There are many different types of cybersecurity threats these days, but one that is especially prevalent and causes millions of dollars of losses for people and organizations every year is ransomware.

This issue continues to grow and is one of the most popular options cybercriminals use to cause havoc and make money. Read on for the lowdown you need to know today.

What Ransomware Is and How It Works

The word ransomware refers to a particular type of hack that cybercriminals use to extort money from people and create havoc. It involves breaking into computer systems and then locking people out of their devices or threatening to release the information found on the machines and linked accounts to the public. Hackers don’t let computer owners back into their networks, or they say they will take data public unless a ransom gets paid. Unfortunately, though, even if people do pay the requested ransom, this doesn’t mean that cybercriminals will do what they promised.

Ransomware targets both individuals and organizations and comes in various forms. Hackers develop and update ransomware approaches all the time, too. Some of the varieties of ransomware that people have been stung by over recent years include RYUK, WannaCry, Bad Rabbit, and Jigsaw. To get ransomware onto victim computers, hackers either break into the physical computers or the digital systems or connected networks to plant malware and then gain access. Sometimes, they send people virus-laden emails or documents or set up links with malware embedded in them and get into systems that way.

Tips for Staying as Safe as Possible from Ransomware

While you can never guarantee you won’t fall victim to a ransomware attack, you can take steps to protect yourself as well as possible. For example, start by ensuring you use quality, comprehensive ransomware protection that guards against this specific type of threat. Plus, use a firewall on your devices. Your computer likely already has one pre-installed, but you can purchase an option if not. Firewalls are helpful because they act as an additional layer of defense against hackers who try to use an internet connection to break into systems.

Another tip is to pay attention to the pop-ups that show on your screen, alerting you that software updates are available. While it’s tempting to ignore these when you’re busy, get into the habit of paying close attention to them. Developers release program updates when they not only make changes to their creations but plug security gaps, too. Thus, if you’re not running the newest editions, you’re leaving yourself more open to a hacker attack. It’s wise to set up programs to update automatically when new versions release, so you don’t have to remember to run them manually yourself.

Also, take the time to learn about the most common strategies cybercriminals use to break-in. This way, you can be more prepared and understand how to stay safer. For example, hackers often use phishing tactics these days. They send emails or other communications pretending to be from real people or organizations and ask recipients to click on links to update their details, provide information, or download a document. The problem is that targets think they’re receiving real messages and then, when they follow the instructions, unwittingly give sensitive data to cybercriminals.

You also need to be careful about which links you click on when on social media sites and other websites since cybercriminals often create attention-grabbing, salacious headlines to lure people in. Your computers can get infected with malware when you click on the “clickbait” links to read the gossip.

You can help protect yourself further by steering clear of public Wi-Fi wherever possible. It’s much safer to use password-protected internet connections instead. You don’t know who owns public services or who is monitoring them, so hackers can perhaps see more information than you’d realize when you’re connected this way.

It’s essential to be strategic about your passwords on your computer and your various accounts, too. Don’t make codes so easy to guess that cybercriminals have an easy “in” as a result. Your passwords should contain a mixture of numbers, letters (both upper-case and lower-case), and symbols and contain at least eight characters.

Avoid using codes that relate to any details that people could read publicly, too, such as your child or pet names, email address, birthday, and the like.

Understanding ransomware and taking steps ASAP to protect your devices and information will help you avoid having to deal with this annoying and often costly scenario.

Chrome Browser – Almost everyone uses Google as it is one of the most popular search engines. Some use it on their mobile, laptop, or PC, and some use it on their TV. 

The reason behind this popularity is pretty simple. Google provides simple and better results in approximately no time. Nowadays, people don’t even think about choosing a search engine. They Google it. 

However, sometimes there can be an error, even on Google. And today, I will assist you in solving the This Site Can’t Be Reached error.

What Does this Error mean Exactly?

This error tells you that you can not access the website address you are trying. It can be possible because of a spelling mistake or an underlying issue with your DNS server. 

 Most common reasons for getting this error

1) Your Google Chrome browser’s cookies are corrupted,

2) The browser’s settings are out-of-date,

3) Your wireless network connection either requires repair or the adapters are out of date,

4) Your Domain Name System (DNS) cache is invalid, 

4) Your antivirus is blocking the website you are trying to reach,

5) The website you are trying to reach is banned for your IP address.

