The Simply Smarter Blog

One of the best precautions organizations can take to establish security best practices is to promote proper data management among its employees. Data is generated with every individual’s click, search and interaction online, leaving a trail of data behind while navigating various websites and services. This trail of data, known as "digital exhaust," can leave the individual, and consequently their employer, vulnerable to data breaches and privacy violations if not properly managed and secured. 

As companies increasingly rely on digital platforms for operations, marketing and customer engagement, they inadvertently generate vast amounts of data. The misuse of this sensitive information not only risks compromising customer trust but also opens the door to potential legal and financial repercussions. For businesses, the challenge lies in harnessing the power of digital exhaust for strategic advantage and safeguarding against its pitfalls. Let's dive into the concept of digital exhaust, its implications, and how to manage it effectively.

Are you looking to lease office equipment? Have you questioned whether to buy or lease? In an ever evolving, unpredictable world of modern technology, buying and owning office equipment yields more risk, and less flexibility, convenience, and long-term cost savings than ever before. Leasing, however, offers convenient, flexible, and scalable buying plans, a popular choice among mindful consumers. In this smart guide to leasing, our industry experts share 3 important rules.

Drawing upon the wealth of technological expertise and insights garnered during a 50-year journey in the document solutions business, Sharp’s BP-70C/60C/50C series of digital full-color multifunction printers (MFPs) encapsulate the core concept of Sharp – to become an indispensable partner in supporting our customers' businesses.

This blog features interview responses from Sharp Corporation’s Mr. Furusawa of Product Planning, Mr. Hirano and Taguchi of Technology, and Mr. Tsutsui of Design, to gain deeper insights into the vision, technology, and design philosophy that have shaped the BP-70C/60C/50C series. 

Cybersecurity remains top of mind for businesses as our world becomes more digitized. A recent report from IBM discovered that on average globally, the cost of a data breach was $4.45 million in 2023. Cyber-attacks continue to rise, so we sat down with Tony Roessler, Managed Network Services National Manager at Sharp, to share insights on common attacks and best practices that you can take to best protect yourself and your business from a potential breach.

Have you ever been involved in a conversation with your IT department and thought, "What does that even mean?" Well, you are not alone. Understanding the myriad of security acronyms can be a daunting task, and with the security landscape's constant evolution, even experienced IT professionals occasionally encounter unfamiliar terminology. Whether you are seeking clarity on the latest trends, exploring critical concepts, or simply looking to expand your security vocabulary, you've arrived at the right destination. Below, you will find five frequently used security terms and acronyms and the definitions associated with each.

Multifunctional devices and printers are essential tools for professional use, allowing us to bring digital content into the physical realm. But when it comes to choosing the right printer, it is not always clear which one is right for your organization’s needs. Two common types of printers and multifunctional devices used in printing are A3 and A4. In this blog, we will explore the difference between A3 and A4 printers to help you make an informed decision when selecting the right printer for your business’ needs.

This year, Verizon released its latest “Data Breach Investigations Report” (DBIR) that analyzed 16,312 security incidents, of which 5,199 were confirmed data breaches.* In contrast to last year’s report, this year’s focused more on the actual data breaches to bring concise and actionable findings to the table. It’s overarching conclusion: in a time of so much uncertainty, hackers found new avenues to exploit the human element, using the same tried and true tactics.

Print enthusiasts, rejoice! There’s a new provider of leading digital presses bursting onto the scene. Earlier this year, Sharp announced its entrance into the production print market. Central reprographic departments (CRDs), in-plant printing facilities and commercial print centers will soon have a new stand-out option to consider when making their next big investment. The highly anticipated digital presses are launching soon, so what better time to sit down with Sharp’s Product Management team. We discussed the Sharp production press support program and why it’s important to dealers and great for customers as well as buzz worthy technology on the upcoming Sharp Digital Press Series. Here’s what the team had to say.

Hey there, savvy print enthusiasts! Imagine this: blazing printing speeds, colors that dance, and helpful features to unleash your creativity. As you probably know by now, Sharp recently announced the launch of its latest light production printing systems, the BP Color Pro Series. Today, we're catching up with one of the production print geniuses behind it all, Kent Villareal, Sharp's Senior Product Manager, to give you the lowdown on these pioneering Color Pro Series models that are creating a stir. Sit back, relax and learn some key takeaways about these newly released light production models.

