Best Practices for Backing Up Your Data

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Cyber-crime and data loss are ever increasing in today’s technology-reliant society. The loss of important company data and client records can be damaging for businesses. If you are yet to experience some level of data loss, you may be considered one of the lucky ones. 

There is always the risk of an accident or malicious behaviour impacting your business’ data. To avoid this happening to your business, we explain how you can protect your data through backup methods, and set yourself up for a secure future. 

Identify the important files you need to backup

Firstly, you will need to identify which data or files are most important to your business. Most commonly, this is customer billing history, client details and work history, contracts and so forth. For these essential documents, it is often best to consider multiple backup solutions. Depending on the documents sizes and importance, you may wish to store copies on at least two of the following methods. 

USBs, Flash Drives or External Hard Drives  

Every business has a random drawer filled with these small, portable storage devices. USBs are useful for storing and transferring files from one device to another. However, the amount of storage is restrictive, and they are often easily misplaced or damaged due to their size. 

External hard drives are probably the most popular backup method used by small businesses. Unfortunately, similar to a USB, hard drives have a reputation for failing at any time without notice or warning. 

Using Remote Storage

To ensure your backup efforts are not in vain, you should store your backup data off-site or at least off-sever. This means that your backups will remain viable and recoverable even if your central server is compromised. Remote storage can be done using a physical dedicated server or a cloud-based server. 

Here at eStorm, we offer reliable, flexible and secure colocation and server hosting services. Find out more about how we can help you store your data securely today. 

Cloud Backup 

Investing in and implementing a cloud backup truly is the most viable and trusted solution. To transfer and store your data on the cloud, you can individually select the files or sync your entire device. Cloud data is stored in a secure location with a form of encryption, ensuring your data is always protected. 

For more information on cloud storage and how it can help you manage your data, check out our Private Cloud services. 

How often should you be backing up your data?

To effectively backup your data, you will need to ensure you are backing up your data frequently and regularly. The frequency of how often you backup your data will depend on how often your data is updated. For example, if critical data is continuously updated your business will need a more frequent backup schedule. 

How long do you need to store your old backups?

Once you have determined the frequency of your backups, you will need to consider how long each backup should be retained. Storing every backup simply is not feasible and it can limit the amount of storage space available to your business. 

Depending on industry standards, there may also be legal requirements imposed upon your business to retain certain data for a set period. Most commonly, businesses will retain their monthly or bi-annual data backups for as long as possibly allowed by their servers. 

Encrypting and Protecting Your Backups 

Depending on the data contained in your backups, you may need to secure the data in an off-site location. Physical data centres provide several security features to physically protect your data. However, it is always best to encrypt your files to ensure your data is protected if a breach was to occur.  

It is best to stay updated on your security hardware and software. Doing this will ensure that it is working at its highest performance capability. Staying up-to-date with new updates will keep your system working with the most current anti-malware and antivirus protection. 

Website and Database backup 

No business is ever exempt or safe from hackers. Many say small businesses are ‘too small to be hacked’; however, this makes them a perfect target. Here are a two methods to implement a secure backup for your site:

  • Request a copy of your website and database files from your developers and secure these in a nearby location. 
  • Often the best and most secure solution is to implement a cloud backup of your entire site. Doing this, allows you to restore the previous version of your site before it was hacked. 

Having access to your data no matter what happens to your system is vital to running a successful business. By partnering with eStorm, we can help you decide how often and through what method your business can use to backup your data. If you are interested in creating secure backups of your business’ data, speak to the friendly eStorm team today!

It is time to start teaching cybersecurity in schools

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It is Australian Cyber Week and to celebrate, we’ve decided to dive into why teachers need to start teaching students about cybersecurity.

We teach children about crossing the street and avoiding strangers from a young age, and it is now just as important that we do the same with cyber safety. Students are being introduced to new technologies at a rapid rate from a young age. Now, hackers and fraudsters are increasingly targeting young students online.

Why do students need to be aware of cybersecurity?

Students are every bit as skilled as their parents when it comes to modern technology. They know how to download apps, create multiple accounts, circumvent age restrictions and access “blocked” sites. Further to this, young students have their own way of seeing and understanding the world. For example, sharing their internet access or personal information is often not seen as ‘big deal’.

