Penetration testing is a primary means for an organization to test its security stature and readiness to combat cyberattacks. So, when firms are looking for a cyber security solution that will protect their network, they should be prepared to respond to whatever these attacks target, thus it needs to test it rigorously. Penetration testing is a common part of deploying a new tool for cyber security and it helps in identifying weaknesses in a firm’s defense system. This holds true for AI-based cyber security solutions, as they have tremendously grown over the passage of time. Thus, businesses look for a penetration testing company to prevent future breaches by identifying weaknesses in their systems. 

The history of penetration testing or ethical hacking exists since the 1970s, where the U.S military and RAND Corp used tiger teams to test the ability of computer networks against attacks. However, penetration tests today, are available in the form of a standardized service, it includes discovery scans, vulnerability scans and limits the attempts to exploit the discovered vulnerabilities. Although the traditional techniques still continue to be available in the market, yet penetration testers are utilizing new and improved methods of testing defenses, including new attack techniques, capturing the flags, and bug bounty programs. 

5 Major Benefits of Performing Penetration Tests:

Following are a few major benefits that organizations can achieve by leveraging penetration testing efforts:

Identify High-risk Vulnerabilities:

With the help of penetration tests, organizations can identify high-risk vulnerabilities that are often left undetected with an automated network or app vulnerability scan. It is a type of test that allows a realistic approach to measuring the actual risks to their systems. Vulnerability scanning can help is spotting some weaknesses but ethical hackers have access to the networks and systems that might not be compatible with scanning and can use a manual process to verify the extent to which these weaknesses can be exploited. 

The Ability of the Defensive Tools:

Pen-test can help organizations in assessing their ability to detect and respond to attacks successfully. It is a technique to test and gauge the ability of defensive tools to respond to potential attacks. The efficiency of tools like antivirus, intrusion detection systems, and firewalls is defined when organizations are able to use them to stop malware and attacks.

Investment in Security Programs:

Testing is conducted to support investment in security program initiatives, technology, etc. So, firms hire a penetration testing company to perform pen tests and assess the effectiveness of these security investments. They perform an initial or complete evaluation of the defensive strength of a system, or if they should perform tests before the budget is being set for a new project. 

Prevention of Future Incidents:

Pen-tests also help organizations in preventing future incidents, by detecting weaknesses before they can be exploited by attackers. These tests help organizations prevent potential breaches. Vulnerability scans are not designed to uncover weaknesses beyond software vulnerabilities. Thus, can help them in improving their security posture and if a firm is ready for an attack, it is easier to remediate it. 

Compliance with Standards:

Penetration tests also allow organizations to meet compliance standards such as Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI-DSS), HIPPA, 201 CMR 17.00, etc. 

Red Teams

Organizations that have more advanced techniques are using red teaming to simulate attacks on their cyber systems. A red team exercises a more in-depth penetration test. They are required to simulate cyber-attacks in more depth as compared to a pen-test, without a limited scope. 

Bug Bounty Programs 

Another way for organizations to test and strengthen their cyber-defenses is by using bug bounty programs. These programs are used to offer compensation to the white hat hackers for reporting bugs, exploits, or vulnerabilities on their systems. This helps an organization in patching them before they can be exploited by malicious attackers. 

Capturing the Flag 

Some organizations also make a choice to convert their pen-testing into a type of competition, by placing a flag in a secure location on their network. Pen testers are supposed to access this file or capture the flag, by any means. While, there is a Blue team, also known as the incident response team that is evaluated during a simulated attack, testing their ability to detect and respond to an attack. This allows penetration testers to their capabilities in a realistic manner, focusing on the protection of sensitive data rather than the entire network. 

With theatres shut during the lockdown, OTT platforms have quickly gained popularity among movie buffs. Although this trend emerged as a result of the temporary closure the cinema halls, it is expected to stay for a while even though the halls have reopened already. This is primarily due to the two following reasons:

• Those who didn’t stream movies on OTT platforms earlier are starting to realise its benefits.
• Not visiting the theatres for more than six months has broken the habit for movie buffs. They are now getting habituated to streaming movies online.

That being said, it is pretty evident that watching movies on an OTT platformcomes with a number of advantages for the viewers.

