Tech Review – Noreve Premium Leather cover for Apple iPhone 15 Pro

Noreve is a luxury case maker that we have been testing out some years now and only recently we checked out an example of this with the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 and it has got people attention over the last few weeks as it is a case you would not find here in a phone store or retail outlet.

We now have something even more exquisite to show you for the Apple iPhone 15 pro and this comes with the added benefit of being able to hold several cards which many seem to do these days, personally not something I do but each to their own but at least with this case on your already expensive phone you will look good and stand out.

The case does a small bit of bulk to your device however nothing is affected by it and it feels really nice in the hand and gets the eyes wandering when placed on a table. You do not lose out on charging either here and you can still consume your media with the case on the phone too, you have access to your all your keys and the camera area is well protected too, so in short the whole device is covered should you happen to drop it, it also has a magnetic closure for extra security.

 

Every detail of this wallet cover is meticulously crafted, reflecting the artisanal excellence we’ve been infusing into our products since our creation in 2003. Our expert leather craftsmen craft this case with refined finishes, precise stitching and meticulous cut-outs. The edges and corners are perfectly protected, while the raised edges above the screen offer extra protection against scratches.

The inside of the case is just as impressive as the outside. Designed exclusively for our House, the frame (inner shell) is fully clad in the texture of your choice, eliminating any visible silicone or plastic. This meticulous design guarantees complete, sophisticated protection, while preserving the luxury and authenticity of your iPhone 15 Pro.

 

The case might be expensive for some but see it as an investment and something to give your phone a real premium look and finish that will have people asking, most iPhone users I know like to get good cases and some cheap ones and like the saying goes you get what you pay for in this world and if you can afford the latest and greatest from Apple forking out a few quid on a luxurious case wont hurt and to top it off there is many levels of customization with noreve on their cases so you can make it all your own and stand out even more.

BUY

Video Review

58% of employees in Ireland use AI tools as part of their job

Workhuman, the company revolutionising the way employees celebrate, connect with and appreciate each other in the workplace, today announces new findings from its Human Workplace Index, which found that 58% of employees in Ireland now use artificial intelligence (AI) tools as part of their job. Moreover, some 40% of employees have claimed work carried out by AI as their own. The research shows that of these, half of them were rumbled by a colleague or manager.

The survey of 1,000 full-time employees in Ireland was commissioned by Workhuman and conducted by Pollfish to gain insights into the use of AI in the workplace. It found that 58% of employees in Ireland now use AI tools as part of their job and 30% of all employees are using them frequently.

With 47% of users saying they use generative AI (such as ChatGPT) for drafting emails, while 44% use it for brainstorming, the research suggests that AI is helping employees with some of the more difficult interactions in work. Some 28% of those surveyed have turned to AI for help or inspiration when asking for a promotion – 36% said they would consider it – and 20% have used it to ask for a raise. AI has also helped 22% of employees with the delicate matter of resigning from their job.

The survey also shows that AI can help companies to retain skilled talent. The introduction or increased use of AI would make 46% of employees more likely to stay in their jobs (versus 22% who would be less likely to stay), with 71% of those saying it would make them more productive. Moreover, 70% believe AI will lead to better job satisfaction and a better work-life balance, while the same proportion believe it will create new job opportunities – significantly higher than the 42% who believe AI will eventually replace their job.

One of the key benefits of AI highlighted by Workhuman’s survey is the efficiency gains. The majority (88%) of those using AI in the workplace say that it is increasing their productivity. For 49%, it is reducing their workload, while 47% are spending less time on repetitive tasks, enabling them to be more strategic in how they complete their work. When asked what they do with the time that AI gives back to their day, 50% of those using it said they have social chats with colleagues, 46% help other members of their team, and 42% focus on tasks that they wouldn’t have otherwise had time for.

By supporting people in their roles, the survey suggests that AI is helping to reduce stress among the working population. It found that the majority (91%) of employees say that AI is making their job easier or more manageable, while 86% say it is improving their job satisfaction and 84% say it is improving their sense of wellbeing in the workplace. In fact, Workhuman’s research found that employees who use AI in their job are generally happier than those who don’t. Of those who described themselves as being happy in work right now, 64% are using AI – versus 26% usage among employees who describe themselves as unhappy in work.

