Tag: crime

Monzo plans to grow its Dublin-based team to 70 employees

Monzo, a leading digital bank, today announced its plans to grow its Irish team to 70, almost doubling the headcount by mid-2027. This builds on the bank’s continued investment in Ireland with the latest capital injection of €71m, bringing the total to €83.5 million over the past two years. The investment underpins the expansion of its Dublin-based European headquarters and the creation of new jobs across the business.

Monzo’s European expansion is led by Michael Carney, Monzo’s EU CEO, as the bank prepares to serve Irish customers and businesses. Carney is supported by an experienced leadership team that brings together deep expertise in banking and technology, including Nicola O’Brien (EU Chief Financial Officer), Sonia Flynn (EU Chief Operating Officer), and Elaine Deehan (Country Manager for Ireland).

The new roles will span operations, risk and compliance, technology and engineering, financial crime prevention and product development, reflecting the breadth of capabilities required to operate and scale a fully licensed digital bank within the EU.

The announcement follows Monzo becoming the first digital bank to secure a full European banking licence through the Central Bank of Ireland in December 2025, enabling the company to bring its fully regulated personal and business banking products to customers across the EU, starting right here in Ireland.

Supported by the Irish Government through IDA Ireland, the expansion will support delivery of Monzo’s core digital banking offer for individuals and businesses, including everyday current accounts, children’s accounts payments, savings products and financial management tools designed to give its customers greater control and transparency in managing their finances.

Tánaiste and Minister for Finance, Simon Harris TD, said: ‘Monzo’s decision to expand its team and establish its European headquarters in Dublin is testament to the country’s reputation as a hub for innovation and financial services. This significant investment not only brings new jobs and opportunities but also strengthens Ireland’s position within the European banking sector. I look forward to seeing Monzo contribute to our vibrant economy and deliver innovative banking solutions.’

“We’re excited to see our founding Dublin team grow, welcoming experts who bring together the best of banking and technology. Ireland’s deep and expanding talent pool offers the world-class expertise needed to support Monzo’s expansion ambitions across Europe,” said Michael Carney, EU CEO at Monzo. “As we take our mission to make money work for everyone in Europe, we’re proud to kick-start that journey in Ireland, with individuals and small businesses now able to join the waitlist.”

Michael Lohan, CEO of IDA Ireland, said: “I very much welcome Monzo’s decision to locate its European Headquarters in Ireland. Monzo is the first digital bank to secure a full European banking licence through the Central Bank of Ireland.

This decision is a strong vote of confidence in Ireland as a location for International regulated financial services where companies can deliver products and services across the EU from Ireland. It also speaks to Ireland’s strong capabilities in international banking and digital technology. I would like to wish Monzo every success at its scales its team here in Ireland”

For details on Monzo in Ireland, visit www.monzo.com/ie

Sky One is coming back

Sky has announced the return of iconic TV channel Sky One. Launching later this month on channel 106, the all-new Sky One brings together showstopping new TV alongside much-loved favourites all in one place.

Sky One will become the home of Sky’s unmissable comedy and entertainment programmes, including new shows The Dyers’ Caravan Park and Gemma Collins: Four Weddings and a Baby, as well as fan favourites Rob & Romesh Vs.., The Paper and Ted. Customers will be able to tune in from Tuesday 24 February on channel 106.

The relaunched channel replaces Sky Showcase and Sky Max, bringing together a rich slate of entertainment in one place, making it easier than ever for viewers to find must-watch telly.

“Our goal is to make it easier than ever for Sky TV customers to find and enjoy the shows they love,” said Carli Kerr, MD of Sky TV & NOW. “Building on the iconic heritage of Sky One, the channel will be a one-of-a-kind destination that’s big, bold and bursting with energy, bringing together brand-new Sky Originals like The Dyers’ Caravan Park and returning favourites such as Rob & Romesh Vs…”

Sky One joins Sky’s family of channels offering a wide range of epic entertainment, including Sky Atlantic, Sky Comedy, Sky Witness, Sky Crime, Sky Nature and Sky Documentaries.

