Analysis of the global risks and threats to today’s businesses

Introduction
The present business world has many underlying risks and threats that require practical risk management strategies to handle. Businesses have a major role in ensuring that their operations are not under threat from the increasing risks. The hackers, cyber criminals, and other fraudsters are persistently looking for ways of stealing the corporate data for ulterior motives. Corporate organizations have the different genre of information including personal data for their clients and customers, their health care data, financial records, and other sensitive information. As such, the increased data breaches, cyber security risks, and vulnerability make business have determination in developing countermeasures to protect their valuable assets. The business has an objective of minimizing the impact of both the known and the unknown threats. The paper provides an analysis of the risks and threats faced by businesses today and also the effective strategies for handling them.

Common Risks and Threats
A Risk is a likelihood of an attack being successful due to exposure to a given threat. Risk analysis focuses on determining the most important potential security breaches and addressing them. Risk analysis for business helps to establish the appropriate security budgeting to address the issues.

Threats are the source and means of attack. An assessment of the threats helps to determine the best approaches to securing a system from attack. The major focus of threat analysis is to assess the attacker’s resources. It is different to risk assessment in which it focuses on analyzing the potential of an organization’s resources falling prey to attacks.

The span of the period between 2013 and 2014 saw a rise in data breaches targeting global companies. IT security is no longer a mere concern but a global news story. There are numerous data leaks, corporate espionage, and cyber crimes that negatively impact the face of IT security in the organizations. The cyber risks are evolving rapidly and in many areas. The targets of the cyber-criminals continue to increase with the latest being governments and big companies. The main focus of targeting the governments is to undermine the national security and infrastructure. Many businesses have challenges in maintaining their reputation online following the many data breaches. The impact of risks and threats facing organizations and governments lies in the economy in which there is a likelihood of digital disintegration. Cyberspace has immense potential if well utilized, but the strengthening of the attacks will undermine the underlying potential.

Most of the risks and threats target the security of the information stored in the databases. It calls for new regulatory requirements in changing how to handle the security functions. The confidentiality, integrity, and reliability of data are an important aspect that every business should uphold. The exposure of data and sensitive information to fraudsters renders the organization vulnerable to data breaches. It is necessary to comply with the emerging regulations on data privacy and other controls that ensure that organizations maintain data security. Threats are difficult to control, but businesses can minimize their impact by working on particular effective strategies. On the contrary, businesses can manage the risks to reduce their vulnerability and the overall impact (Viney, 2011).

The common high-risk security threats to businesses are network norms that attack through phishing emails and some downloads. The business can be liable to data sniffing from its network if it’s open. The internet hackers and other cyber criminals attack the networks that lack proper security measures (Jahankhani, Fernando & Nkhoma, 2009).

Businesses face increased risks to data security due to the proliferation of their networks by widespread use of mobile devices in handling business operations. At present, many organizations have the BYOD policy. The policy allows the staff to carry their devices to work and access the company data on them. As such, the security of the data remains at stake since the company cannot control the device. Many fraudsters and hackers understand the potential that the devices have in cyberspace and thus device dubious ways of attacking them. The risks and threats that face businesses require practical risk management strategies to handle (Axelrod, Bayuk & Schutzer, 2009).

Strategies to deal with the evolving business threats
The presence of disgruntled employees in the IT department is likely to cause internal attacks to the data and the system. Most of the rogue employees can have access to the network, data centers, and the administrator accounts and cause serious damage. The mitigation to the issue is identifying all the liable accounts and credentials that are under threat and terminate them. Internal attacks from employees are the major threats that affect organizations since the employees have access to sensitive details about the organization. Thus, the termination of their privileged credentials of the internal staff helps to prevent attacks (Cole & Ring, 2006).

Data thefts is a high vulnerability issue when employees use their mobile devices to share data, access the company information, and fail to change their passwords. Many companies that allow BYOD face the risk of exposure on the corporate network if a malware application or software installs on the devices. The solution to the problem has policies that address the BYOD issue. The BYOD policy allows the employees to acquire knowledge on the proper management of their devices and also the company expectations (Partow-Navid & Slusky, 2008). The policy also allows monitoring of the emails and documents downloaded to the company through the devices. The monitoring measures in place provide the companies with visibility in mobile related data loss risks (Axelrod, Bayuk & Schutzer, 2009).

The other strategy is patching applications. Most of the applications used on the core operating system have unique patching methods and requirements. It is essential to have them on a single process. Many cyber intrusions occur through applications. However, many organizations do not patch the common applications in use rendering them liable to attack (Viney, 2011). The scenario increases the attack surface of the system and other systems sharing the network due to un-patching the applications. The malicious network attackers often take advantage of the vulnerabilities in the applications for them to gain easy access to the network. The organizations should use updated software that has increased protection against the malicious attacks.

Another strategy involves securing a network and accounts with strong and encrypted passwords that are difficult to encode by an attacker. The method ensures that any malicious activities on a network do not lead to a successful attack. The passwords should also have a review and update within scheduled periods. Encryption is a safe way of minimizing the effects of a risk and threat since the hackers do not have access to the vital data and information.

