https://youtu.be/Y6rIs220PXc More businesses are taking their products and services online than ever before. Consumers, for the most part, are feeling safer about completing online transactions – especially with businesses they trust.
But some entrepreneurs in the e-commerce world have never started their own business. Many are unfamiliar with how to run an e-commerce store. There’s no doubt that this is an exciting time to explore the e-commerce marketplace – especially for people who are testing it out while keeping their full-time jobs.
Having said that, business owners new to the online world should understand from the get-go that the e-commerce industry is one of the most lucrative targets for cyber criminals. News of the recent eBay hack is a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities associated with online businesses. But big businesses aren’t the only ones getting hacked. More than 20 WordPress sites are hacked every minute of every day.
But there are a few basic things you can do to help prevent losing control of your website and your customer’s private information.
Choose a Secure eCommerce Platform
More than two third of all active e-commerce sites are using either Magento or WordPress’ WooCommerce. Why? Mainly because of their sophisticated security features. There are other factors as well, but what makes them stand apart is the extensive security. PrestaShop can be yet another choice with a proven security framework.
Keep your software up-to-date and, it should go without saying, keep your passwords unique and secure. Educate your clients, as well as your workforce, about your information security practices. Let them know how you are protecting customers’ credit card information and what they should do from their end to keep the financial information secure.
Implement SSL Certificates
SSLs (secure socket layers) are the de facto standard when it comes to securing online transactions. An SSL certificate authenticates the identity of users and encrypts data while at store and transit. Implementing SSL is essential for E-commerce websites to establish secure connectivity between the end-user systems and your website.
For tech-savvy buyers, the padlock icon with HTTPS in the address bar is an essential prerequisite for providing their personal details and credit card information. If the consumers believe that a vendor is doing everything possible to secure their transactions, they are more likely to do business with them.
Scan Your Site for Security Vulnerabilities
Although SSLs protect your transactions, they don’t protect your website. No matter which platform you decide to use, ensure that your server maintains PCI compliance requirements by running PCI scans on your server to validate whether you are compliant or not. Companies like Trust Guard not only scan your site for more than 75,000 known vulnerabilities, giving you detailed reports about its safety, but they also provide users with trust seals.
These small, digital images, when placed on your home page and checkout page, have been proved to drastically increase sales and conversion rates. They show potential buyers through accompanying certificates that you are serious about their privacy and security. It gives them the peace of mind they need to make the buying decision.
Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or just are getting started, you should understand that keeping your site safe is your most important endeavor. Hackers can (and do) cause economic, legal and reputational damage every day. Keep your site safe and protected by following these three simple website security tips for your online business.
littleBits, the award-winning company that empowers kids to be inventors, today announced the launch of its Droid Inventor Kit, which enables kids to create their own Droid. An integral part of the global launch of Disney and Lucasfilm's Force Friday II, the Droid Inventor Kit brings Droids to life, inspiring imagination and invention for kids around the world. Kids can easily create and power up their own mechanical companion using littleBits electronic Bits--along with the free Droid Inventor app--to send their creation on more than 17 special Star Wars missions, complete with authentic Droid sounds from the Star Wars films. As they unlock new capabilities and level up their Droid Inventor skills, kids can also learn how to create their own custom R2 Units and experiences, combining play with real hands-on learning.
“Today we are continuing a global inventor movement that empowers young people to participate in a story that inspires them to be creators, not just consumers of technology,” said Ayah Bdeir, founder & CEO of littleBits. “We’ve created a gender-inclusive product that celebrates kids’ own self-expression and ingenuity, while showcasing the same characteristics of imagination, grit and invention that are embodied in the Star Wars franchise.”
To view the multimedia release go to:
https://www.multivu.com/players/English/8170651-littlebits-droid-inventor-kit-star-wars-kids-toys-stem/
Every spring, allergies take control of the lives of millions of Americans, affecting their work, their family time and even how well they sleep at night. Something else affects those millions of allergy sufferers, according to a new survey: big misconceptions about allergies that may keep people from getting needed relief.
To help put those misconceptions about allergies to rest, Sanofi is teaming up with science educator and television personality Adam Savage, along with allergist Dr. Neeta Ogden, to dispel them with credible information. The goal: help the 50 million allergy sufferers in America get the facts they need to understand and treat their allergies and take back control of their lives.
To view the multimedia release go to:
https://www.multivu.com/players/English/8255452-sanofi-allergy-misconceptions-facts-adam-savage/
PetSafe® brand is offering pet parents an affordable, effective way to allow their pets to play safely in their yard with its new Free to Roam Wireless Fence™ system.
