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What Is Your Passion and How You Can Make Money From It?
How to Monetise Your True Passion
Today, I was asked what was my passion and was I able to turn that into a profession. I had to have a think about it because I’ve been in business for myself now for a number of years. I started my first business when I was only 12, and that continued into an ABN registered company at the soonest possible time of 14 and 9 months. Since then, I’ve been working constantly. To give you an idea, that means that I’ve been in business for 19 years or nearly two-thirds of my entire life (as of the writing of this article), which is an achievement by any standard.
We had a question come through about mobile device management and whether is it needed within the business world? Now in my opinion as a director of an IT company, I can say 100% that it is needed as soon as you are dealing with a business that uses business critical applications on the devices that they have, or if there’s more than 10 devices under management.
Starting a business can be hard work.If you’re a small business owner or have started a business, most of the time you have some sort of drive behind what was the inspiration. Some people get financial backing and some people don’t and start from scratch and back themselves. I was lucky enough to be in a professional job where I was able to save enough of a safety net to start the business as a side hustle, while I was still employed by my regular employer.
Now to start off, you have to understand what is the internet of things. In simple terms, any internet connected device that you have around your home that might be able to help you in some way is part of the internet of things. For instance, you can get light bulbs or locks for your doors, remote control gates, and a bunch of other different things that you can automate with your phone or any other devices that have the intention to make your life easier.
Did you know that billions of spam emails are sent daily? In September 2021 alone, reports say that nearly 106 billion emails were sent worldwide and 89 billion of them were spam emails.1 As Christmastime approaches, you’re going to notice more spam emails coming in and perhaps you may also get spam emails. That’s because these people want to market to you and they want to bombard you to make you buy the stuff you don’t want or need. So how do you stop spam emails this holiday season?
Today’s question: is remote working worth the hype? I think this is really, really interesting that I’ve been asked this question because I’m in a very good position where we are in IT company that operates with companies remotely. We employ staff that work with us remotely. So we are both the employer, and in a sense the employee of a remote workspace. In my opinion, it definitely helps productivity as long as you’re in an environment that allows for it and you’ve got a mindset of success. You can’t have someone who needs to be spoon fed working remotely. You need to make sure that you have the discipline and due diligence to continue to work day in and day out to get the job done, make sure that this is easily viewable, and you don’t get ripped off.
5 Ways to Work On Your Business This Holiday Season
A common belief is that everything slows down as the year-end approaches. People start leaving work early to catch up on last-minute shopping for Christmas and the New Year, fewer phone calls are attended because employees are either on leave or celebrating early, and new jobs are postponed until the new year starts. All these are indicators of slowing down.
Are You Focusing on the Wrong Numbers in Your Business?
In business, numbers are important. But all numbers are not equally important. Quantitative data has a way of becoming confusing, chaotic and irrelevant if the right parameters are not set. This does not mean you need to stop looking at them. What you need is caution. Be cautious that the numbers you are concentrating on really matter. One of the basic truths about why most businesses fail in the first year itself is that they are not looking at the right set of numbers, the numbers that really make a difference. (more…)
‘Mum! The Internet is down. I’m bored!’ No one wants to hear that. What’s worse is in business, if your Internet is down, you’re up sh*t creek. Most businesses stop.
Experiencing a Network Outage? How to Check if the Internet Is Down in Your Local Area
In our digital age, maintaining an uninterrupted online presence has become an absolute necessity. Thankfully, there are several tools at your disposal to ascertain whether the problem is specific to you or if it’s a more widespread issue with your local network, like the NBN in Australia.
Before jumping to conclusions, it’s vital to check the basics. Ensure that the issue isn’t due to any physical disconnections or disruptions in your home or office setup. Sometimes, a simple overlooked unplugged cable or a minor setting can create a perceived problem.
However, if you’ve confirmed that everything is in order at your end, and you still can’t access the internet, it’s time to figure out if it’s a broader connection issue.
If you’re having constant problems with your business internet service, talk to a dork. Get the best internet for your business!
Enter: Down Detector.
Down Detector is the best option to choose when trying to pinpoint network outages. This invaluable online tool provides real-time updates about outages in your area. The site collates information from various users to generate a comprehensive overview of where internet disruptions are happening. By simply entering your service provider’s name, you can instantly see if there’s an outage and, more importantly, the scale of the problem.
