2024
November 2024 - Hackers Are Watching:
As holiday travel picks up, hackers see a prime opportunity to exploit travelers who may let their guard down on their digital security. Security risks like phishing, public WiFi and lost devices can easily compromise your personal information during travel. But it's not just your data at stake - when employees let their guard down, they can unknowingly open the door to threats for their entire company.
How to Get Your Company Thinking Like A Startup: After a failed attempt to sell to Blockbuster, Netflix founder Marc Randolph made a life-altering decision: if you can't join 'em, beat 'em. Despite being $50 million in debt, Netflix ultimately succeeded in toppling the video rental giant within a decade. While this story is often seen as a beacon of hope for start-ups, it teaches established companies a different lesson: the real threat may come from an unexpected competitor who targets your weaknesses, not your strengths. Randolph says, "If you're not willing to disrupt yourself, you're leaving it wide-open for someone to disrupt your business for you."
Tech Gifts Top Avoid Buying: While a playful robot that uses facial recognition to analyze a child's moods might seem like an awesome gift, it's not so great when you learn that data can be hacked by cybercriminals or shared for third-party advertising.
A speaker at the 2023 CES electronics exhibition said that most tech companies address safe-ty problems when they happen rather than developing safety features proactively. Companies are "focused on cost, capability, performance and speed to market, not on safety."
October 2024 - 6 Shopping Scams and How to Avoid Them:
It's October, which means the biggest online shopping day of the YEAR is just weeks away: Cyber Monday. Unfortunately, it's also open season for cybercriminals. Because preparation is the best prevention, we're covering the six most common shopping scams this time of the year and how to avoid them.
From Hero To Zero To Human: Lance Armstrong's Advice For Bouncing Back From Big Mistakes: Lance Armstrong talks about how he turned his life around after he was banned from professional cycling for life.
September 2024 - Hackers Are Targeting Small Construction Companies And Other Invoice-Heavy Businesses:
From 2023 to 2024, attacks on construction companies doubled, making up 6% of Kroll's total incident response cases, according to the 2024 Cyber Threat Landscape report from risk-advisory firm Kroll. Experts at Kroll note that the uptick could be driven by how work is carried out in the industry: employees work with numerous vendors, work remotely via mobile devices and operate in high pressure environments where urgency can sometimes trump security protocols. All of these factors make the construction industry ripe for a cyber-attack.
How To Talk About Your Business So Customers Will Listen: It's really, really hard to grab people's attention today. Customers are busy and inundated with choices, making it hard for businesses to stand out. Donald Miller empathizes. He knew people loved his book Building A StoryBrand - after all, he sold millions of copies. But when Miller decided to tour and fill 700 theater seats for a speaking engagement, half remained empty. "I learned that I'm good at writing the 300 pages but not very good at writing the sentence that makes you want to read the 300 pages. It's two different skill sets," Miller explained to business leaders at a recent industry conference.
VPNs Are Not An Invisibility Cloak: A virtual private network (VPN) is essential for modern office work to create a se cure, encrypted connection between your device and a remote server, allowing you to work from anywhere while protecting sensitive data. VPNs are also gaining popularity for personal browsing by routing Internet traffic through a remote server to mask your IP address. It's like a gated tunnel only you can enter, which is handy for accessing region-restricted streaming ser vices or content and protecting data when using public WiFi.
August 2024 - What Do You Do When A Company Compromises Your Data?:
In 2023, Statista reported that 52% of all global organization breaches involved customers' personal identifiable information (PII), making your personal data - addresses, numbers, names, birth dates, SSNs, etc. - the most commonly breached type of data. A recent example is ChangeHealthcare, breached in February of this year. Due to this breach alone, it's estimated that one-third of Americans - possibly including you - had sensitive information leaked onto the dark web. So now what?
How To Build A Team That Cares About Your Company's Success As Much As You Do: Mike Michalowicz is the author of several books, including Profit First, Get Different, The Pumpkin Plan and other small business must-reads. He's an entrepreneur and speaker teaching other leaders how to build and retain unstoppable teams who care about the company's success as much as you do, so you'll be happier, grow faster and create an environment where everyone flourishes. Read 3 ways to create an unstoppable team.
Don't Make This Mistake With Your Home's Smart Tech: Don't Make This Mistake With Your Home's Smart Tech Smart devices are so pervasive in our homes, it's hard to imagine what life was like before them. From door cams to AI-powered devices, we truly live in "smart" homes. But unlike devices of the past, you can't "set and forget" smart devices.
July 2024 - 5 Annoying Tasks You Can Automate Right Now:
Odds are that right now you're doing a handful of tasks manually that you don't need to, like sorting through an endless email inbox. According to Microsoft, employees spend just under two hours daily on e-mail - that's more than eight hours a week spent in your inbox instead of on more creative or strategic projects.
Dr Jordan Peterson On Why Challenge is The Key To A Fulfilling Life: Although it can be difficult, we don't protect our children from every challenge they face. We let them fail, learn and grow. Otherwise, they'd never really know what they are capable of. As adults, however, we tend to shy away from challenges, seeing them as obstacles to a better life. But clinical psychologist and University of Toronto professor Dr. Jordan Peterson warns, "All the avoidance in the world isn't going to save you from your fate... There are endless pathways to tragedy, and that's the basic condition of life in some ways.
Most E-Mail Platforms Stink At Keeping Out Dangerous E-mail Attachments: You are the last line of defense in your inbox.
4th of July By the Numbers: How much did we spend last year on fireworks?
June 2024 - How To Put Generative AI To Work For Your Business:
Despite its popularity, there's an undercurrent of uncertainty among some business leaders. SMB leaders are asking big questions: What's the real deal with AI (beyond all the buzz)? How do I actually get it to work for my business? How do we use this responsibly and keep our customers' data safe?
4 Popular Scams To Watch Out For: Keeping up with cybercriminals is like try[1]ing to nail jelly to the wall. Just as you think you're up to speed, a new scam hits the headlines. Using new tech innovations like AI, scammers are getting much better at impersonating banks, health care providers and...us. This year has been no exception, with a slew of fresh scams hitting cell phones and bank accounts everywhere. Here are four scams to watch out for now.
The Hill Family Secret Strawberry Pie Recipe!
May 2024 - Why 60% of Data Backups Fail Businesses When They Need Them Most:
60% of data backups are not fully successful, and half of the attempts to recover data from these backups don’t work. This leads to businesses being offline for an average of 79 minutes, costing them roughly $84,650 for every hour of downtime.
Deepfakes Are Comin To The Workplace: Deepfakes result from people using AI and machine-learning technology to make it seem like someone is saying something they never actually said. Like every other tech on the market, it can be used with good and bad intentions.
April 2024 - 3 Cybersecurity Myths That Will Hurt Your Business This Year:
3 Cybersecurity Myths That Will Hurt Your Business This Year: Working amid the ever-changing currents of technology and cyber security, businesses often find themselves entangled in a web of misinformation and outdated ideas. But failing to distinguish between myth and fact can put your business’s security at serious risk. Based on expert research in the field, including CompTIA’s 2024 global State Of Cybersecurity report, we will debunk three common misconceptions that threaten to derail your success in 2024.
