Connect with us
MARE BALTICUM Gaming & TECH Summit 2024

Latest News

Addressing the Environmental Impact of Consumerism and Banking Technology: Plastic and Dollars

Published

on

 

As Earth Day 2024 unfolds, the digital sphere is already buzzing with early morning posts on LinkedIn commemorating the occasion.

This year’s Earth Day theme, “planet vs plastics,” championed by Earthday.org, calls for a 60% reduction in plastic production by 2040 and heightened awareness of the health risks associated with plastic consumption.

Growing up in the pristine environment of Fiji, I witnessed the untouched beauty of nature firsthand. However, over the past four decades, the proliferation of plastic pollution has tarnished many once-pristine landscapes, including the surrounding islands’ magnificent reefs.

The environmental impact of plastic extends far beyond aesthetics, posing threats through entanglement, ingestion, and chemical pollution. Harmful chemicals present in plastics can leach into water sources, affecting marine life and entering the human food chain.

So how did we find ourselves in a situation where plastic threatens to outnumber fish in one generation?

The history of plastic dates back to the 19th century, with the invention of semi-synthetic and fully synthetic plastics. While plastic has undoubtedly revolutionized modern society, its widespread usage has led to environmental devastation, necessitating urgent action.

Plastic’s integral role in modern life cannot be overstated. However, its ubiquity has also fueled consumerism, resulting in widespread plastic pollution.

While recycling efforts offer some respite, the reality is stark: only a fraction of plastics produced are recyclable, with the majority ending up in landfills or polluting natural habitats.

According to Tony Worby, chief scientist for the Minderoo Foundation, projections indicate that plastic waste is on track to almost triple by 2060, underscoring the urgency of the issue.

The parallels between the plastics industry and the world of finance are striking. Both have spurred significant societal changes, enabling consumerism and global trade. However, like plastics, banking technology has the potential to pollute, with massive energy and water consumption.

As technology becomes increasingly embedded and intelligent, the need to minimize environmental impact becomes paramount. Now is the time for the banking technology sector to prioritize sustainability and environmental stewardship.

Eric Zie’s decarbonization framework offers a roadmap for businesses to reduce energy and water consumption and lower their carbon footprint.

Banking technology has the potential to make a significant difference in combating environmental degradation. It is imperative that the industry embraces a more planet-friendly approach, ensuring that banking technology follows a path that is kinder to the planet than plastic.

Source: fintechfutures.com

The post Addressing the Environmental Impact of Consumerism and Banking Technology: Plastic and Dollars appeared first on HIPTHER Alerts.

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Latest News

M&A Frenzy in Cybersecurity Industry Poised to Become $2 Trillion Market

Published

on

USA News Group Commentary

Issued on behalf of Integrated Cyber Solutions Inc.

VANCOUVER, BC, May 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — The necessity of cybersecurity measures continues to grow rapidly, with the costs of cybercrime soaring to an alarming $8 trillion. According to a report from McKinsey and Company, the global cybersecurity market is projected to explode tenfold to between $1.5-2 trillion in the next few years. In response, several major M&A deals are stirring in the sector, including Rockwell Automation, Inc. (NYSE:ROK) acquiring Verve Industrial Protection, Honeywell International Inc. (NASDAQ:HON) acquiring SCADAfence, and AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) forming a joint venture with WillJam Ventures. As the sector continues to grow, the market is affixed on the developments of over up-and-coming cybersecurity firms that could be prime targets, including Integrated Cyber Solutions Inc. (CSE:ICS) and OneSpan Inc. (NASDAQ:OSPN).

Standing out from the emerging crowd is Integrated Cyber Solutions Inc. (CSE:ICS) with its robust product offerings and strategic strengths. Central to their suite is the IC360 Platform, a comprehensive cyber command center that integrates various cybersecurity solutions into one cohesive system, leveraging advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) for rapid threat detection and response.

Since going public earlier this year, Integrated Cyber has exceled in offering a full spectrum of services, including Managed Detection and Response (MDR), proactive Vulnerability Management, and comprehensive Cyber Training & Awareness programs. These offerings are designed to cater to the unique needs of small-to-medium businesses and enterprises, providing them with sophisticated yet user-friendly cybersecurity solutions. Their approach not only focuses on protecting digital assets but also emphasizes the importance of proactive defense and employee education, positioning them as a versatile and forward-thinking player in the cybersecurity market.

Recently, their progress has included the introduction of new solutions catering to Small-to-Medium-Business (SMB) and Small-to-Medium Enterprise (SME) sectors and the significant customer renewal and expansion of services with a longstanding client in the power, renewables, and broader energy value chain sector.

