Category: News

Beefing Up Laws for Illegal Immigrants and Preparing for Future Disasters

3 min read

S 5,HR 152,HR 153,HR 164,HR 471, HR 187, HCon Res. 1Laken Riley Act (S 5) – A holdover from the last congressional session, this bill was re-introduced by Sen. Katie Britt (R-AL) on Jan. 6. It is similar to a 1996 law, the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act, that deports illegal immigrants who are found guilty of serious crimes. This new bill enables the government to detain and deport illegals who are arrested for serious crimes or misdemeanors (such as shoplifting), but they do not have to be charged or found guilty. The legislation passed in the Senate on Jan. 20 and the House on Jan. 22, and it is expected to be the first bill signed by the Trump administration.

Federal Disaster Assistance Coordination Act (HR 152) – This legislation would amend the Disaster Recovery Reform Act of 2018 to authorize a new study designed to streamline and consolidate data regarding the collection of preliminary damage assessments. It was introduced by Rep. Mike Ezell (R-MS) on Jan. 3, passed in the House on Jan. 13, and is currently in the Senate.

Post-Disaster Assistance Online Accountability Act (HR 153) – This is a disaster companion bill, also introduced by Rep. Mike Ezell (R-MS) on Jan. 3. It would create an online repository for recipients of Federal disaster assistance to meet specific reporting requirements. The bipartisan bill passed in the House on Jan. 14, and its fate also lies with the Senate.

POWER Act of 2025 (HR 164) – Also known as the Promoting Opportunities to Widen Electrical Resilience Act, this non-controversial bill was passed on Jan. 15 under a House procedure called “suspension of the rules.” It would allow Federal agencies to provide essential assistance for the emergency restoration of power and not restrict utility company recipients from also qualifying for hazard mitigation assistance if necessary. The bill amends the previous Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (1988), which details the process for federal government assistance to state and local governments following a major disaster. The bill was introduced by Rep. Valerie Hoyle (D-OR) on Jan. 3 and currently lies with the Senate.

Fix Our Forests Act (HR 471) – The purpose of this bill is to expedite improvements in forest management activities on National Forest public lands under the jurisdiction of the Bureau of Land Management to return resilience to overgrown, fire-prone forested lands. This bipartisan legislation was introduced by Rep. Bruce Westerman (R-AR) on Jan. 16 and passed in the House on Jan. 23. It currently lies with the Senate.

MAPWaters Act of 2025 (HR 187) – This bipartisan bill authorizes the standardization, consolidation, and publication of federal waterways data regarding outdoor recreational uses by the public, as tracked by federal land and water management agencies. The legislation was introduced by Rep. Blake Moore (R-UT) on Jan. 3, passed in the House on Jan. 21, and is under consideration in the Senate.

Regarding consent to assemble outside the seat of government (HCon Res. 1) – This concurrent resolution was introduced on Jan. 3 by Rep. Michelle Fischbach (R-MN). It is a bipartisan resolution, agreed to by all four majority and minority leaders in both houses, that would allow members of the House and the Senate to assemble at a location outside the District of Columbia if it is in the public interest. The resolution passed in the House on Jan. 3 and currently rests in the Senate.

Why Your Business Needs a Vertical AI Agent: Top Benefits for Niche Markets

4 min read

Why Your Business Needs a Vertical AI AgentThe rise of artificial intelligence (AI) is continuously transforming how businesses operate, offering opportunities for efficiency, innovation, and growth. However, in an increasingly competitive landscape, businesses seek solutions tailored to their specific industries. To meet this demand for more tailored tools, vertical AI agents are emerging as key to staying ahead in the age of specialization.

What are Vertical AI Agents?

Vertical AI agents are designed to solve specific problems within industries in areas such as finance, retail, and healthcare. This differs from horizontal AI, which provides general capabilities across various sectors. Horizontal AI cross-functional applications such as marketing automation are applicable across different sectors. These horizontal AI solutions were witnessed in the early days of AI, when companies like Google, Microsoft, and Amazon created broad AI solutions. These solutions handle multiple tasks but are not optimized for any specific ones.

Vertical AI has been enabled by advancements in Large Language Models (LLMs), which now possess the capability to process complex, industry-specific data and automate complex tasks. These breakthroughs and the inefficiencies of outdated technologies in many industries have created a demand for specialized solutions. Additionally, some platforms simplify the creation and deployment of vertical AI by providing data management and customization tools. At the same time, businesses increasingly recognize AI’s potential to drive efficiency and competitive advantage.

Vertical AI agents are emerging as the next disruption in tech and are anticipated to dominate in 2025. With its market valued at $5.1 billion in 2024, the figures are projected to rise to $47.1 billion by 2030.

