News

Bank of Ireland is warning consumers to be especially vigilant for fraud as Black Friday and Cyber Monday approach.

These are key online shopping dates for many consumers, which also means fraudsters will be stepping up their activity.

 For those shopping online this Black Friday or Cyber Monday, Bank of Ireland is providing tips to stay safe.

• Be careful with links in emails and texts – Fake links can lead to fake websites where you may be asked to share your personal banking details including activation codes. Do not share your banking details, including your full online banking PIN, or other personal information.

• Think before you click – make sure you double check website addresses for anything unusual.
• Use trusted websites – check that the ‘https’ and the lock symbol is displayed. Exercise caution with Pop ups on your social media feed (fraudsters can pay to have their ads in front of you).
• On a mobile device use trusted apps – it can be difficult to see the full web address on mobile if you are using a web browser so instead stick with trusted apps.
• Use up to date anti-virus software on your computer – this will help protect it against malware.

To coincide with the busy pre-Christmas shopping period, Bank of Ireland has launched a new national fraud advertising campaign, reminding customers to Stop, Think and Check. The Bank is publishing a series of ‘True Crime’ videos with renowned cyberpsychologist Professor Mary Aiken providing insights and tips to help people protect themselves.  Visit Security Zone - Bank of Ireland Group Website

40 per cent of new cars registered last year were either electric or hybrid.

Figures from the Society of the Irish Motor Industry show there was an increase in the number of registrations of e-cars of 80 per cent in 2021 compared to 2020.

Petrol remained as the most popular engine type for 2022 at 30% - despite a decline in its market share last year.

26% of new cars were diesel, 19% were hybrid, with 15% of cars electric and plug in hybrids standing at just over 6%.

SIMI Director General Brian Cooke said retailers are reporting strong new car orders  with the incoming 231 registration period, which will in turn attract vital trade-ins for the used car market.

The top five selling car brands for 2022 were Toyota, Hyundai, Volkswagen, Kia and Skoda.

Meanwhile, the top five car models for the calendar year were Hyundai Tucson, Toyota Corolla, Kia Sportage, Toyota C-HR and Volkswagen ID.4.

Three quarters of the HSE's computer servers have now been unlocked, after the recent cyber attack.

The HSE will also tell an Oireachtas committee today that 70 per cent of computer devices are now available again.

But it's warning it will take months before systems are fully restored - and the attack will have 'human costs'.

Chief operations officer with the HSE Anne O'Connor says outpatient appointments are still badly affected...

.

Technological University status has been granted to Athlone and Limerick Institutes of Technology.

Minister Simon Harris has confirmed that all students graduating from the facilities from next year will receive university qualifications - however it hasn't been decided when the two ITs will become a technological university.

It's the third Technological University to be established in the State.

Roscommon FF Senator Eugene Murphy has welcomed the decision, which he says will have an economic benefit for the region, and will allow many students to stay local and receive a University qualification.