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In today’s world, technology can be found nearly everywhere. As more advanced technology continues to pervade society, it is increasingly important to ensure proper steps are taken to keep people safe. In fact, recent efforts have been made to improve this. For example, a bill has been introduced that will set cybersecurity standards for all devices connected by the Web.

This is particularly important as the number of these products continues to increase rapidly. Additionally, innovative yet malevolent hackers find or develop new ways to take advantage of these weaknesses. This often results in a security breach, loss of productivity, and even financial manipulation, etc.

As with many policies, including ones regulating transparency and protecting privacy, once again California leads the way. The bill easily passed through the Senate. Once it is signed by democratic Governor Jerry Brown (if, and when it is), this will be the first state to pass laws that govern the security of the “Internet of Things.”

What Is the Internet of Things?

Coined in the 1990s, the phrase “Internet of Things” (IoT) refers to the system of connections of seemingly benign items in your home or office, or on your person that use the Internet. These do not include devices like computers or smartphones, which obviously use the Internet. Instead, it is the network of devices, appliances, vehicles, and other items that have actuators, connectors, electronics, sensors, and software installed.

Examples of IoT devices include the following:

• Baby monitors
• Driverless car or truck
• Fitness bands
• Lightbulb controlled by a Smartphone app
• Motion sensor
• Smart thermostat
• Smartwatches
• Some toys
• Webcams
• Small appliances

IoT creates opportunities for the appliance or device to connect and exchange data without human interaction. This makes their use very convenient, as it allows them to have more direct interaction with the physical world.

Unfortunately, this also leaves them vulnerable to the attack of malicious hackers.

Years ago, crowd-sourcing cybersecurity firm Bugcrowd’s founder Casey Ellis warned, “It’s important for [Internet of Things] vendors who haven’t prioritized security to take this escalating series of attacks as a wake-up call. We’re entering a period where there could be a very real, calculable, and painful impact upon having insecure products.” California lawmakers are finally taking note.

How Is California Leading the Way to Better Cybersecurity?

The new California bill will require manufacturers to install “a reasonable security feature or features” into all connected devices. It also specifies that these items have passwords that can be reprogrammed by the owner to improve security. Most products are not currently equipped with these safeguards.

What Are the Three Outstanding Complaints about the Bill?

There are several aspects of the bill that naysayers take issue with. The first complaint about the bill is that it may increase the cost of products and suppress innovation more than it actually helps. Any time new standards are required, this is the first issue to be mentioned. Although this usually increases the cost initially, it typically decreases over time.

The second potential problem is that it mandates the addition of security features rather than removing a product’s vulnerabilities. This is like putting a bandage on a wound rather than ensuring the wound does not occur at all. It would be better to remove weaknesses than to try to shore them up.

The third issue is that the ambiguous wording of the bill does little to cause real change. It is said that only the most basic automated threats would be prevented. Perhaps a better solution would be to provide clear standards. Manufacturers would be able to follow these standards, as well as verify that they have been met.

How Would New Federal Regulations Be Better?

The federal government is also considering new cybersecurity regulations regarding IoT. The Internet of Things Cybersecurity Improvement Act would require any company that does business with the federal government to improve their products’ security. They would need to have changeable passwords, be patchable, and be free of known vulnerabilities.

Securing the IoT Act would mandate that the Federal Communications Commission develop standards that wireless equipment would need to meet to become certified.

Although the need for federal standards received bipartisan support, neither of these regulations is gaining steam in Congress. If the bill in California passes, it may provide the incentive to discuss this more seriously on a federal level. Once again, the west coast will lead the way.

In Conclusion

At this time, the wording for what constitutes “appropriate” security procedures is too ambiguous. For example, it does not address the various functions and nature of specific devices. Plus, there is no method for verifying whether the manufacturer took the necessary security precautions.

However, as tech-forward devices proliferate homes and businesses, it is increasingly important to improve their security. Ultimately, if manufacturers must adhere to California laws regarding cybersecurity, consumers throughout the country will benefit.

Online security is something that should get everyone’s attention. Threats exist all around us: ransomware, viruses, spyware, social engineering attacks and more. There’s so much you need to know to keep your personal and business information safe.

 

But… where do you start?

As trusted cybersecurity professionals, we want to help you get educated and stay informed. That’s why during National Cybersecurity Awareness Month our goal is to give you all the information you need to stay secure.

How can we help?

We’ll be sharing valuable and timely information on cybersecurity in blogs, in our newsletter, and on all of your favorite social media sites.

What should you do?

You can also give us a call for personalized solutions by subscribing to our exclusive mailing list.

Being cybersecurity aware means that you understand what the threats are and take precautions to prevent them.