Some areas where vertical AI agents are used include finance to enhance risk assessment models and provide insights into market trends and investment opportunities.

Banking institutions are also deploying vertical AI agents to detect fraud in real-time and reduce manual intervention.

In retail verticals, AI agents help personalize product suggestions for customers.

It is important to note that the success of vertical AI precision depends on its ability to solve clear and specific problems. It leverages industry-specific data and domain expertise to deliver solutions that have better precision than general AI systems.

As such, some companies have begun building their own AI tools by using their datasets to create tailored solutions for their specific industry challenges.

Key Benefits of Vertical AI Agents for Niche Markets

  1. Increased operational efficiency – Frees human resources by automating complex and repetitive tasks to increase productivity. Employees have more time to focus on tasks that require creativity, strategy, or problem-solving.
  2. Enhanced accuracy and decision-making – Vertical AI agents are trained on vast amounts of industry-specific data. As a result, they deliver more accurate and consistent results. This reduces human error, which may have dire consequences in critical high-stakes fields such as healthcare and finance.
  3. Cost saving – automating tasks traditionally performed by large teams helps reduce costs. It lowers payroll expenses and minimizes operational costs. This enables companies to reallocate resources to innovation and growth rather than to routine tasks.
  4. Unlock new markets – traditional software solutions may struggle to penetrate niche markets. This is because of their complexity or unstructured data requirements. However, vertical AI agents handle these challenges effectively, opening up new revenue opportunities in previously underserved segments.
  5. Improved customer experience – vertical AI agents enhance customer interaction since they can provide personalized service and faster response time.
  6. Competitive advantage – businesses leveraging vertical AI agents have a significant competitive edge over competitors relying on generalized solutions.
  7. Driving innovation – vertical AI agents streamline operations and offer data-driven recommendations. This enables businesses to experiment and develop cutting-edge products and services. Ultimately, a business can maintain a competitive edge in niche markets.

Challenges and Considerations

Vertical AI agents have compelling benefits but also come with some challenges. A business must navigate the potential challenges during implementation. This includes integration with existing systems, data privacy concerns, employee resistance, and the need for ongoing human oversight. The good news is that with careful planning and a strategic approach, it is easy to overcome these challenges and fully realize the benefits of vertical AI.

Closing Thoughts

Automation has become a critical tool for businesses that want to remain competitive. As the demand for smarter and more efficient operations rises, vertical AI agents are emerging as a solution. These advanced AI solutions deliver targeted results by focusing on niche applications. As AI continues to advance, vertical AI agents will become more efficient and accessible, integrating with broader systems.

Rules of the Roth

4 min read

Rules of Roth IRAWith a Roth IRA, the owner can make limited contributions each year. In 2025, the limit is $7,000; $8,000 if age 50 or older. Only people who earn less than $150,000 (single filers) or under $236,000 (married filing jointly) can make a full Roth IRA contribution. While contributions do not qualify for a tax deduction, earnings are not taxable once the account has been open for five years. Contributions, which were previously taxed as income, can be withdrawn at any time.

Once you open and contribute to a Roth IRA, the five-year countdown begins before you can take any earnings out tax-free. However, the holding period is actually measured from Jan. 1 of the year you made the first contribution.

For example, if you opened your Roth IRA on Dec. 31, 2024, the holding period backs up to Jan. 1, 2024. Therefore, your holding period is technically only four years instead of five to avoid paying taxes on earnings.

However, it gets even better because you are allowed to make a Roth contribution for the prior tax year up until tax day in April. That means if you open a Roth in April 2025 and designate your contribution for 2024, your holding period is shortened by another four months.

This is why it’s important to open a Roth as soon as possible, even if you cannot contribute a lot of money in the near future. It makes a great strategy for a high school or college student with job earnings to at least open a Roth for future use. While there is no upfront tax deduction, you may withdraw contributions penalty and tax-free at any time – which makes it ideal as both a liquid emergency account as well as long-term savings.

As for withdrawing earnings, the rules are trickier. As far as the IRS is concerned, contributions are withdrawn first and then earnings. Note that when earnings are withdrawn before age 59½, the amount is subject to both taxes and a 10 percent penalty, but there are exceptions that waive the penalty. For example, if your account is less than five years old, you can still withdraw earnings (penalty-free but still subject to taxes) for the following purposes:

  • To help pay for a first-time home purchase (up to $10,000)
  • To pay for college
  • To pay certain emergency expenses
  • To pay for expenses in connection with a federally qualified disaster
  • To pay expenses related to a birth or adoption
  • To pay for unreimbursed medical expenses or health insurance if unemployed
  • If you become disabled or are a survivor of domestic abuse

If your account is older than five years, you can avoid both taxes and the penalty if the funds are used to help pay for a first-time home purchase (up to $10,000) or if you become disabled.

