Stop. Think. Connect. Are You Aware of This Campaign?

Today I want to cover the Stop. Think. Connect. Campaign being run by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Not many people are aware of the campaign, which is counterproductive to why it was initiated in the first place. As a leader on Twitter for being a Homeland Security resource, I thought it would be a good idea to update everyone on what exactly this campaign is.
According to the National Retail Federation, 141 million people spent $57.4 billion dollars during Thanksgiving weekend last year, and consumers spent nearly $600 billion during the 2013 holiday season. The biggest shopping season of the year comes with great deals and benefits to shoppers, but it also comes with certain risks.
Stop. Think. Connect. Is an online security campaign, which ties into how much money people are spending online. The DHS launched the campaign to help consumers shop safely and keep their personal information and financial accounts private. The campaign offers tips on how to do this, some of which I have noted below;
1. Use and maintain anti-virus software and a firewall. Protect yourself against viruses and Trojan horses that may steal or modify the data on your computer and leave you vulnerable.
2. Beware of deals that sound too good to be true. Use caution when opening email attachments and don’t follow web links included in unsolicited email messages. Watch out for extremely low prices on hard-to-get holiday items. If an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is.
3. Keep a record of your order. Retain all documentation of your online orders in the event that your purchase does not ship or there are unauthorized charges on your credit or debit card. Also, be sure to review your credit card statement each month for irregularities.
4. Get savvy about Wi‐Fi hotspots. Limit the type of business you conduct when using public Wi-Fi networks. Avoid shopping online when using public Wi-Fi as your information can easily be accessed by hackers on a public network.
5. Shop on reliable websites. Take a look at the website’s trademark or logo to make sure it’s valid. Also, pay attention to the website’s URL. Malicious websites may look identical to a legitimate website, but the URL may use a variation in spelling or a different domain (e.g., .com vs. .net).
Since our social media culture is so 24/7, we often forget that (like the real world) bad people exist. Don’t allow yourself to become vulnerable during this holiday shopping season- or anytime. Follow the tips noted above and connect with the DHS directly for more information on the Stop. Think. Connect. Campaign.
Until tomorrow,
Twyla N. Garrett

Really James Franco?

I can't believe that I have to address the issue of James Franco and Seth Rogan's latest movie scandal- but I do. Homeland Security also had to release a statement about the pair's latest movie project, The Interview, today. Why? Well, the plot of the movie is about killing the leader of North Korea. The Department of Homeland Security said today that it is unaware of any active plot against movie theaters in connection with the hacking of Sony Pictures in spite of many stories circulating the Internet.

That's right, the DHS had to address a James Franco movie because of terrorist plots / rumors online that are making people nervous about heading to the movies on Christmas Day- which is one of the biggest movie days of the year! “We are still analyzing the credibility of these statements, but at this time there is no credible intelligence to indicate an active plot against movie theaters within the United States,” the DHS official said in a statement. “As always, DHS will continue to adjust our security posture, as appropriate, to protect the American people.” The unsigned note, assumed to be from the hackers who breached the computer system of Sony Pictures last month, is the first threat of physical violence in the on-going drama. (Forbes)

If you're concerned about safety during a movie, please follow the steps below and always report suspicious activity You can always connect with me on Twitter too. Let's continue the conversation.

Steps for Movie Safety;

1. Sit in the back row, preferably on one side or the other. This not only gives you a clear view of everything — and everyone — in the theater, but it also gives you easy access to the door.

2. See movies early in the day. There’s no telling when a psychotic person might open fire in a crowded area, but safe to say it’s more likely to happen at a midnight screening than an afternoon matinee.

3. Keep your cell phone handy. It’s polite to stay off your cell phone during a movie. No one likes seeing that flash of blue screen in a dark theater. But keep your phone on and handy, in case you need to make an emergency call.

Until tomorrow,

Twyla N. Garrett

The New Website (HireIME.com) Is Up!

My team and I are soooooo pleased to announce the launch of our brand new website, HireIme.com.

