How to Avoid the Mobile Security Risks Associated with Financial and Health Apps

Health and financial mobile apps have gained questionable credibility regarding the level of security incorporated in their technologies. 

According to Info Security Magazine, consumer confidence appears to be inversely proportional to the level of security integrated in these mobile apps.

The latest Arxan Technologies reports show that the doubts over the security of health and financial apps somewhat negate their success. In the study conducted, it revealed that majority of application users and application executives surveyed feel adequately secure about their mobile applications. 

About 82 percent of these executives believe everything is being done to protect their apps, while only 57 percent of application users do.

Risks from Security Threats Still Abound

However, the reality of security threats is evident among 126 most popular mobile health and finance apps tested in the U.S, U.K, Japan and Germany. It was found out that 90 percent possessed at least two of the Open Web Application Security risks. 

Such risks may include lack of binary code protection which accounted for 98 percent of the mobile apps; while about 84 percent of mobile apps tested had poor transport layer protection.

Being vulnerable to such threats may result in tampered devices, violations of privacy, binary code modification and even identity theft.

Certain questions arise regarding the use of such apps including clients or patients entrusting classified information over an unsecured data platform. 

There are also questions about financial apps running the risk of identity theft through mobile or electronic banking transactions. 

According to a tech blog expert, today’s viruses do not compare to traditional viruses that IT specialists can easily detect. Rather, they are dominated by android adware and SMS Trojans. 

However, even with the unimaginable rate of unsafe mobile apps, users can still find ways to avoid dealing with them. 

As a step towards finding suitable solutions to counter these vulnerabilities, IT policies on vetting apps can be enhanced and users should be equipped with the knowledge of the potential security risks from using such apps. 

Stay Away From Unofficial Third-Party App Stores

Users can also steer clear from unofficial third-party app stores, and stick with legitimate Android installing apps like Google Play. Users can also be cautious of malware threats disguised in app permissions and ad blockers. 

Requested app permissions, even seemingly-legit and lengthy ones, are usually used by intrusive apps to target users because they have become accustomed to such features. In the end, users can be led to allow permission access without being aware that they clicked on a malware.

There are also cases that even ad blockers become malware targets. Similar with app permissions, clicking on malware disguised as ad blockers increase security risks However, not all mobile apps encounter problems regarding ad blockers that can potentially threaten security. 

According to Born2Invest co-founder Dominique Einhorn, ad blockers only affect mobile apps that utilize outdated mobile advertising modes such as pop-up ads.

Being in the highly downloaded list of Google Play’s business and financial news app, Born2Invest is aware of these impending threats, which is why it focuses on delivering native ads rather than interstitial ads. 

However, Einhorn knows that at the end of the day, good editorial content still matters.

The need for security update to constantly identify potential attacks can work wonders. Even those taken for granted certifications on websites help validate authenticity of download sites. 

Although you can never be 100 percent sure about mobile app security these days, knowledge is always the best protection against these security threats.


SOURCE:

https://www.arxan.com/resources/state-of-application-security/

http://www.fiercemobileit.com/story/most-mobile-financial-and-health-apps-have-critical-vulnerabilities-arxan-r/2016-01-13

http://searchmobilecomputing.techtarget.com/tip/Steer-clear-of-mobile-application-security-risks

Budget Miracles: How to Start Saving for the Ultimate Dream Home

We all long for the ultimate dream home in retirement, where we're able to enjoy retirement to its fullest. 

A little planning now can make that dream a reality. With a little creativity and discipline, you can change your current spending habits and start saving for a down payment. But how do you save when you're financially maxed out? 

Here are some ideas.

Invest Your Raises in Your New Home

Whether you're close to retirement, or you're a few decades away, invest now in your new home. Every time you get a raise at work, put as much as possible into a savings account that will contribute to the down payment on your future home. 

This is a great way to save money because you save it before you get in the habit of spending it all. Even the smallest amounts of money can add up over time. 

