Phishing emails revealed as biggest cybersecurity threat to SMEs but 50% don’t have security solution in place

A brand-new Cyber Security Pack has been created by Magnet+, Ireland’s largest connectivity network, to help Irish businesses protect themselves against the significant rise in phishing emails as well as other types of vulnerabilities, threats or breaches.

This new product was especially devised by Magnet+ and its security partner Exponential-e, following research conducted by the company which revealed that almost one in four businesses say that email attachments pose the greatest cyber security threat to their business. However, the survey also revealed that 50% of businesses have not implemented an email security solution to prevent this.

So, what does “Phishing” actually mean?

“Phishing” occurs when a cybercriminal impersonates a reputable business or person in an email or other form of communication such as SMS or direct message on social media. Phishing emails often contain malicious links or harmful attachments that can be used to steal confidential user data such as login credentials or credit card numbers. Opening an unknown and potentially unsafe email attachment can have a detrimental impact on any business – not only in terms of financial loss and loss of business, but also reputational damage.

How will the Magnet+ Cyber Security Pack help businesses?

One element of the new product involves engaging a simulated Email Phishing Campaign that will test employee’s security awareness and see if they open a phishing attachment or not. Results will be reported, highlighting any areas for improvement while follow-up training videos will also be offered to staff.

Other elements of the new Cyber Security Pack from Magnet+, which brings a unique mix of services together for the first time making it a beneficial tool if you are planning to invest in cyber security insurance include:

  • A monthly vulnerability scan which will identify weaknesses within your existing security systems by mimicking the actions of the most effective cybercriminals and offer advice on where your business should implement any extra required precautions.
  • A one-off three-day penetration test where intensive attempts are made to break through your cyber defences over a three-day period employing the same tactics used by attackers. This is crucial to identifying weak spots and gaps in your cyber security system already in place.
  • A one-off Cyber Essentials self-assessment which will act as a baseline certification for IT architects and consultants. Magnet+ help secure and protect what you value most 24/7, allowing you to focus on your core business services.

The new product currently being rolled out by Magnet+ is in partnership with international IT, communications and technology innovator Exponential-e.  Magnet+ customers can now be secure in the knowledge that as well as benefiting from world class technical expertise, their business will have the highest level of cyber security controls possible.

Cyber security in the post-pandemic world, headlines the agenda for the Integrity360 Security Roadshow 2022

Integrity360, UK and Ireland’s largest cyber security services specialist, has announced the agenda for the launch of its Security First Roadshow 2022 that will take place on 5 different dates, across 5 different locations around the UK and Ireland. Post pandemic cyber security will headline the event, as Richard Ford, CTO at Integrity360, discusses the difficulties posed by the rise of remote working and puts Identity, Data and the Cloud front and centre, as organisations struggle to get to grips with the challenges.

Commencing on Wednesday 5th October in Reading, the half-day conferences (10am-2pm) will bring together industry professionals and experts to discuss the key topics effecting businesses today; from the challenges of managing remote working, to ransomware. and will give attendees’ advice and support on how to establish a security first strategy across their businesses.

Other items on the agenda will include thought provoking keynote sessions from leading cyber security specialists, alongside inciteful panel discussion and debates. The events are being sponsored by Integrity360’s cutting edge, market leading partners.

Senior experts from Integrity360 and their industry partners such as Deep Instinct, Rapid7, Mimecast, Check Point, XM Cyber and Trellix will take to the panel to provide insights on topics such as whether ransomware can put you out of business and consider the real impacts and cost of a ransomware attack.

Richard Ford, Integrity360’s CTO, says: “Threats, solutions and the costs involved, are elements that evolve as fast as the attacks that come before them. Tackling some of these vital topics is crucial and we must be prepared to get ahead of the game and put security first.”

“The success of the Security First conference earlier this year was the fuel we needed to take the show on the road. It’s a great opportunity to join forces with some of our key partners and customers to make our voices heard and share industry knowledge and advice across the UK and Ireland.

