Month: February 2021

10 Ways to Maintain GDPR Compliance on Your Business Website. #GDPR

GDPR can prove to be a minefield for unprepared businesses, so keep reading if you’re looking for some simple tips to remain GDPR compliant on your website…

Utter the letters GDPR (in the order, of course) and some business owners will instinctively shudder. In May 2018, data protection reforms were enforced, which meant that the General Data Protection Regulation was brought into effect, helping to protect the personal information of people whilst online.

The GDPR is widely considered to be the world’s strongest set of data protection rules, which places limitations on what organisations can do with the personal data they collect. Such data could include something as obvious as an individual’s name, or something more sensitive like their racial or ethnic origin.

In short, regulatory compliance is non-negotiable; failing to comply with GDPR simply isn’t an option for any business, no matter how big or small. Any breach, intentional or not, can result in a heavy fine, so how can businesses ensure to comply on their websites? Read on to find out…

10 Tips for Maintaining GDPR on Your Business Website?

1.) Understand the Law in Detail

First thing’s first, you’re going to need a comprehensive understanding of the law surrounding GDPR and what it can mean for your business. The best way of doing that is by hearing it straight from the horse’s mouth.

The government have published an extensive guide on GDPR, explaining every single legislation, with no stone left unturned. There’s no promising that it’s going to be a particularly compelling read. That said, it’s important that you review it and make sure you understand how it will apply to your businesses’ website. 

2.) Staff Training and Awareness

The people that will be responsible for maintaining GDPR compliance will be your employees. So, it’s a good idea to make sure that they are well trained and aware of their obligations when it comes to handling personal data.

Training doesn’t have to be as intense as reading the entire guide to GDPR word for word. However, you should make sure to stress to your employees the importance of making safety and privacy their top priorities.

3.) Conduct Regular Risk Assessments

Granted, risk assessments aren’t exactly thrilling, but nor is being hit with an avoidable fine. An effective risk assessment will help your business to identify if there are any potential threats to the way you’re storing and transferring data.

From here, you’ll have a clearer idea as to how you can beef up your security processes, ensuring that you remain within the parameters of GDPR.

4.) Audit Any Personal Data You Hold

The personal data that your website stores – where did it come from, where’s it going, how long will you hold it for? These are the sorts of questions you should be asking to ensure that you’re able to keep it secure.

Finding and recording answers to all of these questions can be made that much easier by carrying out an audit. From here, you can reduce the number of physical places that data is being stored in. This should help to establish a sustainable framework for keeping customers and clients’ information secure.

5.) Have a Policy Management System in Place

Staying on top of GDPR compliance isn’t always a simple task, especially when your business is using methods of communication such as email and corporate internet. So, to help counteract this potential stumbling block, your business should consider implementing policy management software.

This can help to streamline internal processes, as you’ll have a centralised solution for creating and distributing sensitive documents. This will make it much easier to keep track of compliance.

6.) Establish Procedures to Report Data Breaches

The GDPR requires that all organisations which experience data breaches that compromise personal data should notify the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO). Failure to alert the ICO will lead to further fines – far from ideal.

So, to avoid this from happening, your business will need to have robust procedures in place that can quickly detect, report and investigate breaches. 

7.) Ensure all Endpoints are Fully Protected

To achieve full GDPR compliance, all of your endpoints should be fully protected. For those not already in the know, this is the practice of securing any potential entry points in user devices, such as laptops, from malicious attacks.

To demonstrate compliance, businesses are required to show that they have taken all the necessary steps to secure their systems. This includes evidence of updates, and patches being applied to security software.

8.) Update Your Privacy Policy

If your business collects personal data on its website, then you’ll need to make sure that you have an updated privacy policy that covers some essential ground. Privacy policies that are GDPR compliant cover a few essential pieces of information, such as:

 

  • Your identity
  • How information will be used
  • Your legal basis for processing data
  • Your data retention records

9.) Review How You Record Consent

If you rely on getting individual’s consent to process personal data, there are specific standards that must be met. 

