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 Earbuds 40 Hours, IP7 Waterproof, Rose Gold
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The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has rejected the latest draft of consumer protection proposals from the telecommunications sector. The regulator insists on a reworked set of protections within 30 days or faces imposing regulatory rules that would end the industry’s self-regulation.
The Australian Telecommunications Association (ATA), which represents industry carriers, expressed dissatisfaction alongside ACMA regarding the outcome of the consultation process. ATA chief executive Luke Coleman mentioned that the draft went through multiple consultation phases since May 2023, intending to improve consumer protections.
ACMA raised issues like irresponsible sales practices, insufficient credit evaluations, and unfair disconnection policies. The Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman (TIO) and the Australian Communications Consumer Action Network (ACCAN) have also expressed worries, calling for clear guidelines to curb unethical sales and prevent wrongful disconnections.
With trust decreasing in the industry’s capacity for self-regulation, ACCAN CEO Carol Bennett urged ACMA to leverage its legislative authority for direct regulation. The persistent delays in establishing effective consumer protections have made immediate action necessary to protect consumer interests.
As ACMA rejects the most recent draft consumer code, the future of telecommunications regulation in Australia stands at a crucial crossroads. With just 30 days to respond, the industry must tackle pressing consumer protection issues or encounter regulatory intervention. The demand for ending self-regulation intensifies as stakeholders call for substantial protections for Australian consumers.
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JBL Wave 300 Wireless TWS Earbuds, Black
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The recent outage of Amazon Web Services (AWS) in North Virginia has been linked to a software defect within an automated DNS management framework. This defect resulted in an unexpected interaction where one automated element unintentionally eliminated the work of another.
AWS has indicated in a report following the incident that the outage stemmed from a “latent race condition” in the DynamoDB DNS management system. This resulted in an incorrect empty DNS record for the service’s regional endpoint, which automation failed to rectify.
The DNS management system consists of two essential components: the DNS Planner and DNS Enactors. The Planner formulates new DNS strategies, while the Enactors implement these strategies at endpoints. Usually, these components function smoothly to ensure DNS states are current.
During this event, one DNS Enactor experienced unusual delays, necessitating several attempts to refresh DNS endpoints. At the same time, another Enactor executed a more recent plan, instigating the race condition. The delayed Enactor overwrote the recent plan, leading to the removal of IP addresses for the endpoint.
Ultimately, human intervention was crucial to address the issue. AWS has disabled both the DNS Planner and DNS Enactors on a worldwide basis. Prior to re-enabling these systems, AWS intends to correct the race condition and introduce additional measures to avert future issues.
The outage in the US-EAST-1 region affected other AWS services dependent on DynamoDB, including EC2 instances. These disruptions occurred because subsystems became unable to connect to the service, resulting in cascading effects throughout the AWS ecosystem.
The AWS outage in North Virginia highlights the intricacies of automated cloud management systems and their potential weaknesses. AWS is actively working to address the problems and avoid similar incidents in the future. This event serves as a reminder of the significance of robust system architecture and the necessity for human oversight in critical scenarios.
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Skullcandy Dime Evo in-Ear Wireless Earbuds, 36 Hr Battery, Microphone, Works with iPhone Android and Bluetooth Devices – Preppy Summer Resort
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Australia is about to endorse a new United Nations convention aimed at fighting cybercrime. This important event will occur in Ha Noi, Vietnam, during a prominent ceremony. The agreement, spearheaded by the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), aims to strengthen global cooperation and knowledge sharing to combat various online crimes.
The agreement, first introduced by Russia in 2017, has garnered significant backlash from leading technology firms such as Oracle, Meta, and Microsoft, along with human rights groups. These entities, represented by the Cybersecurity Tech Accord, contend that the agreement could result in an extensive surveillance system that threatens digital privacy and safeguarding.
Major apprehensions include transnational data sharing that lacks legal oversight and ambiguous definitions of cybercrime, which might blur the line between cybercrime and any ICT-related infraction.
There are concerns that the treaty’s expansive definitions may limit freedom of speech. Vietnam, the nation hosting the event, has faced scrutiny for prosecuting online activists, raising alarm over the possible exploitation of the treaty. Furthermore, cybersecurity experts could lack protection, and minors might be penalised for specific online conduct.
