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Securing the Future – Join the ProID Expert Webinar on Workforce Security

Securing the Future: Join the ProID Expert Webinar on Workforce Security

As we step into 2025, the workplace landscape is undergoing a remarkable transformation, driven by technological advancements and evolving employee expectations. Organisations are increasingly recognising the importance of fostering a secure and engaging environment for their workforce. This shift is not just about adapting to new tools; it’s about rethinking how we approach workforce security and employee engagement in a digital-first world.

The Changing Workforce Landscape

Recent trends indicate that businesses are prioritising employee well-being, inclusivity, and mental health as central components of their organisational culture. The rise of remote and hybrid work models has reshaped how employees interact with their companies, leading to a demand for more flexible work arrangements. In fact, it is predicted that by 2025, 85% of organisations will adopt a “cloud-first” strategy, which underscores the necessity for robust cybersecurity measurements to protect sensitive data in these environments.

Moreover, as cyber treats become more sophisticated – with predictions of AI-driven ransomware attacks and identity breaches on the rise – companies must implement proactive security strategies. This includes adopting multi-factor authentication, encryption, and continuous monitoring of cloud infrastructures to ensure that both data and employees are safeguarded against potential threats

Join Us for the ProID Expert Webinar!

To navigate these challenges effectively, we invite you to attend the ProID Expert Webinar on Workforce Security. This event will delve into the critical aspects of securing your workforce in an increasingly complex digital landscape.

Webinar Highlights

Expert Insights: Gain valuable knowledge form industry leaders on the latest trends in workforce security.
Interactive Q&A: Participate in a live Q&A session where you can ask questions specific to your organisation’s needs.
Practical Solutions: Discover how ProID’s innovative identity management platform can enhance your security posture and protect your organisation form emerging threats

Webinar Details

Date: 23 January 2025
Time: 2 PM SAST
Location: Online (link provided upon registration)

Don’t miss this opportunity to equip yourself with the knowledge and tools necessary for securing your workforce in 2025. Register now for the ProID Expert Webinar by clicking here and take the first step towards a more secure future for you organisation! Join us as we explore innovative solutions that will empower you to thrive in this new era of work

Remote Work Revolution: A New Era of Productivity and Flexibility

20 December 2024 –

The traditional 9-to-5, office-bound workday is rapidly becoming a relic of the past. Remote work, once a fringe concept, has now become a mainstream reality, reshaping the way we work and live. With advancements in technology and a growing globalised economy, remote work has emerged as a powerful tool for businesses and employees alike. This blog post will explore the myriad benefits of remote work, the challenges it presents, and strategies for overcoming these obstacles, ultimately highlighting how this shift can lead to a more productive and flexible future.

The Benefits of Remote Working
Remote work offers a myriad of advantages for both employees and employers.

Benefits for Employees

·         Increased Flexibility: Remote workers enjoy the freedom to set their own schedules, allowing for a more personalised work-life balance. This flexibility enables individuals to manage personal commitments alongside professional responsibilities effectively.
·         Reduced Stress: The elimination of daily commuting reduces stress levels associated with traffic and public transport. Additionally, the absence of office politics contributes to a more relaxed and productive work environment.
·         Improved Work-Life Balance: Remote work fosters better integration of personal and professional life, allowing employees to allocate time for family, hobbies, and self-care without compromising their job performance.
·         Enhanced Creativity: Working remotely can stimulate creativity and innovation by exposing individuals to diverse perspectives and experiences. This environment encourages out-of-the-box thinking, leading to fresh ideas and solutions.
Benefits for Employers
·         Increased Productivity: Studies have shown that remote workers are often more productive than their office-bound counterparts. The autonomy to create an optimal workspace leads to fewer distractions and enhanced focus on tasks.
·         Reduced Overhead Costs: By minimising the need for physical office space and related expenses (utilities, maintenance), businesses can significantly cut costs. This financial flexibility allows companies to allocate resources more efficiently.
·         Access to a Wider Talent Pool: Remote work enables companies to hire the best talent from anywhere in the world, breaking geographical barriers that previously limited recruitment efforts. This diversity fosters innovation and collaboration within teams.
·         Improved Employee Morale: Offering remote work options can lead to higher employee satisfaction and retention rates. Employees who feel trusted to manage their own schedules are often more engaged and committed to their work.

