Category: Brandpoint

2024-11-27T11:01:00

(BPT) – As the holiday season gets underway, millions of Americans are planning road trips to visit loved ones or enjoy seasonal getaways. AAA projects that nearly 80 million travelers will journey 50 miles or more from home during the Thanksgiving holiday period, with 71.7 million traveling by car—a record number.

Mercury Insurance would like to offer essential tips to prepare your vehicle for winter conditions and ensure safe travels during this busy time.

“Winter and holiday road trips bring unique challenges, from unpredictable weather to heavier traffic,” said Kevin Quinn, Mercury Insurance VP, auto claims. “Our goal is to help drivers prepare for safe and stress-free travels while protecting their vehicles and loved ones during this busy time of year.”

Winter and Holiday Road Trip Facts

• Heavier Traffic: Holiday travel increases congestion, making defensive driving and proper vehicle maintenance critical.
• Tire Performance: Tire pressure drops with colder temperatures, potentially compromising your car’s ability to grip icy or snowy roads.
• Battery Drain: Cold weather can weaken your battery, increasing the risk of breakdowns during long trips.
• Unpredictable Weather: Sudden snowstorms or icy roads can significantly impact your journey, especially in northern or mountainous regions.

Holiday Road Trip and Winter-Weather Preparedness Tips

1. Inspect Your Tires:
   Check tire pressure and tread depth before hitting the road. Properly inflated tires improve fuel efficiency, which is especially helpful for long-distance travel. Consider switching to winter tires if you’re traveling through snowy or icy regions.
2. Prepare an Emergency Kit for Road Trips:
   Pack essentials such as blankets, snacks, water, a flashlight, jumper cables, a first-aid kit, and a phone charger. Include an ice scraper, tire chains, and sand or kitty litter for added traction if you get stuck.
3. Check Your Battery:
   Test your car’s battery to ensure it’s road-trip ready. Replace it if it’s over three years old or showing signs of wear.
4. Maintain Visibility:
   Replace wiper blades and refill washer fluid with a winter-grade solution to prevent freezing. Ensure your defroster and headlights are functioning properly, especially for nighttime or snowy conditions.
5. Check Your Brakes:
   Ensure your brakes are in good condition before a long trip. Winter weather reduces stopping distances, so well-maintained brakes are essential for safety on icy or snowy roads.
6. Monitor Weather and Traffic Alerts:
   Use navigation apps to monitor real-time weather and traffic updates. Adjust your departure time or route to avoid severe weather or heavy traffic delays.
7. Review Your Insurance Policy:
   Holiday travel can mean driving in unfamiliar areas, so ensure your auto insurance policy provides adequate coverage. Mercury Insurance offers options that protect you from winter-related incidents and roadside emergencies.

“Planning ahead can make all the difference for a safe and enjoyable holiday road trip,” added Quinn. “With a little preparation, you can focus on the joy of the season instead of worrying about unexpected challenges on the road.”

Mercury Insurance offers comprehensive auto insurance policies designed for every season. Drivers can also take advantage of discounts for proactive safety measures like regular vehicle maintenance and winter tire installations.

For more tips on preparing your car for holiday and winter travel, or to learn about Mercury Insurance’s coverage options, visit MercuryInsurance.com or contact your local Mercury Insurance agent.

2024-11-27T11:01:00

(BPT) – Sponsored by Office Depot OfficeMax

As 2024 winds down, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the past year and set intentions and goals to conquer next year. Whether you’re a small business owner, teacher or remote worker, you have plenty of projects on your front and back burners, just waiting for the right time, tools and services to get them done. To set you up for success in 2025, Office Depot OfficeMax offers a variety of tools and services to help you meet whatever comes your way.

As you plan for the year ahead, here are tips to help you maximize your time and energy for your best year ever.

