Safety should always be a priority for businesses, especially those that have customers coming in and out of the store on a regular basis. 

Here are a few ways businesses can ensure their customers are safe when in the store:

1) Install security cameras 

Security cameras are an important part of keeping customers safe in a store. They can deter crime and also provide evidence if something does happen. Businesses should make sure that their security cameras are installed in strategic locations throughout the store, and that they are in good working order. 

Security cameras can be a great way to keep businesses safe and protect their customers. 

For example, if there is a robbery, the security footage can be used to identify the perpetrator and bring them to justice. 

Premises liability is a legal term that refers to the responsibility of property owners for the safety of visitors on their property. This includes businesses, and it is important for businesses to understand their obligations when it comes to premises liability. If your business is situated in Chicago, for example, you can take advice from a Chicago premises liability lawyer that will help you ensure that you are meeting your obligations. This way, you can avoid any potential legal issues in the future. 

2) Have a clear policy on what is allowed in the store 

Businesses should have a clear policy on what is allowed in the store, and make sure that all employees are aware of it. Customers should also be made aware of the policy so that they know what to expect. 

For example, some stores might not allow bags or backpacks inside. Others might have a dress code that customers need to adhere to. Also, businesses should make sure that their employees are trained on how to deal with difficult customers. If there is an issue, it needs to be dealt with quickly and efficiently. 

Making sure that all employees and customers are aware of the store’s policies can help to avoid any potential problems. 

3) Keep the store well-lit and clean 

Businesses should make sure that their stores are well-lit and clean. This will help to deter crime and make customers feel more comfortable while in the store. 

A well-lit store is less likely to be targeted by criminals, as they will be more visible. Also, a clean store will give customers a better impression and make them more likely to return. 

To ensure your store is well lit during the night, you can install security lights around the perimeter of the building. This will deter criminals and also make it easier for customers to see when they are coming in and out of the store. 

4) Have a good customer service policy in place 

It is important to have a good customer service policy in place so that if there is an issue, it can be dealt with quickly and efficiently. This will help to build trust between the business and its customers. 

For example, if a customer is not happy with the service they received, the business should make sure that the issue is dealt with as soon as possible. Also, as stated before, businesses should make sure that their employees are trained on how to deal with difficult customers. 

Additionally, businesses should make sure that they are responsive to customer complaints and feedback. This will show customers that you care about their experience and that you are willing to improve the store based on their suggestions. For example, if a customer suggests that the store should be open later, the business should consider this suggestion and make a decision based on feedback from other customers. 

5) Train employees on safety procedures 

All employees should be trained on safety procedures, such as what to do in the event of a fire. This will help to keep customers safe and also make sure that employees know what to do in an emergency situation. 

For example, if there is a fire, employees should know how to evacuate the store quickly and efficiently. They should also be aware of where the fire exits are located. 

Regular training drills will help to ensure that employees are prepared for an emergency situation. Not only that, but it will also help to build trust between the business and its employees. Which is essential for any business. 

6) Install security systems 

Businesses should install security systems, such as alarms and surveillance cameras. This will help to deter crime and also provide evidence if something does happen. 

For example, if there is a break-in, the surveillance footage can be used to identify the perpetrator. Also, if an alarm is triggered, it will notify the authorities and they will be able to respond quickly. 

Installing security systems can give customers peace of mind and make them feel more comfortable while in the store. 

7) Hire security guards 

Businesses can hire security guards to help deter crime and also provide a visible presence. This will make potential criminals think twice before targeting the store. 

For example, if there is a break-in, the security guards can apprehend the perpetrator and hold them until the authorities arrive. Also, they can help to escort customers to their cars at night. 

Hiring security guards can be an effective way to deter crime and also provide a sense of safety for customers. 

Businesses can take a number of steps to ensure their customers are safe while in the store. Some of these steps include having a dress code policy, making sure the store is well-lit and clean, training employees on safety procedures, and installing security systems. Hiring security guards can also be an effective way to keep customers safe. Always remember, that the safety of your customers should be a top priority. 

Hernaldo Turrillo

Hernaldo Turrillo is a writer and author specialised in innovation, AI, DLT, SMEs, trading, investing and new trends in technology and business. He has been working for ztudium group since 2017. He is the editor of openbusinesscouncil.org, tradersdna.com, hedgethink.com, and writes regularly for intelligenthq.com, socialmediacouncil.eu. Hernaldo was born in Spain and finally settled in London, United Kingdom, after a few years of personal growth. Hernaldo finished his Journalism bachelor degree in the University of Seville, Spain, and began working as reporter in the newspaper, Europa Sur, writing about Politics and Society. He also worked as community manager and marketing advisor in Los Barrios, Spain. Innovation, technology, politics and economy are his main interests, with special focus on new trends and ethical projects. He enjoys finding himself getting lost in words, explaining what he understands from the world and helping others. Besides a journalist, he is also a thinker and proactive in digital transformation strategies. Knowledge and ideas have no limits.

The post Top Ways Businesses can Ensure Their Customers are Safe When in the Store appeared first on OpenBusinessCouncil Directory.

Are Countries Prepared For A Cyberwar? The world will store 200 zettabytes of data by 2025. The next generation of technology has immense potential to use this data, to such an extent that it can overwhelm our global security and defence mechanisms of the digital space. Enhanced cybersecurity is the only solution that seems plausible to address this challenging situation. More importantly, the evolution of cybersecurity measures must be quicker than the pace of incoming threats.

Are Countries Prepared For A Cyberwar?

A few decades back, ransomware was just a stunt performed by some hackers to satiate their hunger for a small sum of money. However, when we look at it now, this has become an issue of national security, requiring immediate attention and urgent solutions.

“I think it’s more than likely we’re going to end up if we end up in a war – a real shooting war with a major power – it’s going to be as a consequence of a cyber breach of great consequence and it’s increasing exponentially the capabilities”, US President, Joe Biden.

