Welcome to the September edition of Technology Today
Quick tech news for the busy professional! Here you will find:
- Cyber Security: it’s a team effort.
- Microsoft: what’s new?
- Tech Facts: did you know?
- Q & A: what everyone’s asking
- Quiz Time: test your team!
Cyber security is a team effort
There are loads of important things you need to think about for your business. Loads. But we’re adding another one to your list: Cyber security awareness.
You’d be forgiven for thinking this is an IT problem; something for them to sort out.
Nope – It’s something that every single person in your company needs to be on top of, from the big boss to the latest hire!
You see, cyber threats are always changing and getting more sophisticated. A one-time training session just won’t cut it. You need to keep everyone in the loop with regular updates. Think of it like this – in the same way you need regular check-ups to stay healthy, your team needs regular cyber security training to keep your business safe.
What does this training look like?
There are a couple of ways to do it. First, there’s the good old traditional method – you know, lectures and presentations. One way training. These are great for laying down the basics and introducing new concepts. But let’s be honest, they can be a bit… boring.
That’s why it’s a great idea to mix in some interactive training too. Imagine phishing simulations where your team learns to spot fake emails before clicking on them. Or hands-on workshops where they can use the security tools and protocols they’ve been hearing about. These methods are not only more engaging but also help the info stick better.
Combining these traditional and interactive methods is where the magic happens. Start with some solid grounding through presentations, and then get Business gadget of the month everyone involved with practical exercises. This way, the knowledge isn’t just in one ear and out the other – it’s learned, remembered, and applied.
Let’s talk frequency.
Since cyber threats are always evolving, training shouldn’t be a once-a-year thing. Regular sessions throughout the year will keep your team sharp and ready to handle anything that comes their way.
Creating a strong cyber security culture in your company is key.
This means making cyber security everyone’s responsibility. Encourage a culture where if someone spots something fishy, they speak up right away. Communication is super important here.
And remember, this starts at the top. If the leaders in your company are taking cyber security seriously, everyone else will too. So, make sure the big shots are not only participating in the training but also showing how important it is.
Cyber security is something that affects the whole business. Every email, link, and password matters. By making sure everyone is trained and aware, you’re building a strong first line of defence against cyber threats.
We can help you get your team started – get in touch.
Or download our free cyber security training guide ‣
What’s new to Microsoft?
Excel on the web has a revamped look
Microsoft is giving Excel on the web a facelift. It has new features that make it faster to add and resize rows and columns, rearrange elements with drag and drop, to highlight critical information, and improve readability.
The Excel app for Windows and Mac has also got new features, such as checkboxes and support for OpenDocument format.
Did you know?
Cyber Extortion has Increased.
This is when cyber criminals threaten to damage, steal, or expose a business’s digital data unless a ransom is paid. And the number of victims has grown 77% year on year.
Average ransomware demands are also soaring as cyber criminals get more confident. They’re asking for obscene ransoms to give you back your data after a ransomware attack – think millions and even billions of rands.
To stay better protected, the usual advice applies: Get the right security measures in place. Starting with making sure all software is up to date, back up your data, and implement multi-factor authentication (where you get a code on another device to prove it’s you).
Tech Facts:
- The first computer password is believed to have been created in the 1960s, by Fernando Corbató, who worked on the Compatible TimeSharing System (CTSS) at MIT. He created it so that several people could share the computer he built.
- The microwave oven was an accidental invention. A researcher, Percy Spencer, discovered that every time he walked past a cavity magnetron tube the chocolate bar in his pocket melted.
Q & A
Q: Should I let my employees use company apps on their personal phones
A: Ideally not, because you have less control over the security of personal devices. If they need to work on a phone, better to provide a company-issued one.
Q: Should I ban my team from working in coffee shops because of public Wi-Fi dangers?
A: You don’t have to. Just make sure they’re aware of the risks of using public Wi-Fi and that they’re vigilant when connecting to new networks. If they are going to connect, rather use the company’s VPN.
Q: Should we delete phishing emails, or should they be reported?
A: Any spam or phishing emails should be flagged as such because it teaches your email provider what spam looks like. You can also report them to your IT team.
Time for a Tech Quiz!
- What language is used most on the internet worldwide?
- How many apps are in the Apple App Store?
- What’s the official name for the “prove you’re not a robot” test?
- What does URL stand for?
- What was the first emoticon ever used?
See answers below
That’s all for today, folks!
Until next time,
The GZD team
Quiz answers:
1. English.
2. Almost 2 million.
3. CAPTCHA – an acronym for Completely Automated Public Turing test to tell Computers and Humans Apart.
4. Uniform Resource Locator.
5. 🙂 In 1982 by computer scientist Scott Fahlman. Emoticons are made up of keyboard characters, whereas emojis are little images.
