Archive for July 11, 2024

Business Cost Savings: The End of Work-Life-Balance Travel Flexibility?

Posted in Commentary with tags on July 11, 2024 by itnerd

New SAP Concur data reveals that employees are increasingly likely to decline business travel if it does not fit around their personal schedules. Blended travel or bleisure, the trend of combining leisure and business travel, has gained popularity among business travellers, but recent cost-saving measures by companies threaten this balance. 

While working from anywhere or combining holidays with business trips may seem straightforward for employees, the reality for companies is more complex. As a result, company concerns about costs and sustainability can limit employees’ ability to fully embrace their flexible lifestyle. 

  1. Employee sentiment
  • 46% of Canadian business travellers report that their company is focused on meeting employees’ needs for flexible travel options above other priorities. However, around 30% indicated that their company is more focused on cutting travel costs. 
  • More than 30% of Canadian companies are reducing the ability for employees to work remotely, while travelling for pleasure or combining personal travel with business trips.
  • While a majority (66%) of Canadian business travellers stated that travel is critical for their career advancement, 20% of employees would decline a business trip if they couldn’t extend it for personal travel, and 24% would also refuse if they couldn’t make adjustments outside of company policy.
  1. The need for better travel policies 
  • Businesses have also reduced comfort-focused requests such as: 28% staying overnight to avoid long travel days, 25% paying more for non-stop flights, 27% using business or premium class, and opting for taxis or ride-shares instead of public transportation (29%).
  • These changes have resulted in 82% of business travellers booking extra time for their trip to prepare for unexpected travel disruptions — either at the beginning of their trip (38%), at the end of it (11%), or at both ends of the trip (32%) — which underscores the need for better travel policies.  
  1. The toss-up between sustainability and costs The balancing act between sustainability and cost management
  • 92% of Canadian business travellers have observed their companies cutting back on flexible travel allowances, including 68% whose companies have shifted away from allowing employees to pay to use more sustainable travel options. 
  • When it comes to business travel, companies are equally pursuing three priorities. Increased use of sustainable travel options is a top focus for 32% of travel managers, while meeting employees’ demands for flexible travel options is the top priority for 37% and cutting back on travel costs for 31%. This represents increased pressure on travel managers to handle multiple pressure points from the business and employees. 
  • Around 25% of travellers say their company prioritizes sustainable travel options, but 1 in 3 travel managers face difficulty booking travel as they are expected to provide more sustainable travel options without an adequate travel budget.

The full new SAP Concur research with all the findings is available here. 

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Ticket Heist fraud gang uses 700 domains to sell fake Olympics tickets

Posted in Commentary with tags on July 11, 2024 by itnerd

Quo Intelligence has put out a report detailing a massive fraud campaign run by a group known as Ticket Heist that has over 700 domain names is likely targeting Russian-speaking users looking to purchase tickets for the Summer Olympics in Paris among other events:

Our main takeaways and key findings in this article include:

  • As of July 2024, QuoIntelligence identified 708 domains linked with Ticket Heist campaign targeting mainly Russian-speaking individuals across the globe.
  • The Olympic Games Paris 2024 and UEFA EURO 2024 events are at the highest level of risk at the time of reporting given multiple domains part of Ticket Heist luring users into buying tickets from untrusted and unofficial platforms.
  • The impacts of such campaign are multifaceted, impacting both individuals and event organizers with financial losses, reputational damage and loss of trust.
  • The fraudulent ticket sales extend beyond sporting events to various activities, including musical festivals featuring famous musicians.

Rogier Fischer, CEO, Hadrian had this to say:

Major sporting events have always been the targets of cybercriminals, with motives ranging from the trivial to the critical, noted Rogier Fischer, CEO of Netherlands-based cybersecurity service Hadrian.”Hackers targeted the Winter Olympics 2018 in Pyeongchang, causing disruptions during the opening ceremony as retaliation for Russia’s ban due to doping, while in 2009, a hacker intercepted the Super Bowl XLIII broadcast, just to air inappropriate content,” he explained.In the case of large public events, we expect the organizers to enhance network security with regular audits, secure Wi-Fi networks, and multi-factor authentication etc. However, when it comes to scams like these, the real defence lies with the end user, he said.”Always use official sources for purchases, enable multi-factor authentication, and be cautious of unsolicited offers, ensuring you regularly check for unauthorized transactions. To spot fake offers, verify the URL, look for comprehensive contact information, assess website quality, search for reviews, and ensure the website accepts secure payment methods,” he suggested.

