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ReadWrite

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It’s a good time to be a job seeker. With low unemployment rates and more than 10 million available positions, applicants have the upper hand over employers. They also have another advantage: technology. Plenty of tech tools have sprung up to make life easier for job candidates. And if you’re eager to begin a new career path, you should know what they are. That way, you can masterfully navigate your way into the perfect role. Below are some of the top tech resources that will help you improve your competitive edge while on the job hunt. 1. AI-fueled resume builders For many years, human resources professionals and recruiters have relied on AI-powered software to analyze applications. The software made it simpler to pick candidates likely to have the skill sets for a particular job. The only problem was that applicants couldn’t always tell if their resume submissions were likely to pass the algorithms. Until now, that is. Today, like Teal are allowing job seekers to refine their information like never before. Like other programs, Teal offers users the chance to write, upload, and store resumes. However, the platform folds in an important dose of AI. Anyone can evaluate a resume against an existing job position and discover how to make the resume more appropriate, but AI tools will help tell you if your resume is being ignored. resume-building software programs If you’re tired of wondering if your resume is getting overlooked by bots, try bolstering its heft with an AI solution. It may be the missing puzzle piece to snagging lucrative interviews and getting seen. 2. One-sided video interview recordings You submit a resume hoping to hear a response. What you receive is an email asking you to videotape yourself answering a handful of questions. This is one of the latest ways to screen applicants and it’s also your moment to shine. A smart way to do that is by applying some technical savvy to the experience. For example, consider investing in the most basic podcasting setup out there. Buzzsprout estimates you can get for around $150. That’s not a lot, especially if the items help you land a better job with an attractive salary to match. Once you have your equipment, use it to record studio-grade videos. They’ll sound crisper, look better, and differentiate you from the people who just recorded on their iPhones. decent recording equipment and accessories 3. Video conferencing sites By now, nearly everyone’s been part of a Zoom or Teams meeting. But you might not have engaged with an interviewer via a live video. Odds are, the longer your job search goes on, the greater your odds of a Zoom interview will be. Eighty-two percent of organizations say they’re to meet and evaluate top talent. using videoconferencing Interviewing through a video feed has its upsides and drawbacks, though. The upsides are obvious: You can interview for any job from anywhere. A dedicated Internet connection is all you need. With that being said, you shouldn’t just toss on a nice outfit, do your hair, and feel camera-ready. Interviews on Zoom require practice. Remember: You won’t be able to read body language over the computer. Additionally, you may have multiple people interviewing you from a variety of locations. Be sure to wait your turn and not talk too quickly. Otherwise, you may end up cutting people off mid-sentence. Oh, and be sure you’re in a quiet environment. Nothing spoils a Zoom interview like the neighbor’s lawn mower or a noisy coffee shop atmosphere. 4. ChatGPT You shouldn’t depend on an AI solution like ChatGPT to do all your work for you when you’re looking for work. Nevertheless, ChatGPT and similar tech such as Google Bard can serve in an assistive capacity. Every time you get an interview, sign in to your ChatGPT account. Ask the system to come up with potential interview questions for particular jobs, industries, subjects, etc. It won’t take long for the system to reward you with tons of replies. Look through them, decide which are most relevant, and put them into a bullet-point list. With your list in front of you, go into pre-interview rehearsal mode. Answer the questions aloud. You might feel strange, but you’ll be less likely to go blank when you’re in an in-person or online interview. Best of all, the experience will allow you to feel more confident and less anxious. Ready to grab the attention of employers and wow them with your abilities? Rather than leaving anything to fate, lean on the best job search tech tools on the market and land the position of your dreams. This story was distributed by ReadWrite under HackerNoon’s Brand As An Author Program. Learn more about the program . here

