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Current Sectors Of Work & Skills Required

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Current Sectors Of Work & Skills Required

The Most Current Sectors Of Work

Thanks to a degree in PC designing, the jobs it is feasible to fill are numerous and can change as per the various sorts of PC designing fields one picks. By and large, fundamental sorts of PC designing that you can pick are:

  1. Software Engineering: The job of a software engineer requires software development along with maintenance and updating;
  2. Hardware Engineering: You can become a computer hardware engineer with primary responsibility for designing and building new computer and hardware technologies;
  3. Electrical Engineering: You can also venture into the fields of telecommunications, electrical design engineering, instrumentation engineering, and micro-electrical engineering;
  4. Network Engineering: Career prospects with a network engineering degree include becoming a network manager, network analyst, network engineer, network solution architect, or network specialist. 

While the main sectors in which a computer engineering graduate can work today can be summarized:

  1. Cyber ​​security and computer security
  2. artificial intelligence
  3. Big data and data science
  4. Automotive
  5. biomedical
  6. Energy and public utilities
  7. Logistics and transportation
  8. Automation and robotics
  9. Industry 4.0

However, having clarified the different engineering fields to choose from and the main sectors in which a computer engineering graduate could find himself working today, it is equally interesting to understand what companies are looking for today from a recent graduate.

The Skills Required By Companies

Always keeping up with the needs and demands of companies is essential for graduates to increase the opportunities to find work and grow with respect to the initial job position.

For this reason, it is, in fact, essential to know that companies look for in their candidates not only more technical knowledge, which we will see in detail later on, such as, for example, skills for the most requested programming languages or constant updating on all the news of the sector (which is why it is always important to participate in sector events ) but also certain soft skills such as those listed below.

Teamwork

Every company grows if it has a close-knit team that works well together, therefore, knowing how to work as a “team player” is essential to complete the work constructively and positively for the growth of the company business.

Attention To Detail

Engineering and precision are two elements united, which is why companies always expect particular attention to every detail from computer engineers. Their role is, in fact, crucial. Therefore, paying particular attention to even the smallest details can be very important to avoid problems that can also have commercial and social repercussions.

Innovation

Businesses expect software engineers to understand the need for innovation to solve real-life problems.

Communication

Communication is always important and is one of the primary aspects evaluated by a recruiter, who will immediately analyze your communication skills. Therefore it is essential:

  1. send a well-written application;
  2. always be polite;
  3. being able to give examples of situations in which you have used your interpersonal skills. 

Resilience

Resilience is an element to which recruiters are paying increasing attention. By resilience, we mean being determined, persevering and able to pick yourself up after a setback. To ensure that you have these characteristics, however, an upstream assessment of the sector or role you are applying is essential to understand if it is the most friendly and, therefore, able to provide the necessary motivation to develop the necessary resilience.

ALSO READ: Sales Forecasting: What Is It And Why Is It Important

AI Systems In The Wrong Hands: How To Prevent Dangerous Scenarios

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AI Systems In The Wrong Hands How To Prevent Dangerous Scenarios

Autonomous mobile robots can do dangerous, strenuous, or monotonous work. They are already being used in many places, for example, in the production of automobiles, monitoring industrial plants, or inspecting oil platforms. 

However, these systems, controlled with the help of artificial intelligence (AI), can be misused for acts of sabotage or espionage or even as a weapon. Therefore, protection against misuse should be considered during development, and research in this area should be expanded. This way, autonomous mobile robots can be used safely and responsibly and unleash their diverse social and economic potential. How robots and other AI systems can be protected

Robotics will find increasing application in many areas of society and the economy in the coming years. The systems can relieve people by eliminating heavy physical or repetitive tasks. Robotics has steadily become cheaper in recent years, while the systems have become more powerful due to technical innovations. In particular, the major advances in machine learning were decisive for this development. Machine vision, in particular, a type of machine learning, offers enormous potential. As a result, machines can, for example, use their sensors to document the progress on construction sites or to detect any damage to the building. In addition, they can measure industrial plants,

However, autonomous systems also offer a target for misuse. For example, cyber attackers can use the sensors of insufficiently protected robots for espionage and surveillance. If criminals gain full control over the autonomous system, they can also be used for sabotage or even as a weapon. Misuse occurs when a system is used contrary to its actual purpose and fundamental values ​​, such as the physical and psychological integrity of people, (democratic) freedoms and rights, privacy or material and immaterial values ​​are violated, or the environment is damaged. It is, therefore, a central challenge to arm the robotic applications against criminal use,

Recognize Anomalies In Use And Restrict Functionalities

To make autonomous systems resistant to attempts at misuse, the general IT security of the system should always be considered. This applies to both the organizational and the technical dimensions. An overall integrated strategy is important.

In the case of autonomous systems, in particular, the early detection of anomalies and restricting certain system functionalities can be particularly important. These anomalies can be detected with the help of artificial intelligence (AI), for example, by the AI-supported system detecting deviations from the environment model in autonomous driving or the planned course of an operation. Actions of similar AI systems can be collected in a cloud environment, for example. Comparing the individual actions can determine whether these actions have already occurred in similar situations. 