Check Fraud Crimes Are Washing Away Bank Accounts: According to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, fraudulent-check crimes rose 201.2% between 2018 and 2022. Experts say that the rise of check fraud began in 2020 when criminals started stealing stimulus checks. Once those ended, they needed a new source of income. In 2023, S&P Global noted that check fraud made up one-third of all bank fraud, excluding mortgage fraud. It’s a cheap and relatively simple crime happening under our noses, and that’s why they’re getting away with it.
March 2024 - Trust Is The New Currency:
Trust Is The New Currency: Today, most business transactions – whether buying shampoo or tonight’s dinner – are faceless. That’s why in our digital world, trust is the new currency. This shift in consumer behavior, sometimes called the “trust economy,” is more than the quality of products or services you offer; it’s about constructing a bedrock of reliability and transparency so customers choose you over competitors.
Mike Rowe On the Power of Authenticity: In today’s marketplace, where consumer trust is the linchpin of success, authenticity emerges as a key differentiator for business[1]es. Who better to break down the power of authenticity than one of the most down-to[1]earth TV personalities in America – Mike Rowe?
Big Tech Company Admits It’s Listening To You: We’ve all suspected our devices are listening to us. How else could the clothing company you just told your sister about over brunch show up as a targeted ad on your Instagram feed? The tech community has largely denied listening without our permission. In fact, in 2017, Facebook had to publicly deny that it listens to its users (that’s what they use location services and ad tracking for).
February 2024 - Show Some Love To Your Business Continuity Plan:
It's just like it sounds - a plan to keep your business continuously running in the case of an unplanned event like a natural disaster, cyber-attack or human error. A BCP outlines processes and procedures your company will follow during a crisis. It considers operations, assets, human resources, technology and safety; in other words, it keeps necessary functions in your organization running until the disaster is handled.
Learning to Live Without Limits: More than half of us will have given up on our New Year's resolutions by December (and some of us already have) according to a 2020 Ipsos survey. One in 10 are done in less than a month even though our resolutions are often things we care deeply about - health, finances and relationships. Why is it so hard to keep them? Renowned speaker and author Nick Vujicic says it's about aligning our hearts, minds and actions to stay resilient in the face of inevitable resistance.
Shiny New Gadget of The Month: Rocketbook Reusable Smart Notebook: Great way to organize your notes and save a tree!
Old Malware, New Tricks: An old malware scam is reemerging with dangerous new tricks, causing significant problems for anyone who uses a web browser - i.e., nearly all of us. Hackers using the "update your browser" scam found new ways to hide malicious files, making it harder for security experts to locate and remove them. We'll see more of this so be on the lookout.
January 2024 - A Culture of Appreciation Improves Work and Customer Loyalty:
The desire to feel valued, recognized and appreciated is universal in Western culture, not only in our personal lives but also in the workplace. According to Great Place To Work's 2023 discretionary effort study, 37% of respondents said that more recognition at work "would encourage them to produce better work more often."
Emmitt Smith's Humble Advice for Success: When former NFL running back Emmitt Smith was six years old, he told his dad that one day he wanted to play for the Dallas Cowboys. His dad told him that he would have to learn to overcome some things in life. He did overcome challenges, setbacks and mistakes in his career, lessons he took to heart. By embracing humility, accountability and passion for the process, he didn't simply succeed - he became legendary.
Passkeys: The Beginning Of The End Of Passwords: In May, Google began rolling out passkeys, calling them "the beginning of the end of the password." Passwords have been with us since the mid-1960s but with modern sophisticated cybercrime attacks, dated password technology does us more harm than good. It is estimated that 84% of people still use unsafe passwords (like birthdays and pet names), and over half of recent survey respondents admitted having five or fewer passwords for all their accounts. Google and other major players in the industry believe that passkeys are the "key" to a simpler - and safer - future.
2023
December 2023 - AI Wants To Help Us Shop:
One in six shoppers uses generative AI to inspire shopping decisions, according to a 2023 Salesforce survey. However, data by SAP Emarsys reports that barely more than half of consumers feel it positively impacts their online shopping experience. What is generative AI, and what does it mean for our holiday shopping – and our privacy?
Make 2024 The Best Year Yet: Itzler asked us: What areas of our lives are we underperforming in because we BELIEVE we can't get any better? Our business? Relationships? Health? When is the last time you did something you loved, regardless of how busy you were at work or home? If you're not getting the most out of your life right now, you're not alone. Itzler shares four ways we can kick complacency out of our lives for good.
Holiday Gift Guide: Finding the perfect last-minute gift without compromising on quality can be challenging. Here are some of our favorite tech-inspired gifts that are bound to leave an impression! 5 Unique Tech Gifts That Will Wow Your Receivers (Or Yourself)
November 2023 - Here’s What Google Maps Timeline Knows About You (And It’s More Than You Think):
It’s 10:00 pm - do you know where your children are? Google probably does. Before you hit the road this holiday season, take a minute to review your privacy settings to see if the risk is worth the benefits.
WFH Strategies That Actually Work: We all value work and family balance. But during the holidays, the seesaw tends to teeter more toward family, even when end of the year deadlines hang over our heads. What do you need to know before agreeing to flexible work routines.
Airline Ticket Scams Are Soaring: Scammers love travel season. They know your eyes are peeled for a cheap ticket and have devised convincing ways to get their hands on your money. Here’s how to avoid travel scams.
October 2023 - Things to Do Now To Prevent Your Cyber Insurance Claim from Being Denied:
Smart businesses like yours are adding cyber insurance to their policies because they know good security hygiene is just as much a competitive advantage as a way to reduce business risk. But with cyber insurance premiums steadily increasing- they rose 62% last year alone- you want to make sure your claim is paid when you need it most.
The Data Breach Epidemic: As cybercriminals continue to refine their tactics, it's clear that cyber-attacks and data breaches will not stop anytime soon. That's why it's so crucial for businesses to develop strong cyber security strategies.
Fall Foliage By Train: Each autumn, nature paints the US with a fantastic riot of colors, and one of the best places to take it all in is on a leisurely train trip. We give you 5 unforgettable trips.
September 2023 - How To Safely Share Passwords With Employees:
How To Safely Share Passwords With Employees: Sharing passwords in your office is sometimes necessary for collaboration, and the best way to do this is by using a password manager. Affordable (some platforms even offer free versions), layered with security and simple to use, password managers are the safest and easiest way to store and share your company’s private passwords.
Unlock The Power Of Workplace Connections: n the fast-paced modern work environments, the ability to establish meaningful connections with colleagues can be invaluable. Building friendships in the workplace not only enhances job satisfaction, but also cultivates a supportive network that can increase productivity and overall wellbeing. We go over 5 ways to unlock workplace connections.
Let The Good Times Fall: With the 90 degree temperatures, as of this writing, it’s hard to believe that Fall is right around the corner. But Friday Night Lights have begun and Pumpkin Spice everything is everywhere so it must be time to start planning for those fall favorite activities. We share some of our favorites.
August 2023 - Start the School Year Strong:
Start the School Year Strong: Parenting Tips to Ensure Academic Excellence: In the coming weeks, kids from around the country will return to school to continue their academic journey. It’s an exciting time in their lives, and many begin the school year with high hopes and expectations. Do you remember how enthusiastic (or disappointed) you were when the first day of a new school year arrived? Now that we’re parents, we can put specific strategies and techniques in place to help our children find success when school resumes.
