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How does technology affect the way people communicate?

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Being mindful of COVID-19 transmission risks and switching the majority of our communication to mobile devices, programs, or platforms, we significantly transform the way we structure our thoughts, approach and share new information, and of course how we form and maintain our social interactions.

But as the world seems to be undergoing some drastic changes, more and more people are left with an important question: are technological advances changing our communication field for better or for worse? 

Well, just like almost any change, technologies surely have both positive and negative sides.

Tapping instead of talking

Many scientists point out that the earlier children start using digital technologies, the less social skills they will develop in future.The reason behind this statement is that all those instant messaging, social media or microblogging provided the opportunity to connect with others without the need to not only be physically present, but even without any talking over the phone. 

And this greatly affects the ability to understand the tone of the messages and emotions of the interlocutor through the non-verbal clues. Oftentimes even direct gaze for a few seconds straight becomes a confusing challenge for those, who got used to talking over social media.

For these reasons those, who want to meet older women or men are luckier when it comes to bonding and forming healthy relationships in reality, rather than only online.

Making our gadgets a part of the dialogue

Numerous surveys indicate that on average we check our mobile phones about a hundred times per day and almost never put our phones away, no matter if we are alone or with someone. 

We share special moments, talk about work with our families or have a romantic dinner while fiddling around with our smartphones. 

Oftentimes, looking for “women near me” is much more practical and time saving by simply going online, than by actually looking around for that special someone. As high chances are, she will also be absorbed with her gadget.

Simplifying connection

With social media you can not only stay in touch with those who you’re already close with, but also grow a big and powerful community online by simply being you. 

Moreover, researches prove that for millennials successful blogging equals happiness. The popularity, even relatively small, can greatly affect confidence, comfort and even mental health.

That’s why online platforms and forums turn into a wonderful place for practically anyone, bbw lesbians, passionate artists or enthusiastic programmers to spread insights, emotions and events with a vast community of people who share their interests, ideas, or simply admire and like them for who they are. 

Altering vocabulary

With the widespread of mobile phones, SMS and all kinds of chats like WhatsApp, great changes were also made to expressing yourself: reduction of the vocabulary used to form shorter words or phrases, abbreviation of words, abusive usage of signs to give emphasis on something and the introduction of symbols, icons or GIFs to replace or accompany the text.

At the same time, social media also creates lots of new words or even alteres the meaning of already existing ones.

Moving our focus

Cyber ​​relationships prevent physical contact and limit our ability to see the entire body of our interlocutors,  however such an amazing tool as video calls allows us to see the face of our interlocutor much closer and for a longer period of time.
And that means we are more likely to be in direct contact with the basic emotions that are always expressed through the face: joy, sadness, surprise, dislike, and so on. Therefore, we can appreciate them much more clearly, without being distracted by the posture and gestures of the person we are talking to. 

The hands  that usually accompany our verbal discourse are also hardly used in online connections, so we intuitively and unconsciously contrast the words with facial expressions, making the speech more trustworthy or, on the contrary, doubtful.

Takeaway

It’s probably obvious that technologies by themselves are neither good nor bad. They can help us develop new skills, and at the same time cause us to lose others.

The main idea should be to make rational use of them, knowing their drawbacks and encouraging moments of “face-to-face” communication in the family and with friends, and establishing technology-free spaces and moments at home and at work.

Tim Murawski Continuing to Lead Augmedics to Success

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Augmedics continues to go from strength to strength. Under the leadership of President and Chief Commercial Officer Tim Murawski, the medical technology company is consistently achieving new success. A pioneer in blending augmented reality into healthcare, Augmedics has had a remarkable year so far in 2021. Along with continuing to perfect its flagship xvision product, the company has recently announced the news that will help guide it through the rest of the year. What’s more, the first and second quarters of 2021 could help lay the groundwork for the future of this innovative company.

First, a little about Augmedics and its role in transforming how operating room teams work with immersive technology. 

About Augmedics

The future of healthcare will rely on blending medical expertise with innovative technologies. This is the path Augmedics has set out for itself. Through their xvision system, the company is bringing augmented reality to hospitals and medical centers around the world. Augmented reality is a technology that overlays digital elements in the real world. This allows physicians to ‘see’ 3D visualizations of the spinal system. Almost like x-ray vision, augmented reality helps OR teams see-through skin and tissue during operations. This makes it much easier to navigate tricky spinal procedures and creates better patient outcomes.

The first augmented reality tech product to ever be used in medical procedures, Augmedics is bringing better control and stability to the operating room. And, through the work of company leaders like Tim Murawski, is continuing to raise vital funding and create new solutions in the healthcare space.

