Integrated Professional Skills in the Digital Age

The report discusses the meaning of ICT and its role in business, integrated professional skills in the digital age, cloud storage, collaboration tools, privacy and security, and the benefits and challenges of local internet. The report also identifies the impact of the pandemic on businesses and measures to be taken for protection.

INTEGRATED
PROFESSIONAL SKILLS
IN THE DIGITAL AGE

Executive summary
The report will discuss the meaning of ICT and its role in the business. The main purpose
of the report is getting knowledge of the integrated professional skills in digital age. In this report
concept of cloud storage will be discussed also with its utility. Moreover, the report had
discussed various collaboration tools working of business along with had identified impact of
pandemic on the business. Also, certain privacy and security threats had also been discussed in
detail. Also, the benefits and challenges of local internet had also been covered in this study.

TABLE OF CONTENT
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................4
MAIN BODY...................................................................................................................................4
LITERATURE REVIEW................................................................................................................4
Collaboration tools.......................................................................................................................4
Cloud storage ..............................................................................................................................5
Cloud computing..........................................................................................................................5
Privacy and security ....................................................................................................................6
Analysis and Discussion..................................................................................................................7
Collaboration tools.......................................................................................................................7
Explaining how tools helps business in pandemic.......................................................................7
Identifying potential privacy and security threats........................................................................8
Measures to be taken for protection.............................................................................................8
Discussing the benefits and challenges of a private internet.......................................................9
CONCLUSION................................................................................................................................9
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................11

INTRODUCTION
Digital age refers to the time period in which information is accessible to people in bulk
using the computer technology. Integrated professional skills mean combination of two or more
professional skills. Information and communication technologies abbreviated as ICT is collection
of tools and resources that are technological and of diverse nature. ICT is widely used in
businesses for transmission and storing of data. Further in business ICT is used to create and
share information on large scale. ICT helped companies of almost every sector largely during the
pandemic time (Bieser and Hilty, 2018). As the physical stores were closed during the pandemic
ICT allowed a platform for online market that saved sales with safety, connection became easier,
companies were able create brand awareness and attract new customers. The report will discuss
the concept of collaboration tools with advantages and disadvantages. Cloud storage and its used
along with the pros and cons will be covered in the report. The report will further highlight the
meaning, uses and suitability, applications of cloud computing along with the benefits and
drawbacks. In the report privacy and security will also be discussed. Further the report will
analyse and discuss collaboration tools in detail with examples. Privacy and security will be
outlined. Benefits and challenges that comes with private and public internet will be talked about
in the report.
MAIN BODY
LITERATURE REVIEW
Collaboration tools
According to the Hurst, ( 2020) collaboration tools are mainly defined as the approaches
which are mainly used for working together effectively and efficiently by helping various
business and individuals for working together. The ICT is mainly defined as the resources which
is used for transmitting. As per the Jackson and et.al., (2022) Various examples as of the
collaboration tool as zoom, it is established for providing the video conferencing services which
help in collaborating to the mobile devices and the other apps this results in bringing various
individuals together by video conferencing and online meetings. Also, the Microsoft teams is
regarded as the collaborating app which helps in organizing the conversation by using to this
device as it helps and supports the Microsoft teams for instantly communication to their staff and
the teams. Another example is the Skype which is used for communication and collaborating
with audio and video calls between multiples devices. Further the other collaboration tool as of