Cybercrimes have been escalating, both in number and nature. From locking up the computer systems of city and state government departments to a major ransomware attack on the largest petroleum pipeline in the United States during the month of May 2021, cyber assaults are gaining traction, tiptoeing quite closer to war-like situations.

After Hermetic Wiper and other cyber attacks on the Ukrainian economy by Russia, the FBI has been alerting US businesses and local governments against potential ransomware attacks. Monetary, skilled manpower and technological expenditures have increased thereafter to ensure a safe and secure digital space. It is projected that, globally, about $433b will be spent on cybersecurity by 2030.

The technological transformations of the Web3.0 era guarantee ubiquitous connectivity, identity and access management, AI, and quantum computing. Simultaneously, these carry the inherent potential to create systemic and hidden cybersecurity risks for the world. Significant collective actions could be the only way to combat these threats. Improved accountability of these acts by governments and businesses, as well as a fool-proof policy intervention, are necessary to maintain the integrity and trust in these emerging technologies.

“Understanding the dynamics of digitisation as well as its opportunities and challenges –
particularly regarding cybersecurity risks – is a fundamental part of a board’s corporate governance responsibility. Technology-led transformation and investments in cybersecurity must proceed together in this context”, said Urs Rohner, Chairman of the Board of Directors, Credit Suisse Group AG

How is the world preparing itself to avert the global threat of a cyberwar?

Integrating cybersecurity measures globally

According to a report by the FBI, there is a 300% increase in reported cybercrime since the beginning of the pandemic. The vulnerability of cyberspace is further enhanced by the fragmentation of security measures around the globe.

“The days of fragmented security are behind us. Security must be more proactive and future-proof if we are to out-innovate the attackers”, explains Nikesh Arora, Chief Executive Officer, and Chairman, Palo Alto Networks, USA.

A number of interventions and government policies are essential to moderating the cybersecurity operations and controlling cyber risk effectively, especially in national and business infrastructures. Many reports and studies are currently being globally collaborated to unify the world on cybercrime issues and solutions.

These organisations incentivise the adoption of security solutions to ensure an ecosystem that is transparent and trustworthy. Further, they also focus on the implementation of a centralised international community that intervenes on the issues related to cross-border cybercrime.

Reducing the ambiguity in accountability

Cybersecurity challenges need to be defined among partners, suppliers, customers, government entities, competitors, and other stakeholders. The current paradigm of cybersecurity suggests its primary purpose is to defend an organisation, primarily preventing it from being hacked.

However, when developing an ecosystem where every participant is held accountable, a purely defensive approach is insufficient. A comprehensive system is more trustworthy, using a range of resources while diversifying its coverage and enhancing cybersecurity.

Training and educational courses for expanding the career opportunities for cybersecurity

Big firms are now constantly focussing on training professionals that will lead cybersecurity in the Fourth Industrial Revolution era. While Apple has announced a new program for 9,000 US-based suppliers, IBM is set to train 150,000 people in cybersecurity. Institutions like the University of Texas and Whatcom Community College are offering cybersecurity education and support programs that fast-track students from college to a career in cyber.

Globally, the rising demand for cybersecurity is also creating enough public and private positions to be filled by skilled and trained professionals.

Many milestones ahead…

The digital world is connected through and through. Apps, services, communications, data, and purchases make the world a smaller place. Consequently, the risks with such a system are also high. As the hazards of the system morph into reality, so should our responses. Cyber threats require vigilance, resolution, diligence, and determination to react with precision. The current pace and models of cybersecurity are still under a lot of research and modelling. To battle the hostility of cyber’s expanding nature, the world needs to evolve in terms of technology, training, policy, and governance. This will be the key to a more secure digital space in the future.

Hernaldo Turrillo

Hernaldo Turrillo is a writer and author specialised in innovation, AI, DLT, SMEs, trading, investing and new trends in technology and business. He has been working for ztudium group since 2017. He is the editor of openbusinesscouncil.org, tradersdna.com, hedgethink.com, and writes regularly for intelligenthq.com, socialmediacouncil.eu. Hernaldo was born in Spain and finally settled in London, United Kingdom, after a few years of personal growth. Hernaldo finished his Journalism bachelor degree in the University of Seville, Spain, and began working as reporter in the newspaper, Europa Sur, writing about Politics and Society. He also worked as community manager and marketing advisor in Los Barrios, Spain. Innovation, technology, politics and economy are his main interests, with special focus on new trends and ethical projects. He enjoys finding himself getting lost in words, explaining what he understands from the world and helping others. Besides a journalist, he is also a thinker and proactive in digital transformation strategies. Knowledge and ideas have no limits.

The post Cybersecurity: Are Countries Prepared For A Cyberwar? appeared first on OpenBusinessCouncil Directory.

 There comes a time when every business needs to take a good hard look at the way they are running things. We all know how easy it can be to put this off. We get used to how things are and how they have always been, and we tell ourselves that the hassle of switching things up is probably not worth the benefits of doing so. It can also be hard to silence the voice that says that if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

Over the last two years, so much of what we have been doing as business owners has boiled down to rolling with the punches. We have been forced to find solutions almost out of thin air. Faced with challenges that we never could have predicted; we knew that the only option was to keep moving forward. Right now, there are absolutely many more challenges on the horizon. We have seen that a new wave could bring a huge amount of uncertainty. We know that Brexit is going to continue hammering businesses with new and unexpected challenges. And we know that there are rising energy costs and rising tax costs coming. If you know that some of your structures or processes are weighing you down, then you do not have any time to waste. Here are just a few upgrades that every business should be making this year.