Not only does Down Detector indicate if there’s a problem with your internet connection, but it also offers a geographical heatmap. This feature is particularly beneficial, as it gives users a visual indication of the areas most affected by the outage.
While Down Detector is an excellent resource, always remember the importance of privacy. Never share personal or sensitive information online when reporting issues or seeking assistance.
The Final Word
In conclusion, while network outages can be a nuisance, they’re an inevitable part of our connected world. However, with tools like Down Detector, you can swiftly assess the situation and make informed decisions, whether it’s waiting for the service to be restored or contacting your provider for more details. By staying informed, you can reduce the inconvenience of these disruptions and stay a step ahead in our ever-evolving digital landscape.
Get a reliable internet service and take your business to the next level. Learn more about your options!
9 Things You Can Do for Your SMB to Avoid a Data Breach
9 Things You Can Do For Your SMB To Avoid A Data Breach
Data is at the root of every decision. Be it your personal life or professional, nothing remains untouched. For example, while investing you tend to see how your previous investments have fared, what are the rising trends in the market and how much you are safely willing to invest at any time. All this is data which you gather for personal gain. Similarly, business decisions too are driven by data. In business, data collected is wide and varied. It ranges from customer information to company financials, inter-departmental communication etc. In all, data collection is mandatory and so keeping it secure is of prime importance.
Top 10 Cloud Computing Security Issues and Challenges
What is the Cloud?
Earlier the data was limited and was stored in computers’ hard drive. But as businesses grew it became difficult to store everything in the hard drives because data increased in volume. Space became a limiting factor. More secure space was needed to store the information now. This was provided by the cloud, a virtual space where we store data and various programs. When something is in the cloud, it means it’s stored on a server instead of a hard drive. Basically, the cloud is the Internet and all of the things you can access remotely, over the Internet.
To understand the cloud better, take email service as an example. You might have a Gmail, Hotmail or Yahoo mail account. You can access your email account from anywhere in the world because your emails and the data are stored in the cloud, which can be accessed from anywhere.
How Does Cloud Computing Work
Cloud computing is a broad term that is used to refer to all the services delivered through the Internet as well as the computer system resources and data centres available to users. It is IT computing service if it involves computation, analytics, applications and database storage provided on demand for a fixed price without active management needed from the user.
Google search is another example of cloud computing. When you type in your search criteria, the information is passed on to Google data centres. They retrieve all the relevant data and send it back to you. So, the real work is not done by your computer, but a cloud service or data centre situated somewhere else in the world.
The Advantages of Cloud Computing
Your time is valuable, especially when you have a business to run. You don’t want to waste a second in maintaining an intricate system of computers, keeping them secure and doing their maintenance. A much simpler option is to get the service you need when you want it. You don’t have to worry about wear and tear and aging of equipment or their replacement. In this context, cloud computing is the most advantageous. IT Management is no longer your headache, but if you want to do it yourself, you may want to check out The 10-Step Checklist to Ease Your IT Management.
Should you move your business to the cloud? The short answer is the cloud has advantages and disadvantages, and whether you should move your business to the cloud all depends on your business goals and the specific needs of your operations. Ask a dork by scheduling a free no-strings-attached initial consultation.
Top 10 Cloud Computing Security Issues and Challenges
Cloud computing has ushered in a new era of data storage and transmission. However, it is not free from its own set of security issues and challenges.
1. Compliance Issues
The cloud in the true sense is a virtual world that exists in space. There are few reliable controls around it, which are by no means sufficient in ensuring compliance and IT governance. In the cloud, there is hardly ever any control over provisioning and so it becomes a management risk. Conversely, it becomes equally hard to monitor and conform to the rules and regulations pertaining to your stored data and programs and its transmission.
2. Security Breaches
A security data breach can occur in the form of compromised login credentials, broken authentication and interface hacking. In the cloud, such occurrences are not unheard of. Sensitive data is saved online, not on-premise, and this makes the cloud inadvertently unsafe. As more and more data is stored online, the associated risk also increases in the same proportion. For a determined hacker, it is a golden opportunity to test his skills. Studies have also shown that businesses that use the cloud suffer from more data breaches than companies that don’t.
3. Migration Challenges
When a company migrates over to the cloud, many concerns arise. How will customers access their accounts? When you are using multiple cloud service providers, how will one cloud service provider communicate with another? How will the data be configured so that it can be easily stored without compromising its authenticity?
