by Felicien | May 14, 2021 | Education
Understanding the Role of Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs)
Non-fungible tokens or NFTs are rising in popularity as more people discover their importance. These tokens come with unique metadata and identification codes, making it easier to distinguish individual tokens. Unlike digital currencies, such as Bitcoin and Ethereum, you cannot trade or exchange NFTs. They are cryptographic assets representing the value of physical items, such as artwork and real estate, on a blockchain platform.
Another significant difference between non-fungible tokens with cryptocurrencies is that the latter are identical and can be replicated. These characteristics are useful for trading and exchanging currencies. On the other hand, NFTs help enhance trading efficiency for tangible assets like artwork. By adopting tokens, blockchain platforms mitigate fraud risk.
It is possible to use non-fungible tokens to represent property rights, people’s identities, and other items. The characteristics of each token expands the possible use cases. With NFTs, users can conveniently eliminate intermediaries, and it becomes easier to connect the target audience with tangible assets.
An added benefit of using non-fungible tokens is simplifying transactions and introducing new markets.
NFT mania
The Covid-19 health crisis played a significant role in boosting the popularity of non-fungible tokens. However, many experts attribute NFT mania to the need for asset diversification and experimentation. Artists have embraced the tokens, thanks to the ability to trace ownership and authenticity of tangible assets like artwork. Likewise, artists can boost income by monetizing their artwork.
Musicians and other digital products can combat duplication and piracy of their new releases using NFTs. They will find it more practical to achieve this objective by authenticating ownership. The empowerment of artists is essential to revolutionizing the digital art market. It is no surprise that a recent Christie’s online auction featured several NFT art pieces. This high-profile NFT auction helped propel the tokens into the limelight.
Other notable NFT transactions include The Kings Leon’s famous offer to fans. They offered vinyl records and tickets to future tours. Meanwhile, project NBA TopShots sold a wide selection of digital collectibles in a highly publicized non-fungible token transaction.
Characteristics of NFTs
The digital representation of tangible assets comes in the form of a digital footprint known as a hash. Depending on size, the representation can consist of the digital asset itself. Alternatively, it can appear as metadata, which describes the object stored in a physical location (off-chain).
Experts are exploring ways to develop technical standards that enable the interoperability of tokens across various blockchain platforms. Many non-fungible tokens use the ERC721 standard associated with the Ethereum blockchain. On the other hand, the ERC20 standard is common among Ethereum-based NFTs.
The non-fungibility of NFTs makes them non-divisible and distinguishable. They also have a characteristic uniqueness that prevents replication and interchanging or selling the tokens.
NFTs cannot serve their intended purpose outside of a blockchain system. They require this environment for transactions to take place securely. When you create or mint a non-fungible token, the blockchain system records the event. Once created, you can transact with the token via digital marketplaces and auction houses.
The records of subsequent transactions for a particular NFT appear on the same blockchain or distributed ledger. These records help link the token to an owner. Payments for the transactions come in the form of an Ethereum-based unit known as gas.
Individual platforms (digital marketplaces and auction houses) select the currency used to pay for NFT transactions. Some platforms allow payments in fiat money, stable coins, and digital currencies. Transactions using cryptos necessitate the involvement of exchanges, such as Coinbase.
Network congestion and computational power required to handle the transaction determine the amount of gas paid by users. Thus, you can expect to pay higher fees if the network is busy or the computational power requirements are higher.
Summary
Since non-fungible tokens have no clear regulatory or legal framework guiding their use, a lot depends on individual NFTs’ characteristics. Some tokens fall under the Markets in Financial Instruments Directive (MiFID). NFTs falling outside of this regulatory framework may still have links to other frameworks.
The tokens are capable of reinvesting modern finance ecosystems by representing physical assets in the digital space. Blockchain plays an integral role in boosting the importance of NFTs in today’s world. Smart contracts’ tamper resistance is vital to the integrity of NFT transactions.
by Felicien | May 5, 2021 | Education
Key Insights From Cybersecurity Trends and Stats for 2021
Cybercrime is a hot topic that makes news headlines and attracts the corporate world and individuals’ attention. According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), there was a 75 percent increase in breaches since the Covid-19 health crisis started through June 2020.
