Tag: #data

SMARTY Doubles Down on Data this Black Friday

SMARTY Mobile has launched a double data offer for Black Friday – 32GB for just £8. With tons of data, unlimited calls and texts, this is one of the best-value SIM-only deals out there, so customers can save ahead of the ‘stress-mas’ of the festive season.  

Black Friday can be a mind-boggling time for Brits trying to find the best deals amongst the malarkey, and avoiding the temptation to spend on items they don’t really need or will only use once. That’s why SMARTY is offering zero stress and double the data in their 32GB for £8 offer – twice the data of the standard £8 offer. Skip the queues on the high street and order online, and know that as the Which? Recommended Provider of the year for the third year running, SMARTY offers the best value, all year round.   

SMARTY Mobile is the low-cost SIM-only mobile network keeping things simple, offering exceptional value and a host of other benefits for consumers including no annual price rises and no contract, all on the flexibility of 1-month plans.  

All SMARTY plans come with EU Roaming included up to 12GB – perfect for anyone after some winter sun or preparing to hit the slopes, 5G as standard, and unlimited calls and texts.  

Customers can pause, change or cancel their plan at anytime, giving them the freedom and control of their commitment-free SIM plans.  

SMARTY Mobile’s Black Friday deal and is only available for a limited time. For more information and to sign up to SMARTY mobile, visit www.smarty.co.uk  

Britons over 55 would rather the discomfort of the flu, over a data hack – yet neglect any action to mitigate data theft risks

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.

To check if your data has been compromised visit F-Secure’s free ID Theft Checker tool https://www.f-secure.com/gb-en/identity-theft-checker

Five Ways Data Storage Can Advance Your Sustainability Ambitions

In Ireland, IT departments are increasingly prioritising sustainability as part of their Environmental, Societal, and Governance (ESG) initiatives. A recent survey Enterprise Strategy Group revealed (93%) of IT decision makers consider asking about a supplier’s ESG programme when making IT purchase decisions and looking to action their digital transformation strategy. Colin Boyd, data centre solutions sales director with Dell Technologies Ireland tells us more. 

Today’s digital age has brought a surge in data usage, placing a significant pressure on Irish organisations to adopt sustainable practices. This is especially relevant given the high energy prices experienced by many businesses. Notably data centers consume approximately 200 terawatt-hours (TWh) of electricity, which is nearly 1% of all global electricity demand. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that implementing a green data center and hitting the “Environmental” aspect of ESG is top of mind for IT decision makers.

That’s where the modern storage solutions are playing a crucial role in promoting sustainability and energy efficiency in data management. There are five key benefits to sustainable data storage that are contributing to a more environmentally friendly and energy-conscious future.

1. Energy Efficiency:

Sustainable data storage solutions are engineered to minimise energy consumption by leveraging cutting-edge hardware technologies and energy-efficient processors. By optimising power usage, organisations can not only reduce their electricity costs but also make substantial reductions in their carbon emissions.

The adoption of virtualisation technologies and cloud computing is a significant driver of sustainable data storage practices in Ireland. Through the consolidation of physical servers into virtual machines, businesses can utilize technology more efficiently, ultimately lowering the energy required to maintain and cool IT infrastructure.

Cloud-based storage solutions are also enhancing sustainability by providing on-demand scalability, allowing Irish companies to efficiently expand their storage capacity when and how they need. The shared infrastructure of the cloud also helps to reduce waste, resulting in more eco-friendly data centers.

2. Cost Savings enabled by advanced technologies:

Embracing sustainable IT data storage practices not only advances sustainability, but it can also result in significant cost reductions for Irish businesses. Through the strategic allocation of resources and the integration of advanced technologies designed to enhance energy efficiency, organisations can effectively lower their expenditures on hardware and maintenance.

Irish companies that opt for high-density storage arrays can make the most of their physical data center space while simultaneously making strides in reducing their carbon footprint and overall environmental impact. Dell’s PowerMax 2500 model can deliver more than five times the effective storage capacity per watt consumed (PBe/watt) compared to the previous PowerMax generation.

New technologies, including Edge Computing and AI, are emerging as sustainable alternatives to traditional centralised data storage methods. These innovations involve decentralising data processing and storage, which brings benefits like reduced latency, enhanced data security and decreased reliance on extensive network infrastructure and you can also check out a hybrid cloud case study for more information.

