Kieran MacDermott

Passwords are frustrating, right? Simple passwords are too easy to guess… and safer complicated passwords are too difficult to remember. There are better, more secure solutions. But not enough people are embracing them. In my latest tech update I explain why biometrics are one of the best ways to keep your credentials – and data – safe and secure. Read it here. #Biometrics #Passwords #DataSecurity

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The Crosbie Show - Nationwide’s 'Fairer Share Payment': Is It Fair or a Step Toward Demutualisation? Nationwide Building Society, known for its core values of mutuality, fairness, and customer focus, recently announced a £100 'Fairer Share Payment' for customers with both an active current account and a qualifying savings or mortgage product. This move raises questions about fairness, as it excludes customers with only one type of account, potentially benefiting higher-income individuals more and exacerbating inequality. While this scheme might increase customer retention and encourage cross-selling, it doesn't fully align with Nationwide's commitment to fairness and inclusiveness. There is speculation among staff that this could be part of a covert strategy towards demutualisation, converting Nationwide into a shareholder-owned entity. This shift could bring significant financial gains for senior executives, including CEO Debbie Crosbie, through share options and other incentives. Nationwide's recent ventures into business banking and interest in acquiring Virgin Money suggest a transformation into a conventional bank. This change could signal a departure from its mutual roots, aligning more with growth and profitability than member-centric service. Some might speculate this is a strategic move by executives to control member assets, potentially compromising Nationwide's mutual values and the interests of its longstanding members. #Banking #Nationwide #CustomerFocus #Demutualisation #FinancialServices

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Great report

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Data Migrations - if you're thinking about undertaking one (or are already on the journey) please feel free to drop me a message to find our how Altus Consulting helped Virgin Money Investments with theirs - case study below

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It amazes me that people blindly accept the "inflation plus %" model of pricing, particularly when the service in question is one of those in the market sector used to calculate the RPI (specific example being Virgin Media and broadband). When someone tells you they're charging you above inflation, they're flat out telling you they are milking you. The excuse of it being to "drive future investment" is nonsense. Do you really want to be dealing with someone whose basic business plan doesn't take that into account? And even if it were true, an uplift of X% would only need to be a one-off to add the missing headroom. No, long-term inflation-plus is profiteering, pure and simple. Would someone who makes those decisions like to correct my perspective, because to my mind it's barely the right side of the line from disingenuous, shady and unethical?

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Can your current Cyber security routines handle a major cyber attack? We have helped hundreds of businesses set up effective backup routines for their Office 365 systems. https://lnkd.in/d_bdBgcU If this is something you need help with please call 020 3950 0360 #databackup #office365 #office365backup #MSTeamsBackup #CloudBackup #ITBackup #DataBackup

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'Out of date' IT system leaves NHS at risk of further cyber attacks. In my opinion, the warning from Professor Ciaran Martin, the founding chief executive of the National Cyber Security Centre, about the NHS's IT system being "out of date" and at significant risk of further cyber attacks is a wake-up call. This isn't just a hypothetical threat; it's a concern that has already resulted in over 6,000 postponed appointments and procedures at major London hospitals following a ransomware attack in June. I'm certain that Professor Martin's words, "horrified, but not completely surprised," resonate with many of us in the IT industry. Ransomware attacks on healthcare and other sectors are a major global concern, and outdated IT infrastructure is leaving UK organisations exposed. The critical issues he highlighted – outdated systems, vulnerable points, and the lack of basic security practices – must be urgently addressed. If you're not frequently budgeting for IT with a clear roadmap of projects, it's time for a change… Nobody likes spending more money, but investing in your IT budget is like buying insurance – it's essential for long-term peace of mind and security. Just as you wouldn't drive a car without insurance, you shouldn't run a business without a robust IT investment. Regularly reviewing and updating your IT budget isn't just a best practice – it's essential for risk prevention and long-term growth. 🛣️ 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐧 𝐀𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐝 Ensure your IT department/ MSP can help develop and share a detailed IT project roadmap with you. Forecasting for budgeting and development will go a long way. 🛡️ 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐬𝐞 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲 Make Cyber Security a core focus to protect and support your business. This should also include educating your staff with regular Security Awareness Training. Let's talk if you're interested in that! The impacts on the NHS are one thing, however, businesses are being attacked every day! So, is it worth holding back until 'something wrong' happens, or will you consider revising your IT budget and place safer measures for your business now? #UKBusiness #Business #Healthcare #NHS #Cybersecurity

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So, when does 'Managing expectations' become pure shoddy customer services? A recent experience as a customer has re-affirmed to me the value of CX when selecting suppliers and partners. Below is an automated reply I've received in response to a very generic invoicing query I needed an answer to. 5 Working days - so a week. A WEEK! Oh and btw, I called them after receiving this and it took about 45m to reach an agent. This is also not the first time both of these things have been an issue. This was not 'just a bad day / week'. Given the plethora of tech that's available in the CX space, surely this is a conscious decision to disregard customer satisfaction? ARVAL UK LIMITED - do better. I have plenty of CX professionals in my network that I'll happily introduce you to 😉 (not a pitch, I'm just nice like that).

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The UK NHS at risk of further attacks due to outdated IT systems, NCSC exec warns. The NHS is at risk of being targeted by cybercriminals again due to its outdated IT systems, according to an executive at the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC). A recent attack resulted in thousands of appointments being postponed, highlighting the vulnerabilities of the NHS. This article points out that weaknesses in identifying vulnerabilities and a lack of basic security practices are to blame for the attack. Experts are calling for improved cybersecurity measures to protect the NHS from future attacks. #NHS #Cybersecurity #Healthcare

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𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝟑 𝐛𝐢𝐠𝐠𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐚𝐧𝐲 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐩? 🤔 Incredible to have Amanda Philpott on Talking with Tech Leaders, previously CEO of the NHS and now CEO of eargym to talk to us about Investment, Talent, Culture, and knowing when to hire the right person... Entrepreneurs face lots of challenges, from securing investments to building the right team and instilling a positive culture. Building a tech-savvy team is essential. Amanda talks us through the challenges of finding and retaining top talent in today's market and how a strong company culture is vital along with the benefits of becoming a B Corp early on. It is a great episode where you can gain practical advice on overcoming common entrepreneurial challenges while understanding the significance of building a values-driven team. Check out the full episode on Apple Podcasts & Spotify, search for: 𝑻𝒂𝒍𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝑻𝒆𝒄𝒉 𝑳𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒓𝒆𝒔 #InnovationInHealth #HealthTech #TalkinWithTechLeaders Be-IT

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'Our work over the past decade has shown that, across government, attempts at digital transformation have had little lasting success. Government cannot achieve real transformation without reshaping the business of government and understanding the challenges presented by legacy systems and data.' #DigitalTransformation #Customer #UnitedKingdom #EnterpriseArchitecture #PublicSector #EnterpriseTransformation #drivingefficiencies #data #AI https://lnkd.in/eYewY23T

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Revolutionising local authority digital transformation: An outcomes approach LINK: https://lnkd.in/ez7mqchy #ConsultingIssues #TheDailyConsultant #Strategy #Innovation #Leadership #Management #Business #Operations #Advisory #Finance #Project #Policy #Process #Technology

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#CyberUK great keynote from Director GCHQ, three ingredients on how they are looking to tackle the growing cyber security threat: resilience, partnership and speed. The panel session that followed drew out some fascinating incidents, trends and use of AI.

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Policing is a #partnership – not just between police and public but also between police and technology providers. This partnership can unleash policing’s true potential, transforming operations and making the public safer and increasing confidence

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