Tag: technological
Every 12 Seconds Britons Fall Victim To Scams
MNK Blog
Every 12 Seconds Britons Fall Victim To Scams
Don’t Be A Victim – Protect Your Privacy
Hello Tech Lovers!
Over £1.2Billion was stolen through fraud in 2022 and Britons lost more than half a billion pounds in the first six months of 2023. According to a new report by UK Finance, criminals stole an, ‘absolutely staggering’, £580million through fraud. This amounts to one theft every 12 seconds.
Unauthorised fraud losses across payment cards, remote banking, and cheques, reached £340.7 million in the first half of 2023 – a three per cent drop compared to the same period in 2022.
The number of unauthorised fraud cases was, 1.26 million – down two per cent on the same period in 2022.
Authorised fraud losses – also known as authorised push payments or APPs, accounted for £239.3million of total fraud, down one per cent compared to the same period in 2022.
Although scammers took slightly less money, the total number of cases was up 22 per cent to 116,324.
The main driver behind this, according to UK Finance, is purchase scams – where people are tricked into paying for goods that never materialise.
Social media also plays a huge part, with the report showing three quarters of fraud started online. Another 17 per cent started through phone calls and text messages.
UK Finance’s director of economic crime, Ben Donaldson, called on tech and telecoms companies to do more to tackle the scam epidemic. ‘We need to see much more effort from the social media and telecommunications sectors. If we are going to see a real difference we need them to work with us,’ he said.
Paul Davis, director of fraud prevention at TSB, had this to say, ‘It’s clear from the big spike in push-payment fraud cases that online companies and telecoms firms must urgently introduce measures to protect the public from scams on their platforms.’
Fraud is divided into two categories, according to UK Finance – Authorised and Unauthorised.
Authorised fraud:
When someone is tricked into paying money into a scammer’s account, or handing over a password. In other words, they take some kind of action or volunteer information which makes the fraud possible.
Unauthorised fraud:
Refers to cases where the victim is not directly involved, for example purchases being made on a stolen credit card. When this happens, banks and credit card companies are legally obliged to protect them from losses – whereas authorised fraud victims may find it harder to get their money back.
Donaldson said, ‘In addition to the financial losses, these crimes often involve callous manipulation of the victim which can cause psychological and emotional harm.’
As the UK Finance report shows, criminals are increasingly using social media, online platforms, screen gleaning, texts, phone calls and emails to deceive victims into giving up their personal details and their money.
The only way we will prevent fraud is if other sectors do much more to help us deal with the criminality which is increasingly taking place on their platforms.’ Concluded Donaldson.
45% of visual hacks occur in under 15 minutes. Often a hacker only needs one piece of valuable information to unlock a full scale data breach.
What do you use to protect your privacy when using your laptop in public places?
Protect your confidentiality with our PROHOOD® the quick and easy to install privacy hood for laptops, iPads, and tablets.
Read the full story, via UK FInance here
Don’t forget to check out the blog archive below for more posts from me and why not subscribe to the blog to be the first to hear when a new post is available, also get the low down on new product arrivals.
Adam – MNK Founder
#ProtectYourTech
Scientists Use Bacterial Cellulose To Develop Alternative To Plastic
MNK Blog
Scientists Use Bacterial Cellulose To Develop Alternative To Plastic
Is This The End To Plastic Food Packaging?
Hello Tech Lovers!
Researchers from the Chinese University of Hong Kong have created a biodegradable material, that could be used for food packaging instead of plastic
To make the material transparent, biodegradable, and an edible material. The team worked with bacterial cellulose – an organic compound derived from bacteria. However, bacterial cellulose does not react well to moisture in the air. To solve the issue, the scientists added soy proteins to the material and coated it with an oil-resistant composite.
Chemistry professor at the university, and study author, To Ngai – told Phys.org, “This approach offers, a promising solution to the challenge of developing sustainable and environmentally friendly packaging materials – that can replace single-use plastics on a large scale.”
The material can completely degrade in two months, and since it is edible, is safe for wildlife.
Read the full story, via Phys.org here
Don’t forget to check out the blog archive below for more posts from me and why not subscribe to the blog to be the first to hear when a new post is available, also get the low down on new product arrivals.
Adam – MNK Founder
#ProtectYourTech
11 Of The Best Laptop Sun Shades – Glamour UK Magazine
MNK Press
PROHOOD® by MNK
11 of the best laptop sun shades to maximise productivity outdoors in summer 2023 Got to keep the tan up.
