Speed Fibre Group, the holding company of Ireland’s leading wholesale and retail fibre services providers Enet and Magnet Plus, is delighted to announce that following all regulatory approvals in Ireland and the UK, it has been formally acquired by Cordiant Digital Infrastructure Limited (“Cordiant”), a specialist global infrastructure investor with a focus on digital infrastructure.
The equity consideration for the acquisition is €97million, based on a total enterprise value of €190.5 million.
With Cordiant, Speed Fibre Group will continue to invest and grow its network and services and expand its service offering with innovative telecommunications solutions in conjunction with the evolving requirements of its customers.
Cordiant will provide both sector operating expertise and a stable, long term capital base to support Speed Fibre Group’s strategy. The company’s alignment with Cordiant represents a strong partnership that will further accelerate growth and foster collaborative possibilities, while augmenting Speed Fibre Group’s customer focus and capabilities.
Commenting on the announcement, Peter McCarthy, CEO of Speed Fibre Group, stated:
“Both Cordiant and Speed Fibre Group are dedicated to excellence in the telecommunications sector. This acquisition arrives at a transformative juncture in the growth of Speed Fibre Group. We are poised not only to fulfil our clients’ evolving needs but also to harness momentum to expand our reach, delivering innovative telecommunications solutions on both domestic and international fronts. We eagerly anticipate the collaborative opportunities ahead as we join forces with the Cordiant team and the value that this will bring to our customers and staff.”
Steven Marshall, Chairman of Digital Infrastructure at Cordiant Capital, added:
“We are delighted to welcome Speed Fibre Group into CORD’s portfolio, which is now further diversified by asset class and geography. Fibre remains an integral part of digital infrastructure, supporting economic growth and social connectivity. As we remain committed our “Buy, Build, and Grow” strategy, the plan is to invest further in Speed Fibre Group’s network and work closely with the Irish government and local partners to extend high-speed digital access. This will nurture domestic innovation and provide a thriving ecosystem for homegrown tech companies to flourish.”
Erapid Charger Company Limited (Erapid) has today announced an investment of €30 million by Aviva Investors, the global asset management business of Aviva plc. This investment will lead to the direct creation of 60 Irish jobs. Erapid trades in Ireland as EasyGo, Ireland’s largest private car charging network provider, and CarCharger EV Limited.
The phased investment, which is being made by Aviva Investors as part of its Climate Transition Real Assets strategy, will enable Erapid to rapidly expand CarCharger and EasyGo, increasing operational capabilities and its network of chargers. In addition, and as part of the transaction, Rubicon Capital Advisors, an Irish based merchant banking boutique and one of Erapid’s largest shareholders, will also increase its stake in the company to further assist with the growth of the business. Erapid plans to roll out over 3,000 fast DC chargers onto the national charging network by 2032. The company also plans to add over 20,000 commercial AC chargers into apartment, buildings, hotels and other key locations. To facilitate this next growth stage, the company’s new headquarters will be based in Maynooth, where the company has also established an operations support centre of excellence.
Chris Kelly, co-founder of Erapid, said: “Today’s announcement will accelerate our mission to decarbonise transport, providing accessible and efficient EV charging solutions across the island of Ireland and into the UK. As Ireland’s largest owner and operator of charging stations, this strategic investment by Aviva Investors propels us into an exciting phase of growth. One of the immediate goals resulting from this funding is the significant expansion of our network, including the rollout of over 3,000 fast chargers. We will also be hiring for up to 60 new roles across operations, customer support and sales.”
Mr Kelly added: “This marks an exciting new phase for Erapid and our two brands. With this funding, we will be strategically reviewing our market approach, with plans in place for an overall brand refresh to reflect the new vision and growth plans for the business. The EV sales market in Ireland is booming but needs the infrastructure to catch up. This investment combined with our history of introducing the latest charging technology to Ireland means we are well positioned to create and scale a seamless EV charging network that supports a sustainable future. We are delighted to be partnering with Aviva Investors, whose strong focus and presence in sectors including sustainability and commercial property mirrors our own. We look forward to working together to capitalise on synergies arising that can lead to future shared growth.”
