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Criminals Are Ready. Are Your Employees?

November 2, 2019 By

ImageQuestAs technology becomes more and more integrated into the workplace, cybersecurity attacks are quickly becoming a seemingly everyday occurrence. Even if you have cybersecurity service in place, your Nashville business is – and will always be – a target. And your first line of defense is your employees.

Sadly, nearly half of all American workers are woefully undertrained. Even more alarming, approximately 8% of the nation’s employees have received no training at all. The vast majority of these are employees of small businesses, which are the most vulnerable to digital infiltration. Cybercriminals are fully aware of this training deficit and use this knowledge to find your business’s weakest link.

How Do They Do It?

As Nashville’s leading cybersecurity service, ImageQuest receives many questions about how, exactly, cybercriminals know which businesses to target and how information is accessed. The truth is that the people carrying out cybercrimes can tell very quickly which companies are an open smorgasbord of information. They do this by creating scenarios where an employee may feel comfortable giving out personal or business information. One example is a phishing email. This is a type of communication sent to resemble an incoming message from a trusted person or partner. 

As an example scenario, let’s look at ABC Inc. Jane, an HR manager for Middle Tennessee’s fictional ABC, Inc., gets an email from “Admin@ABCInc.com.”  The message asks for her to update her payroll system login information. She clicks on a link that she believes will direct her to this system. She enters her information into a legitimate-looking form and thinks nothing more of it. The criminal who sent the message now has access to the company’s financial information, employee names and bank account numbers, and anything else that Jane has access to. A cybersecurity service offering employee training in Nashville could have prevented this.

Cybersecurity Training Best Practices

Prevention is the best medicine for keeping cybersecurity attacks at bay. As a business owner, it is up to you to provide your employees with the tools they need to keep your information safe. Here are a few tips on how to get everyone up to speed and ready to combat corporate crimes in a digital world.

  • Do not lay blame. First and foremost, if your company is infiltrated, regardless of reason, do not blame your staff. Accept responsibility that they may not have received the proper data security training. Use it as a learning moment.
  • Start training. Contact a local cybersecurity service for training. Nashville’s ImageQuest begins this process by assessing your company’s current security protocols. The team then puts together a training package that covers cybersecurity from many angles.
  • Create awareness. Before training begins, prioritize cybersecurity awareness. This might be something as simple as sending your employees links to recent stories about data breaches in your industry. You might post flyers in the break room or host a catered “lunch and learn” session on the subject.
  • Work from the top down. Ensure that management sets the example. Your business’s leaders set the tone for how everyone else within your organization views cybersecurity. 
  • Press for better passwords. Email scams are not the only way criminals access your data. Another is by guessing passwords. Criminals have automated this process and can easily decipher word-only passwords. One of the most effective ways you can block brute-force attacks is by requiring passwords to be a combination of special characters, letters, and numerals. According to Nashville’s cybersecurity service experts, the longer and more complex, the harder a password is to crack.
  • Start at onboarding. It is one thing to train your current staff on cybersecurity measures, but if you want your new procedures to stick, they must be prioritized when onboarding new employees. Starting from day one, make sure that your entire staff – even those who do not have access to the company’s networks and systems – understand the importance of awareness.

ImageQuest offers cybersecurity service for Nashville businesses of all sizes. From a security assessment to event monitoring and employee training, ImageQuest’s IT Security Services are second to none. For more information or to speak with an expert, visit ImageQuest.com.

Filed Under: General Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Boyd Law: Your Word Is Your Bond

October 9, 2019 By

Boyd LawIf you have ever hastily agreed to something without hashing out the finer details, you have entered into a legal agreement. Usually, these quick “I’ll do this if you do that” bargains go off without a hitch. However, complications sometimes arise. According to Brentwood business lawyer Brian T. Boyd, oral contracts often go south when one party changes their mind or when there are too many nuances to keep track of.

Recently, Boyd sat down with us to talk about the validity of oral contracts and whether or not they carried any weight in a court of law.

Q: What is an oral contract?

Brian T. Boyd: An oral contract is essentially a verbal agreement between two consenting parties. For example, when you make a trade with someone. Usually, there is no paperwork but you discuss swapping this for that. The swap happens, and everyone goes on with their day. You have completed the transaction and that’s the end of it.

Q: Can an oral contract be used to secure a larger agreement, such as leasing an apartment or selling a vehicle?

Brian T. Boyd: Yes and no. In the case of leasing property, as long as you own the property, you are within your rights to determine how you want to pursue a lease agreement. When you sell a vehicle, you must sign over the title, which serves as a legal document. Unfortunately, although you can attempt to sort out the details face-to-face, things can get sloppy in either one of these examples very quickly. We always suggest to residents and business owners in Brentwood that a business lawyer can draw up a contract that there is no question of intent.