4 Tech Tools Changing The Way You Apply For Jobs

4 herramientas tecnológicas que cambiarán la forma en que solicita empleos

4 outils techniques qui changent la façon dont vous postulez à des emplois

नौकरियों के लिए आवेदन करने के तरीके को बदलने वाले 4 तकनीकी उपकरण

求人への応募方法を変える 4 つのテクノロジー ツール

4 ferramentas tecnológicas que mudam a maneira como você se candidata a empregos

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4 种改变您申请工作方式的技术工具

Any business, regardless of industry, has access to large amounts of personal and sensitive data. This data can include everything from customer information like shipping addresses and credit card data to employee health care details. No matter how solid you think your data privacy protection may be, cybersecurity attacks are always possible. Even the most prominent companies, such as AT&T and Dell, experienced massive data breaches in 2024. Fortunately, there are numerous tools that brands can leverage to keep their data safe. Consider implementing these five tech tools to ensure your business is safe and secure from cyber threats. Integrated Security Solutions When protecting your business, it’s best to take a comprehensive approach with an integrated security solution. One example is to utilize an endpoint protection platform or EPP. This platform uses a firewall, anti-malware capabilities, and port and device control to help protect your business. Unlike antivirus software, an EPP allows you to control what is allowed to run on your endpoints and servers. You can select the specific software, executables, and scripts that may run at any given time. With these controls in place, the EPP allows you to stop malicious software from running and minimize cyber threats. Multi-Factor Authentication Passwords are a common and secure way to keep your data and personal information safe. Yet, 78% of people use the same password across multiple accounts, making password protection less reliable. That’s where multi-factor authentication, or MFA, can come into play. MFA is an extra layer of security that protects your online data by requiring more than just a password. You may receive a prompt to enter a code sent to your phone or answer a secret question. With this extra step, MFA can prevent unauthorized access and make it harder for hackers to break into your software. From a business perspective, MFAs protect organizational data such as employee addresses and banking information. You may also use it to access secure third-party sites for your business, including cloud-based management tools and connected workspaces. Virtual Private Networks With remote and hybrid work becoming more mainstream, it’s rare to find employees tied to their office desks. They’re sending work emails from practically anywhere and logging onto workplace software, too. You might consider requiring a virtual private network, or VPN, to keep your network secure. It’s a safer route than using public Wi-Fi from a local coffee shop! A VPN establishes a digital connection between a device and a remote server. While using a VPN, the user’s data and IP address are encrypted. Any online searches, downloads, or visited pages go through the VPN before being sent to the internet service provider. This data then appears to come from the VPN, making it difficult for hackers to locate and track users online. Firewalls As the name implies, a firewall acts like a barrier. It monitors traffic to and from your website and blocks traffic based on a predetermined set of criteria. A firewall can protect your business from malicious software, spyware, malware, and other threats. Proxy firewalls, sometimes known as gateway firewalls, application firewalls, or proxy servers,  are often considered the most secure. They filter messages and data exchanges between a user and the sites they are accessing. Businesses can implement proxy firewalls to analyze traffic and mask internal network details. They help create a barrier between your company’s internal network and the internet, protecting against hackers and cyber threats. A firewall can also protect your employees and their workplace devices, ensuring that only approved devices may access sensitive information. For example, only a few select individuals at your company should have access to employee social security numbers. Adding a firewall to specific workplace devices will ensure that only these people can obtain access at any time. Data Encryption Tools Lastly, your business might consider using data encryption to protect data from being altered, compromised, or stolen. This tool scrambles data into a secret code that can no longer be read or understood. A unique digital key is required to unlock this code. This digital key should remain secure, with only a few individuals from your company allowed access. Data encryption falls into two main buckets: symmetric and asymmetric encryption. Symmetric encryption, also known as a shared key algorithm, uses a single key to encrypt the plaintext and decipher ciphertext. The sender and the receiver have access to the same key. Asymmetric encryption requires both a public and a private key. It offers a second layer of security, which tends to make the encryption harder to break. In addition to preventing stored data corruption and ensuring data authenticity, data encryption facilitates secure file sharing within your business. Implementing secure file sharing may be advantageous in protecting your company from a data breach. Even if the hacker gains access to your business network, they won’t be able to decipher the encrypted data. Conclusion As the world becomes more hyper-connected, it opens up the possibility for more collaborations, interconnectivity, and, unfortunately, more cyberattacks. While embracing the digital landscape is essential, finding a solution to address your business’s security is just as important. Any business, regardless of industry, has access to large amounts of personal and sensitive data. This data can include everything from customer information like shipping addresses and credit card data to employee health care details. No matter how solid you think your data privacy protection may be, cybersecurity attacks are always possible. Even the most prominent companies, such as AT&T and Dell, experienced massive data breaches in 2024. Fortunately, there are numerous tools that brands can leverage to keep their data safe. Consider implementing these five tech tools to ensure your business is safe and secure from cyber threats. Integrated Security Solutions When protecting your business, it’s best to take a comprehensive approach with an integrated security solution. One example is to utilize an endpoint protection platform or EPP. This platform uses a firewall, anti-malware capabilities, and port and device control to help protect your business. endpoint protection platform Unlike antivirus software, an EPP allows you to control what is allowed to run on your endpoints and servers. You can select the specific software, executables, and scripts that may run at any given time. With these controls in place, the EPP allows you to stop malicious software from running and minimize cyber threats. Multi-Factor Authentication Passwords are a common and secure way to keep your data and personal information safe. Yet, 78% of people use the same password across multiple accounts, making password protection less reliable. That’s where multi-factor authentication, or MFA, can come into play. MFA is an extra layer of security that protects your online data by requiring more than just a password. You may receive a prompt to enter a code sent to your phone or answer a secret question. 78% of people With this extra step, MFA can prevent unauthorized access and make it harder for hackers to break into your software. From a business perspective, MFAs protect organizational data such as employee addresses and banking information. You may also use it to access secure third-party sites for your business, including cloud-based management tools and connected workspaces. Virtual Private Networks With remote and hybrid work becoming more mainstream, it’s rare to find employees tied to their office desks. They’re sending work emails from practically anywhere and logging onto workplace software, too. You might consider requiring a virtual private network, or VPN, to keep your network secure. It’s a safer route than using public Wi-Fi from a local coffee shop! A VPN establishes a digital connection between a device and a remote server. While using a VPN, the user’s data and IP address are encrypted. Any online searches, downloads, or visited pages go through the VPN before being sent to the internet service provider. This data then appears to come from the VPN, making it difficult for hackers to locate and track users online. Firewalls As the name implies, a firewall acts like a barrier. It monitors traffic to and from your website and blocks traffic based on a predetermined set of criteria. A firewall can protect your business from malicious software, spyware, malware, and other threats. Proxy firewalls, sometimes known as gateway firewalls, application firewalls, or proxy servers,  are often considered the most secure. They filter messages and data exchanges between a user and the sites they are accessing. Businesses can implement proxy firewalls to analyze traffic and mask internal network details. They help create a barrier between your company’s internal network and the internet, protecting against hackers and cyber threats. A firewall can also protect your employees and their workplace devices, ensuring that only approved devices may access sensitive information. For example, only a few select individuals at your company should have access to employee social security numbers. Adding a firewall to specific workplace devices will ensure that only these people can obtain access at any time. Data Encryption Tools Lastly, your business might consider using data encryption to protect data from being altered, compromised, or stolen. This tool scrambles data into a secret code that can no longer be read or understood. A unique digital key is required to unlock this code. This digital key should remain secure, with only a few individuals from your company allowed access. Data encryption falls into two main buckets: symmetric and asymmetric encryption. Symmetric encryption, also known as a shared key algorithm, uses a single key to encrypt the plaintext and decipher ciphertext. The sender and the receiver have access to the same key. Asymmetric encryption requires both a public and a private key. It offers a second layer of security, which tends to make the encryption harder to break. In addition to preventing stored data corruption and ensuring data authenticity, data encryption facilitates secure file sharing within your business. Implementing secure file sharing may be advantageous in protecting your company from a data breach. Even if the hacker gains access to your business network, they won’t be able to decipher the encrypted data. Conclusion As the world becomes more hyper-connected, it opens up the possibility for more collaborations, interconnectivity, and, unfortunately, more cyberattacks. While embracing the digital landscape is essential, finding a solution to address your business’s security is just as important.