This means that your business may feel it necessary to review the systems you have in place for recording consent, ensuring that you have an audit trail that can be presented if required.

10.) Appoint a Data Protection Officer

Organisations that employee more than 250 people, are a public authority, or are involved in the regular and systematic monitoring of data subjects on a large scale, should appoint a data protection officer.

Data protection officers can take proper responsibility for data protection compliance, as well as having the in-depth knowledge to do their job effectively.

Are You Trying to Make Sure Your Businesses’ Website Is GDPR Compliant?

So, there you have it! Follow these tips closely and you shouldn’t go too far wrong when it comes to staying GDPR compliant.

Have you got any more GDPR tips you think would be worth sharing? Feel free to leave a comment below with your own suggestions!

Konftel’s New Business Webcam Will Accelerate Hybrid Working Trends. #Konftel #Webcams

Conferencing and collaboration specialist Konftel has launched a business webcam for desktop users who demand professional quality personal video meetings, at home or in the office. Be sure to see our thoughts soon on techbuzzireland.. 

The Konftel Cam10 combines big performance with compact styling and has been designed for today’s hybrid working trends – where more and more business critical meetings take place online.

The stylish device features a wide 90° field of view, two built-in microphones, 1080p (30fps) full HD picture quality and a 4 x digital zoom. It’s a perfect home and traditional office companion, or for wherever people are working.

Award-winning Konftel has a trading pedigree stretching back more than three decades spanning all four corners of the globe. It was the very first company to manufacture and sell a commercial conference phone and has grown into one of the biggest players in the world for collaboration endpoint solutions, bringing people closer together. The introduction of the Cam10 is yet another iteration of Konftel’s innovative work and its mission to create powerful conferencing solutions.

“The Konftel Cam10 is a business class webcam that reflects the massive demand from desktop users seeking professional quality personal video meetings, based on an enhanced visual and audio experience,” says Regional Sales Director, Jeff May. “There’s been tremendous early interest for our latest high performance innovation, and the Konftel Cam10 will further accelerate more flexible ways of working.”

Based on simple plug-and-play USB connectivity, the portable Konftel Cam10 features easy set-up and operation, innovative picture noise reduction technology, low light capabilities and swift autofocus. The generous and natural looking field of view also helps capture content, such as from a whiteboard, in striking clarity. 

“Whatever the preferred app or cloud service, the Konftel Cam10 fits all personal collaboration needs perfectly. Just connect the USB cable to a laptop or stationary PC and users are good to go,” Product Manager Torbjörn Karlsson explains.

He also highlights how when placed in an optimal position on top of the main screen, the Konftel Cam10 enables users to make eye contact instead of just showing their head profile – improving the quality of interaction. “The Konftel Cam10 promotes a natural viewing experience and is ideal for users with single or multiple external displays. It makes webcam communication natural and easy.”

The Konftel Cam10 uses a standard damping bracket for easy and stable installation, whilst there’s the option of tripod mounting for alternative camera placement. The webcam’s two built-in microphones deliver impressive audio pick-up, supported by noise suppression technology. In a common scenario the screen speakers often perform as audio output but an improved option is to complement the Konftel Cam10 with the professional speakerphone Konftel Ego, creating an enhanced experience through Konftel’s renowned OmniSound audio technology.

In addition, a mechanical shutter functions as a built-in lens cap, to ensure complete privacy, integrity and security.

Jeff May emphasises: “You only get one chance to create a good first impression which makes high quality video and audio even more critical especially in an age where ever more business meetings take place online. It used to be a suit or a handbag or a watch that impressed in a physical meeting room, now it’s the sharpness and clarity of a video feed. And if you’re sharp and clear, presentations or negotiations and interactions are going to be 100 per cent more impactful.”

He concludes: “The Konftel Cam10 is personal, productive and performance-driven. Don’t settle for second best and an inferior impression!” 

Konftel is certified in line with the Climate Neutral standard. This means when users choose a Konftel product, there is an instant climate benefit from the very first distance meeting that replaces a business trip. Konftel offset all greenhouse gas emissions and is taking action to further reduce those emissions.  The Climate Neutral Certified label, indicates its products are climate neutral.

