The global chip shortage has become a significant challenge for the tech industry. With the pandemic disrupting supply chains, increased demand for electronics, and unpredictable weather conditions affecting chip manufacturing, the shortage has led to a decrease in the production of essential components. As a result, many organizations are struggling to meet their deadlines, while others have been forced to halt their production lines, with 62% of organizations reporting an impact on their ability to launch products. The impact of this shortage has been felt across various industries, from automotive to consumer electronics, with many companies reporting a decrease in revenue and profit margins. As the demand for electronics continues to grow, it remains to be seen how long this shortage will persist and what solutions the industry can come up with to mitigate its effects. Wide-Reaching Consequences for Businesses One of the sectors that have been affected is the car manufacturing industry. As modern cars become increasingly sophisticated, they require more technology to operate. The average vehicle requires around 100 million lines of code. With the chip shortage, fewer cars are being made. The consumer electronics industry is another sector struggling to meet the high demand. As technology advances, every household is expected to own an average of 20 devices by 2025. From smartphones to smart home appliances, these devices rely heavily on semiconductor chips to function effectively. The chip shortage has caused lower production levels, leading to delays and increased prices for consumers. To mitigate the impact, companies are seeking alternative solutions, such as using different chips or delaying product launches. While some governments have taken steps to address the issue, such as the U.S. investing $52 billion in subsidies and Europe passing the European Chips Act, the free market still struggles to cope with the ongoing chip shortage. Mitigating the Risks: Strategies for Businesses As a business owner, how can you adapt to this challenging situation? Here are strategies to help you mitigate the risks of the chip shortage: Diversify your supply chain. Avoid relying on a single supplier for critical components. Instead, work with more suppliers to ensure a steady flow of materials. Secure long-term contracts. By establishing long-term agreements, you can guarantee the availability of components at a fixed price. It helps protect your business from sudden price hikes. Invest in alternative technologies. Explore new and emerging technologies that can replace or supplement the use of chips. This reduces your dependence on a single component. Build strong supplier relationships. Maintain open communication with suppliers and stay informed about industry trends. You are then better equipped to anticipate and react to changes in the market. Explore alternative supply chain options. Consider exploring alternative supply chain options that may be less affected by the chip shortage. The Road to Recovery and Adaptation The chip shortage is a significant and ongoing challenge faced by various sectors. Fortunately, businesses can navigate this uncertainty by implementing the strategies mentioned above. Business owners can ease the effects of the global chip shortage by diversifying supply chains, securing long-term contracts, investing in alternative technologies, and maintaining solid relationships with suppliers. Adapt and continue to thrive by being observant and staying informed. Remember, the key to success lies in adapting, innovating, and persevering through adversity. Explore a wealth of information on our website https://www.hammett-tech.com/our-blog/ Visit our Socials! https://www.facebook.com/HammettTech http://www.linkedin.com/companies/hammett-technologies Hammett Technologies (@HammettTech) / Twitter https://www.hammett-tech.com/the-impact-of-the-global-chip-shortage-how-businesses-can-adapt/
You may believe software updates are only intended to resolve bugs or add new features, but they have far more benefits for your business. They improve the compatibility and performance of your computer systems and, most importantly, strengthen your defenses against cyber threats. How Do Updates Help Your Business? Keeping your software up to date does a lot for your business: Increased efficiency. Updates can add new tools or improve old features, helping you and your team complete tasks faster. Enhanced collaboration. Cloud-based tools and other software help your team work together easier. Improved mobility. Mobile devices improve with each update, letting you stay productive wherever you are. Streamlined operations. Some updates add automation, which can do repetitive tasks for you, giving you more time for more important tasks. On the other side, outdated software can expose your business to significant risks: Data theft. If your software is old, cyber criminals might find a way in and steal your data. Operational interruptions. Outdated software can cause your system to crash or slow down, which can mess up your work. Higher costs. Keeping old software working can cost a lot of money over time due to technical problems or loss from data theft. How to Stay Ahead with Software Updates Regularly updating your software and operating system protects your business against hackers. Software updates often include patches that seal security loopholes, making it harder for cyber criminals to access your systems. Here’s what you can do to stay updated: Set up automatic updates. Check regularly for software updates if auto updates are not available. Educate your team about the importance of installing updates promptly. Make a schedule for checking and installing updates. Updates: The Secret Ingredient for a Successful Business Software updates are not just enhancements to your apps. They are a big part of making your business operations better and safer. By getting software updates as soon as they are available, you help your business run smoother and provide a safer place for work. Remember, an updated system is the first step in protecting your business from cyber threats and keeping it on its path to growth. Explore a wealth of information on our website https://www.hammett-tech.com/our-blog/ Visit our Socials! https://www.facebook.com/HammettTech http://www.linkedin.com/companies/hammett-technologies Hammett Technologies (@HammettTech) / Twitter
