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Cybersecurity Forecast: Anticipating and Responding to New Threats

The cybersecurity forecast for the coming year includes anticipating and responding to new threats. The growing sophistication of cyber threats is expected to result in increased data breaches.

Phishing, business email compromise, and insider threats will continue to trend throughout 2024. Misconfigurations of code and a lack of skilled cybersecurity workers are expected to contribute to these trends.

Discover what the cybersecurity forecast for 2024 looks like and how you can anticipate and respond to new threats.

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Increase Cybersecurity Risks

The increasing connectivity of people and devices continues to blend the physical and digital worlds. As a result of artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and other innovative technologies, the need for cybersecurity increases.

The growth of connectivity due to the Internet of Things (IoT), 5G technology, supply chain technology, and remote work significantly increases the cyberattack surface. As a result, cybercriminals are becoming more sophisticated as they search for vulnerabilities:

  • Cybercriminals use AI and ML to find and exploit vulnerabilities in threat detection models. The preferred methods include automated phishing attacks that mimic humans and malware that self-modifies to fool cyber defense systems and programs.
  • Hackers use AI and ML tools to attack and explore company networks. Then, they use ransomware to demand payment by cryptocurrencies in exchange for the company’s data.

Polymorphic Malware Becomes Increasingly Difficult to Detect

Polymorphic malware continues to change to evade detection. If a malware strain becomes known for having specific properties, then slight changes can be made to create new properties. As a result, endless malware files can become unique enough not to be recognized as malware.

Polymorphic code can be used to:

  • Create ransomware that encrypts files and demands payment for their return.
  • Develop keyloggers that record keystrokes to steal passwords.
  • Create rootkits that provide remote access to a computer.
  • Implement browser manipulation that redirects the browser to malicious websites.
  • Develop adware that slows down a computer and advertises questionable products.

Tips to Anticipate and Respond to Cybersecurity Threats

You can implement these methods to anticipate and respond to cybersecurity threats:

  • Constantly look for potential threats and proactively resolve the issues.
  • Use threat hunting to identify and patch unknown threats.
  • Hire skilled professionals to identify and patch holes and security gaps in your network.
  • Regularly engage in cybersecurity awareness training.

Are You Looking for a Cybersecurity Role?

Partner with RightStone to secure your next cybersecurity role. Visit our job board today.


The Role of a Procurement Buyer in IT

The role of a procurement buyer in IT is essential for success. The buyer is responsible for sourcing, purchasing, and negotiating the best deals for IT goods and services a company needs to operate effectively. This professional might purchase the goods and services outright, contract out to a third-party supplier, or use a combination of these methods.

A procurement buyer in IT researches appropriate vendors, evaluates the bids and proposals, chooses the best options, and negotiates the best rates. The buyer also follows up to ensure proper delivery of the goods and services while maintaining compliance.

The role of a procurement buyer in IT 

Procurement Buyer Education and Certification

A procurement buyer in IT typically has a bachelor’s degree in business, finance, or engineering. Some jobs require a master’s degree in business management or supply chain management.

Industry certification and experience with purchasing contracts and materials procurement can be beneficial. Certification in additional systems provides additional opportunities to become a procurement buyer in IT.

Procurement Buyer Experience

A procurement buyer in IT might start working in a related role, such as supply chain management. Then, this professional can use their skills and experience to transition to a position as a procurement buyer.

Strong financial management skills and knowledge of accounting, pricing, logistics, and contract law are helpful. Participation in additional training opportunities with industry platforms and services also can be beneficial.

Find a Procurement Buyer Job in IT

RightStone is looking for a Sourcing Specialist (Buying/Procurement) in Houston, TX. The job duties include:

  • Management of supplier relationships for purchase order execution
  • Overseeing and resolving issues and schedule changes
  • Updating the ERP system
  • Actively contributing to the development of proposals to enhance the approaches, methods, processes, and procedures within the designated field
  • Effectively communicate with colleagues and the business regarding design and coordination services
  • Actively participate as a valued team member on various projects

Are You Ready to Find a Role as a Procurement Buyer in IT?

Partner with RightStone to secure a role as a procurement buyer in IT. Visit our job board today.


Embracing Onboarding 2.0 for IT New Hires

Embracing onboarding 2.0 for IT new hires helps provide the foundation needed to be successful within your organization. For instance, an effective onboarding program helps new hires blend with your company’s culture. Also, onboarding helps increase engagement, productivity, and retention rates. These results strengthen your bottom line.