5 Tech Tools To Keep Your Business Secure in a Hyper-Connected World

5 тэхнічных інструментаў для забеспячэння бяспекі вашага бізнесу ў звышсувязным свеце

5 технически инструмента, за да запазите бизнеса си сигурен в свръхсвързан свят

5 herramientas tecnológicas para mantener su negocio seguro en un mundo hiperconectado

5 tresna teknologikoak zure negozioa seguru mantentzeko mundu hiperkonektatu batean

ハイパーコネクテッドな世界でビジネスを安全に保つ 5 つのテクノロジーツール

5 टेक उपकरणहरू हाइपर-जडित संसारमा तपाईंको व्यवसाय सुरक्षित राख्न

5 Didirišwa tša Theknolotši tša go Boloka Kgwebo ya Gago e Šireletšegile Lefaseng leo le Kgokagantšwego ka go Feteletša

5 narzędzi technologicznych, które zapewnią bezpieczeństwo Twojej firmie w hiperpołączonym świecie

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5 техничких алата за сигурност вашег пословања у хиперповезаном свету

ஹைப்பர்-இணைக்கப்பட்ட உலகில் உங்கள் வணிகத்தைப் பாதுகாப்பாக வைத்திருக்க 5 தொழில்நுட்பக் கருவிகள்

5 Công cụ công nghệ giúp doanh nghiệp của bạn an toàn trong thế giới siêu kết nối

You probably already use some kind of digital calendar to schedule all your work meetings. You may also have one — integrated or not — for personal and family events, errands, and such. Hopefully, your calendar is also synced across your devices, so you always know your next move, no matter where you are. If you’re not already doing all this, it’s a wonder you’ve survived. Your calendar shouldn’t just be doing the bare minimum to keep you on top of your appointments. There are so many ways you could be using it to streamline your day and use your time more efficiently. Modern calendar software can do everything from eliminating tedious back and forths to analyzing exactly how you spend your time. Here are some ways to organize your calendar to get more out of each day — and out of life. Book Meetings With Scheduling Software Instead of endless email chains to nail down a meeting time, use calendar software with an automated . With these programs, you can select times that work for you and then let clients and colleagues select from among them. Some programs also help you automatically find a meeting time that works for multiple people all at once. If you meet with lots of clients throughout the day, a meeting scheduler can save you tons of time. meeting scheduler With meeting schedulers, you can also use a custom link to let clients or potential clients schedule with you. If you’re in a field like life-coaching or therapy, a meeting scheduler could even bring you new business. Prospective clients who might be timid about calling or emailing are usually more amenable to clicking a link. Offering them the option to self-schedule a first meeting or a free intro call could save both your time and their nerves. If you host Zoom, Teams, or other virtual meetings, you can include the meeting link right in the calendar entry or invitation. That way, attendees don’t need to dig through old emails at the last minute when the meeting starts. They can simply click on their calendars and be taken directly to the virtual meeting room. Some schedulers integrate with other apps, including virtual meeting software, to make this process even simpler. Some let you limit how many people can schedule with you daily so you don’t get . overwhelmed with meetings Color-Code Color-coding is a simple way to make scheduling your work and personal time a bit more efficient. By using certain colors to designate different types of events, you get a simple picture of your day at a glance. In the short term, this helps you remember important events without a close reading of your calendar. Over time, color-coding also gives you a better idea of how you spend your time. Some calendars can also automatically analyze categorized blocks and determine what you spend the most time doing. There are two main ways you might want to think about using color to organize your calendar. The first is color-coding each event by a designated task-type or category. For work calendars, choose a different calendar for each type of event (staff meeting, focused work time, client call). For all-purpose calendars, you can color-code by work, exercise, doctor’s appointment, kids, etc. Another way to color-code your calendar is by priority or urgency so you can instantly distinguish what’s most important. For instance, you could make important events like job interviews and picking up kids from school bright red or orange. More flexible events, like a friend’s party you’re only half-interested in, could be light blue. For very important events, setting automated email or text reminders can also act as insurance against missing something. Block Off Focus Time and Me-Time Calendar programs can also help you use your time more efficiently by letting you set aside blocks for concentration or self-care. At the office, you can set specific times when you work uninterrupted on tasks that need deep concentration. For instance, you can use focus time to write a white paper, script an important presentation, or proofread a spreadsheet. Most calendar apps give you an option to hide the nature of an event on your calendar. If your calendar is shared with colleagues or family members, this can add a layer of privacy. Your coworkers don’t need to know when you’re working on next year’s budget, especially if it means they might barge in with questions. And you might want to keep that meeting about a promotion a secret from your spouse until you get an answer. Calendar blocks can also help you prioritize self-care tasks like exercise, , mental health breaks, and more. For instance, you might block time off on your calendar to take a long lunch and head to the gym. Or you might need to schedule a remote doctor’s appointment or therapy session during the workday. Making more time for yourself gives you the energy and focus you need to be the most productive version of yourself. meditation The Best Productivity Tool is Your Own Brain These and other calendar functions can help you be more efficient at home, in the office, and beyond. But the most important tool for greater success and productivity is your own ability to tweak and optimize your schedule. For the best results, use your calendar as a way of gathering insight into your own behaviors and habits. Then, decide what’s most important to you and how to spend more time on the things that matter most.