What makes OTT a viable alternative for theatres?

While OTT can’t deliver the exact experience of watching the movie on the silver screen, it is much more convenient for the viewers. This convenience is the main reason behind the popularity of OTT. OTT is a good alternative for theatres mostly because of:

• Convenience: You do not need a high-end device to stream movies on an OTT platform. A smartphone and a stable internet connection are enough. Moreover, you can stream your favourite movies from the comfort of your home, without even having to travel to the theatre. This also helps the viewers to save on costs like conveyance and expensive food at the theatres.
• Flexibility: Unlike theatres, the show timings on the OTT platforms aren’t fixed. You can watch any movie you wish at any timing which is suitable for you. Those who find it hard to make time for visiting the theatres can even stream movies with intervals if necessary. Moreover, the OTT platforms allow the viewers to watch a movie as many times as they want.
• Affordability: OTT services are much more affordable compared to watching movies in theatres, especially for those who watch a lot of movies. While some of the OTT platformsmay charge a certain amount of money per movie watched, others charge a monthly subscription for an unlimited number of views. Some of them also allow the viewers to buy the subscriptions for specific playlists or content category. In these cases, the viewers have to pay only for the type of content they would watch. 
• Diversity of content: You can pick from a wide selection of movies when watching them on an OTT platform. This is evidently a major advantage that OTT offers over theatres as a theatre can screen only a specific number of movies within a certain period of time. Even if a movie is no longer available in theatres, you can still stream them on an OTT platform. Moreover, many of the OTT platforms also produce quality original content or serve as a live streaming platform during sports events. This diversity in content gives OTT an edge over theatres.
• Safety: Even though the theatres have now been reopened, the risks remain. Going to a public place like a theatre might result in getting infected with COVID-19, in spite of maximum precautions. Is it really worth the risk while you can actually watch movies without even having to step out of your home? At a time when staying at home is the best way to keep yourself safe from the virus, there is no wonder why the popularity of OTT continues to grow even after theatres reopen.

Does OTT offer new content like theatres do?

Even though one can watch a seemingly unlimited number of movies on an online platform, theatres were a popular destination even just before the lockdown. This is because people prefer to watch the new releases as soon as they can, rather than wait for the movie to be released on an OTT platform. However, several of the leading OTT companies like Netflix, Amazon Prime, etc. also produce a wide range of content which are of no lesser quality than mainstream movies launched in the theatres. Currently, with the potential of returns from theatrical release low, many of the film producers are starting to launch their movies on the OTT platforms instead.

Is the trend expected to stay and why?

Observing the current trend of increasing OTT subscriptions even after the reopening of the movie halls, OTT is expected to continue to be the preferred choice for at list as long as the pandemic lasts. However, it is believed that even when normalcy returns, OTT would retain its popularity. While choosing between visiting a theatre and subscribing for OTT services, the wide range of content available at an affordable cost on OTT platforms easily makes it the better choice.

Television, the other alternative, too has fallen behind in the competition as they function like a live streaming platform, offering only limited content and at fixed times. In the long run, OTT is expected to stay ahead in the race.

Computer jobs can be great, and while they certainly have their advantages, they can also lead to some bad health habits if you are not careful. With that in mind, we are listing some of the most effective ways to combat poor health habits and survive your computer job. 

Invest in an ergonomic chair (or ditch the chair completely)

We are all aware of the health risks associated with a sedentary lifestyle. Many researchers are referring to sitting as the new smoking – others are saying it’s even worse. Explanation of this phenomenon, as well as many other health tips and guides, can be found on the Rolling Paper blog, so we suggest that you check it out. Since there is practically no way for you to avoid sitting behind a desk, it pays to learn what you can do to minimize the detrimental impact of sitting and prevent shoulder, neck, and back problems that usually arise as a result of sitting in a chair for long periods.

While investing in an ergonomic chair could be a wise move, ditching the chair completely and swapping it for either a stability ball or a standing desk could prove to be a lot more beneficial. Not only will it alleviate any pain you’ve been feeling, but it will also help you build a strong core.

