Security experts take on Target Corp's est 40 million breach of credit accounts

“Target alerted authorities and financial institutions immediately after it was made aware of the unauthorized access, and is putting all appropriate resources behind these efforts,” the retailer says in its statement. “Among other actions, Target is partnering with a leading third-party forensics firm to conduct a thorough investigation of the incident.”

http://bit.ly/1caFmEb

Hacker Tool Allows Cybercriminals to Automatically Register Tumblr Accounts

Researchers have come across an interesting commercially available tool that can be used by cybercriminals to automatically register Tumblr accounts.

http://bit.ly/1k1cjpE

The latest issue of Cybersecurity is out, check it.

"Cybersecurity is not an IT problem, it's a compliance solution" This is our operational mantra, our guiding principal. We use our expertise to guide our clients in crafting a defensible position for dealing with data and PII breach, cyberdefense, and compliance.

http://bit.ly/19OoDRF

FFIEC Clarifies Social Media Risks

FFIEC’s new guidance offers a helpful reminder to banking institutions of the social media risk assessment steps they should already be taking. - See more at: http://smlrgroup.com/ffiec-clarifies-social-media-risks/#sthash.fT4zygKe.dpuf

http://bit.ly/1k0WpM0

The latest issue of Cybersecurity Today is out.

"Cybersecurity is not an IT problem, it's a compliance solution" This is our operational mantra, our guiding principal. We use our expertise to guide our clients in crafting a defensible position for dealing with data and PII breach, cyberdefense, and compliance.

http://bit.ly/19OoDRF

The latest issue of Cybersecurity is out, check it.

http://cybersecuritytoday.smlrgroup.com/

http://bit.ly/19OoDRF

Cybersecurity Today is online, check it out.

"Cybersecurity is not an IT problem, it's a compliance solution" This is our operational mantra, our guiding principal. We use our expertise to guide our clients in crafting a defensible position for dealing with data and PII breach, cyberdefense, and compliance.

http://bit.ly/19OoDRF

New York Bar Group Develops Alternatives to 'Big Law' Jobs (Wall St Journal)

With thousands of debt-laden new lawyers entering the market at a time when plum jobs at big firms are in short supply, the influential New York City Bar Association is trying out some alternatives.

http://on.wsj.com/1k1e6Lw

The Best Law Firms To Work For (2014)

Some firms may be more prestigious than others, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re good places to work.

http://bit.ly/1ftG6EG

The latest edition of Cybersecurity is out.

"Cybersecurity is not an IT problem, it's a compliance solution" This is our operational mantra, our guiding principal. We use our expertise to guide our clients in crafting a defensible position for dealing with data and PII breach, cyberdefense, and compliance.

http://bit.ly/19OoDRF

Target Data Breach: 40 Million Cards at Risk

“Target alerted authorities and financial institutions immediately after it was made aware of the unauthorized access, and is putting all appropriate resources behind these efforts,” the company says. “Among other actions, Target is partnering with a leading third-party forensics firm to conduct a thorough investigation of the incident.”

http://bit.ly/1c4pJOs

Smaller Law Firms Grab Big Slice of Corporate Legal Work

Over the past three years, midsize law firms with 201-500 lawyers have nearly doubled their share of big-ticket litigation, to 41% from 22%, of the work that generates more than $1 million in legal bills.

http://on.wsj.com/1k17yN5

Leadership is about emotion (Forbes).

The ability to reach people that transcend the intellectual and rationale is the mark of a great leader.

http://onforb.es/JyO83U

Lessons Learned From 4 Major Data Breachs In 2013

Breaches are still occurring at a fast clip — it’s just now the distribution of theft and compromise has spread out. Breaches are smaller, and according to security insiders, they’re far more targeted. And frequently the theft is of IP or other digital property that could be even more damaging than customer records when stolen, but which are more difficult to quantify and don’t make the statistical headlines.

http://bit.ly/1k0Yjwi

93% of large organisations had a security breach last year

A data breach can have a direct and catastrophic impact on not just your organization, but everyone associated with it. Your data can be used by intruders for identity theft, credit card and wire fraud, IP theft, etc. In short, a data breach can mean the difference between prosperity and bankruptcy.