Adam Irwin, Fund Manager, Infrastructure Equity, at Aviva Investors said: “Our investment into Erapid and its two core brands CarCharger and EasyGo is a terrific opportunity to invest into one of our home markets and support the growing Irish and Northern Irish EV charging sector. Ireland has some of the lowest public charger to EV ratios in the EU, giving potential for substantial growth in the platform as part of the transition from internal combustion engines and towards electric powertrains. We view this as a great opportunity for the money we look after on behalf of our clients to make a material contribution to delivering on the UK and Ireland’s net zero ambitions, whilst also meeting their long-term investment objectives.”
Conor Kelly, CEO of Rubicon said “Our further investment into the Erapid business demonstrates our confidence in the business, its two brands and its excellent management team to build Ireland’s premium EV car charger business and solidify its market leading position. We are also delighted to be making a significant investment in the build out of Ireland’s essential, and much needed, EV car charging infrastructure which will greatly assist Ireland with meeting its 2030 targets as laid out in the Climate Action Plan 2023 (CAP23).”
Erapid, through CarCharger and EasyGo, currently manages over 4,000 charging points in 1,500 locations across the island of Ireland which are currently used by more than 50,000 registered drivers. Approximately 2,000 new users have been added each month in 2023.
Edifier, the award-winning manufacturer of premium sound systems, bookshelf speakers and personal audio devices, announces its newest audio product, the NeoBuds Pro 2 earbuds.
In the new NeoBuds Pro 2, Edifier is introducing its latest patented technology, the Edifier Wide-Band Multi- Channel ANC. This Active Noise Cancellation delivers a wider and deeper noise cancellation to -50dB depth and 5kHz bandwidth, adding an independent feed-forward channel that applies the noise reduction ability of the Knowles RAN Balanced Armature Driver to Hybrid ANC channels.
The Edifier Wide-Band Multi-Channel ANC can be personalized to suit your needs and the environment, allowing you to be in total control of the background noise you select to hear. Choose high ANC for a busy commute and medium or low ANC for the office; ambient sound to hear traffic noise or wind reduction for a clearer listening experience. Calls are also improved with the 4+4 built-in microphones and with an AI voice pick-up algorithm, environmental and wind noise is filtered out – thus enhancing the overall sound clarity.
NeoBuds Pro 2 Black
NeoBuds Pro 2
“Edifier’s mission is to always provide consumers with access to high-end audio technology at an affordable price. In the upcoming NeoBuds Pro 2, Edifier is introducing its proprietary technology, EDIFIER Wide-Band Multi-Channel ANC, as part of the product’s features” said Stanley Wen, Edifier’s CTO. “The company’s commitment to innovation and affordability makes Edifier’s products a popular choice among audio enthusiasts looking to upgrade their listening experience” continued Wen.
Immersive Spatial Audio with Visualized Head-Tracking technology is another key feature of this stunning design. With a built-in gyrometer and accelerometer to track your head’s movements and change the sound stage accordingly, the result is a more realistic, 3D, auditory feast, surrounding the listener with lifelike audio from every direction. The Edifier Connect App produces a visualization of this technology and Wearing Detection allows the pausing and resuming of music automatically.
NeoBuds Pro 2 in case
NeoBuds Pro 2 Ivory
With the NeoBuds Pro 2, Edifier have made supporting up to 192kHz/24bit music streaming over Bluetooth possible for the first time using the latest LHDC 5.0 HD codec. Distinct from other noise cancellation earphones on the market, the Edifier NeoBuds Pro 2 are Hi-Res Certified, boasting a Knowles balanced armature driver, composite diaphragm dynamic drivers and LDAC, LHDC, SBC and AAC audio coding. Superior Digital Signal Processing with Active Cross-Over, filters the audio signal into high and mid-low frequencies, delivering precise sound details and rich presentation.
The low latency audio gaming mode gives a more immersive gaming experience whilst the IP54 dust and splash resistance delivers a durable pair of earbuds for use during exercise. Seven different sized ear tips ensure a snug fit for all ears, and downloading the Edifier Connect App will enable the user to explore more personalized listening options.
The Fast-Charging, long playback capability provides 22 hours of battery life from the charging case alone, and a 15-minute charge will allow two hours of playback time. The sleek design echoes a supercar, with a textured metal plate and changeable LED strip light. With the very latest, high-quality technology, the seamless and timeless design of the earphones and charging
case, unparalleled comfort, chic style, the NeoBuds Pro 2 are ideal for consistent use by audiophiles with a taste for luxury and value.
