Tag: secure

Digital Wills vs. Traditional Wills: Which Is More Secure?

Understanding why you need a will is only part of the picture — for many people, the bigger question is how to make one. And in today’s digital world, that question brings new options to the table. 

Traditional wills, written on paper and signed in ink, have long been the norm. But now, digital wills are gaining popularity, offering convenience, speed, and cloud-based peace of mind. So, which option is more secure? And how do you know which is right for your situation?

What Is a Traditional Will?

A traditional will is a legal document, usually drafted with the help of a solicitor, then printed, signed, and witnessed in person. It outlines how your assets should be distributed after your death and who should manage your estate.

Traditional wills must meet certain legal criteria:

  • Written clearly and voluntarily
  • Signed by the testator
  • Witnessed by two independent adults (not beneficiaries)

If any of these steps aren’t followed correctly, the will could be invalid.

What Is a Digital Will?

A digital will usually refers to a will created using an online service or software. It may be stored in the cloud, printed and signed later, or — in some jurisdictions — signed electronically.

Digital wills are designed to be more accessible, particularly for those who find legal jargon intimidating or who want to avoid in-person meetings. Some platforms offer guided templates or AI-based drafting tools.

However, in England and Wales, a digital will must still be printed, signed, and witnessed in the traditional way to be legally valid. As of now, completely electronic wills (signed and stored digitally without printing) are not legally recognised.

Are Digital Wills Safe?

It depends. A digital will created on a reputable platform can be a helpful first step, but it comes with risks:

  • You might miss important legal nuances
  • It may not reflect complex family arrangements
  • If improperly witnessed, it may be invalid
  • There’s a risk of forgery or dispute without proper safeguards

Security also involves access. Traditional wills can be lost or damaged. Digital versions can be accidentally deleted or stored on a forgotten hard drive. Ideally, your will should be stored securely and shared with your executors — whether digitally or physically.

For more information on making a will, visit this resource provided by GOV.UK.

Why Traditional Wills Still Dominate

Most solicitors still recommend a traditional will for several reasons:

  • Legal robustness
  • Proper witnessing procedures
  • Trusted storage with the solicitor or WillSafe

You also get professional advice to ensure your wishes are realistic, tax-efficient, and hard to contest. This is especially crucial for blended families, business owners, or anyone with international assets.

Can You Combine the Two?

Absolutely. Many law firms now use digital tools to draft and update wills, but still follow traditional processes for signing and storage. You can:

  • Start with an online questionnaire
  • Hold virtual meetings with your solicitor
  • Receive a printed will by post

This hybrid approach blends convenience with legal reliability.

Consider the Risks of Getting It Wrong

An invalid will can leave your loved ones facing delays, legal disputes, or unfair outcomes. If you die without a valid will, the rules of intestacy will decide who gets what — and it might not reflect your wishes.

A will isn’t just a formality. It’s peace of mind. And cutting corners with a free online template can cost your family far more later.

So, Which Is More Secure?

In legal terms, traditional wills — properly signed and stored — remain the most secure option in England and Wales. Digital platforms can support the process, but they can’t replace the legal steps needed to make your will binding.

That said, the law may evolve. Other countries, including parts of the US, are starting to recognise electronic wills. The UK may follow, but for now, paper still rules.

What Should You Do Next?

  • Decide who you want to benefit from your estate
  • Think about who should manage your affairs (executor)
  • Make a list of your assets and any specific wishes

Then speak to a solicitor who can guide you through it. It doesn’t have to be complicated. But it does need to be correct.

A good solicitor will:

  • Make sure your will is valid
  • Keep it safe and accessible
  • Help reduce inheritance tax liabilities
  • Prevent family disputes before they start

 

Final Thoughts: It’s Not Just About the Format

Whether you go digital, traditional, or a bit of both, what matters most is doing it properly. The goal is clarity, security, and protecting your loved ones when they need it most.

Don’t let uncertainty stop you. With the right support, you can make a will that gives you confidence — and gives your family one less thing to worry about.

Legal Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. For tailored advice on writing or updating your will, please consult a qualified solicitor.