Conclusion
Businesses are under threat and also face many risks in conducting their operations effectively. They face threats in data security that renders them vulnerable to attack by fraudsters, hackers, and cybercriminals. The hackers and cyber criminals devise different methods of ensuring that they have access to the vital corporate information. However, a business with proper strategies in handling the risks and threats reduces the underlying negative impacts. The effective and practical strategies discussed include encryption, use of patch management on the applications, and avoiding internal attacks by rogue employees

How Storytelling Transforms eLearning: Engaging and Educating Your Audience

In the world of eLearning, where engaging and retaining the learner’s attention is paramount, storytelling emerges as a powerful tool. By weaving narratives into educational content, educators can transform mundane lessons into captivating journeys that resonate deeply with learners. This article explores how storytelling can be effectively incorporated into eLearning to both captivate and educate your audience.

The Power of Storytelling
Storytelling is an ancient art that has been used to convey knowledge, culture, and values for centuries. In the context of eLearning, storytelling serves multiple purposes:

Enhances Engagement: A well-crafted story grabs learners’ attention and keeps them engaged throughout the course.
Improves Retention: Stories make information more memorable. Learners are more likely to remember facts and concepts presented in a narrative format.
Facilitates Understanding: Complex concepts can be simplified and made more relatable through stories, aiding comprehension.
Inspires Action: Stories can motivate learners to apply what they’ve learned by presenting relatable scenarios and role models.
Elements of Effective Storytelling in eLearning
To effectively use storytelling in eLearning, certain elements must be integrated into the content:

Relatable Characters: Characters should mirror the learner’s environment, challenges, and experiences. This helps learners connect with the story on a personal level.
Compelling Plot: The plot should include a clear beginning, middle, and end. It should present a challenge or conflict that the characters must overcome, leading to a resolution that aligns with the learning objectives.
Contextual Relevance: The story should be relevant to the learners’ goals and the course material. It should provide practical examples that learners can relate to and apply in real life.
Emotional Connection: Emotions play a crucial role in learning. A story that evokes emotions such as empathy, curiosity, or excitement can enhance engagement and retention.
Clear Message: The story should convey a clear and concise message that reinforces the learning objectives.
Strategies for Incorporating Storytelling in eLearning
Scenario-Based Learning: Scenario-based learning places learners in realistic situations where they must apply their knowledge and skills to solve problems. This method helps learners understand the practical applications of their learning.
Case Studies: Using detailed case studies allows learners to explore real-world examples and learn from the experiences of others. This approach provides context and depth to the learning material.
Interactive Simulations: Simulations create immersive learning experiences by allowing learners to interact with different scenarios and make decisions. This hands-on approach helps solidify learning through practice.
Video Stories: Videos are a powerful medium for storytelling. They can combine visuals, audio, and text to create engaging narratives that bring the content to life.
Gamification: Gamifying the learning experience by incorporating storylines into games can make learning fun and competitive, increasing motivation and participation.
Personal Anecdotes: Instructors and subject matter experts can share personal stories or anecdotes related to the course material. This adds authenticity and makes the content more relatable.

Examples of Storytelling in eLearning
Healthcare Training: In a healthcare training course, a story could follow a patient’s journey from diagnosis to recovery, highlighting key medical procedures and decision-making processes along the way.
Corporate Compliance: A corporate compliance course could use a story about an employee facing an ethical dilemma, illustrating the consequences of different actions and the importance of compliance policies.
Language Learning: Language courses can incorporate stories that immerse learners in cultural contexts, teaching them not only the language but also cultural nuances and conversational skills.
Leadership Development: Leadership training programs can use stories of successful leaders, detailing their challenges, strategies, and achievements to inspire and educate learners.
Best Practices for Storytelling in eLearning
Know Your Audience: Understand the demographics, preferences, and learning styles of your audience to create stories that resonate with them.
Align with Learning Objectives: Ensure that the story aligns with and supports the learning objectives. Every element of the story should contribute to the educational goals.
Keep It Simple: Avoid overly complex plots or characters. Keep the story simple and focused to ensure it remains engaging and easy to follow.
Use Multimedia: Enhance the storytelling experience with multimedia elements such as images, videos, and audio. These can add depth and interest to the story.
Seek Feedback: Gather feedback from learners on the effectiveness of the storytelling approach. Use this feedback to refine and improve future eLearning content.

Community Pharmacy Services in Mimika, Indonesia

Community pharmacies play a crucial role in providing healthcare services, especially in regions like Mimika, Indonesia, where access to healthcare facilities may be limited. These pharmacies serve as accessible points of care, offering a range of essential services and products to local residents. Here’s an exploration of the community pharmacy services available in Mimika:

 

1. Accessible Medications:

Pafikabmimika, ensure the availability of essential medications, catering to the immediate healthcare needs of the community. This accessibility is vital, considering the challenges in reaching larger healthcare facilities.

