Why HTTPS matters for your cybersecurity
It’s no secret that the internet can be a dangerous place. Hackers, scammers, and identity thieves are always looking for new ways to steal your information or scam you out of your hard-earned money. That’s why it’s critical to take steps to protect yourself while you’re online. One of these is to make sure that the sites you visit use HTTPS What is HTTPS encryption? Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure, or HTTPS, is a secure communications protocol used to send and receive data over the internet. Data that is transmitted over HTTPS is encrypted, making it more difficult for third parties to read. HTTPS provides a higher level of security than standard HTTP and is often used for online banking and eCommerce transactions, as well as other sensitive communication. HTTPS was introduced in 1995, so older websites that have been left without regular maintenance usually don’t have this implemented. But even to this day, unsecure websites exist, and fraudsters can easily take advantage of them. When you visit a site without an HTTPS connection, everything you type or click on that website is sent without encryption. This means that anyone who intercepts the data transferred between the website and your device can view the information as is. For instance, cybercriminals can use unsecured HTTP connections to gain access to your Social Security number, credit card information, and other personal data. What role do HTTPS certificates play in cybersecurity? When you visit a website, your device uses an online directory to translate its alphanumeric name into a numerical address and saves that information so that it doesn’t have to check the online directory every time you visit the same website. But if your computer gets compromised via an HTTP connection, it could be manipulated into directing a perfectly safe web address like www.google.com to a malicious website. Most of the time, users are sent to spoofed sites that look exactly like legitimate websites and are designed to trick users into divulging their credentials. To prevent such incidents, the online directories mentioned earlier issue an ecosystem of certificates that turn HTTP into HTTPS, making it impossible for anyone to be redirected to a fraudulent website. These certificates contain information about the site, such as the domain name, company name, and location. It also includes a public key that is used to encrypt communications between a user’s browser and the website they’re viewing. How to ensure cybersecurity safety with HTTPS Here are a few things to consider the next time you browse the internet: If your browser marks a website as “unsafe,” think twice about clicking “Proceed anyway.” Click the prompt only if you are absolutely certain no confidential data will be transmitted. Use trusted web browser extensions like HTTPS Everywhere. These extensions encrypt your communication, which is especially useful if you visit unencrypted websites. Always be vigilant. Some sites may have HTTPS, but it doesn’t mean they’re safe. For example, goog1e.com (with the “l” replaced with a one) could have a certificate, but the misspelling clearly indicates that it’s an untrustworthy site. Cybercriminals use similar spellings of authentic websites to fool people into thinking that they’re on a secure site. This is called typosquatting or URL hijacking. Avoid sites that don’t use the HTTPS prefix. While HTTPS is not a cure-all for internet security, it is a critical step in protecting yourself online. Contact us today if you want to learn more about HTTPS and other cybersecurity tips. Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.
Boost staff efficiency with these tips
Employee efficiency refers to the ability of a worker to do their job effectively using the resources available to them. Increasing efficiency can have a direct impact on productivity, as maximizing their time and effort at work can lead to them completing more tasks.. In this article, we’ll talk about what you can do to boost your team’s efficiency. Provide regular feedback Performance reviews, both positive and negative, are key to inspiring your team to change the way they work for the better. After providing feedback, ask your employees what the company can do to help them improve. By doing this, you not only encourage a culture of communication but also gain useful insights into what your employees need to do their tasks effectively. Offer incentives Offering incentives is a good way to boost worker efficiency. Obviously, the first thing that springs to mind when we talk about incentives and rewards is a pay raise or some kind of financial bonus. However, managers will tell you that recognizing and appreciating the efforts of an employee goes beyond monetary rewards. Here are some ways for you to show your team you value them and appreciate their hard work: Offer additional paid vacation and sick leaves. Treat them to lunch or dinner. Praise them publicly so that everyone will recognize one another’s achievements. Send a personalized congratulatory note when they meet a goal or reach a milestone. Give them the right tools Having the tools they need to do their tasks will help your team save time and effort doing their tasks. This will free them up to do other things and lead them to be more productive. Encourage your employees to take breaks Working long hours and not taking breaks can cause chronic stress, which can be detrimental to an employee’s physical and mental health. According to a study by the World Health Organization, 745,000 deaths worldwide were directly linked to overworked employees. Taking breaks, whether it’s short, medium, or long, can help reduce stress, improve sleep, and eliminate general health issues like headaches and back pain. When employees feel refreshed and recharged, they’re likely to be more efficient at work. Provide training sessions Providing adequate training to employees ensures that they will better understand their roles and how to execute their tasks properly. It’s important to foster continued development through supplemental training sessions covering new skill sets or refreshers on existing ones. This can be done through workshops, one-on-one coaching sessions, conferences, etc. These are just some ways you can enhance the efficiency of your workers. If you want to know more, call us today. Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.
