Latest news with #Dropbox
Entrepreneur
2 hours ago
- Business
- Entrepreneur
5 Data Backup Mistakes that Could Bankrupt Your Startup
From treating cloud storage as backup to neglecting encryption, these common blunders have shut down 51% of businesses within two years after data loss. Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own. In the current information age, data disasters have become the biggest threat to businesses. Based on a 2024 data loss statistics report, 51% of businesses that suffer data loss shut down within two years, and 43% never reopen their doors. Although most startups take the precaution of backing up their data, many of them do not do that properly. In this article, I will list five of the most common data backup mistakes that could derail your startup and how to fix them fast. Mistake 1: Taking cloud storage as backup One of the biggest misconceptions is taking data sync on cloud storage as an auto backup mechanism. Actually, Google Drive, Microsoft OneDrive and Dropbox are storage solutions, not backup solutions. Data sync helps when your local device is damaged or lost. But if you delete an important file on the local device by mistake, or your file is encrypted by ransomware, the copy on the cloud drive will also be deleted or encrypted. I've encountered many such cases. For example, a design company enables sync between the local drive and Google Drive. One day, the hacker attacks their local systems and encrypts all the drawing files. When they detect the attack, they resort to Google Drive, but only find that all the copies on the cloud are also encrypted! Solution: Find or implement a true backup solution that will create a separate and isolated copy of your data. The solution can be based on cloud storage. However, recent trends show ransomware will not only attack the original data, but also infect the backups. Therefore, to protect your backups from ransomware, it is better to make a backup that is completely physically isolated from your device and the internet. Related: 5 Reasons to Make Regular Data Backups a Part of Your Business Plan Mistake 2: Backup via copy Startups normally ask their employees to back up via copying files to an external hard drive, to save the cost of purchasing a professional backup solution. But this method has the following disadvantages: Over time, it will become more and more complex to manage multiple backup versions. Backing up duplicates files and data repeatedly in different backup versions, wasting a lot of time and unnecessary disk space. Solution: It is more cost-effective to choose a professional backup solution because it can: Manage the backup versions on different time points easily. Most of the solutions support incremental or differential backups, which will only back up the difference since the last backup or last full backup, saving a lot of disk space and time. Mistake 3: Manual backup Similar to mistake two, startups normally choose to backup manually instead of automating the process. But there are many problems with this method: Employees may forget to back up even if there is a regular backup policy. Due to human inertia, employees who initially follow the backup rules may gradually begin to slack off. The backup process will consume a lot of time and system resources, affecting the normal workflow of the employees. Solution: It is always recommended to automate the backup process, because: Data will always be backed up on the scheduled time, not affected by human factors. By scheduling backup time on off-business or off-peak hours, the backup process will not affect the normal workflow or the computer performance greatly. Even if you cannot automate the backup process completely, you should choose a solution that allows you to perform the backup via one-click or one-press instead of a lot of operations, which will make employees more willing to perform the backup regularly. Related: Why Every Small Business Needs a Backup and Disaster Recovery Plan Mistake 4: Backup without encryption Many startups will use various mechanisms to protect their sensitive data, such as privileged access management, multifactor authentication, etc., but neglect the protection of their backup data. Whenever the backup devices are lost, stolen, or the cloud data center for the backup is invaded by hackers, a data breach occurs. IBM report shows that the global average cost of a data breach in 2024 is 4.9 million USD. Other than financial losses, data breaches can also lead to compliance issues and may even result in business closure. Solution: Find a backup solution with encryption support. Make sure you: Use high-strength encryption algorithms. It is recommended to use AES-256 to encrypt and decrypt the backup data since it is fast and secure. Do NOT use obsoleted or insecure algorithms, such as DES and 3DES. Mistake 5: Backup without