One or two hundred dollars a month doesn't seem like it would make a dent in a new dream home purchase, but added up over fifteen years, it could be a significant help. 

If you're not disciplined enough to leave the money alone, have your bank draft out the money automatically and put it into a separate account before you get a chance to spend it.

Budget, budget, budget!

So many people say they have a revenue problem, that they simply don't make enough money. But is it really an income problem, or is it actually a spending problem? 

Start a budget, if you don't budget already, and know exactly where your money is going every month. When people start to track their expenses they are often surprised at the amount of waste that can be eliminated. 

Don't be discouraged if you're only able to save a little each month. It all adds up, so save what you can, when you can.

Sell Current Real Estate

Another great way to get money for a down payment is to use the equity you have in your current home. 

Do small home improvements now that will add value to your home. Then, years from now, when you're ready to buy your dream home, your current home will hopefully have appreciated in value considerably.

Even if you have made bad financial decisions in the past, it is never too late for financial stability. Start budgeting, start saving, and get on the path to financial success so you too can have your dream retirement home one day. 

For more information, the experts at Assurance Financial Group recommend talking to a loan officer to help you prepare for and go through the process.

How Long Does the Online Process Take for an EIN? Beneficial?

Apply for a Tax ID Number online for the fastest delivery. A Tax ID Number or Employer Identification Number (EIN) is needed by most business types.

An EIN is assigned by the Internal Revenue Service to identify a business and is required to be entered on tax returns, bank accounts, as well as all other documents that are tax-related. This nine-digit number is also a requirement for credit cards, along with other financial institutions. 

There Are 3 Ways to Apply for an EIN

There are three different ways for you to choose from when you need to apply for an EIN, mail, fax, and online. When applying by fax, this process takes several days before receiving.

If you decide to apply by mail, you will wait five weeks or more before receiving your number. However, the majority of individuals choose the fastest and most efficient way and apply for a Tax ID Number online. 

Apply for an EIN Online

When you apply online by use of an online service, like IRS-EIN-TAX-ID.com, you receive your EIN the same day, in most cases, the same hour. The process consists of only three easy steps. First, select your entity, enter your information, then submit your application.

Unlike the website of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) which can be difficult to navigate, IRS-EIN-TAX-ID website is straightforward, with the information needed, located right on the home page. 

The forms used by IRS-EIN-TAX-ID are simplified, allowing you to enter the information needed quickly and correctly.

By using simplified forms, information is easy to understand not complex as with other sites. This helps reduce the chance your application will be rejected due to errors. However, if you have any questions there are agents able to assist you.

Using a service such as IRS-EIN-TAX-ID to apply for an EIN is the most beneficial way of applying. In addition to speed, there is the benefit of accuracy, as well as a website that is hassle-free.

How to Drive More Traffic to Your Event

Whether it’s a fundraiser, an open house, a donation drive, or a patient appreciation party, the key to success for your event is people! The more people who come, linger, and have fun at your event, the more chance it has of achieving its goals.

How can you ensure that you’ll get the numbers you need to make your event a success? Here are some ideas. 

Use Your Cheerleaders

Everyone and every business has a support network. USE this support network when you’re planning out your event. Individually reach out to your employees, your biggest customers, and your affiliates, and make sure that they’re feeling welcome to come, and that you’re mobilizing them to be cheerleaders for your event. 

Help them catch the vision of it, and encourage them to communicate with their network on your behalf. For example, do you have a food truck hired for your event? They usually have a huge social media following, people who are curious where they are from one day to the next. 

Produce an image that they can share about your event ahead of time, with details about where they’ll be and what else will be featured at the event. Most importantly, make sure that they know that everyone is welcome!

Sometimes it’s nice to provide an extra incentive to certain people. For example, your employees will be even more eager to come if they have a task to perform there that they’re excited about (like running the fortune telling booth). 

You might also consider some kind of contest between them leading up to the event. For example, whoever can get the most people to come can decide which charity proceeds will go to. 

Get on Social Media

This is tied to utilizing your support group and cheerleaders, but there are some practicalities of social media that no one should neglect.

