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Italy warns over the use of Google Analytics

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  • August 18, 2022
  • in: News
  • by: Natasha
Italy warns over the use of Google Analytics

Italy is the latest country to warn over the use of Google Analytics, when collecting personal data on website/app visitors and users.

Google Analytics can be configured to collect both personalised and anonymous data. When collecting personal data, this is subject to the UK GDPR in the UK (and the GDPR in the EU). The key issue is the transfer of this data to the US for processing, where the core of the Google Analytics platform is based. The US does not have sufficient safeguarding laws in place to protect the transfer, storage, and processing of this data under the GDPR.

This latest finding by the Italian data protection authority (Garante) follows similar complaints and warnings from France in February and Austria in January. The Garante found that use of Google Analytics resulted in the collection of many types of user data, including device IP address, browser information, OS, screen resolution, language selection, etc – which were transferred to the US without adequate supplementary measures being applied to raise the level of protection to the necessary legal standard.

Italy’s DPA has given the publisher of the particular website in this case 90 days to fix the compliance violation. The decision has a wider significance, in that other national websites that use Google Analytics should take note and check their own compliance, writing in a press release the Garante said:

“The Authority draws the attention of all Italian managers of websites, public and private, to the illegality of transfers made to the United States through GA [Google Analytics], also in consideration of the numerous reports and questions that are being received by the Office, and invites all data controllers to verify the compliance of the methods of use of cookies and other tracking tools used on its websites, with particular attention to Google Analytics and other similar services, with the legislation on the protection of personal data.” (translated from Italian).

Google has a detailed explanation of the privacy controls available in Google Analytics here.

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News of largest ever alleged global hacking incident in China

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  • July 20, 2022
  • in: News
  • by: Natasha
News of largest ever alleged global hacking incident in China

China has allegedly had the details of one billion residents leaked, in what could be the biggest personal data hack ever.

Unknown hackers claim to have obtained nearly 24 terabytes of data from a Shanghai police database, claiming it contains information on one billion people and “several billion case records”. The data leaked is said to be of all ages, including children’s personal information. The data include names, addresses, birthplace, national ID numbers, phone numbers, and crime and case details. The hackers offered to sell the data for around $200,000 (~£160,000) worth of Bitcoin on an online hacking forum.

The scale of the alleged leak has shocked the Chinese security community, triggering speculation about the credibility of the claim and how it could have taken place. Zhao Changpeng, founder and Chief Executive Officer of cryptocurrency exchange Binance, tweeted on Monday the company had detected the breach of a billion resident records “from one Asian country,” and had since increased verification procedures for potentially affected users.

Shanghai authorities have not publicly responded to the alleged hack. Domestic breaches are rarely disclosed because of a lack of transparent reporting mechanisms. In 2016, personal information on dozens of Communist Party officials and industry figures from Jack Ma to Wang Jianlin was said to have been exposed on Twitter – one of the country’s biggest online leaks of sensitive information at the time. This latest incident again highlights the challenges facing Beijing as it collects data on hundreds of millions of people while tightening national policing of online content.

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Custom SFTP Fileshare Solution

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  • July 14, 2022
  • in: Projects
  • by: Natasha
Custom SFTP Fileshare Solution

Last year we were tasked with building a secure file transfer system for a client, to add to their infrastructure. Their principal need for this system was for transferring files externally, i.e. between their staff and their clients, in a secure manner and environment. This would solve requirements for both general security when sharing data externally as well as specific compliance, e.g. the GDPR and enterprise service agreements.

The industry-standard solution is to use SFTP – this is where files are transferred securely using the Secure File Transfer Protocol (SFTP), which uses the Secure Shell (SSH) protocol. This means that the file transfer connection and the file contents are both encrypted.

Typically organisation-level SFTP solutions are enterprise grade, meaning they are costly to implement and use – for example IBM’s ‘Sterling Secure File Transfer’, which has obfuscated tailored pricing but starts from around £4,000 per month.

Furthermore, SFTP can be used via CLI (command line) or via FTP (file transfer protocol) software. These approaches usually require technical knowledge and would not be considered standard software for everyday users. So a more user-friendly interface would be preferred – even better if it is web-based, so external users do not have to download or install any software outside of their own organisation’s environment.