According to Bamboo HR’s report, The Definitive Guide to Onboarding, an effective onboarding program helps new hires feel 18 times more committed to their employer. Also, 89% of respondents said an effective onboarding process helped them feel very engaged at work. Additionally, these employees were 30 times more likely to experience overall job satisfaction than employees who felt their onboarding process was lacking.

As a result, you should embrace onboarding 2.0 for IT new hires. These suggestions can help.

Discover why and how to embrace onboarding 2.0 for your IT new hires.

Importance of Gamification in Onboarding 2.0

Gamification in onboarding 2.0 for IT new hires helps create a positive impression of your organization. Providing fun, engaging activities to learn about your company helps new hires retain and apply the information.

For instance, gamification provides instant feedback for learning. Also, the feel-good hormone dopamine is released when being rewarded for a specific action. As a result, new hires seek additional onboarding activities so they can be rewarded for learning.

Benefits of Gamification in Onboarding 2.0

Gamification provides a range of benefits for IT new hires:

  • Because gamification provides learning in a challenge-based format, new hires can chunk the information into smaller pieces that are easier to retain and apply.
  • The brain’s hippocampus, which controls knowledge recall, is strongly stimulated during gameplay, leading to better recall and implementation of onboarding activities.
  • Gamification forms an emotional connection between the activity and its relevance, resulting in a strong focus on the activity and implementing what is learned.

Tips to Gamify Your Onboarding 2.0 Process

You can gamify your onboarding 2.0 process with these methods:

  • Determine which elements can be delivered through a learning management system. Examples include what to expect on Day 1, education on the company’s products and services, and explanations of the job tasks and challenges.
  • Work with a design team to create the learning modules. Include the goals of each lesson, the tone, the look, and the use of live videos or animations.
  • Include in your learning modules knowledge checks, templates, handbooks, training manuals, and a directory of managers and support staff.
  • Use personalized avatars, points, and progress bars to create a sense of ownership of the activities.
  • Implement badges to demonstrate advancement in your onboarding process to peers and management.
  • Allow new hires to provide constructive feedback on the learning modules.

Are You Looking for IT New Hires?

Partner with RightStone to add the right IT new hires to your team. Start the process today.


8 Tips to Boost Employee Time Management and Efficiency

Your employees’ time management and efficiency impact productivity. The more focused your employees remain, the more they can accomplish.

How your employees control their time affects their creativity, work quality, and stress levels. Completing tasks before the deadlines supports work-life balance and minimizes burnout.

As a result, you should encourage your employees to boost their time management and efficiency. These methods can help.

Choose among these eight tips to boost employee time management and efficiency.

1. Stay Organized

Encourage your employees to stay organized so they can find what they need when they need it. Maintaining organized work areas lowers stress and anxiety for better mental health.

Your employees can stay organized by:

  • Keeping their desks free of nonessential items.
  • Keeping daily tools within reach.
  • Naming computer files for easy access and sharing.

2. Prioritize Tasks

Help your employees prioritize their tasks. For instance, they can use an Eisenhower Matrix to determine the importance and urgency of each task and schedule accordingly:

  • Tasks with deadlines should be done immediately.
  • Important tasks with no set deadlines should be scheduled for later.
  • Tasks that are not critical to company goals should be deleted.

3. Group Similar Tasks

Schedule similar tasks according to objective or function. For instance, generate and distribute reports from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. and respond to emails from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.

4. Create a Daily Schedule  

Encourage your employees to schedule time blocks for specific tasks:

  • Ensure the most important tasks are accomplished first.
  • Set realistic timelines.
  • Allow additional time for unexpected interruptions.
  • Include 10- to 15-minute breaks between tasks.
  • Follow the schedule as planned.
  • Cross off each finished task.
  • Move any unfinished task to the next day.

5. Complete One Task at a Time

Remind your employees to focus on and finish one task at a time. Then, they can move on to the next scheduled task.

The brain is not designed to move between tasks quickly. It takes time to refocus on a new task. Therefore, multitasking takes more time and typically leads to low-quality work.

6. Implement Time Tracking

Ask your employees to keep track of the time they spend on activities each day. For instance, your employees might want to use a time-tracking tool such as RescueTime to determine how much time is spent being productive and how much time is spent on non-work activities such as online shopping. Then, your employees can uncover the areas and habits that block them from reaching their goals and make changes to improve efficiency.

7. Use Time Management Tools

Suggest your employees use time management tools to boost productivity and efficiency. Examples include:

  • Slack for centralized team communications organized by channel
  • Dropbox or OneDrive for file storage, sharing, and backup.
  • Google Calendar or Outlook Calendar for scheduling, alerts, and reminders.

