Fintech PR
Automated compliance audits: Syncron increases efficiency and meets the highest security standards
SoC1, SoC2 and ISO certificates prove the reliable security of financial and IT processes – accelerated by innovative automation
MUNICH, Dec. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Syncron, one of the leading manufacturers of intelligent service lifecycle management (SLM), has successfully automated its audit process. The new solution enables Syncron to handle compliance audits much faster, more efficiently, and, therefore, more cost-effectively. Syncron is not only improving its compliance processes but also increasing customer satisfaction. This is because around 68% of Syncron customers require proof of security through successful certifications.
“Trust Center” and FedRAMP compliance – exciting prospects for the future
Syncron is committed to further optimizing its automated audit processes to enhance transparency regarding customers’ overall compliance status. Starting in 2025, a centralized Trust Center will provide comprehensive access to all relevant compliance audit information. To support this goal, Syncron has already conducted a preliminary analysis of FedRAMP (Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program) compliance. FedRAMP establishes a standardized framework for the security assessment, authorization, and continuous monitoring of cloud products and services.
Current audits for SoC1, SoC2 and TISAX
Syncron regularly certifies its products and operational processes according to industry-relevant standards, demonstrating its commitment to delivering sophisticated products and services without compromising security. The company holds up-to-date certifications, including SoC, ISO, Skyhigh, and G-Cloud. For the latest SoC and ISO audits, Syncron introduced the new automated approach with outstanding results: all products are now covered by SOC1, with zero major findings, minor findings, or opportunities for improvement (OFIs) in both SOC reports. The company also achieved full recertification under the newest version of ISO 27001:2022 and received attestation against ISO 27017, confirming its application of ISO 27001 standards in the cloud. Not only were there no complaints from the auditors, but service fees for ISO, SOC1, and SOC2 certifications were reduced by almost half compared to 2023, while efficiency increased threefold. Syncron was able to complete all three audits in just two weeks – instead of the three months previously required.
The company owes these results to its new approach to managing complex compliance evidence: Working with a leading audit provider made it possible to centralize and standardize audits that were previously regionally dispersed and fragmented. By centralizing operations, Syncron was able to significantly reduce delays and inefficiencies, meeting customer requirements faster and more effectively.
In the future, Syncron plans to utilize the system also for TISAX certification, which is becoming increasingly important for the German automotive industry. The Trusted Information Security Assessment Exchange (TISAX) evaluates information security, privacy, and data protection, introducing a range of new controls to build trust with key leaders in the automotive sector. A concurrently performed TISAX self-assessment already delivered very promising results.
The key to success: setting up a central control library
A key factor in this success was the creation of a central control library in which requirements from different regulations are linked together, thus avoiding duplicate processing. One component of this is a system that can answer questions automatically, replacing manual, time-consuming processing typically handled by employees. This allows audits to be carried out much more efficiently and accurately.
“Proof of security in the form of certifications is essential for our customers, as they entrust us with their valuable company data,” said Alex Korotkov, Chief Information Security Officer, Syncron. “With our new approach, we will be able to handle audits even more efficiently in the future. Through establishing a single source of truth and technological innovation, Syncron can exceed customer expectations, build trust, and take compliance processes to a new level of efficiency.”
About Syncron
Syncron helps manufacturers and dealers capitalize on the new service economy by optimizing aftermarket profitability, increasing customer loyalty, and enabling the transition to servitization. Syncron aligns all aftermarket services to its Service Lifecycle Management (SLM) cloud platform, helping organizations differentiate themselves by delivering exceptional aftermarket experiences while driving significant revenue growth. The world’s leading brands trust Syncron, making the company the largest private global market leader in intelligent SaaS solutions for service lifecycle management. More information here: syncron.com.
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View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/automated-compliance-audits-syncron-increases-efficiency-and-meets-the-highest-security-standards-302327671.html
Fintech PR
President Emmerson Mnangagwa met this week with Zambia’s former Vice President and Special Envoy Enoch Kavindele to discuss SADC’s candidate for the AfDB
President Mnangagwa, who is SADC Chairperson, reaffirmed his own country’s and SADC’s enthusiastic support for Zambian candidate Sam Maimbo
LUSAKA, Zambia, Dec. 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Special Envoy Kavindele released the following statement following the meeting:
“I am elated to witness the growing success and momentum of Sam Maimbo’s candidacy to become the next President of the African Development Bank. I am filled with gratitude to our friends across both SADC and COMESA for their continued support and good wishes.
Sam has garnered such wide consensus due to his being uniquely qualified to deliver the transformative change and empowerment our continent needs. Sam’s 30 years in development work is defined by driving outcomes, improving processes, and investing in people. The AfDB needs a hands-on leader who is laser focused on delivering results and who is unafraid of making tough decisions in order to best serve our continent. Sam is that leader. Sam has the track record and experience to drastically enhance the pace, scale, and impact of the Bank’s work in service of the people and governments of Africa.
Our region has a proud history of supporting fellow Southern Africans. For example, we all recall Lusaka’s role in hosting the African National Congress’ headquarters during the dark days of Apartheid oppression.
It therefore gives me no pleasure to observe my South African brothers, who have themselves leant on Zambia’s steadfast friendship over many decades, fail to rally behind both SADC and COMESA’s chosen candidate for the AfDB. Africa’s urgent economic development challenges demand transformational leadership at the AfDB, it is all of our responsibility to put forward the best candidate for the job. This is not the time or place for a government to act with narrow self-interest, we all must act in the continent’s and AfDB’s best interest.
I thank Sam Maimbo for his lifelong service to our entire continent, and I am eager to witness his enormous impact as President of the AfDB.”