This shift aligns with Irish businesses’ sustainability goals, enabling them to cut down on energy consumption and achieve greater operational efficiency. AI-powered algorithms play a crucial role in this transformation by analysing and optimising data efficiently.

Machine learning algorithms can identify data usage patterns, allowing for proactive measures like data tiering, where frequently accessed data is stored on faster, energy-efficient drives. By dynamically managing data placement and resource allocation, AI optimization reduces energy consumption and enhances overall storage efficiency.

3. Minimising Data Footprints:

Ireland’s data management landscape is evolving at pace. New data management approaches are gaining traction among IT leaders for their ability to eliminate redundant or duplicate data, which not only reduces storage requirements but also enhances overall system efficiency. By minimising data footprints, Irish organisations can unlock several advantages, including cost savings, improved backup and recovery times, and decreased energy consumption.

4. Environmental Conservation:

Conventional data storage infrastructure has long been associated with significant energy consumption and dependence on non-renewable resources, presenting environmental challenges. Whereas sustainable data storage solutions offer a distinct advantage by harnessing renewable energy sources like solar and wind power This shift not only reduces carbon emissions but also lessens the environmental footprint. Furthermore, the adoption of renewable energy sources to power data centres aligns perfectly with the commitment of Irish organisations to a sustainable future.

5. Regulatory Compliance:

Across the globe governments and regulatory bodies are introducing more stringent environmental regulations, extending their reach to data storage practices. In Ireland, adhering to these regulations is crucial for organisations to avoid penalties and legal entanglements. By adopting to eco-friendly data storage solutions, Irish companies not only ensure compliance with these evolving regulations but also showcase their dedication to sustainable business practices.

Advancing sustainability together

The rise of sustainable data storage in Ireland reflects the technology industry’s dedication to advancing sustainability and accelerating climate action. This commitment spans various innovations, including virtualization, cloud computing, the integration of renewable energy sources, and the adoption of cutting-edge technologies like edge computing and AI optimization.

As Irish organisations embrace and further develop these new technologies and practices, they not only ensure their own future sustainability but also play a vital role in fostering a greener, more efficient, and sustainable future.

As the IT industry plans to increase emphasis on ESG data management initiatives. Dell Technologies is leading the changes in championing ESG initiatives and promoting sustainability with data centers. With a modern storage portfolio, our team at Dell Technologies Ireland can enable organisations to effectively address the demands of a data-driven world while simultaneously reducing their ecological footprint.

Top 6 Things Every Android User Should Know

Welcome, Android users! If you’re reading this, it means you’re keen to uncover the hidden gems within your device. Whether you’re a new user or an Android aficionado, this blog post is going to reveal some essential tips that can truly transform how you interact with your device. Let’s delve into the world of these operating systems!

App Updates and Maintenance

Keeping your Android operating system and apps updated is crucial for a seamless user experience. These updates often provide new features, bug fixes, and security enhancements that keep your device protected and working optimally. Moreover, using some App Templates can help you customize your Apps for better performance too. Most Android devices automatically notify you when updates are available, but you can also check manually in ‘Settings’ > ‘System’ > ‘Advanced’ > ‘System Update’ for OS updates, and for App updates go to ‘Google Play Store> ‘My Apps & Games’. 

Remember to connect to a reliable Wi-Fi network before updating to save on data usage. Also, routine maintenance like clearing the cache, deleting unnecessary files, and restarting your device regularly can significantly improve its performance. Don’t worry, your personal data won’t be affected by these processes. So, to enjoy a smooth, efficient, and secure Android experience, regular updates and maintenance should be your top priority!

Google Account and Synching

Your Google account is like the master key to unlocking your Android device’s full potential. It offers access to an ecosystem of Google services like Gmail, Google Photos, Google Drive, and more. Simply put, it’s the backbone of your Android experience. Now, onto syncing – this refers to the process of keeping your data updated across all your devices. 

Any changes you make on one device, like adding a contact or saving a photo, are mirrored on the others. To enable it, go to ‘Settings’ > ‘Accounts’ > ‘Google’, choose your account, and select the services you want to sync. Remember, regular syncing ensures you have access to the latest information, regardless of which device you’re using!