8. Maintain Boundaries

Remind your employees to say “no” when needed. There are a limited number of hours in the day, and your employees likely are at capacity with their workloads. Although helping out colleagues and coworkers is encouraged, your employees should maintain a work-life balance to avoid burnout.

Do You Need to Hire More Employees?

Talk with RightStone for help with hiring experienced IT employees who can help reach company goals. Contact us today.


IT Resume Essentials: Tailoring Your Experience for Relevance and Impact

Your past experience makes up the majority of your IT resume and demonstrates your qualifications for the job you want. As a result, you should tailor your experience for relevance to the role and impact on the organization.

Knowing which experience to include in your IT resume can be difficult. Following these guidelines can help.

Implement these tips to tailor the experience section of your IT resume for relevance and impact.

Customize Your Resume

Tailor your IT resume to each job you apply for. For instance, focus on the job duties, responsibilities, and qualifications listed in the job posting. Then, detail your relevant knowledge, skills, experience, and achievements in these areas.

Include relevant, quantifiable examples of how you provided value for an employer in previous roles. Show that you can provide similar value for your next employer.

Use Relevant Keywords

Include throughout your IT resume relevant keywords. These keywords might be used in the job posting or commonly referred to in your industry.

Using relevant keywords helps your resume get past an applicant tracking system (ATS) and to a hiring manager. Showing that you are a good match for the position encourages the manager to contact you for an interview.

Share Relevant Information  

Where you are in your IT career impacts the details you might include in your Experience section. For instance, if you are just starting out, you should include any part-time IT jobs, contract work, temporary jobs, internships, and volunteer work you are engaged in. Conversely, if you are further along in your career, you should include the full-time IT jobs, contract work, and temporary jobs you have engaged in over the past 10 years.

Include Relevant Details

Ensure the information you share in your Experience section is relevant to your desired role. For instance, if you are targeting a software engineer position, you should include your current and previous engineering positions. Or, if you want to work as a programmer at a law firm, you could include your previous position as a paralegal.

Detail your main duties, responsibilities, and achievements for each position. Also, focus on your hard, soft, and transferrable skills.

Properly Format Your Resume

Include relevant headings for each section of your IT resume. For instance, you might select “Experience” or “Work Experience.”

If you choose a chronological format, list your jobs for the past 10 years in reverse chronological order in your Experience section. Include the following details:

  • Job title
  • Company name
  • Location
  • Employment dates (month and year)
  • Job Duties
  • Achievements
  • Promotions

Do You Want Additional Help with Your IT Resume?

Partner with RightStone for additional support throughout your job search. Visit our job board today.


The Role of IT Experts in the Internet of Things Era

The role of IT experts in the Internet of Things era continues to grow. As the Internet of Things expands, current and future career opportunities increase.

The Internet of Things is a system of connected devices with unique identifiers that transfer data over the Internet without intervention from a computer or human. These devices may be computers, digital machines, objects, animals, or people. Examples include biochip transponders and smartwatches.

The Internet of Things supports efficient, effective business operations. Companies can leverage big data to anticipate trends, make informed decisions, deliver better customer experiences, and drive growth.

As a result, you should consider building an IT career involving the Internet of Things. The following are some job opportunities you could choose from.

Discover the role of IT experts in the Internet of Things era and available career opportunities.

Internet of Things Embedded Systems Designer

An Internet of Things embedded systems designer executes the complete software development cycle. This systems designer creates scalable, optimized Internet of Things software systems, then reviews them and develops relevant security. They design, develop, code, test, and debug the software to optimize performance.

Internet of Things Network Engineer

An Internet of Things network engineer creates and develops devices, software, and sensors that connect devices to other systems. This engineer researches, builds, and tests Internet of Things solutions. They design, code, and test device features, analyze user needs, and resolve issues with network connectivity and platforms.

Internet of Things Security Specialist

An Internet of Things security specialist provides security during the development stages of Internet of Things-related software, hardware, networks, and data centers. This specialist monitors and mitigates vulnerabilities and risks. They must recognize potential threats or attacks and build infrastructure such as firewalls for prevention.

Internet of Things Solutions Engineer

An Internet of Things solutions engineer works with customers to design solutions that fit their needs. This engineer chooses appropriate sensors and radio technology to meet customer requirements and then guides the customer through the process of implementing the projects. They help plan, design, and architect Internet of Things solutions, then operate and maintain these solutions.

Internet of Things Systems Administrator

An Internet of Things systems administrator sets up and maintains account access for Internet of Things systems. This professional maintains the systems, including verifying that the peripherals are working, setting up software and hardware upgrades, and monitoring system performance. They also create file systems, install software, and manage backups and recovery.

