Understanding Windows VPS Hosting

Before diving into the bustling market of Windows VPS hosting, let’s clarify what exactly it entails. A Virtual Private Server (VPS) offers a middle ground between shared hosting and dedicated servers. It provides you with a dedicated portion of a physical server, giving you more control and customization options compared to shared hosting. This setup is ideal for businesses and individuals who need more power and flexibility without the cost of a fully dedicated server.

Choosing the Right Windows VPS Hosting Provider

When embarking on your quest for the ideal Windows VPS hosting plan, the provider you choose acts as your trusted guide. Imagine this: you’re at a busy street corner, pondering which restaurant to choose for dinner. Your friend recommends a place known for its diverse menu (anecdote about “menu”). In the world of VPS hosting, reputable providers offer a variety of plans tailored to different needs and budgets.

Look for providers that offer scalability, reliable customer support, and robust security features. These elements ensure that your hosting experience is smooth and worry-free. Whether you’re launching a personal blog or managing a complex business website, having a provider you can rely on is crucial.

Anecdote about “dfg”: While exploring hosting options, a colleague shared an amusing anecdote about how they stumbled upon a confusingly named hosting plan that left them scratching their heads. Clear naming and transparent information are key when choosing a hosting plan that meets your expectations.

Comparing Features and Performance

As you continue your journey through the streets of Windows VPS hosting, you’ll encounter a variety of features and performance metrics to consider. Think of it as browsing through the pages of a well-organized catalog (anecdote about “page”). Key factors to evaluate include:

1. Performance: Ensure the VPS can handle your expected traffic without slowdowns. Look for specifications like CPU cores, RAM, and SSD storage to gauge performance.
2. Scalability: Your hosting needs may grow over time. A scalable Windows VPS allows you to easily upgrade resources as your website or application expands.
3. Security: Protecting your data and maintaining uptime are paramount. Look for features like DDoS protection, regular backups, and SSL certificates.
4. Control Panel: A user-friendly control panel makes managing your VPS straightforward. Options like cPanel or Plesk streamline tasks such as managing domains, databases, and software installations.
5. Support: Emergencies can happen at any time. Opt for a provider with 24/7 customer support, ideally through multiple channels such as live chat, phone, and tickets.

Choosing the Right Plan for You

Now that you’ve explored the bustling streets and examined the options in detail, it’s time to choose the perfect Windows VPS hosting plan for your needs. Whether you’re drawn to a plan for its robust performance metrics or its comprehensive security features, trust your instincts and pick what aligns best with your goals.

Anecdote about “menu”: Just like finding the perfect dish on a diverse menu, finding the ideal VPS plan involves balancing your specific requirements with what the provider offers. Sometimes, the option that initially seems complex turns out to be the most rewarding choice.

Final Thoughts on Windows VPS Hosting

In conclusion, navigating the landscape of Windows VPS hosting plans can be a thrilling adventure. By understanding your needs, comparing features, and choosing a reliable provider, you can confidently embark on this journey. Remember, the right Windows VPS hosting plan is like finding a well-worn path through a bustling city—it leads you to your destination smoothly and securely.

Whether you’re launching your first website or migrating a complex application, your VPS hosting choice plays a pivotal role in your online success. Embrace the journey, explore your options, and choose wisely. Your digital presence deserves nothing less than the best Windows VPS hosting plan tailored just for you. Happy hosting!

The post Navigating the Landscape of Windows VPS Hosting Plans first appeared on Economic Journal.

The reality is that malware and other threats are more prominent than ever. At the very least, one should be aware of computer security fundamentals to create a decent protection layer and prevent certain issues, such as worse device performance, data loss, or personal exposure.

Let’s take a look at some security fundamentals that computer users ought to follow.

General Understanding of the Device

The first thing to focus on is having a general understanding of what your computer has to offer, especially in terms of built-in tools.

Different operating system engineers take different approaches. Not utilizing the available features is often a waste, or even worse—by not knowing certain things, you could be exposed to greater risks.

For instance, if you are on macOS, you should know what is Accountsd on Mac and what it does to your passwords. The same thing can be said about SIEM & XDR for MS Windows users.

Generally, it can take a while to learn about the ins and outs of your device, especially if you have not bothered absorbing the information below. Nevertheless, considering the importance of building a solid foundation in understanding computer security fundamentals, you should not skip this step but rather start with it.

Solid Anti-Malware Solution

Antivirus software is something that usually comes as part of the package on your computer together with the operating system.

