This Week Small Business Tech News
Here are five things in technology that happened this past week and how they affect your business. Did you miss them?
1 — Instagram now allows businesses to schedule their posts.
This week, Instagram changed its product in a way that will please companies’ social media managers. It will now allow businesses on Instagram to schedule their posts.
Why this is important for your business:
If, like so many companies, you’re using Instagram as a marketing platform for your business this change will allow you to manage large volumes of content, multiple team members, and multiple Instagram accounts easily, securely, and in a lot less time than it took to do this manually
2 — Ransomware crooks test a new way to spread their malware.
A new form of ransomware called GandCrab emerged in late January which is being distributed by two separate exploit kits and demands payment in a lesser-known form of cryptocurrency. Researchers at security firm Malwarebytes say it’s unusual for ransomware to be pushed using an exploit kit that attacks older and faulty hardware and internet browsers since such tactics are usually reserved for trojans and coin-miners.
So now instead of worrying about download a rogue application, ransomware makers are attacking faulty hardware and software on their own. You need to make sure you’re running the most recent versions of operating systems, upgrade your hardware, get good security software and an online backup application.
3 — Brisbane airport shops will accept Bitcoin from passengers soon – but how will it even work?
Last week, Brisbane Airport said it will be the first airport in the world to allow customers to use cryptocurrency for shopping in its terminal. It’s possible because of a deal the airport made with a company called TravelbyBit. The company’s software will give the airport equipment to accept Bitcoin as well as Litecoin, Ethereum, Dash, and Steem.
Why this is important for your business:
It’s just another example of how digital currencies are slowly – but surely – becoming a part of the payment mainstream. Ultimately, your business will be accepting them too.
4 — Flaws in gas station software let hackers change prices, steal fuel, erase evidence.
Two Israeli security researchers have discovered multiple vulnerabilities in an automated system used to control fuel prices and other information at thousands of gas stations worldwide. This would allow a hacker to shut down fuel pumps, hijack credit card payments, steal card numbers, alter fuel prices, steal gasoline, and even access backend networks that control of surveillance cameras and other systems connected to a gas station or convenience store’s network.
Why this is important for your business:
The systems are made by Orpak and if you’re a gas station or convenience store owner running its SiteOmat automation software, which is part of its ForeSite system for commercial gas stations and its ForeHB system for managing fleet vehicles then make sure to upgrade to the latest patch.
5 – Bench raises $18 million to simplify small business accounting, cuts prices through automation.
Bench, the largest U.S. bookkeeping service for small businesses and independent professionals, announced that it raised $18 million in Series B-1 funding so it can accelerate development of its human-powered automation platform, grow its team, and expand the service.
Why this is important for your business:
Bench claims that its proprietary automation platform reduces labor time by 75% for a typical bookkeeper – which could mean savings for your business.