The Challenges of Remote Working
Despite its numerous benefits, remote working also presents several challenges:
·         Isolation: Remote workers may experience feelings of isolation and disconnection from their colleagues, which can impact morale and collaboration.
·         Lack of Structure: Without a traditional office environment, maintaining a consistent work routine can be challenging. This lack of structure may lead to procrastination or decreased productivity.
·         Technical Difficulties: Reliable internet connectivity and robust technical support are essential for successful remote work. Any disruptions can hinder productivity and communication.
·         Security Concerns: Protecting sensitive company data while working remotely poses significant challenges. Organisations must implement strong cybersecurity measures to safeguard information.

Overcoming the Challenges
To mitigate these challenges, remote workers and employers can implement effective strategies:
·         Regular Communication: Consistent communication through video conferencing, instant messaging, and emails is crucial for maintaining team cohesion and ensuring everyone is aligned on goals.
·         Virtual Team Building: Organizing virtual team-building activities helps foster camaraderie among remote employees. These initiatives can enhance relationships and create a sense of belonging within the team.
·         Clear Expectations: Setting clear expectations regarding roles, responsibilities, and deadlines helps remote workers stay focused and productive. Regular check-ins can reinforce accountability.
·         Enhanced Security Measures: Implementing improved multi-factor authentication systems and regular cybersecurity training ensures that employees are equipped to handle sensitive information securely while working remotely.

The Future of Remote Working
As technology continues to advance, the future of remote work looks promising. More companies are embracing remote work as a long-term strategy rather than a temporary solution. By addressing challenges head-on and maximising the benefits of remote work arrangements, organisations can revolutionise how we work and live.

Barnes Smart Solutions: Your Partner in Remote Work Success
Barnes Smart Solutions is dedicated to helping businesses and individuals transition successfully into a remote work environment. With our expertise in technology integration and strategic planning, we can assist you in ensuring that your remote workforce is not only productive but also secure.
With the help of our Partners at Monet+, ProID, a modular platform designed to enhance work success by focusing on workforce and technical Identity management
How ProID support Businesses and Employees in Navigating the Complexities of Remote Work:
·         Enhanced Security: ProID provides robust security for managing digital identities, reducing the risk of data breaches and unauthorised access, already implemented for over 170 000 users.
·         Streamline Access Management: The platform simplifies granting and revoking access to tools and resources, ensuring employees have what they need without compromising security.
·         Flexible Identity Solutions: ProID’s modular designs organisations to tailored identity management solutions to meet specific needs, accommodating diverse teams across various locations.
·         Support for Remote Collaboration: With features that facilitate secure communication and collaboration, ProID enhances productivity while protecting sensitive information.
·         Compliance and Audit Readiness: ProID provides detailed autid trails of user activities, helping organisations maintain compliance with industry regulations and build trust with stakeholders.

By integrating ProID into remote work strategy, businesses can not only safeguard their digital assets but also empower their employees to work efficiently and securely from anywhere. This partnership with Monet+ positions Barnes Smart Solutions as a leader in facilitating successful remote work environments, paving the way for enhanced productivity and flexibility in the modern workplace. Embrace this new era with Barnes Smart Solutions as your trusted partner in navigating the evolving landscape of remote work.

Cybersecurity in 2024 – EU report

Cybersecurity in 2024: Key Insights from the ENISA Report

20 December 2024 –
In an era where digital transformation continues to accelerate, the 2024 Report on the State of Cybersecurity in the Union by ENISA sheds light on the evolving cybersecurity landscape across Europe. As businesses and governments face increasing threats, understanding these trends is crucial to safeguarding operations and protecting sensitive data.

