Posted on

SHOCK STAT: A third of business owners don’t trust their staff

Do you have faith in your employees to handle sensitive information securely?

You might find this statistic startling…

Nearly one-third of small and medium-sized enterprise leaders firmly distrust their staff with confidential data!

Could it be due to Jim in accounts leaving his password on a sticky note under his keyboard? Or is it the result of previous negative experiences?

Regardless, it’s evident that mere trust isn’t sufficient for safeguarding data.

We contend that the issue lies not with your employees, but rather in the absence of robust training and security protocols.

So, what’s the solution?

Initiating comprehensive training for all staff is a straightforward starting point. This equips them with the necessary skills, techniques, and knowledge to identify and respond effectively to potential threats.

Consider this: a well-informed workforce is a lesser threat to your business’s digital infrastructure. They essentially become the frontline in defense, bolstering your company’s security and drastically cutting down the likelihood of a data breach.

Then, consider your security strategies. Numerous firms acknowledge their current technology and procedures are inadequate for safeguarding sensitive information.

This is where our expertise comes into play. We can tailor your system to ensure individuals access only the data they need.

But our involvement doesn’t end there. We also work to establish robust policies regarding data sharing, access to sensitive information, and procedures for when an employee departs. In doing so, we contribute to fostering a more secure workplace for everyone.

Here’s a reality check: trust alone is insufficient for data security. However, with the appropriate training and security measures, your employees can shift from being potential risks to key assets.

Are you prepared to transition from a state of apprehension and distrust to one of empowerment and assurance? Contact us to begin.

Posted on

Training Employees on Cybersecurity

After completing your annual phishing training, which teaches employees how to spot phishing emails, you feel confident. However, your confidence is shattered when your company falls victim to a costly ransomware infection due to a click on a phishing link. Despite undergoing the same training every year, you continue to experience security incidents, which begs the question of how often you should train your employees.

How often do you need to train employees on cybersecurity awareness?

It’s not enough to train your employees just once a year. Without reinforcement, people are unlikely to change their behaviors or may forget what they’ve learned after a few months. According to research, the “sweet spot” for training frequency is every four months, as this results in more consistent improvements in IT security.

A recent study presented at the USENIX SOUPS security conference looked at the relationship between training frequency and users’ ability to detect phishing emails. The study tested employees’ phishing identification skills at various time increments, including four months, six months, eight months, ten months, and twelve months. The results suggest that training every four months is optimal for improving your team’s cybersecurity awareness.

Employees took phishing identification tests at several different time increments:

  • 4-months
  • 6-months
  • 8-months
  • 10-months
  • 12-months

The study revealed that four months after their initial training, employees had good scores in accurately identifying and avoiding phishing emails. However, their scores started to decline after six months and continued to worsen as more time passed since their training.

To ensure employees remain well-prepared, it is crucial to provide ongoing training and refreshers on security awareness. This will empower them to actively contribute to your cybersecurity strategy.

Tips for Training Employees and Cultivating a Cybersecure Culture

The ultimate goal of security awareness training is to foster a cybersecure culture. In this culture, everyone recognizes the importance of safeguarding sensitive data, avoiding phishing scams, and maintaining secure passwords.

Unfortunately, according to the 2021 Sophos Threat Report, most organizations do not exhibit this culture, and a lack of sound security practices poses a significant threat to network security.

According to the report, the root cause of numerous severe attacks we’ve investigated is a lack of attention to basic security hygiene. Having well-trained employees plays a crucial role in mitigating a company’s risk and reducing the likelihood of falling victim to various online attacks. Effective training doesn’t necessarily require lengthy cybersecurity sessions; it’s more effective to diversify the delivery methods.

Here are some examples of effective cybersecurity training methods that you can include in your training plan:

  1. Monthly self-service videos: Provide employees with self-service videos via email on a monthly basis to enhance their cybersecurity knowledge and awareness.

  2. Team-based roundtable discussions: Organize interactive roundtable discussions within teams to encourage knowledge sharing and collaborative learning about cybersecurity practices.

  3. “Tip of the Week” in company communications: Include a regular “Tip of the Week” in company newsletters or messaging channels to deliver bite-sized cybersecurity tips and best practices.

  4. IT professional-led training sessions: Arrange training sessions led by IT professionals who can provide in-depth insights and guidance on various cybersecurity topics.

  5. Simulated phishing tests: Conduct simulated phishing tests to assess employees’ susceptibility to phishing attacks and provide targeted training based on the results.

  6. Cybersecurity posters: Display informative and visually appealing cybersecurity posters in common areas to reinforce key security concepts and promote awareness.

