Inspire - Tips To Grow Your Business, Productivity & Relationships

Don’t Gamble Your Business; Get Backup

Quotes

Ronald

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May 3, 2021

The physical and financial cost of losing all your data can be huge. With more security threats and alarming ransomware rates aimed at infiltrating servers and collecting data means that your IT security should be one of your company’s top priorities.

While bigger companies may be a draw for many hackers looking to steal data, medium to small businesses will also be targeted as though their security systems won’t match skills, and defenses will be easier to breach.

Keep your data secure by following the 3,2,1 rule.

Three backups of all data updated regularly
Two backups should be on different formats eg cloud, disk
One backup should be a physical copy stored off-premises

Security Threats and Hackers

With 29% of organizations losing money due to security threats, are you prepared to gamble your business and risk losing everything you have worked so hard for? Engaging IT services in Arlington can give you peace of mind when it comes to being confident your system is secure and protected from outside threats daily.

Performing regular backups on separate physical servers can help you to get back up and running in the event of a major security breach. With 20% of companies losing business after a security breach, it isn’t just money they are losing; and fines they are paying. But a loss of trust can mean clients will be wary to come to you and trust you with sensitive information that could leave them exposed.

Comprehensive online security and protection will give you a defense against hackers. However, having regular up-to-date backups will enable you to get back and running again in the event of a complete data loss.

Physical Threats

With an estimated 2,244 cyber-attacks performed each day on average, it can be easy to focus on the virtual threat to your data and completely overlook other ways to lose data.

Fire, flood, technical malfunction, natural disasters, theft, and robberies can also result in data loss. Protecting yourself against a physical threat is as important as protecting against online hacker’s malfunctions.

Make sure your backups are kept separately from your main systems, and even having backups of your backups can be an extra level of defense should something go wrong. Especially if you aren’t able to keep physical copies and all your data is stored digitally.

Storing backups on different formats (disk cloud, tape, etc.) will give you a failsafe should one format become compromised.

Insider Threats

Although cases of insider threats to data breaches and loss aren’t as prevalent as other methods, they can occur and usually at the hands of a disgruntled employee. Restricting access to different to specific employees can give you an extra level of protection, increase firewall protection, and monitor employees’ activity when accessing sensitive information.

Preventative methods are always your best line of defense when it comes to making sure your company is protected against data loss and security breaches. But having backups on different, accessible formats will allow you to regroup quickly and get back up and running should you fall victim to a malicious or unforeseen act that compromises your security systems and results in complete data loss.

How Much Should You Expect to Pay for Document Translation?

Business

inspiredn

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April 30, 2021

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How Much Should You Expect to Pay for Document Translation?

Did you know there are roughly 56,846 translation agencies within the US?

When choosing from all these firms, you will probably want to go with the company that offers the best value for money. However, if you’re new to paying for translation services, you might not know what counts as a good deal.

Below we will review the average cost to translate a document and the various factors that affect the final price. No matter what you want to translate, you’ll soon learn how to translate your content at a reasonable cost.

Let’s begin!

How Much Does It Cost to Translate a Document?

Typically, the minimum amount you will pay to translate a document will be $15.

That said, you’ll generally find that the cost of translating a document can depend on several factors.

For instance, if you need a fast turnaround time, you will likely have to pay a lot more money for the translation. Furthermore, if you’re looking to translate a particularly complex piece of content, you might need to pay more.

Also, the translation price might vary if you have certain preferences in regards to who translates the content.

So, if you want a native speaker to translate the content, you will face higher translation rates per word. If you want a native speaker of whom is familiar with the topic in question, you might have to pay even more.

Note that in some cases, you might also want to pay for a proofreading service to verify the quality of a given document that has been translated.

This is often recommended for a very important document, as mistakes can reflect badly on you and your company.

This kind of service typically doesn’t cost more than translating a document from scratch, but it is another cost you should keep in mind.

Does Formatting Affect Price?

Document translation services will also charge different prices, depending on formatting.

For example, suppose you ask a company to translate a PDF file for you.

