building healthier technology habits with your devices with Geelong Technology Group
By admin IT Support • 0 Comments

Take charge of your technology: 7 Tips for building healthier technology habits

In this Choose Your Own Adventure scenario, the powers-that-be have decided that the internet should be turned off for at least an hour daily. How do you react? Do you embrace the time away from your devices and head out for a walk? (Turn to some other blog!) Or do you start rocking in a corner? (Read on!)

Although smartphone use is now integral to many parts of our busy lives, research has shown that excessive use of devices is associated with sleep problems, impaired cognitive function, anxiety and depression. The good news is that a recent study has shown that a conscious reduction of daily smartphone use by just one hour can contribute to greater mental wellbeing and a healthier lifestyle.

So, let’s get started today! Here are some tips to help you build healthier technology habits with your phone and other devices: 

1. Set boundaries

Yes, sorry, this does involve some work on your part! And one of the most important things you can do is set boundaries for your technology use. Avoid using your phone during meal times or when spending time with your family or friends. You can also establish ‘no device’ zones in your house. An obvious one is your bedroom. An even more obvious one is the bathroom!

2. Replace your alarm clock

With your bedroom now an official ‘no phone zone’ – it’s likely you’ll need something other than your smartphone to wake you up. Invest in an old-fashioned alarm clock (or one of those new-fangled options that wake you gently with ‘natural sunrise colours’!).

3. Install a screen-time tracker

It’s always easier to fix a problem when we know the exact parameters of the problem. Use a screen-time tracker such as Apple’s iOS Screen Time app or the Android Digital Wellbeing app to see when and where you’re spending the most time online. Once you know which apps are your biggest time-suckers, you can start to break those bad habits (see Set Boundaries above and Practice mindful use below!).

4. Practice mindful use

Mindful use means being intentional about how you use your devices. And now that you know your online Achilles heel(s) via your screen-time tracker, you can set specific time limits for those apps or activities. Focus on one task at a time. Limit multitasking (which can lead to feelings of stress and overwhelm). And avoid mindless scrolling!

5. Customise your settings

You can enhance your ability to practice mindful use by customising your device and app settings. Many devices now come with built-in tools to help you manage your technology use. You can set screen time limits, for example, or turn off notifications for certain apps. You can even go so far as to set up the ‘Do Not Disturb’ function so that all texts, notifications – and even phone calls – are effectively silenced at certain times (dinner, overnight, work hours, kid’s sporting events etc…!).

6. Take breaks

Taking breaks from technology is essential for our mental health and wellbeing. If the powers-that-be really did turn off the internet for an hour a day, other than causing chaos, it would actually be a good thing! Set aside time each day to disconnect and do something offline – rediscover the joy of reading a book, heading out for a walk or spending ‘us time’ with your family or pets. You can also try taking a digital detox for a day or a weekend to help you reset your priorities and recharge your wellbeing battery.

7. Establish healthy technology habits

It is essential to establish healthy habits when it comes to your technology use. This starts with ‘everyday’ things like getting enough sleep, staying physically active and taking care of your mental health. By prioritising your overall wellbeing, you’ll be better equipped to manage your technology use in a healthy way. Don’t be beholden to your technology – take charge today!

Contact Geelong’s technology specialists

Okay, so we can’t help you break your smartphone habit (aside from setting up apps and daily limits), but we can help with just about anything else tech-related. If your device is playing up, you need a tech upgrade or you’re concerned about cybersecurity, we’re here to help. (We even offer a pick-up and drop-off service!) 

Our experienced technicians and retail staff are here to help with advice and support for Geelong and Bellarine Peninsula homes and businesses. 

☎️ 1300 GET GTG (1300 438 484)

📨 support@geelongtechnology.com.au

📍 166 Francis St, Belmont

 

reduce the cost of a data breach with Geelong Technology Group
By admin Data Security • • 0 Comments

Cybersecurity: How your business can reduce the cost of a data breach

In an ideal world, there would be no such thing as a data breach. Try as they might, cybercriminals would be thwarted by your business’ up-to-date cybersecurity strategies, your cybersecurity awareness training and your plugging of all possible cybersecurity holes.

Of course, unfortunately, cyberattacks and data breaches still occur. This isn’t to say that employing the best possible cybersecurity measures isn’t a great idea. It is. But planning should go beyond prevention to mitigation, should the unthinkable occur.

Effects of a cyber-attack and data breach

The effects of a successful cyber-attack can be catastrophic, particularly for SMBs unprepared for this event. The consequences of a breach can be not only financial, affecting your bottom line (as well as causing downtime, loss of productivity and decreased morale), but also impact your business reputation, reducing trust in your company name. A successful data breach can also leave your business open to legal liabilities.

How to prevent and mitigate cyber attacks

Prevention is, of course, preferable to mitigation. Making cybersecurity an ongoing process is the best way to not only reduce the likelihood of an attack, but may also reduce the damage should an attack occur:

  • Ensure you have a comprehensive cybersecurity plan
  • Keep software updated with the latest security patches
  • Use best-in-class antivirus software
  • Secure devices from hackers with firewalls, complex passwords and multi-factor authentication
  • Educate your employees about the risk of cyberattacks with training and ongoing support

How to reduce the impact of a data breach

The best way to reduce the impact of a data breach is to be 100% ready to contain it. This means not only having a comprehensive incident response (IR) plan, but also practicing it. Having a practised IR plan reduces the cost of a data breach. You and your employees will have a set of instructions should any cybersecurity incident occur, and containment will be a well-rehearsed step-by-step process. (Not a chicken-with-its-head-cut-off chaos!)

Using the right security tools can also reduce the impact of a cybersecurity incident. Tools such as advanced threat protection (ATP) deploy security AI and automate the response to any threats detected (quarantining potentially malicious files, for instance). Using a hybrid cloud approach may also lessen the impact of a breach, offering agility and flexibility should you need to pivot your business following an attack. 

Small businesses must be ready for cyberattacks – contact Geelong’s cybersecurity experts for help

For many small business owners, the threat of a cyberattack may seem remote. Thinking you’re not a target, however, is a huge mistake. Cybercriminals will often attack the weakest targets. And often, the weakest targets are small businesses whose cybersecurity measures are not up to scratch.

Now is the time to review your defences, boost your security and create mitigation plans. For assistance with a multifaceted solution that involves infrastructure assessment, awareness training, cybersecurity measures and IR plan implementation, give Geelong Technology Group a call.

We service Geelong, the Bellarine Peninsula, the Surf Coast, Golden Plains, Colac, Warrnambool and beyond, so get in contact today!