Here are some important reminders:

• Never give out your password. Don’t share it over the phone either. You never know who’s listening.
• Don’t click on links that are sent to you via unsolicited emails or from someone you don’t know.
• Use complex passwords that are difficult to guess and use different ones for different programs and computer devices.
• Don’t reveal your personal, business or financial information in emails.
• Don’t respond to email solicitations.
• Keep software, browsers and operating systems up to date, so they stay free of vulnerabilities.
• Encrypt your files to ensure unauthorized people can’t access them.
• Be careful when using public Wi-Fi networks – don’t conduct sensitive activities like banking or shopping with credit cards on public Wi-Fi.
• Remember your physical surroundings and don’t leave your computer devices unattended in public or easy-to-access areas.
• Only use websites that begin with “https://” when visiting online shopping, banking or other sites where you will be entering your private information.
• Keep your online presence private. Don’t publish your email address online in social network sites.

What else should you watch out for?

Malicious Emails – These typically come in the form of a request from a trustworthy organization like a financial institution.

The email may urge you to act quickly, saying that your account has been compromised or a request can’t be fulfilled. The purpose of the email is to get you to provide confidential information to rob you of your money or identity credentials.

Take precautions and contact the company directly to see if the email is legitimate.

When you search for the company, don’t use any information in the message. Perform your own search online.

Ransomware – This is a type of malware that accesses your files and locks (encrypts) then demands payment to unlock them.

It’s not suggested that you pay the ransom as this is not a guarantee that you’ll get your files back.

Hopefully, you have a secure, offsite copy of all your files so you can recover your data.

Viruses – These are harmful computer programs that can be transmitted from device to device.

Viruses operate in different ways but they are all designed to create havoc, and some provide criminals access to data on infected devices.

If your computer acts irregularly, report this to your supervisor right away. This could be caused by a virus.

Spyware – Spyware downloads onto your devices without your permission when you visit an unsafe website or click on a malicious attachment.

It can make your computer do things like open advertisements or even track your online movements.

Botnets – These are networks of computers that get infected by malware. The criminals can remotely control these botnets to gain confidential or financial information or launch an attack on your network.

Spam – This is like getting junk mail but by email. These are unsolicited and unwanted.

Phishing – This is where a criminal sends an email that contains a malicious link to collect personal or financial data or to infect your computer with malware and viruses.

Spear phishing is where the criminal uses attacks against specific targets to collect information to gain access to IT systems or a list of customers.

Spam and phishing messages aren’t limited to email. They also appear on social media sites and in text messages. Think before you act and adopt the motto: “When in doubt, throw it out!”

What to do if you become a victim of cybercrime?

• Report it to the appropriate people in your organization, including your network administrator.
• If you think your financial account was compromised, contact your financial institution immediately and close your account.
• Watch for any unauthorized charges in your bank or credit card accounts.

Need more help?

We’re here for you.

These are just some of the protections and service we can offer:

• Vulnerability Scanning & Assessments
• Data Loss Prevention
• 24/7 Remote Monitoring & Mitigation For Cyber Threats
• A Managed Secure Firewall
• Multi-Factor Authentication
• A Security Operations Centers with Network and Endpoint Security Monitoring
• Log Correlation and Monitoring
• Endpoint Encryption
• Identification and Reconfiguration of Improperly Configured Security Solutions
• Secure Wireless Configurations
• Quarterly Vulnerability Remediation Efforts
• IT Security Planning and Milestones
• Strategic Planning for IT Security
• Incident Response Management
• Breach Notification Alerts
• Backup Solutions to ensure you’ll always have access to your data
• Security Awareness Training for your employees, so they don’t accidentally expose your organization to cybercrime

We hope this helps. Remember, we’ll be posting timely cybersecurity information for you in our Blogs, newsletters and more.

More than ever, it is necessary for legal professionals to remain digitally connected. As technological advances are made, attorneys and support staff should endeavor to remain up-to-date. This means staying current by investing in the newest generations of digital devices, including phones. With so many options, however, it can be difficult to select the one that is right according to personal preferences and a given situation. Even within the same brand, there is a range of models, each sporting a variety of features and selling points.

To choose which is the right one for your law practice, where the stakes are higher than for many professions, it is important to conduct a thorough investigation. Then, compare the top options. With better-than-average performance, the iPhone XR and the iPhone XS from Apple are two of the top contenders. Here are their similarities, as well as a few of the primary ways they differ.

How Do the Displays of the iPhone XR and iPhone XS Compare?

Although it is considered an entry-level device, the iPhone XR features the larger display. It is 6.1-inches, as opposed to the 5.8-inch screen for the XS. It has a “Liquid Retina LCD” screen, which offers better picture quality and colors than previous generations. With 1792 x 828 pixels and 326 “pixels per inch” (ppi), though, it is not as impressive as the XS.

The iPhone XS has 2436 x 1125 pixels and 458 ppi. Therefore, it provides a higher resolution and a more colorful display. In fact, it is the next generation of edge-to-edge “organic light-emitting diode” (OLED) phones.

Both have screens that are nearly edge-to-edge.

Which Has a Better Battery-Life and Charging Capabilities?

Both phones are able to charge wirelessly with a Qi charging pad. They are also both able to be charged to 50-percent within 30 minutes when using certain fast-charging accessories. There, the similarities between the battery capabilities of the two end.