Give your eyes a regular break

Your spine, neck, and back, aren’t the only ones being affected by sitting for long periods and staring at the screen. Your computer job also has an impact on your vision, often resulting in eye strain. Giving your eyes a regular break is essential for protecting your vision, so try to minimize the effects of eye strain by blinking more often and looking away from the screen from time to time.

Sometimes, this will be enough. Other times, however, the only way to reverse the effects of prolonged exposure to computer screens is to consider vision correction. One of the safest surgical methods currently available is called LASIK eye surgery and it can correct a variety of vision problems safely and easily while also being an efficient alternative to wearing contact lenses or glasses. All in all, your safest bet would be to visit an optometrist, have your vision tested, and decide accordingly.

Eat healthy snacks and increase your fluid intake

Oftentimes, we are so focused on getting things done and crossing off items on our to-do lists that we practically forget to drink water. The same goes for food – after a couple of hours of constantly staring at the screen, it feels so much more convenient to grab some junk food or a quick snack to satisfy our cravings.

Neither of these habits are healthy, especially for someone who’s seated for most of their day. Make it a habit to keep bottled water with you at all times, and make sure that you always have some healthy snacks on hand (dried fruits, nuts, raw vegetables and fruits). This will keep weight gain at bay and improve your overall health and wellness over time.

Bring nature inside

Speaking of improving your well-being, another thing that can help you survive your computer job and make your work environment even more productive and enjoyable is to surround yourself with nature. It can be as simple as hanging a framed photograph of a natural landscape, be it a snowy mountain, a breathtaking waterfall, a beautiful golden beach, or a peaceful forest.

To make your workspace even more inspiring and motivating, consider adding a couple of plants to your office desk. Just like photos of nature, looking at the green leaves of a plant can be quite energizing, increasing your concentration and productivity levels and giving a boost to your overall well-being. Furthermore, plants are also known to purify air, reduce carbon dioxide, and lower stress levels – there’s practically no reason not to have them at your office desk!

Another thing that has been proven to relieve stress and enhance concentration and productivity is Delta 8 THC. It is a lighter form of THC that leaves you feeling more clearheaded and functional, which is why some people call it a “businessperson’s buzz”. Delta 8 gummies are a convenient option as they don’t require smoking or vaping. Just make sure that delta 8 products are permitted where you live.

Get moving!

Last but certainly not least, the most beneficial thing you can do to improve your overall health and reduce the effects of your computer job is to get your body moving. You may think that by sitting for longer hours, you may manage to get more done, but it can do more harm than good.

When on a break, use the time you have to stretch your legs and walk it out. If possible, get up every hour and just move around, and use longer breaks for exercising or fast walking. It’ll improve your blood circulation and prevent a range of health problems. Just make sure to stretch before any strenuous activities and you’ll be fine.

Wrapping up

While it’s true that computer jobs have their own perks, spending hours in front of the screen also has a couple of drawbacks. With a couple of easy-to-implement tips, you can manage to survive your computer job, counteract any health risks, and give yourself the TLC you deserve.

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The desk job lifestyle can be great, but sitting in front of the computer all day can take a serious toll on your health, so proper care is imperative.

Today, attending any sort of classes is very risky, since you can come in contact with a lot of people, many of whom potentially have COVID-19. Luckily, with online classes, you can still advance your learning, even in 2020. And online classes have a bunch of benefits even without social distancing. Want to be sure this type of learning is right for you? Check out all the benefits you can expect to enjoy during your online classes.

Geography

Your geographic location won’t stop you from attending online classes. As long as you have a good internet connection, you can attend classes of any university or learning program without having to relocate.

Lower costs

Attending online classes has various cost advantages. For instance, you don’t have to move from home, pay for on-campus housing and spend money on-campus meal plans. You can also eliminate commute thus saving both money and time. Sure, you might need to pay the same amount of money as learners who attend physical classes, but overall costs will be lower.

Setting your own pace

Did you ever have to sit through a lecture about a subject you already know all about? With online classes, you can set your own pace and take in information that interests you. You can easily dedicate more time to things you don’t know and fly over things you understand. Also, if you prefer to use technology in your education, you can use whatever piece of tech you have at home and completely customize your learning. 