However, the issue with that is the fact that certain integrated antivirus tools are not up to par when it comes to keeping current cybersecurity threats at bay. Sometimes, a tool is too outdated to offer decent protection.

Instead of taking a risk, you should look at some of the best available antivirus software and get it for your computer. Make sure that the antivirus tool is running in the background all the time to detect and eliminate threats.

Finally, from time to time, run a custom disk scan as an extra precaution by having the antivirus scan the computer’s drive.

Password Management

Password management is another fundamental of computer security, especially when you are online. If someone accesses your computer despite you protecting it with a sign-in password, it is usually the result of carelessness.

Threats online, on the other hand, are a different matter. There are plenty of examples of hackers exposing the personal information of people’s accounts. Imagine what happens if someone gets your credentials that you have been using throughout multiple different platforms on the Internet. Exposure once means exposure multiple times.

Most people are too lazy to bother using different passwords, not to mention how simple the combinations usually are.

Ideally, you should use a different password for every account you have. On top of that, a password should be difficult to crack. Memorizing the details can be tricky, which is why password managers are the answer.

Awareness of Shady Instances

During the time you spend online on your computer, you are bound to have pop-ups, emails, or messages on various communication platforms and social media asking you to click a link or download something.

The temptation to do that is encouraged by an offer, such as the chance to win a free smartphone. As a rule of thumb, you should ignore these shady URLs because they are more than likely to redirect you to a malware-infected landing page or download a virus on your computer directly.

Sure, you could argue that an antivirus tool ought to be enough to solve the potential problem, but why risk it when you can be smart and circumvent the threat by ignoring it?

Virtual Private Networks

The odds of your home network getting breached are relatively low. A potential hacker is unlikely to target a specific individual, not to mention that most, if not all, Internet service providers provide security.

It is a different story with public networks, however. If you are in a hotel or a library with your laptop and connect to public Wi-Fi, don’t expect it to have the necessary security protocols. If anything, these networks are prone to cyberattacks that can then affect your device.

Avoiding public Wi-Fi is the most straightforward solution. However, if you have no other choice, use a virtual private network to encrypt your details and protect yourself from a potentially insecure public Internet.

Conclusion

So there you have it. The computer security fundamentals mentioned in this article ought to be enough to help you build a solid foundation and protect the device and yourself from potential cybersecurity threats.

Once you have the basics down, you can look to explore more complicated solutions and improve security further.

The post 5 Computer Security Fundamentals You Should Know first appeared on Economic Journal.

As a small business, being scammed is a regrettable concern as it takes away hard-earned money. Further, your customers’ data could be stolen, leading you to take responsibility. One way to avoid this is by securing your payment methods. Read the 5 steps you need to follow before choosing payment processing for your startup by beststartup.co.uk

Here’s how you can get started.

What to look for in payment solution providers

PCI-DSS compliance

The Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI-DSS) is a set of security standards that ensure the protection of card transactions. These standards include using antivirus software and maintaining firewalls for payment systems.

As they serve to protect their personal data, these measures can boost customer confidence.

When looking at card payment machines, look for providers that comply with the PCI-DSS by conducting regular vulnerability scans and sending periodic emails for compliance maintenance. To evaluate online payment solutions for your website, make sure they provide regular system updates.

They should also cause a padlock symbol to appear in the address bar of a browser to indicate that your customer’s browsing activities are secure.

Address verification system (AVS)

This is one key feature to look for in any payment solution. An AVS requires cardholders to provide accurate personal information, which must match the billing address on a file. When a match is not detected, it is immediately shown as a fraud.

This prevents criminals from using a stolen card in your business and involving you in their theft.

An AVS is often used in online payments but can also be applied in point-of-sale payments where a card is not present, such as mail order/telephone order payments.

Tokenisation

Tokenisation is a process that turns a customer’s payment data into a random string of numbers. Even if hackers gain access to this data, they will be unable to use it. Tokenisation is often used in online and contactless payments like wearable payments, which include the use of mobile phones and smartwatches.

These have been growing recently due to the convenience and added layer of security that they allow for customers. Partnering with providers that use tokenisation methods can help you further secure customer transactions.

What else can you do as a small business?

Keep your payment systems updated

Even if you work with payment solution providers that comply with the aforementioned standards, updating their services is still your responsibility.

An outdated payment method will be more vulnerable to potential cybercrimes. As such, regularly checking for and conducting regular updates will ensure that your customers have access to the latest security patches.

