November's Micro-Articles

Become A Pro At Videoconferencing From Home

At the start of the year, most of us weren’t prepared to take video calls at home. We just didn’t have the right setup. Now we’re practically at the end of the year, and we’re out of excuses! Here are four quick tips to transform into a videoconferencing pro:

1. Boost your sound. A dedicated microphone is going to sound much better than the mic in your phone or laptop. Creating an optimal sound environment can make a difference, so turn off external speakers and hold the call in a quiet zone.

2. Adjust the video. Keep your camera at eye level with a simple background. This not only looks more natural, but it also minimizes visual distractions and instantly looks more professional.

3. Light it up. This can get complicated fast. You want a light source in front of you, but your computer monitors are not enough. However, you don’t want harsh, direct lighting. Diffused lighting is best, but ring lights are popular among YouTubers and work great for video calls.

4. Look good! Keep simple button-down shirts, ties, blouses, and other items near the computer so you can dress and look professional for a call. Keep it business casual and avoid complicated patterns and harsh colors that can look awkward on camera.

Small Business Trends, May 28, 2020

ARE YOUR EMPLOYEES LEAVING THIS BACKDOOR WIDE OPEN?

Most of your employees have wireless networks set up in their homes.

Unlike your business WiFi, many home wireless networks lack proper security, leaving a backdoor open to

hackers.

WiFi signals often broadcast far beyond your employees’ homes and out into the streets. Drive-by hacking is popular among cybercriminals today.

Here are a few tips for securing your employees’ WiFi access points:

• Use stronger encryption and a more complex password.
• Hide your wireless network name.
• Use a firewall.
• Provide them with a Cyber-Security Awareness Training Program so they understand the importance of prevention.

These security measures are not difficult to set up. If you have any questions or need assistance, we will

be happy to help get your employees set up remotely.

HOW DO I KNOW IF MY SECURITY CAMERA HAS BEEN HACKED?

Yes, hackers can access security cameras; are yours at risk? Here are three signs to look for to identify a compromised security system.

You hear voices or other odd sounds. Some hackers love to scare people and will speak through your camera’s speaker system. Sometimes, the hacker might not realize the sound is on. Either way, strange sounds can mean your camera needs to be shut off immediately.

The camera moves. Generally speaking, the average security camera doesn’t move, but there are many models that can be adjusted remotely. If you see a camera move or you find it in a new position, check on it!

There’s unusual data traffic. Accessing your camera remotely uses data. Many wireless routers let you track data usage. So, if someone is accessing your camera remotely, that data usage should be logged.

Digital Trends, Sept. 1, 2020