Expel Announces Expansion into Ireland with Creation of 50 Cybersecurity Jobs

Expel, the leading managed detection and response (MDR) provider, today announced plans to establish a fully remote workforce in Ireland, creating up to 50 high-skilled cybersecurity jobs over the next three years, thanks to the support of the Irish Government through IDA Ireland.

Expel’s investment is part of its ongoing expansion strategy into the EMEA (Europe, Middle East, and Africa) market and aims to tap into Ireland’s thriving technology ecosystem and skilled talent pool.

With a diverse customer base spanning industries such as aviation, technology, and professional sports, Expel’s move into Ireland marks a significant milestone in its global expansion efforts. Expel is trusted by some of the world’s most recognisable brands for their cyber security needs. The company combines world-class security practitioners and its AI-driven platform, Expel Workbench™, to provide cutting-edge visibility for cloud, hybrid, and on-premises environments.

This strategic expansion into Ireland underscores the country’s reputation as a global hub for technology and cybersecurity innovation. As Expel continues to strengthen its foothold in EMEA since its initial expansion into the market in late 2022, collaboration with IDA Ireland and this investment highlights an exciting cornerstone for the future of cybersecurity technology and the accompanying booming workforce in the region.

Emer Higgins, Minister of State for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, welcomed the announcement, saying: “We are delighted to welcome this investment in Ireland’s growing cybersecurity sector. The establishment of Expel’s remote workforce, creating 50 new high-quality jobs, demonstrates the strength of Ireland’s position as a hub for innovation and digital expertise. This commitment not only reinforces our reputation as a leader in the tech industry but also provides valuable opportunities for skilled professionals across the country. We look forward to supporting Expel’s continued success and growth in Ireland.”

 

Cat Starkey, Chief Technology Officer of Expel, said: “Ireland offers the rare mix of a world-class technology infrastructure, a highly talented workforce, and a cybersecurity culture that aligns with our own, making our decision to invest in growing our team there an easy one. We’re thrilled to grow our presence in Ireland, and we look forward to welcoming some of the world’s best cybersecurity professionals and engineers as Expletives.”

Michael Lohan, CEO of IDA Ireland said: “Cyber security continues to be an important cluster across Ireland, and we are a recognised destination of choice for global tech companies. Expel’s decision to establish operations here is a testament to the strength of our talent and technology ecosystem. We are delighted to welcome Expel and look forward to supporting their growth as they create new opportunities in cybersecurity, a critical industry for our economy and the wider global market.”

Improving Your Business Prospects Quickly

If you are thinking about trying to improve your business’ chances of success, there are so many approaches that you might be able to take towards this which might help you out considerably. It’s amazing what a difference it can actually make, in fact, and once you start looking into it you will see how much it really can help. So what are some of the things you can do to improve your business’ prospects, and how might you be able to make use of them as soon as possible?

In this post, we are going to discuss some of the main approaches that you might want to take. Any of the following could be really helpful, and you might find that they make a huge difference to your business’ chances of success. Let’s take a look and see what you might want to consider here.

Hire Better Staff

It might sound harsh, but you do need to make sure that you have good staff around you if you are going to improve your business’ prospects as much as you can. This is the kind of thing that you are going to want to think about for sure as it really does make a huge difference. If you can fully trust the people around you in business, that tends to mean that you are going to get a lot more out of them and that the future of the business looks a lot brighter as a result.

So take a look at your team and think about what you might be able to do in order to improve it. You might find that there are a lot of quite obvious things that you can bear in mind here, so that is something that you might want to consider first of all. Anything else can then be made to happen a lot more easily and quickly as a result of this first initial change.

Make Good Use Of Profits

Once you start profiting from a business, you might find yourself wondering what you can or should be doing in order to make good use of those profits, and to ensure that you are doing all you can to make them work for you as best as possible. Of course, there are endless options here, and it’s not always going to be obvious which you should opt for. But some of the most important are also going to be worth thinking about.

In particular, anything that is going to help your profits go further is going to be well worth thinking about. So you might find that putting some money into crypto using a multichain block explorer could be a way to invest, for instance. Or you might want to just redirect profits into the business in whatever way you think is appropriate. However you do it, it’s all about making sure that you are going to make good use of your profits, and as long as you have done that, the business will benefit.

