Techbest – Top Tech Reviews In Australia
The best in Australian gadgets and technology
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xinwld Bluetooth Headphones, Wireless Bluetooth 5.3 in-Ear Headphones with 4 ENC Noise Cancelling Mic, Wireless Headphones Deep Bass Wireless Earbuds 40 Hours, IP7 Waterproof Earphones, White
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NSW’s RegStar Initiative was created to modernise the state’s licensing and registration processes. A primary element was the upgrade of the 33-year-old Driver Vehicle System (DRIVES), which oversees millions of driver licenses and vehicle registrations. Initially, the DCS played a significant role in shifting Learner Driver Licences (LDL) to a new platform, Licence NSW.
Last month, the DCS declared its withdrawal from the LDL initiative due to “delivery obstacles” and “revised timelines.” This conclusion was drawn after a mid-delivery assessment revealed that the proof-of-concept phase was unready for execution. Despite the end of the project, important lessons were learned that will inform future ventures.
The NSW government has redirected $53.5 million in the latest state budget to concentrate on the preliminary stages of the RegStar initiative. This funding is designated to facilitate thorough project planning, development, and updates to the business case rather than immediate system enhancements.
Launched in 1991, the DRIVES system is regarded as antiquated and economically burdensome to maintain. An audit deemed it “end-of-life” and criticized the absence of a solid business case for its replacement. Previous attempts, including a $55 million funding initiative in 2021, have yet to produce a definitive plan.
The NSW government is committed to revamping the DRIVES platform. While the RegStar initiative is set for a reset, its ultimate ambition remains to create a new system that meets both current and upcoming needs. The insights from the unsuccessful LDL initiative will be crucial in guiding this forward direction.
The RegStar initiative seeks to modernise the licensing frameworks in NSW, but recent hurdles have prompted a strategic shift. The DCS’s exit from a vital workstream signifies a major change in the project’s trajectory. While challenges persist, the NSW government is dedicated to establishing the foundation for a successful transformation.
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India’s enormous IT industry is grappling with a swirl of uncertainty as the United States considers a proposed 25% tax aimed at American firms that rely on foreign outsourcing services. Analysts and legal professionals indicate that this legislative action could prompt a fundamental change in the manner in which leading companies in the world’s largest outsourcing hub secure IT services.
The HIRE Act, introduced by US Republican Senator Bernie Moreno, lies at the core of this possible disruption. The legislation aims to levy a tax on firms that prioritize hiring foreign staff over American workers, redistributing the tax income to develop the US workforce. Additionally, it seeks to disallow companies from deducting outsourcing expenses on their tax returns.
India’s IT sector, a $425 billion market recognized for delivering software services to giants like Apple and Cisco, confronts an ill-timed hurdle. Already under pressure from inflation and delayed spending in the US market, the sector’s revenue growth is feeling the strain. The rollout of the HIRE Act could intensify these challenges by drastically changing the economics of outsourcing.
If the bill advances, robust opposition is anticipated. Companies that depend heavily on outsourcing are likely to engage in extensive lobbying efforts and may initiate legal challenges to mitigate the proposed tax’s consequences on their business operations.
The proposed tax also poses a risk to US firms’ Global Capability Centres (GCCs), which have evolved from mere offshore back offices into essential innovation hubs. These centres, crucial for operations, finance, and research, could see delays in their growth initiatives.
The proposed outsourcing tax by the US outlines substantial challenges for India’s IT sector, with possible legal and operational implications for US companies. The industry needs to brace for a shifting landscape in outsourcing and prepare for rigorous lobbying and legal confrontations.
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In the current cybersecurity environment, where intricacy is predominant, clarity stands out as the most treasured resource. It doesn’t stem from a dashboard filled with notifications or compliance metrics but from grasping the overall perspective. By taking a step back, organizations can pinpoint what is genuinely significant and tackle those priorities efficiently. As Kidlin’s Law indicates, clearly articulating the issue constitutes half of the solution.
Engaging a truthful partner who can provide impartial insights is vital. They can challenge preconceptions, pose relevant inquiries, and deliver practical guidance to mitigate risks instead of complicating matters. Amidst a marketplace crowded with distractions, top collaborators concentrate on executing the correct actions for the right motives, rather than promoting a range of unneeded solutions.
A credible cybersecurity partner understands that security transcends the quantity of tools or compliance items completed. Although adherence to compliance is essential, it should not induce complexity without measurable advantages. Blindly following standards can introduce risks, such as employees circumventing excessively strict controls. The appropriate partner assesses whether a control is practical for users and if it truly mitigates risk.
