Net10.net Blogs Archives

A Closer Look at How Net10.net Manages DNS for Our Customers

by Bill Pitz | Aug 10, 2023 | DNS, Domain Names, Net10.net Blogs

The internet has become an indispensable part of our daily lives in today’s interconnected world. Whether we’re streaming movies, conducting online research, or connecting with friends on social media, everything relies on a seamless and efficient internet experience. One crucial element that makes this possible is the Domain Name System (DNS).

DNS allows us to access websites using human-readable domain names like “www.example.com” instead of complex IP addresses like “192.0.2.1.” Behind the scenes, Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and hosting providers play a critical role in managing DNS for their customers. In this blog, let’s delve into how Net10.net Internet Services manages DNS and its significance for Internet users.

Understanding DNS and Its Importance

Before delving into an ISP’s role, let’s briefly explain DNS and why it is essential. DNS is like a phonebook for the internet, translating user-friendly domain names into corresponding IP addresses that computers use to locate and connect to each other. Like most Internet infrastructure, DNS is a distributed service. When you enter a web address into your browser, the DNS resolver configured on your device (usually a server managed by your ISP) first consults its local cache to see if it can answer the request without further lookups.

If the site is one that you or another user of the same DNS resolver has accessed recently, the entry is likely already in the local cache. If not, a multi-tiered query is initiated, starting with the Root Servers. Root Servers are a distributed network of servers that provide crucial information for looking up domain names based on the Top Level Domain (TLD) – such as .com, .net, or .uk. The Root Server tells the resolver where to look next for the answer to its query. The resolver repeats this process, following successive “referrals” (called delegations) until a server is reached that provides an authoritative answer. That authoritative answer is then cached in the resolver’s local cache and provided to the system that requested it. If any system in this chain fails to work properly and doesn’t have a redundant backup, users cannot obtain an answer, and the desired service(s) will be unavailable.

Quality DNS infrastructure is critical as it directly impacts Internet speed, reliability, and security. Net10.net’s efficient DNS management leads to faster website loading times and better user experiences. It also plays a role in safeguarding users from potential cyber threats, such as phishing attacks and malware.

How Net10.net Manages DNS for Our Customers

Load Balancing, Geo-Diversity, and Redundancy

Net10.net Internet Services provides load balancing and redundancy techniques to ensure high availability and reliability. Load balancing distributes DNS queries across multiple servers to avoid overburdening any single server. Redundancy involves having multiple DNS servers that can handle the same queries, ensuring continuity in case of server failures. This also allows for servers to be placed in geographically diverse locations, allowing user queries to be returned more quickly.

Domain Registrars frequently offers “free” DNS hosting with domain registrations. While these services work fine, the level of available technical support is often minimal, and little to no emphasis is placed on speed and availability. Numerous DNS outages have occurred at large registrars in recent years, causing unnecessary outages of client websites. While Net10 never requires a client to host DNS with us, we do suggest avoiding “free” DNS services provided by domain registrars.

Net10.net Record Management

This may be one of the most important elements of a sound DNS strategy. Changes are often made or requested hastily or without appropriate review because those making the request (software vendors, website developers, email marketing companies, etc.) are only familiar with their particular request and not the other services that a customer may have set up. When Net10 manages records for a client, there is an added benefit of technical review of the changes for potential impacts to other services.

Net10.Net gives clients direct access to make their own DNS changes, but clients can always run those changes by us before implementing – just in case.

DNSSEC (Domain Name System Security Extensions):

DNSSEC is a suite of security extensions for DNS that provides protection against spoofing and other cyber threats. We include DNSSEC on our Recursive DNS Servers to validate data and ensure its integrity, providing customers with a more secure online experience.

Net10 Internet Services plays an integral role in managing DNS for our customers, facilitating the smooth functioning of the Internet. By employing recursive DNS servers, caching mechanisms, load balancing, redundancy, and security measures like DNSSEC, we strive to deliver a fast, reliable, and secure internet experience.