Reflecting the power of AI to positively impact the culture of an organisation, such as removing bias from the recruitment process or highlighting unconscious prejudices, many of those working in organisations that are using AI believe it is helping their company to become more diverse (cited by 85%) and more inclusive (82%).

Jonathan Hyland, Chief Technology Officer, Workhuman, said: “Our research shows that there is an increasing level of comfort with AI among the working population. Employees are using it as a tool not only to enhance their work, but also to manage their workloads and stress levels. It is helping with inclusivity, too, with 84% of employees saying that it is supporting more inclusive communications and collaborations with colleagues. As more organisations adopt AI, these kinds of benefits are growing in number and compounding to have a positive impact on wellbeing and the ever-challenging issue of retention. 

“Businesses are realising that AI isn’t going to be optional and that means that their employees will need to understand it and embrace it. Yet, our research found that 20% of those who are working in companies that use AI have received no training in its use or application. It’s important that we keep the human element in the process in order to maximise our use of AI. Employees are constantly evolving and upskilling, and AI should be used to enhance the human experience – not replace it entirely. Employers and their teams must work together to find the AI solutions that work best for everyone. Only then will they be able to realise the true benefits of AI by unearthing the tools that will make a difference.”

“At Workhuman, we are excited that, starting in December, our Customer Services team will be actively working with AI to digest case summaries. Currently, agents spend 60% of their time manually reviewing cases, so using AI as a solution will help accelerate response times, increasing productivity and customer satisfaction. The idea of using AI to support with case summaries came directly from our Customer Service Agents during Workhuman’s Hackathon, and we’re excited to see how it will enhance our employee satisfaction.”

Digital Car Theft: How to Safeguard Your Vehicle

In today’s rapidly advancing technological era, cars have become a crucial part of the digital landscape, integrating connectivity with convenience. Vehicle security has dramatically changed with the introduction of keyless entry devices and smart technology. However, these developments have also brought new challenges, with thieves using sophisticated technology to break into cars. As auto locksmith services like Locksmiths Locator point out, the advancement of vehicle technology is paralleled by car thieves’ ability to adapt to digital innovations and exploit vulnerabilities. In this article, we will examine the current tactics used by car thieves, focusing on the risks associated with keyless entry systems and other technological methods.

The Signal Relaying Method

Car key fobs, Radio Frequency identification systems known as RFIDs, and smartphones emit short-range signals detected by vehicles whenever they are in range. Today’s cars are programmed in such a way as to recognize certain signals for unlocking doors and starting the engine. Thieves up-to-date with this technology can rely on wireless transmitters to intercept these signals from the original key and relay them to the car. A thief can open the car door by standing next to the vehicle, relaying such a signal, and simply touching the door handle. 

While the procedure is rather complex and does not always work, locksmiths and car security experts warn of it revealing itself as a serious threat today. To lower the risk of falling victim to it, always keep your keys out of sight and, most importantly, out of range of the vehicle. We recommend using special signal-blocking boxes, aluminum tins, or protected wallets that act against signal relaying.

The Signal Jamming Method

A skilled thief with knowledge of signal transmitters and contemporary security technology might attempt to disrupt the signals sent to your vehicle. They can do this using transmitters that operate on the same frequency as your key fob. To counteract this, it’s wise to verify if your car’s lights are off routinely, the mirrors are folded, or the indicators are flashing. Also, listen for the distinct sound or alert that confirms the car is locked properly. Not ensuring that your car is locked could allow a transmitter near the car or key fob to interfere with the lock signals, leaving the vehicle unlocked.

The Car Security App Tampering Method

You can turn a spare smartphone running on Android into additional protection for your vehicle; all you need to do is install a dedicated car security app into the phone and place the device inside the car, out of view. This unique alarm system will alert you if your car is hit, clamped, vandalized, or stolen while stationary. All the information, along with your vehicle’s GPS and GMS location and data regarding the battery status, will be sent to you via email.

