Cybersecurity Tips for Upwork Users

Malware isn’t new, but that doesn’t make it any less of a problem for anyone. It’s the weapon of choice for cyber criminals, and it can be frustrating and expensive for its victims. Here’s a look at the stats:

• According to Symantec and Verizon, nearly one million new threats are released every day—a number that always trends upward.
• In the U.S. alone, the FBI reported that ransomware—a particular type of malware that locks down a computer until a fee has been paid—cost victims $209 million in the first three months of 2016 alone. The total for 2015 was $24 million.

Spotting a threat can be tricky at the best of times; cyber criminals are always finding new ways to target organizations and individuals like you. It’s even more complicated when the success of your business requires you to interact regularly, even daily, with people you may not have an existing relationship with.

Here are some ways to help keep your computer, and your Upwork account, more secure.

Tips on How to Help Keep Your Information Safe

As explained in “Trends in Cyber Security Threats & How to Prevent Them,” malware is “malicious software [that] can monitor activity, access personal data, and create ‘backdoors’ into networks that can be accessed by unauthorized users.”

There are essentially two best practices when it comes to cutting your risk of a malware infection: Keep your software up-to-date and avoid online interactions that seem suspicious.

Here’s a look at more specific tips that can help you protect yourself and your business.

First, download reputable antivirus software and put it to good use. There are many different programs—at different price points—available to help keep your IT setup secure. AV-TEST has evaluated some of the most popular programs. Use your antivirus software to scan your email as well as external drives you’ve received or used with other computers.

In many cases, a good antivirus can also help you get rid of malware if you’ve already been infected.

Your next line of defense: Keep your browser and operating system up-to-date. “In nearly 90% of cases, hackers relied on computer bugs that have been around since 2002,” CNN reported in a story about malware. Keep your operating system (i.e. Windows, OS X, Linux, iOS, Android) up to date, and install new security patches as soon as they become available. Waiting to update can leave your system vulnerable, since developers close gaps and shore up weaknesses with each new release.

This is particularly true for Mac users, who may have a false sense of security that their Apple devices are effectively walled off: The Bit9 and Carbon Black Research Team reported that “five times more OS X malware appears in 2015 than during the previous five years combined.”

Question anything unexpected. Email, pop-up ads, prompts by websites to install software, even inconspicuous USB drives that arrive in your mailbox—there are many ways you can inadvertently introduce a virus to your computer. Here are a couple of ways you can stay cautious before you click:

• While some sites require software, like Adobe Flash, to display properly, verify it before downloading it to your computer. Or look for other options; Google Chrome, for example, has a built-in Flash player.
• If a pop-up ad prompts you to call the FBI or Windows Security, or another reputable organization, ignore the alert or confirm appropriate contact numbers by verifying through their website.

Beware of phishing emails. Sometimes emails aren’t necessarily unexpected, but they might still seem off. Here are some tips to help you spot an email scam:

• Look at the email address: does the sender look legitimate? Are there odd typos in the email address or alias?
• Does the content of the email make sense?

If you still feel unsure about an email you’ve received from someone you know, contact that individual — although not by replying to the suspicious email! — to confirm.

Protect yourself with a solid backup process. Malware can sneak through the defenses of even the smartest and most careful Internet user. If you regularly back your computer up using an external device, you can help ensure you have a “clean copy” to help recover your information if the worst happens.

Don’t share your contact information until your working relationship is protected by a contract. Using the Upwork platform during the interview and negotiation process is one way to help keep your information secure. Upwork Messages organizes project details, communication (voice/video/screenshare), and shared files within one shared room. This means you can discuss a project without sharing your personal information, and if you decide not to work together you can block the other person from accessing the room in future. It also helps us learn about issues, get more complete details, and remove users who abuse the system.

Get the right help with network and IT security. Protecting your systems takes an ongoing effort—one that can take a very specific set of skills. Who do you need to have on your team, and where should you start your network security efforts?

Wondering whether you’ve already been infected? Here are a few symptoms to help you detect malware and how to secure a compromised Upwork account >>

But Why Would Someone Target Me?

Why would a criminal target you instead of a bigger company with hundreds of employees and much juicier data to steal?

Because it’s easier.

Bigger companies with what we might think of as better information—such as large user databases and credit card information—also tend to have a better IT security chain. In fact, small businesses are a big attraction; according to Internet security company Symantec, 43 percent of businesses attacked in 2015 had between one and 250 employees.

