Techbest – Top Tech Reviews In Australia
The best in Australian gadgets and technology
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Philips TAT1209BK Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds – Small Earbuds, Great Value, Natural Sound with Dynamic Bass, Clear Calls and Pocket Size Charging Case – Black
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Soundcore A30i by Anker, Smart Noise Cancelling Earbuds, Lipstick-Shaped Stylish Design, Tiny, Lightweight Comfort, Clear Sound, IP54, 15H Playtime in ANC Mode, Wireless Earbuds, Bluetooth 5.4
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Sudio A1 Purple, Earphones with Bluetooth, Touch Control with Compact Wireless Charging Cradle, IPX4 Protected, Noise-Permeable Headphones with Built-in Microphone, Premium Crystal Sound
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McDonald’s Australia has transformed its approach to project management by utilizing monday.com, a work operating system (Work OS) aimed at optimizing processes and enhancing collaboration. The fast-food chain first incorporated the platform to oversee the intricate logistics of a “fry-thru” pop-up restaurant in Darling Harbour during the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023.
This was no ordinary campaign—it was a substantial endeavor that needed coordination among various teams across different locations. The event turned out to be a significant triumph, but achieving that success required a complete overhaul of McDonald’s project management methods.
Matt Carey, McDonald’s Australia’s business process head, witnessed firsthand the challenges the company faced in project management. Before introducing monday.com, the existing systems were unwieldy and labor-intensive. Meetings, spreadsheets, documents, and manual follow-ups were standard practice. Carey noted that keeping everything organized was a “manual nightmare” consuming over 20 hours of his workweek.
He soon realized that the traditional methods wouldn’t suffice to manage the complexities of the World Cup campaign. The vast scale of the event, which involved serving thousands of football fans while promoting the McDonald’s brand, necessitated a more efficient and automated methodology.
Carey and his team evaluated several project management tools before choosing monday.com. The platform enabled McDonald’s to create dashboards that provided a comprehensive “bird’s eye view” of all current projects. It also enhanced coordination between various departments, such as marketing, logistics, and operations.
A standout capability was the automation of routine tasks. McDonald’s deployed between 100 and 150 automations, significantly decreasing the need for follow-up emails and additional meetings. This allowed teams to concentrate on more strategic activities while improving communication.
The interconnected dashboards ensured that all teams, even those in different states and countries, could collaborate effectively. This synchronization was vital for the success of the “fry-thru” initiative, where swift decisions and smooth teamwork were crucial.
The FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 was a prominent global event, and McDonald’s Australia needed to go above and beyond. The “fry-thru” pop-up restaurant at Darling Harbour became a central hub for football enthusiasts and McDonald’s patrons alike, providing 31,632 servings of fries over 25 days.
With monday.com implemented, McDonald’s could outline every phase of the campaign, monitor timelines, and track essential tasks. The leadership team stayed informed about project developments, reducing the need for countless meetings. When challenges emerged, the streamlined communication allowed for prompt resolution.
The success of the “fry-thru” idea showcased the effectiveness of monday.com as a project management solution, and the platform has now been extended to other facets of McDonald’s operations.
With the rollout of monday.com, McDonald’s Australia has experienced several remarkable outcomes:
– Project tracking time fell from 20 hours per week to merely four.
– The company ceased sending more than 20,000 unnecessary emails monthly, significantly cutting administrative burdens.
– Automations have yielded a total savings of 1224 hours each month, equating to seven full-time employees.
These efficiency improvements not only optimized project management but also liberated valuable time for teams to pursue more strategic projects.
McDonald’s Australia’s decision to adopt monday.com for project management has transformed how it orchestrates intricate campaigns. The platform’s ability to automate tasks, deliver real-time updates, and enhance communication has been a significant advancement, especially during the high-pressure FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023. Thanks to monday.com, McDonald’s has minimized project tracking time, reduced unnecessary emails, and saved thousands of hours of manual work. The success of the “fry-thru” restaurant stands as a testament to the platform’s capabilities.
As McDonald’s expands the use of monday.com to other departments, the fast-food giant is setting a new benchmark for efficiency in the quick-service sector.
McDonald’s Australia transitioned to streamline its project management procedures, which were previously reliant on manual approaches like spreadsheets and email follow-ups. The prior system proved too unwieldy for large-scale initiatives like the FIFA Women’s World Cup, requiring coordination among multiple teams across different locations.
monday.com offered interconnected dashboards, enabling teams from marketing, operations, logistics, and suppliers to work harmoniously. The platform’s automation features reduced the need for numerous follow-up emails and meetings, facilitating real-time collaboration even across states and countries.