Implement a cybersecurity policy

Small businesses need to follow certain guidelines to prevent threats, especially if they offer digital and online payments. Implementing a cybersecurity policy is the way to go about this. It will contain protocols for you and your employees (should you have any) to maximise protection against cyber threats and actions. To create a cybersecurity policy, analyse the potential risk you face, assess possible threats, and establish realistic goals.

For instance, offering online payments makes you vulnerable to cyberattacks. One procedure to include in your policy is for employees to report the attack to authorities immediately.

Secure payment methods protect you and your customers from any malicious financial activities. You can prevent this from happening by choosing safe payment solution providers, regularly updating your systems, and creating a cybersecurity policy.

The post How Small Businesses Can Secure Their Payment Methods first appeared on Economic Journal.

But bribery is more than a regulatory or compliance issue. For many international businesses that operate in emerging markets, it’s an ongoing battle for legitimacy and a public relations risk.

A bribe is defined as “the act of giving someone a financial or another advantage to encourage that person to perform their functions or activities improperly or to reward that person for having

already done so.”

The Ministry of Justice explains in their own quick-start guide that “this could cover seeking to influence a decision-maker by giving some kind of extra benefit to that decision-maker rather than by what can legitimately be offered as part of a tender process.”

It’s easy to see from the broadness of this definition that bribery is an easy practice to fall into, particularly in economies that don’t score highly in the Corruption Perception Index compiled by Transparency International. This index ranks countries from least to most corrupt using a combination of factor, anecdotal and crowd-sourced information, such as through public and business surveys.

In countries at the bottom end of the scale, such as Nigeria and Iraq, the practice of bribery can be so endemic and integrated into public services that a large corporation will find it difficult to operate without paying bribes that could land them in hot water domestically.

How do companies address bribery risks?

Legal advice

Walking the tightrope between respecting anti-bribery legislation, and abiding by local cultural norms in order to be able to carry out business activities is an extremely difficult one. It’s no surprise that companies turn to legal experts such as Withers Worldwide to receive localised guidance and support to help them comply and thrive in emerging markets.

Bribery cases are rare, and therefore it’s helpful to draw upon the expertise of those with practical experience in advising and handling bribery litigation when designing your plans.

A distinct bribery policy

A core pillar in a companies reaction to the Bribery Act should have been to create a policy on bribery for your company.

This should be distinct from, and not overlap with your anti-money laundering policy if you have one. While both are white-collar crimes, the objective of each is distinct and therefore it’s easier to demonstrate how your business is fighting bribery risks if you use dedicated communications and policies to your employees.

Regular communications

Any communications with your employees should not treat bribery like a simple compliance box that needs to be ticked.

In the same way that some companies are really committed to keeping their employees safe through a very clear health & safety culture, bribery must be tackled with regular employee communications and active training where it poses a real risk to your business.

Tiered-levels of employee engagement

Not all of your employees will be placed into a position where they may be asked to accept a bribe, or may feel pressured to offer one. That’s why you should use your resources efficiently.

Consider mandating a recorded webinar for all employees, so that they are aware of the differences between right and wrong on the issue, and are fully aware of the penalties and legal consequences if they make the wrong decision.

Then, for employees with much higher risk, consider live-training where employees are invited to discuss the grey areas and bring any personal concerns they may have to the table. The last thing you would want is for an employee to feel that the company policy gives a clear cut answer but the ‘reality on the ground’ is that they must breach this policy. A zero-tolerance policy won’t be effective if employees feel that they have implicit permission from their line management to breach it.

Open-forums in live training sessions provide the opportunity for facilitators to reconcile the requirements to the day-to-day challenges experienced by the workforce.

The post How to Address Bribery & Corruption Risks in Your Business first appeared on Economic Journal.

When you find yourself in a legal bind, it is very important that every detail is buttoned up nice and tight to make sure that there is no way that somebody can sneak away from their responsibilities.

For instance, if you have been affected by fraud in your business against a partner, then you will have to make sure that you are compensated and can’t take chances they will get away because of a technicality. It is a good idea to have fidelity insurance as well, but the fact remains that there are too many ways for this to go badly if you decide to serve papers for a legal action yourself.

In this article, we will go over why you should hire a process server to avoid a costly mistake.

What is a process server?

A process server is a professional who is entrusted to serve legal documents to a recipient named in a legal action. Since they are an unbiased third party, they will document the time, date, and whereabouts that the papers were served so it can be confirmed that the recipient was actually given the papers.

