Are you a small business owner or a freelancer who offers services online? If so, you might be wondering how to get paid by your customers in a fast and convenient way. You might have tried different payment platforms. But they often require you to switch between different apps or websites. This can be time-consuming and confusing.
There is now another option to streamline the payment process. Microsoft has launched the Teams Payments app. This is a new feature that allows you to request and receive payments from your customers. You do it within Microsoft Teams meetings.
The Teams Payments app is currently available in the United States and Canada. Subscribers to Teams Essentials and Microsoft 365 Business get it at no charge.
How Does the Teams Payment App Work?
The Teams Payments app is simple to use. You can get the app from the Microsoft AppStore. You add it to your Teams account and connect it to your preferred payment service. You can choose from:
Stripe
PayPal
GoDaddy
Once you have set up the app, you can start requesting payments from your customers in Teams meetings.
How Do You Send a Payment Request?
To send a payment request, you just need to open the meeting chat. Then, select the Payments icon from the messaging extensions. Then, you can fill out a simple form. It includes the amount, currency, description, and recipients of your request.
You can send the same request to several people if you want. The app will generate a card that shows the status of each payment, whether it is unpaid or paid.
Your customers will see the same card in their meeting chat. They can click on the Pay Now button to complete their payment. The system will redirect them to the payment service that you have connected to the app. There, they can enter their payment details and confirm their transaction.
Once they have done that, they will see a confirmation message in the chat. You will receive a notification that your payment has been processed.
The Teams Payments app has many benefits. Both for small businesses and freelancers who offer online services. Here are some of them:
It saves time and hassle.
You don’t need to switch between different apps or websites. You can easily request and receive payments from your customers. You can do everything within Teams meetings. This makes it more convenient and efficient for both parties.
It increases customer satisfaction and loyalty.
Your customers will appreciate the ease of paying you through Teams meetings. They don’t need to create an account or download an app to pay you. They can complete their transaction in a few clicks right inside the meeting.
It boosts your revenue and cash flow.
You can get paid faster and more securely by using the Teams Payments app. You don’t need to wait for invoices or checks to clear. You can receive your money within minutes of completing a service. Either directly into your bank account or PayPal account.
It enhances your professional image and credibility.
You can show your customers that you are using a reliable and trusted payment platform. One built by a well-known company that has been a technology leader for decades. You can also add a seller policy to your payment requests. Here you can specify your terms and conditions, cancellation policy, refund policy, etc.
It helps you keep track of payments.
Keeping track of payments is crucial for financial management. With the Teams Payments App, you can track transactions in real-time. You’ll receive instant notifications for successful payments. It will help you maintain a comprehensive record of your financial interactions.
It’s seamlessly integrated with Microsoft 365.
The Teams Payments App seamlessly integrates with Microsoft 365. You can leverage the power of Microsoft’s ecosystem. Using it to manage your communications, collaborations, and payments together. No need for more logins or complicated setups – it’s all within one platform.
It increases productivity.
Efficiency is the key to productivity. You reduce the time spent on payment-related tasks by integrating Payments into Teams. This efficiency translates into increased productivity. It allows you and your team to focus on core business activities and driving growth.
The Teams Payments app marks a significant leap in digital business transactions. By leveraging this powerful tool, you’re simplifying payments. You’re also enhancing customer experiences, ensuring data security, and boosting productivity.
We Can Help You Get More Out of Microsoft 365
The Teams Payments app is a great way to simplify and streamline your payment process. It can help you save time, increase customer satisfaction, and boost revenue.
Need help with this or other Microsoft 365 tools? Our experts can work with you to help you make the most out of your Microsoft subscription.
The global cost of a data breach last year was USD $4.45 million. This is an increase of 15% over three years. As we step into 2024, it’s crucial to be aware of emerging technology threats. Ones that could potentially disrupt and harm your business.
Technology is evolving at a rapid pace. It’s bringing new opportunities and challenges for businesses and individuals alike. Not all technology is benign. Some innovations can pose serious threats to our digital security, privacy, and safety.
In this article, we’ll highlight some emerging technology threats to be aware of in 2024 and beyond.
Data Poisoning Attacks
Data poisoning involves corrupting datasets used to train AI models. By injecting malicious data, attackers can skew algorithms’ outcomes. This could lead to incorrect decisions in critical sectors like healthcare or finance. Some actions are vital in countering this insidious threat. These include protecting training data integrity and implementing robust validation mechanisms.