Security Measures

Androids offer a variety of security measures that will provide peace of mind. Here are the best options: 

 

  • Lock screen
  • System updates
  • App permission management
  • App source verification
  • Antivirus
  • Device encryption
  • VPN
  • Google play protect
  • Secure browsing
  • Secure emails practices
  • Backup
  • Two-factor authentication

 

Android’s security is multi-faceted. Lock screens provide the first line of defense, while system updates regularly patch vulnerabilities. App permission management helps you control your data, and app source verification ensures you download safe apps. Antivirus software offers additional protection, while device encryption, VPN services, Google Play Protect, and secure browsing provide extra layers of security. Secure email practices, regular backups, and two-factor authentication further enhance Android’s security architecture.

Data Usage Management

Managing your data usage on Android is straightforward. Navigate to ‘Settings’ > ‘Network & Internet’ > ‘Data usage’ to find an overview of your data consumption. Here, you can set a warning for when data usage approaches a certain limit and even specify a limit to automatically restrict data use. If you wish to understand which apps consume the most data, go to ‘App data usage’. 

Here, you can see a detailed breakdown per app and choose to restrict background data for apps that consume too much. This will cause these apps to only use data when actively being used. Proper data management helps avoid unexpected charges and ensures a smoother Android experience.

Data Backups

Data backups on Android operating systems are a lifesaver, allowing you to preserve and restore your personal information, apps, settings, and more. Google’s built-in backup service, tied to your Google account, automatically backs up data like Wi-Fi passwords, call history, and app data to Google Drive. To enable this, navigate to ‘Settings’ > ‘System’ > ‘Backup’, and toggle ‘Backup to Google Drive’ on. 

If you ever switch phones or need to reset your device, you can restore this data during the setup process. Third-party apps offer additional backup options. Regular backups ensure you never lose important information and can resume your Android experience seamlessly, no matter what happens.

Battery Optimization

Optimizing your Android device’s battery life is essential for prolonged, uninterrupted usage. Android’s built-in battery optimization feature intelligently manages how apps use batteries by putting inactive apps into a low-power state. Access this feature at ‘Settings’ > ‘Battery’ > ‘Battery Optimization’. You can choose to optimize all apps or select specific ones. Additionally, Android’s Adaptive Battery feature learns your app usage patterns and prioritizes battery for the apps you use most. 

Also, the Battery Saver mode reduces your device’s overall power consumption by limiting features like location services and background data. Remember, a well-optimized battery ensures your Android device lasts the whole day, enhancing your user experience.

 

So, there you have it! These six essential tips can truly elevate your Android experience. Don’t forget that keeping your device updated, secured, and optimized not only enhances its performance but also extends its lifespan. So go ahead, unlock the full potential of your Android device, and enjoy the seamless, efficient, and secure experience it offers. Happy Android-ing!

Getting Started with Power BI: Practical Steps for Beginners

Given that we live in a data-driven era, it is hardly unexpected that analytics is a flaming hot topic right now. Analytics is the study, interpretation, and processing of data. However, there are many tools available for data and business analysts to pick from, making it difficult to select the right one for each project. Today, by concentrating on Power BI, a Microsoft analytics product, we will do our lot to facilitate that decision. Before learning how to learn Power BI, let’s start with the fundamentals.

What is a Power BI, and why is it a significant tool to learn?

When it comes to knowing what Power BI is, we’re digging into the answers to who designed it. It was developed by Microsoft. Power BI is a group of software services, apps, and connectors that collaborate to transform your disparate data sources into coherent, visually immersive, and interactive insights. An organization’s data is searched for information using Microsoft Power BI. It may assist in connecting:

  • separate data sets
  • transforming and cleaning the data into a data model
  • producing charts or graphs to show the data visually

Take a look at the Power BI step-by-step tutorial about its resources to gather, visualize, analyze, and exchange data. This tool gathers and examines pertinent data and then presents conclusions as graphs, reports, summaries, maps, and dashboards to give users precise and in-depth information about the status of the business.

What are the key steps of using Power BI for beginners?

