Think Like a Monk 

Viral storyteller and former monk, Jay Shetty, writes this guide for overcoming roadblocks and clearing your mind to focus on your priorities and goals. Speaking from traditional ancient customs and his firsthand experience, Think Like A Monk offers a "how to" to reduce stress, anxiety, and improve focus and self-discipline. While his thought process comes from Buddhist teachings, Shetty has been able to apply what he's learned to modern day relationships, work habits, and life in general. 

The book is filled with meditation and breathing exercises to get you in the mindset of thinking like a monk. The audio version of the book even includes a questionnaire to determine if your varna is a Guide, Leader, Creator, or Maker. 

Watch this short video of Jay Shetty describing the Monk Mindset and how he was able to adjust to modern day living after ➡ VIDEO

Beach & Surf Day

Saturday, August 14th: Did you know Bird Rock Systems was named after popular San Diego surf spot, Bird Rock? It's true! So it is only reasonable that we don't let summer end without catching a few waves. Come join us for a fun day out on the beach, catch those sun rays before summer's over. 

We're even offering surf lessons to those who really want to get the full Bird Rock experience. Sign up now!

Del Mar Golf Tournament

Thursday, September 9th: Good old fashioned day out on the golf course, who couldn't say no to this? Join our team out at the exclusive Del Mar Golf Course and network with your IT peers in the industry. Play 18 holes at this beautiful course and meet our team. 

Can't wait for the invite? Reach out to our team to save your spot before anyone else! 

Tips to Protect Your Mobile Devices

By: Larry Hoehn | Subscribe to Log On with Larry

Mobile devices are such an important part of your life, including things like work, communicating with friends, shopping, and online backing. Be sure to keep you and your devices safe and secure. Here are some tips:

1. Screen Lock: Enable automatic screen locking when the device is idle. This means that to use your device, you must unlock the screen with a strong passcode, your face, or your fingerprint. This makes it harder for anyone else to access your information if your device is lost or stolen. For most mobile devices, enabling the screen lock also enables encryption, helping protect the data stored on the device.
2. Updating: Enable automatic updating on your devices, so they are always running the latest version of the operating system and apps. Attackers look for new weaknesses in software, and vendors frequently release updates to fix them. Keeping your devices up to date makes devices much harder to hack. If you are using an old device that is no longer supported or cannot be updated, consider purchasing a new device that is fully supported. If you are using a device provided by your employer and the device has not been connected to the corporate network recently, check it to be sure it is still receiving its updates.
3. Backups: Back up your device at least once a month to save you from a headache in the long run. You can enable the auto-backup feature on your device that will regularly back up your data to the cloud, or you can back up your files to the cloud manually. Do both and make multiple copies in case your device fails you or your if you need to wipe your device (see next tip). If your phone is lost or stolen, you can set up a new device using the stored data.
4. Tracking: Install or enable trusted software to remotely track your device. This way, you can connect to it over the Internet and find its location if your device is lost or stolen or remotely wipe all your information in a worst-case scenario. If that happens, restore all your data to the new device (see previous tip).
5. Trusted Mobile Apps: Only install needed apps and use trusted sources, such as Apple’s App Store, Google Play, and Amazon App Store. While you may be able to install apps from other sites, these are not vetted and are more likely to be infected or malicious. Make sure the app has lots of positive reviews and is actively updated by the vendor before downloading it. Stay away from brand new apps, apps with few reviews, or apps which are rarely updated.
6. Privacy Options: Mobile devices collect extensive information about you, since you take them everywhere you go. Review your device’s privacy settings, including location tracking, and make sure sensitive notifications (such as verification codes) do not appear on-screen when the device is locked.
7. Work: Be sure any mobile device you use for work is authorized for work use. When at work, be extra careful and never take any pictures or video that may accidentally include sensitive information, such as pictures of whiteboards or computer screens.