Why Businesses Must Address the Growing Menace of Cyber Threats

In today’s interconnected world, the proliferation of digital technologies has brought tremendous opportunities for businesses to thrive. However, along with these advantages comes the dark underbelly of cyber threats, posing significant risks to organizations of all sizes and industries. Cybercrime has evolved into a highly lucrative industry, with hackers constantly devising new methods to breach defenses and exploit vulnerabilities. It is imperative for businesses to prioritize cybersecurity and implement robust measures to protect their sensitive data, systems, and customers. This article delves into the pressing need for businesses to address the growing menace of cyber threats, highlighting the potential consequences of inaction and providing insights into effective cybersecurity practices.

I. The Expanding Cyber Threat Landscape

In recent years, the cyber threat landscape has expanded exponentially, becoming more sophisticated and widespread. Cybercriminals employ a wide range of tactics, such as malware, phishing attacks, ransomware, and social engineering, to target businesses and individuals. These threats are not confined to specific industries or regions, making organizations across the globe vulnerable. Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated the situation, with cybercriminals exploiting the chaos and remote work environments to launch targeted attacks. It is crucial for businesses to acknowledge the gravity of the situation and proactively address these threats.

II. The High Cost of Cyber Attacks

The repercussions of a successful cyber attack can be devastating for businesses, resulting in significant financial losses, reputational damage, and legal liabilities. The Ponemon Institute’s 2021 Cost of a Data Breach Report revealed that the average total cost of a data breach is a staggering $4.24 million. This includes expenses related to incident response, investigation, customer notification, legal settlements, regulatory fines, and potential loss of business. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are particularly vulnerable, as they often lack the resources and expertise to combat cyber threats effectively. A single cyber-attack has the potential to cripple an entire organization and lead to long-term consequences.

 

III. The Crucial Role of IT Providers

Amid the rising threats, businesses must recognize the crucial role that IT providers play in safeguarding their digital assets. IT providers offer specialized knowledge and expertise to help organizations fortify their cybersecurity defenses. These professionals possess a comprehensive understanding of the evolving threat landscape, enabling them to implement robust security measures tailored to a business’s specific needs. As seen at grapevinemsp.com, IT providers offer services like vulnerability assessments, network monitoring, intrusion detection, and incident response. By partnering with trusted IT providers, businesses can enhance their cybersecurity posture and stay ahead of potential threats.

IV. Strengthening the Human Element

While technology is essential in defending against cyber threats, it is equally important to address the human element. Employees often unknowingly become the weakest link in an organization’s cybersecurity defense. Phishing attacks, where hackers manipulate individuals into revealing sensitive information, remain one of the most common entry points for cybercriminals. Businesses must prioritize ongoing training and awareness programs to educate employees about potential threats and equip them with the necessary skills to identify and report suspicious activities. By fostering a culture of cybersecurity awareness, organizations can empower their workforce to actively contribute to their defense against cyber threats.

V. Compliance and Regulatory Requirements

In addition to financial and reputational damage, businesses failing to address cyber threats adequately also face legal and regulatory consequences. Governments worldwide have implemented stringent data protection laws and regulations to safeguard individuals’ personal information. Organizations that fail to comply with these requirements face severe penalties, including fines, sanctions, and legal liabilities. For instance, the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) mandates strict security measures and imposes fines of up to €20 million or 4% of global annual turnover, whichever is higher, for non-compliance. By prioritizing cybersecurity, businesses can ensure compliance with regulatory frameworks and avoid severe penalties.

VI. Building a Comprehensive Cybersecurity Strategy

To effectively tackle cyber threats, businesses must adopt a holistic and proactive approach to cybersecurity. A comprehensive cybersecurity strategy encompasses several key elements, including risk assessments, incident response plans, encryption protocols, regular system updates, and employee training. Businesses should conduct regular vulnerability assessments to identify potential weaknesses in their systems and promptly address them. Incident response plans should be developed and regularly tested to ensure a swift and coordinated response in the event of a breach. Encryption protocols should be employed to safeguard sensitive data both in transit and at rest. By integrating these measures, businesses can build a robust cybersecurity framework.

As cyber threats continue to proliferate and evolve, businesses must take immediate action to protect their digital assets and customer information. The expanding threat landscape, coupled with the high cost of cyber attacks and regulatory requirements, necessitates a proactive approach to cybersecurity. By partnering with trusted IT providers, strengthening the human element, and building comprehensive cybersecurity strategies, businesses can fortify their defenses and mitigate the risks associated with cyber threats. Safeguarding against cybercrime is not a luxury but an imperative for businesses operating in the digital age. By prioritizing cybersecurity, organizations can instill trust, protect their reputation, and ensure a secure future in an increasingly interconnected world.

