iPhone, iPad or an iPod, it is recommended to host your podcasts in a platform that is readily available to every media fan. WordPress is one such platform that has enabled effective sharing of content in the form of audio and video.

Now, in order to prepare your WordPress website for podcasting, just follow the below steps:

Step 1- Create a category by logging into your account. For this, simply hover on “Posts”. A sub-menu will appear on the screen. Within this sub-menu, simply click on “Categories” and proceed ahead with adding a new category called “Podcasts”. Here, you may opt for leaving the “Parent” field to none and once you're done, simply click on “Add New Category”.

So, all the podcasts would now be posted under this new category and the links for all such podcasts would be http://yoursitename.com/category/podcasts.

Step 2- Now, upload the audio files

You can choose to upload your audio files in a variety of methods like:

Using a plugin
Using the Audio Shortcode

In this tutorial, I'll be using the latter method.

As per the Audio Shortcode method, you can simply add a link from your WP site to a file located at a different site. You can proceed ahead with uploading audio files to your WP blog's Media Library and opt for editing, adding or removing different details of the audio file viz: Title, Artist, Caption and Brief Description. Since you'll be inserting the audio file in a particular post, it is mandatory to select the option “Embed Media Player”, followed by clicking on “Insert into Post” button. Doing this will add the Audio Shortcode to the chosen WordPress post.

Step 3- Embed the podcast on your sidebar

As per this step, simply go to WordPress admin dashboard-> Appearance tab-> Widgets and drag the “Music Player Widget” to the sidebar you want to place it on. Finally, click on the link for uploading or choosing the media associated with the podcast.

Step 4- Publish your podcasts

Now that you're done with uploading the podcasts on your WordPress blog, it's time to publish them by submitting your WordPress site to Feedburnet. For this, you'll need to go to feedburner.com and are also required to have a Gmail account. Just follow the instructions and you'll be able to submit your site to Feedburner.

Step 5- Submit your podcast to iTunes

Since you're already done with publishing your podcast, it's time to use the iTunes platform for letting the masses know about it. Here are the steps associated with submission of a podcast to iTunes for free:

Go to Apple's instructions section related to testing the feed. Once you've confirmed listening the podcast using iTunes, submit it
After submission, the podcast would be reviewed by iTunes staff.
Once your podcast has been accepted, you'll receive a link that would enable you to distribute the podcast via email or direct website linking.

That's it!

Wrapping Up

Podcasting has emerged as a cool option for sharing every type of content. Here's hoping the above post would have allowed you to roll on those efficiently created podcasts using your WordPress website.

About the Author:

Sophia Phillips is a renowned WordPress developer by profession. If you're about to hire WordPress developer, then you can get in touch with her. Sophia already has multiple WordPress-related articles under her name.

Secure Your PDF Files in 10 Simple Steps

Posted By: Security Geeks on 12:54

There are certain benefits of using PDF files and perhaps the most important one of them all is security. PDF files are more secure than other file formats as they allow for more sophisticated encryption. As such, as a PDF user, you can securely transmit or share your data through email or removable storage.

PDF security features allow you to dictate user access levels.
By using of watermarks, you can classify certain documents as secret or confidential in order to limit their circulation.
Application of digital signature on PDF files is an added security feature that serves to confirm the validity of a document.
You can set passwords.

Due to such security features and the fact that most PDF files are not editable (editor's note: you can edit PDFs by converting them to Word format), the chances of malware attacks or file corruption are limited.
The most commonly used form of PDF protection is password protection. You can add password protection in the following ways:

While in Adobe, open the file you want to protect by clicking on file and choosing open, then double clicking on the targeted file.
Click on the icon that looks like a padlock (this is the security icon) and select ‘show security properties’.
Click on the drop-down arrow next to the option labeled ‘security method’ and choose the type of security you want to apply. In this case, select ‘password security’. A dialog box will open. The next steps outline tasks you will perform within that dialog box
Compatibility: set compatibility to Acrobat 7.0 and later

Establish from your network of users if there is any one among them who is using versions lower that Adobe 7.0 so that you adjust your compatibility setting.
However, security settings for earlier versions may be lower, it is therefore better to ask other users to upgrade to current levels.