How Online Gaming Is Evolving

Technology is transforming online casinos, making them a great deal more convenient and accessible for punters. Technology is truly changing the online gaming sector from smartphones to AI-based experiences.

Online casino gaming has witnessed some of the most sophisticated technology, becoming more handy and delightful for gamblers worldwide. Authentic sites lead such technologies, developing new functionalities that adhere to modern gaming requirements. Technological progression is really enhancing user experience and creating new standards in online gaming, helping gamblers savor safe, seamless, and fascinating gaming anywhere in the world.

Mobile Gaming Revolution

The rise of smartphones has transformed online gaming, enabling gamblers to play their best-loved casino games anywhere they want. Sites such as online casino Ireland have well-optimized their smartphone sites, with great experiences running on all screen sizes. Members can access the games, look through offers and handle their accounts through their phones or tablets, making gaming more convenient.

This development saw an explosion of gaming on phones and gamblers enjoyed the convenience of taking sessions from just anywhere, while commuting, from home, or during a break. Furthermore, mobile-optimized sites feature touch-screen access and mobile-exclusive offers, improving the user experience. Most sites also feature strategy guides, tutorials and demo access, allowing you to learn and acquaint yourself with games before committing, raising the ante for convenience.

These advancements adhere to the demands of contemporary gamblers who desire ease of access, portability and a great experience. Importantly, good sites allow gamblers to weave gaming into their daily lives through full access, reducing the confines of desktop-exclusive sites. Thus, gaming becomes more intensely personal and user-friendly.

Artificial Intelligence, Personalization and Customized Experiences for Every Player

AI is also contributing in large measures to the personalization of the online casino experience. Processed on the basis of your taste and behavior, AI algorithms can recommend you games, offers, as well as bonuses, that match the individual player. This level of personalization elevates the player interaction and satisfaction, as the player realizes that the site comprehends and is fulfilling their specific interests.

Technology-oriented platforms use artificial intelligence to offer you personalized suggestions, so you gain access to content that is most suitable for you. These systems also monitor development, recommend new titles and feature exclusive offers, making the whole experience far more dynamic and interactive. This is when user satisfaction is substantially enhanced and the chances of the player going back to the platform for their subsequent playing experience grow, developing a closer association of the player with the platform.

Speedier, Safer and Smarter Transfers

The integration of advanced payment technologies has improved payment settlements in online casinos, making it more rapid, more secure, and more user-friendly for deposits and withdrawal. Most sites also offer various payment methods, including payment with e-wallets, cryptocurrencies, and traditional banking. This allows more options for gamblers in terms of choice for management of accounts.

More measures of protection, such as two-factor verification, encryption technologies as well as fraud detection programs, make it such that your financial information is safe at all times. These technologies have also created trust among the user base, further encouraging more individuals to participate in online gaming activities with full confidence. Players can also delight in near-instant deposits and payouts, thus smoothing gaming sessions.

Cloud Technology and Accessing Casino Games

Cloud computing removed the prerequisite for top-of-the-line hardware so members could access a very wide variety of casino content directly from their web browsers. This technology is facilitated by instant playing, no downloading or installation and guarantees a seamless playing experience.

Additionally, cloud platforms can host a vast number of diverse games, ranging from old-school slots and table content to live dealer content. This increases your game library significantly. Technology also enables platforms to deploy and introduce new content easily, making the user experience new and exciting. This scalability and flexibility are particularly appealing to players who want a comprehensive gaming experience without the constraints of traditional software installations.

Immersive Play and Virtual Reality Innovations

Many sites offer live dealer offerings that already engage players with a highly interactive experience. Mainstream titles such as blackjack, roulette and baccarat are streamed live with professional dealers, enabling bets and chat interaction from the player. Live dealer offers the best online ease with the thrill and realism of being in a brick-and-mortar casino. More live dealer products continue to appear on platforms, including themed tables and multi-player features, to boost value in terms of entertainment further.

