Month: September 2021

PCI Compliance Checklist to Help Your Team Become Audit-Ready

Whatever kind of business you run, there will be all kinds of compliance, laws, and rules that need to be adhered to. These laws and compliance systems are designed for many reasons, mostly involving protecting customers and staff, and their data. The issue is, it can be a real headache keeping on top of them all, with time-consuming tasks making compliance a tough job.

One of these is PCI compliance. This is an essential regulation for all companies taking payment online or in-person using credit or debit cards. PCI laws are strict and require proper management throughout the year to ensure that your entire business is keeping on top of the rules. Let’s take a closer look at what PCI is and what you need to do to make sure you are audit-ready. 

What is PCI Compliance?

PCI compliance is one of the main types of data protection that business owners need to understand. Set up in 2006 by major brands VISA, Amex, MasterCard, JCB, and Discover, the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) is a set of rules designed to ensure the safety of said brands’ customer data. It, therefore, affects any company that takes payments through any of these card networks.

Effectively, the rules are quite simple. They state that customer data including card number, address, birthday, and more, are all protected at all times when a transaction is performed, stored, or data otherwise held by a company. In order to meet your compliance requirements, these rules must be followed. Data must be protected. Failure to do so could lead to fines, complicated audits, or businesses being shut down. 

What Does a PCI Audit Involve?

A PCI audit can be a long and arduous process. During the audit, a Qualified Security Assessor (QSA) will examine your security systems from beginning to end, taking into account every stage of a transactional process and subsequent data storage. This process can take up to two years, as it looks at over 280 different compliance directives. The smartest thing you can do is analyze your internal processes and prepare for any audits in advance.

Managed Services Can Help

One of the best ways to manage your compliance requirements is to bring external help on board. Companies offer help to take the stress away from monitoring internal compliance, helping keep your teams free to do their own work. These businesses will help work through all the checkpoints on an audit using smart software, mini audits, reporting, data testing, and much more. They’ll help you establish new best practices to ensure you are PCI compliant while fixing any errors your business may have uncovered along the way.

Define Your Scope

Although there are 281 compliance directives for a PCI audit, not all of them may apply to your company. With the help of a managed services team, you can sit down and analyze your business to see where it fits within the overall scope. It may be that only one-half or two-thirds of these auditable directives apply to your company. This will help you know what needs to be tested, documented, and stored for any potential audit.

Test and Document Using Data

As mentioned, external companies can help do this. They can run tests, analyze systems, and use scenarios to ensure that your business is compliant in every stage of a PCI system audit. Every stage of the process needs to be rigorously tested, with scores of data recorded for each test. With the use of visualization and data management software, these tests can be examined in easy-to-read data blocks and graphs, helping you test and/or prove your PCI compliance.

Encryption Is Key

It’s worth noting that none of these tests will pass unless you employ high-level data encryption in every transaction and internet connection your company uses. If someone is accessing your customer data on an unsecured network, breaches can happen extremely easily. Every single access point, server, VPN, or other network device must have the most robust encryption. At their end, all the card providers use top-of-the-range encryption, so they expect the same from all businesses using their network. This is rule number one of PCI compliance.

Making sure your business is PCI compliant is one of the most important – and challenging – things you need to do. Getting help from QSAs or external teams will help massively, as the task is a large one. Use encryption, define your compliance scope, and test test test! Getting on top of it early will make it much easier if and when you are investigated by the PCI DSS. 

Tech Review – iPhone 12 cases review from PHNX

The iPhone 13 is arriving this week and we have a huge range of cases and accessories for it and we look forward to checking it out, There is much hype over right now if you should upgrade from the iPhone 12, the choice is yours if you have the cash to splash but upgrading the the 13 pro which we are doing is certainly one option or go pro with last years iPhone 12.

Either way you need to case up as a drop is expensive regardless and PHNX formerly MNML have a range of cases to pick from and we are looking at the iPhone 12 line ones today with a full range of iPhone 13 pro cases dropping next week so stay tuned for that. These cases are minimalistic hence the name and do give you some protection and are ideal for going out or just being about the house and are super thin, they also protect the camera area of your iPhone an all ports accessible and keys and look really nice.

These cases will also work with wireless charging if you are concerned about that and are brand free, check out the video below for more and watch out for the mega iPhone 13 round up soon on techbuzireland.com where we give you a hands on review and look at the products and less of the stock image approach.

BUY HERE 

As with all our reviews the company sent these over with no payment or input and are seeing this the same time as you.

See the video below for more.

 

 

Creative Launches Sound Blaster Katana V2

Creative Technology today announced the release of Sound Blaster Katana V2, the successor to the original Sound BlasterX Katana which had been regarded by many as the definitive gaming soundbar. Completely redesigned with an all-new sleek form factor, it delivers 68% more power than before, features improved audio dynamics and transforms the headphone experience with Super X-Fi Headphone Holography – this new Katana is a menacing weapon for desktop and console gamers alike.