Save time and money while replenishing supplies

If you’re a teacher, it’s time to take inventory and restock supplies that have been depleted since back-to-school season. For business owners and remote workers, plan ahead for the supplies you need to accomplish your goals. Take advantage of end-of-year promotions to save for next year. It’s also a great time to upgrade your technology. That could mean buying new laptops or accessories like headphones or monitors or using Office Depot OfficeMax Tech Services to help you stay on top of your business’s technology needs.

Optimize your workspace

Whether you work at an office, in a classroom or at home, a setup that helps you be more organized and productive is well worth the investment.

Take a fresh look at your home office or classroom situation and assess where you might be able to improve efficiency with new organizational tools and supplies, storage solutions, tech accessories and even furniture like a height adjustable desk. Personalizing your space can also be an efficiency multiplier as you’re more likely to want to work in a space that is uniquely yours.

Set intentional goals and plans

Use planners, calendars and journals to increase your ability to organize your thoughts, set your budget, and manage your schedule. Office Depot OfficeMax has a large assortment of organizational essentials, so there’s something for everyone. If last year’s approach was not 100% successful for you, it may be time to consider a refresh. Get started with a planner, desk calendar or customizable Happy Planner today.

Prioritize your well-being

Setting aside time and space for self-care can help stave off end-of-year burnout and help you reach your goals. Creating blocks of time on your schedule or special areas of your office or classroom for mindfulness practice or stress-relieving activities makes a huge difference. As you wrap up the year, look for ways to encourage well-being and work-life balance like creating a calming corner or revamping your organizational system to foster a sense of peace and serenity that will help you build the right mindset for next year. Engaging in creative activities such as art, drawing and coloring can be an effective tactic for nurturing mindfulness and reducing stress, serving as a refreshing outlet to rejuvenate your spirit.

Network and build a community

Regardless of where you work or what you do, having a community of support is essential to professional growth. Attend industry events, join online groups or connect with other professionals in your field to share ideas. Establishing a network can lead to valuable opportunities and a trusted support system. It is also a great way to connect with mentors and mentees whose experience and insights can provide valuable perspectives that help you navigate challenges and achieve your goals. Just as connections in your network can guide your career, a well-designed business card serves as a tangible introduction to your personal brand.

Outsource what you can

The saying “time is money” is especially true when it comes to running your own business. Take at least one thing off your plate this holiday season by tapping into help from the Power.Up™ team, presented by Dun & Bradstreet and Office Depot. Think of Dun & Bradstreet as your marketing team — here to help you run your campaigns and target the right audience, so you don’t waste money on the wrong people seeing your ads. Tell the team who you want to reach, and they’ll get to work. The Power.Up™ team can launch your email campaigns, your social media and display advertising, send direct mail on behalf of your business, and even help with your website and design. Plus, Office Depot OfficeMax Rewards Members get up to 30% off Power.Up™ services.

Save time in line by using convenient shopping and shipping options at Office Depot OfficeMax. Enjoy the convenience of Same-Day Delivery on eligible items. Simply visit OfficeDepot.com/samedaydelivery to verify if your zip code is eligible for this same-day delivery service. Office Depot OfficeMax also offers convenient Buy Online and Pick Up in Store within 20 minutes.

With these tips, tools and services, Office Depot OfficeMax is helping small business owners, teachers and remote workers prepare for their most successful new year yet. Visit OfficeDepot.com to find everything you’ll need for an amazing 2025.

2024-11-27T09:31:00

(BPT) – New research from Empower explores how America is “spending” the holidays.

Key takeaways:

• 84% of Americans report there is at least one topic they’d want to avoid at the holiday dinner table this year: politics (57%) and financial topics like how much money they have (51%), spend (44%), or make (33%)
• More than half (55%) hope they don’t get asked to host a holiday party this year due to costs; 42% feel pressured to attend holiday events that are outside their budget
• 51% of Americans don’t know the “right,” or etiquette-appropriate amount to spend on gifts for everyone on their list this year; 56% are reluctant to arrange a gift-giving budget with family and friends
• Nearly half (45%) admit they’d rather spend their money to go on vacation and skip the holidays; 1 in 4 (27%) or nearly 67 million Americans plan to skip Thanksgiving this year to save money
• The perfect gift doesn’t exist — actually, 60% agree it’s cash for the holidays
• 37% admit they spend more on gifts than intended during the holidays trying to impress others
• 42% of people regift to save money during the holidays

FA-LA-LA finances and spending stressors

Nearly half of Americans are worried about money (49%) this season, from the festivities to their financial obligations: In fact, a third (32%) feel the stress over their holiday spending will be more than last year while half (48%) anticipate that their financial concerns will take away from their holiday joy.

