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Category: Technology
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Changing how we think about cybersecurity: Creating the attacker’s dilemma
I was at a conference recently at which Tim Crothers delivered the keynote. Tim has worked as a breach investigator for the better part of his career. He joined Target after their 2013 breach and currently leads their cyber security team. I got to hear him flip an information security paradigm on its head. “The defender’s…
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Why use WordPress?
When it comes to building a new website or migrating an existing website, you have a lot of options. From the content management system to the hosting platform to larger technology decisions about integrations and plugins. And on top of that, who to work with to get it all done right. We’re here to help.…
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Understanding meltdown and spectre
You’ve probably heard or seen at least a few news stories about the most recent technology vulnerabilities, Meltdown and Spectre. These newly discovered hardware issues are pervasive, complex, and very technical. While specifics continue to be finalized, we wanted to provide two explanations that audiences across the board — from tech pros to non-techs —…
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Seven steps to learning a new technology
Have you ever had a client say something like, “I love that idea, but can you write it in Ruby?” Your gut drops, and your blood pressure rises. Outside of hearing the Ruby referenced all the time, you know little about it. And you’re supposed to be the tech expert in the room! At the same time,…
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Assessing a Company’s Commitment to Security
Security matters If you’re reading this close to its publication date, security breaches and vulnerabilities are everywhere in the news. From Heartbleed to the massive Target credit card breach, digital security has never been more important to the average person. Nancy, our CEO, recently wrote about how you must take responsibility for protection of your personal…
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Learning to Talk Tech
In college I took a Computer Science 101 class. For the first assignment, the professor asked us to write step-by-step instructions on how to tie a shoelace. (Stick with me here.) I thought, “No problem. Just make the bunny and run around and go through the hole. Boom.” The next day he asked for volunteers. He…
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Why Contextual Observation Is So Valuable
Understanding user needs is critical to the success of any product, and usability testing is one important tool that helps us build websites, programs, and apps that users love. But not all usability tests are created equal. I recently had the opportunity to conduct a contextual usability test with Wits, a Minnesota Public Radio show, and…
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Building Loyalty in a Card-free World
Recent articles in Inc.com and Slate have made the case against card-based loyalty programs, arguing that they are bad for business and that companies should focus their energy on creating a superior experience. They’re right that following a cookie-cutter or “me too” approach to loyalty will likely not pay off, but that doesn’t mean loyalty is dead. It just…
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What is Direct Traffic?
So you’ve got a website and you’ve installed Google Analytics. That’s a great start, but don’t stop there! With a bit of time and attention, Google Analytics (GA) can provide valuable information regarding conversions. Conversions are those key moments when visitors do something interactional or transactional on your site, e.g. complete a sale or donation, sign up for…
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When Powerball Attacks
Clockwork websites live on a cluster of redundant, load-balanced servers. On any given day, this cluster handles hundreds of requests per second, or millions per day. This is boring; it’s what we do all day, every day. I want to talk about a different kind of day. What Happens One of our clients is the Minnesota…