Service management software manages and automates various services and processes within an organization. It covers many services, from customer service to IT support, and helps organizations improve the quality and efficiency of their service delivery.
IT service management software is designed to help organizations improve service delivery and reduce the time and resources required to manage services. It can be implemented as a standalone solution or integrated with other systems, such as CRM or project management software, to provide a complete and unified view of the service management process.
This feature helps organizations track and resolve incidents promptly and efficiently. It includes the ability to create, update, and close incidents, as well as the ability to assign incidents to specific technicians.
Problem management
This feature helps organizations identify the root cause of incidents and prevent them from recurring. It includes the ability to analyze incidents, determine the underlying cause, and implement solutions to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future.
Change management
This feature helps organizations control and manage changes to the IT environment. It includes the ability to request, approve, and track changes and ensure that changes are made in a controlled and secure manner.
In these situations, experienced IT support services have the role of overlooking the change management process and ensuring that all changes are implemented smoothly. Ensuring the transition of changes smoothly is often the difference between a successful implementation and a failed one.
Configuration management
This feature helps organizations manage and maintain accurate information about their IT environment. It includes the ability to store and manage configuration data, as well as the ability to track changes to the configuration over time.
Asset management
This feature helps organizations manage and track their IT assets, such as hardware, software, and licenses. It includes keeping track of asset information, such as location, ownership, and status, and generating reports and alerts when assets are nearing the end of their life cycle.
Knowledge management
This feature helps organizations store and manage information and knowledge about their services and processes. It includes the ability to create and store articles, procedures, and best practices. It also makes it easy to search and access this information when needed.
Service level management
This feature helps organizations monitor and manage the quality of their services. It includes the ability to set and monitor service level targets, as well as the ability to report on service level performance and identify areas for improvement.
Service desk
This feature provides a centralized point of contact for customers to report incidents and request services. It includes the ability to create, manage, and track requests, as well as the ability to provide customers with regular updates on the status of their requests.
The Bottom Line
Service management software is an essential tool for organizations that need to manage and deliver services to their customers and stakeholders. Its powerful features and flexible integration options provide organizations with the tools and insights they need to improve the quality and efficiency of their service delivery and meet the changing needs of their customers. It also gives companies a competitive advantage in a highly evolving business environment.
What Are the Key Features of Service Management Software? was last modified: February 18th, 2025 by Jamesh
The World Bank recently sounded the alarm when it stated that the world could see a global recession in 2023. Hiking interest rates across the world to tackle inflation is to be blamed for this, according to the World Bank. Because of this, the global economy could slow down.
According to the IMF, this slowing down of the global economy isn’t going to stop till late 2023. Till then, businesses need to find ways to market themselves more effectively while spending less. The best way for these businesses to do so is by working on their brand’s social media presence.
Marketing on social media is comparatively cheaper and also more effective, which is why, as a business owner, you must make sure that your brand’s social media presence is in good hands. You want to ensure that the agency you hire is going to represent your brand effectively, engage with your audience, and drive results.
To help you make the right choice, here are five key qualities to look for when hiring an agency to manage your brand’s social media presence:
1. Strategy and Planning
A strong social media agency will have a well-defined strategy for managing your brand’s social media presence. They should understand your target audience, your business goals, and your brand personality and use that information to create a plan that will help you achieve your objectives.
They should also be able to create a content calendar, track your progress, and make adjustments as needed. Work closely with a Facebook marketing specialist to develop a strategy that aligns with your brand’s goals and helps you reach the right audience. This approach will ensure that your social media marketing efforts are organized, streamlined and effective.
2. Creative and Engaging Content
An effective social media presence requires engaging content that resonates with your audience. A good agency will have a team of talented creatives who can produce high-quality images, videos, and copy that will help you stand out on social media. They should understand the different types of content that work best on each social media platform and use that knowledge to create content marketing strategies that will get results.
For example, they should know that video content is highly effective on platforms like Instagram and TikTok, while informative articles and blog posts are more suitable for LinkedIn.
The agency should also be able to create content that aligns with your brand personality and values. They should understand your target audience and what kind of content they are likely to engage with and use that information to create content that will connect with them on a personal level.
3. Analytics and Measurement
Social media is a valuable tool for growing your business, and an effective agency will have a deep understanding of the metrics that matter most. They should be able to track your progress, measure the success of your campaigns, and provide insights into what’s working and what’s not. They should also be able to make data-driven decisions and optimize your social media presence for maximum impact.
Work with a digital marketing agency that is part of the HubSpot Solutions Partner program. An agency that’s a HubSpot partner will have marketing teams that are always updated on the latest data analysis techniques. On top of that, these agencies have access to additional tools and services that can help with your business growth by providing you with in-depth data and analyses on your social media campaigns.
4. Responsiveness and Communication
An effective social media presence requires a quick response to incoming messages, comments, and inquiries. The agency you choose should have a system in place for monitoring and responding to messages in real-time, so you can maintain a positive relationship with your audience and build trust.
The agency should also be proactive in communicating with you, so you know what’s going on and can make informed decisions about your social media presence.
5. Adaptability and Flexibility
The social media landscape is constantly changing, and an effective agency will be able to adapt to new trends and platforms as they emerge. They should be proactive in staying up-to-date with the latest social media trends and be able to pivot quickly when necessary. They should also be flexible in their approach, so they can make changes to your social media strategy as needed without disrupting your overall goals.
These are the five key qualities to look for when hiring an agency to manage your brand’s social media presence.
As reported by Insider Intelligence, brands are looking to cut costs on offline ad spending and spend more on digital advertising in 2023. You, too, must make a similar choice if you want to stay within your set ad budget.
For that, make sure you choose an agency that has all the qualities listed above. By doing so, you’ll ensure that your brand’s social media presence is in good hands and that you’re getting the results you want.
5 Qualities to Consider When Hiring an Agency to Look After Your Brand’s Social Media Presence was last modified: May 24th, 2024 by Nikki Gabriel
With a custom keyboard, you can provide your application’s users with a personalized and improved experience. Customize the layout and appearance of the keyboard to add additional functionality and reflect your brand identity.
In this article, we will tell you how you can create a custom keyboard in android applications. But if you can afford it, you should hire Android developers to create custom keyboards instead. Such developers are very affordable on an hourly basis.
They can help you build a high-quality keyboard that meets the specific needs of your app. They will design, develop, test, and maintain your Android application and keyboard.
Although we have outlined the 9 steps in great detail, android developers have the programming skills and experience to build a high-quality keyboard that meets the diverse needs of the users.
Hire Android developers who are familiar with the Android platform. They can ensure that the keyboard is optimized for use on Android devices. Additionally, hiring an Android developer allows you to focus on other aspects of your business while the developer works on creating the custom keyboard.
Drag the Android Studio icon into the Applications folder.
Double-click the icon in the Applications folder to open Android studio.
Alternatively, you can open Android Studio from the command line by using the open command:
Copy the following command:
open -a /Applications/Android\ Studio.app
Step 2: In the project, make a new package inside the src folder. Name it inputmethod.
Right-click on the src folder in the project tree on the left side of the Android Studio window.
Select New from the menu that appears.
Select Package from the submenu that appears.
In the New Package dialog that appears, enter a name for the package in the Name field. A package is a directory that contains your source code files. Note – you should group related classes in the same package.
Click the OK button to create the package.
Step 3: Make a new class that extends the InputMethodService class, inside the inputmethod package. Call it MyKeyboard.
Right-click on the inputmethod package in the project tree on the left side of the Android Studio window.
Select New from the menu that appears.
Select Java Class from the submenu that appears.
In the New Java Class dialog that appears, enter a name for the class in the Name field. This will be the name of your custom keyboard class.
Select the InputMethodService class from the Superclass dropdown menu. This will make your custom keyboard class inherit the methods and functionality of the InputMethodService class.
Click the OK button to create the class.
Step 4: Override the onCreateInputView() method in the MyKeyboard class. You can use this to set up the layout and buttons for the keyboard.
Use the following code:
@Override
public View onCreateInputView() {
// Inflate the keyboard layout
LayoutInflater inflater = (LayoutInflater) getSystemService(Context.LAYOUT_INFLATER_SERVICE);
View view = inflater.inflate(R.layout.keyboard, null);
// Set up the keyboard buttons
Button buttonA = (Button) view.findViewById(R.id.buttonA);
buttonA.setOnClickListener(new View.OnClickListener() {
@Override
public void onClick(View v) {
// Insert the character 'A' into the edit field
getCurrentInputConnection().commitText("A", 1);
}
});
// Repeat the process for other keyboard buttons
return view;
}
Step 5: In the res folder, Create a new directory called xml.
Right-click on the res folder in the project tree on the left side of the Android Studio window.
Select New from the menu that appears.
Select the Directory from the submenu that appears.
In the New Directory dialog that appears, enter xml in the Directory name field. This will create a new directory called xml inside the res folder.
Click the OK button to create the directory.
Step 6: Inside the XML directory, make a new file called keyboard.xml. This file will define the appearance of the keyboard.
Right-click on the XML directory in the project tree on the left side of the Android Studio window.
Select New from the menu that appears.
Select XML Resource File from the submenu that appears.