Glamour Magazine
One of the best inexpensive options, this fold-up sun shade is easy to transport, and water resistant for those inevitable poolside splashes. WFH in Monaco, Mykonos or Milan? Yes, please.
Read the full article via Glamour Magazine UK here
Plastic Eating Microbes Found In The Alps
MNK Blog
Plastic Eating Microbes Found In The Alps
A Chilling End To Plastics
Hello Tech Lovers!
In the Alps, microbes that can east plastic at low temperatures have been discovered.
Microorganisms capable of destroying plastic polymers have previously been discovered and as a result, scientists and businesses have latched onto bioengineering enzymes found in bacteria and fungi, as a means to tackle plastic pollution.
However, since the majority of those found require high temperatures to function, the industry has been limited due to the process been costly and not carbon neutral.
The most effective performers are two fungi discovered by the Swiss Federal Institute, which work at just 15 degrees Celsius. They are capable of digesting biodegradable polyester-polyurethane (PUR), and two commercially available biodegradable mixtures of polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT) and polylactic acid (PLA.)
PUR is commonly used in artificial textiles, PBAT is used widely in industries for packaging, and PLA is found in biomedical applications.
A total of nine fungi, and eight, bacteria species from multiple genera found, are able to digest PUR. And a total of 14 fungi and three bacteria, managed to eat mixtures of PBAT and PLA
During the hunt for a microbe capable of digesting in the cold, the team studied 19 strains of bacteria and 15 fungi growing on plastic that had been left behind, or intentionally buried in Greenland, Svalbard, and Switzerland.
Scientists let isolated microbes grow as single-strain cultures in a dark laboratory at 15 degrees Celsius. Molecular techniques were used to identify them.
In the study published in the journal Frontiers in Microbiology, in total, 59% of strains, including 11 fungi and eight bacteria, could digest PUR at 15 degrees Celsius
Read the related blog post, ‘Scientists Use Mushrooms To Make Biogradable Computer Chips’ here
Don’t forget to check out the blog archive below for more posts from me and why not subscribe to the blog to be the first to hear when a new post is available, also get the low down on new product arrivals?
Adam – MNK Founder
#ProtectYourTech
Scientists Use Mushrooms to Make Biodegradable Computer Chips
MNK Blog
Scientists Use Mushrooms to Make Biodegradable Computer Chips
The Future Of Computer Chips
Hello Tech Lovers!The skin from the stems of a mushroom could potentially offer a sustainable alternative to insulative substrates in computing chips.
Scientists are looking at alternatives to common components like the mircochip, as production of electronic devices increases. Peeling the skin from the mycelium of a mushroom can protect chips from heat up to 392°F (200°C.)
Scientists from Johannes Kepler University in Austria, discovered that once dried, the skin was found to be not only heat resistant, but lasted for years – withstanding being bent and folded thousands of times without wearing or tearing.
The fungus, Ganoderma lucidum grows on dead rotting wood in European mountains. As it reaches maturity, it creates a fibrous skin to protect its own substrate which if peeled, can be used to protect microchips.
Currently computing chip bases tend to be made with un-recyclable plastic materials and the increase of electronic devices has not been paired with an increase in their lifespan. Throwing them away is more economical for users than replacing individual parts. “The vast number of devices produced every day along with the decrease of their lifetime inevitably results in the generation of enormous amounts of electronic waste,” wrote the authors of a paper published in Science Advances.
“Circular economy and recycling concepts alone cannot solve the growing waste crisis. Electronics research, and especially electronic materials research, thus must shift its focus from strictly high-functionality concepts to sustainable, cost-effective approaches.”
Read the full report here
Read the related blog post, ‘Over 50 Million Tonnes Of Electrical Waste Is Produced Each Year here
Don’t forget to check out the blog archive below for more posts from me and why not subscribe to the blog to be the first to hear when a new post is available, also get the low down on new product arrivals?
Adam – MNK Founder
#ProtectYourTech
Over 50 million Tonnes Of Electrical Waste is Produced Each Year
MNK Blog
Over 50 million Tonnes Of Electrical Waste is Produced Each Year
The Scale Of EWaste
Hello Tech Lovers!According to the Global E-waste Monitor, in one year, a staggering 44.7 million metric tonnes of e-waste are generated. That is the equivalent to just over six kilograms for every person on the planet. Europe and the US alone contribute to almost one-half of the total e-waste generated annually.
One-half of all e-waste is personal devices, such as computers, screens, smartphones, tablets and TVs – that’s equivalent to a mass of 4,500 Eiffel Towers! 40 million tonnes of e-waste are discarded in landfill, burned or illegally traded and treated in a sub-standard way every year.