3 Techy Tips for Organizing Your Calendar for Improved Efficiency

উন্নত দক্ষতার জন্য আপনার ক্যালেন্ডার সংগঠিত করার জন্য 3 টি কারিগরি টিপস

3 technische Tipps zur effizienteren Organisation Ihres Kalenders

Tres consejos técnicos para organizar su calendario y mejorar la eficiencia

3 conseils techniques pour organiser votre calendrier pour une efficacité améliorée

बेहतर दक्षता के लिए अपने कैलेंडर को व्यवस्थित करने के लिए 3 तकनीकी युक्तियाँ

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组织日历以提高效率的 3 个技术技巧

Data is everywhere. In the world alone, we use it to track search engine traffic, monitor website activity, land sales, improve customer service — you name it. business One area where data doesn’t get enough attention (or application) is employee development. When properly applied, data can guide employees and coaches alike as they attempt to upskill and improve performance. How Data Improves HR Before we break down data in relation to coaching, let’s talk about its influence on human resources as a whole. It’s easy to look at HR as a human-to-human activity. Recruiters use “gut instinct.” Coaching requires that savvy veteran who just “knows” what to do. I call bull. Even in the situations above, the truth is each recruiter or HR rep is doing the best they can with the data they have on hand and then filling in the gaps with an educated guess. The natural conclusion is that if you apply more data analytics (both in quality and quantity), it can improve HR activity. This application of data within HR is part of an area called . performance analytics What I’ve found is that data can have an even bigger impact by fine-tuning the entire HR experience, from hiring to retention and, yes, even upskilling. How Data-Driven Coaching Maximizes Employee Potential Data can influence the employment process in a variety of ways. These analytical endeavors generally fall under four distinct categories: organizes and translates existing data into easy-to-understand takeaways. Descriptive analytics breaks down cause and effect, striving to understand why descriptive analytics are the way they are. Diagnostic analytics use existing data to predict potential future activity. Predictive analytics uses all three of the above categories to create actionable data-driven takeaways for the future. Prescriptive analytics With these in mind, let’s look at a few of the ways data can revolutionize the coaching experience. Data Defines the Position Believe it or not, I’ve found that the key to quality coaching starts all the way back at the hiring stage. When you bring a new employee on board, you want all parties to intimately understand what they’re expected to do. This sets expectations and ensures that each candidate fits their position. Data allows you to do this. You can use data, especially descriptive analytics, to define a position’s requirements and responsibilities. 2. Data Clarifies Employee Requirements and Needs When an employee isn’t able to perform in a position, it’s important to identify what is causing the problem. Is it a lack of knowledge, experience, or training? Diagnostic analytics into an ongoing issue. By collecting and analyzing data, you can glean key insights that define areas of improvement you can focus on. enables you to probe 3. Data Guides Coaches A coach may be an experienced, knowledgeable, and even trained individual. They may have tools and techniques at their disposal to help an employee. But if they don’t know what the underlying issue is behind an employee’s struggles, you can’t expect them to coach with optimum effectiveness. Once again, . When you describe and diagnose a situation with data, it creates a blueprint of what needs to happen for an employee to improve. This application of prescriptive analytics can guide a coach as they work with employees to unlock their potential. data can help here 4. Data Avoids Wasting Coaching Resources There’s one subtle-yet-important point I want to add. Using data avoids frittering away your company’s coaching resources. When your coaches know what your employees need, they can save time, energy, and resources by getting right to the point. Over time, you can use predictive analysis to see the positive impact that this efficiency provides. Using Data to Unlock Your Employees The world has fallen in love with data. And, as is the case with any new relationship, everything is passionate, exciting …and a bit misdirected or misunderstood at times. Every time I talk to someone, they’re using data to gain increasingly detailed (and often superfluous) insights into the same areas, like marketing or inventory. If we want to level up our data effectiveness, we need to start applying it to other areas — and coaching in particular. starting with HR So, consider your current coaching efforts. Do you have any? Are they working? Start compiling that data and then strategize how you can use it to improve your development activities to the benefit of employees and coaches alike.

How Data-Driven Coaching Helps Employees Reach Their Potential

Cómo el coaching basado en datos ayuda a los empleados a alcanzar su potencial

Comment le coaching basé sur les données aide les employés à atteindre leur potentiel