Upgrade Your Security

How we wish that this particular issue was on the decline, but the experts have predicted that we can expect to see much more in the way of cybercrime headlines in the months ahead. Cybercriminals are always going to find new and inventive ways to access business’ data and finances, and it is your responsibility to make sure that you are taking every available step to stop them. Governments may be making bold pronouncements about how they are going to crack down on ransomware and so forth but in the meantime, you need to take a good long look at your cybersecurity. If you have been relying on free software and telling your staff not to open suspicious emails, then talk to an IT company about how you can improve your security measures.

Stop Putting Up With Poor Service

We are still close enough to the start of a new year to make some resolutions and putting up with software that does not live up to your expectations is a worthwhile one to commit to. Back in March and April 2020, we were all reeling from what was happening and we were all looking for the quickest possible solution. If it worked well enough, then it was good enough for the moment and allowed us to move on to the next fire to put out.

Now, we are all looking for how we can grow, not just get through the week, and there is no excuse for not looking for better options. Take payroll software, for example. If your payroll software provider is not offering the kind of service and the kind of effective software that you expect, then you will be facing some extremely unhappy employees. We all know how important staff satisfaction and morale is right now as the Great Resignation continues, and this is the kind of housekeeping duty that cannot be overlooked. This guide to switching your payroll provider from PayCaptain outlines several of the key reasons why you should be thinking of making a change. PayCaptain’s streamlined service makes things significantly easier for both employers and employees.

Upgrade Your Website

It can be very easy to assume that our websites are working well enough. When we first put them together, we work as hard as we can to make sure that they are up to the highest possible standard. We make sure that they are easy to navigate, that they are aesthetically pleasing, and that they are loaded with content that is SEO friendly and which demonstrates our experience and expertise. However, once that process is done, we often move on to other issues and leave it be.

We all saw how many businesses were forced to rethink their entire online strategy over the last couple of years, and as a result invested a lot of money and resources into their web presence. It is also important to remember that the technology and the platforms are constantly updating, and that Google’s algorithm is always changing too. If it has been a year or two since you last gave your website an overhaul, this needs to be near the top of your to do list. Update your content to address current issues and concerns that your target audience may have. Look at your customer data to see if there is more, or less, that you should be doing in key areas. Think about how you can use AI technology to improve your customer service and give yourself a better idea of what is working.

Hernaldo Turrillo

Hernaldo Turrillo is a writer and author specialised in innovation, AI, DLT, SMEs, trading, investing and new trends in technology and business. He has been working for ztudium group since 2017. He is the editor of openbusinesscouncil.org, tradersdna.com, hedgethink.com, and writes regularly for intelligenthq.com, socialmediacouncil.eu. Hernaldo was born in Spain and finally settled in London, United Kingdom, after a few years of personal growth. Hernaldo finished his Journalism bachelor degree in the University of Seville, Spain, and began working as reporter in the newspaper, Europa Sur, writing about Politics and Society. He also worked as community manager and marketing advisor in Los Barrios, Spain. Innovation, technology, politics and economy are his main interests, with special focus on new trends and ethical projects. He enjoys finding himself getting lost in words, explaining what he understands from the world and helping others. Besides a journalist, he is also a thinker and proactive in digital transformation strategies. Knowledge and ideas have no limits.

The post Upgrades That Every Business Should Be Making In 2022 appeared first on OpenBusinessCouncil Directory.

Online contracts are contracts that are created and attested online without any use of physical paper. E-contracts allow companies and individuals to quickly and conveniently agree on legally-binding agreements.

They’re almost a staple for companies that frequently enter into agreements with overseas companies or independent contractors. However, there’s no reason for companies not to use online contracts for contracting with domestic companies.

The benefits of an online contract aren’t limited to contracting with entities outside of your city. Entering into online contracts even with parties that are within reach cuts back on time spent on logistics, offers convenience, and puts a few dollars back into your pocket.

This article talks about these and other benefits that improve your business’s functioning in the context of agreements.

6 Ways Online Contracts Offer Value to Businesses

Online contracts streamline the process of entering into agreements for all involved parties. Being able to accept contracts with a single tap removes the long-winding process associated with paper contracts.

Convenience and efficiency are the primary most apparent, but not the only way online contracts offer value to a business. Following are some key benefits that a company wanting to adopt online contracts should consider.

1.    Enter into agreements faster with online contracts

Paper contracts take forever. They can ruin a job offer or a client deal simply because of the time they require to create, send, and get back.

Think about it. The company drafts the contract and takes a day to get them posted through mail. The mail reaches the other party, on average, about 2-4 days later.

The number of days that the client will take to go through the mail is uncertain. Then, the number of days the client takes to get other stakeholders to sign are, again, uncertain. Add another day for the signed copy to be mailed back. Throw in another 2-4 for you to finally receive the mail.

The process takes longer than a short family trip to DisneyLand. That’s not the way to do business in 2022.

Paper contracts can potentially result in loss of talent and stalled deals simply because they take what looks like a year. Online contracts are the perfect alternative because they enable the recipient to view and digitally sign the contract in real-time using their phone or computer.

Plus, online contracts also take less time to prepare. You can create a contract agreement template and use it as a boilerplate or choose from lawyer-vetted ready-to-use contracts available online. Essentially, an online contract streamlines the process of entering into agreements end-to-end.

2.    Online contracts reduce human error

If the creator of the contract had a long night, they may miss a few blunders while proofreading or may enter inaccurate details.

On the other hand, the person who is supposed to sign the contract may fail to read the fine print while overly focusing on covering the contract with dozens of signatures.

Paper contracts are also more vulnerable to tampering and can result in legal complications down the road. With online contracts, both parties have the option to read and modify the terms over the internet in real-time.

Both parties to the contract have the option to enter data into the contract once. This feature allows consistency throughout the contract and helps minimize discrepancies. Essentially, online contracts allow a more collaborative approach to entering into agreements that can save both parties a lot of time.