Imposter Scams get boost from Artificial Intelligence: Beware Of Imposter Scams: A scam where you hear the voice of your loved one! Imposter scams are already bilking people out of money, but now, with the help of artificial intelligence, they will get much more convincing.
Tech Trends to Improve Customers Loyalty: If you want your business to succeed, you must build a solid customer base. Over the past few years, advancements in technology have made it easier for companies to improve their relationships with their customers.
July 2023 - Don't Settle For Less:
DON’T SETTLE FOR LESS: 5 Questions Every IT Professional Should Say Yes To: Business owners have a wide variety of responsibilities. In many cases, they over[1]see the hiring process, ensure operations run smoothly and find the best third[1]party vendors to help benefit their business for years to come. One problem many business owners face when hiring a third party is knowing whether they’re the right fit for their business. Making the wrong choice can be detrimental to your business, so how can you ensure you make the right decision? You ask essential questions.
CREATE AN EXPERIENCE YOUR CUSTOMERS WON’T FORGET: Businesses that create an exceptional customer experience will always hold a position within their industry. They will build a loyal fan base. This is especially noticeable with companies like Chick Fil A, Apple, and Disney. Isn’t it a pleasurable experience when you are treated like it is truly your server’s pleasure to serve? We all know what drive through is going to get it right every time. Chick Fil A fans love the consistency they get no matter which restaurant they visit.
June 2023 - Help Your Business Thrive:
Help Your Business Thrive: Over the past few years, awareness about IT services has significantly increased. Businesses of varying sizes recognize the need for and importance of utilizing IT services to protect sensitive data, keep day-to-day operations running smoothly, increase productivity throughout various departments and stay up-to-date with the most recent technology trends. Without IT services, companies put themselves and their clients at risk. So, if you're looking to add these kinds of services to your business - or are in need of an update - you may wonder what your options are.
Is Your Business Ready for the Safeguards Rule June Deadline? Do you collect financial information? Then hopefully you are prepared for the FTC Safeguard Rule that goes into effect on June 9th. This is for ANYONE WHO COLLECTS FINANCIAL INFORMATION, from CPAs to car dealerships so chances are it is probably for YOU. The FTC Safeguards Rule requires non-banking financial institutions like yours to develop, implement, and maintain a com[1]prehensive cybersecurity program to keep their customers' information safe.
Attending Events That Are Networking, Act Accordingly: Attending any kind of event, even to earn those continued educational credits should always be treated as a networking event. It is important to set expectations for your staff and yourself so that your company is represented well. Here are five "must" rules to follow
May 2023 - Get More Done In Less Time
Get More Done In Less Time Tech Tips To Improve Productivity and Focus: Technology has become essential to our society. We use it for nearly every aspect of our lives, from entertainment to personal security. Unfortunately, it’s not all good, and over time, many of us have developed some negative tech habits. When we’re supposed to work or stay productive, we might turn to our phones or tablets and scroll through social media or the news. There’s no better time than the present to shake these harmful habits so we can become more productive. The good news is that technology can actually help improve our overall productivity.
Managing Critics Like A Pro: At a recent IT conference, Tony Hawk, skateboard legend, successful CEO of Bird[1]house Skateboards and partner in the billion-dollar video game franchise Pro Skater was the keynote speaker. He is an athlete, storyteller, brand builder, entertainer, philanthropist, and probably the coolest person we have ever met. More importantly, he had some great insights for business leaders on how to deal with critics. By staying focused on what he was doing, ignoring the noise, and opting out of the toxic narratives, Hawk answered his critics with his own truth and is arguably one of the most successful in his industry.
April 2023 - Understanding Cybersecurity Compliance Standards
Understanding Cybersecurity Compliance Standards
There is an endless number of things a business owner should do for their business to be successful. They must develop a product or service that can attract customers, hire and train a team to oversee day-to-day operations, implement marketing strategies and so much more. While all these tasks are essential for your business to be profitable, your business will never get off the ground if you aren’t compliant with standards that affect your industry.
Let Your Employees Know You Care With These 3 Tactics
If an employee is unhappy working for your company or doesn’t feel appreciated by their leadership team, they will search for a new job. This has left many leaders questioning what they can do to show their employees they actually care about them and their well-being. Here are a few different ways to show your team you care.
Keeping Your Business Fit and Healthy Starts Wit You
We all know that when running a business, it can become challenging to find the time to maintain your health and the energy needed to keep going. Physical and mental well-being go hand in hand and it’s important to devote a few extra minutes of time to yourself each day to ensure that you are able to stay at the top of your game. Two often overlooked, underappreciated, yet easy things to do daily is warm up and stretch.
March 2023 - Keep Your Business Protected By Becoming Aware Of The Most Common Types Of Cyber-Attacks
The rate of cyber-attacks has significantly increased over the past few years. Businesses of all sizes are at risk of becoming victims of them, which is why it’s crucial that every business owner and leader is aware of the most common cyberthreats impacting the business world today. Being aware of common cyberthreats and developing plans to prevent them is the best way to protect your business, customers and employees from cybercriminals. We go over 4 types of cyber-attacks.
Keep Your Workspace Organized And Boost Your Productivity
A clean desk doesn't just feel nice -- it communicates professionalism, reduces your stress, helps you keep track of your important tasks, and saves you the time that you would have spent hunting for things. Try out these strategies to transform your workspace and your work life:
2 Selling Strategies Your Business Should Avoid
n the world of business, there are good and bad selling strategies. Strong selling strategies bring your customers back for more and encourage them to refer their friends and family. In contrast, poor strategies will send your customers running for the hills. They’ll never look back at your business and will tell everyone about their negative experiences. If you or your selling team are utilizing any of the following strategies when selling to customers, you should put a stop to it immediately, or your sales will begin to decline.
Make Your Back Stronger This Spring
Though sudden back pain can occur after a twist or a sneeze, most back injuries are caused by years of mistreatment before that final, painful injury.
Stresses such as poor posture, faulty body mechanics, obesity, emotional tension and lack of fitness over the long term are the cause. With these modern problems, it's not surprising that back pain is the number one complaint today.
Whether you want to treat it or prevent it, these steps will help
February 2023 - Add An Extra Layer Of Cyber Security Protection By Utilizing Cyber Insurance
Add An Extra Layer Of Cyber Security Protection: stablishing effective and efficient cyber security policies is one of the most important aspects of protecting your business. We often discuss why cyber security is so important and the different cyber security practices your business can implement. We also mention how advanced cyberthreats and cyber-attacks have become as hackers improve their tactics and technology. For this reason, you may wonder if there’s anything that will cover your business if it falls victim to a cyber-attack even though you have strong cybersecurity practices in place. Thankfully, cyber insurance is available to business owners who have proven they take cyber security seriously.
Meet The Team: This month we are introducing our Accounts Manager Shrinath Shah “Shah”
Payment Apps Will Soon Report Your Income To The IRS: Making some side cash via the gig economy, may be look like lifts through Lyft or slinging some goods on eBay? If so, you'll want to pay closer attention during 2023.
4 Very Simple Ways To Take Control Of Your Schedule: Every day is busy for those who lead or own a business, but you must stay organized and stick to your schedule to ensure everything gets completed. This is a difficult task for many business leaders, though. Little distractions can cause us to procrastinate and get behind on our work, making for long workdays. If you find yourself struggling to stay on schedule, give some of the following tips a try.
