Author: Jim O Brien/CEO

CEO and expert in transport and Mobile tech. A fan 20 years, mobile consultant, Nokia Mobile expert, Former Nokia/Microsoft VIP,Multiple forum tech supporter with worldwide top ranking,Working in the background on mobile technology, Weekly radio show, Featured on the RTE consumer show, Cavan TV and on TRT WORLD. Award winning Technology reviewer and blogger. Security and logisitcs Professional.

Irish #StartUp aims to create 1,000 jobs for south-east region through remote working. #Jobs #Abodoo

An Irish start-up is aiming to create 1,000 jobs in the south-east region by encouraging employers to hire remote workers. Abodoo, the online portal for remote and flexible careers, announced this target today following an event for regional business-leaders in Gorey last night.

Abodoo is headquartered in Gorey, and has attracted support from open eir and the IDA.  It launched in Ireland last month, with plans to launch in the UK in the coming months and to expand globally next year.

Denis Naughten TD, Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment delivered a guest address at Abodoo’s recent event at The Hatch Lab, Gorey via live video link from Dublin.

Commenting today, Vanessa Tierney, co-founder of Abodoo, said: “We have set the ambitious goal of getting one thousand people employed across the south-east region through the Abodoo platform. 

“We anticipate this will be a combination of skilled people who are currently unemployed but want to return to work, and people in employment who no longer want the exhausting commute to Dublin.

“We will achieve this goal by encouraging up to 100 companies to hire an average of 10 skilled remote workers each.  These will be people living in the south-east region, who can either work from home or from a co-working hub like the Hatch Lab in Gorey, where we are based ourselves. 

“We are working with our partners, open eir and the IDA, to identify suitable employers and demonstrate to them the benefits of hiring remote workers.”

Co-founder of Abodoo, Vanessa Tierney, pictured speaking at their recent event on remote working in The Hatch Lab, Gorey.

Cost Savings

Ms. Tierney said an increase in remote working would lead to significant cost-savings for government, employers and workers themselves.

“One of the biggest savings is in relation to transport, and this has knock-on benefits for the environment,” she said.  “Remote workers save, on average, between €2,000 and €7,000 and hundreds of hours of travel time per year – just by removing their daily commute.  One thousand new remote workers in the south-east would equate to a saving of 235 metric tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions per year.

“The business case for remote working is also strong:  companies will save an average of €11,000 per remote employee, and 91 per cent of companies that facilitate remote working experience increased productivity.  Companies that promote remote working also report an increase in staff retention of over 50 per cent; and a reduction in absenteeism of 63 per cent.”

Pictured speaking at Abodoo’s recent event on remote working in The Hatch Lab, Gorey was Brendan Mc Donald, IDA Regional Manager, South-East Region.

Ms. Tierney said Abodoo is seeking expressions of interest now from employers interested in hiring skilled remote workers in the south-east region.  Employers and those seeking flexible careers can register at www.abodoo.com.

Prominent astrophysicist visits Ireland for talk on Milky Way exoplanets. #science #astrology

The Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies (DIAS) School of Cosmic Physics will tomorrow (19.10.17) host Professor Giovanna Tinetti of University College London for a public lecture on the exoplanets of the Milky Way.  The lecture, entitled ‘Brave New Worlds: The Planets in our Galaxy’ will take place at 6.30pm in Theatre C (O’Connor Theatre – Room H2.22), Science Hub, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4.

 

Over the past 20 years, over 3,500 exoplanets – i.e. planets that orbit stars other than our Sun – have been discovered in distant planetary systems of the Milky Way.  Tomorrow’s lecture will explore these exoplanets and the Earth’s place in our galaxy and, ultimately, in the universe.

 

The event is open to the public, free of charge. To register your attendance, go to: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/brave-new-worlds-the-planets-in-our-galaxy-tickets-37247044914.

GDPR – The Final Countdown.. AMI is set to run a seminar to help Irish organisations. #GDPR

AMI is set to run a seminar to help Irish organisations understand the legal requirements of the impending General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in the run up to the legislation coming into force.