The battery life of the iPhone XR is one of its most attractive features. It advertises 25 hours of talk-time per charge or 15 hours of Internet use. The XS, however, promises 20 hours of talk time and 12 hours of Internet use per charge. This is still a respectful amount, but it is considerably less. When the battery life is a primary consideration, the XR may be the phone of choice.

What Are the Best Aspects of the New Processors?

The iPhone XR and XS both benefit from the inclusion of Apple’s most recent processor, the A12 Bionic. They feature two high-performance CPU cores that are 15-percent faster than previous generations. They also have four low-power cores that improve the energy-efficiency by 50-percent. The four GPU cores improve the graphics performance by up to 50-percent, as well.

Although they are nearly identical in processing power, the iPhone XS has a bit of an edge. It is reported to have 4 GB of RAM compared to the XR’s 3 GB.

How Is the Memory of Each?

This is one of the primary aspects in which the iPhone XS is superior. The XR offers three different internal storage choices. They are as follows:

• 64 GB
• 128 GB
• 256 GB

The XS provides much more. It also has three choices:

• 64 GB
• 256 GB
• 512 GB

So, where the XR tops out at 256 GB, the XS’s largest storage option is 512 GB. This provides a considerable advantage for individuals, such as those in the legal field, who store large files and require a considerable amount of storage.

What Are the Improvements in Cameras and Security?

The cameras on both phones operate with Apple’s “Smart HDR” feature. This uses the A12 Bionic chip to integrate several images into one highly-detailed photograph. They both also offer “portrait mode” and “portrait lighting.”

The iPhone XR retains the single rear wide-angle camera with 12 megapixels and optical image stabilization previous models were known for.

The XS, however, doubles that. It includes a dual rear wide-angle camera system with telephoto and wide angle cameras. Each of which offers 12 megapixels and optical image stabilization. This is definitely a benefit when trying to capture the “big picture.”

In Conclusion

Finally, the appearance and construction may be the ultimate deciding factor for some lawyers. Although the color of the body can be camouflaged by use of a protective case, the XR comes in a wider range of options. It is available in black, blue, coral, red, yellow, and white where the XS comes only in silver, gold, and space gray.

If sturdiness is a primary consideration, the frame of the iPhone XR is aluminum. The XS, however, boasts a stainless-steel construction. This means that it will last as long as it needs to, or at least until the next generation is released.

 

Modern retailers are focusing on how to combine the best of both worlds: online and in-store, digital and physical. One of the major aspects of this “best of both worlds” is communication. And Microsoft offers many of the tools you need to improve the different levels of communication so you can remain both competitive and agile in the modern retail landscape.

Levels of Communication in Modern Retail

There are various levels of communication in contemporary retail:

• Consumers communicate with stores
• The head office communicates with suppliers and store managers
• Store managers communicate with suppliers, and consumers, but not so much with the head office
• The suppliers communicate with stores, but not so much with the head office
• Store managers communicate with store associates

Improved communication brings benefits in the form of productivity, innovation, and better morale. But how can communication be improved?

Microsoft’s Approach to Communication

Instead of providing a single approach to communication for all levels of a retail business, Microsoft aims to provide the right capabilities to the right people.

For example, it is natural that managers would use a different communication tool to share ideas with other managers that they would use to share policy updates with associates and staff. It is also critical that managers and associates are only provided access to the information they really need. Otherwise, they run the risk of being distracted from their job or being exposed to so much that they begin to ignore everything, including what they do need to know.

As a more real-world example, the portal (or view) that an associate would work with to access what they need is typically more action-oriented and focuses on providing them quick access to data and updates that directly pertain to them. There is usually very little time available to train associates on core products, much less get them up-to-speed on using productivity and communication tools. That means the simpler and more intuitive the associate portal is, the better. When using Microsoft tools, such an associate view is facilitated by SharePoint Online through Office 365.

Microsoft Office 365

In modern retail, it is vital that business owners, executives, managers have access to the very latest information. The challenge is making sure they still have that access while spending more time on the store floor with both customers and associates. The latest information not only includes sales numbers and the like but best practices.

Office 365, as opposed to on-premises Office installations, has proven to be a powerful tool to support these goals. Microsoft and Forrester teamed together to determine the economic impact that the Office 365 suite of tools has had on retail businesses, and their findings indicated:

• Better connections with their workforce
• Increased sales
• Floor feedback
• Improves the dissemination of best practices
• Provides anytime, anywhere access to key information
• Collaboration made much easier

These gains were achieved through the use of Office 365 features such as document sharing, email, and enterprise social media.

Enterprise Social Media: Yammer

Communication with employees in far too many retail settings remains paper-based and often tied to a bulletin board sitting in a dusty back room Even emails are often printed out and posted on a board. This method is antiquated, and doesn’t take into account the digital prowess of the new generation of retail employees. There is potential for the use of enterprise social apps to better engage employees, and facilitate the sharing of information such as ideas, campaigns, and promotions. Microsoft’s solution to enterprise social apps is Yammer and it is used by over 85% of Fortune 500 companies.