In many cases, translation companies will just translate the text and give it back to you in a form that doesn’t resemble the original PDF.

However, if you want the agency to translate the text and retain the original PDF formatting, you will need to pay more.

This is often known as ‘document typesetting,’ and if you click for more, you’ll learn about this process and what it entails.

Time to Translate?

In this post, we’ve explored the question ‘how much does it cost to translate a document?’

As you can see, several factors can affect how much you pay for translation services. Thus, if you want to get a clear idea of how much it will cost to translate something, you first need to figure out what you want.

Once you know what you’d like from a translation company, you should be able to get accurate quotes from the various firms that are out there.

If you’d like to read some more content, check out our blog to see some of the latest posts we’ve published!

The Importance of Customer Care in the IT Industry

Business

Tyler

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April 30, 2021

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The Importance of Customer Care in the IT Industry

The IT sector is always very busy and if you are a wholesaler, you need to focus on customer care, while also making sure that you are price competitive and offer a fast, professional service. End users typically upgrade regularly and with online solutions, ordering IT components has never been easier, plus you need to stock the very latest versions, while trying to balance your inventory. It’s all about deadlines when delivering IT hardware and if your service is fast and professional, this will be a major asset to your business.

Improving the Customer Experience

There are many things that you can do to improve the customer’s experience, especially when you are trading online. Your e-commerce platform needs to load fast, be very responsive and easy to navigate.

Important aspects

Reliability – Your number one focus when it comes to company ethos is reliability and offering a reliable service means your customers can meet their deadlines.
Accountability – When things go wrong, you need to find out what went wrong and take steps to make sure it doesn’t happen again.
Prompt & Professional Service – If you can respond in a timely manner to any enquiry, this will go a long way to having great customer relations. The best solution is to incorporate a chat box into your website, users can instantly chat to a staff member and you can outsource this to a call centre if you wish. A great example of a well-designed e-commerce platform can be found at https://www.jib.co.th/, where you can order IT hardware at affordable prices.

Ask for Customer Feedback

If you set up a short online form for customers to fill in, you will quickly understand where you need to focus your efforts in order to improve the UX. If you focus on the user experience, this is the best way to retain your customers and as time passes, you will be recommended to many people and your reputation will be your biggest asset. Click here for for ways to reduce your business energy costs.

Supplying Retail Outlets

If you supply retail outlets, rapid delivery is essential and hooking up with a leading third-party logistics partner might be the answer to your problems. They have the resources to pick, pack and deliver your products and during seasonal surges, they can handle high volumes, which guarantees your deliveries are on time.

Unbeatable on Price

Businesses are always looking to cut costs and with a Google search, the customer can quickly compare prices, so do make sure that you offer very competitive prices. This might mean shaving a little off your margin, but if your order volumes increase, that should cover it. The customer has the same consumer rights as if they bought in a retail store, which is very important, as this gives the customer peace of mind.

Companies that are customer focused usually offer a second to none service and if you want your business to stand the test of time, make sure you stay focused on improving the user experience.

Take Advantage of Commercial Cleaning Services & Add Value to Your Business

Business

Tyler

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April 30, 2021

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Take Advantage of Commercial Cleaning Services & Add Value to Your Business

Many business owners undervalue the importance of commercial cleaners. They forget that keeping the workplace clean is an essential part of their operations as it stops employees from getting sick and it improves productivity. Hiring a professional commercial cleaner is not as expensive as you might think, and they can create a budget-friendly plan to meet your needs.

Here are some ways they can add value to your business.

Healthy Employees – When you think about the pros and cons of using a commercial cleaning service, many forget about the benefits it has for employees. Even a maid cleaning service for corporate clients can stop people from getting sick and missing workdays. Absenteeism costs companies a lot of money. To reduce the rate of absenteeism, business owners must take good care of the workplace. When employees come to work sick, it affects their productivity and causes others around them to pick up the slack.

First Impressions – For any business to succeed, it must create the right first impression. If a customer or potential partner is unimpressed by your company because of the cleanliness of the building, you can easily lose an important client or investor. Word also gets around and others will stay clear of your business because of first impressions. If you walk into a grubby, poorly kept waiting room or reception, what would you think about the business you’ve just entered?