http://bit.ly/19OoDRF

Why is a data breach like an auto accident

Once a data breach occurs, your are required to notify the state and federal authorities. It is advisable to seek the counsel of your compliance officer to learn how you can take proper steps to ensure your are following the state and federal guidelines regarding policies and procedures for data protection.

http://bit.ly/19tzsx6

5 Biggest Attorney Job Search Mistakes

Conducting an improper job search can have all sorts of negative repercussions that stretch way beyond making a simple mistake. If you conduct an ineffective job search

http://bit.ly/1k16FEc

Unencrypted Laptops Lead to Mega-Breach

A recent theft of two unencrypted laptop computers that were cable-locked to employee workstations at the headquarters of insurer Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey has resulted in a breach that potentially affected nearly 840,000 individuals.

http://bit.ly/1k0XR13

Data Breach Results: 23 Charged in Card Fraud Scheme

Federal authorities in New York have charged 23 individuals for the roles they allegedly played in a counterfeit card scheme that compromised more than 1,000 payment cards used to make more than $2 million worth of unauthorized retail purchases in several states.

http://bit.ly/1ftA72L

3 Unexpected Consequences of a Great Office Culture | LinkedIn

Cultivating an environment that fosters collaboration, creativity and respect encourages employees to attack problems in new ways – and come up with solutions that are wins for everyone.

http://linkd.in/1ftCceT

Cybersecurity Bill Introduced in House

Measure Seen Bolstering Business-Government Cooperation on Cybersecurity The sponsors say the National Cybersecurity and Critical Infrastructure Protection Act of 2013, introduced Dec. 11, would bolster the partnership between industry and the government to jointly raise the bar on cybersecurity

http://bit.ly/1ftzOoA

"How Social Media Monitoring Impacts Reputation Management " #ReputationManagement

"People with reputation difficulties might be astonished to find out how long such a cleanup might take, and the costs might be far too extensive for them to bear. People with hundreds of connections might need hundreds of hours of help, and that could be prohibitive for some."

http://bit.ly/1hGG9Aa

"10 Simple Ways Social Media Help Small Businesses " #SocialMedia

"Small businesses may feel that a social media presence is a luxury rather than a necessity. In fact, social media can be a boon to small businesses, and the time invested in it will pay off."

http://bit.ly/1aM20Ok

Where Branded Content Dollars Are Going #ContentMarketing

Marketers continue to be in love with their own content. Spending on branded content is set to reach $1.8 million this year

http://bit.ly/1hGF7US

EMPLOYERS STEP IN TO PREVENT WORKER BURNOUT

Volkswagen turns off some employees' email 30 minutes after their shifts end. Goldman Sachs is urging junior staff to take weekends off. BMW is planning new rules that will keep workers from being contacted after hours.

http://apne.ws/1d1zV8D

"Nonprofit Content Marketing Successes and Challenges " #ContentMarketing #Nonprofit

"The Content Marketing Institute is pleased to announce our first-ever research study on nonprofits.The report provides insights on the content marketing habits of 1,714 respondents representing a broad range of nonprofit agencies and organizations."

http://bit.ly/1aM3JTP

"Who Benefits From Facebook and SEM Advertising? " #SEM #Advertising #SocialMedia

"Many businesses wonder which advertising platforms match their business model best. Each advertising platform has unique features and a variety of advantages that business can draw on. Putting together the right mix of platforms and finding a balance that works for your business is a challenge."

http://bit.ly/1aM2EeI

Crisis Communication Lessons #CrisisCommunication

"While few organizations will ever face issues of a similar scale, there are valuable lessons in appropriate crisis communications to be gleaned from the ongoing political drama."

http://bit.ly/1aM1K1T

Native Ad Workshop Leaves FTC Perplexed #Advertising #Publishing #DigitalMarketing

A day-long examination of native advertising left regulators with no clear direction about how to police what has become digital media's hottest ad format.

http://bit.ly/1hGEQ4e

"Trends and Predictions for B2B Social Media in 2014 " #SocialMedia #B2B #ContentStrategy

"2014 is right around the corner. Whether you have developed your annual social media strategy and budget yet or not, don’t miss out on the trends and predictions for smart B2B social media planning."