LONDON, Dec. 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Heimdal Security shares a practical holiday cybersecurity checklist, offering expert insights to help businesses safeguard against cyber threats this festive season.
With reduced staffing, remote work setups, and a surge in online shopping creating heightened vulnerabilities, this guide offers actionable tips to enhance business security.
Going beyond basic advice, the checklist also highlights the most common holiday scams and features videos showcasing real-life examples of Christmas-themed cyber scams and effective prevention strategies.
Key Tips to Protect Businesses This Holiday Season:
- Strengthen endpoints: Ensure devices are updated with antivirus and endpoint protection software; consider Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) and application whitelisting.
- Prepare for phishing spikes: Train staff to identify suspicious emails, enforce robust email filters, and establish protocols for reporting unusual activity.
- Secure remote access: Mandate VPN usage, monitor unusual logins, and deactivate inactive accounts temporarily.
- Segment and shield networks: Isolate sensitive areas, deploy DNS security and advanced firewalls, and maintain full visibility over network traffic.
- Apply timely patches: Regularly update all systems and test patches in a controlled environment to minimize disruptions.
- Mitigate supply chain risks: Assess vendors thoroughly and limit their access to essential systems.
- Have a response plan ready: Tailor incident protocols for the holidays, create an on-call rotation for the IT team, and enable rapid action against suspicious activity.
“ Cybercriminals thrive on holiday distractions, but with proactive measures like phishing training, secure endpoints, and network segmentation, businesses can stay ahead of potential threats,” said Alex Panait, System Administrator at Heimdal Security.
Common Holiday Scams That Businesses Should Watch For:
Cybercriminals often tailor their tactics to exploit the festive season. The most common scams include:
- Spear phishing: Emails disguised as holiday bonuses or event invitations that steal credentials or spread malware.
- Malicious holiday E-Cards: Festive greetings that contain links deploying ransomware or spyware.
- Fake E-Commerce sites: Fraudulent websites offering discounts to steal payment information.
- Insider threats: Distracted or disgruntled employees mishandling or exploiting sensitive data.
- Corporate travel scams: Fake booking platforms targeting business travelers.
- Business email compromise (BEC): Fraudulent requests for urgent wire transfers during year-end financial rushes.
For more, read the full article here or watch the video on YouTube to see how these threats unfold and learn actionable prevention strategies.
About Heimdal:
Established in Copenhagen in 2014, Heimdal® empowers CISOs, security teams, and IT administrators to improve their security operations, reduce alert fatigue, and implement proactive measures through a unified command and control platform.
Heimdal’s award-winning cybersecurity solutions span the entire IT estate, addressing challenges from endpoint to network levels, including vulnerability management, privileged access, Zero Trust implementation, and ransomware prevention.
For further press information:
Madalina Popovici
Media Relations Manager
[email protected]
View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/stay-cyber-safe-this-holiday-season-heimdals-checklist-for-business-security-302337465.html
Fintech PR
According to Tickmill survey, 3 in 10 Britons in economic difficulty: Purchasing power down 41% since 2004
The people who have the most problems are women (30%) and are between 35 and 49 years old (39%)
ROME, Dec. 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — The purchasing power in the UK has dropped by 41% over the last 20 years. Today, £100,000 left in a bank account since 2004 without being invested would now be worth £59,021.
This figure is one of the findings from a study conducted by Tickmill, an international online trading broker that compared the economic situation in the UK and the European Union through the infographic “Purchasing Power and Cost of Living: UK vs EU”.
The analysis reveals a slight decline of 0.4% in the UK’s purchasing power, which currently stands at £41,573. In contrast, the European Union has seen a modest rise of 0.1%, reaching £40,874.
Why is purchasing power declining in the UK? One key factor is the cost of living. If the UK were still part of the European Union, it would rank as the fifth most expensive country, behind Ireland, Luxembourg, Denmark, and the Netherlands.
Unsurprisingly, 3 in 10 Britons are struggling with the cost of living. Women (3 in 10, compared to 25% of men), those aged between 35 and 49 (4 in 10), households earning less than £15,000 (6 in 10), and single parents (1 in 2) are among the most affected groups.
Among UK nations, Northern Ireland is the hardest hit, with 34% of its population facing financial difficulties, followed by Wales (31%), England (28%), and Scotland (22%). In England, the North East has the highest percentage of people struggling, with 4 in 10 residents affected. Even in London, the high costs impact 1 in 4 adults.
In response to these challenges, Britons are making significant adjustments:
- 53% have cut back or delayed spending on smaller items like eating out, entertainment, subscriptions, clothing, toys, books, etc.;
- 52% have reduced household energy consumption;
- 48% have decreased their grocery spending;
- 41% have scaled back or postponed major expenditures, such as holidays, cars, and weddings;
- 26% are working longer hours, taking on overtime, or pursuing additional jobs to earn extra income.
The British also made changes on the financial side. One in four adults has been forced to dip into their savings or investments to cover daily expenses. Moreover, 44% have stopped saving or investing entirely or have reduced their savings and investments—a 4% increase compared to 2023.
The lack of investment is another critical factor contributing to the decline in purchasing power. It is estimated that 13 million UK residents hold £430 billion in cash deposits but do not invest. The reasons? Seventy-four percent say they cannot compare investment products effectively, and 43% are afraid of losing their money.
A lack of knowledge and fear are preventing many savers from taking advantage of an important opportunity: preserving or increasing their purchasing power in the long term.
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President Emmerson Mnangagwa met this week with Zambia’s former Vice President and Special Envoy Enoch Kavindele to discuss SADC’s candidate for the AfDB