What your business needs to know about Microsoft Exchange Online
Email server platforms help businesses keep track of communications, schedule appointments and meetings, and manage tasks. These platforms are typically hosted on premises, but businesses are increasingly using cloud-based versions of email servers. Microsoft Exchange Online is one of these cloud-based options, and it offers some distinct advantages for businesses. What is Microsoft Exchange Online? Microsoft Exchange Online is a cloud-based email server that helps businesses keep track of communications, manage calendars, and schedule appointments and meetings. Unlike with the original Exchange Server where you install the program on your own server, Exchange Online is hosted in Microsoft’s data center. This means that Microsoft provides the infrastructure and computing resources required to run the email solution. They’re also largely responsible for securing, backing up, and maintaining your Exchange Online environment. Since Exchange Online isn’t installed locally, companies must instead sign up for the following subscription plans: Exchange Online (Plan 1): $4/user/month – A standalone email server platform with 50 GB mailbox, Outlook on the web, message archiving, and focused inbox features Exchange Online (Plan 2): $8/user/month – A more robust solution that includes all the features of the first plan including 100 GB mailbox, data loss prevention, automated attendant, and cloud voicemail capabilities Microsoft 365 Business Standard: $12.50/user/month – The most comprehensive plan that comes with Exchange Online, Office Online, SharePoint Online, OneDrive, and Microsoft Teams Benefits of hosted Exchange Companies that use Exchange Online can enjoy a slew of benefits: 1. Predictable and lower costs Exchange Online is charged on a monthly basis per user. This makes it easier for businesses to budget for their email needs in the long run. What’s more, you don’t need to purchase dedicated servers and expensive licenses for your email platform. And since Microsoft is responsible for the infrastructure and maintenance, there are no additional costs associated with keeping the email solution running. 2. Plug-and-play simplicity With Microsoft Exchange Server, you would have to allocate physical space for an email server, install the software, and configure user accounts manually. If you experience technical difficulties with Exchange Server, you’ll also have to troubleshoot the issue yourself. In contrast, everything is taken care of with Exchange Online. Your cloud services provider will usually handle the hosting, management, installation, and configuration processes. That means your company can use and enjoy everything Exchange Online has to offer as soon as you sign up for a subscription plan. 3. Increased scalability and flexibility As your business grows, you might need to add more users to your email platform. Fortunately, Exchange Online allows you to accommodate more users with ease. All you have to do is contact your provider when your server requirements change. You can add or remove users with a few clicks, and you’re only charged for what you use. 4.Greater security and compliance What’s great about Exchange Online is you gain access to enterprise-grade security features like data loss prevention policies, intelligent anti-spam filters, and advanced malware detection. These features are constantly updated by Microsoft to ensure that your data is always protected against the latest security threats. Plus, Exchange Online stores your emails and data in Microsoft’s data centers, protected with cutting-edge network security and physical security measures. These benefits merely scratch the surface of what Exchange Online is capable of. If you want to see how this email platform can power up your business, call us now! Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.