After age 59½, there are no taxes and no penalties for any money withdrawn from a Roth IRA for any reason.

Multiple Roths

The same five-year holding period applies to all the Roths you own, with the clock starting at the first contribution to your first Roth. This means that if five years after the date you open your first Roth, you open a new Roth and contribute a bunch of income, you won’t have to wait another five years to tap those earnings tax-free. This perk does not apply to a Roth 401(k) account, which maintains a separate five-year holding period.

Conversion Benefits

When you convert a traditional IRA or 401(k) to a Roth (assuming your plan allows in-service withdrawals or in-plan conversions), you must pay income taxes in the year the money is converted. However, there are some very good reasons to convert:

  • Tax-Free Income – By converting assets when you’re still working, you can pay the taxes owed with current income, but from that point on, the Roth IRA will grow tax-free. This is particularly helpful in diversifying your tax liability during retirement if you have other income sources (e.g., pension, brokerage account, Social Security).
  • Eliminate RMDs – If you continue working into your 70s, you may continue contributing to your Roth IRA, and assets converted from a 401(k) or traditional IRA are no longer subject to required minimum distributions. This way, your full account balance has the opportunity to continue growing for later retirement and/or for your heirs.

Be aware that converting a taxable retirement account to a Roth IRA begins its own five-year timetable, so convert long before you need to begin withdrawals.

National Security

4 min read

National Security, S 3613, HR 5009, HR 2950, S 4367, HR 9668, HR 9716Improving Federal Building Security Act of 2024 (S 3613) – The Federal Protective Service (FPS) contracts security guards to control access to government facilities and screen visitors to detect prohibited items, such as pepper spray and batons. Earlier this year, FPS investigators conducted a covert test at certain federal buildings in which the guards failed to detect prohibited items about 50 percent of the time. In response, Congress passed this bill requiring Facility Security Committees to respond to security recommendations issued by the FPS. It also mandates that the Homeland Security Department submit an unredacted report to Congress regarding FPS surveillance technology recommendations as well as summarize the FPS recommendations that buildings accepted or rejected. However, no additional funding for security is appropriated by the bill, which will sunset five years following enactment. The act was introduced on Jan. 18, 2024, by Sen. Gary Peters (D-MI). It passed in the Senate on March 23, the House on Dec. 10, and was signed into law on Dec. 17.

Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 (HR 5009) – This year’s version of the annual funding bill features a 14.5 percent increase in pay for junior enlisted servicemembers, as well as a 4.5 percent pay raise for all other personnel. The legislation also provides cost-of-living allowances per location, improved housing/barracks repair programs, more access to medical and mental health services, and increased employment support for military spouses. The legislation was introduced by Rep. David Joyce (R-OH) on July 27, 2023. This is a bipartisan bill that has passed in both the Senate and the House with various changes. It is currently awaiting signature by the White House for enactment.

Coastal Habitat Conservation Act of 2023 (HR 2950) – Introduced by Rep. Jared Huffman (D-CA) on April 7, 2023, this bill passed the House on Sept. 24, 2024, the Senate on Nov. 21, and was signed into law on Dec. 11. The legislation empowers the Coastal Program of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service to increase efforts to assess, protect, restore and enhance key coastal environments that provide fish and wildlife habitats for certain federal trust species.

Thomas R. Carper Water Resources Development Act of 2024 (S 4367) – This legislation was introduced by Sen. Thomas Carper (D-DE) on May 20, 2024. It passed in the Senate on Aug. 1 and in the House (with changes) on Dec. 10; the final bill is expected to be approved and signed into law by the end of the congressional session. This bipartisan bill is designed to improve the nation’s water resources infrastructure, including ports and harbors, inland waterway navigation, and flood and storm protection; it also strengthens our resilience during natural disasters. The legislation also institutes reforms at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in order to streamline processes and deploy projects faster.

SHIELD Against CCP Act (HR 9668) – Introduced on Sept. 18, 2024, by Rep. Dale Strong (R-AL), this bill would establish a task force working with the Department of Homeland Security. The group’s sole focus would be on countering terrorism, cybersecurity, and border/port security related to threats posed by the Chinese Communist Party. The legislation is in response to recent CCP activities such as stealing intellectual property and technology, threats to economic supply chain security and critical infrastructure, and surveillance activities targeting U.S. defense sites and even American citizens. The bipartisan bill passed in the House on Dec. 10 and is currently in the Senate.

