Many companies get side tracked with all the other tasks of running a business that they end up overlooking security. However, such security mistakes could have huge negative consequences. Here are just 7 common security mistakes that you should avoid.
Using simple passwords
Simple passwords may be easier to remember, but they’re also easier to hack. Make your passwords complex by making them longer and by using random combinations of number and letters. Use sites like Passwords Generator to create these strong passwords. You can always use password manager apps to refer to these passwords when you need them.
Never changing passwords
Changing passwords regularly is also good practice. This makes them harder to crack, plus it can stop password leaks from bitter older employees (this has been known to happen).
Failing to backup data
Backing up data is essential in case data is lost. Many companies rely on cloud storage to back up their data. If computers are burgled or there’s a ransomware attack, this can allow you to continue work using your backup files on the cloud from any location and any device.
Using outdated software
Software needs to be constantly updated so that it’s always secure against the latest threats. Most software automatically updates when you restart your machines – so make sure that you’re restarting them regularly. Be wary of using old software that is no longer receiving updates as it could mean that it is at risk to newer threats.
Not using a VPN on the go
Using a VPN can help to hide your IP address and encrypt your data. This can be particularly important when using public internet connections while working from coffee bars or other public places – it is here that many criminals will try to steal your data. This Avast Secureline VPN review offers more information on VPNs and what they can be used for. There are lots of different VPN services on the market.
Disposing sensitive paper documents incorrectly
Paper documents can also be a security threat if not disposed of correctly. It’s wise to always shred paper documents that could contain sensitive information so that they don’t fall into the wrong hands. Alternatively, convert to digital forms of paperwork where possible (e.g. digital bank statements, digital bills, emailed invoices).
Failing to give employees security training
There’s no use having security measures in place if your employees aren’t trained up in how to implement these measures. Make sure to offer training when it comes to things such as password practice and dealing with suspicious emails and phone calls. You could even try looking into digital security courses and workshops that you and your whole team can go on to learn more ways of keeping your business secure.
Logistics is a huge part of business. In the supply chain of a business, logistics deals with the shipment and delivery of goods to and from the business premises. It is important to nail this aspect of your business in order to find success, and this is why we want to discuss the ins and outs of logistics that new business owners need to know.
Understand the objective
Logistics from the outside seems simple. The objective is to get a product from location A to location B. However, when we explore this a little further there is more to the story. As well as ensuring the safe transport of a product, you may also want to provide fast delivery or provide the most cost effective solution. Depending on your stance, you’ll need to make different changes in order to better service your goal. Make sure to set a clear objective and ensure that every decision you make from this point is to service this goal.
Know what people want
There’s no point in setting out some amazing plan for your logistics department that focuses on one key aspect, if that aspect will not give customers what they want. Make sure that when you research your target audience that you also think about their needs and wants. Most customers may prefer fast delivery rather than secure delivery so you may want to change your supply chain process accordingly.
Focus on communication
There is no way you can ever run and effective logistics department without solid communication. Communication is without a doubt the most important factor when running a business and you need to ensure that you make efforts to improve it. Not only does the customer need to be able to contact customer service, but drivers need to contact the team, warehouses need to contact warehouses, and ports or airports need to communicate with the team. Logistics can be complex and this is why you need to take steps to ensure smooth communication from every member of the team.
Keep a cost log
Logistics is a part of business that can be unpredictable. There are many elements that can get in the way of smooth transit such as fuel, traffic, tools, import issues, regulations and more. There are often secret and additional costs involved in the transport of goods and as such tracking costs is imperative. Track every single cost on a journey in detail to ensure that an accurate expenditure record is kept.
Work with another company
Handling logistics alone is daunting. Logistics can seem simple from the outside however when you delve into every aspect of the job it can be hard to handle without experience or knowledge. This is why it is important for you to think about outsourcing or collaborating with a third party. You can gain help with every step of the logistics process such as with this service https://www.naturafeed.com/production-distribution/ and gaining the help of experts will make all the difference to your business.
It is something that we should all have at the back of our minds, but we can be somewhat naive if we think that a disaster won’t happen to us. It’s part and parcel of many businesses and granted, it all depends on where they are in the world but it makes common sense for you to have a plan in place, not just for yourself or the business, but your employees as well, should disaster strike. What are the best ways for you to prepare for a disaster on any scale?
Preparation Is Key
If you want to survive disaster you have got to prepare yourself adequately. It may sound like common sense, but many businesses that don’t have a plan in place can struggle; and when disaster strikes, it’s too late to backtrack. Create a written plan that gives specific information on what to do depending on the disaster, whether it’s a natural disaster or infiltration by hackers. Preparation is crucial, especially in the technological sense, because of cyber attacks. You can make the most of IT audits, or having a Chief Information Officer (CIO) on-site that can help you ensure you’ve got everything in place.
Look After The Company’s Data
You may have a Customer Relationship Management system (CRM) or another database on site. If there is a disaster, you need to ensure that your data is backed up. Preferably you need to put it on to a cloud-based system. Because if you are a business that operates with paper documents, or even has servers on-site, backing up files to protect your business data, as well as your customer data will ensure that the business gets back on track.
