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One in five Brazilian dating app users report being targeted by cybercriminals, according to Norton

With the increase in the number of users on dating platforms, the current scenario reveals the risks involved, as scammers are also exploiting people's search for love and companionship to carry out sophisticated romantic scams.

A new survey byNorton, the cybersecurity brand of Gen™ (NASDAQ: GEN), conducted with Brazilians, provides a snapshot of user habits and the risks of digital love. According to the survey, nearly four out of ten (37%) Brazilians are currently using a dating app, and many spend an average of almost 9 hours (8.69) per week on these apps. Among those who use dating apps, one in five Brazilians (21%) claim to have been targeted by a scam.

Iskander Sanchez-Rola, Norton’s Director of Innovation, explains that romantic scams are also known as online dating scams. "This type of scam occurs when a person is deceived into believing they are in a romantic relationship with someone they met online, but in reality, their other half is a cybercriminal. In this case, they use a false identity to gain the victim's trust and request their personal information or money. Thus, the cybercriminal can commit scams or gain financial advantages," warns.

Among Brazilians (21%) who reported having been targeted by cybercriminals, 85% were victims of a scam, the most prevalent being:

  • 41% of Brazilians have already been victims of romantic scams.A romance scam is when a person is tricked into thinking they are in a relationship with someone they met online, but it is actually a scammer using a false identity to gain the victim's trust and ask them for money.
  • 29% of Brazilians have been victims of Catfishing.It is the act of the scammer impersonating another person online, using photos and information about them or a fictitious identity. In some cases, thecatfishersThey can steal someone's identity, including their name, photos, and birthday data.
  • 27% of Brazilians have been victims of Sugar Daddy/Sugar Baby scamsIn this type of romantic scam, the scammer pretends to be a wealthy individual who wants to send money to a younger person in exchange for online companionship. After gaining your trust, the cybercriminal requests an initial fee or personal information before sending your allowance.
  • 23% of Brazilians have been victims of photo scams. Scammers seek to convince their target to send personal information in exchange for intimate photos.
  • 16% of Brazilians have been victims of fake dating sites.They are fraudulent dating sites that claim to be legitimate, but are actually full of scammers. These sites are created to mine information.
  • 15% of Brazilians have been victims of military romance scamsThe scammer pretends to be a military personnel, probably on duty. He builds a relationship of trust using jargon and military titles, then asks for money to cover expenses, such as flights back home, for example.
  • 15% were victims of sextortion scamsThis type of scam is particularly insidious, involving threats to disclose private or compromising information unless a ransom is paid, usually in cryptocurrencies. These scams start with phishing emails and exploit human emotions such as fear and shame.
  • 13% of Brazilians have been victims of malware scamsIn this case, the recipient interacts with a scammer who sends them a website that appears legitimate; however, it is a page that includes malware.
  • 12% of Brazilians have been victims of disease-related fraud or medical scams.These scams involve fraudsters pretending to offer treatments or claiming to suffer from false illnesses to steal money or personal information. This can include selling false cures, falsifying medical conditions to solicit donations, or impersonating health insurance agents to gain access to confidential data.
  • 9% of Brazilians have been victims of code verification scamsThe scammers send a fake verification code via email or text message, pretending to be a dating app or website. After clicking on it, personal information is requested, including credit card numbers.

Additionally: 8% of Brazilians have been victims of inheritance scams; 7% have been victims of visa or immigration scams; and 7% have also been victims of cryptocurrency or investment scams.

The security of dating apps

Norton's survey also analyzed the behavior and perceptions of Brazilians regarding the security of applications when seeking a relationship in the digital universe.

Almost seven out of ten (67%) of respondents who use apps said they had encountered suspicious profiles or messages at least once a week, which leads many Brazilians to seek to ensure their safety before any in-person meeting.

