ACCELERATE YOUR BUSINESS: 4 Cybersecurity Best Practices for Your Organization

**As originally posted on Entrepreneur.com** 

A data breach can happen to any organization, and it’s a growing concern among companies both large and small. According to this cyberattack infographic, an IBM study revealed that the average consolidated cost of a data breach is approximately $3.8 million, a 23 percent increase from 2013. According to that same graphic, the Identity Theft Resource Center found that approximately 22 percent of breaches are due to insider theft, and 12 percent are simply a matter of accidental exposure.

You can keep your company and your employees safe from these dangerous data breaches by ensuring that employees are aware of a few tried-and-true data security best practices. Here are some of the most important ones:  

1. Practice good access control.

Without good access control protocols, company information remains at risk. Each organization should have a firm policy on password strength and password update policies. Convey the importance of keeping those passwords private, and make sure your employees adhere to minimum password requirements.

Employees should also lock their computers when they are away from their desks. If you have employees accessing your network remotely, make sure that you know exactly when they are doing so, and why.

2. Avoid scams.

A good email filter may be the first defense against phishing scams, but it should not be the last. Educate employees on what phishy emails look like, and make sure they know which ones to avoid opening. Remind employees to never open attachments from unknown senders and to never provide sensitive business data to unfamiliar individuals outside the company. Spell out what information is and is not acceptable to divulge over the phone, in an email, or in-person to those of unfamiliar status within the organization and outside the company.

3. Implement hardware and software restrictions.

It’s important to place limitations on the types of installations and downloads that employees are allowed to perform on company computers. Employees should not be allowed to install or download any software on company technology that is not previously reviewed and authorized. Explain to your employees the importance of avoiding freeware and shareware and how this type of software can become a threat. What may appear to be an innocuous download for work purposes can easily introduce a virus to your network and expose sensitive business data.

4. Manage mobile devices.

Mobile devices pose additional risks, as data can be easily exposed outside of the office. Off-site devices can be subject to mobile malware, eavesdropping, unauthorized access, theft and loss. Set expectations with employees as to their mobile conduct when accessing company data while on the road. If you allow employees to connect personal mobile devices to company Wi-Fi connections, make sure those connections are separate from the general organization network.

Almost half of American companies experienced some sort of data breach of in 2013. It doesn’t take an expert hacker to view, take possession of, or exploit personal, intellectual or financial data. In fact, according to a Forrester Research report, most mobile data breaches are caused by employee negligence.

Security training can be a challenge without explaining the importance of security measures and adequately communicating how these measures effect the company and the employee. By implementing a few best practices and making sure that data security is of principal concern to everyone within your organization, you can keep your employees educated and your sensitive company data safe from prying eyes.

Eric Basu

Eric Basu is the CEO of Sentek Global, a provider of government and commercial cybersecurity and information technology solutions. 

5 Tips to Get Through The Tough Mommy Moments

One of the greatest gifts God has given women is the opportunity to become a mother. A gift that brings life and helps to mold you into a better person. Although being a mother doesn't come with instructions, tools, tips or even a map, it teaches you how to create a priceless masterpiece. . Something to be proud of knowing you helped create a productive citizen in the world. 

When I was young I always dreamed of being a mother holding my percious baby in my arms someday. As I grew older I heard many stories from mothers telling me how horrible labor was, staying up all night with a newborn.. It affected the way I once felt about becoming a mom. Before I knew it, I was going to become a mother sooner than I expected...

Becoming a mother at eighteen was life changing for me. Growing up in a two parent home with strict rules and I couldn't date, hang out with friends, nothing. As the youngest of my brother and sister, my mom really treated me like the baby of the family. So when I turned sixteen, I lost my virginity to my son's father and became pregnant within that year. When I told my mother about the pregnancy it devastated her. She couldn't believe her babygirl was about to be a mom.. A woman now with real life responsibility...

As a family we managed to get through it which helped me get through the tough years of raising my son. He's now fifteen years old and a sophomore in high school and honor roll student. Although the turn out was good for me everyone's story isn't.. 

Here are five tips on getting through those tough moments as a Mother. ..

1.) Be open and honest about where you are. There are going to be days that have you feel less than a mom. When this takes place give yourself a timeout. Remote to a quiet place to breath, relax, and remove any negative thoughts. Most importantly, pray. 

2.)Get a serious prayer life going. No one knows your story, pain, or mistake but God. As a young mom thier were times I felt judged, but my mother helped me through those times. Seeking God's face daily structured my outlook as a mom.

3.)Join a mommy and me group. The goal is to travel the mom journey together with other moms. Its a place where you will be supported by and have fun with other moms and often get the children to socialize together. 