Tim Murawski and Augmedics team achievements

Recent achievements

Along with continuing to innovate in the augmented reality space, Augmedics saw a successful first-quarter fundraising campaign in 2021. The pioneer in medical technology raised over $36 million in Series C financing through an international syndicate of Israel-US investors. This successful fundraising venture comes just 8 months after the company closed a $21 million Series B financing in 2020. This funding will help lead Augmedic’s commercial success to new heights, paving the way for continued growth and innovation.

As new executive chairman Rick Anderson noted, “Augmented reality is at the leading edge of medical technology innovation in navigation and digital surgery. The majority of spine and orthopedic procedures performed today are done without navigation and we have the opportunity to significantly improve outcomes for patients and physicians alike. The xvision Spine System may enable operating physicians to be better, faster, and more accurate, providing a significant runway for expansion in the currently approved indication and beyond. We are excited to partner with [the Augmedics team] to bring this revolutionary technology to surgeons around the world.”

In addition to reaching over $63 million in funding since starting in 2019, the company has also recently announced new board leadership. In July, Augmedics announced Rick Anderson and Bradley Paddock would be joining as executive chairman and independent director, respectively.

A specialist in emerging healthcare companies, Anderson is providing Augmedics with over 30 years of executive and investment experience. Along with providing his expertise on the Augmedics board, Anderson also serves as the chairman of Revival Healthcare Capital. This Texas-based private equity firm specializes in medical devices and diagnostics.

Bradley Paddock brings over 25 years of experience as a medical device executive. After excelling in prior executive leadership roles in companies like Stryker and Bausch + Lomb, Paddock is now the president and CEO of CeQur SA. This medical device company pioneers new advances in insulin delivery systems. As board director of Augmedics, his background in integrations, acquisitions, and cost-saving strategies will be highly valuable.

On these new additions, Augmedics founder and CEO Nissan Elimelech said, “Rick and Brad have provided invaluable guidance from the start. We are delighted to have the leadership of these two renowned industry veterans as we continue to bring xvision to surgeons across the U.S. and revolutionize the way spine surgery is done.”

Tim Murawski’s leadership

Through dedicated, driven leadership by executives like Tim Murawski, Augmedics and its xvision system continue to achieve new success. Creating new solutions in the healthcare space can be a long, difficult process. It takes a problem-solving mindset and the combined effort of teams at every level of an organization. But under great leadership, innovation and creativity can thrive. And through that ingenuity, patients can receive higher quality care than was ever possible before.

Thanks to these teams and leaders like Tim Murawski, Augmedics is planning exciting things for the future. After cementing the success of the xvision system, the company wants to explore new avenues of medical applications beyond the realm of spinal procedures. The system itself has a small footprint and economical cost and could prove to be easily integrated into a variety of medical facilities. This would allow the xvision system and Augmedics to shape patient care beyond its original intended context.

After facing a risky launch led by Mr. Murawski, the commercial and medical success of the xvision system proved that the company had great potential. And now, that potential is quickly expanding as Augmedics continues to grow, both in leadership and financial ability.

When will Australia reopen?

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Australia had until recently been very fortunate to have avoided major COVID-19 outbreaks. However, the arrival of the delta variant has been a huge setback with many urban centres under lockdown once again.

The country has had some of the strictest restrictions on travel for both foreign passengers and Australians. Naturally, questions are being asked about when regular travel to and from the country will begin again.

When is tourism likely to resume?

Currently, Australia’s travel restrictions are due to continue until at least the end of 2021. Nevertheless, it is expected that the country won’t resume tourism until early 2022.

At the moment it is not possible to travel to Australia at all. Normally tourists are allowed to enter the country with a visa or visa waiver such as the Australian ETA. However, these authorizations are currently suspended due to the imposed health restrictions. They should be continued once tourism recommences.

To find out more information about the entry requirements to Australia for your nationality, click this link.

It is expected to take until the middle of the decade for normal travel to resume

Some experts are pessimistic about the return to pre-pandemic normality for Australia. With travel restrictions likely to continue into 2022 and some limits lasting much longer.

In a recent study by Deloitte, it is predicted that tourist volumes won’t reach 2019 levels again until at least 2024. According to TimeOut, it is also expected that some quarantine measures will remain in place until that point.

However, this is only one prediction. A lot rests on the vaccine program both in Australia and globally.

Up until now, the vaccine rollout has had a sluggish start in Australia but has started to gain pace. At present over 50% of Australians have received at least one shot of a COVID-19 vaccine.

What is the current situation across Australia?

Australia is dealing with rising COVID cases due to the arrival of delta variant within its territory. As a result the borders are closed to most passengers and the majority of states have local curbs on movement and entertainment. Most jurisdictions also enforce mask wearing in public places.

Travel restrictions for passengers

Most passengers cannot enter Australia under the current restrictions. There are only a few exceptions that are allowed.

