WHAT’S BUZZING
Data bias is a key challenge for 68% of Singapore firms
According to a study by Progress, a provider of application development and infrastructure software, more than two-thirds (68%) of business and IT decision-makers in Singapore believe there is currently data bias in their organisation.
This is worrying as 58% anticipate relying more on artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML) for decision-making. Only 16% currently address data bias and have an ongoing evaluation process.
Cultural and personal experiences often have inherent biases. When data is collected and used in the training of machine learning models, the models inherit the bias of the people building them, producing unexpected and potentially harmful outcomes.
Despite the potential legal and financial pitfalls associated with data bias, there needs to be more understanding of the training, processes and technology needed to tackle data bias successfully.
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Respondents also say a lack of awareness of potential biases, poor understanding of how to identify bias, and the lack of available expert resources — such as having access to data scientists — as the biggest barriers to addressing data bias.
“Bias can be a serious detriment to growth. Indeed, one in two Singaporean businesses cites eroding customer trust as the biggest implication of unchecked data bias. Local organisations also worry about lost financial opportunities (48%) and security and governance risks (38%). At Progress, we strive to help businesses make insightful decisions. We put them first as we explore how AI/ML can enhance effective decision-making that drives businesses forward,” says John Yang, Progress’s vice-president for Asia Pacific and Japan.
ESET finds corporate secrets and data on recycled company routers
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Over 56% of the core routers ESET purchased from secondary market vendors contained a treasure trove of sensitive data. The routers originate from organisations ranging from medium-sized businesses to global enterprises across various industries.
Organisations often recycle ageing tech through third-party companies that verify the secure destruction or recycling of digital equipment and the disposal of the data contained therein.
Whether there was an error by an e-waste company or in companies’ disposal processes, a range of data was found on the routers, including customer data, router-to-router authentication keys, and credentials to virtual private networks.
“There are well-documented processes for proper decommissioning of hardware, and this research shows that many companies are not following them rigorously when preparing devices for the secondary hardware market. Exploiting a vulnerability or spearphishing for credentials is potentially hard work. But our research shows that there is a much easier way to get your hands on this data and more. We urge organisations involved in device disposal, data destruction, and reselling of devices to take a hard look at their media sanitisation processes,” says Tony Anscombe, chief security evangelist at ESET.
ESET advises organisations to verify that they are using a trusted, competent third party to dispose of devices or take all the necessary precautions if they handle the decommissioning themselves. This should extend past routers and hard drives to any device that is part of the network.
Organisations should also follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for removing all data from a device before it physically leaves their premises.
IN PICTURE
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Photo: Changi Airport Group
Step into ChangiVerse and let your imagination take flight in the virtual reality airport.
You can explore interactable spaces such as a bustling cafe, compete in minigames, and earn unique collectables to give your digital avatar some extra flair. There are five games — Changi Kart, Check-in Champ, Baggage Expert, Obby Expert, and Hedge Maze — and three key areas — Jewel, Terminal 3, and Airport Boulevard —for players to explore.
ChangiVerse is the first virtual (or metaverse) experience developed by an airport on Roblox. It aims to revolutionise the online airport experience — crossing physical barriers and time zones to allow fans of Changi or those who have not had the chance to travel through the airport to explore, interact, and engage with Changi in the digital space.
The initial phase of ChangiVerse was developed by Changi Airport Group and Accenture’s Metaverse Continuum Business Group.
DIGITAL LIFE
Here is how Jabra can help hybrid workers protect their focus zone and enable them to take calls and meetings effectively no matter their environment.
Photo: Jabra
The Jabra Evolve2 65 Flex has a collapsible hinged headband, slimmed-down ear cups and a shorter hide-away boom arm.
Thanks to a powerful chipset, advanced digital algorithm and beamforming Jabra ClearVoice microphones, users can be heard even in loud locations.
Also, its chipset and noise-cancelling technology delivers a best-in-class hybrid active noise cancellation (ANC), while the close-fitting memory foam ear cups help eliminate even more of the surrounding noises.
Photo: Jabra
The Jabra Speak2 75 features a 360-degree light ring that shows users how well their voice is being picked up by the microphones, eliminating the worry of not being heard by others.
This speakerphone also includes an advanced full-range 65mm speaker, which offers a powerful audio experience to ensure much more efficient and productive meetings.