Highlights from the Report

Rising Cyber Threats
The EU experienced a significant surge in cyberattacks, driven by geopolitical tensions and the rapid digitisation of services. Ransomware and DDoS attacks remain the most common, with a notable increase in sophisticated supply chain attacks.
Policy Advancements
New directives like NIS2 and the Cyber Resilience Act aim to strengthen cybersecurity frameworks. These policies focus on risk management, incident reporting, and enhancing cooperation among member states.
Sector-Specific Challenges
Critical sectors such as energy, finance, and healthcare face unique vulnerabilities. While some, like telecommunications, have advanced cybersecurity measures, others, such as the oil sector, are still developing robust defences.
Skills and Awareness Gaps
The report highlights the need for greater investment in cybersecurity education and awareness. With half of EU citizens lacking basic digital skills, fostering a digitally literate population is essential to mitigating cyber risks.
Looking Ahead
As cyber threats evolve, organisations must prioritise resilience by adopting proactive strategies, leveraging robust frameworks, and fostering a culture of cybersecurity awareness. The ENISA report underscores the importance of collaboration between public and private sectors to achieve a unified and secure digital ecosystem.
At Barnes Smart Solutions, we are committed to helping businesses navigate these challenges by offering various tailored solutions. To explore the full ENISA report and learn how you can enhance your organisation’s defences click here.

BARNES SMART SOLUTIONS ANNOUNCES RESELLER AGREEMENT WITH MONET+

Barnes Smart Solutions Announces Reseller Agreement with MONET+ for ProID – Ultimate Enterprise Identity Solution

3 May 2024 –

London, UK – Barnes Smart Solutions (BSS), a leading technology-driven solutions company, proudly announces its recent partnership with MONET + , a Czech-based company specialising in secure digital identity solutions. Through this collaboration, BSS becomes an authorised reseller of MONET+’s flagship product, ProID – Ultimate Enterprise Identity.

In today’s fast-paced and dynamic business environment, organisations face increasing risks posed by cyber threats. ProID addresses these challenges with a modular enterprise security platform focused on both Workforce and Technical Identity. Currently safeguarding over 180,000 users across various industries including finance, healthcare, public sector, utilities, and manufacturing. ProID is aligned with the NIS (2) directive, offering comprehensive protection in line with European Union regulations.

What sets ProID apart is its holistic approach to security. Rather than addressing isolated aspects, ProID provides a comprehensive solution tailored to meet the diverse needs of employees in their daily routines. Utilising a system of digital certificates and associated tools, ProID securely recognizes individual employees, offering a range of PKI-based tools for secure multi-factor authentication, electronic signatures, and certificate lifecycle management. Additionally, ProID extends its coverage to physical security with features for access and device control.

MONET+ brings nearly 30 years of experience in secure digital identity and payments to the development of ProID. Committed to meeting the highest standards of security and compliance, MONET+ ensures that ProID aligns with eIDAS 2, NIS 2, ISO27001, and GDPR regulations, providing organizations with peace of mind regarding data security and privacy.

Barnes Smart Solutions, established in 2017 as part of the Barnes International Group, has quickly emerged as a global player in the data security domain. With a focus on delivering exceptional service and forming strategic partnerships with industry leaders, BSS is wellpositioned to offer ProID to a diverse customer base across Europe, Asia, and Africa.

“Our partnership with MONET+ marks a significant milestone in our commitment to providing cutting-edge solutions to our customers,” said Susan Higgo, at Barnes Managing Director at Smart Solutions ProID’s advanced capabilities combined with our global reach and dedication to customer service position us as a preferred choice for organisations seeking robust identity and access management solutions.”

“Barnes Smart Solutions is a visionary partner and we are confident that by combining our unique identity solutions with their high level of expertise, together we will be able to offer customers cutting-edge solutions that are key to the future of business in the digital world,” shares Martin Rakusan, Head of Enterprise Business Solution, Monet+. “We are looking forward to the opportunity to build a more secure business world together.”

For more information please visit either Barnes Smart Solutions or MONET +.

BARNES SMART SOLUTIONS INTRODUCES KEY BLOCKS IN THE LATESTP3 VERSION 1.9.5.

Barnes Smart Solutions Introduces Key Blocks in the latest P3 Version 1.9.5.

London, UK – 17 January 2024 – Barnes Smart Solutions, an innovative technology driven solutions company and part of the Barnes International Group announced today the release of a new version of their EMV® data preparation software solution called P3 v1.9.5 which now fully supports TR-31 based Keyblock keys.