Businesses should use AI-generated data cautiously. It should be heavily augmented by human intelligence and data from other sources.
5G Network Vulnerabilities
The widespread adoption of 5G technology introduces new attack surfaces. With an increased number of connected devices, the attack vector broadens. IoT devices, reliant on 5G networks, might become targets for cyberattacks. Securing these devices and implementing strong network protocols is imperative. Especially to prevent large-scale attacks.
Ensure your business has a robust mobile device management strategy. Mobile is taking over much of the workload Organizations should properly track and manage how these devices access business data.
Quantum Computing Vulnerabilities
Quantum computing, the herald of unprecedented computational power, also poses a threat. Its immense processing capabilities could crack currently secure encryption methods. Hackers might exploit this power to access sensitive data. This emphasizes the need for quantum-resistant encryption techniques to safeguard digital information.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) Manipulation
AI, while transformative, can be manipulated. Cybercriminals might exploit AI algorithms to spread misinformation. They are already creating convincing deepfakes and automating phishing attacks. Vigilance is essential as AI-driven threats become more sophisticated. It demands robust detection mechanisms to discern genuine from malicious AI-generated content.
Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) Exploits
AR and VR technologies offer immersive experiences. But they also present new vulnerabilities. Cybercriminals might exploit these platforms to deceive users, leading to real-world consequences.
Ensuring the security of AR and VR applications is crucial. Especially to prevent user manipulation and privacy breaches. This is very true in sectors like gaming, education, and healthcare.
Ransomware Evolves
Ransomware attacks have evolved beyond simple data encryption. Threat actors now use double extortion tactics. They steal sensitive data before encrypting files. If victims refuse to pay, hackers leak or sell this data, causing reputational damage.
Some defenses against this evolved ransomware threat include:
Robust backup solutions
Regular cybersecurity training
Proactive threat hunting
Supply Chain Attacks Persist
Supply chain attacks remain a persistent threat. Cybercriminals infiltrate third-party vendors or software providers to compromise larger targets. Strengthening supply chain cybersecurity is critical in preventing cascading cyber incidents. Businesses can do this through rigorous vendor assessments, multi-factor authentication, and continuous monitoring.
Biometric Data Vulnerability
Biometric authentication methods, such as fingerprints or facial recognition, are becoming commonplace. But users can’t change biometric data once compromised, like they can passwords. Protect biometric data through secure encryption. Ensure that service providers follow strict privacy regulations. These are paramount to preventing identity theft and fraud.
Advanced Phishing Attacks
Phishing attacks are one of the oldest and most common forms of cyberattacks. These attacks are becoming more sophisticated and targeted thanks to AI. For example, hackers customize spear phishing attacks to a specific individual or organization. They do this based on online personal or professional information.
Another example is vishing attacks. These use voice calls or voice assistants to impersonate legitimate entities. They convincingly persuade victims to take certain actions.
Ongoing employee phishing training is vital. As well as automated solutions to detect and defend against phishing threats.
Tips for Defending Against These Threats
As technology evolves, so do the threats that we face. Thus, it’s important to be vigilant and proactive. Here are some tips that can help:
Educate yourself and others about the latest technology threats.
Use strong passwords and multi-factor authentication for all online accounts.
Update your software and devices regularly to fix any security vulnerabilities.
Avoid clicking on suspicious links or attachments in emails or messages.
Verify the identity and legitimacy of any callers or senders. Do this before providing any information or taking any actions.
Back up your data regularly to prevent data loss in case of a cyberattack.
Invest in a reliable cyber insurance policy. One that covers your specific needs and risks.
Report any suspicious or malicious activity to the relevant authorities.
Need Help Ensuring Your Cybersecurity is Ready for 2024?
Last year’s solutions might not be enough to protect against this year’s threats. Don’t leave your security at risk. We can help you with a thorough cybersecurity assessment, so you know where you stand.
Microsoft 365 has a powerful suite of cloud-based productivity tools. They can help you work smarter and faster. Microsoft has consistently been at the forefront of innovation. M365 was one of the very first all-in-one cloud tools, introduced as Office 365 in 2013. Now, Microsoft and its business tools are at the leading edge of generative AI.