Pearse Ryan, partner with Arthur Cox Solicitors; Paul Hearns, editor of TechPro magazine; and Steve Mellings, CEO of the Asset Disposal and Information Security Alliance (ADISA); will speak at the event and provide information on companies’ obligations in the face of GDPR.

See the full press release below..

AMI, Ireland’s leading secure IT retirement company, will host a seminar on Thursday, November 23rd in the Fitzwilliam Hotel in Dublin, to help Irish organisations understand the legal requirements of the impending General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). The event is open to business and IT professionals eager to identify their obligations in the face of the new legislation, which is now just seven months away.

 

GDPR is set to come into force in less than eight months’ time, and will have a dramatic effect on how organisations collect and process data. As well as this, companies will have to place renewed focus on ensuring the secure disposal of end of life IT equipment, to prevent sensitive information falling into the wrong hands.

 

Compliance is not optional and failure to comply with regulatory changes stemming from the legislation will have serious consequences for businesses. Those who fail to demonstrate compliance could find themselves liable to fines of up to 4% of global turnover or €20M, depending on which is greater.

At the event, a number of industry experts will guide attendees through the legal requirements of GDPR and highlight the steps that they need to take to avoid significant fines. Firstly, Pearse Ryan, partner at Arthur Cox solicitors, will instruct attendees on their legal obligations under GDPR, and highlight the steps that they need to take to work towards compliance.

Pearse specialises in the areas of information technology (including IT disputes), sourcing, outsourcing, cyber-security, computer security/fraud, e-commerce and intellectual property (with an emphasis on IT related matters), making him ideally placed to provide an overview of the legal aspects of the incoming legislation.

Steve Mellings, CEO of the Asset Disposal and Information Security Alliance, will also speak at the event. He will focus on helping companies to understand their relationship with their data processor, i.e. the company responsible for processing their data. Understanding this relationship is a crucial element of GDPR. Steve has over 15 years’ experience in asset retirement working with industry, global manufacturers and personally helping to write and implement asset disposal policies for some of the largest organisations in the world.

 

Finally, Paul Hearns, editor of TechPro Magazine, will present the results of a recent survey carried out by TechPro in association with AMI. The survey sought to identify the potential blind-spots in Irish organisations’ information security strategies in advance of GDPR, and the results reveal some fascinating findings. AMI will also launch a whitepaper highlighting the results of the survey and all event attendees will receive a copy. Coming from a development and security background, Paul has broad experience of enterprise IT and will also host the event.

 

Event attendees will have the opportunity to network with senior IT decision-makers and GDPR experts, and gain valuable insights into how to prepare for the coming regulation. For more information and to register for the event visit:https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/gdpr-seminar-registration-38386541178. Refreshments will be provided on the day.

Video Review – #Nokia5 Low profile wallet carbon fibre texture case. @TerrapinCases

Our NOKIA 5 has finally arrived and the first case we check out from our good friends at Terrapin Accessories is the Low Profile Leather Wallet Case with a carbon fibre finish which looks the part and will ensure your new device is fully protected from all angles. Check out the video review and images below and if there is any questions feel free to ask on any of our social chanells linked on the top right and bottom of page.

Features..

  • Integrated viewing stand
  • Card slots plus section for cash
  • Full screen protection
  • Raised edge for protection of camera lens
  • Ports and buttons fully accessible
Pocket friendly with integrated wallet

The cases features a super slimline design that adds minimal bulk to the phone. It fits easily in your pocket or handbag for everyday use and includes card slots so you don’t need to carry a separate wallet.

Note: Cards should be inserted with the magnetic strip on the right hand side of the slots (towards the phone) as this will ensure they are protected from rare cases of demagnetization.

Custom designed to fit like a glove

This superbly crafted case is custom designed to fit the Nokia 5 perfectly. Precision cut-outs for camera and ports mean you can take photos, charge your phone and listen with headphones without removing the case. All buttons can be used with ease.

Watch films and video chat in comfort

The Nokia 5 case has an integrated multi-angle hands free viewing stand that makes it perfect for video chat and multimedia use.