Your guide to better online security
It’s no secret that the internet can be a dangerous place. Cybercriminals are always coming up with new methods to steal your information or install malware on your computer or devices via the internet. This guide will show you how to improve your online security and keep yourself safe while surfing the web. Use a VPN A VPN, or virtual private network, is a software or service that protects your online activities. It encrypts your data and hides your IP address to prevent hackers, your internet service provider, and other third parties from monitoring your online activities and accessing your data. If you frequently access public Wi-Fi hotspots, you should always use a VPN to ensure your security and privacy. Enable multifactor authentication Multifactor authentication (MFA) is a type of access control that requires a user to supply several forms of verification to gain access to an application or online account. This includes what a user knows, like a username or password; what a user has, like a one-time code from an authenticator; and what a user is, such as a fingerprint. MFA adds another layer of defense, making it harder for cybercriminals to infiltrate your device or network. Even if your password is compromised, the intruder will not be able to access the associated account without providing the other required factors. Use complex passwords Passwords are the primary defense against unauthorized entry to your online accounts, computer, and personal information. Using long and complicated passwords makes it harder for cybercriminals to invade your network. Here’s a guide to creating strong passwords: Complex passwords should not be shorter than eight characters. You should use a combination of numbers, upper- and lowercase letters, and special characters. Avoid using names, birthdays, and other personal information. Refrain from using sequential keyboard characters like “12345” or “qwerty.” Change your passwords at least every six months to ensure the security of your network, accounts, and devices. If you find it hard to create complex passwords, a password manager like Dashlane can automatically generate them for you. Install antivirus software Antivirus software can detect and remove viruses and other harmful applications from your computer and mobile devices. Many antivirus software programs today also come with a firewall that monitors all traffic going in and out of your device. A firewall identifies and prevents suspicious data, such as phishing emails, from reaching your computer and mobile devices. If you want to learn more ways of improving your online security, give our experts a call today. Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.
7 Tips to reduce PC power consumption
In 2021, industrial consumers of electricity in the United States paid an average of $7.26 per kilowatt hour. This amount is a 9% increase from 2020 and the highest figure recorded since 1970. Given the rising electricity rates, it’s now more important to take energy-saving measures, one of which is reducing your PC power consumption. Here’s how to do that. 1. Reduce your computer monitor’s brightness Most monitors have a built-in sensor that adjusts the screen’s brightness according to the amount of light in the room. You can also manually adjust your PC’s brightness to further reduce its power consumption. 2. Unplug your computer when it’s not in use Many people leave their computers on all day, even when they’re not using them, to save time powering up. However, this practice wastes a lot of energy. If you’re not going to be using your computer for a while, it’s best to shut it down and unplug it. That’s because a plugged-in computer — even when it’s switched off — still consumes standby power. If you’re going to be away from your PC for a few minutes or a couple of hours, you can still save energy without sacrificing too much time by turning off your monitor. If you have a laptop, you can put it into sleep or hibernation mode when you’re not using it. 3. Opt for a laptop instead of a desktop computer Use a laptop instead of a desktop since laptops are designed to be more energy-efficient than desktops. 4. Keep your laptop plugged in only when it is charging We tend to forget about our laptops while they’re charging, leaving them plugged in for hours. The bad news is that overcharging causes the battery to deteriorate over time. When left plugged in, the charger still consumes power, even if it’s not connected to your computer. To save energy, unplug your laptop charger once you’re done charging. 5. Detach external devices from your PC when you’re not using them Any external devices (e.g., printer, scanner, or webcam) connected to your PC continues to draw power even when they’re not in use. So when you’re not using them, make sure to disconnect these external devices from your PC. 6. Use a smart strip, especially for computers you cannot turn off A smart strip automatically shuts down appliances when they go into standby mode. By connecting your computer and external devices to a smart strip, you won’t have to unplug your equipment when they’re not in use. 7. Pick an Energy Star-certified PC When buying a new PC, look for an Energy Star-certified model. Products that have the Energy Star symbol are guaranteed to deliver both quality performance and energy savings. The number of stars a product has indicates how energy-efficient it is. In fact, an Energy Star-certified PC uses about 25%–40% less electricity than conventional models by using the most efficient components and better managing energy use when idle. This can translate to savings between $7 and $52 per year in electricity bills. Following these tips should help you reduce your electricity costs and make smart hardware choices. If you need help selecting the best hardware for your company’s needs, contact us. We’re ready to assist you. Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.