The reason I set up MNK, was to help reduce landfill waste of laptops and tablets. I provide robust protection so consumers can better protect their devices, also reducing expensive repair bills and or costly renewals. I have also partnered up with the charity, Computers For Charity whereby I collect old and unused laptop cases, sleeves and covers and pass them onto the charity when they donate their laptops.
One huge cause of ewaste is, technology being discarded early – way before it’s depreciated or, even near the end of it’s lifespan.
Every year new mobile phones, laptops, and tablets, are released with consumers acting quick to snap up the latest gadget. They are only too quick to throw away their “old” devices. Electrical equipment can last longer than the twelve month period people have them for, yet they swiftly adopt the, ‘out with the old and in with the new’ attitude as soon as the big tech giants announce a new product.
So far, smartphone and laptop manufacturers have done little to react to the environmental waste problem. To avoid further mountains of waste, tech companies could act by offering cheaper and quicker repairs, extending the time between new product releases, better access to repair parts, and the products could also be designed to be repaired easily.
Better protection too of technology devices will help reduce costly repair bills, premature renewals and reduce landfill waste. Such as the shock absorbing, splash proof and water repellent laptop case pictured below.
View our range of robust and lightweight tech protection here including the PROHOOD® Laptop Case with its protective privacy screen / sun shade.
Read the full report here
Find out more on Computers For Charities here
Don’t forget to check out the blog archive below for more posts from me and why not subscribe to the blog to be the first to hear when a new post is available, also get the low down on new product arrivals?
Adam – MNK Founder
#ProtectYourTech
Top Tips On How To Protect Your Laptop When Travelling
MNK Blog
Top Tips On How To Protect Your Laptop When Travelling
Avoid scratches, knocks, or spills to your laptop whenever you go away with these handy tips.
Hello Tech Lovers!Now that the COVID travel and country entry restrictions, are gradually lifting from popular destinations, we can spend a bit more time travelling and visiting the countries we so miss. Whether it’s for a holiday, a business trip, see family or friends or even to relocate, the borders are slowly beginning to open up again.
As we have become more mobile in recent times, so have our work tools, entertainment, and ways of communication. Technology has allowed us to work, play and keep in touch wherever we roam. One such device which hasn’t hindered our need for travel is – the laptop computer. We use our laptops whilst travelling for office presentations, keeping the kids amused, and for important correspondence. However, the portability of the laptop can also be seen as a down side due its vulnerability to get damaged.
Laptops like other tech devices aren’t cheap – costly repairs and expensive renewals can add onto an already expensive excursion. The constant packing, repacking, lid opening and closing, spills, knocks, bumps, scrapes, germs and change in climates can all take the toll on your machine.
I have listed a few tips to help protect your laptop whilst travelling. The clear thing to do, to keep your laptop free from damage is to protect it with a case or sleeve, but I have included a couple of maybe not so obvious things to try.
- 1. If flying, keep it close by in the overhead compartment, or better yet, under the seat in front of you. Don’t check it in with the other luggage – it could get squashed under piles of heavy luggage and break. Or worse, your baggage could get lost, losing your laptop and all your valuable data.
- 2. Invest in an all weather laptop case, something that can withstand the elements. A laptop case that is splash proof, water repellent, quick drying and has U.V radiation resistant properties.
- 3. Get your self a hardshell laptop case, one that can withstand knocks, bumps, scrapes and scratches – one that is shock absorbing. A robust laptop case that can handle hours of travelling.
- 4. Power down and keep the lid closed as much as possible – laptop hinges can wear over time. The fewer times the lid is opened and closed the better.
- 5. Use a cover – one that you can still use the laptop with. The cover will protect your laptop from spillages, straying germs and keep your on screen privacy.
No matter where you travel to or, how often – you can be rest assured that our high quality, light weight and robust laptop cases protect your tech cutting down on your expensive repair bills, costly repairs and reducing landfill waste. View our laptop cases including the PROHOOD® with it’s protective privacy screen / sun shade here
Hope you enjoyed this quick read on how to protect your laptop whilst travelling. Don’t forget to check out the blog archive below for more laptop protection tips.
Why not subscribe to be the first to hear when a new blog post is available and when new products come into the store.
Adam – MNK Founder
#ProtectYourTech
Your Laptop Computer Is The Dirtiest Tech Device You Use
MNK Blog
Your Laptop Computer Is The Dirtiest Tech Device You Use
How To Safely Clean Your Laptop Or Computer
Hello Tech Lovers!Well, that is a gruesome title isn’t it! Not to fear, here are what’s hiding on your laptop and how to reduce them. And, if you haven’t read my last blog post – 3 Top Tips On How To Safely Clean Your Laptop Computer – And The Cleaning Products To Use. You can do so from the this link.
