Atlantic Business Technologies, Inc.

Author: Atlantic BT

  • What Could Have Prevented Equifax’s Security Failure

    On September 7, 2017, credit agency Equifax made a stunning announcement. They had suffered a massive data breach aimed to affect 143 million consumers.

    Equifax is one of the three largest credit agencies in the United States. Their databases contained full names, Social Security numbers, driver’s license numbers, mailing addresses, birth dates, and credit card numbers. All manner of personal information was now available to the hackers. And then, things became worse.

    The Fallout

    The loss of their consumer’s sensitive information was bad enough for Equifax’s reputation. But, the details showed a situation that was far more infuriating. Equifax had learned of the breach on July 29th. It took the company more than five weeks to disclose the data loss to the public. In those five weeks, three Equifax managers sold close to $1.8 million worth of stock in the company. Sure, Equifax was working with the FBI and Mandiant to identify the attackers. But it wasn’t enough. Their poor security and misleading secrecy had done severe damage. The only ones Equifax could blame was themselves.

    Bonus: on September 13th, Equifax faced accusations of more poor security practices. Their Argentina branch suffered exposure due to a terrible password. 

    Equifax launched a WordPress-powered website to help those consumers affected by the breach. This site asked their visitors to share six digits of their social security numbers. This was not the best idea on a stock installation WordPress site. It’s not news that WordPress has also fallen victim to many serious security exploits. This new site did not offer the kind of enterprise-level security needed. Equifax also failed to get proper consent for gathering and sharing sensitive information. This act was not compliant with GDPR regulations in the EU. Had no one learned their lesson?

    How the Attack Happened

    Equifax continued to hide critical details from the public. The number of those affected would only continue to grow as time went on. New information came out, stating that even more personal customer data had been loss. This was unbelievable. Why have this information in the first place? And how could anyone fail to protect it?

    With regards to how the breach happened, it’s hard to know the truth. The company’s conduct reveals them as untrustworthy. Yet, they are our primary source of information. It’s unclear whether their site was up to date on the latest security patches. What is clear is that the company’s web applications offered very broad access to data. ‘Very’ is an understatement. Excessive access to personal identification would be more accurate.

    This narrative is not a new one. Major corporations suffering large data breaches pop up in the news daily. It’s unfortunate that this continues to happen. Especially to companies that store sensitive data. Why does security continue to be lax? Unfortunately, many organizations focus on growth and business goals first. Information security is often an afterthought. While growing one’s business is vital to survival, so too is the trust of the consumer.

    How It Could Have Been Prevented

    September 2017 feels like a lifetime ago. Yet, almost a year later, consequences are still being born out for Equifax. There are many lessons to learn here. Ensuring application and cyber security are essential to our hyper-connected world. A thorough penetration test or code review could have found the security risk early on. Introducing powerful automation into the company’s security testing would have also helped. They would have been able to identify the risk long before it became a serious problem.

    Every one of these measures is part of a sophisticated SecDevOps approach. More companies need to integrate security thinking and best practices into web development. Cyber security requires time and investment. It is worth it to provide customers with the safety they expect. Develop a brand that can earn trust. A stronghold that can protect everyone in and outside the company will reap countless benefits. Organizations must value cyber security. Until then, significant data breaches will continue to occur.

    If you are one of those companies who does want to protect your site from hackers, we’ve got your back. Our cyber security team is ready and able. Contact Atlantic BT for a free consultation. We’ll keep you safe and allow your customers to feel secure.  

  • Why it’s Safe to Invest in Outsourced Cyber Security

    Cyber security, in the business world, is a lot like life insurance. Everyone acknowledges that they need it, but most people hate to think about it.
     
    The topic brings up a lot of uncomfortable feelings. It forces business owners or executives to think about painful ‘what-if’ scenarios. No one enjoys spending time dwelling on the worst thing that could happen to their company. These thoughts might also involve digging into (or hearing about) technical details. Complicated, hard to understand technical details. Add in the fact that it takes time and money to close up cyber security issues and ta da! You have all the makings of a situation where it’s easier to procrastinate than it is to take action.
     