In the New XML Resource File dialog that appears, enter the keyboard in the File name field. This will create a new XML file called keyboard.xml inside the XML directory.
Click the OK button to create the file.
Step 7: In the keyboard.xml file, set up the layout for the keyboard. This can include buttons, text fields, and other stuff.
Step 8: In the AndroidManifest.xml file, add the android:name attribute to the <service> element to specify the name of the MyKeyboard class.
Open the AndroidManifest.xml file in the app directory of your project.
Find the <service> element and add the android:name attribute to it, like this: <service android:name=”.inputmethod.MyKeyboard”> </service>
This will tell Android to use your MyKeyboard class as the service for the custom keyboard.
Step 9: Run the app and try out the custom keyboard.
Click the Run button in the toolbar to build and run the app.
In the device emulator that appears, open an app that allows you to enter text, such as a messaging app or a text editor.
Tap the text input field to bring up the keyboard.
Tap the Settings button (the gear icon) in the keyboard to open the keyboard settings.
In the keyboard settings, tap the Input Method option and select your custom keyboard from the list of available keyboards.
Tap the Done button to close the keyboard settings and return to the app.
Congratulations! Your custom keyboard is now active.
Certain aspects of making such a keyboard is outside the scope of one article. It requires experience and proper training, as we cannot predict specific needs. We have provided you with only the general process.
We recommend that you hire android developers to help you:
Design the layout and appearance of the keyboard using XML and Java code.
Implement the functionality of the keyboard buttons using Java code.
Test the keyboard to ensure that it works correctly and is user-friendly.
Maintain and update the keyboard as needed, such as fixing bugs or adding new features.
Hire Android developers to create a successful and user-friendly custom keyboard for your Android app while you focus on more important things for your organization.
Author Bio:
Justin D’Costa is an SEO specialist who works with Uplers, India’s largest hiring platform that helps remote-first companies to hire top remote tech talent.
Justin is an absolute digital marketing geek having an experience of more than half a decade. He has vast knowledge in the field of SEO, PPC, Web Analytics, and Web Development that he likes to share through excellent articles.
When not wrapping his head around marketing, you can find him playing with his dog, Casper, or enjoying the beautiful nature by spending some time on the beach.
How to Create a Custom Keyboard in an Android Application? was last modified: February 9th, 2023 by Justin D'Costa
Are you struggling to keep track of your finances? Managing your finances can be difficult, especially in today’s economy. With so many bills to pay and expenses to keep track of, it can sometimes seem overwhelming. But there are ways you can maintain control over all your finances and make the process easier. This article will look at tips for managing your money effectively and keeping track of your spending. Let’s get started.
Secure An Actively Managed Certificate
An actively managed certificate (AMC) is a type of investment that tracks the performance of an index or set of securities. The AMC uses its own portfolio managers to make decisions and actively manage the investments in the certificate. This gives you more control over your finances while also benefiting from professional advice and knowledge.
An AMC may also provide tax advantages, which can help you save money on your taxes. To start with, you need to find an actively managed certificate platform that you trust and invest in. Once you have that setup, you can start setting aside money for your investments and monitoring your progress. Be sure to read the platform’s terms and conditions carefully before investing.
Build an Emergency Fund
An emergency fund is a savings account that you use for unexpected expenses. This could include a car repair, medical bill, or job loss. An emergency fund can help you cover these unexpected costs without debt. Having at least three to six months’ worth of living expenses is important in an emergency fund.
If you don’t already have one, start by setting aside a small amount each month until you reach your goal. This will help ensure that you are prepared for any unexpected expenses that may arise. By having an emergency fund, you can maintain control of your finances and avoid running up debt.
Smart investments that are immune to depreciation can also be an effective way to maintain control over your finances. People with experience in investing often Buy Gold Bars to form a financial cushion that can help them in times of crisis. Similarly, diversifying your investments and keeping track of market trends can also be beneficial in maintaining control over your finances.
Create a Spending Plan
Creating a spending plan is essential in taking control of your finances. It helps to keep track of your expenses and ensure you are not overspending. When creating a spending plan, it’s important to consider all income sources and list all your expenses. This includes rent, bills, groceries, entertainment, and other necessary spending.
Once you have a plan in place, it is important to stick to it. Every month review the spending plan and make adjustments if needed. By creating and following a budget, you can keep track of where you are financially and avoid overspending. If possible, try to save some of your income each month.
Automate Savings and Investing
Savings and investing can help you reach your financial goals faster. To make saving easier, automate the process by setting up automatic transfers into savings or investment accounts each month. This way, you don’t have to remember to manually transfer money from one account to another. Automating your savings can help you reach your goals faster and make it easier to maintain control of your finances.
Some factors to consider when automating your savings and investing include your risk tolerance, time horizon, and goals. It’s important to find the right balance between risk and reward for your investments. Once you have identified your personal objectives, you can create a portfolio that meets those needs.
Create a Budget
Creating and sticking to a budget is a great way to maintain control over all of your finances. By having an established budget, you will be able to track where your money is going and ensure that you are not spending more than you make. Start by listing all your income sources and expenses. This includes rent, bills, food, entertainment, and other necessary spending.
Once you have a budget in place, it is important to review it each month and adjust accordingly. You may need to cut back on certain expenses or find ways to save more money. The most important thing is to stick to the budget as closely as possible. Ensure to readjust your budget for any changes to income or expenses.
Set Financial Goals
Setting financial goals can help you stay on track with your spending and saving. Having specific goals gives you something to work towards and motivates you to make smart financial decisions. When setting goals, be realistic and consider your current financial situation. Make sure your goals are achievable and have a timeline.
Once you have set goals, create a plan of action to ensure you are working towards them. This could include finding ways to save more money or setting up automatic transfers into savings each month. By setting financial goals and creating the right plan, you can maintain control of your finances and reach those goals faster.
Summary
By taking the time to create a budget, set financial goals, and build an emergency fund, you can maintain control over all of your finances. Automating savings and investing can help you reach your financial goals faster and make it easier to save for unexpected expenses. Utilizing these tips can help ensure that you are prepared for any financial situation and maintain control of your finances for the future.
How To Maintain Control Over All Your Finances? was last modified: September 28th, 2024 by Charlene Brown
Independent music is widely popular among all ranges of demographics. This is partially because, with the birth of the internet and everything it’s brought us, the accessibility to new and upcoming independent artists and musicians is so much broader. In other words, thanks to music streaming services, it’s a lot easier for music fans to find new bands. This is great news for those who are looking to break into the music industry and start building a following of their own.
As such, there are plenty of easy ways to get your music heard. From signing up with a music distribution service that will help you get your tracks everywhere users are listening to simply uploading your tracks to streaming services like Soundcloud free of charge, we are well into the era of the creator.
If this sounds like you, the following will teach you how to get more listens on all your fire tracks.
Make Better Music
People enjoy high-quality sound. When your music sounds good, more people will want to listen. Good music gets shared more often. It can also get you more fans and followers. People will talk about your music and recommend it to friends. Better music can also get noticed by industry professionals. This can help you get more opportunities in your music career.
Ableton is a professional music tool that helps you make better music. It has many features that are easy to use. You can record, edit, and mix your tracks. A free Ableton template is your road map to making high quality music. Ableton has many sounds and effects to choose from. You can also use it to play live shows. This tool helps you to be creative and professional in your music.
Uploading Music to Streaming Services
One of the most obvious ways to get more listens on your tracks is to put your tracks where people are listening. In other words, get your music uploaded onto streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music. These three music streaming platforms account for the majority of music streaming listeners, and are the primary target for most musicians, both signed and independent. In addition to major platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music, there are more music streaming services available that offer unique features and advantages for musicians.
As an independent artist, it may seem daunting to approach these behemoth streaming services with your music, yet getting your tracks uploaded into these libraries will be your best bet at attracting more and more listeners who genuinely like your sound. This is especially the case on Spotify who boasts one of the strongest recommendation algorithms in the music streaming game.
The fastest and easiest way to get your music uploaded onto these popular streaming platforms is through a music distribution service. These services allow artists and musicians to focus on creating art, while letting the music distribution team handle all of the uploading, file formatting, optimization, and all of the other technical aspects that distract artists from their craft.
Not only does this free up time and mental space for the artists to keep making music, but it also gives them the guarantee that their music will be accessible to fans.
Utilizing Social Media
Social media plays a massive role in every industry nowadays. There’s simply no escaping it. Social media has given both companies and individuals the ability to connect and communicate directly with millions and millions of people. This amount of pure consumer exposure is too great for marketing and advertising professionals to simply ignore.
The same is true for musicians and artists. Especially independent musicians and artists. Social media is one of the best ways for independent artists to find and connect with their true fans, and to start really building up their following. This is also a good way to drive traffic to new songs or albums when they drop on popular streaming services.
Not only that, but many musicians can upload their music to the Instagram library and make it available for others to use in their reels. This is yet another way that musicians can create fans, drive listens, and boost their following. Conner Price is a great example of an independent artist who uses Instagram and Tik Tok as key promotional tools.