Kaseya raises funds for Dublin Simon Community

Kaseya, the global leader in IT and cybersecurity infrastructure management software for small-to-medium businesses (SMBs) launched their ‘Cooper Cares’ initiative last year which is dedicated to assisting the communities that Kaseya serves with a primary focus on charitable organisations for children, veterans and animals.

As part of this initiative, Kaseya is partnering with Dublin Simon Community for Kaseya DattoCon Europe 2023 which will be held next week in Dublin.

Dublin Simon Community works to prevent and address homelessness in Dublin, Kildare, Wicklow, Meath, Louth, Cavan and Monaghan. They provide services at all stages of homelessness and enable people to move to a place they can call home. Kaseya will be collecting funds and supplies to lend their support to this charity which has already raised over €6,500. You can donate here.

Expleo launches initiatives to attract women in Ireland back to the workplace

Expleo, a global technology, engineering, and consulting service provider, is today announcing that it is launching progressive initiatives aimed at attracting women back to the workplace. The Return@Expleo programme, in partnership with Women Returners, along with an expanded leave policy and a comprehensive Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) Programme, aims to empower female professionals seeking to return to work.

Expleo’s Return@Expleo programme is aimed at professionals who have taken extended career break. Participants will be equipped with the resources they require to refresh their skills, re-establish industry connections and pursue their career progression. On completion of the five-month paid career returners programme, successful candidates will have a view towards permanency within Expleo. This will help Expleo fill current job openings in the areas of Quality Assurance, Business Analysis, and Engineering.

Expleo’s commitment to diversity is further exemplified through its generous leave policies, which the company has expanded this year to include menopause leave, fertility treatment leave, volunteer leave and special leave relating to important life situations, such as a child starting school. Team members can also avail of fully-paid maternity, paternity, adoption, and parent’s leave. In addition, Expleo’s life enrichment programme offers unpaid leave for traveling, research or education.

Expleo’s award-winning Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) Programme, meanwhile, has long been a champion for female voices in the workplace. With a dedicated D&I Committee and Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), Expleo ensures that all employees have a voice in shaping D&I initiatives. The company’s commitment to continuous learning is demonstrated through its annual D&I training for the leadership team and employees. Expleo’s dedication to gender diversity has been recognised with award wins including the recent Diversity and Inclusion Award at the Tech Excellence Awards. It has also previously been awarded the Best Large Workplace in Ireland.

Aimee Farrell, Project Manager at Expleo, who went through the programme said: “I joined Expleo as a Project Manager through the Return@Expleo programme in March 2022 following a five-year career break to stay at home with my young children. From the very first contact I had with Expleo and the team at Women Returners, I knew that my career was in good hands. They made the transition back to work very straight forward and provided support including webinars on brushing up your CV and job interview preparation, through to a five-month programme of workshops specific to my needs. This personalised approach helped me regain confidence and update my skills. Connecting with the other participants on the programme created a supportive community, offering shared experiences and valuable insights. I recommend this programme to any woman seeking to return to the world of work.

Eimear Fitzsimons, Head of Recruitment, at Expleo, said: “At Expleo, we are dedicated to cultivating an inclusive and diverse workplace. We understand that many women desire to return to the workforce, but may lack confidence and feel that their skills are outdated – particularly when it comes to our fast-moving technology industry. Through our initiatives, we aim to provide the encouragement and support that career returners need to step back into the professional realm and carve out successful careers.

“Helping women to get back into the workplace is just one element of ensuring greater gender diversity in our industry. We understand that life happens and that is why we have extended our leave policies to include menopause leave and special leave, which can cover unexpected or unique events. We stand by our employees through every stage of their lives, continually assessing and enhancing our benefits to meet their evolving needs year after year.

“We have also taken measures including the removal of gender-biased language from job ads; implementing internal mentorship programmes; offering a flexible model for working parents, Expleo Fusion; and hosting impactful workshops and webinars. Our goal is to empower female professionals, dismantle barriers, and foster an inclusive environment where every individual can thrive and make meaningful contributions.”