validation Completing a backup is not the end of your data protection journey — it's just the beginning. The next step is to validate the integrity of the backup data to make sure it can be restored successfully when needed. Validation is very important because: Backup is time-consuming and typically involves a huge volume of data, so any error in the process can corrupt the entire backup. With the elapse of time, the physical devices storing the backup data will deteriorate, causing data corruption. Solution: Find a backup solution that supports validation. And make sure you: Validate the backup immediately after a backup process completes. Validate the old backups regularly. If possible, automate the validation periodically. The startups that last longer are those taking data backup as the core part of their businesses instead of an afterthought. By checking and preventing the five mistakes in this article, you are planning for the worst and turning data vulnerability into resilience. Related: Create a Back-Up Plan for Your Data
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Dropbox's Q1 Earnings Call: Our Top 5 Analyst Questions
Dropbox's first quarter results came in ahead of Wall Street's expectations for both revenue and non-GAAP profitability, but the company reported a modest year-over-year sales decline and a slight drop in paying users. Management attributed the quarter's outcome to deliberate reductions in marketing and headcount, particularly within the FormSwift business, which pressured top-line growth but boosted margins. CEO Drew Houston emphasized that product improvements—especially in onboarding and user experience for teams—drove better-than-expected retention and engagement, noting a 50% year-over-year increase in desktop activations. Is now the time to buy DBX? Find out in our full research report (it's free). Revenue: $624.7 million vs analyst estimates of $620.2 million (1% year-on-year decline, 0.7% beat) Adjusted EPS: $0.70 vs analyst estimates of $0.62 (12.6% beat) Adjusted Operating Income: $260.5 million vs analyst estimates of $237.2 million (41.7% margin, 9.8% beat) Operating Margin: 29.4%, up from 22.7% in the same quarter last year Customers: 18.16 million, down from 18.22 million in the previous quarter Annual Recurring Revenue: $2.55 billion at quarter end, in line with the same quarter last year Billings: $636.8 million at quarter end, down 1.7% year on year Market Capitalization: $7.92 billion While we enjoy listening to the management's commentary, our favorite part of earnings calls are the analyst questions. Those are unscripted and can often highlight topics that management teams would rather avoid or topics where the answer is complicated. Here is what has caught our attention. Steve Enders (Citi) asked about drivers of better-than-expected user retention. CEO Drew Houston highlighted onboarding improvements and focus on Teams customers, while CFO Tim Regan noted expectations for continued headwinds from FormSwift. Rishi Jaluria (RBC) inquired about Dash's differentiation and customer feedback versus competitors. Houston cited unique features supporting images, video, and compliance, and emphasized Dash's appeal among creative professionals and IT administrators. Matt Bullock (Bank of America) questioned the sustainability of lower R&D spend. Regan explained that some cost savings were timing-related, but investments in Dash R&D and marketing are expected to increase as the year progresses. Alex Nguyen (Jefferies) asked about the Promoted AI acquisition and its impact. Houston said the team would strengthen Dash's AI and search capabilities, with integration focused on enhancing machine learning talent rather than leveraging advertising technology. Patrick Walravens (Citizens) sought clarity on technical challenges in building integrations. Houston described the complexity and resource intensity of developing reliable connectors, which require significant in-house R&D for scalability and security. In upcoming quarters, the StockStory team will be monitoring (1) the pace and breadth of Dash adoption, particularly through self-serve channels and expanded integrations; (2) execution on improving user retention and stemming declines in paying users; and (3) the impact of renewed investments in sales, marketing, and R&D on both Dash growth and core business margins. Progress on leveraging AI and data center modernization will also be key indicators of future performance. Dropbox currently trades at $28.90, down from $29.69 just before the earnings. Is there an opportunity in the stock?Find out in our full research report (it's free). The market surged in 2024 and reached record highs after Donald Trump's presidential victory in November, but questions about new economic policies are adding much uncertainty for 2025. While the crowd speculates what might happen next, we're homing in on the companies that can succeed regardless of the political or macroeconomic environment. Put yourself in the driver's seat and build a durable portfolio by checking out our Top 5 Strong Momentum Stocks for this week. This is a curated list of our High Quality stocks that have generated a market-beating return of 183% over the last five years (as of March 31st 2025). Stocks that made our list in 2020 include now familiar names such as Nvidia (+1,545% between March 2020 and March 2025) as well as under-the-radar businesses like the once-micro-cap company Tecnoglass (+1,754% five-year return). Find your next big winner with StockStory today. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Say Goodbye to Monthly Fees With This 1TB Cloud Storage Plan
The following content is brought to you by PCMag partners. If you buy a product featured here, we may earn an affiliate commission or other compensation. Paying for cloud storage every month can add up quickly, especially if you're managing large files or working across multiple devices. For anyone looking to replace ongoing subscription fees with a more permanent option, Koofr's 1TB lifetime plan is a practical alternative for only $119.97 (reg. $810). Koofr is a straightforward cloud storage solution with lifetime access for a one-time fee. You'll get 1TB of space that works across devices, with support for WebDAV and easy access via mobile apps and desktop. It also integrates with other major cloud services like Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive, and Amazon, so you can manage multiple accounts from a single interface. The platform includes helpful file management tools like a duplicate finder, advanced file renaming, and customizable link settings. Data is encrypted both in transit and at rest, and Koofr has a strict no-tracking policy, which sets it apart from many free or ad-supported services. Koofr isn't a full replacement for enterprise-grade platforms, but it offers solid reliability and control for personal or small team use. The interface is clean and easy to use, with no unnecessary features getting in the way. If you're looking for long-term storage without the commitment of another monthly bill, this plan offers a simple, scalable solution. For tech-savvy users who prefer to own their tools over renting them, Koofr is worth a look. Use code KOOFR to get a Koofr Cloud Storage 1TB subscription on sale for $119.97 (reg $810). Prices subject to change. PCMag editors select and review products independently. If you buy through StackSocial affiliate links, we may earn commissions, which help support our testing.
Time Business News
2 days ago
- Business
- Time Business News
Top Tools You Need in 2025 for Work & Life
Let's be honest—2025 is not the time to work harder. It's time to work smarter. Whether you're a remote worker, a student, a creator, or just trying to stay organized, tools are now part of our daily rhythm. But with thousands of options out there, where do you start? This guide cuts through the clutter. Below are the top tools—tested, loved, and ready to save your time, boost focus, and simplify your day. Keeping track of meetings, deadlines, and to-dos is a must. These tools will help you stay ahead without losing your mind: Notion – Your all-in-one workspace for notes, projects, and knowledge bases. – Your all-in-one workspace for notes, projects, and knowledge bases. Google Calendar – Simple and widely integrated. Syncs with everything. – Simple and widely integrated. Syncs with everything. Todoist – Great for personal task lists and team collaboration. Can't concentrate? Try these: Forest – Plant trees while you focus. Stop focusing, and the tree dies! – Plant trees while you focus. Stop focusing, and the tree dies! Focus@Will – Music backed by neuroscience to help you lock in. Whether you're running a business or managing a team, clear communication is key. Slack – Still the go-to for real-time team chats and channels. – Still the go-to for real-time team chats and channels. Zoom – For meetings, webinars, and screen sharing. – For meetings, webinars, and screen sharing. Loom – Record quick explainer videos instead of typing walls of text. Bonus: Grammarly now works across all these tools to keep your messages sharp. Even if you're not a 'designer,' these tools can help you create stunning visuals fast. Canva – Create social posts, resumes, presentations—drag and drop style. – Create social posts, resumes, presentations—drag and drop style. Figma – For UI/UX design, especially for team collaboration. – For UI/UX design, especially for team collaboration. – Instantly removes image backgrounds. Perfect for ecommerce or profile photos. Creative work no longer requires expensive software or design degrees. You don't need to do everything manually anymore: Zapier – Connect apps like Gmail, Slack, and