Internet of Things Infrastructure Architect

An Internet of Things infrastructure architect obtains, manages, filters, and interprets the data transmitted through the Internet of Things networks. This data may be shared between the internet and other connected devices, such as smart sensors, phones, appliances, cameras, and vehicles. The infrastructure architect uses data to help companies design better Internet of Things solutions to resolve customer issues.

Build an IT Career Involving the Internet of Things

Find a role involving the Internet of Things with help from RightStone. Visit our job board today.


Anticipating and Managing Legal and Regulatory Changes in the IT Sector

Proactive adaptation in the IT sector includes anticipating and managing legal and regulatory changes. As an IT leader, you must help ensure compliance with these changes.

Smaller companies often are adept at dealing with changes to data privacy regulations, industry standards, and other IT compliance issues. However, medium and large-sized companies often need additional assistance to remain current with these changes. The following methods can help.

Choose among these methods to anticipate, manage, and proactively adapt to legal and regulatory changes in the IT sector.

Maintain Human Resources Updates

Connect with your benefits brokers, your local Chamber of Commerce, employment attorneys, and reliable HR newsletters, publications, and organizations:

  • Remain current with the free updates and resources provided.
  • Take advantage of email updates and complimentary webinars.
  • Keep this information in an HR Updates folder.
  • Access the details when needed.

Secure Legal Support

Legal and regulatory changes in the IT sector typically are not straightforward. Therefore, you should secure a legal compliance service or attorney to keep you updated on these changes and the legal analysis supporting the steps to take to maintain compliance.

You could supplement your legal knowledge with support from these sources:

  • Subscribe to the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM)’s legislative updates.
  • Subscribe to newsletters from the Department of Labor or its equivalent.
  • Contact an employment law firm for state and federal newsletters.

Create a Compliance Team

Hire a compliance team to help you anticipate and manage legal and regulatory changes in the IT sector. The team can ensure you and the company maintain compliance with these changes.

Conduct Self-Audits

Schedule quarterly self-audits for compliance. These audits show clients and agencies that your company prioritizes compliance with legal and regulatory changes in the IT sector.

Participate in a Human Resources Organization

Encourage members of the HR team to join a professional HR organization. The organization can assist with a structured review process to ensure compliance with legal and regulatory changes in the IT sector. This review is especially important if your IT workforce is large and geographically diverse because there are more variables to consider.

Do You Need to Add to Your Remote IT Team?

Partner with RightStone to add members to your remote IT team. Find out more today.


Building Trust in Remote Management: Strategies to Empower and Support Remote Teams

Building trust in remote management is essential to empower and support your remote team. You must trust your employees to complete quality tasks by the deadlines without seeing the work completed. Similarly, your team members must trust that everyone is doing their part to work toward shared goals.

Facilitating trust among your remote team helps your employees feel that everyone receives the necessary communication and that the work is evenly distributed. This trust encourages your team to remain engaged and productive. Trust also increases job satisfaction, team morale, and attraction and retention rates.

Choose among these strategies to build trust and empower and support your remote team.

Set Expectations

Clarify what you expect of each employee and your team. Emphasize work hours, communication, skills, learning and development, and other relevant issues.

For instance, you might expect your employees to work 8 hours daily and attend a weekly team meeting. Clarifying the level of contact gives employees control over their schedules for work-life balance.

Create Goals

Work with your team to develop project goals. Gaining employee buy-in increases the likelihood of reaching these goals.

Ensure the project goals are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART). Include the following information:

  • What your team should accomplish
  • How each goal relates to the project
  • Why each goal matters
  • Which resources are needed to attain each goal
  • When each step of a goal should be accomplished
  • How progress and success will be measured
  • Which employee is responsible for each role, responsibility, and task

Provide Collaboration Tools

Facilitate collaboration by giving your team the essential tools to complete their work. These tools support sharing and storing information in a central location for easy access.

Examples of collaboration tools include:

  • Video conferencing software such as Zoom or Skype
  • Chat apps such as Slack or Discord
  • Cloud services and file sharing, such as Google Drive
  • Project management applications such as Hive or Monday.com

Schedule Team Meetings

Hold regular team meetings to help your remote team stay aligned on projects and goals:

  • Focus on what was completed since the last meeting, what is being worked on, and what still needs to be completed.
  • Provide time to address questions, problems, and concerns and provide support.
  • Celebrate your employees’ accomplishments.
  • Provide motivation to continue moving forward.

Prioritize Transparency

Be open and honest with your employees. Being transparent sets a positive foundation for managing your remote team.

For instance, show that you value sharing ideas, information, and perspectives and encourage your team to do the same. Also, hold your employees accountable for their work.