At present, only the following people may enter Australia:

  • Australian citizens
  • Permanent residents of Australia
  • Immediate family of permanent residents and citizens
  • Escorts of Australian citizen or resident minors
  • Passengers transiting in Australia for 72 hours or less
  • People who have been in New Zealand in the 14 days before arrival
  • Diplomats and their immediate family
  • Airline and marine crew
  • People approved under the Seasonal Worker Program or Pacific Labour Scheme
  • Business Innovation and Investment visa holders
  • Holders of Temporary Activity visas in the Post COVID-19 Economic Recovery Event stream

It is necessary to provide supporting evidence that you fit one of these criteria if you do travel to Australia.

Those that are permitted to enter the country will also have to quarantine. They must spend 14 days in a government-run hotel quarantine site, which must be funded at their own expense.

Australia and New Zealand previously operated a travel bubble scheme, allowing both countries’ citizens to visit each other’s territory. However, this has been suspended due to the rise in domestic COVID cases in both countries.

Local restrictions in Australian states

Each state in Australia can set its own rules on COVID management. This includes actions like closing state borders, restricting travel in and out of the state and imposing quarantine on interstate travellers.

New South Wales

Sydney is currently under lockdown with locals not allowed to leave or enter the city except for essential reasons. People arriving from out of state must provide a travel declaration.

Victoria

Visitors to Victoria need a permit to enter the state. Some of the state’s borders have also been closed with New South Wales. People returning to Victoria from red zones such as Brisbane and Australian Capital Territory (ACT) must quarantine for 14 days on arrival.

Queensland

Queensland has imposed border restrictions on New South Wales. Essential workers may enter from NSW but must have had at least one COVID vaccine before they arrive.

People from some areas such as Darwin and ACT are barred from entering the state. Queensland residents returning from hotspots must quarantine for 14 days in a hotel at their own expense.

Western Australia

Visitors to Western Australia must apply for permission before travelling there from high risk states. These are defined as places with more than 50 daily cases of COVID-19.

Arrivals from high risk areas must also prove they have at least 1 shot of a COVID vaccine. They must also provide a negative PCR test taken less than 72 hours before travel.

Anyone coming into Western Australia from an area that is not designated as ‘very low risk’ must quarantine for 14 days on arrival.

Australian Capital Territory (ACT)

At the moment ACT is under lockdown and non-residents from other locked down areas may only enter for exceptional circumstances. However, people arriving from other states not subject to lockdown are free to enter the region.

Travellers who reside in the ACT must fill out an online exemption form before travelling back. They must also undergo 14 days of home quarantine when they arrive back in the state.

South Australia

The borders between South Australia with Victoria, New South Wales, ACT and Queensland are currently closed. Only essential workers and people with exceptional circumstances are permitted to enter from these areas.

Travellers from other states can enter SA. However, they must undergo PCR tests on day 1, 5, and 13 of their arrival. They must also quarantine until they receive their first negative test.

Northern Territory

Lockdowns are currently in effect in Darwin, Palmerston and Katherine. Arrivals from COVID-19 hotspots are not allowed to enter the state without proof of residency or meeting requirements for exceptional circumstances.

Tasmania

Arrivals from New South Wales, the ACT and Victoria may not enter Tasmania without special permission. Visitors from other high-risk areas in Australia also face similar restrictions.

Residents travelling back to Tasmania from a locked-down area elsewhere in Australia must also take extra steps to comply with restrictions. This requires them to obtain an essential traveller permit and undergo 14 days of quarantine on arrival.

As Australia undergoes struggles with the delta variant it’s not certain exactly when the country will reopen. However, with mitigations in place and vaccinations underway it is hoped that the situation can be brought under control in the shortest possible time.

Video Games and iGaming Industries in the UK

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In 2021, entertainment is bigger than ever. It is, of course, a very diverse ecosystem with each kind having unique strengths and weaknesses. Gaming happens to be one of the most popular ways through which people get entertained. It comes in different forms each of which targets different audiences. However, most of them are slowly merging. Let’s look at both sectors and how their dynamism is gradually bringing them together.

Video Games in the United Kingdom

As it stands, the United Kingdom (UK) is one of the most vibrant video game markets on the planet. To put this into context, in 2021, the ranks as the top video game market in Europe. From a global perspective, it is the sixth-largest. That makes the region’s video game market a lucrative space for various companies.

The seemingly meteoric rise of the UK video game industry is not too surprising. It is a sector that largely relies on technology which has also been rising at a fast pace. Digital transformation was thus key to the success of the industry. Its shifts into what it is today are all traceable from significant technological leaps, especially from the last two decades.

Can we quantify that? Well, we can now enjoy lots of amazing online and mobile video game releases because of some rather simple factors. These are innovation, massive investment into new technologies and unmatched consumer interest. The modern digital landscape is a gold mine. Last year, video game software retail sales revenue in the UK clocked a whopping 4.22 billion pounds. Digital sales contributed to a huge chunk of that revenue. This further proves just how lucrative the sector remains.