More than one-third of current online dating users (36%) in Brazil communicate with someone on a dating app for a week or less before they are willing to meet in person. However, most Brazilians (94%) take the following precautions, such as:

  • Search for the person on social media or the internet (57%)
  • Make a video call with the person(48%)
  • Message the person outside of the app or dating platform (42%)
  • Tell a friend or family member about your meeting plans before you go on the date. (40%)
  • Share your location with a family member or friend before meeting (38%)
  • Make a phone call with the person (32%).
To avoid falling victim to scams, Iskander Sanchez-Rola recommends that “dating app users remain alert for signs of fraud and take proactive steps to protect their personal information. In addition, it is essential to always maintain a healthy level of skepticism, avoid sharing sensitive data and never send money to strangers.”

Research methodology

The study was conducted online in Brazil by Dynata on behalf of Gen from December 5 to 19, 2024, among 1,002 adults aged 18 and older.

Sós revolutionizes female entrepreneurship with direct sales app

Female entrepreneurship has just gained a powerful ally: A Sós, the first company specializing in intimate health in Brazil, launched last week an innovative app that promises to transform the experience of the more than 9,000 consultants of the brand across the country.

In addition to facilitating the buying and selling of products, the tool also empowers women to build and grow their businesses in a practical and profitable way. With a platform that integrates everything from financial management to a personalized own store, the A Sós app allows each consultant to have, literally, their own office in the palm of their hand.

According to A Sós CEO, Paulo Aredes, the goal is to simplify processes, optimize the consultants' earnings, and also promote professionalism in the direct sales sector. "We want to help and make it easier for more women to achieve their financial independence," he adds.

Features and Benefits

Among the main differences of the application, the following stand out:Custom sales page:Each consultancy can create its own online store, making it easier to share products and serve customers.Simplified inventory management:real-time product control, preventing stock shortages and optimizing restocking.Pix code generation and payments:greater flexibility to receive instant payments.Integration with card machines:making the sales process even faster and more secure.Complete financial management:detailed tracking of sales, profits, and expenses.Customer management:organization and segmentation of the consumer base for more efficient service.

Non-market differential

By combining technology and female entrepreneurship, A Sós reinforces its commitment to transforming the journey of its consultants, offering not just a sales platform but a true ecosystem of growth and empowerment.

In addition to technological innovation, A Sós stands out for offering the lowest rates in the market through UP Vendas, the financial administrator that facilitates transactions and guarantees higher profitability for consultants, enabling sales to happen directly through the app.

The app is now available for download and promises to help thousands of women who want to start a business in a simple and quick way.

Check out 5 book tips to learn everything about artificial intelligence

In addition to representing a digital revolution through disruptive technologies, artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping businesses and professions, consolidating a new market.According to Spherical Insights, the sector could reach $2.76 trillion by 2032.

With great opportunities and challenges, generative artificial intelligence still has much room for exploration. With new tools being developed and the evolution of solutions like ChatGPT, learning about artificial intelligence is essential for those who want to stay updated. Therefore, it's worth learning about five books that can help you learn more about this technology.

1. AI 2041: Ten Visions of the Future

Kai-Fu Lee and Chen Qiufan

Available in Portuguese

The book "AI 2041: Ten Visions of the Future" offers a futuristic approach to how artificial intelligence will be incorporated into society. Combining fiction and reality, the work presents ten stories that provide an expanded view of the impact technology may have in the coming years.

2. Artificial Intelligence for Dummies

John Paul Mueller and Luca Massaron

Available in English

This guide presents the fundamental concepts of artificial intelligence through simple and concise language. Ideal for those seeking to understand the entire mechanism behind the technology, the book provides information about neural networks and machine learning.

3. Artificial Intelligence

Stuart Russell e Peter Norvig

Available in Portuguese

Considered one of the most complete works on the subject, the book “Artificial Intelligence” covers all the concepts involving the development of technology, with foundations and advanced topics such as natural language processing and techniques covering robotics and standardization of artificial intelligence tools.