Digital signage solutions can enhance any organization by offering the ability to communicate in a modern, efficient way with your audience. These devices are gaining in popularity and traction, with nearly 60% of businesses planning to invest in digital signage within the next two years. This is because these devices allow for real-time updates and announcements that can be shared seamlessly and can improve overall engagement. Read on to learn a few tips for deploying digital signage in your business and how to make the most of this technology.

“Is your teenager cyber-smart?” That question can sound scary, but what does it even mean? As parents or guardians, guiding and empowering your teens to navigate the digital world is crucial. By fostering open communication, educating them about online threats and implementing cybersecurity best practices, you can help keep your teens cyber secure. Encourage teens to participate in offline activities, hobbies and social interactions to develop a well-rounded and healthy lifestyle.

In a landscape where small and medium businesses (SMBs) represent the target of 43% of all data breaches and suffered losses exceeding $2.8 billion in 2020 alone, the need for cybersecurity readiness is starkly evident. While large firms maintain dedicated cybersecurity departments, budget constraints can hinder small businesses from doing the same. Thus, small businesses should empower themselves to handle cybersecurity whenever possible.

Though we always recommend partnering with a managed service provider (MSP) to help augment internal resources, here are a few tips that you can use to help bolster your defense against cyberattacks.

Multifunction printers (MFPs) play a fundamental role in offices worldwide. However, it is critical to recognize that these devices can pose significant security risks if not correctly protected. With cybercriminals and malicious hackers constantly seeking vulnerabilities to exploit, it is necessary to understand the conventional attack methods they employ and implement robust security measures to mitigate these risks. Below, we address a few common printer vulnerabilities and best practices to identify and avoid them.

Digital displays have become essential communication tools in corporate offices, retail stores, school campuses, event spaces, and other settings because they enhance collaboration, boost commerce, and improve the transmission of marketing messages and other information. In appropriate applications, larger displays — typically measuring 70 inches or more diagonally — provide crucial additional benefits beyond those offered by smaller-sized displays. Let’s examine how larger displays can help you achieve your communication and brand goals.

K-12 educators and school administrators are on a never-ending quest to equip students with the tools to thrive in higher education and the working world – and it’s no small feat! Lesson plans are carefully crafted, teaching techniques are meticulously studied, and extracurricular activities are thoroughly organized. Amidst these efforts, one lever often goes unnoticed—the choice of laptops that students utilize day in and day out.

While Chromebooks have gained popularity in schools across the country, it's crucial to pause and consider if they truly prepare students for the Windows based systems that they will inevitably use in college and beyond. Every choice an educator makes aims to develop skills that align with the evolving demands of their careers. That's why I propose we take a closer look at a more suitable alternative.

It can be intimidating to choose an interactive display that's right for your organization and knowing what to look for is key to making the right choice.

AQUOS BOARD® collaboration display systems are much more than your typical interactive whiteboards. These displays offer smooth and effortless communication along with high-tech features that keep audiences engaged and involved whether in the classroom or boardroom.

Legal professionals operate in a detail-oriented environment, where effective collaboration and document management are key to efficiency, security, and client service. To keep up with the evolving demands of the legal landscape, law firms are turning to modern technologies that streamline workflows, strengthen information security, and foster seamless communication. In this blog post, we’ll review the evidence proving that collaboration tools, interactive whiteboards, and copiers/printers are 3 superpowers that help alleviate common challenges, reduce billable leakage, and enhance productivity in the legal sector.

Effective communication is vital to the work of doctors, nurses and their staff - and it’s not exactly overlooked by patients, either. Any visit to a doctor’s office, clinic, urgent care center or hospital should be as stress-free as possible, and keeping patients informed goes a long way in accomplishing that. One effective tool for healthcare professionals to consider is implementing modern devices to enhance decision-making, collaboration and the overall patient experience.

One healthcare organization in New York resolved to innovate communication within their offices. They looked to their technology partners to bring interactive display systems into their facility to improve visibility, navigation and overall engagement.

When it comes to reliable and versatile laptops, Sharp’s laptop division, Dynabook, has established itself as a prominent brand, offering a diverse range of products to cater to the varying needs of professionals, schools and business users. In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at three laptop series from Sharp’s Dynabook brand: Tecra, Portégé, and Satellite Pro. Each series brings its own unique features and benefits, ensuring that users can find the perfect device to suit their specific requirements.

Take a closer look at how to create appealing, effective content for digital signage for your store.