“Our recognition as a Representative Vendor in the 2022 Gartner Market Guide for Managed Security Services (MSS) and Managed SIEM, earlier this year was further testament to our growth and knowledge of the security industry and our need to continue to educate on these issues.”

The content of the Security First Roadshow is relevant to all organisations and is designed to meet the needs of professionals who have responsibility for managing cyber security, governance, compliance, risk management and IT operations.
Registration is open here.

How technology has impacted Irish online casinos

Gaming has always been popular in Ireland, despite the changing gambling laws in the country. The UK is actually the world’s “second-largest gambling market in Europe”. 

The popularity of online casino gaming is proof that Irish gamers are still fans of gaming and are adapting to changing lifestyles. 

But how exactly has technology impacted Irish online casinos? This article will explore that topic along with Ireland’s gambling laws, and some of the reasons why gambling is so popular in this country.

Ireland’s gambling laws

The first attempts to regulate gambling in Ireland appeared in 1854 with the Betting Act of 1854. 

Over a century later, commercial casinos were banned in Ireland under the Gaming and Lotteries Act of 1956. However, this did not stop Irish players from gambling. 

Casinos were hidden under names such as “clubs” to avoid the ban. This renaming of gaming venues allowed for casinos to exist despite the legal restrictions. 

Casino gambling is still officially illegal in Ireland. This might change in the upcoming years as a current bill is being reviewed. 

This bill is known as the Gambling Control Bill of 2013 and would allow for “up to 40 legal land-based casinos with up to 15 tables each”. This bill would help regulate casino venues and gambling, making it safer for players. 

However, the bill is yet to be passed by Parliament. In the meantime, online casinos are the only option available to Irish gamblers who want to visit a casino and not a club. 

Therefore, Ireland’s gambling laws have unintentionally helped foster and develop the expansion of online casinos and virtual gambling. Therefore it’s no surprise why Irish players are looking to play games online.

 

 

 

The role of technology in the popularity of online casinos

Technology is the reason that online casinos exist in the first place. Without the internet, technological devices and constant technological improvements, online casinos would not be popular.

Indeed, since the invention of the World Wide Web (WWW) in 1989 by British scientist Tim Berners-Lee, most industries have changed and transitioned to the virtual world. 

This virtual world is more convenient for many individuals and is more suited to people’s lifestyles. They can now access venues and games from anywhere, and at any time. 

Not only are online casinos easy to access, but they are also time-efficient gaming options. Individuals visiting gaming websites spend less time travelling to the venue, giving them more time to play.

In other words, they are very convenient, which is one of the main reasons behind their popularity. 

Furthermore, because of the growth of the virtual world and the increasing number of online casino players, more and more providers are investing in online casinos. The number of new virtual casinos is rapidly expanding.

Punters can now quickly find the newest casinos and the newest games from the comfort of their home. 

Due to this, the competition is fierce. Many casino providers attempt to beat the competition by offering attractive offers, bonuses and promotions to their players.

This, in turn, attracts more gamers to the virtual gaming world. 

The rapid technological improvements that appear year after year also contribute to the popularity of online gambling. Online casino games work well and offer fun and entertaining visuals. 

The online gaming experience is constantly improving thanks to technological improvements. Again, this attracts more gamers who find that playing online is close to the gaming experience offered by land-based casinos. 

Another factor is the use of devices such as smartphones and mobile devices. Many casinos now offer apps that players can easily download on their mobile phones and play at any time. 

Not only are the visuals appealing on these apps, but these apps also allow individuals to easily keep track of their deposits, the games they have played and the casino’s gaming catalogue.

The availability of online casino games and venues in the form of apps is a major contributor towards the popularity of online gambling. There are more and more smartphone users every day, with currently 83.72% of the world’s population owning a smartphone.  

The virtual world does not mean that individuals are deprived of social interactions. On the contrary, online casinos try and recreate as accurately as possible the atmosphere of a real casino. 

Through the use of technology, online casino providers offer chat rooms and other features that allow individuals to chat with other gamers and invite friends or family members to play with them. These features turn online casinos into social forums for people to connect or reconnect. 

