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Cybereco-Montreal – April 23-25, 2024

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Cybereco, a recognized multi-sectoral reference in cybersecurity in Quebec and Canada. Cybereco was founded in 2018 by the Desjardins Group, the National Bank of Canada, Deloitte, and the RHEA Group. Our founding members took on the challenge of sharing resources and expertise in a spirit of collaboration. The goal? To improve the cyber-resilience of businesses and individuals, but also to accelerate the training of a world-class workforce and the development of effective technological solutions for a prosperous and secure economy. Cybereco now has over thirty (30) member organisations from the financial, business, industrial and academic sectors; Some are well established . Others are just starting up. But all of them have agreed to mobilize and join the adventure, for a common goal: making Cybereco a recognized multisectoral reference in cybersecurity! For more information: https://cybereco.ca/evenements/cyberconference-2024

Canadian Women in Cybersecurity
Events, Hot News

Startupfest – Montreal July 10-12, 2024

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Startupfest is not only Canada’s original startup event–but widely regarded as one of the world’s must-attend startup conferences. It is the annual gathering at which entrepreneurs, investors, makers, large enterprises, industry veterans, and startup communities chart the course of technology entrepreneurship in a one-of-a-kind festival atmosphere. Startupfest Montreal is an annual event that gathers entrepreneurs, investors, industry leaders, and startup enthusiasts to celebrate innovation, exchange ideas, and foster connections within the startup ecosystem. It typically takes place in Montreal, Canada, and serves as a platform for startups to showcase their products, pitch their ideas to potential investors, participate in workshops and panels, and network with peers and mentors. The event features a variety of activities designed to support startups at different stages of development, from early-stage entrepreneurs seeking funding and mentorship to more established companies looking to expand their networks and scale their businesses. These activities may include pitch competitions, investor meetings, keynote presentations, networking sessions, hackathons, and exhibitor showcases. Startupfest Montreal aims to create an inclusive and dynamic environment where participants can learn from each other, gain valuable insights from experienced entrepreneurs and investors, and forge meaningful connections that can help propel their startups forward. It often attracts a diverse range of attendees from around the world, making it a vibrant hub of innovation and entrepreneurship in the Montreal startup community. To Register: https://www.startupfest.com/register

Apps, Featured

Localcoin Introduces New Feature: Sell Bitcoin Easily with INTERAC e-Transfer®

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TORONTO, Feb. 15, 2024 /CNW/ – Localcoin, a Toronto-based Bitcoin ATM operator and leading fintech company, announced today the launch of its INTERAC e-Transfer® sell feature, enabling customers to sell their bitcoins for e-Transfer directly to their bank accounts within minutes. This exciting development expands Localcoin’s product line that enables crypto-enthusiasts to easily liquidate their crypto for CAD.  Localcoin’s commitment to providing users with accessible, convenient, and secure options for managing their digital assets is further exemplified through this new feature. Users can quickly and easily sell cryptocurrencies online and receive funds directly in their Canadian bank accounts via INTERAC e-Transfer within minutes. No account creation or personal details, outside of a phone number or email, are required to use this feature. The inclusion of the INTERAC e-Transfer sell feature is a significant milestone for Localcoin, reflecting the company’s dedication to streamlining cryptocurrency accessibility for its customers. With this feature, customers can seamlessly liquidate Bitcoins for up to CAD $4,975 per day, with the funds directly sent to their bank accounts. Key Benefits of Localcoin INTERAC e-Transfer feature: Convenience: By integrating with INTERAC e-Transfer, users can sell their cryptocurrencies for cash without driving to an ATM. User-Friendly Experience: Localcoin’s user-friendly interface makes INTERAC e-Transfer transactions straightforward and accessible. Secure and Reliable: Localcoin’s commitment to security remains unwavering. INTERAC e-Transfer transactions are conducted with the same level of robust security that users have come to expect from the platform. Sell your bitcoin for INTERAC e-Transfer with Localcoin, Today! How to Use Localcoin INTERAC e-Transfer Sell: Sell your Bitcoin (BTC) online and get an INTERAC e-Transfer straight to your bank account. “We are extremely excited to launch the INTERAC e-Transfer functionality at Localcoin. It’s all about making crypto transactions simpler and more approachable.” Said Jay Pandher, President of Localcoin. “Imagine selling your Bitcoin and getting funds directly into your bank account, all within a few taps. This step is a huge leap in our mission to make the world of digital currencies accessible to Canadians.” Experience the ease of Localcoin’s new INTERAC e-Transfer feature today and discover how you can effortlessly sell Bitcoin from home for Canadian Dollars.