As the implementation of the upcoming amendments to the Protected Disclosures Act approaches, the Compliance Institute are calling on the new cohort of Irish employers falling under the Act’s remit, to take the necessary steps to ensure they meet their new obligations.
From the 17th of December 2023, the scope of the Act will expand to include all organisations with 50 or more employees. The Compliance Institute, which is a representative body, consisting of 3,500 Compliance Professionals working in sectors across the economy, predominantly in the financial sector, are strongly advising these organisations that will be impacted by the changes to ensure they have begun the work necessary to establish internal channels for their workers who wish to report any wrongdoing in the workplace.
The new legislation stipulates that these organisations must appoint a designated person or function to operate the required internal reporting channel .
All entities governed by EU laws and regulations pertaining to financial services, anti-money laundering, counter-terrorism financing, transport safety, and safety of offshore gas and oil operations are obliged to create internal reporting channels – irrespective of size. Additionally, this requirement applies universally to all public sector organisations irrespective of their size.
Michael Kavanagh, CEO of the Compliance Institute commented,
“The scope of this Act is vast – it applies to individuals in the public, private, and non-profit sectors and now includes board members, shareholders, volunteers, and job applicants, in addition to the original scope of employees, agency workers, contractors, and trainees.
Employers must be proactive in adapting to the new legal requirements and the advice is not to delay in putting the wheels in motion to ensure they are fully compliant when December rolls around”.
“This law is imperative to foster a safe environment for those who want to speak up and raise concerns about possible wrongdoing they witness in the workplace”.
“Wrongdoing” covered by the Act includes criminal offences, failure to comply with legal obligations, endangering the health and safety of individuals, breaches of European Union laws, causing damage to the environment, misuse of public funds, or attempts to conceal or destroy evidence of such wrongdoings. The legislation also protects those who make a ‘protected disclosure’ otherwise known as a whistleblower, from dismissal or penalisation for reporting possible wrongdoing. Anonymous whistleblowers are also safeguarded in the event that their identity becomes known. Even if the disclosed information is proved to be incorrect, individuals are still protected, providing they have reasonable belief that the information is true.
Mr Kavanagh explained what employers will need to look at in advance of December,
“The operational framework that must be put in place will encompass maintaining communication with the reporting party, diligent follow-up on the report made, and providing feedback to the reporting individual. The designated individual must possess the requisite authority to fulfil the Act’s specified functions and possess the necessary expertise in managing reports. Organisations have the option to delegate this role externally if necessary”.
Mr. Kavanagh added,
“The emphasis on guaranteeing the confidentiality of those reporting misconduct is crucial as, it not only encourages reporting but also protects individuals from potential retaliation, fostering a culture of trust and accountability within the workplace. The role of operating the channel is a pivotal one. It is their responsibility to ensure that there is accountability and expertise in managing the entire reporting process, from receipt of the report to its resolution in accordance with legal requirements”.
Failure to establish the appropriate internal channels may result in criminal penalties. Penalisation or making threats of penalisation to an individual who has reported workplace wrongdoing is also now a criminal offence under Section 12 of the Act.
Mr. Kavanagh concluded,
“The Act places a significant legal obligation on employers to ensure they have the necessary reporting infrastructure in place. It also sends a clear message that any form of intimidation or retaliation will not be tolerated, thereby reinforcing the Act’s commitment to fostering a safe reporting environment for whistleblowers. If workplace misconduct is detected early and addressed promptly, it is hugely beneficial for the organisation in question. Employers have until the 17th of December to get the infrastructure in place to avoid legal penalties”.
Technology has changed the business landscape and enabled anyone to start a company from the comfort of their residence. Whether you are looking for a job to supplement your income or replace your full-time career, there are many business ideas to consider. Finding a specialty that aligns with your interests, skills, or talents is essential to succeed. Starting a home-based business provides financial security, a good work-life balance, and increases productivity. If you have been looking for great ideas for your next start-up, here are ten profitable hustles you can launch from home.