Addressing concerns related to user privacy and DNS hijacking as technology evolves is essential for ensuring a more transparent and user-centric Internet ecosystem. Understanding how we manage DNS empowers our customers to make informed decisions about their internet connectivity and security. Contact us if you have concerns or questions about DNS. We are always glad to help. Be sure to check out our other services, such as Business Application Hosting, Private Cloud Hosting, WordPress Hosting, and much more!

BTW, our WordPress Site Management Tips blog provides excellent advice if you are a WordPress fan.

Our related blog, What The Heck Is DNS, And Why Every Internet User Should Care is a good read, too. If you have any questions, contact us; we will gladly help.

DNS. What The Heck Is It And Why Every Internet User Should Care

by Bill Pitz | Aug 10, 2023 | DNS, Domain Names, Email, Malware, Net10.net Blogs, Ransomware

Have you ever wondered how your computer knows where to find the website you’re trying to access? Or how your emails reach their intended recipients? Behind the scenes, a critical technology called DNS (Domain Name System) plays a pivotal role in translating human-readable web addresses into machine-readable IP addresses. In this blog post, we’ll explore the significance of DNS and why you should care about it, focusing on Net10.net DNS and other Internet Services.

What is DNS?

Imagine the internet as a massive web of interconnected devices, servers, and networks. Each device has a unique identifier called an IP (Internet Protocol) address, which looks like a series of numbers. While computers can easily communicate with these numerical IP addresses, they could be more user-friendly for humans. That’s where DNS comes into play.

The Domain Name System acts as a digital phone book of the internet. It converts user-friendly domain names (like net10.net) into the corresponding IP addresses (like 203.0.113.10). When you enter a URL into your web browser, the DNS server is queried to find the correct IP address associated with that domain name, allowing your browser to connect to the correct server and fetch the website’s content.

Why Should You Care About DNS?

User Convenience: DNS simplifies our lives by simplifying how we access online resources. Just imagine if you had to remember a string of numbers for every website you wanted to visit! Thanks to DNS, you only need to remember the memorable domain names and the system handles the rest.

Faster Browsing: Efficient DNS resolution directly impacts your internet browsing speed. When a domain name’s IP address is cached locally, subsequent requests to the same domain can be processed faster, reducing website loading times.

Reliable Email Delivery: DNS is not only about accessing websites; it also plays a crucial role in email communication. Email servers use DNS to find the correct mail server for the recipient’s domain, ensuring your messages reach their intended destination. DNS records are also used by the recipient’s mail system to verify that your message came from an authorized source.

Secure Internet Experience: Cybersecurity relies on DNS to prevent users from accessing malicious websites. Domain Name System filtering and blacklisting help protect users from phishing scams, malware, and other cyber threats.

The Significance of Net10.net Internet Services

While Net10.net is an illustrative example in our blog post, it is essential to understand that every website, service, or email you interact with relies on the DNS infrastructure. Net10.net, like any other domain, requires proper DNS management to ensure its accessibility and functionality.

For website owners, managing DNS records correctly is crucial for website availability and performance. Misconfigured Domain Name System settings can lead to website downtime, which may result in lost revenue and decreased user trust. Similarly, DNS server outages can also lead to unreachable websites and undeliverable emails.

DNS is a behind-the-scenes technical aspect of the internet, and its importance cannot be overstated. The Domain Name System enables seamless communication between users and online resources, making the Internet accessible and convenient for everyone. Whether you are a casual internet user or a business owner, understanding and appreciating DNS will undoubtedly enhance your online experience.

So, the next time you enter Net10.net into your browser’s address bar or any other domain name, take a moment to appreciate the magic of DNS, the unsung hero that makes the internet a global network of possibilities.

Top WordPress Site Management Tips

by Curtis Jolley | Jul 24, 2023 | Net10.net Blogs, WordPress

In this Net10.net blog post, we will explore some essential WordPress site management tips to help you keep your website running smoothly and effectively. WordPress is an incredibly popular and powerful content management system that empowers millions of websites across the internet. However, managing a WordPress site requires ongoing effort and attention to ensure its optimal performance, security, and usability.

Regularly Update WordPress Core, Themes, and Plugins

One of the most crucial aspects of WordPress site management is to keep your WordPress core, themes, and plugins up to date. These updates often include security patches, bug fixes, and new features that can enhance the functionality and security of your website. We recommend not allowing some automatic updates that may cause conflicts. Do regularly check for updates and know when to apply them.