All of this is good advice as the only way that you can be caught out by one of these campaigns is to not be on your toes in terms of looking out for them.

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Guest Post: Employee Remote Job Seeking Is Going Up: Here’s How PDF and eSign Tools Can Help

Posted in Commentary on July 11, 2024 by itnerd

The shift toward remote work during the COVID-19 pandemic was unprecedented, and the trend shows little sign of reversing. As organizations transition to a predominantly remote workforce, efficient digital solutions have become indispensable. PDF and eSign tools, in particular, have proven essential for businesses across numerous sectors. 

These technologies are crucial in maintaining productivity, ensuring secure document handling, and streamlining workflows. Businesses focused on growth must understand how PDF and eSign tools integrate into the broader context of remote work, recognize their advantages, and examine the options. 

The statistics behind remote work

The Pew Research Center found that at the height of the pandemic, 71% of Americans who had jobs they could accomplish remotely worked exclusively from home. And according to a 2022 Gallup survey, 56% of all full-time U.S. employees have jobs that allow them to do just that. This accounts for approximately 70 million workers. Half of them have a hybrid work schedule, 30% work fully remotely, and 20% work entirely in-office.

As companies and employees continue to navigate the evolving work climate, the demand for remote jobs has surged. The search volume of terms like “remote work” and “remote hiring” has seen tremendous increases, with “remote hiring” up by 2,250% over the past five years. As of 2022, the Pew Research Center found that 78% of employees currently working remotely want to continue with this setup in the coming years, a 14% increase from 2020.

Challenges for businesses

Despite the advantages for employees, businesses remain wary of the ongoing work-from-home trend. Microsoft’s Work Trend Index reports that 85% of business leaders find it challenging to trust employee productivity in a hybrid work environment. Only 12% of business leaders have complete confidence in their employees’ productivity. 

This skepticism has led many companies to adopt employee monitoring technologies, including screen monitoring, keystroke logging, and facial recognition software. Gartner reports that the number of large corporations using such monitoring technology has doubled since the pandemic began, reaching 60%, with expectations to climb to 70% by 2024.

How PDF and eSign tools support remote employment

As remote jobs become more prevalent, efficient document management becomes increasingly important. Here is where PDF and eSign software come into play. Remote job seekers and companies in all sectors now rely on tools like Foxit PDF Editor and Foxit eSign to streamline document handling and increase productivity.

Simplified document management

Users may easily generate, edit, and distribute documents thanks to powerful tools such as Foxit PDF Editor. This software provides a comprehensive collection of functionality, such as text editing, annotation, and form filling, all required for any remote work configuration.

For example, remote workers in the manufacturing industry must manage various documents, including contracts, project plans, reports, and presentations. PDF solutions make these files more accessible and customizable, saving time on administrative procedures and allowing staff to focus on their primary responsibilities.

Enhanced collaboration

Collaboration is critical in a distant working environment. PDF solutions make seamless collaboration possible by allowing many users to see and change documents in real time. Comments, annotations, and version tracking are all features that help teams stay aligned and ensure everyone is on the same page.

Legal professionals value eSign solutions for simplifying the signing process by removing the need for physical signatures and reducing turnaround times. Foxit eSign is crucial in the legal sector as it enables secure and swift online document signing, facilitating the remote execution of agreements and contracts — essential for maintaining efficiency and compliance in legal operations.

Improved security

Security is a primary concern for businesses handling sensitive information in industries such as healthcare. PDF and eSign solutions provide robust security measures to safeguard documents from unauthorized access and modification. Password protection, encryption, and digital signatures guarantee that papers remain secure throughout their entire life cycle.