Comfort

Since you can study and get your certificate or degree from anywhere, online classes provide maximum comfort. You can stay in bed, study from your home office or go to a coffee shop or local library. Choose the environment that fits you the most and you can achieve the best focus and retain the maximum amount of knowledge. Even fields like medicine and healthcare offer classes you can take online. If you’re interested in getting your ACLS certificate, you can do that from home and get your card in the mail. Today, almost any form of degree or certification can be obtained from the comfort of your armchair and computer.

Individual attention

In online classes, you have a direct line with your teacher or instructor (via camera or e-mail) so all your questions can be answered quickly. Also, many students don’t like asking questions in person during class, but the internet and its chat features eliminate that fear and embarrassment.

Flexibility

One of the biggest benefits of online learning is schedule flexibility. Some programs require you to start your course immediately, but others allow you to choose from standard and accelerated courses, night or day courses and many other options.

Self-discipline

If you don’t have self-discipline, you won’t benefit from online classes. When it comes to education, it’s a bad idea to put off things until the last minute, otherwise, you risk achieving poor results. Eventually, we all do our tasks and get to our sense. Well, online classes can speed up your discipline since there isn’t anyone pushing you to do work or looking over your shoulder. No one will push you to ask questions and be proactive. Thanks to your self-discipline, you will enjoy active learning and taking responsibility for your education. Since your success depends solely on you and your dedication, you will feel amazing once you finish your classes and pass with flying colors.

Working while studying

Since you can usually choose your own course schedule, online classes also allow you to work while studying. During the day you can dedicate time to your job or career, while you can take courses in the evening or during the weekends. Also, you can apply your new knowledge on your job as soon as you receive and understand it.

Meeting new people

How many of us have the opportunity to attend classes with people from different states, countries or even continents? With online learning, you can do that every day and meet a lot of new and interesting people. Even if you’re shy, you can still meet people over bulletin boards, chat rooms and mailing lists. Once it’s safe to socialize, you can even arrange meetings in local coffee shops to deepen your friendship.

Promotion of lifelong learning

Since people usually decide to take online classes on their own, this produces a spark that promotes lifelong learning. Also, learning over the internet will teach you to find information quickly and efficiently, so you can always find out new things and get new knowledge. And since your learning materials are right there in your email, you can always look through it no matter where you are as long as you have your smartphone with you.

Fortunately, online classes allow people all over the world to continue their education and refine their skills even during a global pandemic. If you feel like you can use your lockdown time well, pick a class you like, get comfortable in your chair and start working on your education now!

There are a number of choices when it comes to choosing the language for mobile or web application development. You have Java, Swift, React Native that are already well-established in the app development industry. 

Why Learn Flutter When There Are Other Frameworks Already? 

Here we have to talk about Dart, the programming language used in the Flutter framework. Generally, most of us are already aware of the basic programming languages such as C, C++, etc. And Dart can be easily learnt and implemented when you already have a basic understanding of C, C++. So it’s much easier to learn with a lot of useful plugins and libraries to help you develop the code using Flutter SDK. 

Dart is a robust language that provides easy coding, security options, and platform independence for a Flutter app (web and mobile-based, both). 

Let me point out the reasons to choose Flutter over other frameworks to give you a clearer view. 

1. It’s easier to learn and deploy 

As I said earlier that if you have the basic understanding of C, C++ codes, then you can easily learn Flutter. Moreover, the Flutter SDK is armed with numerous useful plugins that make the development process faster than any other SDKs. 

Of course, Flutter is the latest framework for application development, so we can expect the most advanced features that come along with it. 

2. Supports more data types 

Along with the regular data types such as int, float, char, double, boolean, const- Flutter also supports data types that hold the values of variables that keep changing. One such data type is ‘varchar’ which can be assigned by any value and that keeps changing from time to time. Even, varchar has some limitations. But the Dart language introduces one more data type that provides 100% variance, and that is ‘dynamic’ data type. Once you assign any value to dynamic data type, it can be changed any time during the coding. 

This feature helps a lot in the development process and makes mobile app development a piece of cake for the Flutter developers. 