On the other hand, Google reported more than 19 million phishing attempts daily. It blocked these email attacks during the onset of the coronavirus outbreak. Cybercriminals targeted businesses and individuals by impersonating prominent organizations, such as the United Nations and the World Health Organization (WHO).
These trends show a persistent rise in cybercrime activities globally in recent years. Bad actors are increasing their activities in tandem with the growing number of businesses establishing an online presence.
Hence, decision-makers need to analyze critical 2021 cybersecurity statistics. Doing so makes it easier to understand the evolution of the threats and implement robust countermeasures.
Tech experts urge companies to focus on three cybersecurity trends in 2021:
Ransomware
Cyberattack surface (internet of things (IoT) supply chain and remote work systems)
Threats to IT infrastructure
A Closer Look at Cybersecurity Stats
Here is an overview of stats by type of attack and industry to give you a clearer picture of cybersecurity trends.
Malware and Ransomware Statistics
Criminals are continuing to increase the number of malware and ransomware attacks on businesses of varying sizes. If you fail to protect your business from these attack vectors, the financial cost and reputational damage can be significant. According to recent reports, organizations lost approximately $20 billion in 2020 alone.
Social Engineering Attacks
This attack vector is another problematic area with many breaches reported in 2020. Bad actors employ various techniques, including tailgating, baiting, and phishing.
Hacking Attacks
When it comes to hacking, cybercriminals were more active in 2020 than in the previous year. During the first quarter of 2020, Microsoft detected breaches of over 250 million sensitive records. Meanwhile, a Twitter account breach resulted in the loss of $130 million.
Industry-Specific Cybersecurity Statistics
Bad actors target companies in various sectors, with small businesses bearing a significant portion of the brunt. Up to 43 percent of small enterprises lack cyber defense measures to prevent attacks. Ignorance contributes to high levels of complacence by small business owners.
According to Comparitech, public companies that become victims of breaches lose approximately 8.6 percent of their value.
Healthcare
A healthcare data breach report published in the HIPAA Journal revealed that cybercriminals stole more than 9 million medical records in September 2020 alone. This figure represents a 300 percent increase when considering the monthly average in the healthcare sector.
Education Sector
A significant portion of attacks in this sector involves social engineering and ransomware. The Verizon cybersecurity report revealed that educational institutions suffered up to 228 breaches in 2020. Many employees in the sector failed phishing tests owing to the lack of cybersecurity awareness training.
Financial Services
The majority of attacks (71 percent) have a financial impact on the targeted institutions. Criminal activities result in losses of more than $18 million annually. Some attacks occur despite the presence of specialized threat detection teams. On the other hand, roughly 31 percent of employees in the financial sector failed a phishing test.
Threat Prevention
The ever-increasing variety of cyber threats require a holistic response to maximize threat prevention. Investing in advanced intrusion detection tools is vital to ensure network security. Also, consider deploying advanced malware protection measures and supplemental endpoint security to safeguard your systems.
Unlike in the past, over-reliance on perimeter security no longer provides maximum protection. For this reason, opt for advanced solutions that replace traditional antivirus programs and firewalls. Examples of advanced measures include:
Next-generation intrusion prevention system (NGIPS)
URL filtering
Next-generation firewalls (NGFWs)
Application visibility and control (AVC)
Advanced malware protection (AMP)
These solutions play a critical role in securing the perimeter, providing robust protection against common threats. Leverage threat intelligence to enhance your cybersecurity technologies’ capabilities. A combination of visibility and protection measures makes it easier to thwart threats.
Threat intelligence helps your IT team determine whether unknown files are malicious or not. In the end, you increase the number of unknown threats that your system understands.
