Leading real hands on tech review site in Ireland with technology, business news and more. Jim O Brien Tech.
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.
Quside, a quantum technology company, is working closely with Equinix, the world’s digital infrastructure company®, to enable access for businesses in Ireland to the latest quantum random number generation (QRNG) technology. This will help Equinix customers to build the strongest cryptographic foundation to defend against increasingly sophisticated attacks. True QRNG and quantum cryptography provides a vital defence for businesses as AI advancements lead to a new era of cybercrime.
Equinix has led the way in facilitating access to quantum computing for businesses in Ireland recently, announcing partnerships with Oxford Quantum Computing and Alice & Bob in 2023.
The unusual concept of randomness in cybersecurity is known as entropy. In cryptography, entropy creates completely unpredictable strings of random numbers, making it exceptionally difficult for bad actors to predict patterns and hack into systems. Entropy, which can only be produced by hardware, is at the foundation of security, but poorly generated entropy can lead to insecure and vulnerable systems.
Through its globally interconnected Equinix Fabric network, Equinix enables businesses worldwide to connect with this highly innovative and robust cybersecurity solution on high-speed, low-latency, and private network connections. By allowing seamless communication between quantum entropy systems and operational data processing infrastructure, Equinix and Quside are lowering the barrier to world-class security for businesses in Ireland, as well as thousands of businesses across the globe.
Equinix already supports a number of quantum businesses as part of its network of over 10,000 customers worldwide. It is well-placed to support businesses such as Quside on their growth journey and lead the transition towards a range of quantum technologies for multiple sectors, including enhanced cybersecurity options and improved power efficiency.
Peter Lantry, Managing Director, Equinix Ireland, said: “Advanced cyber defences such as Quside’s quantum cryptography are becoming increasingly necessary to defend businesses in Ireland, and around the world, from bad actors. Equinix is proud to be a leader in providing businesses in Ireland with access to quantum computing to help them to explore and unlock its potential. Access to this latest cutting edge solution comes at a time when the need for strong, reliable cybersecurity is at an all-time high.”
Carlos Abellan, CEO & co-founder, Quside, said: “Equinix plays a crucial role for customers in facilitating global access to Quside’s unique quantum entropy technology. To truly harness the benefits of Quside’s entropy solution in their cloud transition, customers require secure, private, and scalable infrastructure. Equinix’s IBX data centres offer the perfect scalable solutions that can easily adapt to changing computational demands, allowing our customers to effortlessly connect to and expand their quantum entropy capabilities as needed.”
Operating in the heart of Europe’s bustling interconnectivity network, Quside focuses on key sectors including government, finance, healthcare, telecommunications, and cloud computing. Quside products deliver highly performant, scalable, quality, and measurable quantum entropy and can be used in conventional, post-quantum, and quantum cryptography systems.
Equinix data centres provide the essential infrastructure, security, and connectivity required to support the development and deployment of quantum cryptography and entropy generation systems, enabling organisations to leverage the power of quantum technologies for enhanced cybersecurity and data protection.
Revolut, the global financial app with more than 40 million customers worldwide, and over 2.7 million in Ireland, has crunched the numbers on Irish consumer spending over the last month, revealing that a showery April has given Revolut customers in Ireland itchy feet — with spending on travel up nearly 10% YoY versus April 2023.
With figures adjusted for user growth, Revolut’s consumer spending analysis tracked more than 50 million card payments in April, indicating real-world spending trends by Ireland’s Revolut account holders, who spent more than €1.1 billion across a very damp month of April.
Money spent on airlines rose again by close to 4% (MoM increase) as the wet weather saw holidaymakers continue to plan overseas trips — up nearly 25% on April 2023 (YoY increase). People are spending more at the airport this year than last, rising a notable 12% (YoY increase).
Travel agencies were the beneficiaries with a small rise in spending versus the previous month (1.58% MoM increase), up 24% on a more fair weathered April 2023 (YoY increase). Similarly, spend on timeshares shot up by over 16.28% (MoM increase) as Revolut customers in Ireland looked to get away — a steady near 4.5% rise on last April (YoY increase).