Running a business involves taking care of a lot of moving parts. One area you might think about only sometimes is your computer hardware, which includes your servers and other parts and accessories of your computers. It is essential to take good care of your computer hardware. Regular maintenance can help your business run smoother, catch issues early, and improve system performance. Understanding Hardware Maintenance Hardware maintenance is like a health checkup for your computer. It means looking at, fixing, and updating the parts of your computer. These parts include the keyboard, drives, hard disk, and battery. Regular maintenance can make your computers work better and last longer. A computer that gets regular checkups can last five to eight years or even more. Why Hardware Maintenance Matters Many businesses focus too much on software maintenance and sometimes overlook the hardware. But taking care of your hardware is also critical to prevent any business disruption. Here’s why: Avoid Problems. Regular maintenance helps you catch issues before they get big. This saves you from unexpected breakdowns and business downtime. Work Faster. When your computers are in good shape, they work better. Your tasks get done quicker, helping you reach your goals faster. Last Longer. Maintenance helps your equipment last longer. This saves you money overall because you won’t need to replace your hardware as often. Stay Safe. Regular checkups reduce the risk of data loss. This keeps your business information safer. Taking Care of Your Hardware Here are some ways to keep your computer hardware well-maintained: Keep Them Clean. Dust and dirt can cause your computers to overheat or work slower. Regular cleaning keeps your computers running smoothly. Check Your Fans. Fans keep your computer cool. Make sure they’re working well to avoid overheating. Upgrade When Needed. Sometimes, your hardware might need an upgrade. This can help your computer keep up with new software or heavy workloads. Check Your Battery. Make sure your battery holds a charge. If it doesn’t, it might be time to replace it. Regular Checkups. Regular professional checkups can help spot and fix issues before they get serious. The Importance of Maintenance in Productivity Regular hardware maintenance is a big part of a successful business. It helps your computers work better and last longer. It catches problems before they can slow you down. And it keeps your data safe. Pay attention to your hardware and give it the care it needs. You’ll see the results in your business’s productivity. Explore a wealth of information on our website https://www.hammett-tech.com/our-blog/ Visit our Socials! https://www.facebook.com/HammettTech http://www.linkedin.com/companies/hammett-technologies Hammett Technologies (@HammettTech) / Twitter https://www.hammett-tech.com/how-regular-it-maintenance-boosts-your-business-productivity/
In the world of cybersecurity, change is the only constant. For many business owners, multi-factor authentication (MFA) has been the go-to option for extra security. But hackers today are more ingenious, working around the old systems that used to stop them. New tricks are emerging to get business data and customers’ sensitive information. MFA remains an essential to online security, but hackers are figuring out ways to bypass it. Why Does This Matter for Your Business? The danger is that hackers could take over your business account. Hackers who get past your MFA could get to your private business data. They could mess up your work, misuse your customer data, or even conduct fraud under your name. Just using MFA isn’t enough anymore. MFA Weak Points Here are possible vulnerabilities in the MFA system that businesses should know: Social Engineering. Hackers trick users into giving away their MFA codes by pretending to be someone they trust, like customer service or IT support. Stealing Codes. Threat actors steal your password or security code by intercepting your messages with the security team. MFA Prompt Bombing. Hackers will send too many security requests, so you click “approve” to stop the alerts. Once you do, the hacker, who started the prompts, gets access. SIM Card Swapping. This happens when a hacker fools your phone company into giving your phone number to their SIM card. They can then steal security codes sent by text. Malware. Threat actors can use harmful software to get to your device and steal MFA data through bad apps, email attachments, or unsafe websites. Strengthening Your MFA Strategy Rethink how you manage your online security by enhancing password hygiene and promoting a culture of alertness. Use different, tough-to-guess passwords for more secure processes. Train your team to recognize when someone is trying to steal their info. Educate them about the latest tricks used by hackers. Keep your systems and