1 – Virtual assistance
A virtual assistant helps business owners in the day-to-day running of their company by handling administrative tasks. While having previous experience as an executive assistant may not be necessary for this role, being tech-savvy and having certain specialized skills like bookkeeping will be beneficial. Your responsibilities in this role will not vary from that of an in-person aide. However, you will have the freedom to work autonomously and remotely. It is essential that you learn how to manage your time efficiently if you want to excel in this venture. To become a virtual assistant, you will need to familiarize yourself with the necessary software and build a portfolio. Registering on freelance work apps can also help you land a full-time or contract job. Ensure you advertise your projects and sharpen your interview skills to impress your employers.
2 – Catering business
Serving delicious food can be an endearing way to make people happy and make money. If you enjoy cooking, you can turn it into something more. The good news is you can start a catering business from the comfort of your home. However, before you embrace the thought, contact your area or state’s regulatory board to determine if you can do this. Next, draw a business plan. Having one will give you a detailed overview of your goals and the overhead cost involved. However, to attract customers, consider market research. Knowing what your competitors are selling will help you pick the right niche, draft a unique menu, and build your brand. Ensure your kitchen is up-to-date with the latest tools and equipment. Complying with the board’s hygienic laws and conditions would be best. Getting all the necessary permits and licenses will also protect your business from a shutdown. Once everything is in place, market your services online or host tastings to build your customer base.
3 – Dog grooming
Becoming a dog groomer can be satisfying, especially if you have a soft spot for canines. You can care for and engage with dogs of different breeds and sizes. While training might not be needed in certain locations, participating in an accredited course and gaining hands-on skills will give your business credibility and fill your clients with confidence. If you are not interested in a course, you can gather information or tips from other experienced groomers or tons of content online. Decide what kind of services you would like to offer beyond the basic care of bathing, drying, brushing, and clipping, and get the tools for them. To make pricing easier, offer packages and special treatments. Designate an area in your home and make it comfy with toys, treats, and equipment. Ensure you also get business insurance to protect your business in your care in case of unforeseen accidents.
4 – Start a blog
Blogging has been around for a long time and is a popular way to share information. Whether you are an expert on a subject matter or you love to write, blogging is creative and lucrative. Do you have extensive knowledge of cars? Are you passionate about the beauty industry? Garner an online audience with your posts and monetize your blog with sponsorships and affiliate links. Though you can gain considerable profit, knowing that growth won’t happen overnight is vital. You will need to put in the work to ensure your website ranks well and gets enough visitors to generate income, as emphasized by bizop. You might also need to learn new skills like website design. Explore free templates on design platforms and begin today.
5 – Home daycare business
Daycare is a gigantic industry, as many busy parents need a trustworthy childcare provider who will cater to their young ones while at work. If you have an educational background or experience in childcare, it might be time to get your license and start your own business. Examine your living space and renovate it to make it safe for infants and toddlers. Purchase kid-sized furniture and age-appropriate toys for entertainment. You can also get educational materials and high tables for meal times. Keep a first-aid kit handy for small accidents and ensure your outdoor area is conducive to outdoor activities. You can also join online communities and introduce yourself and the services you are offering. You can start with one child and work on building a solid reputation so other parents can entrust you with their wards.
6 – Sell online courses
In today’s digital world, anyone can easily access and learn a skill online. Capitalizing on your skills and creating a course can be a wonderful way to make passive income. There are various topics, but it is advisable to stick to something you are familiar with or proficient with. This gives you credibility as a master and demonstrates that you have invested considerable time in perfecting your skills. Starting an online class does not demand huge capital. You only need a camera, internet, course material, and a professional editor. However, it would be best if you validated the demand for your skill. It would be disappointing to spend weeks or months compiling your material only to realize there is no interest in it. One marketing strategy you can use to avoid this is pre-selling. This will help you compile a customer list and prevent you from wasting your time and money.
7 – Online dating coach
Are you a people person? Have you always had a knack for matchmaking or giving the best advice regarding relationships? Many single people are searching for true love, and navigating the dating scene alone can be overwhelming for them sometimes. You can offer your experience and knowledge to them for a fee through consulting. You can offer services such as helping them overcome love blocks, teaching communication skills, and fine-tuning their dating profiles. Pick a dating niche and develop your content around it. Do you want to help people overcome a breakup, or are you interested in helping them reach their fullest potential to get their desired partners? If you love the work of a particular agency, you can get a certification from them or get training and become one of their coaches. You can go further by sharing your insight on platforms like YouTube and offering your followers free and paid courses or coaching sessions.
