Business Beginner

Now that you read Part 1 , you understand what Ransomware is and why it has become the single most costly problem in the world of IT security and business data protection, let’s take a look at several simple, easy-to- deploy solutions that can prevent an unwanted and costly ransomware intrusion in your business.  Restrict User Administrative Access  This is a very simple step to take. Users should have their administrative access restricted – ideally removing the ability to install new programs without the IT team’s supervision . This will help your business avoid the most common cause of infection: users downloading infected attachments from emails.  Granted, this will not be popular with your users. If your users already have administrative rights to their workstations then you will have to drag them along kicking and screaming. That said, a past report confirms what many security professionals have long presumed: Removing administrator rights from everyday user a...

Most large businesses have robust protections in place to prevent infection from viruses, breaches of important data, and other undesirable intrusions by outsiders. However, there is one particularly dangerous type of virus that takes advantage of the underserved and under resourced, and can either totally destroy a small business , or cost it a tremendous sum of money. It’s known as “ransomware”.  What Is Ransomware?  Ransomware is one of the latest malicious software crazes and as the name may suggest, the primary goal is to hold your important data for ransom. Generally, ransomware is unknowingly downloaded from an email with an unsuspicious attachment or can come as a payload from another malware and dropped quietly in your system by exploit kits, after which it begins replicating on the host computer.  The method by which ransomware holds your important data for ransom is simple – encryption. The virus begins encrypting your files and moving them to encrypted folder...

Data breaches are increasingly common in today's tech-based workspace. There's more money to be had stealing customer records than going in for cash, and savvy criminals now have their eyes on these valuable goods. In 2016, data breaches increased 40 percent . These breaches rack up numerous costs, from legal fees and data recovery to lost loyalty from customers. Save money by staying proactive about your security.  Firewalls Keep Threats Out  Your firewall is your first line of defense against malicious attacks. Firewalls help filter information, protecting data that you want to keep inside your security parameters, and keeping hackers at bay on the other side. This will minimize unwanted network communications. The best firewalls also alert your IT security team to any attempted breach , so you can investigate the threat early and seek out malware before it has a chance to root itself in your system. This early alert will help save you from exorbitantly costly attacks. ...

If you own a small business, you probably already know a thing or two about Key Performance Indicators (also known as KPIs). KPIs are the benchmarks your business sets in place to make sure it’s moving toward its long-term goals. The key to effective KPIs is not just having them in place, but having the right ones in place. Of course, that’s a lot easier said than done. To help you out, I’ve put together this guide on how to determine which KPIs will best drive your business forward.  1. Begin With Efficiency KPIs In a discussion of KPIs, there’s a good chance efficiency KPIs are likely the first kind that come to mind. These are your basic markers of ROI.  According to the smart folks at PNMsoft , an Intelligent Business Process Management Suite provider, efficiency KPIs include measurements such as: cycle time from request to delivery, volume of tasks per staff and number of staff involved.  These are the basic markers that make sure your business is running the way it...

In the past, thieves had to break through physical locks and barriers to steal money and information. But today, a talented hacker could try to access your business information and finances without ever stepping foot inside. But while digital thieves may seem unstoppable, they really aren't. Making use of some basic precautions and defenses can deter and prevent hackers from ever harming you or your business  1. Establish Precautionary Habits  Carelessness can make it easy for hackers to obtain the information they need. Establishing rules and guidelines for yourself and your employees to follow can help keep your business secure. When an employee needs to work remotely, make sure the network they're connected to is secure. Avoid downloading unneeded software, and be careful when clicking on links sent in emails. It's also a good idea to purge information from your site whenever possible. Don't store unnecessary email addresses, credit card information, or other custom...

Keeping your business information secure is absolutely imperative to your company's future . These days, one of the biggest assets a company has is its data. That data can help chart the future for a company and really give it a competitive advantage over other businesses in the marketplace. However, companies must make an effort to keep their business information secure . If they don’t, the consequences can be severe. Here are a few reasons why.  1.  A Data Breach Is A Public Relations Nightmare  Hackers and cyber criminals don’t target just any data stored on company servers . They want what can make them a profit. This is usually the credit card information for that company’s customers. When that information is stolen, credit card fraud, identity theft and other crimes targeting those customers will soon follow. The fallout for a company’s brand can be horrendous. Many people will refuse to do business with you with the assumption that they could end up having their da...

There are billions of dollars to be made when importing and exporting goods from around the world. If your business ventures are successful in the U.S or China you will be set up for life if you have a product that is in demand. If you want to try to get your cut from this multi-billion dollar industry you will need to first work out all the costs. This includes getting quotes for shipping and finding out what the tax along with duty implications are for the countries you wish to exploit. Fear not , here are some basic tips to help out.  There is a vast array of different products that you can make money from by exporting. You need to carefully research each one before spending your cash buying wholesale products to export. A number of items will require that you to get a license before you are able to sell them on the open market. Once you find out the legal implications it is then time to calculate the tax and duty charges for the countries you wish to export to. You will then ...

Data security is the buzzword on the lips of every small business owner in the modern era. Everyone who runs a business must carefully monitor the safety of important documents both on and offline -- luckily, there are a few excellent strategies that employers can use to protect the safety of their employees and confidential data without spending a lot on outsourcing security help.  I. Invest In Virus Protection Software  Virus protection software should be essential for every business that operates on the internet, but it is more essential the larger the company is. Any employee could unwittingly open up an email that exposes the company's computer system to malware or outside invasion. Having anti-virus software on your company's side helps diminish the risk of external attacks and system shutdowns. Without this software keeping your system updated and guarded, you might not even know about a security breach until it is too late.  II. Rent A Company Storage Unit...

With the recent uptick in data breaches at major companies and government organizations, cyber security should a focal point of training for every company. The following 5 tips will help keep your employees safe online while using company email and while working on a computer at the office.  1. Watch Out for Phishing Emails  Phishing occurs when a malicious individual sends out a fake email pretending to be a real company asking someone to login. When a person enters their information thinking that they're logging in to their account, sensitive information is automatically compromised. These types of emails are normally used to gather personal information, like social security numbers, full names, addresses, credit card numbers and more. Your employees need to be aware of this threat, and need to dispose of such emails immediately.  Require Strong Passwords  The vast majority of consumers use the same password for every account they own, including those at work. Th...