Increased Productivity – One thing that all business owners need is productive and motivated employees. This will not happen if you don’t take the cleanliness of their workplace environment seriously. There are many studies out there that suggest that clean, safe workplaces dramatically increase employee’s productivity. Anyone who wants to boost the morale of their staff should focus on maintaining a clean workstation and work environment. Setting an example for workers and providing ways to maintain workplace hygiene will boost productivity.

Cost-Effective – Many believe that hiring a maid service or working with an industrial cleaner is an expense they can do without. But when you think about the indirect effect it has on your business, you’ll see that commercial cleaners bring a lot to the table. An unclean workplace has strong correlations with employee sickness and reduced productivity. A well-kept work area also attracts investment and makes an excellent first impression.

Customer Satisfaction – If a business serves customers, especially one in the food industry, it must keep the premises in an immaculate condition. Think about how they feel when they come in to order a product or avail of a service. Would you eat out of a place that doesn’t take cleanliness seriously? Or would you be able to relax in a spa looking at dirty floors or carpets? Cleanliness is vitally important for customer satisfaction.

If there is one thing that business owners are trying to increase its productivity. A clean work environment improves productivity, motivates employees, attracts, and retains clients, and much more. Customers are more satisfied with the service which means revenue is maintained and, in most circumstances, goes up.

World’s 5 Best (and Biggest) Online Marketplaces for Online Sellers

Business

inspiredn

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April 29, 2021

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World’s 5 Best (and Biggest) Online Marketplaces for Online Sellers

Are you launching a new eCommerce company and are looking for ways to reach the largest possible audience? Or are you an existing brick-and-mortar store that’s ready to start selling and shipping online?

Having your own online store is one thing. But no matter how effective your marketing strategies are, you’re website traffic potential is limited. That’s why it’s crucial to sell your products on large, reputable online marketplaces.

Not only can you expose your products and brands to millions of new customers, but you can outsource many services such as shipping and customer service.

In turn, you can focus on scaling your business. So what are the top online marketplaces to sell your products on? Keep reading to find out now.

1. Amazon

Amazon has become the largest and best online marketplace in the United States in a relatively short time period. They’ve amassed hundreds of millions of customers.

And not only does Amazon reach the entire country, but they also branch out into many other nations. This includes Canada, Italy, Germany, the UK, and others.

While each marketplace offers independently, as an Amazon seller, you can ship your products to warehouses in the appropriate countries to broaden your audience.

When it comes to selling on an effective, reliable marketplace, Amazon is hard to beat. One of the biggest benefits of selling on Amazon is the Fulfilled by Amazon program (FBA). With FBA, you can send your products in bulk to Amazon warehouses across the country.

When a customer purchases your product, Amazon packs it up and ships it for you. They also process customer service and returns. This helps many sellers who want to operate lean businesses, not own and operate their own warehouses.

You may also get to benefit from insane traffic and sales during peak times, such as Prime Day, as well as Black Friday and the holiday season, where Amazon, and all marketplaces, kick into overdrive.

2. Walmart

While Amazon may be the most popular online marketplace platform, Walmart is still the largest retailer in the world. This is due, in large part, to them operating over 10,000 physical stores across the world.

But Walmart has invested heavily in eCommerce, growing all the time to compete with Amazon. Today, they have over a hundred million shoppers visiting their site each month.

But without a program similar to FBA, sellers need to pack and ship their own products sold through the platform. And you need to do so quickly and efficiently to maintain status as a Walmart seller.

However, Walmart is drop shipper friendly. So if you operate a hands-off eCommerce business, Walmart can be a great addition to your marketplace list.

3. eBay

eBay was originally launched as an online garage sale. It was used primarily for individuals to sell off used items online.

Today, this part of eBay remains intact, but there is now far more opportunity. Today, many companies sell on eBay, as you can sell new or used products to their extensive customer base from around the world.