The UNODC assures that the agreement includes safeguards for human rights, permitting countries to decline cooperation requests that conflict with international law. It also promotes legitimate cybersecurity research. Nevertheless, groups such as the Electronic Frontiers Foundation advocate for a more focused scope and transparency measures, ensuring people are informed when their data is transferred across borders.
Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) has shown backing, indicating that the agreement will enhance international legal cooperation and evidence sharing for serious cyber crimes. While Australia is set to endorse, ratification will require approval from the government. Australia has been part of the Budapest Convention on Cybercrime since 2013.
Australia’s forthcoming endorsement of the UN cybercrime agreement represents a pivotal step in global efforts to address cyber threats. However, the treaty’s extensive scope and potential repercussions for privacy and security have prompted considerable discussion and concern. As dialogues continue, achieving a balance between effective cybercrime prevention and the protection of human rights is crucial.
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Edifier X5 Pro True Wireless in-Ear Earbuds, Bluetooth 5.3 Headphones, 26 Hours Playtime, Dual MICs, AI ENC, 4 EQ Presets, Game Mode, IP55 Dust & Sweatproof (Black)
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Optus has declared a notable leadership transition with John McInerney taking over as the new chief information officer (CIO), replacing Mark Potter who is set to exit the company by March of the following year. This shift is part of a scheduled leadership change that Optus believes will enhance its technological progress.
John McInerney, who is presently the CIO at OneNZ, is widely recognized for his seven-year role as the group CIO at NBN Co. He also has considerable experience from Telstra, where he served in senior IT leadership capacities for eight years. His appointment is expected to infuse Optus with significant expertise in digital transformation and operational resilience, vital for the company’s ongoing transformation efforts.
Optus CEO Stephen Rue has expressed assurance in McInerney’s capability to lead multifaceted transformation initiatives. This strategic placement aims to refine Optus’ IT skills, in line with their objective of simplifying products, procedures, data, and systems. The leadership transition will feature a four-month overlap to facilitate a seamless handover.
Optus has been facing a series of challenges, including a heavily criticized firewall upgrade that caused emergency call failures associated with at least three deaths. This event highlights the necessity for strong IT leadership, which McInerney is expected to deliver.
The elevation of John McInerney as Optus’ new technology leader signifies a crucial turning point for the company as it pursues its technological upheaval. With his extensive background, McInerney is positioned to implement substantial improvements in Optus’ IT functions, aimed at enhancing customer service and operational productivity.
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boAt Newly Launched Airdopes 141 ANC TWS Earbuds with 42 hrs Playback/50 ms Low Latency Beast™Mode/IWP™Tech/Signature Sound/Quad Mics with ENx™/ASAP™ Charge/USB Type-C Port/IPX5 (White)
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The Queensland government has embarked on a strategic rebranding of its chief information security officer (CISO) role, selecting the title of general manager, cyber security. This transformation follows an extensive search for a qualified candidate to fill the role and fits into a wider departmental initiative to harmonize role titles.
In June, Adam Smith, who was the deputy CISO, took over as the interim whole-of-government CISO after Rob Champion’s retirement. Smith will hold this role until a permanent candidate is chosen. The newly designated position of general manager, cyber security is presently listed on Queensland’s Smart Jobs website.
Even though the title has changed, the duties linked to the CISO role remain unchanged. The general manager, cyber security will keep reporting to the Deputy Director-General, Data and Digital Government, assuring leadership continuity and strategic direction.
Simultaneously with this leadership change, the Queensland government has revealed a significant $1 billion investment aimed at enhancing its whole-of-government systems. This initiative seeks to consolidate systems and funding across 19 departments, demonstrating a strong pledge to modernizing and securing governmental functions.
The choice made by the Queensland government to change its CISO title to general manager, cyber security signifies an adaptation to departmental naming practices and a dedication to preserving strong leadership in cyber security. The ongoing $1 billion investment in digital infrastructure further emphasizes the state’s commitment to advancing and securing its governmental processes.
The renaming is consistent with the titles used throughout the department and represents a strategic effort to unify and standardize government roles.
Adam Smith is acting as the interim general manager, cyber security until a permanent successor is appointed.
The funding aims to upgrade and integrate systems across 19 departments, enhancing efficiency, security, and technological advancements.
No, the duties will remain consistent, and the position will still report to the Deputy Director-General, Data and Digital Government.
The rebranding forms part of a larger initiative to standardize roles and titles, ensuring clarity and uniformity in the government’s cyber security approach.