    But, cyber security isn’t a topic to ignore. It needs to be a primary focus for your website maintenance. For the why and the how, let’s start at the top.

    The Importance of Strong Cyber Security

    The need for good cyber security has never been more necessary. Hardly a week goes by when we don’t hear about major hacks, data breaches, and leaks. Many Fortune 500 companies have fallen victim to hackers. So have an untold number of small and medium-sized businesses. No one is safe.
     
    It isn’t only the prevalence of cyber crimes that are the problem. The costs associated with recovering from them can add up and faster than you think. The clean up after a hack can be expensive. You have to buy new hardware and software. There are emergency IT hours and extensive patching that will all affect your budget. On top of that, your brand will take a hit. Data breaches breed mistrust. Your business was unable to defend itself and protect user information. This hurts your credibility in the market. Your company could suffer long term problems in every area of your brand.
     
    If you don’t have good cyber security procedures in place, you’re playing with fire.

    Why You Should Look to an Outsourced Vendor

    So, you accept that cyber security is a good investment. This is smart. What next? Where should you invest your resources? Many business owners will seek to hire an in-house IT professional. But, outsourcing could be a much better option.
     
    An established web development or IT company offers many benefits. One being a team of seasoned professionals with various specialties. It might be burdensome to bring on a full-time employee whose sole job it is to keep your data safe. Instead, you could get a whole team of better qualified people looking after your systems, 24/7. Even better, their services will be at a much more affordable rate.
     
    Outsourcing cyber security is particularly beneficial to businesses in very regulated industries. Government offices and companies that work in healthcare finance are good examples. An outsourced team will have direct expertise in these areas. Research, experience, and knowledge will help the team provide the best safeguard. All while complying with the many regulations at play. You can feel safe from hackers and legal battles. Finding an employee with that specific base of know how will most likely be a struggle. But you can gain everything you’re looking for and then some, in one outsourced team.

    Let’s Make Your Website Safer Together

    Want to ensure your data stays safe from hackers and thieves? Of course you do. Struggling with complicated industry requirements for compliance and confidentiality? Wait, there’s more? You’re also struggling with addressing these two needs via cyber security tactics?
     
    Good news. We’ve got your back.
     
    Contact the Raleigh-based web development team at Atlantic BT today. We will be happy to give you the answers you need!

  • Why You Need Expert Digital Problem Solvers

    At Atlantic BT, we don’t actually consider ourselves to be “web designers” in the traditional sense. Of course, we do create layouts and upload pages to the internet. But, that’s not the most valuable service we offer. So, what do we do for our clients that’s more important? Well, we do it all. We’re digital problem solvers.

    This isn’t only about semantics; it represents our philosophy as an organization. And, it has led to great results for the clients who hire us. Digital problem solving encompasses more than web design. It brings every component a strong website needs to thrive, together. We provide equal thought and care to every part your site requires. Here are two reasons why we approach digital design the way that we do.

    The Value of a Creative Team Isn’t in Web Design

    Let’s be clear: we do believe in the power and importance of a great web design. Your pages have to capture your brand’s essence. They need to have the right look to impress customers and to share your unique products and services.

    But, the look of a website is only the first step towards building an actual online presence. And not only a presence, but one that brings profitability. Strong web development requires artistry in many different design areas. The programming of your pages must be able to incorporate your business’s web needs. eCommerce purchasing systems, online registrations, database management; these all depend on great design. We recognize that these site elements can be vital to your bottom line, as much, if not more than, aesthetic. When we teamed up with Propper to strengthen their eCommerce platform, we knew that the way the site processed orders was just as important as the way products were displayed. Every part matters.

