Website Security

   

Here at LouDawson.com we are serious about internet security. We spend quite a bit of money and time keeping our server secure. We look at security from the point of view of preventing anything that could be a problem for you, our valued reader. Below please find a few security tips based on our years of experience, and information regarding our protections:

1. To check the security of any website, including LouDawson.com, you can simply go to Securi.NET and do their free site scan.

2. We go to great lengths on the “back end” of our website and server to prevent security compromises. Examples: we pay for an SSL certificate that enables LouDawson.com to function as an “httpS” (padlock) secure site, we use a hosting (server) company that is diligent about security, and we do quite a bit of work in keeping all our website software up-to-date with the most current patches and security fixes.

3. All advertising is pre-scanned for threats by ourselves and the providers and is secure as is humanly possible. Beyond that, if you want 100% assurance of your security simply run the site scans linked above for total confidence.

(That being said, we should emphasize that when a website link leads you to another website, we have no control whatsoever about security issues on that other website. For defense in that situation, use “safe browsing” settings in your browser as well as enabling such options in your antivirus and malware software.)

4. Adblocking. If you are blocking advertising due to security concerns, as mentioned above we go to extreme measures to insure your privacy and security. What is more, we practice an “ad-lite experience” and conform to the “Acceptable Ads” design and display policies in common agreement. If you simply don’t prefer the appearance of advertising, please notice all our ad banners are organized in our right sidebar, they do not intrude on your reading experience.

Our sole source of income supporting this website is our advertising. We kindly ask you to trust our “ad-friendly” experience and whitelist us in your ad blocker.

7. On your side, you can do quite a few things to enhance your browser security. Here is a short list:

A. Run a quality anti-virus program on your computer and smartphone, with all automatic updates turned on, and regular scans turned on.
B. Learn how to adjust your “cookie” settings in your browser and tweak to desired level of privacy.
C. Install a “privacy cleaner” in both browser and computer, and run periodically.
D. Be aware that the basic design of the World Wide Web is “open.” It was never designed with a high level of security in mind. Thus, for the foreseeable future we should all use the Internet as if all our actions are being recorded and tracked — no matter what website you are on, no matter what “blocking” or “cleaning” software you run. This is reality. LouDawson.com will never participate intentionally in any of this, but it’s called the “worldwide” web for a reason. We’re not the only website, and we’re probably in the top 99.99% in terms of how little potential we have of violating your privacy.
E. Email is actually where many truly heinous (if not most) security breaches arise. Practice fanatical “email hygiene,” and use 2-factor authentication for your email login. Too many details about that to outline here, but Google can be your friend. Search terms such as “how to practice email security.”
F. Backup backup backup! Keep copies of all your original creative work in a location (cloud, or your garage) that’s separate from where you work. Also consider a backup solution for your computer that essentially “mirrors” your hard drive, so you can easily replace your hard drive in the event your computer is taken down by a hacker or failed drive.
G. Use strong passwords and other basic security measures you can study up on with your friend Google.

A Sampling of Dawson's Posts from WildSnow.com







Welcome to Louis (Lou) Dawson's personal website. Lou's passion for the past 50 years has been alpinism, climbing, mountaineering and skiing -- along with all manner of outdoor recreation. He has authored numerous books and articles about ski touring and is known as the first person to ski down all 54 of Colorado's 14,000-foot peaks, otherwise known as the Fourteeners.

All material on this website is copyrighted, the names Louis Dawson and Lou Dawson are used here for authorship and content creation and are trademarked, permission required for reproduction (electronic or otherwise) and display on other websites. PLEASE SEE OUR COPYRIGHT and TRADEMARK INFORMATION.

We include "affiliate sales" links within this website. This means we receive a percentage of a sale if you click to a shopping cart from our site (at no cost to you). We also sell display "banner" advertising.

Ski Touring and mountaineering are dangerous. You may be killed or severely injured if you do any form of ski mountaineering, skimo randonnee and randonnée skiing. The information, news and opinion on this website is intended only as general information. Due to human error and passing time, the information, text and images contained within this website may be inaccurate, false, or out-of-date. By using, reading or viewing the information provided on this website, you agree to absolve the owners of LouDawson.com as well as content contributors of any liability for injuries or losses incurred while using such information. Furthermore, you agree to use any of this website's information, maps, photos, or binding mounting instructions templates at your own risk, and waive LouDawson.com owners and contributors of liability for use of said items for ski touring or any other use.