P3 is a turnkey solution comprising a Windows-based application and a FIPS 140-2 Level 3 approved hardware security module (HSM). It provides a simple, low-cost EMV data preparation solution for issuers looking to migrate from magnetic stripe cards to EMV smart cards.

The P3 data preparation system is used for the issuance of cards and EMV tokens, applicable in various scenarios, including complete in-house card issuance, branch instant issuance, and in-house data preparation services. The solution seamlessly integrates with card issuers’ legacy card management systems (CMS) and systems that personalise information onto smart cards, payment devices, EMV tokens, and provisioning systems of mobiles.

“As the Technology Director at Barnes Smart Solutions, I am thrilled to announce the release of P3 v1.9.5, our latest EMV data preparation software version. This version apart from adding support for TR-31 basedKeyblocksalso now support the generation of mag-stripe cryptographic elements and the generation or reissue of PINs.This version not only signifies our commitment to innovation but also aligns seamlessly with PCI Security Requirements. ” – G. Oosthuizen

As per PCI PIN Security Requirements 18-3, encrypted symmetric keys must be managed in structures called Key Blocks, with cryptographic binding to prevent unauthorised use. TR-31 ensures the seamless integration of confidentiality and integrity features, leveraging cutting-edge cryptographic techniques such as Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) encryption and Cipher-based Message Authentication Code (CMAC). This ensures not only the protection of the key itself but also the associated meta-data.

“As Managing Director of Barnes Smart Solutions, I am excited about the enhanced capabilities of P3 v1.9.5. This update reflects our relentless pursuit of excellence in the payment solutions landscape. The addition of Key Blocks integration not only strengthens the security features of our software but also positions P3 as a forward-looking and compliant solution for the evolving payment industry. We believe that this update will empower issuers to seamlessly transition to key blocks within their issuance environment.” – Susan Higgo

Barnes Smart Solutions remains at the forefront of technological innovation with the release of P3 v1.9.5, a significant advancement in our EMV data preparation software. The inclusion of Key Blocks integration not only aligns with PCI Security Requirements but also reflects our commitment to providing secure and adaptable solutions for the dynamic landscape of payment technologies.

We are proud to offer a system that caters to various applications, supporting complete in-house card issuance, branch instant issuance, and in-house data preparation services. P3 seamlessly integrates with legacy card management systems (CMS) and personalisation systems, providing a versatile solution for our clients.

For more information on P3 v1.9.5 and its Key Blocks integration, please visit our website or contact our dedicated team. We look forward to the continued success and secure transactions that P3 brings to our valued partners and clients.

APACHE / LOG4J LIBRARY NOTIFICATION

Barnes Smart Solutions would like to let all P3 users know that the P3 system/applications do NOT use Apache or the Log4j library and therefore are NOT affected by the log4j vulnerability and you can continue their use without concern. This includes:

·     P3 Server
·     P3 GUI
·     P3 ServerMonitor
·     P3 Editor (EMVEdit)
·     P3 DEC

All these tools are unaffected.

For any questions please email: P3support@barnessmart.com

BARNES IS A PROUD SPONSOR OF GARRICK HIGGO

BARNES IS A PROUD SPONSOR OF GARRICK HIGGO

Garrick Higgo is a 22-year-old South African professional golfer who currently plays on the European Tour. So far, he has won three times on the European Tour making him the fastest South African to win three times and also enabling him to match the record of Tiger Woods. His European Tour wins include the 2020 Open de Portugal, the Gran Canaria Lopesan Open and the 2021 Canary Islands Championship. Garrick’s 6 shot winning margin at CanariaLopesan Open is the largest winning margin on the 2021 Race to Dubai to date.

🏌️‍♂️ He only turned professional in early 2019 but has already showed he belongs on the big stage bagging 6 professional wins since 2019.