Hackers are now targeting more children as they have easy access to the internet and smartphone apps, and are not educated on cyber risks. When targeting adults, cybercriminals will send phishing emails or links, hoping users will click on them. When targeting children or teenagers, they often disguise the attack through “free games” links and advertisements.

When should we start teaching students about cyber safety?

While it may seem like the only option is to block computer access, it may not be the best long-term approach. Students will always find a way around restrictions, and by not teaching cyber safety, cyber-attacks will continue to increase.

Schools are well versed when it comes to teaching about cyber-bullying; however, students are very naive to cyberattacks. Teaching cyber safety doesn’t need to be dull or difficult – by using age-appropriate teaching materials, you can link safety tips to situations students can relate to, and make it easy to understand for all ages.

How can you teach cyber safety?

There are many well-established cybersecurity programs available for schools. However, finding time in the week to teach these safety modules will likely result in over-stretching teachers and students. Ideally, teachers should be integrating cybersecurity tips into other lessons where it is relevant.

For example, if students are signing up to a new educational tool in class, you can talk about the dangers and ramifications of signing up to an untrusted website. Alternatively, when working on iPads with younger students, you can reiterate that they should never give out their address to anyone on the internet.

However, the responsibility for teaching cyber safety is not just on teachers; parents need to become more involved as well. By parents becoming more familiar with cyber safety information, they can better support and guide their child through new technology. If you are unsure about how to approach a cybersecurity matter, you are best to remain cautious and check in with the Australian Cyber Security Centre for support.

Cyber attacks are one of the greatest threats to businesses, governments and societies. When new technologies are introduced, they often carry new, unpredictable and damaging vulnerabilities. However, the future does not need to be bleak when it comes to cybersecurity or avoiding cyber attacks. As we continue to incorporate technology into every aspect of our lives, we need to take opportunities to teach our students basic cybersecurity skills and prepare them for the future.

For more information on how your student devices can be protected from cyber attacks, contact the friendly eStorm team today. If you would like more information on classroom technology, read our recent blog on how to incorporate technology into the curriculum.

Microsoft Surface Pro 5???

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People are already very excited for the upcoming Microsoft Surface Pro 5. Reports have it that it will be out as early as  April along with Windows 10. This is not confirmed and is purely speculation with other rumours reporting October release dates. We here at eStorm are looking forward to Microsoft officially advising on it’s release (whenever it happens). Stay tuned for more news and updates.

To wet the appetite, here are the unconfirmed specs of the highly anticipated device. Microsoft Surface Pro 5 is expected to feature the Intel Kaby Lake Core i7 processor. The new chip will improve the device’s overall performance and save battery life as well. It will also be equipped with 16GB RAM and 512 GB internal storage. However, this is still unconfirmed as some sources claim that the device will have Qualcomm Snapdragon 365 processor.

Microsoft Surface Pro 5 will come with a rechargeable Surface Pen, new keyboard base and a lightweight aluminum body. Reports are rife that it will also have a 12.3-inch ultra HD/4K display, USB Type-C support and a robust battery life.

ClassDojo an app for all lower school teachers and special education

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CLASS DOJO 

ClassDojo helps teachers celebrate student moments in the classroom, and share those home with parents.

I loaded this application myself through the web browser and it was so simple to register, create a class and personalise, invite students and parents (autogenerated PDF with access codes) and to celebrate students, reward them through feedback directly,  preset skills are customisable, to suit your classroom. I see this as an enjoyable and positive way to encourage positive behaviour management and for students to receive instant feedback.

I give it 5 stars!

Features

  • Encourage students: Give students positive feedback for any skill, like participation, persistence, or curiosity – it’s fully customizable.
  • Seamless family engagement:
  • Teachers can share photos, videos, and more with parents — parents get notified instantly!
  • Any device: ClassDojo works on any iOS/Android/Kindle Fire device or web browser.
  • Administrator access: Administrators can sign up as School Leaders to see Highlights from their school and to share updates with all parents easily.
  • FREE for everyone: ClassDojo is free for everyone. In the future there may be some optional, premium features available for schools.

http://classdojo.com

 

Microsoft OneNote

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If you do a lot of notetaking, attend multiple meetings during the week, and collaborate with others on projects, then OneNote can keep that flood of info neat and tidy. All your notes—even words in pictures—are searchable inside OneNote, and they’re stored in the cloud and immediately accessible via the OneNote apps for any platform.

