On guard against “podslurping”
The new word business owners need to pay attention to? “Podslurping.”
Using relatively small gadgets, such as USB key drives, MP3 players and mobile phones, employees can download huge amounts of company data – so-called podslurping.
Failing to protect sensitive information could cost a company dearly. More than 64 percent of consumers surveyed by Privacy & American Business said they refused to buy goods or services because they weren’t sure how a company would protect or use their information.
Among ways the Better Business Bureau says a company should fight data theft by employees:
Set policies. Make workers sign agreements barring them from downloading data on portable devices. Post the policy on the company’s website and prominently around the office.
Conduct spot checks. Past behavior is often the best predictor of future behavior. Companies routinely handling sensitive data are wise to conduct full criminal background checks. Also smart: regular analyses of how employees use their work computers.
Block access. An array of software packages can prevent employees from plugging portable devices into USB ports and accessing machines after hours.
Move from the desktop. Store sensitive information on secure company networks, not on individual computers.
– Christine Tatum, The Denver Post
Talk to Jibbi, and it might burp back
Resembling a large egg, the Radica Jibbi TV is a $35 voice-recognition toy that lets children give verbal commands to a smiling creature named Jibbi.
After you install the four AA batteries and plug the toy into your TV set’s AV ports, you meet Jibbi, who burps, talks, giggles and responds to short spoken commands such as “Let’s play” or “Do chores.” As time passes, Jibbi will get tired, bored or hungry, or may need a bath. Your child’s job is to keep Jibbi happy and healthy, by clearly blurting short requests.
To exercise Jibbi, the words “Go” and “Jibbi” will make Jibbi lift an on-screen barbell. In rock-paper-scissors, your child plays against Jibbi, saying the choices out loud. Winning earns food or clothing items for Jibbi.
Unfortunately, Jibbi at times does not hear the commands.
Don’t worry, though. Like a college freshman, Jibbi can withstand days of neglect, rude comments and lack of exercise, and will still come back to play. When it works, which it generally does, it is a way to get children talking instead of twitching. – Warren Buckleitner, The New York Times