Paid Ads
Paid ads are another great way to help you get extra listens on your music. Paid ads can show up just about anywhere, too. From paid advertisements on actual music streaming services like Spotify, to using paid ads on Social Media platforms like Instagram, Tik Tok, and FaceBook these ads are highly customizable and typically generate a high ROI.
Featured Playlists
If you’ve been in the game for a while and you’re starting to trend, or you just blow up your entrance to the scene with a viral hit, you may even be able to get your music into a featured playlist on Spotify or other streaming services. There are new featured playlists that release on almost a daily basis, and they’re always covering a wide range of music tastes. Whether it be a genre, a specific mood, or even sounds related to a single artist – getting on one of these featured playlists is a great way to boost your presence in the music industry.
This is a good way for new fans to discover your music and your sound, and can drive a massive amount of additional traffic to your artist page, bringing plenty of listens right along with.
Climbing the Charts
From signing up with a music distribution service, to making use of free and paid advertising through social media platforms, you’ll be able to generate listens, find new fans, and truly grow your music career.
All that’s left to do is to sit back and see how high up the charts you can climb.
From Apple to Amazon, Here’s How to Get Your Music Heard was last modified: October 25th, 2024 by Nikki Gabriel
Every business needs a software application to be successful. It is the lifeblood of the company, and it needs to be accessible to customers, employees, and partners. It can make or break a business, so it is crucial to choose wisely when selecting one. This blog post will highlight the other reasons why an app is essential and help you decide which is right for you.
Automate Processes and Tasks
Automating processes and tasks can give you valuable time, allowing you to focus on other aspects of your business or personal life. Programmed applications help you make that a reality by streamlining and automating mundane, everyday tasks that would otherwise take precious time from your day. By outsourcing these functions to a softwareapplication, even the most complex processes can be done quickly and easily with just a few clicks of a mouse. With automation capabilities at your fingertips, you’ll be able to significantly reduce the amount of time spent on stress-inducing activities so that more time can be devoted to growing your business and achieving success.
Manage and Monitor Your Business.
Programmed applications, including those offered by a healthcare marketing agency, are revolutionizing the way people manage and monitor businesses. By taking advantage of the automation capabilities of technology, companies can stay organized and on top of their operations more efficiently than ever before. Applications provide tools such as analytics, task tracking, customer management, accounting solutions, and many more features which enable a business to stay ahead of its competition. No matter what type of operation you run, from retail stores to web-based services, using a comprehensive application greatly helps streamline your workflow and achieve success in your business endeavor.
Improve Customer Service
Improving customer service is vital for any business, and applications can be invaluable. They help to streamline processes, automate more mundane tasks, and provide better visibility into customer information. For instance, a customer relationship management (CRM) system allows businesses to quickly access the entire history of dealings with a customer, meaning they are better prepared to anticipate needs or preemptively address potential issues. Additionally, applications can help create intelligent processes that alert personnel when a problem arises or send personalized notifications in response to specific events. With this wealth of valuable features available from various applications, customer service is no longer an area ruled by guesswork but by strategies carefully calibrated for success.
Help You Save Money
Different applications can significantly impact one’s finances, and this is especially true if you can take advantage of the money-saving features they offer. Plenty of programs allow users to manage their spending, create budgets, track bills, and even send payment reminders – all helping them save in more ways than one. Users may uncover ways to keep more of their hard-earned money in their wallets by automating mundane tasks or collecting cash-back rewards on purchases by taking the time to explore the various options available. Knowing where to start when saving money is often complex, but taking advantage of well-designed applications is a great place to begin.
Make Better Decisions
Many applications are becoming increasingly valuable for helping people make better decisions quickly. Many professional sectors, including finance, healthcare, and retail, have benefited immensely from integrating solutions into their day-to-day operations. Different applications offer valuable insights that would take days or weeks to uncover by traditional methods, from compiling and analyzing data to providing insights on how to improve processes and outcomes. They also allow for easier collaboration between team members and faster decision-making times, enabling businesses to become increasingly competitive in an ever-changing landscape. Ultimately, applications can be a crucial component in helping any organization succeed in achieving its goals.
Stay Organized
Programmed applications are essential to staying organized in a professional and personal context. You can customize these applications to fit your organizational needs—from managing a business schedule to ensuring you keep on top of your grocery list and weekly chores. With the right apps, you’ll be able to personally tailor how you want to stay organized, setting up reminders that notify you when tasks need to be completed throughout the day or week. Perhaps most importantly, all vital information will be readily available and easily accessed at any time at your fingertips.
Business intelligence can help you in many different ways. It can automate processes and tasks, making it easier to manage your business. Additionally, it can improve customer service while also saving money. Finally, business intelligence can help you make better decisions overall and stay organized. You may miss out on critical growth opportunities if you’re not utilizing programmed applications in your business. So start exploring the many ways these apps can help your business today.
Why Software Application Is Important For A Successful Business was last modified: July 31st, 2023 by Charlene Brown
Ransomware has become a trending term due to increasing attacks and their unusual nature. There were 236.1 million ransomware attacks worldwide during the first half of 2022 alone. Ransomware usually targets large organizations for money in exchange for sensitive information. To deal with this, you must know its nature. So, let’s find out the difference between ransomware and other types of cyber attacks.
Understanding Ransomware
Ransomware is malicious programs which is a subcategory of malware. The ransomware companies deploy cyber attackers to generate these malicious programs that block access to your device or files until you pay a ransom( amount).
As soon as you accidentally download the file from any source containing ransomware, it immediately checks the file on your device. If a file goes with the built-in list of file extensions, the malware encrypts the data it holds. Furthermore, it substitutes the original with the encrypted version and cleans any record of the initial file from the system.
After the successful file encryption, you will notice a message asking for the amount and change in the extension names of the flies. The ransom is very pricey, divided between the company and hired cyber attackers(coders). At this point, you can immediately opt for file recovery after ransomware to get back your sensitive information.
Ransomware vs. Other Types of Cyber Attacks
There are a few important factors that underlie the differences between ransomware vs. other types of cyber attacks:
Nature of Harm
The main aim of ransomware is to encrypt your files or lock down your device in exchange for ransom(amount). The core purpose of deploying this attack is to target sensitive and valuable information saved by various organizations and businesses. Generally, the individual or organization is ready to do anything to get back this useful information.
On the other hand, other malware is harmful software used to track your computer. Also, spyware creeps through your files, passwords, and additional sensitive information and uses your personal information for malicious purposes. The other data breaches use the stolen information and sell it to dark web forums.
The Intensity of Harm
The harm’s intensity depends on how much valuable information you have on your device. For example, ransomware attacking a hospital’s devices can completely shut off your access to the patient’s records. This will disrupt the normal proceedings of the hospital and create a large level of fuss.
Also, spyware can assess your personal information, but you can recover from the loss if you don’t have very sensitive information. Ransomware has a large intensity of harm as attackers give you a hard time, and you may face downtime till you pay the amount or bring in third-party recovery to solve the issue.
Alert Systems
Other malware, spyware, security, and data breaches are silent and crawl through your systems to use and sell important information. In comparison, ransomware is loud and makes a very loud alert. For example, you will notice unusual behavior on your device with a message to pay ransom in digital currencies. Also, all your files will be locked with different extension names. This makes ransomware very threatening and massive.
Resolving Techniques
The major difference between ransom and other types of cyber attacks also lies in its resolving techniques. You can eliminate most malware and spyware by installing antivirus software or anti-spyware scan. But first, you must find the best data recovery solutions for high-level ransomware attacks.
You can go for an in-house or third-party team, which will assist you throughout the process. The cybersecurity teams may also come on the ground and help you recover your data to re-start the organization’s normal functioning as soon as possible.
Bottom Line
Ransomware is different from other types of cyber attacks in many ways. For example, it locks your files or captures the device in exchange for money. Also, it targets organizations, businesses, or individuals with sensitive information.
The disguised files, which appear normal, have quick and deadly ransomware. To protect yourself, you must avoid clicking on suspicious files and links; you must follow digital transformation trends for IT consultants in 2023, which stresses strong cybersecurity.
Also, getting good antivirus, updating your software, and training the employees can save you. So, always keep a backup of your sensitive data and contact the best recovery solutions if you encounter ransomware.
Ransomware vs. Other Types of Cyber Attacks: What’s the Difference? was last modified: February 7th, 2023 by Shafiul Azam Mahiyan
Are you tired of your fleet vehicles disappearing for long days at a time? Tracking systems for fleet vehicles are becoming increasingly popular as a way to better manage and monitor vehicle fleets. Using GPS tracking systems, businesses can gain valuable real-time insights into their vehicles’ location, movements, and operation. This technology offers a wide range of benefits that help run a fleet more efficiently and cost-effective. In this article, we’ll explore the various benefits of tracking systems for fleet vehicles and how they can help improve operations. Let’s get started.
Improved Safety
GPS tracking systems in fleet vehicles can help keep drivers safe. By having a real-time view of where the vehicle is, businesses can be alerted to any unexpected or unsafe driving conditions. For instance, you can use a truck GPS with dash cam footage to monitor driver behavior and set speed limits. Through these cameras, you can also be alerted to any suspicious behavior from drivers, such as sudden stops or potential reckless driving.
