Insights

Smartphone theft has escalated alarmingly. In San Francisco, for instance, a man was arrested for scamming elderly residents by sending fake phone notifications, leading to the theft of at least $64,000. Similarly, Los Angeles has witnessed a surge in property crimes, with reported burglaries and thefts slightly increasing this year. These incidents underscore the importance of being vigilant and proactive in protecting our devices.

You work hard for your money, and you do your best to stay safe online. But scammers? They’re working just as hard — if not harder — to take what’s yours. Every day in California, people fall victim to sophisticated fraud schemes that are more convincing than ever. From AI-powered impersonation scams to fake charity cons, these scammers have refined their tricks to outsmart even the most cautious individuals.

Artificial Intelligence is the business world’s shiny new toy, promising automation, efficiency, and insights at a speed no human could match. But like any powerful tool, AI comes with risks. And not just the kind that make tech teams groan — these risks can disrupt businesses, erode trust, and even lead to legal nightmares. Before your company dives headfirst into AI, let’s talk about the pitfalls lurking beneath the surface.

Small business owners wear too many hats. One minute, you’re handling customer service, and the next, you’re sorting out invoices, juggling emails, and trying to keep up with the latest tech. It’s exhausting. AI promises to ease that burden, tackling tedious tasks, analyzing data, and even predicting customer behavior. But here’s the catch—  AI can’t do everything. When businesses rely too much on automation, they risk losing the very thing that makes them stand out: human connection.

In a significant cybersecurity incident, hackers have compromised at least 35 Google Chrome extensions, potentially affecting over 2.6 million users. This breach underscores the evolving tactics of cybercriminals and highlights the importance of vigilant cybersecurity practices.

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and more than love could be in the air. What if your perfect match turned out to be a perfect scam? It’s a question more people should be asking as romance scams surge, with losses skyrocketing and tactics growing more sophisticated.

Small businesses in California face a unique set of challenges. Technology can be a powerful ally, but without the right strategies, it can just as easily become a source of frustration. The stakes are high — cybersecurity threats, unexpected downtime, and outdated systems can derail even the most promising ventures. The question is no longer whether to invest in technology but how to do it in a way that drives real results. For small businesses, the right tech moves can make all the difference between merely keeping up and staying ahead.

The recent wildfires in Los Angeles have been a tragic reminder of not only have quickly disaster can strike, but how unpredictable it can be. With over 12,000 structures destroyed and significant economic losses, businesses across the region are grappling with the aftermath. For many, the flames didn’t just consume buildings; they threatened the very data and systems that keep operations running — many of which may never fully recover.

Xobee Networks is buzzing with pride as they celebrate Founder & CEO, Eric Rawn, for being named one The Business Journal’s top executives in California’s Central Valley. This recognition honors Eric’s leadership, innovative vision, and commitment to making a difference — qualities that have propelled Xobee Networks to new heights. Let’s take a closer look at the journey that led to this incredible achievement.