Category: Tech News

Smarttech247 and Armis announce strategic partnership to offer full visibility and real time detection for OT/ICS and IoT Assets

Partnership allows mutual clients to have total visibility of their digital assets and enhanced cybersecurity for the very first time 

Smarttech247, the multi award-winning MDR cybersecurity organisation and Armis, the leading unified asset visibility and security platform provider announced today that they have formed a strategic partnership to offer their global customers the opportunity to increase asset visibility, security and threat detection across their entire ecosystems. With IT and IoT increasingly converging on OT environments, it’s not enough anymore to simply identify OT devices – this approach will not give these organisations the full picture needed to combat modern cybersecurity threats.

The strategic partnership with Armis enables Smarttech247 to seamlessly enhance their current offering to deliver 100% visibility across all assets and device types. Customers can subsequently identify risks and gaps with a simple integration that will allow them to not only focus on their managed devices but also their new unidentified environment of unmanaged OT/ICS and IoT devices.

“This partnership will give our customers greater visibility and a bird’s eye view over the whole organisation. Armis will build on our cybersecurity asset management, risk management, and automated enforcement to all assets within our clients’ environments,” explained Raluca Saceanu, COO at Smarttech247.

The partnership will provide increased value to clients looking for consolidation of monitoring and security analysis for IoT/ICS/OT environments. Smarttech247 will add the Armis security platform to its cybersecurity offerings to bring customers real-time detection tactics and techniques and allow them to benefit from Armis’ unique ability to see all assets across a client’s ecosystem.

“Smarttech247 enabled the seamless integration of the Armis platform into our security platforms. This integration significantly increased our asset visibility and security analysis across our OT/ICS environment. It also allows us to monitor not only our managed devices but also our new, unidentified environment of unmanaged OT/ICS, loT devices,” said Luis Cunha, Head of Security Engineering and Operations at Aptiv.

“Strategically this partnership will benefit our shared customers and prospects, allowing a wider user community access to our collective award-winning abilities. One of the biggest risks firms are facing today is from unseen, unmanaged and legacy connected devices that many organisations have little and incomplete visibility of, let alone the know-how to manage them.  Having complete, real-time visibility of all devices coupled with Smarttech247 will benefit our customers by giving them all the information they need to make better risk-related decisions,” said Jamie Andrews, EMEA Partner Director at Armis.

In the recent Mitre Engenuity Att&ck Evaluations Armis provided 100% visibility of all IT, IoT & OT/ICS assets with real-time detection of all initial access and lateral movement. In addition, Armis also achieved 100% coverage of all known ICS threat tactics.

The Best Colleges to Earn a Master of Data Science Degree in Ireland

In organizations that leverage big data and the use of data analytics tools is an everyday occurrence, qualifications in data science can open doors to lucrative job positions. If you are considering taking a master’s degree in Ireland, it is important to note that most colleges accept students with technical backgrounds such as engineering, mathematics, and computer science.

Also, some colleges may offer a Master of Data Science degree with Data Analytics or Computing Science to allow students to explore data scientist and data analyst roles. Whether you are a local or international student, finding the best college for your postgraduate education is key to securing the foundation of your career. Below are the best colleges to consider if you are looking for an institution to earn your Master of Data Science degree in Ireland.

1. Trinity College

Founded in 1592, Trinity College is the oldest university in Ireland. It offers a Master of Computer Science program, and allows students to specialize in Data Science. The specialization focuses on three main areas: storage data management, data analysis, and computation.

You can expect to complete the program in 3 semesters that takes 12 months. During your study, you have the option of taking optional courses like text analytics and urban computing in the first two semesters, in addition to the mandatory courses like data visualization and machine learning. The tuition cost for Trinity College is €22,575. To qualify for the program, you need to have ELTS/TOEFL/PTE, Bachelors with 75% or 7.5 CGPA

2. University College Cork

Situated in Ireland’s second-biggest city, University College Cork (UCC) positions itself as a research-oriented institution. Founded in 1845, it has a Master of Science in Data Science and Analytics program that runs for one year offered by the Science, Engineering, and Food Science College.