Businesses can ensure that drivers arrive safely and on time by having an up-to-date view of the vehicle’s location and speed. However, when using these cameras, it is essential to comply with the laws and regulations of your state.
Improved Fleet Management
Tracking systems for fleet vehicles provide a comprehensive view of all operations, from driver actions to fuel consumption. This data provides invaluable insights into how efficiently vehicles are being utilized and operated. With this information, businesses can optimize their vehicle fleets and reduce overall costs by better managing resources.
For example, businesses can reduce the amount of time spent looking for a vehicle by monitoring its location and speed in real time. Additionally, tracking systems can help detect any problems or maintenance issues with fleet vehicles, allowing businesses to take action before the problem becomes serious and more expensive to fix.
Reduce Fuel Costs
GPS tracking systems for fleet vehicles provide valuable insights into fuel efficiency. Businesses can reduce fuel costs by optimizing routes, avoiding traffic jams, and improving driver behavior (like sudden stops or excessive braking) by understanding how and when each vehicle is used. Fleet managers can even set speed and idling time limits to further reduce fuel costs.
In addition, tracking systems for fleet vehicles can help detect any tampering or theft of fuel. This technology can alert businesses if there is an unexpected drop in fuel levels over a given period of time and provide evidence that can be used to investigate the issue.
Increased Efficiency
GPS tracking systems for fleet vehicles can significantly improve efficiency. Tracking vehicle location and speed in real time gives fleet managers an up-to-date view of their vehicles’ operation. They can use this data to allocate resources more effectively, reduce downtime, detect potential problems before they become bigger issues, and improve customer service.
For instance, businesses can use tracking data to plan and optimize routes, reducing travel time and fuel costs. Additionally, businesses can use this data to monitor driver behavior and take action to improve it. By understanding how and when vehicles are being used, businesses can make changes that increase efficiency and cost savings.
Improved Customer Service
GPS tracking systems for fleet vehicles can help businesses deliver better customer service. By having an up-to-date view of their vehicles, businesses can give customers more accurate and timely estimates of when their packages or orders will arrive. This gives customers the assurance that their deliveries will arrive on time, which can lead to greater satisfaction and loyalty.
Moreover, tracking systems can help businesses respond quickly to customer inquiries or complaints by providing accurate information on where their vehicles are. For instance, they can provide links to the vehicle’s location and provide an estimate of when it will arrive.
Geo-Fencing
Geo-fencing is a feature of GPS–based tracking systems for fleet vehicles that allows businesses to define specific, virtual boundaries around their vehicle fleets. Whenever a vehicle enters or leaves the boundary, an alert can be sent out, allowing managers to keep track of their vehicles’ movement and location in real time.
Geo-fencing can also be used to monitor driving habits, such as speed and idling time, and alert managers when these limits are exceeded. This feature can help businesses ensure their drivers follow safety guidelines, reducing the risk of accidents or injuries.
GPS tracking systems for fleet vehicles can provide businesses with valuable insights into their vehicle fleets. They can help reduce fuel costs, improve efficiency, and increase customer service by providing an up-to-date view of where each vehicle is and how it’s being used. Additionally, geo-fencing can be used to monitor driver behavior and alert businesses when safety limits are exceeded. Using GPS tracking systems, businesses can save money, improve customer satisfaction, and increase efficiency. Be sure to use them to their fullest potential.
Tracking Systems for Fleet Vehicles: What Are the Benefits? was last modified: February 1st, 2024 by Charlene Brown
In a world where technology is rapidly advancing, the hospitality industry is keeping pace by offering innovative and personalized services to guests. With travelers’ increasing expectations for a seamless experience, integrating the right technology-driven services is crucial for hotels, resorts, and other hospitality businesses.
The seven key services poised to revolutionize the hospitality industry and how they can be leveraged to enhance the guest experience have been discussed. Whether you’re a hotel owner, manager, or service provider, this article provides valuable insights into the future of hospitality.
1. High-Speed Internet
In the hospitality industry, fast and reliable internet access is becoming a must-have for guests. With the increasing demand for online connectivity, hotels, resorts, and other hospitality businesses must prioritize providing fast and stable internet speeds to keep their guests satisfied and connected.
According to Statista, the US stands in 3rd position in the digital population. In America, 90% of the population has access to the internet, and most of them can’t think of their lives without it. Therefore, upgrading internet infrastructure, investing in Wi-Fi technology, and offering high-speed internet packages can help improve guests’ online experiences, increase customer satisfaction, and boost revenue.
In a world where technology plays a crucial role in people’s daily lives. Fast and dependable internet speeds are essential for the hospitality industry to stay ahead of the curve and meet guests’ evolving needs.
2. In-Room Entertainment with TV Casting Solutions
Hotels and resorts can enhance the guest’s in-room experience by giving them more control over the available entertainment options. With TV casting solutions, guests can stream content from their devices to the in-room TV, giving them access to their favorite shows, movies, and music.
TV casting solutions for in-room entertainment can increase customer satisfaction, enhance the overall guest experience, and provide a more modern and convenient solution than traditional entertainment systems.
By investing in TV casting solutions, hospitality businesses can stay ahead of the curve and provide guests with the latest in-room entertainment technologies.
3. Introduce Smart Amenities to Your Property
Examples of smart amenities include smart locks, voice-controlled lighting, temperature control, automated room service, and housekeeping requests.
Smart amenities are the latest trend in new apartments in the US. According to the Business Research Company, there has been a considerable increase in spending on smart amenities since 2020. An increase of 12% was reported in 2020, valued at $128.9 billion. If the hospitality industry incorporates smart amenities into their property, they will offer their guests a more personalized and convenient experience.
Introducing smart amenities to your property can elevate your guests’ stay and make you stand out from your competition. These amenities provide guests with control and convenience previously unattainable, making their stay more enjoyable and memorable. One such feature is the inclusion of residential elevators, which not only add a touch of luxury but also improve accessibility for all guests, further enhancing their overall experience.
4. Automated Check-in
Automated check-in is a technology-driven solution for the hospitality industry that streamlines the check-in process for guests. By eliminating the need for a front desk check-in, guests can quickly and easily check into their rooms using a self-service kiosk or mobile devices.
Automated check-in allows for a quicker and more efficient check-in process, freeing staff to focus on providing personalized service and improving the overall guest experience.
According to Hotel Tech Report, 27% of hoteliers were already using an automated check-in system in 2020, and 41% were planning to install it soon. If you haven’t installed it yet on your property, this is the perfect time to upgrade.
This technology can also give guests more control over the check-in process and the option to check in at their convenience. By incorporating automated check-in into your property, you can improve the guest experience and create a more efficient and modern check-in process.
5. Concierge apps
Concierge apps are mobile applications that provide guests with easy access to hotel information and services. Guests can use these apps to make restaurant reservations, request room service, schedule activities, and more.
By offering a concierge app, hospitality businesses can provide guests with a more convenient and personalized experience while reducing staff members’ workload. Concierge apps can also gather data on guest preferences, allowing hotels to tailor their offerings and provide a more customized experience.
As the demand for technology-driven solutions in the hospitality industry continues to rise, concierge apps offer a valuable tool for improving the guest experience and increasing customer satisfaction.
6. Fitness Centers
The hospitality industry must have a convenient and accessible way to stay active and maintain a healthy lifestyle while traveling. With a well-equipped fitness center, hotels and resorts can provide guests with various exercise options, from cardio equipment to weight training, and attract fitness-conscious travelers.
A fitness center can also serve as a selling point for your property and set you apart from your competition. In addition to being a valuable amenity for guests, a fitness center can also provide additional revenue for your property. By offering fitness center access to guests, you can create a more comprehensive and well-rounded experience for your guests.
7. Spas and Beauty Salons
They are popular amenities in the hospitality industry, offering guests a way to relax, rejuvenate, and pamper themselves while on the road. These facilities can range from simple beauty salons to full-service spas, offering various services such as massages, facials, and body treatments. Many beauty salons and spa centers use spa management software for customer convenience.
By investing in a spa or beauty salon, hotels, and resorts can provide guests with a convenient and luxurious experience, appealing to travelers looking for a more indulgent stay. By offering a range of services, you can also promote relaxation and wellness amongst your guests,
Conclusion
The hospitality industry is constantly evolving to meet the changing needs of guests. By integrating these seven services, hotels, resorts, and other hospitality businesses can enhance the guest experience and stay ahead of the curve.
From increasing internet speeds to incorporating smart amenities and offering in-room entertainment, these services offer a range of benefits for guests and provide a more modern and convenient experience. Additionally, offering automated check-in, concierge apps, fitness centers, spas, and beauty salons can help attract new guests and improve customer satisfaction.
Integrating these services into your property can help you stay competitive in the hospitality industry, providing guests with a more memorable and enjoyable stay.
The Future of Hospitality: Integrate These 7 Services to Enhance Your Guest Experiences was last modified: September 12th, 2024 by Nikki Gabriel
Convex observation mirrors are an incredibly helpful tool, letting the user see areas that they would otherwise struggle to get a good view of. Here is our handy guide to what they are, where they are used and what to look out for when buying them.
What Are Convex Observation Mirrors?