This also allows distant job seekers to safely communicate their personal information, such as resumes and application forms, with potential employers. For employers, it confirms that vital papers like employment contracts and financial records are safe from cyberattacks. 

Increased efficiency

PDF and eSign technologies automate many laborious operations, saving time and effort when managing documents. For example, eSign technologies eliminate the need to print, sign, scan, and mail papers, simplifying the process.

In the banking industry, this increased efficiency can significantly streamline loan approvals, account openings, and other customer transactions, reducing turnaround times and enhancing customer satisfaction. For employers, it may speed up the hiring process and onboarding new employees, ensuring they can contribute to the firm without delay.

The role of PDF and eSign tools in hybrid work

Hybrid work combines telecommuting and in-office tasks and requires adaptable technologies that can keep up with different work settings. PDF and eSign solutions will become increasingly vital as the trend toward hybrid work continues.

With 57% of remote employees considering a switch to a hybrid model and 21% leaving their jobs due to a lack of remote or hybrid opportunities, it’s crucial to have the right tools for these work environments. Here’s how PDF and eSign solutions support hybrid work models:

  • Flexibility and accessibility: Cloud-based solutions enable employees to see and manage documents from anywhere, including their homes and offices. This advantage ensures that individuals have the necessary tools to be productive regardless of where they are.
  • Consistency across platforms: Employees may work on documentation with their preferred devices, whether desktop PCs, laptops, tablets, or smartphones, without worrying about compatibility issues.
  • Streamlined workflows: Hybrid employment frequently requires transitioning between different places and working settings. PDF and eSign systems improve workflow efficiency by offering a consolidated document management program. This reduces the need for several tools, lowering the likelihood of errors and inconsistencies.

Choosing the right PDF and eSign tools

With the increased demand for remote and hybrid work solutions, selecting the appropriate PDF and eSign tools is critical. While Adobe has long been popular, rivals such as Foxit PDF Editor and Foxit eSign provide robust capabilities at affordable prices. 

G2 is a well-known source for in-depth product reviews, providing objective and thorough evaluations of various applications and solutions. Their reviewers’ knowledge and feedback guarantee that users can make sound judgments based on accurate data.

User-friendly interface

A practical user interface (UI) guarantees that applications are usable and efficient by users of all skill levels. A well-designed UI can shorten the learning curve, allowing new users to master the tool without additional training. This is especially valuable in a remote or hybrid work setting with limited time and resources. 

A user-friendly UI increases productivity by allowing workers to use the software easily, accomplish activities more quickly, and reduce errors. A pleasant user experience can lead to increased satisfaction and loyalty because users are more inclined to continue with software that is simple and enjoyable to use. 

What G2 reviewers are saying: “Foxit PDF Editor is a game-changer in the realm of PDF editing. Its intuitive interface, efficient tools, and robust collaboration features make it stand out.”

Comprehensive features

Comprehensive features in software tools allow users to complete a variety of tasks without the need for additional apps. A powerful PDF editor can handle everything from basic edits and annotations to complex form development and digital signatures. This all-in-one solution saves time and resources by removing the need to move between many tools, which can disrupt workflow and slow productivity. 

A wide range of features within a single platform allows customers to satisfy various document management requirements, whether they’re working on routine tasks or specialized projects. For businesses, this means lower software expenses, simplified operations, and more productivity.

What G2 reviewers are saying: “Foxit PDF editor is super user-friendly and it covers all your PDF editing needs. It’s so easy to navigate and find the tools you need. Plus, it has a wide range of features that let you edit, annotate, and even convert PDFs. It’s definitely my go-to choice for PDF editing!”

Secure eSign solutions

Sensitive information, such as contracts, financial records, and personal data, is often contained within documents, making them prime targets for unauthorized access and cyberattacks. A robust security framework confirms that files are safe through encryption, secure e-signature capabilities, and access controls. 