4.AI Superpowers: China, Silicon Valley, and the New World Order

Kai-Fu Lee

Available in English

The global dispute to lead artificial intelligence initiatives is being led by China and the United States, a digital competition that involves everything from Silicon Valley to a new world order, and which has been transformed into a book that addresses economic, social and ethical aspects in the development of technology.

5. Hands-On Machine Learning with Scikit-Learn, Keras & TensorFlow (2nd Edition)

Aurelien Geron

Available in English

The work represents a practical guide with machine learning models and the use of artificial intelligence tools. The book is recommended for scientists and students seeking to develop digital solutions based on disruptive technology, with updates that incorporate the current landscape of this market in its second edition.

It's time to dive into reading!

Innovative platform combines discounts, entertainment and legal assistance: discover Use Mais

Digital transformation is changing the way people live and consume. In an increasingly dynamic world, consumers seek solutions that simplify their routines and offer convenience. This need has driven the growth of platforms that integrate various benefits, such as discounts, entertainment, and healthcare.

An example of this trend is Use Mais, a platform that stands out for its innovative approach of bringing together various services in one place. Users can access point programs, exclusive discounts, and entertainment services. Additionally, Faça Jus offers legal assistance, which can be contracted separately.

"The idea is to offer an integrated and hassle-free experience. We want the user to find everything they need in a single digital environment," explains Juliana Selenko, CEO of the platform.

The solution combines features such as Assista Mais, a guide to finding films and series, and Use Mais has Use Mais Descontos where users have access to offers from more than 3 thousand partner companies.

Additionally, the platform encourages engagement through video views, which generate points that can be exchanged for discounts at pharmacies, cinemas and other services.

“Use Mais’s easy-to-understand and accessible communication is designed to meet the needs of different audiences, from the most connected young people to generations looking for tangible and practical benefits. Our focus is to be relevant to users’ routines, offering solutions that really make a difference in their daily lives,” says Selenko.

Use Mais also offers benefits for partner companies, which can promote their products and services directly on the platform. This allows these brands to reach a specific and engaged audience, composed of public servants seeking practical and advantageous solutions.

AI and Marketing: trends and expectations for 2025

Generative artificial intelligence will be one of the main drivers of technological transformation by 2025. Their applications go beyond process automation and content creation, inaugurating a new paradigm in how companies approach their markets, driving innovation and redefining their operational strategies. But do you know what's behind these technologies and how they will impact your business?

At the center of Generative AI are models like GPT (Generative Pre-Trained Transformers) and LLMs (Large Language Models). These technologies are powered by Deep Learning, an approach that uses advanced neural networks to process large volumes of unstructured data. Together, these elements form the backbone of systems capable of interpreting human intentions, predicting behaviors, and generating high-complexity and relevant content.

With the ability to create texts, images, and even videos, generative models are already widely used in personalized marketing campaigns, customer service, and product development. In 2025, its adoption is expected to expand even further, transforming entire sectors. Tools like those integrated with Google Searchexemplify the trend, by offering more contextual and personalized results to users.

Transformation in performance marketing

Generative AI represents a structural change in marketing. By integrating LLMs with semantic analysis platforms, brands can understand signals of purchase intent and consumer behavior with unprecedented accuracy. These data enable the creation of highly targeted campaigns while optimizing ROI by aligning messages with the ideal consumption moment.

In this context, models like GPT stand out for their ability to learn continuously, adapting to new inputs and providing real-time solutions. This adaptability can transform the way marketing professionals approach their audiences, making each interaction more relevant and impactful. Furthermore, companies that already integrate these solutions have reported significant increases in operational efficiency and greater consumer engagement.

The impact on leadership and operational roles

With the growing adoption of Generative AI, the roles of marketing and technology professionals are evolving. CMOs and CTOs, for example, need to work collaboratively to integrate these technologies into their operations, ensuring that the benefits are maximized without compromising ethics or the privacy of data and users.

While AI takes on operational tasks such as data analysis and process automation, leadership should focus on long-term strategies, innovation, and change management. Organizations that invest in training their teams to handle these tools are better positioned to seize the opportunities that 2025 will bring. In this sense, areportpublished by IBM highlights the need for ongoing training and specialization to maximize the impact of Generative AI.