This is one example of how car lock systems and mobile apps interact. Many car manufacturers allow owners to unlock their vehicles using dedicated mobile apps they create remotely. By signing up and pairing the vehicle to the new mobile app account, car owners can easily lock and unlock the doors, look for their stolen car in case of theft, access crucial car maintenance information, receive recall alerts, start the engine, and even sound the horn.

A thief who can access your mobile app logins or smartphone can also get relatively easy access to your vehicle. This is why updating your car system and mobile app is mandatory to prevent software vulnerabilities. While some car manufacturers enable owners to download and install updates using USB drives, others ask for the installation of modem or SIM cards for automated system upgrades. We advise you to pay special attention to the risk of malicious software containing backdoors when downloaded without additional security measures.

The Blank Key Fob Reprogramming Method

Most vehicles over ten years old come equipped with a standard diagnostic port in the front footwell. If a thief gains entry into such a vehicle by picking the locks, breaking a window, or employing the relay signal method, they can also access this port. Once inside, they can start the car by pushing a button. Using advanced equipment, they can boot up the vehicle’s software and effortlessly reprogram a blank key fob.

Final Thoughts

The methods of car theft used by today’s car thieves have evolved side by side with the advancement of vehicle security systems. Sadly, no matter how evolved a technology might be, it cannot guarantee flawless protection against a professional theft attempt. However, combining several security measures can enhance vigilance and provide a more robust defense against these incidents.

New partnership positions Equinix as a leader in Ireland’s quantum computing movement

Equinix, Inc. the world’s digital infrastructure company, has today announced its collaboration with Alice & Bob, a leading quantum computing company developing one of the most reliable quantum processors on the market. Through the collaboration with Alice & Bob, Equinix customers in Ireland and across the world will benefit from secure access to Alice & Bob’s cutting-edge quantum technology in France, therefore joining an ecosystem of businesses utilising quantum computing to unlock opportunities worth billions of dollars*. This positions Equinix as a leader in the provision of quantum computer access for businesses in Ireland.

Quantum computing is a transformative technology that supports computationally intensive tasks such as simulation, optimisation, machine learning and cryptography. Although still in its early stages, it has the potential to revolutionise industry processes, change our understanding of the universe, and even help slow down climate change by accelerating green innovations and discoveries. Quantum computers have the power and potential to solve problems that would take our best classical computers thousands of years.

Through this collaboration with Alice & Bob, enterprises in Ireland will be able to access Alice & Bob’s patented technology of self-correcting superconducting quantum bit: the cat qubit, the result of cutting-edge research carried out in French and international laboratories. The technology, located in Alice & Bob’s own data centre in France, is uniquely positioned to help businesses to accelerate innovation and futureproof their offerings.

While current quantum computers can suffer from computation errors which prevent them from fulfilling their theoretical promises, Alice & Bob cat qubit allows for a much simpler road to fault-tolerant and universal gate-based quantum computing, with the potential to transform the promise of quantum computing into a decisive commercial advantage.

Théau Peronnin, CEO of Alice & Bob, said: “We are proud that our technology is moving out of the laboratory and into the real world. Equinix is the ideal partner to bring the quantum revolution into society. We are looking forward to helping Equinix customers solve some of the world’s most challenging problems.”

Combining Equinix’s rigorous secure operations with Alice & Bob’s quantum expertise creates the ideal environment to design breakthrough innovations. This synergy will allow companies to discover the power of quantum computing with the peace of mind that their research will remain completely confidential.

Peter Lantry, Managing Director of Equinix Ireland, said: “Businesses, academics and policymakers in Ireland are excited about the promise of quantum computing and the seemingly limitless potential that it holds for our economy, society and the planet. This partnership with Alice & Bob provides a gateway to that technology and with it, opens doors to game-changing innovations.

“Our mission is to support businesses and give them access to the digital tools and ecosystems that will determine their success. This announcement is a shining reflection of that mission and we are immensely proud that through our partnerships with the scientific community, businesses in Ireland can now access quantum technologies more easily than ever before.