Implement Robust Security Measures

WordPress is a popular target for hackers, so it’s vital to implement robust security measures to protect your site. Start by using strong, unique passwords for all user accounts and avoid using the default “admin” username. Install a reliable security plugin to monitor and block suspicious activity, enable a firewall, and use SSL certificates to encrypt data transmission. Hosting your WordPress sites at Net10.net means you receive the highest level of security, and we include free SSL certificates.

WordPress Site Management Means Backing up Your Website Regularly

Net10 hosting accounts automatically include daily, weekly, and monthly backups. Accidents happen, and websites can experience technical issues or security breaches. If you do not host with Net10 Internet Services, you will want to safeguard your data and ensure quick recovery. Establish a regular backup routine. Many WordPress backup plugins are available to automate the process and store your backups in remote locations, such as cloud storage services, including Dropbox or FTP servers.

Optimize Website Performance

A slow-loading website can frustrate visitors and adversely impact your search engine rankings. Optimize your website’s performance by employing techniques like caching, minifying CSS and JavaScript files, and optimizing images. Utilize a caching plugin to store static copies of your web pages, reducing the server load and decreasing page loading times. Net10.net provides expert WordPress services, including super-fast server response times and other systems and apps to speed up all devices’ upload and download times.

Monitor and Manage Comments

Engaging with your audience through comments is a valuable aspect of running a WordPress site. However, spam comments can be a significant headache. Install an anti-spam plugin to filter out spam comments automatically. Regularly review and moderate comments to maintain a healthy conversation on your website.

Optimize for Search Engines

Implementing Search Engine Optimization (SEO), strategies can significantly improve your website’s visibility in search engine results. Utilize an SEO plugin to optimize meta tags, generate XML sitemaps, and improve the overall SEO-friendliness of your site. Research and implement relevant keywords to enhance your content’s discoverability.

Monitor Website Analytics

Tracking website analytics helps you understand your audience, their behavior, and the effectiveness of your content and marketing efforts. Integrate your website with tools like Google Analytics to gather valuable data on visitor traffic, demographics, popular content, and conversion rates. Analyzing this data can help you make informed decisions to improve your site’s performance.

Regularly Audit and Update Content

Regularly reviewing and updating your website’s content is essential to keep it fresh, relevant, and engaging. Broken links, outdated information, and stale content can negatively impact user experience. Perform periodic content audits, fix broken links, update outdated information, and add new valuable content to keep your audience coming back for more.

WordPress Site Management Conclusion

Managing a WordPress site requires ongoing attention and effort, but following these essential tips can keep your website running smoothly, securely, and effectively. Regularly updating your WordPress core, themes, and plugins, implementing robust security measures, backing up your site, and optimizing performance are all critical components of successful site management.

Additionally, monitoring comments, optimizing for search engines, tracking analytics, and regularly auditing and updating content contribute to a positive user experience and website growth. Adopting these practices ensures that your WordPress site remains a valuable asset for your business or online presence.

Contact Net10 Internet Services Today!

If you want to move your existing or create new WordPress websites, contact Net10.net. We will gladly move existing sites to our servers for no cost.

Our prices are amazing, especially for all the security and features we include, and other ISPs charge extra. You may not be aware that you are possibly paying more if you’re not hosting WordPress accounts with Net10 Internet Services. We look forward to hearing from you. Be sure to check our blog posts often for more hosting, security, and website tips!

The Power of SaaS: Scalable and Flexible Cloud-Based Software

by Curtis Jolley | Jun 15, 2023 | Net10.net Blogs, Private Cloud Hosting, SaaS

What is SaaS?

SaaS, also known as On-Demand Software, Web-Based Software, Cloud-Based Software, Hosted Software, or Application Service Provider, refers to a software delivery model where applications are hosted in the cloud and made accessible to users over the internet. This is a highly sought-after service provided by Net10.net. Why? Unlike traditional software installations, SaaS eliminates the need for complex installations and provides users with immediate access to powerful applications.