Integrated Cyber’s role in protecting against attacks on the energy sector is timely, as these costly events have become more commonplace. A recent example was the cyberattack earlier in 2023 on Suncor Energy, which experts pegged to carry a hefty price tag of millions of dollars to resolve.

Embedded within the announcement of their latest customer renewal, Integrated Cyber stated it had initially begun their relationship through their “land and expand” business model.

“While the cybersecurity companies targeting SMBs and SMEs are nascent, they already represent billions in revenue,” said Alan Guibord, CEO of Integrated Cyber Solutions. “With hundreds of thousands of targeted businesses in just the U.S. and Canada, this market yearns for premium services—akin to those enjoyed by large corporations—but at cost-effective prices.”

Throughout the course of the relationship, Integrated Cyber has delivered its client Managed Detection and Response (MDR) services. Over the years since establishing the relationship, ICS has successfully improved the client’s security profile across multiple locations, while delivering value and growth alongside their clients. In particular, the MDR process is part of a greater Managed Cyber Security Awareness and Training platform, utilizing the Proofpoint platform, which private equity firm Thoma Bravo acquired for $12.3 billion in 2021.

In another case of an up-and-coming player in the cybersecurity field, OneSpan Inc. (NASDAQ:OSPN) has launched its own passwordless, phishing-resistant authentication platform to secure the workforce, further helping to protect companies from employee error. The latest in OneSpans Digipass Authenticators product line, the new DIGIPASS FX1 BIO offering empowers organizations to embrace passwordless authentication while providing the utmost security against social engineering and account takeover attacks.

“In the Web3 era, we firmly believe that a one-size-fits-all approach to security is insufficient,” said Matthew Moynahan, president & CEO at OneSpan. ” In a world where security needs to take precedence, DIGIPASS FX1 BIO presents a solution to the challenges faced by modern enterprises, providing a secure and user-friendly environment for an organization’s workforce.”

According to the launch announcement, DIGIPASS FX1 BIO provides a cost-efficient, adaptable, and future-proof solution that overcomes traditional multi-factor authentication (MFA) limitations. With DIGIPASS FX1 BIO, organizations can safeguard employees, partners, and corporate resources while enabling a flexible ‘work from anywhere, anytime, on any device’ policy without compromising security.

Following up on its announced expanded use of SaaS-powered industrial cybersecurity platform Claroty xDome to its global services portfolio, Rockwell Automation, Inc. (NYSE:ROK) recently acquired Verve Industrial Protection—which focuses on the growing threat of cyber attacks on operational technology (OT) and industrial control systems (ICSs).

“In today’s rapidly digitizing world, providing our clients with advanced, cloud-based OT security isn’t just a value-add; it’s a necessity,” said Matt Kennedy, Rockwell Automation‘s vice president, Global Capabilities and Innovation, Lifecycle Services. “Rockwell Automation combined with Claroty xDome enables industrial organizations to make even greater strides with their digital transformation while keeping operations secure.”

According to a joint research report, published with the Cyentia Institute, Rockwell Automation has revealed a significant increase in these types of attacks, with 60% resulting in operational disruption.

“Energy, critical manufacturing, water treatment and nuclear facilities are among the types of critical infrastructure industries under attack in the majority of reported incidents,” said Mark Cristiano, commercial director of Global Cybersecurity Services at Rockwell Automation. “Anticipating that stricter regulations and standards for reporting cybersecurity attacks will become commonplace, the market can expect to gain invaluable insights regarding the nature and severity of attacks and the defenses necessary to prevent them in the future.”

Setting its sights on the manufacturing sector’s deep vulnerabilities tied to the Internet of Things (IoT), Honeywell International Inc. (NASDAQ:HON) acquired Israel-based SCADAfence in the summer. The deal provided Honeywell with additional technology and expertise, and included an integrated platform meant for manufacturers, process industries and infrastructure providers.

SCADAfence is an ideal complement to Honeywell’s OT cybersecurity portfolio” said Michael Ruiz, GM of Honeywell Cybersecurity Services. “When combined with the Honeywell Forge Cybersecurity+ suite, it enables us to provide an end-to-end solution with applicability to asset, site and enterprise across key Honeywell sectors.”

Lastly, telecom giant AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) announced it is set to form a joint venture with WillJam Ventures to provide managed cybersecurity services to enterprises. As per the deal, AT&T will have an ownership stake and board representation in the new joint venture, which is still yet to be named.