    The more you invest in a website, the more business growth you expect to see. Time and money spent on your site equates to steps towards your most important goals. A website that looks fantastic doesn’t exactly mean success. It also needs to generate sales, cut costs, or meet other important targets. No matter how shiny your website is, if it’s not effective, it’s not worth it. Substance and style have to come together.

    A great creative team is always going to give you a website that meets your visual expectations. Digital problem solvers will additionally take on the challenges of programming and marketing. That is exactly what you need.

    Stability, Security, and Planning All Matter

    As we’ve said, a website can be beautiful without performing the way you’d like it to. It’s far too common to come across a page overloaded with large images or bulky plug-ins. These design choices slow the website down and can make it hard to use.

    A positive user experience (UX) is crucial to consumer engagement. If a site is confusing and difficult to navigate, the customer won’t value the design or your brand. In fact, it can send them running in the other direction to your competitors. Stability and consistency will build trust with your users. They’ll appreciate the look and the ease of your website, leading to more potential sales.

    Cyber security is every bit as important as marketing power in today’s environment. Hardly a week goes by without news of another major hack or theft taking place on the internet. No organization wants to be the next one in the spotlight for the wrong reasons. Unfortunately, an attention grabbing layout won’t protect you from criminals. Though they may enjoy the ambiance while they steal all your information.

    A great digital agency will prioritize stability and security. Both are vital components of the web development process. They provide a strong foundation for your website and ensure continued growth. So, you can make the most of your investment and have a template for changes or upgrades. Digital problem solvers learn from the past, create in the present, and plan for the future.

    Ready to Work With the Digital Problem Solvers?

    Is this it? Are you ready to move beyond basic web design and look at the big picture? We have a team of digital problem solvers ready to give you their best creative work.

  • Every Move You’ll Find in a Successful Digital Marketing Playbook

    Is your organization covering the basics of digital marketing? Are you nailing the MUST DO tasks online that bring in customers month after month? 

    A surprising number of new clients we meet with don’t actually know. Sure, they may be aware that they’re spending lots of time and money on Internet strategies. But, they aren’t 100% sure that they’re doing the right things or following a well-rounded plan.

    That’s understandable. Digital marketing is always changing. It can be difficult to know if you’re on the right track. Especially if you don’t plan and execute digital marketing campaigns every day, like we do. Let’s take a look at a handful of core ideas that should definitely be part of any ongoing strategy.

    An Organic Search Engine Optimization Plan

    Google processes more than 5 billion search queries per day. Mind boggling, right? The good news for you is that Google can provide a reliable stream of new buyers to your website. To get those customers coming to you over your competitors, there are some useful things you need. Keyword research and optimized pages will make your site easier to find. A strategy for turning visitors into leads or customers will help to make the most of the new wave of consumers. To achieve this, you’ll need to know how search algorithms work. You’ll also need to configure your website to be more visible.

    And let’s not forget about backlinks. In fact, a top ranking factor is the quality of websites linking back to you. If your website isn’t naturally getting attention, you will have to come up with an outreach plan to request links from quality websites

    Targeted Internet Advertising

    There are Google searchers out there who are looking for you. Yes, you!  You and your product or service. There are many ways to make a direct connection to your potential customers. Paid ads are effective, whether you invest in Google AdWords, Bing Ads, Facebook, or Twitter – to name a few.

    You can also take your digital strategy a step further with retargeting. Even if someone organically lands on your website, they might not convert right away. You can use retargeting to continue to advertise to site visitors and give them opportunities to re-engage with your website. Best of all, you can do this for only a few cents per every sales opportunity.

    Email Newsletters & Automation

    An email newsletter is hard to beat when you’re looking for cost effectiveness. Even in the age of advanced SEO and social media marketing, a newsletter is a sure component of your strategy. It will help you stay at the top of a customer’s mind and help drive traffic back to your website. After all, you should have retargeting campaigns set up to continue to advertise after someone clicks on your newsletter link.

    You can also create series of automated messages that guide buyers through successive conversions. This eliminates a lot of redundant steps en route to making a sale, boosting your profit margins.