 To find out more information or to apply for the roles, visit https://expleo.to/ReturnAtExpleoProgramme

54% of IT Leaders in Ireland Doubt AI Capacity, More than Worldwide Average

Over half (54%) of IT leaders in Ireland believe their existing IT infrastructure is not fully prepared for the demands of artificial intelligence (AI) technology, despite its widespread adoption across industries, according to the Equinix 2023 Global Tech Trends Survey. The survey, which examined IT leaders’ responses to AI advances in their organisations, comes after a year of significant AI breakthroughs that saw the technology rapidly deployed in applications across both the business-to-business and business-to-consumer sectors.

Equinix’s survey, which included 100 IT decision-makers in Ireland, found that, on average, IT leaders in Ireland were more likely than IT leaders in EMEA – and worldwide – to lack confidence in their digital infrastructure’s ability to cope with the demands of AI. The survey found that 49% of IT decision-makers in EMEA have concerns about the ability of their infrastructure to accommodate the needs of AI, compared to 44% in Asia-Pacific and 32% in the Americas

The survey showed that there is now a widespread appetite among businesses in Ireland to benefit from the advantages of AI, with 85% of IT leaders reporting that they are already using it, or planning to do so, across multiple functions. A similar survey from Equinix last year found that a significantly lower 62% of IT leaders viewed AI as a priority for their technology strategy, representing a marked change in sentiments towards the technology and its accessibility. Today, organisations in Ireland are currently using, or planning to use, AI to benefit IT operations (85%), cybersecurity (81%), and customer experience (80%).

In addition to inadequate digital infrastructure, the survey highlighted a lack of confidence among IT leaders in Ireland in their teams’ abilities to accommodate the growing use of AI, with 59% expressing concerns. Therefore, 34% of IT leaders understandably listed AI and machine learning as the third-most sought after expertise for IT team growth in the last 24 months. The lack of internal knowledge relating to AI was found to be enough to put 46% of IT decision-makers off adopting newer technologies like AI. Other deterrents included increased OPEX costs (42%) and slow implementation (41%).

Peter Lantry, Managing Director for Equinix in Ireland, said: “All industries are being transformed by AI – including our own. We are already experimenting with how it can enable greater operational efficiency and energy savings – and it has the potential to do so much more.

“For enterprises to use AI in a meaningful way, they must be able to produce vast amounts of data which can be shared, stored and processed in a sustainable way. They require digital infrastructure that guarantees private, secure, high-speed access to external data sources and AI models.

“Ireland’s digital economy is growing and there is no question that AI will play a central role in its continued growth. From disease detection in healthcare, to fighting cybercrime in financial services, it will have a profound impact on our everyday lives, with every industry benefiting from its implementation. Without the right digital infrastructure underpinning it, AI cannot be intelligent, and given the pace of change, businesses will quickly find themselves left behind.

A full copy of the report can be found here.

Offaly in the Irish Midlands ready to rival Europe’s key cities as green data centre hub

Offaly in the Midlands of Ireland is well-placed to become a new global hub for data centres with the potential to create thousands of green jobs, according to a new report by technology company Siemens.

The study, commissioned by Offaly County Council, explores how Offaly in the Irish Midlands region could rival Dublin, Frankfurt, London, Amsterdam and Paris in being an anchor for data centres powered by renewable energy.

Siemens outlined that data centre operators will consider the region, because of the simple access to reliable, renewable energy, the abundance of land for development, the moderate climate and strong supply of talent. Sites such as Rhode Green Energy Park in Offaly have been identified as potential opportunities for data centres.

The business says that the continued growth of Europe’s data centre capitals is becoming increasingly impacted by costs and concerns about energy. Power grid constraints in Dublin, for example, which is home to the majority of Ireland’s 75 data centres may take up to 10 years to resolve. However, the spread of data centres in the remainder of Ireland is currently limited.

Joe Walsh, General Manager at Siemens Ireland, said: “The data centre industry is looking for new locations away from its traditional hubs and the Midlands of Ireland has huge potential.

“Through local investment to provide the right level of connectivity, and through collaboration in the industry’s supply chain, the region can provide the reliable, low-carbon sources of power generation required for data centre operators to meet their sustainability targets.

“This has the potential to create thousands of jobs, generate millions of Euros of investment to the region, all based on clean, green power, and catalyse Ireland’s transition to net zero.”

The Council aims for the report to help attract a data centre anchor tenant in the vicinity of Offaly’s Rhode Green Energy Park, which would be the first step in creating a thriving data centre sector. A large facility will typically create 250 permanent and 1,200 temporary jobs during construction and act as a catalyst for investment, according to the report.

