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!
Jabra Elite 4 Active in-Ear Bluetooth Earbuds – True Wireless Ear Buds with Secure Active Fit, 4 Built-in Microphones, Active Noise Cancellation and Adjustable HearThrough Technology – Navy
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!
Medibank, among Australia’s top private health insurers, is facing the financial and reputational repercussions stemming from a major data breach that transpired in 2022. The company has revealed that this incident may lead to expenses surpassing $126 million by mid-2025, underscoring the pervasive threat of cyberattacks on businesses worldwide.
The financial impact of the breach has been immense, with Medibank having incurred $86.2 million in costs to date. In its recent financial report, the company revealed that it faced $39.8 million in “one-time cybercrime expenses” for FY24, following $46.4 million the year before. While this signifies a 14.2% decline year-over-year, the insurer anticipates costs will stabilize between FY24 and FY25.
These expenses are largely attributable to investments in improving IT security and tackling regulatory inquiries and litigation. Medibank has allocated between 60% and 65% of its FY25 budget to enhancing IT security, with plans to finalize the majority of its security enhancement initiatives by the close of FY25.
The data breach has not only led to direct financial repercussions but has also opened Medibank up to legal scrutiny. The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) has commenced legal proceedings against the company regarding its management of personal data. Furthermore, Medibank is entangled in a consolidated class action lawsuit, complicating the company’s attempts to recover from the breach.
Mark Rogers, Medibank’s Chief Financial Officer and Group Strategy Lead, has noted that while a majority of the IT security improvements are expected to be wrapped up by FY25, ongoing litigation costs are likely to continue well into FY26. The company has made it clear that its FY25 forecast does not reflect potential results from these legal scenarios, indicating that the ultimate financial consequences could be even greater.
In spite of the obstacles, Medibank has succeeded in restoring customer confidence, with acquisition rates bouncing back to pre-breach levels. This resurgence in customer faith is a notable accomplishment, particularly given the gravity of the incident and the sensitive nature of the data compromised.
Financially, Medibank announced an underlying net profit after tax of $570.4 million for FY24, marking a 14.1% increase compared to the previous year. This strong financial outcome indicates that, although the data breach has led to significant costs, Medibank has remained robust against adversity.
The aftermath of Medibank’s 2022 data breach acts as a sobering reminder of the extensive financial burdens and challenges that organizations face post-cyber incidents. With costs projected to exceed $126 million by mid-2025, Medibank is making considerable investments in IT security and resilience while contending with ongoing legal challenges. Despite these difficulties, the company has been able to recover customer trust and achieve impressive financial results, illustrating its ability to withstand challenges.
Although the precise cause of the breach has not been fully disclosed, it is believed that cybercriminals took advantage of vulnerabilities in Medibank’s IT systems, resulting in the exposure of sensitive customer data. This breach has prompted a thorough review and significant upgrades to the company’s cybersecurity protocols.
Medibank has pledged to a comprehensive IT security uplift program, devoting a significant amount of its FY25 budget to strengthening cybersecurity measures. The company is also focused on enhancing business resilience and regaining customer trust, which has become a top priority since the breach.
Medibank is currently under legal action from the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) over its management of personal data. In addition, the company is engaged in a consolidated class action lawsuit, which could lead to additional financial obligations based on the resolutions.
Initially, the breach did influence customer sentiment, but Medibank has reported that acquisition rates have reverted to pre-breach levels. The company’s endeavors to rebuild trust and improve security seem to have lessened the long-term impact on its customer base.
The total expenses related to the breach are anticipated to exceed $126 million by mid-2025. This estimate covers IT security enhancements, legal expenses, and other related costs. However, the final figure may be higher depending on the outcomes of ongoing litigation.
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!
Nokia E3511 Wireless Earphones, Bluetooth 5.2, Fully Wireless Earbuds, Bluetooth, Noise Cancellation, External Sound Capture / 25 Hours of Music Playback, Instant Connection, Hands-Free Calling, Blue
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 Bank of Queensland (BoQ) has revealed plans to eliminate as many as 400 full-time equivalent (FTE) positions while it progresses with its digital transformation plan. This initiative highlights the bank’s aim to evolve into a “cost-effective, flexible, digitally focused” retail banking institution. But what specifics does this transformation involve, and what direction is BoQ taking?
BoQ’s digital transformation focuses not only on downsizing but also on rethinking its operations in a digital-first environment. The institution has already moved 25% of its retail clients onto digital banking interfaces and launched a brand new digital home loan platform. This adjustment is part of a comprehensive effort to enhance efficiency and customer satisfaction in banking.
In addition, BoQ has started the conversion of 114 of its franchised branches to corporate branches, placing them under complete group ownership. CEO Patrick Allaway emphasizes that this change is vital for developing a “straightforward, low-cost digital retail bank.”