This is another reason behind the success of online casinos. These casinos do not isolate gamers from the gaming community.

Other features that some casinos include to recreate a real gaming experience in a physical casino include live games and sound effects.   

Through live games and streams, individuals can play in real time with other players or watch other gamers play live. This again creates a more social gaming experience and helps people connect online at the same time. 

Sound effects can include applause, whispers, slot machine sounds, calls from a caller or from a dealer, and more. These sounds immerse the players in a casino atmosphere.

There are other technological improvements and features that contribute to the success and popularity of online casinos. These are just a few of them. 

Final thoughts 

This article discussed Ireland’s gambling laws, which seem to have favoured the expansion of online casinos. Then, the impact of technology on Ireland’s online casino was explored.

Overall, technology has greatly contributed to the development, success and popularity of online casinos. As current technology continues to improve, the online gambling industry will most likely continue to develop and attract new gamers. 

 

Apple Watch SE 2022 (44mm Starlight) first look, unboxing and set-up

Yes I went and did it, got another Apple Watch and this time the SE starlight 44mm. I am looking at the Ultra down the road however have seen none in stores yet and want to see just how big it looks on the wrist rather than stock image reviews or photos. As for the SE I think will be popular and good value for money and for those who have yet to jump into the smartwatch game no matter what OS your prefer the entry level offerings are probably best to begin with. Given Apple is more expensive than others this is a decent smartwatch at a decent entry price however probably too high for many which I agree with, I have come down from the Apple Watch 7 series to try it out and so far so good for my needs.

Not going to bore you with the specs but today I just take a first look and unboxing of the new Apple Watch SE and the set-up process which is quite simple as with anything Apple is and if you need to know some more feel free to drop your thoughts in the comments on our YouTube channel and stay tuned for more on the Apple iPhone 14 pro and the watch as we have accessories to check out in the coming weeks.

Check out the iPhone 13 pro vs 14 pro unboxing here

Unboxing the Apple Watch SE 2022

 

 

EY Ireland Launches new AI centre of excellence to supercharge AI led growth for Irish businesses

EY has today launched AI Labs – a unique AI centre of excellence – offering clients access to game changing capabilities in big data, AI, smart automation, VR/AR and advanced analytics. EY Ireland’s expanding data analytics and technology consulting team, encompassing 220 people, will run and manage AI Labs to deploy a set of advanced technology client solutions and highly specialised client services. The skills and resources provided through AI Labs will ultimately equip organisations with the resources, tools, and insights they need to drive growth and market leading innovation.

AI Labs, run in collaboration with the EY wavespace innovation centre, will introduce a host of services to clients across maturity assessment, strategy, solution deployment, business training, rapid prototyping/POC, and Solution Development/MVP. The suite of AI capabilities and services on offer will allow organisations across multiple industries and sectors to deploy these advanced technologies to optimise new growth opportunities and to solve their most complex industry challenges. AI Labs will expand EY’s existing technology consulting business across AI, automation, machine learning, and big data over the next three years.

Speaking at an event to launch the AI Labs today, Paul Pierotti, EY Ireland Partner, Data Analytics and Emerging Technology said“AI and smart automation present endless opportunities for organisations to solve complex issues in their respective industries. By adopting these technologies and embedding them in their operational models, organisations will find themselves at the forefront of positive industry and societal change. By taking the necessary measures to adopt these technologies Irish organisations will be set on a new path of digital optimisation and success. AI Labs at EY epitomises the value we place on innovation as a firm as reflected in the ongoing expansion of our vibrant technology consulting business.”

The unique offering of AI Labs will include capabilities across natural language processing, predictive analytics, optimisation, expert systems, and advanced computer recognition. By leveraging these AI capabilities, organisations will be at the forefront of the digital economy. EY will also be able to build on its rapid prototyping capabilities, using design thinking, agile methodology, discovery sessions, and the latest technology and industry insights to solve critical business issues alongside cutting-edge AI technologies.