The master’s program is divided into Part 1, consisting of 60 credits, and Part 2, consisting of 30 credits. The program equips you with crucial skills in data programming, data management, and modeling and interpretation of data. The tuition fee for EU citizens is €7000, while non-EU citizens can expect to pay €18000. You also need to have a CGPA of 6.5 to qualify for the program in addition to ELTS/TOEFL/PTE.

3. University College Dublin

University College Dublin is a public university established in 1854. It is among the best colleges in Ireland, given its ranking among the 1% of best universities globally. The college offers an MSC in Data and Computational Science and an MSC in Data Analysis.

The master’s program is ideal for students with quantitative discipline backgrounds in statistics, physics, math, and engineering. It will take you one year to complete the program on a full-time basis, and two years on a part-time basis. You can expect to pay a tuition cost of €19200.  To qualify for the program, you need to have at least a Bachelor’s degree with a second class honors upper division and ELTS/ TOEFL/PTE.

4. Maynooth University

Maynooth University is among the newest colleges in Ireland. It was established in 1997 and is located in the town of Maynooth. The college introduced the Master of Science in Data Science and Analytics degree program in 2017, making the institution one of the best places to earn a Master of Data Science degree in Ireland. The college offers the program in the Nation Center of Geocomputation under the university’s departments of Mathematics and Statistics and Computer Science.

The master’s program takes one year to complete if you study full-time and two years when studying part-time. Under the program, you will learn the fundamentals of data science as well as statistical machine learning. You will also need to submit a thesis before graduating. To qualify for the program, you need Bachelors with 65% or a CGPA of 6.5 in addition to ELTS/TOEFL/PTE exams. The tuition cost for the Masters of Science in Data Science and Analytics is €17,500.

5. Letterkenny Institute of Technology

Established in 1972, Letterkenny Institute of Technology is located in Letterkenny and offers a Master of Science in Big Data Analytics and Artificial Intelligence. The duration of the program is one year for full-time students and two years for part-time students. During the study, students learn the processes of examining and interpreting large data sets to uncover insights. You also learn to enable computer systems to come up with independent decisions.

The tuition cost for the program is €10,000. Additionally, you need ELTS/TOEFL/PTE, as well as a 6.0 CGPA to qualify for the program. A Higher Diploma in Computing also makes you eligible to apply. If you wish to pursue the program without an honors degree but have relevant experience in the field, you can apply through the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). One-week bridging courses are also available.

A Masters of Data Science degree in Ireland gives you a competitive advantage in the job market and propels you towards career excellence in data science and related fields. With the above information, you can choose the best college for your postgraduate education and begin your journey towards career advancement.

Mega Otterbox product showcase for the iPhone13 Pro and more. #Otterbox #iPhone13Pro

Otterbox has been a long time staple name when it comes to getting cases and accessories for your mobile phone and if like me and have been using them for many years you will understand that the company offers a massive range to cater for all leading smartphones and much more.

The iPhone 13 Pro and Galaxy Z Flip 3 are my two new daily drivers and Otterbox has kindly sent us over some cases for both, When I say some we mean them all, we have the full range of cases and accessories for the iPhone 13 Pro max for you to check out and today we walk through what you can buy for your iPhone 13 Pro which of course applies to the iPhone 13 range too.

We have accessories, Magsafe products, their top line Symmetry case line up and much more so check out the video below and if you have any questions of course feel free to ask.. Hit us up in the comments and we will see you in a few days as we have a lot to do here..

Check out Otterbox.ie and see what is available for the latest phones today

 

 

Epson brings the big screen experience to the home with two new 4K Laser projectors

Epson has introduced two new high-end home cinema projectors, ideal for film enthusiasts and gamers looking for an immersive big screen experience. Featuring Epson’s laser light source, and a new 4K image processing chip delivering 4K resolution, these projectors offer high brightness, high image quality and flexibility. The new projectors deliver the ultimate home cinema experience and come with a range of features making them perfect for film nights, streaming, sporting events and gaming.

Fans of the big screen will revel in these powerful projectors’ impressive displays. A combination of high-end technologies come together to deliver exceptional image quality with a high 2,500,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio, 4K resolution (8.3mil pixels), HDR10+ support, 3LCD and a laser light-source. With powered lens shift and zoom lens it’s easy to achieve an accurate display.