More than half are concerned about being able to afford gifts for everyone on their list (59%),¹ finding the best deals (51%) and being able to pay their bills on time (54%). Still, over 2 in 5 are worried about having a money conversation around setting a gift-giving budget with family and friends (45%). Finding the trendy “it” gift this year is a stressor for 36% of shoppers.

Social obligations and hosting can be taxing on the wallet, leaving many wanting to avoid these situations altogether: Half of Americans (55%) hope they don’t get asked to host a holiday party this year because of the associated costs, while 42% admit to feeling pressured to attend holiday events that are outside their budget.

Nearly half (45%) admit they’d rather spend the money to go on vacation and skip the engagements and responsibilities of the season.

‘Tis the season to spend

A third of Americans (34%) don’t think their money will stretch as far this holiday season as it did last year, and 4 in 5 (83%) report their holiday spending will be impacted by economic pressures like inflation (62%) and cost of living increases (59%). About 1 in 3 think their current debt (35%) and uncertainty about the economy (34%) will play into how they’re spending this holiday season.

While the majority (80%) set a holiday spending budget, people are nearly 3.5x more likely to overspend than come in under their budget (45% vs. 13%). Even though half (48%) say they plan ahead by being more frugal most of the year, to afford the holiday splurge, they still overspend. Close to 2 in 5 (37%) Americans admit they spend more on gifts than intended during the holidays trying to impress others. More than half (53%) would rather take on debt than give up celebrating the holidays in a special way, and 1 in 4 (26%) expect to take on more debt this holiday season than last.

Rather than cross people off the gift lists (1 in 5 gift-givers will do this) or curtail their spending, 9 in 10 (89%) are finding ways to save money on presents this year, including:

• Consider only buying items that are on sale (50%)
• Set price limits with loved ones (46%)
• Only give one gift per person on their list (38%)

Others say they’re more likely to shop for sales and deals on Black Friday and Cyber Monday (37%) and buy less expensive (33%) or fewer (25%) gifts this year than they were last year. More than 2 in 5 (42%) regift to save money during the holidays.

Some people say they’ll make some lifestyle tweaks to help save up for the festivities, including:

• Make food at home instead of eating out (57%)
• Cut back their spending in other areas to put toward gifts and holiday entertainment (49%)
• Dip into their savings accounts to pay for gifts (32%)
• Cancel subscriptions to services like premium channels and streaming platforms (25%)

Giving season

More than half of people (57%) say if they were to receive a $5,000 windfall right before the holidays, they would spend it on gifts. Americans plan to shell out hundreds of dollars across presents, travel, and socializing this year.

On average they’ll spend more than $1,430 during the season on:

• $766.50 on holiday gifts
• $424.80 on holiday travel
• $239.08 on holiday meals and parties

One third of Americans plan to buy themselves a gift this holiday season, spending $241.91, on average. When it comes to others on their gift lists, Americans plan to spend:

• 83% will buy for their spouse, averaging $322.47
• 92% will buy for their kids, averaging $473.71
• 59% will buy for their parent/s, averaging $179.03
• 41% will buy for their pets, averaging $74.85
• 37% will buy for their colleagues, averaging $116.50
• 30% will buy for their boss, averaging $148.95

Gift-giving etiquette

Half of Americans (51%) admit they don’t know the right or etiquette-appropriate amount to gift each person on their list; yet more than half (56%) feel uncomfortable asking others about setting a holiday gift-giving budget, even though it would help create a “worry-free” holiday.