January 2023 - Make 2023 A Great Year For Business With 3 Tech Resolutions
Make 2023 A Great Year For Business With 3 Tech Resolutions: The new year is upon us, and many business owners will use this opportunity to create plans to ensure that 2023 is as profitable as possible. You can devise all kinds of business resolutions you want to focus on during the year, but most of the time, business owners think about key performance indicators like sales opportunities, customer loyalty or referrals. Still, while these are vital, it’s just as important to include resolutions relating to new technological advancements.
Cybersecurity Hero: Tammy Keith from ExpoQuip
Leading With Trust and Value Added: John C Maxwell is THE number one leader[1]ship guru. No one, including Google, would say otherwise. Maxwell is internationally recognized as a leadership speaker, trainer and author who has written over 70 books and sold more than 19 million copies. He has been the consistent number one Leadership Guru on the Global Gurus sites for 6 years now. I had the privilege of meeting him at an IT Leadership and Sales conference recently and so much of what he said was quotable. He gave us plenty to think about as leaders of our businesses but here are a couple of takeaways I thought worthy of sharing.
2022
December 2022 - IT News, Trends and Information You May Have Missed In 2022
IT News, Trends and Information You May Have Missed In 2022 - The year 2022 will soon be on its way out the door. It became a year full of ups and downs for many small businesses, but it still felt more promising than the past few years in the midst of the pandemic. Many small-business owners used this past year to reevaluate their IT services. Some needed to strengthen their cyber security defenses while others utilized new advancements to further assist their customer base.
Shiny New Gadget Of The Month: The Ekster Parliament Wallet. What is so special about it?
Good Sales Emails That Get Read - Most businesses make sales through multiple channels including email. In fact, some even make the bulk of their income via sales made from email pitches. Sales emails can take different forms, from a highly targeted email sent to one person to a pitch made to an existing email list. This addresses the latter.
Coping With Stress - Nearly everyone deals with stress at some point in their lives, and most business leaders struggle with it regularly. The holidays can be especially stressful at work and home. The good news is that you don’t need to live with extreme levels of stress. There are simple solutions to help you cope better. Here are some ways to lessen the amount of stress in your life and enjoy this time of year.
November 2022 - Do I Need To Upgrade My Network?
Do I need to upgrade my network? A business owner has many responsibilities within their business. They can be so busy that sometimes things are overlooked for an extended period of time. For example, many business owners may forget to upgrade their network infrastructure. In actuality, upgrading your network is extremely important – and it is one of the smartest things you can do as a business owner.
Did your business get a bad review? We go over a couple of things you can take away from getting a negative review.
October 2022 - Keep Your Information Secure
Keep Your Information Secure: We use passwords for just about everything. Most of us have to enter a password to get into our computers, then enter more passwords to access our e-mail, social media profiles, databases and other accounts. Even our cell phones and tablets can and should be password protected. In fact, if you aren’t securing all of your devices and accounts with passwords, you should definitely start. It could help prevent your business and personal information from becoming compromised.
Take Advantage Of Google Reviews: When you are deciding on a restaurant to dine at, you might check the Google reviews to help with your decision. The same thing goes for your business. Before people come in to buy your product or services, they might check your Google reviews- so it’s important that your reviews positively reflect your business. If you own a company, you should understand how Google reviews work and do everything you can to encourage customers to leave positive ratings and comments.
Shiny New Gadget Of The Month: Bril- It might be surprising to hear, but our toothbrushes are some of the dirtiest items in our households. There’s a good chance that there are more than a million kinds of bacteria living on your toothbrush right now. Unfortunately, rinsing your toothbrush after brushing is only so effective. That’s why Bril was invented.
Let The Good Times Fall: Football, perfect cool mornings, 70 plus Pumpkin Spice items on the shelves at Trader Joes, corn mazes, and Fall Festivals are EVERYWHERE….. what’s not to love about fall?!! Here are three more of our favorites.
September 2022 - Internet Safety Tips For Parents
It’s Time For A Refresh! 4 Cyber Security Trainings To Do With All Employees
Students are returning to the classroom now that back-to-school season is officially underway. During the first few weeks, teachers will be reteaching their students material they learned previously to help them regain knowledge they may have forgotten during summer break. But students aren’t the only ones in need of a refresher every year. Your employees also need to be refreshed on company policies, values, best practices and most importantly cybersecurity process.
A Couple Of Strategies I Learned From Robert Herjavec To Grow My Business and Take It To The Next Level
Our Rebekah Hill recently attended a conference in Nashville and had the opportunity to learn from and meet Robert Herjavec. Robert Herjavec knows a thing or two about starting, growing and running a business. As one of North America’s most recognizable business leaders, Herjavec is a true from-scratch entrepreneur, tech leader, motivator, and he really is “the nice shark.” I was so excited to be able to learn from him at a recent conference I attended.
August 2022 - Internet Safety Tips For Parents
Internet Safety Tips For Parents: In today’s climate, is there anything more prevalent than the internet? In fact, we’ve grown so accustomed to using it that the internet now seams to help us meet any need or want. Unfortunately, we don’t often think about the effect that has on our kids, who have never known a world without this level of technology.
Could USB-C Become The One Cord To Rule Them All? USB-C is the latest and greatest common interface. USB-A cords can only be inserted a certain way, and that way all too often seems to be the opposite of your first attempt. WHY?! With USB-C, it doesn’t matter how you insert the cord. Thank You! It really is the little things.
Tech Trends To Improve Customers Loyalty: If you want your business to succeed, you must build a solid customer base. Over the past few years, advancements in technology have made it easier for companies to improve their relationships with their customers. One such way is through the use of AI chatbots. If someone has a question about your service or product, you don’t want to leave them waiting for an answer. Chatbots can be programmed to answer common questions until a live representative is available, if they’re even needed.
July 2022 - Do I need A Compliance And Cyber Security Plan?
We talk a lot about cyber security and how incorporating the right practices can help fully protect your company from cyber-attacks, but there’s another term that’s often referenced when discussing cyber security that’s just as important: compliance. While it’s incredibly import for businesses to focus on maintaining the highest cyber security standards, they also need to ensure protocol meets compliance standards.
Tax Free Holidays Means SAVINGS For Tennesseans. In 2022 there are THREE sales tax holidays. We explain all three and which one CD Technology can help you with.
The Future Of Leadership- The pandemic completely changed the way many people view work. If there’s one thing for certain, it’s that remote work will continue once the pandemic ends. If your business has switched over to a remote or hybrid environment, you may need to reevaluate your leaders to ensure their skills align with the ne work environment. Strong remote leaders possess traits that are essential for success.
Meet our July Pet Of The Month - Ellie Belle
June 2022 - How To Prepare For Gen Z In The Workforce Be Proactive And Update Your Cyber Security Practices
Technology has evolved leaps and bounds over the last 20 years. In fact, in the next few years, the first generation to grow up with smartphones and social media, will join the workforce. It might seem like Generation Z will be the most cyber-secure generation, considering they’ve always had the Internet and other advanced technologies at the tips of their fingers, but reports are starting to show that this is not the case. Many business owners fear that Generation Z’s desire to share content online will lead them to accidentally reveal sensitive information that can cause financial, legal and branding damage to their business.
The pandemic brought forward plenty of change in the worlds of technology and business. Even as the pandemic slows down, the use of technology will not.