4.)Remove yourself from anything that will hinder your growth as a mom. As a young mother, my peers knew nothing about being a mom. I had to surround myself around other mothers who understood and had knowledge on motherhood. 

5.)Meditate and focus on your emotions. As mothers we have to get our feelings in check. The more postive our thoughts are the better moms we are.

Patrice Simmons is a Author, Writer, Motivational Speaker. .. Beginning her writing career in 2009, which lead to her first Co-Author book." Walk in your Purpose" along with writing her self published books.. "Moments" and "The Journey to finding you".. 

5 Things Your Brand Should Learn From Beyoncé’s Lemonade

**As originally posted on Huffington Post Black Voices**

So if you were anywhere near a TV, computer, cell phone, well any electronic device then you should know all about Lemonade. And no I’m not talking about the Country Inn kind your Mom use to make. I’m referring to the Queen of Killer Launches ........Beyoncé!

So the Leader of the Beehive has done it again! She’s got the whole world talking about her. And I’m joining in the conversation. But I’m not here to talk about the phenomenal imagery of the videos, the emotional subject matter or any of that. As I watched the visual album on HBO and all the buzz throughout social media it became obvious the lessons that all entrepreneurs could learn from this. There are five specific lessons I want to share with you that will help your to catapult your brand to Beyoncé status in your industry.

1. Dare to Be Different! - We can’t keep ourselves inside the box. And we DEFINITELY cannot allow others to force you into a box they’ve created. Though Beyoncé was not the first person to have a visual album and this is not even her first visual album (remember the “Beyoncé” album). However, it is still considered different in the fact it’s not the everyday norm of releasing music. As Entrepreneurs we have to be confident with going with the ideas that we receive even if it’s not being done in your industry. Different is what makes you STAND OUT! Embrace your brand’s uniqueness, don’t run from it.

2. Don’t Be Afraid To Be Vulnerable! - All over social media as the words poured in as varying views of the videos included in the album. They were everywhere I turned on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, not to mention just type in the word lemonade on Google and see how B takes over the World Wide Web! However, whether they like the album or not the same words were used to describe it; raw, emotional, artistic, strength, pain and forgiveness. She allowed herself to be very open and show her vulnerability to people about her martial struggles (alleged). By being so open with her emotions and not being afraid to do so made her audience relate to her even more. The same is true for all of us in business. Stop only wanting to share the good and glamorous side of entrepreneurship. Being open and honest will allow your audience to trust you more!

3. Give Your Audience What They Want! - There are many speculations as to why Beyoncé gets the response she does from her fans...respect the Beehive or they will come for you! No matter what your thoughts are to the why at the heart of it all is that she give them what THEY WANT. She’s very in tune with her audience. How in tune are you with yours? Are you giving them what they want or what you want them to have? They’re not always the same thing. Building community is imperative your brand’s success. Get people off social media and in your mailing list. So that you can connect with them even the more. When creating programs, products or services you have to tap into your ideal client’s desires and needs.

4. Let Your Genius and Gift Speak For Itself! - Whether you like Beyoncé or not the one thing you CAN’T deny is her gift. She’s not only a musical genius, but a marketing and branding one as well. Even with the flawless way in which she executes her releases it wouldn’t matter if the music was garbage. So let this be a lesson to you as well. No matter what hype you drum up around your Brand if there’s no substance behind it you WILL be found out! Trust your gift, embrace your genius zone and allow it to speak for itself.

5. Think of a Master Plan & Keep It To Yourself! - Trust me I know when you create something new you want to shout it from the rooftops! It’s bubbling up inside of you, however telling the world is not always the best thing to do. Part of why Beyoncé’s projects like Lemonade and the Formation Tour are able to be the huge successful releases that they were is because she put together a Master Plan for them. These were not easy undertakings the thought and planning is apparent! The way in which she laid out the release of Lemonade on HBO as well as on social media was impeccable. Playing a major role in the success was the elements of surprise and curiosity. Both of which could only be accomplished at this level by keeping it under wraps. Not just herself, but her team as well. Just think of all of the people involved in creating this visual album and NOTHING leaked!! So learn to keep things to yourself and when you need a team to help you launch be sure you chose the right ones to share with and take whatever means necessary to ensure their discretion. I’m sure there were tons of Non-Disclosures signed for this project. The proof is in the EXECUTION not the CONVERSATION.

So let us all learn from this amazing songwriter, musical artist, and business phenomenon. No matter what’s going on in your business it’s time to get yourself into Formation and turn those lemons into lemonade....... (I know, I know; I couldn’t help myself!)