How to Fix the “This Site Can’t Be Reached Error” on Windows?

1) The website you are searching for can be down for everyone. It can be down because of scheduled maintenance, traffic overload, or unexpected server failure. If it is down for everyone, there is nothing you can do except waiting. 

You can check the availability of a website with free online tools such as WebsitePlanet. If the website is down for only you, move on to the next solution. 

2) Clear your Browser Cache and Cookies

If the problem is because of corrupted cookie files, it is the best method to use. To do this, please follow the given path below, and perform the steps:

Open your Chrome Browser->click on the three dots in the top right corner-> click on More Tools->then click on Clear Browsing Data. 

Once you have done this, try to reload the webpage to see if the issue has cleared up.

3) Try running the built-in Windows Network Troubleshooter

To do this, 

1. a) Type run in the search bar and open the run program module,
2. b) Enter cpl to open the network connections box,
3. c) Find your active internet connection, which should be in the network connections window. Right-click it, and choose the Diagnose
4. d) If the problem is something related to DHCP, try repairing it as an administrator,
5. e) Reboot your device to see if the issue is gone.

4) Reset your Internet by restarting Router And Modem

To do this, 

1. a) Unplug the power cables from both the router and the modem,
2. b) Now, wait for 2-3 minutes before plugging the power cables back,
3. c) Let your modem and router boot up before visiting your target website again.

5) Try disabling your firewall/antivirus or use a VPN

The steps to disabling your antivirus may vary as per your software. You can do it by following the respective guide or manual.

Free VPNs are another alternative. There are a lot of free VPNs available for different devices like windows, android, or even firesticks. You can install them from the play store or install their APKs. 

There are also a lot of free and reliable VPNs available for Firestick. You can install and set up these VPNs easily. But it’s not easy to decide which free VPN is reliable? So make your choice carefully after reading their features and policies.

6) Reset Google Chrome

If the error is because of a browser settings issue, this step can solve the error for you. Follow the given path for resetting Chrome:

Open up your Chrome browser-> Click on the three dots in the top right-hand corner->Choose the settings option-> go to the advanced tab-> and find the reset and clean up section.

Pick the option to restore your settings to their defaults, and hit Reset settings.

7) Reinstall Google Chrome

If nothing has worked in your favor, then I am afraid that this might be the last step. To reinstall it, 

Open Control Panel-> Click on Programs And Features->Find Google Chrome->and then Uninstall it.

Now, open another browser on your computer and install Google Chrome again.

Conclusion

I hope that by this point, you have managed to fix the “This site can’t be reached error”. If you still haven’t found any solution, try all other available fixes present on the Internet. Hopefully, you will find the ideal solution for your error.

Can machines detect emotions by simply scanning the face? The good news is that they can. And the bad news is that the market still has a long way to go before turning mainstream. Yet, the roadblocks and adoption challenges aren’t stopping the AI evangelists from putting ‘Emotion Detection’ on the AI map—quite aggressively.

As per a research report released by Markets and Markets, the arena with Emotion Recognition as the major driver is expected to be valued at over $37.1 Billion by the end of 2026.

Simply put, facial emotion detection is a more niched implementation of AI and Machine Learning— focusing on the analysis of facial expression via facial codes using specialized algorithms. From detecting and analyzing a simple brow furrow to a lip curl, facial emotion detection aims to make AI a more proactive tool for future developers.

Use Cases of Facial Emotion Detection and Recognization

The emotion detection overview tells us one thing with certainty: AI tools do not need voice inputs to be proactive. The right model can scan through sundry facial expressions to determine perspective and sentiments. And with the right facial annotators to rely on, the models meant to detect facial emotions can slowly become ubiquitous.

But then, before everything goes mainstream, let is scan through the probable use-cases that are expected to make the best use of facial emotion detection in years to come:

• Safer Vehicles

With top-notch personalization coming to cars, it is a matter of time before emotion detection finds its way into the mix, allowing the vehicles to make modifications and send out alarms if and when the driver is feeling drowsy or is in an inebriated state.

Training AI models like these shouldn’t be difficult if the right face datasets are fed into the perceptive training data system. Intelligent facial emotion detection algorithms adept at object detection will come in handy— detecting even the micro-expressions to perfection, issuing alerts to the drivers, or changing the driving conditions, proactively.