  7. Celebrate Cybersecurity Awareness Month: Dedicate the month of October to celebrate Cybersecurity Awareness Month by organizing special events, workshops, or training sessions to emphasize the importance of cybersecurity within your organization.

By incorporating these diverse training methods, you can ensure a comprehensive and engaging approach to cybersecurity training for your employees.

When conducting awareness training, it’s essential to cover not only phishing but also other crucial topics. Here are some important areas that should be included in your training mix:

Phishing by Email, Text & Social Media

While email phishing remains the most common form, it’s crucial to address the growing threats of SMS phishing (“smishing”) and phishing through social media. Employees need to be able to recognise these deceptive tactics and avoid falling victim to these scams.

Credential & Password Security

With the widespread adoption of cloud-based platforms, credential theft has become a significant concern. It has become the leading cause of data breaches globally, particularly as it provides an easy pathway to breach SaaS cloud tools. It’s critical to discuss with your team the importance of maintaining secure passwords and using strong authentication methods. Additionally, provide guidance on tools such as business password managers to assist them in safeguarding their credentials.

Mobile Device Security

Mobile devices have become an integral part of daily work, enabling employees to access emails and perform tasks from anywhere. Considering this, it’s essential to review the security requirements for employee devices that access business data and applications. Emphasize the importance of securing mobile devices with passcodes, keeping them regularly updated with the latest security patches, and following best practices for mobile device security.

By addressing these topics in your awareness training, you can better equip your employees to recognize and mitigate the risks associated with phishing, credential theft, and mobile device security.

Data Security

As data privacy regulations continue to increase, it is crucial for companies to comply with multiple data privacy regulations. To mitigate the risk of data leaks or breaches that could result in costly compliance penalties, it is important to provide training to employees on proper data handling and security procedures. By ensuring employees are well-versed in data security, you can minimise the potential risks associated with mishandling sensitive information.

Need Assistance in Maintaining Your Team’s Cybersecurity Training?

Take the burden off your shoulders and entrust the training of your team to cybersecurity professionals. We offer an engaging training program designed to help your team develop better cybersecurity practices and enhance their cyber hygiene. With our expertise, we can provide the necessary guidance and knowledge to facilitate behavioral changes and improve your overall security posture.

Get in touch today to learn more

Recent articles

Posted on

Dark Web Monitoring: what is it & does my business need it?

The global pandemic transformed the way we conduct business, and it’s unlikely that things will ever be the same again. With the increasing reliance on online platforms for both personal and professional transactions, geographical distances and time zones have become irrelevant. However, conducting business online also comes with inherent dangers and threats that we must be aware of.

One significant threat is data breaches, where cyber criminals manage to hack into legitimate commercial website databases. Well-known companies like Facebook and T-Mobile have fallen victim to such breaches, resulting in the theft of over 550 million records. In fact, the Identity Theft Resource Center reported a staggering 68% increase in stolen data in 2021 compared to the previous year.

When your email and password used to log into a website are stolen, they end up in the hands of highly skilled and destructive cyber criminals. These criminals may also obtain other personal information, such as addresses, mobile numbers, and credit/debit card details, that you have saved on the website.

So, what happens to your stolen data?

Your stolen credentials typically end up in a hidden part of the internet known as the Dark Web, where a significant portion of cyber-criminal activity takes place. Over time, your stolen data may be used and distilled by a sequence of criminals in their efforts to create financial gain at your expense. The exact methods they use to steal from end users using stolen credentials can vary, but it’s a sophisticated and malicious process that can span months or even years.

Understanding the risks and implications of data breaches and the Dark Web is crucial for protecting your personal and business information. It’s important to take proactive measures, such as implementing strong security measures and monitoring services, to safeguard against these threats in the ever-evolving landscape of online business transactions.

As we have emphasised, cybersecurity is not limited to a single tool or service, but rather a comprehensive security suite that protects various aspects of your online presence, including email, computers, devices, and overall online activity.

Now, we can answer the initial question of why dark web security is necessary. Dark web scanning acts as a proactive measure before cyber criminals can fully exploit your breached data. By providing timely alerts about breach details, it allows you to take relevant actions to secure your account and render the stolen or breached data useless.

You can easily purchase dark web security from Geniosity at a reasonable monthly cost. A large substantial loss can be avoided with dark web security in place.

If you would like to delve deeper into this topic, please feel free to get in touch with us. We are happy to provide useful information for your business and assist you with dark web security.

For more information about dark web scanning, please visit our Dark Web Monitoring page or drop us a line.