Q: What happens when one party backs out of a verbal agreement?

Brian T. Boyd: That all depends on whether or not the oral contract can be proven. If there are witnesses, you likely have a legal standing should you pursue legal action. A Brentwood business lawyer can provide counsel based on specific circumstances. 

Q: So, an oral agreement can not be enforced if there are no witnesses?

Brian T. Boyd: Not necessarily. Once you enter into an agreement, there are ways to prove the original intent. This starts by documenting your actions and those of the other party. Something as simple as sending an email or text message thanking them and letting them know that you have begun fulfilling the agreement can serve as proof.

Q: It has been said that Steve Jobs and Bill Gates entered into business deals with no more than a handshake. What are your thoughts on complicated business matters? Is a handshake enough?

Brian T. Boyd: Absolutely not. As a business lawyer in Brentwood, I have seen time and again these types of deals end in disaster for both parties. Jobs and Gates (and many other public figures) may have initiated agreements based on mutual respect and friendship, but you can guarantee their legal teams worked tirelessly in the background to ensure there were no misunderstandings.

Q: Do you need a business lawyer to draft an agreement?

Brian T. Boyd: Not necessarily, especially if it is a deal between friends or family members. However, it is highly advisable to do so in the case of employment contracts, real estate transactions, and other deals that have long-term implications, involve large sums of money or have stipulations that may not be clear.

For more information on oral contracts and other topics related to business law, business litigation, commercial law, and tax law, please reach out to The Office of Brian T. Boyd, PLLC at www.boydlegal.co. They are conveniently located in Brentwood, TN for all your legal needs.

Filed Under: Law Firm Tagged With: ,

Audi Service: Nashville Shop Discusses Summer Car Care

September 17, 2019 By Leave a Comment

GPO TuningWhile summertime is traditionally an opportunity to let your cares wash away with the ocean waves, life must go on. And, part of this means ensuring that your vehicle is in top shape regardless of the season. We recently sat down with the car guys at GPO Tuning to discuss a particular brand of vehicle and how the summer sun can affect its performance. If you own an Audi, you’ll want to keep reading for advice on how to treat your ride right as temperatures continue to rise.

Q: Thanks for joining us today. With a heatwave taking over most of the US, we thought it would be a great time to bring up the all-important topic of car care during the summer. Specifically, we are interested in Audi service as many of our readers are import enthusiasts.

GPO Tuning: Absolutely. We think that it is important that car owners know how to care for their vehicle, regardless of brand. When we do Audi service in Nashville, we try to take the time to explain to our customers why it’s so important to understand the subtle nuances of their make and model.

Q: Why is that important?

GPO Tuning: Each manufacturer has a different set of parameters upon which they design, refine, and construct their vehicles. Because of this, no two cars are exactly alike. When you drive a vehicle with a higher price tag, it pays to know how to care for it.

Q: Let’s talk about summer maintenance. What’s the most important thing you can do if you drive an Audi?

GPO Tuning: The first thing you want to make sure of is that your engine’s cooling system is operating efficiently. Summertime Audi service in Nashville, where the heat index can easily top 105° during July and August, means having the coolant system flushed and replacing the antifreeze regularly.

Q: That makes sense. What other systems require special care?

GPO Tuning: The AC system for sure. Nobody likes to get into a hot vehicle, and it is especially unpleasant when the air isn’t working. More importantly, however, considering the heat index we just talked about, a person could quickly overheat in a vehicle where they cannot escape high temperatures.

Q: What are some signs that the AC is not working?

GPO Tuning: Obviously, if the air blows hot despite being set at the lowest possible temperature. Unfortunately, many car owners mistakenly assume that their AC system simply cannot cool the vehicle when it’s hotter than 85°. This is not true. Any vehicle that does not cool off within a few minutes should be taken into a shop that specializes in, in this case, Audi service. Nashville won’t break through the heat until late September and there is no reason to suffer until then.

Q: Is there anything a vehicle owner can do to keep the interior temperature down?

GPO Tuning: That is a great question. The answer is to park in the shade if possible. If not, an inexpensive sunshade, which you can pick up at any auto parts store, can keep it more comfortable. 

Q: What is another Audi service that Nashville owners should consider?

GPO Tuning: We like to remind people to have their air filter checked and, if needed, swapped whenever they have an oil change. The air filter in an Audi was designed to ensure efficient airflow throughout the car. People with allergies should take special caution to ensure the air filter is changed as soon as it gets dirty since it will no longer be effective at reducing airborne irritants in the cabin.

Q: This is all really great information. Do you have anything to add?