The Konftel Cam10 is priced at £109 (MSRP).

Apple TV+ is now available on Google TV. #AppleTV #GoogleTV #Streaming

Great news if you are using the Apple TV app, including Apple TV+, as it is now globally available on the new Chromecast with Google TV, with more Google TV devices to come. To access the Apple TV app, navigate to the Apps tab or the apps row in the For you tab.

Google TV gives users with subscriptions to Apple TV+ the ability to tune into award-winning original shows, movies and documentaries from the world’s most creative storytellers. You can enjoy Apple Originals, including series like “Ted Lasso,” which was recently nominated for two Golden Globes, “For All Mankind” season two debuting tomorrow, “The Morning Show” and “Servant,” as well as movies like “Greyhound” and “Palmer.” The Apple TV app also gives you access to your library of movie and TV show purchases from Apple, as well as personalized and curated recommendations and Apple TV channels. And with Family Sharing, up to six family members can share subscriptions to Apple TV+ and Apple TV channels.

With Google TV in the U.S., you can browse Apple Originals in your personalized recommendations and search results. And with Google Assistant, you can also use your voice to ask Google to open the Apple TV app or play an Apple Original title. If you aren’t ready to watch right away, you can add Apple Originals to your Watchlist for later. These features will roll out globally in the coming months.

The Chromecast with Google TV is packed with the latest technology — it streams crystal-clear video in up to 4K HDR at up to 60 frames per second and now has a voice remote. The remote has a dedicated Google Assistant button that helps you find something to watch, answer everyday questions like “how’s the weather?” or dim your compatible smart home lights with just your voice. It also eliminates the need for multiple remotes thanks to programmable TV controls for power, volume and input.

In addition to Chromecast with Google TV, the Apple TV app will also be available on Google TVs from Sony and TCL. We plan to roll out to more Android TV-powered devices in the coming months.

The Advantages of Online Digitalisation

Advancements in technology have transformed many aspects of society, helping people to live their lives far more efficiently.

Online digitalisation brings information to our fingertips, allowing us to perform a multitude of tasks wherever we are in the world.

The convenience offered by digital tech is undoubtedly one of its strong points, giving people more time to focus on the fun things in life.

Read on as we look at some of the areas where online digitalisation has had a massive impact over the past few years. 

 

Streaming Platforms

Streaming services have become part of daily life, with outlets such as Netflix and Spotify revolutionising the way that people consume entertainment content.

YouTube is another platform that has driven innovation in this area, providing users with the opportunity to stay connected, learn new skills and find accurate information.

CEO Susan Wojcicki is proud of the progress YouTube has made, particularly regarding how the platform has helped power economic growth in media.

“Creators are building next-generation media companies that impact the economy’s overall success,” she said.

“According to an Oxford Economics report, YouTube’s creative ecosystem contributed approximately $16bn to the US GDP in 2019, supporting the equivalent of 345,000 full-time jobs.

“We’re also seeing real impact in other countries around the globe. The UK in 2019 saw approximately £1.4bn contributed to the British GDP and the equivalent of 30,000 full-time jobs. 

“And in France, there was an estimated €515 million contributed to the French GDP and the equivalent of 15,000 full-time jobs.

 

Online Gambling

Enjoy an online bingo night

The gambling industry has been completely changed by digital tech, and online platforms are certainly where the best action can now be found.

Whether you like to play bingo games online or wager on sports, the internet provides you with a plethora of websites you can visit.

Bingo in particular has enjoyed a huge resurgence in popularity over the past few years, with operators expertly leveraging digital innovations to their advantage.

The best bingo sites offer players a diverse range of games, providing a much greater choice than can be found in land-based venues.

 

Improvements in mobile tech have also been hugely beneficial to bingo, providing people with the ability to play their favourite games on a 24/7/365 basis.

With people now spending an increasing amount of time at home and on their devices, the entire online gambling industry looks well placed to cash in over the next few years.