Google Sheets to automate tasks. – Connect apps like Gmail, Slack, and Google Sheets to automate tasks. – Visual workflows that help automate even more complex processes. Dropbox – Reliable and widely used cloud storage. – Reliable and widely used cloud storage. WeTransfer – No login required. Share large files in seconds. In 2025, these tools are your virtual assistants. Whether you're a blogger, student, or entrepreneur—writing is part of life. AI tools make it faster and smarter: ChatGPT – For brainstorming, summarizing, and writing assistance. – For brainstorming, summarizing, and writing assistance. Jasper – Great for marketing copy and content automation. – Great for marketing copy and content automation. Hemingway Editor – Make your writing clear and bold. In the middle of all this evolution, websites like stand out by curating tools that make daily tasks easier—whether you're dealing with documents, converting files, or just fixing tech issues. Your tech toolkit should support your mental and physical health too: Headspace – Guided meditations for stress, focus, and sleep. – Guided meditations for stress, focus, and sleep. Stretchly – Reminds you to take breaks and stretch during work hours. – Reminds you to take breaks and stretch during work hours. MyFitnessPal – Track what you eat and how much you move. Balance isn't a luxury—it's necessary. These tools help you avoid burnout. Money matters. And so does keeping an eye on it: YNAB (You Need a Budget) – Budgeting with purpose and precision. – Budgeting with purpose and precision. Mint – Free, easy, and powerful for tracking expenses. – Free, easy, and powerful for tracking expenses. Revolut – Manage cards, currency, and savings from one sleek app. Make 2025 the year you master your money. The world's changing fast. Lifelong learning is now the norm: Coursera – Take courses from top universities and companies. – Take courses from top universities and companies. Duolingo – Learn languages in a fun, gamified way. – Learn languages in a fun, gamified way. Skillshare – Courses on creative skills, business, and more. Even 10 minutes a day can open new doors. Hackers don't sleep. Neither should your digital defenses: 1Password – Secure, manage, and share your passwords. – Secure, manage, and share your passwords. ProtonMail – End-to-end encrypted email with a privacy-first mindset. – End-to-end encrypted email with a privacy-first mindset. NordVPN – Hide your digital trail and protect your online activity. Your data is valuable. Don't leave it unguarded. The right tools won't just help you get more done—they'll help you feel less overwhelmed, more focused, and fully in control. Start small. Add what works. Drop what doesn't. 2025 is your year to work smarter and live better. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
The National
3 days ago
- The National
AI alone just won't wash – people must be in the pipeline
I needed to spin up a very quick solution to the problem of getting 2025 tourism information in Tiree tidied up into a single usable place which was, crucially, easily updatable. This might surprise some folks, who remain convinced that by talking about the challenges of tourism, and second homes, I am single-handedly trying to destroy the industry. Nothing could be further from the truth – the goal is to try and do tourism better, to the benefit of our communities – but that's a column for another day. READ MORE: 'Completely unprecedented': BBC cuts live feed for Kneecap Glastonbury performance In this instance, I am wearing my Trust comms hat, and trying to ensure that people visiting Tiree get all the information they need at their fingertips. I want to make sure that we are promoting all local businesses, and that we are clearly communicating the key things we want people to know – like how to use passing places, and when and how dogs should be controlled. This is an important part of making tourism sustainable, and beneficial. It should also give the visitor a better experience. Getting that information out to as many people as possible seems like something that technology should be able to simplify. After all, in 2025, isn't everything solved by applying 'AI'? In short, no – but it can help if you know what you are doing. AI doesn't know where we live. It doesn't know what is still open or not open, it has no idea about the realities of visiting an island with no cash machine and cranky crofters (I include myself in that demographic), and it has not a scooby about the vagaries of island life. The problem of getting the details right is not one that's going to be solved by AI and it's not one that's going to be solved by guides that are based on people sucking information off the internet and turning it into a money maker. It's a problem that needs to be solved by people. We understand the difference between information and