What are the four must-listen podcasts for small business owners?
Meet Frishes: Our Pet of the Month
May 2022 - Stay Compliant By Upping Your Cyber Security Practices
If you own or operate a business,, there are plenty of things you must do to ensure success. One of the biggest responsibilities that comes with owning or operating a business is ensuring that your business is compliant with any guidelines put in place by regulatory bodies. Cyber security and compliance work right alongside each other.
Human error is responsible for 88 percent of data breaches. This means someone’s unintentional actions or failure to take auction caused the breach.
Memorial Day Remember and Honor. The tradition of honoring our country’s fallen defenders began as a springtime custom following the Civil War.
A shiny new gadget for Spring- Bird Buddy.
April 2022 - 5 Ways Technology Can Take You To The Next Level
It’s nearly impossible to run a business in today’s climate without using up-to-date technology. This doesn’t necessarily mean bringing in the best computers, printers and other pieces of hardware needed to run a successful business. Instead, it means you should utilize the most current software and programs to ensure nothing falls through the cracks. We go over 5 ways technology can take your business to the next level.
Electronic health records (EHRs) are the most valuable type of stolen personal data, according to the US Department of Health and Human services cybersecurity Coordination Center. We explain why.
Congratulations to Ashley Travis from The Bottom Line CPA for being our Cybersecurity hero of the first quarter.
What NO PET OF THE MONTH! Unfortunately we did not have any submittals for our Pet of the month. Register your pet today.
March 2022 - The 3 Options For IT Support And How To Choose The One That Fits Your Business
The 3 Options for IT Support and How to Choose the One That Fits Your Business: If you’re a business owner or planning to open a new business, chances are you have looked into IT support options. For those unfamiliar with the world of IT support, it can be confusing trying to figure out which option is best for your business. When determining IT needs, there are three predominant options- that all come with different benefits with drawbacks – to consider before factoring in the cost of the company.
Over $100 billion in pandemic relief funds stolen: The Secret Service estimates that roughly $100 billion, in COVID-19 pandemic relief funds have been stolen by individuals and organized crime rings.
Ransomware attacks disrupt key infrastructure: Ransomware continues to be plague on private and governmental operations, even threatening health care.
Meet Knox our March Pet of the Month.
February 2022 - Cyber Security Is More Important Now Than Ever- Is Your Business Prepared?
Over the past few years, instances of cyberthreats have increased at an alarming rate, and they don’t seem to be slowing down anytime soon. Awareness around cyber security has certainly improved over the past year, with 9 in 10 Americans stating that they are somewhat concerned about hacking that involves their personal information, financial institutions, government agencies or certain utilities. We provide a couple of the best cyber practices you can put in place to fully prepare for cyber-attacks and threats.
Other information in our newsletter:
- How can you sign up for our tech tips?
- Facebook Launched Its Metaverse, And No Surprise- It’s A Privacy Nightmare!
- Break Through The Digital Dilemma And Take Your Business To The Next level
- Meet Molly - Our February Pet of the Month.
January 2021 - 3 Great IT Resolutions For The New Year
As the new year kicks off, many business owners and entrepreneurs are setting annual goals and making their New Year's resolutions. Most of these business owners will be focused on increasing profits or expanding growth, but it would be wise to focus on some IT- or tech-related resolutions as well. Making sure that you are up-to-date on the most recent tech and security measures can go a long way toward growing and protecting your business. We go over 3 resolutions that each business owner/entrepreneurs should look at.
What are the four once a year to do's for January?
New Year, New Problems- More businesses are returning to on-location work, and hybrid meetings are becoming more prevalent. As meetings start to occur
that host both remote and on-location employees, you may be wondering how to keep everything managed. We go over a few things you can do to ensure that
everyone feels heard and respected.
Who is Loki and What makes him so special?
2021
December 2021 - Hackers Are Stepping Up Their Game This Holiday Season
The holiday season has arrived, and more Americans are expected to turn to online shopping this year than ever before. The ongoing pandemic, combined with convenience, makes online shopping an obvious choice for most customers.
Unfortunately, online shopping has been muddied with hackers and cyberthieves since its debut. There are still safe places on the Internet where you should feel comfortable to shop, though. If you are careful about where you spend your money or share your personal information, online shopping can feel just as safe as entering a store. We give you our five best tips to ensure that your online holiday shopping is safe and secure.
Have you noticed our new look? While absolutely nothing about superior service we provide our clients has changed, every business needs an update now and then, especially a technology related business. We explain why CD Technology selected our new logo and why a FROG?
Is your mutt marvelous? Is your feline fabulous? Would you like to show your best friend with more than $40 in treats and toys? Then enter our Pet of the Month contest for your chance to win a basket full of goodies!
November 2021 - The Easiest Way to Disaster-Proof Your Cyber Security
Though no one would dispute the increasing prevalence of cyber-attacks on businesses in recent years, many small business owners believe themselves and their business to be immune to such attacks. However, the fact of the matter is that cyber-attacks are crimes of opportunity, and small businesses often have access to a good amount of sensitive data without many major safeguards in place. We go over several things you need to review to see if you are considered a prime candidate for a cyber-attack. The sad truth is that 60% of SMBs that fall victim to cyber-attacks end up shuttering within six months.
Are you using your power strip correctly? A power strip is your friend when it comes to Christmas decorations, but use strips safely to avoid power interruptions and fires. What are the 6 things you should NEVER plug into a power strip?
The Digital-First Economy Is Here. Are you ready? Whether your business is a massive multinational operation or you’re a humble “solopreneur”, you have now entered the era of “digital-first” economy. Daunting though it may be to prioritize your business’s online presence, there are five traits that will serve your customers well and lead to your success.
October 2021 - Want To Make Sure Your Business Is Protected From A Data Disaster?
Cyber attacks on businesses are on the rise. 93% of all businesses-that don’t have a disaster recovery plan in place when they experience a data disaster- go out of business within a year of disaster? Do you have a disaster recovery strategy? We list three steps your business can take to create one that works for you and your employees.
Cybersecurity training is an important tool to combating cyber criminals. Here at CD Technology, we began recommending an advanced cybersecurity education and training plan a few years ago to help business staff stay secure. Congratulations to this quarter’s cybersecurity hero Stephen Blackstock from Remote Area Medical.
It is almost Halloween time and everyone is planning their costumes. Dressing up your dog for Halloween is a fun idea, and there are lots of costumes available. Just make sure your dog can tolerate it.
Cybercriminals and hackers are constantly inventing new ways to infiltrate your company, steal your assets and disrupt your life. The only way to stop them is by constantly educating yourself on how to protect what’s yours. CD Technology provides a weekly tech tip that is sent to your email.
CD Technology we are your IT Services, IT Solutions and IT Provider serving small businesses in Knoxville, Sevierville and surrounding counties for over 20 years.
September 2021 - Making & Keeping Customer Connections In A Digital Era
Make the value that you give your customers so high it doesn’t matter what the price is. Based on the experiences your brand consistently delivers, your customers should have no idea what your competition charges.
Two ways you can use data to improve your business
Do you make data-driven decisions? A survey by Mention, a social media and brand monitoring company, showed that less than 15% of businesses rely on data for day-today operations.
Building A Virtual Team
As many businesses found out this past year and a half, miscommunications happen all the time when any part of the team is working virtually or apart.
