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Cisco Launches Cisco UCS X-Series Deployments
Cisco launched the Cisco UCS X-Series, a new modular system designed for hybrid cloud deployments, as well as observability throughout the stack and network intelligence. The UCS X-Series includes Cisco's UCS X-Fabric technology and aims to blend the best of rack and blade technologies. Cisco also rolled out a series of advisory services to go along with the rollout.
Intelligent Storage Is Providing More than Just Data Storage
As storage becomes smarter, it is doing more than just storing data – it is predicting issues, averting problems, improving performance and efficiency, and optimizing workloads. Instead of technology that focuses solely on data availability, integrity, data transfer speeds, mean time between failures (MTBF) and other traditional functions, intelligent storage focuses on ways to use that data to improve the business. It uses algorithms to automate data indexing, analytics and retrieval; proactively identifies and resolves issues and bottlenecks by removing human intervention as much as possible; optimizes data placement; responds to changing workloads and dynamic business objectives; and protects the integrity and security of data by identifying anomalies from normal operations.
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Dell Introduces a Centrally Managed Client Software Solution
Dell Technologies just launched Dell Hybrid Client, and claims it's the world's first client computing software with hybrid cloud management for easy, seemingly seamless access to work apps and data from anywhere, public cloud, private cloud or personal device. Its features include built-in everyday productivity applications, browser security as well as other out-of-the-box software in the cloud.
Microsoft to Unveil Next Generation of Windows
Microsoft is holding a digital event on June 24 in which it will "unveil the next generation of Windows." Microsoft's CEO promised that this next generation of Windows would be "one of the most significant updates of Windows of the past decade."
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ATM Security Association Intros Security Management Intelligence System
The ATM Security Association has launched its global Crisis and Crime Management Intelligence System. This system acts as a global crime intelligence database for the ATM industry. With this database, ATM deployers, manufacturers and security specialists can look up crime trends, methods of attack, crime migration patterns and new attack methods. Users can also report an incident, search by location and type of crime, and get reports, graphs and statistics.
CaixaBank is deploying its new ATM technology platform, ATMNow, which they say overhauls the typical ATM user experience and adds new services and functions. With these ATM additions, they now claim to the world's first full omni-channel bank, able to deliver the same customer experience across all its digital channels. In addition to standardizing styles and browsing flows to unify the user experience with the web and mobile channels, ATMNow improves the cash withdrawal process, which is simplified to only two steps.
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Most Mobile Apps Can Be Compromised in 15 Minutes or Less
The state of mobile app security is not strong; a large majority of Android and iOS apps across every industry and vertical lack even the most basic security protections. As a result, they can be compromised with very little time and effort. The Verizon Mobile Security Index 2021, for instance, found that 76% of respondents experienced pressure to sacrifice mobile security for expediency. Generally speaking, the security deficiencies can be grouped into three main categories: 1) Weak or Incomplete App Hardening; 2) Lack of Obfuscation; and 3) Weak or Insufficient Encryption.
Charter Claims ‘Fastest Wireless Speeds’ Due to Benefits of Wi-Fi
There are several companies that conduct wireless speed tests, and the big three U.S. wireless carriers in the U.S. all claim to be “winners” in one category or another. But now, Charter Communications is jumping into the fray, claiming that its Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) service has the fastest overall speeds. Spectrum Mobile claims that its customers experienced data speeds that were 43% faster than Verizon’s, 41% faster than T-Mobile’s and 29% faster than AT&T’s.
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How a Malicious Bot Tries to Evade Detection by Morphing
Cybercriminals often use automated bots to deploy malware infections, take control of remote computers and carry out other cyberattacks. Though a bot sounds like it might be limited in intelligence and flexibility, a sophisticated bot can do a lot of damage. This article looks at one bot that includes code morphing as part of its repertoire.
Threat Intelligence: The Biggest Blind Spot for CISOs
More than 90 percent of CISOs rely on outdated, report-based threat intelligence that is often too old to inform decisions, according to Cybersixgill. Additionally, internal factors, such as the ability to comply with regulations and professional knowledge gaps, rank among the most common concerns for CISOs, at 60 percent and 41 percent, while 39 percent of respondents said hackers were a chief concern
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4 Effective Email Marketing Strategies Post-Covid
Email has been around for 50 years now, and it's still a viable marketing strategy—provided you know how to pique the interest of your recipients. The author recommends the following four tactics to improve your email marketing strategy in 2021: 1) Deliver value in your email above all; 2) Prioritize personalization in your email marketing strategy; 3) Switch up your sender; and 4) Support your sales team.
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Online Banking/E-Commerce/Website Design
Consumer Spending Changes Likely to Stick, Visa Says
Following the “massive shift to e-commerce” during the coronavirus outbreak, more than half of spending on Visa cards now occurs online or in situations where the card-user isn’t present for a purchase, compared to more than half being in-person prior to the pandemic. The company witnessed a year-over-year doubling, or even tripling, of ‘card-not-present’ spending in certain types of transactions such as for groceries. The company estimates the pandemic accelerated consumer shifts by three to five years, and this shift to digital purchasing will continue.
Mastercard Releases New Badge for Easy Identification of Recycled Cards
Mastercard is rolling out a new badge to identify cards made more sustainably from recyclable, recycled, bio-sourced, chlorine-free, degradable or ocean plastics. Easy to spot on the card, the badge is a simple reminder of the commitments made to address sustainability concerns. The Mastercard Sustainable Materials Directory, established last year, aims to help issuers offer more eco-friendly cards to consumers.
Visa and the Cryptocurrency Opportunity: Inside the Card Network’s Digital Currency Plans
Visa characterizes the cryptocurrency industry as made up of two distinct groups: conventional, untethered cryptocurrencies and fiat currency-backed digital currencies, often known as stablecoins, which are attracting greater interest from institutional and government organizations despite currently a smaller part of the overall market. This article goes on to explore the five pillars of Visa’s cryptocurrency plans.
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Best Browser for Privacy 2021: Secure Your Web Browsing
While Chrome is by far the most widely used browser in the world, there are alternative browsers and ways to improve your privacy when using Chrome. One option for people wanting more privacy is to install the NoScript extension for Firefox, Chrome and Chromium-based browsers like the new Microsoft Edge. NoScript offers a more selective way to deal with invasive scripts and malware attacks that rely on JavaScript. Also, Brave is a Chromium-based browser that by default blocks ads, fingerprinting and ad-trackers. The article goes on to cover many other ways to protect your privacy while browsing.
The Value of SD-WAN Connectivity
Masergy released the results of a research study that shows that SD-WAN is gaining traction in the digital business environment: SD-WAN adoption is expected to rise to 92% of companies and 64% of sites by 2026 with most adopting it for efficiency (38%), cost savings (38%), and agility (34%). They also found that solution reliability (~50%) and security (~60%) are top priorities for selecting an SD-WAN provider.
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The Pandemic Accelerated Change in the Contact Center Industry
COVID accelerated the transformation of contact centers, and industry leaders have been forced to make many quick changes - beginning with adapting to new technology, investing in new communication channels, and adjusting the workforce. It is estimated that the contact center industry has accelerated seven years of innovation because of the circumstances that COVID brought. The author concludes that consumers want to interact with an expert and expect agents to quickly meet their needs in a single interaction. She concludes that centers must arm their teams with tools and training to exceed these enhanced consumer expectations.
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