Create More Leads

At all times, you should be thinking about some of the ways in which you can create more leads. It’s amazing what this can do for your business prospects, and you are going to find that you are so much more likely to make a huge difference this way. If you have lots of potential leads coming in, it is always going to mean that your business has a pretty good chance of developing as you would hope it to. So keep your eyes open and think about some of the ways in which you can develop these leads. You’ll be glad you did, and you’ll find that you are really going to make a difference this way.

Boost Marketing

By this we mean that you are both improving the way in which you approach your marketing, and increasing the amount of funds available for that marketing. If you are doing both of those things at once, you are going to find that it leads to a much better ability for your business to grow and develop, and it really is amazing what this can do for you. So make sure that you always have one eye on your marketing and that you are doing everything you can to make it as strong as possible.  That is really going to help a lot.

Beta Festival announces programme including award-winning XR performance Noire, conference featuring Abebe Birhane and international exhibition Unsettling the Algorithm

Beta, Ireland’s festival of art and technology, will return for its second edition with a focus on interrogating the relationship between power and technology, examining how digital tools influence society and how we can take agency back in their use.

Co-founded and supported by The Digital Hub, Beta will return from 1st to 17th November and will feature a series of events including two exhibitions, several interactive workshops, performances, a thought-provoking conference, and an assembly focussed on artificial intelligence and art.

Cannes Film Festival winner Noire, the Unknown Life of Claudette Colvin will make its Irish debut at this year’s Beta Festival. Directed by Stéphane Foenkinos and Pierre-Alain Giraud, Noire tells the real-life story of 15-year-old Claudette Colvin, who refused to give up her bus seat to a white passenger in a segregated 1950s Alabama through an immersive and encapsulating digital performance showing the power of storytelling through technology. Noire is presented by The Digital Hub, the French Embassy in Ireland and Institut Francais, as part of the official Novembre Numérique programme, and is supported by Smart Dublin.

This year, Beta will host two exhibitions: the first Unsettling the Algorithm: Seeds of Resistance, is an international exhibition curated by Aisling Murray and Nora O’ Murchú. Featuring artists including Irish-Iraqi artist Basil Al-Rawi, Tega Brain and Sam Levigne, Firas Shehadeh, Winnie Soon and Tzu-Tung Lee, Nora Al Badri and !Mediengruppe Bitnik among others, the exhibition will explore how digital infrastructures and algorithms shape, influence and govern our daily lives. Separately, the Local Artists Network will spotlight emerging Irish artists with new work from Conan McIvor, Aisling Phelan, Cailean Finn, and more.

Among these installations will be the interactive artwork Boogaloo Bias, which explores the dangers of unregulated use of facial recognition technology particularly among law enforcement. Created by Jennifer Gradecki and Derek Curry, the project examines the practice of ‘brute forcing’, where law enforcement substitutes images of celebrities resembling suspects when high-quality images are unavailable and explores themes of accountability and bias in automated systems.

Keynote addresses by cognitive behavioural scientist and member of the UN’s AI Advisory Board Abebe Birhane and Head of Arts Technologies at London’s Serpentine Gallery Kay Watson will be delivered at the conference, while several workshops, discussions and think-ins will be hosted by ADAPT research centre, the Creative Futures Academy, Fire Station Artists’ Studios and Creative Spark during the festival.

Key highlights for the festival will include:

  • Noire, the Unknown Life of Claudette Colvin tells the real-life story of the 15-year-old who refused to give up her bus seat to a white passenger in a segregated 1950’s Alabama in a near-mirror event to that of Rosa Parks, told through an immersive digital performance. Noire won the inaugural award for Best Immersive Experience at Cannes Film Festival earlier this year and the production is brought to Ireland by the Beta Festival and The Digital Hub, in association with the French Embassy and Institut Francais, and is supported by Smart Dublin. Noire will make its Irish debut at the Samuel Beckett Theatre from 7th – 10th November.
  • Assembly on Art and AI will bring together AI researchers, policy makers, cultural leaders and artists to explore the impact of artificial intelligence on arts and culture and identify challenges and opportunities to fuel a rolling agenda of areas to consider when creating policy centred on AI.
  • Cold Call, a call centre created by Tega Brain and Sam Lavigne that reimagines carbon offsetting, by transforming the concept of time theft – a form of resistance where employees deliberately slow productivity – into a carbon-saving strategy aimed at high-emission companies. Through the call centre, viewers are encouraged to call fossil fuel companies and distract them for as long as possible, delaying carbon-emitting activities.
  • Keynote discussions by Head of London’s Serpentine Gallery Kay Watson and UN’s AI Advisory Board Abeba Birhane, encompassing AI’s potential benefits and proven risks

The official opening will take place on Friday, 1st November at The Digital Hub in Dublin 8.