In the world of modern business, organizations are constantly seeking innovative solutions to optimize their operations and drive growth. One such solution that has revolutionized the software industry is Software as a Service (SaaS). Let’s delve into the concept, highlighting its benefits, subscription-based pricing model, cloud-based platform, and security features. We will also explore popular software applications that are transforming industries worldwide.

Scalable and Flexible Cloud-Based Software Solutions

One of the key advantages of SaaS is its scalability and flexibility. With traditional software, businesses often need help scaling up or down their operations. However, SaaS applications can seamlessly adjust to accommodate changing business needs. Whether you are a small startup or a large enterprise, SaaS provides a scalable solution that can grow with your business, enabling you to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving market.

Subscription-Based Pricing

Another notable feature is its subscription-based pricing model. Instead of purchasing software licenses outright, users subscribe to Net10’s hosted applications on a pay-as-you-go basis. This pricing model offers significant advantages, including cost savings, predictable expenses, and the ability to upgrade or downgrade subscriptions based on evolving requirements.

Cloud-Based Platform

SaaS leverages the power of the cloud to deliver software applications. Utilizing a cloud-based platform, Net10 offers robust and reliable services accessible from anywhere with an internet connection. This eliminates the need for costly infrastructure investments and allows businesses to focus on their core operations while relying on the expertise and infrastructure of our IT services.

Net10.net’s SaaS Security

Security is of paramount importance. Net10.net invests heavily in data protection measures to ensure customer data’s confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Security measures may include encryption, access controls, regular backups, and compliance with industry regulations such as GDPR or HIPAA. By partnering with us, your businesses can leverage enterprise-level security measures without the burden of managing your own infrastructure.

Popular SaaS Software Applications

SaaS has witnessed widespread adoption across various industries, revolutionizing how businesses operate. Some of the most popular software applications include:

Salesforce: A leading CRM platform that helps businesses efficiently manage customer relationships, sales, and marketing efforts.
Slack: A collaboration tool that enables teams to communicate, share files, and collaborate in real-time, improving productivity and streamlining workflows.
Shopify: An e-commerce platform that allows businesses to create online stores, manage inventory, and process payments seamlessly.
Microsoft 365: A suite of productivity tools, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, accessible from any device, facilitating collaboration and enhancing productivity.
Zoom: A video conferencing platform that is indispensable for remote meetings, webinars, and virtual events.
Zendesk: A customer service software that centralizes and streamlines customer support operations, improving efficiency and customer satisfaction.
HubSpot: An all-in-one marketing and sales software suite that helps businesses attract, engage, nurture leads, and manage customer relationships.
And more! Contact Net10.net s to discuss your software requirements.

SaaS has transformed the software landscape with its scalable and flexible cloud-based software solutions, subscription-based pricing, and robust security features. By adopting SaaS applications, your business can harness the power of cutting-edge technology, enhance its efficiency, and obtain a competitive edge in today’s dynamic market. Whether you are a startup or an established enterprise, exploring the vast array of available SaaS options with Net10 Internet Services, LLC can unlock new growth and success opportunities.

Ransomware And How To Protect Your Data

by Curtis Jolley | Jun 1, 2023 | Net10.net Blogs, Ransomware

Protecting your data from a ransomware attack requires a combination of preventive measures and proactive practices. Here are essential steps Net10.net recommends you take to help safeguard your data.

Backup Your Data

Regularly back up any files and data, you want to protect to an external hard drive, offline storage, or secure cloud-based service. Ensure that your backups are not directly accessible from your computer or network to prevent them from being compromised in an attack. You can restore files affected by a virus or hackers using a previous backup. Net10 backs up files daily, weekly, and monthly.

Keep Your Software Updated To Prevent Ransomware/Malware Attacks

Regularly update your operating system, software, and applications with the latest security patches and updates. Many attacks exploit vulnerabilities in outdated software, so staying up to date can help protect you from known vulnerabilities.

Keep Hackers Out By Using Solid And Unique Passwords

Create substantial and complex passwords for all your online accounts, including email, social media, and file-sharing services. Consider using a good password manager to generate and securely store your passwords.