Cruises also proved a popular escape, with over 15% more spent on voyages than in March (MoM increase), and more than 23% when compared with April 2023 (YoY increase). Not all were deterred by the wet weather though, with a considerable 34.5% rise in trailer park and campsite spending compared with March (MoM increase) and April 2024 (22% YoY increase).
Maurice Murphy, General Manager at Revolut Bank UAB – Ireland Branch, said: “Our continued push into the travel sector has helped make spending on holidays, short breaks, and last-minute getaways even easier for our customers in Ireland. One-click checkout with Aer Lingus, the introduction of eSIMs to avoid overseas roaming charges, and our super competitive foreign exchange rates have meant more people are trusting Revolut on their trips away. Revolut is Ireland’s preferred way to manage money on a daily basis and these strong spending figures highlight how more customers are using us as their primary bank account.”
Revolut was recently recognised by financial comparison site Bonkers.ie as ‘Ireland’s Best Consumer Business’ and ‘provider of the Best Current Account’.
The all new Nokia 3210 has dropped in and it is a step back in time but with current looks, lightweight with tactile keys and a removable back cover this is half the thickness of the original model which we still have for comparison to give you an idea of what to expect.
Today we will give you a quick first look and unboxing of the revived mobile phone for its 25th anniversary and if you have any questions as always feel free to ask..
Lars Silberbauer, CMO of Human Mobile Devices (HMD), comments: “The Nokia 3210, a cultural icon, is back at the pinnacle of global dumbphone boom as consumers look to balance their screen time usage with a digital detox. The Nokia 3210 has simplicity at its core, allowing consumers to be totally present. Forget dumbphone, this is 2024’s fun phone.”
The Nokia 3210 – keeping it simple:
Design: back to 1999 retro design for a ‘nostalgia trip’ user experience
Powerful: a long-lasting 1450 mAh 2 battery keeps going for days with up to nine and a half hours of chat
Retro gaming: comes with snake – hit a new high score
In an era marked by an explosion of documents, information and data, a recent survey of industry leaders, carried out by document and information management consultancy, Convergent, sheds light on a critical challenge faced by businesses, namely the struggle to manage and effectively utilise their growing volumes of documents and information.
The results, drawn from information management stakeholders across a wide array of industries including pharmaceutical, finance, healthcare, technology, engineering and construction, reveal the urgency for a better strategy, and solutions for managing documents and information.
A striking 63% of Irish businesses report using up to 10 systems and applications to store information. Alarmingly, almost 24% of respondents operate with more than 10 systems. Nik Healy, Solutions Director with Convergent explained: “This fragmentation of systems contributes to significant numbers of information silos that lead to duplication, version, and information trust issues. The disconnection of information, and related content chaos and sprawl across paper, spreadsheets, systems, folders, and emails prohibits information from flowing. This results in inefficiencies and manual processes, and also restricts reporting and business intelligence opportunities.”
Despite advances in technology, 42% of those surveyed are still heavily reliant on paper. With information sprawled in lots of places, many businesses are drowning in information and are unable to harness its full potential. 82% said that finding the information is the most difficult aspect; while 63% admitted they couldn’t trust that it would be the correct version if they happened to find it.
Nik continued: “Finding and validating information carries a cost, in both time and money, especially for highly valuable knowledge workers. The findings underscore the necessity for solutions where information is trusted within a single source of truth. For any business to perform optimally it relies on its documents and information being available easily, quickly and securely. But when that information is spread across lots of disconnected systems and networks it’s hard to find, so true business automation is not achievable.”
Convergent’s survey revealed a near-unanimous desire for improvement, with an overwhelming 97% of respondents expressing interest in investing in solutions that enable information to flow seamlessly and securely throughout their organisation, highlighting a clear recognition of the need for more integrated and streamlined information management solutions.
“For automation to be truly efficient it also needs to be expandable beyond a single department use. Information management solutions must extend beyond a single automation process and ensure information flows throughout a business, is expandable across departments, on demand, anywhere, any time.” added Nik.
84% of respondents said they would use AI to streamline business processes to reduce manual effort, however this is only achievable once Content Chaos issues have been overcome. Nik concluded: “AI has the potential to dramatically improve business processes and operations. But it’s important to note that the huge potential of AI can only be leveraged once the existing Content Chaos issues have been tackled and addressed. AI solutions generate and process huge volumes of information, and organisations must have an information management foundation fit for purpose to cater for this volume.”