• Better Interview Experiences

Companies can use emotion detection and recognition as the basis for new and improved AI models to better understand candidate personalities. With the right annotation of the face datasets and proper usage of sentiment analysis, while designing algorithms, organizations can assess specific role-specific personality traits and confidence using just the facial expressions.

• Targeted Market Research

Companies, especially startups that are looking to conduct on-field research, can rely on facial emotion recognition and detection to better understand customer preferences. This approach allows the surveying analysts to rely more on the behavioral approach, making more sense of the video analysis at their disposal.

• Perceptive Virtual Assistants

It is common for virtual assistants like Alexa to respond to voice commands. Yet, it is possible to train them to detect facial emotions with accuracy over time. However, large-scale implementation will be in phases and might take a lot of time to be effectively incorporated into the intuitive assistants.

• Properly-Tested Video Games

Gaming consoles are meant to evoke emotions. And what could be better to detect the extent of those emotions than a technology that can capture facial expressions while the person is gaming? Improved game testing is, therefore, one of the more impactful use-cases of facial emotion detection and recognition as it allows the game manufacturers to get highly critical and expression-driven feedback—in real-time.

Conclusion

And while facial emotion detection and recognition can help with the use-cases mentioned above, the technology also has several broader market effects. From healthcare to travel to manufacturing to marketing, an emotion detection is a powerful tool at any business’s disposal.

However, the technology is still nascent, with a lack of expert annotators, reliable expression detection tools, and implementation resources being the more obvious roadblocks. Yet, the adoption rate, coupled with other AI and Machine learning technologies, is looking up, and it is a matter of time before facial emotion detection becomes an intelligent commonplace in the real and even virtual world.

Author Bio

Vatsal Ghiya is a serial entrepreneur with more than 20 years of experience in healthcare AI software and services. He is the CEO and co-founder of Shaip, which enables the on-demand scaling of our platform, processes, and people for companies with the most demanding machine learning and artificial intelligence initiatives.

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vatsal-ghiya-4191855/

The cloud is a term more of us are becoming more familiar with. It is a modern way of storing data and applications safely and securely. The cloud can be a perfect solution for companies looking to modernise the way they work and utilise the variety of benefits that the cloud can bring – one of those being accessibility. Choosing cloud managed services means you can access data wherever you are and focus on making collaboration in the workplace easier than ever.

What is cloud storage? 

Cloud storage is a way of accessing data, documents, and apps from wherever you are. When data is stored on the cloud, it is stored on a secure remote server, which can then be accessed by employees. It can be hosted by a server outside of a business or can be used within an organisation as ‘as-a-Service’. Many businesses are choosing cloud storage because of the benefits that come with it, such as the ability to work remotely, scalability and flexibility, as well as enhanced security options. When it comes to increasing diversity within your company, cloud computing can help you do this. Let’s look at some of the ways it can help below.

Working remotely 

Cloud storage can help increase diversity within the workplace, as it allows employees to work from wherever they are in the world. This platform allows employees to have access to data and documents without having access to on-premises infrastructure – which means companies no longer must narrow their search for the best-fit employees. Businesses can expand their search to find the employee that would be perfect for their role, regardless of where they’re based. Cloud storage makes it easy for businesses to hire workers from all over the globe.

Collaboration 

Cloud storage allows for improved collaboration. Not only does it allow documents to be accessed, but it also allows them to be shared with ease. An employee thousands of miles away can share and work on ideas with workers in other countries. Gone are the days of printing documents and reviewing them in the office – cloud storage allows for faster and more efficient collaboration between a diverse workforce.

When you’re collaborating overseas with the help of a cloud provider, it is important that you have all of the security measures you need in place to ensure safe sharing. Depending on the provider you choose, the cloud has all the added security tools you need to collaborate safely and securely – if you choose a managed approach, updates and patching will take place frequently for an even stronger security solution.

Workforce expansion 

This modern storage solution gives businesses the opportunity to grow and expand. Investing in cloud migration means that your business can operate on a global scale. Because of this new and modern way of working, you can have a workforce working together in different countries, you can expand your reach to clients and customers – and most importantly, spread the word about your business.

Without cloud storage, global growth would be more difficult, and it’s likely that you would have to spend money on implementing staff and offices in other countries – but cloud storage allows you to manage growth with ease, whether that’s with recruiting new employees or growth inline with your business goals.