Traditional above-ground fences cost thousands of dollars and may not be an option for people living in rental properties. The PetSafe Free to Roam Wireless Fence provides a convenient solution for a fraction of the cost of traditional fencing.
The PetSafe Free to Roam Wireless Fence covers a circular area of up to half an acre or 180 feet in diameter. The boundaries can be adjusted from 5-90 feet in all directions of the indoor transmitter. Since the system is completely wireless, there are no unsightly cables to bury – simply plug the transmitter into a standard outlet.
“Our new Free to Roam Wireless Fence system is made with pets and owners in mind,” said Marcus Wolf, category manager for PetSafe Containment and Avoidance products. “A wireless fence gives pet parents peace of mind to let their dogs safely enjoy their yard. It makes it easy and fun for pets and their parents to enjoy fresh air and exercise.”
To view the multimedia release go to:
http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7827751-petsafe-free-to-roam-wireless-fence/
Today, OREO – the world’s No. 1 cookie – launched the OREO Dunk Challenge, a global celebration of the brand’s iconic dunking ritual. The campaign kicks off in the U.S. and will roll out to more than 50 countries around the world as part of the OREO brand’s ongoing Wonderfilled movement. The OREO Dunk Challenge will feature a trio of high-profile dunkers, including International Recording Artist Christina Aguilera, Brazilian football star Neymar da Silva Santo, Jr. and Basketball Hall of Famer Shaquille “Shaq” O’Neal. Shaq and fans will do the first official dunks of the campaign today at the birthplace of the OREO cookie in New York City.
OREO cookies and milk have gone together for many years -- and not just because they are a delicious dunking duo. Dunking an OREO cookie in milk has always been a fun way to create a playful moment that reminds us how extraordinarily special it can be to feel and wonder like a kid.
To view the multimedia release go to:
https://www.multivu.com/players/English/8031651-oreo-dunk-challenge-shaq-christina-aguilera-neymar-da-silva-santo-jr/
QROPS - Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pension Schemes were introduced in 2006 as part of a major overhaul of Britain\'s pension framework, aimed at simplifying pension transfers to another country. New legislation was passed by the UK tax authority, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), in order to comply with an EU directive that pensions be free to move across Europe\'s borders. This ruling means that individuals, wishing to retire to countries such as France, Spain and Portugal can effectively take their UK pension funds with them: http://www.axis-finance.com/what-are-qrops.php
Who can apply for a QROPS?
A QROPS is specifically designed to allow anyone, not intending to retire in the UK, to transfer existing and frozen UK pension plans into a more appropriate retirement vehicle.
Individuals who are, or have been members of a UK registered pension fund and are currently living outside of the UK, or intending to leave the UK on a permanent basis, can consider transferring their retirement fund into a QROPS: http://www.axis-finance.com/qrops-living-in-France
Transfers to QROPS
The UK Government allows transfers to QROPS to be made free of UK tax. Their aim is to simplify the affairs of individuals leaving the UK on a permanent basis and to encourage them to continue saving in order to provide an income when they retire. There is no official limit to the amount of funds that may be transferred to a QROPS: http://www.axis-finance.com/qrops-France-pension-transfers
QROPS - HMRC Rules
What makes a scheme a QROPS?
In order to transfer your UK pension into a QROPS, it is necessary for the overseas pension scheme to be accepted by HMRC. The criteria outlined by HMRC for an overseas scheme to qualify as a QROPS include:
- The pension scheme must be established outside of the UK
- It must be recognised for tax purposes in the country where it is located
- It must be regulated in the country in which it is established
Age that benefits can be taken from a QROPS
The QROPS regime mirrors that of a regulated pension scheme in the UK. Benefits, including lump sum payments, from the transferred funds may not be distributed earlier than the normal retirement age of 55, if an individual has been a non-UK resident for less than five complete tax years: http://www.axis-finance.com/qrops-living-in-France-HMRC-Rules
QROPS Reporting requirements
HMRC should be notified if a payment is made within the first five tax years of a member becoming non-UK tax resident. Any benefits paid before five complete tax years of non-UK residency and not in accordance with UK Pension rules will be deemed an unauthorised payment.
The scheme manager does not have to notify HMRC if the payment is made 10 or more years after the day of the transfer that created the QROPS fund for the \'relevant member\', provided that the person is non UK resident for the duration of this period. This 10 year \'bracket\' for reporting payments took effect as of 6 April 2012.