Others (43%) feel uncomfortable buying gifts for people on their list who they think have more money than they do.

The gift of cash

Three in 5 (60%) Americans agree that the perfect holiday gift is cold, hard cash. While close to 7 in 10 (68%) prefer money or gift cards over a gift someone selects for them, cash reigns supreme:

• 63% think gifting money is better than giving someone a gift card
• 77% feel receiving money saves them time from returning items they don’t like
• 84% think gifting money saves them time shopping for items for the people on their lists

While gifting money is a great option, some people hesitate to put it on the wish list:

• 67% think asking for money as a gift around the holidays is impolite
• Some 63% of Americans don’t know how to ask for money as a gift, even though it’s the gift they want or need the most
• And while convenient, close to 3 in 5 (58%) think money seems too impersonal to gift others during the holidays

Hosting for the holidays and off-the-table topics

One in 4 (27%) or nearly 67 million Americans plan to skip Thanksgiving this year to save money. Among people worried about the holidays, 14% are concerned about affording a Thanksgiving turkey. According to the Consumer Price Index, the cost of turkey (and some other uncooked poultry) is down 2.24% versus last year.²

Nearly a third (28%) of Americans will spend more money on the holiday dinner menu than they did last year. This is likely why 1 in 5 (20%) are asking their guests to contribute something to the holiday dinner. Others don’t plan on hosting a holiday dinner at their house this year like they did last year (16%).

While the majority of Americans (87%) agree that spending time with family during the winter holidays is priceless, 84% of Americans report there is at least one topic they’d want to avoid at the holiday dinner table this year. More than half (57%) want to skip talking about politics altogether. Others want to avoid financial topics like how much money they have (51%), spend (44%), or make (33%).

Many people say they can do without the unsolicited advice from around the table (39%), and those “keeping up with the Joneses” conversations (34%).

Methodology:

The Empower “Gifted” study is based on online survey responses from 2,000 nationally representative Americans aged 18+ fielded by Wired Research from October 8 through October 21, 2024. The survey is weighted to be nationally representative of U.S. adults (aged 18+).

1 The Empower “Gift” study, 2024. Among those who say they aren’t giving gifts.

2 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Consumer Price Index,” October 2024.

RO4022378-1124

2024-11-26T23:01:00

(BPT) – Small businesses are the lifeblood of our economy, particularly in Los Angeles. The county is home to more than 1.3 million small businesses, which provide the majority of jobs and income to the 10 million residents of this area.

One would think that the number of people driving in LA would be a boon to local businesses. However, the daily rush-hour traffic — not to mention sports and entertainment events — hurt businesses in the long run.

“Dodger fans will often drive up from here, causing tremendous amounts of traffic,” said Su Ling Lei, owner of the Jade Wok restaurant. In his 38 years of operating a business in Chinatown, he’s seen firsthand how traffic negatively impacts his and other businesses in the area. “Our customers are unable to pick up their orders. Some customers want to dine in but are unable to do so because of the traffic issue.”

Given the recent “Carmageddon” caused by fans flocking to Game 1 of the World Series at Dodger Stadium and upcoming major events like the 2028 Olympics and Paralympics, innovative methods to reduce traffic are sorely needed.

How a novel method can solve a longstanding problem

While no magic bullet can fix LA’s traffic issues, a new project aims to reduce the traffic in Downtown Los Angeles. The Los Angeles Aerial Rapid Transit (LA ART) is a proposed zero-emission aerial transit connection between Union Station and Dodger Stadium. The transit system’s aerial gondola could move up to 5,000 people per hour per direction and transport 8,000 to 10,000 fans to Dodger Stadium in the two hours before the start of a game or event.

Rather than sitting in traffic, fans will enjoy a scenic ride from downtown to Dodger Stadium in just seven minutes. Projections suggest that LA ART could eliminate tens of thousands of game-day car trips to Dodger Stadium every season, greatly improve the flow of traffic and reduce the impacts of congestion on nearby freeways and surrounding areas.