Virtual Reality (VR) brings a new dimension to online gaming by developing immersive surroundings that reproduce the experience of being in a real casino. Players interact with their environment and everyone else participates in real time, multiplying the social element of online gaming. Although VR technology is still developing, its promise of revolutionizing the online casino experience is tremendous. and some sites are already exploring how they can incorporate VR. This will allow gamblers to experience a much more immersive and interactive experience, with real simulations of the casino floors, interactive gaming tables and live social interaction.

Technological advancements are profoundly boosting online casinos’ ease of access and convenience. These technologies are really transforming the online gaming industry from smartphone gaming and AI-based personalization to payment systems of no frills, cloud sites, and virtual reality experiences.

As technology continues to transform, more groundbreaking features will follow that will further indulge the player’s gaming experience. Online casinos will become more interactive, more accessible and more pleasurable than ever.

TUDIA MagSafe Compatible Card Holder Case Review

The TUDIA MagSafe Compatible Card Holder Case is designed for those who value both convenience and style. With its ultra-slim profile, it seamlessly integrates with your phone while keeping your essentials close at hand. Whether you’re heading to work, running errands, or traveling light, this wallet case ensures you always have your most important cards securely with you.

Crafted from tough, high-quality materials, it not only adds a sleek look to your device but also delivers reliable everyday functionality. Its minimalist design makes it a perfect match for any lifestyle, offering a balance of practicality and modern elegance that fits right into your daily routine.

This will work with or without a case on your device andif you are already a tudia fan like us you are in luck it fits fine and the magent is super strong compared to others I have test in the past. If you have 3 cards or less this coud be ideal for you rather than having a sperate wallet check the video below for more.

Features

● MagSafe Compatible – Strong magnetic alignment for secure attachment.
● Holds 3 Cards – Store ID, credit, or transit cards with ease.
● Slim & Pocket-Friendly – Ultra-slim design fits comfortably in pockets.
● Quick Access – Thumb cutout for fast card retrieval.
● Durable Build – Tough, lightweight PC for long-lasting use.
● Everyday Ready – Perfect for commuting, travel, or daily errands.

Other Tudia reviews

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Creating Clear Sightlines Around Your Home

Why Sightlines Matter More Than You Think

When most people think about their home’s exterior, they focus on curb appeal or landscaping details. But there’s a hidden value in creating clear sightlines—those unobstructed views that allow you to see across your yard, driveway, or entryway with ease. Good sightlines don’t just make your property look larger and more inviting, they also play an important role in safety. For example, residents researching home security systems Cleveland often discover that trimming back shrubs and opening up views of entrances can work hand in hand with technology to keep a home more secure. Sightlines are about peace of mind as much as they are about beauty.

Strategic Landscaping for Visibility

Landscaping is one of the easiest ways to either block or open up sightlines. While lush greenery can make a yard feel cozy, too much can create blind spots. Tall hedges or dense bushes near windows, doors, or walkways can prevent you from seeing who is approaching and also give intruders potential hiding spots. Replacing bulky plants with lower, trimmed shrubs or ornamental grasses maintains greenery while improving visibility. Thoughtful placement of flower beds and small trees can frame your yard without cutting off views.

Lighting That Extends Sightlines at Night

Clear sightlines aren’t just for the daytime. At night, the right lighting can make pathways, porches, and backyard spaces safer and more inviting. Instead of relying only on a single porch light, think about layered lighting—pathway lights, motion-activated spotlights, and subtle uplighting for trees or fences. These not only improve visibility but also add a warm and welcoming feel to your property. Lighting should highlight the openness you’ve created, rather than create glare or harsh shadows that block your view.

Fencing With Function and Openness

Fences often define the perimeter of a property, but they don’t have to close it off completely. Solid fences may provide privacy, yet they can also block your view of what’s happening just outside your yard. Alternatives like decorative iron fences, horizontal slat designs, or even hedges trimmed to a consistent height offer security while still allowing visibility. When choosing fencing, think about the balance between privacy and openness—how much you want to see out and how much you want others to see in.