5. Set open Password
You will notice that the words ‘document open password’ is greyed out. Select the ‘require password’ option and type in your password. Only disclose the password to anyone you intend to open and read the document. Pay attention to lower and upper case letters.

6. Set Permissions password

Permissions allow you to exercise certain controls. Set a second password under permissions to control who can perform tasks such as editing. Provide a different password from the open password.

7. In the ‘printing allowed’ dropdown menu, you should select ‘none’ if you want to limit the printing of the document.

8. In the ‘changes allowed’ drop down menu, select one of the options that are to your preference. If you are sharing an ongoing project or you are sharing some views on your file and you want people to comment, you should select an option that allows readers to comment.

9. Click ok and then Click ‘ok’ a second time to leave document properties

10. Save the file and closeclose

Important to note
If you want to recheck and confirm that the security settings work, enter the ‘open password’ and the ‘permissions passwords’.
If in the future you want to see the restrictions you have applied to the files, you can click on details to confirm.
With the above 10 steps, your PDF files will be safe to send out.

Author Bio:

Charlie Brown is a freelance content writer. He has written many articles on technology, internet, software, web hosting, server etc.
Recently, he has written some articles on PDFs. Through this article, he has given some information on how to secure Your PDF Files in 10 Simple Steps.

Good Practices In Database Security

Posted By: Security Geeks on 05:29

Databases are often the targets of security attacks by cyber criminals. Databases that hold all the security related information, passwords and financial details of users are what these attackers are looking to profit off. That is why database security is an incredibly complex topic that can be covered in elaborate detail. Get in touch with your remote DBA now.

However here are a few of the best practices in database security that will help businesses.

1. Keep the database and the web servers separate.

Usually when the entire web related software is been installed, the database is automatically made. For the sake of convenience the database is made on the same server where the software has been loaded which is the web server. However this opens the doors for a security breach because then hackers will only need a single point of entry. If they are able to make their way past the security for the web server then all the data stored will be at their mercy.

This is why the database should be stored separately on server that is further protected by a firewall and not with the web server. It is a more intricate but well needed procedure. To know more visit - http://www.remotedba.com/

2. File encryption

Just storing the database on a separate server is not enough to ward off persistent attacks. Encrypt all the files that are being stored. The stored files of the web software have the information that will enable it to connect to the databases. If you store the data in plain text files like a lot of people then they will provide the data that the hacker needs to get to the sensitive information.

It is not just the files that need to be encrypted. Encrypt the backup files too incase there is an internal attack.

3. WAF

Use WAFs or web application firewalls. It isn’t true that the web server protection is completely separate or irrelevant to the database. A proper WAF will protect your website from cross site script vulnerabilities, vandalism and also potential SQL injection attacks. If SQL queries can be prevented from being injected by a criminal then the firewall will be successful in keeping all the sensitive information which is stored in a database away from unwanted attention and attacks.

4. Current patches

This is one thing that a lot of web administrators like remote DBA fall short. Web sites which have a lot of third party apps, elements, widgets, plug-ins and other add-ones become easy targets to something that could have been patched on time.

5. Less third party apps

Try and reduce the number of third party applications being used. While it is understandable to use user-interactive widgets and other content that makes websites attractive, any app that accesses the database is always a weak point which can be exploited. Unless it is required don’t use third party apps. Remember that these are made by programmers who then stop support after a while.

6. No shared servers

If your database has highly sensitive information then don’t use a shared server if you can avoid it. It will be cheaper and easier. However remember that you are putting all your important data at the hands of someone else. In case you can’t avoid it, do a keen review of all their security protocol.

7. Security controls

Put in security controls on your database. Check your controls and ensure that they have been enabled even though it is automatically enabled by most databases these days.

