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Is NZ Vulnerable To Cyber-Attacks? And What Does That Mean To You?

In 2019, hackers infiltrated Texas local body government computer systems. They seized control, blocked access to vital data, and demanded a huge ransom. Is NZ vulnerable to similar attacks?

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Security is a major business objective

In 2019, hackers infiltrated Texas’s local body government computer systems. They seized control, blocked access to vital data, and demanded a huge ransom. Is NZ vulnerable to similar attacks?

The Texas government learned from the $10 million Baltimore disaster and paid out the $2.5 million ransom demand quickly, regained control, and patched the leak. But they didn’t learn their lesson and in 2020 hacked again, using ransomware that invaded computers and encrypted files in the transportation department.

Closer to home, Australia has been facing increased cyber attacks from overseas. Malicious attacks from sophisticated entities targeted a range of Australian sectors, both private and government. This has resulted in increased controls and defenses against attackers.

1. Why worry about cyber-attacks?

Cyber attacks are dangerous in a range of ways:

  • Release of private, personal, or confidential information. This is a risk for all organizations- businesses having customer details shared, or sensitive financial information. For governments, the risk of almost anything going public is enormous.
  • I am holding computer systems hostage. This means no access to information, and the possibility of data being destroyed.
  • Misuse of computer systems. This is hugely worrying; traffic light controls, operating power plants, and almost anything that can be controlled remotely can also be taken over and used maliciously.
  • Loss of money. The goal for some hackers is income from extortion. Also, businesses may lose money- and trust- from their users.

Should You Be Afraid of 5G Its Top Security Threats Revealed

These threats aren’t just from a hacker in a darkened bedroom somewhere either; business competitors, state threats, and organizations such as Anonymous all have various aims or goals. If you want to Protect from cyber-attacks use any of the antivirus software of these two Mcafee vs avast.

2. Does this matter to you?

As an individual, a business owner, or a citizen, this is a threat that you should be worried about. Not just for your data’s privacy, your business’s compliance with GRC and security, or to stay safe in an increasingly digital Tech world, but for the safety of your country.

While security affects your workplace, your ability to work securely from home, and the ramifications from that, there are also other much broader implications.

3. What is NZ doing about cybersecurity?

Eight years as Prime Minister, Sir John said his roles on the board of the cybersecurity company Palo Alto Networks & as the chairperson of ANZ Bank New Zealand, had given him insights into the escalating threats New Zealand businesses face.

“Individuals, companies, governments they play by the rules,” said Sir John, who spoke alongside Microsoft Managing Director, Vanessa Sorenson, at the launch of Umbrellar Connect.

Everyone, from individuals to the state, needs to keep their systems safe from cybercrime.

Individuals: Consider having a password system such as LastPass, which allows you to securely store passwords, create complex random passwords, and detect if passwords are too weak. This means your log-ins are far more secure and less likely to be hacked.

Have a tricky password for your Wi-Fi (not 12345678 or ‘password123’). Also, think about your IoT, and all digital-enabled items in your home need to be protected. A smart refrigerator was hacked in 2014 and used to send spam – all smart devices run this risk.

Website Security Tips

If you work from home and have secure access to your employer’s computer system, ensure you follow all best practices. Don’t log on in insecure connections, don’t share your password, and don’t leave your laptop unattended.

Businesses and governments: You need to invest time and money into your cybersecurity. Hire specialists that can help you pinpoint where your weaknesses are and then plug the gaps. As well as a robust system for passwords and staff, there are technical things to investigate, such as firewalls.

One of your most significant weaknesses is your staff- training them to identify cyber threats and manage them. McAfee estimates over 100 billion malicious scans each day and thousands of phishing and ransomware attacks. This is not IF, this is WHEN.

Regular system maintenance and keeping up to date with the latest threats are vital. Scammers and hackers move fast and will exploit all gaps in processes, software, and hardware. While hiring professionals to manage this may seem expensive, they will find security vulnerabilities.

The cost of not doing this should be losing everything.

Encrypting and backing up are excellent means of defense. Backing up, off-site, securely, is not just a must in case of physical disaster where your business cannot access the location, but also a safety net in case systems are hacked. If you have a backup of everything, hackers refusing to obtain your order are less catastrophic.

Also, encrypting information, running things through VPNs, and multiple security layers make a hacker’s job much more difficult.

If cyber threats aren’t taken seriously, there could be some extremely unpleasant and unexpected consequences. All online systems are vulnerable, and keeping them safe should be a priority for businesses, individuals, and governments.