Power BI makes it easier to make wise decisions, lowering the probability of failure and minimizing inherent hazards. Anywhere you have a mobile connection, the data that BI processes is available for viewing and engagement around the clock. Users may access, process, and share real-time data whenever they want, from any location.

Professionals in a wide range of roles utilize Power BI because it is so adaptable and jam-packed with valuable capabilities, including:

  • Designers 
  • Developers 
  • Administrators
  • Professionals (accountants, salespeople, and marketers)

Here are steps for using Power BI if you’re interested in analyzing your raw and complex data by using its valuable capabilities. 

Setting Up Power BI on your desktop

There are three different versions of Power BI: Power BI Desktop, Power BI Pro, and Power BI Premium. We’ve created a table that compares these versions succinctly below. Select Power BI Desktop after clicking the Download button in the top menu bar. To install Power BI Desktop on your PC, click Get on the Microsoft Store page and then follow the on-screen instructions. From the Windows Start menu or the icon in the taskbar, launch Power BI Desktop. The Welcome screen appears when Power BI Desktop launches for the first time. You can get data, view recent sources, access recent reports, open other reports, or choose other links from the welcome screen. To exit the Welcome screen, click the close button.

Loading your Data Sources into Power BI

It’s time to upload your data once you’ve configured yourself with the desired version! You can import or connect to your data using the databases or files that are saved on your computer from the welcome page that you see above. Select the data type you want to upload, then click the “Get” button. After that, pick one of the many choices you have. Remember that you can obtain data from a variety of sources, including local files, OneDrive files, SharePoint site files, and more. Your file name will display as a tab under “Dashboards” on the left side of your screen once you click “Open” since Power BI will generate a dashboard.

Exploring Power BI Interface and creating your first data chart

Using Power BI, your experience is all about learning from your data. Therefore, it’s time to begin investigating those datasets when you’ve uploaded the ones you wish to use.

 

Natural-language queries, which Power BI now supports, make it simpler for you to extract value from the data you’re looking to examine. Natural-language searches don’t need any additional code or syntax; just put your inquiry in the search area in plain English, and Power BI will handle the rest. When you press “enter,” Power BI will create a chart that displays the information you selected.

Understanding Data Analysis Expressions through Your First Data Visualization

A report can be made in a few simple steps. The steps to put together your first report from start to finish are outlined below:

 

  1. Choose a pre-existing workspace or make one from scratch.
  2. Get data in the left navigation pane’s bottom section.
  3. Choose Files and go to the folder where you saved the information you want to use for the report.
  4. Click “Import”.
  5. Select “View dataset” after the dataset has been imported.
  6. The report editor is actually opened when viewing a dataset. 

You can see a white page and the tools for altering reports. Explore this area as much as you can.

Publishing Reports: Sharing Your Insights with Power BI

With the use of Power BI, you may acquire new insights from your data and see it in a fresh light. We’ve covered easy procedures to assist you in quickly uncovering insights from your data that can aid in smarter business decisions. You can share BI reports that have been prepared on the Power BI desktop with other business users. All BI data, reports, and dashboards may be shared with coworkers and business users within the company. However, you can also benefit from more powerful capabilities like in-depth modeling, real-time analytics, platform integration, and bespoke development. By learning more about Power BI, you can guide through these more complex options and demonstrate the value of it which can add to your company.

 

Legal and Ethical Considerations in People Search: Addressing the Legal Boundaries and Ethical Implications of Using People Search Sites

Hey there, curious minds! In this digital age, people search sites have become powerful tools for finding information about individuals. 

Whether you’re reconnecting with old friends or conducting background checks, these sites offer a wealth of data at your fingertips. 

However, with great power comes great responsibility. In this article, we’ll explore the legal and ethical considerations that come with using people search sites, ensuring you navigate this digital landscape with both confidence and respect.

Legal Boundaries and Data Protection

Howdy, law-abiding readers! When it comes to people search, treading within legal boundaries is paramount. Like a digital sheriff, each country has its own laws and regulations governing data protection and privacy.

Before you embark on your people search journey, take a moment to familiarize yourself with the relevant laws in your region. Ensure that you have proper authorization to access and use the data retrieved from people search sites. Like a responsible cowboy, complying with the law will safeguard you from legal troubles and uphold the rights of individuals to privacy and data protection.