You may not have a goldmine of information on your hard drive, but that doesn’t mean your data doesn’t have value.

Keeping your systems current, being proactive with your cyber security, and staying alert for suspicious activity online can go a long way to help you and your information stay secure. Learn more best practices to safeguard yourself and your business against these and other threats >>

To help keep Upwork secure:

• Report suspected site vulnerabilities to Upwork as soon as possible. Publicly disclosing a vulnerability can put the entire community at risk, so we urge those reporting vulnerabilities to keep matters private until we can resolve the issue.
• Flag the offending message in Upwork Messages, or
• Flag the job post, client profile, or freelancer profile (get more information about reporting suspicious user activity).

Learn more about how Upwork helps keep you safe with our Trust & Safety policies on privacy and protection >>

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Trust? Upwork Has Your Back.

“One of the biggest things for any online marketplace is trust,” said Elizabeth Tse, SVP of operations at Upwork. “How do you know that person? How do you know they will deliver what you need?”

When you post a project to Upwork, you want to connect with strong freelancers and have the information you need to make a decision and get started. You don’t want to worry whether they have the skills and experience they claim or if they will do the work.

“Trust at Upwork means you have confidence that you will connect with someone in another part of the world, whom you’ve never met, and know they will deliver a great work product that you can easily pay them for, with little-to-no hassle.”
— Elizabeth Tse, SVP of Operations, Upwork

Why go it alone? Three ways the Upwork marketplace lightens your load >>

Previously an executive with eBay, Tse says trust is the key to success for any online marketplace. “Giving money to someone you’ve never met before and having that item show up on your doorstep—in 1999, that was revolutionary. Upwork brings a similarly revolutionary concept to work, one that can be extraordinarily successful if you have the right systems in place.”

Those systems include profile information about a freelancer’s history on the Upwork platform, Upwork Payment Protection for projects that qualify, and a dispute resolution process.

“Trust is something users shouldn’t have to think about,” said Jeff Chen, VP of trust & safety. “People inherently have confidence in the web, and it’s maintained as long as the marketplace you’re using continues to provide the experience you expect.”

Protecting that experience with an ecosystem of checks and balances at every step of the process is the core of Upwork’s marketplace. “There are many different signals—such as information security, a ratings system, and a feedback loop—that combine to help clients feel confident.”

High Expectations and Transparency Keep Users Accountable

Upwork is an open marketplace that allows clients and freelancers to network and collaborate. Through Upwork’s Terms of Service, all users agree to a level of professionalism and responsibility that they’re held accountable for.

“We don’t expect people to be perfect, but we do expect professionalism—the same high standards you’d have if you were working together in the same office.”
— Jeff Chen, VP of Trust & Safety, Upwork

One way the Upwork community monitors itself is through transparency—not just what someone says about themselves but other signals that reveal some of a freelancer’s history:

• Their introduction and self-assessed skills,
• Feedback from previous clients,
• Metrics like skill tests, per-project hours, and earnings.

Another metric is Upwork’s Job Success Score, a ratings system designed to provide more balanced insight into a freelancer’s past performance by accounting for factors, including both public and private feedback from clients.

If you want to easily find some of the highest rated freelancers on Upwork, look for indicators like Rising Talent and Top Rated, which are indicated by a badge on a freelancer’s profile.

These details can help you identify the best professional for your project and move on to the next step: The interview.

“Don’t just start to work with someone. You aren’t buying a camera, you’re looking for someone who can help your business grow,” Tse said. “Schedule a video chat using Upwork Messages. Ask about their portfolio, learn about who they are, and find out whether they’re the right fit for your project.”

Payment Protection Has You Covered

Upwork is the world’s largest freelancer marketplace by transaction volume, enabling more than $1 billion of work annually. In any given week, more than one million hours are billed through our website.

To help bring security and peace of mind through all these transactions, Upwork offers Payment Protection for two payment structures: hourly and fixed-price projects. With Payment Protection, freelancers can expect to be paid quickly for work they’ve done, while you can make sure you’re satisfied with the work you’re billed for.

“For hourly jobs, information collected using the team app can help you verify that people are working on your project—and if freelancers use them, their payment is protected,” Tse said. Using a combination of screenshots and memos from the freelancer, you can confirm what’s been worked on by reviewing the Work Diary as part of the billing process.