Frank O’Keeffe, Managing Partner, EY Ireland, commented: “The launch of AI Labs here in EY Ireland is a natural evolution of our already extensive suite of services to clients in the technology space.  I’m hugely excited about the opportunities it will unlock for our clients right across the island of Ireland. Long term sustainable success in business requires innovative thinking and access to the latest cutting-edge ideas and technologies. Through our new AI labs and our partnership with the ADAPT centre, will be able to bring the incredible potential of AI alive for our clients through bespoke workshops and demonstrations. We can’t wait to bring together the brightest minds in AI across this island to co-create game changing solutions with our clients.”

To ensure AI Labs is supported with the advanced research, skills, and insights it needs to thrive, EY will enter into a 4-year strategic collaboration with the ADAPT Centre – the world-leading Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) Research Centre for AI-driven digital content technology. The collaboration will facilitate the application of advanced technology and research initiatives that address real-world industry challenges. These will consist of a portfolio of collaborative projects, initially co-funding two PhD students in 2022 but scaling to include research fellowships, targeted projects and other collaborations, including but not limited to health, transport, and utilities.

Declan McKibben, Executive Director of the ADAPT Centre added“The ADAPT Centre brings together the best researchers in Human Centric AI across eight universities in Ireland to drive AI Adoption and Innovation here in Ireland and internationally. By building and valuing strong relationships with academic institutions, the innovation ecosystem, and businesses, we ensure that knowledge transfer can happen much more rapidly in line with the pace of innovation today. This partnership signals a new strategic approach to our engagement with EY which will nurture talent, drive innovation and turn good ideas into great solutions for tomorrow.”

The ADAPT collaboration will allow EY the opportunity to invest in research initiatives that align with its digital strategy, through creating additional research capacity and driving innovation. Research will be focused on initial use cases in data governance, customer content & engagement, intelligent supply chain and manufacturing, and sustainability.

Manage KPIs better with an SaaS Dashboard

Are you looking for the most convenient SaaS dashboard, which is not only easy to use but also affordable? Don’t worry anymore because we are here at Plecto today and can help you better understand what one means by this dashboard and why ours is the best. The popularity of a SaaS dashboard is quite global these days; hence, making the right choice with us is very important.

Notable Features of the SaaS Dashboard

Before you get in touch with us at Plecto for the SaaS dashboard, it is also essential to know about the software’s features. Some of these are:

Numerous Integrations

The first and most important thing we have focused on is incorporating many integrations, which is essential to SaaS. We have got more than 100+ integrations, and you can very easily choose to select the data as well. You can very easily choose to incorporate the data that you want and make it into a SaaS metric which will be quite easily relatable as well.

Multiple Analytics to One Platform

The following important feature that we have tried to incorporate in this particular software is that we have a lot of different analytics for you. It will ensure that clients have a good understanding of the different tools they need and can conveniently guide you. 

Add Your Input

Regarding a SaaS dashboard, we understand that it is vital to make your inclusions. Hence, we have tried to keep the concept of customizations to make it easier for our clients. Depending on your needs, you can make changes, and all you need to do is let us know, and we will get it done for you.

Conclusion

We know that creating a SaaS dashboard can be intimidating, and the only thing that we have focused on is making it client-oriented. We can vouch that the platform is straightforward and quite promising for you as the client.

Fairphone continues quest for device longevity by selling refurbished phones

Fairphone, the Dutch social enterprise building a market for ethical smartphones, will today start selling refurbished devices – Fairphone 3, New Life Edition – via its website, originally released in September 2019.

In line with Fairphone’s mission to promote longevity in smartphones to reduce e-waste and save valuable resources, the refurbished phones will complement the existing offer of new Fairphone devices currently available.

These pre-owned phones have been refurbished in France and tested to ensure 100% functionality. They come with a new or almost-new battery, guaranteeing at least 80% of the original capacity. They have the same 2-year manufacturing warranty originally reserved for new devices of this model. The amount of refurbished phones is limited and will be sold while stocks last. Refurbished Fairphone3+ devices will be available in the coming weeks

Its modular design also allows for easier refurbishing and upgrading, since broken parts can be replaced. The company gives refurbished Fairphone devices a second life, a logical step in its quest for device longevity and a circular economy.