An additional way to improve cybersecurity measures and prevent hackers from compromising your systems is partnering with external IT service providers. Outsourcing bolsters your internal capabilities and contributes specialized technologies that enhance overall protection.
by Felicien | Apr 26, 2021 | Education
Here Is Why Windows Virtual Desktop Is Better Than Traditional Virtualization Solutions
Windows Virtual Desktop (WVD) allows your business to leverage either a multi- or single-user Windows 7 or 10 experience. The service also incorporates Office 365 ProPlus. You can count on WVD to help centralize monitoring and management functions. On the other hand, your organization’s system admins can use Azure Cloud to deploy and manage your company’s Windows servers, desktops, and apps.
WVD leverages Microsoft’s enterprise security solutions to maximize data protection. In turn, your organization scales virtualization requirements without worrying about security. The service provides a cost-effective solution, thanks to the subscription pricing model. Additionally, your team enjoys a richer virtualization experience than the Remote Desktop Services (RDS) platform.
Windows Virtual Desktop (WVD) Benefits
When it comes to traditional virtualization tools versus Windows Virtual Desktop (WVD), the latter provides several advantages over traditional solutions.
Here are the key benefits of switching to Windows Virtual Desktop (WVD).
Reduces Costs
Migrating your organization’s apps and desktops to Azure using the Windows Virtual Desktop service is a viable way to reduce costs. The service enables savings by improving the utilization of critical, cost-intensive resources. Session-based desktops operating on Azure Virtual Machines are more cost-effective.
Microsoft simplifies licensing by eliminating the need for an additional client access license to use Windows 10 via WVD. Server operating systems typically require additional licenses.
Enhanced Compatibility With Office 365
By switching to Azure via Windows Virtual Desktop, your organization benefits from a comprehensive array of cloud-based applications and resources. The best part is that WVD ensures improved integration with wide-ranging Office 365 products. Enhanced compatibility helps improve overall performance in virtual desktop environments.
The boost in performance also applies to additional apps that need reduced latency. Graphics processing capability allows graphics-intensive apps to function optimally in the virtual desktop environment.
Improved Flexibility
Cloud-based solutions like Windows Virtual Desktop simplifies various tasks for end-users and IT staff. Teams benefit from improved flexibility by conveniently accessing the business apps and desktops from any device, browser, or location. Office 365 applications integrate seamlessly with the service, enriching the user experience.
On the other hand, migrating to the cloud reduces IT staff’s workload as they no longer spend increased time managing local networks and physical machines. WVD also makes desktop applications easier to manage, thanks to Windows 7 and 10. Thus, Tech experts create personal and persistent desktops using desktop images.
WVD enhances scalability and flexibility by storing apps and user profiles in different containers.
Persistent and Non-Persistent Desktop Virtualization
With Windows Virtual Desktop, you can take advantage of support for persistent and non-persistent states. The service also supports multi-session and dedicated modes. In addition, users enjoy application and full desktop virtualization experiences.
Stateful VDI or persistent virtual desktop infrastructure allows individual users to operate a dedicated virtual desktop with personalized settings. This state benefits users due to the consistency of custom settings and desktop functionality. In turn, your team members adapt to the virtual desktop environment faster.
However, persistent VDIs are storage-intensive due to the extensive customization and sophisticated desktop image management. It simplifies image management using a centralized portal.
When it comes to non-persistent virtual desktop infrastructure, the system deletes user settings and data at the end of each session. As such, all new sessions deploy a new desktop image. This state minimizes the storage requirements and simplifies image management. You can opt for the non-persistent VDI if you need advanced security and want to reduce storage requirements.
Both persistent and non-persistent VDIs provide a more user-friendly experience. Non-persistent systems rely on FSLogix technology to mimic the user-friendliness of persistent VDIs. Additionally, you can count on non-persistent VDIs to link user profiles to specific computing environments. It attaches the profiles dynamically.
Windows Virtual Desktop Use Cases
With WVD, you find it easier to comply with regulatory requirements and standardize operations. Furthermore, the service allows you to boost workforce flexibility and handle specialized workloads more efficiently. A wide selection of businesses rely on Azure WVD to enhance their remote and office-based teams’ operations.