    Conversion Rate Optimization

    You should always focus and act on regular conversion rate optimization. The only scenario in which you shouldn’t? Every single customer who comes to your site ends up buying your product or requesting your service. As fantastic as we know your business is… we find that very unlikely.

    Conversion rate optimization involves consistent improvements of your messaging and design. Check in on your analytics, review heat maps to identify patterns in behavior, and A/B test new content or promotions. These actions can all result in getting more potential customers to the finish line. It can be an intensive process, but it will make your website continue to grow and profit over time.

    User-Level Marketing Tools

    Advanced tools, like Mixpanel, can allow you to zero in on individual buyer behaviors. Track each user’s journey on your website from start to finish.Then, you can further customize and boost your online campaigns.

    Imagine being able to close a sales loop because you know someone has downloaded an ebook or viewed a video. Now, think of what it would be like to track revenue and user behavior from everything. The entirety of your campaigns. Such information would help you to devote your resources to the appropriate areas. That’s the power of user-level marketing tools.

    Need Help Winning New Customers Online?

    If you need help creating a new website, or drawing qualified buyers to the one you already have, we’ve got your back. Contact the web design, development, and marketing team at Atlantic BT. A free consultation is yours to have. Our experts are on your side.

  • Knowing How to Design the Best Government Sites Users Trust

    Every web design project is different. But, building a functional web presence for a Government agency? That is a unique challenge that is hard to match, no matter what the size of the municipality. Government web design is no small feat. 

    We’ve already talked about how important it is for a Government website to have a strategy in place. We’ve also covered how Government agencies can engage their stakeholders online. None of these tips will be helpful to you, though, if you don’t have the right design and development team on your side. After all, you need a vendor who can turn your vision into a stable and useful finished project. You also need a team who can help you avoid common pitfalls along the way.

    At Atlantic BT, we love the challenge that Government web design presents. With years of experience and plenty of know how, we’re well suited to collaborate and create. Here are a few reasons Governments at every level turn to us again and again.

    Drupal and Why It’s Great for Government Websites

    A good content management system is to a website what a foundation is to a home. So, you need one that’s functional and sturdy. For Governmental agencies, Drupal is the ideal choice. Not only is it free and open source, it’s security is also strong and versatile. Personal information is safe as hackers have a hard time breaking in. It can also work for almost any type of website or purpose. Even better, Drupal works on a regular release schedule. This means that you can plan future changes without any unexpected downtime.

    AWS GovCloud and Public Partnership Certification

    All businesses and organizations want to take advantage of cloud computing technologies. But, Governmental agencies have to be careful when doing so. They have unique needs when it comes to budgeting, privacy, and security. Atlantic BT is a proud partner in the Amazon Web Services GovCloud. We can help you take advantage of special pricing and custom plans. You can rely on real-time information sharing, data backups, and much more. Your website stays fast and protected, without burning a hole in your budget.

    The Ins and Outs of Regulatory Compliance

    The regulations surrounding FISMA, SCAP, FDCC, and USGCB (to name a few) can be overwhelming. Worry not, we’re familiar with each one. As a result, we can get you online faster with every detail in place. This will ensure that you’re always compliant with the latest standards. Thanks to our AWS Public Partnership, we have the tools needed to adhere to your guidelines.

    Citizen and User-Friendly Experiences Across Agencies

    What you’ll find is a web presence that has something for every citizen and user. An 18 year old registering to vote or a senior who wants to check their community calendar can both do so. Every user, no matter what they need, can access and navigate the site with ease. We can help you build and launch a website that serves everyone. No matter how large your audience is or how diverse their needs might be, we’re committed to your citizens. Every single one.

    Need Help With Your Government Web Design Project?

    At Atlantic BT we are your government project bid and proposal experts.  We also know how to take a huge project and break it down into actionable steps. This keeps our clients on schedule and within budget. #Winning, right?  Contact us today to learn more about our work or get the answers to your most pressing web design questions.