New sellers will find shipping products a breeze, as label purchasing and printing is handled automatically through the platform. You can also run your own promotions on eBay, just like you would do on your own website.

When signing up to become a seller, you won’t have to apply. However, you’ll need to select a selling plan, which ranges in cost and features, though all are very affordable.

4. Etsy

Etsy offers a different twist on eCommerce but still appeals to many sellers and customers alike. The original goal of Etsy was to offer a marketplace where individuals could sell handmade goods. This way, customers knew they were purchasing unique products often not found on other marketplaces.

While the handmade aspect of Etsy is very much still active, it’s not nearly as limited as before. Today, many people sell digital or printable products, collectibles and vintage items, and customizable products.

As such, Etsy is designed for smaller or medium-sized sellers, as opposed to larger brands. You can create your own storefront on the platform, so intrigued users can browse all of your products, read your reviews, or contact you.

The Etsy seller app will also help you manage your business if you occasionally sell products in-person, such as at an event or pop-up shop.

5. Rakuten

Rakuten is one of the largest online marketplaces in the world. Based in Japan, the platform offers you the chance to sell to a global audience.

Similar to Etsy, you’ll get to create your own custom storefront on the platform to allow you to control your brand and image on the site. They also offer plenty of features that can help you earn sales and encourage repeat purchases.

With the Rakuten Super Points loyalty program, customers are encouraged to make more purchases to earn points redeemed on future orders. Rakuten also participates in the Ebates program that rewards customers on online purchases from participating retailers.

Sellers will also enjoy a simplified fee structure with Rakuten. Instead of paying the platform a percentage of each sale, you only pay a flat $0.99 for each item you sell. There’s also a modest $39 monthly fee to be a seller.

Leveraging Online Marketplaces

Yes, you should operate your own website and online store for your dedicated customers. But the best way to reach and sell to new customers is to sell on the online marketplaces they already shop on.

It’s an easier sell, as users already trust the platform. You get to leverage the authority of each platform, not to mention their list of customers.

And with so many great platforms to choose from, it can be tempting to try selling them all. But each has its own nuances and strategies for success. Focus on one at a time if you want to be successful.

Looking for more tips like this? Be sure to visit our blog today to keep reading.

How Do You Overcome Trademark Rejection?

Business

inspiredn

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April 29, 2021

0

Like other legal processes, the application to register a trademark is often confusing and time-consuming. That’s why a lot of individuals have hired their respective trademark lawyers. Since their expertise on the subject is essential to understand the correct actions.

However, not every application successfully receives sweet approval from the USPTO. In this case, you might have been struggling to come up with the appropriate trademark office action response to remedy the situation.

How does the application process work?

For the initial registration, a form would be given to each applicant where you’ll be required to provide the following details:

Your contact information
Your legal status. Let them know if you’re applying as a business entity or person.
The trademark’s nature. Is it a slogan, word, motion/sound, or design?
A description of the trademark
The kind of business that the trademark would be associated with. Is it a goods business or services?
The description of the said goods/services
A specimen of the mentioned goods/services
A statement detailing the first use of the trademark both for commercial and general purposes
An indication of the Intent-to-Use included in the trademark application form.

You would then have to submit the form with your application fee, which could vary depending on the USPTO guidelines. Typically, you would be charged $225 per class of goods, but there are occasions where you would be demanded to cover $275.

Watch out for the six months time frame

Things get busy when you’re part of the USPTO employees. Thousands of applications are received by the office every day, so it’s no wonder that they can’t constantly assist you regarding the issues in your rejected application.

When the USPTO issues a rejection, they detail the reasons behind the decision. There might be a procedural or substantive legal issue, which you could deal with alongside your trademark lawyer.

As the rule of thumb, the office gives the applicant six months to submit their response. Your attorney would have to work with you to determine the scope of the preparation and the amount of time needed for drafting a response.

If you found out that the last time frame is insufficient to perform the necessary steps, you could request a time allowance. However, this comes with an extra fee on your behalf.

Three steps to ensure a smooth transaction

The USPTO might have been generous with giving you a time allowance in addressing legal concerns, and we recommend that you stick with the three steps we’ve listed below as not to put it to waste.