August 2021- Dog Days Of Summer Can Wreak Havoc On Your Technology
Every piece of technology you use is susceptible to heat damage. Sometimes they overheat due to internal issues. Maybe they’re processing a lot of data. Or maybe the internal cooling system isn’t enough. But they can also overheat due to external issues, such as high summer temperatures and inadequate air conditioning
Spam in Your Phone’s Calendar
Have you ever glanced at your phone's calendar and seen a "reminder" to enter a sweepstakes or an invite to some event you've never heard of? Welcome to calendar spam. Spam can strike from anywhere, not just our inboxes or in unwanted phone calls. Calendar spam can be particularly bothersome, especially if you receive alarm reminders.
A Different Kind of Hygiene
During the first months of the pandemic lockdown, spam messages increased more than 20-fold. Scammers like to leverage a hot topic to spread misinformation and lure in a vulnerable audience through email, social media and messaging applications. Cybercrime continued to rise dramatically throughout 2020 and into this year, and we began to hear a lot about how people needed to be aware of their "cybersecurity hygiene," something we’ve been preaching for years.
July 2021- How To Take Your Business To The Next Level.
You have your eyes set on acquiring new customers. You’re ready to take their business to the next level. The challenge, however, is getting to that next level. If you do a web search on how to grow your business, you’ll find more results than you know what to do with. It can be frustrating and overwhelming. This month, we’re here to take away some of that frustration and share a few ideas on how you can use technology solutions to put together a growth strategy that works for your business, its needs and your overall goals. There are for areas where technology really shines: automation, access, engagement and security.
Are you in the cloud yet? Some businesses have tried to avoid the cloud. There are lingering fears that cloud-based services aren’t as secure as their non cloud counterparts. However, cloud services are more prominent than ever, and service providers are fully aware that they must meet the IT security needs of today.
Tennessee sales tax holiday is coming up at the end of the month. We encourage you to save y our hard earned money and time by pre-ordering your Tax Free Computer early, good on all new or used computers and laptops priced $1500 or less. Don’t forget, all of CD Technology new laptops and desktops come with a 3 Year Warranty on parts and labor, services right here, in our stores.
June 2021 - Employees your biggest vulnerability?
The best way to overcome the human weakness in your IT security is education. An IT security policy is a good start, but it must be enforced and understood. Employees need to know what behaviors are unacceptable, but they also need to be aware of the threats that exist. They need resources they can count on as threats arise so they may be dealt with properly. Working with an MSP or IT services firm may be the answer - they can help you lay the foundation to turn this weakness into a strength. CD Technology works with small businesses in Knoxville, Sevierville and surrounding counties to help prevent problems caused by employee error.
May 2021 - Cyber Security Policy
A cyber security policy is a must have for a business. The policy should set out expectations, lay out rules and give employees the resources necessary to put the policy to work. Your employees represent the front lines of your business’s cyber security defense. CD Technology is your go to company for IT Support and IT Solutions in Knoxville, Sevierville and surrounding counties small businesses.
Hackers love when people work from home. With employees working at home, many companies have issued employees guidance on how to establish home internet security. We go over three things to remember with employees working from home.
Zoom burnout is real, but with remote work becoming more prevalent than ever, it’s here to stay. We provide things you can do to stop it in its tracks.
April 2021 - Remember this Computer Virus?
The Core Value Equation: Your core values are the most valuable asset you have. You and your employees should all be on the same page. Core values are something that should be the basis on how your business is ran. Don't let them just be words on paper. Give them real meaning!
Do you remember the Melissa virus? Melissa used the computer's Outlook installation to email the first 50 addresses in the user's address book, spreading the virus quickly. The lessons learned from the Melissa Virus led to increased awareness of cybersecurity dangers. Contact CD Technology today to discuss our Virus Guard service.
Why you need to unplug every once in a while- What are the benefits of unplugging?
March 2021 - Not all IT Providers are created equal
Looking to hire an IT Services Provider? Not all IT providers are created equal. Here are the three questions that you need to ask before you hire them.
Everyone wants to know that they are important to you. Take the time to express your gratitude toward your employees. We go over 4 ways to express gratitude to your employees.
Cybersecurity training is something that everyone should take at least once a year. CD Technology feels so strongly about it, we have now it to our IT services package.
February 2021 - Working Remotely
A record number of businesses said goodbye to the traditional in-office work model in 2020 and it is continuing into 2021. We provide you with three important ways to keep cybercriminals away while your employees are working from home.
Who's watching the watchers? On the heels of the SolarWinds breach, CD Technology explains the procedures that we have in place to protect your business and your data.
7 reasons why to choose us as your It Services and It Solutions provider for
the Knoxville and Sevierville area.
January 2021 - Outdated technology
We list four ways outdated technology can take a toll on your business. What are the gaps in your IT security? Working with a dedicated IT Services provider can help bring your business back to speed. CD Technology can help you mitigate some of the cost that comes with upgrading your technology.
More people are working remotely than ever before. Many businesses had to make a huge shift in 2020. At the same time, cybercriminals used the shift to attack as many people as possible. Because businesses had their hands full getting their teams set up for remote work, IT security slipped through the cracks. If your employees need to access your network, security MUST be in place, and that includes the use of a VPN.
2020
December 2020 - 4 Critical Cyber Security Protections
Did you know the average website is attacked 94 times every day? As cybercriminals become better equipped with more advanced technology, that number will increase. Small-business websites (and small businesses, in general) are the most at risk for attack. We list the 4 critical cyber security protections that EVERY business must have. Do you have the appropriate It Solutions and IT Services to help protect your company? CD Technology is here to help.
As work situations have gone remote, e-mail has become even more vital for communication. So make sure your e-mail habits are good. What are the 4 best e-mail habits for you to use?
Looking for ways to motivate your team? We give you 4 ways to incentivize great work from your team.
The one thing that 2020 taught us is to look for new ways to bring in revenue. There’s always more than one way to successfully generate revenue and now more than ever it is time to get started exploring options. We give you three different ways to bring in new revenue for your business.
November 2020 - Don’t Make This One Mistake
How do you handle network issues? If you’re like most small businesses, you wait until something breaks or goes wrong before getting an IT services company on the phone. At a glance, it makes sense. Why pay to fix something if it isn’t broken? Sadly, this way of thinking can do more harm than good, and it has taken many businesses out of commission. It is time to be proactive and call CD Technology for your IT Solutions and It Services for Knoxville and Sevierville and surrounding counties small businesses.
Becoming a pro at videoconferencing from home. At the start of the year, most of us weren’t prepared to take video calls at home. We just didn’t have the right setup. Now we’re practically at the end of the year, and we’re out of excuses! We give you four videoconferencing quick tips to transform into a videoconferencing pro.
October 2020 - The #1 Mistake Your Employees Are Making
We all make mistakes. It’s a fact of life. But as we all know, some mistakes can have serious and lasting consequences – especially when it comes to business, cyber security and the constant cyberthreats that are out there. You need to have a strong training program in place to make sure your employees stay up-to-date. But you don’t have to do it yourself. CD Technology can help. Along with your team, let’s protect your business together. We are our IT Solutions and IT Services provider for small businesses in Knoxville, Sevierville and surrounding counties.
Think positively, raking leaves is not a chore, it’s exercise. Variety is not only the spice of life, it's close to inspirational when it comes to regular exercise. Especially when you don’t have to mask up and head to the gym. So here it is, the exercise you can get during this time of the year: Raking leaves.
