The Chicago Journal

Your Gateway to the Heartbeat of Chicago

Ghroth886: Establishes Hyperlinks Between Digital Media and Traditional Symbols

Ghroth886, a new media artist born in 1999, completed his undergraduate studies at the University of the Arts London and is currently pursuing a master’s degree at Goldsmiths, University of London. He divides his time between Chengdu and London, and his work revolves around computer art, often combining virtual reality with sculptural and installation forms to explore the relationship between reality and macro-abstraction, grounded in traditional media.

In his work, the cultural backgrounds of the two places where he works and studies provide an interesting and sometimes even oscillating dynamic for his creative process. This dynamic isn’t just about geographical distance; it encompasses cultural, historical, and traditional differences. In his creations, this distance is not emphasized but rather sought and connected. He attempts to establish a cultural “hyperlink” in his own work, linking different art forms, various cultural symbols, and even different historical periods.

Drawing on his gaming background, you can see uncommon forms and content in his work within contemporary art. There is an ongoing debate about whether games and computer graphics should be included in the spectrum of contemporary art. He believes that games are just another medium and vessel, with the tools and forms of creation continually evolving. Ultimately, it depends on the content and symbols they convey. In his view, games benefit from high interactivity and are an ideal form of public art. The audience must engage with the work, and the work, in turn, imparts viewpoints to the audience, achieving a balance within this brief moment.

In his recent works, he has experimented with 3D printing and virtual reality, combined with traditional ceramics and sculpture, to reconstruct traditional symbols, creating a playful and “absurd” scenario.

Ghroth886: Establishes Hyperlinks Between Digital Media and Traditional Symbols

Photo Credited to: GHROTH886

Character art, 2023

Ghroth886: Establishes Hyperlinks Between Digital Media and Traditional Symbols

Photo Credited to: GHROTH886

The room, VR, 2022

Methods of Uploading Data into Salesforce: 6 Effective Approaches

Uploading data into Salesforce is mostly used in various business scenarios to improve data management and increase business operations. Importing data into Salesforce is a common task that allows you to upload records in objects, such as leads, contacts, accounts, or custom objects with information from external sources. Salesforce provides several methods for data import to ensure data accuracy and integrity Salesforce Data Cloud, formerly known as Data.com, is a service provided by Salesforce that offers high-quality, acurated, and external business data to enhance your Salesforce. While Salesforce Data Cloud focuses on data Enhancement, data cleansing, and data quality improvement, it doesn’t directly handle data uploading into Salesforce. Instead, it provides data that can be used to supplement your existing Salesforce records.

Here’s how Salesforce Data Cloud relates to data uploading in Salesforce:

Data Enrichment: Salesforce Data Cloud allows you to enrich your existing records with additional information, such as company details, industry classifications, and contact information. This enhancement can be particularly useful for maintaining accurate and up-to-date customer records.

Lead and Contact Data: You can use Salesforce Data Cloud to additional lead and contact records with additional information helping you better understand your prospects and customers.

Account Data: Salesforce Data Cloud can enhance account records by providing additional insights about the companies you’re working with including industry, revenue, and employee count.

Data Cleansing: While Salesforce Data Cloud doesn’t handle data uploading, it can help you cleanse your data by providing accurate and validated information.

Third-Party Data Providers: Salesforce Data Cloud partners with third-party data providers to offer a wide range of data sets that you can integrate into your Salesforce instance.

Data is a crucial part of any Salesforce implementation – without it, users will quickly start encountering problems. Make sure data imports are set up, tested, and backed up correctly to guarantee you are not only making the most out of your data but also protecting yourself and your company should anything ever go wrong.

Why Uploading  data into salesforce Required for  business:

Importing data into Salesforce is widely used in various business scenarios to improve data management, streamline processes, and enhance business operations. Here are some common why  businesses use data import in Salesforce:

  • Lead Management: Businesses often import lists of leads obtained from marketing campaigns, events, or website registrations into Salesforce.
  • Customer Onboarding: When businesses Take new customers, they can upload customer details, such as contact information, company details, and purchase history into Salesforce. using we can set up customer accounts and provide them service.
  • Account and Contact Updates: Regularly importing updated customer information ensures that account and contact records in Salesforce remain current. with includes changes in contact details, job titles, and company information.
  • Product Catalogs: For businesses selling products, importing product catalogs into Salesforce enables effective inventory management, pricing, and tracking of sales and revenue related to specific products.
  • Data Migration: During CRM system migrations or when consolidating data from multiple sources, data import is crucial to transfer historical data and business-related information into Salesforce.
  • Service Case Management: when Importing case data in Salesforce allows businesses to track customer inquiries, issues, and resolutions, providing a complete view of customer support interactions.
  • Event Management: For businesses organizing events, data import helps in managing attendee lists, tracking registrations, and sending event-related communications.
  • Employee Data: Human resources departments often import employee information into Salesforce to manage personnel records, performance evaluations, and training history.
  • Sales Forecasting: Importing sales data allows to businesses to perform sales forecasting, identify trends, and make informed decisions about future sales targets.
  • Data Cleanup and Standardization: While importing data Data import provides an opportunity to cleanse and Check existing data to improve data quality and accuracy within Salesforce.
  • Mass Updates: When businesses need to make changes to multiple records simultaneously, data import allows them to update fields and values in bulk.