A standard mirror is flat, and reflects images back at the same angle as the surface is viewed at – if you stand directly in front of it, you will see yourself, if you stand at a forty-five-degree angle, you’ll see the corresponding reflection. Convex workplace mirrors are not flat – they bulge outwards from the frame, and thus give a broader field of view without having to change the viewing angle.
Where Are Convex Observation Mirrors Used?
Convex mirrors are used in a range of applications, including large-scale telescopes and other scientific instrumentation. For the layman though, there are essentially two main use cases:
Retail
For small shops with only one or two staff on site at any one time, these mirrors are a great way of giving oversight of blind spots. You can position the mirror in the corner or at the end of aisles so that the cashier can see what is going on around the corners, improving security and decreasing the likelihood of shoplifting. Even in larger stores, where there are more staff dotted about, these mirrors can give dedicated security personnel a better way to monitor the store, especially if deployed in high-risk areas like the alcohol aisle or where other items that are attractive to shoplifters are kept.
Roads
If you have ever driven down a narrow, winding country lane, you have probably spotted convex mirrors attached to trees or fences. Typically, these will be opposite a driveway or off-road track, making it safer for traffic to pull out and join the main road way without causing an accident. They let the drivers see what is coming from around the blind corner, and they can then assess if they have enough time to pull out.
This same logic applies to other traffic uses – construction sites use them to give drivers a better view of the traffic they might be joining if they leave the site, as well as on site for moving around the environment safely. You can even see convex observation mirrors in distribution centres and warehouses, making the site safer for forklift truck drivers to navigate without crashing.
What Should You Look Out for When You Buy a Convex Observation Mirror?
Indoor/Outdoor
As with any piece of equipment, if you plan to use your mirror outdoors you need to make sure it is built for purpose. An indoor-only mirror will not have the necessary weather protection for long-term external use, and you will end up having to replace it.
Size
Make sure that your mirror is fit for purpose – if your viewpoint is fairly close to where you plan to install the mirror, you can probably make use of a smaller option, assuming the viewing area is also small. If you need to view from afar and see a broader panorama, then you will need to spend more and get a much larger mirror.
A Guide to Convex Observation Mirrors was last modified: February 24th, 2023 by Walleed Rehman
There are many tools out there that can make your life easier when it comes to developing software, but which ones will work best for you?
If you’re a beginner software developer and you’re looking for the best tools to help you get started and succeed, look no further. Here are the top tools for software developers:
1. GitHub
GitHub is a platform for software developers to manage their projects and collaborate with other developers. If you’re interested in learning how to code, GitHub can be an excellent way to practice your skills.
GitHub has features that make it easy for beginners to learn how to use the platform and collaborate with others. You can use GitHub’s free service or pay less than $5 per month for unlimited private repositories.
Here are some ways to use GitHub:
Use it as a portfolio of your work. Create a new repository on your account and share it with friends and family so they can see what you’ve been working on lately. Use this as an opportunity to show off your coding skills;
Create a profile page on your account that showcases all of your projects, even if they aren’t public yet. This way, people can see what you’ve done in the past and may be able to give you feedback on future projects or give you recommendations on where else to find help if needed.
GitHub is best known as a repository for source code, but it’s much more than that. The site offers tools for managing projects and tracking changes over time. It also has an incredibly active community of users who can help you learn new skills, how to code landing pages, etc or fix problems with your code.
You can rely on GitHub backups to ensure that your work is securely stored and easily recoverable in case of data loss. While GitHub is renowned among software developers for hosting and collaboration, it’s not limited to traditional software projects.
Many open source CRM systems also find their repositories on GitHub, allowing businesses and developers alike to manage customer relationships while benefiting from the collective contributions of the community. This synergy means that just as one might fine-tune a piece of software on GitHub, businesses can also adapt CRM tools, hosted on the same platform, to cater to their unique requirements. The power of GitHub thus extends beyond typical codebases, enabling innovation in business solutions like CRM systems as well.
2. Observability tool
Observability tools like Middleware help software developers understand the behavior and performance of their applications. These tools provide insights into the systems and services that allow developers to:
Monitor system metrics: Collect and visualize system-level metrics such as CPU utilization, memory usage, and network traffic.
Evaluate system health: Continuously monitor the health and stability of the application and receive alerts when issues arise.
Track application performance: Identify performance bottlenecks and monitor response times of critical application components.
Monitor user behavior: Track user actions and understand how they interact with the application.
Debug and troubleshoot errors: Quickly identify and fix errors and issues in the application by analyzing log data and traces.
Android Studio was released by Google in 2013, as an improved version of Eclipse, with many features added to support Android application development. It has since become the primary IDE used by developers working on Android apps.
Android Studio features:
A code editor with autocompletion support and code refactoring functionality;
A build system based on Gradle (a build tool used by Android);
A layout designer with drag-and-drop capabilities and support for Material Design specifications.
Android Studio provides all the features needed to develop Android devices and Google Play apps. It’s an integrated development environment (IDE) that lets you build apps for Google’s Android operating system. You can use Android Studio to develop apps for the Android platform, or you can use it to build apps for other platforms that support Java and you want to optimize for mobile devices.
4. Genymotion
Genymotion is a tool for software developer beginners. This software helps create virtual devices and test them in an automated way without having to buy real devices.
Genymotion is a powerful Android emulator that can be used to test apps on the go without having to own an Android phone or tablet. It supports OpenGL acceleration, hardware acceleration, GPS location, and other features, making it perfect for testing your apps on different devices.
The tool also comes with an integrated browser that allows you to test how your websites will display on different screen sizes.
5. SourceTree
SourceTree is a tool that has all the features you need to manage your Git and Mercurial repositories, but it’s easy to use and understand.
SourceTree is free for individuals and small teams. It also includes support for more advanced users who want to use Git in a centralized fashion.
You can use SourceTree to:
Manage multiple source code repositories, including Git, Subversion, and Mercurial;
Create patches and apply them later;
Manage multiple branches of files in one view;
Search through the history of files with built-in Git blame;
Import repositories from other applications or services like GitHub or Bitbucket;
View current changes in files without loading the repository again.
You only need to connect SourceTree with your account, which will automatically sync all your repositories. You can also access them locally if you want to modify your computer before pushing them back up to the cloud.
SourceTree has a built-in terminal to run commands directly from within the application. This makes it easier than using the command line if you still need to gain experience with it.
6. Postman
Postman is a tool that allows you to test the APIs of your web applications and programs easily. This tool will help you save time and create requests, view responses, and share them with others. Postman is a powerful tool for software developers who want to test their applications’ APIs before code completion or integration into their applications.
Developers created Postman from the Google Chrome team, which explains why it has been built on top of Chrome’s open-source tools like Puppeteer and Headless Chrome. Postman is a web application that runs in the browser, so it doesn’t require any plugins or extensions. Its main features include:
Creating requests by using different HTTP methods (GET/POST/PUT/DELETE);
Managing collections of requests as well as adding or removing individual requests from a collection;
Sharing collections with other users.
You can also use Postman to test your API locally on your computer or on a server environment. The tool is available for Windows, Linux, and MacOS.
7. Docker
Docker provides an easy way to package your application and all its dependencies in an isolated container.
The idea behind Docker is simple: instead of installing dependencies on your local machine, you can use Docker to create a virtual machine (or “container”) that contains everything you need to run your application. You can even include multiple versions of the same dependency if you want to test how your application works with different versions.
Docker isn’t just for running applications — it’s also helpful in deploying them. If you’ve ever tried to set up an application or database server on a remote server, you know that it can be complicated and time-consuming. Docker makes this process much simpler by letting you run containers on any computer that has Docker installed and configured correctly without having to deal with the details of configuring servers correctly first.
Conclusion
As a software developer, it’s important to have the right tools for the job. These are just a few that’ll help you get your feet wet in the world of software development. There are many more out there, but this list should be a good starting point.
Top 6 Tools for Software Developer Beginners was last modified: December 27th, 2024 by Colby Bickner
Searching for a new home is an emotional experience. It starts with lots of energy and excitement; you probably have daydreams about where you’re going to live and what it’s going to feel like. There might be some stress as well; perhaps you need to find a place by a certain date for work or family reasons. Maybe you’re closing on your current home’s sale and so will have nowhere to go if you don’t find a house between now and then. There’s also the intensity of putting in bids, not knowing whether your offer stacks up, and the disheartening experience of having yet another bid go nowhere. And then you have to worry about your finances and try to estimate what’s going to be a comfortable expenditure for you in the near and far future, despite being abundantly aware that life can change in an instant.
Beyond all this, there are now safety considerations people need to have in mind when they’re searching for a home. The following aims to help with at least one of these stressors by walking you through a few important steps you should be taking to safeguard your personal information and that of your family as you search for a home.
How Your Data Is Mined
In today’s digital world, data is embedded in everything. Data has actually surpassed oil as the most valuable commodity on the earth. Think about that for a moment. Your data is incredibly valuable, so much so that it’s actively sought after in both safe and unsafe ways.