3. One app supporting multiple platforms 

The best part of the Flutter app is it can be run on any platforms such as Android and iOS! It means, once you write a code in the Flutter framework using Dart language, then the same code can be run on both the platforms. Unlike the other coding, in the case of Flutter, you don’t require separate codes for particular platforms. The cross-platform mobile app development is one of the main advantages of the latest development framework. 

4. Development time is reduced 

As only one code is sufficient to run on various platforms, so the development time gets reduced a lot. The startup companies that require immediate deployments can take the best advantage of such features. Only one single dedicated app developer with the least amount of effort and time can create exceptional mobile and web applications. 

5. Cost reduction for development 

Unlike the cases when one needs to hire multiple developers to create applications that support different platforms, in the case of Flutter, a single developer can perform the task, so the company needs to hire a Flutter app developer and he does all the job. Also, as the coding part in Dart is much simpler than any other language, the development process takes less time. So, it’s all the way beneficial for any company whether it is a startup or a big MNC. 

6. Live-output through Hot-Reloading 

It’s one of the greatest features and the most unique of all where you can do the coding and see the output through the emulator before publishing the app. So one can try out various designs and functionality easily and then select the most preferred ones. 

This way, the clients will always be satisfied as you can show them various designs with live output and then finalize the one they choose. 

7. Online Community that is Growing Rapidly 

The online community of Flutter framework is growing rapidly which assists a lot whenever you require any help from them. Previously, a few years ago, Flutter was in a beta version with very less or no such support availability. However, with time Flutter has evolved a lot and has reached a stable existence today. The support groups have increased in number with millions of satisfied users worldwide. 

Some of the famous Flutter communities are Flutter Awesome, Awesome Flutter, Flutter Community

8. Future perspectives 

Flutter is introduced by the Google development team with the virtue of deploying it as the native framework for the Fuchsia operating system. And as per the studies, the Fuschia OS is going to revolutionize the app development industry completely. And we can assume the importance of Flutter through this statement. 

To conclude, I would say that if you want to become an app developer and find easy success, then choose none other than Flutter, as you can master it soon and will also get a lot of support through the Flutter communities. 

Would you select Flutter development for your next Mobile App?

Considering the significance of Flutter in terms of the potential for Android app growth, Flutter is really a wonderful choice for android growth. Its top features of Hot reload and easy writing allow it to be a better frame compared to the majority of cross-platform frameworks, perhaps even better than React Native.  So would you choose Flutter Development for the mobile app?

Cars we’re driving today are the safest they’ve ever been. Not only are they more reliable, but they come with a bunch of electronic systems that are silently aiding you as you drive. Even so, it’s still a good idea to prepare your car for safe driving in the winter! 

This process might seem overwhelming, especially to those who don’t have a hands-on relationship with their cars. In reality, preparing the car for winter is easy! Here’s everything you need to do. 

Check your Coolant 

If there was only one thing you could check before the cold weather sets in, it should be your engine coolant. As the weather gets colder, your engine will have to work harder to get up to optimal working temperature. The type of coolant you have in your car, age, and level are all essential in preventing ice formation within the engine itself. You know what happens to pipes in your home if they’re exposed to freezing temperatures. The same can happen to an engine. 

Long-life coolants exist and are often presented as the be-all, end-all solution that you can use and forget about. However, every coolant slowly loses its properties. Over time, its boiling point slowly starts to drop while its freezing points begin to creep up. 

It is highly recommended that you change your coolant every two years. Make it a part of your regular maintenance and only use coolants recommended by your car’s manufacturer.

Inspect your Brakes

Having brakes in good working order is imperative if you plan on doing any serious winter commuting. Check your pads, your rotors, and don’t forget to check the fluid. Change the fluid every two years. 

Brake fluid is hygroscopic, meaning that it is continuously attracting moisture. After two years of use, the fluid is contaminated with enough water to significantly reduce its boiling temperature. In other words, you’re risking losing your brakes on a steep downhill. Tips like these are important to internalize as they directly impact your safety and the safety of your passengers.

Tires – Going with a Winter Set will Change your Driving Experience 

You’ll often hear car enthusiasts ramble on how suspension impacts handling and how this or that set of shock absorbers can make a difference. While they are correct, none of that matters if you don’t have a good set of tires on your vehicle, especially during the winter. Just like a house needs a good foundation, your car needs the right tires.