These are some standard concerns which every company faces while migrating. Sometimes, the lack of a proper roadmap for migration results in security issues. Due diligence at each and every step of migration is called for.
4. Hijacking or Account Seizing
Data that is stored online can be accessed from anywhere. Physical presence in the office is no longer a restricting factor.
Hackers or cyber attackers use the login credentials of the employees or business owners to remotely access their cloud data. Once they have access to the data, they can falsify or manipulate the data to their advantage. In some cases, the attackers tend to hold the data captive until a ransom is paid. Phishing and scripting bugs are other common ways of gaining unauthorised access.
5. Injecting Malware
A malware program or a bug can be directly injected into the cloud. You will not even know it because it will mimic the SaaS interface and look like a part of the normal process. Such malware can act as a Trojan stealing and eavesdropping on data.
A great example of this would be hacked cloud-based websites. They can cause massive data loss and pain to the owner of the site and can even be in breach of fraud for being the ‘owner’ of sites that could look like a bank and asking clients to enter sensitive information. One of the ways to control such attacks is through robust access control, prioritising initiatives and implementing a safe and secure technology such as two-factor authentication.
Is your network secure? You may be qualified for a Free System Audit.
6. Vulnerable APIs
Every user can customise their cloud experience using Application Programming Interfaces (APIs). These APIs can be vulnerable because they authenticate, give access and affect encryption. The most vulnerable point of an API is the communication which occurs between applications. These points are easy to exploit and pose a potential security threat.
7. Cloud Service Abuse
In the cloud, it becomes easy to share pirated software, host malware, spread viruses, and save illegal digital items because of its almost unlimited storage capacity and the fact that it becomes harder to prove the ownership of the data. Anybody can open an account and use cloud services. The only way to limit exposure is by laying down strict guidelines for the employees to follow and give read-only access where necessary.
8. Data Loss
A natural disaster, terrorist activity, or cyber attack can cause loss of some or all data. For a business, loss of any data may be devastating and can bring upon strict legal actions. It also makes the company less reliable, and it definitely harms the company’s reputation. In order to counter such a situation, secure backup plans should be in place. Sadly, most of the companies we onboard do not have any plans or procedures for mass loss of their data in the cloud.
9. Shared Responsibility
The safety of our data in the cloud is not the sole responsibility of the cloud service provider. It is a shared responsibility.
Both the cloud service provider and the client have to take preventive measures to control and restrict unauthorised access. A little awareness like giving read-only access where required, not sharing login details, and installing multi-step authentication procedures will go a long way in making the cloud more secure.
10. Denial of Service Attacks
It becomes a problem when legitimate users are denied of service. Instead of making the site unavailable to illegitimate users, smokescreens prevent even the authentic ones. Rather than increasing the user experience, it leaves a bad impression.
The Final Word
The cloud has opened a plethora of options, all of which seem lucrative. The financial viability of the cloud makes it even more attractive. Today, doing stuff without the cloud is almost impossible. Instead of feeling cheated because of its security issues and challenges, it is time to do your bit with due diligence in making it secure. A deeper understanding of General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), monitoring workplaces regularly, installing two-step authentication procedures, and frequently changing passwords and making them stronger are just a few ways in which you can help yourself in keeping your data secure in the cloud. Cloud computing opens a wide vista. If used judiciously, it is the best thing that could ever happen to your business.
Editor’s note: This article was originally published on 26th November 2018. It has been revamped and updated for accuracy and to reflect recent trends.
Traditionally companies wanted complete control over all the aspects of business and hence, everything was done in-house. With changing times, business became complicated and processes became more specialised. It became impossible to do everything on your own. This was the dawn of outsourcing. Outsourcing plays a pivotal role in the dynamics of any business. A company in need of freeing up its manpower looks at outsourcing first and automation later. Today, there is no end of activities which can be outsourced.
New Zealanders are making the right choice with their internet speeds now becoming upwards of 20 times the speeds of what we have as an average in Australia. It is widening the gap and limiting what us, Aussies, can achieve. (more…)
Guide to Using Professional Service Providers to Grow Your Business
Guide to Using Professional Service Providers to Grow Your Business
You are a business owner and have been for quite some time. You have become a “jack of all trades”. From managing a team to hiring new people and at times even answering calls, you have done it all. In truth, you now understand the complete picture of your business. You have employed people to perform those tasks which you cannot.