Famira M. Green

Branding (Coach*Strategist*Designer), Speaker, and International Best Selling Author

Successful vs Unsuccessful People

Your habits and mindset has a great influence on your success, success with finances and life. The above infographic has been circulating after MaryEllen Tribby posted it on WorkingMomsOnly.com. It goes through some great tips and habits that you should institute if you want to be successful and some that you should drop to avoid not reaching success (notice I didn't say failure). There are definitely some key elements that should be highlighted.

 

1) Continuously gather knowledge and learn things that will help you move forward. When trying to accomplish a goal, learn all that you can about the subject. Learn about the tools and resources available to you to assist with accomplishing your goal. Unsuccessful people don't actively gather information and don't act on the knowledge that they do have. There's a vast amount of information available to help you master your finances and reach financial success. Actively seek it out and apply the knowledge when you acquire it.

2) Giving to others is necessary. Don't horde what you know and don't try to step on others to reach your goals. Many people have a fear of letting others know what they know, of giving to much away. You want others to help and promote you without doing the same for others? It doesn't work that way. Share information and tools and others will be more likely to do the same with you. If you come across a great resource for saving money, cutting costs, etc share the wealth and let others know. 

3) Accept responsibility for your failure. The fact that this is listed on the successful people side of the graphic says a lot. You cannot reach success without some failures. Don't give up in the face of failure. Learn the lesson and use that failure as a stepping stone to do even better. Say you wanted to pay off your debt and made a plan to do so but along came an emergency and you had to incur more debt. Establish an emergency fund so you'll be better prepared next time and move forward.

About the Author: Dr. Maria James
Maria James has a compassion for people that makes her involvement in Heal a Woman to Heal a Nation a sure fit. She is a biomedical scientist who is public health conscience and has always worked for the betterment of others. While an undergraduate student at Johns Hopkins University she co-founded an organization called STOP, which taught basic self-defense to women and children. Her has a passion for diverse communities led her to live in Costa Rica for three weeks to learn more about the culture and community. Maria also continues to pursue her other interests which include, Spanish and finance. Maria also founded the business Pocket of Money, LLC which provides tools and tips to help you take control of your money and live your best life.

21 Things The Unlimited Woman Does NOT Fear

We all know that women have amazing super powers that allow her to rear children, run businesses, give to her community, excel in her career and do it ALL while looking good! Women seem to naturally have skill sets that allow them to effortlessly be and do much for so many. Even though it seems she can do it all and is the superwoman in her world, there are areas in life where she sometimes feels inadequate or has fear that deter her from using her unlimited 'super powers'.

Fear impacts our drive and will to succeed. When our focus is directed towards "I Can" & "I Will", power is taken away from the fears we have.

The unlimited woman will face many emotions, including doubt and fear but she overcomes when she embraces all the reasons why she is FEARLESS & UNLIMITED!

Check out 21 reasons why the unlimited woman is a winner:

1) Investing in herself and her development.
2) Embracing her unique & authentic self.
3) She does not fear 'getting out of her comfort zone'.
4) Being completely comfortable in her skin.
5) She does not fear failure, she knows it is an opportunity for growth.
6) Being transparent and asking for help.
7) Redefining herself when necessary.
8) Trying something new.
9) Being unconventional and willing to think outside of the "box". She does not accept boxes that she or others try to put her in.
10) Receiving valuable feedback from trusted sources.
11) Change, she knows life happens but she has the power to shift the direction of her life.
12) Being vulnerable, yet wise.
13) Success. She doesn't fear success because it is a reflection of her tribe and her success benefits her community.
14) Managing relationships appropriately. (ie. Building, redefining, ending some, etc.)
15) Collaborating with and supporting other women.
16) She doesn't fear honoring the gifts in others.
17) The future. She doesn't fear the future, because she creates a plan.
18) Love, being loved, giving love.The unlimited woman does not fear love, but welcomes it.
19) She does not fear asking for help and does not fear creating what she needs.
20) Getting 'it' wrong from time to time. She knows that sometimes getting 'it' wrong grants the space to learn a in new or different way.
21) She doesn't fear diversity but she sees the value and beauty in it.

How do you face & overcome your fears and doubts as you lead an unlimited life? Use the hashtag #unlimited16

YOU are Your Business, Self-Care is NOT Optional

No matter what strategies you acquire for business,  if you're health is poor you will not have the capacity to implement them. If self-care is not in your business plan you are sabotaging your wealth. Your health- mind, body, and spirit- is your wealth.

Self-care is a marketing tool. It directly impacts your influence and impact in the marketplace. People are attracted to your light. Self-care is also the evidence of the integrity of your brand. If what you offer is not taking you higher in life, how can it produce those results for others? You cannot give what you do not have.