Apps, Featured

MakeShift Sponsors SAP® Partner Summit with Keynote by Edurne Pasabán

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Technological Advancements, Strategic Partnerships, and Legendary Inspiration at the SAP Partner Summit in Barcelona. CALGARY, AB, Feb. 13, 2024 /CNW/ – AppColony Inc., doing business as MakeShift, a leader in workforce management solutions, proudly announces its significant sponsorship of the 2024 SAP Partner Summit for SAP SuccessFactors. This event gathers SAP partners, industry leaders, and visionaries in Barcelona to forge the future of human capital management, emphasizing collaborative success and the strategic role of partnerships in unlocking new frontiers of opportunity, innovation, and efficiency. The summit will feature an extraordinary keynote by Edurne Pasabán, the celebrated mountaineer known for her remarkable achievements in conquering the world’s highest peaks. Pasabán’s story of resilience and strategic conquest mirrors MakeShift’s journey towards redefining workforce management through technological innovation and human-centric approaches. Adam Greenberg, CEO of MakeShift, reflects on the company’s growth and strategic vision: “As we amplify our engagement with SAP, our sponsorship at the SAP Partner Summit is a declaration of MakeShift’s commitment to transformative innovation and strategic expansion. By leveraging the partner ecosystem, we are not only expanding our global reach but also driving the next era of staff scheduling and human experience management with AI. Edurne Pasabán’s story of perseverance and success is a powerful metaphor for our journey and aspirations.” MakeShift’s vision for the future is rooted in being the vanguard of shift scheduling. The company champions the integration of advanced technology, such as its proprietary ShiftMate AI, with the essence of human-centric work experiences. This alignment signifies a disruption in traditional scheduling paradigms, recognizing it as a pivotal factor in enhancing work life. Asher Fredricks, Chief Revenue Officer of MakeShift, adds a new perspective on the company’s expansion: “Our growing global footprint, including a significant expansion within our existing client base with a leading Franco-Dutch airline group, showcases our dedication to addressing complex scheduling needs no matter where our clients reside. These include navigating labor union requirements, strict local regulations, and the intricacies of concurrent employments. Edurne’s story reminds us that growth demands unwavering determination and strategic partnerships. We are here to forge those connections and succeed together.” Recognized as a leader in scheduling technology by prestigious organizations like Gartner Digital Markets, G2, and Tech Times, MakeShift stands at the forefront of driving advancements in the industry. By optimizing workforce management, MakeShift gives people back valuable time to focus on what really matters, enhancing productivity and work-life balance. MakeShift is available on SAP Store® and is a part of SAP’s Industry Cloud Portfolio. It seamlessly integrates with SAP SuccessFactors Employee Central, SAP SuccessFactors Employee Central Payroll, and SAP SuccessFactors Time Tracking, while also complementing SAP Time and Attendance Management by Workforce Software. About MakeShift MakeShift (www.makeshift.ca) stands at the forefront of workforce management innovation, providing an award-winning, cloud-based solution for complex scheduling challenges. Renowned for its ability to navigate the intricate scheduling demands of regulated industries, MakeShift seamlessly adapts to stringent labor regulations, union agreements, and intense scheduling requirements. Since its launch in 2014, initially targeting the healthcare sector’s needs, MakeShift has broadened its impact, offering unparalleled ease of use, guided implementation, and robust features. Its commitment to excellence in functionality and customer support has garnered recognition from G2, Gartner Digital Markets, and Tech Times, establishing MakeShift as a leader in the scheduling technology arena. For more information on how MakeShift is transforming workforce management with its user-centric design and innovative platform, visit www.makeshift.ca. SAP and other SAP products and services mentioned herein as well as their respective logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of SAP SE in Germany and other countries. Please see https://www.sap.com/copyright for additional trademark information and notices. All other product and service names mentioned are the trademarks of their respective companies.