Windows Virtual Desktop provides a unified solution capable of serving the needs of call center staff, organizations with BYOD policies, and remote staff. The service ensures flexibility by allowing the workforce to use different types of devices. It also helps companies in highly regulated sectors, such as finance and healthcare, meet specific compliance requirements.
by Felicien | Apr 13, 2021 | Education
Transfer or Backup Google Authenticator in Few Easy Steps
Two-factor authentication (2FA) plays a critical role in mitigating cybersecurity risks posed by bad actors. This method bolsters access controls by requiring a two-step identity verification when signing into applications. Google Authenticator simplifies this process by enabling users to verify their identity using a smartphone.
When switching to a new phone, you need to transfer the keys. The app maximizes security by ensuring that keys are specific to one device. On the other hand, it does not come with a backup function. By doing so, Google mitigates the risk of cybercriminals gaining unauthorized access to the codes.
However, the lack of a backup function can create significant issues when your smartphone gets broken or lost. With the Google Authenticator app empty, you cannot access specific websites or apps using the two-factor authentication.
Backup Options
Thankfully, you can still take advantage of alternative backup options. Here are viable ways to backup Google Authenticator codes.
Write Down the Code
One practical way to backup the code without compromising security is by writing it on a piece of paper. This method eliminates the need for a printer or another mobile device. On the downside, this approach is nonviable on websites that only show the QR code.
Take a Screenshot
Taking a screenshot is another backup option that allows you to store the code on a separate device. This approach makes it easier to re-enter or rescan the code when visiting specific websites that require two-factor authentication.
This method’s advantage is that it is quick and easy, but hackers may still find and compromise the file on your computer. To store the Google Authenticator code securely, consider moving the file to a USB stick.
Backup Code Using a Separate Device
If you have an extra phone, use it to store the code by either scanning or manually entering the QR code. The additional mobile device can be your old phone, your partner’s smartphone, or a work device. This option allows you to backup the codes easily. However, if you backup using a device that you regularly carry while on the go, it is possible to lose both phones resulting in a problem.
Transferring Google Authenticator to a New Phone
To transfer Google Authenticator easily and conveniently, take advantage of the app’s transfer tool. For this process to work seamlessly, ensure that the source and target devices have the latest Authenticator version.
Start the process by tapping the menu icon on the source smartphone before selecting Export accounts and entering the PIN code. Once you verified your identity with the PIN code, select the accounts you intend to transfer and tap Next.
On your target device, open Google Authenticator and tap Get Started before selecting Import existing accounts. You can find this section at the bottom of the screen.
Proceed to the next step by selecting Scan QR code. If the source device has multiple codes that require scanning, simply follow the prompts to complete the transfer process. The system confirms all successful transfers.
If you transfer Google Authenticator from an iPhone, you need to complete additional steps to move the codes successfully.
Transferring Codes Without the Google Authenticator Transfer Tool
In the event that the transfer tool fails to move the accounts, you can resort to the traditional method. This approach entails transferring Authenticator manually by moving accounts one by one.
For this process to work, you should install the application on your new device. Sign in to your Google account via the multi-factor authentication website. You must visit the site using a desktop device. Once you have logged into the account, grab both your mobile phones to begin the transfer process.
In the Authenticator app section, select the Change phone option before entering the type of mobile phone. After that, follow the prompts. Once you complete this stage, scan the code on Google’s authentication website via the application. Verify that the transfer worked correctly by entering the six-digit code. If everything goes well, the codes on the source mobile device become invalid.
You should repeat the same process with all accounts that use Google Authenticator, such as Amazon, Apple, and Facebook. Avoid removing the app from the source smartphone until you have transferred all accounts to the new device. Deleting the Authenticator application before completing all transfers can result in getting locked out of the remaining accounts.
by Felicien | Apr 7, 2021 | Education
How to Onboard Remote Employees More Efficiently
As more companies switch to remote work, employers need to embrace the best onboarding practices to enhance new hires’ experience. Alignment involves updating various tools and processes to ensure seamless onboarding. Additionally, organizations are working tirelessly to leverage productivity hacks for remote teams.