Increasing Baseline Updates Act (HR 9716) – In the first quarter of each year, the Congressional Budget Office provides Congress with an annual baseline 10-year projection of the budget and economy based on the fiscal impact of legislative proposals. Updates are released in Q2 and Q3 to reflect newly enacted laws and economic conditions. This bill would mandate that the executive branch provide critical data to the CBO by February 1 of each year to produce a more accurate annual budget baseline. The bill passed in the House on Dec. 11 and currently lies with the Senate. It was introduced by Rep. Blake Moore (R-UT) on Sept. 20, 2024.

Securing Client Data: The Importance of Encrypted Apps

4 min read

Securing Client DataThe Salt Typhoon cyberattack is among recent cyberattacks that reaffirm the urgent need for robust data security measures. This attack targeted major telecommunications providers, compromising critical infrastructure and potentially exposing vast amounts of sensitive data. With cyberthreats becoming more sophisticated, businesses and individuals must prioritize data security to maintain trust and compliance.

The Role of Apps in Managing and Protecting Client Data

Businesses need apps because they make the work easier and more organized. Apps help teams communicate better, manage tasks, and share information quickly, no matter where people are. The apps also simplify handling customer needs, improving service, and tracking business performance. Generally, apps save time while helping businesses work smarter and stay competitive.

One of the most critical uses of apps is managing client data. This data includes personal details like names and addresses. It also includes financial information such as bank details, as well as business-specific data like contracts and project plans. Losing or exposing this sensitive information can lead to severe consequences, including financial losses, legal penalties, and damaged reputations. Clients may lose trust in your business, leading to lost opportunities and reduced customer loyalty. By using apps effectively, businesses can better organize, safeguard, and utilize client data to build stronger relationships and maintain long-term success.

Encryption: A Critical Security Measure

Encryption has become crucial in modern data security. It transforms readable data into an unreadable format, ensuring only authorized parties can access the information. There are various types of encryptions, including end-to-end encryption (E2EE), which protects data during transmission, and at-rest encryption, which secures stored data.

Following the Salt Typhoon cyberattacks, the FBI and Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) issued a joint advisory urging individuals and organizations to prioritize using encrypted communication channels. Given the vulnerability of traditional communication methods, the agencies strongly recommended adopting end-to-end encrypted messaging apps like Signal for secure communication. This recommendation aims to mitigate the risks associated with compromised telecommunication networks. It also helps protect sensitive information from unauthorized access. Even if cybercriminals intercept the data, they cannot decipher it without the encryption key. This layer of protection mitigates the risks of unauthorized access and data breaches, making encryption an essential tool for businesses.

The Role of Encrypted Apps

  1. Enhanced security: Encrypted apps provide a critical layer of defense against sophisticated cyberattacks. By encrypting data both in transit and at rest, these apps ensure that even if communication networks are compromised, sensitive information remains inaccessible to attackers.
  2. Compliance with regulations: With so many ongoing cyberattacks, regulatory scrutiny of data security practices has intensified. Encrypted apps can help businesses comply with relevant regulations, such as the GDPR and CCPA, by demonstrating a commitment to data protection.
  3. Building trust and customer loyalty: Customers are increasingly wary of data breaches in an era of heightened cybersecurity concerns. Utilizing encrypted apps demonstrates a commitment to data security and privacy, fostering trust and loyalty among clients.
  4. Protecting business operations: Encrypted apps are crucial for protecting client data and safeguarding critical business information, such as intellectual property, financial records, and internal communications. This ensures the continuity and integrity of business operations, even in the face of advanced cyber threats.

Choosing and Implementing Encrypted Apps

When selecting and implementing the right encrypted apps, it is important to consider them carefully. First, it is good to consider industry-specific needs as different industries have different data security needs. For example, while a healthcare provider must comply with Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) regulations, a business in the financial industry must adhere to banking regulations. This calls for selecting industry-specific apps.

Businesses also must prioritize apps with robust security features, such as strong encryption algorithms, multifactor authentication, and regular security updates. It is also important to carefully review the data privacy policies of app providers and ensure compliance with relevant regulations.

Effective employee training is also essential for successfully implementing encrypted apps. Employees must be educated on the importance of data security, the proper use of encrypted apps, and best practices for handling sensitive information.

Conclusion

Client data is one of a business’s most valuable assets, and protecting it is paramount. The growing threat of cyberattacks and the increasing complexity of data protection regulations make encryption an essential tool. By embracing encrypted communication channels, businesses can significantly enhance their resilience against sophisticated cyberattacks, protect sensitive client data, and maintain a competitive edge in today’s digital economy.