3.    Online contracts offer better security

There are several opportunities for miscreants to tamper with paper contracts. For instance, paper contracts can be manipulated at the time of creating them, sending them to the other party, or when signing them.

The potential for tampering is what prompts companies to carefully retain the original copy of the agreement, have multiple copies available, and notarize the agreement.

Online contracts restrict the ability to make changes to a document that has been signed. Even when collaborating to prepare the contract, an online contract creation tool limits the ability to make changes to initials or signs.

Online contract tools also authenticate both the contract and the parties to the contract, using encryption. Even if either party tries to tamper with the document, most online contract tools will trigger an alert notifying both parties about the potential breach.

4.    Online contracts are cost-effective

Online contracts eliminate the need for printers, cartridge refills, stationery, and extra cabinet space. These are the costs that you eliminate right off the bat. But there’s more.

You don’t need to mail the contract to the client or spend time following up. You can let your legal department focus on more productive things rather than skimming through contracts for potential discrepancies.

Plus, you save yourself the ordeal of having to bite your nails until you finally receive a signed copy of the document. You and your business partners will save yourself and the staff plenty of time and save the business a lot of money simply by switching to electric contracts.

5.    Your customers will love online contracts

Step into your customer’s shoes for a moment. How would you like to sign a 20-page contract, page-by-page?

Online contracts make life easier not just for you but also for your customers. E-contracts can be signed in a jiffy. An online contract tool will typically have a feature that allows the customer to sign on one page and auto-populate the rest of the pages with the signatures.

Instead of waiting for the contract in the mail, customers can directly sign it using their phone or computer. A lot of customers lack the patience to wait for the contract to arrive at their place through mail.

E-contracts are a perfect solution for them. Many tools will also allow the customer to sign the contract simply by clicking on an “I agree” button. Could it be any easier?

6.    Track, search, and keep an eye on data

Remember that one time when you had to sift through countless pages of a contract to find that one term or a typo you had made and thought about right before going to bed? Now, think about how that would have gone if you had several versions of that contract? Ouch.

On the contrary, things would have been smooth sailing had you used an online contract. With an online contract tool, you can search for words, phrases, or numbers used in all your contracts at once.

You can compare terms among contracts, refer to similar terms used in a previous contract, or compare the multiple versions of a contract within minutes.

Think of the time and effort that will save you or your team. The more contracts your company enters, the more valuable an online contract tool will be for your company.

Can All Contracts Be Online Contracts?

Most concerns surrounding online contracts circle back to their validity in the context of contract law. Yes, online contracts are acceptable and legally binding in most cases and almost all jurisdictions.

However, there are a few exceptions where online contracts can’t be used. The law doesn’t accept online contracts for certain agreements to protect the consumers from becoming a victim.

For instance, divorce and adoption contracts should be strictly on-paper contracts. Whenever you want to cancel your life or health insurance benefits, you’ll need a paper contract.

All court-issued documents such as motions, notices, and pleadings must be issued on paper. A notice of discontinuing services from a utility company must also be on paper.

These are a few of several examples where online contracts can’t legally bind two parties. However, notice that these are mostly non-B2B scenarios. Online contracts are valid in almost all cases for businesses, though there may be some jurisdictional variation depending on where you’re located.

Go Paperless

There’s no reason not to ditch paper contracts and transition to online contracts for most businesses. They come with a long lineup of benefits that are hard to say no to. In a world that’s quickly digitizing and dealing with a pandemic, online contracts are almost a necessity for many businesses.

Any company that does business with overseas clients will need online contracts to conduct business. However, it’s not just them. E-contracts also offer tangible value to D2C brands in the form of improved convenience for customers.

The handful of instances where online contracts can’t be used are typically areas that aren’t relevant for most businesses.

While it’s always a good idea to have a lawyer ensure that an online contract is valid for the context you’ll be using it in, it’s unlikely that you’ll frequently need to switch between paper-based and online contracts for day-to-day business.

Only when you switch to online contracts can you realize the full spectrum of benefits it offers. So, when creating your next contract, give e-contracts a go and see how much time and money you save. If you’re not impressed, you can always return to paper contracts.

Author Bio: Arjun Ruparelia

Email – ruparelia.arjun@gmail.com | LinkedIn

An accountant turned writer, Arjun writes blog posts for B2B brands across the globe. Arjun has five years of writing experience across verticals. He is a CMA and CA (Intermediate) by qualification.

Hernaldo Turrillo

Hernaldo Turrillo is a writer and author specialised in innovation, AI, DLT, SMEs, trading, investing and new trends in technology and business. He has been working for ztudium group since 2017. He is the editor of openbusinesscouncil.org, tradersdna.com, hedgethink.com, and writes regularly for intelligenthq.com, socialmediacouncil.eu. Hernaldo was born in Spain and finally settled in London, United Kingdom, after a few years of personal growth. Hernaldo finished his Journalism bachelor degree in the University of Seville, Spain, and began working as reporter in the newspaper, Europa Sur, writing about Politics and Society. He also worked as community manager and marketing advisor in Los Barrios, Spain. Innovation, technology, politics and economy are his main interests, with special focus on new trends and ethical projects. He enjoys finding himself getting lost in words, explaining what he understands from the world and helping others. Besides a journalist, he is also a thinker and proactive in digital transformation strategies. Knowledge and ideas have no limits.

The post 6 Ways Online Contract Makers Improve Your Work appeared first on OpenBusinessCouncil Directory.

Fraud Prevention — Your Company’s Shield

Fraud prevention solution is like a stone wall for your venture: it won’t let the scammers sneak in to hurt your success, reputation and, most importantly, your customers.