    Therefore there were three challenges for the required solution:

  • Ensure a secure (i.e. encrypted) environment for both transfers and data stored.
  • Avoid enterprise level entry costs and maintenance.
  • Provide an easy-to-use interface for both internal and external users.

We developed a custom web app to meet all these requirements, which uses SSH over SFTP, and is hosted on the client’s private cloud in London UK. The Fileshare is discreetly branded and located at a subdomain of the client’s main domain, e.g. ‘share.companyname.com’. It works using a secure isolated application which communicates via a secure proxy to the web interface. All interactions with and transfers to/from the Fileshare are encrypted at all times. Internal and external are assigned login credentials with appropriate permissions – all clients and users are isolated from one another for data security.

Access is granted internally and externally only upon request. All access requests are reviewed internally, and access is removed once no longer required or after a defined expiry period. We also helped develop the internal processes for the client to help facilitate such access requests and removals, using Microsoft Power Automate.

Contact us for a demo of this solution or to discuss your own requirements.

The images shown are from the demo environment, not the client platform, for security reasons.

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Direction Forward newly verified as a Stripe Partner

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  • July 7, 2022
  • in: Information
  • by: Natasha
Direction Forward newly verified as a Stripe Partner

We are pleased to announce that Direction Forward has been newly verified as a Stripe Partner.

Stripe is one of the biggest payment platforms globally, processing $350 billion worth of payments in 2020.

Stripe Partners are industry experts and advisors, and help organisations of all sizes to use Stripe throughout their business.

Including: adding payment systems, adding financial services, transforming financial infrastructure, setting up recurring invoices and subscriptions, simplifying tax collection and calculations, automating reporting and workflows.

View Direction Forward on Stripe’s Partner Directory here.

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UK to change data protection regulations

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  • July 5, 2022
  • in: News
  • by: Natasha
UK to change data protection regulations

The UK government recently announced a Data Reform Bill which considers reducing data protection and privacy rules.

Changes would be made to the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR), which came into force following Brexit as a continuation of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) – which was implemented across Europe in May 2018.

The new UK bill proposes to reduce compliance for companies and make it easier to use personal data, as well as reform the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO). The UK’s Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) leads this legislative agenda. Current compliance models may not need to be overhauled but the new legislation could mean that UK organisations have a more flexible approach to data protection compliance.

Since 2021, under the UK GDPR, the UK has allowed the free flow of personal data between the UK and EU. There is debate as to whether these changes will affect the current agreement with the EU. Specifically, the reduction in protection of personal data and the prioritisation of countries which the EU deems inadequate, could compromise the decision and encourage firms not to host personal data in the UK.

The new bill has not yet been decided. Current suggestions seem to indicate there will be less choice for users and less accountability for businesses. More attention to and concern for data protection is paramount to protect the individual, so it appears illogical that the UK should be the only country in Europe with plans to move in the opposite direction. Particularly when the UK is trying to regain its standing and grow international trading following Brexit – as any negative changes could weaken the ease of and opportunities for doing business.

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Direction Forward approved as a Dropbox Partner

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  • June 30, 2022
  • in: Information
  • by: Natasha
Direction Forward approved as a Dropbox Partner

We are proud to announce that we have been approved as a Dropbox Partner – reflecting our expertise in the platform as well as giving us special access to support, discounts, and useful resources.

For more information on Dropbox Business features and plans, please see directionforward.com/hosting/dropbox-business.

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Website for Hill Robinson

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  • June 23, 2022
  • in: Projects
  • by: Natasha
Website for Hill Robinson

We are proud to present the new website for Hill Robinson – developed in collaboration with our creative partner, Your Brand Matters, who are responsible for creative direction, updated branding, and design.

Hill Robinson was specifically created to manage the operational complexities of the world’s largest yachts, while bringing technical excellence to a full spectrum of services that yacht owners require most. With Hill Robinson’s operational management, they work to ensure every element functions with precision including: safety, security, operational, accounts, crew, maintenance and environmental concerns.

This site features modern design and strong usability, both deeply integrated with Hill Robinson’s updated branding by Your Brand Matters – we particularly like the revised flag and racing stripe in the brand colours.

The site beautifully showcases Hill Robinson’s services and Charter Fleet, neatly displaying a depth of information without overwhelming the user. Custom animations, cursors and an animated menu have been built into the site, and all details are easily editable via the fully featured CMS. We have also ensured that all content, images and galleries dynamically adjust to cater for different devices and sizes.