Unfortunately, many recipients have very good reason to lie and say they never got served. A third party can verify this as a lie and it holds up in court. There are lots of other services a server can provide that helps as well.

For instance, you may not even know where the recipient is located so the process servers can use their resources to track them down. They may also be tasked with making a video recording with timestamps of when the papers were served for use as an ironclad affidavit to bring to court.

When to use a process server

There are a lot of common legal cases in which people will need to be served papers to appear in court. The most common ones are when they are for divorce petitions in which one party is finding out that they are due in court. Another very common instance is when there are bankruptcy and winding-up petitions.

In the instance cited in the introduction, it is very commonplace to serve up papers to a business partner that owes you money and doesn’t want to be found to pay it back. In this case, it is very wise to make sure that you are not trying to serve papers yourself as they can easily say that they were never served the papers. At that point, it is their word against yours that the pacers were served and you won’t have much recourse to proceed if they don’t show up for court.

How to hire a process server

Word of mouth is a good way to find a process server so asking your solicitor is a good first step. If they don’t know one then a quick internet search will turn up many. Make sure to read the reviews to find ones that seem to have a consistent and professional attitude. Also, it is very important to find one that uses a hidden camera to record the process so it holds up easier in front of a magistrate.

The post Why You Should Hire a Process Server and Not Attempt to Serve Yourself first appeared on Economic Journal.

Domestic Violence is a broad term used to describe the violence that occurs within a domestic relationship. This term is also used to describe other forms of household violence like violence against a child, against parents, or between the siblings living in the same household. According to the governmental and non-governmental agencies in the US, domestic violence is an important social issue that affects people of any gender, age group, or sexual orientation.

Most of the laws that protect the victims of domestic violence are derived from state laws. These laws deal with protection orders, divorce, custody, crime, and more. Some other federal laws are applicable in all states. These include immigration remedies for immigrants, gun laws, and military protective orders. The laws of domestic violence have significantly changed over time. If you are a Californian, you must know the laws of your state regarding domestic violence. You can hire a California domestic violence attorney who can defend your interests against unjust charges and ensure your freedom and rights are well protected in and out of the court.

California has several domestic laws designed to protect intimate partners, minors, and older people from any harm. It is unlawful to harm or threaten a partner, a child, or a family member in a household in California. Even the small acts of aggression – like rude touching – can be counted as domestic abuse. Here we are going to discuss the possible consequences of domestic violence in California.

1. Misdemeanors and Felony charges

Domestic violence occurs in many households across California. Sometimes it is intentional; however, in some cases, a defiant may be accused unjustly. In usual practice, crimes in the US are categorized as felonies or misdemeanours. However, the majority of domestic violence cases are considered as ‘wobbler offences’ in California. Depending on their nature, DV cases can be considered felonies or misdemeanours.

If the victim suffered minor injuries, the accused would likely be charged with one or more misdemeanours. However, if the injuries are severe and more significant, the prosecution usually puts up felony charges against the accused. If the accused has a prior record of DV offences, the prosecutor file felony charges; otherwise, the accused will face misdemeanour charges.

2. Possible actions by the Police

If the victim calls 911, the police will arrive and take immediate action against the suspect. If the injuries are visible, police can arrest the suspect at the site. Police are required to confiscate all the weapons in the house – if there are any. If the suspect has violated the existing restraining order, police can arrest him/her regardless of the evidence.

3. Emergency Protective Order

At the request of the victim, police can issue the Emergency Protective Order. Starting from the day of the incident, the Emergency Protective Order will be effective for seven days. Police can arrest the suspect if they find a violation of the existing restraining order and evidence of significant and clear injuries. However, if the suspect is not arrested, he or she may be required to leave the house immediately. The accused cannot return to the place until the Emergency Protective Order expires.

4. Restraining Orders

California laws give utmost importance to the safety of the victim of domestic violence. The law ensures the safety of the victim until the case is concluded. If the restraining order is in effect, the accused cannot go within 100 yards of the accuser. The immediate arrest will be taken place if the accused violates this order.

5. Jail sentence and Fine

Depending on nature and circumstances, the actual jail sentence varies from case to case. For misdemeanour conviction, one year of jail sentence can be given. On the other hand, a jail sentence of up to 4 years is recommended for a felony conviction.

California laws require people who commit domestic violence to pay a fine ranging from $2000 to $10,000 per offence – the amount depends on the nature of the crime. In addition to that, the court can ask the accused to pay restitution for medical bills and the victim’s lost wages.

