2021-2022 losses to fraud and cybercrime in the UK totalled over £3 billion, as cybercriminals seek brand new ways of stealing, extorting and exfiltrating data and IDs, specifically from sectors in BFSI.

From the report, Apple products were found to make up 1/3 of all zero day exploits, and of all ransomware attacks, 10% were found to be attributed to LockBit, hitting private and public banks and financial services like never before.

Financial data group Ion Markets recently suffered a major cyber-attack that has affected parts of the vital financial plumbing that underlies the vast derivatives trading industry. And with attacks increasing in scale, it’s likely that these vulnerabilities had been sitting in their infrastructure for quite some time… 

Some highlights from the report include:

• Known Vulnerabilities pose greatest threat to organizational security
• Over 2.29 billion records were exposed in 2022, representing 257 terabytes of data
• Top exploited vulnerabilities within the group include several high-severity flaws in Microsoft Exchange, Zoho ManageEngine and VPN solutions from Fortinet, Citrix and Pulse Secure.
• Over one-third (37.2%) of the 78 of zero day exploits found in the wild exist in Apple products.
• Ransomware remains most common attack method used in successful breaches, fuelled by double extortion and ransomware-as-a-service models.
• Lockbit dominated the ransomware sphere making up 10% of all analysed ransomware incidents.

Bob Huber, Chief Security Officer and Head of Research at Tenable, can speak on why the only way to turn the tide is to shift to preventive security and exposure management for 2023 and beyond.

Below is a press release containing more depth of the findings.

Before the launch of the Digital Nomads Visa, obtaining the Working Visa in Spain post-Brexit was an extremely lengthy and complex process. Applicants would have to show that they have owned a property in Spain for at least three years as well as having to show proof of income of at least €1,130 a month, roughly half the funds required for the non-lucrative visa. However, to transform Spain into a global business hub, the Spanish government have introduced a new Visa for digital nomads who wish to work remotely from Spain.

The recent explosion of the digital nomad era brought about by the pandemic in 2019, has demonstrated that people are able to work from anywhere in the world and achieve a higher quality of life.

Experts from Wizz Air provide a clear overview of the requirements to apply for this type of Visa as well as an analysis of its advantages and disadvantages for anyone considering the move abroad. However, overall, a study in 2022 found that Spain was in fact voted the second best country in the world for remote workers.

The repercussions of Brexit have been numerous. One aftereffect of this political decision has been the halt of free movement, making working from other countries such a Spain, a strenuous and almost impossible task. Even the alternative Golden Visa, only grants residency when you purchase property for 500,000€ or more. This can be any type of property: home, commercial, land, or a combination of properties. The golden visa does not require you to be in Spain 183 days of the year.

General Information Surrounding the New Visa

The last amendments of the new Visa are currently still being finalised, with expected dates for its release to be around March 2023. It has been clarified that if you wish to apply for this Visa upon its approval, you may do so through visiting the Spanish consulate or embassy in your country of origin, OR, acquire the digital nomad Visa whilst already being in Spain on a 90-day Visa. The addition of this latest Spanish Visa has a key objective; to boost talent and investment in Spain and improve the country’s credentials as a global business hub. The digital nomad Visa permits foreigners (anyone who does not form part of the EU) to live and work in Spain for up to one year, but this can be extended if desired.

Requirements:

• The company/s that the remote worker or freelancer works for (or has a working relationship with) must be located outside of Spain.
• You must be able to prove that you have been working with that company or having a freelance relationship with your clients for at least three months prior to your application.
• Incomes received by Spanish companies must not exceed 20% of their total professional activity
  Provide a copy of your criminal records certificate with a minimum validity of 90 days
• Demonstrate either three years of prior work – related experience or be a graduate/postgraduate from a reputable university, vocational training, and business schools of recognized prestige
• Have a minimum one-year contract with that same company
  Proof of health insurance
• Lastly, there are income requirements for the Spain Digital Nomad Visa. To qualify, you must earn at least 200% of the monthly Spanish minimum wage, which equates to 28,000€ per year (or 2,334€ per month)

Wizz Air’s assessment on the pros/cons regarding the Spanish digital nomad visa
Advantages
Tax

A rather appealing component of the new Digital Nomad Visa for beneficiaries is in relation to tax. Spanish authorities confirmed in December 2022 that the Corporation tax for digital nomads will be reduced from 25 per cent to 15 per cent.