Featured, Start ups

CYBER101 – Free Cybersecurity training for businesses and individuals

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MONTREAL, Feb. 12, 2024 /CNW/ – www.cyber101.com is a new platform launched by two Montreal-based entrepreneurs combining their respective expertise in cybersecurity and animation video. This educational website offers a brief and engaging certification process to raise employee awareness about cybersecurity issues in less than an hour. Rising Cybersecurity Incidents in Canada According to Statistics Canada, the proportion of Canadians victimized by cybersecurity incidents increased from 58% in 2020 to 70% in 2022. The most commonly reported incidents were receiving unsolicited emails and fraudulent content. This makes Cyber101’s mission more relevant than ever. According to Guillaume Bélanger, “Our platform provides essential tools to help you stay on top of threats in an increasingly hostile environment.” “When teaching at the McGill Executive Institute, cybersecurity consistently emerges as a critical issue,” emphasizes Benjamin Beauregard, cofounder of Cyber101. “Guillaume and I created this platform because we believe that education is the key to effectively countering cyber threats.” Free Training for Enhanced Cybersecurity Cyber101 offers companies a unique opportunity to educate their employees on best practices in cybersecurity, at no cost. Businesses and individuals can immediately improve their cybersecurity posture in less than an hour. Benefits for Organizations About Cyber101 Cyber101.com is the brainchild of childhood friends and entrepreneurs Guillaume Bélanger and Benjamin Beauregard. Guillaume, president of an IT services company, identified a crucial lack of easily accessible cybersecurity content for SMEs. He partnered with Benjamin, head of a video production agency, to combine their strengths. Cyber101 is committed to making cybersecurity training accessible to as many people as possible to protect organizations across Canada and beyond.

Featured, Security

The Top 2024 Cybersecurity Priorities for CISOs and Security Leaders Revealed in New Report by Info-Tech Research Group

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Info-Tech’s Security Priorities 2024 report delves into the pressing issues that IT and security leaders must prioritize over the coming year, including the cybersecurity talent shortage, the rise of AI-driven threats, the integration of security risks with business risks, the adoption of zero-trust frameworks, and the increasing significance of automating security operations. The global IT research and advisory firm explains in the report that by addressing these priorities, organizations can better prepare themselves to face the evolving threat landscape. TORONTO, Feb. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ – With cyber threats becoming increasingly sophisticated, organizations are facing unprecedented challenges in safeguarding their digital assets. Recognizing the urgent need for robust and dynamic security strategies, Info-Tech Research Group has published its Security Priorities 2024 report. The report underscores the critical need for organizations to adapt their security measures in response to the constant changes in cyber threats in 2024 and beyond. The firm’s research highlights the importance of a strategic approach, emphasizing the need for clear oversight and effective implementation strategies to develop, deploy, and monitor security initiatives that enhance an organization’s resilience against threats “The threat landscape has been exacerbated by the various emerging attack vectors, such as credential-compromise attacks and cloud exploitation. The increase in supply chain risks and rise in deepfakes also showcase the shift of threat actors to improve the sophistication of their attacks,” says Ahmad Jowhar, research analyst and lead author of the report. “The rising costs of ransomware and cyber insurance premiums coupled with the continuous talent shortage depicts the challenges of efficiently fighting against these threats.” The Security Priorities 2024 report reveals the pressing issues that IT and security leaders must prioritize and advocates for a pivot from traditional, reactive security postures to proactive, predictive security strategies. The annual report emphasizes the importance of fostering a security-centric culture across the organization, enhancing collaboration between security teams and other business units, and developing agile security frameworks that can adapt to new threats and business needs. “The emergence of advanced technologies has created opportunities for organizations and security leaders to explore unique approaches to these challenges while also enhancing existing capabilities to better equip themselves with the right people, process, and technology this year,” says Jowhar. “These approaches include assessing the ability to address the talent shortage through upskilling, establishing a foundation to implement AI technologies, and evaluating an organization’s security risk management with respect to integrating with the enterprise.” Info-Tech’s latest report is based on comprehensive research, including insights from the firm’s Future of IT survey and in-depth interviews with IT and security professionals across various industries and regions. The diverse approach ensured that the experiences of leaders from both small and large organizations were incorporated into the report and covered a broad spectrum of security budgets. The insights collected and analyzed by the firm reflect the realities of managing cybersecurity in different organizational contexts, from multinational corporations to nimble startups, providing a well-rounded view of the challenges and strategies at play in the current security landscape. Leveraging the firm’s research findings and data, the Security Priorities 2024 report outlines the following five high-priority initiatives security leaders and their organizations should implement to confidently address security risks for 2024 and the years to come: The 2024 report also includes customizable templates that security leaders can utilize to effectively communicate their organization’s key security priorities to stakeholders and executives, ensuring a clear understanding of the required security measures. In the face of ever-evolving cyber threats, the Security Priorities 2024 report provides security leaders with a blueprint for safeguarding their digital environment. By implementing the priorities based on their unique organizational goals and needs, security leaders can enhance their security posture, proactively address and mitigate vulnerabilities, and build a culture of resilience against the cyber threats of the future. Those interested in exploring the specific 2024 security priorities recommended by Info-Tech Research Group are invited to register for the firm’s webinar on Wednesday, February 28, at 1:00 PM ET / 10:00 AM PT. About Info-Tech Research Group Info-Tech Research Group is one of the world’s leading information technology research and advisory firms, proudly serving over 30,000 professionals. The company produces unbiased and highly relevant research to help CIOs and leaders make strategic, timely, and well-informed decisions. For more than 25 years, Info-Tech has partnered closely with IT teams to provide them with everything they need, from actionable tools to analyst guidance, ensuring they deliver measurable results for their organizations. Media professionals can register for unrestricted access to research across IT, HR, and software and hundreds of industry analysts through the firm’s Media Insiders program. To gain access, contact pr@infotech.com. For information about Info-Tech Research Group or to view the latest research, visit infotech.com and connect via LinkedIn and X.

