Techbest – Top Tech Reviews In Australia
The best in Australian gadgets and technology
We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission which is paid directly to our Australia-based writers, editors, and support staff. Thank you for your support!
ASUS ROG Cetra True Wireless Gaming Earphones – Low-Latency, Hybrid Active Noise Cancelation, Bluetooth, Fast Charging, Up To 27 Hours Battery, IPX4 Water Resistance, Wireless Charging Case
We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission which is paid directly to our Australia-based writers, editors, and support staff. Thank you for your support!
HUAWEI FreeBuds SE White
We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission which is paid directly to our Australia-based writers, editors, and support staff. Thank you for your support!
The Victorian government has initiated a transformative path with the Victorian Transport Digital Engineering (VTDE) initiative. Defined as a collaborative project within the Victorian Transport portfolio, VTDE seeks to create a “highly interconnected system of digital engineering and asset information” by the year 2026.
At the Bentley Illuminate conference in Sydney, Ban Chee, the reality capture data manager for the VTDE program, emphasized the major advancements in utilizing survey data to enhance decision-making processes.
.jpeg&h=420&w=748&c=0&s=0)
The VTDE program is combining different kinds of survey data, such as 2D and 3D survey information, photo meshes, and LiDAR point clouds. Chee states that the main difficulty at present is merging this data from various origins into a single, user-friendly platform.
Bentley Systems’ iTwin platform plays a central role in this integration initiative, enabling efficient visualization and analysis of survey data. The platform is presently accessible via GIS or IBM Maximo systems utilized for transport asset information.
Chee highlighted that making this survey data easily accessible could greatly improve policy decisions and lead to more effective spending on transportation projects. By providing decision-makers and designers in the government with better information, the VTDE initiative seeks to create a setting where informed choices are standard practice.
“We must make sure that high-quality data is both gathered and shared,” stated Chee. “This strategy can avoid duplicate surveying activities and reduce expenses on government infrastructure initiatives.”
One of the main objectives of VTDE is to develop a data resource that retains its value regardless of shifts in government structures or priorities. This consistency is essential for long-term planning and budgeting for future transportation projects.
Chee conveyed confidence that the data resources created through VTDE would remain valuable despite changes in government administrations and departmental reorganizations, all encompassed by the term ‘machinery of government’.
The Victorian Transport Digital Engineering (VTDE) initiative represents an innovative project designed to establish a cohesive, user-focused repository of survey data. By leveraging Bentley Systems’ iTwin platform, the VTDE program aims to improve policy decisions and efficiency in transport projects, while maintaining long-term utility regardless of changes in government.
We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission which is paid directly to our Australia-based writers, editors, and support staff. Thank you for your support!
HUAWEI FreeBuds SE 2 Wireless Headphones, Blue, Bluetooth, Up to 40 Hours Battery Life, Lightweight and Comfortable, Balanced Sound, AU Version
We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission which is paid directly to our Australia-based writers, editors, and support staff. Thank you for your support!
Jabra Elite 8 Active Black
We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission which is paid directly to our Australia-based writers, editors, and support staff. Thank you for your support!
JBL Endurance Peak 3 TWS Sports Earbuds, Black
We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission which is paid directly to our Australia-based writers, editors, and support staff. Thank you for your support!
“`html
The New South Wales (NSW) Government’s bold $300 million Regional Digital Connectivity program (RDCP), designed to improve mobile network coverage, has significantly missed its targets. Initially set to enhance mobile connectivity over an area of 36,000 square kilometres by June 2023, the project successfully covered just 700 square kilometres, as revealed by a recent audit.
Introduced in 2019, the RDCP also encompasses the $100-million Gig State program aimed at enhancing internet connectivity in regional areas. Nevertheless, the initiative has encountered significant criticism for its mismanagement and underestimated cost forecasts. An audit by NSW revealed that the overall goals of the RDCP are still not clearly defined, and inconsistent business cases have further complicated the implementation of the program.
The RDCP aimed to offer grants to commercial telecommunications companies for mobile and internet initiatives. Nonetheless, every RDCP project missed its deadline. The audit office was unable to find any proof showing how the department tracked project advancement, resulting in considerable hold-ups. Certain projects were extended by more than a year past their intended completion dates.