About the author

Trisha Ray is a database administrator for the past five years. She is also a remote DBA. Trisha loves cycling on the weekends.

How To Prevent Credit Card Identity Theft While Abroad

Posted By: Security Geeks on 11:54

When you’re traveling overseas, you’re automatically putting your identity at risk, primarily due to your credit card. The risk isn’t severe enough that you should avoid travel altogether, but it does warrant some extra precaution and a reasonable amount of attention that you should be aware of during your trip.

Since identity theft is common and difficult to protect against in other countries, you need to be a bit more proactive in terms of protecting your credit card. Identity thieves will specifically target foreigners, especially Americans because of their perceived vulnerability.

They’ll assume that you’re not paying attention and that you aren’t prepared, but if you prove them wrong, then you’ve already won the war.

So, how can you be prepared and get the jump start on potential identity thieves?

While you can never guarantee the safety of your credit card 100-percent (even on American soil), taking these simple steps can help to ensure that you’ve got the deck stacked in your favor.

Here are a few things you can do to help prevent identity theft while travelling abroad:

1. Notify your credit card company ahead of time -- Your credit card company is on your side. It might not feel like that at all times, but when it comes to identity theft, you’ve got a willing (and powerful) ally in your credit card company, so be sure to use them.

Give them a call before your trip and give them a quick “readers digest” version of where you’re going to be and what you’ll be buying. Not only will this prevent your credit from getting unnecessarily deactivated, but it will also help your credit card company know when and where to flag certain purchases if something does go wrong.

2. Cover up when entering your PIN number -- It seems obsessive and maybe even rude, but when you’re making a purchase in public and you have to enter your PIN number, feel free to be discreet.

If someone looking over your shoulder can get your PIN number, it’ll make you a prime target for identity theft and in turn will make life much easier for those targeting you.

3. Photocopy your credit card -- Make a copy of the front and back of your card and leave it with a trusted friend or family member before you go. This will make the process of cancelling the card easier, in the event that it does get stolen. Chances are that this won’t be an issue, but if your card does get swiped, it’ll allow you to expedite the cancellation process.

4. Checking expenses online or on your smartphone -- Make sure that you have your bank’s app, or some other method of tracking purchases and checking your balance on your laptop or smartphone.

If you’re able to monitor your purchases on a daily basis, you’ll also be able to pick up on inconsistencies or purchases that you might not have made that will show up on your expense report.

Don’t get overly obsessed with checking it, but just review your purchases each night to make sure you don’t find anything unexpected.

Staying Sharp

Overall, staying sharp and keeping your wits about you when you’re traveling abroad will be enough to keep the topic of identity theft off the table. In addition, taking these extra steps will help you to protect against the most typical forms of credit card theft and fraud.

In the off chance that you do experience some issues with your credit card while traveling abroad, there are plenty of resources for credit help that will be able to assist you.
The more you can ensure a smooth and uneventful trip overseas, the better off you’re going to be, especially when dealing with your finances.

About The Author:

Marcela De Vivo is a freelance writer and internet entrepreneur from Southern California whose writing covers everything on technology, home security, gaming and marketing. She keeps her computer well-protected through the use of various programs.

How to get or get rid of iOS 7 Beta?

Posted By: Security Geeks on 12:15

To the delight of fanatic Apple users, the giant company released the beta version of the brand new and advanced iOS 7. But before you jump to test the rivers, we should offer a word of caution that although Apple has a reputation for releasing the ever so polished beta versions, the latest iOS 7 might just be battery hungry and a kin of bug-bunny. Hence, do not use it for your daily devices.

Quite the claims of certain developers that if you download the iOS 7, there is no turning back, we would like you to know that you can easily restore back to iOS 6, if you dint so much like the iOS 7. Read below if you wish to know the bullet proof way to upgrade to or downgrade from the iOS 7.

Installing iOS 7

What you require?