the slack which is mainly used for messaging and connecting to various individual by bringing to
unified teams as for communicating in the organized manner. These tools are mainly used for
collaborating various various individuals these are mainly used for supporting various individual
in team members as for accomplishing and achieving the goals .
Various advantages of using these tools as for saving the time and the resources by
spending into collaborating with using the online tools. It also helps in increasing the
productivity by spending more time into collaborating as for efficiently collaborating on the
important activities which helps in improving the communicating between various individuals
which helps in boosting the team and individual morale.
Cloud storage
Cloud storage is a process of by which cloud computing model is used store data on
internet. It is way that enables business and customers to store their data online securely. Data
stored on cloud storage is accessible anytime, anywhere when required. Data is shared only to
those users to whom the access or permission is granted by the owner of information. It also acts
as a way for backing up of data making it easier to recover later on. Top cloud computing
services that are free to some extent are Google drive, Box and Dropbox. Cloud storage
technology is useful for businesses greatly as it eliminates the need for maintaining data storage
infrastructure.
As per the Li and et.al., (2020) it is mainly used for storing and hosting the services
which supporting in storing the data without using up physical spaces. As it mainly stores the
data on the internet by eliminating the buying and managing the data storage.
The advantages of using the cloud storage as it helps in storing the data without using the drives
and backing up the data in the cloud . Also it helps in sharing all the files in the easy manner by
keeping all the file in encrypted way which helps in storing the lifetime. Further it helps in
providing the additional safety by storing the data and supports in syncing and updating all the
devices from the cloud storage.
Cloud computing
According to the Alam, (2020) Cloud computing is defined as the approach which helps
in dealing various services by using the intranet. It helps in easy access to the computing
resources and the it services. Using this services helps in securing the data and saving the cost by
increasing the productivity, speedily working and increasing its efficiency by performing well

and securing it. This is mainly delivering various services including the storing the data,
networking. This mainly supports various business by speedily working as by involving all the
application in quick manner by using the remote resources and other equipments. As per the
Srivastava and Khan, (2018) it is mainly used for storing the data, by offering the remote access
to all the work related. As various organization mainly use it for data backup, recovery from the
various disaster, developing of the software, testing the big data. These tools are mostly used in
the in house operations which host services for various specific clients and charges fee for
providing service to the public.
Various advantage as by using the cloud computing in the business as it helps in restoring
and backing up the data and supports in improving the collaboration by easily harnessing the
data to the grow up and various individual. Further it help in reducing the cost of hardware and
software used for Storing the cats by storing in using the Internet devices with providing the
unlimited storage for storing various documents, videos, images with securing the data by
providing the security with using the advance features.
As per the Sharma, Jinda and Borah, (2020) various disadvantages of cloud computing
as with the lack of the internet connectivity hinders in storing the data on the online platform
which result in accessing the cloud for storing the data. Various security breaches as of the
hackers will destroy the storage of the data on the cloud for this using the best cloud software
with supportive technology helps in effectively Storing the data in the online platform. Also it
has downtime is the biggest disadvantages for this service which results in facing various
technical outages due to loss of power in internet connectivity issues and the lack of
maintenances results in impacting the cloud computing storages.
Privacy and security
As per the Mathis, Vaniea and Khamis, (2022) privacy is mainly defined as the ability to
control and accessing all the information about the business activities. In business privacy is
very important a it helps in storing the data by limiting the breaches and the data security issues
by enforcing all the compliance laws it is very important for the business as it helps in securing
the personal information of consumers. In the business by keeping all the private data in security
by simply planning and complying the rules and technology for maintaining the business
privacy. Security in the business. Security very important to be applied in the business as for
effective storing and securing the data stored by using the secure codes, alarm systems, Locking