“This is where the colocation data centre market, of which Equinix is the global leader, is showing its value. By connecting businesses, people, and the latest technologies, we are at the heart of business innovation and the discoveries that can slow down climate change.”

Industries that rely on high intensity compute power such as sustainable energy, chemicals, pharmaceuticals and financial services are among those set to be radically changed by quantum computing by 2035, standing to potentially gain up to $1.3 trillion in value by this date.**

* Quantum Technology Monitor – McKinsey & Company – Page 5

** Quantum Technology Monitor – McKinsey & Company – Page 4

The Future of Video Creation: AI-Powered Video Generators

In the ever-evolving landscape of digital content creation, a revolutionary force is shaping the future of video production: AI-powered video generators. These sophisticated tools harness the capabilities of artificial intelligence to streamline and enhance the video creation process. This article delves into the intricate workings of these cutting-edge technologies, unraveling their potential to redefine storytelling across industries. From automated video generation to the nuanced personalization of content, AI-driven tools are poised to play a pivotal role in the dynamic and rapidly advancing realm of visual communication. Join us as we explore the transformative landscape of “The Future of Video Creation.”

Understanding AI-Powered Video Generators

In the dynamic sphere of content creation, the emergence of free AI video generators is reshaping the landscape, providing creators with powerful tools without financial constraints. These innovative platforms leverage intricate algorithms to swiftly analyze data, representing a quantum leap in video production efficiency. Automation, a fundamental feature, streamlines repetitive tasks, allowing users to generate compelling videos without the burden of labor-intensive processes.

The customization prowess of these free AI video generators stands as a beacon for creators seeking tailored content. From branding elements to targeted messaging, these tools empower users with unprecedented precision. This adaptability not only streamlines content creation but also opens avenues for personalized storytelling, democratizing the video production process. As we delve into the intricacies of AI-driven video generation, the accessibility of free AI video generators marks a transformative fusion of human creativity and artificial intelligence, ushering in an era of democratized, efficient content creation.

Key Features of AI-Powered Video Generators

AI-powered video generators offer a suite of transformative features at the forefront of content creation. Automation, a cornerstone, significantly reduces production time, boosting efficiency for creators. This advanced technology takes the reins in handling repetitive tasks, allowing users to focus on ideation and storytelling.

Customization is another pivotal feature, providing unparalleled flexibility. Creators can tailor videos to specific needs, from branding elements to targeted messaging, enhancing the overall impact. The synergy of automation and customization not only streamlines the content creation process but also positions AI-powered video generators as invaluable tools, shaping the future of dynamic and adaptive visual storytelling.

Industries Embracing AI-Powered Video Generation

In the fast-paced arena of marketing and advertising, AI-powered video generation is a game-changer. Marketers leverage these tools to create compelling promotional content with unparalleled speed and precision. From dynamic product showcases to targeted advertisements, the marketing landscape is witnessing a paradigm shift, where AI seamlessly integrates into the creative process.

You can easily utilize an image AI generator from text to boost your brand and create visually appealing content that resonates with your target audience. This technology allows you to generate custom images quickly, ensuring that your marketing materials are always fresh and engaging.

 

The entertainment industry is another frontier where AI is making waves. From assisting in the production of movies and TV shows to the creation of virtual influencers and characters, AI-powered video generators are unlocking new realms of creativity. This technology not only enhances efficiency in content creation but also opens doors to innovative storytelling possibilities, enriching the overall cinematic experience.

In the field of education and training, AI-generated videos are transforming how information is conveyed. Educational content becomes more engaging and accessible, allowing for immersive learning experiences. As virtual classrooms become the norm, AI-powered video generators play a crucial role in shaping the future of education, providing dynamic and adaptive visual content for learners worldwide. The integration of AI in these diverse industries signifies a shift towards a future where video content is not just created but curated with precision and purpose.

Challenges and Limitations

Challenges and Limitations

Navigating the landscape of AI-powered video generation brings forth ethical considerations. As these systems rely on vast datasets, concerns arise about potential biases ingrained in the algorithms. It’s crucial to implement stringent measures to mitigate biases, ensuring fair and unbiased content creation.