With Epson’s 3LCD technology the ‘rainbow effect’ is avoided and users can enjoy vivid colours thanks to an equally high White and Colour Light Output of 2,700 lumens on the EH-LS12000B and 2,500 lumens with the EH-LS11000W. HDR10+ support reveals extra detail and depth for natural yet richer colours. Detail in the shadows is well defined with a high contrast ratio of 2,5000,000:1 delivering deep blacks. With 4K Frame interpolation, 4K Super Resolution and scene adaptive gamma correction/auto contrast enhancement, the ultimate home-cinema experience is simple to achieve.

Gaming up to 4K at 120 frames per second, along with input lag times below 20ms, allows for serious gamers to take full advantage of the latest generation of gaming consoles and even higher-end gaming PC’s.

EPSON EH-LS11000W

The long-lasting laser light source in the EH-LS12000B and EH-LS11000W not only provides lower energy consumption but delivers home entertainment for up to 10 years¹.

Both projectors are easy to set up and install thanks to motorised optics including a powered 2.1x optical zoom, powered focus and powered lens shift of ±96.3% vertical and ±47.1% horizontal. Watching content in the right aspect ratio is made simple by being able to store your ten favourite formats. The projectors are also compatible with Calman colour calibration software.

Paul White, manager product management for Epson Europe’s video projection unit said: “With more and more people spending time at home enjoying movies together, or even gaming as a family, these projectors are ideal for anyone looking to take their viewing experiences to the next level. More households now have dedicated home cinema rooms, or spaces large enough to enjoy the big screen cinema experience that these projectors can deliver.”

Epson EH-LS12000B

The EH-LS11000W (white chassis) and EH-LS12000B (black chassis) are available from October/November 2021 with an RRP of £4,099.99 inc. VAT and £4,399.99 inc. VAT respectively.

New Key Features:

  • 4K resolution (8.3mil pixels)
  • Over 2,5000,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio
  • Colour space DCI>85%
  • 4K Super resolution
  • 4K Frame interpolation
  • Scene adaptive gamma correction
  • Instant off
  • Laser Light Source
  • HDMI 2.1 (4K/120Hz)

Dell Technologies Drives the Evolution of Modern Support and Security

In today’s “do anything from anywhere” world, the PC is more than just a tool; it has become the key connection point for work and communication. Employees rely on it as a gateway for collaboration and productivity—and any downtime is disruptive especially to the bottom line.

New Dell Technologies support services and security solutions enhance the way IT leaders provide a modern, intelligent and secure PC experience for employees. Added capabilities in the ProSupport Suite for PCs build on the foundation of artificial intelligence and an always-on approach to make IT support easier and more customizable. New endpoint security offerings enhance the industry’s most secure commercial PCs with new security verification capabilities and additional protections below the operating system.

“If your PCs aren’t productive, your employees aren’t either,” said Patrick Moorhead, founder and chief analyst, Moor Insights & Strategy. “Support services and security offerings must evolve with changing employee experiences and stay ahead of the threats that exist at every corner. I believe Dell Technologies is stepping up to the plate with some unique offerings that are designed with the future in mind.”

ProSupport Suite for PCs maximizes productivity and uptime with new features that customize and tailor IT support 

According to a recent survey from Forrester Consulting, 70% of companies plan to increase their investment in remote workforce in the next year. With ProSupport Suite for PCs, IT managers can now customize and automate the way they support employees and optimize PCs. New features include:

  • Customizable IT management tools: ProSupport Suite for PC is the first support service to provide IT managers with automated custom update catalog management and deployment capabilities. Now they have the ability to update Dell BIOS, drivers, firmware and applications automatically and remotely, and customize how those updates are grouped and managed.
  • Tailored, actionable information for PC fleet in one place: For the first time, IT managers can see the health, application experience and security scores for their entire Dell PC fleet in one glance.They can use those scores over time to uncover performance trends and also take immediate action when needed, remotely, leveraging tailored recommendations and utilization metrics provided by Dell Technologies AI-powered services support software.
  • Customized, remote workflows: Using a customized rules engine to define and orchestrate remote remediation workflows at scale, IT managers are also able to predetermine who receives updates automatically and how they are administered.
  • ProSupport Suite for PCs features available to channel partners and their customers: Channel partners can leverage the entire scope of our AI-driven support, tools and portal within the ProSupport Suite for PCs. Partners can view and manage the support experience for multiple organizations using SupportAssist in TechDirect and have the option to leverage Dell Technologies’ expertise to overcome customer challenges on a case-by-case or fleetwide basis.