Ethical Use of People Search Sites

Hey there, ethical explorers! While people search sites offer a treasure trove of information, using this data responsibly is crucial. Like a wise guide, always consider the ethical implications of your actions when using the data you find.

Avoid using people search sites to invade someone’s privacy, harass individuals, or engage in any harmful activities. Instead, focus on legitimate and respectful purposes, such as reconnecting with old acquaintances or conducting background checks for legitimate reasons like hiring or tenant screening.

Remember, each piece of information on people search sites represents a real person, and using it responsibly is like treating others how you’d want to be treated yourself.

Ensuring Accuracy and Verifying Information

Howdy, discerning researchers! People search sites can be like a gold mine, but it’s essential to verify the accuracy of the information you find. Like a skilled prospector, cross-referencing data from multiple sources can help ensure its authenticity.

People search sites may contain outdated or incorrect information, and relying solely on this data could lead to mistaken conclusions or actions. Like a cautious cowboy, verify the details you find through other reliable sources before making any significant decisions based on the information retrieved.

Transparency and User Consent

Hey there, informed users! When it comes to people search sites, transparency and user consent are like guiding stars in the night sky. Like a reliable compass, people search platforms should be clear and open about how they collect, store, and use personal data.

Before using a people search site, take the time to review their privacy policy and terms of service. Like an informed navigator, understanding how your data will be handled will empower you to make an educated decision about using the service. 

Additionally, reputable people search sites will seek your consent before accessing and displaying personal information, respecting your right to control the data shared.

Protecting Sensitive Information

Howdy, privacy protectors! People search sites can be like open books, revealing a wealth of information. However, some details are like treasured secrets, meant to be kept safe and secure.

When using people search sites, be cautious about sharing sensitive information like social security numbers, financial data, or medical history. Like a safe with a combination lock, protect these details from falling into the wrong hands. Reputable people search platforms will also prioritize data security, employing encryption and other measures to keep sensitive information safe from prying eyes.

Combating Misuse and Online Harassment

Hey there, digital defenders! People search sites can be like double-edged swords, offering valuable insights while also potentially fueling misuse and online harassment. It’s essential to be mindful of how you and others use the information obtained through these platforms.

Avoid using people search sites to engage in cyberstalking, bullying, or any harmful activities. Instead, be like a virtual superhero, using your knowledge and insights for positive purposes. 

If you encounter any instances of online harassment or misuse, report them to the platform’s administrators or relevant authorities. By being vigilant, you can contribute to a safer and more respectful digital environment.

Conclusion

Howdy, responsible navigators of people search sites! We’ve explored essential considerations, including transparency and user consent, protecting sensitive information, and combating misuse and online harassment.

As you journey through the digital landscape of people search, be mindful of these principles. Transparency and user consent will empower you to make informed decisions, while safeguarding sensitive information will ensure your data remains secure. 

By using people search sites responsibly, you can contribute to a respectful and positive online community, and here you can find more information if you are curious. 

Happy searching, and may your adventures in people search be guided by integrity and respect!

 

How Can Data Transform Your Construction Company?

The importance of data in modern business is undoubtedly at an all-time high. Consequently, then, learning to utilise it to the max should be a priority in every industry. Not least in the world of construction.

When used to its full potential, data analytics will transform your company forever. Focus on the following features, and you won’t go far wrong.

Data For Client Management

Whichever part of the construction sector you operate in, the success of the firm will be determined by client happiness levels. Therefore, a dedicated contractor CRM should be one of the first tech investments on your agenda. The platform can show valuable data to boost sales performance and streamline approval processes. It’ll also help you close deals faster.

Keeping customers happy will support your construction company in several ways. Firstly, it’ll allow you to sign off on completed jobs far sooner. Meanwhile, you should enjoy a greater level of customer loyalty, as well as organic referrals. When combined with the fact that fewer clients will request amendments, this is easily one of the best ways to use data. You’ll save a vast amount of time and money in the long run.

Data For Marketing

Even before you have a reason to embrace modern CRM, though, you must first win over new clients. Effective branding and marketing strategies are the only way to achieve this. When used well, data can help streamline your campaigns by helping you reach the right audience. In turn, your cost per acquisition should fall while conversion rates will soar. The end result is a bolstered bottom line.