Tips for Tax Season

4 min read

Tips for Tax SeasonWhether you file your income tax return early or at the last minute, there are ways to simplify the process and reduce what you owe – or even increase your refund – before the deadline.

Filing Simplification Tip

Once you receive your W-2 and/or 1099 tax forms, see what income tax bracket you fall under to determine whether you should itemize expenses or take the standard deduction. Thinking about this step first can save you a lot of time. If you don’t come near the standard deduction amount, you will not be itemizing expenses. And if you are not itemizing expenses, you won’t have to gather all the receipts (e.g., mortgage interest, property tax, state and local income taxes, and sales tax paid in 2024).  

2024 Tax Season Income Tax Brackets

 
Single filer Married filing separately Married filing jointly (includes qualifying widow/er) Head of Household Tax Rate

$0 to $11,600 

$0 to $11,600 

$0 to $23,200 

$0 to $16,550 

10%

$11,601 to $47,150 

$11,601 to $47,150 

$23,201 to $94,300 

$16,551 to $63,100 

12%

$47,151 to $100,525 

$47,151 to $100,525 

$94,301 to $201,050 

$63,101 to $100,500 

22%

$100,526 to $191,950 

$100,526 to $191,950 

$201,051 to $383,900 

$100,501 to $191,950 

24%

$191,951 to $243,725 

$191,951 to $243,725 

$383,901 to $487,450 

$191,951 to $243,700 

32%

$243,726 to $609,350 

$243,726 to $365,600 

$487,451 to $731,200 

$243,701 to $609,350 

35%

$609,351 or more 

$365,601 or more 

$731,201 or more 

$609,351 or more

37%

2024 Tax Season Standard Deductions

Single filer and married filing separately Married filing jointly (includes qualifying widow/er) Head of Household

$14,600

$29,200

$21,900

Retirement Saving Tips

It’s not too late to contribute to an IRA. Both the traditional and Roth IRAs allow you to make contributions for 2024 up until the tax-filing deadline of the following year – which this year is Tuesday, April 15. The advantage to this later deadline is that you can complete your taxes before they are due, then adjust them to reduce your tax liability if needed by contributing to your IRA. The total maximum contribution you can make to all of your IRAs combined (both Roths and traditional) is $7,000 for 2024 or $8,000 if you are 50 years or older.

However, if you have a Roth IRA, there are restrictions to contributions based on your 2024 income. You may make the maximum contribution to your Roth only if your 2024 modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) is less than a certain threshold.

Filing Status MAGI Contribution amount

Single and Head of Household filers

Below $146,000

Between $146,001 and 161,000

Above $161,000

$7,000/$8,000 (age 50+)

Phased (IRS Worksheet 2-2)

Nothing

Married filing jointly

(includes qualifying widow/er)

Below $230,000

Between $230,000 and $240,000

Above $240,000

$7,000/$8,000 (age 50+)

Phased (IRS Worksheet 2-2)

Nothing

Be aware that the amount of deduction you can claim for a traditional IRA contribution may be limited if you or your spouse are covered by a retirement plan at work.

Filing Status MAGI Deduction amount

Single and Head of Household filers

$77,000 or less

Between $77,000 and 87,000

$87,000 or more

Full deduction

Partial (IRS Worksheet 1-2)

None

Married filing jointly

(includes qualifying widow/er)

$123,000 or less

Between $123,000 and 143,000

$143,000 or more

Full deduction

Partial (IRS Worksheet 1-2)

None

Married filing separately

Less than $10,000

$10,000 or more

Partial (IRS Worksheet 1-2)

None

If you make a traditional and/or Roth IRA contribution by the April 15 deadline, you may qualify for the Retirement Saver’s Credit (also available if you contributed to an employer plan by Dec. 31, 2024). The maximum credit is $1,000 ($2,000 for married couples), and it can increase your refund or reduce the tax you owe. However, the saver’s credit is subject to other deductions, credits, and income restrictions.

Filing Status MAGI

Single and Married filing separately

up to $57,375

Married couples filing jointly

(includes qualifying widow/er)

up to $76,500

 

Head of Household Filers

up to $57,375

Work with an experienced tax preparer to take advantage of legitimate deductions and credits to ensure that you only pay what is required for your situation.

Making Pensions Equitable, Protecting Foster Kids, Mail-in Votes and Tracking Government Spending

3 min read

Making Pensions Equitable, Protecting Foster Kids, Mail-in Votes and Tracking Government SpendingAll bills not enacted by the end of the 118th congressional session on Jan. 3, 2025, will expire.