 

2. Health Education and Counseling:

Pharmacists in these community settings often provide valuable health education and counseling. They inform patients about medication usage, potential side effects, and proper health practices, empowering them to manage their health more effectively.

 

3. Chronic Disease Management:

Many residents in Mimika suffer from chronic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension. Community pharmacies offer services like blood pressure monitoring, blood sugar testing, and medication adherence counseling to support these patients in managing their conditions.

 

4. Immunizations and Preventive Care:

Vaccinations and immunizations are crucial for preventing infectious diseases. Community pharmacies in Mimika often collaborate with health authorities to provide immunization services, ensuring that residents, especially children and the elderly, receive necessary vaccinations.

 

5. Over-the-Counter (OTC) Products:

Beyond prescription medications, community pharmacies stock a variety of over-the-counter products like vitamins, first aid supplies, and personal care items. This availability is essential in meeting the daily health and wellness needs of the community.

 

6. Patient Convenience:

Community pharmacies in Mimika prioritize convenience for patients by offering extended hours, quick service, and sometimes home delivery of medications. These efforts are particularly beneficial for elderly patients or those with mobility issues.

 

7. Collaboration with Healthcare Providers:

Pharmacists in community pharmacies often collaborate closely with physicians and other healthcare providers. This collaboration ensures coordinated care and effective management of patient health, especially in cases requiring multiple medications or complex treatment plans.

 

8. Emergency Care Support:

During emergencies or natural disasters, community pharmacies in Mimika serve as critical points for immediate healthcare needs. They often stock emergency medications and supplies, providing essential support to the community during challenging times.

 

9. Health Screening Services:

Some community pharmacies in Mimika offer health screening services such as cholesterol testing, BMI (Body Mass Index) measurements, and basic health assessments. These screenings help identify health risks early and encourage proactive healthcare management.

 

10. Community Engagement and Support:

Beyond their role in healthcare provision, community pharmacies actively engage with the local community through health awareness campaigns, support groups, and partnerships with local organizations. This involvement fosters a stronger community approach to health and well-being.

 

In conclusion, Pafikabmimika play a vital role in ensuring access to essential healthcare services for local residents. From providing medications and health education to offering preventive care and emergency support, these pharmacies are integral to the community’s health infrastructure. Their continuous efforts contribute significantly to improving health outcomes and quality of life in Mimika.

Why It Is Important To Learn The Concept Of CompTIA Security+ Certification

With the CompTIA Security+ certification, you can take your knowledge of network security to the next level and perform any number of security functions. The CompTIA Security+ certifications are offered by a professional organization that is comprised of a diverse group of IT experts who evaluate security related issues. In this manner, there is an educational requirement for those who wish to seek CompTIA Security+ certification, as they need to pass a challenging test in order to pass the certification exam.

CompTIA Security+ refers to two different types of exams, which range from easy to extremely difficult to pass. As with all IT certifications, the CompTIA Security+ exams are designed to test a variety of skills and knowledge to help make the passing of the exam as possible. With the rising threats to computer security, the passing of the CompTIA Security+ exam is even more important. This can help guarantee the security of any network, even for organizations that do not possess an extensive amount of money or personnel dedicated to IT security.

CompTIA Security+ offers three different levels of passing, each of which is more difficult than the previous one. While passing the CompTIA Security+ exam, you will need to be able to work in both areas of networks, and networks outside of them. Therefore, this makes the CompTIA Security+ exam the most demanding in the field of IT certifications.

The first type of CompTIA Security+ exam is the Network Internship Security Plus exam. This is based upon a project which has to be successfully completed in the practice lab environment, and the student must then successfully complete the labs. Once the student has successfully completed the labs, they must then submit an essay and a final exam, which are based upon the same topic as the practice labs, but with more advanced exams.

The second type of CompTIA Security+ exam is theNetwork Security Plus exam. This exam requires the student to complete the labs, with an emphasis on the lab which focuses on the real world situations in which a network is needed to be protected. With this kind of exam, the student needs to understand how to perform a variety of functions in both private and public networks. They also need to be familiar with a variety of technologies, including the ability to utilize firewalls and network monitoring software, as well as the knowledge of how to protect the system against attacks through various methods, including intrusion detection and response, firewalls, and the use of software viruses to secure the network.

The third type of CompTIA Security+ exam is the Network Security Plus exam. This exam focuses on a range of skills, which include working with security software that helps to maintain a complete picture of the system, as well as understanding how to implement security processes into the operation of a network. Students need to be able to demonstrate their understanding of firewalls, as well as provide insight into the various forms of attacks on computer networks, and how to block them.

Achieving success in the CompTIA Security+ exams requires an individual to understand both theory and practice. The exams are highly technical and require a student to understand both the theory behind the security, as well as the practical applications of the same. These exams also demand the students to do a great deal of reading in order to grasp the concepts.

CompTIA Security+ is just one of the many IT certifications available in the market today. This certification provides students with a significant amount of knowledge in computer security and also allows students to become better equipped to work in both the public and private sectors. For these reasons, it is important for students to understand how important the CompTIA Security+ certification are, before attempting to pass the exams.