Enterprise Video Capabilities

These days, people do much of their learning, sharing, and consuming via video. This is equally as true for retail customers as it is for retail management and associates. Enterprise video tools make it easy to upload and share videos (which could be about anything from best practices to policy changes).

This type of communication is not just top-down from headquarters to store managers, but can be shared among store managers or with associates. This allows people to share new ideas, distribute common messages, and communicate their own opinions and feedback on the videos. The Microsoft Office 365 platform now provides enterprise video capabilities.

Conclusion

Many major retailers have made the switch to Office 365, including well-known names such as Pandora, Game Stop, Tesco, Godiva, Starbucks, and Red Robin. The smart use of communication tools such as OneDrive, Yammer, Skype, and SharePoint have enabled both large and small retailers to drastically improve communication at all levels of the company.

These improvements in communication do lead to better sales. Training is faster, timely information reaches the right people, and employees are no longer overloaded with information that doesn’t pertain to them. Managers can share key information with other managers far more easily, such as customer feedback about new products and services. More positive work gets done with less stress and that’s a win-win for consumers and retailers.

 

The mission statement for Clio is, “Transform the practice of law, for good.” Clio is arguably the leader in legal case and practice management software, but this motto is being echoed throughout the legal sector.

Lawyers have existed almost as long as mankind itself. For centuries, the profession has been known as an institution with a long and seemingly conservative tradition. Gradually, this is changing. Contemporary law firms are now using their intuitive understanding of business to influence technical innovation. This will greatly affect how legal companies behave in the future.

Why Are Law Firms Transforming?

As legal clients evolve, so do their expectations. Convenient solutions and immediate responses have become the norm in many sectors. Law firms have been encouraged to keep up, catch up, or be left behind. As the market for legal services changes, companies that provide efficient solutions will increasingly fill the void.

According to a study by the Georgetown Center for the Study of the Legal Profession, advancing technology will threaten law firms. It will allow clients to receive more complex advice from alternative providers than traditional firms generally offer. By investing in technology, legal companies are attempting to avoid this, and/or benefit from it. Additionally, they have a few things that make them particularly qualified. Things that most startup companies do not have, such as:

• Access to loyal clients
• Knowledge of legal industry needs
• Resources
• Skilled paralegals and assistants

Investing in technology is a response to the realization that they are uniquely positioned to capitalize on these developments.

Why Is the U.K. Leading the Way in Legal IT?

The U.S. has “Public Access to Court Electronic Records” (PACER). This provides nationwide, online access to U.S. Appellate, Bankruptcy, and District court documents and records. Most countries are not as transparent.

Without that system at their disposal, many U.K. firms have been developing their own systems for data analytics. This pushes them ahead of many U.S. firms in innovating and implementing technology.

What In-House IT Is Being Developed?

The recent trend has been for firms to develop IT solutions that focus on specific processes or that assess how the firm operates. These are used in-house to benefit the clients. They include technologies that track metrics to predict client retention or track employment disputes. Another example is the implementation of data management systems that integrate documents, records, and communication onto one platform.

Other innovative firms have built platforms like Pinpoint IP or Sentinel IP, which are patent analysis, management, and monitoring tools for intellectual property. These not only assess how a client’s portfolio compares to his or her competitors but also provides alerts if the patent is infringed upon.

Many new companies are unable to afford attorneys. Newly created records database tools provide a free online database of useful documents to assist young startup companies. These are just a few of the in-house IT solutions being developed.

How Are Law Firms Becoming Incubators?

It truly is a time of innovation in the legal sector. As some firms are developing specific technical products to benefit their sphere of influence, others are reaching higher. Through incubators, law firms are directing the creation and development of technology. Two of the largest and most influential incubators are Fuse and Nextlaw.

Fuse was launched by the U.K. firm of Allen & Overy. In addition to providing access to cutting-edge technologies, Fuse was developed to promote a “tech-focused mindset” in its lawyers. The first of its eight startups was Nivaura. Its platform streamlines the distribution and administration of financial tools through blockchain technology. Fuse’s other original startups include:

• Avvoka
• Corlytics
• Ithaca
• iManage
• Legatics
• Opus 2 International
• Vable

Fuse’s second cohort also includes Bloomsbury AI, Kira Systems, Neota Logic, Regnosys, and Signal Media. Nivaura team members are entrepreneurs-in-residence. They share business experience and advice to help guide the other companies in the incubator space.

The Dentons law firm has the most well-known innovators of this kind. It is responsible for the incubator Nextlaw Labs and its investment vehicle Nextlaw Ventures. Its 10 current startups include the following:

• Apperio
• Beagle
• Clause
• Doxly
• FileFacets
• Hire an Squire
• Libryo
• ProFinda
• Qualmet
• Ross

Previously, legal technology was created by individuals unfamiliar with the needs and intricacies of the legal sector. By having attorneys work directly with the IT startup companies, the resulting technology is built to specifically address those needs.

In Conclusion

In the 21^st century, the demand for tech is radically changing what it means to be a law firm.

In-house innovation and legal tech incubators are increasing in number. Some law firms are even looking toward expanding innovation outward. The push to develop better IT solutions for the legal industry has been almost overwhelming. Having attorneys lead the way is vital to the future of the field.