Windows as Part of the Sightline Plan

Your home’s windows play a surprisingly big role in exterior sightlines. Large front windows or strategically placed side windows allow you to keep an eye on the street or yard from inside. Clean, uncluttered windows free of heavy drapes or overgrown plants outside extend your view and make your interior feel more connected to the outdoors. Even simple adjustments, like trimming trees that block a second-story window view, can greatly improve how you monitor your surroundings.

Creating Open Pathways

Cluttered walkways and driveways can disrupt both the flow and the sightlines around your home. Bikes, lawn equipment, or extra décor may feel harmless, but over time they can create small obstacles that make areas harder to see and navigate. Keeping these areas clear not only improves safety but also enhances the sense of openness. Adding straight or gently curving walkways with clear borders, like stone edging or low plants, can also naturally guide the eye and reinforce clean sightlines.

Blending Security With Aesthetics

One of the best parts about focusing on sightlines is that it brings together security and style. An open yard with trimmed landscaping, well-placed lighting, and uncluttered pathways is both visually appealing and safer. It’s the kind of design choice that looks intentional rather than overly defensive. When combined with other smart measures, like modern locks or surveillance cameras, clear sightlines ensure that your home feels welcoming to guests but discouraging to unwanted visitors.

Regular Maintenance Is Key

Creating sightlines isn’t a one-time project—it requires upkeep. Bushes grow back, trees spread their branches, and clutter can pile up quickly. A monthly check-in around your property to trim, clear, and adjust goes a long way. Seasonal changes also affect visibility, so it helps to rethink lighting and plant growth throughout the year. By treating maintenance as part of your regular routine, you keep your home both attractive and secure without letting problems sneak up on you.

A Holistic Approach to Home Design

At the end of the day, clear sightlines are about more than just cutting back shrubs or adding lights. They’re about seeing your property as a whole system where beauty, comfort, and safety intersect. A home with open views feels larger, looks more inviting, and allows you to keep an eye on what matters most. It’s a practical design choice that benefits your family’s peace of mind and enhances the value of your property.

Avoid being stranded in your car this winter

With batteries being the number one reason for breakdown recovery call outs, followed by tyres, a leading automotive supplier is advising drivers how they can solve these issues themselves and avoid a breakdown.

As the colder weather sets in and motorists face darker mornings, icy conditions and the Christmas getaway automotive supplier, Ring Automotive, is urging drivers to invest in tools that will help prevent them from having to call a recovery service.

Data analysed from some of the biggest names in the breakdown recovery industry, including the RAC, AA, Green Flag and Admiral, show that batteries are unanimously the number one reason for breakdown callouts* with the second most common reason being issues with tyres.

In winter, batteries are even more vulnerable, as cold temperatures reduce their performance and cars are often left standing for longer in freezing conditions. A flat battery usually just needs a jump start, so the best thing for a driver to keep in their vehicle is a portable jump starter. This means no need to rely on another vehicle and the driver can rescue themselves in a matter of minutes.

ULTRABOOST 1500 (RJS030) is Ring Automotive’s most advanced jump starter and is capable of jump starting vehicles with up to 6L petrol and 3L diesel engines, which means it’s suitable for most 12V cars, vans, SUVs and LCVs. Included in the jump starter is the ULTRABOOST button, which when pressed delivers enough power to start completely flat batteries.

Another common reason for calling a breakdown service is for a flat or severely underinflated tyre. In autumn and winter the roads become more treacherous with the rain, ice and possible snow, meaning it is more important than ever to optimise grip on the road. While there are many who still go to a fuel forecourt to top up the air in their tyres, savvy drivers are now keeping a tyre inflator in their cars to avoid these problems.

The ULTRAINFLATE 30 is designed for speed and ease of use. It is capable of inflating a tyre from flat in just two minutes**. It has a longer wind up cable at 3.5m and a 70cm long hose with a large brass connector for a secure fit. It has auto stop technology, as well as a large digital display screen.

Marketing Director for Ring, Henry Bisson, said: “We have seen many reasons for people calling a recovery company, but for something like a flat battery or tyre, drivers can solve these issues themselves. We’ve created products that are easy to use and can be used multiple times, so even in a stressful situation, drivers can get back on the road in a timely manner. We encourage everyone to keep a jump starter and tyre inflator in their boot, they’re compact enough that they won’t take up much room and can get you back on the road much quicker than waiting potentially hours for a recovery service.”