Overall, data import in Salesforce is a necessary process that allows business users to maintain accurate and up-to-date data, improve efficiency and make informed decisions. It plays a crucial role in increase to customer relationship management, optimizing sales processes, and driving overall business success.

Tools for Importing data in salesforce :

1. Salesforce Data Import Wizard:

The data import wizard is an in-browser tool there is no need to install or download it. Using DI can only Less than 50000 records can be inserted at a time. You can only insert or upload data at a time in Salesforce using data import. The data import wizard support standers object account, lead, case, contact, campaigns, and all custom objects but not opportunity projects. Using the data imports tool did mapping again and again and did not support import product objects.

Using the Data import tool we can perform only Three operations:

  1. Insert.
  2. Update.
  3. Upsert.

Create a CSV file Used for stored value this file will be imported into Salesforce.

2. Salesforce Data Loader:

A data loader is a Client application we need to download or installed in the browser. We can 5 million records are inserted.DL supported all objects custom as well as standard objects. Data loader import data as well as export data from Salesforce, we can save mapping as well. Dl work on the command line on prompt as well.

We can perform 5 Operations:

  1. Insert
  2. Update
  3. Upsert 
  4. Export
  5. Delete

Dataloader.io:

Dataloader.io is a powerful data integration tool designed to simplify the process of importing, exporting, and manipulating data within Salesforce. It’s a user-friendly, cloud-based solution that allows users to perform data operations efficiently and effectively, even without extensive technical knowledge.

      Dataloader.io operate:

  1. Data Import.
  2. Data Export.
  3. Upsert.
  4. Update.
  5. Delete.
  6. Export query.
  7. Insert.

4. Salesforce Inspector:

Files imported through the Data Import Wizard are limited to 90 fields at a time.

Salesforce Inspector offers a range of operations that streamline Salesforce development, debugging, and data management tasks. Here are some key operations that developers can perform using Salesforce Inspector:

  1. Data Import.
  2. Data Export.
  3. Query on objects.
  4. Update
  5. Import.

5. Jitterbit Cloud Data Loader:

Files imported through the Data Import Wizard are limited to 90 fields at a time.

Jitterbit Cloud Data Loader is a versatile data integration tool designed to facilitate seamless data movement between various systems, including Salesforce. It offers a range of operations that simplify data migration, synchronization, and manipulation tasks. Here are the key operations that developers and users can perform using Jitterbit Cloud Data Loader:

  1. Import
  2. Upsert
  3. Update.
  4. Delete.
  5. Data validation.
  6. Error handling.

6. Workbench:

Files imported through the Data Import Wizard are limited to 90 fields at a time.

Workbench is a powerful web-based tool that allows Salesforce administrators and developers to perform a variety of data-related operations, queries, and metadata manipulations directly within the Salesforce environment. Here are some key operations that you can perform using Workbench:

  1. Data Insert, Update, Delete, and Upsert.
  2. Data Export and Query.
  3. Data import.
  4. Meta-data operation.

What permissions do I need to import records into Salesforce?

           1.“ Read,” “Create,” “Edit,” and “Delete” on the objects.

           2.“ API Enabled”

           3.“Bulk API Hard Delete” (only if you configure Data Loader to use Bulk API to hard-delete records)

How large can my import file be?

Your import file can be up to 100 MB, but other size limits apply.

6 Best Practices for Uploading  Data into Salesforce

Learning how to successfully import your data into Salesforce can help avoid such mistakes while allowing your users to focus on what matters.

  1. There is No available Undo option in Salesforce

While it may not be simple, you should always prepare a strategy in case you ever need to recover a previous version of your work. Let’s say you’re deleting contact records, and want to insert them again. Were there Tasks or Cases associated with the deleted contacts? If that’s the case, they won’t be on the recently inserted records. Whenever you are updating or deleting existing data, be sure to perform an impact analysis and document the steps needed should any mistakes occur. After completing an import, store the generated result files in a secure place. This way you’ll have an audit trail of the work that was completed, along with the chance to use the files to help you with your Rollback. Unlike Excel, you can’t “CTRL + Z” with Salesforce. Once you have completed an import, the records are there to stay. Salesforce doesn’t offer native functionality to undo an import, but Salesforce Backup and other ETL tools that offer Rollback functionality are guaranteed ways to secure a back-stop.