Aisling Murray, co-founder and director of Beta Festival, commented:

“I am thrilled that Beta is returning for its second year and very grateful for the continued support from co-founders The Digital Hub and funders Science Week. It has been an exciting opportunity to work with Nora O’ Murchú on curating our international exhibition Unsettling the Algorithm, which complements this year’s programme that showcases some of Ireland’s most exciting art and technology offerings and gives audiences a chance to explore international best practice of new technologies. The outstanding XR performance Noire will be a highlight of our programme and is the best integration of immersive technology with storytelling that I have come across, which I cannot wait to share with audiences.

Fiach Mac Conghail, co-founder of Beta Festival and CEO of The Digital Hub, added:

“At The Digital Hub, we always consider the impact of emerging innovations in technology on our society. We provide a creative and safe space for audiences to understand these developments in a tangible and meaningful way. We believe that artists can assist us in this understanding and this year’s programme at Beta is no exception. Through an invigorating programme of important artworks, workshops, innovative keynote speeches and engaging performances, we are in a position to offer this insight and consideration to our communities at The Digital Hub. We are excited to launch the 2024 edition of Beta festival on 1st November and look forward to seeing the great work of so many artists and the visitors that join us over the two weeks.”

The Digital Hub has a strong track record in supporting digital technology industries, creative enterprises, and community learning programmes in Dublin 8 and beyond. Beta is aimed to be both a culmination of various activities within the Liberties campus, as well as a starting point for further discussion on how to make complex technologies more accessible to communities.

The Digital Hub and Aisling Murray are being supported in its preparations for Beta by Science Week, Ambassade de France en Irlande and Institut Francais, British Council, ADAPT Research Centre, Smart Dublin, Fire Station Artist’s Studio, Creative Futures Academy, The Arts Council and Pallas Projects.

Beta Festival will kick off from Friday, 1 November with a variety of events and exhibitions during that time with the centrepiece exhibition, Unsettling the Algorithm: Seeds of Resistance and additional events at The Digital Hub running until Sunday, 17 November.

Tickets for Noire are available from 12pm, Thursday October 3rd and are available to purchase at https://2024.betafestival.ie/.

The eir VIP Publishing Power of Women Awards rewards and celebrates Irish female entrepreneurs

The fourth eir VIP Publishing Power of Women Awards launched with an inspiring networking event in eir’s HQ in Dublin, ahead of the awards which will take place on the 8th of November in the 5-star Anantara The Marker Dublin Hotel.

The event aims to shine a spotlight on the exceptional achievements of Irish female entrepreneurs, with over 110 women nominated across 12 diverse categories. The awards will also feature a special honour: the Entrepreneur of the Year Award, celebrating one standout leader in Irish business.

The launch brought together nominees, guests, and industry leaders for an engaging and informative panel discussion, moderated by Susan Brady, eir’s Managing Director of Consumer & Small Business, and Bianca Luykx, Editorial Director of VIP Publishing. Former award winners Helen Steele, Jennifer Rock, and Fiona Parfrey shared their experiences, offering advice on what it takes to succeed as a female entrepreneur in today’s competitive landscape.

Winners will be decided upon by a panel of judges made up of Susan Brady, eir’s Managing Director of Consumer & Small Business; Lily O’Donoghue, eir’s SMB director; Pippa O’Connor Ormond, last year’s winner of Entrepreneur of the Year; Ruth O’Connor, journalist; Kathryn Thomas, broadcaster and businesswoman; Rebecca Brady, Commercial & Events Director of VIP Publishing; and Bianca Luykx, Editorial Director of VIP Publishing and Editor-in-Chief of VIP magazine.