Social media platforms, businesses, websites, phone and tablet applications, and even live events are collecting your data. This data can then be used internally to help better tailor your experience and upsell you on additional products. It can also be sold externally to larger corporations that use your data for everything under the sun. This might mean getting more spam calls if your number is given to a cold-calling scam company. It might mean social media platforms sharing your data with political parties so they can sway elections (social media platforms have a vested interest in who you’re voting for because social media regulation is now a major discussion). This information is sold en masse to advertisers who target you with marketing and ads, trying to sell you things.
How Does This Apply To The Search For A Home?
When you’re searching for a home, there are a ton of different platforms and options available to you, but just like standard websites, applications, and devices, not all of these platforms are safe to use. You might have heard of common homebuying locations like Zillow, Redfin, and Trulia.
These types of sites make the vast majority of their revenue by collecting your private data (your income, where you live, where you’re looking to live, the size of your household, and your contact information). They then provide this data to real estate agents and other businesses that pay them for what they’re sharing. For instance, the Zillow Group which owns Zillow made more than 1400 million dollars in 2021 alone from selling user data to real estate agents. Zillow and Trulia together earned more than 1.3 billion dollars in 2018, with selling data providing the bulk of that income.
Why Does It Matter If People Have My Data?
At the minimum, your data being sold to other people means you’re going to be dealing with more spam. Calls from companies trying to sell you something, calls with no one on the other end (this is often a data collection service trying to figure out what times people answer their calls so they can then sell this information along with your phone number to another company), emails filled with scams or advertisements and tons of unwanted ads. No one needs more of this in their life, especially not as scams evolve into more effective tricks.
At the maximum, your data could be used to steal your identity, rack up tens of thousands of dollars in your name, and/or commit cybercrime. Cybercrime is on the rise and is only expected to grow. It’s vital that people learn how to protect their own information as we move forward into an increasingly virtual existence.
Research The Platforms You Use Carefully
It’s essential that people start thinking defensively when using platforms, websites, and apps. Those long terms of service agreements that you used to skip through? It turns out they’re really important. Of course, they’re designed to be as long and confusing as possible, to bore you until your eyes glaze over, so you don’t read the fine print, but there are often shortcuts to better understanding what you agree to when you use a platform.
There are several websites that summarize the basics of every term of the service agreement, drawing your attention to elements that deserve your attention. You can also search for the particular terms of service agreement summary that you’re considering and find videos or articles breaking down the key components of a particular agreement.
This is now a part of digital literacy that everyone needs to be employing and teaching their children about. You’d be shocked what you agree to when you click “accept.”
What Sorts Of Things Hide In Terms Of Service Agreements?
You might be allowing companies to sell your photos. Instagram, for instance, is allowed to use, delete, modify, or publicly display your photos; Twitter grants these rights to its affiliates, allowing them to make money by selling your photos.
You might be agreeing to have an account forever. That’s right, forever. Skype, for example, doesn’t allow accounts to be deleted.
Often you’re allowing companies to track your activity on the internet after you’ve left their site. This is what cookies are. Have you been absentmindedly clicking through pop-ups about cookies? For instance, if you’re logged into Facebook on your device, the company is tracking all your online behavior on every site that has a Facebook like or share button. They even track some things while you’re logged out of Facebook.
You’re also often agreeing to have your data shared with law enforcement without your knowledge. When you signed up with your cell phone provider and LinkedIn account, you agreed that anything of yours could be shared with law enforcement without them giving you a heads-up.
You might also be signing away your right to file a class action lawsuit. Anyone using the PlayStation Network, for example, has agreed not to sue Sony as part of a class action suit.
You likely are also agreeing to the company’s right to hold onto content you create even after you delete it. Even after you take down things you’ve posted, many applications and sites can still access that stuff and do with it what they see fit.
Finally, almost all terms of service agreements contain a clause that specifies that they’re allowed to change the agreement whenever they want. In many cases, this clause states that they don’t have to inform you of changes and that it’s your responsibility to regularly review the agreement to see if things have changed.
What This Means For Real Estate
If you’re freaked out about the data you’re giving away, stop for a moment and take a breath. There are people working on solutions to these kinds of problems. There are politicians lobbying for easier-to-understand terms of service and restrictions on what sort of data is legally collectible at certain times. There are organizations trying to create safe alternatives to a lot of the common websites and apps available to people. When it comes to real estate, there is a new home search rated better than Zillow. You can also talk to your real estate agent about the protective measures you want to take.
Quite often, real estate agents have a vested interest in keeping your data safe. They don’t want other agents profiting from your data and the work they’re doing with you. This means that often, agents are just as concerned about your data privacy as you are. Talk to your agent about what options are available in your area.
Study Guides For Safer Platforms
As mentioned above, there are alternatives to the standard real estate search platforms. Given the variety of choices available, niche content creators are releasing guides and breakdowns of different options, outlining the pluses and negatives of each. If you take the time to watch this video detailing EXP, you’ll know that the more features an option has, likely the longer the content about it is going to be.
Directly Ask Agents About Data Safety
When talking to potential real estate agents, you can ask about what platforms they recommend for searching as well as the data protection elements in place. It’s okay to go with a different agent if you’re not satisfied with the steps they’re taking to keep your data secure. It’s also okay to go with a different agent if you find out that someone you were considering buys people’s data from some of the aforementioned companies.
Follow The Latest Real Estate And Cybersecurity News
You can also learn about your options by paying attention to real estate news. When companies release developments, merge, or otherwise alter themselves, there tends to be a lot of information floating around on the web about what the benefits and drawbacks are of these changes. For example, EXP World Holdings recently bought the leading real estate search tech company Showcase IDX. Understanding what this purchase means can help you sense what problems people in the world of real estate are seeking to solve at the moment.
Understand There Are No Excuses When It Comes To Safety
Humans at large need to start standing up for themselves and their rights. If an agent hasn’t thought about the potential repercussions of shady data dealings or brushes away your questions with,” well, that’s what everyone’s doing, so…, know that you have rights. It’s easier than ever for agents to select a safer home search platform and install it onto their personal real estate website. There are no excuses for data carelessness in 2023. Not with the cybercrime rates being what they are. Not with billions of dollars lost each year to cybercrime (and think, that only includes the cybercrime that was noticed and reported; the actual cost could be much higher).
Practice Good Digital Hygiene
Of course, you also need to take responsibility for your behavior online and on the apps you use. If you do have your data leaked, stolen, or legally collected, you want to make sure that people can’t harm you with this information. This means, foremost, using strong passwords. You’ve probably been told you shouldn’t use the same password for every platform, and this is true; if someone manages to get one of your passwords, they shouldn’t then have access to everything you do in the digital realm.
You also want to be sure your devices are up-to-date and that you have adequate virus and malware protection. Often, devices release updates when a problem within their security is found. This means that updates should be done as soon as possible, as prior to the update, there’s a loophole that data collectors or hackers can take advantage of.
Moreover, you need to be cognizant of your social media presence and what information you’re releasing. Most people know that they shouldn’t post their addresses online. What many people don’t realize is that if they take a photo of their kid on the way to prom outside their home and post it on social media, the average person with the smallest bit of tech skills can find out where they live. All it takes is a quick search of when local high schools held their proms and then a wander through the streets in that area using Google Maps street-view. Be careful what you’re sharing on social media, as this can be used in tandem with the data that companies are collecting on you to create a full picture of you that can be sold or used for marketing or cybercrime purposes.
Finally, you want to be cautious of any emails or calls you get from senders you don’t recognize. This is still the most common way people have their identities stolen or their bank accounts accessed.
The above information should have made it clear that your digital security is of vital importance. Taking the proper steps to ensure you and your family are safe from cyber threats and data miners is simply a part of life in this era. If you have digital assets for work or other purposes that are especially valuable, you may want to speak to a local cybersecurity team about the steps you can take to protect yourself and these assets.
Safeguarding Your Personal Information When Searching for Your Next Home: Your Guide was last modified: February 5th, 2023 by Allen Brown
When it comes to running a successful business, having the right technology is essential. One of the most important pieces of hardware for any business is a laptop computer. Whether you’re using it for day-to-day operations or more specialized tasks, such as creating presentations and graphics, choosing the right laptop can make all the difference in your productivity and efficiency. This article will provide tips on how to choose a high-quality laptop that meets all of your business requirements.
Portability
Using a laptop for business usually means that you need to be able to easily carry it around with you to any given place. Lots of business people opt for a Surface Pro Laptop as it can be taken apart and easily carried around, making portability a breeze. For example, if you are traveling for work and need to be able to transport your laptop in a bag or briefcase that isn’t too big or bulky then portability is key.
This way, you will have a reliable device that is lightweight and easy to carry around. If portability is important to you, then a business laptop should be your go-to choice. They are typically thinner and lighter than other computers, with more durable builds that can withstand everyday wear and tear.
Battery Life
Your battery should be able to endure long hours of work. It should last up to 8 hours without needing a recharge and be able to withstand multiple discharges over its lifetime. If you’re planning on using your laptop while traveling, it’s best to invest in such an addition to be sure everything will run smoothly. For example, if you’re on a long-distance flight or train and suddenly your battery runs out, all of your work will be lost.
There are also ways to increase the battery life of your laptop, such as reducing the brightness of the display and battery saver mode. Additionally, check for updates on battery drivers, which may help extend battery life and add more power to your device. These will help you get the most out of your battery and make sure you don’t have any sudden battery drainage.