  1. Deduplicate Before Importing

Duplicates can be a nightmare in Salesforce. Reporting, user experience, and data quality are all massively affected by the presence of duplicates. When importing records into Salesforce, try to deduplicate the source data before attempting the import. To achieve deduplication, use ETL tools, or even Excel! By deduplicating before attempting the import, you can prevent any sort of errors. Combine this with Deduplication Rules to ensure a consistent strategy. Don’t just use the Standard Deduplication Rules – analyze your business requirements. And if it makes sense, create custom matching rules.

  1. Check the Processes

Have you ever imported data into Salesforce and wondered why the records look different from your source data? It’s because there is a process in Salesforce that is updating or modifying the data. If there are incorrect custom fields, have a look at where those fields are by clicking on Where is this used? Check out references such as Triggers, Processes, and Flows and analyze how the fields are being handled. Are these processes impacting your imports? Also, be sure to see if those processes are going to cause Limit issues. An example would be a Trigger that’s updating related records based on certain criteria. 

  1. Automate When You Can

If you’re going to be importing data daily, you may want to automate the job. It will not only make your life a lot easier but will guarantee consistent data in Salesforce. Using the Salesforce Data Loader, simply saving the mapping file will ensure you don’t forget a field during the next import. If you have some knowledge of Windows Batch Scripts, you may be able to automate the job process as well. Otherwise, you can always use a data importing tool to build automation such as mappings and scheduling without needing code.

  1. Test in Sandboxes First

To allow the chance to test new features before deployment, Salesforce created Sandboxes. So why shouldn’t data tests have Sandboxes, too? Next time be sure to test your imports with Salesforce Sandbox environments. Did you get the results you wanted?

How AI Is Changing the Onboarding and Up-Skilling of Talent: A Sit-Down with Josh Irmler, Founder of Landdai

Generative AI is simplifying how we approach tasks that used to take hours to do. While schools, perhaps rightly so, remain concerned about how artificial intelligence will impact the quality of a student’s work, the outlook is more positive among the nation’s  workforce, whose productivity is increasing because of the technology. To understand this new trend, we dropped in to talk with Josh Irmler, the founder of Landdai and creator of its three generative AI apps that generate onboarding sessions, organizational materials, and presentation decks through the click of a button.

“We are seeing a real shift in how HR and L&D professionals do their jobs, all because generative AI is speeding up the creation of high-quality resources for onboarding and up-skilling talent,” says Irmler. “This is exciting on several levels: first, it’s just flat-out easier for them to produce engaging materials, and second, with the extra time during their day, they can either get ahead on other projects or optimize their departments.”

This is possible, he explains, because AI solves two issues commonly experienced by content developers, professional development managers, and instructional designers: creativity and design.

“In the past, you spent hours deciding on which order slides would go in, which colors would be used, and how words would be placed on the screen – and that’s if you knew what to write, which is a challenge for many people no matter how talented they are,” Irmler says. “The result was that presentations took a lot of time to make and didn’t quite click with new employees or truly communicate a company’s values. That’s all changing with Landdai’s AI program.”

Irmler, who has an extensive background in organizational development, spotted the problems and decided to use AI to solve them. To pinpoint the solution, he first collated a large amount of HR data and then consulted with top HR leaders, L&D experts, and instructional designers to train Landdai to create and deliver high-quality content. 

“We developed three apps that break the logjam and make the creation of materials flow more smoothly: our Slide Deck Presentation Generator, which creates a complete presentation after a user chooses a template and inputs their prompt; our Training Program Creator, which generates an entire session or program after a user selects an L&D template and types in a prompt; and our Landdai GPT, which enables an HR professional to receive on-demand, customized content,” he says. “With these AI tools, users can create, personalize, and present talent development resources faster and at scale.”

His engineering team is currently working on Landdai Courses, a fourth app that will create entire training courses, including assessments, interactive up-skilling exercises, immersive content, and quizzes and evaluations. The app is scheduled to be released in September.

“The big question is where generative AI will lead these industries,” Irmler speculates. “If an employee can use Landdai’s apps to drastically reduce the time it takes them to create materials, they will be free to accomplish other tasks for their companies. That’s the power of generative AI and why you are seeing it implemented at scale across America’s workforce. It really is the future of businesses here and around the globe.”

Josh Irmler is the founder of Landdai, a B2B AI SaaS in the corporate learning and development space. Landdai uses generative AI to create customized, high-quality instructional and up-skilling materials for training coordinators, elearning developers, development directors, and instructional designers. Through AI, Landdai is on a mission to help 10 million professionals accelerate their career and become more holistically successful.

For more information about Landdai and its generative AI apps, please see https://landdai.com/promo

Modernize Without the Mayhem: Endeavor’s Guide to Seamless Network Transformation

Image commercially licensed from : Unsplash

In today’s fast-paced tech landscape, the name Endeavor has become synonymous with bridging the gap between legacy systems and modern network infrastructures. Founded with a vision to simplify the complexities of technological transitions, Endeavor helps businesses navigate the intricate waters of network transformation. 

