Over 330 million consumers connected with small businesses via Facebook Messenger in 2017 alone, so it's evident that the ‘phone call’ era is coming to a close. Since consumers now want constant, immediate online connectivity with their local car dealership, pizza joint, and other local businesses, it is only fitting that Facebook Messenger’s latest feature grants consumers even more flexibility in how they contact their local business.
Facebook Messenger: What’s New?
Cybersecurity Essentials: VPN
Whether it’s because of government surveillance or cyberattacks, internet users are more concerned than ever about the privacy of their online activities. Unfortunately, security measures like firewalls and antivirus software can’t help you in this case, but there’s one that can: Virtual Private Network (VPN).
What is VPN?
Simply put, a VPN is a group of servers you connect to via the internet.
Microsoft’s new productivity apps are live
In July 2017, Microsoft announced three brand new apps for Office 365: Connections, Listings, and Invoicing. They were designed for businesses with fewer than 300 employees and after a few months of beta testing, they’re finally available to Business Premium users.
Google studies effects of leaked logins
Passwords are your first line of defense against hackers. But over the years, they have developed plenty of methods to steal them. To gain a deeper understanding of how cybercriminals operate, Google analyzed the causes of leaked login credentials. Here are the results.
Google My Business now accepts appointments
There are countless platforms that showcase, review and link to small businesses, but few have as much impact as Google does. Although business owners can’t choose where their site ranks in the search results, they can edit information that is displayed and insert some flashy new features.
Google reviews: how to make them count
Google has recently modified their search results to display ratings from review sites like Facebook and Yelp. While this may seem like a small change, it has actually made reviews more important than ever in terms of SEO. With the following tips, your company can shine in the Google search results.
KRACK hacks: What you need to know
You’ve heard of ransomware, denial-of-service attacks, and even phishing, but one hacking technique you may not have heard of is the KRACK exploit. This attack takes advantage of a vulnerability in WiFi networks, which puts any device with a wireless connection at risk.
Cisco introduces new AI services
Modern IT systems are generating more data than ever before, and humans can’t keep up. Thankfully, certain tasks have already been offloaded to machines. Even better, Cisco may have a long-term solution to IT management complexities.
Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning are extremely useful in helping us sift through massive amounts of information, and networking behemoth Cisco recently announced that they will be incorporating these technologies with two of their services.
Re-secure your passwords!
In 2003, a manager at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) authored a document on password best practices for businesses, federal agencies, and academic institutions. Now retired, the author admits that his document was misguided.
Simple tricks to boost your productivity
When you spend more than eight hours a day staring at a computer screen, it can be easy to lose focus on important tasks. While your device gives you access to some of the most useful applications, an ever-growing number of distractions are vying for your attention.