8 – Dropshipping
You don’t need an inventory to sell anything with the dropshipping business model, which makes it appealing. All you need to do is show your customers your content, and when sales are confirmed, you contact the wholesale distributor to deliver. You act as the middle person and marketer while you make a profit off the resale markups. This business is low-cost as there is no inventory, and easy to start. Find a dropshipper who sells products at a reasonable price, register on an online marketplace like Amazon, build an ecommerce store, and resell the goods at your price for extra money.
9 – Professional photography
A photography business can be a beautiful path to explore. You get to capture beautiful moments and get paid for it. It is a remarkably evolving field; if you are passionate about it, you can make a name for yourself. First, you must sharpen your capturing skills and focus on one or two areas. It can be wedding photography or editorial shooting. Establishing your brand could take a while, so building a portfolio and starting small would be best. You can speak to your family and friends and ask them to allow you to cover their events for free. Create a profile on platforms like Instagram and showcase your work. You can also collaborate with other photographers on freelance gigs to gain popularity. Ensure you keep learning, and don’t hesitate to invest in the right equipment.
10 – Event planning business
If you consider yourself to be an organized person, you will surely flourish in this field. Milestones are celebrated every day, and there will always be a demand for planners. Most people don’t have the project management skills or time to assemble their dream event, so why not offer assistance at a fee? If you aren’t confident enough about the idea, experiment with family functions or church activities and acquire leadership skills. Determine your preferred business entity and get insurance for your rental properties and equipment. It is also essential to have good communication skills as it is the basis of this business.
Becoming your boss and attaining the freedom you desire begins with an idea. Choose one that resonates with you and start your entrepreneurial journey today.
For a business that has a fleet of vehicles, you will find that looking after that fleet is always going to be a major thing that you need to spend time and money on. If you can care for the vehicles, for the people driving the vehicles, and generally for the whole operation, it is going to keep your finances in check, your people happy, and the operation so much more smooth-flowing. So what are some of the things that you might need to do in order to make sure of that?
Let’s take a look now at some of the top ways that you might want to manage your fleet in 2023. As long as you are doing the following, you should find that your fleet is being cared for as it should, to the benefit of the vehicles themselves, but also the staff and your business as a whole too.
Buy Good Quality Vehicles
It all starts with the quality of the vehicles themselves. If you are providing your staff with good quality vehicles in the first place, you are invariably going to find that this leads to a much better chance of those vehicles being taken care of, and that is going to be the main thing that you want to make sure of here. They will last longer, drive better, and that will also improve the morale of your staff. There is also the fact that you will find yourself spending less on the vehicles in the long run for maintenance and care, so it’s actually financially viable to buy good quality vehicles upfront.
So make sure that you are buying the best vehicles you can afford at the start of the business, or whenever you are adding a vehicle to the fleet or replacing one. That is a really simple thing you can do to make the management of the fleet so much easier and more affordable too.
Service Them
Once you have your vehicles, you then need to make sure that you are caring for them, and the main way to do that is to take them for a service every now and then. All vehicles will have their service schedule that you will want to follow, but generally it’s sufficient if you take them every 50,000 miles or so. That is going to ensure that the vehicle will run into many fewer problems over its lifetime. Again, that means it costs you less overall, but it also ensures that the vehicle is going to be nicer to drive and easier to run.
An important point with servicing is that you should have it carried out by an expert with that particular brand of car, wherever possible. They will be able to give it exactly what it needs, while also ensuring that they can find the necessary parts wherever that might be necessary too. So it’s definitely wise to do that. Soon enough you will discover a local expert whom you can then use for each service that you need done.
Watch Out For Common Faults
All vehicles have a number of faults which are likely to happen at some point or another, and this is something that you are going to need to think about for sure. It’s basically something you need to watch out for, as you will want to ensure that these faults are dealt with swiftly so as to avoid them costing you more further down the line. As long as you can do that, it’s going to mean that managing your fleet is generally a lot simpler and easier to do on the whole too.
To help with this, it’s best to enlist the help of your drivers. You should be training them to watch out for many of the common signs that are going to crop up with a fleet of vehicles. They should have daily checks that you expect them to carry out each day, and as long as you have done that, it’s going to mean that they are much more likely to know when something has gone wrong.
This is a vital way to keep on top of the health of the vehicles, so it’s something that you will definitely want to prioritize as best as you can.