Check your DOT and see how old your tires are. Tires should be changed once they’re six years old, even if the tread is decent. The compounds used to make tires will eventually start to crack and potentially even rot. Worn out, old tires are a safety risk you shouldn’t ignore.

Why Winter Tires?

There’s more to tires, though. As temperatures begin to drop, the rubber compound used to make the tire starts to harden. This is why we have winter and summer tires. The whole idea behind winter tires is to use a much softer compound that won’t go stiff when temperatures hit below zero. A softer tire equals more grip on icy roads. 

All-season tires are somewhere between winter and summer tires. They are generally not all that great for either of the two seasons, but they do a sufficiently good job. If you’re looking to get the best possible performance out of your vehicle during the winter, you should have a dedicated winter set of tires. 

Check the Battery 

Car batteries are another essential piece of the puzzle we call cars that often tend to go belly up in the winter. All batteries, including the one in your phone, will experience a drop in performance when temperatures hit below zero. That’s just how they work. 

When your phone experiences a drop in performance, you’ll just have to charge it sooner. With car batteries, you might have issues starting your car. 

Check the battery even if it seems to be working just fine right now. The best way to do this is to go to any auto parts store or car mechanic worth their salt. These places will have a specialized tool that measures the current state of the battery, how many cranking mAh it offers, and more. 

Windshield Wipers 

Being able to see the road and other vehicles on the road is imperative during the winter. The only way you can achieve that is by having a proper set of windshield wipers. Our friends over at eEuroparts.com have an excellent write-up on why wiper blades matter and which brands to look for. 

Wiper blades, just like any other type of rubber, goes stiff over time. Endless heat and cold cycles will make them lose the ability to wipe rain and snow off the windshield. The best thing you can do right now is switch to modern silicone wiper blades.

Brands such as Valeo and others offer a whole range of new blades that will deliver a clean windshield even in the worst of conditions. A good set of wipers will allow you to see more of the road as well as any obstacles you might encounter. 

Windshield Fluid 

Many people don’t know that there are summer and winter types of windshield fluids. The difference between them is in the content. Winter type is loaded with additives and chemicals that remain liquid even at -5 F or colder. If you live in an area that sees many sub-zero days, winter fluid is a must. 

The consequences of using the wrong kind of liquid range from an extremely dirty windshield to broker fluid reservoir and potentially broken nozzles. Using winter fluid rated for cold temperatures is much cheaper than having to deal with any of those repairs. 

In-Car Equipment Tips According to Survival Experts 

Once you’ve checked all of the above, it’s time to look inside the car. Depending on where you live, it could be a good idea to carry an emergency kit with you. In addition to that, there are a few winter essentials that you should have in your car. You can find high-quality and affordable winter safety equipment from this UK supplier. So, if you’re heading up north make sure to have the following in your car:

• One or more candles 
• Water 
• Spare cold weather clothing and/or a heavy blanket 
• Small, folding entrenching tool 
• Road flares 
• Emergency food (optional) 

Most of these tools and items are essential if you break down in a remote area. When help is hours away, exposure becomes a real safety risk. If you think it can’t happen to you, recount how many blizzards and reports of snowed-in cars have you heard of last year alone? 

A simple candle can increase the temperature in your car by several degrees. That extra bit of heat could be a real lifesaver! The rest of the items are self-explanatory. You’ve got tools that are designed to help you get unstuck, be seen in a snowstorm, stay warm and hydrated. 

Keeping food in the car is a no-no for many drivers, but there are emergency rations that virtually can’t be spilled while you’re driving. Toss a pack of emergency rations in your trunk and forget about it. Best case scenario, you’ve wasted a few bucks. Worst case scenario, you’ve got critical nourishment available in your car. 

Be Prepared 

Road safety is all about being prepared. Checking everything we’ve listed above is a surefire way of exercising safety and arriving at your destination. That being said, always keep your vehicles well maintained, no matter what season of the year. 
A well-maintained car is a safe car. Driving in the winter isn’t difficult, but it brings on several risks. By preparing your vehicle for winter using the tips mentioned in this guide, you’re ensuring that your driving skills are enough to get you out of whatever tricky situation you might find yourself in.