Commenting on the company’s unique approach to network transformation, Endeavor CEO Jay Bock states, “Modernization is not just an upgrade; it’s a recalibration of how businesses perceive and utilize technology.” Endeavor’s guiding philosophy is to help businesses benefit from the latest technologies while minimizing or avoiding typical roadblocks. 

But how do they achieve this?

The Challenges of Modernization

Network modernization is more than just replacing old hardware. It involves understanding the current system’s intricacies, foreseeing potential challenges, and ensuring minimal disruption to daily operations. Among the common roadblocks are:

  • Operational Downtime: An unplanned outage can severely impact a company’s bottom line and customer trust.
  • Data Migration Issues: Moving data from legacy systems without loss or corruption is pivotal.
  • Security Concerns: Modern networks bring advanced security features, but the transition can expose vulnerabilities.
  • Cost Overruns: Without meticulous planning, costs can spiral out of control.

Endeavor’s Solution: A Blueprint for Success

Endeavor’s approach to network modernization revolves around meticulous planning and a phased implementation strategy. The steps include:

  1. Thorough Assessment: Before any changes, Endeavor’s team conducts a comprehensive analysis of the current network, understanding its strengths, weaknesses, and critical operational nodes.
  2. Customized Roadmap: A detailed transformation roadmap is designed based on the assessment, aligning with the business’s objectives and budget constraints.
  3. Phased Implementation: Endeavor advocates for a step-by-step approach rather than a complete overhaul. This ensures that if issues arise, they are contained and do not disrupt the entire network.
  4. Security First: With an in-depth understanding of modern security threats, Endeavor embeds security protocols at every stage of the modernization process.
  5. Continuous Monitoring and Support: Endeavor provides real-time monitoring post-implementation, ensuring optimal performance and swiftly addressing any issues.

Beyond Modernization: Building for the Future

Endeavor’s commitment to its clients extends far beyond the initial stages of modernization. Their vision is not just to introduce businesses to the modern era but to prepare them for the ever-evolving technological horizon. Recognizing that post-modernization support is crucial for long-term success, Endeavor places immense emphasis on empowering in-house teams. Through meticulously crafted training sessions, they equip these teams with the knowledge and skills necessary to maximize the potential of their new network infrastructure.

Beyond mere training, Endeavor ensures that businesses stay ahead of the curve. In an age where technology is perpetually advancing, staying updated with the latest trends is not just beneficial—it’s vital. Endeavor’s experts consistently delve into the digital frontier, extracting and curating insights that are both relevant and transformative. By sharing these insights with their clients, they pave the way for businesses to not only adapt but to lead in their respective industries.

“Network modernization isn’t just a technical upgrade; it’s the foundation for a business’s future growth. We aim to ensure that businesses don’t just modernize, but they do so with a vision for the future,” remarks Jay Bock.

While the path to network modernization might seem daunting, with the right partner, businesses can transition seamlessly. Endeavor ensures modernization is not just about adopting the latest technology but leveraging it for sustained business growth.

8 Reasons to Use VPN While Traveling

In an increasingly interconnected world, travel has become an opportunity to explore new horizons both physically and digitally. As you embark on your journeys, it’s significant to prioritize your online security, privacy, and anonymity. This is where a Virtual Private Network (VPN) rescues you. 

Tourists sometimes fall into the traps of cyberattacks. And one of the essential ways of not ruining your vacations by falling victim to these attacks is to get a robust and durable VPN service. 

This will assist you in making your trip safe and protected from all possible threats. From protecting personal information to unlocking digital experiences, here are 8 compelling reasons to use a VPN while traveling.

Secure Public Wi-Fi Networks

While waiting at airports, cafes, or hotels, you might want to use public Wi-Fi networks. While they seem a convenient option, they can compromise your data to potential hackers. And expose your personal information, including passwords and other personal details.

A VPN encrypts your internet connection, safeguarding sensitive information from prying eyes and ensuring that your private conversations, passwords, and financial transactions remain secure.

Maintain Privacy

When accessing the internet in a foreign country, local regulations and data policies may differ from what you’re accustomed to. A VPN hides your IP address, allowing you to browse anonymously and maintain your privacy, irrespective of location.

This feature of the VPN service will spoof your current location and trick streaming platforms, and browse on the internet anonymously.

Access Geo-Restricted Content

Many countries impose restrictions on certain websites and platforms. A VPN can assist you in bypassing geo-blocks, giving you access to your favorite streaming services, social media platforms, and websites regardless of where you are.

With the help of a VPN, you can bypass geo-restriction and access content to stream. Suppose you are living in France and trying to access Hulu in France; then a good and reliable one will help you stream easily.

Secure Online Banking

Everyone is sensitive about keeping their bank information safe and protected while traveling. It often involves managing finances from afar. Online banking is convenient but also comes with privacy issues.