“We’re not in this for technology’s sake,” stated chairman of Fuse and partner at Allen & Overy, Jonathan Brayne. “We’re in this to solve problems.”

We’re Thinking Of You.

We hope you, your family and staff are all okay after the tornado that hit Ottawa/Gatineau last night. Our thoughts are with you if you’ve suffered any damage or tragedies.

If so, you’re probably overwhelmed with responsibilities. After ensuring that your family, friends, and staff are safe, you may need to deal with property damage. For this reason, we’ve included a list of tips that might come in handy to help you get your business back up and running.

• Be careful during any cleanup – wear thick-soled shoes, long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, and work gloves before entering your property.
• Save phone calls for emergencies as service may be limited. Use text messaging instead.
• Don’t enter damaged buildings until they’ve been deemed safe to enter by local authorities.
• Exercise extreme caution when walking through the damaged property. Avoid electrical wires that may be strewn about.
• Don’t use any spark-producing equipment and don’t smoke as there may be flammable gasses or liquids in the area.
• Don’t turn on any utilities without coordinating with your utility companies.
• Take photographs and videos of any damage and make a list of materials and labour you use to repair your property for insurance purposes.
• Request an advance payment from your insurance company to help you resume business operations.
• Track the hours your employees work to mitigate damage as opposed to their normal duties for insurance purposes.
• Contact government agencies for assistance and inform them if you will be undertaking any major restoration plans.
• Notify your clients, vendors and other business associates of your circumstances and maintain transparency as you restore operations to their fullest.

 

According to Statista, there were 184 million ransomware attacks in 2017 and the average ransomware demand is over $1,000. Individuals, organizations, and companies have fallen victim to these attacks. Most people recognize the fact that ransomware is a danger, but they may not realize that it can actually destroy their company. The recent closure of Colorado Timberline after a ransomware attack is a solemn reminder of the seriousness of the dangers of ransomware.

What Happened to Colorado Timberline?

Colorado Timberline, a printing company in Denver, was forced to cease operations for an unspecified amount of time after a severe cyber attack. A statement on their website dated September 12^th stated that they had been the victim of several recent cyber attacks, but the last – a ransomware attack – was something they would not be able to immediately recover from. The page that contained this statement no longer exists, but a similar statement was posted on their Facebook page:

Dear valued customers and suppliers of Colorado Timberline;

It is with great difficulty and a heavy heart that we must inform you that effective immediately Colorado Timberline has ceased all operations indefinitely.

We have recently been plagued by several IT events, unfortunately, we were unable to overcome the most recent Ransomware attack and as a result, this unfortunate and difficult decision was made.

We greatly appreciate the support and loyalty from each of you over the years.

Management of Colorado Timberline

Their Facebook page now lists them as permanently closed.

What Happened in the Ransomware Attack?

The data locker ransomware attack took place on the evening of August 14. The ransomware accessed their database server and encrypted the files it contained.

The issue that Colorado Timberline ran into, according to an explanatory post for their customers via their Facebook page, was that the hackers insisted that physical access to their files was necessary in order to obtain the encryption key even if the ransom were paid.

Colorado Timberline explained that it was not a matter of paying the ransom, but granting the hackers further access to their data was their greatest concern. Instead, they opted to make use of their data backups to restore the system and had their IT staff doing their best to extract as much data as possible from the encrypted database server.

This was not the first cyberattack that this company suffered, nor was it their last. Their Facebook page also indicated some issues on August 20^th that had brought down both their website and phone lines.

As of September 12th, the doors at its physical location had been locked and closure announcements were posted in both English and Spanish. In an unusual twist, they had apparently just launched a new website tool for orders the day before the close was announced.

About Colorado Timberline

Colorado Timberline’s LinkedIn Page indicates that they had between 200 and 500 employees and that they had been in business for five years. They specialized in printing, including vinyl, apparel, banners, glass etching, and large format applications. In 2017 they were acquired by two out-of-state companies and their owner left in May. What impact that may have had on the decision to cease operations is not known.

How Data Locker Ransomware Works

Data locker ransomware malware (also known as a crypto ransomware) gains access to a computer, then it begins to search through the file system to find data that would be of value to the victim. It stays hidden as it both searches for this data then encrypts it.

Once the encryption is complete, the malware alerts the user with a message announcing that data has been taken hostage and encrypted. It will indicate how the ransom is to be paid (usually in a type of cryptocurrency, ironically) and how long before the decryption key is destroyed and the data rendered useless.

The Dangers of Ransomware

Even if a business or organization does have a backup of the data that has been taken hostage, they most likely have not tested the backup system to be sure that it works. Furthermore, any delay in getting systems back on line can quickly cost money in terms of sales as well as potential customers. If word gets out that a company has fallen victim to a cyberattack, it can negatively impact their reputation. Customers are naturally reluctant to risk sharing their financial data with a company that has been compromised in the past.