“Working together we’ll be uniquely positioned to protect organizations globally and WillJam Ventures is excited to extend our relationship with AT&T as its preferred cybersecurity provider for business customers going forward,” said Bob McCullen, managing partner of WillJam Ventures.

While there will be some AT&T employees who move over to the JV, the full details of the entity have yet to be disclosed. AT&T expects the transaction to close in the first quarter of 2024.

Source: https://usanewsgroup.com/2023/11/21/using-ai-and-machine-learning-to-defend-the-world-against-rising-catastrophic-cyber-attacks/ 

DISCLAIMER: Nothing in this publication should be considered as personalized financial advice. We are not licensed under securities laws to address your particular financial situation. No communication by our employees to you should be deemed as personalized financial advice. Please consult a licensed financial advisor before making any investment decision. This is a paid advertisement and is neither an offer nor recommendation to buy or sell any security. We hold no investment licenses and are thus neither licensed nor qualified to provide investment advice. The content in this report or email is not provided to any individual with a view toward their individual circumstances. USA News Group is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Market IQ Media Group, Inc. (“MIQ”). MIQ has been paid a fee for Integrated Cyber Solutions Inc. advertising and digital media from the company directly. There may be 3rd parties who may have shares of Integrated Cyber Solutions Inc., and may liquidate their shares which could have a negative effect on the price of the stock. This compensation constitutes a conflict of interest as to our ability to remain objective in our communication regarding the profiled company. Because of this conflict, individuals are strongly encouraged to not use this publication as the basis for any investment decision. The owner/operator of MIQ own shares of Integrated Cyber Solutions Inc. which were purchased in the open market, and reserve the right to buy and sell, and will buy and sell shares Integrated Cyber Solutions Inc. at any time without any further notice. We also expect further compensation as an ongoing digital media effort to increase visibility for the company, no further notice will be given, but let this disclaimer serve as notice that all material disseminated by MIQ has been approved by the above mentioned company; this is a paid advertisement, we currently own shares of Integrated Cyber Solutions Inc. and will buy and sell shares of the company in the open market, or through private placements, and/or other investment vehicles.

While all information is believed to be reliable, it is not guaranteed by us to be accurate. Individuals should assume that all information contained in our newsletter is not trustworthy unless verified by their own independent research. Also, because events and circumstances frequently do not occur as expected, there will likely be differences between the any predictions and actual results. Always consult a licensed investment professional before making any investment decision. Be extremely careful, investing in securities carries a high degree of risk; you may likely lose some or all of the investment.

CONTACT:
USA NEWS GROUP
[email protected] 
(604) 265-2873

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/ma-frenzy-in-cybersecurity-industry-poised-to-become-2-trillion-market-302143424.html

Continue Reading

Latest News

IMG Saxony-Anhalt: A dynamic business location with energy

Published

on

Saxony-Anhalt has made a name for itself with high-profile settlements by international companies. But the expansion of existing locations can also be attributed to the location’s attractive general conditions. To promote innovations and further develop the economy, companies are primarily looking for well-trained specialists – at universities in the state, but also internationally. The Investment and Marketing Corporation Saxony-Anhalt mbH (IMG) provides an overview of some of the successful companies.

MAGDEBURG, Germany, May 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — An exciting interview provides an exclusive insight into the world of Intel, which is currently pushing ahead with the construction of its gigafactory in Magdeburg. You can find out directly from Bernd Holthaus, Head of Human Resources at Intel Germany, how the company is already building up its talent pool today and what special challenges there are, for example when it comes to skilled immigration from other countries.

Three young engineers founded the start-up Solar Materials in Magdeburg. It’s about a revolutionary process for recycling solar modules, with which they recover valuable materials such as silicon, silver and copper. Solar Materials recently received the prestigious Solar Startup Award 2024 for this groundbreaking recycling technology.

Magdeburg is not only a center for solar technology, but also a hotspot for the digital economy. Magdeburg Digital acts as a network for digital experts who want to exchange ideas, cooperate and advance the region. The heart and brain of Magdeburg’s digital economy thus offers a platform for innovation and collaboration beyond the region.

A Saxony-Anhalt company that stands for innovation is awab Umformtechnik und Präzisionsmaschinen GmbH in Oschersleben. The traditional company has specialized in the production of sheet metal parts with precisely fitting shapes and guarantees high profitability even for small to medium batch sizes. With this niche strategy, awab is writing an impressive success story.

Magdeburg and Oschersleben are not the only economic centers with potential. Thanks to the ICE train connection, Stendal and the Altmark also offer attractive conditions for start-ups and corporates. Interesting commercial space, affordable residential and business premises as well as low trade tax rates make the region an attractive business location with room for future visions.