Social Security Fairness Act of 2023 (HR 82) – This bill, with 330 bipartisan sponsors and a similar bill in the Senate, was introduced by Rep. Garret Graves (R-LA) on Jan. 9, 2023. It passed in the House on Nov. 12 of this year and is likely to pass in the Senate before the year’s end. The purpose of the bill is to eliminate the government pension offset that reduces Social Security benefits for individuals who receive other benefits, such as a pension from a state or local government. In the private sector, this would have a similar effect to withholding Social Security from people who have a 401(k). The bill would also repeal provisions that reduce Social Security benefits for spouses and widows/ers who receive their own government pensions. The provisions of the bill would be retroactive to the beginning of 2024.

BOLIVAR Act (HR 825) – This legislation prohibits the head of an executive agency to enter into a contract for the procurement of goods or services with any person that has business operations with the Maduro regime in Venezuela. The act was introduced on Feb. 2, 2023, by Rep. Michael Waltz (R-OH). It passed in the House on Nov. 18, and its fate currently lies with the Senate.

Vote by Mail Tracking Act (HR 5658) – This bill would require mail-in ballots to use the Postal Service barcode and an Official Election Mail logo. It passed in the House on Nov. 18 and is under consideration in the Senate. The bill was introduced by Rep. Katie Porter (D-CA) on Sept. 21, 2023.

Find and Protect Foster Youth Act (S 1146) – This act was introduced on March 30, 2023, by Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX). It would amend a provision of the Social Security Act to require the Department of Health and Human Services to eliminate obstacles to identifying and responding to reports of missing foster care children. Furthermore, it would assist in the assessment and screening of children who are at risk of becoming victims of sex trafficking, as well as identify best practices for effective interventions. The bipartisan bill passed in the House on Nov. 18 and is currently in the Senate.

Billion Dollar Boondoggle Act of 2023 (S 1228) – This bill was introduced by Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA) on April 25, 2023. The bill would require the director of the Office of Management and Budget to submit an annual report to Congress detailing projects that are over budget and behind schedule. This is a bipartisan bill that has passed in both the Senate and the House, but on July 22, the House made changes and sent it back to the Senate, where it currently resides.

Rural Broadband Protection Act of 2024 (S 275) – Introduced by Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) on Feb. 7, 2023, this bill would require the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to vet applicants for funding of affordable broadband deployment in high-cost areas (including rural communities). The FCC would mandate a process, including a detailed proposal with technical capabilities to provide competitive awards for implementing the broadband network services. The FCC would then assess proposals in line with well-established technical standards. The bill passed the Senate on Sept. 25 and is currently with the House.

Cybersecurity Best Practices for the Holiday Season

4 min read

Cybersecurity The holiday season is when most people go on shopping sprees and travel. This season also witnesses a surge in online activities in today’s digital world. Unfortunately, cybercriminals take advantage of this period to launch attacks. Therefore, cybersecurity should be the top priority for a business gearing up for peak sales or a shopper looking for the best deal.

Understanding Holiday Cyber Threats

Businesses and consumers face unique challenges during the holiday season. For businesses, the increase in traffic and online transactions can overwhelm systems. This may make them vulnerable to attacks. Cybercriminals may use tactics such as ransomware, phishing scams and fraudulent transactions during the busy season. Consumers, on the other hand, get lured by malicious ads, fake websites and phishing emails that may appear as irresistible holiday deals.

Recognizing these risks is important to staying safe for both businesses and consumers. Understanding them also means taking proactive measures to reduce exposure to cyber threats.

Why Cybersecurity Matters

The lack of effective cybersecurity can lead to financial loss, reputational damage and disruption to a businesses’ operations. On the other hand, consumers face identity theft, unauthorized purchases and compromised financial accounts.

According to the Retail and Hospitality Information Sharing and Analysis Center (RH-ISAC), threats such as ransomware, phishing, and account takeover (ATO) attacks intensify as consumer activity surges. In their 2024 Holiday Season Cyber Threat Trends Report, RH-ISAC emphasizes proactive defense measures, especially during high-traffic periods like the holiday season.

Cybersecurity Best Practices for Businesses

Security measures for businesses include:

  • Set up a holiday strategy – over the long holidays, businesses tend to have a change in work schedules and fewer staff members. Having a holiday cybersecurity strategy can safeguard against potential cyber threats. This can include an emergency response plan and designating responsible individuals for cybersecurity.
  • Endpoint security – this involves protecting devices like computers and smartphones used in the business. It is important to update all software, install antivirus programs and enable firewalls to shield the business network from intrusions.
  • Employee training – human error is one of the leading causes of data breaches. Therefore, it is important to educate staff to recognize phishing attempts. They should also know the importance of strong passwords and reporting suspicious activity.
  • Monitoring systems for unusual activity – This requires a business to invest in tools that help detect suspicious behavior in its networks. This should include fraud detection systems that will help identify unusual transaction patterns. It also helps detect potential compromises from third-party vendors.
  • Backup and recovery plan – business continuity in case of an attack is crucial. Therefore, a business should ensure that data is regularly backed up and stored securely. It also helps to test the recovery process regularly.

