Here are five things in technology that happened this past week and how they affect your business. Did you miss them?
1-LinkedIn becomes #1 in brand phishing this year.
LinkedIn took the number one spot this year as the platform with the most brand phishing attacks. Brand phishing attacwhich is when cyber attackers pose as companies in order to steal user’s information such as credit card numbers and passwords. In a report from Check Point Research’s report, users are urged they urge users to be cautious of giving our personal information especially ones that urge you to “change your password” and to look out for misspellings in emails (Source: TechRadar).
Why this is important for your business:
I don’t know about you but I get all sorts of dubious LinkedIn messages from a number of sketchy individuals. If you can’t verify or if you don’t know the person then don’t take any changes. Delete. Clicking on a questionable link in a LinkedIn message is going to get you into trouble.
2- A new whiteboard feature on Zoom creates more user friendliness on online platforms.
To keep up with its competitors, Zoom has introduced a new “whiteboard” feature to its platform. The update includes advanced shapes and connectors, the adding and dropping of images, and can be used across all devices. The finished products can also be saved and shared with parties outside of the Zoom meeting. The purpose of updating the whiteboard is to help users visualize collaboratively in an easier, more user-friendly way. (Source: Computer World)
Why this is important for your business:
As the pandemic wanes and more people go back to the office Zoom — like other virtual platforms — are looking for ways to keep their subscribers paying their monthly fees. I expect that the whiteboard feature will be the first of many innovations to turn a typical Zoom meeting into something more interactive and engaging.
3-Robots are easing nurses and farmers’ lives with more accuracy and efficiency.
At Mary Washington Hospital in Fredericksburg, Virginia, Mox-i-a 6-foot-tall robot — has alleviated nurse burnout after two years of the COVID-19 pandemic. Similarly, Iron Ox — -a startup farm tech company — uses robots to help with plant management, climate adjustments, and cleaning. Both industries have significantly benefited from the use of robots for mundane tasks that produce more accurate, efficient results. (Source: Wired and CNBC)
Why this is important for your business:
The technology is getting more affordable and businesses across many industries are alleviating their labor woes by replacing people with robots. I’ve written about this here and here and will continue to follow this trend because it will impact just about every small business.
4- Credit card companies are using AI technology to help combat cyber fraud.
A number of credit card companies such as Visa, American Express, TD Bank, and Amex have been using Biometrics -AI technology -for a number of years to combat fraudulent transactions. Biometrics uses human characteristics such as voice recognition, fingerprint scans, heart rate sensors, and more to weed out fraud. Another new form of cyber security that credit card companies are starting to look into is the blockchain. The blockchain is a database that compiles information on credit cards as a way to trace back user’s spending information. There is hope that new technology will create even better cybersecurity with the use of artificial intelligence. (Source: Venture Beat)
Why this is important for your business:
They’re fighting the good fight. But we can’t let our guard down.
5 — Customers who use in-store pick up are more likely to add additional items than those who use delivery.
Ecommerce shoppers have increasingly started to receive their items using in store or curbside pickup. There has also been an increase in customers adding additional items in the store when they come in for their original item placed online. The line between eEcommerce and in-storein store shopping has begun to blur with this new phenomenon. (Source: PYMNTS)
Why this is important for your business:
Another reason why retailers need to be selling their products using multiple channels…but doing whatever they can to entice shoppers to come into the store, even if it’s just to pickup an order purchased online. Why? Because the data is showing that getting them in will likely generate even more revenues.