September 2020 - How Cybercriminals Attack Your Network
If you own a small business, your business is a target for hackers. According to a report by 4iQ, a cyber security analyst firm, from 2017 to 2019, there was a 424% increase in the number of attacks on small businesses. We go over some sneaky ways cybercriminals can attack your system. When you work with a dedicated IT security company, they take care of you. They can monitor your network 24/7 and make sure the bad guys don’t get in. They can make sure your data is backed up to a secured server so that if anything does go wrong, you don’t lose a beat. They can even provide you with round-the-clock support should you have any questions or concerns. It’s a surprisingly easy and costeffective way to protect your business and to put the cybercriminals in their place. CD Technology are your IT Solutions and IT Service provider for small businesses in Knoxville, Sevierville and surrounding counties.
August 2020 - This can cost you BIG!
These days, it’s easy to take technology for granted. It just seems like everything works so well. If things are working well, why spend more on things like data monitoring or secure cloud storage?
Here’s a startling fact: a lot of business owners take this approach to network security. They might think, “This will never happen to me,” when it comes to data breaches, malware and hacker attacks. While they might be great at running their businesses, they may end up skimping on their IT security.
When you don’t take IT security seriously or you’re cheap with your technology, it can end up costing you BIG in the end. Work with an IT security company that will work with you to protect your business the right way – and help you avoid scenarios just like these.
Working at home presents a completely new experience for many workers. Despite years of companies experimenting with telecommuting, nearly 49% of workers say they are working at home now and it is an entirely new experience, according to a recent study. Additionally, 56% are using their own personal computers and 23% don't know what security they have in place for their devices. The difference is that before covid, even the 51% of employees who have worked remotely before, mainly only did so occasionally.
Cyber attacks have increased exponentially with the number of devices being used by remote workers. If you need help keeping your network safe now or in the future, we can help. Call us today. 865-909-7606.
July 2020 - How To Avoid Getting Hacked
Cybercriminals are always looking for new ways to steal data and make a buck at the expense of someone they’ve never met. They don’t care if they ruin someone’s life or destroy a business in the process. This is why it’s so important to stay up-to-date with the latest technology. Cyber security threats are constantly evolving. If you let your software or hardware – or both – fall behind the times, then you put your business at serious risk. Five years ago, your malware protection might have been the best on the market. If you haven’t updated since then, you need to change that.
We provide 3 questions that you should ask that will improve your productivity in your business.
June 2020 - The #1 Thing You Can Do To Prevent Being Hacked
There is one thing many small businesses do that puts them at risk for a cyber-attack. They take a reactive approach to IT security. They wait until something bad happens before they do anything.
Unfortunately, we live and work in a time when you can no longer be reactive to cyberthreats. Practically every small business is connected to the Internet and relies on a network to function. It’s the digital world we live in. We have to deal with hackers, data loss, equipment failure and everything else that goes with living in that digital world. We can help you, call CD Technology for your IT Solutions and It Services for Knoxville, Sevierville and surrounding counties small businesses.
Do you save your passwords in your browser? This is NOT a secure way to store passwords, and it puts you to major risk.
May 2020 - How To Stop Cybercriminals
The problem is that cybercriminals and hackers know there’s no better time to strike than during a global crisis. In fact, they are working overtime to craft new malware while the rest of us are trying to manage how our lives have been turned upside down. While you are so focused on your business, these cyber thugs are finding new ways into your IT network so they can steal data and passwords, compromise your clients’ private information and even demand large ransoms. Not to mention, trying to get their hands on stimulus money.
The One Group That Loves People Forced To Work At Home: Hackers During the current crisis, with employees working at home, many companies have issued employees guidance on how to establish home internet security. It's guidance worth following. We give you three things to remember.
Contact CD Technology for IT Solutions and It Services for Knoxville, Sevierville and surrounding counties. We are partners with: Lenovo, Microsoft Certified, Sophos, Intel Technologies, HIPPA Secure Now, Seagate Certified, Xerox Business, and Cytracom Business.
April 2020 - What You Need To Know
If you have found yourself massively disruptive and scrambling to figure out a way to keep things going during this pandemic, you are not alone. Whether your business is considered essential or nonessential, you are undoubtedly trying to figure out a way to protect yourselves, your family, and your employees, all while trying to keep your business up and running. If that isn't stressful enough, the fact that you are still a target for hackers, scammers, and cyber criminals is almost unbearable. Here's the kicker these criminals are loving all the chaos and are counting on hitting it big when you are most vulnerable. The reality is, they don't need malicious code or advanced hacking skills to get what they want. Many of them are simply going to go through your own employees who are also distracted and vulnerable and put your network at risk. We can help your, call CD Technology for your IT Solutions and IT Services for Knoxville, Sevierville and surrounding counties small businesses.
March 2020 - Clear Signs You’re About To Get Hacked
Do you use the same password for everything? If you do, you’re not alone. We all have bad cyber habits, whether it’s reusing passwords or connecting to unsecured WiFi. These habits can make it easy for hackers to steal our personal information and use it for their own purposes – or they can sell it on the dark web for an easy profit.
These are habits you have to stop right now – and habits your employees need to stop too. After all, good cyber security practices are a group effort! But using the same password for everything or using simple passwords aren’t the only things that are going to get you into trouble. Here are three more clear signs you’re setting yourself up for a breach. Contact us today.
February 2020 - Top 3 Ways Hackers Will Attack Your Network
You might read the headline of this article and think, “That has to be an exaggeration.” Unfortunately, it’s not. Every single day, small businesses are targeted by cybercriminals. These criminals look for vulnerable victims, then attack.
This is the world we live in today. It’s one where cybercriminals regularly take advantage of small businesses. Why small businesses? They’re the favorite target of hackers, scammers and other cybercriminals because small businesses have a bad habit of NOT investing in cyber security.
Hackers have many methods they use to break into your network, steal data or put you in a position where you have to pay them money to get your data back. They use a combination of software and skill to make it happen. Here are three ways hackers and cybercriminals attack your network in an attempt to get what they want.
January 2020 - 3 Places You Should NEVER Cut Corners With IT
We all know how easy it is to cut corners in business; we’ve all done it somewhere. But we also know we shouldn’t. You’ll eventually have to face the consequences, whether they’re small or large. The same applies to IT. When you cut corners, the consequences to your business can be major. Here are three places where you never want to cut costs.
Don’t Let This Destroy Your Business Malware can be a confusing word. It covers a lot of different things, including viruses, worms, spyware, ransomware, Trojan horses and more. Malware in any form can destroy data, take control of your computer and cause major headaches.
2019
December 2019 - 4 Sneaky Schemes Hackers Use
Most cybercriminals love their jobs. They get to put their hacking skills to the test. In fact, many of them “compete” against one another to see who can hack into a network the fastest or who can steal the most data. They don’t care who gets hurt along the way. And in most cases, it’s small-business owners who are getting hurt.
Your choice for internet provider may be limited but for your phones – you have options: If you are like me, the phone is essential for doing business. Customer responsiveness can be the key to success for a small company. If your phone system does not make you appear bigger, more professional, and super accessible, it may be time to consider upgrading to a small business phone system that does.
