Security experts find new weakness in Windows software
A cybersecurity company says it has discovered vulnerability in Microsoft’s Windows operating system that could allow hackers to gain control of a PC. In the late 1990’s there were a weakness found in the software and Internet Explorer to trick the computer into connecting to a server operated by hackers who would steal login data to allow them to take control of the machine. This latest threat appears to be an updated version of it according to Cylance. Microsoft says that the risk is not great as it has only been created in a laboratory and requires some action from the computer user. However it is another reminder that businesses should remind employees about how to deal with suspicious and unusual emails, web-links, etc.
Workers employed by a third-party could be a risk for your business
Workers who are not directly employed by a business but are doing work for it could pose a risk to the business. That’s according to Joel J. Greenwald, the managing partner of employment law firm Greenwald Doherty. Writing at forbes.com Mr Greenwald warns that in situations such as a franchisor of a fast food company training its franchisees’ staff or a delivery firm using agency staff there could be circumstances where the franchisor and delivery firm could be considered ‘joint employers’. Although businesses have an element of responsibility to all those working or visiting their premises Mr Greenwald’s point could extend to issues such as pay and benefits. One of the key deciding factors is if the business has “direct and immediate control” over the worker and this can include; being involved in the selection process; paying the worker or having a say in their remuneration; and directing the worker’s day to day activities. The exact details of contracts and arrangements can make a big difference to whether or not the ‘joint employer’ rules apply and are best discussed with your legal advisor.
Online businesses need to ensure they are mobile-friendly or risk slipping on Google
If your business relies heavily on being high on the search results on Google then now is the time to act to protect that valuable position. Next week the search engine is launching the latest update to its algorithm and those websites that are not optimized for viewing on mobile devices will miss out. Those sites which do not display well on tablets and smartphones will be penalized with lower rankings in search results. Why? Because Google (and other search engines) are focused on providing the best experience for their users and with an increasing number of searches taking place on mobile devices, Google wants to avoid users landing on pages that don’t work well there. There are webmaster tools available to check how your site looks on mobile devices, or of course you can just log on using your own smartphone, but experts advise that you should at least get the main parts of your site to be mobile-friendly in time for April 21.