In this way, unusual and, therefore, suspicious requests and actions can be identified and checked through simulation in cloud environments to analyze expected outcomes, such as system or environmental changes. The collected data can then be used to optimize anomaly detection by using it for the learning process of AI systems.

Another way to protect autonomous systems against misuse is to limit their autonomy. The functionalities and capabilities of autonomous robots are reduced, for example, to certain locations, time windows, situations, and environments. With geofencing or targeting, for example, drone flights to specific areas are prevented, or construction machines are programmed to only work in the construction site area. 

The capabilities of autonomous, mobile robots can also be limited, coupled with an environmental analysis based on the robot’s sensors. This means that the robot’s sensor first detects the environment, and only when certain features of the place and environment are recognized certain capabilities of the device are released. These environment and location analyses represent a good alternative or supplement since procedures such as geofencing and targeting can sometimes be technically circumvented. The basis for this is comparing information from different sensors in a mobile AI system.

ALSO READ: Artificial Intelligence: Retail & Marketing Issues

What Protection Against Misuse Can Look Like In A Specific Case

A scenario in which anomaly detection and the restriction of functions can prevent misuse could take place on a construction site shortly. An autonomous excavator is used there, which performs tasks independently. A cybercriminal terrorist organization manages to identify a security gap in the system and thus gain access to the autonomous system. Your goal is to steer the excavator onto an adjacent highway. 

The vehicle rolls towards the highway and approaches the end of the demarcated construction site. A certified system, isolated from the main system, immediately determines that the “approved” environment is being left and that there is an anomaly from the normal behavior of the vehicle. The system deactivates the excavator at the boundary of the construction site and brings it to a standstill. At the same time, it sends a request to the headquarters, where the systems are checked, and offers them the option of taking control of the vehicle manually.

In another scenario, the largest European port could be attacked. In the scenario, the port of Rotterdam is monitored by AI-based underwater drones, which constantly check the water depths and bottom conditions. A militant group intercepts a drone and attempts to plant a time-coded explosive charge. 

However, the drone is protected by a (self-)monitoring system that analyzes the data from acceleration sensors and acoustic and optical sensors on the drone and, in this way, detects anomalies – for example, if the speed changes unusually while the drone is being intercepted. This allows early detection if a drone would be intercepted or manipulated. Thus, the drone is out of circulation in good time, and the explosive charge defuses.

There are numerous options to protect robotic systems from illegal use. Of particular importance are the automated anomaly detection and the limitation of the functionalities of the respective devices, for example, to certain locations, environments, or periods. Protection against misuse must be considered during the development of autonomous robots. In the further development of these systems, possible abuse targets and suitable countermeasures should be derived, which can be implemented as prevention or in an emergency. Last but not least, research on ​​protection against misuse should be further promoted. The focus should be on people’s trust in autonomous robotics.

Gentoo Snap: Free Software To Take Screenshots

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Gentoo Snap Free Software To Take Screenshots

Today, almost everyone knows how to take a screenshot on their computer. Especially since current operating systems such as Windows 11 or macOS make the task easier since they both integrate screen capture tools. However, we cannot say that these native tools are the most complete.

Indeed, their functionalities still need to be improved. For this reason, we have decided to share with you a new, much more complete screen capture software. Her name? Gentoo Snap! We invite you to continue reading this article to learn more about this software and how it works.

Gentoo Snap Is Much More Than Just Screenshot Software

Gentoo Snap is a 100 percent free screen catch and explanation programming accessible on Windows with many elements. The product is certainly more extensive than straightforward as can be screen catch. It likewise offers an entire host of altering devices that will permit you to modify screen captures as indicated by your necessities.

Specifically, you will track down devices to comment on screen captures with text, shapes (square shape, triangle, circle), bolts, lines, bends, and so forth. However, that is not all! Gentoo Snap likewise offers an instrument to stow away delicate information from your screen captures utilizing a mosaic haze impact.

Moreover, Gemoo Snap incorporates instruments that permit you to decorate your screen captures by adding, for instance, a variety or a predefined foundation picture, adjusting corners, or bringing in pictures. Note that all your screen captures will be consequently saved in the Cloud. The product doesn’t permit you to save the screen captures straightforwardly to your PC.

Nonetheless, you can trade them whenever from the German Cloud. You will have a free 100 GB extra room to store all your screen captures. At last, the product has an optical person acknowledgment (OCR) capability, making it conceivable to separate text from a picture. Likewise, Gemoo Snap permits you to record your screen on record with sound and a webcam.

