Never take a clouded view of Internet Security when you have Cloud PBX
Your smartphone may be smarter than you think
In my previous entry on the importance of Cloud PBX security, we talked about distressing Internet security breaches as discussed by ComputerWorld’s eyeopening An Interactive Eguide on Enterprise Security. Unknown to the common user, another disconcerting revelation in the article was how smartphones have actually doubled as the 007s of today.
Smartphones are vital in any virtual phone system. They’re the ultimate on-the-go gadget. What make them unique from your regular mobiles are the smartphone applications that offer added functionalities and make business VoIP transactions even more efficient. In our excitement to get hold of these apps, we ignore the possibility of inviting more security risks into an already vulnerable communication system.
Preston Gralla warns that apps can trace Web behavior and take your phone number and your phone’s unique ID number. What’s more, these data may be automatically distributed to mobile ad networks. I remember allowing a free SMS app in my Facebook account, and it automatically tagged contacts in an advertisement unrelated to SMS, using my name. The thing is, I was “warned”, just like many smartphone apps would too, before I authorized it. In our rush to use these apps, we don’t even think about the consequences. A joint research last October 2010 by Intel Labs, Penn State, and Duke University showed that 15 out 30 Android apps tested sent users’ geographical data to remote ad servers without users being aware of this. Seven of the apps sent the unique phone identifier, while some sent the phone numbers and serial numbers to app vendors. Research also revealed that 20 percent allowed third party access to users’ info, 5 percent could make phone calls and 2 percent could send text messages to a premium for-pay number without users’ intervention. This is not only relevant for Android users as the Apple iOS may also be affected.
Given these risks, what can you do to make your PBX phone system and devices more secure? Go on to part three, Simple Steps towards Internet Security.
Evan Zimmermann: For the love of the ‘Watch’
Evan Zimmermann is an entrepreneur best known as the CEO as well as the President of Antiquorum Auctioneers, a Geneva based Swiss auction house that specializes in contemporary and vintage timepieces. Antiquorum is the largest auction house of the world that exclusively specializes in horology.
Evan Zimmermann has worked industriously to make sure Antiquorum is able to create its own place in the auction world and cater to the market for watch collectors by selling rare, prized clocks, pocket watches and wristwatches worldwide.
Evan Zimmermann initially joined Antiquorum as a company lawyer but realized soon enough that his heart lay somewhere else. He was a timepiece fanatic and realized early on that timepieces represented a timeless connection that deserved to be cherished. He quit his post as lawyer and came on as Managing Director instead.
Under Evan Zimmermann’s management, international sales and profits of Antiquorum witnessed quite a high in a mere two year span. Evan Zimmermann’s “reign” managed to see some famous pieces sold like the pocket watch owned by Gandhi and Einstein’s Longiness wristwatch. The Rolex Submarine owned by Steve McQueen fetched a price 20 times its original estimate and thus set a new world record.
Another notable world record was set when a rare 1939 Patek Philippe platinum wristwatch fetched a price that was more than twice of previous record holding price. There were so many other places when the most of the exotic designs made huge records and the people at that time were just crazy about those models. They always wanted to have one of their own and show off.
Evan Zimmermann himself is a distinguished watch collector. He owns and updates a wish list for exceptional and rare timepieces and plans on acquiring them the moment they become available. The Rolex Comex 1680 makes the top of this wish list since only 50 models of this type were made and only a few originals have survived. He never ceases to plan new approaches to further establish Antiquorum as the world leader in watch auctioning.
Evan Zimmermann believes in staying up to date with any advancement in horology. Thus, two hours of his day are devoted to surfing Timezone.com, a website very well known to watch collectors. This is a forum where watch buffs like him can share their opinions and take part in interactive discussions. Evan Zimmermann is also a frequent attendee of worldwide timepiece-related shows.
The Many Contributions of Joe Schnaier
Over the past few decades, it has become very clear that people need to start taking the sensitivity of the environment very seriously. Scientific evidence has shown that the Earth is beginning to warm, and it may reach a point where polar icecaps could melt, which could have a devastating impact on life on the entire planet. Due the serious issue surrounding the environment, it is important that all people take steps to ensure that they are more environmentally conscious. Luckily, some people are taking it even further by developing innovating new ways to be greener. One person who is doing more than their part to make the Earth a better place to live is Joe Schnaier.
Joe Schnaier is a businessman based in Lincoln, NE, who has taken several steps to make the world a better place. Schnaier has been interested in environmental science for his entire adult life. His pursuit to begin to improve the environment began when he was in college, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science.
Following the completion of his formal education, Schnaier immediately began to look for ways that he could make Lincoln, and the rest of the planet a better place to live. Over 10 years ago, Schnaier went against the mold and built a grocery store that focused on selling environmentally friendly products. While these stores are far more common today, Schnaier was among the first local businessmen in Lincoln to sell organic foods, household items, and gifts. His store is still in business today and has increasingly become one of the most popular grocers and markets in the Lincoln area. It is particularly enjoyed by health advocates and others who believe in living a healthy and environmentally friendly lifestyle.
Beyond owning and operating his green grocery store and market, Schnaier is also widely involved in making positive changes at the governmental level. Schnaier was an integral member in the formation of the Natural Resource Defense Council, which he co-founded over 40 years ago. The organization today has about 350 members, each of whom have been influential in passing regulation to make the United States a more environmentally conscious place to live. The organization was integral in helping institute many environmentally friendly policies, including outlawing aersol cans that produce CPC emissions, reducing water pollution, improving mass transit in cities across the country, and finding alternatives to offshore oil drilling.