“The role of IT has never been more important. While the mission remains the same – keep everyone productive and systems up and running – the operations behind it have become a lot more complicated, especially with the amount of data and opportunities at the edge ever-increasing,” said Doug Schmitt, president of Services, Dell Technologies. “Our approach to IT services is built on an AI-driven, adaptive, always-on foundation, taking today’s realities and future customer needs into consideration. At the end of the day, the new capabilities are about helping IT leaders see ahead, and stay ahead, while providing workforces around the world the ability to continue collaborating and innovating without disruption.”

Doubling down with innovations for the industry’s most secure and intelligent commercial PC portfolio with built-in AI[5]

The rapid shift to remote work, increased use of cloud applications and new ways of addressing employee productivity needs have created new threat vectors at the endpoint. Every business is a target regardless of location, industry or size as threats have grown increasingly sophisticated and sometimes challenging to detect. Recent data suggests 44% of organizations experienced at least one hardware-level or BIOS attack over the past 12 months.[6] For an endpoint security strategy to be effective, it must take the entire attack surface into consideration, including supply chain hardware and firmware.

Dell Trusted Devices security portfolio helps protect Dell commercial PCs throughout the supply chain and device lifecycle. This comprehensive suite of above- and below- the operating system (OS) security solutions leverage intelligence and help empower businesses to prevent, detect and respond to threats with improved mean-time-to-detect (MTTD) and mean-time-to-resolution (MTTR) of issues.

Dell Technologies builds upon its leadership position with new security capabilities that include:

  • Advanced Secure Component Verification for PCs allows customers to verify Dell commercial PCs and key components arrive as they were ordered and built. Dell Technologies is the first commercial PC manufacturer in the industry with this native capability, extending its supply chain security and integrity controls.
  • Intel Management Engine (ME) Verification verifies critical system firmware and detects tampering. The initial release of Intel ME Verification targets boot processes critical to system security and provides additional layers of below the OS security.
  • Dell Trusted Device Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) Integration brings customers full visibility of critical below the OS security events through select SIEM dashboards.[8] It allows for a comprehensive analysis of the organization’s security status while enabling them to extract more value out of existing security investments.

Availability

  • New ProSupport Suite for PCs capabilities will be available to new and existing customers directly and through channel partners globally starting Oct. 19.
  • Advanced Secure Component Verification is available today for U.S. federal customers and on select Dell commercial PCs.
  • Intel ME Verification and Dell Trusted Device SIEM Integration are available today in Europe on Dell commercial PCs.

Applications now open for Deloitte 2021 Technology #Fast50 Awards

This year’s ranking will reflect the technology sector’s unique role in responding to the pandemic

Entries are now open for the 22nd annual Deloitte Technology Fast 50 Awards. One of Ireland’s foremost technology award programmes, the awards rank Ireland’s 50 fastest-growing indigenous technology companies based on revenue growth over the last four years, celebrating innovation and entrepreneurship.

Last year six of the top 10 companies in the ranking were first-time entrants to the programme, including Cork company Everseen, which took the top spot. Cumulatively, the 2020 Fast 50 winners generated approximately €3.3 billion in total annual revenues and employed over 4,600 people in 2019. The average growth rate of the companies over the last four years was over 400%.

Speaking at the launch of this year’s programme David Shanahan, Partner and Fast 50 Programme Lead at Deloitte said: “Technology has pervaded every part of our lives over the past 18 months, providing huge opportunities for Irish technology companies. This year’s Fast 50 ranking will be a strong benchmark of how the indigenous industry has performed.

“It is hugely encouraging to be talking about growth in the technology industry amidst a global pandemic. There are a number of sectors that we expect to emerge as having had particularly strong growth over the course of the last year due to their unique role in the pandemic response, including greentech and sustainability, cybersecurity, online retail, e-learning, remote working, medtech and sports tech, to name a few.