This protection is vital to maintaining client trust, ensuring compliance with regulations like GDPR and HIPAA, and preventing financial loss due to data breaches. High-security standards help safeguard intellectual property, keeping proprietary information out of competitors’ hands. 

What G2 reviewers are saying: “I’ve been using Foxit PDF for a while now, and honestly, it’s been a game-changer for me. Editing and converting PDFs is a breeze, and the security features give me the confidence that my documents are safe.”

As the number of remote job searchers increases, so does the need for effective document management solutions. PDF and eSign products, such as Foxit PDF Editor and Foxit eSign, offer the flexibility, security, and efficiency required to empower remote and hybrid work environments.

These solutions enable remote workers and enterprises to navigate the changing workplace landscape by simplifying document management, increasing communication, and strengthening security. As remote and hybrid work trends continue, using the correct PDF and eSign solutions will be critical for staying productive and competitive. 

Get a free trial of Foxit PDF Editor and eSign today to keep your remote and hybrid work on track.

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Dasera Releases The State of Data Risk Management 2024 Report

Posted in Commentary with tags on July 11, 2024 by itnerd

Dasera today announced the release of The State of Data Risk Management 2024 report. The report unveils a significant disconnect between perceived and actual data security, with 63% of organizations believing their security measures are effective despite a record-breaking number of data breaches in the last year.

Dasera researchers analyzed how data risk perceptions and actual preparedness against breaches fluctuate across different industries and uncovered the nuances of data security ratings and an organization’s tangible preparedness for cybersecurity threats.

Key Findings:

Data Security Challenges 

  • Top Threat Concerns: The top four threats concerning organizations are data breaches, ransomware, insider threats, and misconfigurations.
  • Compliance Efforts: 72% of organizations use audits, in-house legal teams, compliance software, and external consultants to ensure compliance.
  • Perceived Effectiveness: Most organizations view their data security strategy as effective, with 44% considering it somewhat effective and 19% rating it as very effective.

Adoption of Data Governance Tools

  • Data Cataloging Tools: 27% of organizations have implemented data cataloging tools reflecting proactive data management and security measures.
  • Data Hosting and Storage: 50% of data stores are cloud data platforms, signifying substantial cloud service adoption for data management.
  • Monitoring and Access Control: 60% of organizations implemented a role-based access control system, showing the need for structured access management.
  • Data Usage Tracking: 38% use manual and automated processes to classify sensitive data, showing the importance of accurate data categorization in enhancing security.
  • Data Tagging and Security Principles: 58% describe their approach as effective, underscoring challenges in enforcing minimal access rights to secure sensitive data.

Industry-Specific Insights

  • High Confidence: Information Technology and Financial Services show the most confidence in their data security strategies. 
  • Challenges: The government sector faces more challenges and less confidence in its data security measures.
  • Unique Observation: Interestingly, healthcare is the only industry where no organization rated its data security strategy ineffective.

The survey underscores the importance of adopting integrated and automated data security strategies to address significant challenges. The prevalence of manual, homegrown, often undefined processes and a lack of awareness and understanding among executives and departments highlight the critical need for strategic alignment and automation in data security.

To effectively navigate the complex and evolving data risk landscape, Dasera advises organizations to implement comprehensive discovery and classification, adopt a holistic data governance framework, leverage advanced monitoring and analysis tools, prioritize risk management and compliance, educate and train staff, embrace a zero-trust security model, and optimize security investments with scalable solutions.

To download the full report, visit https://resources.dasera.com/the-state-of-data-risk-management-2024-report.

Methodology

Dasera surveyed over 300 respondents from various sectors, including education, professional services, information technology, government, health and life sciences, and financial services. Larger organizations, particularly those in financial services and health and life sciences, rated their data security and governance practices more positively. In contrast, education and more minor organizations encountered more challenges, resulting in lower ratings. Despite high confidence levels reported amongst specific sectors, 2023 breach data from sources such as the Verizon Data Breach Report, Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC), Kroll’s 2023 Data Breach Outlook Report, and Firewall Times report a record-breaking year for breaches, showing an apparent discrepancy between security breaches and an organization’s perception of its security posture.

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