And if you think your company can pass on it, you’re bound to think again. FIrst of all, there are multiple threats your online brand might be exposed to right now:

• Identity theft. Scammers can steal someone’s sensitive info to either pose as that person or sell it on the black market.
• Card testing. There are databases, which contain credit card numbers, on the dark web. E-criminals “test” every single one of them to see if it’s possible to squeeze money out of it or buy stuff from you.
• False chargebacks. The most common type, when a dishonest customer requests money back but also gets to keep your goods that you honestly delivered.
• Account takeover. A customer’s account gets hacked, which may result in identity theft.
• Triangulation. An elaborate scheme, in which scammers sell your goods to other people and then claim a refund from you.

And the scheme list keeps growing. The next target-to-hit might be your business.

Losses & Consequences

If fraudsters succeed at one of their shady tricks with your enterprise, it will cause some unfavorable repercussions. For instance:

• Finances. If they keep on making false chargebacks, you either risk losing a lot of money — bank fees, refunds, high-risk merchant account fees — or an option to accept bank cards.
• Reputation. Identity theft, account hijacking, test fraud — all of these can seriously damage your rep and scare away customers for a long time.
• Time. Disputing chargebacks, doing damage control, organizing protection after getting hit — it takes time, effort and some of your nerves too.

As you can see, it’s best to take care of the security early on. And the best way to do this is by hiring trained experts.

A professional team can offer:

• Compliance. Your company will act in compliance with various protocols, including Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) — it helps to successfully dispute false chargebacks.
• Detection. Thanks to Device Fingerprint know-how and Know Your Customer procedure, scammers can be detected and neutralized promptly.
• Training. Your staff will receive training and guidelines to handle fraud efficiently.
• Extra safety. As a major bonus, you’ll be provided with Trustchain — an environment, which filters out fake personas, bots, scammers, while also employing safety standards.

It’s not just your reputation on the line when you enter the world of ecommerce. It’s also the well-being of your customers who are seen as easy prey by the e-criminals

So, don’t hesitate and protect your business right now. In the long run, it will bring handsome dividends: loyal and grateful clientele.    

Hernaldo Turrillo

Hernaldo Turrillo is a writer and author specialised in innovation, AI, DLT, SMEs, trading, investing and new trends in technology and business. He has been working for ztudium group since 2017. He is the editor of openbusinesscouncil.org, tradersdna.com, hedgethink.com, and writes regularly for intelligenthq.com, socialmediacouncil.eu. Hernaldo was born in Spain and finally settled in London, United Kingdom, after a few years of personal growth. Hernaldo finished his Journalism bachelor degree in the University of Seville, Spain, and began working as reporter in the newspaper, Europa Sur, writing about Politics and Society. He also worked as community manager and marketing advisor in Los Barrios, Spain. Innovation, technology, politics and economy are his main interests, with special focus on new trends and ethical projects. He enjoys finding himself getting lost in words, explaining what he understands from the world and helping others. Besides a journalist, he is also a thinker and proactive in digital transformation strategies. Knowledge and ideas have no limits.

The post Fraud Prevention: Here’s Why Your Business Needs It appeared first on OpenBusinessCouncil Directory.

How to grant yourself and your customers easy and secure purchases on your site? On the merchant’s side, there must be a safe payment gateway that solves most problems. But how to make a choice and provide the safest and the most comfortable solution to the customer? There are various options, and not all of them are made equal.

Payment Gateways by VISA, MasterCard, or AmEx

Well, when you speak of payment systems, the first idea is something like VISA Checkout or Masterpass. Yes, American Express and Discover also have their own payment gateways that can be integrated into merchants’ sites and simplify the process. At least, in theory.

One might expect that the most powerful payment systems in the world can offer just as powerful a solution for online payments as they did for POS transfers. In fact, these solutions lack the clarity expected from them. Should you connect both Visa Checkout and MasterPass, or just one of them, or support with third-party solutions? How do you explain to customers that they indeed can use their MasterCard with Visa Checkout? There is too much confusion, especially given that these gateways don’t mirror each other.

One thing is for sure: Visa and MasterCard, along with local operators like Union Pay and American Express, are all about safety. Alas, they cannot provide a versatile, comfortable solution so far. In addition, their fees (almost $2 per $100 with a traditional card and $2.50 per $100 with Visa Premium) are rather high.

Payment Gateways by Banks

When it comes to card issuers, the largest or the most advanced banks also have their own payment gateways. This is extremely comfortable for their cardholders, as they can authorize the easiest way and use their credentials both in the official app by this bank and the payment gateway. It also provides more secure two-factor authentication if the user opts for this.

On the other hand, it’s still harder to explain why customers should choose this gateway if they are clients of another bank. These solutions may support some non-bank payment systems, like PayPal, Venmo, or Skrill, but rather as an exception.

Third-Party Payment Gateways

The strangest thing about payment gateways is that independent payment systems are the most versatile and the most flexible. One payment gateway can aggregate various systems, including not only Visa, MasterCard, AmEx, and so on, but also Internet payment systems. They may offer currency exchange at good rates, and they are often cheaper for the merchant than major services.

In addition, these services may have advantages like more flexible security solutions, better user interface, better support for high-risk merchant accounts, and readiness to reduce that risk by disputes or fraud prevention solutions. Finally, there is a wide variety of independent payment gateways that you are likely to find yours among them.

Better Safe Than Stolen

That’s about your money. Yes, you can trust companies that spend tons of money on security. But you can as well find a great solution that will cost you much less, deliver more security-centered solutions, and cater to your needs better. And these are usually third-party payment gateways.