The awards will see the return of eir as title sponsors for the third year, supported by a prestigious group of Irish and international category sponsors including Very, Weir & Sons, Suir Engineering, Kérastase, Boots, Dr Hauschka, AYA supplements, Uniphar, Penneys, Lindt and Tanqueray Gin.

 

Pippa O’Connor Ormond, last year’s winner of the Entrepreneur of the Year award said: ““I am thrilled to be on the judging panel for this year’s eir VIP Publishing Power of Woman awards. To have won entrepreneur of the year in 2023 was such an honour. Awards like these are a great boost for women in business. A reminder to celebrate ourselves & others. I look forward to meeting more like minded, inspiring women at this year’s awards’’.

VIP Publishing’s Commercial & Events Director Rebecca Brady said: VIP Publishing are thrilled to partner with eir and all of our fantastic sponsors to bring you the 4th annual Power of Women Awards. We  are delighted to see Irish and international businesses join forces to celebrate the outstanding achievements of Ireland’s most remarkable female entrepreneursWomen are the driving force behind all that we do at VIP Publishing and we are proud to provide a platform that highlights the passion and perseverance of Irish female entrepreneurs. We look forward to celebrating their achievements once again this year.’’

Susan Brady, Managing Director of eir Consumer and Small Business expressed her pride in hosting the eir VIP Publishing Power of Women nominee announcement at eir’s headquarters: “We are honoured to return as the title sponsor of the eir VIP Publishing Power of Women Awards, which celebrates the outstanding achievements of female entrepreneurs and business leaders across Ireland. These women are not only driving innovation and economic growth, but they are also creating lasting positive change in society.

At eir, our purpose is to connect for a better Ireland, and our role in supporting small businesses – by providing the connectivity and solutions they need to grow and thrive – directly aligns with the spirit of these awards. By shining a light on the incredible contributions of female business leaders, we hope to inspire the next generation of women to lead with innovation, create stronger communities, and build a more inclusive future for all.”

Categories are as follows:

Digital & Tech – Sponsored by eir

Máirín Murray and Vicky Twomey-Lee (TechFoundHer)

Rena Maycock (Chirp)

Tammy Darcy (Shona Project)

Clare McSweeney (KuulPlay)

Niamh Donnelly (Akara Robotics)

Anna Carmody (Little Red Edu)

Rosanne Longmore (Coroflo)

Deirdre Lyons (Examifly)

Fashion Retail – Sponsored by Lindt

Emma Manley (Manley)

Lucy Nagle (Lucy Nagle)

Faye Rochford (FéRí)

Laura Weber (LW Pearl)

Aoife McNamara (Aoife McNamara)

Rosie Connolly (4th Arq)

Fiona Heaney (FeeG)

Lisa McGowan (Lisa & Co)

Beauty Industry – Sponsored by Uniphar

Linda Stintson (Bellamianta)

Kerry Hanaphy (Kerry Hanaphy Aesthetic Clinic)

Liz Dwyer & Nikki Dwyer (Future of Beauty)

Dr Emma Cunningham (Dr Emma Skincare)

Vanessa Gomez (Essences Day Spa)

Agnes Rafal (HOMEface yoga by agnes)

Anna Forde (Haumea)

Noelle O’Connor( TanOrganic and VeganTan)

Hair Care – Sponsored by Kérastase

Denise Phillips (PELO/Voduz)

Anita Donohue (Annutri)

Claire Balding /Fullam (Remi)

Nancy Cavanagh (Belle Hair Extensions)

Helen Reavey (Act+Acre)

Stephanie Nwambu (Callah Crowns)

Aine Kennedy (Smooth Stick)

Mairead Ronan (Faro)

Cosmetics & Skin Care – Sponsored by Boots

Charlene Flanagan & Niamh Ryan (Ella & Jo)

Niamh Hogan (Holos Skincare)

Dr. Helena McMahon (Seabody)

Una McGurk (Seoulista Beauty)

Sonia Deasy (Pestle & Mortar)

Susie O’Neill (AYU Cosmetics)

Geraldine Jones (Skin Formulas)

Michelle Regazzoli Stone (MRS Glam)

Communications

Valerie Roe (Valerie Roe PR)