“Ireland’s reputation as a tech hub is no longer only about the multinational tech companies that have chosen to locate here; it’s also about the Irish-owned companies that are having a significant impact, locally and globally. Ultimately the Fast 50 programme highlights the importance of recognising and celebrating companies who are driving their businesses forward, and the importance of innovation in allowing companies to adapt and keep growing.”

This year’s awards programme will include a number of award categories in addition to the overall ranking. These include:

  • Innovative New Technology Award in association with Google: This award is for a company that has created or introduced a new or innovative product or service to international markets that has helped grow their business over the last four years.
  • Impact Award in association with Facebook: This award is for a company that has made a significant impact within the current year.
  • Women in Technology Advocate Award in association with Vodafone: This award will be given to someone who has demonstrated through their actions that they are an advocate for increasing participation by and promotion of women in the technology sector.
  • Scale Up Award in association with Scale Ireland: This award is for a company that has demonstrated an impressive ability to scale up/expand overseas over the last four years.
  • Alumni Award: Deloitte will also be acknowledging its long list of Fast 50 Alumni in the Alumni Award category.

The Deloitte Technology Fast 50 ranking features both private and public listed technology companies that have demonstrated innovative strategies, sound management practices and marketplace vision, driving them to achieve the status of high-growth leaders. Full details on criteria and how to enter are available at www.fast50.ie.

The closing date for entries is 12 November 2021 and the winners will be announced at a virtual awards ceremony on 8 December 2021.

Sony adds to its wireless headphones range with the WF-C500 and WH-XB910N

Today Sony announces the launch of their new WF-C500 (RRP: €100) and WH-XB910N (RRP: €200) wireless headphones.

The compact WF-C500 truly wireless headphones combine high quality sound with unique sound customisation, ease of use, long battery life and water resistance for on-the-go music entertainment.

Absorb yourself in club-like bass with the WH-XB910N overhead wireless headphones with EXTRA BASS™, improved noise cancelling, all-day comfort, crystal clear call quality and Multipoint connection. Both of these models will be available to purchase from October 2021 which is not too far away..

WF-C500

  • Easy to use Bluetooth® pairing
  • Compact design
  • High quality sound thanks to DSEE
  • 10 hours of battery life / 20 with the handy charging case
  • IPX4 water resistance rating
  • RRP: £89 / €100

  • WH-XB910N

    • EXTRA BASS™ for an impressively deep, punchy sound
    • Dual Noise Sensor technology
    • High quality sound thanks to DSEE
    • Adaptive Sound Control
    • 30 hours of battery life
    • Google Assistant and Alexa compatible
    • RRP: £179 / €200

 

2 in 5 people are content creators according to new study.

More people than ever are sharing their talents by creating podcasts, making music, streaming, and gaming. According to the latest research from Futuresource, long-term partner of Shure, 2 in 5 people across the globe are content creators, with more than 40 million people in the world identifying specifically as audio content creators – individuals producing content that requires studio quality audio.

These individuals spent more than 75% more money on their passion projects in 2020 compared to 2019. And, even as the world has slowly reopened to more typical routines, creators aren’t slowing down.

Based on Futuresource’s data, most content creators (65%) shared that they expected the time they spend on their work to increase over the next 12 months. More than half (59%) of those same individuals are already spending more than three hours a week crafting content.

The study also found that creatives are bringing their passions to life through all types and styles of content. The 40 million+ audio content creators are making music, DJ’ing, beat-making, crafting social content and videos, podcasting, and streaming their video gameplay.

When making great content, it is paramount that creators understand how to capture the best quality audio. That’s why nearly half (45%) of creators have invested in new equipment to improve their audio over the last year. To make this vitally important decision easier, Shure has developed an easy-to-follow visual guide to direct anyone to the best mics for their specific needs, including the new MV7X and MV88+ Stereo USB microphones, detailed below.

MV7X Podcast Microphone
– Best For: Podcasters, Streamers, Radio hosts, and Musicians with Audio Interfaces – Perfect for Professional and Home Recording Studios
– Price: £159
– The MV7X Podcast Microphone is an XLR-only dynamic microphone with a cardioid pick-up pattern that features Voice Isolation Technology, is compatible with all audio interfaces, and serves as a professional solution for podcasters and musicians.