Additionally, the need for human oversight remains paramount. While AI excels in automation, it lacks the nuanced creativity and ethical discernment inherent in human decision-making. Striking a delicate balance between AI automation and human guidance is essential to prevent unintended consequences and ensure the ethical use of AI in video creation.

As we embrace the transformative potential of AI, it’s imperative to acknowledge these challenges. Ethical practices, continuous monitoring, and a collaborative approach are essential to harness the full benefits of AI-powered video generators while addressing their inherent limitations.

The Future Landscape of Video Creation

Embracing the future of video creation means anticipating emerging trends in AI technology. We’re witnessing a trajectory where AI-powered video generators are becoming increasingly sophisticated. The integration of AI with other cutting-edge technologies like virtual reality and augmented reality is on the horizon, promising a multi-dimensional and immersive video creation experience.

As these technologies evolve, the landscape of video creation will likely see a surge in creativity and interactivity. The collaborative synergy between AI, VR, and AR opens avenues for innovative storytelling and user engagement, paving the way for a future where video content goes beyond traditional boundaries, offering audiences unprecedented experiences.

SEO Best Practices

Ensuring optimal visibility for your article involves strategic use of keywords throughout the content. Integrate relevant terms naturally to enhance search engine recognition and improve your article’s discoverability. Additionally, incorporating descriptive meta tags and concise meta descriptions provides search engines with valuable context, further boosting your article’s SEO.

Multimedia elements, such as images and videos, not only enhance the user experience but also contribute to SEO. Use descriptive filenames and alt text for images to make them searchable. Lastly, fostering reader engagement through comments and social sharing signals search engines about the article’s relevance and popularity, positively influencing its SEO ranking. By implementing these SEO best practices, your article can effectively reach and resonate with a wider online audience.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the future of video creation is undeniably intertwined with the transformative capabilities of AI-powered video generators. As we navigate this dynamic landscape, witnessing the automation, customization, and efficiency these tools bring, it’s clear that we stand at the forefront of a new era in visual storytelling. Despite the challenges and ethical considerations, the collaborative interplay between human creativity and artificial intelligence presents a promising trajectory. As we anticipate the integration of AI with emerging technologies and the continual evolution of video creation practices, one thing remains certain: the potential for innovation and creativity in the world of video is boundless. The journey into “The Future of Video Creation” is not just a glimpse into tomorrow but an exciting exploration of the possibilities that lie ahead.

TEKenable Launches Chat With Your Documents and Invests €250K in Helping Companies Unlock the Full Potential of AI

TEKenable has invested €250k in developing Chat With Your Documents, the company’s customised application designed to use AI to unlock business value.

“Up to 70% of corporate knowledge is locked up in documents (unstructured data), not in formal databases like ERP and CRM, and search is not sufficient to unlock it,” explains Peter Rose, CTO at TEKenable.  “We developed Chat With Your Documents to solve a real business problem: every research report, sales proposal, strategy, product or project document contains valuable institutional knowledge that is progressively lost from an organisation as people leave, and this information is very hard or even impossible for new joiners to acquire.”

Chat With Your Documents makes this information accessible and offers the capability in two different forms, one for internal use, to support staff with their day-to-day tasks, and one that is externally facing, to help customers, for example, better understand a company’s products.

The customised Azure-based AI application – Chat With Your Documents, uses the latest Azure OpenAI technology, guarantees privacy and security and is GDPR-compliant.

TEKenable’s solution analyses documents, extracts key information, and provides valuable insights and information in a collated response that answers questions with a response that blends the relevant content from multiple sources into coherent answers. The advanced natural language processing capabilities allows our software to understand the context of queries.  It can comprehend complex questions, handle follow-up inquires, and provide accurate responses, ensuring that you get the information you need, even in a dynamic conversation.

Chat With Your Documents can stand-alone or seamlessly integrates with existing line of business systems ensuring institutional knowledge is accessible at all times.

