Month: February 2021

Jabra releases three new Elite 85t features to enhance the ANC experience and add personalisation options. #JabraElite85t

Jabra, leaders in personal sound and office solutions, announces three new features on the Jabra Elite 85t, made available via the Jabra Sound+ app; MyFit, headset renaming and Off-mode to earbud toggle. This is the first software upgrade offered to Elite 85t users following the launch in October 2020, that adds brand new features to the earbud.

MyFit – ensuring the best ANC and music experience 

The MyFit feature on the Sound+ app allows Elite 85t users to confirm their correct EarGel™ size and position to optimise their ANC and audio experience. The feature works as a fit test where a 6.5 second multitone is played to check for sound leakage with the help of the in-ear microphone. Sound leakage detected in either earbud is an indication of a poor fit and users will be requested to readjust their earbud or change their EarGel size. The process can be repeated until a good fit is achieved.

Through providing this feature, Jabra is ensuring that users of the Elite 85t have the best seal possible, ultimately giving the users an enhanced audio experience, improved active noise-cancellation and deeper base.

Further personalisation with more sound mode cycle options and a headset name

The next feature being offered to Elite 85t users is related to the sound mode cycles available (controlled via the buttons on the earbuds), which adds to the previously available cycle options; HearThrough and ANC. With this addition, users will now be able to cycle between HearThrough, ANC and off.

Jabra has now expanded the cycle option on the earbud to become the same as the cycle option in the app, providing users with the complete variety of sound mode cycles:

  • HearThrough & ANC
  • HearThrough & Off
  • HearThrough, ANC & Off

Finally, Elite 85t users will now also have the option to name their headset, further enhancing the personalisation experience Jabra strives to deliver. This addition will change the name of their headset in both the Sound+ app and the Bluetooth list, so there is no confusion on who they belong to.

Jabra Elite 85t key features and specifications:

  • Compact design and oval silicon EarGels™for a secure seal and comfortable fit
  • Dedicated ANC chip which is more efficient in cancelling surrounding noises
  • Adjustable ANC with dual sliders for full ANC or full HearThrough
  • 6-microphone call technology for superior calls wherever you are
  • 4-microphone ANC using mics on the inside and outside of the earbuds
  • 12mm speakers for big sound and powerful bass
  • Semi-open design with natural hear through
  • IPX4-rated durability and 2-year warranty* against dust and water
  • Up to 5.5 hours battery on a single charge and up to 25 with the charging case with ANC on or 7 hours battery on a single charge and 31 hours with ANC off
  • Qi-certified, for wireless charging and compatible with all Qi-certified chargers
  • Customisable equaliser in the Sound+ App makes your music sound even better
    • Voice assistant enabled. Elite 85t works with Siri® and Google Assistant™
  • Bluetooth 5.1
  • ‘MyControls’ to define button settings and MySound for individualised sound
  • MyFit via the Sound+ app, ensuring the best possible fit and seal for users
  • Opportunity to personalise the name of the Jabra Elite 85t

Jabra Elite 85t Pricing and Availability

Jabra Elite 85t is available in selected retailers, MSRP (€229/£219). The earbuds are available in Titanium/Black, Gold/Beige, Copper/Black, Black and Grey. Find out more about Jabra at www.jabra.co.uk/elite85t

Remote Working and Cyber Attacks are Biggest Data Protection Threats Facing 65% of Irish Organisations in 2021

Remote working and the threat of cyber-attacks are the number one data protection concern for 65% of Irish companies in 2021. This is according to a new survey from the Association of Compliance Officers Ireland (ACOI) which sought to understand the current data protection risks facing companies – 85% of whom have more than 75% of their workforce currently working from home. The survey of more than 250 organisations – answered by ACOI members with responsibility for compliance in financial organisations throughout the country, revealed that the mobile workforce arrangements, necessitated by the pandemic since last year, have left employers feeling increasingly vulnerable to data protection breaches.