How Startups Can Manage Utility Expenses with Digital Bill Tools?

Any startup needs to figure out ways to lower expenses, and that can be very difficult. But if you know how to manage all of that correctly, results can be excellent in the long run. The most important thing is to harness ways of handling expenses appropriately, and using digital bill tools can be a very good idea here. Tools like a utility bill generator can make a major difference, along with a plethora of other similar solutions. Here’s how startups can manage utility expenses.

The reasons why utility expense management is very important

As a business, you want to make sure that you have a good cash flow. Avoiding major expenses and knowing how to cut costs where possible, that will make the difference between a surviving startup and one that doesn’t survive. Generally, there are various reasons why you want to rely on utility expense management.

For example, it allows you to focus more on cash flow control, and it will bring in more cost efficiency towards your business. Not only that, but it also brings investor confidence, since you show that you’re delivering customers an exceptional return on investment. And on top of that, you can embrace green practices and provide better sustainability goals, overall. Doing that is always exciting, and it will surely deliver a more consistent outcome, without any hassle.

Challenges that startup face when it comes to bill management

Let’s face it, bill management is a difficult topic for most startups. It’s not easy to handle, and it can definitely bring in a lot of potential issues. But, if it’s done correctly, utility bill management can indeed make a huge difference. 

  • A common challenge is that you have multiple service providers, so having a digital billing tool will make it easier to handle all the providers effectively.
  • There are also manual tracking errors, which can be problematic. If you use paper records and spreadsheets, it’s rather easy to miss payment or have duplicate entries. Startups will find it much easier to handle this stuff with digital billing tools.
  • Late payments are a problem and if you have lean teams, you can end up with missing due dates. That brings penalties and wasted money, so it’s certainly a thing you want to avoid as much as possible.
  • Scaling complexity becomes an issue. If a startup grows, then you have to manage remote teams, multiple locations and other things, which could end up becoming a major issue in the long run. 
  • Also, tariffs and a lack of clarity will end up making changes hard to understand. Tools like a utility bill generator or digital tools like that can help make the process much easier to manage.

The main reasons why startups need digital bill tools

Every good startup knows that digitalization can help enhance growth. It can start with using a utility bill generator to create digital copies of utility bills. That makes it easier to track utility expenses, and it will also prevent situations where you are losing any of the bills. Then, you can go with digitalization for pretty much any other type of utility solution that you are looking for. 

Additionally, digital bill tools can help with centralized bill management, not to mention they can automate payment scheduling. Having more control over how you manage and handle bills is crucial, and it’s always going to make the process better and more consistent in the long term. 

Then, there are other things like having multi-location support when you start scaling your business. Having an integration with accounting systems is just as important, and it will help better streamline your business in the long term. All of these things matter quite a lot, and you will find them to convey better results every single time.

Special features you can get in digital bill tools

What’s very important to keep in mind with digital bill tools is the fact that you get plenty of customizability. For example, you have automated invoice capture, along with customizable dashboards. You also have usage analytics, multi-channel bill delivery, secure cloud storage, budget alerts or team collaboration. 

Of course, it always depends on the digital tools that you use for billing. Features might vary, but having so many different options does help, and it proves you have an excellent result, along with a really good ROI, which does enhance things more than you might expect.

We should also keep in mind the fact that normally, these digital bill tools need pricing adjustments for startups. Many of them are freemium, where you have access to basic features for free, and then you have to pay for them. After that, you have subscription-based systems, where you have an annual or monthly fee that you need to pay.

Of course, there’s also the option to pay per invoice, depending on the tool. It’s not a bad idea, but having a subscription is usually better, especially in the long term. Or, in some cases, you will find tiered packages. Those also tend to be a good idea, mainly because they bring you more consistency, ease of use and better value, overall. You just pay for the tier that you are the most comfortable with, and that’s extremely useful!