डेटा-संचालित कोचिंग कैसे कर्मचारियों को उनकी क्षमता तक पहुँचने में मदद करती है

データ駆動型コーチングが従業員の潜在能力の発揮にどのように役立つか

Como o coaching baseado em dados ajuda os funcionários a alcançar seu potencial

Cách huấn luyện theo hướng dữ liệu giúp nhân viên phát huy tiềm năng của họ

数据驱动的教练如何帮助员工发挥潜能

The impact of tech on mental health is a field of study that is still in its infancy. Things like television, tablets, phones, and computers have begun to reveal both positive and negative influences that technology can have on a person’s state of mind. However, there’s one new development that has the potential to accelerate our understanding of this critical relationship: . How will a digital world impact the mental health of those who dwell within it for extended periods of time? the metaverse Potential Mental Health Challenges of the Metaverse Tech has become a bit of a boogeyman when it comes to mental health. Consumers tend to label any kind of technology used in any quantity as a mental health hazard — and with good reason, too. Tech usage has been linked to things like internet . Youth and adolescents are particularly at risk as they grow up in a world saturated with screens and software. addiction and mental illness The data may not exist in sufficient quantities to paint a clear picture yet. But there is plenty of cause for concern. This concern has already been on the collective radar of consumers for decades. However, the thought of engaging in a fully-immersive experience on a regular basis via the metaverse has taken things to a whole new level. Phil Reed D.Phil., a professor of psychology at Swansea University, points out several of the most obvious ways that a metaverse environment . could negatively impact users “Overuse of digital technology is associated with many mental health issues, such as somatic symptoms (6%), depression (4%), psychoticism (0.5%), paranoid ideation (0.5%), and serious mental illness (2%),” says Reed. Right before listing these already significant areas of potential trouble, Reed points out one mental health concern that is more important than all the rest, “The most striking potential impact of engaging in virtual interactions concerns psychoses—especially those involving delusions and/or hallucinations.” It isn’t difficult to see the connection here. The metaverse could be a terrifyingly powerful creative force for those struggling with mental instability through delusions or full-blown hallucinations. The imaginative fodder of using avatars and having proxy interactions with other humans and computer-generated characters could make it harder than ever to remain grounded in reality. While these are genuine concerns, there is a brighter side to the picture. In fact, there are several ways that technology (and, by extension, the metaverse) could be a net positive for those who use it. Potential Mental Health Blessings of the Metaverse A more fair analysis of the unfolding situation of tech’s impact on mental health reveals that it also has its positive sides. For instance, the ability to connect and interact online has helped some who struggle with anxiety and depression. Back in May 2017, researchers released a study of 151 young adults who answered surveys three times a day for a month . regarding their digital tech usage Some of the results reinforced the negative aspect of tech on mental health. For instance, some participants showed increased conduct and behavioral issues potentially connected to greater device usage. However, the study also revealed that those suffering from anxiety and depression might be able to curb their symptoms through things like interacting with peers through texting. This avoids common adolescent concerns, such as excessive isolation. Candice Odgers, a professor at Duke’s Sanford School of Public Policy, was a senior authority on the study. According to Odgers, this positive revelation “makes sense when you think about how kids are commonly using devices to connect with their peers and social networks.” Even in the midst of making his case for the negative potential of the metaverse (as highlighted in the previous section), Phil Reed points out that there are cases when those who experience delusions have benefited from virtual interactions — even if he does clarify that this always takes place in controlled clinical trials. The metaverse would not be the equivalent of a controlled space. Nevertheless, there clearly is the possibility that those who use it could avoid things like isolation and depression through digitally-driven social interactions. Just Scratching the Surface From anti-depressants to dangerous delusions, there are plenty of mental-health-related potential pros and cons that can come with the metaverse. For the most part, these are factors that remain to be seen. Even so, it behooves anyone involved in the burgeoning digital reality of the metaverse (either as a developer or a user) to take the responsibility for its impact on mental health seriously. In an interview with The Metaverse Insider, Jeff Wong, Global Chief Innovation Officer at the professional services firm Ernst & Young (EY), hits the nail on the head regarding the delicate balance required to navigate the . mental health aspects of the metaverse Wong starts by highlighting the positive potential of the metaverse, not as a replacement for traditional interactions but rather as a supplement to them with its own strengths and weaknesses. The CIO adds the wise caveat, “From the risks or challenges perspective, I think we’re always trying to be thoughtful of the mental health perspective of the immersion; there’s still something positive about being able to physically be in the same room. We want to make sure that if there are negative consequences, that we’re very sensitive to that.” It’s a perspective worth adopting for anyone involved in the development or early use of the nascent field of the tech world. The metaverse has incredible potential. However, if individuals are going to stay safe and healthy while using the innovative tech space, they must remain sensitive to the possible negative repercussions that it could have on mental health and remain ready to take action if and when they take place.

How the Metaverse Could Affect Mental Health

Ten years ago, the concept of “identity verification” was much simpler than it is today. Verifying that an individual was who they said they were involved basic activities, like remembering a password or answering a security question. Anything more complicated felt like it belonged in a Hollywood spy flick. It was fun and interesting, but not necessary. Fast forward a decade and those biometric, multi-layered security protocols have become the status quo. Let’s take a look at the current state of identity verification, from various cybersecurity needs to the different ways companies and government organizations are addressing them. The Growing Importance of Identify Verification The ability to verify an individual’s identity has always been important. However, as the world has embraced technology, the need for high-quality and nuanced ID measures has grown exponentially. As the world has come to depend on remote work and growing tech stacks, the number of ways cybercriminals can operate has increased. This has led to a wide variety of cybercrimes, with identity theft remaining one of the largest and most common of them all. The mass shift to remote work that took place during the pandemic was a huge step forward for many aspects of business. However, in the area of cybercrime, it only exacerbated an existing issue. According to recent data compiled by , identity theft left a scarring path in the remote-heavy world of 2020. 2.2 million people filed fraud reports with the FTC. Fortunly The financial damage created by identity theft in that year alone also amounted to approximately $56 billion. To top it off, it’s also thought that someone becomes a victim of identity fraud as often as every 14 seconds. It’s a problem that impacted approximately 0.6 percent of the U.S. population in 2020, but that was only the tip of the iceberg. reported that, historically, one in three Americans (33 percent of respondents) claim to have already experienced identity theft in some form or another. And that was back in 2018 before the pandemic poured gasoline on an already raging fire. Proof Point Put all of this together, and there’s no question that identity verification remains a top priority for the technologically-driven 21st-century world. The question is, how are companies and government agencies working to meet this challenge? As their dependency on technology increases, how are they advancing from basic passwords and security questions to a more sophisticated (and safer) form of digital security? Advancing Identity Verification The alarming rate of identity theft and cybersecurity concerns have prompted a response from two key areas. First, the federal government has begun to enact various measures to help promote safer online activity. As an example, the recently introduced new identity verification processes in order to access its online tools. In the words of the agency, “This new process is part of the agency's Identity, Credential, and Access Management (ICAM) initiatives to provide more ways for taxpayers to verify their identity and access IRS tools." IRS Interestingly, the IRS is partnering with third-party platform ID.me to accomplish this change — which leads to the second area where ID verification is taking place: the private sector. Identity provider (IdP) has been blazing the trail for cutting-edge workforce identity protection for years now. The sophisticated IdP platform helps companies maintain elite security without compromising productivity in the process. Okta According to the leading IdP company, “With the rise in remote work, Zero Trust security grew tremendously in the past year. And that’s not going to change anytime soon. 82% of company leaders plan to allow at least partial remote work after the pandemic, and 47% will allow employees to permanently work from home full-time.” The company puts a great emphasis on promoting this Zero Trust Security policy as it relates to the remote work setting. This means advanced cybersecurity measures should be implemented to always provide security protocols for remote teams. These can (and should) vary in complexity depending on who needs access to what resource at different times. Nevertheless, the platform, and others like it, allow businesses to shift their security perimeter and provide safe user access to all internal resources. Maintaining Identity Verification in a Remote Work World Between greater government attention and the efforts of third-party companies, security protocols are steadily moving in the right direction. Nevertheless, the ever-present threat of cybercrime — and especially identity theft — remain very real. It’s important for the current trends in identity verification to do more than adjust to the new post-pandemic, remote-friendly landscape. IdPs and agencies like the IRS need to buckle in for a perpetual effort to stay one step ahead of the danger. ID protection can never be a reactionary activity. It needs to remain proactive and innovative in order to keep remote workers safe on both company-wide and individual levels.