The post 5 Consequences of Domestic Violence in California first appeared on Economic Journal.

Governing bodies of nations have specific responsibilities towards its citizens. When people in democracies vote for a certain somebody, they have expectations from them. These expectations vary from fundamental human rights to proper health and education facilities, amongst many others.

Nevertheless, healthcare and ancillary medical facilities have been a top priority for most people when bringing in a new Government. They want better maternal healthcare, benefits for childcare and child support, better facilities for the old and aged, and overall increase in health standards.

While developing countries may see a tiny lag in this aspect, developed nations, on the other hand, have been lauded for world-class healthcare systems.

We do a round-up on the top 4 healthcare systems across the world and list out the best of the best features that are a role model for other countries. And no, the U.S. is not even in the top 10. Read on to know more.

1. Canada

Considered the best healthcare system in the world, Canada finds its place in the top ranks. The system is funded publicly with taxpayers’ money. The best thing about Canada’s extensively efficient healthcare system is that anyone in medical need will be given medical attention and care; despite their ability to pay for it. The healthcare system in Canada is known as ‘Medicare.’

Medical facilities in Canada are universal for all, with no discrimination. With the times and people’s needs, the system has been dynamically changing to serve the citizens. However, dental health and ophthalmological illnesses are not covered under Medicare.

2. Sweden

Sweden boasts of a highly efficient healthcare system that is decentralized in nature. The system is based on three basic principles of equal access, need-based care, and cost-effective healthcare.

The country’s expenditure on healthcare facilities for its citizens is above average and that of exceptionally high standards. The country has some of the highest life expectancy rates and the world’s lowest infant mortality rates. The country also has some of the oldest populations in the country due to high life expectancy.

The publicly funded healthcare system is capable of taking care of all its residents. Less than 3% of the Swedish population has separate health insurance by private entities.
Sweden also has a concept of ‘sickness pay,’ where if a patient has been certified ill by the physician, they will receive their daily wage by the employer for 14 after which, the Government will pay his fees to him. In addition to this, all travel costs for such patients are also paid for by the Government.

3. Denmark

The Danish healthcare system’s highlight is that it is absolutely free of cost for all its citizens. While the prices per person are not low, the treatments, prescriptions, hospital stay, tests, follow-ups, and medicines are all paid for by the Government. Two rounds of fertility treatments and some essential cosmetic surgeries are also free for all Danish citizens. All Danes are insured in the country. To be entitled to all these medical benefits, all you need is proof of Danish residency.

The healthcare system in Denmark is funded by taxes and donations and is entirely non-profit, making the facilities equal for all. There is almost no one who opts for private medical insurance in the country.

4. United Kingdom

The National Health Service (NHS) is a proponent of medical care for all. All medical expenses, including travel costs, tests, hospitalization, medical procedures, and medications, are all paid for. State taxes fund the NHS. In the U.K, ophthalmology and dentistry procedures are also covered under the NHS.

There is a tiny population in the U.K which prefers special medical attention, but overall, the people in the U.K. are satisfied with the NHS.

The healthcare systems in these countries can even give countries like the U.S. a run for its money. Scandinavian countries like Denmark and Sweden are anyway much more developed and have a fool-proof healthcare system in place. European countries like Austria, Switzerland, Germany, and France also come into a close tie with these countries when it comes to healthcare systems.

While developing countries such as India are far behind, they’ve transformed over the years with the coalition of healthcare systems and reputed health insurance organizations. Moreover, they’re catching up and effectively solving healthcare issues one day at a time despite the massive population and rising poverty.

The post A Bird’s-eye view into 4 best national healthcare systems across the world first appeared on Economic Journal.

Threat modelling is all about staying ahead of the curve. Application and cyber security are vital for businesses, and threat modelling helps IT teams to identify potential problems and vulnerabilities at the earliest possible stage.

This means that they can build new applications and systems with security in mind. This not only reducing the potential risk of a security breach, but also saving time and revenue for the business.

This proactive approach to security helps businesses to stay ahead of any potential problems and cyberattacks. Here is an in-depth look at what a threat model is, how it works and why it is such an important and effective solution for businesses looking to stay ahead of their security efforts.

What Is a Threat Model?

When designing a new application or software, IT professionals certainly have their work cut out. As well as having the know-how and skills to actually put it together, they will face a number of security issues during the different stages of development.

