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Int'l Business Times
11-06-2025
- Health
- Int'l Business Times
The Silent Cyber Crisis Alarming Global Economies and Why It's Time for Collective Action
The world has found itself dependent on the Internet, which powers everything, from emergency rooms and election systems to global supply chains and banking infrastructure. Cybersecurity is no longer just a technical concern. It's a matter of national resilience and global economic stability. Yet, despite daily headlines about ransomware attacks, phishing campaigns, and infrastructure outages, the world remains dangerously complacent. Individuals, businesses, and governing entities alike often operate under the illusion that the internet 'just works' until it doesn't. When disruptions occur, they aren't just inconvenient. They're deeply consequential. The cyberattacks of 2024 show exactly that. The UnitedHealth's Change Healthcare division cyberattack led to widespread medical delays and a ripple effect on the stock market. A software issue involving CrowdStrike grounded flights and stalled operations across multiple industries. These events exposed a hard truth: the global economy is built on digital infrastructure that is far more fragile than people care to admit. "We live in a world of digital dependence, but not digital preparedness," says Philip Reitinger, President and CEO of the Global Cyber Alliance (GCA). "Cybersecurity is not just a technology issue. It's an economic and well-being issue with global implications." Philip Reitinger Much of the malicious activity that threatens the Internet doesn't make headlines. Attacks happen quietly: automated bots probe systems, stolen credentials circulate on the dark web, and malware using cloud infrastructure launches coordinated attacks. This ongoing digital pollution impacts not only the victims but also the very health and trustworthiness of the Internet itself. To highlight and confront this issue, GCA recently launched the Internet Pollution Index, an initiative to measure and map malicious activity flowing across global networks. The results are sobering. Some organizations, including well-known cloud service providers, unknowingly emit harmful traffic, acting as launchpads for attacks against others. "Cybercrime has become so automated, so widespread, that many networks are both victims and unwitting accomplices," Reitinger explains. "We need more visibility and accountability to break this cycle." The Common Good Cyber initiative (spearheaded by GCA) has long been at the forefront of strengthening cybersecurity worldwide. In March, the group announced a critical effort to establish a joint fund mechanism for nonprofit organizations at the Bridging the Gap event. Together with a growing network of nonprofits, corporate enterprises, and governing entities, GCA is working to safeguard the foundational components of the internet, including routing, domain names, IP address hygiene, and more. These efforts are often behind the scenes but vital. They help small businesses stay afloat, enable civil society groups to operate safely, and protect the digital backbone of democratic institutions. But they face an uphill battle. "There's only so much nonprofits and NGOs can do on their own," says Reitinger. "The hard truth is that cybersecurity for the common good requires much more investment from governing bodies, the private sector, and civil society." The consequences of underinvesting in cybersecurity aren't abstract. They're felt in economic losses, eroded trust, and the disruption of essential services. From hospitals unable to access patient records to small businesses locked out of their systems, the damage is both personal and systemic. In fact, the situation has gotten so severe that the cost of global cybercrime is expected to reach an annual cost of $10.5 trillion by 2025, with the average cost of individual breaches averaging around $4.9 million. However, this is far from simply a problem for organizations as its impact reaches everyday citizens. It was reported that a single data breach leaked the information of over 1.3 million US citizens in 2024, many of whom were none the wiser that their names, social security numbers, and home addresses were being sold to the highest bidder on the dark web. And it's not just about being a target. Some networks are already part of the problem without knowing it. According to GCA's sensor network, malicious traffic emerges from every region, targeting every IPv4 port 24/7. "Every network has a responsibility not just to protect itself but to ensure it's not unintentionally harming others," says Reitinger. "We need active collaboration, not passive protection." GCA's Internet Integrity Program builds on that spirit. By collaborating with key players in Internet infrastructure operations, the program aims to create a practical, scalable blueprint for better security across borders. Global Cyber Alliance Cybersecurity cannot be treated as an afterthought or a private burden. It is a cornerstone of economic growth, public trust, and national security. And as cyber threats grow more sophisticated, the only viable path forward is one built on collective responsibility and sustained collaboration. That includes empowering the nonprofits doing the essential, and often invisible, work of defending the Internet. Collaboration means governing bodies recognizing their role not just in protecting their own infrastructure, but in supporting the public interest across the broader ecosystem. And collaboration means acknowledging that when it comes to cyber risk, everyone is in this together. In the end, Reitinger concludes, "The internet we created belongs to all of us. And if we want to keep it safe, accessible, and reliable, then we all have a role to play in protecting it."
