Watch Out For Fake Fonts! And Other Small Business Tech News This Week

(This post originally appeared on Forbes)

Here are five things in technology that happened this past week and how they affect your business. Did you miss them?

1 – A new form of ransomware centers on a fake font update.

If you’re a Google Chrome user, you might get an update asking you to update your fonts. Don’t do it. The bogus update leads to a compromised website that claims the “HoeflerText font was not found” and displays “version numbers that make it appear as though Chrome is somehow out-of-date.” If the user takes the bait, a “font installer” begins to install a file that is full of Spora ransomware. Jerks! (Source: Forbes)

Why this is important for your business:

Ever been hit with a ransomware attack? Then you definitely know how important this advice is to your business.

2 – Lyft is expanding to 54 new cities and four new states.

Ordering a ride from your mobile device just got easier. Uber-competitor Lyft has announced that it is launching in 54 new cities and four new states in its “largest expansion to date.” (Source: The Verge)
Why this is important for your business:

Uber is fast becoming the number one expense for business travelers (outside of plane fare and hotels). But what with all the recent negative publicity about the popular ride-sharing service, many business travelers are looking for alternatives. Lyft is rising to meet that need.

3 – BambooHR now offers payroll.

Human resources technology is exploding this year, and services like BambooHR are providing platforms that help small- and medium-sized businesses manage their employees for everything from interviewing and onboarding to benefits and paid time off. The company this past week announced full-service online payroll features to complement these existing offerings. (Source: BambooHR press release)

Why this is important for your business:

If you’ve got more than five employees, I recommend that you seriously consider an HR platform for your business – many of my clients are doing so this year. The best offer payroll functionality in addition to HR management features.

4 – It’s getting easier to do business with the government.

GovBizConnect, a social network that connects small and large government contractors, has expanded its features to include “tens of thousands of business profiles, a powerful search capability, and a full suite of social networking features enabling companies to find and contact the right teaming partner,” according to its CEO. (Source: GovBizConnect press release)
Why this is important for your business:

It’s not just what you know – it’s who you know. Many of my clients have been frustrated with the bureaucracy in their attempts to do business with the government. Others have discovered that working with firms that are already doing business with the government is an easier path to working on government contracts. This service will make it easier to find those potential partners.

5 – DocuSign has a new way for your customers to sign and pay.

According to the company, when you send a document to a customer using their popular e-signature service, you can now include with it a form to accept payment at the same time. (Source: DocuSign press release)

Why this is important for your business:

We love using DocuSign to get our agreements signed fast. Now we can ask for payment from our customers at the same time? Sign me up!