Completing your everyday tasks just isn't enough when it comes to getting under your boss's spotlight and landing a promotion. With everybody in the workplace showing up to complete their daily tasks, what makes you stand out?

In order to get promoted, you must get the attention of your employer, and in order to do that, you must differentiate yourself from the rest of the team.

Here are 9 tips to help you stand out and get the promotion you deserve.

1. Eye Contact

Studies have shown that human senses and brain cells are triggered when someone is looking at you, thanks to a phenomenon commonly known as a “gaze detector.” Whether it be a one-on-one exchange or a regular conference meeting, when conversing with your employer you have to maintain eye contact. A constantly shifting gaze or downcast eyes do not send the message that you're present and focused.

Don't forget, eye contact is also a strong indicator of a person's confidence level. And managers always appreciate a courageous and concentrated employee.

2. On-Time

Shakespeare once said, “Better three hours too soon than a minute too late.” Nothing broadcasts apathy toward your job more than showing up late to work, even if that's not your intention. In most cases, it's an occurrence that could have been easily avoided, so take care to plan your life properly. When you're late, you are potentially decreasing work productivity for your co-workers. By getting to work early, you are illustrating your dedication to your job; an attribute employers love and can't easily ignore.

3. Engagement

To get the promotion, you must take initiative. This means going above and beyond your average work tasks and responsibilities. Don’t be intimidated by taking the lead and becoming a driving force behind your team’s productivity. Be open to work on new projects and look for opportunities to volunteer to help. Even if your boss doesn't immediately recognize how engaged you are, they’ll see it through your numbers and productivity.

4. Dependability

It's every employer’s dream to be able to call on someone and delegate a task with zero concerns on if it will be completed in a correct or timely manner. When upper management delegates a task to you, that means they are putting their trust in your hands. Now it’s your job to make sure you deliver top quality work on time. Your capability to show up and deliver are only a few of the factors that prove your ability to be trusted. If your supervisor is constantly looking to you and delegating tasks your way, you're doing something right.

5. Know When To Speak Up

You have a voice, so you shouldn't be afraid to use it. An employee who gives their input on projects and business activities is an employee who cares. And those who care, get rewarded. Whether it be during meetings or face-to-face interactions, don't be intimidated to get involved on relevant topics and let your voice be heard. However, you don't want to overstep, so make sure you find a balance on when to pitch in and when to keep quiet.

6. Know When to Keep Your Mouth Shut

Some offices can sometimes sound like a high school cafeteria with the amount of gossip being passed around. Instead of the buzz being centered around the ‘popular kids’, it’s often revolved around business operations or a co-worker in the office. It's normal for individuals to vent about their problems and concerns, however, when you're in the office space, keep your nose clean. You do not need to be caught up in anyone else's drama or bad feelings. So when you’re in the office, keep your mouth shut and your eyes on your work.

7. Positivity

Time to turn the energy switch to level 1000. Put aside the morning's commuting nightmare, or the shoulder-check you received in the subway. When you walk into the office on Monday morning, put on a smile and wish everyone a good morning. Be enthusiastic around the office and provide a helping hand to your colleagues. Before you know it, your positivity will have spread throughout the entire building. Managers look to people who add to the office, and not those who look as if they dread their job.

8. Self Investment

As you're aware, you won't be the only person working to get a new position. You need to stand out, and the most dominant differentiator is your skillset. Use your personal time to increase your skills by taking a class, or earning a certification in a relevant field.  When your skills increase so does your value. So never stop learning, even if it means doing it on your own time.

9. Big Picture

Every successful company has long-term plans or goals. All of the tasks that you and your team members are working on are all little variables to the company's big equation. The goal is always at the top of upper management's agenda, so make it yours as well. Look for extra ways to contribute to the company’s big picture, even if it means you won't receive full recognition. 

And even if you don't get the next promotion that comes down the line, you'll be sending a very strong and clear message to your boss that you are a team player who is worth investing in.

Related Articles:

https://www.jpatrick.com/our-blog/5-reasons-why-you-should-never-turn-down-an-interview

Hiring managers know that filling vacancies can be time-consuming. Reading through resumes, conducting phone interviews, and vetting potential candidates can end up taking you away from your other responsibilities.

But taking the time to get the job done right from the very beginning, even before you start collecting resumes, can end up saving you time, money, and headaches. Spare yourself the struggle and do it right the first time.

Here are some important aspects to consider before you start seeing candidates for an opening.

Understand The Company

Let your mission statement be your guide to success!