knowledge. Computers do not. (Image: Unsplash) A disclaimer: I am writing this before the app is launched, and in the full knowledge that I might end up with egg all over my face as the entire concept flops. Such is life. Let's take this information guide as an example of when and how 'AI' is particularly useful. Why am I insisting on putting it in quotes? Because it is not true AI. Not even close. The AI tools we are using are just clever computer programmes with fancy names. Most of the companies producing 'AI' solutions are simply reclothing the emperor. The emperor has had many outfits. Remember Dropbox's early days? It presented itself as seamless cloud magic, but behind the curtain, there was a bloke manually moving files between servers – a classic piece of human-powered sleight of hand. We've seen that before, and now it's happening again with AI. Take once a Microsoft-backed, billion-valuation startup, it claimed its 'AI' assistant Natasha could build apps just by chatting. In reality, however, it leaned on around 700 human engineers in India to do the coding while calling it AI-powered – a textbook case of 'AI-washing'. It's not that it didn't work – it did, thanks to real people – but the magic was all in the marketing, not the algorithm. So back to the practical side of building this thing. The island already has a very good website, but staff at the Trust find it hard to update because the backend of the website is needlessly complicated, and requires them to set aside time to refresh themselves on how to do it every time. When it came to the data, I could have sent AI off to gather all the up-to-date details for businesses in Tiree, to scour the web for the important stuff people need to know and to compile it into a guide. But that would have been a deeply stupid course of action. The internet is full of information about Tiree – some of it right, a lot of it not. There are business websites and social media profiles updated on an ad hoc basis, glossy magazine features with variable accuracy and out-of-date attempts at exactly what I am doing. If you want a good laugh, there's an 'AI'-written guide to Tiree that's so wildly inaccurate it's worth buying for the giggle. (Image: Getty Images) AI doesn't think independently. It draws conclusions from the data it's given. If that data is wrong, so are the results. In this case, the data is far from sound. We would have had to check everything anyway. So we did the data entry manually – copied content, cross-referenced with social media and filled in what we could from public sources. We did the bit AI cannot do – we verified. Content gathering, though, was the easy part. The harder bits were organising the information and making it super simple to update. For users, it had to be laid out in a way that made sense to both visitors and the community. What do we want people to know? What are they likely to miss? What matters here, in Tiree? These are not questions AI can answer. You need to live here, or listen to the people who do. So I asked around, took advice and tried to reflect the priorities of the island. None of that could have come from a chatbot. That part still takes people. Always has. It was the updating part that I was most interested in. If you have an office tech geek with the time to update opening hours in an inscrutable content management system, that's great but those are few and far between. Updating needed to be quick and effortless. I asked ChatGPT how best to do it. It came up with a series of suggestions – including an app builder that runs off a spreadsheet. I had never heard of it, but I was interested. I ended up using it to build the new information app. And the whole thing does indeed run off a Google spreadsheet. To change an opening time, all anyone needs to do is update a spreadsheet cell. That's it. In this case, AI earned its keep by giving me a quick solution I didn't know existed. It offered up an app builder that runs off a spreadsheet, and that turned out to be exactly what I needed. But it only gave the right suggestion because I already understood the 'why' and the 'who'. The software itself also describes what it does as 'AI'. What it actually did was ask me what I wanted, suggest a suitable template and walk me through connecting a spreadsheet and mapping fields to cells. As a front-end person, databases are not my bag, so this worked really well. But let's not pretend it was thinking. It was responding to instructions. So yes – AI helped me build an app. But the purpose, the content, the priorities? That came from here. It didn't speak to the people who live on the island, or consider what makes life easier for visitors and locals alike. I did that. The tool was helpful because the hard part – the understanding – had already been done. Only the season will tell whether other people agree with my understanding.