With data protection and security now a hugely important issue for businesses, threat modelling has become an important way to develop applications and software with security built in.

A threat model is a proactive way to assess all these potential risks that a piece of software is vulnerable to. This means they can reduce the possibility of a security issue or cyber attack. It is important to start developing this threat model right at the beginning of the process to identify, document and mitigate any problems that could arise.

Why Businesses Should Choose Threat Modelling?

There are a number of reasons why businesses should consider threat modelling whenever they create a new application or software. It’s easy to get caught up in an idea or a moment, but an effective security strategy requires organisation and planning at every stage – no matter how big or small. Below are some of the key reasons why businesses and their IT teams need to use threat modelling:

• To ensure that the whole team is on the same page
• To bridge the gap between the security team and the developers
• To find security risks as early as possible and still have plenty of time to fix them
• To create a safe and secure new application or software
• To save time, money and uphold the company’s reputation
• To provide a document of all the risks and vulnerabilities detected
• To get a better understanding of the latest risks and how to fix them

How Do You Conduct a Threat Model Review?

One of the most important parts of threat modelling is being able to look past the initial starting idea and think way into the future. It requires that the team ask themselves a number of questions about their new application, mainly what can go wrong and how can they stop this from happening? It can be helpful at this stage to create a team from different departments to ensure that every base is covered.

This means a team of developers, security professionals, administrators and potentially even customers to help you review the idea. This way you get a comprehensive overview of the new system or application and you can better predict potential risks.

So when the time comes to begin the threat model review, there are several questions to ask yourself that will help you to conduct the review and put together the appropriate documents. These are outlined below:

1. What Are We Building?

In order to put an effective threat model in place you need to understand what it is you’re building. By breaking it down into smaller parts you can comprehensively work through each component and analyse the risks it may possess. To do this ask yourself what kind of application it is and who it will serve.

2. What Can Go Wrong?

Once you’ve got a list of each aspect of your application, you can begin to assess what could go wrong. At this stage there are other questions you can ask, for example how could a hacker steal someone’s account from this application and what would happen if they did? Go through all the ‘what ifs’ and make a note of all potential threats.

3. What Are We Doing about That?

Now you know what could go wrong, you need to make sure you’re putting measures in place to stop this happening, or at least reduce the risk. For each potential threat work out how you can mitigate this. If there are several ways you can fix the problem, then you need to assess these and make sure you’re choosing the most time and cost-effective solution.

4. Have We Planned for the Future?

It doesn’t simply stop with fixing the problem. Technology is always evolving, and you need to ensure you’ve got plans in place to be able to update your software and keep up with these changes. So, it’s good to ask yourself if your fixes are future-proof and how you can make sure that they are.

5. Did We Do a Good Enough Job?

A threat model isn’t completed overnight. Once you’ve got the initial model in place it’s a good idea to revisit this at least once, if not a couple more times. You might find that there is more you can do to make your threat model even better; you might also learn of new security threats you need to address or new variants you need to take into consideration. Because of this it’s always best to revisit and review your model.

Is Your Business Ready to Start Threat Modelling?

As you can see there are a number of benefits for threat modelling.  As they say, prevention is better than cure, so it’s always good to stay one step ahead of the game. Get on top of your security efforts by analysing potential risks and putting plans in place to mitigate these as early as possible. This will help your business to keep its data safe and secure, save time and money, and build a strong reputation.

The post A Guide to Threat Modelling for Business first appeared on Economic Journal.

The year 2016 saw two momentous legislative events that would forever change European politics.

In April, the European Union (EU) adopted the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), transforming the data regulation landscape not only in Europe, but across the world.

In June, the United Kingdom (UK) voted, albeit by the thinnest of margins, to leave the EU, triggering a long and tumultuous British exit process now famous worldwide as Brexit.

In 2019, these two juggernauts have come to a head, bringing unprecedented compliance challenges to business owners.

In this article, we take a look at the consequences of Brexit on data protection regulations — particularly the GDPR — in the UK.

GDPR & Brexit —  A Quick Review

General Data Protection Regulation

First proposed in 2012, adopted after years of negotiation in April 2016, and finally implemented in May 2018, the GDPR is among the world’s strictest data privacy laws.

The GDPR, with consent and transparency at its heart, hands residents of the EU and the European Economic Area (EEA) an unprecedented number of rights over their personal data, wresting some power back from the hands of corporations.