Sky One launches on channel 106 on Tuesday 24 February.

How UK CCTV Crime Prevention is Shaping Business Security

Business security should always be at the top of a company’s priorities. Measures need to be put in place to protect the business. UK CCTV is playing a significant role in shaping business security. Installing CCTV systems is seen as an excellent tool in risk management for businesses and crime prevention.

It can help to deter theft and vandalism against a business while it can give reassurance to business owners and employees. UK CCTV systems are effective at reducing crime and are shaping business security.

With businesses finding issues such as anti-social behaviour, organised shoplifting and vehicle theft, CCTV is so important to help prevent these types of crimes. Installing CCTV can be vital to help prevent crimes as well as provide important evidence if a crime does occur.

A report from the British Security Industry Association (BSIA) states there are over 21 million cameras in operation. 

Here are some of the reasons why CCTV in the UK is so effective, and why crime decreased by 13% in places with CCTV compared to places without it. 

CCTV works as a deterrence

The main reason why UK CCTV is shaping business security is that it’s a deterrent for criminals. With the presence of CCTV cameras, it can stop those who intend to commit a crime from taking action. 

They are aware that footage will be taken and this footage could lead them to being charged. With this in mind, it can stop them from committing the crime. The possibility of being identified can prevent the action from being taken.

To make sure it’s an effective tool for business security, the UK CCTV system needs to be installed in the best place to stop criminals. It needs to be in the vision of those who encounter your business. It’s a good idea to find an external CCTV system that will cover the whole perimeter of your business.

While it’s a successful business security tool, you need to make sure you stay within the laws of data protection. You can make sure you stay within the law by checking out the government website before installing the UK CCTV system. 

Evidence for investigation 

When a crime does take place, the CCTV crime prevention footage can be used to help resolve the crime. It can provide vital information to those investigating what exactly occurred and action can be taken.

They can make vital identification using the CCTV footage and this could lead to the individual being charged. It’s also essential for insurance claims if an incident did occur that damaged your business.

Having the footage can also help you take steps to help your business security move forward and install measures to prevent further crimes from being committed.

Provides active monitoring

With the UK CCTV surveillance camera playing a vital role in business security, it allows those at the business to actively monitor what is happening at their business. 

A lot of the systems can now be managed while on the go and you can check in and take action quickly if any issues are detected. 

It can help you to be aware of exactly what is going on at your business quarters and to take action if necessary. You can hire security to monitor this for you and help shape your business security.

Commercial access control systems integrated with UK CCTV can also provide an added layer of security by regulating entry to business premises and verifying identities in real time, enhancing overall crime prevention and operational efficiency.

High-tech technology

As CCTV develops, smart CCTV is becoming more common for business security. The new CCTV technology can analyse the footage and inform the business about potential threats that could take place. They can spot any patterns and will inform the CCTV owner regarding any threats to the property or persons.

They can also inform about areas or facilities that are more dangerous so that businesses can put measures in place.

They also offer AI detection which can detect objects that could be suspicious and potentially harm your business. It’s also beneficial as it can identify criminals, so if a theft does occur, this can help with charges to occur.

Not only this, but it can help to diagnose genuine threats to the business. It can also offer faster responses, so that you can get quicker responses which could prevent further theft or threats to staff. These technological advances make this a must-have for shaping business security.

Conclusion

There are so many different types of CCTV systems and you should look at the benefits and negatives before installing one at your business quarters. You need to make sure that the CCTV that is installed is professionally installed by a reputable company. This will stop any errors occurring which could lead to failed recordings.

With the right coverage and the best features, CCTV crime prevention is helping growing businesses stay secure.

 

People as important as technology in strengthening cyber resilience – By Catherine Doyle, Managing Director, Dell Technologies Ireland

In today’s data-driven world, cyber security is more important than ever. Despite the uncertainty of recent times, businesses and organisations in Ireland are still transforming at speed.