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Hernaldo Turrillo

Hernaldo Turrillo is a writer and author specialised in innovation, AI, DLT, SMEs, trading, investing and new trends in technology and business. He has been working for ztudium group since 2017. He is the editor of openbusinesscouncil.org, tradersdna.com, hedgethink.com, and writes regularly for intelligenthq.com, socialmediacouncil.eu. Hernaldo was born in Spain and finally settled in London, United Kingdom, after a few years of personal growth. Hernaldo finished his Journalism bachelor degree in the University of Seville, Spain, and began working as reporter in the newspaper, Europa Sur, writing about Politics and Society. He also worked as community manager and marketing advisor in Los Barrios, Spain. Innovation, technology, politics and economy are his main interests, with special focus on new trends and ethical projects. He enjoys finding himself getting lost in words, explaining what he understands from the world and helping others. Besides a journalist, he is also a thinker and proactive in digital transformation strategies. Knowledge and ideas have no limits.

The post The Best Services to Ensure Safe Internet Payments appeared first on OpenBusinessCouncil Directory.

Now more than ever, privacy on the internet is becoming a thing of the past. Personal information fills the digital space, giving cybercriminals and fraudsters a playground and potential minefield for data breaches to occur.

People are becoming wary of quickly handing over their data to online entities and companies because of the regularity of data breaches that puts them at risk. Nevertheless, data remains one of the most valuable resources for companies today.

Access to customers’ data makes it easy to ditch the guesswork and make accurate decisions based on data you have gathered. Without customers’ data, many companies would be at a loss as to what their customers need and how best to provide it for them.

With more people closing off access to their information and the unrelenting cybercriminals making matters worse, how can you reassure your customers that you will keep their data safe? An IT Security course and training will guide you on how to protect your data from cybercriminals.

Data protection is the answer you seek.

What is data protection?

Data protection is simply taking measures to ensure that customers’ data is not corrupted, compromised, stolen, or lost. It is also ensuring that if a data breach ever occurs, you are primed to recover the data quickly with little to no casualties.

You can define it as the strategies and procedures you use to protect your consumers’ data integrity, availability, and privacy. You may also know it as data security or information privacy.

If you own a business and collect, store, or handle any form of sensitive data from your customers, having a working data protection strategy is vital for you. However, a strategy is only successful if it can effectively shield data from theft, corruption, and damage if a breach occurs.

Your strategy should also have measures that can minimize the data damage in the case of any disasters.

Because of the importance of data protection for businesses due to the spike in sensitive information they have access to, the Government has started to issue some laws in different states to guide consumer data gathering and protection.

Customers’ Data Protection Act (CDPA)

The CDPA for the state of Virginia was passed into law in March 2021 and grants Virginia consumers rights over their data.

The Act also ensures that companies who are under this law “comply with rules on the data they collect, how it’s treated and protected and with whom it’s shared.”

A few other states are interested in the protection of data for their residents, like California. The various Data Protection Acts all carry similar messages for companies that collect and store data.

These include:

• Giving consumers a clear privacy notice, including a way for them to opt-out of targeted advertising
• Allowing consumers to see data collected about them within 45 days
• Getting consumer consent to process their sensitive data.
• Letting consumers know if the company will sell their data.
• Allowing consumers to refuse the companies from selling their data.
• Allowing consumers to delete their data.

6 Reasons why customer data protection is important for businesses

There are many reasons why data protection is important, asides from the fact that unsecured customer data put your customers at risk. It is also vital to note that it also has serious effects on your business and its reputation.

So that you don’t risk losing your customers and a good name, take note of the highlighted reasons why you should protect your customers’ data.

Data breaches can happen to any business

Many small businesses and even a few big ones are not aware of the consequences of data breaches. Even worse, think they’re untouchable and impervious to cyberattacks from hackers and cybercriminals.

It is important to note that any business can suffer a cyber attack, whether small or large. As long as you have access to, collect and store sensitive information from your customers, these criminals want to get to it too.

Research has shown that small companies suffer the most from cyberattacks, with about 67% of them suffering a cyberattack and 58% have suffered a breach. They are easy prey to the attackers because they are usually unprepared or do not have enough resources to resolve most attacks.

Customer data makes up a part of your company’s asset

Data today is a very important tool in the digital space. It not only provides you with factual information that can help you improve your company, but it also helps you provide better services and products for your customers.

By satisfying your customers and meeting their needs through the information you derive from their data, you boost your company’s revenue. Based on these important benefits both for the present and future of your company, you can describe customers’ data as assets.

Your company’s assets in the wrong hands, such as your competition, can quickly run you out of the market. If cybercriminals steal your customers’ data and sell it to your competition, you may kiss your business goodbye.

You can save unnecessary costs

If you are not adequately prepared for the worst data breach cases and you get hit, the costs incurred can cause a huge blow to your business’ finances.

In trying to salvage the damage done by cybercriminals, you may have to spend unbudgeted resources, which may affect the smooth flow of other processes in the business. A shortage of money may also cause stunted output, which can lead to a loss of customers.

You protect your company’s reputation

When your customers allow you access to their data and other sensitive information, such as their credit card details, they trust you to keep it safe.

When your business suffers cyber attack after cyber attack because you fail to protect your customers’ data adequately, it gives your business a bad name. Your customers start to lose their confidence in you and may boycott your company to avoid future risks.

You can face lawsuits or incur monetary fines

With the CDPA and other Data Protection Acts in place, companies are liable to go to court or pay monetary fines for mishandling customers’ data. Customers may also sue companies for putting their data at risk, which may run into losing millions of dollars.

There may be repeat cyber attacks

Because the main goal of malicious cyber attacks is money, the hackers may automate the cyberattacks to occur repeatedly.

These attacks are set up so that the hackers do not even have to be at their computers for the bugs to be deployed. Knowing that they have unprepared businesses to attack for money encourages them to tamper with your data consistently.

How can you protect your customer data?

Knowing how important it is to protect your customers’ data, there are certain steps you should take to do so. Check out the 5-step method to securing your customer data from breaches below.

Use a secure network

This is the first step to create a secure database for the company and the employees in the organization. A secure, dedicated server lowers the risk of leaving vital customers’ data open to breaches. It is also important to continuously back up said data to prevent data loss.