Weather

Spain’s most obvious attractive feature has to do with its sunny Mediterranean climate, averaging 300 days of sun a year. This type of weather not only permits people to go outside more and actually engage in after-work activities, but also is a huge factor in boosting mental health. Exposure to regular sunlight increases levels of serotonin (the happy hormone) in the brain and so increases people’s happiness and in turn life satisfaction.

Cost of Living

In comparison to other places in northern Europe, Spain’s cost of living is considered a relatively low. Large cities like Barcelona and Madrid are much more affordable than in comparison to cities such as London, Edinburgh or even Copenhagen. In terms of salaries, the median monthly disposable salary after tax is 58.13% higher in the UK, making it a fantastic destination for working remotely for an international company. It has been calculated that the average cost of living in Spain is 18.2% cheaper than that of the UK, being the main reason why 300,000 Brits have chosen to retire in Spain.
The Costa Del Sol is said to be listed as one of the most inexpensive locations for the everyday living of living, making it a digital nomad heaven. The average pint of home beer in the Costa Del Sol is 1.75 EUR, 1.5 litre of water is 0.69, dinner is 21EUR (pp) and the average taxi holds a base rate of 3.96 and 1.20 EUR per kilometre. Despite rental prices in the Costa Del Sol are more expensive than that of Costa Blanca, the destination is always in high demand. The average rental price in the Costa del Sol is 600 EUR however, if you move away from central areas, the cost can fall to 400 EUR.

Gastronomy

Alongside the weather, Spain is well recognized for its rich gastronomy, with seafood forming a great part of the Spanish cuisine due to having easy access to the Mediterranean sea. Fresh food and traditional dishes that are derived from each region of Spain creates a vast range of options. For digital nomads that previously have lived in countries such as the UK, this can be a pleasant cultural change.
Disadvantages

Requirements

The long list of requirements in order to apply and get the digital nomad visa approved can seem demanding. Yet a con that catches the eye is the minimum income requirement. If the individual looking to work remotely from Spain does not earn at least 200% of the monthly Spanish minimum wage, which equates to 28,000€ per year (or 2,334€ per month), then they will not be eligible for this Visa.

Cultural adjustment

It may be difficult for a digital nomad to integrate themselves into the culture of their host country. Due to the language barriers, forming relationships may prove to be difficult, while existing one may be strained.

• Councillor Jayne Francis invited on campus for tour of University’s facilities
• Some of digital tech showcased will be part of new Aston Digital Futures Institute
• University’s new research institute will focus on digital innovation and transformation.

Aston University has been highlighting some of its digital technology research during a visit by Birmingham City Council’s Cabinet Member for Digital, Culture, Heritage and Tourism, after a recent announcement that it is to open a brand new institute.
 
Councillor Jayne Francis  was invited on campus for a tour of some of the University’s current facilities which will provide the foundation of the new Aston Digital Futures Institute. The University’s fifth research institute will focus on digital innovation and transformation, providing leadership in the area of Industry 4.0.
 
The Birmingham city councillor’s tour included a visit to Aston Institute of Photonic Technologies (AIPT), which is based at the University’s city centre campus.
 
AIPT is one of the world’s leading photonics – or light – research centres. Its track record of scientific achievements ranges from medical lasers to the high-speed optical communication technology that underpins the internet and the digital economy.
 
AIPT coordinates more than 60 national and international research and industrial projects, working with a network of more than 100 industrial collaborators.
 
Professor Andrew Ellis, deputy director of the Aston Institute of Photonics Technologies, led Councillor Francis on a tour of the Institute’s optical communications lab. The lab is home to legacy technology, which researchers can use to test innovative technology, ensuring that anything new that they invent will work alongside the old tech, not just at the University but across the country.
 