Interest in the market has conveniently turned into a beneficial thing for the UK. For instance, international companies like Sony Interactive Entertainment, Konami, Microsoft and Take-Two have offices in the region. There are even development studios in the country.

Online Gaming in the United Kingdom

When online gambling first went live in the UK in the mid-90s, players could only enjoy a few rather basic games. The user interfaces at the time were quite basic, to say the least. However, thanks to several years’ worth of learning and development as well as massive advances in technology, the new UK betting sites are insanely different. Even the laws have changed in major ways to accommodate the lucrative industry.

As it stands, the United Kingdom has more than 25 million gamblers. Half of these people prefer to place their bets online. Online gaming thus easily accounts for nearly 40 percent of the country’s gambling market revenue which is about £14.3 billion annually. At the rate that the sector is growing, it will not be surprising if that percentage rises to 50 in coming years.

In 2021, some of that growth was brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. With no access to many of the social gaming spaces, many gamblers switched to online gambling. The sector was already doing quite well but that did catalyze its rise. That especially applies to people who were previously only familiar with retail casinos. In essence, millions of new online gamblers joined the online gaming space in the past year.

How Video Games and Online Gambling Are Coming Together

As we established earlier, video games are more exciting than ever before. The same applies to online gambling. However, what is even more exciting is how the two sectors have been overlapping lately. Gambling operators and video game companies have found interesting ways of giving customers the best of both worlds.

The first thing that often comes to mind is Esports and Esports betting. They are currently among the fastest-growing verticals of their respective sectors. For video game enthusiasts, Esports and competitive video gaming have brought out a whole new dimension to video culture. The sport currently has millions of dedicated fans from all around the world. Reputable companies and organizations also got on board further affirming just how much potential it has.

For sports bettors, Esports betting takes the excitement a notch higher. Betting on traditional sports is still very desirable but having more choice is certainly more fun. Betting on Esports is just as fun and offers pretty much the same perks. That said, the luckiest lot will be those that are fans of both video games and online gambling.

Beyond Esports, video games still also inspire the designs, storylines, and themes of casino titles. It is a rather subtle aspect but it makes a difference for many fans. For that reason, we simply cannot ignore its significance.

 Summary

If the current numbers are anything to go by, gamers have so much to look forward to. Technology is also getting better and we are very excited to see how it gets integrated into these fabulous forms of entertainment. It is worth noting that both video games and online gambling have had a few ups and downs over the years. Thankfully, the stakeholders have been working on ways of resolving those issues. The goal is to deliver gaming experiences that are not only safe but also fair.

Some of the Most Common Car Problems

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Car problems are common but they are annoying. Let’s face the real fact and that is no one wants car problems and if we can avoid it we should. There are a ton of issues that can give us car problems so let’s dive into it. But before we get into those steps, let’s talk about why this problem happens and what you can do to fix it. 

Oil is one of the most important parts in a car. Without it, the car will not run. So this is a very common problem and it happens to all cars. When the oil starts to go bad, it’s time to take your car into the nearest service center for help. But before you do that, here are some things you should know about the most common causes of a car’s oil to run dry. 

One thing that happens is when a car’s coolant is not being replaced as it should be. When the coolant runs out, the engine has no other choice but to shut off and not refill itself. As a result, your engine cools down and it won’t work right. The easiest way to solve this problem is to keep the car’s coolant levels as high as possible. 

Another problem is when your oil pan is clogged with dirt and debris. When the oil cannot drain and run smoothly, the engine cannot work properly. When this happens, the only solution is to clean and drain the oil. However, you can get clogs in different ways and we will discuss some of them here. 

Some of the most common causes of this problem are brakes or other moving parts. If the wheels have rusted, the brake pads must be changed immediately. This is also a very easy fix. Just remove the brake pads and wash them with soap and water. 

A car can also develop a slow drain if the coolant is not being replenished as it should be. Sometimes, the car coolant levels are so low that they do not even know when they need to be replenished. It does not take long to drain a car; it just takes a little time. The easiest way to check if this is the problem is to go to your local mechanic. If your car is draining too slowly, you should consider having a radiator pumped or replaced because the problem may be radiator leakage. 

If neither of these two options help you with your car’s slow drain, the only other option left is to check your engine coolant. It’s better to replace your car’s oil than to save a few bucks. If you get an oil change on a regular schedule, your engine should last longer and drain less coolant. However, if you see that your engine is always running hot and you are constantly having to open the hood, you need to get your engine’s oil changed. 

Other car problems, such as battery problems, require special attention. The first thing you need to do if you find a dead battery in your car is to check the car battery pressure. If it’s too low, you need to get a new battery. If the problem is battery failure, you should first turn off the ignition and then try to find the battery. It’s best to disconnect the battery before performing any other action. Other ways to determine whether the battery is failing is to look at the battery’s gauge and to test the battery by using a car charger.