Cork Carnival of Science promises a fascinating weekend of discovery where families can unearth the magic of science in the great outdoors. This highly anticipated FREE two-day free STEM festival will return from the 8th-9th of June 2024 in Fitzgerald Park, thanks to funding provided by Science Foundation Ireland and Cork City Council. The well-loved oasis of green space within the city will be transformed overnight into a 12-acre science super park that has to be seen to be believed!
More than 75,000 people have previously attended the Cork Carnival of Science confirming its position as Ireland’s biggest outdoor STEM engagement event! This year budding scientists are invited to unlock nature’s secrets with more nature based and environmental science than ever before! Your mission (if you choose to accept it!) is to explore, investigate, experiment, discover the wonders of science… and have fun!
This year’s Carnival of Science will be even more of a ‘blast’ with 45 different STEM based activities, 26 live seated science shows in Circus Top and Stretch Tents, demonstrations throughout the scenic park, walkabout scientific performers, the animal roadshow, interactive stands, an active zone, microscopic wonders, and discoveries big and small along the way – all for free. New activities this year include ‘Bee-ology’ circus science performance that juggles bee and insect stories and facts; there’s also ‘OurKidsCode’ offering parents of primary school aged children’s taster coding club workshops which they hope will inspire a network of coding clubs around the country; while UCC will be on hand to showcase their Free Hydro Cells research project which aims to create energy from sustainable materials.
Adding to the long menu of science engagement opportunities will be street cuisine, picnic benches, toilet facilities, a gigantic playground, extensive gardens, the Cork Public Museum and Café all on site it truly makes for the ultimate family day out!
The programme of events will be unveiled soon but for now, families are invited to save the date for this unmissable stem-tastic weekend.
Cork Carnival of Science is supported by Cork City Council and Science Foundation Ireland and organised by the Lifetime Lab @ Old Cork Waterworks.
Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr Kieran McCarthy welcomed the return of Cork Carnival of Science for June 2024 saying “Cork City Council are delighted to continue our support for the Cork Carnival of Science festival which is a superb day out for all to enjoy in the scenic and historic surrounds of Fitzgerald Park. This festival aligns with our goals of supporting STEM engagement from a young age, which is essential in keeping Cork City as a leader in scientific endeavors into the future, be it as a place to study, do research, or operate a business. I welcome the inclusion of environmental themes in this year’s programme and I hope everyone will come out and enjoy this free day out.”
Dr Ruth Freeman, Director of Science for Society in Science Foundation Ireland, commented: “SFI is delighted to continue our support for the Cork Carnival of Science festival which is a unique opportunity to get up close and personal with all types of science from physics to chemistry, biology and more. If you know a curious young person who loves animals, nature, outer-space, dinosaurs or magic, there will be something of interest at this event to bring science to life before their eyes and hopefully inspire some future scientists.”
Ellen Murphy, Executive Scientist at Cork City Council, said, “We’re very proud to have Ireland’s largest STEM engagement event right here in Cork, and to facilitate a greater understanding and love of science with people young and old. This year’s event will also emphasise the wonders of the natural world and delve into lots of fascinating life science content in addition to chemistry, physics, engineering, and math’s.”
Accessibility is a key focus to ensure enjoyment for all, and in consultation with the Deaf Community in Cork, provision will again be made by Cork Carnival of Science to ensure sign language interpretation is available at live show performances and for ad hoc requests. They will also have a designated quiet zone in the area near the Sky Garden (where the reflective silver spheres are) which might be useful for young children or those with noise sensitivities.
For more details see corkcity.ie/corkcarnivalofscience or stay tuned to social media updates from @corkcitycouncilofficial. #BelieveInScience
Irish sustainability experts ConnectGreen (connectgreen.ie) has launched its innovative biodiversity and carbon offsetting platform, connecting farmers and landowners with companies who are looking for guaranteed, certified and verified biodiversity and carbon offsetting initiatives.