3 “MUST” Networking Tips for Women Business Owners

I was recently asked if I had ever felt funny networking at a mixed gender event. Well, first of all, life is a mixed gender event. Second, I never have felt “funny” but I’ve always been a straight forward person who has worked among more men than women. That’s when it occurred to me that new business owners, who happen to be female, may need some tips on networking.
So, I went back and checked-in with the woman who asked me this question. I wanted to know what her experience was that she would ask me such a question. It turns out, she felt that men may have mistaken her business advances as an excuse to flirt. She was concerned about lines being perceived wrong at mixed gender events.

As a result of her question, I’ve put together 3 tips to help females new to business ownership proudly boast their companies, and build professional relationships, without feeling “funny.”
1. Practice your elevator pitch in the car and into a recording device. There are many apps that can record your thoughts while driving. Download one on your smart phone. Practice several elevator pitches in the car on the way into work. 8 hours (or more) later when driving home, listen to them. You will know what sounds great, what makes you cringe, and what to polish.
2. Be a giver. Don’t go into any event seeking a business deal or referral source. Instead, offer to do something for everyone you meet. This way, no single person feels you’re offering an “extra special” incentive because you’re interested in him or her. For example, if you own a bakery- have special business cards printed up with an offer for a free brownie every time the person visits your shop in-person.
3. Don’t drink more than one glass of wine and no hard liquor. This goes for any event at any point during your career as a business owner. No one likes a sloppy drunk and no one will take someone who can’t be responsible with their liquor intake at a corporate event seriously- especially when it comes to signing a contract or referring business to that same person.
Have more questions? Let’s connect on Twitter.

Twyla Garrett

Twyla Garrett's Speaking Video, SWAMFest 10

Two terrorists set free into U.S. by Homeland Security Dept.

Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson acknowledged Tuesday that his department had to release two men who admitted they were part of a terrorist group from Turkey, after a judge ordered them to be let out — a decision he said he disagreed with. So, why even spend the money to catch them? Where is the balance and common sense?

As I discuss in my book, there is a lot of red tape and rules that don't seem to interact well with one another in this country. Plus, we have rights that still have to be protected and we have programs without the proper funding resources. There isn't a single issue that I can point my finger at tonight and say, "Yes, this is where we failed" when it comes to this specific situation. So, where are these men today? We don't know. We lost track of them once they were released. All we know is they entered Canada seeking asylum. That's it.

Mr. Johnson had to be transparent with this matter and I'm sure he is very frustrated with the Judge's decision. I think many people are. Now, to be fair, the men in question are considered terrorists by the USA because of their group affiliation. Both men were members of the PKK, or Kurdistan Workers’ Party, which has been battling for Kurdish rights within Turkey for decades. Our country put the PKK (and its members) on the list of Terrorists groups even though they technically don't fall into the same category as other terrorist groups who truly want to hurt America. So, it is a grey area and while we need to use more common sense in this country (who is to say the PKK claim wasn't a cover), we also can't have across-the-board rules that confine people seeking asylum or let those who want to harm our country slip through our hands because of a loop hole.

There is no "right" answer here. Only frustrating facts and valid arguments on all sides of this issue. I'm hopeful, going forward, that we can address scenarios like these in a more microscopic manner. Now, because the men are in Canada, it will be hard to watch them and see if we made the right decision as a country. Instead, we have to hope, wait and see.

Twyla Garrett of IME.

Cyber Monday and Holiday Shopping Online

There is no doubt my company, IME, specializes in consulting on homeland security issues and mass gathering security concerns. This said, today is Cyber Monday. Many of you are shopping right now while reading this from a split screen. We are spending money online and handing out our personal information as if it were candy. So, how do you know if your credit and personal information is truly safe today- or any day you partake in online shopping?

Well, in honor of Cyber Monday and the holiday season in general- I’m listing my top 3 ways to keep your personal info. secure online.

1. Keep your firewall security and anti-virus software up-to-date. The biggest mistake I see people make is to assume that just because they have downloaded anti-virus software, that it is good for the life of the computer. No, it’s not! You need up update all your software- including your anti-virus software- on a continued basis otherwise it is ineffective.
2. Be wary of add-ons. Many games and plug-ins are written by third party companies and not the social network. Look before you leap.
3. Make sure the store you are shopping from has an https:// header before checking out. If it doesn’t have the “s” then the website isn’t secure and your personal information and payment information can easily be breached.

Until tomorrow,
Twyla N. Garrett