Other problems include the check engine lights which can be associated with a number of things. Dead battery is up there among the common issues and so is the alternator failing. Each problem has its own financial burden so it can be very costly. If you go online, you will find problems with every model and make of car. Websites like https://olive.com/is-the-subaru-crosstrek-reliable/ can help you narrow down choices when buying a car. 

Above are the list of problems that are quite common in cars. But with regular maintenance and proper service, you can avoid a lot of these issues and help your car run smoothly for years to come.

Huawei Smartwatch 3: Everything You Need To Know

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Although Android is the most popular operating system for smartphones, very few smartwatches are running on it. Why? Smartwatches are in their early stages of innovation, but it seems that many companies are waiting for the technology to mature before releasing their device.

Huawei has been a rising star in the mobile phone industry for a while now, ever since it released its first smartphone back in 2004. In 2015 alone, Huawei sold more than 100 million smartphones worldwide, and this number is expected to increase even further in 2016. The company’s success isn’t limited to smartphones alone; Huawei has also released its line of smartwatches which compete directly with other popular brands such as the Apple Watch and the Samsung Gear S2.

With an attractive design, excellent battery life, and lots of extra features, the Huawei Watch 3 is a suitable choice. It may be a little bit high-priced, but after you read this, I’m sure that it will seem worth every penny!

About  Design :

For the watch 3, Huawei keeps to the same rounded design concept of the GT but adds more acceptable case materials and a better display to set it apart from the Watch GT 2 and Watch GT 2e.

The biggest Watch GT 2 option, which comes in Active, Classic, and Elite versions, has a 46mm chassis to match. If you require a more precise look, it is a traditional  Watch design or even an all-metal design.

Performance

This is the first model smartwatch to operate on its proprietary HarmonyOS. This software is designed to run various devices, including the Huawei MatePad Pro, intelligent scales, action cameras, and more. The purpose is to build a platform that allows devices to communicate and connect seamlessly.

It’s also designed to provide a smartwatch experience that’s on par with what Apple, Samsung, and Google’s platforms have to offer. This Watch will operate with Android and iPhones, but like with the GT series, you’ll get the best and most out of it if you link it with an Android phone. You may utilize the built-in music player and download and create new animated watch faces while doing so.

Your AI Assistant Celia Feature

The Watch came with a microphone and speaker on board, taking calls and integrating Huawei’s Celia intelligent assistant. The appearance of intelligent assistants on smartwatches hasn’t wowed users across the board, with the noteworthy exceptions of Fitbit’s Alexa and Apple’s Siri.

You may activate Celia by saying, “Hey, Celia,” and then asking questions with replies read aloud. With queries about the weather or measuring your heart rate, you must make it simple.

Your Exercise and Health monitor Guide

 It includes built-in GPS and Huawei’s newest TruSeen 4.5 optical heart rate monitor, which is designed to outperform Huawei’s previous watches in terms of accuracy. That sensor generates spO2 readings, and stress and fitness tracking mainstays like sleep monitoring are also included.

Final thoughts on Smartwatch 3!

With this smartwatch 3, you now have a good reason to ditch your old Watch. The features are well-thought-out and useful; the battery life is long enough to last for days, it’s very comfortable, and it comes in multiple colors so that you can find one that suits your preferences. If you’re looking for something affordable to use as a fitness tracker or just because you want an alternative to the Apple Watch, then choose Huawei Smartwatch 3

Cyber Crime Patterns in the UK

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Cybercrime is an activity that has harmed many people over the years. We’ve reached a point where many of us believe we would never fall for it, but cybercrime is rampant, and more of us are witnessing scams than ever.

There are a variety of different ways that scammers work now. Malware getting installed on victims computers is one way, but it isn’t the only method. Phishing emails, texts and websites are being talked about all over the internet.

Scammers design phishing messages to look like real websites and emails. When a person receives them, they’re asked to click on a link and fill in some information. The scammer can then use this information in any way that they want.

Internet security firm PPC Shield have seen these scams and wanted to see how they affect people. They have reports from the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau from January onwards.

Cyber Crime Patterns in the UK

When it comes to cybercrime, we’ve all come across scams at least once or twice. Though we don’t fall for them most of the time, you may fall for one at some point. The majority of cybercrimes in 2021 were committed through phishing scams. That is when they send you an email or a link to a site where you’re asked to fill in payment information or passwords. Once a scammer has this information, they can steal your money and hack into other accounts.

Fraudulent use of social media, email scams and hacking are examples of cybercrime. Together they account for 43% of all cybercrime incidents reported in the UK in 2021.

Who is being targeted?