By leveraging the new EU carbon framework, ConnectGreen makes it possible for ordinary landowners, including farmers, to participate in the carbon and biodiversity credits global marketplace and maximise the financial benefits of carbon farming.
John Kelleher, CEO of ConnectGreen commented: “We are calling on farmers and landowners across Ireland to see the revenue potential in the evolving biodiversity credits and carbon offsetting sector. We come from a farming background ourselves and we understand the pressures that farmers are currently under. With Ireland’s biodiversity plans that aim to rewild and rewet 20 percent of the country’s land, we are partnering with farmers and landowners helping them unlock the potential and opportunity of realising a dependable, long-term income stream from carbon and biodiversity assets on their own land”.
Kelleher added: “We are also highlighting to Irish-based companies the option of securing their biodiversity and carbon credits here in Ireland – why invest in projects in Africa or South America, when our platform offers a wide range of biodiversity and carbon offset initiatives available across Ireland. Your customers and shareholders will appreciate your action in ensuring your ESG investments are helping to improve the environment right here at home rather than in a project half way round the globe”.
Cattle and sheep farmers Mike Cremins and his Uncle Pat Cremins who are fourth and fifth generation farmers from Meenganaire, Knocknagoshel, Co. Kerry, said: “We have been saying for years that someone has to pay farmers for the great work they do in managing the landscape, in particular, for farmers who own what could be termed poorer land in peatland and mountain areas like ourselves where economic viability is always difficult. ConnectGreen’s platform with its biodiversity credits and carbon offsetting opportunities is a great way of compensating small farmers and landowners like ourselves for the work we do day in and day out in nurturing the Irish countryside”.
From the outset, ConnectGreen has focussed on providing an opportunity for companies and landowners to collaborate in carbon offsetting in a thoroughly verifiable and certified way, guaranteeing that a reliable and quantifiable level of offsetting is taking place.
Mr. Kelleher concluded: “That is the essence of our ‘triple-lock’: verified, certified and guaranteed. We offer an unwavering commitment to authenticity and integrity, so every carbon credit purchased through our platform has been rigorously verified by our expert team.
“The carbon market is evolving rapidly and we’re excited to be at the forefront of this new movement in Ireland and across the EU. ConnectGreen is already engaged with a number of biodiversity and carbon offsetting projects across Ireland, and we have ambitious targets to oversee deals that will facilitate the removal of 250k tons of carbon from the atmosphere by the end of 2024.”
Full details on how the ConnectGreen platform works can be found on the company’s website: ConnectGreen.ie. The site also features tailored content for both landowners, including farmers, who are looking to maximise income from their holdings. ConnectGreen also offers a “Software as a Service” platform for companies looking to engage in carbon accounting including the monitoring, reporting and verification of biodiversity and carbon assets.
It is Pixel time of the year and of course the Pixel 8a has dropped in for us to check out and this time around with have a much more lively color which I love by the way in Bay Blue which looks great and stands out in the crowd, and before we go on we have some cases to check out as we always do and a new brand on board which is pretty exciting so stay tuned for that this week..
Out of the box the device stands out immediately and having it in my hands for a few days we will give you our first impressions and later on talk some more on the device, the 8a is a perfect size device dare I say coming from the Pixel 8 pro which I still use and love the 8a is offering more for your money this time around from previous (a) devices and I have seen some say get the Pixel 8 and why bother with this one and could they be right and google shooting themselves in the foot? I do not think so as if it was me sporting the 8 right now I would still go for the 8a.
The Pixel 8a has a better footprint and just looks better, OK I typically have the black versions so slightly biased on that front but the camera bar is smaller it feels better and just looks better and has all the features of the two superior models but nothing is better than a new phone and the pixel a series have always been solid for me and I end up sticking to them until the next version comes out which will be the 9 and have done so for years and as I have said many times I always have a Pixel phone on me but I test phones and try others over the course of the year like I am now but the Pixel always sticks with me, in fact I have just moved on my S24 Ultra because I got bored with it but bought that myself like most other devices and I carry an iPhone 15 pro which is a secondary device for obvious reasons but has to be said it is never a main device with a secondary testing sim inside.