ALSO READ: Android 13, Tips And Tricks

The Different Capture Modes

In total, Gemoo Snap offers no less than six different capture modes:

  1. Feedback Screenshot ( ++ ): this allows you to take a screenshot and share it with others for feedback.CTRLMajF
  2. Capture and edit ( ++ ): this allow you to take a screenshot and annotate it as you see fit using the tools available.CTRLMajG
  3. Recognize OCR text ( ++ ): this allows you to extract text from an image.CTRLMajW
  4. Quick screenshot ( ): allows you to take a classic screenshot.Impr. Écran
  5. Capture to clipboard ( ++ ): This allows you to copy your screenshot to the clipboard and paste your image wherever you want.CTRLMajC
  6. Pin screenshot ( ++ ): this allows you to take a screenshot and pin it as a floating window that stays in the foreground.CTRLMajT

Note that the keyboard shortcuts are customizable. To do this, go to “Keyboard shortcuts preferences.”

How To Use Gemoo Snap?

  1. Start downloading the Gemoo Snap software from the developer’s official website.
  2. Then proceed to install the software and then run it.
  3. Once opened, you will be prompted to create a free account to save your screenshots to a personal cloud with 100 GB of storage space.
  4. Several solutions are available to take a screenshot with Gemoo Snap. You can click on the application icon grafted onto the screen’s right side, use keyboard shortcuts, or right-click on the application icon located in the notification area (at the side of the clock).
  5. To access your screenshots, right-click on the Gemoo Snap icon, then click on the “Library” icon.
  6. From here, you can export your screenshots to your PC. To do this, select the screenshot(s), then click “Export.”

What You Must Remember

Overall, Gemoo Snap is an excellent free screenshot tool that offers many features and customization options. Give it a try if you need to add annotations to your screenshots regularly (or occasionally)! And otherwise, in the same genre, you also have Screenpresso or ShareX.

Data Management In Small And Medium-Sized Companies

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Data Management In Small And Medium-Sized Companies

Managing a business, whether a small or medium-sized company, undoubtedly has its challenges and difficulties. Thus, it is essential to be well-aligned with your business obligations and duties to remain competitive in the market. Intelligent management involves several concepts and skills; among them is data management.

In this article, we will deal more deeply with the operation and usefulness of data management in small and medium-sized companies. Want to learn more about it? Keep on reading!

What Is Data Management?

Data management must be done responsibly and safely, as it deals with important information for business continuity. It is a specific area that takes care of the storage, organization, processing, and use of data collected by the company.

Managing this information to work and make sense within strategic planning, for example, allows you to make more proactive decisions focused on the final objective because there is no way to analyze data if there is not a minimum of discipline and organization in data collection, which will help better to understand your client, your results and your performance.

That is why data management is so important and relevant in small and medium-sized companies, as they are growing daily and showing their market power.

How Important Is Efficient Data Management?

In the corporate world, information is power. In a digital context, the more information gathered for small and medium-sized companies, the more it is possible to benefit from it. Adding directly to the company’s results and optimizing its processes, making them more efficient and faster.

It is important to emphasize that having intelligent and complete data management is understanding how to use the available information to ensure even more agility, innovation, and efficiency.

It also promotes: a better experience in implementing ideas based on accurate information sources, increased productivity and process optimization; reduction of risks and failures in the activities performed.

How To Manage Data?

A data management policy must first be implemented into the company’s organizational culture and delegated to the right people. Determining the professionals responsible for data management is critical to the success of this policy.

Next, it is important to carry out a diagnosis in which it is possible to identify where there are any gaps. With this analysis, it will be possible to determine what is most urgent and important to do next.

With this, data management should be used to guarantee the quality of services. Everything previously evaluated will set up a strategy, defining how each department should act and store its data.

Remembering to guarantee the integration between the sectors and the unification of the objectives, monitoring the results from this implemented policy.

ALSO READ: Amazon, Everything You Need To Know To Shop Online

Safe Ways To Back Up Your Customer Data

Unless your company is still tied to the old and archaic way of storing customer information, it is normal that you need to store this data somewhere, quickly and simply. And therefore, performing this task safely becomes essential for the company’s image.

Any online venture must invest heavily in securely storing all information collected about its customers. Understanding how restoration and backup work is fundamental to the organization’s routine.

Much has been discussed about information leakage, and large companies have been affected by this negative image. So that this doesn’t happen to your company, we’ve put together the safest and most efficient ways to back up your customer’s data.

See now!

What Is Data Backup?

When a backup is made, a backup of stored files or a system is taken to another place where they can be restored.

Precisely so that in case of this data loss, it is possible to recover it in the original format without any damage.

Talking about backup is mentioning the day-to-day life of anyone who doesn’t want, for example, to risk losing their photos or conversations via mobile devices.

This is what already happens with the instant messaging application Whatsapp. And so many others have the same purpose: storing important data and information.

In the business environment, backup is even more important and serious to deal with as it involves information, data, and countless other matters of third parties, which are under the company’s responsibility and must be stored safely and efficiently.

What Is The Relationship Between Backup And Information Security?

Some very relevant points in this matter must be taken into consideration.

When talking about information security in the business environment, we also talk about handling confidential and sensitive information; therefore, constantly maintaining a routine of updating this information is essential.

It is important for businesses to consider not only the new LGPD Law (General Data Protection Law) but also cyber attacks, which, unfortunately, are becoming increasingly common.

In this context, backup increases data security and prevents important information from being lost.