security software updated. Updates often include fixes for new threats. In addition, consider using controls that limit unsuccessful login attempts. This can stop attacks and protect against account lockouts. A Layered Defense Is Your Best Offense MFA is an integral part of your strategy to stay safe online. However, it shouldn’t be your only security strategy. Knowing how hackers get past extra security and staying informed about new cyber threats helps you protect your business. Create a robust security system with many layers. Ultimately, it is all about staying one step ahead of the hackers. Explore a wealth of information on our website https://www.hammett-tech.com/our-blog/ Visit our Socials! https://www.facebook.com/HammettTech http://www.linkedin.com/companies/hammett-technologies Hammett Technologies (@HammettTech) / Twitter https://www.hammett-tech.com/hackers-fool-multi-factor-authentication/
Running a business involves keeping your devices and digital assets secure. Fresh concerns have emerged with the recent discovery of two significant vulnerabilities in Apple’s software. These vulnerabilities were exploited in Apple devices with software older than iOS 15.7. Operation Triangulation and iMessage Attacks An operation called “Operation Triangulation” has led to the discovery of the flaws. Here, the iMessage app was the entry point for hackers. The harmful code they used could get into a device’s memory. It could execute commands, track the device, and collect data. The party behind the campaign is still unknown. Prompt Patches and Updates Apple quickly acted, releasing updates across iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, and Safari. These patches fixed the exploited vulnerabilities, including the two from Operation Triangulation. The two significant vulnerabilities are: CVE-2023-32434: This flaw at the kernel level can let a harmful app execute its code. CVE-2023-32435: This problem in WebKit could let unauthorized code run when handling specific web content. Along with these, Apple introduced a third zero-day patch for CVE-2023-32439. Like the WebKit flaw, this could let unauthorized code run when processing harmful web content. These patches are for devices from iPhone 8 onwards, all iPad Pro models, and the seventh-generation iPod touch. Defending Your Business: Practical Steps to Take So how can you shield your business from such threats? Here are four clear steps: Patch Installation. Act swiftly and install the latest patches from Apple. This is the critical first step to secure your devices. Antivirus Software. Use good antivirus software. It can scan, detect, and isolate threats to your device’s security. Automatic Updates. Turn on automatic updates. This will make sure your devices have the latest defenses as soon as they’re out. Cybersecurity Training for Employees. Your team can act as the first line of defense. Train them on how to recognize and avoid potential threats. Steering Clear of Cyberthreats These recent issues with Apple software stress the need for strong cybersecurity measures. But with the timely patches from Apple, there’s a way forward. You can keep your devices safe by staying updated and using strong antivirus software. You should also educate your team about cybersecurity. And safer devices translate to a more secure business. Visit our Socials! https://www.facebook.com/HammettTech http://www.linkedin.com/companies/hammett-technologies Hammett Technologies (@HammettTech) / Twitter https://www.hammett-tech.com/apples-latest-ios-16-5-1-updates-security-flaws/
Government website services are seen as sources people can trust. However, threat actors use this trust for their harmful purposes. Scammers recently used official websites to advertise their hacking services. This situation shows why businesses should be on the lookout and take more robust computer security measures to avoid being affected by this type of risk. Hackers Use Flaws to Spread SEO Spam Scammers found weaknesses in US government websites and used them to upload advertisements for their hacking services. A federal agency and several universities were also affected. The ads were disguised as PDFs and offered hacking services for sale. There were links to websites showing different hacked social media accounts. They also provided services for fake followers and video game cheating. The ads were selling “easy and safe” hacking solutions that had no hidden goals. The people whose accounts were hacked even had names and images on some of the websites. Based on the PDF file dates, those ads have likely been there for some time. According to experts, the hackers have used open-source software, which can be used to create popups that make sure website visitors are real people. Due to security flaws, the SEO PDF ads surfaced on official websites. It seems like the hacking services advertised were made up as part of a click fraud campaign to get users’ money. While this complex attack went undetected for a while, it could have been worse. Instead of trying to sell scam services, the criminals could have uploaded infected links or content to the PDFs. It could have led to a massive data breach and other permanent consequences. For that reason, businesses should be aware of website weaknesses that can host SEO spam. A Call for Businesses to Prevent Security Problems Cybercriminals take advantage of any flaws. Businesses need to be aware of possible weaknesses, fix them, and use strong security measures. To build a solid defense, businesses must train their staff members to avoid these threats. Because scammers and hackers can affect their customers and clients, taking the necessary measures against them is vital. Read more blogs on: www.hammett-tech.com Visit or socials! https://www.facebook.com/HammettTech http://www.linkedin.com/companies/hammett-technologies Hammett Technologies (@HammettTech) / Twitter https://www.hammett-tech.com/scammers-use-government-websites-to-advertise-hacking-services/