Work is dished out depending on qualifications and professional requirements. All in all, you have a good grip over your business. By now, you would have ran into a few times that you would have needed specialized services as not everything can be carried out in-house.
This may be because of limited knowledge, lack of space, financial benefits etc. The reason could vary, but the answer lies in outsourcing. This is where you need to use professional service providers.
The Dorks got me into my system after it was locked out and the device destined for landfill. Having worked with the Dorks team for 4 years, I have always found them responsive, helpful and diligent. Thoroughly recommend!
Josh and the entire Dorks team could not be any more professional, helpful, friendly and knowledgeable if they tried. Time and time again they were patient and went above and beyond to resolve numerous complicated IT issues for myself and my team, at all hours of the day and night. I recommend them to all size and scale of businesses, as no problem is too large for the Dorks! Thanks again Josh and I wish you and the team every success in work and in life.
There are very few organisations that have a service culture of going above and beyond. Josh Lewis, Dorks founder did that this week with myself and several peers, helping us through a difficult IT situation. Dorks Managed IT Services are relationship grounded, solution oriented and outcomes based. They are outstanding in their sector.
I had the pleasure of speaking with Joshua from Dorks on an IT issue outside of their scope, and I couldn't be more impressed. He went above and beyond to not only resolve my problem quickly on late Friday afternoon but also was very friendly and supportive. His dedication to ensuring everything was working perfectly, truly stood out. Highly recommend Joshua Lewis @Dorks for anyone needing reliable and expert IT assistance!Thank you so much Josh!
I've been a client of Dorks Delivered for many years and for good reason! They are so easy to deal with, value for money, host and manage my website, provide office software at discounted rates, easily fix website issues etc. A seamless and easy IT company to deal and communicate with that I highly recommend for all your IT needs.
These Dorks are fantastic. Always ready to solve any problem we have. Cyber-security, hardware, even tips on marketing. Josh is always approachable and friendly, and the team are top-notch!
Dorks has helped get our company IT needs on track and streamlined. They are easily contactable when problems occur and are quick to get you back up and running!
The best organisation I've work with so far. All staff are hands-on and they will understand your business in order to support you the best way possible. They are the partners you need for any kind of tech solutions. I love that they are open to two-way feedback and will let you know if something is realistic or not and what is the best solution to move forward given the circumstances. It is no surprise that they come highly recommended for me.
Very happy to recommend Dorks Delivered with Teck support etc, we worked together for over 10 years and have all issues resolved promptly.Thanks Team Dorks
Joshua Lewis is a super star. Generous of spirit, skilled as an interviewer, and gifted with the ability to see exactly what people need - I'm sure you'll enjoy dealing with Dorks Delivered.
I strongly endorse Dorks Delivered for their outstanding Managed IT Services! With a proactive and reliable team, they provide round-the-clock support and top-notch cybersecurity, making them an invaluable partner for achieving business success.
Definitely talk to Josh Lewis and the Dorks about your managed IT needs. Apart from being smart and having a great team, I have found him to be genuinely concerned about his clients, coming up with the best advice that suits their needs.
Honestly, our business wouldn't survive without them. Josh and his team just know everything and I have peace of mind when it comes to the uptime. Of my business. And they give awesome little freebies!!
We recently transferred our I.T. needs to Dorks Delivered and they have been fantastic. The response times, ease of accessibility to them and their understanding of our needs have been brilliant. It's been a complete 180 degree shift from our previous vendor Mercury I.T. We are so pleased with the change and would happily recommend Dorks Delivered to other businesses.
Why Choose Us for Business Automation?
We help businesses in Brisbane and across Queensland automate processes, reduce manual tasks, and improve efficiency. With tailored automation solutions, we make technology work smarter, so you can focus on growth.
Custom solutions tailored to your business
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Curious about how automation can transform your business? Let’s chat. Get a FREE Business Automation Consultation (normally $249) and discover how we can optimise your workflows and boost productivity.
In the cloud, it becomes easy to share pirated software, host malware, spread viruses, and save illegal digital items because of its almost unlimited storage capacity and the fact that it becomes harder to prove the ownership of the data. Anybody can open an account and use cloud services. The only way to limit exposure is by laying down strict guidelines for the employees to follow and give read-only access where necessary.