• Use pictures from previous events, details about the schedule and main attraction, and even pictures from your preparations for the event to build some hype and remind people to plan for it. 
• Use video and photo content whenever possible. Facebook, particularly, puts a lot more weight on these forms of media, and they’re very shareable. 
• Create a Facebook event and make sure that it’s public. Invite whomever you can think of, and Facebook will do the rest of the work for you, informing people about updates, reminding them about the event on the day of, and popping up in friends’ feeds and sidebars. 
• During and after the event, continue to build the hype. Have a hashtag for the event so that participants can share their own photos, and make sure that everyone who didn’t come wishes that they had! 

Be Conspicuous

Make the most of foot traffic by attracting attention on the day of. Make sure that it’s known that you accept latecomers and looky-loos. 

This can happen with noise, banners, and large focal features. I remember driving by an apartment complex that had an inflatable water slide out front and a booth with music playing. I was automatically curious, but wasn’t about to crash someone else’s party. 

However, if there’d been a banner saying all welcome, I would definitely have explored it. 

Get Your Name Out on Calendars

A lot of cities have calendars of events going on in the area. Most of the time, all that’s necessary to get on there is an email to the administrator, so do a lot of outreach.

Contact local radio stations and newspapers. If there’s something noteworthy going on there (like a charity drive, an attempt to break a world record, or even just a free bounce house and popsicles for all the kids) they’ll be more likely to feature and promote it for free.

Think hard about your focal audience. Do they like outdoor sports? Maybe you need a flier at REI and a booth at a 5K race that occurs a month before your event. Are they families? See if you can get the word out at your local Gymboree or PTA. 

Think hard about who your event will appeal to the most and then link up with related events and venues. 

Have Cool Features at the Event Itself

Every event will be different, but make sure that there are a few things that will draw people to your event, and make it stick in people’s minds. Here are some ideas:

• Limited edition swag
• Games that make people stay (raffles, contests, etc.)
• A feature that attracts attention as soon as you come in (like a mini bungee game or a bounce house.)
• Share information in an interesting way. If you want to promote health, have a fun interactive booth. If you want to familiarize potential tenants with your facilities, make it easy to do a walk-through and explore the features. 

The Many Hats of a Small Business Owner

As a small business owner, you have a lot on your plate. You often wear a lot of hats such as: CEO, Head of Sales, HR Representative, Marketing Manager, and more. 

It can be difficult to try and juggle all of these responsibilities, but it is possible. Read on to learn tips and tricks to help you effectively wear all of your hats.

Safety

One of the hats you will wear as the owner of a small business is the Chief Safety Officer. Your number one concern needs to be your safety, and the safety of your employees, customers, clients, guests, etc. 

 If you take care of yourself and those you work with, you will have the strength and the energy to continue running and growing your business. 

 Here are a few safety tips that every small business owner needs to hear:

1. Follow safety regulations. This is not only an issue of legality, but an issue of practicality. You need to make sure that you are wearing the proper PPE, have SDS in the proper locations, and follow any safety instructions for the equipment that you are using.

2. Post safety signs and create safety protocols. While this may seem superfluous, it is always a wise idea to remind yourself and employees to make safety a top priority. Besides, if anything goes wrong and someone does end up getting hurt, it will look better for you if you had safety information posted around your workspace.

3. Keep equipment in tip top shape. As this blog states, it is important to keep your equipment in tip top shape, even if it is something as simple as a garage door. If your machinery starts to wear down, it can break or malfunction, injuring yourself or one of your employees.

4. Get enough rest. Running a small business is hard, but you need to make sure that you are getting enough sleep to function properly. Many injuries are caused because people are drowsy on the job. If you are starting to get burned out, take a vacation, even if you feel like you can’t possibly take the time off. You need it.

5. Safety is everyone’s job. Around the office, there are many safety hazards: tripping hazards, daisy chained cords, precariously stacked boxes, etc. You need to make safety everyone’s job, including your own. No one is above cleaning up a dangerous spill or moving a tripping hazard out of the way.