With only a few days testing as mentioned this is just an initial first look and so far the device has been flawless given I would have much more going on my phone than others which in itself is taxing on any device. First thing to notice is the adaptive 120hz refresh rate and again I have been open about this most will not notice but as a seasoned phone reviewer I do and it is a good feature to have, the device is as expected fast and fluid or as some say buttery smooth.
Wireless transfer has got better, Pixel 8a and Pixel 8 Pro – techbuzzireland
The back of the Pixel 8a is finished with a matt finish meaning no smudges which is annoying for some and some have critiqued me before for saying so with products that leave fingerprints everywhere which is fine when most of us sport cases on our phones but not all but it is worth noting anyway and for the record I do often take the case of any phone at home where it safe to do so to get a real feel for a device.
The build quality is excellent with aluminium sides rather than plastic and feels better and more robust than previous A devices and with a 6.1 inch 430 ppi OLED (actua) display it shines and great for media consumption and has a gorilla glass 3 screen which is fine and you have a screen protector on board.
The Pixel 8a features Magic Editor, Best Take and now Audio Magic Eraser which is ideal for content creators or even just the average user, with the AI features on Pixel devices they have grown in popularity over the years and provide simple to use tools for anyone and the cameras are again great with some samples below for now and we even got to see some of the northern lights for a few minutes which was not expected where I was.
Wireless charging (18w) is on board which for me is great but seems to be a bearbug with many folk these days when omitted and if like me with wireless charging docks all over the house and in my car it is a must have and mainly for convenience but as a tech guy I am lucky to be in a position where I have these chargers all over the place and adopted it early.
Overall for the past few days using this device very carefully with no case ( first time to take a phone out with no case but used carefully) I have been impressed so far and with the loads I put on my phones they are by no means used lightly with all the daily tasks I use my phones for with social media emails docs web browsing and other calls with Google meet zoom and teams it has proven again a worthy device so far.
Battery life I can’t comment on just yet as I have not had it long enough to give a good indication vs older models but over the last few days it has been solid enough but not put to the full test due to being off at an event and a wedding plus embargo reasons and not on full view but so far so good and I would not expect anything less, stay tuned for more on the Pixel 8a and case reviews coming this week and then I will be going full on with this device loaded up to the hilt with apps as you will see in the unboxing video below and again now already can say it will be a daily driver until the next model arrives.
Google Pixel 8a – techbuzzireland – jim o brien
10 things to know about the Google Pixel 8a
1 – Pixel 8a Colourful. Powerful. AI- full.
The Pixel 8a, engineered by Google. Take amazing photos with the Pixel Camera. Do more, even faster with Google AI – like fix blurry images, screen calls and learn new things. Top-rated security features help protect your data.1 All at a great price. Pixel 8a is bright and bold, and feels great in your hand. And it’s built to last.
2 – The most durable A- Series phone yet.
Pixel 8a is Google’s most durable A-Series phone yet, with a metal frame and camera bar. With IP67 protection, it can handle water and dust.It has a new scratch-resistant Actua display, and it’s made with recycled aluminium, glass and plastic. And it’s designed with a smooth finish and a matte back cover.
3 – Save time and do more with Google AI.
Pixel with Google AI makes it easy to get things done. Search for something just by circling it – an image or text, even in a video – right from the app that you’re in. Google AI finds it fast. Write messages quickly using your voice with Assistant voice
typing. Send messages in multiple languages with Live Translate And At a Glance shows useful info right when you need it, like travel updates, event tickets and more.
4 – Tensor G3: the same chip as Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro.
Google Tensor G3 is the next-gen processor custom-built for Pixel. It’s Google’s fastest, most efficient and secure chip yet – the same chip that’s in Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro. It powers Google AI and advanced machine learning for amazing photo and video quality, improved audio on phone calls, speech recognition and security. It makes Pixel 8a fast, efficient and helpful.
5 – Incredible photos and videos with the Pixel Camera.
The Pixel Camera makes photos perfect, every time. It’s easy to take amazing pictures in low light with Night Sight. Thanks to Google AI, you can create perfect group shots with Best Take10 and fix blurry images with Photo Unblur.11 All skin tones
are represented beautifully and accurately with Real Tone photos and videos. And Pixel 8a includes Super Res Zoom for clear close-up portraits from far away.