Advanced phone & screen protection

This Nokia 5 case provides total protection for every aspect of your phone, including the screen. The phone is firmly secured in a form fitting inner shell to ensure there’s no risk of it popping out if dropped. The leather flip cover protects the screen when closed and helps prevent breakages in the event of a fall.

BUY HERE 

Review – Nokia 5 “body case” with built in kickstand from @TerrapinCases #Nokia5

Our next case up from Terrapin Accessories is the body case with a built in kickstand which offers ultimate protection and also has the built in kickstand which enables you to conusme media without the need to remove your phone from the case like some case do.This all round so far is my favourite case with rubbers corners and feet a ledge on the front which also allows you to put the device face down and the the best part is as mentioned the kickstand for hassle free media consumption,check the image gallery below and video for more and if you have any quesitons fire away.

Features

  • Grippy silicone exterior holding points
  • Hands-free kickstand
  • Raised lip for screen and camera lens protection
  • Ports and buttons fully accessible
Advanced dual layer protection

The Nokia 5 case has a unique design which incorporates a silicone front perimeter with a tough hard polycarbonate outer shell. The result is a case that provides impact protection and shock dissipation for your phone. Your screen is also protected when lying face down due to the raised lip silicone perimeter.

Custom designed to fit like a glove

This superbly crafted case is custom designed to fit the Nokia 5 perfectly. Precision cut-outs for camera and ports mean you can take photos, charge your phone and listen with headphones without removing the case. All buttons can be used with ease.

Super grip holding points

With exposed silicone sections built into the exterior shell, this Nokia 5 case provides extra grip precisely where needed. It can be more securely held in the palm of the hand and helps prevents falls from slippery surfaces.

Use hands-free on any surface

The Nokia 5 case features a handy built in kick stand so you can put it down on any surface for hands free use.

BUY HERE

 

 

 

Unboxing and walkaround – The Nokia 5 #Nokia5 #Nokia #HMDGlobal #Ireland

Our Nokia 5 has finally arrived sim free which we will now be testing over the next few weeks,today we do a quick unboxing and compare it to the Nokia 3 and 6 and talk about those two devices to compared to this mid ranger which can be bought here in Ireland on the Three network and Argos. Any questions feels free to ask below and we also have some cases coming to keep the Nokia 5 safe from harms way should it be dropped be sure to tune in for those reviews coming your way very soon…

Outside
  • Seamless metal body that fits perfectly in your hand
  • Convenient fingerprint sensor
  • Bright fully-laminated and polarized 5.2” HD display with sculpted Corning Gorilla Glass
  • 13 MP autofocus camera on the back, 8 MP camera on the front
  • Available as both single SIM and dual SIM variants
Inside
  • Clean and clutter-free Android Nougat with regular updates
  • Latest generation Qualcomm® Snapdragon 430 processor designed for excellent battery life and improved graphics
  • NFC for easy sharing of your content
  • A MicroSD card slot with support up to 128 GB
  • 16 GB storage for all your stuff

 

The @IrishResearch Appoints New Director Peter Brown #Research #IRC

The Irish Research Council has announced the appointment of Peter Brown as its new Director.Mr. Brown was appointed following a public recruitment process, and will assume the role with immediate effect. 

The mission of the Irish Research Council is to enable and sustain a vibrant research community in Ireland by supporting excellent researchers in all disciplines from arts to zoology.

Previously, he served as Deputy Director of the Council (2015 to 2017) and Senior Manager with the Higher Education Authority (2003 to 2014), based in the Skills and Engagement unit and National Office for Equity of Access to Higher Education.  In the past, he has also held roles with Dublin Institute of Technology and in the private sector.

Mr. Brown has been Interim Director of the Irish Research Council since May 2017, following the departure of former Council Director Dr. Eucharia Meehan earlier this year.

 

Commenting on his appointment, Professor Jane Ohlmeyer, Chair of the Irish Research Council, said: “The Irish Research Council is delighted to announce Peter Brown as our new Director.

“The richness of Peter’s experience, his commitment to basic frontier research and excellence across all career stages and disciplines, and his track record in successfully delivering major research projects make him an ideal fit for this role.”