Better still, the fact that you’ll limit the interactions with outside audiences will lead to accurate data. So, your future campaigns will have an even stronger foundation to build upon. As well as tracking the success of each method, you may also want to try ideas like A/B testing. This will allow you to keep improving the performance of your marketing campaigns, which can only have a positive influence.

Data For Managing Equipment

Your construction firm will naturally work with a lot of expensive equipment and machinery. Keeping those assets in optimal health is essential for many reasons. It can reduce the frequency of needing repairs, prevent downtime, and boost daily productivity. Even a 10% increase in speed could enable you to save a day once per fortnight. Over the course of a year, this can be the key to taking on several extra projects.

When looking to manage your equipment, the OEE method should be at the top of your agenda. It can be used when manufacturing parts in the factory. Or it could be used to measure on-site machinery. Either way, scheduling maintenance at a time to cause minimal disruption can only be a good thing. If nothing else, it allows you to manage the company without fears about when the next problem will surface.

 

 

Data For Employee Management

While the purpose of the company is to create buildings, you must not ignore the importance of people. Many hands make light work during design and construction. Data can be used throughout the recruitment process to help you identify the best candidates. Moreover, it can be a great way to manage schedules, especially when you have temporary or part-time labourers to manage too.

Moreover, an employee management platform that tracks trends and creates feedback loops can be crucial. You will find that it promotes your ability to reduce staff turnover rates. This will subsequently save you a fortune and keep construction projects progressing as expected. When you respond to the data provided by workers and analytics tools, you can provide employees with the support needed to thrive.

Data For Project Planning

Big data is used by organisations across the building, architecture, and engineering sectors. Predictive models can be very useful in preparing bids and helping clients visualise the outcomes. BIM (Business Information Management) visualisations are great for this. Tools like AutoCAD are, therefore, essential for teams throughout the planning phases. Not least because it means you won’t lose too much time and money on failed bids.

The use of data throughout the planning phases will also allow you to create accurate time frames and budgeting. This can keep clients updated about the project or ensure that your teams are prepared to implement all steps to turn the vision into a reality. Without data, projects are likely to hit delays and other problems on a frequent basis. In turn, you will lose clients, money, and your reputation. 

Data For Risk Assessments

Safety is a major concern for construction companies. After all, you have employees working with dangerous materials and potentially from great heights. It is the industry with the highest number of fatalities, so you simply cannot afford to ignore the risks. Furthermore, you will have a responsibility to keep the public safe and ensure that the finished project is safe for the end user. 

Data can be collected regarding potential weaknesses with materials or methods. You can also look at eternal factors like geographic climates. Whether collected during surveys, construction, or post-project work doesn’t matter. You will find that proactive steps benefit your employees and bottom line. On a side note, data analytics can actively play a huge role in protecting your company. From physical threats as well as cyberattacks. 

Data For Spending

Construction can be a lucrative industry as most projects will be worth significant sums of money. However, you will find that your overheads are huge too. Tracking data is the only effective way to keep this under control. This could mean opting for rentals rather than purchasing machinery. Or it could mean running price comparisons on your web hosting, insurance, materials, energy bills, and other costs.

Meanwhile, efficient communication will translate to savings of time and money. When you track data properly, you’ll soon highlight the positives and negatives. In turn, you can make the adjustments needed to keep the construction company moving in the right direction. Whether this means reducing your prices to hopefully win more clients or increasing profit margins is up to you.

Brits are in the dark about the dark web despite having personal data leaked in the past year

New research reveals 1 in 7 Brits have had personal data leaked in the past year, equivalent to over seven million[1] Brits. Yet, more than three quarters (77%) still rarely, or never, check if their data has been stolen or leaked.

Millions of Brits[2] remain in the dark about the dark web – which among other things is a destination for cybercriminals to buy stolen personal data. While most Brits – 80% of those surveyed – have heard of the dark web, only 31% accurately answered that the dark web is a part of the Internet that can only be accessed using specialist browsers.

The research, conducted among 2,000 UK adults by Censuswide and commissioned by F-Secure,  a global leader in cyber security, found that Brits are unconcerned about the risks of the dark web with less than a quarter (23%) saying they worry about their data going on there, and 4%, the equivalent to two million[3] Brits naively believing they can remove their data from it. However, the reality is that once data is on the dark web, it’s impossible to get it off, leaving victims trapped in a constant cycle of their information being sold.