Cybersecurity Best Practices for Shoppers

Consumers are not immune to holiday cyber-attacks. A consumer must keep the following in mind:

  • Shop from secure websites – shoppers should be cautious by checking website security. They should check that a website includes “https://” and a padlock icon in the URL. Also, confirm the correct name of the website. It is also important to avoid clicking on links from unsolicited emails or social media ads. This is a common phishing tactic.
  • Use secure payment methods – a credit card provides better fraud protection than a debit card. Consider digital wallets that have an extra layer of encryption. It is also crucial to avoid saving payment details on websites.
  • Avoid public wi-fi – shopping on the go may see some shoppers use public networks. These networks expose data to hackers.
  • Be wary of emails and messages with deals that sound too good to be true. Always verify sender authentication and, where necessary, contact the company directly.
  • Be cautious about unexpected package notifications. Unexpected package notifications can be a phishing tactic to steal personal information or install malware. Always verify the sender and avoid clicking on links in unsolicited messages.
  • Be cautious of holiday scams like fake charities, gift card scams and fake gift exchanges that prey on the season’s generosity and excitement. Scammers may trick customers into buying gift cards or sharing personal details through fraudulent schemes. Staying skeptical of unsolicited offers and never sharing sensitive information with unverified sources will help ward off cybercriminal attacks.
  • Activate multi-factor authentication (MFA) – adding MFA creates an extra layer of security for highly sensitive accounts such as email, bank, and work-related logins.

 Closing Thoughts

The holiday season is meant to be a time of celebration and connection, not worry and stress. By implementing robust cybersecurity practices, businesses can protect their operations and customers while shoppers enjoy safe, hassle-free transactions.

Protections for Election Candidates and the Electoral Process; Improving Programs for Veterans and American Indians

3 min read

hr9106, hr6513, s1549, s656, s70Enhanced Presidential Security Act of 2024 (HR 9106) – During an election year, the Department of Homeland Security identifies major presidential and vice-presidential candidates in consultation with a committee of congressional leaders. This bipartisan bill instructs the U.S. Secret Service to use the same criteria for establishing the level of protection for major candidates as provided for presidents and vice presidents. The bill was introduced by Rep. Michael Lawler (R-NY) on July 23. It passed in the House on Sept. 20, in the Senate on Sept. 24, and was signed into law by the president on Oct. 1.

COCOA Act of 2024 (HR 6513) – This bipartisan Act, titled the Confirmation of Congressional Observer Access Act, was introduced on Nov. 30, 2023, by Rep. Mike Carey (R-OH). It was passed in the House on Sept. 9, in the Senate with changes on Sept. 24, and cleared the House with changes on Sept. 25. The president signed it into law on Oct. 4. The bill requires states to designate congressional election witnesses to observe the administration procedures of federal elections, including casting, processing, scanning, tabulating, canvassing, recounting, auditing and certifying ballots during the pre-and post-election period. However, the bill prohibits the observers from handling any ballots or equipment, advocating for a particular candidate, issue, or party, or interfering with the election process in any way. Election officials are further authorized to remove any designated observer who does not follow the guidelines detailed in this bill.

Congressional Budget Office Data Access Act (S 1549) – The Privacy Act of 1974 generally requires written consent before a federal agency is allowed to disclose certain personal records. However, some agencies are exempt from this requirement, including the Government Accountability Office and the National Archives and Records Administration. This bill designates the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) to be exempt as well in an effort to expedite sharing between the CBO and federal agencies. The bill passed in the Senate on June 22, 2023, in the House on Sept. 23, 2024. It was signed into law on Oct. 2, after having been introduced by Sen. Gary Peters (D-MI) on May 10, 2023.

Veteran Improvement Commercial Driver License Act of 2023 (S 656) – This Act was introduced on March 6, 2023, by Sen. Deb Fischer (R-NE). It provides guidelines to approve assistance by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for commercial driver education programs. The requirements include appropriate licensing and usage of the same commercial driver education curriculum as other approved institutions. The bill passed in the Senate on Nov. 2, 2023, the House on Sept. 25, 2024, and was enacted into law on Oct. 1.