http://bit.ly/1aM3vMk

Reputation Management Drives Small Business #ReputationManagement

If they are responsible and reliable, reputation management agencies can do much to repair a damaged reputation on search engines by helping to remove disparaging information or helping push it further back so that it doesn’t continue to appear in the first pages of results.

http://onforb.es/1aM2vI2

SEO Really is Dead? #SEO #SEM

Buying banner ads on search? Measuring keyword success in SEO via a ranking report? Google looking more like a portal (a la Lycos back in the day)?No, it isn't the year 2000 all over again. This is today's search environment.

http://bit.ly/1hGFtec

The 'New SEO' is Plain Old Marketing #SEO #SEM

The latest trend in SEO seems to be change. Changes in the way Google evaluates signals, changes in the way brands are treated, changes in the way we all have to approach what optimization actually means in a new landscape.

http://bit.ly/1hGEIC1

The Power of Now - American Science and Technology Center

At the American Sci-Tech Center, we will make you a Star! Our projects to date have appeared on many national television programs including: CBS, NBC, The Disney Channel, The Discovery Channel, and MSNBC (which was broadcast for 250,000,000 people worldwide). We have been engaged in the process of creating this exciting venture ever since receiving an initial grant from the White House and the National Science Foundation.

http://bit.ly/1hM1gRV

Orange County Chamber's New Orange Advantage Program Results in $27K Success for O/A Merchants and $900 for O/A Cardholder

range Advantage supports local businesses by providing rewards to consumers who shop at those businesses. www.OrangeAdvantageNY.com has all the details on the program, including an up-to-date list of participating businesses. Interested individuals can also call 888-465-6908.

http://bit.ly/1gmQq4f

ORANGE COUNTY CHAMBER’S NEW ORANGE ADVANTAGE PROGRAM RESULTS IN $27K SUCCESS FOR O/A MERCHANTS AND $900 FOR O/A CARDHOLDER

For Immediate Release   December 10, 2013

Hudson Valley Kitchen Design, a division of Hudson Valley Contracting Group, was one of the first Orange County Chamber of Commerce members to sign on as an Orange Advantage merchant. A few weeks later, they wrapped up a $20,000 sale as a direct result of being able to offer customer rewards through Orange Advantage. The OA customer then redeemed the reward at Sohns Appliances in Walden and purchased nearly $7,000 in appliances.

“Hudson Valley Kitchen Design is ecstatic for the opportunity Orange Advantage was able to provide our business,” said Lisa Santacruz, Director of Business Development for the firm. “This is a special marketing tool that will not only grow your business and increase your sales, but more important, enhance your customer satisfaction. Overall, participating in this program will strengthen your company’s brand and grow customer loyalty.”

Santacruz explained the details of the sale. “The customers came in to Hudson Valley Kitchen Design for a consultation about possibly redoing their kitchen. Kitchen Designer James Bruyn explained the Orange Advantage program to them. The couple was leaning toward waiting for the spring to start their project, but the fact that they could earn rewards from working with Hudson Valley Kitchen Design that could be applied to another purchase for their remodel prompted the closing of the sale.” Hudson Valley Kitchen Design offers a 5% reward on any amount for cabinet boxes purchased. This customer was able to earn approximately $900 in rewards that they will be spending at other Orange Advantage merchants to complete their kitchen. “But the sale didn’t end there,” Santacruz continued. “Because the customers were so excited for their rewards, they hired Hudson Valley Kitchen Design to design and install their new kitchen. The benefits of Orange Advantage extend well beyond just what the reward is offered on.”

Orange Advantage supports local businesses by providing rewards to consumers who shop at those businesses. www.OrangeAdvantageNY.com has all the details on the program, including an up-to-date list of participating businesses. Interested individuals can also call 888-465-6908.
                                                                  ###

"#Reputation Management is on #Google’s Radar"

"In the past, Google hasn’t talked much about online reputation management (ORM). But Matt Cutts recently addressed ORM directly in a video."

http://bit.ly/1aM3doK

Brand And Marketing Trends For 2014 #Branding #Marketing

It was management consultant, Peter Drucker, who advised the best way to predict the future was to create it. Happily, we do. And after examining over 100,000 consumer assessments, we’ve identified 14 critical trends to help marketers create their own.