6 – 7 years of security, OS and Feature Drop updates.
Pixel phones are built to last and get better over time. With your Pixel 8a, you’ll receive the latest OS and security updates for seven years, plus helpful new Feature Drops every few months.12
7 – The highest- rated security features.
With Google Tensor G3 and the certified Titan M2 security chip, all Pixel 8 phones are built with multiple layers of security to help keep your personal info safe.13 And they come with VPN by Google One built in to help protect your online activity no
matter what app or web browser you use. You can also use Face Unlock for more things, like app sign-ins and payments, thanks to Tensor’s advanced machine learning.
8 – Help making calls. And avoiding them.
Phone calls are easier with Pixel Call Assist, a set of features that help with everything from making calls to avoiding them.15 Your Pixel can now detect and filter out even more spam calls.16 If you’re too busy to pick up, Pixel can tell you who’s calling and why. Call Screen on Pixel can now suggest more contextual replies for you, so you can easily respond to unknown callers in a way that fits the situation, without having to take the call yourself.17 And with clear calling, Pixel reduces your caller’s background noise, so that you can hear them more clearly.
9 – Engineered by Google. For all that you do.
Pixel phones, tablets, watches and earbuds are powered by Google AI for personalised help throughout your day.19 So that you can save time, live healthier and get more done. Take stunning photos and videos, and easily edit them. Track your health and fitness with the power of Fitbit. And have peace of mind with Safety Check and Emergency SOS.20
10 – The best of Google, included with Pixel.
Pixel is easy to switch to, and it comes with the best of Google. Pixel 8a includes three months of YouTube Premium (then X per month), three months of Google One and six months of Fitbit Premium to help you get the most out of your new
Pixel. For new eligible users only. Recurring billing. Cancel anytime Google One keeps your photos and files safe with 100 GB of storage and automatic phone backup. And with YouTube Premium, you can enjoy YouTube videos and music without ads, in the background and offline. Give your motivation a healthy boost with six months of Fitbit Premium wellness content, including workouts, mindfulness sessions, healthy recipes and more.
HCS, a leading IT, cybersecurity, and digital transformation services company, announced the results of new research that explores office workers’ attitudes to, and experiences of, cybersecurity at work. The study found that in the past 12 months, more than half (51%) of office workers in Ireland have clicked on a link or attachment within a suspicious email sent to their work email address.
The research of 503 office workers based in Ireland was carried out by Censuswide on behalf of HCS, with the support of Fortinet, global leader driving the evolution of cybersecurity and the convergence of networking and security. It found that 50% of those who admitted to clicking on a link and/or attachment in a suspicious email also claimed to be confident that they can identify phishing emails when they receive them.
Of those who opened a suspicious link or attachment, 61% reported it to the proper authority in their workplace immediately, while 34% reported it within the same day, but not immediately.
As employees can often be the first point of attack for cyber criminals targeting businesses, those surveyed were asked how they determine whether a communication received on a work-related device is legitimate. The survey found that 65% check whether it has come from a caller or sender that they recognise, 53% check whether the caller or sender is asking for private or sensitive information, and half look for grammar or spelling errors. A quarter (25%) contact the caller or sender via another form of communication to confirm their identity.
As the cyber threat landscape continues to evolve, 67% of those surveyed say they are aware of their company having a plan or protocol in the event of a successful cyberattack. Despite this, just 41% of office workers said their employer has provided formal cybersecurity awareness training in the past year. Of those who haven’t received any cybersecurity training in this timeframe, 79% said that their previous training is not sufficient to keep pace with modern cyber threats.
When asked what they perceive to be the biggest cyber threats to their business in 2024, Irish-based office workers named human error (49%), malware (49%) and social engineering such as phishing (43%). Some 42% say phishing attempts are becoming more convincing.
Dan Hegarty, Head of Sales, HCS, said:“This research serves to highlight some of the real-world cybersecurity risks facing businesses. Employees are often the weakest link in an organisation’s chain of cyber defences, so it’s concerning to see that a large number of the employees who were deceived by a suspicious email also believe that they are alert to cybersecurity threats.