Barnes International and Barnes Smart Solutions are proud to be one of his sponsors and wish him the best of luckwith his first major at the US PGA Championship starting 20 May 2021 at Kiawah Island!🍀

Follow Garrick Higgo on social media if you don’t want to miss any updates:

Twitter – @garrick_higgo
Instagram – @higgogarrick

BARNES SMART SOLUTIONS RELEASES NEW PAYSHIELD 10K SOLUTION

Barnes Smart Solutions is happy to announce that the development, porting and licensing of the 1122 firmware – P3CM Equivalent Software Package (PAC907) now called, PS10-P3M-x on the new payShield10K was completed in August 2020 and we are ready to assist you with purchasing the new payShield 10K solution.

The payShield 10K with the P3CM Equivalent Software Package (PS10-P3M-x), enables all cryptographic functions to support the EMV data preparation and key management needs of the P3 application.

The payShield 10K solution offers significantly higher RSA and 3DES performance than its predecessors. It also provides a more consistent and predictable performance, across all host commands, even in situations of heavy load and when TLS-based secure communications are in use.

The latest P3 version 1.9.3 is also now available it includes the following feature updates:

Support for the Thales payShield 10K
TLS connections between P3 and Crypto Module
TLS connections between P3 TCP clients and P3
Import EMV Data Output files from MPA, VPA
Full P3 Key Management functionality via CLI

We are ready and able to assist you with ordering the new payShield 10K HSM with the following PS10-P3M-“x” software packages available:

PS10-P3M-S is the P3CM Package for payShield ® 10K – 60 cps
PS10-P3M-M is the P3CM Package for payShield ® 10K – 250 cps
PS10-P3M-H is the P3CM Package for payShield ® 10K – 1000 cps
PS10-P3M-X is the P3CM Package for payShield ® 10K – 2500 cps

We would like to remind you that the payShield 9K needs to be replaced before end of December 2022 when the support ends. Please contact sales@barnessmart.com or visit www.barnessmart.com

VISIT US AT SEAMLESS EAST AFRICA ? SEPTEMBER 2019

Barnes International will be exhibiting at Seamless East Africa, Radisson Blue Hotel in Nairobi from 2nd to 4th September 2019.

Seamless East Africa, now in its 5th edition, has proven to be the flagship payments, fintech, banking and insurtech event of East Africa. The event has grown year on year, bringing together 1500+ payments , banking and fintech professionals to Nairobi from across 45 countries . The audience consists of 83% decision makers and influencers , and is represented by all major banks in East Africa.

Download the brochure and get your FREE PASS here!

Visit us on Stand #4, we will be delighted to discuss your card & mobile payment requirements.

If you are attending and would like to pre-arrange a meeting, please email: sales@barnestest.com

We look forward to meeting you in Nairobi.

If you have any questions beforehand, please get in touch.

BARNES SMART SOLUTIONS IS PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE THE RELEASE OF P3 V1.9.2

The focus of the new release is on increasing productivity through automation and support for the latest Windows operating systems.

P3 v1.9.2 design provides users with a solution to automate the key and certificate management tasks. Once configured, data preparation can be performed without user intervention via submitting a job through one of the P3 job submission interfaces.

The Diagram below depicts where in the value chain this functionality will increase efficiency/productivity.

The automation interface supports automation of ten workflows which assists with:

Setup and configuring of Crypto modules
Management of
1. Issuers and BINs
2. Keys (processing and transport)
3. Certificates (Issuers and CA certificates)

Additional enhancements within v1.9.2 include added support for hostnames when adding a crypto-module, the ability to configure, through the P3 GUI, either an IP address or a hostname string for a given crypto-module.

This version includes added support for Windows 2016 Server and Windows 2019 Server operating systems. It also incorporates solutions to various minor change requests**

Firmware: We have assisted with support on the payShield PAC907 which resulted in general security updates and the fixing of some change requests in the firmware, we thus recommend that users operate P3 v1.9.2 on payShield 9000 with the PAC907 (P3CM-ESP) licence and firmware version 1122-0922 (or above) or 1215.0904 (or above).

Note: The automation API support is only available on P3 Server. The command line can only be evoked by a user with P3 Administrator rights. To this end we encourage users to contact us to update their P3 skills through attending our P3 training .

** please refer to the engineering release notes

Please contact P3support@Barnessmart.com to get access to the updated P3version

Please contact Sales@Barnessmart.com to book P3 Training