A well-crafted mission statement, one that reveals the character of your company is one of the best ways to attract desirable candidates. Make sure that the key qualities that your company values are easily identifiable in all of your materials. If a company’s main focus is “Going Green” and the potential candidate disregards the practice of taking care of the environment, then maybe they're not the best pick for the position. When interviewing a candidate, ask how their personal goals intersect with the company’s goals. If both are in alignment, you could have a very good match on your hands.

Understand the Role

Before the interview process, it's important that you understand the open position and obligations that are embedded within it. Any vacancies should be thoroughly explored before you hand a job description off to human resources. Discover faults or pain points in the role. Find out why the position requires certain specifications.

A study from the National Business Research Institute has shown the two leading factors that attribute to a failed hire are poor skills match and unclear performance objectives.

This isn't to say that you need your human resources department to become experts on all company roles. However, you do want them to be familiar with the tasks that are performed during an average day, so the filtering process can run at a much more efficient pace. Putting yourself in the shoes of the candidate could further help your search to find the most qualified employee.

Also, take the time to understand why this certain position was left vacant. See if you can look through old employee concerns and reports. If you can assign a problem, then you can apply a solution. 

Now, Take Your Time (But Not Too Much Time)

Hiring managers need to strike a balance between finding qualified candidates and doing so in an efficient and respectable amount of time. Taking too long to close a hire can result in the loss of a worthy applicant, and rushing the process can lead to a bad match. According to the National Business Research Institute,  43% of employers cited that filling vacant positions in a limited amount of time resulted in unfit and unqualified hires.

You can think of the hiring process as oddly similar to the dating game. In a technical aspect, two parties engage, shape a bond, and establish goals that pursue together. When a company hires someone, they are granting them access to numerous resources and assets. An unsuccessful match can result in loss of time, money, and in some cases, can lead to security vulnerabilities.

Having to refill a position after a failed hire is a time consuming and costly endeavor. Find your balance and place the right candidate the first time.  

Cybersecurity, or. computer or information security is the art of protecting computers, networks, and data from damage, theft, unauthorized access, and loss.

As we have become more interconnected, bad actors have availed themselves of opportunities to threaten our assets. The rise in cybercrime has fueled demand for cybersecurity professionals, with the cybersecurity job market increasing by thirty-one percent since 2019. Since it seems highly unlikely that cyber threats are going anywhere, you can safely bet that the cybersecurity job market will not slow down anytime soon.

Top 10 Cyber Security Certifications

CompTIA Security 

The CompTIA Security+ is arguably the first security certification a cyber security professional should earn. This certification validates the core knowledge required in any cybersecurity role and provides a springboard to intermediate-level cybersecurity jobs, including best practices in hands-on troubleshooting. Taking this certification course helps ensure that you have the practical problem-solving skills required to:

• Understand and work with an awareness of relevant laws and policies, including principles of risk, governance, and compliance

•  Identify, analyze, and respond to security events and incidents

• Know how to monitor and secure contemporary hybrid environments including IoT, mobile, and cloud

• Assess the security position of an enterprise environment, recommend and implement appropriate solutions

Who is the CompTIA Security + certification for?

Earning a CompTIA Security + certification will help you advance in the following jobs:

• IT Auditors

• IT project managers

• Security Engineers and analysts

• DevOps/Software developers

• Network cloud engineer

• Help desk manager

• Administrators

• Systems Administrator

Prerequisites for the CompTIA Security + Certification

In order to become CompTIA certified, you need the CompTIA Network + and two years of experience in IT administration with a focus on security.

Cost of exam: $370

Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)

The CISA certification is foundational in a successful IT career. As an entry-to-mid-level professional, the CISA will demonstrate your expertise and ability to apply a risk-based approach to planning, executing, and reporting on audit engagements. 

CISA certification increases your credibility in the eyes of internal stakeholders, customers, and external auditors. In addition to improved job performance, you could see an increase in pay by 20 percent or more. 

Who is the CISA for?

The CISA certification is for entry-to-mid-level IT professionals including: 

•  Audit manager 

• Cybersecurity auditor 

• Information security analyst 

• IT security engineer 

• IT project manager 

• Compliance program manager 

Prerequisites for the CISA Certification

In order to take the CISA certification, candidates must have at least five years of professional experience in:

• Information systems auditing
• Control

If you do not yet have five years of work experience there are some work substitutions a CISA candidate can satisfy that will substitute one year of work experience.

• A maximum of one year of information systems experience OR one year of non-information systems auditing experience.
  
  
• 60 to 120 completed university semester credit hours (60 credit hours replaces one year of work experience, 120 credit hours replaces two years of work experience).
  
  
• A master’s or bachelor’s degree from a university that sponsors ISACA programs. 
  