AI-powered VoIP: The future of business communications
If you’re looking for ways to improve efficiency and cut costs, then you may have already made the switch to Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP). But have you considered using an AI-powered VoIP system? The difference between traditional VoIP and AI-powered VoIP is that the latter uses artificial intelligence (AI) to help provide a better user experience. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the ways that AI-powered VoIP can benefit your business and make your telecommunications operations more efficient and effective. AI-powered call recording analysis AI tools can help improve your business’s customer experience in many ways. For one, it can parse through call recordings to identify issues such as poor customer service. They can also identify trends (e.g., increasing customer satisfaction) and the challenges your agents encounter in providing customer support, such as when guiding clients through a process. Interactive voice response (IVR) systems with conversational AI An IVR system is designed to automatically respond to customer queries through AI agents. These agents allow businesses to take on more customer calls, eliminating the need to hire more human agents. Among AI assistants’ most powerful features are the following: Text and speech recognition – the ability to understand and respond to written and spoken messages Intent recognition – the ability to discern what the person communicating with the AI tool wants based on what that person is saying Contextual guidance – the ability to “remember” what was stated earlier so that the AI tool can understand references to those past statements Multilingualism – the ability to communicate in many different languages While in a call, AI assistants can concurrently gather and assess all relevant customer data such as personal information and recent transactions to resolve a query. In this aspect, they are more efficient than human agents who may have to put a caller on hold to access the caller’s records. And over time, because of machine learning and natural language processing, AI-powered IVR systems will only get better at communicating with customers. However, for more nuanced queries, AI agents will transfer calls to human business representatives. Chatbot functions Chatbots are useful programs that receive instructions via textual or auditory means to perform automated tasks. Businesses use chatbots to automate customer interactions. However, AI-powered chatbots go beyond regular bot duties by performing more complex tasks like setting up meetings, inviting attendees, managing schedules, and much more. AI-enabled web conferencing Developments in telecom technology and faster internet speeds have tremendously improved web conferencing. AI advances this even further with real-time language translation and speech recognition technology, which greatly benefit businesses with offices in multiple geographic locations and stakeholders who speak different languages. AI-enabled web conferencing can even provide intelligent prompts and relevant data to guide your conversations and ensure a fruitful meeting. As the world becomes increasingly reliant on technology, businesses that embrace AI-powered VoIP will be well-positioned for success. Contact our experts to learn more about the advantages of VoIP for your business. Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.
PowerPoint tips to make your presentations more engaging
Do you have to give a PowerPoint presentation soon? Are you feeling a little nervous about it? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Many people feel anxious about giving presentations, especially if they don’t do it often. But don’t let that stop you from delivering an awesome presentation! In this article, we’ll discuss tips to make your PowerPoint presentation more engaging. Understand your target audience Before preparing your presentation, do some research about your target audience. Think about what kind of presentation they would enjoy. What sort of media do they prefer most, and what kinds of images and typefaces should you use to pique their interest? Doing your homework on your audience will help ensure your PowerPoint presentation receives the full attention of your audience. Talk about one idea per slide Never cram several topics into a single slide, as this can overwhelm your audience. Instead, concentrate on one theme or topic per slide. This will help your audience better comprehend the message you’re trying to get across. Use images instead of bullet points Using pictures, graphical elements, or other visual components instead of bulleted lists, can help you command more attention during your presentation. Images can help your audience focus more on what you’re saying instead of reading what’s on the screen. Use white space to enhance readability White space, also known as negative space, is a design concept that refers to empty spaces in a layout. It isn’t always white; rather, it’s the background of the design, regardless of color or pattern, that doesn’t contain any text or images. When used correctly, white space will draw your audience’s focus to the most essential parts of your presentation. Practice Practice delivering your presentation days before a live or recorded event. You can try practicing in front of a mirror or recording yourself to see how well you’re delivering your presentation. Rehearsing several times can help you determine the flow of your presentation and identify areas for improvement. Keep these tips in mind the next time you’re making a PowerPoint presentation to increase audience engagement. For more detailed information on how to make compelling PowerPoint presentations, give us a call today. Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.