Hiding on your laptop is a whole host of bacteria. Your laptop is the dirtiest device you use and the most likely germs hiding on your laptop can lead to skin infections and pharyngitis.
If the rise of the Pandemic has taught us anything, it’s the regular cleaning of our hands and covering of our faces to reduce the spread of the Corona Virus. But, did you know your tech devices are already covered with harmful bacteria and the warmth of your computer is the perfect breeding ground for such germs.
A bacteria that can cause meningitis and food poisoning is one of the main culprits – Bacilli. Around 25% of harmful bacteria found on laptop keyboards is this nasty germ. So, you might want to think twice, before unwrapping your lunch time burrito after scrolling through your emails!
Your computer keyboards, mouse, mobile phones and track pads are all susceptible to housing bacteria that could potentially make you very sick according to a report by Tap Warehouse. This is all without the added germs being spread from straying coughs and sneezes. With so many germs found on the average laptop caused by cough splutter and sneeze mucus, laptop users could be permanently at risk of sickness. The average sneeze can send 10,000 contagious germs into the air at speeds of over 100 mph!
Get the perfect cover – use a PROHOOD® by MNK. It’s the quickest and easiest way to protect your laptop from the spread of germs. Easy to maintain too, with it’s wipe clean properties. It’s splash proof, water repellent and quick drying! Take a look here
Adam – MNK Founder #ProtectYourTech3 Top Tips On How To Clean Your Laptop Computer And The Cleaning Products To Use
MNK Blog
3 Top Tips On How To CLean Your Laptop Computer
And The Cleaning Products To Use.
Hello Tech Lovers!This week I am going to give you, 3 Top Tips On How To CLean Your Laptop Computer, the how-to method, how often, and what cleaning products To Use.
OK, I know I know – the image above doesn’t feature a laptop, but you get the idea…
Your laptop goes through a lot over it’s lifetime. It’s subject to rough usage and requires more cleaning than a desktop computer. If you never clean your laptop, you’re doing your health (and the health of your computer) a huge disservice. Damage to your device could be significantly reduced by giving your laptop a regular clean.
The build-up of dirt, dust mites, grease and harmful bacteria often goes unnoticed. Laptop keys, USB ports, screens and fans all need a thorough cleaning – more than once in a while. Plus, a regular clean will dramatically reduce the impact of germs to your system.
Continue reading to get the top tips on how to clean your laptop, freeing it from harmful bacteria and how to keep it clean for extended use.
Note:Before cleaning your laptop computer it is always best practice to power it down, disconnect the power supply and leads and hardware, and remove the battery.
1.
What:- Laptop Computer Fans
- USB Ports
- Battery Compartment
Once a month Product:
Can Of Compressed Air Method:
Use the can of compressed air to squirt short bursts into your laptop fan vent, USB ports and battery compartment to free up dust particles.
Top Tip!
Use the extension straw of the compressed air to insert it into hard to reach areas.
2.
What:- Laptop Computer
Every couple of weeks Product: Microfibre Cloth Method:
Use the soft Microfibre Cloth to remove dust and grease from your laptop. The Microfibre Cloth is made from thousands of Microfibres making it great for picking up dust. It’s soft and safe to use on computer screens, mobile phones and tablets too.
Top Tip!
The more you use a Microfibre Cloth the less dust will build up on your computer or device over. Microfibre cloths are very durable and can be washed up to 500 times.
3.
What:- Laptop Computer Screens
Once a week Product:
Lens Cleaner Method:
Use a Microfibre Cloth to firstly remove any dust, then squirt the Lens Cleaner sparingly directly at the laptop screen. Wipe the solution clear with a Microfibre Cloth making sure all areas are covered. The Lens Cleaner is an alcohol free solution so it won’t leave streaks and is great for getting that screen nice and gleaming!
Top Tip!
Use a different Microfibre Cloth to remove the dust than to wipe clear the Lens Cleaner.
To reduce the amount of dust, grease and germs building up on your laptop you need to cover it. PROHOOD® by MNK protects your laptop when in use with its integrated shield. It protects your privacy, covers form straying germs and acts as a light shade reducing screen glare.
Read why you should keep your Laptop Computer clean and more in-depth cleaning tips here
Buy all the Laptop Cleaning Products mentioned above here
Buy your PROHOOD® here
Adam – MNK Founder
#ProtectYourTech