Rebecca Burrell (Burrell Marketing and Publicity)

Hannah Saunders (Hannah Saunders PR)

Sonia Harris (Harris PR)

Lindsey Holmes (Lindsey Holmes Publicity)

Rachel Sherry (Sherry Communications)

Tara O’Connor (Tara O’Connor Consulting)

Kerryann Conway (The Hive Agency)

Creative – Sponsored by Dr. Hauschka

Audrey Hamilton (Audrey Hamilton Art)

Orla de Brí (Orla de Brí)

Ciara & Rachel Howard (Howrad Studios)

Jenny McCarthy (By Jenny McCarthy)

Clíodhna Doherty (Clíodhna Doherty Art)

Heather Condren (Flowerpop)

Jenny Buckley & Carol Gunner (Tamber Media)

Deirdre Young & Sinead Bailey Kelly (H&G Creations)

Lifestyle – Sponsored by VERY

Una Leonard (2210 Patisserie)

Lucy Hagerty (La Bougie)

Portia Quinn & Robin Thompson (Harley & Marley)

Natasha Rocca Devine (NRD Designs)

Adrienne Heslin (West Kerry Brewery)

Laura Bonner (Muff Liquor Company)

Sadie Chowen (Burren Perfumery)

Barikisu Ali Telfer (Sahara.ie)

New Founder – Sponsored by Weir & Sons

Suzy Griffin (Hildun Beauty)

Ngozi Elobuike (Hi Spirits Wine Club)

Olivia Humphries (Athena)

Destiny Ayo Vaughan (Mind The Gap)

Evie and Eliza Ward (NutShed)

Ellie Haughney (Anam Cosmetics)

Shona Mahon (Speedy Lash / Wink With Mink)

Susan Fox & Carly Colgan (Ealu)

Wellness – Sponsored by AYA 

Kylie O’Donoghue (FemFuelz )

Laura Dowling (fabÜ)

Orla Hopkins (New Dimensions Active)

Audrey O’Connor (CoreState)

Kira Walton (Voya)

Maura Rath (Yoga with Maura)

Gráinne Byrne (Norma)

Shawna Scott (Sex Siopa)

Sustainability – Sponsored by Suir Engineering

Nicky & Ella Dwyer (Drobey)

Ella de Guzman (Siopaella)

Sarah Fliessbach (Share Club)

Fiona Fahy (Feed Me Mother)

Jess Dollinger (The Good Neighbour)

Aisling Cullen (Thanks Plants)

Nicola Connelly (Nunaïa)

Fran Fogarty (Lily Mais)

Accesories

Julie Peelo (Peelo)

Lyndsey Cavanagh (One Dame Lane)

Lisa Ruttledge (Fabulisa)

Sallyann Concannon (Mettle & Bloom)

Suzanne Jackson, Terrie McEvoy & Siobhan Murray (MANTRA Official)

Nicki Hoyne (Nicki Hoyne)

Margaret Urbanowicz (Sómas)

Megan Nolan (MNW Design)

 

 

EA SPORTS NHL 25 WITH ICE-Q NOW AVAILABLE WORLDWIDE

Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: EA) sets a new standard in hockey authenticity with EA SPORTS™ NHL® 25, now available worldwide on PlayStation®5 and Xbox Series X|S. The new ICE-Q gameplay system gives players the time and space to control every inch of the ice, bringing a whole new level of hockey intelligence to EA SPORTS NHL. Plus, a revamped Franchise Mode, overhauled presentation with the all-new Grudge Match system as well as the integration of SAPIEN Technology improving character likenesses, NHL 25 is the truest representation of the sport.

“EA SPORTS NHL 25 brings an unparalleled level of intelligence to the franchise with the introduction of ICE-Q,” said Chris Haluke, Senior Producer for EA SPORTS NHL. “Whether it’s creating time and space in gameplay with ICE-Q or leading the front office with the revamped Franchise Mode, this year’s game offers a truly immersive NHL experience that will appeal to veterans of the game and Chel rookies alike.”