When people think of cybercrime, they assume the victims don’t understand technology. Scammers must choose them as they wouldn’t be able to tell the difference between a real and fake website. But the statistics seem to suggest otherwise.

Since the beginning of the year, the primary targets of cybercrime appear to be younger. They tend to be tech-savvy and under the age of 40. 5000 people within that age group have reported that they have been a victim of cybercrime. These are people that you wouldn’t expect to click on a link that would install a virus. Phishing scams are getting cleverer, and scammers are getting more successful at making their messages look real. That leads to people not checking to see if the email is coming from who it claims to be.

Businesses are also affected by cybercrime. Since January, 10% of the total number of victims have been companies. Email addresses are usually easy to find on websites with other details. It might not be difficult for a scammer to replicate a message that a business will want to respond to.

How do people know they’ve been a victim of cybercrime?

One in three people only discovered they had been a victim of cybercrime through their banks. Fortunately, banks do report transactions that seem suspicious to the account holder. But sometimes, they can still slip through. A person might only know they’ve been a victim when they check to see what they’ve been spending. In turn, that could make it difficult to track where someone stole their details.

Other people may realise if they think back on a form they’ve filled in. If they go back and check their emails or history, they may notice something isn’t right. If they’ve already filled their details in, they’re too late.

If you think you’ve been a victim of cybercrime whether due to missing money or anything else, report it. You will want to freeze your bank account and change your passwords to protect yourself. If you think you may have been a victim but have no proof. You should change your details anyway to be safe.

How does cybercrime affect victims?

When you’re a victim of a crime, it can affect the way you live your life. Everyone has a different reaction. ONS data from the Crime Survey for England and Wales states that 72% of victims felt that they had been affected. Almost a third of people had a moderate or severe reaction to what had happened. The majority of these people experienced anger or annoyance.

With a loss of money and the need to make changes to protect themselves again, anger makes sense. But a further 1 in 10 of these victims showed signs of anxiety or depression. Not being able to sleep was a common symptom that these people reported.

Cybercrime might not be a violent crime, but it is still theft.

How is cybercrime being committed?

A few years ago, the majority of cybercrime was committed using malware. These are programs that people would usually accidentally install from a link. There were different kinds of malware, but they always took private information.

Cybercrime has since adapted, although it is still often committed through emails. Where before people would get you to click links to install something, they now take you to fake pages. On those pages, you submit information like your card or bank account details. The page will provide those details to the scammer without them having to wait for you to use your card again. They may also steal your passwords that they can access through this scam as well.

Social media phishing is also more of an issue than it used to be. People mock-up fakes that look like social media pages and steal your information. With your login, they can then get information about other people to steal their details. On social media, we don’t think of phishing as often. We certainly don’t think of businesses getting scammed on social media. But as well as being a chance to connect with others, it also gives scammers more opportunities to steal.

Is cybercrime evolving?

The way that cybercrime is changing suggests that is evolving. Most cybercrime has involved emails expecting a response. Now people are being sent messages with phishing links.

These emails are more sophisticated than they used to be, and they can slip past spam filters. The scammers will spend time looking at the official message and can copy it almost exactly. In some cases, the only way to tell it’s fake is by looking at the email and not the name associated with the account.

Scammers are using these phishing sites and emails far more regularly than they used to. Malware is at its lowest reported figure since 2007, according to the Google Transparency Report. Meanwhile, reports of phishing sites have gone up by 750% in the same amount of time.

How much money has been lost to cybercrime?

The total that British people and businesses have lost in the last eight months adds up to £5.7m. This was spread across 14,883 different incidents. The number of incidents and the amounts lost highlight how serious cybercrime is.

Fewer businesses tend to be the victims of these crimes, but they lose large amounts of money when they are. In total, businesses have lost £1.9M since January. That accounts for a third of the total loss across the United Kingdom.

Fewer businesses get targeted. But the financial losses rack up the total loss quicker than those of individuals.

How can people protect themselves?

It can be difficult to know what to do when it comes to cybercrime. If a website or message looks and sounds real, you are likely going to believe it. Especially if you’re busy and are quickly checking your email. If you’re expecting a parcel and then you get an email saying your parcel can’t be delivered because of costs. You would likely believe it.

In the end, it comes down to being suspicious and knowing how the services work. If you get an email or text claiming to be a reputable company, look into whether they will contact you like this. Check the email as well. With emails, you can tell if it’s fake or not. If you’re still not sure, then you can Google it. Most companies will have a contact email on their website. Even if a different department from the contact email messages you, you can see if the domains match or not.

Other things to keep an eye out for are spelling mistakes and how they refer to you. If there are mistakes or the company isn’t referring to you in the way they usually do, you can assume that it’s fake.

Keep an eye out and report any scams that you see so other people can have prior warning.

