5 Steps To Guard Against Malware Infections
Malware and Ransomware is the scourage of the internet. To help combat against the constant threat posed by cyber hackers and online criminals we have created a list of steps to help improve your online security and the security of your computer.
Step. 1 – Always Be Vigilant When Opening E-Mails
Phishing emails often contain attachments which look like invoices or tax rebates. Opening these attachments will allow the virus to infect your computer.
It’s important that you never open attachments unless you are certain that you know what they contain. Many viruses are spread via attachments that look like invoices and tax rebates so please be ultra-cautious.
As strange as this may seem, many fake e-mails, web pages and attachments often include bad spelling (“PayePal” instead of “PayPal” for example) and look unusual from the standard templates used by reputable companies. These should both act as a red flag.
Top Tip – Looking at the e-mail address that the e-mail has been sent from can often be another tip that something is not right. If you are unsure, forward the e-mail to the company that is purporting to contact you and ask them if the e-mail is valid.
Step. 2 – Back Up Your Files Regularly
Our final tip is not a preventative measure and is instead a damage limitation exercise.
Should your PC become infected it is essential that you have taken regular back-ups to ensure that the damage is not too severe.
Free online services such Google Drive and Dropbox offer the ideal way of backing up photos and data whereas removable hard drive (which you must not keep plugged into your computer all the time!) allow you to back-up and restore files quickly.
If you are a Windows 10 user, Microsoft has drawn up a guide for how to back up your machine and it can be found here.
Step. 3 – Always Update Windows Whenever Possible
Computer viruses such as Malware and Ransomware rely on exploiting loopholes in outdated software to infect computers. Therefore it is absolutely essential that you ensure all Windows updates are implemented at the earliest possible opportunity.
If you are currently using Windows 10, the operating system should be automatically set to update itself. However, if you are using an older version, the default setting may well be for manual updates. If you use an older OS, you can find instructions on how to switch on automatic updates here.
Step. 4 – Update Your Browser & Block Pop-Ups
Malware will try to exploit any weakness it can find to infect your computer. Blocking pop-ups and updating your internet browser regularly can significantly reduce the risk of being infected.
Top Tip – Whilst commonly used browsers such as Firefox and Chrome will update themselves automatically, it is still important to restart your browser every so often to make sure any recently installed updates are utilised.
Step. 5 – Online Activity To Be Aware Of
Cybercriminals often use online chats, forums and apps to try and spread Malware. These often take the form of emergency messages.
As a general rule, Microsoft says, ‘Don’t click on a link on a webpage, in an email, or in a chat message unless you absolutely trust the page or sender.
Contact Us
If you would like to put your website in the hands of a company who will take it forward, please contact Footprint Digital on Tel. No. 01883 372488 today.
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How To Make The Most Of Your Google Maps Listing
Did you know hat you do not even need a website to create a Google Maps listing for your business????
If you are a small business owner, you really cannot afford to overlook this excellent form of free advertising. Perfect for smaller businesses, Google Maps listings offer the perfect method of promoting your business in your local area and unlike Google Adwords, the service is free to use.
To access Google My Business, please visit the following link – https://www.google.com/intl/en_uk/business/
3 Steps To Create A Listing
Getting your business listed on Google My Business simply could not be easier and by following our 3 step guide you can be live in just a few weeks.
- Step 1 – The first step is to register with Google and then add all of the relevant business information including your business address, Tel. No., E-Mail address, opening hours, images etc.
- Step 2 – Once you have completed your listing, the next step is to verify your account. This is done via a postcard which will be sent to your business address (it normally arrives in 2 to 3 weeks).
- Step 3 – Once the verification postcard arrives, you can take the final step, simply login to your account, add the code and your listing will go live within a few hours.
Perhaps one of the best parts of creating this account is the fact that Google does not charge you to use it!
Understanding How It Works
Google Places (often referred to as Google + Business now) is a service which allows you to create a dedicated listing which will be displayed on Google Maps.
Business owners, who are listed with Google, can use their Google Places account to manage the information that they would like to display regarding their business.
Please Note – Considering the fact that Google usually blends the Google Places’ page and Maps along with the organic results for location-specific searches, listing yourself in Google Places can be an excellent way to create brand awareness.
Making The Most From Your Google Maps Listing
Now we have explained how the listings can be set-up, we want to help you make the most of your listing once it goes live.
- Choose Your Categories Wisely – Google provides a choice of categories to which you can add your listing and you are not limited to one. Simply type the first few letters of your services into the category box and select the most appropriate results which are provided.
- Add Images– You can make your listing more attractive by adding a number of photos/images to your account. You can add a logo and background image to your homepage and up to 10 images in the listing itself.
- More Than One Location? – If your business is based in more than one place (perhaps you have more than one branch?), make sure that each branch has a separate Google Places page with the location’s address and phone number.
- Encourage Reviews– We cannot overemphasize the importance of this tip – ask your customers to review and rate on your listing. Online reviews play a crucial role in helping to separate competing businesses and the chances are, the more positive reviews on your account, the higher your listing may rank and the more likely undecided customers may be to opt for your products and services.
Contact Us
If you have any further questions about the importance of Google Maps listings for small businesses and how they can be used to help you, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us on Tel. No. 01883 372488.
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Google My Business – All You Need To Know
How important are local customers to your business? If increasing the visibility of your business in the local area is critical to ongoing success, creating a Google Maps (Google My Business) listing is absolutely essential.
Google My Business (GMB) – is a hugely powerful tool and something all too rare in today’s world – it is a FREE tool to use! Perfect for any business owner looking to manage their online profile and showcase their products and services, GMB offers a very effective method of increasing your local exposure.
If you have any questions about the importance of Google Maps listings for small businesses and how they can be used to help you, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us on Tel. No. 01883 372488.
Features like ‘Google’s Local Search’ results have been created to help provide a list of nearby business offering the products/services relating to your search. This, in turn, helps to highlight further information relating to each specific business in the listing including addresses, business hours, categories, contact details, reviews, images + more.
Google My Business is a free and easy-to-use tool for businesses and organisations to manage their online presence across Google, including Search and Maps. If you verify and edit your business information, you can both help customers find your business and tell them your story.
Benefits of Google My Business
Manage your information
Manage the information that Google users find when they search for your business or the products and services that you offer. Businesses that verify their information with Google My Business are twice as likely to be considered reputable by consumers.1 When people find your business on Google Maps and Search, make sure that they have access to information like your hours, website and street address.
Interact with customers
Read and respond to reviews from your customers, and post photos that show off what you do. Businesses that add photos to their Business Profiles receive 42% more requests for directions on Google Maps, and 35% more clicks through to their websites than businesses that don’t.
Understand and expand your presence
Find insights on how customers searched for your business, and where those customers are coming from. You can also find information like how many people called your business directly from the phone number displayed on local search results in Search and Maps. When you’re ready, you can create and track the performance of Smart campaigns to spread the word about your work.
Further Information
If you’d like to speak to us regarding any of our services, including our online marketing services, please give us a call on 01883 372488 or contact us via Facebook and we’ll be happy to talk you through your options.