Conclusion

The first wave of modern ransomware attacks began to take place in 2015, according to “The Evolution of Ransomware” published by Symantec. The history of ransomware, however, can be traced back to 1989 where the first target was healthcare data systems. Now any company with valuable data is a target for attack. And, as with any type of hacking activity, the methods for infecting a computer with ransomware are continually evolving and improving. It is important for every business and organization, small or large, to make sure their cybersecurity systems are powerful enough to protect them and up-to-date against the latest threats.

Microsoft Office, the software suite that gave us that blueprint for all other word processing software, Word, has gone to the Cloud. Office 365 (O365) offers a cloud-based alternative to the desktop Microsoft Office 2016. There are plans available for limited home or personal use, or professional business use. But the best part is the free educational version: Office 365 for Education.

What Is It?

A collection of the most used Office 365 applications completely free for education employees and students.

Includes:

• Word
• Excel
• PowerPoint
• OneNote
• Yammer
• SharePoint

Who’s Able To Use It?

Anyone with a current affiliation with an educational institution: faculty, staff, and students.

Eligibility

Must be enrolled in or working for a school. Anyone with a school-based email that can receive messages may subscribe for free. Former students or employees may still access a limited functionality version of the app that allows document viewing only.

Below are 28 Reasons To Start Using Office 365 For Education:

Access to a Trusted High-Quality Product

1. Most widely accepted word processor in use. Easier to teach to students and not much need to teach to educators. It doesn’t need to be “gotten used to.” Getting students familiar with this program prepares them better for college and the workforce later. They will encounter either Microsoft Suite or software that is extremely similar because offices use this software over all others.
2. Predictable save patterns. Users can set up a specific saving interval, save manually, or select auto-save just for emergencies. Contrast that with Google Docs, which defaults to automatically saving every time typing stops for more than a moment or two. A few errant keystrokes or a fight with a cat, and you’re out of luck.
3. Saves work in a reliable format even when saving as a PDF. Moving information across apps is easier when they’re all from the same platform too – everything is compatible.
4. Better spell check than most other paid programs (Microsoft 2016).
5. Has many options for formatting right in the program itself.
6. Online free or low-cost templates.
7. Tracks changes. You can see earlier versions of your document if you need to without using an add-on or extension.
8. Easy to migrate your files and preferences from your old versions of Office.

Portability

1. All of the applications on the free version are easily accessed and used from tablets, Chromebooks, and other limited use, low-storage devices commonly purchased by schools. With Office 365 and Office 365 for Education, there’s no clunky installation using up all of the memory on student devices.
2. Students can use it on their phones.
3. One TB of storage for each user, with options to purchase more.

Reliability

1. Microsoft has been in business for decades and has not only consistently improved the usability of its software, but also offers high quality training resources on its website.
2. User-friendly.
3. Familiar. Whether you’re aware or not, you have been using this software in many areas. The way that things work in Microsoft Office are the way things work nearly everywhere words appear on a screen. It’s familiar and appealing with intuitive actions.

Cloud Storage

1. Saves space…literally. Saving to the cloud means less hardware and fewer AC units.
2. Saves a salary. See above. Let Microsoft handle tech inquiries and storage issues while your edtech team focuses on training and troubleshooting.
3. Limited functionality setting for former students and employees allows for document viewing. Everything is stored on the cloud and therefore accessible wherever – even after a student graduates.
4. Automatic upgrades! But without imaging, inserting disks, or resetting your computer to accept changes, because with O365 you are never installing anything. When the time comes to upgrade, this is done automatically and there doesn’t need to be a whole technology roll-out from IT. It’s just done.
5. Ultimate portability – finally a trusted product that can be accessed for free from any internet-ready computer. Just add an internet connection. And a laptop, tablet, smartphone, or some device that’s not even on the market yet, like VR Slime 3D!
6. Sign up your school and add new users.
7. Free, helpful training and information program. Promotional kits get the word out and training videos online get everyone using the app to its fullest potential.
8. Option to upgrade for some or all by just using the paid version of Microsoft 365. Staff and maybe a computer lab available for students to use when the full Office Suite is required. For instance, maybe you have the free version for most of the school’s users, with special lab access for the paid versions. In the rare instance that a subject requires the full suite, it’s much easier to pay for a handful of licenses for one year or so to cover that class or office, rather than to install a paid program that is primarily used only for word processing anyway, on every computer in the school.

Scalability

1. It takes only minutes to sign someone up as a new user as opposed to installing the program every time someone needs it or automatically installing Office 2016 on a bunch of computers whether or not someone uses it (a clear waste of resources).
2. Cloud still saves documents and projects as view or read only after an employee or student leaves the school.

Training And Advertisement

1. Free Promotional Kits are available to educators who have signed up their schools for O365 so you can get the word out about the new software and its features!
2. Collaboration. Applications such as Yammer and Sharepoint give teams a way to share work and communicate more effectively than email.
3. Microsoft Office for Educators Page. Such a helpful, cool resource. Offers tons of video tutorials and other training materials, as well as opportunities to share with other educators what you’re doing in your classroom.