A notable feature of the GDPR is its extraterritoriality: for the GDPR to apply, a business does not need to be located in the EEA. Serving or simply targeting users in the EEA would bring a company into the scope of the GDPR, irrespective of where that company is located.

Brexit

Similar to the GDPR, Brexit has a long and storied timeline.

Succumbing to pressure from the public and from within his party, then UK prime minister David Cameron announced that his government would hold a “Remain in the EU vs Leave the EU” referendum by the end of 2017 should his party win the 2015 UK general election.

Cameron’s Conservative Party won the 2015 election, and consequently, the referendum was scheduled for June 23, 2016. On referendum day, the “Brexiters” narrowly edged the “Remainers,” setting off a chain of political and legislative events that would culminate in the UK leaving the EU by October 31, 2019.

The UK and EU are currently hashing out their differences (for example, about immigration and customs) and agreeing on an exit plan (“deal”) — to be finalized by this deadline. If these negotiations fail, the UK — not just the government but also its people and businesses — would have to face the disruptive consequences of a “no-deal” Brexit.

Brexit, with or without a deal, has consequences across almost all industries and sectors in the UK.

Data Protection Laws in Post-Brexit UK

GDPR — The EU and UK versions

The collection and processing of personal data in the EU, and by extension the UK, is currently governed by the GDPR.

To ensure a smooth Brexit, the UK government plans to adopt all existing EU legislation into UK national law by means of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018 (the “repeal act”).

This means that in a post-Brexit UK, the UK Data Protection Act of 2018 — originally passed to implement the GDPR within the UK legislative system — would become the new data protection law.

Therefore, regulations surrounding personal data collection in the UK would effectively remain unchanged.

Given the extraterritoriality of the GDPR, UK businesses that target users in the EEA would need to comply with the GDPR.

So, companies that collect the personal data of both UK and EU users would find themselves within the scope of both the UK Data Protection Act as well as the GDPR. This could increase compliance challenges; for example, in the case of a data breach, the company would have to work with both UK and EU agencies.

ePrivacy Regulation

Another prominent data protection and privacy legislation in the EU is the ePrivacy Regulation. This proposed law will work in conjunction with the GDPR and govern communication channels such as the Internet of Things, emails, and text messages.

Because this regulation is unlikely to be passed by EU lawmakers before Brexit, it would not be adopted into UK law as part of the repeal act.

The ePrivacy Regulation is based on the current ePrivacy Directive, which has similar objectives. In EU law, a directive differs from a regulation in that directives indicate only the goal to be achieved, leaving the choice of methods and measures used to achieve the goal with each EU member.

Following Brexit, if the UK copies the directive into national law via the repeal act, UK businesses will need to continue to comply with the directive.

Whether the ePrivacy Regulation will be adopted by the UK at a later date — which would have consequences for companies that handle the data of UK residents — remains to be seen.

Data Protection Authorities in Post-Brexit UK

Information Commissioner’s Office

Within each member state of the EEA, a Data Protection Authority (DPA) is tasked with enforcing the GDPR and investigating GDPR-related complaints. Currently, the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) serves as the UK’s DPA.

Typically, a country’s DPA serves as the GDPR supervisory authority for all businesses in its jurisdiction. This benefits businesses tremendously, as a business only needs to deal with a single DPA — its supervisory authority — irrespective of how many EEA member states it operates or targets users in.

After Brexit, the ICO will continue to serve as the UK’s data privacy regulator, but its scope would be restricted to the UK. The ICO would no longer be able to serve as a GDPR supervisory authority unless such an eventuality is agreed during the Brexit negotiations.

Therefore, UK businesses might find themselves having to deal with multiple DPAs if they target users in more than one EEA country.

EU Representative

After Brexit, companies that are based in the UK and target EEA users but have no physical presence in any EEA state will face the additional responsibility of nominating a local EU representative.

This representative, which should be an individual or an establishment physically located in one of the EEA states that the company targets, will serve as the local point of contact for the public as well as DPAs.

The contact information of the EU representative should be available in the company’s privacy policy.

Data Transfer & Adequacy in Post-Brexit UK

Data Adequacy

The EU has strict guidelines on the transfer of personal data to regions outside of the EU. Currently, data flow is restricted to regions deemed to have “adequate” data protection measures in place.

Because of the high data protection standards established by the GDPR, all EEA members are deemed to have this adequacy status by default.

EEA to UK Data Flow

If the UK’s post-Brexit data adequacy is not pre-approved as part of a deal, then the UK would have to re-apply for adequacy status, a process that could take months and even years.