“With a fixed-price project, the client has an opportunity to review the work at each milestone, and can release the payment when they’re satisfied with the work. The freelancer is protected by clients putting the money in escrow in advance,” Tse said. “They can start the work once they see the money has already been set aside.”

On occasion, projects don’t go as planned. However, fewer than half a percent of ended contracts go through Upwork’s dispute resolution process, a service that’s available to help resolve disagreements.

“A good or bad experience can be easier to measure when you’re dealing with goods. For example, if you order a camera, you know whether it arrived as described and in working order,” Tse said. “It’s a little bit harder when you’re talking about services. ‘Did the logo meet the expectations you agreed to?’ It’s more complex. There can also be tension and personality differences. It rarely happens, but if it does, we’re here to help.”

As Tse explains, we make it easier for people who’ve never met to set clear expectations and work together safely. “The Upwork marketplace in and of itself provides trust, and it’s the safest place for people to get things done.”

Get your project started on Upwork now >>

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Upwork Newswire: Nearly 40% of U.S. Workers Prefer Gig Work

This biweekly column features the latest freelancing trends and Upwork’s role within them.

SHRM | Nearly 40% of U.S. Workers Prefer Gig Work

Staffing Industry Analysts (SIA), a staffing advisory firm, released their research results on the size and scope of the contingent workforce in the United States. They found 37 percent of U.S. workers would prefer to work outside of the traditional, salaried 40-hour workweek.

For many, contingent work is a popular option. Currently, close to one-third of America’s workforce freelances, which total nearly $1 trillion in earnings.

SIA defined contingent work as anyone working on a temporary basis, including workers identified as:

• Temporary workers assigned through a staffing agency.
• Workers managed through an online platform.
• Independent contractors.
• Self-employed workers.
• Temporary employees sourced directly, including summer interns and seasonal workers.
• Statement of work consultants employed by consulting firms.

“At close to $800 billion, gig and contingent work is a very large sector of the economy, on par with areas that get much more scrutiny and understanding,” said Barry Asin, president of SIA.

About 6.4 percent of the U.S. workforce find contract work through web or app-based platforms such as Uber, Upwork or Freelancer. Nearly seven in 10 surveyed said they moonlight (perform work outside of their primary work) to supplement their income.

Click here for a breakdown of contingent workers per category >>

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Hawthorne by Pennyfarthing – An Elite Collection of 44 Luxury Cambie Condos

At a Glance

• 7-storey residential concrete building
• 44 1- to 3-bedroom condominiums
• 3 levels of underground parking
• prime Queen Elizabeth Park location
• minutes from Oakridge Centre shopping
• easy access to Canada Line
• goal of LEED gold rating

Above All Else
Pennyfarthing Homes rises to new heights on Vancouver’s West Side with the introduction of Hawthorne, an elite collection of 1- to 3-bedroom residences adjacent to Queen Elizabeth Park on Cambie Street. Hawthorne redefines modern luxury living through progressive architecture, finely crafted interiors, and exceptionally sized floor plans. Rising seven storeys, above all else, Hawthorne will be home to a limited few.

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Hawthorne’s superb Westside location provides you with convenient access to all your daily needs. Just a short walk along Cambie at Oakridge, find grocery shopping at Kin’s Farmers Market and Safeway, banks, a pharmacy, post office, public library, telecom providers, medical centre, cafes, restaurants, Hudson’s Bay department store, home decor stores, travel agencies, boutique shopping, and specialty shops. For your recreational needs, there’s skating, swimming, and a gym at Hillcrest Community Centre. Steps away at Queen Elizabeth Park, enjoy a stroll through its lush gardens, exercise your pet at the dog park, play a game of tennis, or hit the links for a round of golf. At Hawthorne, live the high life.

Pricing for Hawthorne
As this project is in pre-construction, Pennyfarthing has not yet released pricing information. However, given the success of Pennyfarthing’s other Cambie Corridor projects, we expect Hawthorne will sell out quickly. Don’t miss out! Sign up to our VIP list above.

Floor Plans for Hawthorne
Final floor plans have not yet been made public. Nevertheless, we know there will be a family-friendly mix of 11 1-bedroom, 21 2-bedroom, and 12 3-bedroom homes. Ground floor residences will all have private patios and the three top floor homes have private rooftop decks. Average home sizes range from 680 to 1,433 sq ft.

