Month: June 2019

Smartphone Hacking – The Latest Creepy Trend

Credit card hacking and computer hacking are some of the large scale issues we all face. However, the latest creepy trend is smartphone hacking. Smartphones have inbuilt security features but are vulnerable to hacking and exposing the most private information.  Having a passcode and disabling some settings may prevent your phone from hacking.

Who is hacking

Hacking a family member or friend smartphone and threatening them to expose their calls is the latest creepy trend happening in our communities. Users are unaware that sometimes the most nearer ones are the ones that are hacking your smartphones. Sharing the apple id and passcode is enough to hack an iPhone. Apps are available that can forward all your calls, reset your logins, and transfer all secure date including photos, notes, and other information.

iPhone hacking is a known issue in the Apple community and many have fallen victims of it. Using public wifi or sharing the account details to someone can lead to smartphone hacking. Users are even unaware that their phone is hacked until they see some huge bill in their credit card or their private conversations/chats are exposed online.

What are the Signs of Smartphone Hacking

Low volume during the call, muffled noise in the background, blank calls, unrecognized apps, and so on are some of the signs that the smartphone is hacked. The battery runs off often, smartphone applications slow down, and you don’t even recognize some of the apps that are running on your phone. Without your knowledge, all calls are forwarding to a group of numbers that can also record the conversations for further sharing.

How to Avoid Smartphone Hacking

Placing your phone in the national Do Not Call Registry may help avoid unwanted calls. As soon as you suspect that your phone is hacked, resetting the phone will help. Creating a new id and deleting unwanted apps will also help. Updating the latest phone software is needed. Turning off Bluetooth and cellular when not in use will help. Manage the security settings of the apps and the device you are using. Take backups before resetting the smartphone.

We are sharing a lot of information on the Internet. At the same time, we do not want to share some information such as private conversations, credit card information, and bank account details. Creepy people are getting into our phones and torturing with hacking. If you see the problem persists, discard the phone and buy a new one. If you suspect a person that is hacking, stop sharing your accounts with that person. Many are opting for nonsmart phones for phone calls to avoid hacking altogether. Smartphones are allowing us to become smart at the same time they are leaving us vulnerable to hacking.

Customer Service Associate

The most underpaid and under-appreciated customer service associate job is not just limited to taking phone calls. De-escalating customers, navigating computer applications, finding the customer information, suggesting the appropriate solution, and short talk are some of the many activities of a customer service associate.

Business Representation

For all companies, a customer service associate becomes the face of the company and is communicating directly with the customer. The success of a customer service associate is mandatory for the success of a business and increased sales. With one voice across all the products, a customer service associate must convey the product and process the account information.

We all had long wait times and after an hour of wait, we have to provide all the information to the associate. We are often frustrated why we have to repeat the same information that we already entered into the system. However, on the other side, the associate is maneuvering complex software applications to find the correct account and solution.  An associate is also updating the call details and suggestion provided before the end of the call.

Calls

Every call is different and each situation is unique. Most of the times we are put on hold because the associate is waiting for feedback from another system or supervisor on the case. When we are asking to talk to a supervisor, in most cases that must be another associate with more experience.

De-escalating the angry and upset customer is an important skill for the associate. Small talk with the customer is an art that must be practiced while the information is loading. Being too casual must be avoided and the associate is expected to be professional all the times. Following the opening, closing, and personalization is crucial for call quality. All calls are recorded for quality and training purposes. 🙂

Customer Service Associate is most valuable because they are the people whom we can talk to and find a solution to our problems. In the current technology and device obsessed world, finding a person to talk is impossible. 🙂

Skills

English speaking skills and computer literacy are some mandatory skills. However, bi-linguals are paid more depending upon the business and demand. The salary of the customer service associate ranges from $8 to $25. For a technical customer service associate, the pay is higher. Flexible schedules and paid holidays can apply after a minimum service. Some local companies are even offering paid training without any binding contracts! Growth paths in the career are also offered based on further interest.

Background checks are needed for some companies. Insurance is offered as an option by some call center companies. Inbound and outbound sales call associates can earn higher depending on the commission. Customer Service Associate is a sedentary work with minimum movement and strict attendance and schedules. For starters, students, and aged population all alike Customer Service Associate is an apt job.

Summer Solstice, Flooding, and Rainfall!

It’s Summer Solstice but people in the Quad Cities are shivering because of the flooding and never-ending rainfall. After an over-the-top polar vortex winter, residents are looking forward to the warm weather. However, the flooding of the rivers in the area and non-stop rains have left many with flooded basements and wet belongings.

Flooding

Quad Cities have witnessed record-breaking flooding along the rivers. Sandbags and HESCO barriers couldn’t stop the overflowing rivers and within no time many properties have flooded. People have left their belongings and evacuated immediately seeking shelters and hotels. Businesses with apparel and other perishable goods were hit most as they have lost all the inventory and are now forced to close the locations. Insurance companies are directing people to federal funds and many people did not have flooding covered by the insurance company. Many of the river drive summer events are either canceled or moved to other areas.

Rainfall

Quad Cities are also having historic rainfalls and people are panicking because of the rains. Properties have flooded regardless of new or old, low-lying or hill-high. The stormwater systems failed and most waters escaped into the basements. Sump pumps have failed either due to malfunction or power surge issues. Backup sump pumps also were useless in some areas. Residents have no clue how to deal with the water and wet basements. Unfinished basements are now preferred over finished ones due to lesser damage. Pipes gave up due to plumbing issues and some properties even had sewage backup inside the house.

Bills

Most of the bills came out of pocket as the cleanup efforts were not covered by most insurance companies. Federal funds needed a lot of approvals and proofs. Insurance adjusters are unable to cope-up with the requests and are offering very minimum refunds. Many businesses were out of a place to put their belongings. Restaurants needed additional clean up, sanitation, and restoration. Many are opting for rebuilding the entire property due to the damage. The unprecedented flooding of the Mississippi River and the Rock River followed by heavy rainfall have put many in debts. People living paycheck to paycheck are continuing to live in the flooded properties as they have no place to go. Some were even caught in the flash flooding on the roads and lost their vehicles. Many had to empty their savings (if any) to accommodate the sudden bills. Construction of the local properties and the I74Bridge also missed the deadlines due to the flooding and rainfall.

Resilience

The resilience of the locals has put them back to work as soon as the water receded. Cities have responded with the cleaning efforts and many volunteers and non-profits have raised funds to assist those affected. Area hotels offered discounted nights for flooded residents. Local businesses are organizing clothing and food drives to raise funds for the flooding victims. Neighbors have come together to help each other with the cleanup.

The flooding of 2019 in the Quad Cities has affected all in some way or the other. Cities and residents are preparing plans to mitigate similar situations in the future and changing plans accordingly. Individuals are thankful that they are still alive and continue to rebuild their future in the Quad Cities.