The Microsoft 365 platform has been adding some amazing AI innovations. They sit inside tools like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, and more. If you know how to use them, these smart features can enhance your experience. As well as significantly boosting your productivity.
Next, we will explore some of the ways you can leverage Microsoft 365’s new AI innovations. So that you can get more out of your work.
Microsoft Copilot: A Game-Changer in Collaboration
Microsoft Copilot is the crown jewel of Microsoft’s AI innovations. It’s designed to be your virtual collaborator. It can help you generate code, write documents, and even craft emails more efficiently. This AI-powered tool is built on the foundations of OpenAI’s ChatGPT technology. This enables it to understand context and anticipate your needs. As well as generate content in a remarkably human-like manner.
Here are some of the tools in the Microsoft universe that incorporate Copilot:
Word
Excel
PowerPoint
Outlook
Teams
Edge
Windows
Bing
Dynamics 365 Sales
How can you take advantage of the benefits offered by Microsoft Copilot? Here are a few ways to jump on the added efficiency and time-savings they bring.
1. Speed Up Document Creation
In the realm of document creation, Copilot shines as a versatile writing companion. It helps when drafting a report, crafting a presentation, or composing an email. Copilot provides intelligent suggestions, helping you articulate your thoughts more effectively. It speeds up the writing process. It also ensures that your content is clear, concise, and tailored to your audience.
2. Enhance Your Teams Meeting Experience
One of the key strengths of Copilot is its ability to enhance collaboration across teams. It can create coherent and context-aware responses. Such as a summary of meeting notes and an action item list.
Another helpful feature is the ability to catch up on what you’ve missed. Have you arrived late to a Teams meeting? You can just ask it to summarize the important points of the conversation so far.
3. Create PowerPoints with Ease
More people can become “PowerPoint Masters” with Copilot. The AI-infused features in PPT can create a slide deck for you based on text prompts.
It can tap into Microsoft’s stock images to fill your slides. Copilot will also suggest text to use based on your presentation topic. Do you have a PowerPoint that you need help with? The tool can reorganize your slides for a better presentation flow.
4. Enjoy Smart Business Insights in Excel
Another new AI innovation in Microsoft 365 is Excel Ideas. This feature can help you analyze and visualize your data with ease. Excel Ideas can automatically detect patterns and trends in your data. It will suggest charts, tables, and summaries that best suit your needs.
You can also use Excel Ideas to ask natural language questions about your data. Such as, “What is the average sales by region?” or “Which product has the highest profit margin?” You’ll get instant answers in the form of charts or formulas.
5. Save Time in Outlook with AI Help
We all get those long emails from time to time. The ones that you push to the bottom of your inbox for when you have more time. Well, the new Copilot feature in Outlook can help. Just ask it to summarize the key points of an email for you to save yourself reading time.
You can also use Copilot in Outlook to help write emails. It will save help by providing a first draft. As well as suggesting responses to emails in your inbox.
A Future of Intelligent Productivity
As we embrace the era of intelligent productivity, Microsoft 365 becomes more powerful. Its new AI innovations pave the way for a more efficient work environment.
By incorporating these capabilities into your daily workflow, you’re staying competitive. As well as setting the pace for the future of work.
Tap into the Future with Our M365 Services
Microsoft 365’s commitment to continuous improvement ensures that you have cutting-edge tools. The ones needed to stay ahead, innovate, and thrive. Especially in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. Embrace the power of AI. Unlock a new dimension of productivity with Microsoft 365.
Our team of M365 experts can help you ensure you’re getting the full benefit of these features. As well as new ones Microsoft is developing and rolling out in the coming months. We’ll help your team save time and improve your bottom line.
The annual Consumer Electronics Show (CES) was an exciting one this year. It left us with a mind-blowing glimpse into the future of technology. CES 2024 showcased a smorgasbord of cutting-edge gadgets. Including transparent TVs and robot pet buddies. These gadgets promise to revolutionize our homes and the way we interact with the world.
With so much innovation on display, which products truly stood out as the coolest of the cool? Buckle up as we delve into the hottest highlights from CES 2024!