Be informed

Ignoring the small details could lead you to a grave situation. And who knows the policies of USPTO other than their employees?

Approaching a staff member helps you get an idea of the process and have in-depth knowledge about the concerns in your application. Although they can’t answer all of your questions like your attorney, they’re still capable of giving you bits of advice on the best course of action.

They could also shed light on the details that confuse you, especially if it involves technical or administrative tasks.

Wait for your lawyer.

Sometimes, people would skip over this step because they’re tight on money.

We assure you that even though the process looks simple, dealing with a government office always comes with legal ramifications.

If money is your primary concern, kindly remember that you’ll be losing hundreds or even thousands of dollars if you messed up with the legal sections of your application.

This scenario doesn’t have a DIY solution. Instead, it’s a good move to ask a professional so that you could go through the process with ease.

Address the concerns through TEAS

The Trademark Electronic Application System (TEAS) manages all responses from rejected applicants.

Once you’ve become eligible to process your application through TEAS, your attorney would be able to upload all your correspondences using it.

After that, your party would have to wait for the decision of USPTO, which could either lead you to abandon your application or file for a new one.

Pests That Can Damage Business, Property, and Equipment

Business

Tyler

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April 29, 2021

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Pests That Can Damage Business, Property, and Equipment

Running a business has many challenges and one that you really can do without is interference from the animal kingdom. Depending on where you are located, there are different pests that can move in and make life miserable. If left unchecked, pests can cause extensive damage to buildings and equipment. Even in the major centres, trouble can arise. Education is the key. If you know what pests you are dealing with, you have a better chance to avoid creating the atmosphere that they seek. Here is a look at some of the more problematic Australian pests.

Termites: It is very difficult to find a property that does not have termites nearby. These creatures are incredibly efficient and usually destructive. They can disguise their tunnels and take over extensive areas without being detected. Usually, termites are discovered when they have done enough damage that it can no longer be hidden, or when something collapses. The best approach to termites is to assume they are already there. And to do something proactive like treating the soil around your business. You can arrange pest control in Brisbane by SWAT Pest, or search the Internet for more information.
Mice: Mice can get out of control very quickly. But they need the right conditions. They often get established in undeveloped commercial locations. The best way to keep the mouse population down is to make sure there are no accessible food sources. If you are in the food business, you can’t avoid having food available, but you should do everything you can to limit access. Consider setting traps, even if there is no mouse sign present.
Cockroaches: Although they are not destructive in a structural sense, cockroaches are bad news for your business when your customers see them. They are an international symbol of poor hygiene. If you have roaches, get the professionals in right away.
Bed Bugs: Landlords and hoteliers have a deep hatred of these little creatures; they can cause endless damage to a company’s reputation. Bed bugs are bad news, and they could have you destroying otherwise useful property, just to eliminate the threat. It is unclean humans that introduce the blight to an area, and there might not be anything you can do about that. But keeping a keen eye out for bed bugs, and insisting on cleanliness where you can, is the best practice.
Wasps: Wasps are usually not much of a problem, unless you have people with allergies. But if they establish a nest at your business, it is best to deal with them as soon as possible. Pest control companies have experts who can eliminate wasp nests without injury to you or your customers.

Pest control is best done as prevention. Having a relationship with a pest control company is one way to keep ahead of the problem. Also, keep your properties clean and the outdoor areas trimmed down. Eliminate food sources and standing water. If the pests can’t find food or a place to reproduce, they will keep moving on. Pest prevention is good for your customers, and it will be good for your bottom line too.