Steps you must take to use web browsers securely
Visiting unsecure sites and consequently getting your device infected with malware is not the only way you may be jeopardizing your business’s data when surfing the web. Among other things, you might also be letting adware and browser trackers run amok in your browsers. To protect your business, follow these steps. Install anti-malware software Browsers are now programmed to block web pages of most malicious sites, i.e., websites that deliver malware to your IT systems. However, even the most advanced browser can’t block every risky site, especially if a site is legitimate but has been turned into an unwitting mule for malware. Since malware infections via web browsing appear to be inevitable, you must install anti-malware software on every device you and your employees use for work. It’ll guard you against known viruses, worms, and other malicious software that are designed to steal your data and wreak havoc on your IT systems. Have everyone in your organization use a virtual private network (VPN) Hackers can pry into your internal channels and external communications with your customers and business partners to steal sensitive information, such as account login credentials and banking details. Fortunately, you can use a VPN to encrypt your internet traffic. A VPN will effectively bar any unauthorized party from reading any messages you and your staff send out and receive via a web browser or another medium. Install ad blockers While most online ads are benign, some contain widgets that send your data to third parties that can then send you more targeted ads based on the data gleaned about you. Clicking on some of these ads can bring you to malicious sites. Thankfully, you can use ad blockers to keep suspicious pop-up, rollover, and banner ads from showing up on your browsers. Stop online activity trackers If you don’t want a third party monitoring your surfing habits, use your browser’s private browsing mode, such as Private Browsing on Safari and Incognito on Chrome. Private browsing also protects you from malware and third-party cookies that track your online activities. You can also use browser extensions that stop social networking sites, such as Facebook and Twitter, from tracking your online behavior and collecting other information about you. Such browser extensions include Privacy Badger and Ghostery. The simple act of browsing the internet has become fraught with peril. Do you have sufficient defenses to keep your data safe? And would you like a more comprehensive security system for your business? Our IT specialists can help you fight off cyberthreats. Let’s talk about your business requirements today. Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.
How to protect your business from hurricanes
In 2021, the United States experienced one of the most active storm seasons on record, upsetting businesses already dealing with a pandemic. For companies without a good disaster recovery plan, the consequences were devastating. This is why your business should have a hurricane disaster recovery plan. What is a hurricane disaster recovery plan? A hurricane disaster recovery plan is a written set of procedures on how to respond to a hurricane. Just like a standard disaster recovery plan, this policy contains steps that should be taken before, during, and after a hurricane, including: How to anticipate and mitigate the effects of a hurricane Emergency procedures to ensure everyone’s safety Steps for restoring vital business systems and operations Long-term plans for full business recovery How to create a hurricane disaster recovery plan While each organization’s hurricane disaster recovery plan is unique to its industry, the basic framework should contain the following: 1. Risk assessment Conducting a comprehensive risk assessment will help pinpoint vulnerabilities your company must address. This lets you prioritize the most critical parts of your planning and help you shape your hurricane disaster recovery policy. 2. Preventive planning While it’s impossible to stop a hurricane, anticipating and carefully planning for it can help prevent serious damage to your business. Think about how people board up their windows before a hurricane strikes. You need to take preventive steps to protect vital aspects of your business from a hurricane. This includes: Backing up your data Data backup is an important component of any disaster recovery strategy. Even if a hurricane does not completely destroy your IT infrastructure, the disruption caused by the loss of huge quantities of data can lead to lost productivity and revenue.Having a robust data backup system allows you to quickly restore vital business data and minimize downtime caused by a hurricane. Examples of data backup solutions include: