The term “cyber security” typically calls to mind images of IT professionals furiously typing lines of gibberish into a command line terminal on a computer, setting up firewalls, defending against viruses, and building secure wireless networks. But there’s more to cyber security than just code, permissions, and settings. The practice of covering webcams with a piece of tape requires no knowledge of IT procedures. At first, as far back as 15 years ago, those who covered their webcams with tape were viewed as paranoid. But now FBI Director James Comey and Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg actually encourage the practice. Simply […]
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In the fairly recent past, some companies treated cyber security like a buzzword and didn’t take it seriously enough. Multinational corporations might have viewed their existing security resources and their overall scope as too big to fail. And on the other end of the spectrum, smaller businesses may have thought they were too small to gain the attention of black-hat hackers or identity thieves. However, events of the last several years have made it clear that neither of those conclusions is true – not as a matter of course. Cyberattacks have proven more crippling to businesses than early hackers likely […]
As the year continues, we will see increased value and insight from artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning algorithms, which are now powerful enough to handle the Four Vs of Big Data: volume, velocity, variety, and veracity. This year will also see more Internet of Things (IoT) sales, both among consumers and businesses, along with an increase in the use of distributed or “edge” analytics. Better data-mining technologies and expanded analytics functionality are now highlighting the need for improved data governance to better organize data and adhere to privacy regulations and other data security restrictions. Finally, 2017 will see a […]
What determines whether something has an inherent, real value? In ancient times, a thing had value if it could be traded for something else of value. But data is intangible and constantly variable. If a farmer in ancient Mesopotamia had excess grain but needed metal tools for farming, he could trade with a local blacksmith who had tools but needed grain. This is the backbone of supply and demand. The same dynamic applies to data in our modern world of cloud-based ones and zeros. A company that generates data has created something of value to the originating company, to customers, […]
There have always been challenges facing higher education leaders. From remaining true to the school’s mission, vision and traditions to staying competitive with research, innovation and the latest academic offerings. The role of the provost is ripe with challenges and opportunities; problems and solutions. Today, some of the most visible areas of concern include: Diversity and Inclusion In their annual 2017 survey of chief academic officers, higher education media company Inside Higher Education found that provosts realize the importance of diversity as part of the learning experience. If they were not previously aware, widespread student protests in 2015 brought this […]
With each passing year, our personal and professional lives become more dependent on digital electronic devices. Smartphones, tablets, laptops, netbooks, and PCs are just some of the electronics that have become crucial to our daily lives. With new technology being developed so quickly, devices become outdated and sometimes obsolete within months. We are upgrading our digital appliances faster than ever to stay current with the latest and greatest technology and the result is cabinets, closets, and garages filling up with used electronic junk. Disposing of portable electronic devices isn’t as simple as tossing a candy wrapper into a trash can. […]
Of higher education’s many transformations during the COVID-19 pandemic, one positive outcome has been the enhanced perception of the quality of remote learning and the value of online degree programs. Prior to the pandemic, some students and employers questioned the rigor and worth of online degrees when compared to those earned on campus. Now, more prospective students are enthusiastically enrolling in online degree programs, while employers are hiring their graduates at a pace that will accelerate the growth of online learning and help realize its full potential. Prospective students and individuals interested in advancing their education and exploring the differences […]
From mobile apps to cloud-based CRM, the sales industry looks little like it did twenty years ago. Tech improvements have prompted new opportunities and challenges for business leaders. In addition to having people skills, these business leaders must possess an in-depth understanding of modern sales practices. The Maryville University Online Master’s of Business Administration program can help aspiring company leaders obtain both the management skills and the technical understanding needed to succeed in today’s rapidly changing business environment. Students may learn a variety of tools and tactics for improving sales, including the following: 1. Integrate Mobile Tools Today’s customers and […]
Since the internet’s inception, hackers have labored to exploit it for everything from sophomoric mischief to theft and espionage. Accordingly, cybersecurity methods and solutions have grown more advanced and wide-ranging over time. This metaphorical arms race shows no signs of stopping as interconnected technologies become further ingrained in the fabric of professional life. Within the corporate sphere, some of the methods used to help ensure the safety of organizational data — everything from customer and employee information to financial records and product specifications — will provoke ethical questions. As IBM points out in its SecurityIntelligence blog, IT and information security […]
The concept of compiling data and organizing it for easier analysis is as old as humanity itself. Predictive analytics, or the process of analyzing data in an attempt to predict future events, can be traced back as far as the 17th century. In the infancy of insurance underwriting, Lloyd’s of London established the first major insurance market, which covered the shipping and trade industry. Financial specialists would analyze known variables, weigh risks, and decide whether to insure a client. If they took the risk, the bankers would sign their names under a list of potential risks, hence the term “underwriting.” […]