How to Grow Your Audience Through Digital Marketing

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One of the biggest challenges for any business is growing its audience and expanding its customer base, but it’s one of the most important goals to achieve if you’re hoping to achieve your goals. While many companies rely on word of mouth and local referrals, there are also other ways to grow your audience that can give you a bit of control over how your business is perceived.

Whether you specialise in hardscaping materials, heating and plumbing or fittings and fixtures, it’s so important that you can be found easily for those customers who are looking for your services or products. In today’s world, having a robust and well thought out online presence is becoming more and more essential. SLG explains more about how to grow your audience through this type of activity.

Marketing for the construction industry

Typically marketing teams in construction focussed businesses are small, and are required to perform a huge number of tasks. While there are many different avenues to explore when it comes to digital marketing, it’s important to find the right mix that will work for your business and your team. Spreading yourself too thin trying to do everything could result in falling short of the results you were hoping to gain. Here are just 3 of the ways you could use marketing for the purpose of growing your audience base.

Keeping your website up to date

These days, the first thing customers will do when trying to find a solution to their problem is head to the internet. With that in mind, if your business doesn’t have an online presence, it’s likely that customer will land on a competitor to help them solve their issue. Having a website that clearly communicates who you are and what value you do can provide is the first thing to get right.

However, it’s one thing to build a website and get it running, and it’s another to make sure it’s kept up to date. The last thing you need is a customer clicking on your website and being confused by out of date information, or not being able to find what they’re looking for. Details like how to get in touch with you, what services you provide and answers to FAQs can all be great tools to encourage prospective customers to go a step further.

You can also include handy information on your website that’s accessible by the customer filling in their details and requirements, so you can gauge their interest and offer the right assistance to suit them. This can be a great way to capture a new audience and hopefully turn some of them into viable leads.

Engaging with your social media followers

A huge part of today’s digital marketing sphere is social media, and through the various platforms there is a whole host of people who might just be interested in what you’re offering. Even if you think your business isn’t right for a particular channel, the chances are your audience is on at least one of the many platforms available. You can tap into this audience by making sure you have a social media page for your business, that’s updated regularly with news, images and video.

Perhaps you want to show off your craftsmanship, or maybe you’re hosting an event to announce a new product line. Whatever it is, social media is a great way to get the word out. Use your social pages to engage with your audience; talk to customers and find out what their pain points are, and explain how your business is well-placed to fix them.

Using a social media page can also give customers a better idea of your brand’s personality and make your business much more approachable.

Search engine optimisation for local customers  

One of the best strategies to grow your audience is to tap into your domestic audience. There has been a huge trend of late to support British businesses, but it’s no good if customers haven’t heard of you. Localising SEO efforts can be a very effective strategy to connect users in your local area, region or country depending on how far you want to reach out.

This helps your online presence become even more visible on the likes of Google, so that when someone is looking for an underfloor heating supplier or paving manufacturer, you are right there in Google’s listings.

The best way to achieve great results when it comes to your marketing strategies is to work with a reputable and trusted agency, who can work with you to reach your goals and widen your audience.

When to see a Mortgage Advisor

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A mortgage is not something you can take lightly. It is the loan you take from a bank or other financial institution to pay off your home. For many, it is the premier way people use to purchase their housing. A mortgage is a serious loan, and its amount can get quite high based on the property’s value. Because of this, it must be taken seriously, or else you could find yourself in a lot of debt troubles.

Purchasing a home is a significant investment, and it is often a big step for many families. To avoid putting you and your family at risk, it is suggested that you seek the help of a mortgage advisor. A mortgage advisor in Essex can provide you with all the tools necessary to handle a mortgage properly. They can assist you every step of the way and make sure that you make the right decisions. If you are unsure whether you need to consult a mortgage advisor, then keep reading this article for more insight.

What Does a Mortgage Advisor Do?

A mortgage advisor is essentially the middleman between you and your bank or chosen financial institution. They are licensed professionals that can create loans on your behalf, but they cannot act upon them as that is your choice alone. They consult with the various mortgage lenders and make mortgage plans that work within your desired budget. A good mortgage advisor will compare monthly payments as well as interest rates for you. They will compile everything they research and present it to you for your decision. Mortgage advisors will also assist you and provide their input on what lenders you should be considering. Aside from this, they do most of the grunt work involved in the process, so that you only need to worry about making the right decision.

When You Should Consider Seeing One

There are different stages of the home purchasing process. It is advised that you should consult with a mortgage advisor during these stages.

Thinking about It

Right when you are still even considering buying a home, you should consult a mortgage broker. Consulting one this early in the process can help you set realistic goals and expectations for your future home.

Down Payment Secured

When you have already secured enough money that you believe is enough for a down payment on a home, it is generally a good time to meet with a mortgage broker. This meeting will allow you to accurately gauge how much your down payment can get you in terms of housing.