Posted on

The Best VoIP Features for Your Small Business

In recent years, VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) was considered a non-traditional business phone system. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has changed this perception, and now internet-based phone systems are not just the norm, but essential for business continuity. The shift to remote work and hybrid offices has resulted in a 210% increase in the use of VoIP and video conferencing. In fact, 67% of surveyed companies believe that switching to VoIP has improved their call handling capabilities.

One of the significant advantages of VoIP is that it allows businesses to operate without being tied to a physical location. This flexibility enables efficient management of staff spread across multiple locations, providing seamless communication and collaboration. Moreover, VoIP offers cost savings compared to traditional landline-based systems. The technology itself is more affordable, and calling plans are often more cost-effective. Businesses can also add new numbers with minimal expense.

VoIP offers various features that can benefit small businesses, but business owners may not have the time to enable all of them. To drive efficiency, productivity, and provide a positive caller experience, here are some of the best features of cloud-based business phone systems:

Automated Attendant

In small companies, the person answering calls often has additional responsibilities. An automated attendant can free up their time and provide callers with a better experience. The auto-attendant acts as a company directory, forwarding calls to the appropriate department or staff member based on a recorded greeting and simple menu options. This minimizes the need for callers to explain their reason for calling multiple times.

 

VOIP phone closeup image

Find Me/Follow Me

This feature is highly favored by VoIP users, with 77% of surveyed employees finding it valuable. It allows the use of a virtual phone number that can be accessed from multiple devices, and calls can be easily transferred between devices. Whether on a PC, in a conference room, or using a smartphone, calls can be received without friction, providing a single phone number for callers to reach the person regardless of their location.

Hold Music

Playing pleasant music while callers are on hold may seem insignificant, but it can significantly impact customer satisfaction and lead generation activities. Studies have shown that callers are less likely to hang up when on hold with music compared to silence. Hold music reduces the percentage of callers who hang up and also creates a perception of shorter wait times, leading to happier customers and increased lead retention.

Voicemail Transcription to Email

Going through a string of voicemails can be time-consuming and frustrating, especially after a meeting. Voicemail to email feature in VoIP services sends recorded voicemails to email along with a transcription of the message. This allows users to quickly scan through the emails and prioritize callbacks without having to listen to each voicemail individually.

Ring Groups

Ring groups are particularly useful for small teams. They allow a group of numbers to ring simultaneously until one person in the group answers the call. This ensures that calls are answered promptly and reduces the need for callers to leave voicemails. Ring groups can be set up for various teams, such as sales, accounting, and customer support, to improve call handling and response times.

Call Reporting

VoIP phone systems provide real-time call reporting, which is not available with traditional analog systems. Call reporting can offer insights into call volumes, busiest call times, and call handling performance. This information can be used to optimize staffing levels and call handling processes, leading to improved customer service and operational efficiency.

Local Support

While not a system feature, having local support for VoIP is essential. Opting for a VoIP service provider that offers local support ensures that you have access to assistance when needed, such as setting up VoIP desk phones and optimizing system settings. Having reliable local support can help ensure that your business phone system operates smoothly and without interruptions

Get in touch to learn more about utilising VOIP in your business.

More Posts from the Geniosity Archives

Posted on

ChatGPT & the Future of AI for Business

Daniel Smith

An online Artificial Intelligence chatbot has recently been making waves as a simple example of just how much AI is set to revolutionise business. You can read more about its simplicity and ease of use on our post –AI for Small to Medium Business with ChatGPT.

So, what can an AI Chatbot tell you about itself? Well, we asked it, via the simple text prompt and you can read the completely AI generated response below.

The Prompt: 

Can you please write an article about Chat GPT and the future of AI for business?

ChatGPT’s Reponse:

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been a topic of interest for many years, but in recent years, its potential to transform the business world has become increasingly clear. One of the most exciting developments in this area is the rise of language models, such as Chat GPT. In this article, we will examine what Chat GPT is, how it works, and what its potential implications are for businesses in the future.

What is Chat GPT?

Chat GPT (Generative Pre-trained Transformer) is a language model developed by OpenAI. It is trained on vast amounts of text data, and its goal is to generate human-like text in response to input. Chat GPT can be used for a wide range of applications, including text generation, chatbots, language translation, and question answering.

How Does Chat GPT Work?

Chat GPT works by using a deep learning algorithm known as a Transformer. The Transformer uses a large neural network to analyze input text and generate an appropriate response. The neural network is trained on a massive dataset, allowing it to learn patterns in language and respond in a way that is coherent and relevant to the input.