Do You Need Help with Hiring Remote IT Professionals?

Include RightStone in your hiring process to add remote IT professionals to your team. Start the process today.


AI in IT Jobs: Navigating Opportunities and Skills for Success

Artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming a greater part of IT jobs. The growing popularity of this technology means additional skills are needed to fill the increasing opportunities in the IT industry.

AI includes machine learning, natural language processing, data mining, image recognition, robotics, and decision-making algorithms. These technologies require computer science, math, engineering, and related skills.

The increasing use of AI elevates the demand for these skills. Working with this technology can lead to ongoing opportunities for career development.

Learn how to navigate AI opportunities in IT jobs and the skills needed for success.

Data Skills

Working with data in AI projects involves data extraction, data analysis, and data visualization. Therefore, knowledge of programming languages such as Python, R, and SQL and experience with tools such as Pandas and NumPy are required.

Machine Learning Skills

Machine learning analyzes data to uncover patterns, create predictions or judgments, and learn from experience. Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, R, and MATLAB and experience with machine learning frameworks such as TensorFlow and Keras are needed to create the algorithms.

Natural Language Processing Skills

Natural language processing analyzes text to understand human language and produce natural, believable answers. Programming skills in Python and Java and familiarity with natural language processing tools such as NLTK and spaCy also are essential.

Machine Learning Engineer

A machine learning engineer uses software, predictive models, and natural language processing to analyze data sets. This professional understands software development methodology, agile practices, software development tools from integrated development environments such as Eclipse and IntelliJ, and the components of a continuous deployment pipeline.

Robotic Scientist

A robotic scientist builds mechanical devices that perform tasks with commands from humans. Writing and manipulating computer programs, collaborating with other specialists, and developing prototypes are required.

Data Scientist

A data scientist collects data, then uses machine learning and predictive analytics to analyze and interpret the data. Expertise in using big data platforms and tools such as Hadoop, Pig, Hive, Spark, and MapReduce is required. Fluency in statistical computing languages and programming languages such as SQL, Python, Scala, and Perl also is essential.

Research Scientist

A research scientist is an expert in machine learning, natural language processing, computational statistics, applied mathematics, and other AI disciplines. These professionals use deep learning, graphical models, reinforcement learning, computer perception, and data representation in their work.

Are You Ready to Use AI in an IT Job?

Work with RightStone to find a job working with AI in IT. Visit our job board today.


Engineering Interviews: Common Questions and How to Nail Them

Before participating in engineering interviews, you should practice answering common questions. Developing clear, concise answers to typical interview questions helps show the interviewer how your knowledge, skills, experience, and accomplishments equip you for the role.

Preparing for engineering interview questions helps increase your confidence level. The more confident you feel, the more likely you will advance in the hiring process.

Practice answering these common questions to prepare for your engineering interview.

What was the most difficult project you worked on, and how did you get through the challenging tasks?

Show how you manage your time and multitask while working on complex projects that require multiple teams, resources, and timelines. Include your thought processes for overcoming challenges and your skills used to navigate forward.

For instance, “I worked on an engineering project that involved making predictions about mountains and the nearby roads. I changed the data to include climate and environmental changes so the risk factors aligned with the wildlife, weather, and residents. Although the project was challenging in the beginning, making these changes helped me complete it.”

How do you explain engineering ideas to an audience who is unfamiliar with the topic?

Demonstrate that you have a strong understanding of engineering concepts and can clearly explain them to non-engineering professionals. For instance, “I provide examples of engineering that are easily understood and relate to the person or situation. For example, when I talk with construction workers, I compare what I am saying to the process of how roads are paved. Relating the engineering ideas to real-life situations provides a better understanding of them.”

Which resources do you use to stay current with engineering developments?

Clarify the engineering blogs, magazines, professional associations, or other resources you use to learn about the latest news, technology, and trends. Also, demonstrate your ability to adapt to new processes and best practices.

 

For instance, “I subscribe to authoritative engineering journals and actively participate in engineer-based Slack chat rooms. I also read blogs and articles on the latest research and stay connected with peers outside of work.”

Which safety procedures are in place for when you check your engineering work for mistakes?

Show how seriously you take safety measures when working to minimize potential issues. Include how your knowledge of safety standards supports your desire to keep projects safe.

For instance, “I constantly check for mistakes. For example, I triple-check my math and measurements and ask a fellow engineer to check my work before marking it complete. These steps help ensure there are no mistakes.”

Do You Want Additional Help with Interview Preparation?

Partner with RightStone for additional help to prepare for engineering interviews. Visit our job board to get started today.