In the world of web hosting, there are two major operating systems that make up the bulk of servers: UNIX-based OS’s and Microsoft’s Windows. UNIX has a larger presence than Windows, but still, a large number of servers utilize a Windows operating server, usually one of the versions of Windows...

Continue reading "What is Windows Hosting?"

The Domain Name Service, or DNS, is one of the most important contributing factors to the widespread popularity and accessibility of the Internet. DNS is essentially a phone book for the internet. It hosts a list of easy-to-use names and labels that translate into the actual physical routing addresses...

Continue reading "What is DNS?"

A dedicated server, in the world of web hosting, is a server, owned by the web hosting company that is provided for the use of a single customer. Most often, these dedicated servers are made to order, the web hosting company building or ordering the hardware and software load outs to meet the company...

Continue reading "What is Dedicated Server Hosting?"

One of the most important things to pay close attention to with a server is the server side security. Not only could your personal and sensitive data be compromised, an unsecured server endangers other systems that connect to it. A compromised machine can even be used to conduct illegal practices under...

Continue reading "The Basics of Server Security"

When exposing your website to the outside world what do you need to know? An important consideration is how secure your website is with your visitors’ information. Your website can be relatively safe without SSL, but it is definitely not secure for transactions of any sensitive data without an...

Continue reading "What is SSL?"

The requirements for becoming Payment Card Industry (PCI) Compliant are dependent upon the merchant level that a company falls under. Merchants are divided into four different levels based on the number of transactions they process throughout a year. Merchant Levels Level 1 Criteria Merchants with over...

Continue reading "What are the different PCI Compliant Merchant Levels?"

12 PCI requirements Build and Maintain a Secure Network Install and maintain a firewall configuration to protect data Filter inbound data and restrict access to the network core to authorized individuals. Do not use vendor-supplied defaults for system passwords and other security parameters Use strong...

Continue reading "What are the requirements for PCI Compliance?"

Any company that accepts, processes, or stores credit card information needs to comply with the standards set by the Payment Card Industry. How long does it take to become compliant? The process to become PCI compliant can take anywhere from one day to two weeks. The amount of time it takes for a company...

Continue reading "How do I become PCI Compliant?"

PCI Compliance may sound complicated at first, but in reality it is merely an industry security standard for any server that accepts, processes, or stores credit card information. The main purpose with getting your server PCI Compliant is to ensure your server and the information your customers give...

Continue reading "PCI Compliance - An Overview"