So, a VPN adds an extra layer of protection to your online banking activities, preventing potential ransomware from intercepting sensitive financial information.

Avoid Price Discrimination

Some travel booking websites adjust prices based on your location, and it will eventually cost you higher than the usual price. Using a VPN, you can browse as if in a different country, saving money on flights, shopping, accommodations, and other travel expenses.

It is a travel hack that will eventually help you to get better deals and save money. Remember to use that money on an adventure to make your trip memorable.

Stay Connected to Home

If you are traveling abroad, then accessing your local content, news, and entertainment can be challenging because you cannot access a lot of streaming platforms abroad due to geo-restrictions.

A VPN lets you connect to servers in your home country, enabling you to stay updated and connected to your preferred online content easily. Also, a robust VPN will protect your data and information, so you do not have to worry while streaming.

Maintain Communication

Suppose you use any specific app and services that may be blocked or restricted in some countries. A reliable VPN ensures you can continue using your preferred communication tools without interruption, keeping you connected to friends and family back home.

Not only that also offers privacy and security to your personal information and data. So, you can use your communication app and maintain privacy simultaneously without a worry.

Protect Business Data

If you’re traveling for work, a VPN is crucial to protect sensitive business data. It prevents potential data leaks and ensures your company’s confidential information remains secure while you’re on the go.

A reliable VPN across your shared network will ensure that business communications remain safe. It will also make your company less vulnerable to cyber-attacks.

Conclusion

In the age of digital connectivity, the importance of a VPN while traveling cannot be overstated. From safeguarding personal information to accessing unrestricted content, a VPN serves as your digital guardian, providing you with the peace of mind to fully enjoy your travel experiences. Whether exploring bustling cities or remote landscapes, a VPN ensures your online presence remains secure, private, and free from unnecessary limitations.

So, before you embark on your next adventure, pack your virtual shield – a VPN – to navigate the online world safely and anonymously because it conceals your IP address and trick streaming platforms.

AkkenCloud CEO Giridhar Akkineni: Revolutionizing the Staffing Industry with Mobile Applications for Engaging Temps

In today’s digital age, mobile applications have driven innovation and efficiency across industries. The staffing industry, in particular, has witnessed a transformative impact with the advent of mobile applications. One prominent figure at the forefront of this revolution is Giridhar Akkineni, the CEO of AkkenCloud. With his visionary leadership, AkkenCloud has been pioneering the use of mobile applications to engage temporary workers and revolutionize the staffing industry. In this article, we will delve into Giridhar Akkineni’s role in harnessing the power of mobile applications to enhance the engagement and experience of temporary workers in the staffing industry.

  1. Streamlined Communication:

Under Giridhar Akkineni’s guidance, AkkenCloud has developed mobile applications that facilitate seamless communication between staffing agencies and temporary workers. These apps offer instant messaging capabilities, enabling real-time communication for updates, job assignments, and any other relevant information. This streamlined communication ensures that temporary workers are always informed, engaged, and connected to their staffing agency, fostering a sense of belonging and improved collaboration.

  1. Efficient Job Matching:

Mobile applications have transformed the job-matching process for temporary workers. AkkenCloud’s mobile apps utilize advanced algorithms and intelligent matching capabilities to align temporary workers’ skills, preferences, and availability with suitable job opportunities. This optimized job matching empowers temps to find relevant assignments quickly, leading to enhanced job satisfaction and overall engagement.

  1. Real-Time Access to Job Openings:

Giridhar recognizes the importance of providing temporary workers with real-time access to job openings. AkkenCloud’s mobile application enables temps to browse and apply for available assignments directly from their smartphones. This instant accessibility to job opportunities enhances the engagement and involvement of temporary workers, ensuring they have access to a diverse range of assignments that match their skills and preferences.

  1. Self-Service Tools:

To further empower temporary workers, AkkenCloud’s mobile apps offer self-service tools to manage their profiles, update availability, submit timesheets, and review payment details. These self-service features give temps a sense of autonomy and control over their work-related information, leading to increased engagement and satisfaction.

  1. Mobile Timesheet Submission:

Giridhar Akkineni recognizes the need for convenient and efficient timesheet submission processes. With AkkenCloud’s mobile applications, temporary workers can easily submit timesheets through their smartphones, eliminating the need for cumbersome paperwork and reducing administrative burden. This streamlined process ensures accurate and timely payment for temporary workers, fostering trust and loyalty to the staffing agency.

  1. Training and Development:

Mobile applications have opened up new avenues for training and development in the staffing industry. AkkenCloud’s apps offer access to e-learning modules, training materials, and certifications, empowering temporary workers to enhance their skills and qualifications. This focus on continuous learning not only boosts the employability of temps but also demonstrates the staffing agency’s commitment to their professional growth and development.