Hill Robinson are based across the globe with multiple teams and locations – which are presented in a user-friendly display and search of all the different locations, teams and contact details for each. Dynamically integrated forms for enquiries on all services, for each team member, and for each Charter Fleet yacht are also included. This is integrated with Pardot and thereby Salesforce, for CRM assignment and management.

The site also comes with Google Analytics and strong security measures, as with all our sites. It will also optimised for SEO and performance, achieving 99% Performance and 93% Structure on GTmetrix.

Visit the site here: hillrobinson.com

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Mailchimp offer 25% off their Essentials plan

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  • June 23, 2022
  • in: Information, News
  • by: Natasha
Mailchimp offer 25% off their Essentials plan

Mailchimp are offering 25% off their Essentials plan for 6 months.

Clients using Mailchimp Free plans are eligible to receive this offer. Please contact us so we can connect to your account as a Mailchimp Partner, which will allow you to redeem the discount. The offer is available from 23 June 2022 to 31 July.

You can find more information on the Mailchimp Essentials plan here.

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Changes to our cloud web hosting plans

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  • June 22, 2022
  • in: Information
  • by: Natasha

From 1 July 2022, pricing for our cloud web hosting plans will increase.

Pricing for our cloud web hosting plans has not changed in almost five years. However, like the vast majority of providers, we have been forced to adjust our pricing slightly due to the increases in energy costs this year.

Plan Current price New price
Cloud Hosting £5.00 pcm £6.00 pcm
Power Hosting £10.00 pcm £12.00 pcm

This will take effect for any new services and renewals on or after 1 July 2022. Please contact us if you need to discuss this.

All prices are subject to VAT.

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Key announcements at Apple’s WWDC 2022

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  • June 20, 2022
  • in: News
  • by: Natasha
Key announcements at Apple’s WWDC 2022

Each year Apple holds its Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC). Below we have highlighted the key points announced at the event 6–10 June, including the new MacBook Air and iOS 16.

M2 chip
Apple introduced the new M2 chip, which is said to have a CPU 18% faster than that of the previous M1 chip, while the GPU is 35% faster.

New MacBooks
Apple are introducing new look MacBook Airs, with a sleeker flatter design at 1.1cm thick. The built-in camera has also been improved, promising twice the resolution (at full HD, 1080p) and better low-light performance.

As security is a big priority for Apple, the new MacBooks also come with TouchID built into the keyboard and MagSafe support. Other features include a 13.6″ liquid Retina display and slim chargers with 2 USB-C ports (which support fast-charging to get the battery to 50% within 30 minutes).

The new 13″ MacBook Pro is also getting an upgrade with the new M2 chip, which Apple claim has speed gains of up to 40% over the previous MacBook Pro with M1.

macOS Ventura
Apple announced their next major macOS upgrade. New features include a big update to the Mail app to be able to undo send, schedule send, and time reminders. As well as the new Stage Manager and Spotlight functions to easily see and group multiple apps and windows you are working on.

Passkeys
Safari is getting a new passkey function, where you can use Face ID or Touch ID instead of traditional passwords to log in to websites and apps with biometrics. This has been welcomed as a great step to further improve security, as it removes the need for users to micromanage multiple complex passwords for all the various accounts and services we all now regularly use.

Continuity Camera
Apple is also releasing the Continuity Camera ability – to attach your iPhone to your Mac whilst video calling for improved camera quality. This works wirelessly when you bring your iPhone in range of your Mac. Whilst this makes some sense as more recent iPhone cameras are higher quality with more features than Mac in-built cameras, this has been criticised as it looks messy thus contradicts Apple’s aesthetic and it also highlights that the in-built cameras are insufficient for modern video and remote working needs. I.e. Why not include a better in-built camera than bother with this approach?

iOS 16
The new iOS 16 will include improvements to the Lock Screen, allowing for more customisations and widgets. Similar to the Mail app, iMessages will be able to be unsent and edited after the fact. iMessage will also allow videos to be shared and watched together with friends via SharePlay, instead of just over FaceTime. SharePlay is also being upgraded with deeper support for games as well as videos. LiveText is now built in, which automatically translates and replaces text on-the-fly.

iPad OS 16
Apple have also announced that the iPadOS 16 will include all of the above iOS 16 features as well Stage Manager, which allows the grouping of apps and windows, to be overlaid and worked on simultaneously.