Be Cautious With Emails With Attachments And Links

Avoid opening email attachments or clicking on suspicious links from unknown senders. Be especially vigilant with email attachments that end in file extensions like “.exe” or “.vbs,” as these can execute malicious code.

Use Reputable Security Software

Install and regularly update reputable antivirus and antimalware software on your devices. These programs can help detect and prevent malware infections, including ransomware.

Enable Automatic Software Updates

Enable automatic updates for your operating system and software whenever possible. That ensures that you receive critical security patches on time.

Educate Yourself And Your Team

Stay current about the latest threats, and teach yourself and your team about best practices for cybersecurity. Be cautious about sharing sensitive information online and teach others to recognize and avoid potential risks.

Use A Firewall To Protect From Ransomware Attacks

Enable and regularly update a firewall on your computer or network. Firewalls act as a barrier between your devices and the internet, helping to prevent unauthorized access and filtering out malicious traffic.

Limit User Privileges

Restrict user privileges to the minimum necessary for each individual. That reduces the potential impact of a ransomware, virus, or malware attack by limiting the access attackers have to critical files and systems.

Implement Network Segmentation

Net10 Internet Services can segment your network into different zones with varying access levels and security controls. That can help contain the spread and limit the damage if one part of the network is compromised.

Additional Information

Remember, while these measures can significantly reduce the risk of a ransomware attack, maintaining a proactive and vigilant approach to cybersecurity is crucial. Review and update your security practices to stay ahead of evolving threats. At Net10, we encourage our clients to read our related blogs, such as “What Is Ransomware” and “Email Phishing Attacks — And Preventative Methods.” Contact us if you have any questions. We are always glad to help!

What Is Ransomware?

by Curtis Jolley | May 31, 2023 | Net10.net Blogs, Ransomware

Ransomware And What To Do About It

Ransomware is malicious software (malware) designed to encrypt files on a victim’s computer or network with a ransom demand for payment for the decryption key. It is a form of cyber extortion that times have severe consequences for individuals, businesses, and organizations.

The attack often displays a message on the victim’s screen, informing them that their files have been locked and providing instructions on paying the ransom to obtain the decryption key.

Hackers carry out ransomware attacks to profit financially from their activities. They may demand payment in a specific cryptocurrency, such as Bitcoin, to make the transaction more difficult to trace. The amount of ransom required can vary widely up to millions of dollars.

Victims of ransomware attacks face a difficult decision. Whether to pay the ransom, as there’s no guarantee that the cybercriminals will provide the decryption key, also encourages further attacks. When a ransom is paid and the files decrypted, the victim’s system may still be compromised, leaving it vulnerable to future attacks.

Preventing ransomware attacks involves implementing various security measures, such as regularly updating software and operating systems, using strong and unique passwords, employing anti-virus and anti-malware solutions, being cautious with email attachments and suspicious links, and regularly backing up important files to offline or cloud storage.

How To Know If You’re A Ransomware Victim?

If you’re not sure whether you’re a victim, here are some signs from Net10.net to look out for:

Encrypted Files: Ransomware typically encrypts your files, making them inaccessible. It could indicate an attack if you cannot open or access your files and notice unusual extensions added to them (e.g., .locked, .encrypted, .crypt).

Ransom Note: Ransomware often leaves a ransom note or message informing you that your files have been encrypted and providing instructions on making the ransom payment. This note may appear as a text file, a pop-up window, or even the desktop wallpaper.

Changes To File Names Or Extensions: Ransomware may alter them, making them unrecognizable or adding random characters.

Unusual Network Activity: If you notice unusual network activity, such as slow internet speeds, frequent crashes, or unexpected network connections, it could indicate that malware is actively encrypting your files or communicating with its command and control servers.

Disabled Security Software: Hackers may attempt to disable your anti-virus or anti-malware software to avoid detection. If your anti-virus software is disabled or you cannot start it, that could be a red flag.

Pop-Up Messages Or Warnings: You might see notifications on your screen claiming that your computer is infected and demanding payment to resolve the issue.

System Issues Or Strange Behavior: Successful attacks may cause your computer to slow down, freeze, or crash frequently. You might also experience unusual behavior, such as the appearance of new, unfamiliar programs or icons on your desktop.