About Fairphone

Fairphone is building a market for ethical phones and motivating the industry to act more responsibly. We design, produce and sell smartphones to uncover the supply chain behind our products, raise awareness for the most urgent issues, and prove that it’s possible to do things differently. Together with our partners and collaborators, we’re working to make caring for people and the planet a natural part of doing business.

How Did Texas Holdem Online Become A Globally Enjoyed Card Game?

It’s hard to believe that Texas Holdem, a card game enjoyed by millions of people all over the globe, started as an obscure two-player draw game. But that precisely is what happened. What is even more impressive is how quickly Texas Holdem became the most popular poker game in the world.

This blog post will examine how Texas Holdem online became such a global phenomenon. We’ll also discuss some key factors that have contributed to its success. So if you’re interested in learning more about this iconic card game, keep reading!

Poker origins: 16th-century history

Poker is a card game with a long and rich history. Though the game’s exact origins are unknown, it is thought to have originated in Europe during the 16th century. Poker first gained popularity in the United States during the 18th century, when it was played aboard riverboats that plied the Mississippi River. In the 19th century, poker became even more popular and began to be played in saloons and gambling houses across the United States.

The birth of Texas Holdem Poker

Texas Holdem, the most popular poker variation, was first created in the 1970s. It is a community card game, meaning that each player is dealt two cards face down and five shared cards face up in the middle of the table. Players can use any combination of their cards and the shared cards to form the best Texas Holdem poker hands. The game is simple enough to be learned quickly but requires strategy and skill to master. 

 

The rapid rise of online poker in the early 2000s

It Is hard to believe that it’s been almost 20 years since it first became popular. It started with Texas Holdem poker, which quickly took the world by storm. People loved that they could play against opponents from all over the globe, and the game soon became a mainstay on many online sites offering free Texas Holdem poker games.

Online poker is still strong, with millions of players logging on to play daily. And with the recent introduction of live dealer games, it seems like the popularity of online poker is only going to continue to grow. These developments will undoubtedly lead to even more people enjoying this fantastic card game from the comfort of their own homes.

 

Poker is now a globally enjoyed card game

Today, poker is enjoyed by millions of people worldwide, both online and offline. Poker is a game everyone can enjoy, whether it’s for fun or money. There are various poker games to choose from, each with its own rules and strategies. But no matter which game you play, poker will provide hours of enjoyment.

Starter tips to consider when playing Texas Holdem

1. The importance of position in poker.

In poker, the position is determined by where you sit relative to the dealer button. The dealer button rotates around the table clockwise after each hand, so everyone gets a chance to be in different positions. The three prominent positions in poker are early, middle, and late. Each position has strengths and weaknesses, and you should adjust your play accordingly.

 

2. Playing tight and aggressive.

One of the best ways to win at poker is to play tight and aggressive. Doing this means playing only the best starting hands and betting aggressively when you have a good hand. In some cases, betting aggressively can sometimes force your opponents to fold and give you the pot if you don’t have the best hand.

Remember that playing too many hands or being too passive can lead to losses in the long run because you’ll give your opponents too many chances to outdraw you.

 

3. Bluffing with caution.

Bluffing is vital in poker, but it should be used with caution. If you bluff too often, your opponents will catch on and call your bluffs. But if you use it sparingly, you can bluff your way to some big wins.

4. Reading your opponents.

One of the most critical skills to have is being able to read your opponents. Doing this means figuring out what type of hand they have and how they’re likely to bet. If you can read your opponents well, you’ll be able to make better decisions and help get the results that you are aiming for.

5. Managing your bankroll responsibly.

Another essential poker tip is to manage your bankroll responsibly. Doing this means only playing with money you can afford to lose and quitting while you’re ahead. Manage your bets accordingly because if you play with too much money, you could lose everything if you have a few bad games.

Poker is a game that people have enjoyed for centuries. While the rules may be simple, the game can be complex and challenging. Texas Holdem has become one of the most popular poker variations, and it’s easy to see why.