Small business benefits

When asked what they thought about the project, many small-business owners see potential benefits to their establishments. In fact, more than 400 businesses in Chinatown, El Pueblo and Lincoln Heights have signed up to support the project.

In his opinion piece published by Climate Resolve, Jason Fujimoto, a Los Angeles Chinatown Corp. Board Member, said, “The gondola will be transformative for the region. As the first permanent transit system to Dodger Stadium, it will allow visitors and locals to travel up and above traffic while increasing economic growth and foot traffic for our local businesses, restaurants and cultural landmarks.”

Don Luis Camacho, owner and operator of the historic El Paseo Inn Restaurant in Olvera Street that sits next to a proposed tram stop, echoes Fujimoto’s sentiment. He welcomes the extra foot traffic and is excited about the resources the project would bring to Downtown LA. “It would change things for the better. This is a rare opportunity, which can actually benefit this area and really bring much-needed resources.”

Beyond the economics, these small businesses are also vital to the continued heritage and vibrancy of their communities.

“Chinatown is home to many unique and diverse small businesses that were significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Icy Zheng, owner of Eighty Eight Hair Salon. “We are glad to be welcoming visitors back after a difficult few years and are excited to work with LA ART to find ways to encourage Dodger fans to visit Chinatown before taking the gondola to a baseball game.”

To learn more about the transit project and its benefits, visit https://laart.la/.

2024-11-26T13:05:00

(BPT) – Looking to level up your gift-giving game this year? The secret to inspired holiday gift giving is choosing meaningful things that will uplift, surprise and delight. It’s not about how expensive your gifts are, it’s about finding things that will make an impact and possibly improve your loved ones’ lives, perhaps with something special they wouldn’t think to buy for themselves.

Check all those boxes with an easy choice this holiday — give a bidet seat like the TOTO WASHLET! Though not a typical gift idea, a recent survey from TOTO and Harris Poll found that 58% of people would welcome a bidet seat as a gift, with 60% confessing they do not feel completely clean when just using toilet paper alone after a bathroom break.

Bidets have long been a central feature in European and Japanese bathrooms, and their popularity is skyrocketing in the U.S. Why? It’s easier than ever to upgrade your bathroom with a bidet. You don’t even need a whole new plumbed fixture anymore. Innovative electric bidet seats like the WASHLET from TOTO transform your toilet into a bidet by simply replacing the existing toilet seat!

The WASHLET adds warmth, self-care, convenience and luxury to your loved ones’ everyday routine. And the good news for your holiday pocketbook — there is a bidet for every budget: the introductory WASHLET C2, intermediate WASHLET C5 or top-of-the-line WASHLET S7A.

Here’s how a bidet seat will surprise and delight everyone on your list:

For the environmentally conscious

Why they’ll love it: A bidet seat like the WASHLET can reduce a person’s toilet paper use by up to 75%. That’s good for the environment in terms of fewer trees being used and also less paper waste flushed into the sewer systems. It also reduces the amount of harsh cleaning chemicals people need to clean their toilet bowls because of their self-cleaning functions. With a WASHLET, people can have an eco-friendly bathroom that still feels luxurious. According to that survey by TOTO, 28% of Americans are motivated to consider purchasing a bidet as a way to reduce the environmental impact associated with using toilet paper.

For the apartment renter

Why they’ll love it: Portable and easy to install, WASHLET bidets can upgrade even small bathrooms without requiring major renovation. This is a luxury upgrade for renters who can’t make permanent changes to their bathrooms without losing their security deposit. Because a WASHLET can easily be removed, renters can even take their WASHLET with them to their next place of living.