EA SPORTS NHL 25 launches today with an array of exciting new features:

  • ICE-Q is True Hockey Intelligence: Built on a new logic-driven animation system, ICE-Q responds to contextual events on the ice with unprecedented authenticity. Next-Gen Vision Control, Empowered AI and Reactive Actions provide the foundation of Chel’s gameplay overhaul, while Skill-Based One Timers create authentic gameplay tension as offensive excitement and expectation mix with defensive concern and anticipation. Learn more about the all new features in the deep dive trailer here and the blog post here.

  • Revamped Franchise Mode: Franchise Mode gets a revamp in NHL 25. Starting with the Franchise hub, streamlined navigation gives players access to new, relevant and easy-to-digest information. Contract clauses and trade protection now add to the authenticity, giving players insight into what happens during negotiations. Plus, new conversation functions enhance negotiations, making promises, waivers, and counters a faster, more intuitive process. Learn more about the revamped Franchise Mode in the deep dive trailer here and the blog post here.

  • Immersive Presentation Updates: Hockey is not only built different in NHL 25, it looks different. The new Grudge Match System tracks the history of matchups between teams across online and offline modes. In-game characters have received an impressive visual overhaul with the introduction of SAPIEN Technology, and the new Infinite Camera System completely revamps replays with increased variety and authenticity of angles. The Hypestage introduces a universal 3D platform that produces dynamic and immersive storytelling moments during key games and live events throughout the year. Learn more about the improved presentation with the blog post here.

  • Hockey Ultimate Team Innovations – The new Wildcard Mode implements unique rulesets per competition cycle — like different salary cap systems, having a specific number of players from a particular team or nation, and more. Plus, with the new HUT XP Progression System, all of the XP earned in Squad Battles, Rivals and Wild Card are combined into a single progression path. Learn more about the improvements to HUT in the deep dive trailer here and the blog post here.

  • New WOC Live Events Structure – An updated World of Chel Live Event Structure and schedule gives players a new way to take the ice. A new playlist structure keeps game mode selections feeling fresh, along with new competitive tournaments and rewards, metas, and design-driven themes, and the ability to view all current and past offerings in WOC.

These features and more are available now in EA SPORTS NHL 25, with more post-launch content to be announced soon.

Developed by EA Vancouver, EA SPORTS NHL 25 is rated E10+ and is now available globally on PlayStation®5 and Xbox Series X|S. Also available now, the EA SPORTS NHL 25 Deluxe Edition includes 4600 NHL Points, HUT NHL Player Pack, HUT “Hockey is Family” Objectives Choice Pack (x2, 82 OVR), HUT Cover Athlete Choice Pack (85 OVR, 1 of 8), HUT Wildcard Starter Choice Pack (84 OVR, 1 of 6), WOC Battle Pass XP Boost (x2), and Exclusive WOC Player Set. For more information on EA SPORTS NHL, visit https://www.ea.com/games/nhl/nhl-25.

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API Monitoring: The Unsung Hero of the Digital Economy

While APIs have become the lifeblood of modern applications, ensuring their optimal performance and reliability is often overlooked. This is where API monitoring comes into play. It’s the unsung hero that guarantees the smooth operation of your digital ecosystem.

The Critical Role of API Monitoring

Imagine your business as a high-performance car. The engine is powerful, but without a dashboard to monitor its vitals, you’re driving blind. API monitoring is that dashboard for your digital operations. It provides real-time visibility into the performance, availability, and overall health of your APIs.

By closely tracking API metrics, businesses can identify potential issues before they escalate into major problems. This proactive approach prevents service disruptions, maintains customer satisfaction, and safeguards revenue.

Key Benefits of API Monitoring

  • Improved Performance: By pinpointing performance bottlenecks, API monitoring helps optimize response times and enhance user experience.
  • Increased Reliability: Proactive identification and resolution of issues minimize downtime and service disruptions.
  • Enhanced Security: Anomaly detection can uncover suspicious activities, protecting your APIs and sensitive data.
  • Data-Driven Decision Making: Comprehensive performance metrics inform strategic decisions about API optimization and scaling.

The API Monitoring Landscape

The API monitoring market is rapidly expanding as businesses recognize the critical role it plays in digital success. While specific data points may vary, the overall trend is clear: API monitoring is a growing necessity.

  • Market Growth: Similar to the API management market, API monitoring is experiencing substantial growth driven by the increasing complexity of digital ecosystems.
  • Key Features: Robust API monitoring solutions offer a wide range of features, including performance metrics, error tracking, security alerts, and integration with other monitoring tools.