Rising ethical and regulatory challenges

The advancement of Generative AI does not occur without challenges. Governments around the world are implementing legislation to regulate its use. It is the case of theArtificial Intelligence Act, of the European Union, which establishes strict guidelines to ensure the responsible development of technology. Meanwhile,agreementsin the United States aim to regulate the use of copyrighted content in generative algorithms.

Furthermore, scenarios such as fake news factories, deepfakes, and the reproduction of algorithmic biases highlight the urgent need for corporate ethics committees and clear policies to mitigate these risks. Companies that anticipate these issues have a greater chance of building the trust of consumers and stakeholders in an increasingly competitive market.

The horizon of Generative AI

In 2025, Generative AI will establish itself as a strategic catalyst for companies seeking innovation and efficiency. Your impact will transcend automation, becoming a central element in strategy formulation, product development, and customer interaction.

If organizations adopt a proactive approach, investing in training, governance, and technological integration, they will be better prepared to navigate the challenges and capitalize on the opportunities that Generative AI is already bringing. More than a tool, it will be an essential partner in building the future.

EuEntrego and Rapidoc announce collaboration for delivery partners

EuEntrego, the collaborative logistics platform, and Rapidoc, a leader in telemedicine solutions, announce a new partnership to offer telemedicine plans under special conditions for EuEntrego partner delivery drivers. The initiative aims to expand access to quality healthcare in a practical and accessible way.

Through this partnership, delivery drivers will have access to exclusive telemedicine plans, which include online medical consultations, 24-hour service, and quick and efficient medical guidance. The plans were developed with the well-being and safety of the professionals who work daily in parcel transportation in mind.

According to Vinícius Pessin, CEO of EuEntrego, the partnership reinforces the company's commitment to caring for and valuing delivery people:“We know how important it is to ensure access to quality healthcare for professionals who trust our platform. This partnership with Rapidoc brings a concrete and accessible benefit to our partners’ daily lives.”

Rapidoc's CEO highlighted the importance of expanding access to digital health:“Our purpose is to make healthcare closer and easier for everyone. The partnership with EuEntrego allows us to directly support thousands of delivery drivers, facilitating access to healthcare when they need it most.”

The plans are now available and can be purchased directly through the link:https://rapidocbrasil.com.br/euentrego/#plan-section.

This partnership is part of a set of initiatives by EuEntrego to support the well-being and safety of its community of delivery drivers, reinforcing the company's commitment to socially responsible practices.

IAB Brazil announces names for 2025 committee presidencies

IAB Brazil announced the election of presidents and vice-presidents for its committees in 2025. Each group will gather professionals of relevance from different sectors of digital advertising to discuss and identify best practices for the entire market.

“A plurality of professionals is essential to ensure a rich debate about the direction of digital advertising. This way, we can build more balanced, innovative solutions that are aligned with the real needs of the sector,” says Denise Porto Hruby, CEO of IAB Brazil.

The presidents are elected for a one-year term, with the possibility of a single re-election for another term. The vice presidents are appointed by the Board of Directors of IAB Brazil. The announced committees are: Regulatory and Legal Affairs, Digital Audio, Brand Safety, Creator Economy, DOOH (Digital Out-of-Home), Artificial Intelligence, Retail Media, and Digital Video.