I know the temptation to be an entrepreneurial martyr: the one who is always available, burnt out, and stressed out. There is another way. You did not create a business to be a slave to your business. When you are good to yourself first, you are able to create a space for maximum impact as a business owner.

I can't wait to give you a blueprint for how to care for yourself as the amazing visionary you are. Join me at the 13th annual HWHN conference and you will learn 5 key ways to care for yourself in a way that will make your business go BOOM! Get ready to elevate and #HealEverything! It is the guarantee of your success! www.unlimited16.com

Your empowerment is my passion. I am Thema Azize Serwa, visionary of The Womb Sauna! I discovered my passion to lead people to their highest potential at age 6 creating my first organization. For years I leased out my life, energy, and focus to working for others' dreams. That was my training ground for my own life's purpose. After experiencing my own personal health crisis, my priorities changed. I healed my body, mind, spirit, and the rest is history. I now choose every day to demonstrate to the world, what a whole, healthy, powerful woman looks like. As a result, other amazing women are inspired to access their own power. This is my life's work.

3 Ways to Beautifully Brand Your Look

When you get dressed for an opportunity to demonstrate your leadership skills, your appearance 

reveals how you feel, what type of personality you have and it prepares your audience for what type of experience they are going to have. By making a few high-caliber changes to your look you add extra opportunities for your success. Increase your confidence with this simplified approach to stepping out in style.

Hear me, friends: Know the difference between fashion and style. Jill Martin, New York TV personality and style expert: "Fashion is what is current and in the moment according to magazines and top designers. Style is something you develop according to your personality and body type" (2010, Fashion for Dummies, p. 27). It is not important that you follow trends define your own style. Once you have accomplished identifying your style, you can accomplish pleasing your audience and branding your brand in their minds.

Seek professional services.

It is so important to seek the services of a professional makeup artist and photographer when taking photos for your brand. Yes, you may sculpt your own eyebrows perfectly, but is your overall makeup look camera ready? Ensure that your makeup is flawless so that your forehead will not shine brighter than the flash after your photos are taken. And while your iPhone photos may be the clearest photos you have ever seen taken with a cell phone, pictures in front of trees and other scenery are not appropriate for professional brand photos. Backdrops should be solid colors, preferably white, gray or black, so that your image may be lifted and used for promotions, flyers and more.

Don't get shot down because of your head shot!

I remember my pageantry days… flipping through the program book and seeing all of the beautiful head-shots of my competitors. I certainly had my work cut out for me as all of the women vibrant and gorgeous in their photos! I remember looking for one contestant because I could not wait to see her beauty in person! I had met everyone else and wondered why I could not find this one queen… I thought she was not there. However, she was there; she was much older in person than she was in her head-shot! I was disappointed because I felt I did not meet who was portrayed in the photo.

Look like an expert.

If you were scheduled for a medical surgery and you are laid out on a hospital bed anxiously awaiting to meet your doctor, the last thing you expect to see is a person walk in with a pair of overalls and boating shoes. In that moment, you would quickly question the skill level and competence of the person who walked into the room and there is a possibility that you would not allow this person to touch you at all! A medical expert should be in a white, surgical coat with scrubs and a shiny stethoscope hanging from their neck. We expect nothing less and only the best from those who arrive to “help” us. The same is true of us as professional leaders and business owners. There is an expectation from the “help” that walks into the room. Based on your look, does your look show that you are ready to perform surgery?

The look of leadership is not necessarily becoming a super fashionista, a corporate America professional or a laid-back lounger. It is tailor-made, specific and customized to fit your needs, your comfortability and your brand.

Do...

1. Take notes from fashion magazines for inspiration.

2. Make educated purchases--buy essentials.

3. Dress like someone your audience would go to for advice.

4. Seek professional photography for your head-shot.

5. Wear your brand colors.

6. Seek the help of a stylist when you are not sure.

7. Invest in your appearance as this is a part of your brand.

By the way, I would love to support you in looking your best as a leader in your industry! Sign up for my newsletter at LaQuishaHall.com to receive a free copy of my eBook, The 50 Commandments of Fashion! Meet me at the Unlimited You Weekend, April 15-17, 2016. Register at www.unlimited16.com.

LaQuisha Hall, Confidence Coach and the “Unbothered Queen” of Confidence, goes far beyond what is expected of her. There was a time in LaQuisha’s life where she was not confident in much. She struggled through low self-esteem due to being naturally thin, witnessed domestic violence as a child and was sexually abused by clergy as a teen. Now an international advocate for herself and others, LaQuisha actively works to empower women and youth to overcome catastrophe and low self-esteem through Coutured Confidence.