CarPlay
Apple have stated that there will be major upgrades coming to CarPlay, expected late next year. This will include a major integration with core car functions, such as monitoring and control of speed reading, fuel gauges, AC, and heating; all at the discretion and with the cooperation of car manufacturers.

Apple made some interesting announcements this year, such as their plans for an even faster M2 chip, impressive new features for macOS Ventura and iOS/iPad OS 16, the release of Sage Manager, and rolling out some long-awaited features for iMessage and Mail.

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Existing client and need to raise a ticket for support for the fastest response? No problem, just go here directionforward.com/support or email [email protected].

News

  • Italy warns over the use of Google Analytics
    Italy warns over the use of Google Analytics1 hour ago

    Italy is the latest country to warn over the use of Google Analytics, when collecting personal data on website/app visitors and users. Google

  • News of largest ever alleged global hacking incident in China
    News of largest ever alleged global hacking incident in China4 weeks ago

    China has allegedly had the details of one billion residents leaked, in what could be the biggest personal data hack ever. Unknown hackers

  • UK to change data protection regulations
    UK to change data protection regulations1 month ago

    The UK government recently announced a Data Reform Bill which considers reducing data protection and privacy rules. Changes would be made

Tweets

Tweets by direction4ward

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Jul 14

Open
We built a secure file transfer system for a client by developing a custom web app, which uses SSH over SFTP, and is hosted on the client’s private cloud in London UK. 
Contact us for custom SFTP Fileshare Solutions. 
#fileshare #sftp #branding #secure #project
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Jun 23

Open
We are proud to present the new website for Hill Robinson – developed in collaboration with our creative partner, Your Brand Matters, who are responsible for creative direction, updated branding, and design.
https://directionforward.com/projects
#websitedevelopment #websitedesign #design #website #creative #collaboration #branding
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Mar 31

Open
We are pleased to present the new website for 36Zero. Their new site features animated, interactive isometric scenes to display their industry solutions, as well as further custom animations and elements. See the site at: 36zero.io

#websitedesign #websitedevelopment #webdesign #webdeveloper #custommade #websitedesign
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Dec 21

Open
We hope that you and your loved ones are safe and well, and this festive season will be a welcome time of rest and relaxation after yet another crazy year.

Our office will be closed for the holidays from Thursday 23 December and we will be back on Tuesday 4 January.

Thank you for your continuing partnership and business. We wish you all happy holidays and best wishes for the new year

From all the team at Direction Forward
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Dec 21

Open
We are proud to present the new website for Vulcan Building Services (VBS) at vbs-ltd.co.uk.

VBS aims to ‘Build Better’ within the construction industry and has worked on some of the most prestigious buildings in the UK, including football stadiums, residential apartments in Kensington, and the Stratford regeneration project.

#webdeveloper #webdesign
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Nov 25

Open
Happy Thanksgiving to all our friends and partners in the US

#thanksgiving #thanksgiving2021
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Sep 30

Open
We are pleased to present the new website for The Waiting Room in Deptford at waitingroomse8.co.uk

The Waiting Room is a fantastic café during the day, which turns into a quirky bar at night offering vegan tacos, cocktails and more. @waitingroomse8
#Website #websitebuild #websitedesign #websitedevelopment #cafe #bar #vegan
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Sep 24

Open
We are pleased to have built the UK Creative Festival website as part of the festival and careers fair, which took place at @dreamlandmargate in September. 
.
The event was a great success, featuring a keynote discussion with Simon Pegg and Nils Leonard (@uncommon_ldn founder).
.
#festival #website #websitedesign #creative #websitelaunch #careers #creativeindustry
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Aug 25

Open
Network equipment, power and cabinet supply and installation for a client in the City — this is the after picture, swipe for the before…
.
#network #ethernet #systems #infrastructure #install #installation #cat6
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Aug 17

Open
Admiring @drparchaeology ‘s new site car vinyl wrap 
.
#archaeology #vinyl #carvinyl #carwrap #carwraps #carwrapping #heritage #heritageconservation #conservation #environment
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