Automation and AI present considerable possibilities for security, but they should not replace human oversight. Some service providers overly depend on AI, which can be perilous. While AI can boost efficiency, it cannot substitute human judgment and responsibility. Seasoned human professionals are crucial for validating results, interpreting context, and making well-informed choices.
Education serves as a crucial, yet frequently neglected, offering from cybersecurity partners. Beyond training sessions, it entails candid discussions to comprehend and tackle real issues. A genuine partner formulates a practical strategy that can be effectively communicated to stakeholders. They clarify complexities, providing guidance based on actual requirements rather than speculation.
Cybersecurity is not an off-the-shelf product. It is a continuous endeavor of constructing, refining, and adjusting strategies with clarity and business realities at the forefront. Despite the tumultuous landscape, possessing clarity with the right partner ensures organizations understand their position.
In the rapidly changing realm of cybersecurity, clarity is paramount for effective protection. By collaborating with genuine experts, organizations can navigate complexities, lower risks, and concentrate on substantial solutions. Human expertise, ongoing education, and strategic clarity contribute to authentic security.
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Okta’s Threat Intelligence team has discovered VoidProxy, an advanced phishing-as-a-service (PhaaS) platform that is aimed at users of Microsoft and Google. This service can circumvent multi-factor authentication (MFA) protocols, including SMS codes and one-time passwords (OTPs), posing a major threat to users.
VoidProxy utilizes Adversary in the Middle (AitM) phishing tactics, dispatching emails from legitimate providers that originate from compromised accounts. This method allows it to bypass MFA safeguards by capturing session cookies.
The phishing websites are hosted on low-cost top-level domains like .icu and .xyz. To conceal their actual locations, these sites employ Cloudflare’s reverse proxy services, making it harder to trace and shut them down.
To evade detection, VoidProxy implements several redirects before the target reaches a clone of Google or Microsoft’s login interfaces. It also makes use of CloudFlare CAPTCHA to ensure that only human users advance, hindering automated detection technologies.
The PhaaS kit additionally hides its activities by utilizing Cloudflare’s programmable proxy endpoints, referred to as Workers, which examine incoming traffic and dynamically block suspicious behavior.
Okta advises the use of phishing-resistant authenticators, such as hardware security keys and smart cards. Training users to recognize phishing attempts and applying access controls can also help combat these threats.
VoidProxy is not isolated in the PhaaS environment. Other platforms such as EvilProxy and Salty2FA have also surfaced, applying comparable MFA-bypassing techniques to infiltrate user accounts.
VoidProxy signifies a notable advancement in the domain of phishing assaults, with its capability to bypass multi-factor authentication and adeptly hide its infrastructure. By utilizing cutting-edge methods and budget-friendly resources, it presents a considerable risk to users of Microsoft and Google. Staying informed and investing in strong security measures are essential steps in warding off such threats.
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By having an active cybercriminal install Huntress’ endpoint security solution, the security provider was granted a unique chance. Within 84 minutes, Huntress’ SOC gathered crucial insights regarding the cybercriminal’s operations, including their tools and workflows.
The gathered data mainly came from the cybercriminal’s browsing history, but also encompassed process activities, device information, Windows event logs, and malware files. This thorough data stream permitted Huntress to comprehend the malicious actor’s strategies.
Huntress detected various toolkits on the offender’s device, such as the Evilginx attack framework. These instruments were employed for reconnaissance, data exfiltration, and social engineering. Furthermore, the cybercriminal endeavored to mask their activities using residential proxy services.
As they disseminated their findings, Huntress confronted ethical considerations. The organization sought to balance privacy responsibilities with the necessity to deliver actionable information to the cybersecurity sector. Their insights were shared to enhance defensive strategies against comparable threats.
Huntress’ unpredicted engagement with a cybercriminal yielded insightful revelations into the techniques and tools utilized in cyberattacks. The comprehensive telemetry data collected aided in uncovering the extensive operations of the threat actor, furnishing the cybersecurity community with knowledge to fortify defense tactics.
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CMF by Nothing Buds Pro 2 Wireless Earbuds with HiFi Sound, 50 dB Intelligent Active Noise Cancellation, 6 HD Microphones and Spatial Audio Effect, 2025 – Dark Grey
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The University of New England (UNE) has shared the news of William Confalonieri being appointed as its new Chief Information and Digital Officer (CIDO), effective early November. This appointment aligns with UNE’s ongoing efforts to synchronize its strategic vision with the development of AI-enabled technologies and services centered on students.
Recognized for nearly a decade at Deakin University as CIO and subsequently as CIDO, Confalonieri is well-known for integrating AI-fueled innovation within educational systems. His dedication to student-focused service design is anticipated to be crucial in UNE’s forthcoming strategy, with a goal of incorporating AI by 2026 and promoting inclusive, interconnected learning experiences.
