Tech

Protecting Yourself and Your Employees from Identity Theft and Fraud

In today’s digital age, the threat of identity theft and fraud has never been more prevalent. With cybercriminals becoming increasingly sophisticated, it’s essential to understand the risks and take proactive steps to safeguard your personal and professional information. Recent events, such as the significant data breach that compromised Social Security numbers, highlight the urgency of staying vigilant.

The Growing Threat of Identity Theft

Identity theft occurs when someone illegally obtains and uses another person’s personal information, typically for financial gain. The recent breach, where hackers accessed and possibly stole Social Security numbers, as reported by Yahoo News, is just one example of how widespread and damaging this crime can be. The far-reaching effects of such a breach are alarming, as Social Security numbers are not easily changed and can be exploited by criminals for years to come. This means that even long after the initial breach, individuals may continue to face risks such as fraudulent credit card applications, tax fraud, and other forms of financial exploitation.

Fraud: A Broader Concern

Fraud encompasses a range of activities beyond just identity theft. It includes any deceitful practice intended to secure an unfair or unlawful […]

By |2024-08-15T17:53:44+00:00August 14th, 2024|fraud, Tech|0 Comments

Business Website Expenses: How They’re Handled for Tax Purposes

Most businesses have websites today. Despite their widespread use, the IRS hasn’t issued formal guidance on when website costs can be deducted.

But there are established rules that generally apply to the deductibility of business expenses and provide business taxpayers launching a website with some guidance about proper treatment. In addition, businesses can turn to IRS guidance on software costs. Here are some answers to questions you may have.

What are the tax differences between hardware and software?

Let’s start with the hardware you may need to operate a website. The costs fall under the standard rules for depreciable equipment. Specifically, for 2024, once these assets are operating, you can deduct 60% of the cost in the first year they’re placed in service. This favorable treatment is allowed under the first-year bonus depreciation break.

Note: The bonus depreciation rate was 100% for property placed in service in 2022 and was reduced to 80% in 2023, 60% in 2024 and it will continue to decrease until it’s fully phased out in 2027 (unless Congress acts to extend or increase it).

Alternatively, you may be able to deduct all or most of these costs in the year the assets […]

By |2024-07-30T17:28:53+00:00July 30th, 2024|business, deduction, expensing, Tech|0 Comments

The Rising Threat of QR Code Phishing: What You Need to Know

As technology advances, so do the tactics of cybercriminals. One of the latest methods they employ is QR code phishing, often referred to as “quishing.” This article explores the dangers of quishing, backed by current statistics and real-life examples that may be pertinent to both our clients and staff.

The Surge in Quishing Attacks

Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the use of QR codes has surged due to their convenience for contactless transactions and information sharing. However, this rise in popularity has also made them an attractive target for cybercriminals. According to the 2024 Phishing Threat Trends Report by Egress, QR code phishing attacks have increased dramatically. In 2021, QR codes were used in only 0.8% of phishing attacks. This figure jumped to 12.4% in 2023 and has stabilized at 10.8% in early 2024​ (Egress Email Security)​.

How Quishing Works

Quishing typically involves embedding malicious QR codes in emails, social media posts, or […]

By |2024-07-16T21:00:17+00:00July 16th, 2024|Tech|0 Comments

Sustainable Business Practices Through Technology

As environmental concerns become more pressing, businesses of all sizes are recognizing the importance of adopting sustainable practices. For companies in California, integrating sustainability into business operations not only helps protect the planet but also appeals to an increasingly eco-conscious consumer base. Technology offers a wealth of solutions to help businesses achieve their sustainability goals. Here are several ways technology can drive sustainable business practices:

1. Energy Management Systems

One of the most effective ways to reduce a company’s carbon footprint is through energy management systems (EMS). These systems use smart sensors and software to monitor and optimize energy usage in real-time. By identifying areas where energy is wasted, businesses can implement changes that lead to significant reductions in energy consumption and costs.

2. Smart Lighting and HVAC Controls

Upgrading to smart lighting and HVAC systems can drastically cut energy usage. Smart lighting systems, such as LED bulbs combined with motion sensors and timers, ensure that lights are only on when needed. Similarly, smart thermostats and HVAC controls can adjust temperatures based on occupancy and usage patterns, reducing energy waste.

3. Cloud Computing

Moving business operations to the cloud can significantly reduce the environmental impact associated with maintaining […]

By |2024-07-02T16:30:12+00:00July 2nd, 2024|Tech, tips|0 Comments

Digital Transformation: Embracing New Technologies to Stay Competitive

Introduction

In an era where technology is advancing at an unprecedented pace, digital transformation is no longer a luxury but a critical component of business strategy. For business owners, winery and restaurant operators, and high-net-worth individuals, embracing new technologies is essential to stay competitive and meet the evolving demands of the market. This article delves into key trends in digital transformation and how they can benefit your business.

Key Trends in Digital Transformation

Blockchain for Secure Transactions: Blockchain technology offers a decentralized and secure method for recording transactions. It ensures transparency and immutability, making it an ideal solution for businesses that require secure and verifiable transactions. For wineries, blockchain can be used to track the provenance of wine, ensuring authenticity and quality. Restaurants can use it to manage supply chains and ensure the integrity of their ingredients.

Cloud-Based ERP Systems: Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems are essential for managing and integrating various business processes. Cloud-based ERP systems like Microsoft Dynamics 365 and Oracle NetSuite offer scalability, flexibility, and real-time access to data. These systems can help business owners streamline operations, improve decision-making, and enhance collaboration across different departments.

Internet of Things (IoT) for Inventory Management: IoT technology […]

By |2024-05-21T16:57:58+00:00May 21st, 2024|Tech|0 Comments
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