How Identity Verification Is Advancing in a Remote Work World

Our home has always felt like a safe zone. We keep the doors locked. The kids know not to let strangers in. I even invested in a wireless camera to monitor outside activity. Turns out our family isn’t quite as protected as I thought, though. The problem is our Wi-Fi network. I’ve never looked at Wi-Fi as a way to gain entry into our house. It is. , Internet crime accounted for more than $4 billion in damages in 2020. That’s a hefty reason to take some steps to make anyone’s home Wi-Fi harder to hack. According to federal statistics Fortunately, it doesn’t take a tech degree to make your personal Wi-Fi inaccessible to unwanted cyber snoops. It just requires you to make some changes, many of which can be done right away. 1. Say goodbye to simple passwords. We’ve all created passwords that are easy to remember. But if they’re a no-brainer for you, they’re a no-brainer for everyone else. Just as you should change your login passwords regularly, update your Wi-Fi network password, too. While you’re at it, give your router admin password a refresh as well. With two hyper-strong passwords, your Wi-Fi network will be tough to get into. Want to take your password protection to the next level? See if your router allows you to set up a guest Wi-Fi network. A guest Wi-Fi network is suitable for anyone who visits like your babysitter or the kid who mows your lawn. Why? You can set it up to have very limited access to anything beyond an Internet connection. Be sure your guest network password is airtight, too. 2. Put additional security frameworks in place. Maybe you work at home and rely on your Wi-Fi to get your job done. And perhaps you depend on Wi-Fi to keep all your gadgets connected. To optimize your home Wi-Fi and keep intruders out, you may want to add a secondary layer of protection. As adaptive Wi-Fi technology provider Plume explains, your remote working and Internet of Things (IoT) needs . The way to close these vulnerabilities may be to arrange for a more advanced cybersecurity setup. That way, you can get real-time alerts, see who’s using your Wi-Fi at all times, and steer clear of malware and other threats. It could be worth seeing if your employer would be willing to help cover the cost of added protection, especially if you regularly telecommute. It never hurts to ask, particularly since it’s in the best interest of your company. can cause digital security gaps 3. Modernize your Wi-Fi router. We’ve had our router for so long that I’ve forgotten when it was first installed by our Internet Service Provider (ISP). I took it for granted that the router was still up to date. I was wrong. After doing some digging, I discovered that it was running under a WPA protocol. In other words, we had very weak Wi-Fi security and never knew it. To fix this issue, I requested a new WPA2 router. WPA2 and WPA3 are considered the most secure of the available protocols. The only reason I didn’t go for WPA3 security is that I wasn’t sure all our smart devices could handle it. If you don’t get your router through your ISP, you can or through a big box retailer. buy one online 4. Disable Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS). Many routers allow you to connect all your devices to the router using Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS). Sometimes, all you have to do is push a button and, voila, the connection is complete. Other times, you may have to enter a short PIN. Either way, the process is painless and fast. Here’s the issue: WPS can be yet another back door way for unwanted visitors to access information via your Wi-Fi. Plus, it’s not really that much quicker than having a secure password. If you absolutely can’t live without WPS, at least disable your PIN option. That way, you’ll at least have to physically push a button to connect your new assistant to the Internet. Most of us are careful about not logging onto the wrong network when we’re away from home. However, we tend to let our guards down when we’re in our castles. As you head into back-to-school and a possible increase in your family’s online use, make a few Wi-Fi changes. You’ll feel even better about the safety of your surroundings. Image credit: Ketut Subiyanto; Pexels