Establish A Communications Plan
This isn’t just for the benefit of your employees, but it’s for your customers as well. If your business suffers a temporary setback because of a natural disaster or a data breach it’s important to keep in contact with your customers so that they know what’s going on. You don’t want to lose loyal customers because of something that you failed to communicate efficiently. You can easily keep in contact with them via social media or email. And if necessary, put some information outside your physical property, especially if you are running a brick and mortar store.
Look At Your Insurance
One of the best ways to prepare for any disaster is to have an adequate insurance policy in place. You have to spend a lot of time preparing yourself for this, by knowing what you need coverage for. It’s not just about coverage for the property, but you may need packages like business interruption and extended coverage, which can help should your business be completely wiped out in the interim. As well as this, continue to review your insurance package so you know how much coverage you have for your business, especially if it’s growing.
It’s not something we like to think about. But getting your business ready for disaster will ensure that you weather the toughest of storms.
The importance of cooling and climate control in data centres is something which simply cannot be undervalued. In today’s day and age, the IT equipment used generates an extensive amount of heat and this can cause a huge amount of problems if it is not contained properly. It is therefore essential that you are able to control the room’s climate and air flow to ensure that your equipment does not get damaged.
There are a vast number of different data centre cooling methods available today and choosing the right one can often be a relatively difficult process. In this article I will give you a brief overview of the main data centre cooling procedures available.
First and foremost, there is cold aisle containment or hot aisle containment. These methods are highly popular because they are extremely cost efficient. The process involved basically consists of the separation of the hot areas from the cold areas. The cost savings entailed with this method is not the only reason behind its popularity. Cold or hot aisle containment is also popular because it is efficient and very easy to deploy and utilise. Furthermore, it can be employed in any business data centre – no matter the size of the room, and there is also no need for any restructuring of the data centre either.
However, probably the most widely used procedure to control climate in data centres is that of downfall air conditioning. There are in fact arrays of different types of air conditioning which can be installed. The main reason that most people prefer air conditioning is because of its reliability. However you have to be careful when deciding which air conditioning system to go for as a lot of them can use up a considerable amount of energy. Choosing an HVAC service with care can ensure that you do not end up with an energy-draining system.
Another aspect you should consider when looking into data centre cooling is the possible utilisation of chilled racks. These can be used in conjunction with the two methods previously touched upon in this article. They are particularly desirable if you have any high density requirements in your data centre, as they can be used as an added cooling medium.
The three systems and methods mentioned in the article are the most commonly used and well liked of all the data centre cooling options available. However, there are other alternatives obtainable on the market if you feel you would like to explore elsewhere. Nevertheless, the overriding feeling from the feedback regarding climate control methods is that these three are by far the best.
At the end of the day, it is crucial that you take the time and consideration to decide which cooling method is the best for your data centre as it is an extremely important decision. Once you have decided what option you would like to go for, you also have to make sure that you take the effort to carefully seek a highly reputable and experience company to install it for you.
The healthcare industry is incredibly competitive and if you are opening a new practice in an area that already has other practices nearby, you may struggle to get patients. People would prefer to stay with their current practice if possible, so you need to find ways to set yourself apart from the competition and offer something that they cannot if you are going to succeed. A lot of new business owners make the mistake of assuming that everybody needs medical care so you’re guaranteed to get plenty of patients, but that simply is not the case. If you are just starting out, these are some of the best ways to set yourself apart from the competition.
If you invest money in the latest medical technology, you can offer a better level of care to your patients and provide treatments that they may not be able to get at other medical practices. For example, companies like Medtronic Covidien provide equipment for minimally invasive surgeries. If you invest in that technology, you can perform surgery that has a much reduced recovery time, which is a huge benefit to your patients. If your competitors are using more invasive surgery methods, you are likely to get a lot of patients coming to your practice instead.
It’s not just surgery that you have to consider either. Medical technology is evolving all the time and new products can help you to improve the experience for your patients at all levels. It’s important that you keep up to date with the latest medical technology and invest heavily in up to date equipment.
Focus On Relationships With Patients
Trust is incredibly important in the healthcare industry because, in some cases, patients are trusting you with their life. People value a good relationship with their medical professionals and they want to go to a practice where the doctors remember them and have a good grasp of their medical history. If you are treating different members of the same family, having an idea about the medical history of the entire family can help with making more accurate diagnoses as well. That’s why it’s important that you focus on building a strong relationship with all of your patients and giving them a more personal service.
Offer Online Services
When people are busy with work or family life, they may find it difficult to find the time to come in for an appointment. That’s why you should try to make life easier by offering online services. If you focus on creating content on your website that offers good information about health issues, and maybe even some basic self diagnosis tools, you are giving your patients another way to assess their health. You should also consider offering remote appointments over video call if people cannot make it to the practice. Offering these extra services is a simple way to go above and beyond for your patients.
These simple things will help you to set yourself apart from the rest of the medical practices in the area and get more patients through the door.
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