Create stronger passwords

A weak password leaves a vulnerable entry point for hackers and malicious cyber users. With all the sensitive data being stored, all passwords should be as uncrackable as possible and not just a random, easy-to-guess word.

It should consist of varying letters in different cases, numbers, and symbols for stronger protection. You can also use password management tools like LastPass for 2-factor authentication purposes.

Keep only the data you need

Sometimes businesses may store some data that is no longer necessary to the company but is still sensitive information. The more data you store, the greater the risk your business is taking, so deleting data that is no longer serving you is a wise decision.

However, before you take the leap, ensure you destroy irrelevant data before erasing them from your database. It’s easy for hackers to retrieve data from hard drives if it is not properly destroyed first.

Prepare for data disasters and emergencies

If you face a data breach today, do you have a plan to mitigate the effects and quickly salvage the damage done? If your answer is “no,” then you need to map out one immediately.

With the aid of data security personnel, you should build a workable data protection strategy for your business to combat any cyber attack disasters or emergencies.

Train data-handling staff for data protection practices

Adequate hands-on training is essential for staff that have access to sensitive customers’ data. This training should cover the essential practices for data protection to avoid internal data leaks or sensitive data exposure from your very own employees.

Conclusion

Although useful, customer data is high-risk information that can cause problems for your customers if they fall into the wrong hands. To ensure that you keep your customers’ trust and maintain your credibility as a company, you must create a data protection strategy to secure this data.

Comply with the Customers’ Data Protection Act as it applies to your company and follow the 5-step data protection method we have outlined in the article to keep your customer data safe and away from data thieves.

Hernaldo Turrillo

Hernaldo Turrillo is a writer and author specialised in innovation, AI, DLT, SMEs, trading, investing and new trends in technology and business. He has been working for ztudium group since 2017. He is the editor of openbusinesscouncil.org, tradersdna.com, hedgethink.com, and writes regularly for intelligenthq.com, socialmediacouncil.eu. Hernaldo was born in Spain and finally settled in London, United Kingdom, after a few years of personal growth. Hernaldo finished his Journalism bachelor degree in the University of Seville, Spain, and began working as reporter in the newspaper, Europa Sur, writing about Politics and Society. He also worked as community manager and marketing advisor in Los Barrios, Spain. Innovation, technology, politics and economy are his main interests, with special focus on new trends and ethical projects. He enjoys finding himself getting lost in words, explaining what he understands from the world and helping others. Besides a journalist, he is also a thinker and proactive in digital transformation strategies. Knowledge and ideas have no limits.

The post 6 Key Reasons Why You Should Protect Your Customers’ Data in 2021 appeared first on OpenBusinessCouncil Directory.

Security Solutions

Security technology is important to a modern business, as they look to protect their assets and help their employees feel safe. Security technology can include video surveillance, door access controls, window sensors and network security. Network security is the biggest change to business security, as criminals can access private information or financials if not properly protected.

Both your physical and digital assets should be safe from criminals. A business which is vulnerable risks having their reputation damaged if information is wrongly accessed, which will lead to a loss of business.

IT Technology

A well designed and optimized IT system is the base of a business. This includes hardware as well as software. Hardware can become outdated after a few years, so it’s important that you keep on top of them. IT systems can include network installation and maintenance, as well as data storage devices. Most of your business will use IT devices, from a warehouse stock checking device, to an office printer.

You should communicate with your team to find what technology is currently benefiting them, and what they need upgrading. This will help you get your team to become more productive. After investing in the right technology, businesses can increase productivity and efficiency levels. Investing in adequate and necessary IT equipment is a great way for businesses to ensure that they succeed.

Voice And Communication Tools

Your business will need to have some sort of communication tool in place. This will be for you to be able to communicate effectively with your team and clients. It could be in the shape of face-to-face communication methods, or more technologically advanced internet phone systems. VoIP phone systems don’t require a phoneline, instead they are operated via broadband.

This helps businesses, as they can communicate with businesses and clients across the world without suffering international charges. These internet-based systems are cheaper to install than phone lines, making them the perfect choice. Taylored Systems help your business with managed services in Indianapolis, who deal with a wide range of technology systems that your business can utilize.

The Cloud

Cloud computing technology is the most effective way in which you can store data. Hard drives are still useful for businesses to keep hard copies, but cloud storage allows businesses to store and access data and programs over the internet instantly.

Businesses can access a more unique cloud system. A SaaS system allows businesses to subscribe to applications they use over the internet, a software as a service.

Management Software

This type of software allows businesses to manage their employees when they’re not on site. This was used more due to the COVID-19 pandemic, where employees worked from home. It serves the purpose of checking how productive employees are, as well as supplying them with crucial business information when needed. The aim of a successfully implemented management software is to automate some processes that managers don’t have time for, as well as make project and task management simpler.

Hernaldo Turrillo

Hernaldo Turrillo is a writer and author specialised in innovation, AI, DLT, SMEs, trading, investing and new trends in technology and business. He has been working for ztudium group since 2017. He is the editor of openbusinesscouncil.org, tradersdna.com, hedgethink.com, and writes regularly for intelligenthq.com, socialmediacouncil.eu. Hernaldo was born in Spain and finally settled in London, United Kingdom, after a few years of personal growth. Hernaldo finished his Journalism bachelor degree in the University of Seville, Spain, and began working as reporter in the newspaper, Europa Sur, writing about Politics and Society. He also worked as community manager and marketing advisor in Los Barrios, Spain. Innovation, technology, politics and economy are his main interests, with special focus on new trends and ethical projects. He enjoys finding himself getting lost in words, explaining what he understands from the world and helping others. Besides a journalist, he is also a thinker and proactive in digital transformation strategies. Knowledge and ideas have no limits.

The post The Different Technologies Your Business Can Utilize To Thrive appeared first on OpenBusinessCouncil Directory.