Data centres could be, in part, powered by wind, solar or even green hydrogen from renewable sources, and any waste heat that is generated could be used to heat local homes, businesses, local industry and community buildings, according to the study. There are also opportunities for data centres to anchor investment by being lead tenants of eco-industrial parks alongside green energy enterprises.

Anna-Marie Delaney, Chief Executive of Offaly County Council, said: “It’s clear there is significant potential to create a new data centre cluster here in the Irish Midlands.

“This report provides us with the foundations we need to attract operators from across the globe, deliver a business case to invest in our local infrastructure and create a more sustainable economy.

“I’m looking forward to working with our partners to investigate how we can make this a reality to create high-value jobs for local people and attract new local investment.“

The study was co-funded by the EU Just Transition Fund and North Offaly Development Fund (NODF). The North Offaly Development Fund is a community group with Rhode Green Energy Park as its flagship project.

Eugene Mulligan, Chair of NODF, said: “This report provides us with key insights and a strong evident based roadmap supporting economic diversification way from peat through green energy enterprise, leveraging the many emerging renewable energy projects emerging in Offaly.”

Researchers from Siemens interviewed leaders from the data centre sector, renewable energy infrastructure developers and government bodies to inform the report.

It lays out an action plan to attract investors, including promoting Offaly and the Midlands as ‘open for data centre business’ with regional strengths such as local renewable power sources that support increased sustainability.

For more information, visit: https://new.siemens.com/global/en/company/topic-areas/smart-infrastructure.html

Maximizing Benefits with Cost-Effective Instagram API Integration

Instagram has become one of the most popular social media platforms in the world, with over one billion active users. With such a vast audience, businesses of all sizes are looking to leverage Instagram to grow their business. One way to do this is by integrating Instagram API into their business strategy. However, many businesses are hesitant to use Instagram API due to concerns about the cost. In this article, we will explore how to maximize the benefits of Instagram API integration with instagram api pricing.

Leveraging Instagram API for Business Growth

Instagram API is a powerful tool that can help businesses grow their audience and get more Instagram post reach.

One way to leverage Instagram API for business growth is by using it to automate tasks such as posting and commenting. By automating these tasks, businesses can save time and resources while still maintaining an active presence on Instagram.

Another way to leverage Instagram API is by using it to gather insights about your audience. Instagram API allows businesses to access data about their followers, such as demographics, interests, and engagement rates. By using this data, businesses can create more targeted content and advertising campaigns that are more likely to resonate with their audience.

Finally, businesses can use Instagram API to integrate Instagram with other marketing channels, such as email marketing and e-commerce platforms. This integration can help businesses streamline their marketing efforts and create a more seamless customer experience.

Budgeting Strategies for Instagram API Implementation

While Instagram API offers many benefits, businesses must be mindful of the cost of implementation. One budgeting strategy for Instagram API implementation is to start small and gradually scale up. This approach allows businesses to test the waters and see what works before committing to a larger investment.

Another budgeting strategy is to prioritize which features of Instagram API to implement first. Businesses should focus on the features that will have the most significant impact on their business goals and then gradually add more features as their budget allows.

Finally, businesses can work with a developer or agency that specializes in Instagram API integration. These professionals can help businesses identify the most cost-effective approach and avoid costly mistakes.

Cost-Effective Development Practices for Instagram API Integration

When developing an Instagram API integration, businesses must be mindful of cost. One way to keep costs low is by using pre-built tools and resources. Many third-party tools and libraries are available that can help businesses build Instagram API integrations quickly and easily.

Another cost-effective development practice is to use open-source software. Open-source software is typically free and can be customized to meet the specific needs of the business. By using open-source software, businesses can save money on licensing fees and development costs.

Finally, businesses should consider using a cloud-based platform for their Instagram API integration. Cloud-based platforms offer scalability and flexibility, allowing businesses to easily adjust their usage and costs based on their needs.

Monitoring and Managing Expenses in Instagram API Projects

Once an Instagram API integration is up and running, businesses must continue to monitor and manage their expenses. One way to do this is by setting clear goals and metrics for the integration. By tracking these metrics, businesses can determine the ROI of their Instagram API integration and make informed decisions about future investments.

Another way to monitor and manage expenses is by regularly reviewing and optimizing the integration. By identifying areas where costs can be reduced, businesses can ensure that they are getting the most value from their Instagram API integration.

Finally, businesses should consider using cost-tracking tools and software to monitor their expenses. These tools can help businesses identify trends and areas where costs are increasing, allowing them to take action before costs become unmanageable.