  
• Teaching computer science, information systems auditing, or accounting at the college level.

Price of the CISA Certification: $575 for members/$760 for non-members

Certified Information Systems Security Professional(CISSP)

The CISSP has been voted one of the best certification courses in the cyber security industry, is highly valued by employees and has become the national standard for security professionals. Becoming CISSP certified shows that you have what it takes to effectively design, implement, and manage a best-in-class cybersecurity program.

Becoming  CISSP certified validates your expertise as an (ISC)² member, which entails gaining access to a plethora of exclusive resources, educational tools, and networking opportunities in the cyber world.

Although the time and financial investment are substantial, the career rewards often prove valuable (in some cases compensation increases by 25 percent) as professionals with the CISSP are in demand.

Who is the CISSP for?

The CISSP is ideal for experienced cyber security professionals who are interested in proving their knowledge across a wide range of principles and practices. Common job titles include:

• Chief Information Security Officer

• Chief Information Officer

• Director of Security

• IT Director/Manager

• Security Systems Engineer, Analysts, Managers, Auditors, Consultants, and Architects

• Network Architect

Prerequisites for the CISSP

In order to be eligible for the CISSP exam, you must have at least five years cumulative paid work experience in two or more of the eight domains of the CISSP CBK including:

1. Security and Risk Management

2. Asset Security

3. Security Architecture and Engineering

4. Communication and Network Security

5. Identity and Access Management (IAM)

6. Security Assessment and Testing

7. Security Operations

8. Software Development Security

Work Experience:

Full-time work: You must have one month of accrued work experience, meaning a minimum of 35 hours per week for four weeks.

Part-time work: Your part-time work experience cannot be less than 20 hours per week and no more than 34 hours per week.

Interns:  Paid or unpaid internship is not considered acceptable. 

Earning a four-year college degree, the regional equivalent of the same, or an additional credential from the (ISC)² approved list will satisfy one year of the required experience. Education credits from a four-year university will only satisfy one year of experience.

If you are not ready to take the CISSP, other options remain. You can become an Associate of (ISC)² bypassing the CISSP examination, after which you will have six years to accrue the required five years of experience.

Cost of the CISSP: $749

Certified Information Security Manager(CISM)

Offered by ISACA, the CISM is a certification for advanced IT professionals wanting to showcase their abilities to develop and manage an infosec program at the enterprise level. This certification course is very similar to the CISSP certification, however, the CISM often offers a more direct route to a management position. 

Who should consider CISM certification?

The CISM certification is for entry-level to mid-level IT professionals with job titles similar to: 

• IT manager 

• Information risk consultant 

• Director of information security 

• Data governance manager 

• Information systems security officer 

Prerequisites for the CISM certification

While the prerequisites of CISM certification are stringent, there is a loophole--you don't actually need to fulfill the entire job experience requirement in order to begin getting your CISM certification. If you don’t have enough professional experience, you can still take the exam. If you pass it, you can still apply for the certification once you get the required work experience. Just make sure to do so within five years.

You will need…..

•  Five years of experience in information security within a ten-year time frame
•  Three years of management experience in three or more of the core areas  

*NoteThe CISM certification offers wiggle room. Some lower-level certifications can actually stand in for both years of experience.

Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)

Ethical hacking (white hat hacking, penetration testing, or red team) entails lawfully hacking organizations with the intent of uncovering vulnerabilities before harmful players get the chance to exploit them. Earning the CEH certification (hosted by the EC council) demonstrates your skills in penetration testing, attack detection, vectors, and prevention. Ultimately, the CEH certification teaches you to think like a hacker and take a more proactive approach to cyber security.

Becoming CEH certified opens up fantastic career advancement opportunities and, in some cases, up to a 20 percent pay increase.

Who the CEH certification is for?

Consider this certification for job titles such as:

• Information security analysts or administrators

• Information assurance security officer

• Information security specialist

• Information systems security engineer and manager

• Information security professionals

• Information security IT auditors

• Risk/threat/vulnerability analyst

• System administrators

• Network administrators and engineers

Prerequisites for the CEH Certification

To be eligible for this certification course, you need to fulfill one of two requirements: 

• You have two years of professional experience working in information security

• You take the EC-Council-approved CEH training course

Costs of the CEH exam: This is location dependant, with the average cost falling between $950 and $1,900

The GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC)

The GSEC certification validates a professional’s knowledge of security information beyond basic terminology and general concepts. Obtaining this certification demonstrates that security professionals are qualified for hands-on IT system roles in security tasks including defense, network, and cloud security, cryptography, incident response.