Onboarding new employees remotely change the entire experience for both sides. Hence, the company’s approach to onboarding new hires makes a significant difference. A recent Price Waterhouse Coopers (PwC) survey in the US revealed that more than 30 percent of managers found coaching and onboarding new employees more challenging since that pandemic started.
This reality compels companies to adopt viable policies and approaches to resolve remote onboarding challenges. Resolving these issues is critical, given that the remote work trend will continue into the foreseeable future.
On the other hand, streamlining the remote onboarding process comes with significant benefits. These advantages include reducing training or coaching time and increased retention rates. New hires are more likely to stay on the job if the onboarding process helps them understand roles and responsibilities. Well-planned remote onboarding enables new team members to build a connection with colleagues.
Remote Onboarding Best Practices
Onboarding remote employees involve a relatively different process than the traditional procedure. When handled appropriately, the virtual process helps new employees feel a sense of belonging. Thus, schedule several virtual meetings to ensure effective communication. Interactive seminars and training courses help familiarize themselves with organizational processes.
Here are the best practices to onboard remote workers more effectively.
Invest in the Right Technology
The first step to ensuring a smooth onboarding process is to invest in the right technologies, such as Microsoft Teams and Zoom. These tools provide a reliable and secure connection when conducting training and interactive seminars. They provide chat and video meeting functionality to suit your organization’s needs. However, you should ensure that the new hires know how to use these communication tools.
Set Onboarding Goals
Unlike in-person onboarding processes, virtual introductions require more than just a warm welcome. You need to create a comprehensive list of objectives and procedures to enhance the new employee’s experience. Onboarding virtually may make some individuals feel uncomfortable asking questions. Thus, share the onboarding plan before the scheduled video call. In doing so, you ensure that the new team member knows what to expect.
One of the best ways to prepare for the sessions is to compile a detailed checklist of tasks and objectives. For instance, you can plan to complete human resources paperwork, set up Microsoft Teams accounts, and liaise with relevant stakeholders by the end of day one. You can also target to conduct security training and help the new employee get a feel of various tools by the end of the first week.
Host Virtual Introductions
Hosting a meeting between new hires and the rest of the team helps new members feel welcome and break feelings of isolation. Scheduling the video calls allows you to explain the team structure and generate enthusiasm. In the end, the entire team gets a sense of shared goals.
Help the new staff members remember people’s names easily by providing resources to refresh their memory. One way is to present them with a document listing the team members’ names (including photos), contact details, and position in the company. The document can also outline the organizational structure. Update the resource regularly to ensure accuracy.
Meeting people via video call makes it difficult to remember the names of team members. The process can be overwhelming.
Integrate Company Traditions Into the Onboarding Process
If your company has longstanding traditions that enrich the onboarding process, find ways to integrate them into interactive seminars and virtual training sessions. For instance, you can give new hires gift cards to local eateries if your company provides complimentary lunches on specific days. Likewise, you can host happy hours via video conferencing platforms like Microsoft Teams.
Assess Employees’ Feedback
Once the new hires complete the onboarding process, ask them for feedback. You can achieve this objective by asking the new team members to complete a short survey. In the survey, they can highlight likes and dislikes about various aspects of the onboarding procedures. In addition, encourage the employees to share ideas on how to improve remote onboarding.
Schedule Ongoing Check-Ins
Regularly checking in with the new staff members allows you to identify any issues and resolve them. Doing so ensures that the new hires feel connected to the onboarding process. Also, pair new team members with carefully selected mentors. This approach allows the new remote staff to avoid feeling isolated.
by Felicien | Mar 30, 2021 | Education
How To Have a Successful Zoom Call
When the world went into lockdown, it effectively shut down business for a little while. In the legal world, however, you can’t just stop. This led to law firms and courts using Zoom to conduct hearings and trials. Naturally, this caused some issues. If you are not comfortable with Zoom, you run the risk of making a fool of yourself unintentionally. Follow this guide to ensure your Zoom meeting goes off without a hitch.