the doors. This mainly helps in measuring the external thereat of the business for storing and
giving privacy o the business.
As per the Tawalbeh and et.al., (2020)Various challenges faced by the business related to the
privacy and security are :
Crypto jacking : These are mainly the cyber criminals Which is mainly challenging for privacy
of the business by hacking the ad and computer power for generating the crypto currency.
Threat against data : Various threats during the covid pandemic faced by the business as
stealing the data by the hackers for using their personal information.
Email threats: This threat are those as for example which is mainly attacking the management
as of using their information by assessing the data.
Analysis and Discussion
Collaboration tools
These are tools that consist of software, programs or platforms through which both
business and people might streamline various processes. Furthermore, one of most famous
collaboration tool is Microsoft teams that helps staff in being organized through providing the
platform where group of team able to establishes instant communication's with members at
anytime even while working in remotes areas (Abdullayev, 2020). Also, Microsoft teams is best
tool of collaboration as it helps in creating private teams for sharing the sensitive information.
Furthermore, when specific projects need to be carried out within limited time frame than this is
efficient as it allows in organize specific meetings, having calling features and also allow the
members of team to catch up with activities like unread messages, replies, mentions etc. Also,
another is slack collaborative software tool developed for individual and companies to make the
communication easier. Moreover, again through this tool departments would be able to
collaborate client presentations and look at various details rather than sending emails and
replying for feedback that consumes lot of time. Also, major difference in Microsoft teams and
this tool is that it helps in archiving more than 10000 messages in the workplace than others.
Explaining how tools helps business in pandemic
Through using various types of collaboration tools the firms have been able to bring ease
and efficiency in the working especially during the times of pandemic when workplace were
been closed. Furthermore, through using these tools businesses had been able to maintain
efficiency and productivity as all the employees were able to solve various queries and provided

certain opinions in most quick manner even while working in different regions thus saving both
cost and time of the company (Demestichas and Daskalakis, 2020). Also, chances of missing any
kind of important email or updates was minimized as employees would get instant notifications
from various departmental heads in the quickest manner so that corrective actions might be taken
on time. For instance: With the use of online collaborative tool please review world health
organization was able to conduct the assembly of large number of people that was other not
possible in time of Covid -19. Also, the collaborative tools in organization also boost employee
morale as it provides enough freedom to them to perform organization work n their own
comfortable place.
Identifying potential privacy and security threats
As all the work is carried out remotely and through use of online tools in time of
pandemic there is greater risk of the criminal activities and cyber attacks that firms might face
while carrying out different business tasks. Also, cybersecurity is major concern for the company
to protect all the useful and confidential data of the business so that there are no problems in the
future. Moreover, there are cases of financial frauds of the business where the large amount of
company that had been misguided and accounts funds have been withdrawn without any kind of
permission (Stosic, Dermendzhieva and Tomczyk, 2020). Furthermore, security threats such as
computer virus have also caused lot of difficulties in time of remote working where all the data
had been corrupted without having any kind of backup storage for the recovery. Moreover,
sometimes personal information of the employees provided within the organization is also
misused if the are is lack of privacy protection software that are further major causes in working.
Measures to be taken for protection
The most important thing that business need to do is to secure all the company networks
through restricting the access to any personal or any other data to only the members of the
organization through developing high security password. Also, business should educate all
employees about cyber security best practices so that more precautions might be taken while
carrying out various tasks at the workplace by the employees (Roztocki, Soja and Weistroffer,
2019). Furthermore, the companies should have the back up automatically feature installed in
every systems so that in times of any unforeseen events the firms would be able to recover all the
important documents of employees. Also, for ensuring extra protection the company need to
make sure that all the machines are been updated to the latest technologies' as modern hardware

is one best defence against various type of malware and other online threats. Moreover, it is
important for the company to create the recovery and response plan so that employees might be
able to respond back in the best manner if in case any of the cyber attack occurs.
Discussing the benefits and challenges of a private internet
The major benefits Russia will get in getting their private internet would be that it helps
in hiding all sought of private information. Also, it allows the user to safely browse on the web
irrespective of the location (What Are the Advantages and Disadvantages of a VPN, 2022).
Furthermore, another merit to Russia would be that private internet would offer cheaper leased
line than compared to other alternatives. Also, using the private network would allow the
business in escaping the data throttling. Moreover, through VPN Russia would be able to reduce
the long distance telephone charges and provided network scalability (Wang and et.al., 2021).
However, there are some challenges that need to be faced by Russia while using the private
network one of being that it has comparatively lowered internet speed while browsing on any
kind of web pages thus impacting the efficiency. Moreover, setting up private network is initially
(difficult) than compared to other modes. Also, there are certain websites that block the VPN
users that might further cause problems to Russia in terms of efficient browsing. Also, VPN has
the major issue to consumers in terms of checking quality of encryption in terms of identifying
whether the services provided is been secured or not. Thus, the private network has its own merit
and demerits that need to be taken care while making any final decisions. Moreover, through the
right analysis Russia would be able to make the most out of it and carry out secure operations
over the period.
CONCLUSION
On the basis of this report the meaning of integrated professional skills in digital age has
been made clear. The report has discussed the meaning of ICT and its usefulness in businesses.
Collaborative tools have been explained with examples, uses and advantages and disadvantages
in detail in the report. Cloud storage concept along with the usefulness of this cloud computing
model have been highlighted in the report. Further the report has also described the advantages,
disadvantages along with the suitability and applications of cloud storage. Cloud computing, the
term, its uses and advantages and disadvantages are comprised in the report. The report has also
discovered the challenges to the privacy and security of data faced by the businesses. How
important data privacy and security is for a business enterprise has been understood in this