Who is the GSEC certification for?

• Anyone new to the infosec industry with some knowledge of information systems and networking

• Security professionals including managers and administrators

• Operations personnel

• IT engineers and supervisors

• Forensic analysts

• Penetration testers

• Auditors

Prerequisites for the GSEC Certification

To be considered eligible for the GSEC exam you must have at least the GSEC, GCIH, GCIA with two Gold, however, there are some alternatives that can be applied. Please see the complete list.

Cost of GSEC exam:$1,699

Systems Security Certified Practitioner(SSCP): The Preferred Systems Administer Certification

Obtaining this intermediate-level, globally recognized certification for security and operations is a great way to grow your career and better meet your organization’s security needs. Obtaining this certification demonstrates your ability to:

•  Design, implement and monitor a secure IT infrastructure by testing your ability to access controls

•  Conduct risk identification and analysis

• Develop an understanding of security administration, incident response, cryptography, and network, communications, systems, and application security

Who is the SSCP certification for?

The SSCP is designed for IT professionals, managers, and network security professionals who are involved in the daily hands-on operational security of their organization, with job titles including:

• Network Security Engineer

• Systems Administrator

• Security Analyst, administrators, consultants, and specialists

• Systems Engineer

• Systems/Network Analyst

• Database Administrator

Prerequisites for the SSCP exam

In order to take the SSCP certification exam, you must have the following: 

At least one year of cumulative paid work experience in one or more of the seven domains of the SSCP CBK, including: 

1. Access Controls

2. Security Operations and Administration

3. Risk identification, Monitoring, and Analysis

4. Incident Response and Recovery

5. Cryptography

6. Network and Communications Security

7. Systems and Application Security

• Full-time Experience: One month of accrued work totaling at least 35 hours per week for four weeks.

Cost of the SSCP exam: $249

CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP+) 

The CASP+ is designed for cybersecurity professionals who want to showcase advanced skills and continue working in technology (as opposed to management, which is more aligned with the CompTIA Security + certification). This certification is the only hands-on performance-based certification in the industry that encompasses both security architecture and engineering.

Who is the CASP+ certification for?

Jobs that use this certification include:

• Security Architects and analysts
• SOC Manager
• Senior Security Engineers

Prerequisites for the CASP +

• 5-10 years of experience in IT administration 
• 5 years minimum of hands-on experience with technical security 

Costs: $466 

GIAC Certified Incident Handler (GCIH)

Receiving this certification shows that you have an understanding of offensive operations, including the most common attack techniques and vectors, including an ability to detect, defend, and respond to attacks. Additionally, you will be up to date on Hacker Tools (Nmap, Nessus, Metasploit, and Netcat).

Who is the GCIH for?

Anyone working in the cybersecurity industry would benefit from this certification. Some of the most common job titles are:

• Incident handlers

• Incident handling team leads

• System administrators

• Security practitioners and architects

Prerequisites for the GCIH

Unlike most professional certifications (including those listed here) for which specific levels of work and educational experience are prerequisites, there are no barriers to taking the GCIH exam. However, it is nonetheless in your best interest to have a solid understanding of basic security principles, windows command line, and basic networking protocols before taking the exam.  

Cost of the GCIH exam: $1,000

Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP)

The OSCP from Offensive Security is one of the most sought-after certifications for penetration testers. This certification course gives you the skills to be a great penetration tester and instills the mindset needed to successfully work in related fields. You will also gain the opportunity to learn about the most up-to-date hacking tools and techniques.

Who is the OSCP for?

The OSCP is an industry-leading certification for penetration testers, other common job titles include:

• Infosec professionals wanting to get into penetration testing

• Penetration testers 

• Security professionals

• Network administrators

Prerequisites for the OSCP

In order to be eligible for the OSCP certification exam, you should have a solid understanding of the following:

• TCP or IP networking

• Reasonable Windows and Linux administration experience

• Basic knowledge of Bash and/or Python scripting

Cost of the OSCP: $1,000

Are Cyber Security Certifications worth it?

According to a survey done by (ISC)², 70 percent of cybersecurity professionals surveyed in the U.S. were required to have a certification by their employers, but even if certification is not a strict requirement at your current professional juncture, becoming Cyber Security certified can both boost your salary by $18,000- $20,000 and help you stand out in a crowd of applicants vying for positions in a high-demand field. In the final analysis, no matter which of the above certifications you choose, pursuing at least one of them is a fantastic way to advance your career and areas of competence in ways that will certainly remain in demand for the foreseeable future.  