Business News Wales
28-05-2025
- Business
- Business News Wales
Cardiff's Farmers Markets Shortlisted for UK's Organic Market
Cardiff's Farmers Markets Shortlisted for UK's Organic Market Cardiff Farmers Markets are finalists at the BOOM (Best of Organic Market) Awards 2025 – the only organic awards in the UK, celebrating excellence in organic and recognising quality and success in the organic sector. With their original Riverside Market launching in 1998, Cardiff Farmers Markets have grown to become some of the best-known farmers' markets in the U.K. They are widely recognised as key food attractions in the Welsh capital for local residents and visitors alike, with the success of the original Riverside Market enabling them to branch out into a weekly Saturday market in Roath, and a weekly Friday market in Rhiwbina. Now up against the best that the organic market has to offer, the markets faced a rigorous judging process by a professional panel of industry experts. The BOOM Awards, run by leading organic certifier Soil Association Certification in partnership with headline sponsor Ocado, honour the brands, organisations and people behind the UK's organic industry. 'We're absolutely thrilled to be named a finalist,' said Carol Adams, General Manager of Cardiff Farmers Markets. 'This reflects the dedication of our local growers, market team, and partners working together to make organic food more accessible for people across Cardiff.' Over the last year, as part of the UK-wide Bridging the Gap scheme, Cardiff Farmers Markets launched The Planet Card – a collaboration between Cardiff Farmers Markets, Food Cardiff, local organic growers, and community members. Bridging the Gap is coordinated by the food and farming charity Sustain, which is testing scalable solutions to food inequality. The Planet Card holds a value of up to £11 per week – enabling holders to switch their normal weekly shop for fruit and vegetables to organically produced versions, without being left out of pocket. Shoppers are able to use the card at a choice of organic fruit and vegetable stalls at the Roath or Riverside markets, every weekend. The initiative is helping to ensure that high-quality, sustainable and organic fruit & veg is within reach for more people, and is contributing to a fairer, more resilient local food system in Cardiff. Cardiff University is also supporting the project through research and evaluation, to better understand its impact and contribute to policy change. Soil Association Certification Commercial and Marketing Director, Georgia Phillips said: 'Demand is growing for organic as more people are looking for products that are better for them and the environment, so we are delighted to see Cardiff Farmers Markets named as a finalist.' The finalists are being announced at a time when the UK's organic market has shown exceptional growth (significantly outperforming non-organic), growing 7.3% in 2024. Total sales of £3.7bn are double what they were just 10 years ago (2014 – £1.86bn), according to Soil Association Certification's 2025 Organic Market Report. The BOOM Award winners will be announced at the BOOM Awards ceremony on Thursday, 10th July 2025 at Paintworks, Bristol (home of the Soil Association). You can view the full list of BOOM Awards finalists at:
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Albertans Want to Use Technology to Support Health Care Access
New study reveals over half of Albertans (57%) believe that hybrid care could improve access to health care amid ER closures and staffing shortages. LETHBRIDGE, Alberta, May 27, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--A new survey conducted by Nanos Group, commissioned by Teladoc Health Canada, reveals that while Albertans continue to face challenges in accessing timely care, particularly in rural areas, there is strong openness to new, innovative solutions that could help relieve pressure on the health care system. How Open are Albertans to Innovation? Over seven in ten Albertans are comfortable or somewhat comfortable with virtual care being used for non-urgent care (39% are comfortable; 35% are somewhat comfortable). Two-thirds of Albertans are comfortable with a hybrid model of care that leverages technology to combine in-person care with virtual clinicians. "These results show that Albertans are ready to see what their options are when it comes to health care—they are ready for new solutions," said Joby McKenzie, Managing Director of Teladoc Health Canada. "It also tells us that many Albertans believe virtual and hybrid care can result in quicker and convenient access to health care. That's why we're committed to working with local leaders and health care partners to expand services that help people get the high quality of care they need faster, while easing pressure on the frontlines." Released during Alberta Rural Health Week, the survey also highlights the urgency behind this openness. Long wait times, staffing shortages, and delayed care continue to impact patients across the province. Why Innovation is Important: Over one in five Albertans wait seven or more hours to be seen in an ER or urgent care centre. The average wait time to access primary care is 10 days. Over one in three Albertans say they've delayed or avoided seeking care due to long wait times. Among people who experienced delayed care, nearly one in five reported worsened health (17%), prolonged pain (10%), or delayed recovery (9%). The survey findings are being released in conjunction with Bridging the Gap: Advancing Rural Health Care through Innovation & Collaboration, an event hosted by the Lethbridge Chamber of Commerce and sponsored by Teladoc Health Canada. The event brings together health care leaders, decision-makers, and providers to