There is also 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.

The research comes as a report by UK Finance found over £1.2 billion was stolen by criminals through fraud in 2022 – the equivalent to over £2,300 every minute.

While the dark web isn’t all crime and illicit behaviour, security experts at F-Secure are warning that consumers are not taking their data security as seriously as other aspects of everyday life. Many Brits are more likely to check their car’s oil and water (16%) and their boilers (14%), than they are to check if their personal data has been leaked online, despite the fact identity theft has real life consequences.

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, comments: “Data leaks can happen to anyone, leading 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. Almost a third of Brits (29%) don’t know what action they can take to mitigate the risks of their data being on the dark web. We must work together to change that.”

The dark web uses technology that allows anonymity. Sites found on the dark web are not indexed by conventional search engines and when a data breach happens, personal details often end up on this part of the internet, where they are sold to criminals.  Once data is in the hands of a cybercriminal it means a heightened risk of identity theft and financial fraud. Often individuals are unaware of this until they are refused credit or a mortgage application, at which point it’s often too late.

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.

To check if your data has been compromised visit F-Secure’s free ID Theft Checker tool here: https://www.f-secure.com/gb-en/identity-theft-checker

 

[1] 14.13% of those surveyed is equivalent to 7,680,172 of the UK adult population (54,353, 665)

[2] 14.28% of those surveyed is equivalent to 7,761,703 of the UK adult population (54,353, 665)

[3] 4.49% of those surveyed is 2,440,479 of the UK adult population (54,353, 665)

Paradyn backs up critical data for Donegal County Council

Paradyn, one of Ireland’s leading cybersecurity service providers, is today announcing that it is backing up critical data for Donegal County Council with Vault365, an all-in-one backup, ransomware, and data protection solution.

Donegal County Council needed to effectively back up and secure its Microsoft Office365 data to ensure compliance and eliminate the setup and maintenance of its own hardware, storage, and infrastructure. Paradyn deployed the Vault365 solution which runs in the cloud and backs up information to its own highly secure off-site data centre. The remotely stored data is immutable and cannot be compromised by potential cyberattacks on the organisation’s estate.

Paradyn’s solution is protecting sensitive information for Donegal’s 166,000 citizens. It’s also enhancing the user experience for those who engage with the council’s vital services as public information is backed up, reliable, and up-to-date.

Ongoing monitoring and management by Paradyn of the Office365 estate gives peace of mind to Donegal County Council that its critical assets are protected. The council also has access to a self-service portal, meaning it has full control and visibility of the solution. The solution is flexible and scalable in line with organisational growth in the future.

Paradyn is securely backing up 900 Microsoft Office365 accounts for the council across applications including Teams, SharePoint and OneDrive. As Microsoft only stores data for up to 90 days, the Vault365 solution ensures business continuity and is increasing employee productivity as data can be quickly recovered in the event of an incident. The new solution is based on a cost per user model, which is resulting in significant cost savings for the council.

Sean Dunnion, Project Leader Information Systems at Donegal County Council, said: “With Paradyn’s extensive expertise securing organisations in the public sector and local government, they were the natural fit to support on this next phase of our journey. This Vault365 solution has futureproofed our data protection and backup capabilities, and provides peace of mind that sensitive information is secure.

“Crucially, it’s helping to enhance the services we provide to citizens throughout Donegal as the solution gives us full control of our Office365 estate, while ensuring minimal downtime should an incident occur. Ultimately, the technology is built with growth in mind and will enable us to scale as needed.”

Fergal Meehan, Chief Commercial Officer, Paradyn, said: “It’s a common misconception that Microsoft backs up customer data, which is why it’s essential for organisations to proactively protect their critical information. Vault365 eliminates the risk of losing access and control over this data, underpinned by the expert knowledge of our experienced specialists. Hackers will typically target on-site backups and having critical data stored securely in an off-site location provides an extra layer of protection.

“The council deals with citizens’ sensitive information and provides crucial public services to the people of Donegal, and this solution enables the council to meet these needs now and into the future.