Conclusion: A Cornerstone of Digital Success

API monitoring is no longer a luxury; it’s a strategic imperative. By investing in a comprehensive API monitoring solution, businesses can ensure the reliability, performance, and security of their digital operations. It’s the foundation for delivering exceptional customer experiences and driving business growth in the digital age.

Consumer Alert: Budget 2025 energy credit announcement sparks new fraud attempts – Bank of Ireland

Bank of Ireland is warning customers to be very vigilant to a wave of new fraud attempts following the announcement of a range of new energy credits this week.

Fraudsters often use topical events that are the subject of a lot of media coverage and commentary – in this case, energy credits announced in the recent Budget – to defraud consumers.

Bank of Ireland is seeing cases where customers receive an SMS pretending to be from the Irish Government (Gov.ie) saying they are eligible for a discounted bill under the new energy credit. However, this is just the first step in a scam designed to get the consumer to hand over their personal banking details.

How it works:

 

  • The consumer receives a text – pretending to be from an official Government source – telling them they are eligible for an energy credit.
  • The consumer replies to this and provides their personal contact details.

  • The fraudster then calls the consumer and pretends to be from their bank. The fraudster informs the consumer that they responded to a fake text and that now their debit/credit card, PIN, and phone sim card are compromised. The fraudster says someone from the bank, or a courier is on their way to collect the consumers card, PIN, and phone sim card.
  • In some cases, the consumer is kept on the phone to the fraudster until the person from the ‘bank’ or courier company arrives at their house.
  • Once they have taken these, fraudsters can then use the card for high value items, using chip & PIN.
  • Unfortunately, because the consumer believes they have been speaking with their bank, it can take some time before they realise that they are the victim of a theft and report this to their actual bank.

Nicola Sadlier, Head of Fraud, Bank of Ireland said: “Fraudsters are like chameleons. They design their scams to blend in with what’s in the news. But like all their criminal activity, this is just another attempt to steal your money.  

“There are new fake texts in circulation from “GOV IE” telling consumers they are eligible for a discounted electricity bill. These are smishing texts, and when the customer responds, they get a call from the fraudster posing as a bank employee informing them that their debit/credit card, PIN and phone sim card have been compromised. The fact that this call is followed by a fraudster calling to the victim’s house to collect the “compromised” card and phone sim card is of particular concern. 

“Be extra vigilant.  Fraudsters want your personal information, even if it’s simply your phone number. Do not give it to them.”

Bank of Ireland’s advice to customers in response to the current activity:

  • Do not click on links or respond to any SMS text messages which are designed to appear as if sent by the bank or other businesses and service providers.
  • If you receive a suspicious call, hang up and don’t call back any number the caller may have given you.

Remember:

  • Bank of Ireland will never send you a text with a link to a website that asks you for your online banking login details or any One-Time Passcodes that we’ve sent to you.
  • Bank of Ireland will never, ever, call you and ask for your security credentials such as your full 365 PIN, card details, one-time codes, or codes from your Business On Line Approve App.
  • Where customers receive a text appearing to be from Bank of Ireland, the Check Your Text service (Security Zone – Bank of Ireland Group Website) is now available.
    • If you get a text that claims to be from Bank of Ireland but you are not sure if it’s genuine, here’s how to verify it:
    • Copy the text you wish to verify.
    • Paste into a new message.
    • Add the word CHECK before the text. (In the same text)
    • Send to 50365.
    • Alternatively send it to 365security@boi.com

If you think you may have given away any of your banking details, please call our 24/7 Freephone line 1800 946 764 immediately.

Ordú to create 10 new jobs as it secures €1.5M partnership with Lazenby Group

Ordú, a leading Galway-based provider of advanced online ordering systems for the food service industry, today announces a new €1.5 million investment in its partnership with Lazenby Group.

Over the next three years, this collaboration is forecasted to generate €9 million in additional revenues for Ordú. This investment will cover the recruitment and support of staff, including the creation of 10 new jobs in product development within the next 12 months, and the rollout of new technologies.