The company has decreased project tracking time from 20 hours weekly to just four. Furthermore, they have avoided over 20,000 unnecessary emails each month and saved 1224 hours monthly, which is equivalent to seven full-time positions.
monday.com enabled McDonald’s to plan every detail of the campaign, track schedules, and oversee key actions. This allowed the leadership team to remain current on progress in real-time, fostering quick decision-making and swift problem resolution when challenges arose.
Yes, the platform has been integrated into other departments at McDonald’s Australia’s headquarters, where it is used to manage various operational tasks and initiatives.
The company established between 100 and 150 automations to optimize routine tasks and lessen the dependency on manual follow-ups, meetings, and emails.
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Samsung Galaxy Buds FE Wireless Bluetooth Headphones with Araree Bean Case, Active Noise Cancelling (ANC), 3 Microphones, Touch Control, Deep Bass, with Charging Cable, White [Exclusive to Amazon]
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Audio-Technica TWX7BK Wireless Earbuds, ATH-TWX7BK
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The digital identity application of the Australian Government, myGovID, is set to be rebranded as myID. This update seeks to simplify the user experience by minimizing the confusion between the myGovID app and the myGov online portal. Discover how this change impacts your app usage and what features will remain unchanged.
The Australian Government launched the myGovID app in May 2019 to simplify identity verification access to government services. However, the similar names of myGovID and myGov—the government’s online service platform—led to confusion among numerous users. The change to myID seeks to resolve this by offering a more distinct separation between the digital identity application and the online service portal.
myGovID is essentially a digital equivalent of the conventional 100-point ID verification system that Australians know well. It enables users to log into a range of government services, such as the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) and myGov, by confirming their identity via a smartphone or tablet. Since its inception, the app has enjoyed considerable adoption, with over 14.7 million Australians utilizing it by mid-2022, accounting for around 71% of the adult population.
If you are currently a myGovID user, the upgrade to myID will be smooth. There is no requirement to set up a new account or modify your login details. Your identity strength and all verified information will seamlessly transfer to the newly branded app, ensuring uninterrupted access to government services.
The app will upgrade to myID automatically. However, if you would prefer to update manually, you can do this through the App Store or Google Play. Regardless of the method, the update process will be straightforward, and you will retain all data and access throughout the transition.
After the update is completed, you’ll still be able to use the app to securely log in to various online government services, including myGov and the ATO. Should you see both myID and myGovID during the transition, there is no need for concern—your digital identity will remain fully operational and secure.
As online services become more prevalent, securing access to personal information has become increasingly essential. Digital identity verification safeguards Australians against identity theft and fraud by providing a trusted means to verify your identity online. The newly branded myID app continues this effort by delivering an all-encompassing digital ID solution that protects your identity while simplifying access to government services.
The renaming of myGovID to myID is a minor yet significant shift intended to decrease the confusion between myGovID and the myGov online platform. Users will not need to undertake any actions since the app will automatically update, and all login information will remain unchanged. This rebranding underscores the government’s commitment to enhancing user experience while continuing to focus on digital security and identity safeguarding.
myGov is an online service platform where you can access diverse government services such as Medicare, Centrelink, and the ATO. myID (previously known as myGovID) is the digital identity application that securely verifies your identity for logging into these services.
No, there is no need to establish a new account. Your existing login credentials and identity verification strength will transition to the newly branded myID app.
No, you will retain access to all services. Your current myGovID app will either auto-update to myID or you can manually initiate the update. In either scenario, your access to services will not be interrupted.
If you encounter both myGovID and myID during the transition, there is no cause for alarm. Your digital identity remains secure, and you can continue using the app to log into government services without any complications.
myID employs advanced encryption along with multi-factor authentication to ensure your identity stays secure while accessing government services. This helps to guard against identity theft and fraud.
Yes, you can utilize myID on multiple devices. Your identity strength and login details will be consistent across all devices where the app is installed.
For further information on how to use myID and its applicable services, visit myID government.
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Global Switch Australia is preparing to transition back to local ownership as it is acquired by Australian asset manager HMC Capital for approximately $1.94 billion. This deal signifies an important transition in the control of essential digital infrastructure in Australia, especially in light of heightened concerns regarding data sovereignty and security.