Councillor Francis also met with Professor Stephen Garrett, pro-vice-chancellor and executive dean of the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences and Professor Tony Dodd, deputy dean for research in the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences. They discussed how the Aston Digital Futures Institute will contribute to the digitalisation of healthcare and the progress of digital technology across the city.
 
Professor Garrett said: “It was a pleasure to show Councillor Francis our campus and demonstrate the technology and research we’re undertaking now and discuss what we will be doing in the future.
 
“I am very excited about what the future holds for Birmingham, especially as Aston University will be making a significant contribution to the city’s technological progress.”
 
Councillor Francis said: “Thank you to everyone at Aston University who made me welcome, and for those who explained their research to me in an authoritative but easy to understand way.
 
“We often hear phrases like big data, artificial intelligence and the internet of things but sometimes people find it difficult to envisage how these will impact on their lives in the near, and more distant future.
 
“It was exciting to see how research conducted at Aston University will benefit Birmingham people, improving their health, wellbeing, and much needed digital skills.”
 
Peter Bishop, director of digital and customer services at Birmingham City Council, added: “It was a delight to be given a tour of the facilities at Aston University. As a digital professional I’m always interested in new and innovative approaches, so I was especially interested in the research being conducted at the University.”

• Verizon is the world’s most valuable telecoms brand despite slight reduction, US$67.4 billion
• Deutsche Telekom brand value up 5% on rollout of 5G in US and globally
• Sunrise is the fastest-growing telecoms brand following UPC merger, up 68%
• AT&T sees brand value growth after spinning off its media arm
• Swisscom is the strongest telecoms brand, earning 92/100 and elite AAA+ rating, with Jio and Etisalat by e& as the second and third strongest brands
• stc and Etisalat by e& lead in Middle East
• Safaricom has the highest Sustainability Perception Score, while Verizon has the largest Sustainability Perceptions Value.
• Huawei is the most valuable and strongest telecoms infrastructure brand

Verizon is the world’s most valuable telecoms brand despite slight reduction, US$67.4 billion

U.S. based brand Verizon remains the world’s most valuable telecoms brand for the 4th consecutive year despite a 3% year-on-year reduction taking its brand value to US$67.4 billion.

Every year, leading brand valuation consultancy Brand Finance puts thousands of the world’s biggest brands to the test, and publishes over 100 reports, ranking brands across all sectors and countries. The world’s top 150 most valuable and strongest brands in the telecoms industry are included in the annual Brand Finance Telecoms 150 2023 ranking.

Following a pandemic-led boom in wireless internet demand, Verizon has lost subscribers to fast-growing rivals in the telecoms industry in 2022, contributing to its slight brand value decrease. Verizon’s 5G network will be the brand’s primary focus going forward. On top of this, wireless mobility and nationwide broadband are set to be two of the most significant contributors to its planned growth in 2023. It is focusing on innovation, continued investment, and the incorporation of advanced technology deployment to provide a better offering to consumers, businesses, and the public sector alike.

Deutsche Telekom brand value up 5% on rollout of 5G in US and globally

Deutsche Telekom (brand value up 5% to US$62.9 billion) is again both the 2nd most valuable telecoms brand globally and Europe’s most valuable brand. This impressive performance comes partly as a result of the brand’s strong organic revenue growth within European markets, with customer numbers growing at a steady rate across the board. However, the brand’s value has grown substantially in connection with its record customer additions in the United States.

Sunrise is the fastest-growing telecoms brand following UPC merger, up 68%

Swiss full-service provider, Sunrise, is the fastest growing telecoms brand in the ranking after a 68% brand value increase took it to US$1.8 billion. This comes off the back of a successful merger with Switzerland’s largest cable operator, UPC, in 2021. As part of a brand refresh, Sunrise has also introduced a new brand design and logo. It has also launched the Sunrise Business brand, strengthening its identification with and positioning within the business customer segment.

U.S based brand Optimum followed closely behind as the second fastest growing brand with a 67% increase to a brand value of US$2.5 billion after a similarly successful merger. The brand merged with Suddenlink in 2022 and has combined all of the company’s telecommunications goods under a single name. In combination with this, it also launched a new nationwide brand campaign, “Get Closer, Go Farther”. This emphasises its promise to bring customers closer together with Optimum products and services.