Two Ways To Perform A Secure Backup

There are already several very practical and efficient ways to backup customer data, such as:

Cloud Backup (Internet)

The Cloud has made it easier to carry out an efficient backup as it transfers data remotely and is stored online.

For large companies, it is recommended to evaluate beforehand the space that will be needed for storage, and you can also hire this type of service every month.

Physical Backup (External Drives)

In this backup format, it is possible to save data on external storage media, such as HD. Done manually, generally using this format is much cheaper, and it is recommended to have an entire hard disk for this purpose.

Conclusion

It doesn’t matter that we are dealing with small and medium-sized companies; taking care of data management is extremely important for the quality and security of an organization’s services and processes.

Finally, managers need to be prepared and involved in this premise of efficient and strategic management.

Now that you understand the importance of regularly backing up your client’s data and the ways to do it, be sure to opt for one of these methods and make your business more productive and safe for everyone.

Alexa Voice Remote Pro: A Genuine Resource For Any Fire Television

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Alexa Voice Remote Pro A Genuine Resource For Any Fire Television

Half a month prior, Amazon presented the Alexa voice controller Master. The embellishment, which costs 39.99 euros, can be matched with practically any Fire television gadget, whether or not it is a Fire television Stick, a Fire television Solid shape, or, for instance, a TV with an incorporated Fire television, for example, my room screen from MediaMarkt.

To start with, the Alexa Voice Distant Genius normally offers fundamental capabilities for controlling the television experience. Here, the controller varies from the models remembered for the conveyance. What’s more, it additionally offers a few capabilities that you don’t get in any case. What’s more, they offer added esteem.

Furthermore, Focuses On The Lighting And The Programmable Keys

An additional item that is especially imperative for me is the light of the keys. The enlightened keys look perfect regardless of whether the room is generally splendid enough when the television is on. Notwithstanding, it is significantly more functional, assuming the TV should be turned on.

When you get the Alexa Voice Far off Star, and it isn’t very interesting, the buttons light up – and it turns into a breeze to straightforwardly press a particular button. Furthermore, this is where the two unreservedly programmable buttons become an integral factor. You can open a menu to browse late activities and a few standard orders with a long push on one of the two keys. 

You can open an application of your decision with the two fastens and execute any Alexa orders. Furthermore, here, the conceivable outcomes are practically limitless, as well as controlling the brilliant home. Likewise, the Alexa Voice Far off Master has four unique keys for fast admittance to Prime Video, Netflix, Disney, and Amazon Music.

Sadly, these can’t be reassigned with installed assets – a similar applies to the “Channel button” over the menu, which generally prompts the Superb Channels Guide. I would have jumped at the chance to have made an easy route to Zattoo, my television web-based feature of decision.

Also New: Remote Finder And Headphone Button

If you are one of those individuals who like to lose a controller, the Distant Locater ought to be a convenient extra for you. If the matched Fire television gadget is on or in Alexa-empowered rest mode, just saying “Alexa, see as my remote” will make Alexa Voice Distant Star blare for five minutes. This functions as long as the controller is inside the Bluetooth scope of the TV.

The new Earphones button takes you to the Fire television Bluetooth menu instantly. There you can, without much of a stretch, change to matched earphones and other things.

ALSO READ: Make Apple Watch Calls without A Cell Phone: Here’s How!

My Conclusion: An Added Value

Every Fire television can be controlled brilliantly with the provided controller. Nonetheless, the new Alexa voice controller Master offers some additional worth that makes the television experience somewhat better. I especially like the lighting and the openly assignable keys.

Whether that is worth 39.99 euros is another inquiry. Many of you might have paid less for your Fire television Stick. In any case, approval from me. Alexa Voice Remote Pro: “Alexa, find my remote.” – Use a device with Alexa, the Alexa app, or the Fire TV app to call from your Alexa Voice Remote…

  • Convenient backlighting – Movie night has motion-activated backlighting for buttons that activate in the dark…

Sales Forecasting: What Is It And Why Is It Important

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Sales Forecasting What Is It And Why Is It Important

Ever heard of sales forecasting? Being essential to maintain control and obtain greater direction regarding where your company is and where you want to go about sales. This process must be put into practice by any business that aims to grow safely, gaining more visibility and credibility as goals are achieved.

Continue reading and check out more details about sales forecasting and why it is important for a company’s sales team. Enjoy reading!

What Is A Sales Forecast?

Also known as sales forecast or sales projection, it is a strategy whose main objective is to estimate possible sales that may be closed by the company in a given period.

Thus, it is easier to visualize the sales projections and also the billing that can be achieved, but of course, taking into account several internal and external factors, such as the amount invested in marketing, the time of year that will be carried out, as well as the business sales history. Everything to arrive at a realistic and data-based sales forecast, ensuring valuable insights for the strategies used to achieve the business objective.

Discover The Benefits Of Forecasting Sales

Bringing several advantages, implementing a sales forecast provides targeting and improves the performance of the commercial team and other sectors of the organization. Check below other benefits that your business can obtain by having a sales projection:

  • It makes it possible to generate correct expectations about the expected revenue;
  • It helps to optimize processes, observe possible improvements, and direct investments toward strategies that are yielding results;
  • It helps the company to understand its target audience better and direct a more assertive sales approach;
  • It allows you to look at the market and understand the growth variations of your business about the competition.

