Latest news with #Secure
Mid East Info
5 days ago
- Politics
- Mid East Info
Sharjah Department of Human Resources organises ‘Towards a Secure, Digitally Enabled Institutional Society' forum in collaboration with Sharjah Cyber Security Centre, Sharjah Police
Sharjah Department of Human Resources SDHR, in collaboration with Sharjah Cyber Security Centre SCSC of Sharjah Digital Department SDD and Sharjah Police General Command SPGC, organised the 'Towards a Secure, Digitally Enabled Institutional Society' forum in the presence His Excellency Sheikh Saud bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Director General of Sharjah Digital Department and His Excellency Majid Hamad Al Marri, Director of Sharjah Department of Human Resources. The forum was attended by His Excellency Ali Salem Al Midfa, Member of the Executive Council and Chairman of the Sharjah International Airport Authority; His Excellency Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Member of the Executive Council and Chairman of the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority; His Excellency Eisa Hilal Al Hazami, Chairman of the Sharjah Sports Council; His Excellency Brigadier General Dr Mohammed Khamis Al Othmani, Director-General of the Sharjah Police Science Academy; His Excellency Salah Salem Al Mahmoud, Director-General of the Sharjah Documentation and Archives Authority; Her Excellency Eng. Lamia Obaid Al Hussan Al Shamsi, Director of Sharjah Digital Department; His Excellency Dr Abdullah Khalaf Al Hosani, Secretary-General of the Holy Quran Academy; His Excellency Mubarak Rashid Al Shamsi, Director of Al Hamriyah Municipality; and His Excellency Eng. Salem Hamed Al Abdooli, Director of the Sharjah Housing Department, along with a number of officials and employees from various government agencies and institutions in the emirate. The forum was hosted at the Holy Quran Academy in Sharjah, and its organisation aligns with the Sharjah Government's vision for digital leadership and sustainable government transformation. It underscores the recognition of digital security as a strategic imperative in an era of accelerating digital advancement. This was realised through a comprehensive, multidimensional approach that extends beyond technical solutions to include societal, cultural, and legislative dimensions—strengthening integration between government entities and the wider community to build a secure, trusted digital environment prepared for future challenges. The forum explored eight core themes reflecting the priorities of the digital age: secure digital empowerment of society; digital privacy and personal data protection; digital legislation and governance; combating cyber crime and response strategies; the role of government employees in fostering a secure digital culture; fortifying the government work environment against digital threats; the intersection of artificial intelligence and cyber security; and the need to balance innovation with the protection of digital infrastructure in government institutions. His Excellency Sheikh Saud bin Sultan Al Qasimi affirmed that hosting the 'Towards a Secure, Digitally Enabled Institutional Society' forum reflects SDD's commitment to advancing Sharjah's digital transformation through a strategic vision grounded in security, trust, and sustainability, in line with the aspirations of the emirate's wise leadership. His Excellency said: 'We firmly believe that the speed of adopting new technologies does not define true digital transformation, but by our ability to build an integrated system that ensures data protection, safeguards privacy, and reinforces trust in the digital ecosystem. Cybersecurity is not just a technical necessity but a fundamental enabler of a resilient and sustainable digital environment and a critical safeguard for the emirate's achievements and long-term competitiveness.' He added: 'This forum serves as a vital platform to unify efforts, share knowledge, raise awareness, and foster partnerships, driving a secure digital future that weaves together technological, legislative, and educational dimensions under one cohesive vision, supporting community well-being and enhancing the government ecosystem.' His Excellency Abdullah Ibrahim Al Zaabie noted that the forum reflects the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, to build an integrated government system rooted in knowledge, innovation, and information security. He added that digital development today represents a journey that demands a secure and well-informed institutional environment. He said, 'As partners within the government system, we recognise that digital security is a strategic imperative that plays a vital role in safeguarding achievements and ensuring the continuity of efficient and sustainable government performance.' His Excellency further emphasised that through this forum, the Sharjah Department of Human Resources seeks to empower government professionals, raise awareness, and promote a culture of digital security, supporting the emirate's vision of a secure and thriving digital future. For his part, Eng. Abdul Nasser Obaid Ibrahim Bu Khater, Director