Mr. Brown said his priority in his role as Director will be to consolidate the Council’s unique role within the Irish research eco-system.

“Support for individual researchers across all disciplines and career stages is a necessary and indeed vital component of a modern, advanced research system,” he said.  “By investing in exceptional individuals working at the cutting edge of new knowledge, we future-proof Irish research and its place in a globally-connected world.

“I am looking forward to leading the Council on this agenda over the coming years, working closely with Council members, a very committed staff team, the Higher Education Authority and Department of Education and Skills, and the wider set of research stakeholders.”

Further information about the Irish Research Council is available at www.research.ie.

Top UK Organisations Still Too Exposed to #CyberThreats According to New RiskIQ Research

This morning, leader in digital threat management, RiskIQ reveals its latest report on the current cyber security threats existing amongst the FT30. With cyber criminals on the prowl to exploit the UK’s largest organisations, and vulnerabilities found comparable to Equifax, protection of an ever expanding digital attack surface is crucial in preventing millions more falling victim. For more read the press release..

Unpatched web infrastructure and de-centralised web management practices are leaving UK organisations vulnerable to cyber-attacks and high profile data breaches. New RiskIQ research reveals a loss of control amongst the FT30, expanding their digital attack surface and opening doors to cyber criminals.

New insight exposes five key areas leaving businesses exposed to cyber-attack as a result of increasing digital transformation, including: servers and frameworks, certificates, test site, data collection, and  web management. Cyber criminals are constantly researching organisations’ digital footprints and exploiting known vulnerabilities. Worryingly, RiskIQ discovered 5,127 at risk servers and 2,045 at risk frameworks among the UK’s top 30 firms. This is an average of 171 at risk servers and 68 at risk frameworks currently existing per organisation.

When assessing the public websites of the FT30, a total of 99,467 live websites were discovered; an average of 3,315 websites per business. Such expansive digital presence is the result of digital transformation efforts which can often result in the loss of security control, leading to  opportunities for cyber adversaries to exploit weaknesses and access critical business and customer information.

Whilst businesses continue to be exposed to risk outside of the firewall, there is simultaneously an impact on consumer trust and long-term business success. For example, expired or untrusted certificates result in warning messages that dent consumer confidence and can lead to disengagement. The research uncovered an average of 35 expired certificates and 250 untrusted certificates per organization.

Risk is also present when it comes to data collection within the FT30. If done insecurely, this can lead to loss or fraudulent use of customer data, whilst impacting a business’s reputation and revenue. A total of 13,194 instances of data collection through login or input forms was discovered, of which over a quarter (29%) had no encryption, and 5% were using old encryption algorithms or expired certificates.

Fabien Libeau, VP RiskIQ, EMEA says, “Gaining visibility over an ever expanding web presence isn’t a simple task. We have recently seen the consequence of Equifax losing control of its infrastructure and web assets before falling victim to cyber-crime and impacting millions of customers. It is crucial that other organisations don’t follow suit by ensuring their digital attack surface is constantly monitored, kept under control and secure from cyber adversaries on the prowl.”

The full UK FT30 report and findings can be found here.

Image source

First look at Virtuali-Tee #AR #VR #Eductaion #Curiscope

VR/AR has kind of nosedived the last year and hopefully this will turn around and I am a huge fan with lots of headsets an testing apps quite often. One great use of VR /AR which is now getting some attention is in education which is useful and also fun and for kids its really a good way of learning rather than looking at boring pictures in a book or again drawings on the blackboard,this kind of technolology puts it in your face and I find it has a longer lasting effect which is much better..

 

Two recent things for example in this area is INVIVO and VEATIVE which I have tried and tested and continue to test with VEATIVE which is edcuational VR for the classroom.. This new product from Curiscope is a simple genuis idea and can be shared via Airplay and Chromecast to the masses and its cost effective too and I have started testing it out with my child here and she loves the idea and not only does it use AR it can work with VR headsets. Check it out below and if there is any questions in the interim drop us a note below or get us on social.  You can also follow the guys below on the links provided..