The Main Attractions That You Can See in Vietnam

Motivation

Tyler

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April 29, 2021

0

The Main Attractions That You Can See in Vietnam

If you have ever visited Southeast Asia in the past, then you will be aware of the cultural diversity and fantastic scenery that is available across the region. However, if you have never taken the opportunity to visit Southeast Asia, then you should think about visiting the region for your next holiday. As a result, if you are looking to experience cultural diversity as well as a number of amazing tourist attractions, you should think about visiting the country of Vietnam as soon as possible. Furthermore, it is imperative to understand that given the current travel restrictions that are in operation, you should take your time to carry out research about the various hotels and travel arrangements. This is especially pertinent if you are looking to take a holiday in the near future as you should ensure that you can achieve all of your objectives and see everything you want to experience in the country. As a result, if you are looking for more information about the various hotels and other tourist attractions that are available in Vietnam, you should think about consulting one of a number of online business directories as you will be able to identify several options.

See the beautiful scenery
Relax on the beach
Experience bustling Southeast Asian city

a. Visit the UNESCO world heritage site at Halong Bay

One of the most amazing tourist attractions that are available in Vietnam is the UNESCO world Heritage site at Halong Bay. Indeed, if you are looking to see fantastic natural scenery, then you should be aware that this particular destination can be found in the Gulf of Tonkin. Furthermore, you should also understand that Vietnam has a mixture of natural environments, ranging from mountains to spectacular beaches. However, if you are looking for a luxury hotel in Saigon, you should be aware of the various options that are available as you will be able to enjoy a great experience and fantastic scenery across the South of the country.

b. Relax on a beautiful beach

Another reason to visit Vietnam for your next holiday is that you can enjoy some of the most fantastic beaches in the region while you can also find luxury hotels and resorts across the country. Indeed, if you are looking for a fantastic beach destination, then you should take your time to identify the various resorts that can be found across the country.

c. Experience bustling Vietnamese cities

Finally, it is imperative to understand that Hanoi the capital city of Vietnam and Ho Chi Minh City can give you a fantastic experience, especially seeing the hustle and bustle of Southeast Asia. Indeed, these two cities are representative of the region while they are non-stop metropolitan areas where you can enjoy a number of tourist attractions as well as experience some of the most delicious street food in the region.

Therefore, in conclusion, if you are thinking about visiting the country of Vietnam for your next holiday, you should be aware to see the beautiful scenery, especially the world heritage site at Halong Bay and the beautiful beaches that are available across the country.

Do You Need An Extended Car Warranty?

Reviews

Thompson Smith

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April 29, 2021

0

When you’re buying a new vehicle, it almost always comes with some form of warranty. That’s true for brand new cars, certified pre-owned models, and more. Towards the end of the process, you’ll more than likely be asked if you want an extended warranty as well. Do you need it, though?

The answer depends on the buyer. Some would never opt for the extended warranty, while others enjoy the peace of mind it brings. That peace of mind comes with an extra cost, of course. To decide for yourself if an extended warranty is something you need, here are the key factors to consider.

Length of Ownership

A three-year, 36,000-mile warranty is the minimum you’ll find on all brand-new cars. For plenty of manufacturers, the bumper-to-bumper to warranty lasts even longer. An extended warranty goes into effect after that period of time.

If you only plan on keeping your car for a shorter period of time than the factory warranty, there’s no need to pick up extended coverage. If this new car is something you plan on driving until it’s last leg, then an extended warranty is worth considering to help you cover the cost of repairs.

Will You Use It?

Warranties only cover specific repairs. That doesn’t include regular wear and tear, oil changes, new brakes, tires, etc. With that in mind, you have to consider if buying the warranty or bundling it into your car payments makes financial sense.

A Consumer Reports survey had found that drivers pay far more for their extended warranties than they get back in benefits. If you find the right dealer, they’ll tell you that few people end up needing the extended warranty.

If you’re worried about manufacturer defects, then there are better avenues to pursue like this Lemon Law attorney in San Francisco. Recalls are always covered by the manufacturer, as well. So, you need to ask yourself if that bumper-to-bumper coverage is something you’ll actually need down the road.

The Powertrain

The majority of cars on the market feature a powertrain warranty that takes effect after the car’s bumper-to-bumper warranty ends. While that’s a lighter version of an extended warranty, it’s worth keeping in mind when looking at the cost of additional coverage.

Buying Later

Picking up your extended warranty while buying a new car makes things simple. You just roll it into your monthly payments and you’re done. However, you’re now paying interest on something you won’t be able to use for at least three years.