Performance
This feature implies a lot of different aspects. These are the following:
Speed
Capacity
Compatibility
Power and efficiency
Reliability
Graphics
Memory
Display
Test the device to see how it runs. Check all of these performance aspects to make sure the laptop has the performance you need for your business. For example, speed is especially important if you will be using the laptop for tasks that require a lot of processing power, such as video editing or gaming. Having good insight into what performance features you need for your business is critical to selecting the right laptop.
Connectivity
The networking features should be a key factor when it comes to selecting the right business laptop. Make sure that the connectivity options such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and USB ports are sufficient for your needs. For example, Wi-Fi is an absolute must in every laptop and most of them today come with both 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequencies, so you can enjoy faster connectivity speeds with less interference.
Additionally, USB Type-C ports are essential for connecting multiple devices and peripherals quickly, while Bluetooth connectivity allows you to wirelessly connect other devices like mice or keyboards. For businesses who are always on the move, consider getting a laptop with LTE connectivity which provides access to a high-speed mobile internet connection at all times.
Durability
It’s essential that your device doesn’t fail you when you need it most. Look for features like a spill-resistant keyboard and overall durability tests that have been conducted to ensure your device can withstand the wear and tear of everyday use.
Make sure you are also aware of any extended warranties or service plans offered by the manufacturer in case something goes wrong outside of normal use. This will help protect your investment if anything unexpected happens. Look for laptops built with materials such as magnesium alloy, which is lightweight yet strong enough to handle bumps and drops without damage.
Customer Support
It’s also important that you can reach out to the manufacturers if you ever need any help. Before making a purchase, check customer support services and customer feedback. Good customer service should include helpful customer reps with the expertise to answer any questions you may have about your laptop.
Most companies provide it via telephone or email, though some also offer live chat options as well. Be sure to review customer feedback on various sites to get an understanding of how responsive and competent their customer service reps are.
A business laptop may be the most important device you buy for yourself ever, so make sure it works well. Look into its portability features and how long the battery lasts. You should also make sure it performs up to your standards and that it can network properly. Finally, look into how durable the device is and if there’s good customer support for it!
How to Choose a High-Quality Laptop for Your Business Needs was last modified: February 5th, 2023 by Charlene Brown
Are plushies just cute and comforting to have around the house, or is there something deeper going on between people and these cozy creatures? From kids cuddling up with their favorite stuffed animal at bedtime to an adult appreciating intricate details of a handmade toy, it seems clear that plushies hold a special place in our hearts.
But why do we love them so much? What draws us to the soft texture and creative designs of these lovable creations? In this article, we will explore the different elements that make someone fall in love with their chosen plushies.
What Are Plushies
Plushies are soft, cuddly stuffed animals that have become incredibly popular among people of all ages and walks of life. Although they can be new or vintage, young or old, plushies typically all have the same common denominator: fluffy fur and a huggable form.
Not only are they great for decorating homes, but plushies from Mewaii also bring a sense of comfort when used as stress relievers. Reminiscent of childhood friends and family members able to provide emotional support, simply by holding or stroking them people can tap into feelings of nostalgia and relaxation.
Ultimately, this is why plushies have endured with different generations over the years; as companions that can both offer joy and warmth during chaotic times.
Why Are Plushies So Popular
There’s something special about a plushie that makes it so popular and universally beloved. The physical qualities of the stuffed toy – plump, soft and cuddly – provide not only comfort for adults, but also relaxation and distraction from everyday life worries.
The colors and designs can bring joy to the senses, while the act of hugging a plushie has been scientifically proven to reduce stress! With the range of styles now available in stores like Toynk, everyone is spoiled for choice when looking to add some cozy warmth into their lives. It’s no wonder these beloved toys remain a timeless favorite.
Plushies Make People Associate with Good Childhood Memories
Plushies have a unique way of providing comfort and making people feel warm and fuzzy inside. As a result, they often invoke childhood nostalgia of when life was simpler and everything seemed easier to manage.
They not only provide physical comfort to their owners through the soft texture but also mental comfort by reminding them of cherished moments spent in their past. In this way, plushies become a trusted companion for those seeking solace during difficult times.
It is no wonder then why so many people feel an emotional connection to these cuddly toys as it brings back fond memories that remain near and dear to their hearts!
Plushies Help People Understand the Power of Gift Giving and Receiving
Plushies are objects of comfort and friendship. It may seem silly to think that a simple stuffed animal can have a profound effect, but giving someone a plushie is much more than just handing them something they can cuddle.
It gives them an understanding of the power of gift giving and receiving—of how meaningful it can be to show someone you care about them by simply showing kindness in the form of a thoughtful present. Plushies convey underlying emotions like love, gratitude, empathy, and appreciation—all messages that reach far beyond words.
They also serve as constant reminders for people who may feel alone in their struggles; no matter your experience or background, you are not alone when surrounded by loving plushies.
Conclusion
Plushies have become an enduring and beloved item for people of all ages, providing comfort, joy, and nostalgia in their soft, cuddly form. They offer physical and mental comfort as stress relievers and evoke childhood memories, while also reminding us of the power of gift-giving and the importance of emotional connection. Whether they are seen as a companion, decoration, or reminder, plushies will always hold a special place in our hearts.
What Do People Love about Plushies was last modified: March 8th, 2023 by Amrytt Patel
Social media is an integral part of our lives today. An average social media user spends two and a half hours every day using social media platforms in 2022. Moreover, there are over 4.6 billion social media users worldwide today. Social media has completely changed the way we interact, communicate, and get to know what’s happening around us.
Although the future of social media is bright and more emerging, its centralized nature is getting more attention from users. Today, just a handful of tech giants are controlling the major social media platforms, such as Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, Twitter, etc. This centralized control has resulted in many issues, such as censorship, privacy concerns, data breaches, server outages, and similar others. For example, social media is highly regulated in China with strict government-controlled censorship.
Considering the increasing frustration of users around social media, the new concept of decentralized social media is emerging, which will leverage blockchain technology to decentralize social media and give control back to the users. In fact, there are already dozens of such platforms emerging and grabbing millions of users, such as Mastodon, Minds, LBRY, Desofy, and many more. So, let’s explore more about decentralized social media, including its pros and cons, and also discuss how it is going to challenge the existing centralized social media platforms.
Decentralized Social Media – A Quick Overview
The word “decentralization” has grabbed a lot of attention in recent years with the popularity of cryptocurrency and blockchain. Decentralization technology helps to set up a secure, fair, and transparent network. So, decentralized social media is a platform powered by distributed ledger technologies (DLT) with no centralized control.
Basically, decentralized social media is a blockchain-based, open-source social media that runs on independent servers or nodes. This means there is no centralized server where all data resides. The main foundation of decentralized social media is blockchain technology that distributes the data over hundreds of independent nodes within the network instead of one central server. This eradicates censorship and gives users more control and freedom.
How Decentralized Social Media Works
In centralized social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook, all the user information, posts, messages, and platform code are stored in a centralized location. This centralized server system also means there is a single point of failure. For example, Facebook went offline for many hours in 2019, while Twitter also experienced servers outage in 2022. This is where the working principle of decentralized social media defers.
A decentralized social media is deployed on the blockchain with a peer-to-peer network framework that involves thousands of independent nodes from across the globe. Basically, it involves a decentralized storage system such as the InterPlanetary File System (IPFS), in which a distributed file storage protocol enables all the connected nodes/computers to store and serve files while being a part of the large peer-to-peer network. In simple words, a decentralized social network performs everything like a centralized server but does not involve any centralized storage system. So, even if some nodes fail in the network, the remaining nodes will keep the platform running. This removes the chances of outages.
The decentralized storage system also means no one will be able to control or sell user data. Moreover, it also removes the stream of advertisements and allows content creators to use new ways of monetizing. Users can use native tokens of the platform to access advanced features, tip content creators, make in-app purchases, and more.
Pros of Decentralized Social Media over Centralized Social Media
Some of the key benefits of decentralized social media over centralized social media are as follows:
No Censorship
The top most benefit of decentralized social media is that it eradicates censorship. There is no central authority or middleman that will censor and control what users will see. All users have full control of their content and data.
No Ads
Decentralized social media is not run by a single entity, rather relies on a massive peer-to-peer network. So, such platforms don’t need ad revenue to sustain. Moreover, these platforms will not force users to watch those contents or ads that can give platforms more revenue. So, decentralized social media is free from ads and give the real social media experience users need.
Direct and Transparent Monetization
Since decentralized social media does not show ads, so it cannot pay content creators the way centralized social media does. But it even provides a more direct and transparent monetization option. Decentralized social media platforms have specific native tokens that users can use to tip content creators.
For example, if a content is watched by 10,000 users and at least 10% of them have used a native token to send micro-donation to the creator, worth like $0.1, then the creator has made $100 from just a single post. Moreover, creators can turn their posts into NFTs and generate more revenue. In addition, it also removes other monetization requirements, like x number of subscribers, x watch hours, x length of videos, etc. All it demands is creating an account and starting monetization from the first day.