Beyond the Screen: Immersive Entertainment Takes Center Stage
CES is always a hotbed for mind-bending displays, and 2024 was no different. Here are some innovations that will redefine how we experience entertainment:
Samsung’s S95D OLED TV: Samsung touts it as the ultimate gaming TV. This device boasts the world’s first 4K 144Hz panel. It’s designed to enable gamers to react faster than ever. It delivers glare protection and has 20% higher brightness than last year’s model.
LG’s 4K Transparent OLED TV: Imagine a TV that blends in perfectly with any decor. This futuristic marvel from LG redefines the concept of a home theater. It has a 77-inch UHD transparent OLED display. The customizable design includes shelves of metal frame material. It’s designed to look like furniture, blending beautifully in any home.
TCL’s Mini LED TVs: TCL introduced the “world’s largest” mini LED TV. The 115-inch device is designed to exceed the highest performance standards. It has 20,000 Local Dimming Zones to bring otherworldly depth and detail.
These are just a taste of the mind-blowing display advancements showcased at CES. With each iteration, TVs are evolving into immersive portals for entertainment. They’re increasingly blurring the lines between reality and the digital world.
The Wellness Revolution: Gadgets for a Healthier, Happier You
CES isn’t just about entertainment. It’s also about harnessing technology to improve our well-being. Here are some health and fitness gadgets that caught our eye:
Evie Ring: This sleek, non-invasive ring is a game-changer for women’s health tracking. It monitors a wide range of important data. Including, sleep patterns, heart rate, blood oxygen levels, and menstrual cycles. The Evie Ring provides women with a holistic picture of their health. Plus, it looks great too!
BMind Smart Mirror: Get ready to transform your bathroom into a personalized sanctuary. This AI-powered mirror attunes to your energy levels. It responds through lights, sound, and display. It’s the first smart mirror to incorporate cutting-edge AI. It can interpret expressions, gestures, and language. BMind even has an AI-driven virtual mindfulness coach.
LIPCURE BEAM: Amorepacific touts this as the world’s first beauty tech. It offers personalized lip and makeup care. Sensors incorporated in the tool offer lip-related diagnosis and treatment. LIPCURE BEAM reacts to specialized light spectrum. It can fortify collagen fibers in lips as well as establish moisture barriers.
These are just a few of the exciting advancements in wellness tech showcased at CES. The exciting products also included non-invasive health trackers and interactive workout experiences. CES 2024 highlights how technology is becoming part of achieving a healthier lifestyle.
The Future is Here: Unveiling the Unexpected
CES also throws some curveballs. This includes showcasing innovative concepts that push the boundaries of technology. Here are a couple of “out there” products that generated a lot of buzz:
Samsung’s Self-Driving-based Home Buddy: Move over, Roomba! Samsung unveiled a Self-Driving-based Projection System. It is the soul of the Home Buddy robot projector. It enables Home Buddy to move about a home and cast projections of videos, apps, etc. on suitable surfaces. This technology hints at the future. One where robots become integrated helpers in our daily lives.
Mymanu CLIK Pro Immersive Translation Earbuds: Ever wanted to speak another language? Mymanu’s CLICK earbuds put powerful translation capabilities in your ears. It enables users to communicate in over 50 languages. It offers an immersive experience to break down language barriers.
ORo Dog Companion: Why should humans have all the robotic fun? Ogmen Robotics introduced ORo an autonomous robot to keep your pets company. It can play, deliver treats, and even has a medication dispenser. ORo also integrates with several smart pet accessories. For the owners, it creates video stories for fun social media sharing.
These “out there” concepts may not be hitting store shelves anytime soon. But they showcase the relentless pace of innovation in the tech world.
Need Some Help Securing Your Smart Home?
CES 2024 gave us a glimpse into the future. Where technology becomes even more integrated into our lives. While smart homes are convenient, they also pose risks. Especially when it comes to cybersecurity.
Do you need help ensuring your smart home is safe from hackers? Contact us today to learn how we can help.
With cyber threats evolving at an alarming pace, staying ahead of the curve is crucial. It’s a must for safeguarding sensitive information. Data security threats are becoming more sophisticated and prevalent. The landscape must change to keep up. In 2024, we can expect exciting developments alongside persistent challenges.
Over 70% of business professionals say their data privacy efforts are worth it. And that their business receives “significant” or “very significant” benefits from those efforts.
Staying informed about these trends is crucial. This is true whether you’re an individual or a business safeguarding valuable data.