Security

Another pressing issue in our world today is security. This is another thing that needs to be at the top of your list, as you not only need to keep your information secure, but your client’s as well. 

From an informational standpoint, you need to make sure that your computers, accounts, etc. have the proper firewalls and security methods in place to keep documents and other information secure. 

You also need to make sure that your office area is burglar resistant. Check out this blog for some great tips to help you keep your small business secure.

Sales and Marketing

Until you have the resources to hire a sales director or marketing manager, you have to be resourceful and do these jobs yourself. 

How else will you get customers and clients if you are not actively making connections and selling your product and service? It may be useful to attend conferences, find a few free (or paid) webinars, or take a couple of classes from a local community college to help you become more proficient in these roles. 

If you do not yet understand online marketing, this should be the first class, seminar, or webinar you take.

HR Representative

Whenever problems arise within your company, it is your job to defuse them before they become something serious. 

You also have to make sure that you have your employee’s information on file in a secure location, have all your ducks in a row when it comes to hiring, and more. It’s a daunting task, but it is manageable. 

If you don’t know where to start you have three options: hiring someone with HR experience to help you run that side of things, taking a class or webinar to help you learn how to run the HR side of things, or hiring a third party company to come in and help you set up your HR program.

Client Communication

Of course as a small business owner you also have to be the head of client communication, making sure that the clients are happy, they are getting what they expected, etc. 

This can be a daunting task, especially if you have needy clients. Since your clients clients are paying you, it is important to make sure that they feel satisfied with your product or service. However, you need to make sure that you don’t sell your company short and that you charge enough for your services.

5 Simple Changes In The Home That Can Save You Big Bucks

Just a simple change to a home can produce substantial savings for a household. A nominal investment in minor improvements to a home carries the potential of producing substantial savings for a home. 

Here are five simple changes in the home that can save you big bucks.

Switch Out Old Water

Install a tankless water heater. A tankless water heater operates differently from other styles of water heaters in that it only heats water as it is needed, which reduces the amount of standby energy typically used with a conventional water heating system. 

The water heater is heated with a gas burner. The home gets the amount of hot water it needs on demand.

Check For Air Leakage In Ducts

Seal all of the ducts in a home. Consider a home built in the 1990s or 1980s. The average four-bedroom home results in 23 percent duct leakage. 

The duct leakage is a major source of energy loss for a home. Carefully checking ducts throughout the home will reduce the air leakage. Starting with the walls and attics is strongly recommended. 

According to the EPA, this alone can reduce air infiltration by as much as 25 percent. 

Replace All Windows

Replace all windows. The windows in a home can be upgraded to yield additional savings in energy costs for household. 

The first step is to select Energy Star windows. The returns materialize immediately after installing the windows. Coating and special glazing enhances the energy performance for the windows. 

The Energy Star windows could save a household 15 percent in energy costs within a year.

Invest In New Appliances

Upgrade all of the appliances in your home. Energy Star rated appliances can save the home thousands if installed in a home. 

Since 20 percent of household energy bills in a home can be linked directly to appliance usage, the average homeowner can save just by switching out older appliances for new appliances. 

For an appliance like an air conditioning unit, the Seasonal Efficiency Energy Ration should be around 15.

Fix The Leaky Faucet

A leaky faucet can produce 10,000 gallons of water each year. Fixing just one leaky faucet in the home reduces the energy bill by 10 percent. 

The household repair by places such as HELP Plumbing, Heating, Cooling and Electric, can be as simple as replacing an o-ring, worn-out washer, or valve seat. 

The basic repair could cost as little as $200 but can produces substantially more in savings over the years with a simple investment.

These simple household upgrades can produce substantial savings. By lowering energy consumption and reducing air leakage through a series of improvements, your household can save thousands in a year. 

Most of the simple repairs costs several hundred dollars. Upgrading to certain appliances may offer rebates. Some home improvements can produce energy savings immediately for a home if performed.