“Both outlined mergers and subsequent brand-refreshes highlight two examples of the benefit for brands of adjusting their brand architecture and combining two or more weaker brands under a more distinct and consolidated master-brand. This indicates significant brand value potential to be unlocked by other such brands operating under an unconsolidated brand architecture.”

AT&T sees brand value growth after spinning off its media arm

AT&T (brand value up 6% to US$49.6 billion) saw brand value growth in 2023 following a redirection in business strategy in which it spun off its media arm in order to focus directly on its telecoms business. AT&T announced that it would spin off WarnerMedia into a new company in 2021. It completed the move in April 2022, to form a separate media company – Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. AT&T has subsequently shown positive brand value growth of 6%. In 2022, the telecoms brand has focused on its go-to-market strategy, providing high-quality wireless and fibre services, while continuing to invest heavily in its 5G technologies.

Swisscom is the strongest telecoms brand, earning 92/100 and elite AAA+ rating, with Jio and Etisalat by e& as the second and third strongest brands

In addition to calculating brand value, Brand Finance also determines the relative strength of brands through a balanced scorecard of metrics evaluating marketing investment, stakeholder equity, and business performance. Compliant with ISO 20671, Brand Finance’s assessment of stakeholder equity incorporates original market research data from over 150,000 respondents in 38 countries and across 31 sectors.

Swisscom (brand value up 5% to US$6.3 billion) is the strongest telecoms brand with a Brand Strength Index score of 92, making it the third strongest brand globally and earning it an elite AAA+ brand rating. Its recent announcement of its new Fixed Wireless Access 5G service for business customers is a continuation of its pioneering work in the European 5G market. Trust, coverage and network perceptions and its customer service are what sets Swisscom apart against competition and other telco brands and is clearly reflected in Swisscom’s extremely high brand strength index score.

Indian brand Jio (brand value up 6% to US$5.4 billion) is the second-strongest telecoms brand with a brand strength index score of 90/100, earning it an elite AAA+ rating. This was a two-point rise from last year. The brand has particularly focused on its roll-out of 5G in India, now extending coverage to 257 cities in the country and looking to further increase this at a rapid rate. 5G services have already created widespread benefits to Indian consumers, as well in sectors such as education, healthcare and agriculture. These benefits and the growth opportunities that Jio’s 5G network has presented have helped Jio build an extremely strong brand strength index score, one of only two AAA+ rated telecoms brands in the ranking.

Etisalat by e& (brand value up 4% to US$10.5 billion) is the third strongest telecoms brand globally with a Brand Strength Index (BSI) score of 89.1 out of 100. Etisalat by e& is a telecoms brand of the global technology group e&. Evolved through a brand identity change last year, Etisalat by e& reflects a tech-driven telecoms brand enabled by superior 5G connectivity; elevated NPS scores due to richer personalised customer interactions; and increased employee satisfaction on account of vigorous company culture making it an attractive employer.

stc and Etisalat by e& lead in Middle East

Saudi Arabian brand stc (brand value up 17% to US$12.3 billion) is the most valuable Middle Eastern telecoms brand. It is also the second strongest telecoms brand in the Middle East with a brand strength index score of 87 out of 100 and a corresponding AAA rating. The brand’s value was positively affected by stc’s technological investments to keep delivering on its ambitious strategy and increased focus on the expansion of the brand in adjacent sectors such as ICT and IT.

Etisalat by e& (brand value up 4% to US$10.5 billion) is the second most valuable telecoms brand in the Middle East.

Safaricom has the highest Sustainability Perception Score, while Verizon has the largest Sustainability Perceptions Value.

As part of Brand Finance’s analysis, research is conducted into the role of specific brand attributes in driving overall brand value. One such attribute, growing rapidly in its significance, is sustainability. Brand Finance assesses how sustainable specific brands are perceived to be, represented by a ‘Sustainability Perceptions Score’. The value that is linked to sustainability perceptions, the ‘Sustainability Perceptions Value’, is then calculated for each brand.