How To Put The Sales Forecast Into Practice?

Now that you understand sales forecasting and its importance check out some tips for implementing it in your business.

Information Gathering Is Essential

Sales history, looking at the sales funnel, and benchmarking are many ways to get factual information to build your sales forecast.

Analyze The Data

Once you’ve gathered the information, it’s time to extract valuable insights to power your sales forecast report. Some data, such as an average ticket, conversion rate, and the average time your customers take to close a sale, should be considered at this point.

Hands In The Dough. Time To Prepare The Sales Forecast

Using spreadsheets or any other type of tool that your commercial team is already used to gain control of the sector, such as CRM for example,   it is possible to indicate the data that was analyzed and unite in one place the progress of negotiations, a number of a new customer, contract closing expectations and any other information that is relevant for the team to monitor this process in real-time and adapt strategies when necessary.

Did you like this content? Take the opportunity to extend your knowledge and read about: “Implement a successful CRM.” So, stay on top of how this platform can help you coordinate practical sales, marketing, and related actions.

ALSO READ: The Dual Organization: Security In Transition

Negotiation Techniques: What They Are And What They Are For

Conquering more customers is the desire of any business. However, for this to become effective, it is necessary to practice good negotiation techniques that help sellers when dealing with potential customers.

Certain skills, such as persuasion, good communication, and knowing how to listen to the potential client, make all the difference in overcoming possible objections and reaching a satisfactory agreement for both parties.

To leverage your commercial team, continue reading and understanding more details about negotiation techniques and what they are for and some tips to put into practice to delight and win more customers. Check out!

After All, What Are Negotiation Techniques? 

The commercial team uses some strategies to attract more customers. Thus, through the combination of specific skills and behaviors when contacting potential customers, the seller can practice good techniques that help when closing the deal.

However, here the idea is not to sell at any cost but to understand your potential customer and create assertive, empathetic, and comfortable communication, establishing a relationship of collaboration to solve the problem of the possible customer.

The techniques used are diverse; after all, it is an area that requires not only study to keep up to date but also to understand and put into practice those that work in your business. However, the main ones that end up being used most often are:

  • Use of mental triggers;
  • Putting rapport into practice, creating empathy and trust during negotiation;
  • Be objective and know everything about the product or service being sold to generate more authority and credibility;
  • Break down objections and propose a solution for each hesitation presented by the potential client.

Remembering that these are just some of the existing techniques. It is worth studying your audience and putting into practice the ones that make the most sense with your business objective.

What Are The Benefits Of Using Good Negotiation Techniques?

The great advantage of implementing negotiation techniques in your commercial team is that you have more control over how to close deals and create a more structured process for how this should be done. Thus, by combining salespeople’s skills with proper planning of communicating with this potential customer, the chances of converting them increase.

In addition, when applied at the right time, negotiation techniques only tend to improve further the closing of your sales, which also ends up impacting consumer loyalty and strengthening your business, passing on an image of credibility and efficiency to the market.

The Evolution Of Cyber Threats, New Growing Scenarios

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The Evolution Of Cyber Threats, New Growing Scenarios

New types of malware, innovative deepfake techniques, cryptocurrency scams, “Crime as a Service”, and dangers of the Metaverse are what await us in the field of Cybersecurity shortly.

Even in 2022, ransomware remains the most widespread and used malware for cyber attacks. In the first half of 2022, 10,600 new variants were identified, more than in the previous half-year.

If we compare past years, the attacks were more limited, and specialized people were needed to hit a specific target. Still, thanks to ransomware as a service that can be purchased through a marketplace where you can choose which one to use, it is no longer necessary to have specific skills.

On the other hand, the means of delivery of the attacks always remain the same: phishing emails, malicious links, attachments, QR codes…

To protect yourself, the correct behaviors to use are to implement appropriate security infrastructures and have adequate education. The latter represents the main attack target, so it is necessary to invest in appropriate personnel training.

The Scenario Of The New Attacks

In an ever-changing context, attacks have been identified, which will become increasingly widespread in the coming years, starting in 2023.

Wiper Malware

The purpose of malware wipers is different from that of ransomware. While the latter has a mere profit motive, it encrypts the owner’s data to ask for its ransom; the former aims to create damage by destroying the data.

Methodology of wipers :

  • File overwriting.
  • Encryption of content and destruction of the key. Less used because it takes more computational power than simply deleting a file.
  • Master boot record overwrite. Often used in conjunction with the other attack types listed.
  • Editing the Master File Table. The MFT gets corrupted, so the owner can no longer access those files.

The wiper has more of a cyber war approach; it mainly aims to hit government bodies or energy industries, and the goal is to create discomfort by destroying data.

This type of attack is very clever; in fact, the wipers can verify if there are backup systems and, if so, disable them.