As the CEO of AkkenCloud, Giridhar Akkineni has been instrumental in revolutionizing the staffing industry through the strategic use of mobile applications. By leveraging these applications, staffing agencies can engage and empower temporary workers like never before. From streamlined communication and efficient job matching to real-time access to job openings and self-service tools, mobile apps have transformed the staffing experience for temps. Under Giridhar Akkineni’s leadership, AkkenCloud continues to drive innovation, making significant strides in engaging and empowering temporary workers while fostering stronger relationships between staffing agencies and their workforce.

Vasanthan Ramakrishnan: A Chicago Tech Maverick Forging a Safer Future for Children

Aristotle once said, “The roots of education are bitter, but the fruit is sweet.” This ancient wisdom resonates profoundly in the life and work of Vasanthan Ramakrishnan, a pioneer in the realm of child safety and artificial intelligence (AI). Born into a middle-class family in Madurai, India, Vasanthan Ramakrishnan grew up with an appreciation for education and compassion deeply rooted in him by his educator parents. His journey from a curious boy questioning societal norms to a global change-maker is nothing short of inspiring. Today, as a tech maverick and a staunch child safety advocate residing in Chicago, Ramakrishnan is shaping a future where children can navigate the digital world without fear, a testament to the fruit of his educational roots.

Central to Ramakrishnan’s achievements are his key roles at the Center for Innovation in Emerging Technologies (CIET) and the Child Rights Institute (CRI), institutions that embody his commitment to harness technology for the welfare of children. They are independent subsidiaries of his larger international nonprofit organization – Feminist Pen Foundation, which is a 5X award winning human rights nonprofit focused on building a global advocacy for human rights at some of the world’s most oppressed populations while making small leaps towards closing the global gender parity gap. After winning 12 awards for his work in human rights, he is building Feminist Pen in 4 countries – USA, Chicago, Netherlands and Dubai with his 20-member team to reach over 500,000+ people from 17 countries. With an unerring focus on children’s rights and safety, Ramakrishnan has managed to bring his innovative ideas to life in the form of technological solutions that shield children from the adversities of the online world.

Leading this roster of innovations is CySafe, a ground-breaking AI-based tool designed to protect children from the pervasive threat of cyberbullying. CySafe signifies a leap forward in child safety technology, and its birth is interwoven with Ramakrishnan’s journey. Recognizing the shortcomings of existing cyberbullying detection systems—namely their inability to detect complex language features such as slang, multilingualism, and aesopian phrases—Ramakrishnan felt the need for a more nuanced approach.

His vision became reality with CySafe, the world’s first AI-based plug-in tool that employs a hybrid RNN-LSTM neural network for detecting, anticipating, and classifying cyberbullying incidents. What sets CySafe apart from conventional tools is its ability to recognize patterns across natural language, slang terms, and aesopian phrases, unique to select groups or communities, in addition to distinguishing false positives. Designed to work across languages, browsers, and devices, CySafe offers an extensive safety net that protects children from cyberbullying, irrespective of their location or language. 

Unlike the existing content moderation tools that are programmed to work within restrictive community guidelines and primarily focus on preventing security escalations, CySafe digs deeper. It uncovers the root cause of bugs or loopholes that allow cyberbullies to remain hidden for months or even years, causing mental and physical harm to children and teenagers. Thus, CySafe stands as a testament to Ramakrishnan’s commitment to create a safer and inclusive digital space for children.

This deep commitment to child safety has earned Ramakrishnan two honorary doctorates from prestigious Indian educational institutions. These honors not only acknowledge his profound technological acumen but also appreciate his relentless efforts to align technology with social needs. But Ramakrishnan’s reach extends far beyond child safety. His work in promoting gender equality, inclusivity, and social justice has garnered him two international awards and ten national awards, marking his prominence in the non-profit sphere.

It is rare to find a blend of technology and social commitment as potent as that embodied by Ramakrishnan. His journey illuminates the path for future innovators and advocates, emphasizing that technology, when coupled with empathy and a deep understanding of societal needs, can become a powerful tool for change.

However, for Ramakrishnan, his journey is far from over. Each recognition, each accolade, each child saved from the perils of cyberbullying fuels his resolve to continue his mission. His philosophy reflects his vision of a world where technology is a bridge connecting individuals, not a barrier. His steadfast belief is that the world of technology is an open book, with no full stops, only commas— an endless pursuit of innovation.

As we witness the remarkable journey of Vasanthan Ramakrishnan, we are reminded of the transformative power of technology guided by empathy. He stands as a beacon, inspiring others to harness the potential of technology to create a more inclusive, safer, and equitable society. In doing so, he paints a promising picture of the future—one where the digital world is not a battlefield for children, but a playground. A world where technology serves as a guardian, not a threat. In essence, a world that honors the right of every child to a safe and secure childhood.