For the wellness warrior

Why they’ll love it: For those who live by their self-care routine, a WASHLET is a way to level up wellness. WASHLET uses a gentle, effective spray of warm water to cleanse after using the bathroom, which is more hygienic than using toilet paper. WASHLET promotes overall wellness by helping to prevent or ease the symptoms of common health issues ranging from hemorrhoids and Crohn’s disease to jock itch. Many people find that toilet paper can irritate the skin, while the WASHLET’s warm-water cleansing provides a gentler clean. Many brands of toilet paper also contain harsh chemical additives. By limiting your use of toilet paper with a bidet, you are limiting your exposure to these toxic chemicals.

For multigenerational families

Why they’ll love it: According to survey data from TOTO, about 1 in 5 Americans (19%) live in a multigenerational home with at least one shared bathroom. A WASHLET provides a superior bathroom experience for people of all ages, at any stage of life. It supports everything from the challenges of keeping clean during potty training to the struggle of decreased mobility into old age. It’s especially useful for families with multiple generations living under one roof to ease the stress of raising young children while also ensuring elder family members can live their daily lives with dignity, privacy and safety.

For lovers of luxury and the celebrity obsessed

Why they’ll love it: A WASHLET by TOTO is an affordable way for someone to bring the luxury of a high-end hotel spa into their own living space. Many of today’s finest hotels feature high-end bidets in their bathrooms to give their discerning guests a luxurious experience and celebrities have them at the top of bathroom upgrades for their homes. TOTO found more than 3 in 5 Americans (63%) see a bidet as a luxury or status symbol.

And don’t forget to put yourself on that list. A WASHLET elevates any bathroom and turns it into a luxury spa-like retreat, making it a gift you and your loved ones will enjoy long after the holidays are over. You can find WASHLET at retailers like Amazon, Home Depot, Lowes and Wayfair.

2024-11-25T23:01:00

(BPT) – Traveling for the holidays? Whether you’re having a Friendsgiving with pals or going to grandma’s house for Christmas, Kwanzaa or Hanukkah, you’ll find the roads jam packed. According to a survey by GasBuddy, 72% of Americans plan to drive to their holiday destination, up from 41% in 2023. Stormy and snowy weather conditions won’t help matters.

Here are some tips to help you arrive at your holiday destination safely, from the good neighbors at State Farm.

Be prepared: transform your trunk for holiday travel. Is your trunk filled with your kids’ sports equipment, your gym bag and miscellaneous items you found at a garage sale? State Farm recommends clearing all of that out and packing items you’ll need if you get stranded, like hats, gloves, warm socks and blankets for everyone in the car. Also include water, flashlights and high-calorie snacks like trail mix. Don’t forget phone chargers, jumper cables, a shovel and ice scraper, a tarp, snow brushes and a bag of sand or cat litter to give your tires some traction if you need to get out of an icy mess.

Be mindful of distractions. Texting while driving is the top culprit in distracted driving, according to a survey from State Farm. But that’s not the only one. Grooming, checking maps, interacting with kids in the back seat, eating or even rubbernecking at an accident can cause an accident of your own. Also, be alert for wildlife and pedestrians.

Car maintenance is key. Oil changed and tires winter ready? Check! Lights all functioning and fluids topped off? Check! How about the wipers? What about your battery life? Before you go, make sure your car is in tip top shape so you get to your destination and home again safely. Even pop an extra jug of windshield washing fluid into your trunk, just in case.

Check the weather ahead. Monitor the weather along your route to know what you’re driving into. You can arrange to stop in a hotel if necessary or delay your trip. The last thing you want is to be on the road in dangerous driving conditions.

Plan your route. Hop on your favorite mapping app and plan the best route for your trip, including stops for meals or overnights in a hotel. Many apps revise your route based on traffic patterns and accidents on the road ahead, so keep it on for any changes.

Fight fatigue. If you’re driving a long distance, plan to take breaks every few hours or 100 miles to refuel, get out of the car, stretch and walk around for a bit. You don’t want to nod off while driving.

Following these tips can help you feel confident setting out on your holiday journeys. Arriving safely to spend time with family and friends is what it’s all about!

This content is sponsored by State Farm.