ALSO READ: The Most Common Cyber Attacks: What They Are And How To Defend Yourself

How to minimize these attacks

  • Correctly back up your offsite and offline data to avoid discovery.
  • Segmentation: have a segmented security posture such as a firewall with antivirus and an IPS ( Intrusion Prevention System ).
  • Incident Response: react quickly to the attack; response times are essential.
  • Have a disaster recovery plan.

In the first half of 2022, 8,000 wipers were identified worldwide, and Italy is in eighth place with 100 identified wipers.

Deep Fakes

Deepfake is an AI-based technique for human image synthesis, used to combine and overlay existing images and videos with original videos or images via a machine learning technique known as a “generative adversarial network”.

Deep Fakes are often used in vishing (attacks that use the phone as a conduit).

Cryptocurrencies

With the advent of cryptocurrencies, the attacker’s attention has shifted from bank transactions and bank transfers, where the level of security has been increased thanks to the use, for example, of Multifactor Authentication, to the Digital Wallet.

Digital wallets are easy targets for hackers, as they tend to be less secure not using the latest authentication technologies, so they will soon be directly targeted through custom-designed malware, as well as accounts and credentials linked to wallets.

This scenario will expand more and more as businesses increasingly start using digital wallets for online transactions.

CaaS Marketplace

In the world of cybercrime, the single hacker has been replaced by actual criminal organizations structured as companies capable of offering ready-to-use criminal solutions.

This “industrialization” of cybercrime has given birth to a production chain capable of offering a broad portfolio of services with diverse roles.

The significant risk of Crime as a Service is that it helps to lower the entry barriers to cybercrime, allowing even inexperienced but unscrupulous people to carry out extortion and cyber attacks.

On the other hand, real cybercriminals can expand their business and increase market penetration by creating a capillary network of “resellers” of their product.

The attacks that best lend themselves to this Crime as a Service model are:

  • Malware infections
  • Phishing campaigns
  • Creation of botnets
  • Reconnaissance activity

Virtual Cities – Metaverse

The interest in the Metaverse is now known, which estimates a market value for 2024 of 800 billion dollars, so much so that in 2023 the first virtual city, Dubai, will be created. Gartner estimates that by 2026, 25% of people will spend at least one hour a day in the Metaverse.

As a field still being defined and therefore not regulated, it inevitably poses problems of privacy and IT security problems.

The volume of personal data exchanged is significantly higher than that related to real-life activities.

This represents a significant challenge for cybersecurity experts, called to focus their efforts on digital identity, which has not only to do with online identity but also includes offline identity and includes all our sensitive data, payment methods included. Protecting this information, therefore, appears to be of vital importance for the development and very survival of the Metaverse, which presupposes the creation of avatars who carry various sensitive information such as:

  • Personal data such as sex, age, gender…
  • Exposure to the digital wallet
  • Biometric data

 This will open the door to an unprecedented increase in cybercrime :

  • Individual avatars are the gateway to identifying personal information.
  • Digital wallets, crypto exchanges, NFTs, and any currency used to transact, gives threat actors another attack surface.
  • Biometric hacking, used for Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality, allows the attacker to steal facial recognition data and retina scans and use them maliciously.

Suppose the Metaverse truly becomes a new paradigm. In that case, cyber threat mitigation will have the same basics as today: protect accounts using password managers and two-factor authentication (2FA), use a reliable cyber security solution to prevent malware and phishing attacks and stay up-to-date with online safety best practices.

If you use cryptocurrencies, it is advisable to invest in a hardware wallet and follow cyber security advice on keeping them safe.

How Do I Generate Leads?

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How Do I Generate Leads

The generation of interested parties is usually tied to an advantage for them. In the best case, this is directly related to the product or service to be sold at the end of the customer acquisition process. The better these two points are interlinked, the more qualified a lead is. Regarding generating leads, there are four key aspects to keep in mind. You should save and process all information about your prospects in a customer relationship management program.

In this way, you always have an overview and know the status of the customer acquisition process your prospect is currently in. 

The Right Choice Of Media

Determine which media you want to use to address your target group. Which communication channel do you choose to generate “your” leads? And: Would you like to use the same medium (media convergence) or a different one (media discontinuity) to address prospects (after lead generation)? There are many different types and, therefore also, communication channels for lead generation and processing: 

ALSO READ: How To Unsubscribe From Facebook

Outdoor Lead Generation

  1. Sweepstakes: The main prize is offered, for example, a trip, a car or shopping vouchers. If you want to win, you have to fill out a participation card and find a solution, but in any case, give your contact details and agree to be contacted.
  2. Personal promotion: advertising stands in supermarkets or pedestrian zones draw attention to a product or service and distribute products, vouchers for a service or giveaways on a test basis. The aim is to gain interest, to convince with the product or service and to get the contact details of the interested parties. 

Print Lead Generation

  1. Response ads: They are the classics of lead generation: ads in newspapers or magazines with conspicuously visible contact details for the answer or test request – by telephone, e-mail, via a website or written answer coupon. They must be sent by post.
  2. Advertising letter: advertising flyers, direct mail and mailings with response elements and contact offers are also a tried and tested medium for obtaining contact details from interested parties or appointments for detailed advice. 