Online Shopping

Another sector where digitalisation has sparked massive changes is retail, with millions of people now preferring to shop online rather than visit physical stores.

The switch in consumer habits in recent times is perfectly highlighted by the $861bn that was spent online with US merchants in 2020.

That figure represents a year-on-year increase of 44 percent, and significant further growth has been predicted for 2021.

Greg Sterling, VP of Insights at Uberall, has forecast that digital innovations will allow the retail sector to improve its offering even further in the future.

“E-commerce and traditional retail have been largely separate channels,” he said. “Going forward, the hallmark of successful merchants will be deeper integration between online and offline assets.

“This includes distribution of real-time product inventory online. Roughly 40 percent of online purchases will be picked up at local stores.

“The ability to search for a product, buy it online and pick it up the same day or next day locally will become a permanent feature of the customer experience for major retailers and a key success factor.”

Food Delivery

Specialist food outlets are cashing in on digitalisation

Digitalisation has also changed how people buy groceries, with most supermarkets now offering online shopping and home delivery services.

This has had a knock-on effect for suppliers of fresh produce, as health-conscious consumers have sought to find outlets for meat and vegetables.

Ben White-Hamilton is the founder of Harvest Bundle – a digital marketplace that supplies produce from farms and fisheries across the United Kingdom.

He says that online digitalisation not only benefits consumers, but also presents opportunities for specialised grocery outlets to cash in.

“People don’t live near farms anymore, they live in cities,” he said. “Farmers’ markets have worked well for centuries, but with people leading lives that are incredibly busy it’s often hard to make time to visit them.

“What e-Commerce allows is modern technology applied to an almost forgotten historic tradition of buying direct.

“This has formed a potent mix and sped up the whole process of people shopping for food directly from the businesses who they want to support.”

Remote Working

Working practices have also changed massively over the past few years, with digital tech allowing businesses to adopt more flexible operational modes.

Many people now work from home, while others choose to use the freedom offered by digital to adopt a nomadic approach to their employment.

Stewart Butterfield is the CEO and co-founder of Slack – an online platform that has made it much easier for employers and employees to stay connected remotely.

He believes that the way people work in the future will never be the same, and predicts that digital will continue to make processes more efficient.

“We all know that work will never be the same, even if we don’t yet know all the ways in which it will be different,” he said.

“What we can say with certainty is that the sudden shift to distributed work has provided a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reimagine everything about how we do our jobs and how we run our companies.

“If we can move past decades of orthodoxy about 9-to-5, office-centric work, there’s an opportunity to retain the best parts of office culture while freeing ourselves from bad habits and inefficient processes, from ineffective meetings to unnecessary bureaucracy.

“Every leader believes they can do better, and things can move faster – this is their chance.

“From the employee perspective, the shift is massive and very consequential – people are making new choices about where they want to live and creating new expectations about flexibility, working conditions and life balance that can’t be undone.”

DPD sms scam is doing the rounds here is what it looks like. #DPD #Scams

A new DPD sms scam is doing the rounds which will catch people out and that is what it intends to do and now they are using a new way to try con the consumer. This time around they are using the delivery management option to try get your cash. Most courier companies now offer this service to make life a bit easier for you and of course the drivers who have been working hard during this pandemic..

Many courier companies offer a service which allows you to change your delivery options by changing the date, leave with neighbour or in a safe place for example and this scam will ask you several questions on what your preferences are. If you select to pick it up on this scam you hit a dead end however if you want it delivered is where you will be caught..  At the end of the form you will see your charge. If you are in doubt feel free to contact us as I work in the logistics industry and get hounded with stuff like this and of course see DPD for more..

Tech Review – MNML case for the Google Pixel 5. #MNML #Pixel5 #Tech

Need a simple case for your Pixel 5 that is totally clean and simple well the MNML case might be one to check out, Without adding any thickness like other cases this is super thin and offers protection on the sides and rear and of course the camera hump gets some loving here too. They do not protect the screen but again they are designed for those who want something simple and not bulky, they are not a fingerprint magnet and cut-outs are perfect and nothing is obstructed. These cases are also not fingerprint magnets either like some cases can be and certainly phones and thankfully the pixel 5 is not a fingerprint magnet in the colour we have.