Amenities at Hawthorne
Residents will have shared use of a ground floor amenity room with a patio, small kitchen, and washroom. There will also be a shared rooftop deck.

Parking and Storage
Hawthorne will offer three levels of underground parking accessed from the lane. There will be 51 vehicle spaces with two handicapped spots and space for 61 bicycles with 11 lockers and 12 vertical stalls. Thirty-four homes will have in-suite storage, while 13 will have in-room storage.

Maintenance Fees at Hawthorne
Will be released with pricing information.

Developer Team for Hawthorne
Since its formation in 1980, Pennyfarthing Homes has fulfilled the home ownership dreams of nearly 3,000 home buyers throughout the Lower Mainland, Washington State, and California, all the while setting exacting standards of integrity, reliability and professionalism. Following on Bennington House and Grayson, this is Pennyfarthing’s third development in the Cambie Corridor.

To design Hawthorne, Pennyfarthing has chosen Shift Architecture. Shift is a high-performance practice with a track record of respected, inspired projects throughout Vancouver and the Lower Mainland. With proven expertise in multi-family housing, Shift boasts a diverse portfolio of residential, commercial, healthcare, and mixed-use developments. Renowned for its collaborative design process, Shift’s team of core personnel draws upon a deep collective well of experience spanning decades.

Cristina Oberti, a respected interior designer whose name is well-known in Vancouver, will be applying her extensive knowledge and systematic design process to create a unified look and coherent design for Hawthorne that conveys a unique and coherent, yet stylish message.

Expected Completion for Hawthorne
To be announced. Sales start in early 2017.

Are you interested in learning more about other homes in the Cambie Corridor, Kerrisdale, or Southeast False Creek?

Check out these great Cambie Corridor Presales!

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Contessa at Queen Elizabeth Park – Spacious Cambie Corridor Presale Luxury Condos

At a Glance

• exceptional Cambie Corridor location
• 3 laneway townhouses
• 45 1- to 3-bedroom condominiums
• short walk to Queen Elizabeth Park
• upscale Oakridge Centre shopping
• Signature BC Liquor Store
• Hillcrest Community Centre
• Canada Line rapid transit station

Spacious Luxury on the Westside
Pure West Property Investments, in partnership with GBL Architects, bring you Contessa at Queen Elizabeth Park, the latest luxury development in the hot Cambie Corridor district. With roomy condominium and townhouse residences ranging from one to three bedrooms, Contessa is ideally suited to families that appreciate the advantages and conveniences of modern urban living. Nearby schools, recreation, and shopping mean you can enjoy a healthier lifestyle from walking and cycling to meet your everyday needs.

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Situated on the corner of West 37th Avenue and Cambie Street, Contessa’s outstanding location allows you to easily enjoy the lush beauty of Queen Elizabeth Park’s manicured gardens and its numerous leisure activities, such as golf, disc golf, tennis, lawn bowling, and tai chi; or bring your children to Hillcrest Community Centre for baseball, skating, soccer, swimming, and more! Just two blocks away, take care of your grocery shopping at Kin’s Farmers Market and Safeway in Oakridge Centre, then stop off on the way home at Vancouver’s largest Signature BC Liquor Store for the perfect wine to pair with dinner. For endless shopping and dining options, the Oakridge Canada Line station is your express ticket to Vancouver city centre and downtown Richmond. At Contessa, experience the quality of life from human-centred urban design.

Pricing for Contessa at Queen Elizabeth Park
Pure West Property has not yet published pricing information. We recommend interested buyers sign up to our VIP list above to ensure priority notification of new developments. We expect Contessa to be very attractive with buyers due to its liveability and prime location.

Floor Plans for Contessa at Queen Elizabeth Park
As this project is in pre-construction, floor plans have not yet been released. However, we do know there will be three laneway townhomes with private patios, courtyard main entrances, and rooftop terraces with green privacy buffers. The six-storey mid-rise consists of 18 1-bedroom, 19 2-bedroom, and eight 3-bedroom condominiums. A variety of expansive floor plans, with or without dens, range from 608 to 1,177 sq ft. Ground floor homes each have their own private, landscaped patios, while top floor homes have individual rooftop terraces.

