Working remotely? Be aware of the top 7 cybersecurity risks that could compromise your data and learn effective strategies to tackle them head-on. Stay secure while embracing the freedom of remote work!
The What, Why, and How of VPNs with WildFrog Systems
A VPN acts as a cloak for your internet connection, encrypting your data and ensuring it remains unreadable to potential threats. Whether you're engaged in remote work or casually browsing from your favourite Abbotsford coffee shop, a VPN becomes the shield that keeps your online activities private and secure.
9 Tips for Setting Up AI Rules for Your Staff
Artificial intelligence (AI) is a powerful tool that can enhance the productivity, efficiency, and creativity of your staff. But, AI also comes with some challenges and risks. It’s time for Businesses to prepare to address and manage these in order to use AI effectively.
64% of businesses expect AI to increase productivity.
Establishing clear and ethical guidelines, or "AI rules," for staff interaction is essential.
Otherwise, you may not know when AI is being used for business data. Employees may also be afraid to use AI without direction. This can mean your company misses out on incredible time savings.
In this article, we will share some tips for setting up AI rules for your staff. These tips can help you harness the benefits of AI while avoiding the pitfalls.
Define the scope and purpose of AI use.
Before you introduce AI to your staff, it’s good to have a clear vision of what you want to achieve with AI, as well as how it aligns with your business goals and values.
The next task, is to communicate this vision to your staff. Explain how AI will support their work and improve their outcomes, so you can set realistic expectations and avoid confusion or frustration.
Establish ethical principles and guidelines.
AI can have significant impacts on your staff, customers, and partners, as well as society at large. Your job is to ensure that your company’s AI use is ethical, fair, transparent, and accountable. You can do this by developing a set of ethical principles and guidelines. They should reflect your organizational culture and values, as well as follow relevant laws and regulations. Once you have your guidelines, then it’s time to educate your staff on these guidelines and track their compliance. Training may need to be continual, as AI advances and evolves.
Assign roles and responsibilities.
AI is not a magic solution that can replace human judgment and oversight. You still need to have a clear division of roles and responsibilities. First, what element of your employees job needs to remain their job, and which can be delegated to AI? Then also, once AI contributes, who is accountable for the outcomes and impacts of AI use?
As well, there are some administrative responsibilities related to AI use, which need to be delegated, such as:
· Maintenance
· Auditing
· Updating
Ensure data security and privacy.
It will be important to clearly communicate the steps to take in order to safeguard sensitive information. Ensure all employees adhere to data protection regulations, and all work stations are enrolled in a robust cybersecurity framework that protects both employee and organizational data from potential breaches. We do recommend that employees do not mix their personal AI accounts (such as ChatGPT) with work, but that instead, you purchase work AI accounts for them to use.
Put a feedback loop in place.
Create a system for gathering feedback from employees about their interactions with AI. This feedback loop serves as a valuable mechanism, which helps with identifying areas of improvement and refining AI rules, as well as addressing any concerns or challenges that arise during implementation. Actively listen to employee feedback to foster a culture of continuous improvement.
Review and update your AI rules regularly
AI is a dynamic and evolving field. It requires constant adaptation and improvement. You cannot set up your AI rules once and forget about them. Instead, review and update these rules regularly to ensure that they are still relevant and effective, as well as aligned with your business goals and values. You also need to evaluate the performance, outcomes, and impacts of your AI use.
Encourage a growth mindset.
Foster a culture of curiosity and a growth mindset within your organization. Encourage employees to embrace AI as a tool for augmentation, but not a replacement. Communicate that AI is here to enhance their capabilities and streamline processes. It allows them to focus on more strategic and creative aspects of their roles.
Get Expert Guidance with an AI Transformation
AI can be a game-changer for your business. That is if you use it wisely and responsibly. By following these tips, you can set up AI rules for your staff that can help you leverage the power of AI while minimizing its risks.
Need an expert guide for a digital or AI transformation? Give us a call today to schedule a chat.
Article used with permission from The Technology Press.
5 Ways to Leverage Microsoft 365's New AI Innovations
The Microsoft 365 platform has been adding some amazing AI innovations. They sit inside tools you already know and love like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, and more. If you know how to use them, these smart features can boost your business, as well as significantly elevate your personal organization and productivity.
Let’s explore some of the ways you can leverage Microsoft 365's new AI innovations, so that you can get more out of your work.
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VoIP for Abbotsford Businesses: A Comprehensive IT Service Guide
Are you considering a transition to a new phone system for your Fraser Valley-based business? As proud partners of RingCentral, offering top-notch IT services and tech support, we have a proven track record of success in implementing large and complex VoIP installations for businesses in Chilliwack, Abbotsford, Langley and beyond. In this blog post, we'll explore the world of Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) and shed light on its definition, advantages, potential challenges, and frequently asked questions, all tailored to businesses.
Why IT Professionals Love Cats
In IT offices around the world, a unique phenomenon is observed - the deep bond between IT professionals and their cats. It's an open secret in the tech community that IT professionals and cats share a unique bond. Over time, many of our staff have identified as "cat people," often bonding over shared pictures of their pets. But what's the secret behind this connection? Why do IT professionals frequently own cats? We have a few theories…
Independence and Curiosity
At first glance, the IT professional and a cat couldn't be more different. Yet, they share some intriguing similarities. Both are known for their independence and curiosity. IT experts often work in solitary environments, solving complex problems, much like a cat who is content exploring on their own. Who better to accompany them than a creature that can meditate on a windowsill for hours, contemplating the mysteries of the outside world?
The Comfort of Quiet Companionship
Secondly, studies suggest that interacting with animals, particularly cats, can significantly elevate mood. The world of IT can be high-pressure and fast-paced. Unlike dogs, which may require constant attention and outdoor activities, cats are content to simply be - often nearby, offering quiet companionship. This low-maintenance relationship is ideal for IT professionals who value their concentration and focus. The act of petting a cat also triggers the release of oxytocin, commonly known as the "love hormone," fostering a sense of well-being and bonding.
Stress Relief
Caring for a cat can be a meditative, stress-relieving activity for IT professionals. The act of petting a cat has been shown to reduce stress and lower blood pressure. In a field where burnout and stress are common, having a feline friend can provide much-needed relief and mental health benefits.
The Perfect Fit for Remote Work
With the rise of remote work, especially in the IT sector, cats have become even more prominent companions. They make ideal work-from-home buddies, offering company without the need for constant attention or outside walks. This makes them perfectly suited to the lifestyle of many IT professionals.