30Apr

Don’t Take Cybersecurity for Granted

The future is NOW…and so is the danger.

Upon its introduction, the general idea of the world wide web was connectivity. The payoff, however, was a veil of anonymity that can easily be abused.

The workplace, with its updated support on technology, should serve as one of the frontlines of cybersecurity. Online criminality knows no bounds, and they aren’t picky when it comes to targets. Both established and infant corporations are always prone to various forms of attacks.

An extra layer of liability comes with computers being used outside the safety sphere of work, such as in idle browsing and social media. In a 2017 survey conducted by International Data Corp (IDC), it was revealed that 30-40% of internet access in the workplace is spent on unrelated matters.

To avoid possible data theft and hacking, employees of all companies should be oriented on how to be safe online. The key is to instil constant vigilance and promote awareness of the biggest cons of the internet.

Something as basic as a wrong click can lead to a range of issues from lewd pop-ups to full-on breaches such as data phishing. Strong security starts with an investment in highly effective anti-virus software. Like buying goods, it is necessary to do a canvass. Apt research prior to purchase is needed particularly when you intend to purchase for a network. The software can be expensive, and not every product can be efficient despite its tag price.

Monitoring software for the administrator is also a must. This does not only ensure that employees aren’t straying for work or slacking off but also checks for potential security threats. This is an effective way to trace the origin of a malicious link or program, to eradicate it at the earliest time.

Social media is now used as the top key to potential hacks. As it has become a trend among people, a lot of employees enjoy indulging in it, even during work hours. This should be a top security priority for administrators. However, it shouldn’t necessarily get the axe in the workplace. The effort should be taken to awareness instead. Employees should be given lectures on how to sort out suspicious links. Since it is now a core addition to technology use, social media training should be integrated into every cybersecurity module.

Despite the protection that it promises, cybersecurity isn’t a perfect concept. The best bits that it offers goes hand in hand with cooperation among the employees. Full dependence on software is a reckless that idea that shouldn’t be taken to heart. The best approach, still, to company security is more than software and compliance together, but rather a constant orientation among employees about work and internet use.

In this age where data is easily accessible, cybersecurity must not be taken at face value. When everything has been done, the cherry on top is the perfect lease on quality cyber insurance. A number of services are available from independent developers and established corporations alike. There is no reason to underestimate a good form of cyber insurance, particularly when the majority of your finances depend on it.

20Apr

The Expat life: Hong Kong Edition

Welcome to expat life.

Life in a new city can feel overwhelming. New people, a new language, new work, and new routines.

Being an expatriate has its own sets of pros and cons. A move to a country like Hong Kong isn’t a full turn from life in the west since it’s one of Asia’s top destinations for expats from the UK and the US. It’s a melting pot of different cultures and it’s one of the most preferred places to establish businesses.

Expat life in Hong Kong parallels no other, an experience that’s exclusive to itself.

Whatever city you’re in, the first step is to brace yourself with changes. It’s good to anticipate that there will be a few ups and downs along the course of your transition. Cut yourself some slack.

The expat community in Asian counties is continuously growing. If you need a hand in learning the ropes, there’s nothing wrong with asking for help. It will also be your stepping stone in exploring the urban jungle you’re in.

Want to settle in a place with familiar faces? That’s certainly not a problem. Hong Kong, for example, cradles a lot of its expats in the West Kowloon area. Aside from fellow expats, it is home to a lot of amenities that would easily cater to your comfort.

The Expat Community

Expat communities in Hong Kong range from the outgoing to the insular and close-knit. British and Americans compose mainly form the bulk of the community and they often work in the financial sector. Foreigners from neighbouring East Asia countries are also prominent in the country mostly from Japan, Indonesia, Philippines, India and Thailand.

What Language to Learn

Foreigners with good language skills in both Cantonese and Mandarin are going to have a significant advantage. 89.5% of the whole population speaks Cantonese. We recommend you try to at least learn some basic conversational Cantonese.

Housing and Other Accommodations

Hong Kong is known for having one of the most expensive property prices in Asia and even the world. Expect compact condos and apartments with high rent although there are still areas with more affordable housing.

We gathered the average rent for 2 bedroom apartments popular to expat communities in one of our blogs: Finding a Place to Live in Hong Kong

In the end, there’s really no clear-cut guide on how to ease yourself into the expat life. Change takes time and effort. Don’t let the city intimidate you. Sit back and explore your new home. Everything new is just within the tip of your fingertips.

For expats looking to find the best personal or business insurance, get in touch with Village Insurance Direct today. We help find the best policies for expats.