Think of machines that can learn and adapt to any situation. Thanks to researchers from MIT and Technion, the Israel Institute of Technology, this is now possible. They have created a new method that lets machines learn in two ways: by copying their teacher and trying things independently. This dual method helps machines learn faster and better. What’s the Big Idea? Researchers from MIT and Technion, Israel Institute of Technology, have found a way for machines to choose when to follow their “teacher” and when to be independent. It is a dynamic mix of imitation and exploration, allowing machines to learn more effectively. The research behind the breakthrough is set to debut at the upcoming International Conference on Machine Learning. Implications for Your Business This new tech offers potential benefits for businesses in multiple ways. For one, it boosts automation capabilities. Machines adapting to change and uncertainty are far more effective at performing complex tasks. It can also optimize your decision-making process. Machines that make informed decisions in uncertain situations reduce the risk of human error. As a result, your operations will be more efficient and reliable. It has the potential for cost savings and higher productivity. Making the Most of This Innovation How can you leverage this breakthrough in your business? First, consider how automation could enhance your operations. Adaptable machines can significantly improve areas like customer service and data analysis. If your business needs to organize a large inventory of products, an adaptive machine will also prove beneficial. Second, stay informed about the latest advancements in machine learning. Keep an eye on technological advances that could directly affect your industry. Additionally, invest in the tools that fit your business needs. Work with IT professionals who understand your business and can guide you on installing this technology effectively. Adapt to the Future Machine learning’s new horizon is opening doors for businesses. It is not about replacing the human touch. Instead, it is about enhancing it with machines that can adapt, learn, and grow. If you embrace these developments wisely, your business could be more efficient, agile, and prepared for the future. The key is to find ways to integrate new tech and make the most of what is right for your business. Read more on: https://www.hammett-tech.com/a-new-chapter-in-business-automation-with-machine-learning/https://www.hammett-tech.com/our-blog/ Visit our socials! https://www.facebook.com/HammettTech http://www.linkedin.com/companies/hammett-technologies Hammett Technologies (@HammettTech) / Twitter
Do you know that your handy smartphone could cause harm to your business? A Trojan called Anatsa is causing trouble to banks and business owners. This Anatsa is sneakier and more harmful than ever, making it a serious threat to businesses. Understanding the Threat Anatsa falls under the category of a “Trojan” virus. Once it is in your computer or phone, a Trojan can steal your personal information or damage your device. It is named after the “Trojan Horse” in Greek mythology because it sneaks in, pretending to be something it is not. The Anatsa Trojan aims to get your sensitive details, like your bank login details or credit card numbers. It does this by tricking you into entering your details into a fake screen and tracking what you type. Anatsa’s advanced features, such as its Device-Takeover Fraud (DTO), let it take over your device and sneak past your bank’s security systems. It then secretly takes your mobile banking login details. It even starts making purchases without you knowing. The creators of the Anatsa Trojan have made it more dangerous. They started a new campaign in March 2023, targeting banks in the U.S., U.K., and some parts of Europe. Alarmingly, this malware infected over 30,000 devices. How Anatsa Enters Your Smartphone Anatsa sneaks into your phone through apps. Five apps have been found to be high-risk: All Document Reader & Editor – com.mikijaki.documents.pdf reader.xlsx.csv.ppt.docs PDF Reader & Editor – moh.filemanagerrespdf PDF Reader & Editor – com.proderstarler.pdfsignature All Document Reader and Viewer – com.muchlensoka.pdfcreator PDF Reader – Edit & View PDF -lsstudio.pdf reader.powerful tool.allinonepdf.goodpdftools If you have these applications on your device, you should delete them right away. Steps for Protecting Your Business The recent rise of Anatsa shows the risks businesses face today. But there are ways to protect your business from this Trojan: Educate yourself. Stay updated about threats like Anatsa. Awareness is the first step toward prevention. Verify apps. Always make sure an app is safe before you download it. This action reduces the chance of downloading Trojan-infected apps. Use security software. Install a reliable security app on your device. These apps can find and block malicious software like Anatsa. Act Early and Protect Your Future The Anatsa Trojan shows how cyber threats to business owners are changing and becoming more sophisticated. You can prevent significant losses by knowing the risks and taking steps to protect your business. Acting fast and staying informed can help keep your business safe in today’s evolving cybersecurity landscape. Be updated and read more about IT by visiting our website: www.hammett-tech.com or visit our social media sites below: https://www.facebook.com/HammettTech http://www.linkedin.com/companies/hammett-technologies Hammett Technologies (@HammettTech) / Twitter Anatsa Android Trojan Now Steals Banking Info From Users – Hammett Technologies (hammett-tech.com)