Managing Expenses
There are a number of expenses that you will need to manage well when you have a fleet of vehicles, and we have already discussed some of the things you might want to do in order to make sure you’re keeping expenses as low as possible. However, it’s also something that is worth thinking about in its own right, as there are a few things that you might want to consider in particular.
For instance, you might find that it is easier to keep track of fuel and other expenses if you issue your drivers with a virtual card for fuel and field expenses. They are probably also going to appreciate this, as it is a much more hassle-free way of buying fuel and whatever else the vehicle needs. You can keep one of those cards in each vehicle, and you’ll probably find that this is going to make it so much easier.
Beyond that, you should also ensure that you are doing everything you can to keep the fuel usage as low as possible. That mostly comes down to choosing a good route, and this is the kind of thing that you are going to want to think about for sure. Good logistics turns out to be important in so many ways, not least the fact that it saves on fuel, time and therefore money. Make sure that you are not overlooking this vital thing and it should help a lot.
Those are the main ways to ensure you are managing your fleet well in 2023, so as long as you are doing those, you should find that it really makes a huge difference.
Ever feel like you’re on a winning streak, but your pockets are telling a different story? Chances are, you’ve fallen into the trap of playing pokies with an abysmally low “Return to Player” rate. In the online casino world, RTP percentage is a commonly used term to represent a game’s theoretical payback over time from the player’s perspective.
In fact, it’s become standard practice that reputable real money online casinos mention their RTP percentage when listing each of their games’ summaries. This is because it serves as an indicator of a game’s fairness and potential rewards, influencing players’ choices and impacting the gaming industry at large.
While a game’s RTP rate isn’t a novelty, many players fail to grasp its significance and the importance of checking it before investing money into a game that may never pay off. Although a slot’s RTP rate doesn’t directly reflect how much a player could win or lose in a single session, higher RTP rates imply better odds for players.
If all of this seems like a foreign language to you, don’t worry. After reading this article, you’ll be able to understand the importance of a game’s RTP, why it matters when choosing which game to play, and how to find it.
What is RTP?
Online pokies’ RTP can be understood as a portion of the money paid to play the game that is subsequently returned to the player as prizes over time. For instance, if pokies have RTP rates of 90%, you can reasonably expect to receive $90 for every $100 you bet. However, it’s important to note that a game’s RTP does not guarantee winnings, as results may vary depending on factors such as the number of paylines you play, the amount of money you bet, and the game’s volatility.
Most reputable online casinos typically offer a standard 96% RTP rate for online pokies, effectively filling players’ pockets with $9.60 for every $10 wagered. With the recent surge in the industry’s popularity, there might be an overwhelming number of options available on the market. Hence, it’s important to consider a high RTP rate as one of your decisive factors. However, just like with any pokies, while a player’s fate rests in the hands of Lady Luck, they can enhance their chances of success by opting for pokies with higher RTP percentages to maximize their returns.
How is RTP Calculated?
Don’t worry, you don’t need an advanced math degree to grasp how to calculate a game’s RTP and determine if a slot is worth your time and money. All you have to do is divide your total winnings by your overall stakes. For instance, if you won $100 from a $200 stake, your RTP would be 50%.
However, as mentioned earlier, the higher the RTP, the more frequently you can anticipate securing rewarding payouts. Nevertheless, in the realm of gambling, nothing is ever assured, and the actual outcomes of a gaming session can vary significantly due to the short-term fluctuations in luck and the random nature of the games.
Where Can You Find it?
Players can typically find a game’s RTP within its description or in the information section on an online casino website. Additionally, they can conduct a quick online search or inquire with the casino, game provider, or the platform’s customer care if this information is not readily available. For instance, NetEnt’s Blood Suckers is regarded as having one of the most lucrative RTP rates in the industry, coming in at 98%.
Most reputable online casinos transparently provide this information to their players, enabling them to assess their options before deciding which game to play. Indeed, certain leading platforms enable users to arrange the games in a descending order, presenting the top-rated RTP slot machines at the forefront of the grid. It also doesn’t hurt to take note of the best RTP pokie machines on offer at most licensed online casinos, in case you’re looking for a new provider as this will certainly sweeten the deal.