Technology remains at the very centre of Government efforts to foster innovation and economic growth. The latest national digital strategy sets out a range of ambitious targets to ensure that three in four Irish businesses adopt Artificial Intelligence, Big Data and Cloud by 2030. 90% of services are also due to be consumed online by the end of the decade.

While these targets are welcome and, moreover, necessary to make sure Ireland harnesses the full potential of the very latest technologies, it’s also the case that an increase in digitalisation brings with it a corresponding increase in the threat of cyber-attacks.

Evolving cyber threats

Over the past year, we have seen several high-profile cyber incidents here in Ireland that reinforce the need for small and large businesses across the public and private sector in Ireland to enhance their cyber resilience. Indeed, in 2022 alone, the total cost of cybercrime is estimated to have surpassed €10bn.

As cyber-crime becomes more prevalent so do the sorts of attacks levelled at businesses become more insidious. The Garda National Cyber Crime Bureau and National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) warned about an increase in ransomware attacks against small and medium sized businesses (SMEs) over the past few months. In recent weeks, the National Cybersecurity Coordination and Development Centre has been created to help strengthen SME cyber resilience. 

The problem is that the ability to protect an organisation’s data has become increasingly difficult with some SMEs overwhelmed. A shift to hybrid working has given malicious actors new opportunities to target vulnerable remote workers while phishing attacks and email thread hijacking have been on the rise.

Business leaders are beginning to react, with nine in ten business leaders now recognising the vital importance of building the cyber resiliency of their firm. From Zero Trust frameworks for the verification, assurance and protection of data to robust response and data recovery plans, Irish leaders are turning to new technologies and new technology models to strengthen their cyber security. 

Importance of culture 

However, cybersecurity is just as much, if not more, about people than technology.

In tandem with technology solutions, there needs to be a cultural shift within businesses that recognises the importance of cyber security. This comes from the top of the organisation and filters through down to all levels and departments.

Business leaders are actually the first line of defence. By setting the tone and the culture for cyber resilience within an organisation, leaders play a vital role in putting cyber security at the very heart of business strategy and workforce development.

A key component of this is influencing employee behaviour around cyber resilience in the workplace – empowering their people with the latest training and skills to become role models and champions of the best cyber security practices.

While the latest intelligent tools and data protection services will always play a critical role, they are just one key part of an overall strategy that recognises how everyone within the business needs to work together to ward off cyber threats. 

Whole of organisation approach

This particularly applies to those teams who are developing new products or services. By integrating cyber security into both their products and practices, these teams can help to close the loop on cyber security for their own business and that of their customers.

In this way, leaders can better embrace a comprehensive approach to cyber risk mitigation that goes beyond mere threat detection. Rather, they can ensure that cyber security plays an integral role in an organisation’s overall business strategy from the very beginning and is considered in any future digital transformation initiatives. 

At Dell Technologies, we’re seeing more organisations across both the private and public sector treat cyber security as an integral component of their overall digital transformation strategy. When setting out to build a consistent digital learning experience for its 34,000 students and staff in a hybrid world, Ulster University tapped into Dell’s team of cyber experts to enhance its cyber resilience.

Protecting Ireland’s most critical data

With AI, 5G and Edge Computing developing at pace, Ireland has a unique opportunity to become a world leader in a range of emerging technologies. However, if we are to reach our 2030 digital targets, we need to continually ward off the latest cyber threats and protect Ireland’s reputation as a digital hub both in Europe and beyond.

At Dell Technologies, we are continually working to help Ireland remain one step ahead of cyber threats. Through a €2m investment in our new Customer Solutions Centre in Cork, we’re looking to provide the essential infrastructure for organisations to protect their most important information assets and help strengthen the city’s location as a cyber security hub.

But, as cyber threats become more sophisticated and costly, business leaders need to become the front line of defence on this journey.

That means placing a strong focus on building a culture where cybersecurity is everyone’s responsibility and where their people have the skills to enhance cyber resilience within their organisation. By fostering that culture, leaders of large, medium and small businesses can not only protect themselves against the increasing threat of cyber-attacks but can reduce business disruption and recover more quickly “when” and not “if” an attack occurs in the weeks and months ahead.