http://onforb.es/1hGFWx6

Foursquare Bidding for Revenue #SocialMedia #Advertising

"In a bid to boost revenue, Foursquare will now let brands that don't have a physical location advertise on its most prominent real estate: the app's home screen. MasterCard is the first business without a brick-and-mortar presence to place an ad on Foursquare's home screen."

http://bit.ly/1hGFnmQ

Branding Basics for Social Media #SocialMedia #Branding

In the online world, your brand is shaped by everything you do and say. With an increasing number of social media channels comes a strong need to present a consistent brand.

http://huff.to/1aM0CeB

7 Tips For Toppling Rivals And Enemies

Being polite, sensitive and bending the truth about how wonderful your boss is, is a good idea.

http://onforb.es/1eJ8FNw

Businesses need a plan when a data breach happens

A data breach is like an auto accident. When you have a serious automobile accident, you have to report the accident to the police. The police could make a determination as to who is at fault and citations and fines could be issued. Of course, you want to report the accident to your insurance carrier to protect yourself from litigation and you want to repair your vehicle. At some point, a determination is made as to who was at fault and who has the greatest liability; attorneys on both sides are always involved.

http://bit.ly/1di2i2v

5 efficient reputation management strategies #ReputationManagement

Perception is reality, and in today's digital landscape, a negative reputation can be the kiss of death for any business or brand. That's why online reputation management is such an increasingly important, field. Manually Googling your business name day after day may be somewhat effective, but who has time for it?

http://bit.ly/1hGGfrz

Top 5 Digital Marketing Trends of 2014 #DigitalMarketing

Digital marketing has no boundaries. It encompasses devices such as smartphones, tablets, laptops, game consoles, televisions, digital billboards, and media such as social media, SEO, videos, content, email and lots more. Digital marketing can be cost-effective, but to make it really efficient here are five trends that are likely to rule the roost in 2014.

http://bit.ly/1aM2fc9

Expanding from Local to National SEO with Google Trends #SEO #SEM

It's no secret that Google Trends is an important research tool in search engine optimization marketing campaigns. The question is, how many people are using it to its fullest potential?

http://bit.ly/1aM1m3t

Everything You Know About Branding Is Wrong #Marketing #Branding

If you ask any major corporation, the majority would probably agree branding is everything.Except the word “brand” may be the most misunderstood, misrepresented, and misused word in recent memory.

http://onforb.es/1aLYzXN

Social Media Strategies for your Job Search

Make sure to post relevant content about your career interests and passions.

http://onforb.es/1eJ87Hh

7 Biggest IT Compliance Headaches and How CIOs Can Cure Them

"Compliance is a hot issue in IT, and for good reason," says Andrew Hodes, director of Technology at INetU, a cloud and managed hosting provider. "Failure to meet rules and guidelines set by compliance standards could mean fines, penalties and loss of trust."

http://bit.ly/193ppyC

Want to Lure Shoppers to a Small Store? Give Them a Map

Small retailers across the country are taking advantage of a technology that lets them upload floor plans of their stores to mapping apps and other online services. That means the stores show up in searches if customers call up a map that shows local businesses. Customers can also use the floor plans to get a look inside the store beforehand—or figure out where the store is, if it's located inside a larger building, like a mall.

http://on.wsj.com/193oXjI

Musings on the Future of Print Journalism

Intern Gillian Foss shares findings and opinion on the current state of journalism - in particular, print journalism, and how it continues to change in both positive and negative ways.

http://bit.ly/1gcRCqK

Crisis Communications and Social Media #CrisisCommunication #SocialMedia

Since Huy Fong has no real online presence to speak of and no social media outlets, they’ve been living with their head in the sand. Many avoid social media out of fear that someone might say something bad about them. That’s not why Huy Fong avoided social media, it just wasn’t a priority for them. But this points out some glaring truths about our digitally connected world.

http://bit.ly/1eEEpDp

Social Media Marketing Myths #SocialMedia

"There is no shortage of advice about the role social media marketing should play in a company’s overall marketing plan. Unfortunately mixed messages continue to flourish, leaving business owners wondering where to focus marketing resources."

http://bit.ly/18SW7mh

Twitter Lead Gen Cards: 3 Keys to B2B Domination #SocialMedia #B2B

Back in May, Twitter began piloting “Lead Generation Cards,” a new advertising feature that let companies build their email marketing lists right within Twitter. In August, Twitter opened up the feature to all advertisers. The results were huge.