The first committee meetings are scheduled to take place starting from the end of February. Check below the new composition of each committee with their respective presidents and vice-presidents

Regulatory and Legal Affairs

Presidente: Verônica Hoe (Meta)

Vice-Presidente: Natalia Kuchar (Google) 

Digital Audio

Presidente: Eliseu Barreira (Globo)

Vice-Presidente: Priscilla Barsotti (Spotify)

Brand Safety

Presidente: José Melchert (Microsoft)

Vice-Presidente: Rafael Davini (Exame) 

Creator Economy

Presidente: Mayer Mirmovicz (Social Tailors)

Vice-Presidente: Paula Morales (Record) 

DOOH

Presidente: Silvia Ramazzotti (JCDecaux)

Vice-Presidente: Heitor Estrela (Eletromidia) 

Artificial intelligence

Presidente: Marcondes Farias (Microsoft)

Vice-Presidente: Adriano Henriques (Artificial Gains)

Retail Media

Presidente: Mariana Meinberg (Amazon Ads)

Vice-Presidente: Marina Galvão (Magalu Ads)

Digital Video

Presidente: Breno Barcelos (Google)

Vice-Presidente: Lucas Andrade (Netflix)

How to build an efficient sales funnel

Building an efficient sales funnel is essential for any company looking to increase its conversions and improve the overall performance of its sales process. The sales funnel is nothing more than a representation of the path taken by a potential customer from the first contact with your brand to the completion of the purchase. When well-structured, it can not only generate more sales but also optimize the efforts of the sales and marketing team.

"To stay competitive in the market, a company needs to seek customer satisfaction, form business partnerships, improve management, have a well-trained team, not fear the competition, and adopt new technologies," says Raphael Lassance, Partner at Sales Clube, the largest ecosystem specialized in sales solutions for companies.

With that in mind, the entrepreneur listed 6 steps to build a successful sales funnel. Confira: 

1. Understand your target audience

The first step to creating an effective sales funnel is to have a deep understanding of your target audience. Knowing who your potential clients are, what their needs, pains, desires, and behaviors are, is essential to directing your communication effectively. For this, create personas, which are fictional representations of your ideal clients. This will help understand how your offer can solve these people's problems and at which stage of the funnel they are.

2. Define the funnel stages

A traditional sales funnel is divided into three main stages: top, middle, and bottom. Each of them corresponds to a different stage in the customer's purchasing process. By defining these steps, it is possible to create specific strategies for each one, increasing the likelihood of conversion at each stage.

  • Top of the funnel (attraction):In this phase, the goal is to attract visitors to your website or sales page. The idea is to educate and provide relevant content to solve common problems or doubts of your target audience. Effective strategies include blogs, videos, social media, and paid advertising.
  • Middle of the funnel (consideration):Here, the lead already knows your brand and is considering options to solve their pain. The focus should be on nurturing this lead with more in-depth content, such as e-books, webinars, case studies, and educational materials. It's time to build a relationship and highlight the unique features of your offer.
  • Bottom of the funnel (decision):The lead is ready to make a purchase decision. The goal now is to convince you that your solution is the best option. Offer commercial proposals, product demos, or special discounts to encourage conversion. Testimonials, success stories, and guarantees are also essential to strengthen confidence at this moment.

3. Automate and optimize the process

The use of marketing automation tools can be decisive in building an efficient sales funnel. With these tools, it is possible to nurture leads with targeted email campaigns, schedule follow-ups, and create automatic workflows to move leads through the funnel stages more efficiently. Additionally, it is important to constantly monitor and analyze the performance of each stage of the funnel to identify areas for improvement.

4. Track lead behavior

Each lead has a unique behavior throughout the funnel. Some CRM (Customer Relationship Management) tools can help track each lead's journey, allowing the sales team to know exactly which stage they are in and the most effective approach to continue the negotiation.

5. Train your sales team

The sales team must be aligned with the sales funnel and clearly understand how each stage works. Offering regular training on best practices for lead qualification and sales closing techniques is essential to ensure that your team is prepared to act effectively at each stage of the funnel.

6. Constantly evaluate and adjust

An effective sales funnel is not static. It is essential to monitor results with metrics and KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) to assess what is working and what needs to be adjusted. Conversion rates, average closing time, customer acquisition cost, and return on investment (ROI) are some of the data that should be analyzed to optimize the funnel.