“Chat With Your Documents is the result of TEKenable’s objective to seamlessly integrate artificial intelligence in the most effective manner to provide cutting-edge tools, as the process of evolution is ongoing and unceasing,” concludes Peter.

“Using Chat With Your Documents allows users to experience innovative work efficiency by obtaining comprehensive information from previously unusable corporate knowledge.”

About TEKenable

TEKenable is an Irish technology and services company delivering digital transformation to help companies build real business advantage. As market demands continuously change, the company blends innovative thinking and breakthrough technologies to produce game changing results through improved cost savings, operational efficiencies and enhanced customer experience. As a ‘Managed’ Microsoft Partner and Salesforce Partner TEKenable has the expertise and technology to deliver true Digital Transformation.

TEKenable are experts in delivering the very latest ‘Cloud’ Technology Platforms to mid and large-scale enterprises and certified ISO 27001, 13485 and 9001. TEKenable has global reach with operations in Ireland, UK, Spain, Hungary, and UAE with expertise across Healthcare, Financial Services, Agri-Food, and the Public Sector.

In 2019 TEKenable was named Technology Business of the Year, the company is listed in the Deloitte Fast50 for the last 4 years 2019/2020/2021/2022 and won the Deloitte Impact Award for Technology in 2019 and 2022.  TEKenable was awarded Microsoft Partner of the year for Business Applications 2021.

Established in 2002, TEKenable employs over 200 people.

How Telekopye Telegram scam toolkits onboard aspiring fraudsters – ESET

ESET researchers have recently discovered and analysed Telekopye, a toolkit that helps less tech-savvy people pull off online scams more easily, with the first part of the research being published in August. In this second part, ESET Research focuses on scammers’ internal onboarding process, a detailed view of the whole scamming operation, and analysis of the scam scenarios.

The capabilities of Telekopye include creating phishing websites, sending phishing SMS texts and emails, and creating fake screenshots. According to ESET telemetry, this tool is still in use and in active development,and is implemented as a Telegram bot. Victims of this scam operation are called Mammoths by the scammers. For the sake of clarity, and following the same logic, ESET refers in its findings to the scammers using Telekopye as Neanderthals.

Telekopye groups recruit new Neanderthals via advertisements across many different channels, including underground forums. These advertisements clearly state the purpose: to scam online marketplace users. Aspiring Neanderthals are required to fill out an application, answering basic questions like what experience they have in this line of “work.” If approved by existing group members with sufficiently high rank, the new Neanderthals can start using Telekopye to its full potential.

There are three main scam scenarios: seller, buyer, and refund. In the seller scam, attackers pose as sellers and try to lure unsuspecting victims into buying some nonexistent item. When the victim shows interest in the item, the “seller“ persuades him them to pay online rather than in person and provides a link to a phishing website posing as a legitimate payment site. Unlike the legitimate web page, though, this page asks for an online banking login, credit card details (sometimes including balance), or other sensitive information. The phishing website automatically steals it.

In the buyer scam, attackers pose as buyers, researching victims to target. They show interest in an item and claim they’ve already paid via the provided platform. Then they send the victim an email or SMS message (created via Telekopye) with a link to a carefully crafted phishing website, claiming that the victim needs to click this link in order to receive their money from the platform. The rest of the scenario is very similar to the “seller“ scam. In the refund scenario, attackers create a situation where the victim is expecting a refund and subsequently send them a phishing email with a link to the phishing website, once again serving the same purpose.

“In almost every group of Neanderthals, we can find references to manuals with online market research from which Neanderthals draw their strategies and conclusions,” says ESET researcher Radek Jizba, who investigated Telekopye. “For example, during the buyer scam scenario, Neanderthals choose their targets based on the type of items they are selling. For instance, some groups avoid electronics completely. The price of the item is also important. Manuals recommend that Neanderthals, in the buyer scam scenario, pick items with a price between €9.50 to €290,” he adds. Additionally, attackers using Telekopye utilize web scrapers to quickly go through many online marketplace listings and pick a “perfect victim” who will most likely fall for the scam.