Gaming Sounds Exciting Again

The Sound Blaster Katana V2 personifies the culmination of Creative’s best audio technologies as it brings games and movies to life through its 5.1 channel playback. Delivering the sound signature of a high-end Sound Blaster, built with more than 30 years of audio processing expertise, it retains the acclaimed tri-amplified design of its predecessor, where each of its 5 drivers is powered individually by Creative’s proprietary multi-core DSP controller. The audio quality is enhanced further through improved fabric dome tweeters for cleaner and more refined highs, and a larger, more imposing subwoofer for deeper yet impactful bass performance.

For users who prefer to shut out the world or battle away late into the night without disturbing others, Super X-Fi Headphone Holography, a multiple award-winning technology which recreates the soundstage of a high-end multi-speaker system in headphones, is the compelling solution. Built into the Sound Blaster Katana V2 with the integrated Super X-Fi UltraDSP chip, users will experience holographic audio that is personalized according to how they hear sound, and enjoy an unprecedented level of realism as they fully immerse themselves in a movie, or dive right into the gaming battlefield.

Enemy-spotting gets easier than ever before – with SXFI BATTLE Mode, a sound mode which is specially designed to give FPS gamers an unprecedented edge in enhanced audio cues, both for directionality and distance. There is also Scout Mode, a familiar Sound Blaster feature which focuses on sound detection so that opponents are heard before they are seen moving on screen.

With an integrated Dolby Audio decoder, users get to enjoy the cinematic experience not just while gaming, but also while movie-binging on streaming platforms like Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime.

All-in-One Audio Hub

The Sound Blaster Katana V2 can be customized to sound and look just the way users like it. When connected to the Creative app (both desktop and mobile), users can choose from various EQ settings and tune the audio with the Acoustic Engine suite. Furthermore, the redesigned RGB lighting strip features various illumination mode selections across 16.8 million colors, which intuitively reactive to the playback content.  These settings can be saved as customized profiles on either the app or the programmable buttons on the remote control.

It is comprehensively decked out with a multitude of connectivity options, with HDMI ARC and optical ports, wireless Bluetooth 5.0, USB-C port for USB audio support, 3.5mm AUX-in and SXFI-out for certified Super X-Fi products. It is compatible with desktops and consoles alike, including PC, Mac, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X and S, Xbox One and Nintendo Switch.

All in all, the Sound Blaster Katana V2 provides a complete entertainment experience which transcends beyond what is expected of a gaming soundbar.

Pricing and Availability

Sound Blaster Katana V2 is priced at £299, US$329.99 and is available at Creative.com.

For more information, visit www.creative.com/KatanaV2.

Red Bull Basement is Back to Kickstart Student Innovation in 2021

Today’s student entrepreneurs, creators and innovators are driving positive change for the future and Red Bull is giving these young change-makers an opportunity to bring their idea to life by applying for Red Bull Basement before 24 October 2021.

In this global program, students are empowered to showcase their innovative ideas, using technology to make tomorrow’s world a better place. Students can avail of resources such as mentoring, workshops, networking events and more – all leading up to a Global Final where thought leaders, entrepreneurs, and visionaries from around the world collaborate with student teams representing each of the 44 participating countries.

Numerous teams from previous Red Bull Basement events have gone on to expand their ideas on the world stage. The top team from 2019, Austria’s Audvice, has made important strides since their participation, recently receiving six-figure funding in the first investment round for their learning and collaboration tool. And last year the UK’s Lava Aqua X team wowed the experts as they pitched an ecologically friendly reinvention of the washing machine. With the momentum they gained, they are now working to bring their product to market.

Ireland’s 2020 finalists, Ben Ralph and Tadhg Crowley have been working hard on the continued development of their sustainable energy solution DemRes, driving the development of an app which has garnered interest from key players in the Irish energy industry.

To apply for the 2021 edition, entrants can visit the Red Bull Basement website and upload a video that clearly and concisely explains their team idea. Entrants must be 18+ years old and currently enrolled in third level. The public will be able to give online “shout-outs” to their favourite ideas, and those shout-outs will be part of the criteria that judges consider – along with feasibility, creativity and impact – to determine the national finalists. Then the national teams will have five weeks to further develop their ideas with the help of resources including an international mentorship program before attending an immersive, three-day Global Final in Istanbul, Turkey, where teams will pitch their projects to a panel of experts.

 

Timeline, Red Bull Basement 2021:

1 September – 24 October:
Application window is open. The Irish public are invited to give “shout-outs” to their favorite teams.

25 October – 2 November:
National judges select one team to represent Ireland at the Global Final, concluding with a simultaneous announcement of all selected teams.

