Implications of Unified Threat Management for SMBs: Easy IT Security

 IT security experts speak all the time of the importance of having a multi-tiered network security plan in place for businesses-one with layers upon layers of security so that virtual immunity to cyber crime is as close to certainty as possible. But with so many vendors out there, serving so many niche markets and different aspects of IT security (i.e. antivirus, anti-spam, VPN, data backup and recovery, content filtering, etc.), it's especially difficult for small businesses who don't have in-house IT experts to protect themselves. Sure, buying separate, best-class antivirus, anti-spam, and firewall devices is easy for large enterprises, but it's an impractical suggestion for establishments with less than 25 employees. Small businesses are getting lost in the clutter: they simply don't know what to do. SMBs don't have the funds to acquire complex, enterprise-class IT solutions, so they defer to desktop software for protection-easy IT security. Unfortunately, security doesn't stop at endpoint: SMBs need perimeter defense too-the gateway-where your business meets the internet.

SMBs either don't have the time or the resources (both monetary and human), are not educated on the different aspects of IT security, don't understand the need for IT security until they have fallen victim, or aren't really sure what the term "cybercrime" includes and the depth of threats they may be exposed to. Given their size, they are not expected to spend lots of money on distinct appliances for each feature, leaving them susceptible from several different angles. Business continuity is more vital than ever for small businesses www.scoutdns.com, because a single instance of cybercrime can cause severe interruptions that are extremely difficult to recover from. Unfortunately, entrepreneurs of SMBs often have a strong desire for control and autonomy, so implementing numerous security measures they are not able to control or completely understand seems out of the question, not to mention, outside of the budget. Most SMB managers have lax network user policies and do not place a high level of precedence on maintaining visibility and control over users within their network and the span of their network infrastructure. SMBs like simplicity and automation, and all too often simplicity mixed with resistance to change, limited or no internal IT staffs, and modest budgets translate to cybercrime vulnerability and subsequent business closing shortly thereafter. The losses from cybercrime are substantial and unforgiving, and it is a tragedy that small businesses see the potential of IT security and refuse to actualize it. For every large, well-secure corporation, there's about 1,000 SMBs that require just as much, if not more, information security.

Clearly there is a need for easy IT security-a package of solutions that combines endpoint and gateway security, and gives you the tools to screen Web and e-mail traffic while also blocking, scanning for, and quarantining viruses and spam. Here is the solution: Unified Threat Management. Now, IT security should never be considered easy in the sense that businesses will never have update and maintain it. With that said, UTM is as easy as it gets with IT security. With UTM, businesses can now implement an integrated gateway solution rather than separate point solutions. The advantages of unified security lie in the fact that rather than administering multiple systems that individually handle different security-related functions, organizations now have the flexibility to deploy a single UTM appliance that combines each of their functionalities into a single appliance. In other words, it makes information security just a bit more manageable. These devices are very affordable when you compared to the alternative of paying an IT rep. to sit in and be on security patrol, waiting for something to go wrong. They offer excellent protection-all of the features are tightly integrated. Not all devices are created equal, but UTM's generally include email spam filtering, web content filtering, a firewall, gateway antivirus, and invasion detection and prevention. It offers a centralized console that monitors network security at remote locations.

An antivirus and firewall won't suffice in today's rampant world of cyber-attacks and "hacktivism." UTM's leave no gaps in fulfilling the security requirements of small offices. This easy IT security delivers comprehensive protection from blended threats, counting malware, spam, viruses, and phishing. In addition, Unified Threat Management is a cost-effective solution for SMBs: they are available at no extra "per user" charges. Some are customizable, like Sophos UTM, which allows you to choose the security software subscriptions you want and tailor your very own UTM solution. UTM products usually will be accompanied by user-friendly software that allows you to manage your entire network using a graphical user interface. UTM essentially gives users the control to extend their defined network, with constantly fine-tuned preventative techniques.

The challenge of keeping data and networks from being compromised is one that both small businesses and large enterprises share. Now with UTM, it doesn't matter if you have 10 employees or 10,000-SMBs can now get the same level of innovative threat protection for price points that are finally sustainable and scaled to size. The implication? UTM is IT Security, made easy!