QROPS List
When transferring your UK pension to a scheme overseas, it is important to check that the scheme meets the conditions to be a qualifying recognised overseas pension scheme (QROPS). Not all transfers to overseas or offshore schemes are QROPS transfers; it is therefore essential to verify that the scheme receiving your UK benefits is on the QROPS list published by HMRC, otherwise a transfer will be treated as a transfer to a non-qualifying overseas scheme and substantial penalties may be applied by HMRC at the time of transfer: http://www.axis-finance.com/qrops-list-living-in-France
How do I know if it is a legitimate QROPS scheme?
QROPS approved plans that agree to have their details published are listed on the HMRC website. A UK Pension administrator will confirm a QROPS listing before agreeing to a transfer. If not listed, the administrator will contact HMRC
http://nopetstorepuppies.com/ - The ASPCA just announced the launch of a national fleet of covert canine agents tasked with using enhanced interrogation tactics to identify consumers supporting the cruel puppy mill industry by shopping in pet stores that sell puppies. Most puppies sold in pet stores come from puppy mills, where they are kept in hostile conditions and do not receive proper veterinary care. The ASPCA's interrogating canines will not roll over until this inhumane industry is eradicated.
Will Cheetos shaped like a Flamin’ Hot Croissant or a Cheesy Pineapple become the next famous piece of Cheetos art this summer? Cheetos, one of the flagship brands from PepsiCo’s Frito-Lay division, is again asking America what they see in their Cheetos to find the most sought-after Cheetos works of art for the official Cheetos Museum, www.CheetosMuseum.com.
To officially kick off the hunt for the next priceless Cheetos shape, Cheetos and Ripley’s Believe It or Not! have teamed up to bring Chester’s exclusive exhibit to life in an unbelievable, must-see-it-to-believe-it way. Cheetos fans will hunt for hidden shapes in a completely immersive exhibit made with more than 128,900 Cheetos, and experience endless halls of one-of-a-kind Cheetos shapes in a mirror-lined infinity room at the Times Square (42nd Street between 7th and 8th Avenues) Ripley’s Believe it or Not!
To view the multimedia release go to:
https://www.multivu.com/players/English/8117651-cheetos-museum-unique-shapes-contest/
Crystal Farms®, one of the nation’s favorite cheese brands, today announced a new line of shredded cheeses that will help make cooking authentic Hispanic dishes more approachable for consumers.
The new line features four cheese varieties popular for their versatility and melting capabilities important in Hispanic cooking:
Quesadilla – Rich and creamy, Quesadilla cheese can be used in most recipes that call for melting cheese.
Oaxaca – Named after a region in Mexico, Oaxaca melts effortlessly into casseroles, refried beans and soups.
Asadero – A rich Mexican-style melting cheese, Asadero is ideal for adding buttery flavor to queso, enchiladas and your favorite Mexican fare.
Muenster – Though not a traditional Hispanic cheese, Muenster has been adapted to authentic dishes because of its mild flavor and high melting factor.
To view the multimedia release go to:
http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7916651-crystal-farms-hispanic-shredded-cheeses/
Seniors 80 and over yearn to be connected but many are not, causing a more than quarter of them to become “virtual shut-ins.” While a new survey shows use of social technology is linked to better wellbeing for people in this age group and demonstrates its potential for combating isolation, it also reveals their frustration and need for assistance in becoming part of the digital world. These findings come from a “Rewiring Aging” survey supported by Brookdale Senior Living, conducted by Kelton, a leading global insights firm in collaboration with the Stanford Center on Longevity. It is the first in-depth study of how online social networking and similar tech-based activities affect the quality of life among America’s fastest-growing demographic segment.
Fifty-eight percent of seniors surveyed believe technology can improve communication with family and friends. This belief is borne out by the findings; respondents who indicated they interact with loved ones through social technology report having higher life satisfaction and health and being more likely to attain life goals than those who do not use social technology.
To view the multimedia release go to:
http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7617951-brookdale-seniors-technology/
Curious culinarian and James Beard Award–winning chef Andrew Zimmern continues his search for the most interesting dishes across the globe in the new original series “Bizarre Foods: Delicious Destinations,” premiering with back–to–back episodes on Monday, January 26 at 9:00 p.m & 9:30 p.m. ET/PT. The 13–episode series, an extension of the popular “Bizarre Foods” franchise, takes viewers on an international journey to iconic cities around the world for a taste of their quintessential, not–to–be missed dishes. From melt in your mouth chocolate in Zurich to decadent gelato in Florence, savory paella in Barcelona to creamy clam chowder in Boston, the half–hour weekly series is an exploration of iconic foods, where they came from, how they are made, and the right way to eat them.
To view the Multimedia News Release, go to: http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7038059-travel-channel-bizarre-foods-delicious-destinations-andrew-zimmern/