 When should you start using digital billing tools as a startup?

Digitalization should happen in the beginning, for a lot of reasons. One of them is that it allows you to save money, and as a startup, that’s crucial. You also want to have scalability and transparency, which this type of system will always provide. Additionally, you have access to a more eco-friendly billing approach, which does help more than expected.

And then, there’s also the fact that you can have improvements in regards to financial planning. Of course, there is a learning curve, you rely on the internet and costs will vary based on the type of tools you want to use. However, for the most part, you get consistency, and you’re empowered by the client’s trust. That alone is a game changing approach for your business.

Tips to help you adopt digital billing tools

  • Perform an audit for the current process and then identify any type of efficiency problems that you have with bill management
  • Always make sure that you set goals like cost reduction, better transparency, time savings and so on
  • Additionally, you want to select the right digital billing platform that fits your requirements
  • Training your teams about how they can use the new platform will help a lot, since it prevents any errors that might arise
  • On top of that, you want to automate payments, so it’s easier for clients to perform any payments without a hassle
  • Track the analytics and review everything, if there are issues it will be easier to solve those problems

All in all, it’s clear that startups should always go the digital route, whenever they can. It’s not a walk in the park, but once you start implementing those solutions, things will be much easier to tackle. That’s because digitalization streamlines processes, it speeds things up, and it will bring you a more consistent result. That being said, you still need to experiment with processes, track analytics, and then use those learnings to improve!

Online Games and Casino Platforms Are Getting More Secure

Among the many changes happening in the tech world, slow and steady improvements in security may be some of the least noted ones. While everyone cares about security in theory, the significant results of new security measures are usually not as visibly impressive as those of many other technological innovations. We just don’t (and can’t) see all the cyberattacks that didn’t happen thanks to secured technology.

But noting how cybersecurity is developing every once in a while is worthwhile for anyone who cares about the online world. Today, we’re taking a look at the important steps forward that the online casino industry has taken in regards to player safety.

Licenses Give Players a Basis to Judge By

When we’re talking about the security of online casinos, it would be fair to say that casino licensing systems have done the most to guarantee players a safe experience.

Many countries have their own authorities, gambling commissions, that provide licenses to online casinos that can prove themselves to be serious companies with a focus on player experience. Casinos can prove to players that they’re trustworthy, and players have an easy way of identifying secure casinos through their license. An easy way to find secure UK licensed online casinos is to use the review site Hityah.

Among the most popular and reputable licenses are the MGA license, the Curaçao license, and the UKGC license.

New, Safe Payment Methods Have Been Introduced

Online payment methods have come far in the 30-something years they’ve existed. Today, we have hundreds of different ways to pay online.

Many secure options are available at casinos. Today, you can usually choose between paying with a card, electronic banking, e-wallets, and prepaid coupon-based cards. Online platforms also employ a trusted payment gateway, meaning that they don’t ever touch your sensitive information – only the trusted third party does.

There are also plenty of crypto-friendly platforms for those who prefer not to share their payment information at all when making a deposit. On top of being secure, there are other benefits to crypto platforms. Robbie Purves from esports.net lists fast banking, anonymity, access anywhere, and high limits to deposits and withdrawals as some of the most notable benefits.

Information Is More Carefully Encrypted and Secured

The World Wide Web has come a long way when it comes to security. These days, high-level encryption during information transfers is the standard. Almost all websites are now relatively secure and protected against malicious third-party hackers.

Through encrypting information while it’s being sent from one server to another, data leaks become less common. Even if someone does get their hands on the data, they have to figure out how to decrypt it for it to be useful – a task that can prove difficult and resource-consuming without the right key.

For the most part, this isn’t even something websites like online casinos actively have to employ. As the net is getting more secure, protocols like HTTPS are simply the standard that all websites end up utilizing. 

Online Security and the Future

Cybersecurity is an incredibly important field, with a demand set to keep increasing. As more and more devices, tools, and people are connected to the net, it becomes more and more important that no one has unauthorized access.