http://bit.ly/18SVucb

Confidentiality and Data Security in The Cloud and Social Media

Alan Heyman, CEO of the SMLR Group, Inc. is a recognized expert in many phases of Social Media policies, as well as procedures, Privacy matters, and Cyber Security compliance. SMLR Group is a social-discovery entity utilizing the latest and most innovative enterprise social media search platforms to exceed the present search stands in the industry, while presenting a highly specialized and dedicated litigation service for companies and corporate attorneys in need of high quality social media and internet searches/forensics. The company’s focus is a holistic approach to Social Media, Privacy and Cyber Security needs encompassing legal, IT Engineering, HR, Cyber Security Software, and Cyber Insurance consulting

http://bit.ly/193EbFE

Hire The Right Type Of SEO Firm #SEO #SEM

There are many different types of SEO firms, and as a client you need to know what they are in order to hire the right type for your business. This guide to the different types of SEO firms will tell you the questions you need to ask yourself about your business to make sure you choose one that matches your objectives and needs.

http://onforb.es/18SUqVP

There's a Right Way to Do Online Networking

Social-media websites like LinkedIn have made job hunting easier by automating many tasks. But one-click networking invitations fall short when trying to reach people, say experts. Instead, job hunters need to engage other professionals on a more personal level. This includes getting introductions to people outside of your network who can help you with your career. The trick is knowing how to ask.

http://on.wsj.com/1eJ7flY

When Ads Look Like Content

In a search for new revenue, many news outlets have embraced "sponsored content" -- advertisments that are meant to blend in with regular editorial content.

http://on.wsj.com/1d1bHeQ

Coca-Cola is increasing its Content Strategy #ContentMarketing #CocaCola

Speaking at the Content Marketing Association’s Summit in London Coca-Cola’s recently promoted SVP of integrated marketing communication and design excellence for North America outlined the company’s “liquid and linked” marketing strategy, which it first unveiled publicly in at Cannes Lions earlier this year.

http://bit.ly/1eEEdUG

When the Most Personal Secrets Get Outed on Facebook

Taylor McCormick was outed after he was added to a Facebook group that automatically informed friends he had joined a choir, Queer Chorus, at the University of Texas, Austin. Lance Rosenfield/Prime for The Wall Street Journal

http://on.wsj.com/193nSIJ

A Spy-Gear Arms Race Transforms Modern Divorce

"It wasn't just invasion of my privacy. It was an invasion of the privacy of everyone who ever texted me or anyone who was ever on my computer."

http://on.wsj.com/1d1a7JN

Truth and Lies of Social Media ROI #SocialMedia #ROI

ROI (return on investment) is probably the most commonly used and most misunderstood word in social media marketing today. It seems to have emerged as the go-to buzzword that social media marketers throw at the finance department when they want to relate to them.

http://huff.to/18SVYiv

Google Wants to Write Your Social Media Messages #Google #SocialMedia

Overwhelmed by social media? Google may have patented a solution for you, in the form of software that mimics the types of responses you make to update messages on various social networks.

http://bit.ly/18SUW6l

"Native Advertising Hinges on Preserving Best Practices " #Advertising

The drumbeat around native advertising has been pretty loud over the last few months and with good reason. Great online content drives consumer engagement. Marketers value those deep connections that native advertising offers because it creates an opportunity to weave brand messaging into consumers’ natural discovery habits.

http://bit.ly/18SLHD1

Bosses may use social media to discriminate

Companies now regularly look up job applicants online as part of the hiring process. A new study suggests they may also use what they find to discriminate.

http://on.wsj.com/1eJ6ysN

11 Must-Measure KPIs for Content Marketing Success #ContentMarketing

"Content is King" isn't exactly new. However, the reality with content marketing that most people are starting to awaken to, is that content has value beyond simple search engine optimization. Content marketing, when done correctly, has its own ROI as a channel, and thus must be measured by a set of unique key performance indicators (KPIs).

http://bit.ly/18SWtcq

Creating a Social Media Dream Team #SocialMedia #Leadership

Social media responsibilities began in marketing. It was a logical starting point. Evolution happened and the channel evolved differently from expectations. One department cannot adequately manage all of the nuances of social networking.