report. Two collaborative tools have been discussed in context of their helpfulness to business
during pandemic in detail in this report. The potential threats to privacy and security faced by
businesses during pandemic has been covered in this with the measures to prevent them.

REFERENCES
Books and Journals
Alam, T., 2020. Cloud Computing and its role in the Information Technology. IAIC
Transactions on Sustainable Digital Innovation (ITSDI). 1(2). pp.108-115.
Bieser, J. C. and Hilty, L. M., 2018. Assessing indirect environmental effects of information and
communication technology (ICT): A systematic literature review. Sustainability. 10(8).
p.2662.Abdullayev, A. A., 2020. System of information and communication technologies
in the education. Science and world International scientific journal. 2. pp.19-21.
Demestichas, K. and Daskalakis, E., 2020. Information and communication technology solutions
for the circular economy. Sustainability. 12(18). p.7272.
Hurst, E.J., 2020. Web conferencing and collaboration tools and trends. Journal of Hospital
Librarianship. 20(3). pp.266-279.
Jackson, V and et.al., 2022. Collaboration tools for developers. IEEE Software. 39(2). pp.7-15.
Li, J., Wu, J., Jiang, G. and Srikanthan, T., 2020. Blockchain-based public auditing for big data
in cloud storage. Information Processing & Management. 57(6). p.102382.
Mathis, F., Vaniea, K. and Khamis, M., 2022. Prototyping usable privacy and security systems:
Insights from experts. International Journal of Human–Computer Interaction. 38(5).
pp.468-490.
Roztocki, N., Soja, P. and Weistroffer, H. R., 2019. The role of information and communication
technologies in socioeconomic development: towards a multi-dimensional
framework. Information Technology for Development. 25(2). pp.171-183.
Sharma, P., Jindal, R. and Borah, M.D., 2020. Blockchain technology for cloud storage: A
systematic literature review. ACM Computing Surveys (CSUR). 53(4). pp.1-32.
Srivastava, P. and Khan, R., 2018. A review paper on cloud computing. International Journal of
Advanced Research in Computer Science and Software Engineering. 8(6). pp.17-20.
Stosic, L., Dermendzhieva, S. and Tomczyk, L., 2020. Information and communication
technologies as a source of education. World Journal on Educational Technology: Current
Issues. 12(2). pp.128-135.
Tawalbeh, L.A and et.al M., 2020. IoT Privacy and security: Challenges and solutions. Applied
Sciences. 10(12). p.4102.
Wang, W. and et.al., 2021. Information and Communication Infrastructures in Modern Wide-
Area Systems. Wide Area Power Systems Stability, Protection, and Security. pp.71-104.
Online
12 Benefits of Cloud Computing.2022.[Online]. Available
through:<https://www.salesforce.com/in/products/platform/best-practices/benefits-of-cloud-
computing/>
What Are the Advantages and Disadvantages of a VPN. 2022. [Online]. Available
through:<https://securitygladiators.com/vpn/advantages-disadvantages/>.