November 2019 - One mistake your IT company is making
Your IT services company is one quick phone call away. This is true of a lot of businesses that outsource their IT needs through an IT services provider. While having an outsourced IT company on standby is great, a lot of the time they stay on standby. That is to say, they only get a phone call when something goes absolutely wrong – networks crash, hardware fails, data is stolen or erased and so on.
Remote employees pose a huge risk to businesses. When they connect to the Internet, whether out and about or at home, you have no idea how secure their connection is.
It has been a busy year in the tech world (isn't it always?), from the latest gadgets to improved wireless speeds and expanded coverage. So what can we expect heading into 2020?
October 2019 - Your date safe?
In any business, big or small, employees can be your biggest IT threat, and they might not even realize it. Businesses already face countless cyberthreats, like data breaches, cyber-attacks, online viruses and malicious e-mails. But despite all these outside threats, the real problem can come from the inside. One of the biggest threats to your business’s security is simply a lack of awareness on the part of your employees. It comes down to this: your employees just aren’t aware of current threats or how to safely navigate emails and the web. They might not be aware when they connect to an unsecured WiFi network or if they’re using a firewall. They may be haphazard in all things IT. There are a lot of variables.
September 2019 - Cybercriminals are plotting to hack your network
Did you know that small businesses are more likely to be targeted by cybercriminals than any other business or organization? It’s true! While we hear about major breaches on the news, we don’t get to hear the stories of the businesses that struggle with hacking attempts and cyber-attacks. Hackers love to go after small businesses for one very big reason: small businesses are less likely to invest in top-notch (or even worthwhile) cyber security. Hackers love this vulnerability.
Make a plan for your data. Google makes it easy to assign a person to your account or to automatically delete your data when you die.
August 2019 - Don’t be cheap with technology
Technology is more affordable and accessible than it’s ever been. Whatever you need is only a few clicks away, whether it’s a product or a service.
But there are still many small businesses that cheap out on their technology and IT solutions. They just don’t want to commit to quality hardware, software, security or backups – the list goes on. They go for the cheapest solutions, which often means they spend nothing at all. They don’t commit to reliable security or current software. They’re setting themselves, and their customers, up for disaster.
July 2019 - Protect your business from the #1 Security Threaty
Today, cybercrime is more than a potential threat facing your business. It’s an unavoidable force of nature.
Owners of small and midsize businesses might imagine that – lucky us! – we don’t have enough cash to justify some faceless hacker’s effort. We’d be wrong. The reality is around half of cyber-attacks go after small businesses. These don’t really get reported by the media. They’re not as flashy as a cyber-attack against a big bank or retailer. But it’s the attacks against small businesses that do the most damage. One 2016 study found that 60% of small businesses hit with a cyber-attack closed within six months.
June 2019 - 3 Strategies I Learned From Peyton to Improve My Business
Peyton Manning knows a thing or two about success. As one of the most legendary quarterbacks in the history of football, he’s reached heights few of us can ever hope to match, regardless of our field. When looking at a career as storied as Manning’s, it’s tempting to attribute his dominance to sheer innate talent and maybe some kind of preternatural work ethic. Certainly, if you ask him, he’ll tell you that these two are essential ingredients to any kind of outsized success. But there’s a third factor that we tend to overlook from the sidelines, one that has tremendous implications for our roles as business leaders: the influence of those who coach us along the way.
This is the biggest threat to your business today. In 2019, there is no greater threat to the safety of your business than ransomware. According to a 2018 survey conducted by Datto for 2,400 managed services providers specializing in data security for small to midsize businesses, over 55% of clients had been targeted by a ransomware attack within the first six months of last year.
May 2019 - Are you prepared for the end of Windows 7?
If you’re one of the estimated 40%+ of businesses still on the outdated Windows 7 platform, consider this your wake-up call: time is nearly up for your trusty, tried-and true operating system. On January 14, 2020, Microsoft will end support for Windows 7. That means no more updates, security or otherwise, will be offered by the company from that date forward.
Emails Matters: Are you at least doing these 4 things with yours? When email became common in the early 90s, the business world changed. Whether we like it or not, corresponding via email consumes a significant portion of our workday. So don’t take it for granted.
April 2019 - 4 Deadly Mistakes With IT Security
For something so instrumental to the success of your business, technology can be an incredibly unstable, confusing and everchanging tool. Just when you think you’ve got a handle on the latest cyber security trend, hackers find a way to circumvent the process completely. A new patch arrives for an essential piece of software, and the next day, another patch is required to repair the vulnerabilities the previous patch created. It can seem impossible to stay on top of the constant technological arms race, much less stay relevant amid the exponentially increasing pace.
March 2019 - Are Your Employees Inviting Hackers to Hack
No matter how professional they are, members of your team – yourself included – are going to make mistakes. It’s true of every organization on earth. They’ll spill scalding coffee into the company copier. They’ll work overtime until the office is empty, then head home without thinking to arm the security system. They’ll neglect key accounts, muck up workflows and waste hours developing convoluted solutions to simple problems. And, worst of all, they may unknowingly bumble into the cyber-attack that forces your business to go belly-up for good.
In the majority of cases, that will be by design. There’s a saying in the cyber security industry, coined by renowned cryptographer Bruce Schneier: “Only amateurs attack machines; professionals target people.” When it comes to repeating the same process safely and autonomously, machines are less fallible than the average person sitting at a desk. Savvy hackers looking to boost funds from unsuspecting small businesses know this. So instead of developing a complex program that dances around the security measures baked into sophisticated modern technology, they target the hapless folks on the other side of the screen.
February 2019 - Why Your Business Is The PERFECT Target
People never think it’ll happen to them. Sure, they see the reports – 50 millionplus bundles of user data compromised by a Facebook breach; the billing information of more than 2 million TMobile users hacked by a mysterious malicious entity – but companies like those are massive, monolithic entities in American commerce. They’re decidedly big fish, not like you and your small business. According to a recent JLTHarvard Business Analytic Services survey, more than half of small business owners remain locked into this line of magical thinking, blissfully unaware of the threat cyber crime poses to the health of their organization.
January 2019 - Three Things I Learned From Robert Herjavec
Robert Herjavec was born poor in former Yugoslavia in the midst of a widespread communist reform that left little room for dissidents. He might have stayed there forever except for the fact that his father was one of these dissidents – and a vocal one at that. So much so, in fact, that he was thrown into jail 22 times for speaking out against the government. After the final time, Herjavec’s father gathered his things, his children and his wife and crossed the border into Italy. From there, he got on a boat and, like millions of immigrants just like him, made his way across the Atlantic Ocean to Canada.
But that’s not what Robert Herjavec, one of the famous investors on ABC’s Shark Tank, is known for. He’s more known for building companies out of nothing, including the massive IT security firm Herjavec Group, and turning them into multimillion-dollar successes. Watching him from the audience at a recent conference event, I was struck not only by his eagerness to share all he’s learned in the industry, but by his humility. I suppose when you’re the living embodiment of a rags-to-riches story, you gain an appreciation for exactly what it takes to realize your vision for a successful business.
Using Google's Family Link To Set Parental Controls on a Smartphone Smartphones have the potential to open up a vast world of bad content for young children, but Google has provided a free and easy way to help reduce this risk on Android smartphones, according to Consumer Reports. Using Google's Family Link app, parents will be able to limit the screen time of their children, set up limited access to apps and other content, and protect the privacy of the user.