Tribal Trust Land Homeownership Act of 2023 (S 70) – This bill was introduced by Sen. John Thune (R-SD) on Jan. 25, 2023. It requires the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) to process and complete all residential and business mortgage packages within 20 or 30 days, depending on the type of application. It also establishes the position of Realty Ombudsman within the BIA’s Division of Real Estate Services. This is a bipartisan bill that passed in the Senate on July 18, 2023, and currently sits in the House, where it has a high probability of passing before the end of the current Congressional session.

Social Media Marketing: A Game-Changer for Business Growth

4 min read

How to Social Media MarketingSocial media has evolved from a simple networking platform to a powerful business tool. Businesses today use these platforms with billions of active users worldwide to connect with their target audience. Social media allows businesses of all sizes to reach audiences in a way that traditional advertising, such as print or television, cannot.

The Role of Social Media Marketing in Business Growth

Social media marketing uses social media platforms such as Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and TikTok to promote a business’ products or services. This is done through sharing content like posts, videos and ads to engage a targeted audience and eventually make sales.

With 5.22 billion social media users as of October 2024, businesses can reach customers around the world with ease. The platforms are also suitable for sharing information, enabling companies to communicate with customers about promotions, events or new products or services.

Each platform offers different strengths, and a business can choose which ones suit its target audience. For instance, LinkedIn is more professional and a good platform for B2B opportunities. On the other hand, TikTok and Instagram are suitable for visual storytelling, making them good places to showcase products.

Benefits of Social Media Marketing

Some of the key benefits of marketing on social media include the following:

  1.  Increased Brand Awareness
    Consistently and strategically posting on social media enhances brand visibility. A brand gains recognition as users engage with the content through likes, comments, and shares. Content that goes viral expands a business’ reach, introducing new audiences to the brand.
  2. Improved Customer Engagement
    Social media gives businesses a direct line to customers. Whether replying to comments or through direct messages, these interactions help build trust and create a sense of loyalty. This two-way communication gives businesses a better understanding of customers’ needs while also allowing them to respond quickly to inquiries and feedback.
  3. Cost-Effective Advertising
    Unlike traditional advertising, social media offers cost-effective marketing solutions. With social media, a business can run targeted ads based on demographics, interests or behaviors. This ensures they reach the right audience without wasting resources. This makes it possible for small businesses to leverage paid campaigns to increase their reach while staying within their budget.
  4. Measurable Results and Analytics
    Social media marketing offers the ability to measure results through built-in analytic tools. A business can monitor follower growth, engagement rates, link clicks, and conversions. Such data-driven insights help businesses identify what is working, fine-tune their strategies, and continuously improve their campaigns.
  5. Drive Website Traffic and Sales
    Sharing links to a business website on social media drives traffic to the site and increases conversions.

Social Media Strategies that Help in Business Growth

  1. Content Marketing
    Creating engaging content is crucial in social media marketing. This involves using text, videos, images and infographics to capture the audience’s attention. One powerful tool in content marketing is storytelling – using emotional and relatable stories to connect with audiences will enhance loyalty and trust.
  2. Influencer Marketing
    Influencers have huge followings, and their endorsements can significantly help a business. However, partnering with the right influencer is important to attract new customers and boost credibility.
  3. Paid Ads and Promotions
    With paid ads, a business targets specific audiences in terms of location, age and interests. Social media also enables retargeting campaigns, which remind users about products they have previously viewed.
  4. Community Building
    Social media allows a business to create a community for long-term relationships. This is done through creating groups or pages. These communities develop a sense of belonging, and customers are more likely to engage with the business over time and recommend it to others.

Challenges and How to Overcome Them

  • Staying Relevant in a Crowded Space
    Many businesses compete for customer attention, and standing out can be challenging. Therefore, businesses should keep up with social media trends, experiment with new formats and regularly update their strategies to align with changing consumer preferences.
  • Managing Negative Feedback Publicly
    Businesses may face criticism or negative feedback. Handling these situations professionally is crucial. It calls for prompt responses that show empathy and a willingness to resolve issues. This demonstrates accountability, which can turn a negative experience into an opportunity to build trust.
  • Creating Consistent Content
    Maintaining a steady flow of content can be overwhelming, especially for small businesses. Content calendars and automation tools can help plan posts in advance, ensuring consistent engagement without added stress. Repurposing existing content across platforms is another way to save time and effort.

Conclusion

Social media marketing has become a game-changer for businesses seeking growth in the digital age. It provides cost-effective ways to build brand awareness, engage with customers, and measure real-time success. However, success requires more than just presence – it demands strategic planning, creativity, and adaptability to overcome challenges and maintain relevance.