Featured, IOT

Info-Tech Research: The Digital Transformation of Wealth Management

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In the firm’s latest research-backed industry trends report, Info-Tech Research Group reveals that future success in the wealth management industry hinges on launching digital products and services tailored for younger, digitally proficient customers. TORONTO, Sept. 22, 2023 /PRNewswire/ – With a variety of industries facing the necessity of digital transformation, the wealth management industry is undergoing a particularly significant transformation. As control of assets shifts from older customers to their often more tech-savvy children, the industry’s traditional products and services are increasingly considered outdated. As a result, Info-Tech Research Group advises that wealth management firms must pivot to meet these changing demands. Info-Tech has published The Future of Wealth Management, a trends report providing insight into current customer expectations and outlining pathways businesses can take to implement digital transformation to stay competitive in the evolving landscape. Info-Tech Research Group’s blueprint “The Future of Wealth Management” highlights a strategic, multidimensional approach consisting of 12 transformation elements that will enable wealth management firms to understand the trends driving their industry and to maintain competitiveness. (CNW Group/Info-Tech Research Group) In the report, Info-Tech explains that the wealth management industry has traditionally relied on a combination of outsourced service providers and bespoke internal systems. However, these systems were not initially designed to provide the depth of integration necessary for modern digital products and services. “The wealth management industry has serviced its customers with traditional products and services that were largely segmented by the amount of assets in the account, and that often had a single decision maker,” explains David Tomljenovic, principal research director at Info-Tech Research Group. “Engagement was heavily focused on in-person calls or meetings. Client assets were invested according to model portfolios based on customer assets, intake forms, and ‘know your client’ information. However, younger customers expect robust digital or mobile tools that deliver highly optimized processes, products, and customer experiences.” Currently in the industry, IT’s role is typically focused on support rather than on functioning as a strategic business partner. Therefore, there is a pressing need for IT to evolve its approach and foster a relationship that aligns more closely with the overarching, long-term business objectives of wealth management firms. “One common point between both the traditional customer generation and the younger generation taking over is the desire for in-person engagement,” explains Tomljenovic. “While the investing process is becoming increasingly digital, personal contact is still an essential part of the wealth management process.” The report underscores the importance of adopting a multidimensional strategy when tackling the technological hurdles in the wealth management sector, pointing out that the profound changes required in wealth management permeate numerous aspects of IT. The complexities of the technological challenges in the industry are further amplified by the rapidly evolving market dynamics, necessitating substantial shifts throughout the organization from front-end to back-end operations. Consequently, implementing a successful, comprehensive technology transformation becomes more daunting as it involves multiple elements simultaneously. Info-Tech advises that these transformational areas can be broadly categorized into three main dimensions, each comprising four components: Organizational Dimension: Collectively, these components govern how IT organizes itself and aligns with business needs to drive deep and effective delivery. This dimension is comprised of innovation, enterprise architecture (EA), agile, and DevOps methodologies. Experience Dimension: The key capabilities that are required to drive the extensive user experience transformation that wealth management customers are demanding. The experience dimension includes data, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), automation, and security. Infrastructure Dimension: Organizations need to master these capabilities to support current customer demands to effectively deliver open, integration-friendly, and ecosystem-based customer solutions. Infrastructure is an essential part of the transformation process. The key components are ecosystem, cloud, integration, and digital. The firm also highlights in the report that the generational wealth transfer presents a significant opportunity for wealth management firms that can adeptly navigate this transition. Timing the rollout of new digital products and services to cater to the needs of younger, digitally savvy customers will be instrumental in driving success in a new era. To learn more about the firm’s findings and the recommendations for how IT can help wealth management firms stay current in the digital era, download the complete The Future of Wealth Management trends report. For media inquiries on the topic or to get exclusive, timely commentary from David Tomljenovic, an expert in the financial services sector, please contact pr@infotech.com. About Info-Tech Research Group Info-Tech Research Group is one of the world’s leading information technology research and advisory firms, proudly serving over 30,000 IT professionals. The company produces unbiased and highly relevant research to help CIOs and IT leaders make strategic, timely, and well-informed decisions. For 25 years, Info-Tech has partnered closely with IT teams to provide them with everything they need, from actionable tools to analyst guidance, ensuring they deliver measurable results for their organizations. Media professionals can register for unrestricted access to research across IT, HR, and software and over 200 IT and industry analysts through the firm’s Media Insiders program. To gain access, contact pr@infotech.com. For more information about Info-Tech Research Group or to access the latest research, visit infotech.com and connect via LinkedIn and Twitter. SOURCE Info-Tech Research Group