During the interim period, UK businesses would need to establish other legal means, such as Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs) and binding corporate rules (BCRs), to receive personal data from the EEA.

UK to EEA/US Data Flow

On the other hand, the UK’s own data protection law has a similar adequacy clause for sending personal data out of the UK. The UK government has announced that it will recognize all members of the EEA as being adequate for data transfer, along with certain other regions (most notably, the United States).

Hence, Brexit would have no effect on UK to EEA and UK to US data flow.

Brexit Preparations for UK Companies

If you own a business located in the UK, you can take the following steps to ensure that Brexit does not negatively affect your operations:

Hire Compliance Experts and EU Representatives

Hire an expert GDPR compliance consultant to guide you through all aspects of GDPR compliance during post-Brexit uncertainty. Although this adds to your business expenses, it is cheaper than potential GDPR fines, which can be as high as 4% of your annual revenue.

In addition, if you have no presence in the UK but process the personal data of EEA residents, you should hire a competent EU representative.

With unprecedented growth in the number of certified privacy professionals, hiring a qualified privacy consultant is now easier than ever before.

Get Your Paperwork in Order

You would be wise to assume that the UK will leave the EU without a data adequacy agreement in place.

If your operations depend on data transfer out of the EEA and into the UK, you should cover your legal bases by ensuring that your transfers are bound by SCCs and BCRs.

Stay Informed

Given the complexity of the Brexit negotiations and the extensive nature of laws such as the GDPR, staying abreast of the latest news can be quite a task. The following useful resources will help you stay up to date:

• The UK Government’s Brexit Guidance for Businesses
• The ICO’s Brexit Guidance for Businesses
• The Privacy Shield Program’s UK FAQs
• The BBC’s Comprehensive Brexit FAQs

Conclusion

Brexit and the GDPR together bring new challenges to business owners in the UK. With Brexit all but inevitable, it is wise to take anticipatory actions to ensure that your business does not run afoul of GDPR laws, which could cost you millions of dollars.

Staying on the right side of the law will be easier if you have the right people, the right paperwork, and the right information.

Author Bio

Felix Sebastian is the managing editor at Termly, where he helps business owners generate privacy policies and other important legal documents, implement best business practices, and comply with transnational privacy laws. He specialises in writing and curating compliance guides and law overviews for small business owners.

The post GDPR in the Time of Brexit first appeared on Economic Journal.

One thing that all traders on the world’s financial markets need to do is keep up with market trends. Being aware of the latest trends and keeping up to date with all the market news allows you to enter into trades to make money and also to manage your portfolio effectively to avoid losses.

Clever Ways to Stay up to Date with Market Trends

If you are looking for information about what the financial markets are doing, the sources given below will help.

• Online financial news sites – one source of stock tips is the specialist online financial news sites. The sites actively follow the various stock markets to report on breaking news. This will often be in real-time and within minutes of events happening. By keeping a regular eye on such sites, you will be able to know about trends that are forming and also check the stock market charts to see what effect the news is having on prices.
• Speak with other traders – in the technological world that we inhabit, it is easy to forget that directly speaking to other traders is a valid method of obtaining useful information. Whether it is in person or via online forums, other traders often flag up vital nuggets of information you have missed or give advance warning of trends they believe are about to form.
• Conduct your own research – of course, the main way that most traders keep up with market trends or moves is by doing research themselves. All reputable online brokers offer powerful charting options and market commentary so you can see for yourself what is happening and which sectors you need to keep an eye on.
• Follow the TV and print news – it can also be useful to read key print news sources like The Financial Times. By doing so you will be able to see if they are picking up on the same trends as the online sites while also providing access to more expert analysis. The TV and radio financial news is also important for the same reasons.
• Get an app for your smartphone – of course, modern trading involves being able to remain updated when on the move to take any action needed. An effective way to use this to your advantage is to get a financial news app for your mobile phone. Such apps allow you to stay up to date when not in the office or at your home PC.

Trends Are Your Friends

Keeping up with market trends is vital so that you do not miss any promising trading opportunities. It also allows you to spot when any open trades you have may be affected by a forming downward trend or trouble in one sector.

By utilising all the available sources of information you can be aware of emerging trends and forewarned about possible downturns in the market overall or in specific sectors. That will ensure that your buying and selling decisions are informed and timely.

The post Five Effective Ways to Keep up with Market Trends first appeared on Economic Journal.