New tools are being developed all the time. As devices get more sophisticated tools, cybercriminals figure out more sophisticated ways of hacking these tools. That’s why the continued development of higher and higher security and more is always going to matter – cybersecurity is a never-ending cat-and-mouse game.

But what’s important to note is that the user is often the weak link in the security system – it is often users who unknowingly give hackers the access they need.

“There’s plenty you can do to protect your own devices, data, and privacy,” writes Neil J. Rubenking from PC Mag.

“Making your devices, online identity, and activities more secure doesn’t take much effort. Several of the following tips boil down to little more than common sense, yet they’ll help keep you safer online.”

He outlines 12 simple things users can do to be proactive in their online security.

While the continued improvement of security at online casinos is crucial, player awareness could be the most important tool for protecting player data and access, and must not be forgotten in the shadow of more exciting technology.

HP Report Unveils Critical Gaps in Printer Platform Security

HP Wolf Security has released a new report – Securing the Print Estate: A Proactive Lifecycle Approach to Cyber Resilience – highlighting the challenges of securing printer hardware and firmware (platform security), and the implications of these failures across every stage of the printer’s lifecycle. Based on a global study of 800+ IT and security decision-makers (ITSDMs), the findings show that platform security is being overlooked, leaving concerning security gaps.

Exploring four lifecycle stages, the report reveals that during the Ongoing Management stage, just 28% of UK ITSDMs apply firmware updates promptly. This is despite IT teams spending 4 hours per printer per month managing hardware and firmware security issues. Failure to promptly apply firmware updates to printers unnecessarily exposes organisations to threats that could lead to damaging impacts, such as cybercriminals exfiltrating critical data or hijacking devices.

Further security gaps revealed across the other stages of the printer’s lifecycle include:

Supplier Selection & Onboarding stage: 

  • Lack of procurement collaboration: Only 34% of UK ITSDMs say procurement, IT, and security collaborate to define printer security standards – with 63% warning that this lack of collaboration puts their organisation at risk.
  • RFPs going unchecked: 47% of UK ITSDMs fail to involve IT/security teams in vendor presentations; 57% fail to request technical documentation to validate security claims; and 58% fail to submit vendor responses to security teams for review.
  • Inability to verify the printer’s integrity: Once the printer arrives 51% of ITSDMs cannot confirm if the printer has been tampered with in the factory or in transit.

Remediation stage:

  • Inability to detect and remediate threats:  Many organisations are struggling to keep on top of patching devices. Only 31% of UK ITSDMs globally are able to identify vulnerable printers based on newly published hardware or firmware vulnerabilities, not to mention zero-day threats that are unknown to the vendor or the public.  Only 35% can track unauthorised hardware changes made by users or support teams, and only 30% of ITSDMs can detect security events linked to hardware-level attacks.
  • Not just cyber – print risks are physical too: 66% of UK ITSDMs are increasingly worried about offline threats, such as employees printing and mishandling sensitive company information.

Decommissioning and Second Life stage

  • End of life risk: 88% of UK ITSDMs say data security is a barrier to printer reuse, resale or recycling – a big problem, given that on average ITSDMs report having approximately 103 printers that are redundant or are in the process of being decommissioned within their organisations.
  • Lack of confidence: ITSDMs lack confidence in current sanitisation solutions, with 37% saying they are uncertain whether printers can be fully and safely wiped. Meanwhile, more than 1-in-4 (28%) believe it’s necessary to physically destroy printer storage drives, and nearly 1-in-10 (9%) insist on destroying both the device and its storage drives to ensure data security.

“Printers are no longer just harmless office fixtures – they’re smart, connected devices storing sensitive data,” warns Steve Inch, Global Senior Print Security Strategist at HP Inc. “With multi-year refresh cycles, unsecured printers create long-term vulnerabilities. If compromised, attackers can harvest confidential information for extortion or sale. The wrong choice can leave organisations blind to firmware attacks, tampering or intrusions, effectively laying out the welcome mat for attackers to access the wider network.”

