Tech

A Peek Into The Dark Side Of The Web

Published

3 years ago

September 8, 2020

Now that everything from buying groceries to booking hotels can be done online, it is important to consider the potential risks that arise from being so connected to the world wide web. Are we really as safe as we think we are?

The internet as we know it has only been around for a few decades. As time passes and technology becomes indispensable to our daily activities, we are learning more and more about the online world. Like any other platform out there, there exists another face of the internet that most people are oblivious of — the dark web.

What is the ‘dark web’?

As intimidating as the name sounds, the dark web is still part of the internet, albeit inaccessible through our usual browsers. It functions on overlay networks that are out of reach of cyber authorities. It is the no-mans-land of the internet and a hub for a variety of illegal activities such as the sale of leaked personal information, account passwords, illegal arms and ammunition, and other heinous cybercrimes.

For us, the existence of the dark web and the anonymity of offenders operating through this medium can incite a plethora of questions surrounding our own online security.

Dark web monitoring services

Becoming aware of the dark web can cause us to realise that our personal information is not safe and may be vulnerable to identity theft. We often find ourselves powerless in these situations, due to our shallow understanding of what the dark web is. Large corporations can then harness our apprehension of the dark web to extract profits.

These companies demand huge sums of money as monthly premiums to keep your data safe from the dark web. As attractive as their packages may appear, very little information is shared by these companies about how they operate, leading to some serious misconceptions in regard to internet security and the dark web.

Common misconceptions surrounding the dark web

1. Compromised personal information can be erased permanently from the dark web

Information such as credit card details and account login details cannot be erased once in the dark web domain. Due to the large number of hosts and servers on the dark web, it is practically impossible to locate the information and delete it entirely from the server. However, by knowing exactly what information has been compromised, steps can be taken to prevent further damage.

2. Monitoring services can prevent your data from being sold on the dark web

Software exist that can scan the dark web for the presence of information, and it is recommended that you make use of this. However, no technology can prevent information from being uploaded to the dark web. Internet security companies who promise this are unlikely to be able to deliver on their word.

3. Dark web monitoring services can make you invincible to all breaches

While dark web monitoring services can help you identify a breach of data or alert you to compromised credentials, they cannot keep you safe from fraud. Taking precautions while using online banking services and keeping yourself updated to the developments in the online security sector is also recommended.

Vigilance is important

About 7 million records are compromised and sold on the dark web on a daily basis. At such a high volume, scammers are experts in devising new ways to breach your privacy and compromise your internet security. Companies such as Norton can provide Dark Web Monitoring services that can help alert you to security breaches, however nothing works as well as caution and vigilance. It is important that passwords are changed regularly, and credit card and bank statements monitored and scanned carefully for anomalies that can indicate any breach of information.

Tech

Mobile Commerce Trends: Do You Need a M-Commerce App in 2023?

Published

1 week ago

November 18, 2023

Jonathan Grilli

Twenty years ago, our parents could only dream of convenient shopping from any place they were with the help of a small device in their pocket. Today, dreams come true, and there is no surprise in getting clothes, groceries, or booking tickets via mobile phone. M-commerce is emerging as the friendliest shopping method through safer mobile payments, technological advancements, and the rise of specialized m-commerce apps. Let’s dive deep.

What is M-Commerce?

Mobile commerce (m-commerce) refers to purchasing and selling goods and services via a mobile device, such as a smartphone or tablet. M-commerce has been increasing in recent years and is expected to grow in the coming years.

According to Statista, mobile e-commerce sales reached $2.2 trillion in 2023, accounting for 60% of all e-commerce sales worldwide. This share has steadily increased, from 56% in 2018 to an expected 62% in 2027.