Apps, Featured, Start ups

Homebase Bets Big on Canadian Tech Talent

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Leading hourly team management app invests in Canadian tech talent, doubling its local workforce (+104%) in the past year against a backdrop of volatility in the technology landscape. Company adds Canadian leaders to its Executive Office, including Chief Marketing Officer, Candy Lee, and Chief Technology Officer, Oliver Fisher, who together bring strategic expertise from Shopify, HelloFresh Canada and FreshBooks. Further strengthening product development capabilities, Homebase also welcomes VPs of Engineering Andrea Corey and Alamelu Radhakrishnan, bringing product development expertise from Freshbooks, Loblaw Digital and Shopify. Homebase also opened its first-ever Canadian outpost this month, with an 8,000 sq. ft. office located in downtown Toronto. TORONTO, Sept. 14, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Homebase, the all-in-one team management app that helps more than 100,000 local small businesses manage their hourly teams, makes big waves by investing in the Canadian technology industry. In the past year, the company has more than doubled its full-time workforce in Canada (+104%) and opened its first-ever office in downtown Toronto. Homebase has also supercharged its Executive Office with new, seasoned Canadian leadership, including Chief Marketing Officer, Candy Lee, and Chief Technology Officer, Oliver Fisher. Having held previous leadership roles at Shopify, HelloFresh Canada and Freshbooks, both Lee and Fisher bring deep expertise and strategic insight into growing and scaling big brand SaaS companies that serve small businesses and consumers. This investment is a strong signal of Homebase’s commitment to growth against the backdrop of an otherwise volatile technology sector. Beyond the Canadian team, the company has also grown headcount in the past year in the U.S. and beyond. Toronto is the newest Homebase office, joining other locations in San Francisco, Houston and Denver. “With our new leadership, Homebase is set firmly on a path to scale our business to new heights, and supercharge our product to help small business teams work better than ever. Our people make Homebase what it is and our growing Canadian team is critical to unlocking our potential to provide an unbeatable experience for local businesses,” said Homebase Founder & CEO, John Waldmann. Prior to joining Homebase, at HelloFresh Lee helped scale the subscription business multiple times over, nearly doubling revenue in her first year while securing a hard-fought market leadership position ahead of long-time competitors. Lee is committed to helping accelerate the trajectory of Homebase to empower the +100k small businesses on the app to make work easier. “Main Street businesses have traditionally been ignored by technology providers, so I’m thrilled to work with the team to rewrite the script and put great tech in the hands of unstoppable local businesses,” said Candy Lee, Homebase CMO. Furthermore, Fisher led international expansion efforts at Freshbooks and also helped grow Google’s Safebrowsing team in Montreal. As Director of Engineering at Shopify, Fisher also helped launch Shopify Capital to provide seamless liquidity to merchants based on their existing sales, impressively growing the business rapidly in about one year. “I’m incredibly excited to shape a lasting company that’s making an impact by driving small business growth,” said Oliver Fisher, Homebase CTO. “I’m focused on building a world-class engineering team that will enable us to develop features that serve customers faster and more efficiently. Establishing engineering talent in Canada is a key part of that strategy,” said Fisher. As growth and innovation remain core to Homebase’s mission, the company also welcomes two additional expert leaders with deep product development experience. Andrea Corey, with more than two decades of experience designing systems to scale at startups, including Freshbooks and Eloqua joins as VP of Engineering, Platform Engineering. Additionally, Alamelu Radhakrishnan, former Chief of Staff to Shopify CTO, rounds out the new leadership as VP of Engineering, Product Delivery. About Homebase:Great businesses are built on great teams. Great teams run on Homebase. Homebase makes work easier for 100,000+ small (but mighty) businesses with everything they need to build unstoppable hourly teams: employee scheduling, time clocks, payroll, team communication, hiring, onboarding, and compliance. Just don’t call us “Human Capital Management.” We’re an all-in-one team management app built for busiest businesses, so owners and employees can spend less time on bullsh*t and more time on what matters.To learn more, visit joinhomebase.com

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