Established in 1963, Lazenby Group is a leading global kiosk manufacturer, serving various sectors with clients such as the NHS, Holiday Inn, Disney, Nestle, and Greggs. Known for its premium, high-quality and innovative solutions, including the industry-disruptive self-sanitising Safe-Touch™ kiosk technology, the company has set new benchmarks for hygiene and efficiency in retail, hospitality, healthcare, aviation, and more.

Lazenby Group sought a software partner to streamline its operations to enable growth plans across Ireland, the UK and Europe. Ordú was selected for its cutting-edge software and established market presence in Ireland and the UK. Additionally, targeting the pharmacy sector, where Ordú is also expanding into, was a key focus.

Moreover, Ordú’s software incorporates a smart upselling engine, driving a notable 20% increase in order value. By integrating Ordú’s software, Lazenby Group can expand its market reach significantly, with the capacity to manufacture and sell 3,500 kiosks annually, a significant increase from their previous annual sales of 2,000 kiosks.

Furthermore, this partnership facilitates the expansion of Ordú’s service offerings across various sectors including fast food, hospitality, pubs and restaurants, retail, and pharmacies. With an impressive client roster including Pita Pit Ireland, PG Chips, Four Lanterns, and CBE in Ireland and the UK, Ordú is positioned to introduce its technology to a much wider audience. The incorporation of Safe-Touch™ kiosks with self-sanitising kiosk technology marks a pioneering initiative in Ireland.

Ordú recently won silver in the Best in Retail and Consumer Goods category at the 2024 Digital Media Awards for its work in boosting operational efficiency for large retail businesses.

Andrew Dewdney, CEO of Ordú said: “Joining forces with Lazenby Group, a leader in kiosk technology, marks a pivotal moment in Ordú’s growth trajectory. Our partnership will not only elevate Ordú’s service portfolio but also introduce innovative solutions like Safe-Touch™ to our clientele, enhancing in-store customer experiences and upholding impeccable hygiene standards in the post-pandemic landscape. As we expand our team and merge our areas of expertise, we’re committed to enhancing our product and service capabilities, ensuring a seamless and safer digital journey for our valued customers.”

Steven McWilliam, Commercial Manager of Lazenby Group, said: “Ordú’s impressive customer base and industry expertise make them an obvious partner for us in Ireland. This collaboration holds tremendous potential and strengthens Lazenby Group’s foothold in the QSR hospitality sector. We are delighted to partner with an ambitious company like Ordú to bring our products to market. By streamlining our operations, this partnership enables Lazenby Group to deliver superior solutions, enriching our customers experience and driving revenue growth.”

Samsung Galaxy Ring Now Available in Ireland

The Samsung Galaxy Ring is now available here in Ireland finally some might say, the latest wearable ring to the market is ideal for those who want to keep track of their health in a minimal way and is very discreet and for those who do not like to wear smart watches or bracelets.

Coming in several colours Titanium Black, Titanium Silver, Titanium Gold there is something for everyone here who wants to try these out we will have a review soon so stay tuned for more in the coming weeks.

Key Features:

  • Its distinct concave surface adds a touch of style while maintaining durability.
  • With a 10ATM water resistance[ and Titanium Grade 5 you can confidently wear Galaxy Ring anywhere without worry.
  • Up to seven days battery life with quick charging case.
  • All data and insights integrated into Samsung Health
  • Powerful sleep AI algorithm to help you understand your sleep patterns and build better habits.
  • Sleep Score and snoring analysis, new sleep metrics such as movement during sleepsleep latency, heart and respiratory rate provide a detailed and accurate analysis of sleep quality.
  • Cycle Tracking to better track your menstrual cycle through overnight skin temperature monitoring.
  • Galaxy AI generates a detailed health report that includes various health metrics like Sleep Coaching.
  • New Energy Score enhances your awareness of the ways your health influences your daily life, so you can utilise recommendations based on your current physical state to focus your daily efforts on making improvements.
  • Receive personalised to enhance your well-being with Wellness Tips
  • With Heart Rate Alert receive instant notifications regarding unusually high or low heart rates in real-time via the Samsung Health app
  • Find the location of your Galaxy Ring via your Galaxy smartphone with Find My Ring on Samsung Find.
  • Available At –  Samsung.com and online and in-store at Harvey Norman

See our latest Samsung Reviews