13 – 15 December:
The international teams connect and pitch their ideas at the Global Final in Istanbul, Turkey.

Tech Review – Foluu case for the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 #Foluu

There is not many cases out yet for the new Samsung devices and the OG cases cost a packet one could argue if you can buy a phone at that price outright you can afford a case however hard cases do not really do it for me and I prefer TPU cases, some more cases and skins are on the way as we speak but today we check out the Foluu case which can be bought on Amazon.

This case covers all corners and has a lip on the front so the case can be placed faced down, also to note the cover display is also protected and the case does work with wireless chargers. The only exposed part of the device is the actual hinge so this is something to consider should you wish to purchase..

Check out the video below for more..

Buy here 

Dell Technologies joins forces with Ireland’s Health Service Executive to launch ‘Digital Futures in Healthcare’

Dell Technologies announced today that it has teamed up with the HSE to launch ‘Digital Futures in Healthcare’, a new educational programme that will provide healthcare professionals in Ireland with the tools and knowledge to apply new technologies within healthcare settings.

Developed in partnership with the HSE, the free online course offers healthcare workers and leaders across the country the opportunity to develop highly sought-after skills required to accelerate the digital transformation of Ireland’s healthcare system.

The six-month programme is designed to help healthcare staff across the HSE and its partner ecosystem to take advantage of the opportunities afforded by connected health, emerging technologies and personalised health solutions while ensuring the protection of patient data. Participants will gain insights into next generation diagnostics, the healthcare digital workplace of the future and the transformation of primary care management.

Included among the subject experts due to speak as part of the programme are James Norman, Healthcare CIO at Dell Technologies; Ryan Heynes, Healthcare leader for Dell Technologies Ireland; Paul Reid, CEO of the HSE; and Neil O’Hare, CIO and Professor of Health Informatics at Children’s Health Ireland.

Martin Curley, Director of Digital Transformation and Innovation at the HSE, said: “From our doctors and nurses to those innovating behind the scenes, the ‘Digital Futures in Healthcare’ course will prove invaluable to all those involved in providing healthcare services in Ireland.

“Technology has become an important tool in the fight against COVID-19 and a driver in the broader modernization of our healthcare system through Sláintecare. We’ve seen the reduction in barriers to digital innovation over the past 18 months and aligned with Slaintecare we will build on this using our Digital Innovation Strategy ‘Stay Left, Shift Left’ to achieve better outcomes for patients, reduce costs and improve quality. With the co-development of this programme with Dell Technologies, we can unleash a new era of healthcare transformation and help Ireland become a European digital health leader in the years ahead.”

Jason Ward, Vice President and Managing Director of Dell Technologies in Ireland, said: “We’re proud to join forces with the HSE to launch our ‘Digital Futures in Healthcare’ programme today. The past year and a half has proven to be a turning point for digital transformation in healthcare with frontline workers embracing technology at unprecedented speed as they bravely treated those impacted by the pandemic and dealt with the challenges of recent months. By equipping more people with digital skills, the healthcare system in Ireland has a unique opportunity to accelerate the deployment of technology to improve patient outcomes, protect patient data and support the vital work of all those providing vital healthcare services.”

The ‘Digital Futures in Healthcare’ programme gets underway on September 22nd with six virtual webinars taking place from September 2021 to February 2022. Learners will receive a Dell Technologies and HSE Digital Academy certified diploma upon completion of the course.

For any healthcare professional interested in applying for the free educational programme, visit:  https://hsedigitaltransformation.ie/digitalfutures2021.

Tech Review – Geekmem iPhone 4 photo frame.

Geekmem is a new company that makes use of old mobile phones and this you will understand more when you see their products and it is a great idea and opens doors for more potential, some might shrug at the idea and say it is only a phone in a frame and considering things we have been asked to review like beakers,slippers and chewing gum this is actually tech so we leave the rest for others, we are a tech site after all, this however is a really neat idea and especially for those who like technology and we all know iPhone is a huge giant in the industry, phones do be recycled all the time but this brand makes better use of old devices and they have a few phones now on offer and going forward I would like to see more.

It is not everyday your average Joe knows what is inside your phone and this company gives you the opportunity to see exactly what makes up the inerts of a mobile phone by displaying them in a nice frame too.. Geekmem quote on their site.

The greatest joys of life are happy memories. Geekmem helps you document your precious digital products to your favorite specimen collection.

We’re living responsibly

Mobile phones contain heavy metals such as lead, arsenic, cadmium, copper, zinc, etc. The pollution intensity of a waste mobile phone is 100 times that of ordinary dry batteries. If discarded arbitrarily, these elements will be released into the soil, groundwater, air, and surface runoff. Cause certain harm to the human body and the environment.

Stay happy times and keep happy memories.

You can make your home more environmentally friendly with Geekmem.

