Monthly tech talk from BetterWorld's Thought Leaders
Dec 2023, Naperville, IL USA
TECH TALK “Expert Advice to Boost Your Business Efficiency, Simplicity, and Profits”
INSIDE THIS Newsletter:
1 Organize Your Cybersecurity Strategy
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3 Smart Home Tech to Avoid and Adopt
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4 Most Secure Ways to Share Passwords with Employees
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5 Incorporate Generative AI
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6 TECH TIPS OF THE MONTH
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7 The Fall Windows 11 Update
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8 Technology Trivia
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Life, like technology, is a dance of opportunities. It's our mission to meet challenges, daring adventures, and transform luck, not just in life but in our digital world too.
Join us in this journey, not for a sales pitch, but to explore how we can better secure and optimize your technological potential and play the game of life more effectively together.
- John Jordan
General Manager
HOW TO ORGANIZE YOUR CYBERSECURITY STRATEGY
INTO THE LEFT AND RIGHT OF THE BOOM
In the pulsating digital landscape, every click and keystroke echoes through cyberspace, a narrative we're delving into in this edition of the BetterWorld Tech Newsletter. The battle for data security is more relevant than ever, with businesses acting as both guardians and targets. Unseen adversaries constantly covet their valuable digital assets. Arming themselves with sophisticated cybersecurity strategies is crucial for businesses, a point we emphasize in the BetterWorld Tech Newsletter. This includes the vigilant guards of prevention, known as "Left of Boom," and the resilient bulwarks of recovery, referred to as "Right of Boom." These strategies form the core of a comprehensive defense mechanism, a topic explored in depth in our newsletter. They ensure that businesses are equipped not only to repel attacks but also to recover stronger if a breach occurs.
What Do “Left of Boom” and “Right of Boom” Mean?
As discussed in the BetterWorld Tech Newsletter, “Left of Boom” and “Right of Boom” are strategic cybersecurity terms. They differentiate between proactive measures taken before a security incident (Left of Boom) and reactive strategies employed after an incident (Right of Boom).
“Left of Boom”: Preemptive Measures and Preventative Strategies
"Left of Boom" encompasses preemptive actions aimed at preventing cyber incidents before they happen. This includes conducting regular security audits and vulnerability assessments to identify potential weaknesses in systems, a practice strongly advocated in our newsletter.
Right of Boom: Recovery Strategies
The concept of "Right of Boom," detailed in the BetterWorld Tech Newsletter, involves strategies activated post-breach. This includes having a well-defined incident response plan covering communication protocols, containment procedures, steps for recovery, and essential IT contact information. Regular data backup and a robust disaster recovery plan are also crucial components of this phase.
Forensic Analysis and Learning
After a security breach, a thorough forensic analysis is essential to understand the nature of the attack and the extent of the damage, a process we explore in the BetterWorld Tech Newsletter.
Legal and Regulatory Compliance
Post-breach, it's vital to navigate the legal and regulatory landscape effectively, as highlighted in the BetterWorld Tech Newsletter. Understanding these aspects is critical for comprehensive recovery and future prevention.
Left of Boom: Prevention Strategies
In our newsletter, we stress the importance of user education and awareness in cybersecurity. Regular training sessions can significantly empower staff. Robust access control and authentication measures, such as least privilege access, multifactor authentication, and single sign-on solutions, are also key.
Regular Software Updates and Patch Management
Maintaining regular software updates and patch management is a fundamental preventive strategy, underscored in the BetterWorld Tech Newsletter.
Network Security and Firewalls
Implementing strong network security measures and firewalls is critical, as these act as the first line of defense against external threats. This aspect is given considerable attention in our newsletter, emphasizing its importance in the overall cybersecurity strategy.
SMART HOME TECH YOU SHOULD ADOPT AND AVOID
In this edition of the BetterWorld Tech Newsletter, we delve into the age of smart living, where our homes are evolving into hubs of intelligence. Smart gadgets are revolutionizing everything from lighting to home security, even assisting in remote pet care. However, with the rapid progression of this technology, highlighted in the BetterWorld Tech Newsletter, making informed choices is crucial. It's important to discern which technologies are beneficial and which to avoid, while also considering aspects like security and privacy.
Smart Home Tech to Adopt and Avoid
Adopt: Smart Lighting Systems
As featured in the BetterWorld Tech Newsletter, smart lighting systems are a wise choice. They're energy-efficient and offer enhanced control over your home’s ambiance. The ability to schedule lights and change colors to suit your mood adds a layer of convenience.
Avoid: Cheap, Unbranded Smart Devices
The BetterWorld Tech Newsletter advises caution against low-cost, unbranded smart devices. These often compromise on security, support, and functionality, which are critical for both security and performance. Investing in reputable brands guarantees benefits like regular updates, security patches, compatibility, and long-term support.
Adopt: Smart Thermostats
Smart thermostats, as recommended in our newsletter, are excellent for energy savings. They learn your habits and adjust your home's temperature, optimizing heating and cooling based on occupancy patterns.
Avoid: Overcomplicating Security Systems
While robust security systems are essential, the BetterWorld Tech Newsletter suggests avoiding unnecessary complexity. Overcomplicated systems can lead to inefficiencies and increased network exposure.
Adopt: Smart Home Hubs
The BetterWorld Tech Newsletter highlights smart home hubs as a valuable investment. They centralize control of all smart devices and ensure seamless communication, enhancing the overall smart home experience.