As AV thrives, the demand for Audio Visual technicians is outpacing supply. Even if you haven't worked in AV before, opportunities are plentiful for qualified technicians, in so long as you possess some fundamental skills.

Audio visual technicians set up, operate, maintain, and repair sound and video equipment for live events like concerts, sports games, business conventions, meetings, webinars, and distance learning. They might also assist in the production of movies, TV programs, CDs, and DVDs.

What companies look for in entry-level Audiovisual technicians

An associate's or bachelor's degree in audiovisual technology or a related field is typically required, however, there are times when relevant experience is sufficient. Having a strong working knowledge of AV equipment, camera, and lighting techniques will help.

Excellent computer and troubleshooting skills, attention to detail, and exceptional communication, customer service, and organizational skills are always an added bonus. That said, let's dive a little deeper into what makes a great AV Technician.

Ability to Learn

In the AV field, you need to be comfortable with electrical equipment because the AV space requires you to work with different audio, video, and computer technology. 

A background in any of the following areas can stand you in good stead for a career in AV:

• Photography
• Creative Media Production
• Audio Production
• Digital Media Technology
• Music production
• Sporting events

While working in these areas does not specifically prepare you for an AV technician job, it does give you a passing familiarity with some AV equipment and the vocabulary of the industry.

Related Experience

Employers who are willing to hire techs from outside the AV world will nonetheless be looking for work experience - most likely 3-5 years in a related field. You’ll also need to to demonstrate some familiarity with the different applications (commercial businesses, residential homes, government, healthcare), audiovisual equipment, and manufacturers like Extron, AMX, Crestron, and DSP as they relate to each sector.

Learning about circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic devices, computer hardware, and software (applications, programming, audio- and video equipment) can demonstrate your ability to adapt to different settings.

Also, keeping an updated portfolio with testimonials, pictures, and/or schematics will help give prospective employers an in-depth representation of your past performance.

Communication Skills

As a post-sales or pre-sales technician, the ability to communicate with customers and co-workers is key to success in a variety of situations including the ability to explain processes in layman's terms that require little-to-no specialized knowledge in order to be understood. 

Working in this space requires that you meet customer demands and resolve any problems that might crop up along the way. Following the installation process, customers will often have operational questions and last-minute “How to’s.” It’s important to be able to address these concerns in a comprehensible way.

Thinking on the spot

Out in the field, AV service technicians are often faced with situations that require thorough analysis and decisive action. The issue can be as complex as troubleshooting a Crestron unit or as rudimentary as deciding how best to make use of limited space when hanging monitors in a university common room. 

As a field tech, you'll want to develop habits of mind that incline toward thoroughness. The better you understand the materials with which you work, the more capable you will be of delivering successful service in a timely manner. 

Positive Attitude

You should anticipate being thrown curve balls. As in the life outside of work, complications invariably arise on the job. The way you handle your attitude and take control of the situation will ultimately determine your relative success or failure. 

A strong and positive attitude also influences customer experience. You will be the face of the company out in the field, so you must be comfortable in the role of brand ambassador. Remember to keep your head high and project confidence, especially in trying situations.

With the right set of qualifications and an interest in working on the user end, being an AV technician can be a rewarding career trajectory. Make sure to familiarize yourself with your materials, develop your communication skills, and practice maintaining an optimistic and solution-oriented outlook, and you will be well on your way to success. 

Looking for a full-time or part-time AV job? Click the link below to connect with a recruiter and find out what's available for you!

Sound like you? J.Patrick & Associates has multiple AV Industry Jobs which we encourage you to check out!

Looking for a project engineering, audio engineering, project manager, sound engineer, design engineer, sound technician, or any technician position? Click Here to search all our jobs!

Congratulations!

Your job search and interview process have finally paid off, however with two competing offers,  each presenting certain benefits that make it a good fit.  

The first thing you should do is just take a moment and remind yourself that some people would riot to be in the position you are in.

Now, let’s break down some points to help you evaluate how to best handle the “two job offers” situation.  

Weighing Your Options Between Two Competing Job Offers

Written In Ink

When presented with multiple job offers, it’s natural to start comparing them immediately. However, it’s not wise to do so until you have a physical copy rather than just verbal offers of both opportunities. You want to be able to weigh several vital factors, such as health benefits, vacation time, maternity leave, and commute time against each other. All of these important data points should be measured as concretely as possible.

Also remember, without a written offer, your negotiating power is limited since you're basing all of your facts off a verbal agreement.

So get it in writing and don't forget to read the fine print!     