4 Ways to Upgrade the Privacy of Your Home Wi-Fi Network

Are you itching to share a bit of your knowledge on the latest trends in your industry? Then podcasting needs you. Well, as long as you take your role seriously. With and about , the high-quality podcast market remains surprisingly unsaturated. That’s because too many would-be creators follow a “publish first, plan second” philosophy. (Spoiler alert: It’s a philosophy that never ends well.) more than two million podcasts 176 million weekly listeners Instead of potentially landing on someone’s “The worst of…” list, exercise a little patience before unveiling your first podcast. Take time to set yourself up for future stardom by following these successful podcast production secrets. Name and claim a unique focus. It’s safe to say that great podcasting starts with interesting topics. Unless you’re already someone with a following, like a comedian or athlete, you need to attract listeners by being different. This doesn’t mean that you can’t concentrate on one particular subject. It just means that you can’t go far if you say what everyone else says. Rather than being a parrot, you want to come across as a podcaster with a one-of-a-kind perspective. Once you’ve pinpointed your podcast’s overarching theme, you can begin to construct a list of episodes. Each episode should touch upon the theme in some way. This keeps your podcast cohesive and appealing. . Treat your guests like gold One of the most enjoyable aspects of hosting a podcast is inviting guests to join you. On the flip side, one of the least enjoyable aspects of podcasting is a clunky interview exchange. So when someone agrees to join you, do all you can to make their experience worthwhile. For example, think about ways to make them sound outstanding and not like they’re talking to you through a phone. Tools like the SaaS remote recording platform Squadcast can help ensure your guests’ audio . To your eager audience, the conversation will seem like it’s happening in one space. sounds crisp and clear Another suggestion related to guests is to give them questions ahead of time. That way, they can prepare some responses and won’t spend their time with you hemming and hawing. The better they feel about “their” episode, the more likely they’ll be to market it to their network. . Pay attention to your hardware There are a few hardware items you’ll want as a podcaster beyond your computer. These include a microphone and headphones, both of which are necessities. As you might imagine, you’ll have to spend some money to get a decent mic. You don’t have to commit to something budget-busting, though. As a MusicTech piece explains, sound industry leading brands Yeti and Shure . Just make sure you buy a pop filter so your consonants don’t sound too explosive. both sell affordable mics Headphones can be equally as easy on your wallet. Additionally, they enable you to hear everything in real-time. Consequently, you can make adjustments, such as turning down your mic’s gain to eliminate buzzing. When you find a microphone and headphone combo that works perfectly, you’ll be almost ready to go. Choose your physical recording space thoughtfully. You may be able to work remotely from your dining room table or outside patio. The same flexibility doesn’t apply to where you podcast. Ideally, your podcasting haven should be small and as sound-proof as you can reasonably expect. Is it any wonder that so many podcast creators swear by tiny closets and tents made from blankets? Remember that unless your podcast has a video element, your surroundings don’t matter. (You can even wear pajamas.) What matters is being able to dampen the noises that interrupt your audio flow. So test-drive several locations in your home before choosing the right one. Hone your storytelling abilities. The most talked-about podcasters tend to be the ones who can weave together stories like nobody’s business. They can make any concept more down-to-earth because they understand how to connect with listeners. In other words, they’re natural conversationalists with an entertaining flair. You can’t just expect to talk your audience for 30 minutes or more. You need to speak them. Otherwise, they won’t come along with you for the ride. They’ll listen for a while and then drop off the face of the universe. at with If you’re not sure how to weave some storytelling magic into your podcasts, consider interjecting personal stories from time to time. You’ll add personality and allow your followers to get to know you better. Plus, your anecdotes will help you illustrate what you’re saying. In time, you’ll likely find that storytelling becomes more intuitive and natural the longer you have your podcast. Still excited to jump into the podcasting world? The timing is perfect since so many people are open to finding new influencers online. Just pick your subject, invest in smart tech, put the spotlight on special guests, and select a secure space. Who knows? You might find out that podcasting is the side hustle you didn’t know you were missing.

5 Ways To Produce A Podcast That Stands Out Among The Rest

You probably don’t need an Indeed survey to tell you how bad burnout in the United States has become. In fact, it’s steadily become a problem that can’t be ignored. According to a poll of 1,500 professionals across all generations, 52% of respondents . Burnout is especially high among workers who identify as Generation Z or Millennials. Although, it’s still an issue for Generation X and Baby Boomer employees. Without changes, this problem won’t go away. Instead, it will continue to contribute to everything from , and even . say they’ve hit the burnout stage occupational disengagement increased risk of cardiovascular disease If you’re the CEO of a company or even a manager, you can take a few measures to help your colleagues avoid burnout. Below are some proven strategies to encourage a better sense of well-being among your direct reports. 1. Encourage employees to practice mindfulness. When studying the practice of mindful meditation, Harvard researchers discovered that it helped many people anxiety. In other words, being in tune with their brains allowed practitioners to better ward off common stress responses like a rapid heartbeat. depression and temper their feelings of The beauty of technology is you can easily share mindfulness practices simply through an app. Routine use of mindfulness-focused apps can be a resource for staff members. For example, the and teaches users how to regulate their emotions and shift their physical and mental states through consciously controlling their breath. Incorporating breathwork into daily activities can help activate the parasympathetic nervous system responsible for ‘rest and digest’, allowing for a more easeful existence in which the overdriven sympathetic “flight or fight” impulses become muted. app guides Othership Breathing Over time, you might even want to concentrate on hosting mindfulness activities or retreats. The more tools you give your team to better handle every day tensions the happier they’ll be overall. 2. Empower your workers to flex their schedules. Sure, some workers would like to be able to work from home. However, most workers are willing to give up the ability to be virtual 100% of the time. What’s the catch? They want to be able to control their schedules. As The Wall Street Journal explains, 95% of participants surveyed in November 2021 would like to . It’s not hard to understand why, either. Since 2020, many people are seeking a better work-life balance. Being able to choose when—and sometimes where—they work has tremendous appeal. After all, it allows people to bring their full selves to work, which is a recipe for healthier mental well-being and fewer distractions. flex their hours Even if your workers must be onsite to fulfill their responsibilities, consider changing their shifts. Could they clock in earlier or later? Or work four days instead of five? Get creative. You’ll be rewarded for your efforts by less absenteeism, presenteeism, and dissatisfaction across the board. 3. Enable workers to take paid time off. Even if your company offers paid time off to your employees, your teams may resist taking time off because of the company culture. In fact, one survey showed that about half of all employees all. time at don’t use vacation Why wouldn’t someone take time off, especially if it’s paid? Many feel that they’ll be judged. Some worry about retaliation or a heavier workload when they return. Accordingly, they either accumulate days off or end up losing days every calendar year. The best way to illustrate to workers that you want them to take time off is to do it yourself. As a leader, you’re a role model at your organization. When you prioritize your emotional and mental wellbeing – by calling off when you’re sick and taking personal trips, you make it less worrisome for employees to do likewise. And make no mistake: Time away from work is essential for well-being. 4. Offer training and resources for your team members. Our modern-day work environments are already stressful enough. Work can be extra-stressful when you don’t have proper training, resources, or information, you need to do your best. You’ve probably experienced that many times in your career. Now, imagine how it feels to personnel who may feel like they’re falling behind their teammates. Stressful, right? No matter how proficient, resourceful, independent, and hard-working your employees may be, there’s always room to grow, shower them with training. If you have helpful documents or tutorials, make sure your team is up to date too. And, if you have the resources, offer professional training courses. This type of investment will serve both your team and your company. A confident, well-educated team and strong company culture will ripple into the success of your business. When your workers know their stuff, you have a better chance of staying competitive. 5. Earn trust through consistent communication. Communication can fall by the wayside in any organization, particularly if some of your workers are remote. The less you say to your team, the less they’ll feel connected to your brand. That’s not good for putting everyone at ease—or for keeping turnover rates low. Aim to over-communicate by setting up regular check-ins with all the people who report to you. Make sure these check-ins are a time for you to catch up with them and assist with problems they might have. Consider these meetings as your opportunity to be a role mentor, not just a supervisory figure. As far as wider communication goes, double-check all your text pings and emails. Have you included everyone who needs to know? Aim to loop in the right folks so no one feels the psychological burden or embarrassment of being left out. Burnout may be a real phenomenon but it doesn’t have to run rampant through your business. Use your authority to make sure your workers feel calmer, happier, and less stressed. You’ll see a difference in everything from productivity to engagement. Image credit: Alexander Suhorucov; Pexels