Avoid: Ignoring Privacy Concerns
The convenience of smart home technology shouldn't compromise privacy, a key point in the BetterWorld Tech Newsletter. Exercise caution with devices that record audio or video, review privacy settings regularly, and choose devices from companies that prioritize user privacy and data security.
Adopt: Smart Home Security Cameras
Smart security cameras, as discussed in the BetterWorld Tech Newsletter, offer real-time monitoring and enhance home safety. Features like motion detection, two-way audio, and cloud storage are beneficial.
Avoid: Impulse Buying Without Research
The BetterWorld Tech Newsletter advises against impulse buying. Before purchasing any smart home device, it's important to conduct thorough research, read reviews, and compare features.
By following these guidelines, you can make smarter choices in integrating technology into your home, as we explore in the BetterWorld Tech Newsletter.
MOST SECURE WAY TO SHARE PASSWORDS WITH EMPLOYEES
In this issue of the BetterWorld Tech Newsletter, we're tackling the critical topic of cybersecurity, specifically focusing on the challenge of breached or stolen passwords. With over 80% of data breaches attributed to password issues, this is a significant concern for any organization. Passwords are an unavoidable part of digital life, but sharing them safely with employees is a challenge. A solution that has gained attention, as noted in the BetterWorld Tech Newsletter, is the use of password managers.
Why Use a Business Password Management App?
Our newsletter outlines several reasons why adopting a password manager is beneficial for enhanced data security.
Centralized Password Management
End-to-End Encryption
Secure Password Sharing Features
Password Generation and Complexity
Secure Sharing with Third Parties
The implementation of password managers, as recommended in the BetterWorld Tech Newsletter, is a smart move towards bolstering an organization's cybersecurity framework, addressing the perennial issue of password-related breaches effectively.
9 SMART WAYS FOR SMALL BUSINESSES TO INCORPORATE GENERATIVE AI
Software companies are increasingly embracing Generative AI (GenAI), offering small businesses a spectrum of new opportunities. This technology is revolutionizing aspects ranging from customer experiences to operational efficiency.
Smart and Practical Ways to Incorporate Generative AI
Here are some innovative applications of GenAI that can transform various facets of a small business, as highlighted in the BetterWorld Tech Newsletter:
Personalized Customer Experiences
Presentations & Graphics Creation
Chatbots for Customer Support
Data Analysis and Insights
Product Design and Prototyping
Supply Chain Optimization
Dynamic Pricing Strategies
Human Resources and Recruitment
Predictive Maintenance
These applications of GenAI represent just the tip of the iceberg in its potential impact on businesses. As the BetterWorld Tech Newsletter emphasizes, small businesses stand to gain significantly by integrating these AI capabilities into their operations, paving the way for a more efficient, innovative, and customer-centric future.
COOLEST SMART GADGETS AT IFA
Known for showcasing the latest innovations in consumer electronics, IFA is a haven for tech enthusiasts, featuring everything from advanced smartphones to the latest in smart home technology. This year's event was no exception, impressing attendees with an array of cool gadgets.
Coolest Smart Gadgets Unveiled at IFA
Highlighted in the BetterWorld Tech Newsletter, here are some of the most exciting gadgets unveiled at IFA:
Samsung’s JetBot 90 AI+
Spatial Reality Display
Philips Hue Gradient Lightstrip
Bose QuietComfort 45 Headphones
LG’s Rollable OLED TV
Bosch’s Virtual Visor
TCL Wearable Display
These gadgets not only represent the cutting edge of consumer electronics but also signify the rapid advancements in technology that continue to shape our world. As we cover in the BetterWorld Tech Newsletter, events like IFA are crucial in providing a glimpse into the future of technology and its potential impact on our daily lives.
7 HELPFUL FEATURES ROLLED OUT IN THE FALL WINDOWS 11 UPDATE
Indeed, the fall Windows 11 update brings seven notable features, each contributing to Microsoft's vision of a more personalized and efficient computing experience. Let's explore these updates as highlighted in the BetterWorld Tech Newsletter:
Microsoft Copilot: Your Intelligent Partner in Creativity
Updated Apps (Paint, Snipping Tool, Clipchamp & More)
Easy Data Migration with Windows Backup
Microsoft Edge: A Better Browsing Experience
Save Energy & Battery Power
A More Personal Windows 11 Experience
Enhanced Security Features
Together, these features represent Microsoft's commitment to innovation, as explored in the BetterWorld Tech Newsletter. The fall Windows 11 update is a significant step forward, offering users a more personalized, efficient, and secure experience in their digital interactions.
As the holiday season approaches, BetterWorld Technology reflects on the success of our informative webinar, now available for viewing on YouTube. This event marked a significant step in our ongoing commitment to cybersecurity, offering valuable insights and strategies for a more secure digital future.
With BetterWorld Technology at the helm, we're embracing the spirit of collaboration and knowledge-sharing this holiday season. Join us in celebrating a year of progress and learning by watching the webinar on our YouTube channel. Embrace the holiday spirit with the gift of knowledge and assurance in cybersecurity.
Technology Newsletter Trivia of the Month
Each month you have a chance to win a $50 Amazon Gift Voucher by being the first person to email us with the answer to our Technology Newsletter Trivia Question of the Month!