Be Honest

When you encounter this kind of situation, it’s common to ask yourself if you should tell one company about the other offer.  In some cases, one offer may require a decision before you've received the specifics from the other proposal. If you have the opportunity to review both offers without spilling the beans then you should do so. It’s possible for a company to feel as if you're trying to shake them down or force them into a bidding war by revealing the other offer.

If you’re cornered and have no other option but to tell the company about the other offer, then do so carefully. An example would be:

“I am appreciative of your offer, and the thought of joining your company is very exciting, but I will be honest and tell you that there is another offer that is currently pending, and I’d like some time to weigh all my options.”

You will always run the possibility of them saying no or stripping the deal; however, hopefully, they’ll respect you for being honest. And in the end, you can thank them for making your decision a lot easier.

Break-It-Down

Once you have both written offers in hand, you should start by writing down what specifically you want from the new job. Make sure, however, to always keep an eye out for any red flags. Health insurance, good company culture, there are so many different variables to take into account, especially with multiple offers.

This shouldn't be a quick process where you immediately run to the offer with the highest salary. You’ll be spending a good deal of your time in this new position, so make sure to consider all factors and not just the obvious ones. To make this process a little easier, consider making a S.W.O.T analysis or another form of a comparison grid.

Before considering the negatives, start mapping out all of the benefits from each proposal. Only after you’ve compared the potential benefits is it time to move on to review the negatives. Factors, such as work environment, travel distance, and your overall happiness should be given the utmost consideration.

The simple act of physically writing them down allows you to grasp a better understanding of the benefits of both offers.

Take A Walk

Take a break. After all, it’s what you do when you need to blow off some steam or if you've hit a rough patch at work. It’s essential that you give yourself some time to think and clear your mind. 

When you're stuck in one way of thinking, find some sort of distraction, whether it be watching a movie or reading a book. Just make sure you get out, let loose, and let the two offers be the last thing on your mind for a little while.

Make a Decision

Though this kind of situation can become stressful, you must ultimately choose what feels right for you. Consider everything that is important, make your decision, and never look back.

We all have that inner wisdom lying in the bottom of our stomach -- Listen to it.

With the recent cyber attacks against the DNS service provider Dyn, information security experts are doubling down their effort to develop the next generation of prevention and solution methods. In other words, the demand for online security has never been greater.

Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) is a digital attack that attempts to disable any online service by sending an overwhelming amount of traffic from multiple sources, also known as ‘Botnets’. Though these attacks do harm, they are not intended to expose or steal any personal information, but rather overpower a hosting server, making it unavailable to users. Over 2000 DDoS attacks are observed daily with one-third of all online downtime complications resulting from DDoS bombardment.

The process of recovering from an attack can take from hours to days to weeks; all depending on the depth and breadth of the strike. All businesses should take the precaution of purchasing an anti-DDoS service to insure your IT safety.

Volumetric

In a volume-based attack (ICMP), the network/service bandwidth becomes congested with a mass amount of traffic resulting in a flood of access requests. Due to this attack all applications and services are rendered useless.

Protocol

Protocol attacks are aimed at saturating networks resources by sending open requests (Pings of Death). These attacks manipulate IP protocol by sending large IP fragments, resulting in reboot or crash.

Application

An application violation (Slowloris) targets the expected behavior of protocols (TCP. HTTP.) by tying up computational resources and preventing the user from accessing their requests. These types of attacks are very difficult to identify and defeat.

Here are our top 5 DDoS Protection Cybersecurity Providers:

There is just too much on the line when it comes to protecting your online assets. Always keep in mind that it only takes one single attack to compromise your business and your customers' online safety. Beat the botnets to the punch, and take immediate action by purchasing a protective service.

Better to be safe than... you know the rest.

Related Blog:

IS YOUR CYBERSECURITY AS SOLID AS YOUR BUILDING SECURITY?

All too often, hiring managers get caught up on their checklists, looking only for direct experience or a set number of years in the field. However, with over 1 million available jobs in the cyber security industry, it’s safe to say it’s time to think outside of the box when it comes to filling these positions.Cyber security professionals need a dynamic range of skills, so even though your job description may not stipulate certain certifications, when you come across a candidate with certs (even unrelated to your space or sector) you need to sit up and take notice as there is an important set of skills those certs are pointing to.

Here are 4 key qualities that cybersecurity certifications can tell you about a candidate.

Motivation to Succeed

There is no greater motivator than the drive to succeed. Often people will need some sort of trigger to get them inspired and motivated. However, if a person has motivated themselves to go out, study, and complete the exam, then you know you’re looking at someone who is both driven and creative. You can be assured that this individual is someone who, when they’ve set their eye on a target, will do everything they can to accomplish their goals.