The acquisition of Global Switch Australia by HMC Capital transcends mere financial implications; it marks a pivotal change in the ownership of vital digital infrastructure within the nation. The twin data centres situated near Sydney’s CBD are poised to serve as foundational assets within an overarching digital infrastructure platform. This platform will be managed by a real estate investment trust (REIT) and be listed on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX), facilitating public investment in this vital infrastructure.
Presently, Global Switch operates at around 26MW capacity, yet HMC Capital has proactively detailed intentions for a “densification and optimisation” project. This endeavor could elevate capacity to 88MW, essentially tripling the data centres’ capability to accommodate growing demand from high-performance computing and AI applications.
Having been under foreign control for a significant duration, Global Switch has faced challenges, particularly from its governmental clients. For instance, the Australian Defence Department has contemplated exiting the facility for years due to worries surrounding data sovereignty and security. Other governmental bodies, such as Home Affairs and ASIC, have already initiated steps to vacate Global Switch’s data centres.
This acquisition by HMC Capital is anticipated to mitigate these issues. With Global Switch transitioning to a fully Australian-owned entity, it will be better positioned to fulfil the rigorous demands of various Australian governmental departments, particularly concerning privacy, sovereignty, and security.
Global Switch Australia’s CEO, Damon Reid, has praised the acquisition as a new phase for the company. He underscored the committed investment into modernising the existing infrastructure, centering on enhanced power densities and improved energy and water efficiencies. The planned enhancements are critical as the company strives to accommodate the surging demand for high-performance computing and artificial intelligence (AI) inference workloads.
These anticipated upgrades aim to elevate the company’s IT capacity to approximately 100MW, establishing the Sydney campus as a significant contender in the Australian data centre industry. Moreover, HMC Capital is reportedly considering hyperscale assets in North America to incorporate into the REIT, thereby expanding the company’s international presence.
A primary focus for the newly Australian-owned Global Switch will be to collaborate closely with the government to secure accreditation through the Hosting Certification Framework. This framework assists Australian governmental departments and agencies in identifying hosting services that satisfy heightened privacy, sovereignty, and security criteria. Attaining certification will be pivotal for Global Switch to retain and attract governmental clients in the years to come.
Global Switch Australia is moving towards local ownership, with HMC Capital taking over for $1.94 billion. This acquisition responds to longstanding issues relating to foreign ownership, specifically from governmental tenants like Defence. The deal includes two data centres in Sydney, which may see capacity rise from 26MW to 88MW through future enhancements. HMC Capital intends to list the data centre assets on the ASX via a real estate investment trust (REIT). The acquisition also encompasses plans for upgrades to support high-performance computing and AI workloads. Additionally, Global Switch will aim to secure government accreditation under the Hosting Certification Framework, further aligning its operations with Australian sovereignty and security needs.
The acquisition by HMC Capital is important as it reestablishes critical digital infrastructure under Australian control, addressing ongoing issues related to foreign ownership, particularly in areas handling sensitive government information. This change also lays the groundwork for future growth and modernization of the data centres.
The major assets involved are two data centres situated close to Sydney’s CBD. These centres will function as foundational assets for a new digital infrastructure platform that will be listed on the ASX through a real estate investment trust (REIT).
The data centres currently have a capacity of 26MW, but HMC Capital aims to boost this to 88MW via a densification and optimisation initiative. Additional upgrades will expand the total IT capacity to around 100MW to satisfy rising demand for high-performance computing and AI workloads.
The Hosting Certification Framework is utilized by Australian governmental departments and agencies to identify hosting services that comply with strict privacy, sovereignty, and security standards. Attaining certification under this framework will be vital for Global Switch to keep serving government clients.
The acquisition greatly alleviates concerns surrounding foreign ownership for government clients like the Defence Department. With Global Switch now being locally owned, these clients are more inclined to maintain or renew contracts, as the new ownership structure is expected to align more closely with Australian data sovereignty and security requirements.
HMC Capital intends to enhance and increase the capacity of the data centres, prioritizing power density, energy efficiency, and water efficiency improvements. Additionally, the company is exploring the acquisition of hyperscale assets in North America to further enrich its digital infrastructure portfolio.
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Skullcandy Dime True Wireless in-Ear Earbuds – Golden Orange
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In an incident recognized as the most extensive healthcare data breach in American history, the February 2023 cyber invasion of UnitedHealth’s technology sector, Change Healthcare, has compromised the private data of 100 million individuals. This breach, executed by the infamous hacking collective ALPHV (also referred to as BlackCat), has reverberated throughout the healthcare sector, interrupting services, and sparking worries regarding the security of sensitive health information.