Check out one of their samples sent to us to show you in the flesh and click you can check out their full range at Geekmem.com

The company sent us this to review with no input or compensation paid and are seeing the review the same time as you..

Video link

 

First look at the Jabra Elite 3

Jabra recently announced three new pairs of earbuds and the first to land are the all new Jabra Elite 3 and these are the most affordable earbuds yet from Jabra that also takes us of the Sound Plus app which is one of the best apps out there to give you the best experience from your earbuds.

The Jabra Elite 3 is the perfect choice for those seeking a rich sound, powerful bass and clear calls at a lower price point. After recognising a gap in the market for a lower price earbud that still offers exceptional sound quality, Jabra has used its years of experience to make great sound an option for everyone.

Jabra Elite beside the Elite 75t techbuzzireland

The earbuds are engineered to bring music to life with 6mm speakers and deliver crystal clear calls with 4-microphone call technology, a class-leading music equaliser, inclusion of Qualcomm aptXTM HD audio and seven hours of battery life (28 hours including the charging case). The earbuds offer outstanding noise isolation and with HearThrough awareness, users can tap into the sounds of their surroundings.

Check out the unboxing below and get a first look at what you get..

 

 

How to Properly Store Student Computer Data to Avoid Losing it During a Breakdown

As a student, it can feel frustrating when you lose important school notes because of a breakdown. Lost information will lead to losing plenty of effort and time to recover or restore the information. 

This is why it’s important to store your data on the hard drive of your computer or mobile device that you don’t want to lose. You need a backup strategy that’s part of your “cyber hygiene.” Here, you will learn some tips for how to properly store your data so it won’t get compromised. 

Create a data backup

A data backup is an archive or a copy of the important files stored on your devices, including your phone, tablet, and computer. With a data backup, you can easily restore the files when something happens that causes you to lose your data. Creating a data backup gives you the assurance that your information is completely safe. It will eliminate any stress you might feel when you realize that all of your treasured memories and hard work will be gone forever. 

The main reason for backing up your files is to have a secure place where you store your important information, whether these be treasured photos of your loved ones, academic documents, and more. In case your devices break down, you can easily restore your files using the data backup.whether it’s a photo or a deleted file in Microsoft 365. Learn more here about how to recover a deleted item in Microsoft 365.

Essay writing help online

While you’re in college, part of your learning process is to complete various coursework along with all of the other students in your class. Whenever you write something important, make sure to save writing in different places, especially if your deadline is still far off. You can also use StudyClerk professional essay writing help while learning. This is a professional service that employs professional writers who can create written works on virtually any topic under the sun. Reach out to them when you need help.

Store files on your hard drive

With important data and files, it’s advisable to become proactive instead of reactive. This means that you should take preventive measures to keep your computer’s data protected no matter what type of hard drive you have installed. 

If your hard drive gets damaged, you can still recover lost data by taking out the hard drive from your computer, then connecting it to another device like a laptop or a desktop computer. Doing this allows you to see if your files got damaged or not. If they’re still there, make sure to back them up right away. If your hard drive has been completely corrupted, you can try to retrieve your data using data recovery software. For this, it’s recommended to ask a professional to do this for you.

Get more storage space

You may save some money by only choosing to store data that you cannot replace. But if you can afford data storage, it’s better to back everything up on your device. In doing this, you can determine what data storage options are ideal with the different types of data you have. For instance, if something happens at home, you might lose a physical data backup device like a removable media device. But the data you have backed up in online storage Google Drive won’t. 

Therefore, it makes sense that you should store irreplaceable information in the option that you’re not likely to lose it. Then you won’t have to choose between the two options. Store your data in both options is the safest bet since you won’t lose your data no matter what happens.

Backup before deleting

It’s normal for computer users to update, create, delete, and save files on their devices. But sometimes, files get overwritten or deleted unintentionally. Even with precise computers, we are still humans who make mistakes. Fortunately, there are some safety measures you can take advantage of. One such feature is the Recycle Bin, where you can still recover your files if you delete them accidentally. 

But there might be situations where you can’t depend on the Recycle Bin either. Such situations include when you delete files from drives or when you delete files that are too big for the capacity of your recycle bin. This can also happen when you press Shift + Delete, which deletes your files permanently or when you delete files using the Windows Command Prompt. Therefore, before deleting files, you should back them up first.

Conclusion

The most important things when using networks and devices are the data you have created and stored there. While you can always reinstall operating systems and applications, user-created data is a different story. This is why you should always store important data safely.

Author’s Bio: Alisia Stren is one of the leading writers and editors with a publishing startup and is the key person there in the company’s success. Her success in publishing work and in her freelancing academic writing gigs comes mainly from the high-quality training programs she has attended. Her hobbies include clay modeling, pencil sketching and playing dart games.