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Cybersecurity for Attorneys

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Cyber security firewall interface protection concept. Businesswoman protecting herself from cyber attacks. Personal data security and banking

Today, cybersecurity is a large problem for small to midsize businesses- particularly law firms. Securing IT speaker, David Myers, presented to Amata members Cybersecurity for Law Practice. Although, it may be easy to over look cybersecurity threats, it is important to know the 5 Myths, Threats, and Things you can do for your law practice.

5 Myths

  • I’m Not a Target: No matter what size your business is never doubt that your business is immune because your data may be valuable.
  • I’ve Got Antivirus: I’m Good: An Antivirus alone is not enough- you need a layered defense form which includes an antivirus, antimalware, spam filtering, gateway antivirus, backup solution, and etc.
  • External Hackers are my Primary Hackers: Incorrect, your hackers can be anywhere including the office you work in.
  • Cybersecurity is an IT Issue: Incorrect, this is a business issue that can not be pushed off to the IT person.
  • I’m a Lawyer: You have to think of yourself as a business owner serving your clients. You possess valuable information and hold information making you likely to be a target.

5 Threats

  • Ransomware: A piece of malware that locks your data until you pay a ransom. Then your data will be unlocked; however, it is not guaranteed you will get your data back.
  • Phishing: A fraudulent practice to obtain personal information. Internet of Things Threats: The “other” technology that may seem small but a group of malicious hackers can use that to attack you without knowing.
  • Your Users: Be sure your users understand the risk when storing information or accessing information.
  • Regulatory Pains: As the government regulates cybersecurity, more policy and fine increase compliance will increase as well.

5 Things you can do

  • Know you Data/ Regulatory User: Understand the data that you are holding and what regulations apply to you.
  • Encrypt your Data: This is easy and FREE on modern operating systems. This essentially “scrambles” your data so others who get ahold of your information may not understand the encryption.
  • Cyber Liability Insurance: A new type of insurance policy, so be sure to do research and not by the first one you see!
  • Prepare and Practice your Incidence Response Plan: Using your data to practice a drill if incident 1, 2, 3… happened what plan of execution would be in place.

Now that you have learned the 5 myths, threats, and things you can do, you are now prepared to run your law practice with confidence. If you missed the presentation by David Myers be sure to watch the recording below.

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PARO: End-of-Year Checklist

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Now that we start a New Year it is important to reflect on our past year’s performance and set a plan for success in the years to come.

Below, please reference PARO‘s End-Of-Year checklist for small businesses. These 6 steps can help your business become successful in 2017:

  1. Review accounts receivable and payable
    Accounts Receivable: To ensure that your cash flow is accurate be sure that your accounts receivable is up to date. If a payment is owned collect ASAP, collect in the next year- but file as a cash or accrual basis, or write it off as a loss.Accounts Payable: Be sure to record your bills on a monthly basis. If you do have a system in place review your accounts payable to see if it is accurate.
  2. Review you inventory (if applicable)
    It is important to keep an accurate record of your inventory quarterly and if you can monthly is even better. This can help you plan in the next year so you know if you are holding too much or missing out if you are holding to little.
  3. Verify 1099 / W2 information and send out forms
    Accurately obtain the personal information from your vendors and contractors to send their 1990s and W-2 forms.
  4. Close your books and prepare for tax filing
    Before you reflect on 2016 your books must be closed. Your bookkeeper or accountant must reconcile your bank accounts, credit cards, and credit facilities. Finally, then can you can review your financial year of 2016 more accurately.
  5. Review your P&L Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
    Review your key performance indicators by identifying 2 or 3 indicators that drive your business. Over the course of tracking these indicators you are able to see what areas are doing well. From there you can assess the low indicators to help improve your business.
  6. Create a budget for the new year
    Now that you have finally reviewed your financial statements you can plan on working on your businesses’ yearly budget. Since you have gained a financial insight you can budget accordingly.

Click to download PARO’s End-of-Year Checklist

Upcoming Events:

  • Stop by for PARO’s Lunch & Learn Event! January 18th at 12pm, 225 W. Washington , Floor 22.
  • See more upcoming events

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Amata Step Challenge Recap

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Amata Step Challenge Recap

This year, Amata had its first ever Step Challenge! We challenged all Amata members and staff to compete for 12 weeks to earn weekly titles and prizes, culminating in four overall champion categories and an overhaul on personal health. They didn’t disappoint.

Our #AmataStepChallenge began on February 15th, while New Year’s resolutions were still pushing us to blaze trails. We’ve been working hard for the past year and a half to provide a community focused on health and wellness, and we felt like a step challenge was the perfect motivator to help us all spring into health this year!

The sign-ups began, and challenge members were placed into categories depending on their current fitness status. The four categories were Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced for solo competitors, and a Team category for groups of five individuals. Their challenge: to track their daily step count and compete for the most steps in their category. Steps were submitted weekly and every week, the person/team with the highest step count for that week in their category was awarded a motivating $20 gift card! At the end, the top three contestants in each category were awarded prizes.

During the 12 week challenge, we stuffed challenge members with knowledge and motivation! The road to health is full of distractions, so we shared weekly newsletters packed with health tips and tricks from some of our favorite sources to help keep us all on track. Here are some of our top health tips and tricks to help you prepare!