These cases are simply just minimal as the the brand name suggests and that they are they do not offer the ultimate protection for your device but give it a clean look and if like me and not out to much lately an ideal case for keeping it simple and looking good with no bulk and access to everything as you would expect.. Check out the range of cases on offer and our past reviews here on techbuzzireland and their site..

BUY HERE

 

 

ClearOne Advances Collaboration with Free COLLABORATE Space Messaging App Featuring World-Class Video and Audio Capabilities.

Reaffirming its commitment to make 2021 the year that widespread collaboration becomes a reality for everyone, ClearOne a global provider of audio and visual communications solutions, today announced that its COLLABORATE® Space lifetime subscription messaging app featuring world-class video and audio, as well as unlimited meeting time, is available for free here.

ClearOne’s COLLABORATE Space is a powerful collaboration tool that delivers a full suite of audio, video conferencing, web conferencing, and meeting tools in a persistent space from any device. COLLABORATE Space comes with everything needed to stay connected with your family, friends, and coworkers for one-on-one or group chats.

“The free version of COLLABORATE Space allows up to ten participants to meet for an unlimited amount of time,” ClearOne Chair & CEO Zee Hakimoglu said today. “Unlike other services that claim to be free, COLLABORATE Space does not limit the length of any audio or video call. What’s more, all messages are encrypted to ensure maximum security and we don’t trade personal data to third parties.”

Hakimoglu stressed that the COLLABORATE Space lifetime subscription with unlimited meeting time is free to everyone and is not tied to any other ClearOne purchase. “Yes, we offer paid, step-up package options to meet specific user needs, but for many individuals and companies the free version is going to be all that they ever need for quality online meetings. Why pay when you can collaborate for free?”

The free version of COLLABORATE Space also includes Instant Messaging, Screen Desktop Sharing and a CO2 savings report.

Basic and Pro versions of the app are also available for the monthly cost of $8.25 and $16.65 respectively with an annual subscription. An Enterprise on-premise version can be customized for larger organizations. Complete program and pricing details can be found here.

Why do I need a dehumidifier. #Meaco #Dehumidifiers

The UK and Ireland is has experienced a particularly cold spell with the return of the Beast from the East type weather with temperatures dropping as low as -17 degrees in some parts.  With the fall in temperature, the combination of the cold weather and central heating also causes low humidity, creating dry air conditions in our homes. Chris Michael, MD at leading UK air treatment manufacturer Meaco, outlines the main signs of low humidity to look out for, and what to do about it.

Most people do not realise, but the development of a dry cough, sore throat, cracked lips, and itchy eyes are all signs of dry air in a home. Moisturisers will not stop dry air pulling moisture from your skin causing dryness and irritation. As well as being uncomfortable, this can lead to more complicated health problems particularly for those with respiratory conditions and allergies.

It’s not only the health of people that can be adversely affected from dry air. The fabric of a home can be damaged. Dry air can cause the sudden appearance of cracks in wooden furniture, which can also apply to valuable possessions such as antiques and musical instruments.

If you start to experience static shocks in the home, it is a sign that humidity is below 30%, a level which will start to feel uncomfortable. Wilting plants may also be a sign that there is not enough moisture in the air.

One solution is to introduce a humidifier to your home. A humidifier works by adding moisture to the air to help prevent these problems. A humidifier allows more moisture into a person’s airways so relieving a dry cough, and eases some of the symptoms caused by ‘flu or the common cold. It has been suggested that humidity levels above 40 percent* rapidly deactivate virus particles, making them much less likely to be infectious.

A humidifier can be used to complement your healthy skin and beauty regime, curbing some of the dryness and irritation that comes with cold weather. Many celebrities* around the word are turning to them to improve their complexions, and voices.