The Advancement of Chinese AI and the Global Alert on Data Security

The international artificial intelligence (AI) market is experiencing a turning point. The launch of DeepSeek, a Chinese AI that quickly gained prominence, not only for its performance but also for concerns about data security, questions the priorities of companies and governments worldwide. More than a technological dispute, the DeepSeek phenomenon exposes ethical challenges, cyber risks, and a new race for regulation.

DeepSeek impresses with its ability to process complex information, surpassing benchmarks in data interpretation and content generation tasks. However, what could be celebrated as a milestone in the evolution of AI raises critical questions about privacy and misuse of data.

Recent reports reveal security breaches that exposed millions of sensitive pieces of information, including chat histories and unencrypted API keys. Furthermore, the fact that this data is stored on servers in China, with little transparency about third-party access, raises a red flag for users and companies.

As DeepSeek gains traction, the market's response has been immediate. SoftBank announced plans to invest $25 billion in OpenAI, a move that reflects the pursuit of solutions that combine innovation with safety. Mark Zuckerberg, in turn, advocated for massive investments in AI in the US, highlighting that the competitive advantage lies both in technology and in the ability to protect sensitive data.

As a digital marketing specialist, within my work, I advocate for the concept of Sustainable Marketing, which goes beyond technical performance. I believe that transparency, conscious use of technology, and commitment to digital security are pillars for any innovation. It's not just about "what AI does," but about "how it does it" and the social and ethical impacts it generates.

Companies, governments, and users must be aware of the potential of new tools, but also of the associated risks. DeepSeek is a warning sign: the future of AI will be defined not only by its ability to process data but also by how it respects privacy, promotes security, and contributes to a healthy digital ecosystem.

The rapid growth of DeepSeek shows that the AI market is far from a point of stability. The dispute goes beyond technology and involves geopolitical, economic, and ethical issues.

For companies that want to thrive in this new landscape, the path is clear: innovation with responsibility. Success will not be measured solely by the number of users or processing speed, but by the trust that each solution is capable of generating.

*Vinícius Taddone is the marketing director and founder of VTaddone®www.vtaddone.com.br

RD Station offers free online digital marketing and sales courses

Planning new actions and acquiring knowledge will always be necessary for good professional performance. As a result, RD University, the education platform of RD Station, a leading company in technology solutions for digital marketing, sales, and e-commerce in Brazil, offers various courses covering everything from advanced sales and management strategies to the use of essential tools for business success, such as WhatsApp, with learning levels ranging from introductory to advanced, suitable for training professionals from various fields.

“We believe that education is the key to professional success and RD was born within this context. Therefore, RD University offers high-quality courses with updated modules on the most current topics and trends, such as Conversational, Artificial Intelligence applied to Marketing and Sales, e-commerce strategies, among others, which enable professionals to stand out in the job market and leverage business results”, comments Robinson Friede, Marketing Director at RD Station.

Check out some courses offered free of charge by the platform below:

PEACE: Metodologia para Gestão de Vendas

Developed by RD Station, the PEACE methodology is based on the company's growth cycles over a decade. The course consists of seven modules, each lasting approximately three hours, and is aimed at sales managers of various experience levels. Participants will learn techniques to build successful sales teams and processes.

Marketing Digital 

With 56 classes totaling three hours of content, this course is ideal for those who want to learn or update their knowledge of concepts and applications of Digital Marketing and Inbound Marketing. The classes are practical and taught by subject matter experts, allowing participants to optimize their time and quickly and efficiently put their learnings into practice.

Introduction to WhatsApp

WhatsApp has become an essential tool for companies that want to connect with their customers quickly and efficiently. In this introductory course, the professional will learn how to use WhatsApp to create marketing campaigns, generate leads, increase sales, and build a lasting relationship with their clients.

Boost: Formação completa para agências de Marketing Digital

The course consists of six modules, with practical classes developed based on the knowledge of CEOs from the largest Digital Marketing agencies in Brazil. Aimed at managers and owners of agencies, the program covers topics such as training and managing high-performance teams, optimizing financial resources, and strategies for attracting and retaining clients. The goal is to help agencies scale their businesses and increase their market share.

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