If you notice signs similar to these, it is crucial to act quickly:

Disconnect From The Network: Immediately disconnect from the internet and disconnect any other devices or shared drives to prevent the ransomware from spreading further.

Report The Incident: Contact your IT department or hosting provider and report the incident, or contact the authorities such as law enforcement or a dedicated cybercrime reporting agency.

Seek Professional Help: Consult with a Cybersecurity Expert or an incident response team to assess the situation, mitigate the damage, and potentially recover your encrypted files. Net10 Internet Services, LLC makes daily, weekly, and monthly backups to restore files.

Prevention is better than dealing with the results of a ransomware attack. Regularly backing up your files, maintaining up-to-date security software, and practicing safe online habits may reduce your risk of being a victim. Check out our highly-rated blog posts to learn more and obtain expert tips from Net10.net. Especially read our “Email Phishing Attacks And Preventative Methods” and this timely follow-up blog, “Ransomware And How To Protect Your Data for additional advice.

If you have concerns about protecting your data, contact us today! We are here to help and have many cost-effective solutions for every size of business, no matter how small or large your organization is.

The Benefits of Database Hosting: Unlocking Seamless Performance and Security

by Curtis Jolley | May 19, 2023 | Database Hosting, Net10.net Blogs

Managing an on-site database server can be a cumbersome and time-consuming task. It’s a constant concern for businesses, from ensuring security and stability to handling backups and updates. However, database hosting services offer a solution allowing you to offload these responsibilities and focus on running your business efficiently. Let’s review the benefits of opting for Net10 Internet Services, LLC’s reliable and fully redundant database hosting solution, and free your business from the worries associated with on-site server management.

Effortless Security and Stability

By choosing Net10 as your database hosting provider, you can bid farewell to the perpetual concerns surrounding your server’s security and stability. Instead of spending valuable time patching, updating, and maintaining your database, you can trust the expertise of professionals who specialize in ensuring the highest levels of security. Eliminate the need for crossing your fingers and hoping your server stays up. As your hosting provider, we will handle all necessary maintenance tasks seamlessly.

Enhanced Performance and Redundancy

Database hosting services can significantly speed up your applications and improve overall performance. With Net10.net’s reliable infrastructure, your hosted database benefits from robust hardware and optimized configurations, resulting in faster query execution and reduced latency. Additionally, we offer server and geographic redundancy, ensuring that your database remains accessible despite hardware failures or network outages. This redundancy provides peace of mind and minimizes the risk of prolonged downtime.

Focus on Your Core Business

Entrusting your database hosting to Net10 can redirect your valuable time and resources toward your core business operations. Instead of dealing with server-related tasks, you can develop innovative products, improve customer experiences, and grow your business. Database hosting liberates you from operational burdens, enabling you to optimize your productivity and achieve better outcomes.

Predictable and Cost-Effective

Opting for a database hosting solution also brings financial benefits. Instead of investing in expensive on-premise infrastructure and hiring dedicated IT staff, you can rely on a predictable and consistent monthly cost with Net10 Internet Services. This allows you to allocate your budget more efficiently and avoid unexpected server maintenance and upgrade expenses. Moreover, our hosting services offer flexible plans that scale as your business grows, ensuring you have the necessary resources to support your evolving needs.

Conclusion

Database hosting offers a practical and reliable solution for businesses seeking to simplify their database and business application management processes. By leveraging the expertise and infrastructure of Net10 as your trusted hosting provider, you can eliminate worries about security, stability, and maintenance. Instead, focus your time on driving your business forward, leveraging the enhanced performance, and benefiting from predictable monthly costs. Embrace the convenience and efficiency of database hosting and experience the peace of mind it brings to your operations. Contact us if you have questions or comments. We are always here to help!

Private Cloud Hosting — Net10

by Cynthia Furst | May 16, 2023 | Net10.net Blogs, Private Cloud Hosting

Net10 Internet Services built-for-business private cloud hosting is a computing model where a single organization exclusively uses dedicated resources and infrastructure. Unlike public cloud hosting, private cloud hosting provides greater control, security, and customization options.