While players are often drawn to online casino games due to their significant earning potential, it’s important for them to manage their expectations, especially when it comes to pokies, which aren’t renowned for their massive payouts, unless we’re discussing progressive jackpots. RTP rates help accomplish this and more, equipping players with the right amount of knowledge to make informed decisions
New research released today shows that more than half (53%) of individuals over 55 would prefer to endure the flu than grapple with the potential consequences of data theft. However, many confess to taking no steps to mitigate these risks.
Considering the severity of the flu, particularly among pensioners, this stark contrast in priorities highlights their awareness of the dangers of the dark web. Nonetheless, 80% of those aged over 55 rarely or never check for data breaches, primarily because many (58%) don’t know how to do so.
The research to mark Cybersecurity Awareness Month was conducted with 2,000 adults in the UK by F-Secure, a global leader in cyber security, and emphasises the need for greater education on this critical issue.
In the past 12 months, more than a million[1] people over 55 have had their data leaked which comes after research from Age UK revealed one-in-four (25%) people aged over 65 are unable to keep their login information and passwords secure – exposing them to potential data fraud. However, it is surprising considering those over 55 are more informed about the dark web, a marketplace for buying stolen data, than any other age group.
A third (33%) of respondents in this age bracket accurately described the dark web as a part of the internet that can only be accessed using specialised browsers, contrasting with around a quarter (27%) of Generation Z – some of which admitted they thought the term ‘dark web’ simply referred to browsing the internet at night, not a part of the internet which permits illicit and criminal behaviour and sits as a destination for cybercriminals to buy stolen personal data.
Tom Gaffney, Principal Consultant at F-Secure: “Data leaks are not exclusive to particular age groups, they can happen to anyone, but what our research has highlighted is a distinct lack of action taken by the over 55s, who are more aware than any other demographic about the dark web. The fact that older people would opt for the flu over a data hack shows just how problematic and serious data theft can be.”
More broadly across all ages, the report found a misperception that the dark web is monitored and policed for data leaks. A quarter of Britons (27%) would call the police if hacked – however, data being compromised isn’t always a police matter.
With increased digital transformation and high-profile data breaches happening with global brands the availability of personal data on the dark web is set to become even greater. F-Secure experts warn that consumer apathy about the dark web and data leaks could lead to financial and online identity difficulties for many if we don’t start checking our data security on a more regular basis.
Tom Gaffney, Principal Consultant at F-Secure, continues: “Data leaks can lead to identity theft, financial fraud, and other forms of cybercrime. This emphasises the need for individuals to be proactive in safeguarding their data and understanding the steps they can take to mitigate risks. We must work together to change that.”
To help Brits mitigate the risks, Tom offers three tips:
Regularly check to see if your data has been compromised using free online tools such as F-Secure’s ID Theft Checker. It takes less than five minutes to check if you’ve been compromised and it doesn’t cost a penny to do so.
After receiving your report, change the passwords for the sites that may have been compromised. Use a good password manager to create strong individual passwords for each site. Never use the same password for multiple sites.
Contact the companies where your data has been compromised, especially if it’s your credit or debit card.
Twelve South, a leading designer of luxury tech accessories, has today launched the ultimate wall mounted organisation accessory for Apple Watch straps — TimePorter.
A stylish and practical storage solution for those with multiple Apple Watch straps, the wall mount holds up to six bands in a row, turning the straps into art when not in use. Ensuring no more rummaging in cluttered jewellery boxes or drawers, TimePorter allows users to locate both parts of their chosen band quickly and easily. For those with larger collections, multiple TimePorters can be connected in a row, increasing its capacity and offering scope to showcase an entire collection or curate themed banded aesthetics.
TimePorter, which has glossy white finish to suit the décor of any room, can be displayed anywhere in the home, whether it be as a decorative feature in a bedroom or on the inside wall of a wardrobe/walk-in closet.
What’s more, assembly is incredibly easy, It simply affixes to a wall using the included 3M Command Strips, no nails or drilling required, making it suitable for rental accommodation and offering flexibility to relocate it without leaving unsightly holes or marks.
TimePorter is compatible with any Apple Watch strap that fits any Apple Watch model, including the new Series 9 and Ultra 2 models.
TimePorter will be available in the UK for £29.99 from Amazon UK from the end of October and is available internationally now at twelvesouth.com (NB – shipping and customs apply when ordering to the UK from the Twelve South website).