The report offers recommendations on how to address these security challenges across the printer’s lifecycle, including:

  • Ensure IT, security and procurement teams collaborate effectively to define security and resilience requirements for new printers.
  • Require and leverage manufacturer provider security certificates for products and / or for supply chain processes.
  • Apply firmware updates promptly to minimise exposure to security threats.
  • Leverage security tools to streamline printer policy-based configuration compliance.
  • Deploy printers that can continuously monitor for zero-day threats and malware with the ability to prevent, detect, isolate and recover from low-level attacks.
  • Select printers with built-in secure erasure of hardware, firmware and stored device data to enable safe second life and recycling.

“By considering security at each stage of a printer’s lifecycle, organisations will not only improve the security and resilience of their endpoint infrastructure, but also benefit from better reliability, performance, and cost-efficiency over the lifetime of their fleets,” comments Boris Balacheff, Chief Technologist for Security Research and Innovation at HP Inc.

For further insights and recommendations, download the full report “Securing the Print Estate: A Proactive Lifecycle Approach to Cyber Resilience” here.

emporia launches 7 Series the Smart7.Lite, Smart7.Mini and Smart.ME7

European smartphone innovator, emporia has launched its 7 Series – affordable, accessible smartphones engineered to last.  The three new models are designed to offer years of simple, secure usability in a pocket-friendly format. Prices start at just £200.

Each new 7 Series model – the Smart7.Lite, Smart7.Mini and Smart.ME7 – comes with a user-replaceable battery with a standby time of almost 10 days. The battery has been tested for at least 1,000 charging cycles and the charging capacity can be limited to 80 per cent to ensure longevity.

In addition, spare parts for the 7 Series are guaranteed to be available for at least seven years, plus there is a guaranteed five-generation Android upgrade path. The three models will ship with Android 15, with an update to the newly announced Android 16 due in early 2026.

“Our customers are not mobile phone hoppers who buy a new smartphone every year or two, which is why we have designed the new 7 series with durability in mind”, explains emporia marketing director, Karin Schaumberger.

Security in mind

Thanks to NFC and a fingerprint sensor, users don’t have to worry when banking online or logging into digital government services. emporia also prioritizes the implementation of Android security patches; 7 Series smartphones will be automatically updated to the latest security level.

“Security is a key selling point for our customers, and there can be no compromises in this regard,” explains Karin Schaumberger.

With personal security in mind, 7 Series smartphones feature emporia’s signature ‘No Panic’ button – an external, directly accessible button so you can more easily call for help in an emergency. The button can alternatively be configured as a shortcut to a favourite function – for example, offering instant access to the Google Gemini voice assistant.

Enhanced usability

The new 7 Series can be used in standard Android mode or with the streamlined emporia interface, which makes it easier to find and use core functionality including calls, emails and favourite apps. The emporia Info Centre collates all notifications from multiple sources – from emails and WhatsApp messages to calendar or voicemail alerts – so you can catch up with a single glance.

Also on board is the new Flash Notification option, which means you’ll never miss a call or message again when your phone is on silent. Incoming calls and messages are signalled by both the screen and backlight flashing.

To help simplify things further still, the free emporiaCOACH app helps digital newcomers and switchers to quickly familiarise themselves with their smartphone.

Compact format

The 7 Series comes in a pocket-friendly 5.45in format; there will be no 6.6in option as in previous ranges.  Each model features a triple-lens camera plus selfie camera.

“The demand for more manageable smartphones remains strong, and the feedback from our customers is clear,” explains Karin Schaumberger.

Model differences – all about the extras

All new 7 Series models include the core functionality detailed above. The difference come in the extras supplied with each model.

Smart7.Lite  – £250/€250 The bestseller comes as standard with emporia’s patented Smartcover, which allows key functions to be used even while closed. It offers slimline protection for both screen and casing. It also comes with a handy docking cradle, which cuts cable-clutter when charging but also provides a nicely angled hands-free calling hub.

Smart7.Mini  – £200/€200 Comes with the docking cradle as standard, but not the Smartcover.

Smart.ME7 – £200/€200 Supports full Android mainstream; no extras supplied as standard.

Availability

The emporia 7 Series will be available to buy this month, from stockists including Amazon.

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