http://bit.ly/1eECZsw

" 6 Ways Google Webmaster Tools Can Improve Your SEO Strategy" #SEO #SEM

Most search experts rely on Google Webmaster Tools (GWT) to analyze the technical aspects of a website. In addition to technical analysis, I recommend using GWT for basic on-page SEO improvements. Here are 6 easy ways to use Webmaster Tools to improve your on-page SEO.

http://bit.ly/1eEATcc

Why should we hire you

Succinctly and enthusiastically restate your qualifications. In the delivery of your message, it's not only what you say but how you say it. Less is more: Be succinct, clear and convincing.

http://bit.ly/1eJ5xB8

Your Personal Branding Strategy and CSR #Branding #CSR

Giving is rewarding. It’s contagious. It’s good for your brand too.

http://onforb.es/1eEn8dz

"3 Audience Types That Are Essential to Successful Content Marketing " #ContentMarketing #Publishing

"As a content publisher yourself, you recognize that the most critical part of a successful content marketing program is building your audience. Without an audience to consume it, there is no reason for businesses to create content in the first place. Without the audience, we cannot drive revenue of any kind."

http://bit.ly/1eEDNgU

Women Launch More Companies, But They Stay Smaller #Women #Diversity

Women launch businesses at 1.5 times the national rate, according to data gathered in the 2010 census. The same data shows that companies founded by women are less likely to break $1 million in revenues.

http://bit.ly/1eECP4c

Learning Basics for Better Content & SEO Results #SEO #SEM

We've all heard the terms "machine learning" and "learning algorithms", but how much do you really understand about them? Do you understand what they're capable of learning and how they go about it?

http://bit.ly/1eEATcc

US still being targeted by cyber economic espionage from China.

Cyber-enabled economic espionage hurts China as well as the U.S. because American businesses are increasingly concerned about the costs of doing business in China .

http://bit.ly/I9P4eW

Three Branding Lessons From U.S. News' College Rankings #Marketing #Branding

Every organization that cares about its brand can learn three important lessons from the annual hubbub.

http://onforb.es/18SLqzV

10 Things to Omit from Resumes

Avoid including salary expectations on your resume. If your salary expectations are too high, you can be seen as too expensive by the employer and could be rejected on that basis alone before you have the chance to say you “might have negotiated”.

http://bit.ly/1eJ4MrU

"Which Brands Had the Worst Content Marketing in 2013? " #ContentMarketing

"2013 is not yet over—we’ve still got almost an entire shopping month before Christmas!—yet end-of-the-year lists and retrospectives have already started to pour in. The lists in this latter category may sometimes seem mean-spirited, but they can also be instructive, showing the rest of us some potentially fatal errors to avoid."

http://bit.ly/18SWfC5

What Are You Worth To Social Media Stocks? #SocialMedia #Advertising

Most Social Media stocks rely on advertising revenue. And ad dollars dedicated to Social Media are growing. If advertising revenue were the only potential for Social Media companies, then valuations have been considered high. What else is there?

http://onforb.es/18SVBES

" The Brave New World of SEO" #SEO #SEM

We hear it regularly – the death knell tolling for SEO. In the past several years, we’ve been bombarded by a barrage of change in organic search, from Penguin to Panda to Hummingbird, from inbound link penalties to [not provided]. Let’s face it: the only constant in search is change.

http://selnd.com/18SUyon

Senate and Governmental Affairs approved Jeh Johnson nomination for Homeland Security

Jeh Johnson will most likely the next Homeland Security secretary and a chief advocate for the Obama administration’s cybersecurity agenda.

http://bit.ly/I9OOwA

The One Thing Great Brands Do #Marketing #Branding

"Branding is a term that gets talked about a lot, but many entrepreneurs struggle to grasp this slippery concept.Branding encompasses everything, says Melanie Spring, founder and chief inspiration officer at Bethesda-based branding company Sisarina. It’s not just what you do, she says, but what you are."

http://bit.ly/1eEmNYg

Privacy, who is responsible for safegarding confidential health information?

A federal advisory panel will recommend that the Department of Health and Human Services take an incremental approach to implementing a revised HIPAA accounting of disclosures rule.

http://bit.ly/I9Om1a