Interoperability Even With BYOD

1. Microsoft Office is now available on the Mac and other Apple products! So even the occasional square Macintosh peg in a round Microsoft hole can communicate with others. Great for BYOT schools who run into interoperability issues.

Just Try It Out – It’s Free!

Now that Office 365 for Educators is available for free, there is no longer a compelling reason to waste money or waste digital and literal space. Try it on a limited basis at first to see if the program will work for you. It’s not a trial, so there’s no pressure to make a decision right away. If you feel that you need more than the limited version offers, purchase a plan that suits your needs and use the free version for instances where the comprehensive suite isn’t needed. It’s probably one of the easiest EdTech decisions you’ll make this year.

Available Applications On O365 vs. O365 For Education
Office 365 (O365) Paid Version	Office 365 For Education
Cloud Based (non-desktop) version of the most recent Microsoft Office Suite	Free version of Office 365. Also in the cloud (not for the desktop). Has fewer features than O365 but is free to eligible members of the educational community.
Microsoft Word Microsoft Excel PowerPoint OneNote Outlook SharePoint Exchange Online OneDrive Publisher Microsoft Access Skype for Business InfoPath Microsoft Teams Paid Subscription (Various Plans available; increased/unlimited storage begins after five paid subscriptions)	Word Excel PowerPoint OneNote Yammer SharePoint

 

As more advanced technology continues to work its way into the daily activities in many law offices, it becomes increasingly important that lawyers keep up. Larger digital files, more complex platforms, along with a need to stay in communication mean that newer phones with improved functions are a must. Fortunately, Apple remains on the frontlines of digital innovation.

With frequent updates, many attorneys may wonder how important it is to upgrade to a newer model. As client demand for modern techniques rises, it is beneficial for contemporary offices to take note. The iPhone XS and XS Max offer many features that would be helpful to lawyers in large firms or small practices. From a larger display to larger storage, here are a few of the ways in which the most recent generation of iPhone can improve your legal practice.

Why Would a Larger Display Be Beneficial?

Larger displays provide an improved experience when reading important legal documents. More information is visible at the same time while the content is also enlarged for easier viewing.

The iPhone XS has the same screen dimensions as the iPhone X, which was the largest available at its inception. The difference is in the size of the phone’s body. The XS has a considerably smaller bezel than previous versions.

However, the XS Max is the same size as the iPhone X. With the same screen to body ratio as the XS, the iPhone XS Max has the largest screen to date. It is 6.5-inches and features the highest resolution at 2688 x 1242 pixels.

What Impact Will the Changes in Battery Life and Charging Have?

With such a busy schedule, most attorneys and legal support staff prefer not to be tied via phone cord to a power outlet. Fortunately, the iPhone XS and XS Max offer up to 20 hours of talk time and between 12 and 13.5 hours of Internet use. This is 30 minutes over that provided by the iPhone X for the XS and 90 for the XS Max. In fact, Apple is referring to the battery as the “biggest battery yet in an iPhone.”

Also convenient are the charging options. They can be wirelessly charged on a Qi charging pad. Additionally, they are compatible with accessories that are able to charge the devices up to 50-percent in about 30 minutes.

How Will the New Processor Be an Improvement Over Earlier Options?

Both the iPhone XS and XS Max feature what are likely the first 7-nanometer chips included in a smartphone. Called the A12 Bionic, it is Apple’s next generation of processor.

The 15-percent speed increase over A11 is provided by two high-performance central processing unit (CPU) cores. A 50-percent improvement in energy efficiency is obtained from the four low-power CPU cores. Additionally, the graphics performance is improved by 50-percent due to the four graphics processing unit (GPU) cores.

How Would the Increased Memory Help a Lawyer?

One of the primary perks that would benefit attorneys would be the enormous increase in internal storage space that iPhone XS and XS Max provide. The iPhone X had what was considered a respectful amount at 64 GB. iPhone XS and XS Max are both offered with internal storage amounts of 64 GB, 256 GB, and a whopping 512 GB.

As technology continues to increasingly be used in the legal field, associates require larger storage space in smartphones. This enables them to stay connected and work via digital platforms virtually anywhere. It allows them to get more work done while still spending less time in the office.

What Is the Benefit of an Improved Camera and Security?

The iPhone XS and XS Max boast revolutionary “High dynamic Range” (HDR) imaging. This technology uses multiple images to create a more detailed photograph than older models had the capacity for. They also feature the following:

• Dual-rear camera system
• 12 mega-pixels
• Telephoto capability
• Wide-angle capability
• Optical image stabilization

The video capabilities include an extended dynamic range, as well as stereo recording. These would be beneficial for recording interviews of clients and witnesses.

Additionally, Apple’s TrueDepth Camera System ensures that unlocking the phone will be faster and more consistent than previous versions. Its improved algorithm means that the XS and XS Max are also more secure. Using a faster and safer device keeps digital information at a lawyer’s fingertips without fear of a security breach.