5 Ways to Improve Employee Well-Being

Companies are waking up to the fact that remote work isn’t a perk to reserve for a tithe of your workforce. They must embrace it wherever and whenever possible — for the foreseeable future. One way that this is happening outside of the traditional office space is with virtual live events. Due to the fast-tracked nature of the shift online, many companies are turning to API-based solutions to cut down on development time. Here are some of the best ways to enhance your virtual live events with APIs that can leave your attendees with a positive experience every time. 1. Manage Attendance A successful live event always starts with attendance. By running a live event, you’re choosing to restrict yourself to a specific time slot when everything will happen in real-time. This requires the orchestration of dozens, hundreds, and at times even thousands of individuals. You must make them aware of the event, let them sign up, and then give them thorough instructions for how to attend. Selling tickets for a live event is something that in-house virtual live event software often cannot address in a satisfactory manner — which is why many turn to as an external API solution. Eventbrite Eventbrite gives an organization everything it needs to get people “in the virtual doors.” It facilitates the creation of event pages and the purchase of tickets. It also is very easy to embed on a company website or in an email campaign. The API was already a popular option for countless events before the pandemic started. This head start has allowed Eventbrite to deliver a sophisticated, user-friendly API that makes it remarkably easy to sell tickets for your event. 2. Promote Using Social Media Having a good ticket platform creates the “doors” for your event. But you still need people to find that virtual entrance if they’re going to enter when the time comes. That’s why lining up a good event marketing API is also a good idea. Facebook is a common tool used throughout the promotional process. However, most businesses go about much of their social media marketing activities manually. They create pages, write posts, and push marketing content often in a context that is completely disconnected from an event itself. When it comes to events, though, the pioneer in the Meta-verse space has created their to streamline much of the promotional process. This can integrate with your existing virtual live event software, making it much easier to create event pages on Facebook. Official Events API From there, the API streamlines the large-scale distribution and promotion of your event page. This can make it much easier to market the upcoming occasion to a massive audience without pouring endless resources or strategic effort into the ordeal. 3. Level Up Audio The last thing you want is to attract a huge number of attendees through a killer promotional campaign, only to have technical issues once the live event begins. Even if the actual functionality of your software goes off without a hitch, if the quality of the presentation is sub-par, it presents problems. This can undermine the ability of your company to have virtual events that are genuinely as effective as their in-person counterparts. One way to ensure that your presentation quality remains high is by using the io APIs — including its spatial audio with a new manual placement feature. Dolby. The API doesn’t just deliver the crisp, clear audio that earned Dolby.io its reputation. It also utilizes cutting-edge tech to position speaker and attendee audio throughout a virtual event. Users can manually place sound objects throughout a three-dimensional space to impact how they hear the event. This makes it easier to connect visuals with audio, creating a smoother, more life-like feel to the online interaction. 4. Maximize Event Data Live events are a tricky business. It’s difficult to know who will attend, if people will stay for the entire event, and if external factors will impact initial estimations. That’s where an API tool like can be a lifesaver. PredictHQ PredictHQ specializes in compiling and organizing data that can impact demand forecasting. This can be for an endless variety of different kinds of events — including virtual conferences. If you’ve found that your events tend to fluctuate in attendance, PredictHQ can help you identify the reasons behind the fluctuations. This can enable a company to take steps to maximize the effectiveness of each event and properly forecast the demand of upcoming events, as well. Hosting live virtual events is the way of the future. However, that doesn’t mean simply having an event online will equate to success. Every live event needs a support network that can smooth out any wrinkles and ensure that the experience is accessible, positive, and user-friendly. So, review the list above and consider where your own live online events are lacking. Then take steps to nail down the APIs that can help you take your next event from good to great.

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