Familiarize Yourself
The more you know about a product, the easier it is to use. This is true with Zoom. If you know you will have to do Zoom calls, you need to understand how to use the program. You DO NOT want to wait until the last minute and try to figure everything out. Zoom offers free, unlimited 45-minute sessions, so it is easy to go in to explore the options.
Audio and Video
When you are participating in a Zoom call, it is essential that you know how to turn your microphone on and off. When you turn on Zoom, it will prompt you to turn your volume on. You can turn it off by clicking on mute in the lower left-hand corner.
You will want to be muted whenever you are not talking, so any background noises you have are not disturbing the meeting. You will also want to make sure that you remember to unmute yourself every time you go to talk. A trick is to hold the spacebar down if you will only be speaking for a brief period.
You also want to be aware of how to turn the video on and off. When you enter the meeting, you will want your video to be on, and generally, it will stay on the entire time. However, if something comes up, and you don’t want your background showing for whatever reason, you can turn off your video by clicking stop video.
Background
Zoom has a background feature, and you can set virtually any image as your background. You can choose something as simple as a colored background, select an image on your device, or download premade zoom backgrounds and upload them.
You can set your background ahead of time by going into your zoom settings and selecting virtual background. You can also do it when you are in the meeting. If you click on the video arrow, you can choose the background and select an image there.
Sharing Screen
Depending on the settings of the person hosting the Zoom, you may have the ability to share your screen. You will want to try this out because you have to have the window you are trying to share actively open in order to share it. Otherwise, when you click on Screen Share, you won’t have access to that tab.
Screen share also has a whiteboard function. So you can essentially share a whiteboard and either write or type information on it. It will then display on everyone else’s screens who are in the Zoom.
Finally, you can also share multiple screens at the same time via the screen share option.
Waiting Room
If you are hosting a zoom, you will want to enable a waiting room. This means that anyone who enters your zoom link will be placed in a virtual waiting room and cannot enter until you allow them to. This is helpful because it allows you to control who does and does not enter the Zoom. It is common for people to try to “Zoom Bomb” meetings and do inappropriate things. With the waiting room, you can only let in people you know are supposed to be there.
Personal Meeting Room
If you will be hosting a lot of Zoom calls, you should set up a Personal Meeting Room. This is your own private zoom, and you can call it whatever you want. It starts with https://zoom.us/my/, and then you fill in how you want it to end. You will want to keep it simple, so people can easily remember it. Whenever you need to host a meeting, you open up your Zoom application and click start, and it will begin the Zoom. You can then let in anyone trying to access the Zoom.
Touch-Up
If you look exhausted or have poor lighting, you can use the touch-up feature to provide a soft-focus on your screen. This helps you look professional and polished in very little time. To access this feature, go to Zoom settings and then click video, and finally select touch-up my appearance.
Filters
Zoom does have a variety of filters you can use during your video call. To access them while in Zoom, click on the arrow next to the video icon and select filters. You can select any filter that is listed there. To turn the filter off, go back into the same area and click on none under filters.
Practice
Once you have played around with Zoom’s different features, set up a practice Zoom call with someone. It really does not matter who. Go through the different Zoom features while you are on the call, and make sure you know how to turn everything on AND off.
Zoom Master
It’s also a good idea to have someone in the company be a Zoom Master. This means they know Zoom inside and out, and if you are having any issues, you can call them to save the day. Make sure this person is always available during any Zoom calls, so you aren’t frantically trying to find someone to fix your issue.
If someone in your company isn’t willing to do this, reach out to your IT department and have them explain everything to you to make sure you have a thorough understanding of how everything works. If your IT department doesn’t do this for you, reach out to us, and we will be happy to help.
We want to help you with your technology needs. Contact us today to see how we can help.