Ransomware Response and Recovery: Tips from a Security Expert

Ransomware was once a little-known, consumer-based annoyance, but it has evolved into full-blown terrorist-style attacks on large enterprises, critical infrastructure, and entire industries. As the number of ransomware attacks has grown, so has the level of sophistication and the demand amount. Ransomware has hit every sector, but financial institutions, manufacturers, and healthcare are frequent targets. Any company that uses the internet is susceptible, so your business could be a target unless you’re living in Amish country and using manual tools in every aspect of your company.

Here are some sobering statistics.

Ransomware has become cybercrime’s most robust business, with some threat actors offering Ransomware as a Service (RaaS) to buyers on the dark web. It has overtaken legacy cybercrime strategies like banking trojans, phishing, and distributed denial-of-service (DDoS), although those methods can be the entry point. 

Ransomware is a global issue, with targets in almost every nation; however, EU countries and the United States get hit most often. Ransomware can be formidably expensive. For instance, UCSF paid $1.14 million to the Circus Spider faction when they released the Netwalker ransomware into their system. Brenntag and Colonial Pipeline paid out $4.4 million to Darkside, and CWT Global shelled out $4.5 million to a team of hackers known only as Ragnar Locker.

The Need for Resilience 

With the number of ransomware attacks rising, prevention and mitigation must be every company’s priority. While employee error is a main gateway, clever threat actors have found new ways to disrupt trusted software providers, cloud infrastructure, and web browsers. Employee education is helpful, but it isn’t enough.

According to Tony UcedaVélez, CEO and founder of global cybersecurity firm VerSprite, “The way into most organizations is through different types of technology. They’re not going through the front door or even the back door anymore. They’re looking for the Trojan horse. That’s related to what types of technology, software, hardware, and services are embedded within the company. It’s called a supply chain attack, and most companies aren’t prepared for it.” 

Cybersecurity needs to be built into the company’s ecosystem as much as your company’s culture and values.

Your company’s resilience and ability to recover from a ransomware attack are crucial. It’s a simple process, but unfortunately, it’s one that most companies fail to implement. Ransomware attacks have been successful simply because most businesses do not have a proper disaster recovery (DR) plan. 

What Can You Do? Manage Threats with Intention

Ransomware involves sequential, small attacks on information assets that eventually lead to data encryption. Therefore, understanding your attack surface is imperative. It will help your organization understand a data compromise’s potential impact. Then you can prioritize mitigation based on your risk appetite.

Tony states that configuration management, endpoint detection, and response solutions are the optimal ways to mitigate risks. He says, “Secure your business with intention, which means understanding the risk appetite of your company and the threat landscape of your industry. Set up security where the risk is most relevant. You don’t need all the bells and whistles many companies try to scare you into wasting money on.”

Tony and his team have laid out a common-sense plan to not only prepare for attacks but how to recover if the worst happens.

  1. Conduct comprehensive, ongoing audits of the entire tech stack and address and remediate any areas of weakness. It’s a good idea to have an immutable or air-gapped data repository, as well.
  2. Meaningful, frequent attack simulation exercises, such as Red Teaming, to test the effectiveness of an organization’s technology, processes, and people. This will help you identify gaps, mitigate vulnerabilities, and gather insight to guide future security efforts.
  3. Mandatory staff security awareness training that employs relevant real-life examples on both company and personal devices. End users are the first line of defense, so employee education must be a crucial part of your prevention efforts.
  4. The movement toward a Zero Trust model across the entire enterprise.
  5. Employing Extended Detection and Response (XDR) as part of a coordinated technology response to a threat across access endpoints, networks, communications, and storage.

VerSprite uses its PASTA (Process for Attack Simulation and Threat Analysis) methodology to help companies proactively prepare for a malicious attack. It is a customized threat model that evaluates the risks, threats, and vulnerabilities of your organization. Then it identifies the likelihood of those threats compromising your business. Threat modeling can assess your ability to prevent and respond to those threats.

VerSprite’s team can help you minimize and prevent operational downtime and data loss, so you never have to pay a ransom.

VerSprite’s Threat Intelligence Group provides organizations with real-time threat monitoring, analysis, prevention recommendations, and mitigation. Our elite team works with companies across all industries and security maturity levels to defend against threats. For more information on Versprite’s Threat Intel Group, contact one of our security advisers today.

How to Use FreeBackgroundCheck.io to Find Your Long-Lost Relatives and Friends

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s all too easy to lose touch with friends and family members. Between careers, family commitments, and personal pursuits, years can slip by, and before you know it, you’ve lost contact with someone who was once important in your life. Thankfully, there’s a powerful, entirely free-to-search and use online tool designed to help you reconnect with your long-lost loved ones: FreeBackgroundCheck.io.

As an innovative people search website, FreeBackgroundCheck.io is a free-to-use service that has been making waves in the online people search directory. With billions of daily updated records, this people search platform is your go-to resource for finding long-lost relatives and friends. So, how can you make the most of this incredible resource?

To begin your search for a long-lost relative or friend, simply navigate to FreeBackgroundCheck.io’s homepage. The user-friendly interface makes it easy to start your people search by entering the person’s name, location, or any other relevant information you may have. It’s crucial to include as much detail as possible to ensure you receive the most accurate search results from the background check database.