A real lighthouse project in Saxony-Anhalt is the “Energy Region Staßfurt – H2 Region Salzlandkreis“. The goal of this project is to produce green hydrogen using electricity from a new wind farm. The region is relying on green energy from the region for the region.

But it’s not just the large projects and companies that make Saxony-Anhalt a dynamic business location. Individual success stories like those of Dr. Claus Gernert and dGW Gummiwerke AG in Tangermünde are contributing to the economic upswing. The chemist uses his knowledge of materials and clever sales management to position the company for the future.

Finally, we take a look across the borders to Eemshaven in the Netherlands. Here GETEC, a company that wrote the beginning of its success story in Saxony-Anhalt, is creating a showcase project for the energy transition. In Eemshaven, nature and industry combine to form a pragmatic coexistence that serves as a model for the energy transition.

Read about it in more detail in the new press kit  of IMG Saxony-Anhalt. Pictures you can find here.

CONTACT:
Sabine Kraus
Tel.: +49 391/568 9920
Email: sabine.kraus@ img-sachsen-anhalt.de

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2362832/IMG_Sachsen_Anhalt_Logo.jpg

Cision View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/img-saxony-anhalt-a-dynamic-business-location-with-energy-302140213.html

Continue Reading

Latest News

Finastra boosts its payments processing strategy with Fed certification for ISO 20022

Published

on

Finastra is among the first in the industry to complete testing and certification for multiple solutions, enabling and supporting compliance readiness for its financial institutions’ customers

LAKE MARY, Fla., May 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Finastra, a global provider of financial software applications and marketplaces, today announced it has completed testing and certification through the Federal Reserve for ISO 20022, becoming one of the first vendors in the industry to complete the process for multiple solutions. The certification, which enables and supports compliance to ISO 20022 messaging standards for Fedwire, applies to four of Finastra’s payment processing solutions, facilitating increased innovation for financial institutions across the United States.

By certifying Payments To Go, Global PAYplus, PAYplus USA, and PAYplus Connect, Finastra offers multiple solutions for financial institutions large and small to meet the standards for FedWire. To comply with ISO 20022 compliance standards, financial institutions must complete their own testing before the end of 2024, underscoring the importance of selecting a payment processor with the needed technology.

“Quickly and efficiently adopting the standards for ISO 20022 is simply a necessity, and it is important that we provide financial institutions with the tools they need to embrace these standards,” said Barry Rodrigues, EVP of Finastra’s Payments Business Unit. “With our many years of experience innovating in the payments space across the globe, our customers know they can rely on us to enable them meet the evolving regulatory and compliance requirements and unlock new opportunities to drive payments innovation and enhance business value for their customers.”

ISO 20022 is a universal financial industry messaging standard that can carry a considerable amount of information and is based on a common data dictionary that can support payment message flows between financial institutions, their clients, and domestic and international market infrastructures. Adoption of ISO 20022 will align the Fedwire Funds Service message format with a global standard that improves payment processing efficiency. Finastra’s ISO 20022-native payment solutions not only support compliance, but also enable financial institutions to boost payment processing automation, improve fraud risk management, operational efficiencies, and customer experience.

Erika Baumann, director, commercial banking and payments at Datos Insights, said, “Compliance with ISO 20022 messaging standards for Fedwire ensures efficiency, data quality, and alignment with global best practices in financial messaging, so it’s a must for software providers and financial institutions across the US. By aligning with this global standard, banks and credit unions are well-positioned to improve their payment processing and promote interoperability worldwide.”

To learn more about Finastra’s payments solutions, click here.

About Finastra
Finastra is a global provider of financial software applications and marketplaces, and launched the leading open platform for innovation, FusionFabric.cloud, in 2017. It serves institutions of all sizes, providing award-winning software solutions and services across Lending, Payments, Treasury & Capital Markets and Universal Banking (Retail, Digital and Commercial Banking) for banks to support direct banking relationships and grow through indirect channels, such as embedded finance and Banking as a Service. Its pioneering approach and commitment to open finance and collaboration is why it is trusted by over 8,000 institutions, including 45 of the world’s top 50 banks. For more information, visit finastra.com.  

 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/finastra
X: https://twitter.com/FinastraFS
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXMHbdfIgA6bzw_fsPN39bg

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1916021/4699652/FINASTRA_Logo.jpg

Cision View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/finastra-boosts-its-payments-processing-strategy-with-fed-certification-for-iso-20022-302143056.html

Continue Reading

Trending