To facilitate its digital transformation, BoQ has partnered with Microsoft, choosing Azure as its primary cloud service provider. The bank aims to transition its infrastructure and applications to Azure by 2025, which is projected to improve BoQ’s automation potential and decrease time-to-market for new offerings.
In the first half of the 2024 fiscal year, BoQ automated 43 processes. By the conclusion of FY26, the bank’s goal is to automate 80% of its critical processes, further enhancing operational effectiveness and reducing costs.
BoQ’s digital transition is supported by strategic acquisitions, particularly the acquisition of ME Bank in February 2021. This move marked BoQ’s entry into the digital-only banking market and paved the way for the creation of its digital banking platform. Currently, 260,000 customers are engaged with BoQ’s digital services, which includes the initial cohort of ME Bank clients.
The integration of ME Bank continues, with the complete migration of deposit-only clients expected to conclude within this financial year.
BoQ has also advanced significantly in the home loan domain with the introduction of the BoQ Broker Portal, a digital brokerage service initially tested with its Virgin Money brand. Nevertheless, Virgin Money ceased new home loan applications through its broker network as of September 1, 2023. Subsequently, BoQ declared that it would halt additional home loan applications through this route starting August 31, 2024, aligning with its overall digital strategy.
BoQ’s dedication to digital evolution is mirrored in its financial reports. For the half-year ending February 29, 2024, the bank reported $524 million in cash operating expenses, part of which related to investments in risk, compliance, and technological advancements. The bank also stated it had incurred an additional $41 million in technology-related expenditures, highlighting the substantial financial investment necessary for driving digital transformation.
BoQ’s ongoing digital transformation is reshaping it into a more efficient, financially savvy, and digitally-oriented organization. While this transition has resulted in significant job reductions, it also positions BoQ for enhanced competition in a rapidly changing banking environment. Through strategic alliances, vital acquisitions, and a commitment to automation, BoQ is on track to establish itself as a modern, customer-focused digital bank.
The job reductions are primarily associated with BoQ’s digital transformation objectives, aimed at evolving into a lower-cost, agile, and digitally-driven bank. The bank is optimizing its operations and automating processes, which has lessened the necessity for certain positions.
As per the latest update, 260,000 customers have transitioned to BoQ’s digital platform, which includes the initial group of ME Bank customers and 25% of BoQ’s retail clientele.
Microsoft acts as BoQ’s preferred cloud provider, with intentions to migrate the bank’s infrastructure and applications to Azure by 2025. This collaboration is anticipated to bolster BoQ’s automation potential and shorten the time-to-market for new offerings.
BoQ acquired ME Bank in February 2021 to enhance its digital banking capabilities. The integration process is ongoing, with the full migration of deposit-only clients expected to be finalized within the current financial year.
BoQ has introduced the BoQ Broker Portal, a digital brokerage initiative. Virgin Money, a brand under BoQ, halted new home loan applications through its broker channel on September 1, 2023. BoQ will cease further home loan applications via this channel starting August 31, 2024.
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!
Samsung Galaxy Buds Fe Graphite/Inear True Wireless Headphones
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!
Synology is creating a buzz at the Security Exhibition & Conference 2024, Australia’s foremost security trade event. The technology leader is poised to introduce its newest on-premises and cloud-driven surveillance systems that aim to meet the continually changing security demands of contemporary enterprises. These groundbreaking solutions emphasize the utilization of AI technology, providing scalable infrastructure for extensive deployments and launching a new direct-to-cloud Video Surveillance as a Service (VSaaS) offering.
Synology’s latest surveillance offerings exemplify the increasing incorporation of AI in security frameworks. The company has integrated on-camera and server-side AI functionalities to provide immediate, precise alerts, empowering businesses to react to incidents more swiftly and effectively.
The AI-driven functionalities comprise Intrusion Detection, Instant Search, License Plate Recognition, and Facial Recognition. These sophisticated capabilities enable users to quickly recognize possible threats, access pertinent footage within seconds, and enhance operations through intelligent automation. This translates to improved safety, heightened operational efficiency, and a notable decrease in manual monitoring tasks for businesses.
Recognizing the varied requirements of organizations, Synology is also showcasing a suite of scalable storage solutions. These options accommodate a range of business scales—from compact servers apt for branch locations to extensive PB-level servers intended for long-term video storage at main offices. This adaptability allows companies to adhere to their retention policies without disrupting daily operations.
Another highlight is Synology’s Unified Management System (UMS) software. This system facilitates the monitoring and management of up to 10,000 cameras across 1,000 different sites through a single interface. This feature is especially advantageous for businesses with multiple locations, offering effortless management across sites and ensuring that all surveillance footage is efficiently accessible and controllable from one place.