The report indicated that inadequacies in project and risk management have led to delays in the program’s implementation. Although some delays were outside the government’s influence, others might have been better handled with proactive risk management tactics.
Auditors highlighted one particular project: the construction of a fiber network in the Wamboin, Bywong, and Sutton regions. Despite initial higher cost estimates, the Department of Regional NSW proceeded with a budget of $5 million. Ultimately, costs escalated to over $12 million, necessitating additional funding to finish the project.
“The auditor noted that the budget was inadequate, leading to a more complicated and lengthy process, and stressed that following earlier advice could have made operations more efficient.”
Following the audit results, the NSW government has established new objectives. They now plan to provide 12,279 square kilometers of additional mobile coverage by December 2024, with an expansion to 60,000 square kilometers by December 2028. These updated targets aim to address previous deficiencies and improve mobile connectivity throughout regional NSW.
The $300 million Regional Digital Connectivity program by the NSW Government has encountered considerable challenges in meeting its ambitious objectives. As of June 2023, merely 700 square kilometres have been covered out of the intended 36,000 square kilometres. The endeavor has suffered from ineffective management, fluctuating business cases, and notable cost overruns. New targets have been established for December 2024 and December 2028 to tackle these problems and enhance mobile connectivity in regional regions.
The primary objective was to enhance mobile coverage over an area of 36,000 square kilometres in New South Wales by June 2023.
By the specified deadline, only 700 square kilometers of mobile coverage had been attained.
The audit uncovered key issues such as inadequate management, inconsistent project business cases, major delays, and budget overruns.
The updated goals are set to achieve 12,279 square kilometres of new mobile coverage by December 2024 and increase this to 60,000 square kilometres by December 2028.
The installation of a fiber network in the Wamboin, Bywong, and Sutton areas faced substantial cost overruns, rising from an original budget of $5 million to more than $12 million.
Shortcomings in project and risk management resulted in considerable delays in finishing projects, with several being postponed by more than a year past their intended deadlines.
The Gig State project is a $100-million endeavor as part of the RDCP, focused on enhancing regional internet connectivity in New South Wales.
To learn more about this subject and other technology updates, check out TechBest.
We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission which is paid directly to our Australia-based writers, editors, and support staff. Thank you for your support!
CMF by Nothing Buds Wireless Earbuds with 42dB ANC, Transparency Mode, Ultra Bass Technology 2.0, Dirac HD Audio, IP54 Dust and Water Resistance and Dual Device Connection – Orange
We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission which is paid directly to our Australia-based writers, editors, and support staff. Thank you for your support!
German software firm TeamViewer disclosed a cyberattack earlier this week, blaming the breach on the Russian hacker group APT29, which is also referred to as “Cozy Bear” or Midnight Blizzard. This group is infamous for its connections to Russia’s foreign intelligence agency.
APT29 is an advanced cyber espionage organization thought by Western intelligence to be working on behalf of Russia’s foreign intelligence service. This group has been associated with numerous significant cyberattacks, such as the notorious SolarWinds breach.
In March, Alphabet’s Mandiant cyber unit discovered that APT29 was trying to trick significant German political figures with phishing emails. This event highlights the group’s ongoing attempts to penetrate high-value targets.
TeamViewer focuses on cloud-based technologies that facilitate remote computer access and control. They reported that hackers breached their corporate IT infrastructure, but did not reach the product environment or any customer information. This containment averted potentially disastrous outcomes for the company and its users.
This attack underscores the persistent danger presented by hacking groups backed by nation-states. Organizations globally need to continually improve their cybersecurity protocols to safeguard sensitive data and uphold the integrity of their operations.
The recent cyberattack on TeamViewer, executed by the Russian-linked hacker group APT29, highlights the ongoing and evolving threats within the digital realm. Although TeamViewer managed to control the breach, the event emphasizes the critical need for strong cybersecurity strategies for organizations worldwide.
We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission which is paid directly to our Australia-based writers, editors, and support staff. Thank you for your support!