The cyberattack on Change Healthcare was executed by ALPHV, a name well-known in the arena of cyber crime as “BlackCat.” This organization has acquired infamy for its intricate ransomware schemes and has been linked to multiple significant breaches. Typically, ALPHV utilizes sophisticated encryption techniques to hijack systems, demanding a ransom for the decryption of data.
In this particular incident, the assault on Change Healthcare compromised the personal information of 100 million individuals, encompassing health insurance member IDs, social security numbers, diagnostic records, and billing information. The breach not only affected patients but also hindered the functioning of the healthcare system, causing delays in claims processing and generating considerable administrative difficulties for service providers.
UnitedHealth first disclosed the breach on February 21, 2023, after the hacking group gained access to Change Healthcare. However, it wasn’t until June 2023 that notifications began reaching affected individuals. The US Department of Health’s Office for Civil Rights has recognized this breach as the largest of its kind within the nation.
Healthcare organizations have consistently been prime targets for cyberattacks owing to the sensitive data they manage. The breach at UnitedHealth serves as a stark reminder that even large corporations equipped with abundant resources can become victims of cybercriminal activity.
In 2015, another prominent health insurer, Anthem (now known as Elevance Health), experienced a breach impacting nearly 79 million individuals. Yet, the 2023 incident involving UnitedHealth’s technology sector, Change Healthcare, surpasses this, affecting 100 million individuals.
The consequences of the UnitedHealth breach have incurred substantial costs. The company projects a business interruption cost of US$705 million (AUD$1.06 billion) for the fiscal year. This estimate encompasses expenses associated with notifying impacted customers, providing loans to healthcare providers, and managing the disruptions inflicted on claims processing. The company has been disbursing billions of dollars in loans to healthcare providers affected by the breach, emphasizing the extensive repercussions of the attack.
Although this breach took place in the United States, it carries significant implications for Australia. The global healthcare sector, including Australia, is increasingly becoming a target for cybercriminals. With the expansion of interconnected healthcare systems and digital patient records, the importance of protecting sensitive data has never been more paramount.
The Australian government has been intensifying its efforts to enhance cybersecurity, particularly within critical sectors such as healthcare. Initiatives like the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) offer guidance and support to organizations on safeguarding themselves from cyber threats. However, as this breach illustrates, even the most robust cybersecurity frameworks can be at risk without ongoing updates and scrutiny.
The cyberattack on UnitedHealth’s technology division, Change Healthcare, impacted the personal data of 100 million individuals, establishing it as the largest healthcare data breach in the United States. This breach, executed by the hacking collective ALPHV (BlackCat), led to widespread disruptions within the healthcare sector, particularly affecting claims processing. UnitedHealth anticipates a business disruption cost of US$705 million (AUD$1.06 billion) as a consequence of the breach. This incident underscores the growing vulnerability of the healthcare field to cyber threats, both in the United States and globally, including Australia.
The hacking collective ALPHV, also known as BlackCat, executed the cyberattack on UnitedHealth’s technology division, Change Healthcare. ALPHV is recognized for its intricate ransomware operations.
The breach compromised the personal information of 100 million individuals. This data may consist of health insurance member IDs, social security numbers, patient health records, treatment details, and billing codes utilized by healthcare providers.
The breach led to significant disturbances in claims processing, impacting both patients and providers. UnitedHealth has incurred considerable financial costs, anticipating a business disruption cost of US$705 million (AUD$1.06 billion) for the year.
UnitedHealth commenced notifying those affected in June 2023, several months after the breach was initially reported in February 2023. This notification is a requirement for the company to inform customers whose private data may have been jeopardized.
This breach stands as the largest healthcare data breach in American history, impacting 100 million individuals. The previous record was set in 2015 when health insurer Anthem (now Elevance Health) was breached, affecting nearly 79 million individuals.
Australian healthcare providers can understand the critical need to strengthen cybersecurity measures to safeguard sensitive patient information. The event highlights the necessity for continual monitoring and updating of cybersecurity protocols. Organizations should also be prepared for the financial and operational ramifications of a potential cyber incident.
UnitedHealth has been issuing billions of dollars in loans to healthcare providers impacted by the disruption. The company is also proceeding with notifying affected individuals and working to restore standard operations throughout its systems.