of Sharjah Cyber Security Centre, emphasised the critical importance of collaboration and unified efforts to strengthen national capabilities in the field of cyber security. He said: 'Addressing the cyber challenges of our time requires a genuine partnership between government and community sectors to create a secure and trustworthy digital environment for all. Through initiatives like this forum, we aim to foster a culture of digital security as a cornerstone of government transformation by equipping public sector professionals with the knowledge and tools needed to protect data and reinforce the emirate's cyber security ecosystem.' Eng. Bu Khater was joined by a group of expert speakers, including Lieutenant Colonel Sultan bin Taliah, Head of the Digital Crimes Department at the Sharjah Police General Command, who contributed to sessions focused on data protection, enabling secure digital practices, and raising awareness of cyber threats within government institutions. In his keynote presentation, Eng. Bu Khater addressed the topic of 'Institutional Security in the Digital Age,' focusing on professional and secure conduct in the workplace. He highlighted best practices in using smart systems, email, and social media, maintaining information confidentiality, managing digital resources responsibly, and distinguishing between personal and professional usage. His session also explored individual and institutional protection strategies, the evolving role of artificial intelligence in enhancing digital security and the challenges it presents. Lt. Col. Sultan Mohammed bin Taliah presented on 'Cyber Crime and Cyber Security,' shedding light on the rise of cyber threats, phishing tactics, and cyber extortion; he also addressed data privacy protection and the implementation of digital prevention tools. His presentation focused on raising awareness among Sharjah government employees of the importance of safe digital behaviour, underscoring the legal procedures to follow in the event of cyber crime exposure and emphasising that employee awareness serves as the first line of defence in protecting organisational security. He said: 'Through this participation, we seek to empower employees to adopt safe digital behaviors and establish a culture of cybersecurity as an essential part of the corporate work environment, in line with Sharjah's vision for a more aware and secure digital society.' The forum concluded by outlining a roadmap towards a safe and sustainable digital society, presenting recommendations and initiatives that enhance the integration of society and government in building an advanced digital system that enhances the emirate's readiness for the future.
Daily Record
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
ITV Coronation Street's Joe Layton breaks silence on killer twist after just months on soap
Coronation Street actor Joe Layton has spoken out on the killer twist that saw his character Mick Michaelis murder Craig Tinker after just a few months on the cobbles. Coronation Street' s Joe Layton has opened up about the shocking plot twist that sees his character morph into a murderer following an intense week on the cobbles. As viewers of the ITV soap will recall, Layton only made his first appearance in February as Mick Michaelis. Mick trailed his wife, Lou, to Weatherfield and the couple were spotted moving into Mawdsley Street, just behind Chesney and Gemma Winter-Brown's residence. The pair quickly struck up a friendship with their new neighbours, but while Chesney was slow to catch on, it soon emerged that Mick was the van man who had been hounding him for weeks. Regarding the couple, it was known they had several children, who hadn't yet appeared on-screen at that point. However, fans swiftly deduced that Brody was their eldest child, based on comments he made in the Secure Training Centre (STC) about his parents' move to Weatherfield to Dylan Wilson. Upon Mick and Lou's arrival, it was confirmed that they would play a pivotal role in unveiling DC Kit Green's past. The truth has since been disclosed to viewers through flashback scenes depicting the teenagers as friends, until a tragic decision drove a wedge between them, reports the Manchester Evening News. In addition to the revelation that Mick was incarcerated for a crime both he and Kit were involved in, it also came to light that Lou had an affair with Kit while Mick was serving time. Fast forward to the present day, Kit stumbles upon Lou and Mick at Speed Daal, enjoying a celebratory meal with Brody, who had just been released from the STC. However, his suspicions were aroused when he accidentally overheard that Brody was 16, leading him to piece together his history with Lou and the possibility that he might be Brody's real father, not Mick. Subsequently, Mick discovered that he might not be Brody's biological dad following a comment from Kit, which sent him into a furious rampage. His actions resulted in tragedy as he claimed the life of unsuspecting police officer Craig Tinker. Reflecting on his stint in the soap, Joe expressed gratitude for his experience, labelling it a "real gift". On being asked about