The Australian Football League (AFL) has made considerable headway in protecting its digital identities and sensitive data. Partnering with Okta, the AFL has boosted both its security and operational effectiveness, serving as a model for other organizations in the digital realm.
Rob Pickering, the AFL’s CTO, and Phil Goldie, Okta ANZ’s Vice-President and Managing Director, shared insights into this transformative journey during a recent podcast. Pickering discussed the intricate security issues the AFL encountered prior to adopting Okta’s solutions.
“We encounter the same challenges as many organizations, with swiftly changing threats and numerous business applications that need securing,” remarked Pickering. As the AFL moved towards cloud-based applications and a more dispersed workplace, it became vital to understand who was accessing systems and when.
The transition to using Okta was driven by the need for a seamless employee experience alongside strong security measures. “Our staff need only one portal to log into,” Pickering elaborated. “This simplifies onboarding and ensures all applications are accessible with a single click, improving both security and user experience.”
A crucial AFL initiative is creating a single digital identity for its 11 million fans, aimed at enhancing fan interactions with the AFL’s digital resources.
“We aim for all fans to have a seamless experience when interacting with AFL’s digital assets,” Pickering emphasized. By merging multiple digital identities into a single AFL ID, the organization can provide personalized experiences and gain valuable insights into fan preferences.
“Friction hinders adoption,” added Goldie from Okta. “When implementing additional security layers, it’s essential to maintain a smooth user experience. Cloud-based identity platforms like Okta effectively balance security and usability.”
The AFL now benefits from Okta’s multifactor authentication (MFA) and identity governance, which simplify user account management and enhance security. “MFA is arguably the most crucial step in protecting your environment,” Pickering stated. With MFA, even if a username and password are compromised, an additional factor is required for system access.
Adaptive MFA specifically balances security and usability, ensuring users encounter minimal friction while maintaining strong security. “Cloud-based identity platforms add intelligence to MFA, facilitating technology adoption,” said Goldie.
Goldie also pointed out that beyond adaptive MFA, Okta’s commitment to independence and neutrality provides a competitive edge. “This has been a core principle since our inception and continues to be a central focus going forward,” he stated.
Organizations, including the AFL, appreciate the importance of clear boundaries between applications while maintaining robust security and governance. Okta emphasizes identity isolation as a standalone, neutral platform compatible with various technologies, applications, and devices.
Looking ahead, both Pickering and Goldie foresee emerging technologies like biometric authentication and behavioral analytics playing pivotal roles in identity management. “Technologies like pass keys and biometrics are gaining traction, offering more secure and user-friendly authentication methods,” Goldie noted.
These advancements are expected to further enhance the security and efficiency of identity management systems, marking significant progress for organizations like the AFL.
For more insights into the AFL’s digital transformation journey, visit [TechBest](https://techbest.com.au).
The AFL and Okta partnership marks a significant leap in digital security and identity management. Through Okta’s innovative solutions, the AFL has streamlined its operations while implementing robust security measures. This collaboration not only improves the employee experience but also significantly enhances fan engagement by consolidating multiple digital identities into a single AFL ID.
Key benefits include enhanced digital security, streamlined operations, improved employee and fan experiences, and simplified user account management through features like multifactor authentication (MFA).
MFA requires multiple forms of identification before accessing systems. Even if a username and password are compromised, an additional factor (e.g., a code sent to a mobile device) is needed, adding an extra security layer.
Adaptive MFA adjusts the authentication process dynamically based on factors such as user behavior and location. It ensures minimal user friction while maintaining robust security measures.
A single digital identity simplifies interactions with the AFL’s digital resources, delivering a more personalized and seamless experience. It also enables the AFL to collect valuable insights into fan preferences, enhancing engagement strategies.
Emerging technologies like biometric authentication and behavioral analytics are expected to play significant roles. These advancements offer more secure and user-friendly authentication methods, further improving the efficiency of identity management systems.
Okta’s independence and neutrality allow it to provide identity solutions compatible with various technologies, applications, and devices. This approach gives organizations robust security measures while ensuring broad compatibility.
For additional information on digital transformations like this, visit [TechBest](https://techbest.com.au).