The Potential Implications of Chat GPT for Business

The potential implications of Chat GPT for business are significant. Here are just a few of the ways in which AI and language models like Chat GPT are likely to impact the business world:

  1. Customer Service – Chat GPT can be used to create intelligent chatbots that can provide customers with quick, accurate, and personalized answers to their questions. This can lead to improved customer satisfaction and increased sales.
  2. Marketing and Sales – Chat GPT can also be used to create marketing and sales copy that is personalized and tailored to the needs of individual customers. This can lead to improved engagement and increased conversions.
  3. Knowledge Management – Chat GPT can be used to create knowledge management systems that allow employees to access information and resources quickly and easily. This can lead to improved efficiency and increased productivity.
  4. Content Generation – Chat GPT can be used to generate high-quality content, such as articles, reports, and even books, reducing the time and effort required to produce such content.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Chat GPT and the rise of AI language models is likely to have a profound impact on the business world. From customer service and marketing to knowledge management and content generation, the potential applications of this technology are vast and exciting. As businesses embrace these technologies, they will find themselves better equipped to compete in the fast-paced digital landscape of the future.

-ChatGPT (2022)

As a simple example the above text, which we have not edited or changed, demonstrates the current potential uses of AI for your business now. As AI growth is exponential, we can only expect more impressive advancements, more quickly.

Implement AI and machine learning into your business with Geniosity. 

It is an interesting time to be involved in technology- let us assist you in navigating the tech landscape and grow your business by getting in touch today!

Read More:

Posted on

Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Small to Medium Business with ChatGPT

ChatGPT image

The implementation of Artificial Intelligence and machine learning for small to medium businesses is becoming more accessible all of the time. Still, for many people, the concept of AI has remained something of an abstract idea. 

For most people engagement with AI usually forms part of a larger system- AI as part of an overall device or as part of a larger service. For example voice assistants within our phones or home smart speakers; and much of the cloud-based software that we use daily is implementing AI in some way. 

Recently, controversy has pushed AI Art to the forefront with the ability for people to generate complex and detailed artworks using just text prompts using platforms such as Midjourney and Stable Diffusion.  

ChatGPT image

One recent breakout service- ChatGPT, has garnered a lot of attention for its accessibility and ease of use. You simply log-in (free of charge) and start interacting with the AI with simple text. For example:

Write a blog article about ‘5 top tips to save with our accounting service’ 

Or

Write an article about skincare for an audience in Newcastle NSW

Or

Write a program outline for a 2 hour mindfulness workshop

If you are wondering how AI can save your business time and money then try it out- the results will amaze you! While implementation into your current systems and software is possible through APIs, the web interface has no tricky coding language or prompts to learn. It is a great way to test out the use of artificial intelligence for your businesses content creation.

Does this remove the need for experts and content creators? We don’t think so, but it does give your team the capacity to create more content without adding extra business resources. 

The results from ChatGPT and others can be a little hit and miss and most content will require some tweaks and adjustments but it can provide an excellent starting point for busy teams.

At the time of writing, Google has just announced its own ChatGPT rival Bard which is also worth a look.

It is an interesting time to be involved in technology- let us assist you in navigating the tech landscape and grow your business by getting in touch today!

We asked ChatCPT to tell us about itself, This is what it had to say:

Posted on

Hybrid Work: Approaches for Business

Providing an insight into hybrid work strategies for organisations navigating the new normal. Drawing on recent research investigating the impacts of hybrid work—& suggested approaches for your business into the future.

80% of managers expect more flexible work arrangements post-pandemic

–Microsoft Annual Work Trend Index Report

Foster a holistic approach where all work functions come together reimagining how you engage with your customers, empower your employees and optimise business operations—all while cultivating innovation.

Download the Presentation

Geniosity will help you get the most out of hybrid work at your business — get in touch for a free consultation. 

Posted on

Microsoft Teams for Business

By Daniel Smith

Collaboration software is getting better all of the time and Microsoft Teams is steadfast becoming the tool of choice. We are spoiled for choice in a market saturated with chat and collaboration tools (not a bad problem to have).

One of its obvious strengths is the integration into the overall Microsoft ecosystem. By 2019, 91 of the Fortune 100 companies was already using Microsoft Teams*.

The unified platform allows smooth integration with employees, content and tools – all in the same place where you are already working. When implemented successfully, the boost in efficiency will be felt throughout you workplace; as companies move to be more mobile, global, and social.

With the average employee spending 80 percent of their work time collaborating with others, the importance of a seamlessly integrated communication tool should not be underestimated.