Amenities at Contessa at Queen Elizabeth Park
Contessa residents will enjoy a lushly-landscaped outdoor plaza with shaded seating and a children’s play area. At the southern end are community plots for urban agriculture that take advantage of exposure to the sun. A shared rooftop patio offers a warming fire pit with comfortable lounge seating and a communal dining area with all the necessary outdoor cooking amenities.

Parking and Storage
Contessa will provide residents with 51 vehicle stalls and 60 bicycle lockers in two levels of underground parking. Bicycle racks in front of the main building entrance will also be available to visitors. Each townhouse will have its own private underground parking space with direct entry into each residence. Most homes have in-suite storage; five have their own secure storage in the parkade.

Maintenance Fees at Contessa at Queen Elizabeth Park
Will be included with pricing information when available.

Developer Team for Contessa at Queen Elizabeth Park
Pure West Property Investments chose acclaimed GBL Architects to design Contessa at Queen Elizabeth Park. GBL is a progressive Vancouver-based firm of 38 architects, project managers and technicians with a 25-year reputation of providing a full range of architectural services to the private and public sector. GBL design with the belief that form plays a vital role in defining experience through an ever-changing dynamic between sculptural artistry and social responsibility. No stranger to the Cambie Corridor, GBL’s other projects in the neighbourhood include Homei Properties’ Henry at 5389 Cambie, Transca Development’s Primrose, and The Regent at 523 West King Edward.

Expected Completion for Contessa at Queen Elizabeth Park
To be determined.

Are you interested in learning more about other homes in the Cambie Corridor, Mount Pleasant, or Kerrisdale?

Check out these great Cambie Corridor Presales!

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Useful Android Updates for Mobile Developers

You can’t venture far without finding someone glued to their phone or tablet. This is great news for mobile developers across the board, given the widespread popularity of mobile apps and games and messaging.

Apple’s iOS isn’t the only platform of choice, however, and many mobile users are seeking more affordable smartphone alternatives. With its massive install base, Google’s Android is a compelling and constantly expanding platform to develop for.

If you’re an Android developer, it’s worth keeping up with the latest changes and development tips for the platform. These articles from the Hiring Headquarters—Upwork’s resource for businesses, freelancers, and entrepreneurs—offer some of the latest.

Exploring Android’s new Nougat operating system

Much like death and taxes, the arrival of major operating system updates are all but a given for developers. While adapting to the latest updates can be tricky at times, they often introduce new features that savvy developers can take advantage of.

Android’s Nougat 7.0 OS is here, and it improves the platform’s mobile experience for users and developers alike.

“What’s New with Nougat: A Look at the Latest Android Operating System” looks at the notable additions in Nougat 7.0, with a focus on the impact these have on existing apps and how developers can best incorporate them into new apps. The piece offers a helpful at-a-glance view of what the more interesting features bring to the mix for users and Android developers alike.

Here are three updates in particular that can help you make a positive impact on your app designs and user experience.

1) Improved performance, storage, and battery life. More juice for processing everyday tasks and smoother performance is always a good thing. The newly added “just-in-time” (JIT) compiler reportedly makes apps run faster and burn less RAM.

2) Users can run two apps at once on-screen. Multi-window app support, which lets you run two apps simultaneously side-by-side or vertically stacked, is a fascinating feature that comes with drag-and-drop functionality between apps.

3) Direct reply notifications. You can now directly reply to notifications from the app you’re using, without having to switch apps.

Use AsyncTask to free up app overhead

Stability is vital for a successful app. Users tend to get quickly frustrated if your app crashes or doesn’t perform smoothly, but there are many developer tricks to help boost performance and avoid issues that might cause someone to abandon your app.

Every Android app has a main thread, called the UI Thread, that handles the most important tasks. To avoid blocking this thread, which can cause issues ranging from lag to full-on app crashes, many mobile developers recommend using AsyncTask.

“Why You Should Use AsyncTask in Android Development” explains how tapping into the power of background threads can improve app performance and help developers steer clear of potential trouble spots.

The main benefit of AsyncTask is the way it lets you move heavier, long-processing operations to the background to run asynchronously without leaving users hanging. Beyond the technical explanation of the UI Thread and how it affects your apps, this article also provides useful snippets of sample code to help implement AsyncTask in your app.

For more helpful tips, have a look at the mobile development category on the Hiring Headquarters, or learn about seven common mistakes that could affect your android app’s performance >>

Feature image by Asif Islam / Shutterstock.com

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Avoiding Legal Headaches and Confusion When Working With Freelancers