explore the role innovation plays in expanding access to care across Alberta. "As members of the community, we see firsthand how health care access issues affect our families, from overall well-being, productivity, and also, workforce stability," said Cyndi Crane, CEO of the Lethbridge Chamber of Commerce. "We're proud to host an event that puts local experts, our unique challenges, and innovative solutions at the centre of the conversation." Teladoc Health Canada is sharing this new data to help inform ongoing policy and public conversations. Teladoc is committed to collaborating with local and provincial health care leaders to explore how virtual and hybrid care models can help make health care more accessible and timely for Albertans, while supporting care teams and keeping ERs open. About Teladoc Health Canada Teladoc Health Canada is a Canadian company within the Teladoc Health Group, with a dedicated Canadian team across all functions of the business. Headquartered in Toronto, Teladoc Health Canada has more than 20 years of experience delivering virtual health care to millions of Canadians coast to coast. Through experiences and learnings from providing services in over 175 countries across the world, Teladoc Health Canada has access to world-class research and innovation, enhancing care delivery while maintaining a strong Canadian focus. About the Lethbridge Chamber of Commerce The Lethbridge Chamber of Commerce is the voice of business, advocating for policies that support a thriving local economy. With a strong network of members, the Chamber champions innovation, growth, and collaboration across all sectors. As a catalyst for positive change, it remains committed to building a prosperous future for Lethbridge and our surrounding region. View source version on Contacts For media inquiries or to request an interview, please contact: Yvette LokkerTeladoc Health 416.629.3269 Sign in to access your portfolio
South Wales Argus
24-05-2025
- Business
- South Wales Argus
Monmouthshire County Council celebrates food partnerships
This comes after Food Sense Wales published the Local Food Partnership Status Report, which highlights the diverse food activities happening across the country. The council has adopted food strategies, setting measurable targets for procuring and providing local, healthy, and sustainable food. One of the projects implemented by the Monmouthshire Food Partnership is the Welsh Veg in Schools initiative. This pilot project, coordinated by Food Sense Wales, aims to incorporate more organically produced Welsh vegetables into primary school meals across Wales. The project collaborates with partners such as Castell Howell, Farming Connect Horticulture, and various growers to achieve this goal. The initiative recognises that Welsh organic vegetables are more expensive than conventionally grown ones. Therefore, the pilot has covered the price gap between local, organic produce and standard prices. In 2024, the Welsh Veg in Schools initiative served 200,000 portions of fresh, organic veg in more than 200 schools across Wales, including 12 Monmouthshire primary schools. Leader of Monmouthshire County Council, Councillor Mary Ann Brocklesby, said: "There's a good food movement happening all across Wales, and we're proud to be part of it. "Local food partnerships are some of the key drivers of change." In spring 2024, Food Sense Wales received additional funding from the Bridging the Gap programme to scale the project and expand its reach across the public sector.
Business News Wales
22-05-2025
- Business
- Business News Wales
'Incredible Work' of Food Partnerships Across Wales is Hailed in Report
Monmouthshire County Council is celebrating the 'incredible work' of Food Partnerships across the country, including the work of Monmouthshire Food Partnership. Food Sense Wales has recently published the Local Food Partnership Status Report, showcasing the diverse food activities happening all over the country. Monmouthshire County Council has adopted organisation-wide food strategies, setting measurable targets for procuring and providing local, healthy, and sustainable food. One project which has been implemented by the Monmouthshire Food partnership is the Welsh Veg in Schools, a pilot project co-ordinated by Food Sense Wales that aims to get more organically produced Welsh vegetables into primary school meals across Wales. Working with partners including Castell Howell, Farming Connect Horticulture and a host of growers, the Welsh Veg in Schools project is helping to get more locally produced organic vegetables into school lunches. Recognising that Welsh organic vegetables are more expensive than vegetables which are conventionally grown, the pilot has covered the price gap between local, organic produce and standard prices. In spring 2024, Food Sense Wales received additional funding from the Bridging the Gap programme to scale the project and expand its reach across the public sector. What began as a small pilot project has since grown into a movement and in 2024, Welsh Veg in Schools served 200,000 portions of fresh, organic veg in more than 200 schools across Wales, including 12 primary schools in Monmouthshire. The Status of Local Food Partnerships in Wales 2025 report offers a snapshot of the current landscape, highlights best practices from the 22 Local Food Partnerships, and includes valuable feedback from partnership members. Leader of Monmouthshire County Council, Mary Ann Brocklesby, said: 'There's a good food movement happening all across Wales, and we're proud to be part of it. 'Local food partnerships are some of the key drivers of change. They bring together public bodies, community food growers, and the voluntary sector to develop local solutions for food resilience.'