Conclusion

Instagram API integration offers many benefits for businesses looking to grow their audience and increase engagement. However, concerns about cost can make businesses hesitant to invest in Instagram API integration. By following the strategies outlined in this article, businesses can maximize the benefits of Instagram API integration while keeping costs low. Whether starting small and gradually scaling up, using pre-built tools and resources, or working with a developer or agency, businesses can find a cost-effective approach to Instagram API integration that works for them.

Guinness Microdraught 2.0 has won the world’s most prestigious Red Dot product design award

GUINNESS has been awarded the highly coveted Red Dot Product Design award for the latest evolution of its ground-breaking, plug-and-play beer dispense technology, GUINNESS MICRODRAUGHT 2.0.

Unveiled in front of some of the world’s most celebrated product design leaders at the Red Dot Awards ceremony in Essen, Germany, GUINNESS MICRODRAUGHT 2.0 earned special praise for “defining the next generation of dispense systems” by an independent jury compromising of international design experts. “It is significantly more cost-effective than its predecessor, requiring 60 percent fewer components and eliminating complex electromechanics,” added the judges.

GUINNESS MICRODRAUGHT 2.0 will debut in-pour ultrasonic dispense technology to trade venues and is the result of continuing evolution toward low-energy, low complexity dispense perfection.

Combining a new, customised ‘pull and pour’ valve technology with breakthrough, in-pour ultrasonics introduced on the multi-award-winning, GUINNESS NITROSURGE device, another breakthrough innovation that only Guinness could do, the GUINNESS MICRODRAUGHT 2.0 will deliver effortless, gravity-fed beer dispense.

GUINNESS has now firmly established itself as a product design leader in the drinks industry, and a true innovator in dispense technology by earning its fourth Red Dot award in just two years.

The Red Dot Awards design jury commended the Guinness FutureServe team for their design craft and creativity in the evolution of its award-winning GUINNESS MICRODRAUGHT dispense technology, adding: “Crisp lines contrast with soft, flowing forms to create a confident appearance combined with a simple, elegant, icon-driven user interface designed for global markets.”

With around 20,000 entries per year, the Red Dot Design Award is one of the biggest design competitions in the world. This year, an exceptional portfolio of products were entered from 60 countries in 51 competition categories. Recognising design excellence, product innovation, and distinction: In three disciplines, participants submit products, communication projects and brands as well as prototypes and concepts.

After becoming the first-ever brand to win a Red Dot award for beer dispense, and achieving three breakthrough special innovation prizes for GUINNESS MICRODRAUGHT AND GUINNESS NITROSURGE in 2022, this further recognition reinforces the brand’s relentless commitment to exploring exciting new innovations, and sustainable solutions to bring Guinness to more places and spaces.

Truly disruptive, GUINNESS MICRODRAUGHT dispense technology has enabled pubs, bars and other venues around the world to serve beautiful, fresh Guinness Draught on tap, no matter their size or setup. GUINNESS MICRODRAUGHT 2.0 is the next generation of single serve Guinness dispense, which will launch in markets across the globe later this year.

World-class product dispensing devices

Two years in development, the pioneering GUINNESS MICRODRAUGHT 2.0 dispense technology becomes the latest technological leap for Guinness since the advent of the widget in 1988. The innovation further enables Guinness to be enjoyed at its finest worldwide, in new places and spaces, adding thousands more venues across 150 countries, so that millions more consumers across the globe can enjoy a perfect Guinness serve.

AMD Plans to Invest $135 Million to Expand Adaptive Computing Research, Development and Engineering Operations in Ireland with up to 290 jobs

AMD (NASDAQ: AMD) today announced plans for continued growth in Ireland through an investment of up to $135 million over four years. The investment is intended to fund several strategic R&D projects through the addition of up to 290 highly skilled engineering and research positions, as well as a broad range of additional support roles.

The development is being formally announced in Dublin today by Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Simon Coveney TD, and Ruth Cotter, senior vice president, Marketing, Communications and Human Resources at AMD. The new investment is supported by the Irish government through IDA Ireland.

“I warmly welcome the ambitious plans of AMD to expand their advanced R&D and engineering operations in Ireland. This significant investment will not only bolster our thriving technology sector but also create long-term career opportunities for both highly experienced professionals and new graduates from engineering disciplines. The company’s plans to add up to 290 new positions and its funding of strategically important R&D projects demonstrate its confidence in Ireland’s supportive enterprise environment and infrastructure. The Irish government, through IDA Ireland, is delighted to support this expansion, further solidifying our commitment to nurturing a vibrant ecosystem for research, development, and engineering,” said Simon Coveney TD, Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment.