GPO Tuning: We talked mostly about keeping your car comfortable and operational. But, there are other aspects of Audi service. In Nashville, this means keeping your vehicle clean. Even high-end paint is not immune to the effects of dirt being caked and baked on to it. A car wash once per week will keep your investment looking at its very best.

Filed Under: Automotive Tagged With: , , , , ,

It’s Storm Season, Time To Check Your Roof

July 19, 2019 By

Rytech NashvilleSummer storms are just a fact of life throughout the United States, and especially in the southern US. And while 90% of undesirable weather that rolls through town is little more than an inconvenience, the rest is capable of inflicting damage to your property. Downed trees and a water-logged basement are usually the main concerns. However, your roof, which is fully exposed during all weather events, may not always come out unscathed. 

According to the water damage restoration experts at Rytech Nashville, it pays to take a quick look at your roof once the sun comes out, even if you don’t have an apparent leak. Keep reading for answers to frequently asked questions on how to identify storm and water damage, restoration needs, and other roofing issues.

Q: What type of roof damage can happen during a storm?

Rytech Nashville: That depends on the storm. High winds can rip shingles from the roof. Excessive rain can cause water buildup in the gutters that can also damage the shingles. Hail can remove asphalt granules, leaving the underlying material vulnerable to the elements.

Q: If the shingles look fine, what else can a homeowner look for?

Rytech Nashville: One telltale sign that the roof is at risk are raised nail heads. Even if the shingles are in place, this almost always means that winds have pushed the shingles out of place. You can also look at the flashing, which are pieces of metal around the chimney and air vents. Bent, broken, or dislodged flashing can cause water to penetrate your home through the walls or the roof. If this happens, you will almost certainly need water damage restoration services and may require mold removal to make the home safe.

Q: What should I do about sagging gutters?

Rytech Nashville: Gutters that have been dislodged from the fascia have likely become clogged with leaves, small twigs, and other debris. If it is safe, clear the gutters and reattach them to the house. Clogged gutters are a serious issue. When it rains, if the water cannot drain, it can build up and gradually seep into the walls through the roof. Rainwater can also pour off the sides of the gutters and pool around the perimeter of your home and then enter through cracks in the foundation. Even a small amount of water inside the home can cause significant mold growth. Mold removal can help, but unless you identify weak spots, it will grow back.

Q: Are there signs of roof damage that may not be apparent from the outside?

Rytech Nashville: Yes. Grab a flashlight and head to the attic. Chances are, the plywood sub-roof is exposed from underneath. From here, you can look for discolorations in the wood and will be able to see if the plywood is sagging. Dark spots likely indicate that it has been in contact with water. Turn the light off and make a note of any areas where you see sunlight coming in from the outside. The only spots that should allow light to enter are the gable vents on either side of the home. 

Q: There is a tree on my roof and obvious damage. What should I do now?

Rytech Nashville: Your first priority is to get yourself, your family, and any pets out of the home until it is deemed safe for return. Contact your insurance company to find out if they will cover the cost of a hotel or other accommodations until a roofing company can get out and inspect the damage. If your home has been flooded, ask them about water damage restoration coverage. The sooner your roof is fixed, the better, since standing water in the interior causes more damage the longer it is there. 

Rytech Nashville offers water damage restoration and mold removal throughout Davidson, Sumner, Williamson, Wilson, and Rutherford counties. Visit Rytech.com/Nashville for more information.

Filed Under: Water Damage Specialist Tagged With: , , , , ,

Without Vision, My People Perish

July 18, 2019 By

United Faith ChurchUnited Faith Church provides 3 KEY STEPS to follow in order to walk in GOD’S VISION. Pastors Jerry and Janeth Santiago are the senior pastors of United Faith Church in Barnegat, NJ.

“Where there is no vision, the people perish…” Proverbs 29:18

Revelation. Divine guidance. Prophetic vision. These are all terms used to describe the original Hebrew word for “vision” in the famous Proverb above.

We hear the word vision all of the time. Companies have visions for their path to success, athletes have a vision to reach their goals, and we routinely go to the eye doctor to examine our vision. But what exactly does it mean to have “vision” in God’s Kingdom? United Faith Church is excited about their vision to touch the nations for Jesus Christ, which God placed on the hearts of Pastors Jerry and Janeth Santiago at the start of their ministry.

Night versus Day

When Jesus planned to return to Bethany to raise Lazarus from the dead, His disciples asked Jesus why He would risk going back there when last time He went, the Jews tried to stone Him.

Look at how Jesus responded.

“Jesus answered, “Are there not twelve hours of daylight? Anyone who walks in the daytime will not stumble, for they see by this world’s light. It is when a person walks at night that they stumble, for they have no light”” (John 11:9-10).