Some of the less well-known benefits of using a humidifier are that it can help with snoring. If the air is dry, a person’s airways are less likely to be sufficiently lubricated, leading to snoring. Adding humidity to the air by running a humidifier at night may help to relieve some symptoms.

Meaco has been dealing with regulating the level of moisture in the air since 1991, first in museums and art galleries and then in people’s homes, and recently launched the Meaco Deluxe 202 Humidifier. It works by using ultrasonic micro-vibrations splitting the water into very small droplets that are fanned into the air, creating a pleasant, warm or cooled visible mist. It is this gentle mist that helps remedy the problems caused by dry air.

A HEPA filter removes physical allergens from the air and a charcoal filter removes odours.  An inbuilt aroma diffuser allows a person to add a favourite essence to the air, while an ioniser keeps the air fresh. The water is cleaned by an ultraviolet lamp prior to humidification so ensuring the humidified air that is breathed in has been sterilised first. This unique combination of sterilisation of the water before humidification and the HEPA and charcoal cleaning the air, makes the Meaco Deluxe 202 Humidifier well placed for providing a clean air solution for a wide range of users. Finally, having cleaned the air and softened and cleaned the water the mist spray can be ionised to help clean the air further.

Built to very high standards with a pleasing, simple digital display, the Meaco Deluxe 202 Humidifier has a hard water filter to remove limescale and two directional nozzles to reduce the chances of condensation from forming in front of the humidifier. Low noise levels and a night mode helps you fall asleep peacefully, particularly useful for young children suffering from colds.

*https://www.cbsnews.com/pictures/celebrity-sleep-secrets-what-stars-do-in-bed/8/

**https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0057485

Skullcandy expands Hesh product line with premium sound & noise cancellation. #Skullcandy #Tech #Headphones

Skullcandy Inc., the original lifestyle audio brand, is unveiling exciting new additions to their most popular product family.

Skullcandy’s best-selling product line, Hesh, is getting upgraded this season, expanding the family line by introducing two new headphones this winter. Hesh ANC will tout the addition of Active Noise Canceling technology. For fans who are not ready to make the jump to Active Noise Canceling quite yet, Hesh Evo offers a headphone with a more refined sound and a full host of must-have features. Each product comes enabled with Tile™, eliminating the fear of ever losing your device.

“Skullcandy products are always made with our fans in mind as we look to infuse new technologies in our headphones and earbuds,” said Jeff Hutchings, Skullcandy Chief Product Officer “When it came to Hesh, we listened — giving our most popular line the upgrades that customers have been wanting. We stand behind building quality products for every experience. Hesh ANC and Hesh Evo do just that!”  

The new additions to the Hesh line come jam-packed with all the features you know and love, including Bluetooth® wireless technology; call, track and volume control; and durability. They offer refined acoustics and a flat-folding, collapsible design, continuing with the tradition of being headphones that fit in seamlessly with real life.

With more people working from home and attending school remotely, Skullcandy’s newest headphone, Hesh ANC is making ANC technology accessible to everyone at an unbelievable price point. Hesh ANC is built for the long haul with listening time up to 22 hours with ANC on and Rapid Charge, getting 3 hours of battery with just a 10-minute charge. And when you need to be aware of your surroundings, Hesh ANC features an ambient mode that deactivates Active Noise Cancelling while still allowing you to hear your sound. Hesh ANC will be available for £119.99 in True Black. Available in select retailers and at https://www.skullcandy.co.uk/hesh-anc-wireless-headphones on February 17th.

For a perfectly simple experience, Hesh Evo has all the features you care about and none of the ones you don’t with premium sound refined over four generations. The headphones boast up to 36 hours of battery life and Rapid Charge for 3 hours of listening time in just 10 minutes. The Hesh Evo has an audio experience that will blow you away, with tech that is simple to use, plus a travel case for portability. Hesh Evo will be available in True Black and ‘92 Blue for £89.99. Available in select retailers and at https://www.skullcandy.co.uk/hesh-evo-wireless-headphones on February 17th.