  • The Trends That Will Keep Your Collegiate Digital Strategy at the Top of the Class

    Strong web design and online marketing plans are not only pertinent to businesses. Colleges and Universities are turning to us more often for help. They’re looking for ways to stand out on the web and provide efficient digital service to their users. This requires a digital strategy that allows for strong communication between an institution and its users. 

    Overhauling the digital strategy for an institution of higher learning? Yeah, that’s a big undertaking. But, it also means increased benefits for everyone involved. A functional website can do more for your faculty and students. As a result, it becomes easier to manage ongoing operations. That includes applications, enrollments, scheduling, events, and so on.

    Being aware of how consumers are choosing to use technology will help you save time and money.  These are five digital trends everyone in Higher Education should be keeping an eye on.

    #1 Mobile-Friendly Websites and Applications

    More than half of all internet traffic now comes from mobile phones and tablets. On college campuses, those percentages are much higher. Students and faculty need to be able to access web pages and applications from anywhere. A site that is compatible with all popular mobile devices will better serve your users. It was also encourage them to visit your site more often and affect how they perceive your brand. If your university doesn’t use mobile-friendly tools, it’s time to make some upgrades.

    Campbell University saw great success from such a choice. During Atlantic BT’s re-design of Campbell’s site, mobile capabilities were a top priority. The update increased the number of visitors and users. Even better, this allowed for other collegiate processes to run with more efficiency.

    #2 Clear Navigational Paths

    There are many challenges involved with designing websites for Higher Education. The most interesting one is being aware of the many different user groups involved. Each one has their own specific needs and voice. But, they also have to be a clear part of the University community and brand. WordPress is a platform that allows for individuality. It also helps each department stay connected. This provides clear, central hubs for users to find when looking for a specific program.

    But what about the variety of users coming to the site? Their destination may be in place but without a clear path, they’ll never reach it. There are many different types of users to consider when creating these routes. Consider students and faculty, alumni and sports fans, even journalists and job-seekers. University web design must focus on developing navigational paths that work for everyone. Quick, simple steps will provide your users with the information they searched for. A convoluted process might make them leave in frustration.

    #3 User-Generated Content

    Administrators don’t have to generate all content on a university website. There are plenty of others able and willing to contribute. Let students and faculty add descriptions, reviews, and other elements of campus life. You can reduce your online marketing burden while promoting a sense of community. People like to share their experiences. Integrating social tools into your website encourages new ideas and perspectives.

    Delegating content utilizes your website for those behind the scenes. They can best maintain your site for optimal use when their not overwhelmed with only one part of the whole.

    #4 Personalized and Segmented Email Newsletters

    As we’ve noted, you have many different visitors coming to your website. In the same vein, you most likely have a variety of distinct email subscriber groups. Give them the content they’re looking for by personalizing your messages. You can also segment them for various audiences. This strategy is easy and inexpensive. It can also boost your click-through rate and follow-up percentages.

    Your users want to connect with you. Especially with a community that they are choosing to be a part of, either to teach in or gain an education. Take the opportunity to foster strong relationships that are helpful and sincere.

    #5 Smarter Digital Marketing

    Your institution may be well-known and prestigious. But, it would be a mistake to rest on your laurels. A well thought out online marketing strategy will keep users engaged. Enrollments and donations will continue to come in. Embrace tools like Search Engine Optimization (SEO), pay-per-click advertising, and social media marketing. These matter to universities as much as they do to businesses.

    Digital marketing is how you communicate your brand to users. The ways in which you make yourself available to those who want to engage with you, matters. An open, accessible, and smart policy will raise awareness of and foster trust in your brand.

    Need a Better Web Strategy?

    Struggling with good website planning or online marketing execution?   If so, now is the perfect time to talk to the institutional web design experts at Atlantic BT. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and learn more about what we can do for you!