“Evidently, the training that employees are receiving – if any – may not be enough. The survey underscores the need for regular cybersecurity awareness training within organisations. The reality is that – particularly now, given the speed of advancement in AI – what could have sufficed 12 months ago may now be outdated. Complacency in this area could prove to be the biggest threat to businesses.
“Our research also shows that it’s not enough to just have a strategy in place in the event of a cyberattack. Any strategy needs to be tried and tested across the business and continually updated as cyberattacks continue to become more advanced. At HCS, we see first-hand the daily challenges posed to customers by cyber criminals attempting to exploit vulnerabilities. We ensure that security is at the core of everything that we do for our customers, minimising risk and enabling better business performance.”
Paul Donegan, Country Manager Ireland, Fortinet:“These findings underscore the need for continuous improvement within organisations. In a cyber landscape that’s becoming ever more complex, businesses must make cybersecurity a key priority and they must equip their employees with the tools to do the same. That’s why through the Fortinet Training Institute we are committed to supporting companies of all sizes to keep pace with evolving cybersecurity trends and skill sets with appropriate cybersecurity training and courses for every person in the organisation.
“It’s also important that employees understand the importance of putting their hands up if they make an error of judgment or are misled by a fraudulent email or call. It’s crucial to get out in front of a potential breach, and employees need to realise that time is of the essence and report an incident as soon as it happens. It’s up to organisations to promote this from the top down and instill a sense of cybersecurity ownership and responsibility across the business.”
Salesforce Tower Dublin hosted Irish nonprofits, education groups, and foundations to mark the one-year anniversary of its official opening. Lord Mayor of Dublin, Councillor Daithí de Róiste and as well as Carolan Lennon, Salesforce Ireland Country Leader were in attendance and led the celebration.
The ‘Ohana Floors in Dublin form part of a global initiative offering event spaces at the top of Salesforce towers to nonprofits and foundations aligned with the company’s culture of giving back. To date, events on our global ‘Ohana Floors have raised over $111 million for non-profit organisations. Community members can submit a request to use the space for free to host charitable fundraisers, receptions, and special events that have a focus on humanitarian, social, educational, or environmental causes.
Located on the 7th and 8th floors of Salesforce Tower Dublin, the ‘Ohana floors are a flexible, open space used during the day by Salesforce employees, customers and partners to collaborate and connect with each other. Guests can enjoy the barista bar, chef’s table, and stunning views of Dublin’s River Liffey and skyline.
“Salesforce has been contributing to the innovation, economic growth and social impact in Dublin for many years,” said Lord Mayor of Dublin, Councillor Daithí de Róiste. “The ‘Ohana Floor in Salesforce Tower and what it offers is another example of how the company continues to invest in the community. We’re delighted to have this beautiful space available to our city.”
“We believe that business can be the greatest platform for change and our impact goes further with collective action. Salesforce Dublin Tower is a beautiful space designed to foster collaboration, innovation, and giving back to the community,” said Carolan Lennon, Salesforce Ireland Country Leader. “The ‘Ohana Floors are designed to welcome local charities and organisations to use the space and we support them to use this resource to its fullest potential, further strengthening our community connection.”
One of the first organisations to use the facilities included Special Olympics Ireland. The tower hosted a reunion for volunteers who travelled to Berlin in June 2023 to offer their time in support of Team Ireland’s journey to the Special Olympics World Summer Games. The event focused on recognising and celebrating these volunteers who gave up their time to support Team Ireland.
“The ‘Ohana Floor facilities offered at Salesforce Tower Dublin provide a wonderful space for community and collaboration,” said Matt English, CEO of Special Olympics Ireland. “Volunteers play such a vital role in Special Olympics and we’re proud we had the opportunity to be one of the first organisations to host an event here to celebrate those individuals.”
Giving back has been part of the DNA of Salesforce since the company was founded 25 years ago. Since opening in Ireland in 2001 Irish employees have volunteered over 325,000 hours, and last week hosted the company’s largest ever Volunteering Time Off (VTO) activity, bringing over 1,100 employees together to walk, run, cycle or hike to raise money for local charities Breakthrough Cancer Research, Special Olympics Ireland, and Difference Days.