If you are looking into the idea of renovating your office before the new year for a fresh start to 2019, there are a lot of things you can think of doing. It may be that your office needs a lick of paint for extra flair, or perhaps you need to refit the entire place to make it your own. Whichever way you decide to go, here are some ideas to make your office feel brand new next year.

Add a garden

The first thing you can think about doing for the office which may be a little bit unconventional is to add an outdoor area to the office where people can go on their lunch breaks. A garden can allow people to get some fresh air and it can make a big impact on their mood and their health day to day. Make sure to find a Mini Digger for Sale or hire which you can use to flatten out an area for the garden, and you can then lay some grass and shrubs to create a calm space for your workers to enjoy.

Easy security additions

When it comes to making the building more secure this year, there are some really simple ways to deter robbers without spending the earth. First of all you can install some solar powered motion sensing lights to the building along with CCTV cameras. If anyone gets close enough to the office at night, they will trigger the light, notice the camera and likely run away. If you have floor to ceiling windows around the perimeter of the building you can plant bramble or holly here to deter people from getting into the office.

Find a bargain

Renovating any space will be an expensive task, and we always want to find ways to reduce the cost to make it easier to manage. For example one thing you can do is use sites like ebay to find second hand furniture for your space. It will save a ton of money and you will be able to add more features to the space as a result. You can also attend local auctions and get your hands on some characterful pieces to add some life to the office.

Add branding

Branding will always be a massive part of a business, and if you often have clients visiting you for meetings, you may want to consider adding more branding to the office. You can hang a sing outside the building, have your theme colours in the reception area in the form of art and cushions; and in the office you can hang a logo light. All of these things reaffirm your brand and let people know you are proud of who you are and what you do.

Make it comfortable

Comfort is something you need to think about in the office because your team will spend most of their week working here. Make the space as comfortable as you can with large windows, lots of ventilation and supportive chairs. You can also add a photo wall to the space with images of your employees. This will be great for employee morale and it adds personality to the space too.

This is an article provided by our partners network. It might not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of our editorial team and management.
Contributed content

Hernaldo Turrillo

Hernaldo Turrillo is a writer and author specialised in innovation, AI, DLT, SMEs, trading, investing and new trends in technology and business. He has been working for ztudium group since 2017. He is the editor of openbusinesscouncil.org, tradersdna.com, hedgethink.com, and writes regularly for intelligenthq.com, socialmediacouncil.eu. Hernaldo was born in Spain and finally settled in London, United Kingdom, after a few years of personal growth. Hernaldo finished his Journalism bachelor degree in the University of Seville, Spain, and began working as reporter in the newspaper, Europa Sur, writing about Politics and Society. He also worked as community manager and marketing advisor in Los Barrios, Spain. Innovation, technology, politics and economy are his main interests, with special focus on new trends and ethical projects. He enjoys finding himself getting lost in words, explaining what he understands from the world and helping others. Besides a journalist, he is also a thinker and proactive in digital transformation strategies. Knowledge and ideas have no limits.

The post Office Renovation Ideas For The New Year appeared first on OpenBusinessCouncil Directory.

1. Lock It Up. It doesn’t matter whether you are popping out for a coffee or not, your office doors need to stay locked. It can help businesses to buy into swipe card security systems, because then you can dish out more than one card to people and you know that they can get in and out securely.
2. Film It. If you experience someone trying to make their way into your office, you need to prove it. The way to do that is to budget for CCTV camera installation so that you can capture the image of anyone trying to break in. There is an increased need for CCTV with businesses, so you shouldn’t be the only one who doesn’t have it.
3. Label It. Office equipment that you have budgeted and paid for – even down to the chairs and desks – needs to be labelled. You should buy a label maker from your chosen office supply company and ensure that everything has your business name and telephone number on it.
4. ID Badges. Security doesn’t just extend to the four walls of your office. You need to ensure that you are letting in the right people at the right time, and the best way to do that is to ensure that everyone has a lanyard with an ID card attached. Visitor badges can be bought and created by your admin team.
5. A Bit Alarming. If you’re adding cameras, security locks and badges, you need a way to know whether someone still tries to trespass on your business without you knowing. Alarm systems are very technical, with some triggering silent alarms to the police and others letting off huge amounts of noise to frighten off the assailant. Choose your alarm system wisely.
6. Emergency Planning. You need an emergency back up for your security. If you realise that something is missing from your office after some time away, you need to have a way to ensure your business processes are not interrupted because of it.
7. Passwords. Every business computer should have a case sensitive password attached that is changed frequently. This is the best way to ensure that if you suffer a theft of equipment, someone cannot access the machine rendering it useless.

Office security isn’t a joke and should be taken seriously by all involved in your workplace

This is an article provided by our partners network. It might not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of our editorial team and management.
Contributed content

Hernaldo Turrillo

Hernaldo Turrillo is a writer and author specialised in innovation, AI, DLT, SMEs, trading, investing and new trends in technology and business. He has been working for ztudium group since 2017. He is the editor of openbusinesscouncil.org, tradersdna.com, hedgethink.com, and writes regularly for intelligenthq.com, socialmediacouncil.eu. Hernaldo was born in Spain and finally settled in London, United Kingdom, after a few years of personal growth. Hernaldo finished his Journalism bachelor degree in the University of Seville, Spain, and began working as reporter in the newspaper, Europa Sur, writing about Politics and Society. He also worked as community manager and marketing advisor in Los Barrios, Spain. Innovation, technology, politics and economy are his main interests, with special focus on new trends and ethical projects. He enjoys finding himself getting lost in words, explaining what he understands from the world and helping others. Besides a journalist, he is also a thinker and proactive in digital transformation strategies. Knowledge and ideas have no limits.

The post You’ve Sorted Your Cyber Security. What About The Office? appeared first on OpenBusinessCouncil Directory.