what drew him to the role of Mick, he explained: "I think for me, the opportunity to step into Corrie for six months with a start and a finish point is a real gift. "A lot of people step in and they're on a year contract or six months with a view to more and you're getting the scripts as they come and working out how you slot in, whereas it was kind of a gift for me to know 'you start here, and you finish here.'". Joe elaborated further: "I sat and had a Zoom call with Kate Brooks, the producer, and she walked me through all of it and my first reaction was 'how are we going to cram all that into six months?' But then I started working on Corrie and realised how fast it moves." Now, commenting on the unexpected killer plot twist, Joe, who is set to depart from the show this summer, revealed: "I know that when I got the offer through [for the job] it was going to involve killing someone and then when I had the Zoom with Kate, she said it was going to be Craig. "Then on my first day, I arrived in the green room and I met Colson [Smith, who played Craig] and he said, 'I think you're going to kill me!' And I said, 'I think I might!' It's also credit to Colson because everyone at Corrie has been really lovely, but Colson in particular has been so kind and welcoming to me. "I put myself in his shoes, there must be loads of different things going on for him with being in the soap for so long and it being part of who he is really. So that's credit to Colson. So I knew from Kate when I said 'yes' to the role." Joe spoke about the preparation for the intense scenes depicting Colson's departure as Craig, revealing that they collaborated with a fight director for the sequence where his character Mick attacks Craig. "Duncan Foster was the episode director and he's such a brilliant director so a lot of it is down to him and the crew creating an atmosphere that's safe and calm and gives both actors space to get into the headspaces they need to go to." Discussing the prep work behind the demanding filming schedule, he explained: "In terms of the prep, for something like that, and that whole block was incredibly intense and emotional, I get all of my work done early so I'm not sitting in work on the day. I listen to a lot of music and try and relax. Generally, I'm quite quiet and keep myself to myself.."
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Yahoo
Orange Beach man accused in deadly crash granted bond
ESCAMBIA COUNTY, Fla. (WKRG) — Wyatt Watson of Orange Beach made his first appearance in court Tuesday for his alleged involvement in a deadly Escambia County, Florida, crash. Pensacola man accused of assaulting pregnant woman at hospital Watson, 20, is accused of DUI manslaughter after a deadly crash early Friday morning that took the life of a 55-year-old Lillian man. The family has identified that man as Shannon Price. 'The defendant is alleged to have gone over the center line and hit the decedent's vehicle head on,' Assistant State Attorney Julie Greenberg said Tuesday in court. The crash happened on U.S. Highway 98 near Halcyon Circle. Price died on the scene. Watson was hospitalized before being booked in the Escambia County Jail. 'In the probable cause affidavit, the trooper states that the odor of alcohol was emanating from his breath, from his body, that when he walked into the room to talk to the defendant, that the odor of alcohol was present in the air,' Greenberg said. A judge set Watson's bond on Tuesday at $100,000, but it comes with stipulations. Some of the requirements include no driving, no alcohol or drugs. Watson is not allowed to visit bars or other establishments where alcohol is the primary source of business, and he must wear a Secure Continuous Remote Alcohol Monitor, which monitors alcohol consumption. At the scene of the crash now sits a small memorial to honor Price, placed there by the children he leaves behind. University of West Florida president announces resignation Watson is due back in court on May 30. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Zawya
24-03-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Visa study reveals 94% of Kuwait's consumers taking extra precautions with digital payments
KUWAIT CITY - Visa released a recent study showing increased consumer awareness and heightened precautionary measures when making digital payments in Kuwait, reports Al-Seyassah daily. The ninth annual 'Stay Secure' study surveyed 5,800 adults across 17 markets in the Central Europe, Middle East, and Africa (CEMEA) region. The study revealed that 94 percent of consumers in Kuwait are taking additional precautions to secure their digital transactions, reflecting a growing awareness in line with the sector's significant momentum. Nearly 44 percent of survey respondents in Kuwait reported having limited experience with detecting fraud. However, the increased adoption of precautionary measures and a preference for more secure authentication methods indicate a clear positive shift in consumer behavior compared to the previous 'Stay Secure' study in 2023. Consumers are now better equipped to recognize warning signs and verify the legitimacy of online