Opting to buy the extended warranty a few years down the road is a smart option. Not only does it save money, but you’ll know how the car has been and if it’s troublesome enough to need that extra coverage. Plus, you can shop around for the best price instead of being stuck with the dealership’s cost.

Weighing Costs

The last aspect to consider is, even if you do end up using it, will the cost be worth it? The average cost for an extended warranty is between $1,000 and $3,000. So, say you spent $2,000. A few years later, you’re hit with two repair bills that add up to $1,000.

While $1,000 is a hefty bill, you would still be saving $1,000 compared to the cost of the extended warranty. There are times when additional coverage makes sense, especially if your car proves to be troublesome, but most people would save money having not bought the extension even with repairs that fall outside of the factory warranty.

2 Powerful Password Security Strategies You Probably Aren’t Using

Business

Ronald

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April 28, 2021

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2 Powerful Password Security Strategies You Probably Aren’t Using

Cybercriminals thrive on others’ uncertainty and ignorance. When you aren’t trained in cybersecurity best practices, hackers have a better chance of infiltrating your business’s systems. If you’re uneducated, hackers don’t have to bypass strong password security, watchful employees, or secure databases to reach their target; instead, they access can confidential data without much difficulty at all.

Unfortunately, uncertainty and ignorance has run rampant since the pandemic began. Many businesses were forced to switch to remote work but didn’t know how to adjust their cybersecurity policies to better fit the new changes.

If you’re considering implementing new cybersecurity changes, you’re already ahead of many business owners. We can’t give you a step-by-step guide in just one article on how to create a full cybersecurity plan, but we can show you where to start: by implementing a strong password security strategy.

The Importance of Password Security Management

Many businesses will invest in complex methods of security and data protection, such as multi factor authentication (MFA), virtual private networks (VPNs) and more. But sometimes, simple steps can make the biggest impact on your security.

Passwords are essentially the key to your business’ data and documents, so you need to make sure that your employees are protecting them properly. Nowadays, businesses have so many different accounts, platforms, and apps that require password protection.

Chances are, at least a few of your employees have gotten a little sloppy. People often exchange convenience for security, and your staff is no exception.

It’s important that you do your utmost to remind your employees of their responsibilities and the potential impact that poor password management can have on the business as a whole. To get them started off on the right foot, here are two powerful password security strategies that you should implement into your business.

Tip 1: Give Employees a Secure Way to Store Their Passwords

Most managed IT services and security experts say that the first step towards password security is giving your employees a secure way to store their passwords.

Strong passwords can be difficult to remember and employees will actively seek ways to remember passwords that contain multiple cases, letters, numbers and special characters. If you don’t provide them with a secure way to store these passwords, they are likely to write them down in a notebook that can be left around or lost, or on a sticky note attached to their computer screens. This, of course, can be easily leaked.

Instead, use the services of popular password management companies like LastPass. These companies will encrypt the password date and your employees will be able to use the software to sign into different programmes as and when they need throughout the day.

These programs also allow employees to create separate folders for both personal and shared accounts. That way, they can manage their private passwords while accessing other passwords that your whole team uses.

Tip 2: Ensure Employees Separate Personal and Professional Password Security Habits

As we briefly mentioned above, employees have a lot of logins—and thus passwords—in both their personal and professional lives. Consequently, many use the same password repeatedly across both personal and professional accounts.

Make sure they create brand new and unique passwords for professional accounts. To achieve this, you can implement software that requires a password change every three months.

You should also request that they refrain from accessing business files through personal devices like laptops. This can make all the difference, especially in the world of remote work.

You can protect your hardware all you like, but it won’t make any difference if your employees use their own devices for work. Many hackers bypass password security by accessing employees personal computers. Likewise, you should ensure that employees don’t use their business accounts on third party sites like Facebook or Amazon—especially if you’re worried that they use the same passwords for both personal and business accounts.

These, of course, are just two tips for stronger password security. But they can make all the difference. So, implement them into your business practice sooner rather than later, and you’ll be pleased by your results!