 FreeBackgroundCheck.ioAs soon as you’ve entered the necessary details, FreeBackgroundCheck.io will work its magic, scouring through billions of accurate and up-to-date public records in their background search database to compile a list of potential matches. The results will display a wealth of information, including names, addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, and even social media profiles. This comprehensive set of data allows you to sift through the results and identify the individual you’re searching for. If you spot a familiar face or name, click on the individual’s profile to access more in-depth information.

While the search process is relatively straightforward, there are a few tips to help you make the most of your FreeBackgroundCheck.io experience using this efficient background search website:

  1. Be patient and thorough: Navigating the search results may initially seem overwhelming, but don’t fret. It may take some time to sort through the people search directory’s results, but the more diligent you are in reviewing the information, the more likely you are to find the person you’re looking for. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t find a match right away; persistence is key.
  2. Cross-reference information: To ensure you’ve found the right person, compare the details provided in the search results with the information you already have. This may include cross-referencing social media profiles, email addresses, or phone numbers to confirm you’ve located the correct individual using the people search website.
  3. Reach out respectfully: Once you’ve found the person you’re looking for, remember to approach them with caution, kindness, and respect. After all, people’s circumstances and preferences may have changed over the years, so it’s essential to approach them with sensitivity and understanding. Consider sending a message before making a phone call or visiting their residence, allowing them to respond at their own pace.

FreeBackgroundCheck.io’s remarkable service has brought countless individuals back together, rekindling friendships and familial bonds thought to be lost forever. With billions of daily updated records at your fingertips through this people search platform, it’s never been easier to reconnect with the people who matter most. As you embark on your own journey to reconnect with someone special, keep in mind that the platform is free to use and search, making it the perfect starting point for your quest. Happy searching!

This Self-Recruiting App is Looking to Improve The Current Job Market Dilemma

Image commercially licensed from Unsplash

From the start of the coronavirus pandemic, throughout the last three years, the job market has seen a record high of employees quitting and employer layoffs, creating major staff shortages. Luckily, one innovative app is offering a solution: a new approach to connecting employers with candidates.

Recruit Me is a recently-launched app that takes inspiration from the highly-successful concept of dating apps, where users fill out profiles and answer questions that allow the algorithm to suggest romantic matches. The Recruit Me difference? It’s employers and employees filling out their profiles. Through this innovative approach, Recruit Me saves time, money, and effort in finding the best pairings.

“Recruit Me simplifies the hiring process and makes it much more personable, creating a better experience for employees and employers alike,” says Catarina Matias, the app’s founder and CEO. “Staff retention has been a significant and ongoing problem post-covid, no matter the industry, and using the old ways of hiring isn’t fixing that issue.”

The new way of hiring, Recruit Me doesn’t connect employees to just any job – ideally, it connects them to their perfect match, even if they’re not sure what that is. It’s the perfect service for recent and soon-to-be college graduates or employees looking to transform their careers. For employers, it significantly reduces the time and resources wasted on unsuccessful candidate searches.

The app is great for anyone. For companies looking to urgently fill positions and wanting to ensure that the people taking those jobs will stay and grow with the company, Recruit Me eliminates hours of searching through hundreds of automatically-unsuitable candidates. Instead, the algorithm quickly searches all profiles on the app and suggests the best matches. For companies who are not currently hiring, but foresee and understand that it is best to always be “looking,” keeping this app year-round will significantly cut back on their ad budget and ensure the best candidates are circulated to them. 

This streamlined but technology-forward approach to filling vacancies also benefits would-be employees. They have much more control over the process and can craft their profiles to ensure pairings with their ideal companies and roles, a concept that may lead to heightened job loyalty.  Recruit Me has an indicator that lists if you are actively looking, open to new opportunities, or not available – making the process of starting or restarting a job search much easier. With the click of a button, a new job seeker is back on the right companies’ radars.

Before launching Recruit Me, Matias started her own business, giving her insider insight into the workings of small businesses. She also developed an extensive career in the hospitality industry, meaning she’s witnessed first-hand the impact that mass resignation can have on a sector.

“Until now, jobseekers have primarily applied for roles with a do-it-yourself approach. Otherwise, they’ve relied on recruiters, who can have hit-or-miss track records,” says Matias. “Recruit Me mimics the best features of a dating app – putting the resources for finding your ideal match in the palm of your hand. In our case, it’s helping you make the right connection for gainful and sustainable work at a company that you’ll stay committed to.”

Just like aspiring employees, companies also have to take a chance on Recruit Me’s cutting-edge approach. “The app lets employers have the right candidates attracted to them,” says Matias. “Job ads can no longer be the main way to hire or get hired. They are outdated and, in today’s world, more focus is placed on skill sets versus specific experience. That’s the focus of this app.”

-END-