Was it the light of the sun that Jesus was really speaking of here? Let’s look at something else Jesus said to His disciples after healing a blind man.

“As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work. While I am in the world, I am the light of the world” (John 9:4-5).

Jesus is explaining that just as we need sunlight to see during the day, we need His light in order to see in God’s Kingdom. He was able to venture down a dangerous path because He had spiritual eyesight to see exactly where to go and not stumble along the way. This is vision. Without it, people perish; they stumble because they cannot see in the night.

To walk in the night is to have no understanding of God, doing whatever seems best, yet having no revelation of God’s will for our lives. We want God to bless what we do without knowing whether it is what He wants for us. We trip and fall as we make decisions in darkness over the years, and we end up paying the price, stumbling with each step along the way. This is because we cannot see.

But God’s desire is for us to see, which is why he sent his Light, his Son Jesus. To walk in the day is to see the way God sees. When we can see Jesus, we know the way to walk, and our plans prosper. We have vision for His will in our lives and the lives of our families. His light guides us on the path that will keep us close to Him and bring His Name glory.

United Faith Church teaches the importance of having vision which is modeled through the lives of Pastor Janeth Santiago and her family. Below are three key steps to follow in order to walk in the vision God has for our lives.

  1. SEEKING

How do we get vision? Having vision means that we can see that our own ways keep us in darkness, but in the light of Jesus we can see His ways that lead to righteousness. Our eyes are opened to this vision through seeking; “…seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you” (Matthew 7:7).

On our knees, we come into the Light. We cry out, Lord, show me the way! And we come to know the Light. God gives us spiritual eyes to see Him in everything. He helps us to take responsibility for our past, present, and future, and to make godly decisions according to the vision He puts in our hearts. No longer do we make decisions based on our own limited darkened understanding, but we look to God, the One who knows all things, to lead us. “Your word is a lamp unto my feet, a light on my path” (Psalm 119:105).  The beauty of being able to see is that it sets us on a straight path for our lives and for the future generations to follow.

  1. CONNECTING

Next, we must learn to continually connect with God. Many have heard the verse “…I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5). If God never leaves us, why the need to seek and connect?

We see the heart of God in His word that says to trust in Him with all of our hearts, to not lean on our own understanding, and to acknowledge Him in all of our ways (Proverbs 3:6). When we do not look to God in all of our daily decisions, we disconnect from Him; even though He is there, we cannot see him just as a blind man cannot see the person standing in front of him. But if we connect to the Light, we can see Him, and we can hear Him. It is in the seeking and connecting that we come to know and walk in the Day and remain as children of the light.

  1. REMAINING

Jesus said, “I have come into the world as light, so that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness” (John 12:46). God’s desire for us is that we come out of the darkness into the light and to remain in the light.

How do we remain? By daily living in the vision that God has given. Those living in the light cling to the word of God as the guide that directs their every step. The decisions they make for their families are in accordance with the divine vision of Christ Jesus and His plan for each of their lives. They carry in their hearts the dream that they and their children will be ministers and lovers of God for His glory and honor. Although they live in a dark world, they are not of it; by faith they come into the light of Day where they see their God and follow His leading.

This is what David spoke of when he said, “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me…” (Psalm 23:4). When we remain in God, He lights our path and leads us in the way we should go in peace. The vision of God takes us beyond what we can do and even imagine and allows us to see God’s plan for us in His Kingdom… “What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived – the things God has prepared for those who love him” (1 Corinthians 2:9). Pastors Jerry and Janeth Santiago, along with the families of United Faith Church, have big dreams to touch many lives for God. Their vision extends to their children and the many generations to come.

For more info and articles, please visit www.unitedfaithchurch.org. United Faith Church is led by Pastors Jerry and Janeth Santiago.

Filed Under: Religion Tagged With: , , , ,

Everest Gymnastics: Why Are Sports Physicals So Important?

June 7, 2019 By

Everest GymnasticsIf you have ever driven by a walk-in clinic or pediatrician’s office, you have probably seen signs advertising sports physicals. What are these, and why are they important? The coaches at Huntersville-based Everest Gymnastics explain in the following question and answer session.

Q: What is a sports physical?

Everest Gymnastics: A sports physical, which is also known as a preparticipation physical examination (PPE), is similar to the checkup that a child receives each year at the pediatrician’s office. However, it focuses on the child’s physical abilities to determine whether or not they are capable of safely participating in sports.

Q: Are they required?

Everest Gymnastics: Most states have laws in place that require young athletes to undergo a sports physical. Even in those states that don’t, it is highly recommended.

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Filed Under: Sports Tagged With: , , , ,