Life Long Learner

In a time when technology is constantly advancing, an individual who is dedicated to always enhancing their knowledge and education is the type of person you want on your team. You need your employees to always play at the top of their game whether it be configuring new security software or managing a security breach. When you are working in a market that is constantly changing, you need people who make it their business to stay current. Pursuing certifications is a strong indicator that a candidate has both the drive and the ability to stay informed.

Agility

Most certifications exams are difficult to pass with minimal job experience. After all, the greatest learning tool is getting out and getting your hands dirty.  A study conducted by CEB Communications showed that agile employees outperform hard workers. When developing your team, you want quick learners who are swift on their feet. Agile employees are the one’s who nail down a skill and are able to pass on their newly acquired knowledge to their coworkers. They can think around corners and have the facility to think ahead to the next move. These type of individuals are ready for the unexpected and know how to work their way through difficult situations.

110%

The people that are successful are the individuals who give their all. Some of the certification exams require hundreds of hours to prepare for- and they are not the easiest of tests to pass. The type of person who will learn and provide their maximum effort is the same person you want out in the field with your team. If they have a problem, they will find a solution, and if they don't understand something, they won't let it go until they do. Former Yankee Manager and 6x World Series Champion, Don Zimmer, once said, “What you lack in talent can be made up with desire, hustle and giving 110 percent all the time.”

There will be candidates that don't meet all of your expectations, but may come equipped with certain skills or credentials that make up for the absent ones. Instead of restraining yourself and having the job description be your checklist, use it as a simple guideline. When you look beyond the norm, and look into a candidate’s skill set, you are not only opening up the range of possible hires, but you are strengthening your team in the long run.

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5 CYBER SECURITY CERTIFICATIONS YOU NEED TO GET AHEAD

With the recent cyber attacks against the DNS service provider Dyn, information security experts are doubling down their effort to develop the next generation of prevention and solution methods. In other words, the demand for online security has never been greater.

Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) is a digital attack that attempts to disable any online service by sending an overwhelming amount of traffic from multiple sources, also known as ‘Botnets’. Though these attacks do harm, they are not intended to expose or steal any personal information, but rather overpower a hosting server, making it unavailable to users. Over 2000 DDoS attacks are observed daily with one-third of all online downtime complications resulting from DDoS bombardment.

The process of recovering from an attack can take from hours to days to weeks; all depending on the depth and breadth of the strike. All businesses should take the precaution of purchasing an anti-DDoS service to insure your IT safety.

Volumetric

In a volume-based attack (ICMP), the network/service bandwidth becomes congested with a mass amount of traffic resulting in a flood of access requests. Due to this attack all applications and services are rendered useless.

Protocol

Protocol attacks are aimed at saturating networks resources by sending open requests (Pings of Death). These attacks manipulate IP protocol by sending large IP fragments, resulting in reboot or crash.

Application

An application violation (Slowloris) targets the expected behavior of protocols (TCP. HTTP.) by tying up computational resources and preventing the user from accessing their requests. These types of attacks are very difficult to identify and defeat.

Here are our top 5 DDoS Protection Cybersecurity Providers:

There is just too much on the line when it comes to protecting your online assets. Always keep in mind that it only takes one single attack to compromise your business and your customers' online safety. Beat the botnets to the punch, and take immediate action by purchasing a protective service.

Better to be safe than... you know the rest.

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IS YOUR CYBERSECURITY AS SOLID AS YOUR BUILDING SECURITY?

“Virtual reality was once the dream of science fiction, But the internet was also once a dream, and so were computers and smartphones. The future is coming and we have a chance to build it together" Mark Zuckerberg

The next big wave has hit our shore, and it's known as Virtual Reality. With projected growth from $685 million in revenue to $3.89 billion; it’s safe to say VR is here to stay. Though it’ll be a few more years until VR gets a firm foothold into the market, it’s guaranteed that business practices and operations will never be conducted the same once the new technology takes hold.

Here are some ways virtual reality will soon be changing your business.

Meetings & Interviews

Technology has already had a huge effect on how we do business. Interviews started as a one-on-one physical meeting, then advanced to a monitor based video-conference, and soon will further evolve to virtual headsets. VR creates a real-life sense of space compared to screen-based teleconferencing. As it is, businesses spend an average of 143.3 billion dollars on domestic and international travel. This new technology will allow companies to get a more personal feel for the people on the other end of the screen. And to put the cherry on top, it ultimately reduces costs.

Your conference in Japan will soon be a lot easier and cheaper to attend.

