Category Archives: Safety

Wire Fraud and How to Prevent It

Contributed article in our cybersecurity series. Enjoy! – Kimberly

The advent of new technologies and the widespread use of the internet have allowed scammers to access and steal personalized information with the aim of using it to commit fraud. One of the most common forms of internet scams is wire fraud – preying on thousands of people every year who fall victim to these kinds of manipulations. Unfortunately, people are often caught by surprise and end up wondering how they fell for such scams.

Therefore, it’s imperative to know how to recognize wire fraud and protect yourself and your personal information from potential fraudsters.

Map Ref: Blackhawk Bank

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Reliable online SMS services with Poland numbers

Contributed article in our security series. Enjoy! – Kimberly

Reliable online SMS services with Poland numbers

Look at these Reliable online SMS services with Poland numbers for the best work process.

Privacy is a prime concern of the users of virtual phone numbers

Virtual second phone number services keep their users’ privacy safe by creating second phone numbers for a particular region. Users can rely on such numbers to protect themselves from identity thefts and other risks regarding internet services and stuff. Virtual phone numbers are designed for users who care about their privacy and regard it as their priority.

OnlineSIM service offers virtual phone numbers from Poland

This service’s technology allows it to receive text messages from Polish social media, stores, and other online platforms. There are freephone numbers and individual paid-for virtual numbers, which make it possible to receive SMS now.Continue reading→

Tech Fluency

Contributed article by Yvonne Burton of Burton Consulting International and Silicon Valley Alliance Associate.

Technological fluency is a major part of global business skills and in the age of remote work, the need for companies to have Tech Fluency has become more and more apparent. I work mainly with Japanese companies and although many major corporations are proactive in utilizing technology to the fullest, I find that an equal number are not. Whether, small, medium, or large, many Japanese companies are behind in using technology tools for maximum benefit and suffering for it.

This first article provides a general introduction to the theme,  a look at what is missing and the state that a lot of companies found themselves in when the pandemic propelled all of the world into remote work. Some companies seamlessly adapted, but for many others, it was and continues to be more of a challenge. Going forward, I will be writing more on this theme and what companies can and should be doing to increase fluency.

‘Tech Fluency’ was first published on JapanCulture-NYC where, as Business Editor, I write a bi-monthly column. I am re-posting the complete article here.

Technological Fluency

That is a mouthful. I call it Tech Fluency.

What is Tech Fluency?

Let me define it by looking at its components.

Technology: Techniques, skills, methods, and processes used in the production of goods or services or in the accomplishment of objectives.

Fluency: The quality or condition of being fluent. In addition, it is also defined as the ability to express oneself easily and articulately. It is usually applied to languages.

In this article, I am taking creative license and applying fluency to the language of technology to describe the level of proficiency and/or comfort in using the technological tools and applications that are needed to perform work responsibilities.Continue reading→

Why should you clean your windows regularly?

Contributed article in our anti-viral cleanliness series. Enjoy! – Kimberly

Why should you clean your windows regularly?

The idea of cleaning a window regularly may not sit well with everyone, but the truth is that we must do it regularly. While some people may view this as absurd, it is imperative to ensure that we live in a clean environment, to protect ourselves from disease-causing organisms. Actually, that is the main reason we also take a bath and brush our teeth.

Now back to it, what could the compelling reasons as to why you should clean your window regularly? Why should you ask for a professional Scottsdale window cleaning service? Well, other than their reputation of making customers happy through excellent service, here are the reasons as to why regular cleaning of your window  is necessary:

  • Natural light

Maybe you’ve been missing that natural light experience because you’ve refused to clean up your windows. Sunrises and sunsets are beautiful, and if your window doesn’t tell that, then you need to do something. Cleaning your window helps remove impurities from acid rain, salts, and other wastes such as dirt and birds’ waste. Otherwise, if you wipe the windows casually, the debris may still pile in small quantities until the panes start depicting something close to translucent.Continue reading→

The Importance of IT Security for Every Business

Contributed article in our leadership series. Enjoy! – Kimberly

Not only is it reckless to build a business without security precautions, but it can also be illegal. For instance, users in the EU must now agree to the cookies and data you take from them for whatever purpose (usually to offer a seamless and customized experience). As for your company, not investing in your IT security will put you in danger of having your entire company held hostage with what is known as ransomware. There are so many reasons why IT security is important for small, medium, and large businesses alike:

1.    Your Customers Expect Secure Transactions

Mobile purchases and online shopping is more popular than ever, but that doesn’t mean that every online store gets a piece of the proverbial pie. You need to have a great looking site that functions well and looks great. You also need to offer the right levels of security and encryptions in order to protect said transactions for both party’s sakes.

2.    Malware Can Ruin Your Company

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How to Ensure Your Employees Remain Safe at Work

helmet and construction equipment with building and crane against dusky sky use for construction business theme

Contributed article in our business series. Enjoy! – Kimberly

In all types of workplaces, there are various types of equipment and machinery that is used to carry out necessary tasks. As all work machinery and equipment has the potential to cause damage and harm, it is important that all employees are fully aware of its correct and proper use and how to avoid accidents occurring in the workplace. All employees in a workplace should be responsible for ensuring that the equipment remains safe to use, reporting any faults accordingly, and making sure that nobody is at risk of harm from faulty or damaged machinery or equipment.

How to Make Sure That Work Equipment is Safe

Work equipment is any equipment used at work, such as forklift trucks, vehicle hoists, lifting slings, hand tools, vans and other vehicles, and display screen equipment such as computers. Some workplaces may also use equipment such as respiratory protective equipment and personal protective equipment. If you have control over any such work equipment, it is your legal duty to ensure that it is safe to use at all times. In order to do so, a number of measures can be taken including regular equipment checks and tests, carrying out risk assessments, following the manufacturer’s guidelines for maintenance and use, and establishing and ensuring that a system in place for reporting any equipment faults. You can buy safety equipment from autobodynow.com.

How to Deal with Faulty Equipment

If you discover any work equipment or machinery that is faulty or damaged, you should immediately label it unsafe for use, and report it according to your workplace’s specific guidelines. Any broken machinery or equipment should be repaired as soon as possible and tested for safety before any further use. For example, a truck bed liner that is in need of replacement should be replaced as soon as possible, and the truck should be out of use until this is carried out.

Should Employees be Trained?

Legally, any work equipment should only be used by employees who have received adequate training and are authorized to do so. Allowing untrained or unauthorized employees to use work equipment can be dangerous, and could result in accidents leading to insurance claims or worse. Depending on the equipment being used, different levels and types of training will be required. For example, equipment such as forklift trucks or vans will often require employees to have passed a driving test, whereas more basic equipment such as personal protection equipment or display screen equipment will only require employees to undergo some basic training. It is also recommended that employees who use work equipment are enrolled in regular refresher training to ensure that they stay on top of how to use the equipment and the various risks involved with doing so. Any changes to equipment also require employees to be retrained in its use.

How do you keep your employees safe at work? Which work equipment and machinery are they required to use? We’d love to hear all about it in the comments section below.