Capture your thoughts, discoveries, and ideas with OneNote. Take a picture of the whiteboard in a meeting with auto-cropping and photo enhancements. Add your PowerPoint presentation or PDF for school.

Organize your notes in a way that works best for you. Create, rename, search, sort, and copy pages, sections, and notebooks. Find your most recent notes quickly and pin the pages you use most. Secure your notes with a password and use touch ID to quickly access them. Share your notes with your friends and colleagues. Whether it’s a party your planning with others, or a school project you’re working on with your group. Work together in a shared notebook at the same time. Scribble your notes at a conference, write math equations in class or sketch your ideas. With a variety of pen colors and settings, you can create beautiful handwritten notes and drawings. Draw with confidence with “Convert to Shapes” mode: we’ll automatically convert hand drawn shapes into crisp, perfectly regular polygons and circles.

OneNote, when compared to other products is better as a productivity aide, with its focus on typing and hand-writing notes, audio recording and search tools, it affords smart integration with the rest of Office.

COMMBOX Interactive Displays

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COMMBOX INTERACTIVE DISPLAYS transforming classrooms.

The Classic Range of touchscreens remains Australia’s favourite classroom touchscreen. Classic good looks, including a sturdy aluminium frame, toughened glass and rock-solid reliability makes the Classic Range a winner every time.

Features:

All Classic touchscreens incorporate the highest quality Commercial Grade LED displays, rewarding the audience with superior image quality, excellent viewing angles and brightness. Paired with CommBox GlideTM technology, they provide unmatched visibility from all angles in any light- lled room. CommBox advanced glass technology is chemically etched ensuring that the panels are smooth and frictionless to touch. They feature high performance anti-glare properties, whilst maintaining a crystal clear image.

By utilising only the highest quality components, a CommBox Touchscreen has a 17 year life expectancy and does not require maintenance or replacement lamps.

Connect a Windows PC, Mac or laptop and interact immediately; no drivers or calibration required. CommBox Interactive touchscreens are truly plug & play. A Classic touchscreen comes ready to use straight out of the box, reducing installation time and costs.

CommBox utilises combined camera (optical) and infra-red touch technologies guaranteeing that the Classic touchscreens are ultra-responsive and highly accurate. All CommBox touchscreens provide the ultimate Windows 8 & 10 touch experience with active borders, multi-touch capabilities and gesture support.

Options for stands: Motorised Stand for the CommBox 55” – 103” Interactive and Display. This design can also be used as a floor mount motorised lift in areas where walls are not reinforced by removing the legs. A standard Mobile Stand to suit CommBox 55” – 103” Interactive and Display made of heavy duty powder coated stainless steel or the Tilt Trolley a robust trolley that allows you to raise and lower the screen as well as tilt into a fully at table top. The Tilt Trolley is extremely stable and designed to fit through doorways with 100mm casters for easy movement. Suitable for screens up to 75” in both Interactive and Display.

Take a look at CommBox’s latest video overview for Interactive Touchscreen.

COMMBOX video

WELCOME TO SWIFT PLAYGROUNDS

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At WWDC 2016, Apple announced Swift Playgrounds for iOS. Swift Playgrounds is an app that is connected to a larger initiative from Apple called “Everyone Can Code”.
Everyone Can Code comprises the Swift Playgrounds app itself, a series of teacher and student guide books on the iBookstore and a suite of curriculum content delivered inside the Swift Playgrounds app.

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THE APP ITSELF

Playgrounds is genuinely a full Swift interpreter built into an iPad app. Although the demo in the Keynote focussed on some simple concepts, it’s not a toy or limited version of the language.
The app is comprised of two parts: the source view on the left and the live view on the right. The source view is where you type your program and the live view is where you see any output. At the same time, in the right margin of the editor, you can see intermediate results as they are calculated. This has been part of Swift Playgrounds on macOS for some time.

The app supports two kinds of files. The first is the Playground file that you can create using Xcode on a Mac. These files can be transferred to the iPad and run as-is inside Playgrounds on iOS.
The second kind of file is called a Playground Book. This is what you saw in the keynote. It’s much richer and supports a nested chapter and page structure that supports navigation as well as basic assessments of success inside each page. The package format is documented online.