Fortunately, there are companies out there committed to providing easy IT security [http://www.astarowall.com] that's customizable to any level of need, like AstaroWall, a division of Guardian Network Solutions and authorized Astaro/Sophos reseller. Astaro provides elite internet security solutions for email, web, and networks of all sizes and types. The search for software and hardware solutions that build complete security for your network should go no further than AstaroWall.

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How to Pick the Best Creatine Product

Creatine is one of the most tried-and-true supplements for muscle building. It doesn't claim to have any crazy "miracle" effects, but many people find that it truly works for helping them get the most of their workouts and build more muscle. Here are a few tips on how to pick the best creatine product.

1. Go For Creatine Monohydrate

Creatine monohydrate is the original form of creatine, the best creatine, and the one on which most studies have been done. It is has been proven time and again to help cause in increase in the production of ATP (energy) in muscles, and to allow lifters to take their muscle-building sets a little farther.

The other main competitor of creatine monohydrate is called creatine ethyl ester. While it certainly has good properties, it is not nearly as time-tested and proven as monohydrate, and it tastes like absolute garbage https://www.fletchreviews.com. If you've ever tried to just take some with water, you'll know what I mean - it is possibly the most bitter substance I have ever tasted.

2. Pick A Reputable Company

There are probably thousands of different supplement companies, large and small, but if you want the best creatine, go with a company with an established reputation. Such companies include Biotest, Higher Power, and EAS.

Some of the less reputable companies have the potential to give you impure creatine and straight-up scam products. I mean, creatine is a white powder - it's not that hard to fake!

3. Avoid Products With Fantastic Claims

Certain companies market supplements that claim to be the best creatine product, but they overhype them to the point that you know something fishy is up. Sometimes you'll see products that are basically just creatine combined with a sugar drink priced at TEN TIMES the price of plain creatine or more.

These types of products are often marketed in nice little packages or even drinkable cans, premixed. They also make outrageous claims as to the effectiveness of the product, or even about creatine in general.

One thing you have to understand is that while creatine is a great, proven supplement, it is not a miracle powder, and it is not the "secret" or "key" to finally putting on lots of muscle. If a company tries to tell you differently, they are lying to you.

4. Only Buy What Is Dirt Cheap

Creatine is one of those products that just does not have to be expensive. The best creatine is going to be one that is pure creatine monohydrate, and that is around 10 cents per serving. Don't waste your money on anything more expensive, as it will literally do nothing more for you.

This question has been asked countless times by anyone in the sport of bodybuilding looking to take supplements. Creatine is usually at the top of the list. But what type of creatine should you take? There are a lot of options available to you. How do you know what the best creatine is and where you should spend your hard-earned money?

There are many supplement companies in the market today that are looking to sell their products to anyone that will purchase them. That doesn't mean that you are getting the best product for your money. With so many options available to you it is important for you to research what form of the supplement is the best is helping you achieve your goals. Here are some guidelines to help you:

I think a good point to remember when purchasing any supplement is this - the more science that is behind the product that can substantiate the manufacturers claims, the more likely it is that the product will produce results. With that said the form of creatine that consistently rises above the rest is Creatine Monohydrate. This is one of the most studied forms of creatine on the market today and its effectiveness has stood the test of time.

To understand what is the best creatine you must understand what it is supposed to do. Simply put creatine supplies energy to muscles. The supplement works best when it can maintain its stable formation. When this amino acid becomes unstable it will begin to break down into waste products that are expelled by the body. So the quicker this supplement breaks down the less effective it is in producing muscular energy.

So how quickly does creatine monohydrate (CM) breakdown in the body? In one study by Tallon et al, it was found that CM was stable in stomach acid and the formation of creatinine (waste product) was less than 1% of the initial dose. The same study showed that Kre-Alkalyn (another form of creatine) converted to creatinine 35% more than CM, suggesting that KA is extremely unstable in stomach acid. It breaks down more quickly and to a greater degree than CM, therefore it is less effective.

This is only one scientific study that lends support to the use of CM. To gain maximum effects from the use of this supplement, based on the scientific research, it is best to stick with the monohydrate form of creatine.