Challenges

If you have encountered any problems that are stopping you from getting a mortgage, then it is recommended that you get an advisor. Common problems faced by aspiring homeowners are low credit scores, inconsistent employment, and low down payment. A mortgage advisor can assist you and make it work with your situation.

Talking With a Real Estate Agent

If you are discussing with a real estate agent or planning to, it is an excellent time to see a mortgage advisor. They can assist you in getting a preapproved loan and get your paperwork in order so that your real estate agent can help you better.

Is Binary Options Trading Safe? A Thorough Guide

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Binary options have captivated traders of all levels of experience, from beginners to professionals, looking for ways to diversify their portfolios of investments. Over the years, this sort of trading has developed into a well-respected and legitimate practice in the financial community. Despite this, one of the main challenges to many people, particularly when it comes to deciding where to invest their money, is whether binary options trading is safe.

The solution to this frequently asked question concerning binary options trading will be revealed in this article, allowing you to make a more informed decision. We will also go over some suggestions for selecting the safe trade binary options platform and elements that influence the risk of binary options trading.

Regulated Economic Mechanism – Binary Options Trading

If your explanation of safety in the question “Is binary options trading safe?” is whether or not it is regulated and legal, then the answer is yes; as long as you choose the correct binary options brokers, binary options trading is completely safe. If your main issue is whether or not it is risk-free, then you should be aware that any trade, not only binary options trading, involves some level of risk. Since there is no assurance that a business or investment will succeed in the future, each carries a certain amount of calculated risk.

Acknowledging risks and trading responsibly are two of the most important aspects of a risk-free trading environment. With that in mind, let us dig a little deeper into the question of whether binary options trading is safe in terms of the methods, platforms, and trading mechanisms that are used.

Is Binary Options Trading a Risky Business?

Binary options are often seen as a risk-free form of investment. While it is essential to do your homework when dealing with money processes in general, it is more important when dealing with cryptocurrency. The following are the primary reasons why this trading avenue may be one of the most secure for you to pursue.

Straightforward & Simple To Comprehend

The fact that binary options trading is so simple is undoubtedly one of the most sought-after benefits that attract many traders to the market. It is based on a simple assumption that provides you with only two options and results. Based on your informed guesses on many elements and trends, you will determine and anticipate the asset’s movement if it will be true at a given moment in time.

In this basic “yes or no” proposition, you will either receive a specific proportion of your investment if you are successful or receive nothing if you are unsuccessful; there are no between ground options. It is for this figure out that it is referred to as an asset-or-nothing choice.

The use of binary options eliminates the need for traders to purchase or possess an asset. Commodities, currencies, and stock indexes, among other things, can be considered assets. Because of the phenomenal expansion of cryptocurrencies and the fact that there are currently over 17 million Bitcoins in circulation, some brokers now offer cryptocurrency trading as an option.

Easy To Get Started

Traders merely need to select a broker, open a trading account, and begin trading right after that. While being informed about this type of trade is still important, it is unnecessary to have as much in-depth information as you would need for other types of trade, such as FX trading. Even beginners can benefit from this because it allows them to progress and chooses from various binary options.

Known Risk & Limitations

When you trade binary options, you are fully aware of the amount of risk you are taking and the amount of possible profit you stand to make depending on the outcome. Regardless of how large or small your amount is, you are only putting your money at risk.

Aside from that, there is no risk of leverage, which means that you will not lose more than the amount you put at risk in the trade, as opposed to some other types of trading. As a result, you will be further prepared to deal with any losses if you opt to invest a sum within your financial capabilities. Using this method, you can avoid losing more money than you can afford.

High & Quick Returns

When it comes to investing, one of your primary objectives is to earn a high rate of return. Because binary options carry a higher level of risk, their profits are often larger as well. It generates an average annual return of 60-90 percent, depending on the broker you choose to work with. Its high turnover rate also ensures that payouts are made as quickly as possible.

The expiry duration of different assets might range from a few minutes or less than an hour (often even seconds) to several weeks. If you choose daily binary options traders, you will be able to trade many times per day, perhaps earning a greater profit.

What Is The Best Way to Reduce Risk in Binary Options Trading?

As previously stated, binary options trading is often regarded as risk-free trading; nevertheless, this does not imply risk-free in all circumstances. Despite its all-or-nothing concept, the good news is that there are several things you can take to lessen your chances of becoming a victim of this scam.

Using a licensed and regulated binary options broker is one approach to ensure your safety when trading binary options. As a result, you will be able to avoid fraud and keep your valuables safe. It is also a good idea to research market conditions and trading timelines to be prepared if you decide to get involved in the trading industry. Binary options trading can be a productive experience if you put the necessary time and effort into preparation and study.

Conclusion

Binary option trading is not a risk-free process but still profitable. As this way of investing and rising your money is increasing day by day and if you have a good broker, you do not need to worry about your stakes!

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