Telephone Lead Generation

  1. Inbound call: If you offer your customers a well-used service hotline, you can easily gain leads for an additional topic that is as uncomplicated as possible.
  2. Outbound call: If you have consent to be contacted or a valid double opt-in, you can call the existing contact details and try to convert them into customers. Or you can have this work done by a call center and buy the qualified addresses (with double opt-in) immediately. Additional information is then often available, which you can use to make a targeted selection and thus receive data sets already pre-qualified for your products or services. 

Online Lead Generation

  1. Website: By placing ads on websites with many visitors who have a certain connection or proximity to your products or services, you can link the ad to a landing page with a contact form and thus gain your leads.
  2. E-mail: A double opt-in is also required for e-mails to consumers, which usually means further information about the interested party is already available. Then it can also be specifically selected who is being contacted for which topic, product or service.
  3. Affiliate Marketing: You provide promotional materials to a publisher in affiliate marketing. With their help, he can advertise your product or service on his website. If contact is successfully established, the publisher receives mostly monetary remuneration. 

Create Incentives For Lead Generation

Once you have found a communication channel to best reach your target group, you should think of a good incentive. How do you get your target audience to give out their contact information? What advantages, benefits, and attractions do you offer your target persons so that they give you their data and permit you to contact them?

Put yourself in the position of your target group and think about how you can attract their attention. It is advantageous if the incentive offered also has an understandable connection to the product or service you want to sell. This increases your chances of getting a new customer. 

Keep Promises

How do you keep what you promise or promise your target group? And how do you then continue afterwards to stay in contact with the prospective customer and turn them into customers? Don’t make promises you can’t keep. You should rather avoid incentives such as “These three steps will double your sales ” or “Five controlling KPIs that you probably don’t know”. After submitting his contact details, the interested party will probably not get what he expects. The resulting dissatisfaction will be reflected in the other qualification process.

His negative attitude can carry over to the product or service and get in the way of the buying process. If your prospects are satisfied with the offer, you also have a good hand for the next customer acquisition steps and remain interesting.

Choose A Suitable Time Frame

Do you address your prospects immediately after winning the lead? Or are you letting valuable time go by? Have you sent out information (white paper), and are you deliberately giving yourself some time before you follow up? Also, remember that your prospects may have approached other potential suppliers.

Even if you should have aroused your customer’s needs with an activity, it is quite possible that your competitors are also in the conversation. Do not flood him with information every hour, but also do not lose his attention by communicating too passively once every three months. You have to find the best middle ground for your target group.

Android 13, Tips And Tricks

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Android 13, Tips And Tricks

Android 13 takes your smartphone’s customization possibilities and privacy protection to the highest levels. It also comes with a built-in QR scanner

The first release of Android 13 was released in February 2022. This is the latest version of the Android operating system and is installed by many smartphone models currently on the market. 

Android 13 presents many interesting changes compared to previous versions. In some cases, revolutionary improvements are available for all supported devices: from Samsung Android to Xiaomi, via Oppo, Honor, Asus, and, obviously, Google Pixel smartphones.

With Android 13, the possibilities for customizing your device rise to the highest. The user can organize content and programs almost to his liking. 

He can activate or deactivate the installed software and choose the colors and icons he prefers. It can even assign different languages ​​to the various apps you use. 

Add to this that with Android 13, an integrated QR code scanner is finally made available to users. To access it, go through the System Settings. 

Finally, the protection of privacy is further enhanced. Specifically, the new Photo Picker function allows you to manage the number of multimedia contents that external apps can access with greater transparency. 

App Management And Notification Customization

Android 13 allows the user to manage the various apps downloaded on their device. This way, you can decrease RAM usage and increase battery life.

To activate or deactivate the apps downloaded in the latest version of Android, access the Task Manager: a software conceptually identical to that in the Windows and macOS operating systems. 

Take the Task Manager of Samsung Android smartphones as an example: a program that allows you to view the apps running services in the foreground.

Through the Task Manager, it is possible to interrupt all the programs in the list of so-called “active apps “: to do this, press the button that reads: “Stop. ” 

Android 13 has also improved and simplified the management of notifications, which can be controlled directly from Settings. From here, you can enable or disable notifications for all programs installed on your smartphone by selecting App Settings. 

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Copy Text, Frame QR Code

The latest version of Android has integrated a function that somewhat revolutionizes the concept of copying text. Many users often need to take portions of what they write and move them elsewhere: from one message to another or perhaps from the body of an email to an internal note. 

With Android 13, it is possible to use an editor for visual notes, considerably expanding the services available. First, more text can be copied. But not only.

The clipboard editor allows you to keep multiple copied texts for as long as you need. It even allows you to edit the copied text before it is pasted. 

The approach to scanning QR codes has also been revolutionized and simplified at the same time. The famous two – dimensional barcodes often refer to external links and pages. 

Over the last few years, many developers have proposed QR scanners for Android: software that only guarantees complete operation on some smartphones that use the operating System. 