The following reflections about Memorial Day have been contributed by the Sharp Veterans Education Resource Group (Veterans ERG), whose mission it is to empower and enable our proud veterans by providing them opportunities to share experiences, improve veteran recruitment, enhance professional growth and provide feedback to improve the overall Sharp community.

Summer is nearly here, which means more time for vacations and traveling. With remote and hybrid work, many individuals will be taking calls, answering emails or collaborating with teams while on the go. Although working where you want may be convenient for your personal or business travel plans, it's critical to be aware of potential cyber threats when using devices both en route and at your destination.

A recent article by Cybercrime Magazine predicted that global cybercrime costs will increase by 15% per year, amounting to $10.5 trillion annually by 2025. Here are some tips on how you can make sure to protect your data – and that of your organization – from potential cybersecurity breaches.

A 2023 study found that 68% of organizations in the United States and Europe experienced data loss due to unsecure printing. Modern multi-functional printers (MFPs) offer a wide array of advanced productivity features to keep employees engaged and connect them to various business applications. Given their strategic importance in today’s workplace, how can we ensure MFPs have proper security measures in place so that they avoid becoming weak points that open doors to bad actors? Following are some steps Sharp has taken to address this.

Classrooms have completely evolved over the past 20+ years.  We all remember the days of messy chalk on blackboards and overhead projectors.  Those big, bulky pieces of machinery wheeled in on a cart in the middle of the classroom.  Who doesn’t remember the thrill of being allowed to write on the transparency with a dry-erase marker and seeing the results projected on the wall? Fortunately, there has been an evolution in how educators can display their lessons.

Phishing remains one of the most common types of cybercrime according to the FBI's Internet Crime Report.  Cybercriminals took advantage of our state of unrest and found ways to profit from our heightened dependence on technology. With $10.2 billion in profits, internet crime is a lucrative business to be in. As cyber criminals get more savvy in the art of deception, these emails are getting harder to recognize. They are no longer desperate requests for money or a plea from an offshore prince. They are simple messages with a simple objective – to get you to click or respond.

Email is a key that cyber criminals can use to comprise you or your employer’s sensitive data - and bank account. It’s time to for us to treat it as such by analyzing every email received to catch phishing attempts. After practice, it will become second nature. Here are a few tips to follow in order to take back our inboxes.

You might only see the action on the playing field, but behind the scenes, it takes a lot of technology to support college athletics. Today, schools and their athletes need to stay ahead of the competition more than ever by incorporating collaborative digital tools for everything from personalized training apps to video capabilities for reviewing plays and archival footage. It’s no exception for Army Athletics of West Point, the oldest of the five American service academies educating cadets for commissioning into the United States Army.

Often overlooked as a gateway into your network, your copier is the most unsuspecting way cybercriminals gain access to your company information. In fact, according to a study by Quocirca, over two thirds of organizations have experienced data losses due to unsecure printing practices last year. The report also mentions that printer security is lower on the security agenda than say email or cloud platforms. Which is why with the recent launch of our new BP line of copiers, we decided to layer on the ultimate cybersecurity tools to keep customers one step ahead.

We are migrating to a digital era, but that hasn’t stopped educators from relying on their school’s multifunction printer (MFP) to quickly produce 30 copies of their students’ homework as they scarf down food on their lunch break. Despite an increase in digital technologies being incorporated into the classroom and at home, educators are still printing many documents each school year, from homework and assignments to study guides, worksheets and tests.

We can look at the data to determine why print is important from usage alone. But there are underlying benefits to having an MFP in the library, faculty lounge or administrative office. Let’s take a closer look.

The pandemic has changed so much of how the world works. From virtual learning to leading global meetings from makeshift living room offices, we have adapted regimes to ensure we are completing the best work possible. What happens when old routines, programs, and technology no longer fit the mold and aren’t helping us excel? There’s one clear answer: Change.

Microsoft Office 365 (M365) has become an increasingly popular platform for businesses, with its productivity, collaboration and communication tools. However, while M365 provides basic security measures, it is not designed to restore lost, deleted, or corrupted data quickly and easily.

According to Statista, 94% of companies that experience severe data loss never recover, and SMBs are 10x more likely to be hit with a data breach than larger organizations. While it is critical to have a backup solution to protect against data loss, 58% of SMBs have no backup plan for M365. But why is that? Below, we discuss four reasons to have a cloud backup solution in place and how cloud solution providers can provide comprehensive M365 data protection for your business.