Ways to Keep GREEN During the Holidays

Choose LED Christmas lights.

LED (light emitting diode) Christmas lights use 10% of the energy of typical incandescent Christmas lights. They are safer than the typical lights, as they do not generate heat. LED lights are inexpensive and beautiful, and when you use LED lights to decorate around the office or in a display window you could be saving your business up to 90% on holiday lighting costs.

Keep Christmas lights on a timer.

Implement a timer so that lights shut off after business hours or at sunrise. This is a simple and effective way to cut down on holiday electric bills Email holiday cards.Save paper and money by e-mailing holiday cards and Christmas party invitations. At www.hallmark.com, you can find a variety of free card and invitation choices, or you can get creative and design your own!

Reduce holiday waste.

Serving food on reusable plates and glasses will cut reduce waste and save money. Get the office on board and create your own green party kit. Suggested items needed are a large transportable bin; a collection of lightweight, non-breakable dishes; and cloth napkins.

Recycle.

Always Recycle.

Purchase recycled products.

If you must use disposable products, go with recycled and biodegradable products. When you buy recycled products, you’re helping to increase the demand for them. 

Use carbon neutral shipping. 

Whether you’re shipping gifts or business related items, consider carbon neutral shipping. UPS and several other retail store offer this option. By using the carbon neutral shipping option, you demonstrate your commitment to protecting the environment, and it enables you and the recipients to share in that commitment together.

Remember, a little GREEN goes a long way!

Keeping Your Data Safe during Holiday Travels

Keeping Your Data Safe during

Holiday Travels

The last thing that you want to happen during your holiday travels is to have your data compromised by hackers. There are ways to protect yourself from a hackers attack and tools available to you in case they do. Below is a short list of tips to consider before you head out for the holidays. 

Possibilities with Bluetooth

Connecting to Bluetooth while traveling makes you vulnerable. When you activate Bluetooth, you open possibilities of being seen by hackers. Hackers can see networks that you connect to, and then imitate them and trick your device into connecting to their Bluetooth devices. After connecting, hackers can then infect you with malware, enabling hem to steal data or spy on you. When connecting to Bluetooth be cautious and don’t keep it on all the time.

All Devices Need Remote Security

Traveling can make you a target, so have a plan to protect your data in case a device is lost or stolen. You can install software, such as Meraki Mobile Device Manager or VaultLogix Mobile, which will track, and, remotely lock and wipe your devices. Apple, Google, and Windows also offer remote security for their devices. However, they are more difficult to remotely track, wipe, or lock computers.

Keep Your Bank Account Protected

During your holiday travels could possibly be the worst time to have your bank account jeopardized. To help avoid this always be sure the latest updates on your banking apps are installed and avoid shared networks. In the event that you absolutely must use a public computer to access your account, make sure to clear browsing history and cookies and DO NOT click on any links, they could be malware.

You Need a VPN

A virtual private network (VPN) will keep you protected over Wi-Fi. You can create a secure connection over a shared network with a VPN, which provides a layer of security. The VPN also protects you from being seen or tracked across the Internet.

 Safe Travels!