There are also a range of things that authors can do with each page in a Playground Book to make it easier for beginning programmers to meet success. These include hiding setup code that doesn’t need to be seen by the learner, defining “editable regions” to constrain the learner to only type in certain areas and providing hint text in those editable areas.

Another feature of the app is that it freely allows import and export of Playgrounds and Books to other users via AirDrop. In my experience with beginner programming environments, being able to inspect and adapt someone else’s code is a very good way to build learners’ curiosity and confidence – as well as a bit of competitiveness!
The app also features certain other simplifying tools for entering code. There are colour pickers, image literals and other gestures that make it easier for learners to avoid syntax errors. One simple example is that you can drag out the lower brace of a conditional statement or loop to enclose other statements and everything springs into place when you let go.

The QuickType bar above the keyboard (the area where you get text suggestions) has also been adapted to give code completion suggestions that are sensitive to the context and only let you complete legal code in the language. Authors of Playground Books can also give hints to the suggestions mechanism to constrain it to only show certain symbols or only symbols from certain packages.

It’s important – and not at all obvious on first sight – to understand that Playgrounds is not in itself an authoring environment for Playground Books. When a learner works with a Playground Book, their edits to the code in the book are stored as a diff against the original content in the book. The original content is never modified, but the diffs do get transferred with the book when it’s sent to other users. The reason it’s done this way is that it facilitates resetting a page in the book to its original state if the user needs to. You can also reset the entire book.

The other thing that is not entirely obvious is that Playgrounds has full access to the entire iOS API. This means that there is effectively no limit on the complexity of Playground that you can build. You can use APIs like Core Location, WebKit, MapKit, Core Motion, Networking and Core Bluetooth. One of the demos given in the session on Playgrounds was of Playground Swift code controlling a Sphero robot over Bluetooth.

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WHAT IS SWIFT LIKE

A broader question than “is the app any good?” is whether or not the Swift language itself is any good for Computer Science education.

As a teacher, you would need to know that Swift is a good language for learning to program with. One simplistic approach to promoting Swift in CS is simply to make the argument that kids love smartphones and apps are written in Swift therefore CS education should happen in Swift. I get the thinking behind that but it feels similar to other moves that some teachers make to co-opt anything that kids like and turn it into “education”. Remember Second Life? And …. dare I say it …. Minecraft In the fullness of time?

I prefer to ask which specific language features in Swift make the language a good choice for learners. When Apple were set this challenge, they gave some good points. One of the things I particularly liked was that Swift leans toward explicitness rather than implicit or inferred behaviours.

Swift also has API design guidelines focused on expressiveness and understandability rather than terseness. It’s also a relatively new language. This certainly has its drawbacks in that the language has changed substantially over the last two major revisions but there is a consistency and clarity to its approach that is sometimes missing from languages like Python.

IS THERE A DOWNSIDE?

Swift Playgrounds is a very new app on iOS. Although it’s fairly complete, there are a few things I feel that it still needs.

Firstly, I mentioned that there are ways to get the Playgrounds app to render your code by omitting and hinting certain areas. There’s currently no way to get that rendered view out of the app. This is important for teaching in two ways: firstly, it would allow students to submit work to a teacher through iTunes U. The second reason is that a teacher authoring a solution would be able to give a printout of a completed (rendered) version to a pupil who needed it for whatever reason – perhaps a pupil with learning difficulties for whom copying in a provided solution would represent a good achievement. Giving these pupils the full unrendered source would be overwhelming.

The bigger issue right now is that the authoring environment for Playground Books is Xcode on macOS. It may be difficult to find a lot of teachers who even have a Mac and are familiar with Xcode.
I have seen before that the phrase “you use a Mac for that” is a show-stopper in education. This was true for iTunes U before Course Manager came to iOS and it’s still true for iBooks Author.

I think there might, in time, be ways to create Playgrounds and Playground Books on iOS but it will be neither easy nor convenient for some time to come. This isn’t an unexpected problem but it is still a problem.
Overall, though, it’s hard to find anything seriously bad to say about Swift Playgrounds except that it’s an early, immature product right now. Despite that, it already has serious power under the hood and some impressive curriculum content. Can’t wait to see where this goes.