Here are some key areas to watch.
1. The Rise of the Machines: AI and Machine Learning in Security
Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) are no longer futuristic concepts. They are actively shaping the cybersecurity landscape. This year, we’ll likely see a further rise in their application:
Enhanced Threat Detection: AI and ML algorithms excel at analyzing massive datasets. This enables them to identify patterns and anomalies that might escape human notice. This translates to a quicker detection of and reaction to potential cyber threats.
Predictive Analytics: AI can predict potential vulnerabilities and suggest proactive measures. It does this by analyzing past cyberattacks and security incidents.
Automated Response: AI can go beyond detection and analysis. Professionals can program it to automatically isolate compromised systems. As well as block malicious activity and trigger incident response procedures. This saves valuable time and reduces the potential impact of attacks.
AI and ML offer significant benefits. But it’s important to remember they are tools, not magic solutions. Deploying them effectively requires skilled professionals. Experts who can interpret the data and make informed decisions.
2. Battling the Ever-Evolving Threat: Ransomware
Ransomware is malicious software that encrypts data and demands a ransom for decryption. It has been a persistent threat for years. Unfortunately, it’s not going anywhere in 2024. Hackers are constantly refining their tactics, targeting individuals and businesses alike. Here’s what to expect:
More Targeted Attacks: Hackers will likely focus on meticulously selecting high-value targets. Such as critical infrastructure or businesses with sensitive data. They do this to maximize their impact and potential payout.
Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS): This enables those with limited technical expertise to rent ransomware tools. This makes it easier for a wider range of actors to launch attacks.
Double Extortion: Besides encrypting data, attackers might steal it beforehand. They then may threaten to leak it publicly if the ransom isn’t paid, adding pressure on victims.
3. Shifting Strategies: Earlier Data Governance and Security Action
Traditionally, companies have deployed data security measures later in the data lifecycle. For example, after data has been stored or analyzed. But a new approach towards earlier action is gaining traction in 2024. This means:
Embedding Security Early On: Organizations are no longer waiting until the end. Instead, they will integrate data controls and measures at the start of the data journey. This could involve setting data classification levels. As well as putting in place access restrictions. They will also be defining data retention policies early in the process.
Cloud-Centric Security: More organizations are moving towards cloud storage and processing. As they do this, security solutions will be closely integrated with cloud platforms. This ensures consistent security throughout the entire data lifecycle.
Compliance Focus: Data privacy regulations like GDPR and CCPA are becoming increasingly stringent. As this happens, companies will need to focus on data governance to ensure compliance.
4. Building a Fortress: Zero Trust Security and Multi-Factor Authentication
We’re in a world where traditional perimeter defenses are constantly breached. This is why the “Zero Trust” approach is gaining prominence. This security model assumes that no user or device is inherently trustworthy. Users and programs need access verification for every interaction. Here’s how it works:
Continuous Verification: Every access request will be rigorously scrutinized. This is regardless of its origin (inside or outside the network). Systems base verification on factors like user identity, device, location, and requested resources.
Least Privilege Access: Companies grant users the lowest access level needed to perform their tasks. This minimizes the potential damage if hackers compromise their credentials
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): MFA adds an important extra layer of security. It requires users to provide extra factors beyond their password.
5. When Things Get Personal: Biometric Data Protection
Biometrics include facial recognition, fingerprints, and voice patterns. They are becoming an increasingly popular form of authentication. But this also raises concerns about the potential for misuse and privacy violations:
Secure Storage Is Key: Companies need to store and secure biometric data. This is ideally in encrypted form to prevent unauthorized access or breaches.
Strict Regulation: Expect governments to install stricter regulations. These will be around the collection, use, and retention of biometric data. Organizations will need to ensure they adhere to evolving standards. They should also focus on transparency and user consent.
How to Prepare for Evolving Data Security Trends
Feeling a bit overwhelmed? Don’t worry, here are some practical steps you and your organization can take:
Stay Informed
Invest in Training
Review Security Policies
Embrace Security Technologies
Test Your Systems
Schedule a Data Security Assessment Today!
The data security landscape of 2024 promises to be both intriguing and challenging. We can help you navigate this evolving terrain with confidence.
A data security assessment is a great place to start. Contact us today to schedule yours.