Speaking of the findings Michael Kavanagh, CEO of ACOI,

“It’s abundantly apparent from this survey that remote working is a major issue facing firms this year when it comes to data protection, with 34% of businesses voicing their concerns around the risks associated with it. Given how intertwined the two things are it is perhaps unsurprising that risk of cyber-attack was cited by 31% of respondents as the biggest concern. Indeed, the two are not mutually exclusive, with remote working increasing organisations’ vulnerability to attacks.

 85% of our respondents have more than 75% of their workforce out of the office at the moment and while the survey suggests that the remote working landscape will certainly not look the same in 12 months, it is clear that the intricacies of having a national mobile workforce is something that all organisations will have to consider, both now and into the future, as flexibility around where people carry out their various roles becomes a key feature of modern day business.”

 The remote working risk

The ACOI report that in the last 12 months many organisations have had to reassess their data security systems to adapt to new levels of cyber risk to internal assets and data, and urge that any that have yet to do so, need to move with some immediacy to rise to the data protection challenges of an off-site workforce. When asked if the risk of cyber-attack has become a greater consideration since the redeployment of staff to home-based working, 89% of respondents said it has, to varying degrees.

Mr. Kavanagh commented,

“Redeploying employees to work from home has “considerably” increased risk for 37% of organisations, while 52% said it had increased risks “a little”. What’s interesting is that when we asked the same question last year 10% fewer organisations felt the risk had increased “considerably”. This would suggest that the recognition of, appreciation for, and experience of, risk is growing.

The context for cybercrime and cyber-attack in Ireland is constantly evolving. PWC’s Irish Economic Crime Survey 2020[1] found that 69% of firms in Ireland have experienced cybercrime in the last 24 months, and that the incidence of cybercrime in Ireland (69%) is double that experienced by global companies (34%). The report also outlines that Ireland is now Europe’s largest data hosting cluster, putting the need for elevated cybercrime and data protection systems into sharp focus.”

The ACOI advise that regulators in Ireland and around the world have been constantly updating and issuing new guidance to firms in response to emerging cyber security issues, such as fake documentation, the reliability of information sources, and data privacy and protection. While the level of risk varies according to the sector, it is widely accepted among the financial services sector that COVID-19 has led to heightened risks in relation to money laundering and cyber-attacks.

Detect and Protect

Mr. Kavanagh explains that there are ways for compliance professionals to detect and mitigate the increasing level of risk from cyber-crime that the business world is seeing.

“Whether it’s keeping your software and security systems up to date, running regular checks, or introducing more complex processes such as two-step authentication to your transactions and communications, there are small steps that businesses can take that will help detect and protect them from cyberthreats. However, a combination of technology and human resources will always be the best approach to maintaining cyber-safe and secure working practices and operational environments.”

Appendix

What is the number one data protection risk for your company in 2021?

  • Remote working                                                                                                    34%
  • Cyber-attacks                                                                                                         31%
  • New rules around International data transfers – Schrems II                          13%
  • The volume of staff training needed                                                                  8%
  • Brexit                                                                                                                       7%
  • Anti-Money Laundering and Counter Financing of Terrorism obligations         7%

Approximately what percentage of your organisation’s staff are now working remotely?

  • 100%                                                                                                                       40%
  • Between 75 – 100%                                                                                              45%
  • Between 50 – 75%                                                                                                3%
  • Between 25% – 50%                                                                                              4%
  • 50%                                                                                                                          2%
  • Less than 25%                                                                                                        6%

Approximately what percentage of your organisation’s staff are likely to be partially or fully working remotely in 12 months?

  • Between 50 – 75%                                                                                                38%

Between 75 – 100%                                                                                              25%

  • Between 25% – 50%                                                                                              14%
  • 50%                                                                                                                          8%
  • Less than 25%                                                                                                        8%
  • 100%                                                                                                                       7%

Has financial crime and the risk of attack become a greater consideration since some of your workforce have been redeployed to work at home?

  • Yes, it has increased the risks a little                                                                  52%
  • Absolutely, it has increased the risks considerably                                          37%
  • Not at all                                                                                                                 11%