Finally, listen to what others say. Zoom suffered an embarrassing and challenging setback when a social media influencer hacker found several weaknesses in their software and then Tweeted about it.

This spawned a string of security incidents with an in-demand service at the global pandemic height when more companies were moving their operations online. Governments have also been warned in the past about possible security flaws, only for further breaches to be made.

Think about it now, before it is too late. If you’re unsure, ask Garmin, which was hacked in July 2020, and resulted in global outages, runners, and cyclists who can’t track their training, and ongoing problems.

We are an Instructor, Modern Full Stack Web Application Developers, Freelancers, Tech Bloggers, and Technical SEO Experts. We deliver a rich set of software applications for your business needs.

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Business

How To Start a Restaurant in Las Vegas

Starting a restaurant in Las Vegas is challenging, but proper planning, insight, and hard work can make it profitable and fulfilling.

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Finding the Perfect Las Vegas Restaurant Location

Opening a restaurant can be a thrilling and rewarding endeavor. Understanding the key facets of the process can help set you up for success. We will guide you in this article on how to start a restaurant in Las Vegas. Keep reading to learn more.

1. Planning Your Restaurant Concept

Begin by nailing down your restaurant’s concept. This core idea sets the foundation for your menu, interior design, and overall brand. It should reflect your passion and expertise and align with the market’s needs.

A good remark about restaurant concept planning is having a clear and unique selling point (USP). Whether it’s your unique blend of cuisines, exceptional live entertainment, or an innovative dining experience, your USP can be a compelling differentiator in the competitive Las Vegas restaurant scene.

Funding your restaurant is a major consideration in the planning phase. You’ll need cash flow to set up and keep the operations running until you earn profits. Consider applying for a business loan to get you started.

Recruiting a competent team to bring your restaurant to life should be a priority. Hire people who have the skills and share your vision for the restaurant. They will be the driving force behind your restaurant’s success.

2. Finding the Perfect Las Vegas Location

Location plays a significant role in the success of any restaurant. In Las Vegas, high foot traffic areas such as the Strip or Downtown could be highly profitable. However, the cost per square foot in these prime locations can be high, so consider your budget carefully.

When picking a location, consider visibility and accessibility. The restaurant should be easily noticeable and reachable to your potential customers. Adequate parking space, proximity to major attractions, and ease of logistics should also be factored in.

Determining the right equipment for your space is just as important. Depending on your restaurant’s concept and cuisine, choosing reliable and efficient Las Vegas restaurant equipment can make a definitive difference in your operations.

Inspect the site thoroughly. Make sure the physical conditions and dimensions of the location match your restaurant’s requirements. A clever layout can maximize utility and influence the diner’s experience significantly.

Planning Your Restaurant Concept Las Vegas

3. Understanding the Las Vegas Restaurant Scene

It’s also essential to get a grasp of the local restaurant scene. Las Vegas is a city with an exceptionally vibrant and varied food and beverage industry. From fine dining establishments to casual eateries, there’s a wide array of opportunities to tap into.

Keep in mind the preferences of both tourists and locals. Known for its round-the-clock entertainment, Las Vegas attracts millions of visitors annually. However, locals provide a significant portion of the business as well. A diversified approach can help cater to both of these segments.

Conduct thorough market research. Identify your potential competitors, their strengths and weaknesses, and find opportunities where you can outdo them. Perceived gaps in the market could be an excellent starting point for your restaurant concept.

4. Marketing Your Restaurant in Las Vegas

Effective marketing can significantly boost your restaurant’s visibility and customer engagement. Leverage social media, local search engine optimization (SEO), and online directories to promote your brand actively. Engaging with your customers online can help foster robust relationships while expanding your reach.

You can also consider partnering with hotels, casinos, and event organizers in Las Vegas for promotion. You can attract locals and tourists by hosting special events and offering unique dining experiences.

Don’t ignore the power of word-of-mouth. Offering top-notch service and quality food can turn your customers into ambassadors for your brand, bringing in their friends and family. Consider loyalty programs and referral rewards to encourage this kind of marketing.

Also, keeping an eye on your competitors’ strategies is essential. From their public relations efforts to social media tactics, staying aware of what’s working for them could offer valuable insights for your own strategy.

Starting a restaurant in Las Vegas is challenging, but proper planning, insight, and hard work can make it profitable and fulfilling. Remember, your restaurant is about serving food and offering an exceptional dining experience that will make your customers return.

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