 

The mix of skill and strategy makes for an exciting game that players of all levels can enjoy. If you’re looking for a fun, challenging card game to play online, sign up with GGPoker, the world’s largest poker room.

Tech Review – EZVIZ DB2 battery doorbell.

With the dark nights and mornings approaching fast security of your home should be once again looked at and yes I say it every year but many do not listen and one way to have some peace of of mind and some security is to have a video doorbell, not only is this useful when at home but also away from home.

For me who has used video doorbells for years now likes to see how things are changing with them and one thing for sure is the storage element which will cost you money but you can avail of a freemium model with most now using local storage via an SD card and so on but limited playback options and this will depend on who you are with and another one I have recently reviewed has a freemium model but you can only go back three hours on your videos as an example of how much they have cut the freebie element.

Setting up this doorbell was easy like most and it will be easy for most although on the box it says get a professional which is a but much as most will opt to use this without connecting to an existing mechanical bell as that is the idea of these in the first place is to be used wirelessly but they all still come with the bits and bobs to connect to your existing doorbell which is fine.

EZVIZ doorbell features

The EZVIZ app is where it all happens here and we go through this in the video review below of what you can expect and you will need the app to get going and follow the simple instructions to get the devices working you also get a portable hub and chime which can be plugged into anywhere in the home but it is best kept near the bell for a better signal and having tested this out here if you have a plug near your hall door use it, the same applies to other cameras and so on that I have tested the further away they are the more issues can arise and this also depends on the house build and materials used.

The app is very good and the picture and video is very clear here on this and this applies at night too which is excellent the voice is also good at both ends as you will see in the video when you get a call to your device for example when the doorbell rings.

The thing with this doorbell is the visual aspect and what you can see from your device which is 176-degrees and pretty much can be used as a security camera too, you have options to set up all these things in the app and a PIR and sensitivity levels so you will not miss a beat there is even a loitering setting in the app which is good and a case for many these days with teenagers hanging around or acting the maggot. Battery life is said to be up to 4 months but that depends on how you set this up and the traffic it sees like any other doorbell and we do not have it that long to answer those claims but will come back on that one.

As for the UI in the app it is pretty simple and clean and not hard to navigate but do go through all the settings for maximum performance we go through the app in the video review with realtime life sample videos so you get an idea of what to expect and it is pretty good clear video and voice both ends and will be perfectly adequate for any home, there is lots of ads locally on Facebook and more here in Ireland with people trying to sell home security systems and video doorbells that are utter rubbish and overpriced and product names not well know or know at all unlike this brand is.

Features

  • Clearly 2K Video Security Kit – No more frustration with pixelated or blurry videos. The DB2 records everything happening at your doorstep in 2K resolution. It also provides 5-meter infrared night vision for 24/7 peace-of-mind. 
  • Pair with Chime – To make sure you hear the ring even from afar, EZVIZ pairs it with an indoor chime. What’s better, the chime can help extend your Wi-Fi signal, and boost the network for the doorbell to ensure it get connected stably – which many wireless doorbells may struggle with. Please put the chime into a power outlet (within 5 meters from the doorbell).
  • Wide Field of View – With a 176-degree viewing angle, you can easily see the postman from head to toe and know where he places your package. The doorbell also comes with several different mounting plates in the package, which can help adjust the angle of installation to optimize the doorbell’s vision.
  • PIR Human Motion Detection – With both human-shape and PIR detection capabilities, the device is smart enough to distinguish people from pets or objects. You can customize the alert trigger conditions to adjust its sensibility. Answer before you get the door for friends or deliveries! Using the EZVIZ App, you can talk and react with only a simple tap.
  • Two Storage Options: You can insert a microSD card (up to 256GB) into chime to save your recordings locally, without worrying about any data loss even if the doorbell is damaged or lost. You can also subscribe to EZVIZ CloudPlay for unlimited storage space and an additional layer of data protection. By clicking the promotion, you can get a 16GB Micro SD Card for free.

BUY

Video review