Reduced Downtime
Decentralized social media minimizes the chances of downtime or outages due to its peer-to-peer model. So, even if a few nodes malfunction or get out of the network, still the remaining stream of nodes can keep the platform running. This makes decentralized social media more resistant to downtime/outages.
More Security
Decentralized social media has no central storage system, so it is less vulnerable to cyberattacks, such as DDoS attacks. The open-source and large nodes network keep the platform more secure. In addition, users also get a higher level of privacy and anonymity, which is not possible in existing social media platforms.
Cons of Decentralized Social Media over Centralized Social Media
Although decentralized social media seems the best alternative to centralized social media, it does have some cons worth mentioning, as follows:
Malicious Users
Decentralized social media gives power back to the users, making them freely post whatever they want. Unfortunately, it also gives an opportunity to malicious users to use it to post malicious/disturbing content. Since there is no moderator, such content remains on the platform for a long period of time. This is addressed rightly in centralized platforms where such content and users are removed from the platform right away.
Unattractive User Interface
Most of the decentralized social media platforms are following a similar user interface like the existing centralized ones. So, there are no such unique aspects, plus the interface also is not user-friendly in some cases. Alternatively, centralized social media platforms provide attractive user interfaces and keep doing frequent changes to enhance user experience.
Challenging Long Term Retention
In most cases, social media users join decentralized social media platforms to explore what it offers and then often shift back to centralized social media platforms. It is because they miss interacting with their friends, seeing posts of their celebrities, and all the glamor that centralized social media has to offer. So, until decentralized social media becomes more and more popular, the long term retention rate will be a challenge.
Decentralized Social Media vs. Centralized Social Media – What’s the Future
The above pros and cons of decentralized social media over centralized social media platforms give a mixed opinion. On one side, decentralized social media seems promising due to its censorship-resistant, user-controlled, and freedom aspects. On the other hand, its negative use by malicious users and unappealing interface/features doubts its competitive capabilities against the existing platforms.
So, it is very likely that the existing centralized social media platforms will dominate the market in the next few years, while the decentralized platforms will keep increasing their user base gradually. The dominance of decentralized social media can trigger if celebrities or influences move to those platforms and bring their following as well. Alternatively, if influences can achieve more monetization benefits in decentralized social media through native tokens, NFTs, and other ways, then it can increase the attention of decentralized social media. Besides that, the stability and upward movement of cryptocurrencies can also have an influence.
To sum up, decentralized social media is a need of the time considering the growing concerns of censorship and privacy. However, the dominance of decentralized social media is still years ahead. So, sit tight and watch how the social media market reacts to the emergence of decentralized social media in the upcoming years.
Decentralized Social Media – The End of Tech Giants Hold on Major Platforms was last modified: February 2nd, 2023 by Hamza Razzaq
Cybersecurity has again remained under the limelight in 2022 and turned out to be a devastating year for cybersecurity threats. Just in the first half of 2022, there were 2.8 billion malware attacks and 236.1 million ransomware attacks across the globe. The dominance of threats is not due to organizations’ poor cybersecurity policies but due to new sophisticated tactics used by cybercriminals to breach through security defenses. Now we are in 2023, which is again believed to be one of the stressful years for cybersecurity. Therefore, this article presents the top cybersecurity threats that should be a concern for small businesses in 2023.
5 Top Emerging Cybersecurity Threats to Small Businesses in 2023
According to Cybersecurity Ventures, the global cost of cybercrimes will reach $10.5 trillion by 2025. It showcases the gradual increase of cyberattacks with every passing year. Talking specifically about 2023, below are the 5 top emerging cybersecurity threats to small businesses:
1. Microsoft Teams Spoofing
Microsoft Teams is highly used in today’s world, with around 280 million monthly active users. The growing user base of Teams has also let attackers use the platform for their criminal activities. One popular approach they are using these days is acting like the colleague or CEO, setting up the meeting, and then convincing the meeting participants to click the link or download a file.
For example, recently an attacker acted as a CEO and sent a WhatsApp message to several employees about joining a Teams meeting. Once employees joined the meeting, they saw a CEO video feed, which was actually scraped from a TV interview. The attacker didn’t turn on the audio and said that the issue might be due to a bad connection. Afterward, the attacker sent a SharePoint link in the chat. Employees did click the link, but luckily, they got blocked from accessing it. This way, attackers pretend to be someone and convince employees to click malicious links.
Other than the above tactic, cybercriminals are also impersonating Teams to steal Microsoft 365 login credentials of employees. Usually, they send an email tuned as an automated message that is sent from Teams, such as “There’s new activity in Teams”. The message looks legitimate, so often employees get into the trap and click the provided link. Once the link is pressed, it takes them to the malicious webpage requiring the victims to enter their email and password. This way, employees unintentionally provide their login credentials and let attackers into the network.
Avanan, a cybersecurity solutions provider, has witnessed thousands of attacks in which malware is sent in Teams chats. The reason why Teams is becoming a new favorite of attacks is because MS URLs are not readable, so you cannot detect a real link from a fake one. In addition, employees are more trained to detect suspicious phishing emails, but they think Teams has a trusted and secure platform. So, it’s the trust game that attackers are playing with employees using Microsoft Teams.
2. Google Appointment Spoofing
Another emerging cybersecurity threat is Google appointment spoofing. Google Calendar is one of the popular productivity tools of Google suite, which if used with default settings allows events to be added from an email containing event details. Similarly, it also adds the event if someone has included you in the event, even if they haven’t sent you the email invitation. This default setting trap is being used by cybercriminals these days.
What attackers do is inject an event into employees’ calendars without their knowledge by acting as one of their colleagues. The event can be about upcoming travel plans or an urgent meeting by CEO. In the meeting description, there can be words like “please click the below link to review the agenda before joining the meeting”. The link often includes a fake Google authentication page, which most employees unintentionally fill out with their login credentials. Eventually, this gives attackers the credentials they need to penetrate systems and make an impact.
Just like MS Teams spoofing, employees are becoming victims of Google appointment spoofing because they are not aware of this type of scam. However, the best way to protect from such threats is by blocking the automatic calendar events. Go to Settings > Events from Gmail and then uncheck “Automatically add events from Gmail to my calendar”. In addition, go to “Event settings” and change “Automatically add invitations” to “No”. This way, employees can minimize the chances of getting such attacks, but they still need to remain suspicious, just like with email spoofing.
3. Cloud Security Threats
Ever since the pandemic, businesses have been actively shifting their infrastructure to the cloud. As per estimates, there are about 70% of organizations that are using the cloud for hosting over 50% of workloads. However, the rapid cloud adoption has also resulted in plenty of vulnerabilities that are actively exploited by cybercriminals.
According to Check Point’s 2022 Cloud Security report, around 27% of organizations have encountered security incidents in their public cloud environments in the past 12 months. Since the cloud is a favorite hosting choice among small businesses, so the threat scale is also large for them. Misconfigurations, compromised user accounts, and API vulnerabilities are common loopholes in the cloud infrastructure of small businesses. Therefore, cloud security threats are likely to dominate in 2023.
4. MFA Fatigue
Most services are now offering multi-factor authentication (MFA) to have an additional layer of protection from password threats. However, cybercriminals have also started exploiting MFA. Consider that a business is using push notification-based MFA where employees receive a pop-up/prompt message to verify the sign-in request. Now this is where attackers come into action.
Attackers first steal employees’ login credentials and then send them a stream of sign-in requests. Employees might unintentionally click “Approve” due to their habitual behavior or click “Approve” to stop the prompt message from appearing again and again. Once the request is approved, attackers are in the account and can do whatever they want.
MFA fatigue is gaining pace with every passing year. The Uber internal systems breach in 2022 was the main highlighting event for MFA fatigue. Moreover, the August 2022 alone recorded 40,942 MFA attacks. So, MFA fatigue is the emerging cybersecurity threat for businesses of any size in 2023.
5. Crime As-A-Service
Cyberattack market has grown exponentially in the past few years. The phrase has changed from “will you become a victim of cyberattack” to “when you will become a victim of cyberattack”. Owing to the growing potential of cyber market, threat actors are now even offering crime as-a-service. For example, a few Meta employees were fired in 2022 when it was discovered that they were using employee privileges to provide unauthorized access of Facebook profiles and charging thousands of dollars in Bitcoin.
It is believed that threat actors will continue offering their tools and services to other cyber-criminals in subscription-based models. These as-a-service software solutions can then be used by hundreds of thousands of cybercriminals to conduct ransomware, phishing, distributed denial of service, and other attacks on all types of businesses. Therefore, 2023 is likely to see an increase in the black market of crime as-a-service.
Wrapping Up
Cybersecurity threats are a major concern of businesses across the globe. Even the tech giants that are known to have the best cybersecurity teams and protection in place are also becoming victim. So, 2023 does not seem to be any better compared to 2022. Cybercriminals will keep their attacking potential high, leveraging new technologies the most. The best strategy for small businesses is to closely monitor cybersecurity trends in 2023 and try to set up an effective cybersecurity defense system to minimize the chances of becoming victims.
Top 5 Cybersecurity Threats to Small Businesses in 2023 was last modified: February 1st, 2023 by Hamza Razzaq