Before Confalonieri’s arrival, Tim Hume was the interim CIDO since July, bringing forth his experience as an IT executive at Macquarie University and with the former NSW Department of Family and Community Services. UNE’s decision to onboard a seasoned expert like Confalonieri highlights its commitment to enhancing its digital transformation initiative.
The University of New England’s selection of William Confalonieri as its permanent CIDO represents a significant advancement in its digital journey. With an emphasis on AI and student-centered services, UNE is ready to enrich its educational offerings and global connections.
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APT Travel Group collaborated with Merkle, a top-tier digital transformation firm, to rethink their digital approach. The aim was to identify a headless, integration-ready solution capable of seamlessly interfacing with the existing third-party and custom software. Contentful was identified as the ideal option, providing the flexibility and connectivity that other platforms failed to offer, which enabled APT to consolidate content effectively across its six unique brands.
The transition to Contentful allowed APT Travel Group not only to migrate but also to refresh their online presence. By the end of 2024, 36 localized websites were launched, each filled with stunning visuals and comprehensive details of travel experiences. This redesign led to a remarkable increase in customer engagement, with a 175% surge in online transactions and a 15% enhancement in basket size. The capacity to swiftly modify and adapt content was integral to this achievement.
Contentful’s intuitive platform empowered APT Travel Group’s teams to independently create and publish content without needing technical help. This independence accelerated content workflows and allowed for quicker launches, meeting the rising demand for personalized customer experiences. A governance framework was established to uphold quality and consistency for crucial business pages, protecting the brand while optimizing workflows.
APT Travel Group’s strategic move to Contentful represented a crucial milestone in their digital transformation journey. This transition not only streamlined operations but also enriched customer engagement by delivering a premium online experience that mirrors APT’s high-quality offerings. Through Contentful, APT Travel Group has successfully synchronized its digital presence with its core aims, providing a seamless online experience reflective of its upscale travel services.
To enhance its digital operations, APT Travel Group adopted Contentful, resulting in a significant surge in online sales and customer interaction. The incorporation of a flexible, user-friendly platform enabled a thorough redesign of APT’s digital presence, showcasing their luxurious offerings more effectively. By fostering editorial independence and implementing a solid governance framework, APT has guaranteed consistency and quality across its digital assets.
APT Travel Group aimed to upgrade its legacy CMS, which was ineffective and necessitated developer input for minor adjustments, obstructing content personalization and digital advancement.
Contentful’s versatility and its capacity to integrate with existing third-party and custom solutions made it the clear choice, providing greater flexibility than its competitors.
The shift to Contentful enabled a complete redesign of APT’s websites, resulting in heightened customer engagement and a notable rise in online sales and basket sizes.
Contentful allows team members to autonomously create and publish content without needing technical expertise, expediting content workflows and permitting faster launches.
APT Travel Group established a governance model in collaboration with Contentful Professional Services to maintain high standards and consistency across essential webpages.
Contentful aligns with APT’s objectives by simplifying processes, improving customer engagement, and delivering a digital experience reflective of the luxury and quality of their travel offerings.
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ALDI Australia is making significant strides in the renewable energy landscape by broadening its ALDI Solar initiative. This program, a partnership with the well-known Tempo, seeks to enhance the availability of solar energy for Australians living on the eastern coastline. The initiative provides streamlined solar and battery solutions that reflect ALDI’s dedication to providing remarkable value beyond its grocery offerings.
The ALDI Solar initiative presents two thorough packages designed to meet varying household energy requirements. The A$6,999 option includes a 6.6kW solar panel system, a 5.5kW hybrid inverter, and a 10kWh battery. For those in need of increased energy storage, the A$8,499 option offers the same solar system and inverter but upgrades the battery capacity to 20kWh.
Each package includes premium components, such as N-type TOPCon solar panels and Lithium Iron Phosphate batteries, ensuring durability and effectiveness.
During a power failure, the emergency power circuit of the systems keeps vital appliances functional, providing reassurance to homeowners.
A detailed online platform aids customers in monitoring their installation journey. Moreover, the ALDI Solar app grants real-time information on energy production, usage, and battery health.
ALDI provides long-term assurance with a 10-year warranty for both the battery and inverter. The solar panels also come with a 25-year performance guarantee, demonstrating ALDI’s confidence in its products.
ALDI’s venture into solar energy solutions marks a crucial development for renewable energy accessibility in Australia. By providing affordable, top-quality solar packages, ALDI is assisting Australians in reducing their energy expenses while positively impacting the environment. With installations scheduled to start in November 2025, the initiative is set to make a meaningful difference.