Before upgrading the system to iOS 7, you would need an access to iOS developer account
A fifth generation iPod Touch, or iPhone 5, 4S or 4
The model number of the device and it’s UDID – unique device identifier
Computer with the latest update of iTunes installed
IPSW file of iOS 7 beta
iOS 6 IPSW file, if you require restoring a stable version

How to install iOS 7 beta?

Log in to the iOS developer account and download the install files required for the process. Note: only grab those files which are required for your specific device and model number. The iOS 7 beta will be packaged as .dmg file, up for download; also, it will be wise to download a stable version of iOS 6 simultaneously. The installation requires you to register the UDID lest the download won’t work.
Now, open the .dmg file of iOS 7. It should swell itself automatically if you are a Mac user. The Windows users are required to extract the .jpsw file residing inside the .dmg one.
Once through, connect the device with computer and if an automatic launch does not take place, access it by the iPhone dialog in iTunes. Also, at this stage perform a backup manually by clicking “Back Up Now” as the installation will wipe off the storage of the device, and the backup would be required to restore the same.
If you have followed this far, now only the installation process is left. If you are a Mac user, just press the Option key and click “Restore iPhone”. Windows users should press the Shift key instead, and open the iOS 7 .jpsw file extracted earlier. Click Restore, when the system asks for a confirmation for restoring the devices. This might take some time, so be patient.
Lastly, after the installation and the restarting of your phone, you will be given the option to set your phone anew or restore an existing backup. If you want to restore the backup, stay connected to iTunes and access the backup created earlier.

Downgrading back to iOS 6

Now, if the new iOS 7 keeps giving you an uncomfortable itch, each time you unlock the phone or open the devices, you can easily change it back to iOS 6. Here’s how:
…Before we begin, are you certain?
There is a limitation with trying to downgrade the system back to iOS 6 and we would like you to be certain prior to initiating the process. The downgrading will only get you to the latest version update of iOS, i.e. 6.1.4 for iPhone 5 users and 6.1.3 for iPhone 4S. Besides, you will not be able to use iOS 7 backup on an iOS 6 device, and would not be able to recover any jailbreaks. If you still want to continue, read ahead:
How to downgrade to iOS 6 from iOS 7
Start with downloading the most recent firmware file from Our Downloads and save it on a place easy to access, perhaps the desktop. Then launch iTunes on your Mac or PC.
Now, plug in your device and put it in DFU mode. Ensure that the screen is not connected to iTunes but is black instead, which confirms the DFU more. You will get a pop up message saying “the device can't be used until it's restored.” Click Ok and continue.
Now, press hold of the Alt / Option key (or the Shift key for the PC users) and click on Restore iPhone in iTunes. Reach the firmware file saved in first step and click open. Now, let iTunes take care of the rest and if you have done everything right, you will get back to your iOS 6 in no time.
Done successfully with upgrading or downgrading the iOS? Share your experiences with us in the comments below.

About The Author:

Rick Brown is an acclaimed tech blogger, who provides consulting services to new bie entrepreneurs for iPhone Apps Development services - Mobiers.com. He simply suggests his clients to hire iPhone developers from expert agencies for high-end development.

How to Make a .ONION Website Using Tor Network

Posted By: Security Geeks on 12:52

Not a lot of people know about .onion websites, not many people actually use it. .ONION websites are used by people who want to stay anonymous. In addition, .onion websites are the first layer of the Deep Web. Which is basically described in the picture bellow

As many websites say, the Deep Web is about 96% of the WWW content. It's full of illegal things, for example, drug dealers, private information sellers, and child p0rn websites. Plus, some people say that you can find hit-men and assassins there!

You can search about the deep web if you want to know more, but as an advise, don't access it much. This tutorial is just for educational purposes, and for you to know about this.

First of All let's start with the requirements:

Tor Installed (Windows) OR Downloaded and extracted (Linux)
A Server like Apache. (Windows users are advised to use XAMPP and Linux users, you can simply install Apache2 on your machine.)
Text Editor.

If you have all the above, then you're ready to go!

First of all run Tor to make sure it's working: