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Nicole Keiner
Aug
31

Employee Spotlight – Caleb Hill

Nicole Keiner
News and Events
caleb hill, cybersecurity technician at intrada

Intrada Technologies is thrilled to shine a spotlight on Caleb Hill, the newest addition to our team. After working part-time for over a year, Caleb has joined Intrada full-time as a Cybersecurity Technician. His journey to this role has been quite unconventional, given his background in linguistics and poetry, accompanied by a distinct Luddite streak. Surprisingly, Caleb's path to IT proficiency began with his first cell phone when he started with Intrada. Prior to that, his encounters with technology were limited to a brief encounter with Python and a fascination with binary math. However, his passion for cybersecurity grew when he discovered Intrada at a job fair and jumped into the fast-paced MSP environment.

During his part-time tenure, Caleb's knowledge and understanding of IT soared to new heights. Immersed in hands-on experience, he acquired practical skills and invaluable insights that transformed his understanding of the field. Now, as a full-time member of the Intrada team, Caleb enjoys utilizing his newfound IT knowledge to assist others. He collaborates with the security operations team to design and implement robust cybersecurity services, leveraging his expertise and staying updated with security topics. Recently, Caleb successfully completed the MS-900 Security Fundamentals certification from Microsoft, further enhancing his proficiency in the field.

Outside of work, Caleb embraces a diverse range of interests. He rises early to indulge in cooking, often experimenting with dishes like kimchi. Additionally, Caleb finds joy in activities such as singing, playing soccer, learning Spanish, weightlifting, and engaging in prayer. These varied pursuits contribute to his well-rounded nature and bring balance to his life. Caleb resides with his family in the West End of Williamsport.

David Steele, co-founder of Intrada Technologies, commends Caleb's remarkable contributions to the team. He highlights Caleb's dedication, attention to detail, and the positive relationships he builds with customers. Notably, Caleb extends his support to fellow staff members without hesitation, demonstrating a true team player mentality. David also mentions Caleb's continuous pursuit of knowledge, constantly seeking to enhance the services offered by Intrada. This drive for excellence is further evident when watching Caleb play for Intrada's intramural soccer team, displaying his competitive spirit.

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Nicole Keiner
Aug
30

Twitter's Transformation: A Deep Dive into 'X'

Nicole Keiner
Digital Media and Internet Development

In the fascinating world of social media, Twitter's transformation has been nothing short of revolutionary. A deep dive into this captivating journey reveals a brand shift that has left many in awe. Goodbye, Larry the bird, and hello to a symbol that represents so much more—the 24th letter of the alphabet. This total 180 in brand identity brings to mind the iconic moment when Prince changed his stage name to The Artist (Formerly Known as Prince). (Please note: I was just a young teenager when this happened, so I am not dating myself too much, right?) Like Prince's bold reinvention, Twitter's decision to embrace a new symbol signifies a profound evolution, sparking curiosity and speculation among users and enthusiasts alike.

twitter is now x

Most people in the tech industry knew that change was coming after Elon Musk purchased Twitter. Like him or not, the serial entrepreneur and inventor of electric cars and Paypal has taken on a new business venture - acquiring a social media platform.

Elon Musk, known for his bold and transformative decisions, didn't hesitate to stamp his authority on Twitter immediately after his acquisition. The change from the recognizable blue bird logo (Larry) to a stark black 'X' was not a decision made in the spur of the moment. Instead, it was a calculated move that echoed Musk's penchant for innovation and disruption. Musk saw the rebranding as an opportunity to redefine Twitter, breaking away from the familiar while paving the way for a new era of social media interaction. The 'X' symbolizes the exponential potential he envisions for the platform, underlining his commitment to pushing boundaries in the tech world.

 

Demographics

Ranking as the 15th most popular social network (behind Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram), Twitter’s demographic profile before Musk's acquisition mainly comprised individuals between 18 and 29, predominantly located in urban areas. The platform was widely popular among highly educated individuals and those with a higher income bracket. However, with the rebranding to 'X,' the demographics have seen a significant shift.

Since the transformation, 'X' has seen an influx of a more diverse age group, with an increase in users aged 30 to 49. It has also seen an uptick in engagement from users in developing regions, illustrating the platform's expanding global influence. This shift can be attributed to the fresh perspective and changes brought about by Musk, symbolized by the 'X', which has appealed to a broader audience, amplifying 'X's reach and impact.

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David J Steele
Aug
29

Leveraging SEO for Business Growth

David J Steele
Procedures and Policies

In an era where digital presence determines the success of a business, Search Engine Optimization (SEO) has emerged as a vital tool to stay competitive in the market. SEO is a strategic process that enhances your website's visibility in organic search results, effectively driving more traffic. But how exactly can businesses benefit from implementing SEO strategies?

 

SEO – a mysterious wizard

woman checking business analytics on a laptop

SEO can often feel like a mysterious wizard hidden behind the scenes. It silently operates, influencing how your website performs on search engine result pages. Understanding the mechanics of SEO empowers businesses to unlock its full potential. While search engine algorithms, like Google's, may appear complex, and your current developer might claim to be working on it without visible progress, SEO ultimately revolves around optimizing your website's content and design to make it more accessible, understandable, and relevant to both users and search engines. By unraveling the "wizard's tricks," businesses can boost online visibility, engage customers, and drive business growth.

While SEO is a powerful tool, it is important to understand that it's just a piece of the digital marketing puzzle. Businesses often achieve the best results when they combine SEO efforts with other digital strategies such as social media marketing, content development, and digital advertising campaigns.

Social media platforms can amplify your content's reach and foster interaction with your target audience, bolstering your SEO efforts. Meanwhile, consistent and strategic content development can further optimize your site for search engines and engage your audience. Digital advertising campaigns can supplement these organic efforts, directly targeting potential customers and driving traffic to your site. Integrating SEO with these other strategies can create a well-rounded and more effective digital marketing approach. The key is to understand that SEO is not a standalone solution but rather a component of a comprehensive strategy aimed at maximizing your online presence and business growth.

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Caleb Hill
Aug
28

Incident Response, Secret Agent Style

Caleb Hill
Procedures and Policies
secret-agent-circle-icon-thumb

cybersecurity awarenessIn my line of work, casually perusing documents like the SANS 2023 Security Awareness Report is par for the course. Such documents from the SANS Institute, CISA, Kaspersky, Palo Alto, and others use data carefully curated in clean, cool-colored charts to describe futuristic topics like “threat landscapes”, “zero trust”, “cyber security resilience”, and “human risk”. As I scrolled through this particular SANS’ report, it was the last of these topics that wove through each 14-point, sans-serif paragraph: human risk through phishing, human risk in weak passwords, and human risk in incident response.

Even the calm, collected SANS researchers had to admit surprise at the inclusion of incident response in the realm of human risk. This was alright; it meant that the companies studied were beginning to understand the importance of configuring technology to respond to cyber threats and configuring the human network to facilitate an energetic, resilient approach to incident response. But how can businesses use their employees best when planning for incident response?

The world of cyber security is constantly optimizing and updating its methods to keep pace with the evolution of information technology, quite often by creating better tools for cyber security professionals. However, what if those cyber security professionals similarly optimized the workforce's abilities whose information and livelihoods they are protecting? This is where the secret agent-style incident response comes in.

 

Inventing the Incident Response Wheel

Before we get there, however, what is incident response? For a quick refresher, you can look at Intrada’s previous article covering the basics of incident response planning. Both NIST and CISA have created documents to define and guide the implementation of incident response planning in the context of cyber security. These guides describe the structure of incident response as a cycle, not unlike most processes (though less vicious than most created by the government).

The number of steps in the cycle varies slightly between the CISA playbook and NIST’s guidelines in SP800-61 Rev. 2, but follows a largely intuitive pattern. Businesses ought to

  1. Prepare for potential incidents
  2. Detect and analyze possible incidents
  3. Contain, eradicate, and recover from detected incidents
  4. Review the response process.

The role of an incident response plan in all of this is to coordinate the actions involved in each of these steps to make them flow as seamlessly as possible, reducing time wastage and allowing businesses to recover faster and better than before. Clearly defined decision structures, well-documented emergency numbers, and frictionless incident reporting mechanisms are hallmarks of a good incident response plan.

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David J Steele
Aug
25

Intrada Technologies: Your Trusted Microsoft Partner

David J Steele
Information Technologies
certified microsoft partner

Microsoft, a name synonymous with innovation, has a rich history that dates back to 1975. Founded by Bill Gates and Paul Allen, this technology giant started as a small venture in Albuquerque, New Mexico, to create a BASIC interpreter for the Altair 8800, an early personal computer. Over the years, Microsoft has redefined the world of technology with its groundbreaking inventions, from the ubiquitous Windows operating system to the revolutionary Office Suite. The company's journey, marked by relentless pursuit of technological advancement, has transformed it into a global leader in software development and has significantly influenced how we interact with technology today.

Embracing the next wave of technological innovation, Microsoft cleverly transitioned to the cloud. Recognizing the potential of cloud computing early on, the company ventured into this new realm with the introduction of Azure in 2010. Microsoft's cloud computing service, Azure, is designed to build, deploy, and manage applications through Microsoft-managed data centers. It provides a range of cloud services, including those for computing, analytics, storage, and networking. Users can choose from these services to develop and scale new applications or run existing applications in the public cloud. Today, Azure is a testament to Microsoft's foresight and adaptability, powering businesses worldwide with its extensive capabilities and flexible solutions. The shift to the cloud has not only bolstered Microsoft's standing in the global tech landscape but also reaffirmed its commitment to driving innovation and shaping the future of technology.

Continuing our long-standing relationship with Microsoft, Intrada Technologies has fostered a deep understanding and robust expertise within Intrada's team regarding Microsoft's diverse suite of products and services. Intrada prides itself on staying at the forefront of Microsoft's ever-evolving technologies, consistently investing in extensive training programs and incentives for its team. These rigorous training initiatives ensure that Intrada's specialists are always equipped with the most current knowledge and skills, enabling them to navigate Microsoft's complex technological landscape proficiently. This unwavering dedication to training and development enhances Intrada's service offerings and strengthens its strategic partnership with Microsoft, fortifying its shared mission to drive technological innovation.

In today's data-driven world, Azure empowers the healthcare industry with its robust data analytics capabilities, enhancing patient care through predictive analysis. The manufacturing industry is leveraging Azure's IoT services to drive efficiencies in machine operations and reduce downtime. Retail businesses use Azure to manage vast consumer data, enabling personalized customer experiences and successful marketing campaigns. In the financial sector, Azure provides secure solutions for mobile banking and fraud detection. The education sector uses Microsoft's cloud services for virtual classrooms and collaborative learning. These are only a few examples; the possibilities of how Azure can be harnessed across industries are endless. Microsoft's cloud services are proving to be a game-changer in each sector, transforming how businesses operate and thrive in the digital age.

Intrada Technologies recognizes that organizations want to boost productivity and foster team collaboration. In an increasingly interconnected world, seamless cooperation and enhanced efficiency are desirable and essential for any organization intent on maintaining a competitive edge. Leveraging the power of Microsoft's diverse suite of products and services, Intrada is devoted to helping organizations achieve this new paradigm of unified performance and teamwork. 

At Intrada Technologies, merely leveraging the power of new technology is not enough. We understand the importance of adapting to the dynamic digital landscape, and that involves a holistic approach encompassing learning our client's current processes, updating them to utilize the latest technology, and providing training staff on the software, processes, and features. We delve deep into understanding your technology needs, business processes, and operations. We then tailor our services to revamp your existing processes with effective solutions powered by Microsoft's suite of products. 

We firmly believe in the power of knowledge transfer and emphasize training your staff to effectively use the new systems, ensuring they are comfortable with the changes and can extract maximum value from the newly implemented technology. This comprehensive approach ensures that your organization fully utilizes Microsoft's offerings, enabling you to maintain a competitive advantage and thrive in the latest digital era.

As a certified Microsoft partner, our commitment extends beyond advocating for the product. It underpins a deep understanding that true mastery begins internally. To effectively train others on using Microsoft's suite of products, our team must first be proficient and adept in implementing these technologies. This dual commitment - to our growth and our clients' success- uniquely positions us in the technological landscape. Through this lens, our partnership with Microsoft is not just about affiliation with a global brand but a testament to our commitment to continuous learning and adaptability. This dedication enables us to provide you with the most effective, cutting-edge solutions tailored to your specific needs, thereby empowering you to harness the power of technology in this digital age fully.

If you have any questions about Microsoft Cloud Products or, are considering a technology overhaul, and are curious about how Intrada Technologies can assist your company in a smooth and successful implementation, we encourage you to contact us. We understand that the world of cloud technology can be complex and even overwhelming, which is why we're here to help make the transition as seamless and beneficial as possible. Contact us today, and let's start the conversation about how Intrada and Microsoft can work together to bring your company into the digital age and beyond.

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Caleb Hill
Jul
31

The Dual-Factor Duel: SMS Text vs. the Microsoft Authenticator App

Caleb Hill
Procedures and Policies
sms-mfa

cybersecurity awareness En Garde

MFA, two-factor, 2fa, multi-factor authentication…

sms multifactor authentication

We’ve heard it called by many names, some of them not entirely appropriate for polite conversation. It was hard enough to remember our passwords, but now we must fumble through apps, passcodes, push notifications, and text messages to try to get into the accounts we need to do our work. MFA (my term of choice for the rest of this article) is undeniably another layer of tech inconvenience to add to the ever-growing pile. Still, it is admittedly much less inconvenient than having your bank account emptied by a lucky-strike script-kiddie in Belarus (a script kiddie is a type of hacker who uses pre-configured hacking tools and doesn’t know all that much about real hacking). A study presented by a panel from Brigham Young University at a 2019 Usenix symposium found that, though the initial setup for MFA could be frustrating, users got much more adept at performing MFA over time and even expressed interest in implementing these methods for some of their other sensitive online accounts. The bottom line is that we can adapt to each new layer of security necessary in an ever more connected world, despite the initial inconvenience. 

But how much do we have to adapt? How inconvenient does MFA have to be? This next question is more nuanced because of the multiple possibilities for MFA. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) lists many authentication methods that can be mixed and matched to achieve certain levels of authentication security. These range from memorized secrets, look-up secrets, and out-of-band verifiers to multi-factor cryptographic software and device authenticators. These may seem outlandish, but complex terminology is the bread-and-butter of government regulatory documents. Fortunately, most of these have readily available translations into a more accessible vocabulary. For example, memorized secrets correspond directly to passwords. However, this article will explore the less straightforward world of out-of-band and one-time password (OTP) devices. We will introduce a friendly competition, a duel of sorts, between these MFA methods: phone SMS and the Microsoft Authenticator app.

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James Haywood
Jul
28

A Comprehensive Look at Microsoft 365 Teams

James Haywood
Information Technologies

Are you a business owner looking to manage communication and collaboration within your organization better? Then Microsoft 365 Teams is precisely what you need. With its host of features, Microsoft 365 Teams offers an all-in-one solution that helps businesses work smarter and better with remote employees, promote team morale, and boost productivity levels – all while fostering innovation. No matter the size or scale of your business, this streamlined platform can facilitate effective connections between departments, colleagues, partners, and customers as it provides a secure place where ideas grow into successful projects. In this blog post, we’ll dive into the various components of Microsoft 365 Teams so that you can get the most out of it and make informed decisions about how it fits into your business model.

 

Overview of Microsoft 365 Teams and its features 

In today's digital age, having an effective team collaboration tool is crucial for any business. Microsoft 365 Teams is a platform that provides a comprehensive suite of features to help staffs work together seamlessly. With Microsoft Teams, users can communicate through instant messaging, audio, and video calls and share files and data within a centralized workspace. It also integrates with other Microsoft 365 apps, such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, making it convenient for users to edit and collaborate on documents in real time. Additionally, Microsoft Teams offers a range of customization options, including the ability to create custom workflows, automate tasks, and integrate third-party applications. With its user-friendly interface and countless features, Microsoft 365 Teams is revolutionizing how teams collaborate and streamline their work processes.

 

How to access and set up Microsoft 365 Teams 

As more and more companies shift from traditional office settings to remote work environments, the need for efficient virtual communication tools has become increasingly important. Microsoft 365 Teams is a tool quickly gaining popularity as it allows users to collaborate and communicate with their colleagues anywhere easily. But how can you access and set up this tool to ensure seamless communication amongst your team? Teams have several different licensing structures. The easiest way to get most of the features within Teams is by purchasing one of several different licenses:

computer screens showing analytics

Business Basic ($6.00)
This includes the online-only version of Teams and the mobile app.

Business Standard ($12.50)
This includes the desktop app.

Business Premium ($22.00)
This includes the above and additional security features.

Teams Essentials ($4.00)
This includes the desktop app and 10GB of storage per user.

Teams Premium – Add-on ($7.00)
This license adds to any Teams subscription, adding AI power personalization and analysis.  

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Nicole Keiner
Jul
27

Intrada Technologies Expands and Remodels to Accommodate Steady Growth

Nicole Keiner
News and Events

Intrada Technologies is thrilled to announce that we are expanding due to steady growth and the increasing demands of our clients. This exciting development marks a significant milestone in our journey, reflecting our commitment to creating ongoing, trusted partnerships with each client.

Since our inception in 2000, we've always taken great pride in our capacity to adjust to evolving situations and grasp growth opportunities. Recently, it has become evident that our current space, located at 31 Ashler Manor Drive, Muncy, Pennsylvania, despite serving us well over the years, is no longer sufficient to accommodate our growing team and the expanding needs of our clients.

In light of our growth and evolving needs, we have undertaken an exciting expansion and remodeling project that commenced in June. This endeavor aims to create a revitalized and enhanced working environment for our team. Through the remodeling process, we are transforming our current building into a space that aligns with our vision and accommodates our expanding requirements. The project entails an ambitious expansion that will effectively double our existing space, providing us with ample room to foster creativity, collaboration, and productivity. We are eagerly anticipating the completion of this project, and we anticipate officially moving into our new and improved workspace in September.

While the open layout enhances teamwork, we have also incorporated elements in the design to give our different service teams more privacy when needed. It's a balanced approach aimed at boosting productivity and enhancing the quality of our services.

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Nicole Keiner
Jul
26

Unveiling Threads: Meta's Latest App

Nicole Keiner
Digital Media and Internet Development
phone showing twitter and threads logos

As social media continues to evolve, a new app has been released that promises to revolutionize how we interact online. Threads by Meta is an innovative new platform poised to become the next big thing in digital conversations. It has over 100 million users and is the fastest-growing consumer software application in history, gaining over 100 million users in its first 5 days and surpassing the record previously set by ChatGPT. But what makes this relatively unknown app different from the well-established behemoth, Twitter (or shall we say “X”)? In this blog post, we will delve into a comparison of Threads and Twitter, enabling you to make an informed decision about which platform aligns perfectly with your unique requirements. By providing a list of the features, functionalities, and user experiences offered by both platforms, we aim to equip you with the knowledge and insights necessary to determine which one suits your needs best.

Threads is a new app built by the Instagram team for sharing text updates and joining public conversations. You log in using your Instagram account, and posts can be up to 500 characters long and include links, photos, and videos up to 5 minutes in length. It comes with many features users can customize as well as offers various privacy settings. Meta said Threads was designed to help users "tune out the noise" by providing a more focused and positive space for sharing and interacting with content. Some of the ways Threads helps users do this include:

Close Friends List
As mentioned above, this feature allows users to share content only with a select group of people they trust and feel comfortable around, thus reducing the noise from unwanted or irrelevant content.

Status Screen
Threads includes a status screen where users can share what they are up to without posting it publicly. This feature provides a more personal way of communicating with close friends while keeping out the noise from others.

Focuses on Kindness
Meta has marketed Threads as a positive space where users can "tune out" the noise and simply focus on kindness. The company emphasizes this by encouraging users to be kind and respectful in interacting with others on the platform. 

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David J Steele
Jul
25

The Future of Web Analytics

David J Steele
Digital Media and Internet Development

Analytics play a critical role in website management, enabling businesses to track and understand user behavior in a quantifiable way. They provide a wealth of data, from the number of visitors to a site, the specific pages they visit, and the duration of their stay. Such insights allow businesses to optimize their website for user experience and conversion.  They also shed light on the effectiveness of marketing efforts. By tracking the source of the website traffic, businesses can identify which marketing campaigns are driving the most visitors and conversions. This helps in allocating resources effectively and in designing future marketing strategies.

computer screens showing analytics

Analytics also can help identify potential issues with a website. For example, high bounce rates on certain pages could indicate a problem with page load speed or content relevance. By shedding light on these issues, analytics provide the necessary information to make improvements and enhance the website's overall performance.

Overall, analytics provide data-driven insights to make informed decisions about website design, content, and marketing strategies. Analytics is essential for any business with an online presence and should be reviewed monthly with management, marketers, and customer service.

The future of analytics is evolving rapidly, and one platform that shows great potential is Google Analytics 4 (GA4). With its advanced features and capabilities, GA4 is poised to revolutionize the way we analyze data and gain insights. Its intuitive interface, powerful algorithms, and seamless integration with other tools make it a game-changer in the field of analytics.

 

Google Analytics 4 (GA4) Explained

GA4 represents the future of web analytics, providing a new, more intelligent platform designed to provide valuable insights into customer behavior. GA4 is the latest iteration of Google's analytics solution, designed to evolve with the ever-changing digital landscape. It focuses on customer-centric measurement, crossing platforms and devices to give a more holistic view of the customer journey. Whether you're new to analytics or an experienced user, GA4 offers a range of features to improve your understanding of your users' interactions and enhance your strategy accordingly.

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James Haywood
Jun
30

Client Spotlight: Chamber of Business & Industry Centre County

James Haywood
News and Events

History

Since 1920, The Chamber has been an advocate for our interconnected communities, a catalyst for business growth, and a convener of influential leaders. In 1992, the State College Chamber of Commerce (established in 1920) and the Centre County Industrial Development Corporation (established in 1956) merged to form a unified entity. Presently, The Chamber manages and staffs three corporate entities:

  • The Chamber of Business & Industry of Centre County (CBICC) - a membership organization governed by a 22-member board of directors.
  • Centre County Industrial Development Corporation (CCIDC) - promotes economic development throughout Centre County as the legal arm of The Chamber. CCIDC works in partnership with public and private organizations under the banner of the Centre County Economic Development Partnership (CCEDP). The mission focuses on business retention, entrepreneurial development, and attracting new businesses.
  • Chamber Foundation of Centre County - a charitable organization (501c(3)) that promotes economic development and education initiatives. Businesses and individuals that support CBICC/CCIDC professional/workforce development initiatives through charitable contributions receive tax advantages.

 

The Voice of Business

chamber of business and industry centre county

The Chamber is paving the way for a prosperous future by fostering a culture of excellence, nurturing collaborations, and taking the lead on matters that promote smart economic development and ensure enduring growth and stability.

As a community partner, The Chamber collaborates with various organizations across Centre County and maintains close relationships with other chambers and economic development groups in the region to positively influence the economy and improve the living standards for all in central Pennsylvania.

By engaging in joint efforts such as CentreREADY™, Happy Valley Agventures, and DRIVEForward, The Chamber addresses vital concerns related to business growth and competitiveness, including workforce readiness, agritourism, NIL initiatives with Penn State student-athletes, and transportation infrastructure.

 

Intrada Technologies and the CBICC partnership

Intrada Technologies has chosen to partner with the Chamber of Business and Industry of Centre County for the past several years.  The CBICC has provided valuable business resources, networking opportunities, volunteer opportunities, and economic insight.   Intrada Technologies current serves on the Ambassador’s committee for the Chamber.  The Chamber has also partnered with Intrada on several technology-related projects.  These projects include:

  • A new website build and design to support the Chamber’s mission and vision for Centre County
  • A migration from their deprecated server to the Microsoft 365 Cloud
  • A conference room set-up to host board meetings, virtual meetings, and hybrid presentations
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Nicole Keiner
Jun
29

Intrada Technologies Champions Civic Engagement: Supporting Student Success in the PA Chamber's Civics Bee Competition

Nicole Keiner
News and Events

national civics bee

Intrada Technologies was honored to serve as the Technology Sponsor for the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry's Civics Bee, a competition aimed at fostering student civic engagement. The event took place at the Commonwealth Charter Academy in Harrisburg on Thursday, June 15th. Intrada Technologies played a vital role in ensuring the event's success as both the Technology Sponsor and the official audio-visual support provider for the event. The company provided various services, including setup, equipment, technical assistance, event recording, and audio support. These contributions allowed students to remain engaged, acquire valuable knowledge about civics and current events, and display their skills and understanding. Intrada Technologies' participation in the Civics Bee underscores its dedication to promoting student success and civic engagement.

In partnership with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation and six chambers of commerce across Pennsylvania, the Pennsylvania Chamber invited students from across the Commonwealth to showcase and grow their understanding and appreciation for American democracy in a statewide civics competition.

The civics bee is structured as a tournament-style competition with several rounds of questions. The difficulty of the questions increases as the rounds progress, and the student who answers the most questions correctly by the end of the competition is declared the winner.   The goal of the bee is to teach students about the different aspects of government and how the political system in the United States works. It encourages critical thinking, helps to build self-confidence, and allows students to demonstrate their knowledge in a fun and interactive way. Questions asked are on a on a variety of topics related to U.S. government and politics, such as the Constitution, presidential powers, Supreme Court decisions, civil rights laws, and foreign policy.

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Nicole Keiner
Jun
28

The Importance of Content in Today’s Digital Age

Nicole Keiner
Digital Media and Internet Development

Content is everywhere these days – we’re living in a world of content overload. From articles to videos, blogs to social media posts, there’s no shortage of information available at our fingertips. But what does this mean for the future of content? Content isn't just something nice to look at; it's a powerful tool that can inform, educate and motivate viewers in real-time.

In today's digital age, content is more important than ever before. With so much information available at our fingertips, it's crucial to make sure that your content stands out from the rest. Whether you're writing a blog post, creating a video, or designing a website, the quality of your content will determine how successful it is. Engaging and informative content is key to attracting and retaining viewers and is essential to building a strong brand. If you want to succeed in today's digital landscape, focus on creating content that truly resonates with your audience.

 

How has content evolved?

cup reading content is king

With the rise of technology, content has evolved drastically over the past few decades. From static web pages to interactive media, the possibilities are endless. The incorporation of machine learning has also changed the way content is created and consumed. With personalized recommendations and tailored content, audiences can connect with media on a deeper level. Not only has technology allowed for more creative content, but it has also made it more accessible to a wider audience. As we continue to push the limits of what technology can do, it's exciting to see how content will evolve even further in the years to come.

 

Why content is necessary for successful marketing campaigns

In today's world, effective marketing is all about creating meaningful relationships with your customers. And what's the best way to do that? By providing them with valuable content that they can relate to and engage with. Whether it's a blog post, social media update, or video tutorial, content is the key to building trust and establishing yourself as an authority in your industry. By creating engaging and informative content, you can attract potential customers to your brand, keep existing customers engaged and happy, and ultimately achieve your marketing goals. Plus, with the digital world constantly evolving, it's more important than ever to have a strong content strategy to stay ahead of the curve. So, if you want to succeed in marketing, be sure to prioritize content in all your campaigns.

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David J Steele
Jun
27

The High Stakes of Cybersecurity: Why Businesses Can't Afford to Ignore It

David J Steele
Procedures and Policies
cybersecurity-shield

cybersecurity awareness Cyber security awareness, while not in the media spotlight, has never been more critical as the world becomes more digitally interconnected. Cybercrime is an ever-growing threat, with criminals constantly developing new and innovative ways to exploit vulnerabilities in digital systems. As technology advances, so do cyber attackers' abilities to target and steal sensitive data, identities, or money. That's why it is important to stay informed and continue training organizations and staff on the dangers of keeping data safe and networks running.

Cybercriminals continue refining their tactics and leveraging a wide range of hacking techniques to target businesses. Around 90% of all cyber-attacks are estimated to focus on email users. Email remains the most used method for communicating and exchanging sensitive information. Email users face various attacks, such as phishing, spear phishing, malware, ransomware, etc. Phishing emails are the most common attack, with over 85% of all reported data breaches starting from malicious emails sent to individuals or businesses. Furthermore, more than 50% of all targeted attacks include some form of malicious link or attachment sent via email. As such, individuals and organizations must stay aware of the risks associated with email communication and remain vigilant in implementing effective security measures to protect their accounts and data. This is why it's important to continue to train all employees in cyber security and awareness because they are the target.

 

Many businesses don’t have cyber insurance

high stakes of cybersecurity

According to a study by the International Association of Insurance Supervisors (IAIS), only 31% of small- and medium-sized businesses have cyber insurance. The low adoption rate of cyber insurance among businesses is concerning, as it could mean that many organizations are unprepared for the potential financial consequences of a data breach or other form of cyber-attack. The average cost for a single data breach can range from hundreds to millions of dollars depending on the type and severity of the incident, and it's not something that most organizations can afford without proper coverage. Cyber insurance can protect against some or all these costs, allowing businesses to continue operating while covering any losses incurred due to the incident.

Organizations must be aware that having cyber insurance is no guarantee against falling victim to a cyber-attack. To effectively protect themselves from potential threats, they must establish robust security protocols and regularly update their systems with the latest security patches and updates. Nonetheless, having adequate coverage, proper systems, and procedures can provide peace of mind in knowing that most financial losses caused by a successful attack can be covered.

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David J Steele
May
31

The Benefits of Single Sign-On (SSO) and How It Can Save Your Business Time and Money

David J Steele
Procedures and Policies

Single Sign-On (SSO) is a mechanism that allows users to authenticate themselves once and gain access to multiple applications or systems without the need to re-enter their credentials every time. It provides a seamless and convenient experience for users who only have to remember one set of login credentials while also improving security by reducing the risk of compromised or forgotten passwords.

SSO uses standards-based protocols such as OAuth, OpenID Connect, and SAML to exchange identity and authentication information between the user's device and the applications they are trying to access. When a user logs into one application, the SSO system generates an authentication token that is then used to grant access to other applications that support SSO. This way, the user can navigate between different systems without logging in again, even if various organizations host those systems and use other technologies.

 

Cost Savings

single sign on (sso)

In addition to improving user experience and security, SSO can lead to cost savings and increased productivity for organizations. For example, SSO can save time and reduce frustration by reducing the number of login screens that users must deal with. It can also simplify user management and reduce the burden on IT departments, which manage fewer user accounts and passwords.

Microsoft is implementing Single Sign-On (SSO) capabilities in their popular cloud-based productivity suite, Microsoft 365 (M365). With SSO, users of M365 only need to authenticate once and can then easily access various systems and applications integrated with M365 without repeatedly entering login credentials.

SSO is made possible in M365 through industry-standard security protocols such as Security Assertion Markup Language (SAML) and OpenID Connect. These protocols allow M365 to interact with various services, including third-party applications and identity providers, to grant users seamless access to multiple resources. In addition, the authentication process is secured with multi-factor authentication (MFA), further enhancing user data and information security.

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Nicole Keiner
May
30

Seeking a Virtual Assistant? Meet the New Microsoft Copilot

Nicole Keiner
Procedures and Policies

Imagine having a personal assistant who can help you with your Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Teams, and Outlook work. That is where Microsoft 365 Copilot comes in. It can help you write, edit, and summarize documents by giving suggestions based on your prompts. You can easily create professional-looking presentations from your existing files and ideas with PowerPoint. Analyzing data is made easy with Excel. And for those who need to run effective Teams meetings and create detailed agendas, Copilot has got you covered. Copilot even works with Outlook to help you work smarter, not harder, by summarizing long email threads, identifying critical viewpoints, and even responding to emails with just a few simple clicks. You can save time and effort by letting Copilot do the work.

This month, Microsoft 365 is officially launching to the public its AI Copilot feature for its applications and services, offering users an intelligent virtual assistant to enhance their experience. Much like the Copilot sidebars we’ve seen in Edge, Office apps, and even GitHub, Windows Copilot will be integrated directly into Windows 11 and available to open and use from the taskbar across all apps and programs. Once released, the tool will provide an intuitive AI-assisted experience for users to manage their digital workplace environments better.

 

Microsoft Copilot Explained

microsoft copilot

The Microsoft Copilot tool is an innovative computer program that utilizes advanced AI technology, specifically the GPT-4 model developed by OpenAI. Its purpose is to assist users in generating text input that can be used across various Microsoft 365 applications such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams. The program achieves this by utilizing Microsoft Graph, a cloud-based API that analyzes user data, content, and preferences to provide personalized suggestions. As a result, experts believe that Copilot has the potential to advance collaboration and revolutionize the way people work together on Microsoft platforms. Copilot is expected to make work more efficient and reduce time spent scouring through menus by anticipating user needs and offering the best advice for any given task. 

 

Examples

Microsoft Copilot in Word

  • It can offer suggestions for completing a sentence or paragraph based on the context of your writing.
  • Copilot can provide synonyms for a word you've used multiple times in a document to make your writing more varied and engaging.
  • If you're struggling to develop an idea, Copilot can offer prompts to help you get started.
  • Copilot can also help summarize long documents by creating drafts based on prompts. This can save you time and effort in editing and refining your work.
  • Copilot can also assist with grammar and spelling checks to ensure your writing is error-free.
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James Haywood
May
29

Creating Business Automation Using Microsoft 365 Power Automate

James Haywood
Procedures and Policies

Automation is an indispensable part of today's business world. It helps businesses stay organized, improves efficiency, and reduces manual effort, leading to significant cost savings. With the help of Microsoft 365 Power Automate, you can create automated workflows that meet your company’s unique needs and increase productivity. In this knowledge base article, we will look at how Microsoft 365 Power Automate can help you automate core processes in your organization for maximum productivity and profitability.

 

Introducing Microsoft 365 Power Automate and how it can help streamline business processes

microsoft business automation

In today's fast-paced world, businesses constantly look for ways to optimize workflows and boost productivity. Microsoft 365 Power Automate provides a solution to help streamline business processes and reduce the need for manual tasks. With Power Automate, you can automate repetitive and time-consuming tasks, freeing up valuable time for employees to focus on higher-level tasks. This powerful tool can also be customized to fit the specific needs of your business, making it adaptable to any workflow. Automating workflows with Power Automate allows your business to operate more efficiently, saving you time and money while increasing productivity. 

Power Automate is a free desktop application that anyone can use. However, the cloud-based version starts at $15.00 per user per month. The cloud-based option is required for creating organization-wide automation. Some of the benefits of using Power Automate include, but are not limited to:

  • Improving workflows
  • Removing manual processes
  • Replacing software
  • Creating approval processes
  • Saving time
  • Reducing human error
  • Streamlining simple tasks
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Nicole Keiner
May
26

Take Your Event to the Next Level by Partnering with Intrada Technologies

Nicole Keiner
Digital Media and Internet Development
live technical support for an event

Planning an event is a daunting task, and with the rising importance of technology and multimedia in events, it can sometimes feel like a whole new challenge. As someone who has planned events, I know how overwhelming it can be to coordinate an event's different aspects. One of the most important things to consider when planning an event is using technology and multimedia effectively. To ensure that your event runs smoothly, creating a tech plan for the event is crucial. This means thinking about everything from the equipment you'll need, such as audio and video systems, projectors, and computers, to the software you'll need for presentations and multimedia displays. It's also essential to think about how you'll be able to connect all these pieces so that everything runs properly.

In addition to making sure all the technology and equipment are running properly, it's also important to consider how you plan to use multimedia. Think about how you'll use video, audio, images, and other forms of media during the event. It's important to think about the best way to incorporate these elements into your presentations and displays to enhance the visual appeal of your event and help convey its message.  And what about AV scripts?

If you're planning an upcoming event, Intrada Technologies is here to help you with all aspects of the technology and multimedia side. We offer various services, from high-quality AV equipment availability to developing a customized technology strategy and AV scriptwriting. With our expert guidance, you can rest assured knowing that your event's technology will be both innovative and reliable, providing a visually engaging experience for attendees.

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David J Steele
May
25

The Future of Passwords

David J Steele
Procedures and Policies
choosing-a-good-password

cybersecurity awarenessPasswords may become less common as governments and organizations explore alternative authentication methods. For example, many companies are exploring using two-factor authentication through a physical device such as a token, badge, or an app on a user's smartphone. This provides an additional layer of security and makes it much harder for someone to gain unauthorized access to an account. In addition, biometric-based authentication is becoming more popular, allowing users to unlock their devices by providing fingerprint or facial recognition scans.

choosing a complex secure password

Another possibility is the widespread adoption of blockchain technology, which can provide secure digital identities for users and allow them to easily access their accounts without needing a password. Additionally, major players in the tech industry have started exploring new methods of authentication based on artificial intelligence (AI). For example, Google has developed an AI system called “Trust API,” which authenticates user actions with AI-powered image recognition techniques.

Ultimately, while passwords may still be used for specific logins, their use may decline over time as more secure and convenient alternatives become available. But with all that said, we still need to manage passwords.

 

Don’t Use Common Passwords or the Same Passwords for Your Accounts

The most common passwords are still easily guessed, such as 'password', '123456', 'iloveyou', 'abc123', '111111', 'letmein', and 'qwerty'. These passwords are made up of commonly used words, numbers, or combinations of letters that lack complexity. Furthermore, some users choose simple passwords for their personal information, such as birthdates and names. Such passwords are easily guessed by someone with basic knowledge of the user's background.

Using the same password for all your accounts poses an enormous security risk. If one account becomes compromised, then malicious actors can use that same password to gain access to your other accounts. Therefore, it is important to create unique passwords for each of your online accounts—this way, even if one account is hacked, the rest of your accounts will remain secure.

It is important to choose passwords with a combination of numbers, symbols, and upper- and lower-case letters. This adds another layer of complexity, making it much more difficult for someone to guess or crack your password.

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Nicole Keiner
Apr
28

Employee Spotlight: Jennifer Daniel

Nicole Keiner
News and Events
intrada-web-developer-jennifer-daniel-thumb
jennifer daniel, web developer

Born in Harrisburg and raised in the northeastern portion of the Susquehanna Valley, Jennifer Daniel started with Intrada Technologies in January of 2021. Her hard work and dedication to her craft have paid off, as she was recently promoted. Now, as a Tier 2 Web Developer, her responsibilities include the development, troubleshooting, and maintenance of web applications, along with SEO management, Google/Bing ad management, and reporting.

In addition to being a graduate of Selinsgrove High School (Go Seals!), she received her bachelor’s degree from Penn Tech College in software development and information management. Jennifer has been actively augmenting her programming skills over the last few years in various languages, including HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript, and PHP, and with content management systems like Joomla, Drupal, and WordPress. She also holds numerous certifications, including - SEO Toolkit Exam for Advanced Semrush Users, Semrush SEO Toolkit Course, Google Analytics for Power Users, Advanced Google Analytics, and Google Ads Search Certification.

Jennifer truly enjoys working at Intrada Technologies as she feels she isn’t just a “macro” but part of a collaborative, creative team.

“Working for a small business like Intrada allows me to connect with clients, see projects through from start to finish, and learn a lot,” she adds. “Our team works so well together, always willing to lend a hand and join forces when needed. Everyone is friendly and genuinely cares about one another.”

When not working, Jennifer enjoys spending time with her family and friends, attending concerts, reading, playing video games, going to the gym, or watching anime.  One thing you may not know about her is that she likes to learn new languages and is currently taking classes in German and Welsh.

Jennifer is excited to continue her career with Intrada Technologies and looks forward to new opportunities. She hopes to use her skills to help the company reach its goals while still delivering quality work for clients. With a commitment to excellence and always looking to exceed expectations, we can only imagine the amazing things she will bring to the table as a key contributor to the Intrada team. Congratulations, Jennifer, on your well-deserved promotion!

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Our unique, collaborative partnerships allow us to provide our clients with the assurance that we will be there when they need us.

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