Key m-commerce trends to watch in 2023 and beyond:

Increased mobile shopping: More and more people are shopping on their mobile devices. M-commerce will account for over half of all e-commerce sales by 2025.
Social commerce: Using social media platforms to buy and sell products and services. Social commerce is becoming increasingly popular, especially among younger consumers.
Voice shopping: Utilizing voice assistants like Siri and Alexa to buy and sell products and services. Voice shopping is still in its early stages of development. Still, it is expected to snowball in the coming years.
Shopping with Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR): these experiences allow consumers to try on clothes, furniture, and other products before buying them. AR and VR shopping are still in their early stages of development. Still, they have the potential to revolutionize the way people shop.
Contactless payments: Apple Pay and Google Pay allow consumers to receive goods and services without swiping or inserting their credit or debit cards. Contactless payments are becoming increasingly popular.

These are just a few vital m-commerce trends to watch in 2023 and beyond. As e-commerce grows, we expect even more innovative and exciting shopping experiences to emerge.

How to prepare for the future of m-commerce

If you are a business owner, there are some things you can do to prepare for the future of m-commerce and keep up with the trends:

1. Make sure your website is mobile-friendly: Your website should be easy to navigate and use on mobile devices.

2. Provide mobile payment options: Make it easy for customers to pay for their purchases on their mobile devices.

3. Invest in social commerce: Use social media platforms to promote your products and services. Connect with customers and receive feedback.

4. Accept contactless payments: Offer contactless payment options to your customers to make paying for their purchases easier.

By taking these steps, you can ensure that your company is well-positioned to succeed in the future of e-commerce.

Mobile app development in the era of m-commerce

There is no way of talking about m-commerce, not mentioning mobile app development. You use your smartphone to buy something online.

Mobile app development services are an array of services that help businesses to develop and launch mobile apps. The implementation areas may vary: healthcare, financial, agricultural, or construction mobile apps provide the best performance and encapsulate all the peculiarities of the domain.

Different types of mobile app development services are available, and the specific services that a business needs are determined by the size and complexity of the app, the target group, and the business’s budget. However, some standard mobile app development services include:

Ideation and design: working with the customer to understand their business needs and goals and to develop a concept and design for the app.

Development: writing the code for the app and implementing the desired features and functionality.

Testing: examining the app to ensure it is bug-free and works as expected.

Deployment: Publish the app to the appropriate app stores. Apple App Store and Google Play are among the widely known.

Many mobile app development companies offer additional services such as maintenance & support, app marketing and promotion.

M-commerce pros and cons

There are a set of benefits and disadvantages to using mobile app development services. Let’s take a look them.

Pros

Accessibility. M-commerce is democratizing online shopping by extending its reach to even remote areas. It makes online shopping more accessible and inclusive for everyone, regardless of location, and fosters economic growth in rural and underserved communities.
Reduced response rate. Mobile apps have a significant advantage over web browsers regarding response time. Mobile apps are created for specific devices and can use the device’s hardware and software resources. As a result, mobile apps can perform tasks more quickly and efficiently than web browsers.
Social media integration. M-commerce also integrates with social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest. It allows brands to foster deeper community ties and loyalty among consumers.

Cons

The culture of instant gratification. With features like one-click transactions and same-day or next-day delivery, consumers have come to expect immediate gratification. This can diminish the joy of anticipation traditionally associated with shopping and affect broader perspectives on patience in life.
Impulse purchasing. With our smartphones in our pockets, we can now browse and purchase products from anywhere, anytime. This convenience has led to a surge in impulsive buying decisions, as customers are constantly bombarded with targeted marketing messages and have access to a vast selection of products with just a few taps.
Challenge for local businesses. Online platforms like Amazon and Walmart offer many products and services at attractive pricing, making it difficult for small, locally-owned businesses to compete. M-commerce can also lead to customers sidelining neighborhood brick-and-mortar establishments in favor of the convenience and wide selection of online products.

Wrapping up

M-commerce is a steadily growing industry that has already reshaped online shopping. Such technologies as voice shopping, augmented reality, social commerce, and contactless payments will form the e-shopping future.

Mobile app development services can be valuable for businesses that want to develop and launch mobile apps. If you own an e-commerce business, ensuring your website and mobile app are upgraded for mobile shoppers is crucial. Using social commerce platforms to reach your target audience on their mobile devices would be best.