Customer Experience & Service

With the introduction of VR, the whole customer experience is going to undergo an extreme makeover. Customers and consumers will have the option to get an up close and personal look at all your new and upcoming products. Since virtual reality headsets mirror the sights and sounds of the real world, using a combination of motion-tracking, graphics and algorithms, the testing phase will become much richer.

Businesses that have already begun using VR to market their products have created a way for their customer to try out new products and services before committing.

On the consumer level, instead of viewing an advertisement through the television or internet, consumers will be inside the promotion, as if they’re testing out the new product or service in real time -- creating irreplaceable value.

Customer support is another area where VR will be invaluable. Currently, if customers have a problem or concern, customer service only has a description of the problem to use and work through to develop a solution. You can see how this could lead to inaccurate results. With VR, consumers will be able to do exactly what support is advising, creating a real three-dimensional interaction between support and customers; potentially making the troubleshooting process a walk in the park.

Training

It's common for newly hired employees to go through a training process where they are coached up on business practices and routines. Though these costs vary, retail and wholesale businesses spend an average of $1200 per employee for training programs. With virtual reality, employees will have the opportunity to learn and build their skills in a contained and monitored space.  Studies have shown that the three-dimensional setting and interactive environment helped the subjects retain the information on a strong scale compared to video training guides. A salesman will get to experience what it’s like to negotiate in a 3D interaction, or a surgeon can be guided through a cardiopulmonary resuscitation procedure without the risk of harming a patient. The applications are endless.

The potential to implement VR into your business may be limited right now, but the pace of innovation is happening rapidly. Make sure you're keeping an eye on the market, and constantly thinking of new ways to fuse virtual reality to your business. VR might be hitting some speed bumps with data storage and security, but as the old saying goes, “Rome wasn't built in a day.”

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WILL VIDEO CONFERENCING INTERVIEWS SAVE OR COST YOUR COMPANY?

More and more companies have begun using video conferencing to conduct the early stages of the interview screening process. What begun as a trend, has now become an industry standard, but is this really an effective use of a company’s resources? Let’s explore some of the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of video interviews from a cost/benefit perspective.  

STRENGTHS

Convenience

The need for two people to be in the same room is eliminated. Hiring managers and candidates both enjoy greater flexibility, meetings no longer have to be confined to the office, and both parties can meet from the comfort of their own office or home. 

Cuts Costs

Handling candidate screening remotely can cut traveling, scheduling, and costs. Money saved can be re-allocated to improving productivity in other sectors of the organization, or towards expansion. Similar to phone interviews, video feed can be one of the most cost effective ways to meet candidates.

WEAKNESSES:

No Face-to-Face Interactions

There’s no better way to get a feel for someone than shaking their hand and sitting across from them. Video can flatten out an interaction, allowing cues you might have picked up in person, to go unseen. When deciding to bring someone into your department, you want to be assured that there’s chemistry and a connection, something you can only fully experience in person.

Feel for the Space

During a face-to-face meeting, candidates are able to get a feel for the environment of the office. Remote meetings cut out the possibility for spontaneous introductions to different team members, while also eliminating the candidate’s opportunity to get a sense of what the office is like. A potential hire's first visit to the office is also one way of seeing if they are a good cultural fit for your organization. 

OPPORTUNITIES

Saves Time

Time is money. Instead of budgeting time to get to and from the physical location, all that is necessary is a block of time in front of a computer. Most importantly, video conferencing reduces the time it takes to fill an open position, as you are able to meet more candidates in a shorter period of time.

Broader Selection

Distance is no longer be an issue for first or second round interviews. You can connect with candidates all over the globe with a touch of a button, allowing you to reach out and discover the hidden potential in unexplored terrains. You don't have to miss out on discovering the final piece to your puzzle because the applicant lives too far away. 

Playback  

One of the prime features embedded in a virtual interview is the ability to re-watch or playback the meeting. After a face-to-face meeting, you are left to rely on memory and notes you took during the conversation. Video conferencing allows you to take a second look to analyze body language, or discover cues that might have slipped past you in the moment. You can dig deeper into the candidate's responses, and you can get more team members involved in the decision process.

THREATS

Glitches

For all of its advantages, technology can sometimes be unreliable. There’s always the possibility for hardware/software problems. Connection is a two way street, so the chances of an interference is doubled, and the wait time can be unpredictable. Lag and delay can both cause interruptions. Hardware problems such as microphone/webcam failures can make communication problematic. With video conferencing you’re buying into the possibility that complications can disrupt an entire interview, setting back your workday.

With the benefits of cutting costs and time, it makes sense to switch over to video conferencing for the early stages of the screening process. 

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IOT SECURITY: PROTECT YOUR COMPANY AND CUSTOMERS