transactions, signaling a significant rise in digital awareness. The study also highlights strong growth in the adoption of digital payments in Kuwait. About 80 percent of respondents expressed full or partial confidence in digital payment methods, while 79 percent expected their use of digital payments to increase over the next year. Head of Risk for the Middle East and North Africa at Visa, Neil Fernandez, said: 'The digital payments arena is rapidly evolving, and consumers in Kuwait are demonstrating a strong willingness to adopt digital payment methods while becoming more aware of the importance of taking precautionary measures. Educating consumers about fraudulent methods is the most important line of defense against these threats, and collaboration with industry partners is important for achieving this goal. Fraudulent attacks are evolving and becoming more sophisticated over time, which underscores the need to redouble efforts to ensure the security of digital transactions.' Meanwhile, Visa's Vice President and General Manager for Kuwait and Qatar, Shashank Singh, said: 'We are pleased to launch Visa's latest 'Stay Secure' study in Kuwait, which highlights the important role that retailers and financial institutions play in building and maintaining customer trust in digital payments. 'The study provides valuable insights that will help inform industry strategies to enhance customer trust, ensure the security of the digital payments system, and support the Kuwaiti government's efforts to build a resilient digital economy. 'The 'Stay Secure' study sheds light on customer preferences, offering Visa important information to develop trust-building strategies and educational materials that empower customers to detect fraud.' In addition, Visa's 'Stay Secure' study in Kuwait revealed that as reliance on digital payments grows, the scope of fraud is also expanding, with nearly half of consumers (44 percent) in Kuwait having fallen victim to fraud. Arab Times | © Copyright 2024, All Rights Reserved Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. ( arabtimes
Arab Times
23-03-2025
- Business
- Arab Times
Visa study reveals 94% of Kuwait's consumers taking extra precautions with digital payments
KUWAIT CITY, March 23: Visa released a recent study showing increased consumer awareness and heightened precautionary measures when making digital payments in Kuwait, reports Al-Seyassah daily. The ninth annual 'Stay Secure' study surveyed 5,800 adults across 17 markets in the Central Europe, Middle East, and Africa (CEMEA) region. The study revealed that 94 percent of consumers in Kuwait are taking additional precautions to secure their digital transactions, reflecting a growing awareness in line with the sector's significant momentum. Nearly 44 percent of survey respondents in Kuwait reported having limited experience with detecting fraud. However, the increased adoption of precautionary measures and a preference for more secure authentication methods indicate a clear positive shift in consumer behavior compared to the previous 'Stay Secure' study in 2023. Consumers are now better equipped to recognize warning signs and verify the legitimacy of online transactions, signaling a significant rise in digital awareness. The study also highlights strong growth in the adoption of digital payments in Kuwait. About 80 percent of respondents expressed full or partial confidence in digital payment methods, while 79 percent expected their use of digital payments to increase over the next year. Head of Risk for the Middle East and North Africa at Visa, Neil Fernandez, said: 'The digital payments arena is rapidly evolving, and consumers in Kuwait are demonstrating a strong willingness to adopt digital payment methods while becoming more aware of the importance of taking precautionary measures. Educating consumers about fraudulent methods is the most important line of defense against these threats, and collaboration with industry partners is important for achieving this goal. Fraudulent attacks are evolving and becoming more sophisticated over time, which underscores the need to redouble efforts to ensure the security of digital transactions.' Meanwhile, Visa's Vice President and General Manager for Kuwait and Qatar, Shashank Singh, said: 'We are pleased to launch Visa's latest 'Stay Secure' study in Kuwait, which highlights the important role that retailers and financial institutions play in building and maintaining customer trust in digital payments. 'The study provides valuable insights that will help inform industry strategies to enhance customer trust, ensure the security of the digital payments system, and support the Kuwaiti government's efforts to build a resilient digital economy. 'The 'Stay Secure' study sheds light on customer preferences, offering Visa important information to develop trust-building strategies and educational materials that empower customers to detect fraud.' In addition, Visa's 'Stay Secure' study in Kuwait revealed that as reliance on digital payments grows, the scope of fraud is also expanding, with nearly half of consumers (44 percent) in Kuwait having fallen victim to fraud.