Telekopye attackers believe that their groups are full of “rats” (for example, law enforcement or researchers). Thus, they religiously stick to the rules; mainly, no probing for information that could identify other members of the group. Breaking such rules may very well result in being banned. The golden rule is “Work more, talk less.”

Even though the main targets of scammers are online markets popular in Russia, such as OLX and YULA, ESET has also observed targets that are not native to Russia, such as BlaBlaCar and eBay, and even others that have nothing in common with Russia, like Jófogás and Sbazar.

For more information about how Telekopye attackers operate, check out the blogpost “Telekopye: Chamber of Neanderthal’s Secrets.”

Driving less than 15,000 km a year? New report says you could save money by ditching your private car

Car owners who are driving less than 15,000 km a year could be losing out on substantial cost savings, according to a new report from Oliver Wyman, a global leader in management consulting and Bolt, Europe’s largest shared mobility company.

The report has found that while there has been a reduction of 1,700 km per year in the distance travelled by personal cars across Europe over the last decade, the number of vehicles registered per household has stayed the same, suggesting that cars are often sitting idle at home. In Ireland, the number of privately-owned vehicles on the roads rose by 215% between 1985 and 2020. Previous research from Bolt revealed that over one quarter (25.67%) of Irish drivers are likely to give up their car in the next five years if viable alternatives are made available, whilst over half (54.55%) cited the overall expense of running a car as a potential reason for giving up their car.

For those car owners driving less than 15,000 km a year, new data shows other modes of transport like ride-hailing, car subscriptions, scooter and e-bike rentals and car-sharing can be more affordable than owning a car.

The report looked at the total cost of ownership (TCO) in price per km for premium, SUV and compact cars, which decrease incrementally the more a car is driven, and compared them to the price per km of different types of shared mobility services, which carry no additional costs to the user, past the initial price.

In Ireland, though petrol and diesel prices dipped by two cents and one cent in October, the price of crude oil remains elevated at approximately $90 per barrel, an increase on the $70 barrels were valued at during the summer.

Car-sharing emerged particularly favourably as a cost effective transport mode, being cheaper than all three car types at an annual mileage of up to 15,000 km. Shared scooters and e-bike services were cheaper than a compact car at an annual mileage of 5,000 km, while even the most expensive shared mobility service, ride-hailing, proved cheaper than a premium car for an annual mileage up to 12,000 km. The analysis was conducted in Germany but applicable to all major European markets.

For those who cannot afford a car, the study also points out how shared mobility is a viable alternative, removing the key financial barrier of purchasing a car, scooter or eBike and connecting into public transport systems to provide better commuting access.

Fortunately for Irish citizens, the government is taking warmly received steps to ensure the country is well-positioned to transition away from a reliance on the private car. The recent Budget included an investment of €360m in cycling and walking infrastructure, as well as confirmation that the 20% fare reduction for all public transport (implemented last year as a temporary cost of living measure) will continue.

Notably, the government has also been taking great strides to enable an alternative transport mode which can ensure the cycling infrastructure is well used: the shared electric scooter. Legislation is expected to be finalised in the next couple of months. Given one third (33.4%) of private car journeys in Dublin are less than two kilometres according to the CSO, and over one fifth (20.9%) are 2 to 4 kilometres in length, the company with Irish headquarters in Dublin expect the two-wheelers to be a hit in towns and cities of varying sizes across the country.

Indeed, Bolt already offers shared electric bikes in Sligo, Kilkenny, Wexford, Bray, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown, and Carlow. The firm is the largest scooter provider in Europe with scooters and e-bikes in more than 250 cities across 25 countries.

Head of Public Policy for Bolt Ireland, Aisling Dunne, said: “This report comes at a time that has real potential to be a watershed moment for the environment and transport in Ireland. It exposes the poor value for money private cars represent for urban dwellers across the country, just when cities and citizens are understandably assessing how far their euro is going.

“Thankfully a viable alternative is well on its way in the form of the shared electric scooter. We strongly encourage the NTA to continue this positive momentum by evaluating if the supply of taxis – especially in hospitality hotspots like Dublin – is proportionate to the amount of demand from passengers. Many of us will have first-hand experience of struggling to get a taxi.”