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12 weeks doesn’t sound very long until you’re living it! When you’re counting down the days, they seem to go much slower. But spending that time focusing on your health and well-being is the best way to pass the days. We are so proud of everyone who participated in the #AmataStepChallenge. Reaching or trying to reach the goal of 10,000 steps or more daily is a great way to improve overall health- and that comes straight from the experts, folks!

What we love the most is that so many people joined something that can be a springboard to other positive life choices. Focus on walking more steps today and perhaps tomorrow you’ll decide to choose the healthy snack rather than the unhealthy one. A small start is still a start nonetheless, and it is all that is needed to get somewhere.

And boy, did we get somewhere! We were blown away with the step counts that were coming in weekly form contestants! From advanced down to the beginner category, many people were hitting marks well above the daily recommended 10,000 steps.

The #AmataStepChallenge helped over 150 people get healthier and we’ve all had a great time doing it! Some people waged personal bets, others added it to their usual workout routine, and some used it to kick-start their new fitness regime. One of the overall winners of the challenge, Kel’ley Garner, a paralegal with Bennett and Bangser, LLC, made the most out of the 12 weeks:

Wow I can’t believe we made it since February!!! I feel so accomplished.  I lost a couple of pounds and spent some good time with good peeps and some positive life reflection time with myself walking.  This challenge was fun and I appreciate all the support you guys gave from the reminders to the motivational links about the benefits of taking care of ourselves, to the smiles and thumbs up at our efforts.  Amata is much more than just an office space, it is an environment that wants each member to have peace and balance.  The things you guys do for our health don’t go unnoticed.  So kudos to you all!!

Thanks Kel’ley! That is exactly what we hoped for ☺

In a few weeks, we will announce our #AmataStepChallenge winners! Will it be you? Subscribe to our weekly newsletters and find out.

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3 Tricks For Small Business Cash Management

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3 Tricks For Small Business Cash Management

Cash is king. Most beginning entrepreneurs think that growing revenues is the key to a successful business, but cash management will often save a struggling business despite the amount of revenue. Here are three ideal opportunities to create value for your company when you need it most.

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8 Characteristics of the Right Office Space in Chicago

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Why Amata Is The Premiere Chicago Office Provider

Finding the right office space can be a tasking feat. Understanding the components of a great office space can get you on your way to the right space for your business.

Onsite management and ownership – Make sure you have a landlord who understands your business and is empowered to help! At Amata we strive to meet your needs and are eager to learn more about your business!

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How To Know When You’ve Outgrown Your Home Office

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How To Know When You’ve Outgrown Your Home Office

Does your kitchen table double as your desk? If you’re having a hard time separating your personal life from your professional life, it could be time to find a new space for your home-based business. While home offices are often a good fit for startups, allowing entrepreneurs to save on rent and other expenses, they present challenges once a company starts to bring on employees and land its first clients, according to this recent article from Mashable.

With everything from barking dogs to crying babies, home offices can be full of distractions, making it difficult for small, start-up businesses to maintain a professional image. A living room isn’t the same as a conference room, and a bedroom isn’t the same as a private office. Home offices also lack the professional exposure of a commercial office with street traffic and, due to their isolated nature, don’t facilitate collaboration with other entrepreneurs. Additionally, heavy foot traffic from employees can be a red flag to homeowners associations and possibly affect your homeowners or renters insurance, creating unnecessary headaches at a time when you’re trying to grow your company, according to the article.

If you aren’t ready to commit to traditional office space, shared office providers like Amata Office Centers are a great, affordable alternative. In addition to offering you private, professional office space, our facilities feature a variety of common areas like state-of-the-art conference rooms and on-site cafés that are ideal for face-to-face meetings with clients, who may be uncomfortable talking about business deals in your family’s dining room. Another less visible perk of shared office suites is the built-in professional network that comes with each center, making it easy for entrepreneurs to work together to solve common problems.

But a shared office suite isn’t the only way to boost your professional image. For those who want to take a smaller step, a virtual office could be a good starting point. Our virtual office solutions provide professional mail and phone answering services that serve as an extension of your brand, allowing you to have a downtown address while continuing to work from home. You can also rent conference space on an as-needed basis. If you ever decide to move to one of Amata’s Chicago office centers, your company address and phone number will stay the same, making the transition from home to office seamless for you and your clients.

Are you a home-based entrepreneur looking for shared office space in Chicago? Head over to our website to find the plan that’s right for your company. And be sure to follow us on Twitter, Facebook andLinkedIn for updates about Amata and additional tips for growing your business.

Until next time,

Ron Bockstahler,

CEO & Co-founder

Image By: Tammy Strobel

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Chicago Shared Office Space Checklist

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Chicago Shared Office Space Checklist

If you’ve been looking for office space for rent in Chicago, no doubt you’ve heard about the growing trend in virtual office space. Whether you’re a solo practitioner, small business owner or decision maker for a national or international company, there are fiscal as well as social benefits in working with an office suites provider of flexible and/or virtual office space. But, before signing on the dotted line, you shoud know that not all virtual office suites providers offer the same services and amenities.

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