2024-11-25T14:19:00

(BPT) – The holidays bring a whirlwind of excitement, sales, and unfortunately also scams. Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Week mean increased online transactions, e-commerce traffic, and a heightened focus on fulfilling customer orders — all of which make small businesses, especially micro-businesses, prime targets for cybercriminals.

According to Bank of America’s Small Business Owner’s Report, more than half of small business owners said cybersecurity threats have impacted their business. Unlike larger corporations with dedicated IT departments, many small and micro businesses lack proper security infrastructure, leaving them more vulnerable to and harmed by threats. A single scam or breach can be costly and can put a business behind during the busy holiday season.

Scammers know how to exploit the season’s hustle and bustle. But don’t let the Grinch steal your seasonal success — arm yourself with these tips from the pros at Norton Small Business to stay protected and keep the holiday cheer intact.

The Naughty List: Common Holiday Cyber Scams

• Phishing: Fake emails or texts disguised as retailers or shipping services claim “Order issues” or “Tracking updates.” Clicking these links can lead to malicious sites or stolen credentials.
• Payment fraud: Increased holiday transactions mean a higher risk of stolen credit card use, chargebacks, and “friendly fraud,” where buyers dispute charges after receiving goods. Physically damaged cards during in-person payments and mismatched addresses for online transactions can be red flags.
• The impact of malware: Cybercriminals target businesses with malware that locks its data or steals customer information, disrupting holiday operations.
• Website vulnerabilities: Unpatched software or weak security measures on your e-commerce site can lead to data breaches or malicious code injections.
• Gift card fraud: Hackers might target or even brute-force codes for digital gift cards, either to steal funds or use them fraudulently, which can result in financial loss and impact customer trust.

In today’s digital-first world, cybersecurity is no longer optional — it’s a necessity. With cyber threats evolving constantly, safeguarding your business requires vigilance, informed employees, and robust practices. Investing in cybersecurity tools is a simple way to address these concerns.

The Nice List: 7 Cyber Safety Tips for the Holidays

1. Train Employees to Spot Scams: Equip your team to recognize phishing attempts, avoid suspicious links, and adopt the mantra: “When in doubt, throw it out!”
2. Secure Your Systems and Networks: Use strong passwords, enable a VPN (Virtual Private Network) for all remote work, and keep software, operating systems, and drivers up to date to patch vulnerabilities.
3. Guard Sensitive Data: Avoid sharing personal or company information over email and rely on secure payment platforms to handle transactions.
4. Double Down on Authentication: Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) on critical accounts like banking, e-commerce, and email for an added layer of security.
5. Backup Your Data Regularly: Protect yourself against ransomware and system failures by maintaining up-to-date backups of important business information.
6. Protect E-Commerce and Gift Cards: Use secure payment processors and set clear refund policies to deter disputes. Employ tools like CAPTCHA to prevent hackers from brute-forcing codes and monitor for unusual activity.
7. Invest in Cybersecurity Solutions: Tools like Norton Small Business Premium offer round-the-clock protection for your devices, data, and online activity — no IT skills required.

In a world where scams are harder to detect it is good to have extra help. Owners and employees can check in real time if something might be a scam with the free Norton Genie app. With a simple screen shot, this AI-powered scam detection tool can tell you if a text message, social media post, email or website message is likely to be a scam, what makes the content suspicious, and what to do next.

Beyond just protecting your systems, it’s essential to build trust with your customers by showing them that your business takes cybersecurity seriously. Displaying security badges on your website, being transparent about how customer data is protected, and offering secure payment options can go a long way in fostering customer confidence and retention.

The holidays are a time of opportunity for both small businesses and scammers. By adopting these best practices, you can protect your business, your customers, and your peace of mind this season.

Think of Norton Small Business as your holiday helper, protecting your devices and data while you focus on operating your business. With easy setup and robust features, it’s your always-on IT department working 24/7 to protect your business and employees. Visit https://us.norton.com/products/small-business for more information.