Homeland Security and Day-to-Day Cyber Security

Today, Dairy Queen announced it is coming off a three month security breach that impacted the financial data of its consumers. Yikes, it seems paying cash is the best option today when you look at many retailers' track record. But what about your track record? While we are busy shaming retail outlets for breaching our data, is it possible we are just as guilty? Many people are and don't even know it!
All this said, I figured I would note a few ways to keep your own email account "hacker-free".

1. Don't use anything personal or that can be guessed about you as your password. This includes your pet's name! Use a weird combination of numbers and letters. Keep the password written down and somewhere in your home, not in a breachable app.

2. Never use a "Remember me" option on any of your devices when it comes to your passwords, especially email. Remember, hackers don't have to hack your email to get into your computer. They can hack your computer, send a "reset my password" request to your online banking and then, once into your email because you have a "remember me" option set up, get into your bank account (or other accounts).

These two steps may seem relatively elementary, but you will be surprised how many people still use "password" as their password and a "remember me" option on their mobile and home devices.

Until Monday,

Twyla N. Garrett

Rules for Life!

Today is Friday. I start out every Friday giving thanks for all the blessings I have. I also take time to ensure I am not breaking any of my life rules. Yes, I have life rules. These are rules I follow to be successful in business and within my personal life. Judging by my record they have worked so far. Let me share them with you.

#1. Love your own ideas. Embrace them! Never quit. Don't worry about the outcome, worry how you're going to make the idea work. People who don't believe in themselves will not allow anyone else to invest in them, either.

#2. Don't be so optimistic that people think you're nuts. I'm a positive thinker. You should be one too. But, don't ignore warning signs. Reality is reality. You have to make the best of any situation, but don't overlook it.

#3. Take a vacation each and every week. Ok, you're probably thinking I'm nuts now. Listen, most business people have become acclimated to our 24/7 technological culture. We're constantly working. I give myself a four hour block, mid-day, one day a week. I shut down all of my electronics and allow myself to watch a movie, go for a walk and/or get ice cream without checking emails, responding to people via Twitter, taking client calls, and so on. We need to let our brains rest in order to be more productive. So, take mini vacations once a week to help clear your mind and to unwind.

I hope everyone has a great weekend.

Twyla