Archive for January, 2012

Prevent Thumb Drive Security Disasters

January 30th, 2012

We came across this article, and wanted to pass it along.

For such a small device, the plastic, handheld USB flash drive can cause big security headaches. Even if you have robust end-point security and establish rigid policies about employee use of these drives, employees still find a way to copy financial reports and business plans for use at home. While other security breaches are more traceable, a flash drive is more difficult to monitor, especially after the employee leaves work.

Some security professionals suggest a radical approach to locking down USB flash drives. Sean Greene, a security consultant at Evidence Solutions, advises his clients to use a clear silicone caulk and fill every USB port on every PC to prevent USB attachments. He says the only way employees can transmit sensitive business documents is by email, a method that his clients can easily monitor.

Chris Harget, a spokesperson for security vendor ActivIdentity, adds that many military organizations don’t allow the drives at all, and they have resorted to gluing USB ports closed to prevent breaches.

http://www.networkworld.com/research/2012/012712-how-to-prevent-thumb-drive-255414.html?source=nww_rss


			

2012 Marketing Predictions

January 9th, 2012

1.) The Move on Mobile.
Picture yourself driving in your car with your family. You decide to go somewhere to eat, or see a movie, or go shopping. Out comes the phone, and the search begins. This is becoming an everyday experience for many of us. This is important, why? Your business needs to be present where your prospects and customers are. Today, customers expect to be able to contact you, not only by searching your website, but also on their phones or tablets. In 2012 websites need to be tailored for the phone environment.

2.) Video in, Flash Out.
Ok, Flash is not really out. It just sounded good in the title. Flash will continue to be used on websites, and serve the purpose it has for the last 10 years… make stuff cool! But Video is coming on strong! Studies have shown that using video for product showcasing has increased sales.

3.) SEO will continue to grow.
Organic and paid search will to grow in 2012. Sorry, the phonebook in not coming back. (Not even sure where we keep ours!) Seems that 90% of the websites give very little attention to Search
Engine Optimization, but that is to their loss. The other 10% are easily found, and are bringing in the business.

4.) Look for more integration of traditional media into social campaigns.
While social is decent at serving to build credibility and increase communication, it doesn’t always translate into business profits for many companies. Social is still primarily for friends
talking to friends, if your business fits in with that, it can help boost brand. But social does brands get fans involved in the conversation, and can spread the word about product benefits.