To broaden its surveillance ecosystem, Synology is launching the C2 Surveillance Station along with a complimentary series of C2 cameras. This new service allows businesses to implement secure cloud video surveillance without requiring on-site recording devices. The C2 cameras are crafted for quick and straightforward installation, ideal for challenging environments where conventional setups might prove impractical.
The rollout of direct-to-cloud surveillance solutions signifies a pivotal transformation in how businesses handle video security. By removing the necessity for local recording systems, organizations can cut hardware expenses, simplify implementation, and securely store their video data in the cloud. The capability to initiate these systems within minutes further emphasizes Synology’s dedication to democratizing access to advanced surveillance technology for all types of organizations.
Synology’s involvement at the Security Exhibition & Conference 2024 highlights the crucial role of AI and cloud technology in contemporary surveillance offerings. The company is set to showcase how its sophisticated AI features, scalable storage alternatives, and pioneering direct-to-cloud solutions can greatly enhance security and operational efficiency for businesses in Australia and beyond.
With the event slated for 21-23 August at ICC Sydney, Synology invites all channel partners, organizations, and industry participants to visit booth #N32 and discover the future of surveillance technology.
Synology’s new surveillance offerings feature AI functionalities such as Intrusion Detection, Instant Search, License Plate Recognition, and Facial Recognition. These abilities aid businesses in swiftly identifying threats, retrieving essential footage, and automating various processes.
Synology provides adaptable storage solutions that range from compact servers ideal for branch offices to sizable PB-level servers meant for long-term video archiving at headquarters. Their Unified Management System (UMS) permits the management of up to 10,000 cameras from 1,000 sites through a single interface.
The C2 Surveillance Station is Synology’s upcoming cloud-centric video surveillance service. It allows businesses to implement secure, cloud-based video surveillance systems without needing on-site recording servers, offering versatility in challenging settings.
You can discover more about Synology’s surveillance solutions by visiting booth #N32 at the Security Exhibition & Conference 2024, taking place from 21-23 August at ICC Sydney. Additional information can also be found on the event’s website.
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 Digital Transformation Agency (DTA) has begun the process of hiring for a permanent Chief Information Officer (CIO). This step follows the establishment of a temporary CIO role in March 2023, indicating the agency’s desire to strengthen its IT leadership framework.
The permanent CIO role is situated within the business services division of the DTA’s corporate sector. The position will govern the agency’s ICT activities, infrastructure, cyber security, property management, and records administration across all DTA offices in Canberra and Sydney. Furthermore, the CIO will aid remote workers, ensuring the agency’s internal IT resources are resilient, secure, and in harmony with strategic aims.
As per the DTA’s job listing, the CIO’s duties encompass providing guidance, vision, and direction to a compact, multidisciplinary team. The role will also involve managing the agency’s Azure cloud infrastructure and working alongside Chief Operating Officer (COO) Tom Gilmartin to establish ICT needs for new technology rollouts. The CIO will play a crucial role in formulating strategic initiatives that resonate with the DTA’s business objectives.
The CIO position at the DTA was first introduced in March 2023 as a temporary role. Over the past six months, it has undergone significant changes. Initially concentrated on daily IT tasks, the role has transitioned towards a more strategic emphasis, leading to the decision to create a permanent CIO position.
Records on LinkedIn suggest that Andy Tripathi, who previously worked as the Deputy CIO for the Environment, Planning and Sustainable Development Directorate in the ACT government, has been occupying the temporary CIO role at the DTA since its establishment. His experience likely offered essential insights that have influenced the current, more strategic direction for the position.
The DTA’s choice to implement a permanent CIO role is a significant step aligned with its broader mission to propel digital transformation across the Australian government. With the current CEO Chris Fechner—who has substantial experience as a Chief Customer and Digital Officer and CIO—leading the agency, the significance of effective, strategic IT leadership is paramount.
This decision also indicates an increasing awareness within the Australian public sector that digital leadership positions are vital for achieving long-term organizational goals. The DTA’s focus on establishing a permanent CIO role clearly signifies the agency’s dedication to digital excellence and cybersecurity, which are of growing importance in today’s swiftly changing technological environment.
The Digital Transformation Agency (DTA) in Australia is paving the way for a more strategic IT direction by creating a permanent Chief Information Officer (CIO) position. Originally set up as a temporary role in March 2023, this position has developed necessitating ongoing leadership to manage the agency’s IT duties, including Azure cloud operations, cybersecurity, and strategic ICT projects. This initiative aligns with the DTA’s long-term vision of facilitating digital transformation within the Australian government.
The DTA initially instituted a temporary CIO role in March 2023. However, as the responsibilities shifted from daily IT management to a more strategic focus, the agency opted to make the role permanent to fit its long-term digital transformation aims.