 MV88+ Stereo USB Microphone
– Best For: Musicians, Beat Making and Sampling, On-The-Go Producers and Sound Engineers
– Price: £179
– The MV88+ Stereo USB Microphone is a compact, easy-to-use, and versatile microphone that can record vocals and a variety of instruments directly to a Mac or Windows computer. Using the free ShurePlus MOTIV™ Desktop App, users can select from various pick-up patterns (Mono, Stereo, Bi-Directional, and Raw Mid-Side) as well as set Gain, Limiter, Compression, EQ, and Monitor Mix.

MV7 Podcast Microphone
– Best For: All Content Creators, especially Podcasters, Gamers, Streamers, and Musicians who already own a mic stand or boom arm
– Price: £259
– The MV7 Podcast Microphone is a dynamic microphone with both USB and XLR outputs for use with computers and professional interfaces. The MV7 easily connects with a USB so users can explore additional features. With Auto Level Mode, the MV7 will adjust gain in real time to give a consistent output level, no matter if recording or streaming.

MV7 Podcast Kit
– Best For: Podcasters, Gamers, Streamers, & Musicians looking for a full-package solution
– Price: £269
– The MV7 Podcast Kit is a premium, all-in-one solution designed to address the versatility required by modern creators. With the same great features of the MV7 Podcast Microphone, including the ShurePlus MOTIV™ Desktop App, XLR and USB connectivity, USB-A/USB-C cables and a Manfrotto PIXI mini tripod included, creators have all they need to get started right out of the box.

MV88+ Video Kit
– Best For: Bloggers, Videographers, Adventurers, Mobile Content Creators
– Price: £219
– The MV88+ Video Kit transforms any smartphone into a professional-level mobile audio and video rig. The kit includes a Manfrotto® PIXI tripod, phone clamp, and mount, as well as iOS and USB-C cables for next-level compatibility and connectivity. Download the ShurePlus MOTIV Audio or Video App to configure the MV88+ and select from various pick-up patterns, as well as set Gain, Limiter, Compression, EQ, and Monitor Mix.

For more information on Shure’s collection of premium microphones for all types of content creation, visit shure.com.

Belfast founded company CattleEye crowned KPMG Ireland’s top tech innovator

CattleEye, a company which has harnessed the capabilities of advanced AI in video analytics to deliver the world’s first academically verified autonomous livestock monitoring platform, has won the inaugural Ireland leg of the KPMG Global Tech Innovator competition.

The Belfast-founded company was shortlisted from almost 50 entries of early stage Irish and Northern Irish tech start-ups, and took home the prize after pitching to an esteemed panel of judges including; Gareth Lambe, Head of Facebook Ireland; Nicola McClafferty, Partner at Draper Esprit; serial entrepreneur Mark Cummins, Fiona Gallagher, CEO of Wells Fargo International Bank UC and Managing Partner of KPMG in Ireland, Seamus Hand.

CattleEye will now progress to the final at Web Summit 2021 in Lisbon in November, where they will compete with the finalists from 17 other countries for the title of KPMG Global Tech Innovator. Other finalists include companies from the US, Great Britain, South Africa, Brazil, Germany, India & Spain.

The prize also includes travel and accommodation to Lisbon, tickets to Web Summit as part of KPMG’s delegation, an exhibition stand for 1 day, and access to exclusive networking events and mentoring opportunities.

Speaking after the pitch competition, Terry Canning, CEO of CattleEye said:

“We’re delighted to win the KPMG Tech Innovator award for Ireland, and to progress to the Web Summit 2021, where we’re very proud to represent the country at the global finals. Our technology platform provides a completely new way of monitoring and gaining insights on dairy cows. Through machine learning, the platform can alert farmers to problems before they’re aware of them, by walking cattle under a security camera that uses a number of neural networks, enabling them to intervene. This will improve the lives of animals, while allowing farmers to become more efficient and reduce carbon emissions.”

Anna Scally, Partner and Tech Sector Lead at KPMG Ireland added:

“Irish tech companies are amongst the best and most innovative in the world, while our agricultural sector is renowned the word over. CattleEye has married the two by using AI technology to monitor  livestock and provide important data to farmers and dairy managers. CattleEye has progressed to the global finals after demonstrating the impact of their disruptive technology to the market, while also highlighting very exciting plans and growth ambitions. I’d like to congratulate them and wish them all the best as they go on to represent Ireland.”