“From the cloud and PCs to communications and intelligent end points, AMD’s high-performance and adaptive computing solutions play an increasingly larger role in shaping the future of computing today. For nearly three decades, Ireland has been a flagship European R&D centre developing adaptive computing solutions, drawing from a strong and highly-skilled workforce. By further investing and expanding our presence in Dublin and Cork, we are committed to continuing to both drive innovation in Ireland and to support the European semiconductor ecosystem. Through this investment, our R&D teams in Ireland will design innovative high-performance and adaptive computing engines to accelerate data centre, networking, 6G communications and embedded solutions while taking a leadership position on artificial intelligence.” said Ruth Cotter, senior vice president, Marketing, Communications and Human Resources at AMD

Prior to the acquisition of Xilinx by AMD in 2022, Xilinx partnered with IDA Ireland on a number of occasions to advance semiconductor innovation in Ireland. Most recently, in 2017, Xilinx announced a $40 million investment to expand its research, development and engineering operations, as well as recruit over 100 new skilled employees.

“This investment will continue to push the boundaries of what is possible while contributing further to Ireland’s position as a global technology leader. This expansion further strengthens the company’s presence in Ireland as a leading centre of semiconductor innovation and puts Ireland at the heart of AMD’s European research and engineering operations. IDA Ireland has been proud to support AMD and previously Xilinx for nearly three decades and is committed to supporting investments of scale that impact positively on Europe’s semiconductor industry,” said Michael Lohan, chief executive officer, IDA Ireland.

The Irish site was first established in 1994 as the first purpose-built Xilinx site outside of the U.S. and began its operations a year later with a focus on manufacturing, operations support, engineering and administration services. Since the acquisition of Xilinx, Ireland is now home to one of the largest AMD R&D sites in Europe with a strong record of delivering products with significant commercial success, such as the AMD Zynq™ UltraScale+™ RFSoC semiconductor product family.

HP study finds climate crisis is changing parental decisions on purchasing, careers and even family size

Today, HP announced new global research revealing the serious actions many parents are taking due to climate change, from everyday decisions to long-term family planning.

The global study found 91% of parents are concerned about the climate crisis, leading to changes that reshape their lives and purchasing habits. More than half (53%) say it has impacted their perspective on having more children. The research also found many parents favour companies that are taking action to address climate change and expect businesses to lead on the issue. Nearly two-thirds (64%) of parents prefer products that are sustainably sourced and 60% say sustainable company practices play a large part in their purchasing habits.

This willingness to seek out sustainable products and decisions comes despite the fact that the vast majority of respondents (84%) acknowledge the cost of living is rising and more than half (57%) believe engaging in environmentally friendly practices takes up a lot of time.

Reflecting on the research findings, Val Gabriel, Managing Director of HP Ireland, said: “Our data reflects the growing trend of parents becoming more and more concerned about the climate crisis. It’s great to see that the majority of people (60%) say sustainable company practices play a large part in their purchasing habits. At HP, we are moving forward with our own sustainability targets, keeping climate change top of mind.”

While parents are taking personal action, most also believe key players in the corporate world must act, too. Most parents surveyed globally (51%) believe that companies have “a lot” of responsibility in holding themselves accountable on climate action, as opposed to customers (36%).

The findings come as HP releases its 22nd annual Sustainable Impact report, detailing the company’s progress toward comprehensive and bold environmental, and social goals.

  • HP has reduced its absolute carbon footprint by 18% since 2019.
  • Reduced single-use plastic packaging by 55% compared to 2018.
  • Counteracted deforestation for 41% of all paper used in HP products and services toward goal of 100%.
  • Accelerated digital equity for more than 21 million people in path to 150 million by 2030.
  • Building a pipeline of diverse talent, with 46% of U.S. new hires last year from racial or ethnic minorities.

Keeping with the current trajectory we are on in our sustainability journey at HP, we aspire to be the most sustainable and just technology company. In holding ourselves accountable, it ensures we keep climate change at the forefront of many business decisions. We are proud that through our goals, we are edging closer to our bigger picture goal of achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2040.”

In 2021, HP set aggressive Sustainable Impact goals in three areas where the company believes it can make the most difference – Climate Action, Human Rights and Digital Equity. The 2022 report details progress toward all three focus areas including a net zero carbon value chain, giving back more to forests than we take, creating a more circular economy, building a culture of equality, and empowerment and accelerating digital equity around the world to enable traditionally excluded communities to thrive in a digital economy.