Picture this: your business is a well-oiled machine, tackling daily challenges and achieving new milestones effortlessly. All the while, you’re outpacing your competition. Sounds like a dream, right? But what if this dream could become a reality by harnessing the power of AI and automation? These advanced technologies reshape how businesses work in today’s fast-changing digital world. They unlock incredible efficiency and fuel growth like never before. This article will explore how you can use AI and automation to transform your business. We’ll show you ways to stay ahead of the competition and embrace these exciting technologies. Revolutionizing Customer Service One area where AI can make a significant impact is customer service. By utilizing AI-powered chatbots, you can provide instant customer support 24/7. These virtual assistants can take care of simple questions. This allows your team to focus on more complicated tasks. As a result, customers get quicker and better support. Enhancing Data Analysis and Decision Making Data is the lifeblood of any modern business, and AI can help you better use the information you collect. Machine learning can analyze huge data sets. It finds patterns and trends that need noticing. This makes understanding data more manageable. With AI, you can make smarter decisions. It helps you improve your marketing plans and develop better products. In the end, your whole business performs better. Streamlining Workflow With Automation Automation is another key way to optimize your operations. Automation can help with tasks like data entry and order processing. Handling these repetitive jobs saves time and prevents mistakes due to human error. Imagine a retail business that automated its inventory management system. This change would accomplish two things. First, it would save employees from tedious manual tasks. Second, it would ensure stock levels are accurate and current. Optimizing Resource Allocation AI and automation can also help you allocate resources more efficiently. Predictive analytics helps foresee demand. You can change staffing or production assignments as needed. This leads to cost savings as your business becomes more efficient and adaptable. Ignite Your Business Transformation By embracing the power of AI and automation, you can boost your business and propel it toward greater success than ever before. These advanced technologies offer new opportunities for innovation and improved customer satisfaction. So, leap into the future and ignite your transformation journey with the guidance of AI and automation. Let these tools help unlock your business’s full potential and achieve unprecedented growth.
If you haven’t touched your Google account in years, it is time to use it again to prevent it from disappearing. Google recently announced that it will be deleting accounts that have been inactive for two years. This move is part of efforts to organize user data and improve account security. Businesses using Google to connect to third-party software should take proactive steps to maintain their accounts. Google’s shift in its inactivity policy: A move towards more secure cyberspace Google’s previous inactivity policy stated that it would wipe data from accounts that had been inactive for two years. But the tech giant has updated its rule, saying it will delete the entire account if it hasn’t been touched for two years. That includes content within the account, including Gmail, Calendar, Meet, Drive, Docs, and Google Photos. This policy specifically targets personal Google accounts, leaving business accounts unaffected. This change is an innovative solution to the increasing online security threats, with inactive accounts more prone to phishing and hacking. These dormant accounts, often shielded with recycled passwords and lacking up-to-date security measures, become easy targets for cybercriminals. Hence, Google’s policy revamp is a progressive move towards a safer online environment, urging everyone to actively manage and secure their accounts. What’s next for businesses? While not all companies operate on Google’s business accounts, those that use personal accounts need to heed Google’s revised inactivity policy to maintain access to their critical data. Maintaining activity can be as simple as sending and opening emails on Gmail, conducting searches while logged into the account, utilizing Google Drive, or using Google to sign in to other accounts. Businesses must also prioritize the security of their Google accounts against threats. This includes regular monitoring of all shared accounts, enabling two-factor authentication, updating account settings, keeping recovery email addresses handy, and creating strong, unique passwords for each account. Embracing Active Account Management The crux of Google’s new account deletion policy is to inspire businesses to actively manage their accounts. A systematic account management process in the workplace can be instrumental in ensuring all accounts remain current and secure, thereby mitigating risks associated with inactive accounts. This initiative underlines the importance of account activity and security, providing a valuable lesson for business owners on the possible impacts of Google’s policy changes on their operations.