With Android 13, an integrated QR scanner is finally proposed. This means that all devices that can install the latest version of Android will automatically have a QR code reader.

To view it, you can switch from the Quick settings: those generally shown with a scroll on the screen from top to bottom. You can select an option called “Scan QR code.”

Advanced Customization

The Android operating System has always been known for the possibilities of intervention that it leaves to its users. A system considered much more open and malleable than iOS. 

With Android 13, customization is taken to the highest levels through a feature called “Material You. “With Material You, you can organize apps and folders to your liking.

But also intervene in the Language of the individual software installed, choose many color combinations, and download customized icon packs. 

With Material You, it is even possible to modify the smartphone’s music player, for example, by intervening on the progress bar while playing a song.

Also new to the music player is the so-called “Media Tap to Transfer.” A function with which the user can transfer the music files being listened to on external devices via Cast, with the simplest of “taps.” 

More Android 13 News

The previous paragraphs mentioned the possibility of assigning different languages ​​to the various apps installed on a device with the Android 13 operating system.

A radical change compared to previous versions allowed you to choose only one Language at a time. To access this function, you need to go to the Settings of your smartphone. From here, you have to select the item named System, the item named Language and input, and the item Language app. 

Finally, space for Photo Picker, the last function of the latest version of Android that guarantees superior protection of one’s privacy. Specifically, Photo Picker prevents installed external apps from accessing private content. 

Photo Picker works almost completely by itself, ensuring that apps can only access selected media files. The user must confirm the photos he wants to upload or share within the single app.

The Dual Organization: Security In Transition

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The Dual Organization Security In Transition

In our current economic world, change has become the norm. The question for companies is how they can be adaptable and, at the same time, stable in fluctuating markets. the dual organization provides an answer to this question: A dual operating system in the company.

Today, Here, Tomorrow, There?

Climate change, scarcity of resources, geopolitical crises, digitization, and structural change, is challenging the established business models of many companies. Companies must be more vigilant to act consistently in a volatile economic world.

John P. Kotter, management consultant and lecturer at Harvard Business School, writes that those responsible can master the challenges of our time with two organizational operating systems: On the one hand, it is important to continue to get everything out of the day-to-day business of the present.

On the other hand, those responsible have to keep an eye on trends and growth markets of the future, look for innovative business models in the digital world, try them out – and, when it comes down to it, scale them.

More than classic organizational structures are needed to balance day-to-day business and future business. Establishing a second operating system, designed as an open organizational network and more receptive to bold, creative future topics, is helpful. From this emerges the dual organization able to interact, learn, adapt and remain competitive in the new context – despite the instability and uncertainty of the market environment.

The Limits In Day-To-Day Business

Classic, hierarchical organizational structures are useful for day-to-day business. They help to complete known processes with efficiency, predictability, and effectiveness. However, these rather rigid structures cannot keep up with today’s rapid change. Hierarchies and standardized management processes are inherently risk-averse and resilient to rapid change.

Part of the problem is political: Managers are reluctant to take risks unless they have permission from their superiors. Part of the problem is also cultural: people stick to their habits. So instead of forcing extensive changes in the primary organizational system, those responsible should relieve it – and install a second operating system in the company that is organized and detached from the hierarchical structures.

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Efficient And Innovative

The dual organization has a dual ability by integrating a second operational level into its structure: in addition to the hierarchically stable level, there is also an innovative-dynamic level. On the one hand, this makes it possible to make proven products, processes, and structures more efficient and to ensure commercial exploitation.

On the other hand, the dual organization also allows innovative business models to be developed and tested and new growth markets to be entered. The company has one operative mainstay today – and one in the future.

The Best Of Both Worlds

With the dynamic network structures, the organization can identify new trends, create new perspectives and visions and make new opportunities commercially usable. This includes experimental spaces for new behaviors, approaches, and innovations. This co-creative structural level makes it possible to develop and scale new business models, open up markets, and try out and establish new approaches and habits.

Therefore, the second operating system is responsible for systematic questioning, consistent testing, and tomorrow’s business. The network consists of cross-hierarchical and cross-disciplinary initiatives by intrinsically motivated volunteers.

However, the dual organization also has its price. Willingness to change in management and in large parts of the workforce, the acceptance of a culture of contradictions, a high degree of self-organization on the part of the employees – or also a goal-oriented, trusting leadership are among the necessary skills. In addition to this high level of maturity in the company, management has the task of finding a balance between the two operating systems – and maintaining it. Organizations often take the path of least resistance – this behavior and the return to the classic operating system must be actively avoided.

Conclusion: More Marketability And Sustainability

Our business world is turning faster and faster. The pressure to change is increasing – but no one wants to “break the mold” of their organization. One solution is establishing a second operating system: a network of intrinsically motivated employees who work together adaptively and creatively.

This network and the classic hierarchy are connected via moderated communication and activity flows. As a result, the classic organization can concentrate on day-to-day operations, while the dynamic network anticipates tomorrow’s digital trends and changes. The concept of the dual organization shows companies a way to become more marketable and future-proof.