The permanent CIO will oversee ICT operations, infrastructure, cybersecurity, property management, and records administration across the DTA’s Canberra and Sydney sites. They will also manage the agency’s Azure cloud platform and work alongside the COO to synchronize ICT initiatives with the agency’s goals.
Andy Tripathi, formerly the Deputy CIO for the Environment, Planning and Sustainable Development Directorate in the ACT government, has been serving in the temporary CIO role at the DTA since March 2023.
The creation of a permanent CIO role highlights the DTA’s commitment to advancing digital transformation in the Australian government. This position is essential for ensuring that the agency’s IT operations are strategically in line with its long-term objectives, contributing to the overall digital competency of the public sector.
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!
Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Wireless Earbuds – Green
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!
As Australia’s crucial infrastructure sectors encounter a growing array of cyber threats, Google and the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) have formed a strategic alliance to create innovative digital tools. These tools aim to proactively identify and rectify software vulnerabilities, establishing a vital defense for operators in essential fields like healthcare, defence, and energy.
This partnership emerges at a time when Australia is intensifying its regulatory efforts to safeguard its critical infrastructure. After a series of major cyberattacks in recent years that compromised personal data for nearly half of the nation’s 26 million citizens, the Australian government has implemented more stringent requirements for operators. These regulations call for timely reporting and proactive measures to prevent cyber incidents, positioning Australia as a frontrunner in cybersecurity legislation globally.
Google’s role in this initiative is part of a wider $1 billion commitment to Australia over five years, established in 2021. This effort is particularly meaningful against the backdrop of strained relationships between Australia and international tech companies due to the country’s stringent approach to regulation. Collaborating with CSIRO allows Google to harness its vast resources, including its open-source vulnerability database and sophisticated artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities, while aligning with Australia’s regulatory standards.
CSIRO’s project leader, Ejaz Ahmed, highlighted the necessity of creating cybersecurity solutions that are not only efficient but also adhere to local regulations. By concentrating on software developed locally, the partnership aims to bolster the reliability and compliance of cybersecurity frameworks across Australia’s critical sectors. The outcomes of this research will be publicly available, enabling critical infrastructure operators to adapt their systems to meet evolving cybersecurity demands seamlessly.
Google’s involvement in cybersecurity spans beyond Australia. The tech powerhouse is an essential contributor in the United States, where it delivers cybersecurity services under a US$9 billion ($13.4 billion) contract with the US Department of Defense. By collaborating with CSIRO, Google is customizing its global expertise to cater to the particular needs and regulations of the Australian context.
Google and CSIRO have initiated an important partnership aimed at reinforcing cybersecurity for Australia’s crucial infrastructure sectors. The program will focus on developing tools that automatically identify and resolve software vulnerabilities, a critical action in combating the rising cyber threats aimed at sectors like healthcare, energy, and defence. This collaboration is in sync with Australia’s rigorous regulatory framework and forms part of Google’s extensive $1 billion investment in the nation. The project promises to disseminate its findings publicly, thus enhancing compliance and trust across various sectors.
This partnership is vital as it tackles the growing threats to Australia’s critical infrastructure sectors. By merging Google’s technological capabilities with CSIRO’s research expertise, the initiative seeks to develop tailored tools that ensure both security and adherence to regulations.
This initiative forms part of a broader governmental strategy to strengthen cybersecurity regulations, particularly for operators of critical infrastructure. The collaboration with Google is a pivotal aspect of this strategy, providing the technological foundation necessary to satisfy these rigorous requirements.
Google’s $1 billion investment, announced in 2021, is remarkable as it reflects a sustained commitment to Australia’s digital future. This investment arrives amidst Australia’s push for stringent regulations on global tech firms, making the partnership a positive advancement in international relations.
Absolutely, the findings from this research will be publicly shared, allowing other sectors to benefit from the developed tools and methods, thereby improving cybersecurity overall.
Google’s cybersecurity initiatives are worldwide, with substantial involvement in the United States. Nonetheless, this partnership with CSIRO is specifically designed to meet Australia’s regulatory framework, rendering it distinctive in its focus on local compliance and reliability.
The main benefactors of this collaboration are operators within critical infrastructure sectors such as healthcare, defence, and energy. However, the public availability of the project results implies that other sectors can also integrate these cybersecurity strategies.
AI is integral to this initiative, as it will be employed to automatically identify and rectify software vulnerabilities. This will greatly enhance the efficiency and speed of cybersecurity measures, facilitating operators in safeguarding their systems against evolving threats.
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 3 in Ear Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds – Noise Cancelling True Wireless Buds with 4 Built-in Microphones for Clear Calls, Rich Bass, Customizable Sound, and Mono Mode – Dark Grey