Kenyan telecoms brand, Safaricom (brand value up 3% to US$709 million) is perceived to be the world’s most sustainable telecoms brand, with an impressive Sustainability Perception Score of 6.46 out of 10.

As well as being the world’s most valuable telecoms brand, Verizon also has the highest Sustainability Perceptions Value, estimated at US$5.8 billion. While its position at the top of the table is not an assessment of its overall sustainability performance, it indicates how much brand value Verizon has tied up in sustainability perception. Brand Finance’s research finds that consumers around the world perceive that Verizon is minimising its negative impacts, reflected in Verizon’s top ranking in this area.

Huawei is the most valuable and strongest telecoms infrastructure brand

In addition to ranking the 150 most valuable and strongest telecoms operator brands, Brand Finance also ranks the top 10 most valuable and strongest telecoms infrastructure brands in the world in the Brand Finance Telecoms Infrastructure 10 2023 ranking.

Huawei (brand value down 38% to US$44.3 billion) continues its dominance at the top of the ranking. Huawei has lost significant brand value in connection to US sanctions, due to political and regulatory confrontations, that have caused a contraction in the geographies where it can operate. It has also suffered in relation to a global semiconductor shortage and a slump in demand for smartphones. Although it is losing brand value, the brand is still the strongest telecoms infrastructure brand with a Brand Strength Index Score of 79.9 out of 100 with a corresponding AAA- rating.

Better waste management and recycling is a critical part of the wider climate adaptation and mitigation effort. However, the issue received only limited attention at COP27 last November. According to Chris Williams, founder and CEO of ISB Global, this needs to change.

“In an ideal world, we would radically rethink how we view waste and consumption and set ourselves the goal of net zero waste,” explained Williams. “But short of complete waste prevention, more efficient and effective waste management on a day-to-day level and also across entire supply chains in industry and commerce, can ensure we tackle the problem.”

A 2018 World Bank’s report entitled “What a waste 2.0” estimated that globally every human being produces on average 0.74 kg of solid waste each day. Approximately 40 percent of this waste ends up in landfills or open dumps. This is in turn has long-lasting harmful impact on the environment, including generating methane and water pollution: globally, waste management contributes 20 percent of all methane emissions, Other harmful environmental emissions include black carbon and dioxins.

“The answer is to move towards a ‘circular economy’, where we reclaim, reuse and recycle as much waste material as possible – ideally all of it,” said Williams.  The International Solid Waste Association claims that this could mitigate up to 20 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions.”

The waste issue wasn’t even on the agenda at COP26 in Glasgow two years ago. Thankfully, this changed last November at COP27 in Sharm El-Sheikh. A panel session featuring speakers from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the Center for Clean Air Policy (CCAP), the Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives (GAIA) and the Global Foodbanking Network plus politicians from Canada, Chile and Senegal discussed waste diversion and segregation as an opportunity for reducing methane emissions plus the challenges involved for public policy at a regional level.

Activist groups also headed to COP27 to raise awareness of the waste problem. Australian start-up Zero Co launched its ‘100 Yr Cleanup’ campaign by building a huge pyramid made entirely of single-use plastics collected from the River Nile. It hopes to raise USD$1m over the coming year and remove the equivalent of 15 million water bottles in plastic waste around the globe. However, considering the amount of carbon and other emissions created by ineffective waste management policies, it deserved more.

Williams continued, “The initiatives announced at COP27 show the demand among people and organisations to improve waste management. But in order to make a significant difference, there needs to be a greater commitment at all levels of government, supported by the investors, for tackling and improving current poor waste management practices in both developing nations and mature ones.

“Waste still doesn’t feature as a standalone UN Climate Change topic and so doesn’t as yet attract the level of debate and action that’s needed in order to proactively and seriously address the contribution that poor waste management makes to climate change,” said Williams. “The key, of course, is to prevent waste altogether. That means changing our attitudes to consumption by consuming less and instead reusing more of what at the moment we throw away,” he added.

“More recycling at a national, regional and a community level puts useful materials back in the production chain where they can be used and keeps them out of landfill,” he explained. “But a lot of recycling still isn’t good enough. Some countries and regions are better than others – and some are pitifully behind the times.