By now, in 2022, most people have experienced at least one meeting in Microsoft Teams. This communication tool has become synonymous with remote work collaboration.

For some organisations though, their use of Microsoft Teams stops there – with that excellent video communication component. This only scratches the surface in terms of what Microsoft Teams can do. A whole host of plugins, spaces automations and workflows can be implemented to make your work easier and more streamlined.   

If your business is not using Microsoft Teams, then it should be; and if you are using it, are you using it to its full potential?

Fortunately, the days of emailing around different versions of the same spreadsheet are fading away as more and more companies embrace true, collaborative teamwork. 

Learn More About Microsoft Teams

* Microsoft 2019 Q3 earnings

Posted on

World Data Privacy Day – 28 January

World Data Privacy Day – 28 January

Today, January 28, is World Data Privacy Day. Started as an educational initiative to raise awareness for businesses and users about the importance of protecting the privacy of their personal information online, the scope has grown over the years. 

This is a great opportunity to learn more about protecting your data, whether it be for business, family or personal situations. The National Cybersecurity Alliance has this excellent resource site about How To Stay Safe Online if you, or someone you know, needs a refresher. It is an excellent resource to send around your business.

Take a look at these extra resources and our recent security related articles below for some more information and remember to stay safe online!

Resources

Viruses, Ransomware & Phishing, Oh My! Part 1

August 13, 2021 No Comments

Threats to computer systems are constantly evolving and getting more advanced, while also causing more serious problems. In the early days, it was enough to have a basic antivirus program on your computer that would stop viruses and malware from affecting your computer…

Read More »

Viruses, Ransomware & Phishing, Oh My! Part 2

August 13, 2021 No Comments

Ransomware is something that has been in the news a lot lately. As more of our systems and services have an online component, criminal syndicates are creating ways to take advantage of this for financial gain. A ransomware program has the ability to gain access to a system and spread, it works away in the background of a device and, in essence, can lock you out of your data by encrypting it or even moving it…

Read More »

Viruses, Ransomware & Phishing, Oh My! Part 3

August 13, 2021 No Comments

Phishing attacks attempt to trick you into providing hackers or scammers with your information. This might be your passwords, bank details or personal information. A phishing attack often arrives in the form of an email with a clickable link. The email may look like a legitimate email from a friend or trusted company or it could look like a simple link to a shared file…

Read More »
Posted on

Streamline Microsoft Office 365

The top automations and actions that will save you time in O365.

There are stacks of options for automation within the Microsoft 365 eco-system. Automation allows you to set up a process that runs automatically to reduce manual processing and repetition.

Microsoft Power Automate is an excellent cloud program in the Microsoft 365 ecosystem. Previously called Microsoft Flow, Power Automate allows you to create actions that will save you time.

There are also other great automation options around, outside of the Microsoft eco-system such as Zapier, Tray.io, and Integromat. These can still be integrated with Microsoft 365.

We have put together a quick list of 5 quick and easy automations to get you started.

1. Save email attachments in Outlook to OneDrive

This is fairly simple time saver which automatically saves all of the attachments sent to your Office 365 Email address to a folder in OneDrive for Business. A few tweaks, would allow you to change the folder locations to even sort into folder by date or by sender.

Automate it!

2. Save email attachments from Outlook.com to Dropbox

Similar to the above automation, this one takes attachments received at your Outlook.com email address and saves them to Dropbox. Follow up additions could see you add an email or notification to another email address such as Gmail.

Automate it!

3. Create a task in Planner when a new email arrives in a shared mailbox

This is a handy automation that triggers when an email arrives into a shared mailbox. Let’s say that your company has a customer service or support email address and when an email is received, a task is created in Microsoft Planner with a due date after a specified time. This could be used to create a support ticket for follow up by staff. Assign a due date of how long you would like, say 48 hours to have the issue actioned or resolved. 

Automate it!

4. Email me with a list of upcoming Calendar events

This automation is rather clever, you can schedule it to run whenever is best. It analyses the following week in your calendar, looking for events, flights, hotels, weather information and locations, and sends you a handy summary via email.

Automate It!

5. Email yourself new Tweets about a certain keyword

Easily track tweets containing specific keywords on Twitter, according to your interests. You will get an email every time that your keyword is included in a tweet. This could be a good way to track your brand specific keywords or just keep up on the latest #CatVideos 😺

Automate it!

So, there are a few automations to get you started, but as you can imagine, the options are basically endless. Take a look at some more templates on Microsoft’s Power Automate site.

Get more tips through our mailing list!