Off-site backups – Storing copies of your backups in off-site data backup centers in areas rarely hit by hurricanes is an ideal solution. This ensures that you will have secure copies of your data even if your servers and computers are destroyed during a hurricane. Cloud storage – Cloud storage lets you access your data and files remotely, as long as you have a stable internet connection. This allows employees to work from home in case your offices suffer severe damage. Protecting physical assets During a hurricane, the biggest threat to your servers and other electronic equipment is flooding and water damage. Here are some ways you can keep them safe. Avoid storing servers in the basement, as this is usually the first area that will be flooded. Choose a storage room with no water pipes in the walls and ceiling to prevent water from leaking in. Install flood detectors to warn you if water enters your facility. Invest in turtle shells to protect electrical equipment from leaks. 3. Response This covers the emergency procedures that should be taken during a hurricane to minimize the risk of injury to employees, such as: Guidelines on how to protect oneself from strong winds Where to take refuge if trapped in the building Evacuation policies to ensure everyone’s safety You should also include the names and contact information of emergency personnel to ensure all safety measures are carried out properly. 4. Restoration This contains steps on how to restore critical business operations and systems after a hurricane, and who will be responsible for the restoration process. It should include clear instructions on what needs to be restored first, such as: Data backups Power Network access Servers and other damaged equipment Conducting a business impact analysis will identify critical business systems and help you formulate an effective restoration plan that will get your business back up and running as soon as possible. 5. Recovery Even if your company restores vital systems quickly, you still need a complete, long-term recovery plan. It should include details on how the company will fully restore operations to pre-hurricane levels. Here are some examples: Repairing of damaged structures Replacement of destroyed equipment Relocation of business if needed Returning the workforce to full capacity Hurricanes are unpredictable, but having a disaster recovery plan in place will help you recover as quickly as possible. Talk to our experts today to learn more about disaster recovery planning. Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.
How to personalize Windows 11
Windows 11, Microsoft’s latest operating system for personal computers and tablets, comes with a lot of features. But it can be even better with a little bit of customization. In this blog post, we will show you how to personalize your Windows 11 devices so you can make the most of its many features. Tweak the Taskbar On Windows 11, the Taskbar is located at the center of the screen. If you prefer the old layout, you can simply right-click anywhere on the Taskbar to access Taskbar settings. From there, click on Taskbar behaviors > Taskbar alignment > Left. If you want to further customize the Taskbar settings, you can also try using Taskbar11. With Taskbar11, you can move the Taskbar to the top of your screen, instead of just to the left or center, and even change the sizes of the icons on the Taskbar. Organize with Fences With its many features and customization options, Fences is a great way to personalize your Windows 11 experience. It lets you easily create resizable frames where you can place custom categories for your files and folders right on your desktop. Fences also allows you to add shortcuts to your favorite programs so you can quickly access them without having to search through the Start menu. Fences lets you put files or programs within customizable frames that you can roll up in a mini-window. This way, you can have a more organized and less cluttered desktop. Search with PowerToys Run If you’re in a hurry and want the easiest way to access specific programs or files, you can use PowerToys Run. Installing PowerToys Run allows you to quickly access the search function. Simply press the Alt and Space shortcut keys, and a search bar will appear on your screen. This feature eliminates the need to dig through the menus, saving you precious time. You can download PowerToys Run here. Whether you want to make a bold statement or simply make your computer more comfortable to use, personalization is the key. So go ahead and experiment with different settings until you find the perfect combination for you. And if you have any questions about Windows 11, feel free to contact us and our experts will be happy to guide you. Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.