In Conclusion

With a starting price of $999 and $1,099 respectively, the iPhone XS and XS Max have pre-order dates in September 2018. They are available in the colors of silver, gold, and space-grey. This generation of smartphones has a frame made from “surgical-grade” stainless steel and improved water-resistance. Therefore, one might consider that this is the last phone he or she will ever need, but that is just not how the technology works. For busy attorneys, these phones do provide better storage and faster access to apps.

First, let’s get something straight: CIPA compliance is a prerequisite for receiving E-Rate funding discounts to pay for communications services like internet connections and (for now) Voice Services. If you are not asking for E-Rate, then CIPA does not apply to you. Period.

The reason for this is that it is a violation of First Amendment rights to mandate filtering of online materials across the board wherever a minor under the age of 17 may be using the internet at a public institution. Proponents of CIPA had tried and failed to pass similar legislation due to the potential restrictions on free speech. Linking the Children’s Internet Protection Act to funding eligibility frees the Act to set requirements that are otherwise unconstitutional.

CIPA Doesn’t Apply To These Situations And Institutions Either

Telecommunications for Schools and Libraries do not have to be compliant. In this case, the definition of a “minor” is a person under the age of 17. Additionally, as of 2012, public libraries do not need to follow CIPA guidelines, as doing so poses a threat to the free exercise of First Amendment rights by majority age internet users.

E-Rate

E-Rate discounts can be between 20-90% off of services and products related to using and maintaining internet services. The Universal Services Agency Company (USAC) processes all E-Rate requests and submissions. Their website outlines how and when to apply, as well as providing a training schedule for applicants and service providers.

Every year the FCC’s Eligible Services List is updated and available before the Form 471 filing window opens.

Keep checking the USAC.org website or sign up for updates in order to stay in the loop!

USAC

The Universal Service Administrative Company has been contracted by the FCC to manage all E-Rate Applications. School or library Administrative Authorities certify their institution’s enforcement of an internet safety policy that includes mechanisms that block or filter internet access to objectionable materials.

Administrative Authority Responsibilities:

1) Ensure compliance with the requirements of CIPA;

2) Certify actions undertaken in order to bring the school or library into compliance. For example, any necessary procurement procedures to comply with the requirements of CIPA; or

3) Waive CIPA requirements as the authority has determined that CIPA does not apply because the school is receiving discounts for telecommunications services only.

CIPA Requirements (excerpted from the application section of usac.org)

1. Internet Safety Policy
Schools and libraries are required to adopt and enforce an internet safety policy that includes a technology protection measure that protects against access by adults and minors to visual depictions that are obscene, child pornography, or – with respect to use of computers with internet access by minors – harmful to minors. “Minor” is defined as any individual who is under the age of 17.

2. Technology Protection Measure
A technology protection measure is a specific technology that blocks or filters internet access.

The school or library must enforce the operation of the technology protection measure during the use of its computers with Internet access, although an administrator, supervisor, or other person authorized by the authority with responsibility for administration of the school or library may disable the technology protection measure during use by an adult to enable access for bona fide research or other lawful purposes. For example, a library that uses internet filtering software can set up a process for disabling that software upon request of an adult user through use of a sign-in page where an adult user can affirm that he or she intends to use the computer for bona fide research or other lawful purposes.

CIPA uses the federal criminal definitions for obscenity and child pornography.

Decisions about what matter is inappropriate for minors are made by the local community. E-rate Program rules specify that “[a] determination regarding matter inappropriate for minors shall be made by the school board, local educational agency, library, or other authority responsible for making the determination.”

3. Public Notice and Hearing or Meeting
The authority with responsibility for administration of the school or library must provide reasonable public notice and hold at least one public hearing or meeting to address a proposed technology protection measure and Internet safety policy. For private schools, public notice means notice to their appropriate constituent group.

Additional meetings are not necessary – even if the policy is amended – unless those meetings are required by state or local rules or the policy itself.

Definitions

Harmful to minors: Defined as “any picture, image, graphic image file, or other visual depiction that – (i) taken as a whole and with respect to minors, appeals to a prurient interest in nudity, sex, or excretion; (ii) depicts, describes, or represents, in a patently offensive way with respect to what is suitable for minors, an actual or simulated sexual act or sexual contact, actual or simulated normal or perverted sexual acts, or a lewd exhibition of the genitals; and (iii) taken as a whole, lacks serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value as to minors.”

Administrative Authority: The entity that must make the relevant certification for the purposes of CIPA.

Potential School Administrative Authorities

• school board
• school district
• local educational agency
• other authority responsible for athe dministration of a school

Potential Library Administrative Authorities

• library
• library board
• other authority with responsibility for administration of the library

New For 2019

As of FY2019, Voice Services will no longer be eligible. That means any voice service, including VoIP, voicemail, and hard lines.

While the CIPA requirements make intuitive sense, the E-Rate process requires attention to detail. Applicants and service providers must wade hip-deep in bureaucratic alphabet soup. The reading is dull while at times being confusing. Consider hiring a temporary worker or contractor, or temporarily re-assigning a staff-person to the task in that first funding year at least. While the potential to get 90% off of services is clearly worth it, the amount of time and effort requires planning.