Here is our list of essential aspects of private cloud hosting:

1. Infrastructure: Net10.net will create a dedicated infrastructure we can host for your organization. This infrastructure includes servers, storage systems, networking equipment, and virtualization technology.

2. Control and Security: With a private cloud, your organization will fully control your infrastructure to customize and configure it according to your needs. It provides enhanced security and data privacy because other organizations do not share the same resources.

3. Scalability: Our private cloud hosting offers scalability, which allows your business to scale resources up or down based on demand. This flexibility ensures that your infrastructure can accommodate varying workloads and adapt to changing business requirements.

4. Cost Efficiency: Net10.net provides cost savings compared to maintaining an on-premises infrastructure. Eliminate hardware expenditures and reduce ongoing maintenance and management costs.

5. Compliance and Regulation: Organizations operating in regulated industries or with specific compliance requirements choose private cloud hosting. It allows them to maintain greater control over data security, privacy, and compliance with industry standards.

6. Resource Isolation: In a private cloud environment, resources are dedicated to a single organization, ensuring better performance and isolation from other users. This enables your business to achieve predictable and consistent application and service performance.

7. Customization: We tailor the infrastructure and services to meet your unique needs. Net10 Internet Services allow configuring and optimizing the environment according to your specific workload requirements.

8. Disaster Recovery: Private cloud hosting can facilitate robust disaster recovery solutions. We can ensure high availability and quick recovery in a failure or disaster by leveraging redundant infrastructure and data replication.

9. Hybrid Cloud Integration: Net10.net’s private cloud services can be integrated with public cloud services to create a hybrid cloud environment. This allows a business to leverage the benefits of both private and public clouds, optimizing cost, scalability, and performance.

10. Service Level Agreements (SLAs): When engaging with private cloud hosting, organizations can define SLAs to establish performance guarantees, uptime commitments, and support services. SLAs ensure accountability and help maintain service quality.

Cloud hosting services from Net10 offer organizations greater control, security, and customization options compared to public cloud hosting. It is suitable for businesses with specific compliance requirements, sensitive data, and the need for resource isolation.

Run your business applications in Net10’s built-for-business Private Cloud. Stop worrying about your old servers, data backups, or that air conditioner making a funny noise. Contact us today for more information and learn how we can help provide the private cloud hosting solutions you need.

Email Phishing Attacks — And Preventative Methods

by Curtis Jolley | May 4, 2023 | Email, Net10.net Blogs, Private Cloud Hosting, Ransomware

Email phishing attacks are Internet attacks where the attackers send emails that appear to be legitimate. However, their goal is to trick you into revealing sensitive information, such as passwords or financial details. Some can install harmful software on your computer or mobile devices. Here are some steps you can take to avoid falling victim to email phishing:

Be vigilant about emails from unknown senders: If you receive an email from an unknown sender or an email that looks suspicious, do not click on links or download any attachments.

Check links and attachments before clicking on them: Put your cursor over a link and look to see if the URL is secure. It should start with https://. Also, look carefully at the URL, as It may not be the website you visit after clicking the link. Tricks include misspelling words you may not catch and using a combination of letters such as an r and an n to look like an m, like this: rn. Clicking fake links means downloading a virus or allowing someone to install ransomware and take control of your device. If there is an attachment and you are unsure what it is about, don’t open it. That is another way someone can install a virus or ransomware on your computer or mobile devices.

Verifications: It is always a good idea to verify a request via phone or other communication channels (NOT one referenced in the suspicious email, but one that is known to you from your personal or business relationship with the sender). For example, title and escrow companies always do this by requiring a phone call to their office to verify wire instructions.

Use anti-phishing tools: Use anti-phishing tools provided by your email service provider or install anti-phishing software to help detect and block phishing attempts. See Tip #1 below.

Check the sender’s email address: Check the sender’s email address carefully to ensure that it matches the legitimate email address of the company or organization they claim to represent. See tip #2 below.

Don’t provide personal information: Never provide personal information, such as passwords or financial details, in response to an email request.

Keep software up to date: Keep your operating system and antivirus software up to date to protect against known vulnerabilities.

Be wary of urgent requests: Emails that demand an immediate response or threaten dire consequences if you don’t comply are a red flag. Do not respond and simply delete them. Mark as spam and block them.