Dr Andreas Nienhaus, Head of the Oliver Wyman Mobility Forum, who led the study, said: “The mobility sector has changed dramatically in recent years and in addition to cars there is now a range of different modes of transport available to people. Cars will still be a necessity for some depending on where they live or their job, but what this report shows is that switching away from private car ownership can have significant benefits for many, particularly those living in cities.”

In addition to saving people money, the new report also found that greater usage of services like scooters and e-bikes can have environmental benefits for cities and the people living in them.

An analysis of how people used Bolt scooters in Europe found that around 10% of e-scooter rides directly replaced car journeys. As a result, e-scooters on their own contributed a reduction of up to 120 million car kilometres travelled, helping to alleviate traffic congestion and air pollution in cities and to reduce car-related emissions by an estimated 23,000 tons CO2e across Europe. The study also highlights the potential for aligned multimodal approaches between operators and Cities to cut personal car usage by 20% in Cities like Berlin.

Cyber threats have real world consequences – it’s important for companies to get ahead and protect themselves today

Information Security Management is the first line of defence for a company against a range of threats, including data breaches, ransomware attacks, and malicious intrusions. With cyber attacks growing in frequency and sophistication, organisations of all sizes face unprecedented risks to their operations, finances, and reputation.  

Almost 54% of international business leaders believe the cybersecurity risk to their organisation has increased over the past 12 months.2 The financial and reputational damage inflicted by a cyber attack can be immense. Organisations operating in every sector – manufacturing, construction, retail, wholesale, health, ICT and all others – are at risk of these threats daily. The cost of recovery from an Information Security Management Breach can often exceed the investment required for preventative cybersecurity measures. 

Stewart Hickey, Head of Business Excellence, NSAI said: 

“Standards and certification can be used by companies to underpin both legal and ethical obligations with respect to information security management and GDPR. Standards provide an important means to give technical effect to a principle or regulation in a way that can be evaluated, compared and certified, thereby offering a compliance pathway. Consequently, every business must protect itself – and ISO/IEC 27001 can help you identify the essential tools and skills to do this. Organisations need to be aware of the most serious threats so they can protect their reputation and finances. ISO/IEC 27001 equips companies with protocols and procedures that minimise the chance of a cybersecurity breach.” 

The National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI) is urging firms in Ireland to be aware of the importance of cyber security. Cyber criminals are constantly developing new ways to steal data, demand ransoms, and disable IT systems. Any business, large or small, is a potential target. Tackling these ever-evolving dangers can’t be just another management talking point- it is a matter of corporate survival. 

Conor Dowling, Director of Managed Services with ProCloud, commenting on the benefits undertaking the ISO/IEC 27001 certification process said: 

“We applied for and achieved ISO/IEC 27001 certification for how we manage security for our own business, and the benefit of this also extends to our clients. We look after their security, so that gives them confidence. There is a huge concern and consciousness regarding cybersecurity in today’s climate. We also found that the benefits extend to ProCloud’s own staff as we now have clear processes in place from the moment an employee starts with us, so they feel confident and secure in their management of our systems and handling of information on behalf of clients. We would recommend ISO/IEC 27001 to any company looking to improve their cyber resilience and protect the security of their business”. 

Certification to ISO standards is a significant step for any company. The NSAI are hosting free webinars so you can find out more about what is involved and how you can help your company secure itself against today’s most serious cyber threats. Places are limited and you can register at nsai.ie/27001 for the upcoming webinar dates; November 30th 2023, December 6th 2023, and January 25th 2024.  

You can also download a free self-assessment tool to help analyse your current Information Security Management status and how ISO/IEC 27001:2022 could enhance it. Prepare your company now for 2024 – regardless of the size of your business or the sector in which you operate, cybersecurity needs to be a priority. 

[1] https://www.aon.com/2021-global-risk-management-survey/index.html?utm_source=media=&utm_medium=org-digital&utm_campaign=ri_global-risk-management-survey__global_all&utm_content=press-release_all

2 https://www.mazars.ie/Home/Insights/Global-insights/Cyber-security-report-2022