“Better, smarter waste management simply makes good business sense. For example, manufacturers who separate and reuse or resell their waste products rather than simply dumping them don’t have to spend capital extracting and sourcing completely new raw materials. And it’s also now a legal requirement, with more and more governments legislating against excessive landfill with minimum operating requirements and higher taxes. Williams concluded,

“The combination of improved waste management processes plus more recycling is a significant opportunity – to have a meaningful impact on greenhouse gas emissions: and to also help bring about a sea-change in the way individuals and organisations alike think about their consumption and waste.”

Medius, a leading provider of AP Automation and wider spend management solutions, has announced its 2022 Partner of the Year winners, as part of an annual tradition to recognize its partners’ excellence in innovation and implementation of customer solutions based on Medius technology.The Partner of the Year awards acknowledges Medius’s partner ecosystem, which helps to deliver new ways of operating, delivering and accelerating digital transformation to meet customer needs. Given that the priority for many businesses in 2022 was profitability and financial agility against a backdrop of external, economic instability, last year’s winners were assessed based on their ability to help their customers gain control of cost, cash, and compliance through the entire procure-to-pay lifecycle. 

Across seven categories spanning major, global markets, each Partner of the Year demonstrated excellence in working with Medius’s customers in banking, retail, construction and logistics, deploying accelerated digital transformation through Medius technology. 

Matt Rhodus, VP of Business Development & Strategy said: “Many businesses across the globe have faced financial challenges due to external economic factors beyond their control. This has defined business strategies, adaptability and future policies, no matter how big or small an organization. Medius’s Partners of the Year have clearly demonstrated how the best practices of  automation, procurement  and technology can support businesses and their customers in effectively managing cash-flow, without compromising customers’ needs.”

Partner of the Year Award 2022 Winners

Cloud – ACV/Revenue Partner of the Year: Exsitec

Exsitec AB remains a strong sales partner for Medius, achieving 99 new business deals in Medius Spend Management in 2022 alone. The company offers smart IT that simplifies and improves users’ everyday workflow using resource efficient methods.

EMEA Partner of the Year: HSO

FHSO has been named Medius 2022 EMEA Partner of the Year for the second consecutive year. With a 100% dedication to Microsoft technology, HSO is a proven global leader with unique delivery capabilities offered from practices in more than 31 offices across the Americas, Europe, and Asia.

Newcomer Partner Award: Pitney Bowes UK

Pitney Bowes UK has been named the Medius Rookie Partner of the Year for their proactive engagement upon formal partnership in October 2022.  Using the “Move to Medius” quick-start plan Pitney Bowes has generated 26 sales qualified leads, 8 in progress opportunities and 1 closed Medius APA solution for a global manufacturer in 23 countries employing 2500 employees.  

Strategic Partner of the Year: Microsoft

Medius is a longstanding partner of Microsoft and hosts its spend management solutions on the Microsoft Azure platform. The partnership enables Medius to offer greater flexibility, connectivity, and high-quality services to their global customer base. Being a Microsoft Gold Partner also allows Medius to test and develop new technology and to meet the changing needs of clients.

Technology Partner of the Year: Pagero

The Medius global e-Invoicing service is powered by Pagero via the Pagero Network. A smart business network with global reach, to ensure interoperability and local compliance for all customers across the globe. The seamless integration between Pagero and Medius enables the processing of e-invoices in the same way as PDF or paper invoices.

APAC Partner of the Year: Ricoh

Ricoh is a Medius Cloud Partner and a leading provider of smart workplace technology. Medius’s solution extends Ricoh’s range of digital services solutions, including optimized workflows, anytime anywhere collaboration, intelligent capture, automation, and digital infrastructure.

North America Partner of the Year: Enzo

Enzo has been named the 2022 North America Partner of the Year, for their work and partnership integrating Medius APA and Pay solutions to customers across the globe. Enzo enabled Medius to be successfully integrated to a wide variety of customer ERP systems like Great Plains, SAGE, QuickBooks, Infor and others.