Net10.net Quick Tips:

Consider upgrading your security to include a Virtual Private Network (VPN). You can still use your email accounts safely without one. However, the risk of getting phishing or malicious emails is significant. With a VPN, you can eliminate many dangers, and you will be able to make your email communication safe, secure, and private for you. We highly recommend ExpressVPN. Let us know if you have VPN questions. We are always glad to help!
Email headers contain lots of information, including sender/recipient details. Do a quick review to see if the sender’s information matches what you see in the from section of the message. If not, it may be a phishing attack.
Here is an example from Outlook 365:

Click on the Message tab, and select Tags to view Properties.
Next, find the Internet Headers section.
Look at the Received From details to determine who sent the email.
If something doesn’t look right, you may not want to respond!

If you don’t use Outlook, do a quick Google search for View Email headers and type the name of the app you use for step-by-step instructions, such as Gmail. Like this: How to view email headers for Gmail.

We hope this information about email phishing is helpful. If you have questions or other topics you want Net10.net to write about in our blog, just let us know at support@net10.net.

What You Need To Know About Domain Name Registrations

by Bill Pitz | Apr 30, 2023 | Domain Names, Net10.net Blogs

Don’t Lose Your Domain Name!

Your domain name is arguably the most crucial part of your company’s online identity. After all, what would Amazon be without “Amazon.com” as the core of its identity? But unfortunately, losing a domain name is something we see happen occasionally, and it is entirely avoidable by taking a few steps.

Know Where Your Domain Is Registered

The most important thing you can do to safeguard this piece of your company’s online identity is to know the details. First, know where your domain name is registered. An accredited company that is a domain registrar provides this function. They maintain your domain name registration, proving your ownership and allowing you to make necessary changes, such as your contact information. The domain registrar collects an annual fee for this service. They keep part of it, and the rest flows upstream to the non-profit entity that runs the centralized database for the top-level domain. Examples include .com, .net, .and org. Switching your domain registration to a different domain registrar is possible and perfectly safe. Just ensure you know where your domain is moving from, where it is going, and how much lead time is required to transfer.

Don’t Fall For Phishing And Other Scams

Knowing who your domain registrar is makes you far less likely to have issues with scams. It’s a common practice for unscrupulous companies to send out messages that look like they are from a domain registrar. They attempt to get you to renew your registration, listing, etc., for a fee (usually a relatively substantial one). These notices come in the postal mail and email, so always be cautious. If you have questions about whether a particular company has anything to do with your domain registration, please ask us. We’d rather answer a few additional questions than see a customer lose either money or their domain name.

Pay Your Registration Fees

If your domain registration fees are not paid, your domain registrar can legally suspend your domain. There is typically a 30-day “redemption period” during which you can pay the domain registrar an additional fee to recover the suspended domain. After that period, the domain name is fair game. For example, suppose it has a positive reputation on search engines or is even slightly valuable. In that case, it will typically be snapped up immediately by a domain auction company attempting to sell it. Your only choice to recover your domain name is to repurchase it.

Keep Your Contact Information Up To Date

It is a must to update your contact information with your domain registrar. Aside from the obvious, they may need to contact you for payment or about an expired credit card. Therefore, keeping your contact information up to date is mandatory. Failure to do so can result in forfeiture of your domain. Your registrar will email you once a year to remind you to log in and verify the contact information on the account is current. Then, you can address any potential issues before your renewal is due and it’s crunch time.

Net10.net Can Be Your Domain Registrar – We Can Help

Net10.net is a domain registrar. The process to become one was arduous, but we did it. You can register your domain through our Domain Name Registration portal or we can register it for you. You can also transfer an existing domain to us allowing us the ability to help you manage it so you never lose it, just let us know. We’re happy to help take that headache off of your plate.

Net10.net Quick Tip

If you don’t know who your domain name registrar is or forget when your account will renew, you can check the public record by going to https://www.whois.com/whois/xx.com Replace xx.com with your domain name followed by the .com, .org, .net, etc. The public record provides helpful information.

Remember, when in doubt, contact Net10 at support@net.net. We’re here to help.