Super Funds Targeted by Cyber Criminals

I have said on the show a number of times that cyber criminals look for honey pots of either data or money (or both!). Their goal with data is to use it to grab access to a corresponding pot of cash. Here is where Super Funds come to the party. We have Trillions sitting in Super. So if you were going to target a pot of money, this is a very large one. By grabbing your data, the goal is to use it to then steal your money. 

So it was with some concern when many Australians, including me, logged into their super fund account this week to see a running balance of $0. Funds have been targeted this week so like many, we headed to our funds to check all was well. I am with Australian Super and in my opinion their communication with customers was rubbish. No email, no alert on Twitter/X, no alert on my app when I eventually logged in (it took hours!). I did get a reply from Aus Super on Twitter/X after I posted, but this is not close to good enough. It was not just me, there were comments all over the internet about similar experiences. We have trillions of dollars sitting in Super and Aus Super is the largest Industry Fund, under attack and not communicating with customers, not fast enough anyway. 

The communication is one thing, but putting this to the side – we all need to work to ensure our money is kept safe and we all have a requirement to do our bit. 

How can you do your bit? 

Two things, firstly your password. Only ever use a good password, and use it once for each online service. To help you, try a password manager like Bitwarden

Second, use the 2-factor authentication on your account. This means if some one tries to log in, you will get an alert to your phone (usually your phone). This means there are two things needed to access your money. 

You MUST use both these features because it will provide higher level security for your account, and if this is breached you can present to the fund that you ‘did the right thing’ in protecting your account. 

Read more about the latest attack here, and make sure you lock down your Super Fund account. 

Guests and Topics on the Show

Staying connected while traveling can be expensive, but Simify is changing the game. Andrew Marigliani explains how Simify offers Australian travelers unlimited eSIM roaming data with no hidden fees—helping you stay online without breaking the bank.  As international travel roars back to life, data-hungry Australian travellers are demanding the freedom of unlimited travel eSIM plans, after years of overpaying for outdated roaming deals. This freedom in the form of unlimited roaming data overseas without fees is finally now here and readily available from Australian international roaming provider Simify. You can find Simify’s unlimited roaming data plans here: https://simify.com/en-au

Bowers & Wilkins has teamed up with McLaren to create the ultimate luxury earbuds. John Martin, Sales Director from Bowers and Wilkins, introduces the Pi8 McLaren Edition, blending high-performance audio with cutting-edge design for a premium listening experience.

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Life and Technology – Saturday April 5 2025

Good Phones, Now Cheaper 

Still on Smart Phones, I mentioned on the show today that a very good phone is currently on sale for 50% off. Its the Motorola Edge 50 Pro. It was $1000, now its under $500 which I think is a little nuts, but that’s an opportunity for you, if you need a good new phone. Here is the buy page and here is our review of the handset. 

Guests and Topics on the Show

Mike Boyd joined us this week and discussed how Apple is transforming accessibility with the AirPods Pro 2. He highlighted the latest hearing test and hearing aid features.  He explained how users with an iPhone and a pair of AirPods Pro 2 can perform a five-minute tone test by tapping their screen when they hear a sound. Boyd noted that while this feature offers a convenient and discreet option for those in their 40s and 50s who may feel self-conscious about traditional hearing aids, it’s not a substitute for a full audiology exam.

He also highlighted how Apple’s hearing aid functionality combines Active Noise Cancelling with the retransmission of surrounding sounds, providing subtle amplification for clearer hearing. 

Mike pointed out that this feature is currently only available to users aged 18+—likely due to FDA regulations—and requires iOS 18.1 or higher. With a retail price of $400, the AirPods Pro 2 offer a more affordable and accessible alternative, potentially making the audiology sector more competitive.

Rutland Smith, proprietor from Harvey Norman Technology for Business, shared insights on why cybersecurity is now a top priority for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). He explained how rising threats, including data breaches and ransomware attacks, are putting SMBs at greater risk.

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ASUS Zenbook UX3407 A14 OLED – Windows Copilot + Snapdragon ASUS Zenbook UX3407 A14 OLED is part of its new Qualcomm Snapdragon X range for Windows Copilot+ PC. It promises long battery life and AI power. It comes with the Snapdragon X Plus in the UX3407QA and X Elite in the UX3407RA models. This is not ASUS’s first entrant – its VIVOBOOK S55O7Q was released in July last year, and it also has Intel Core and AMD Ryzen AI Copilot+ PCs. I am sitting here pondering how to review this device. Yes, it is hardware, so there will be some ‘speeds and feeds’, but how do I do justice to the Copilot part? So, tolerate me as we explore more of the hardware side.  Read Review

Guests and Topics on the Show

Bianca Bai discussed Roborock’s plans for 2025, highlighting the latest innovations in smart home cleaning. She covered advancements in navigation, self-maintenance features, and how Roborock’s new lineup aimed to make cleaning smarter and more efficient.  What is a Saros? I’m glad you asked because Saros means 6,585.321 days (18.04 years) between the eclipse of the Sun and Moon. We don’t think Roborock meant anything by the name. No, Potter fans, don’t be tempted to call it Sauron (although it looks foreboding). The Saros Series replaces the prestigious S8 Max Ultra and sits above the Qrevo series. The Saros Z70 has a 5-axis robotic arm that can pick up obstacles. It is not the lower-cost Saros 10R, which has dual rotating mops, StarSight navigation, and a less functional dock.

Hisense discusses ‘non traditional’ TVs 

We also spoke with Christopher Mayer who explained the differences between Projector TVs and Canvas TVs. He outlined the key benefits of each and shared insights on which option delivered the best cinematic experience for home entertainment.

The Hisense Canvas S7NAU is a 4K QLED TV with a Hi-Matte display and free art mode for over 1000 diverse art pieces. You can also use your photos to bring memories alive. Oh, and it has a faux wood picture frame as well.

As far as a big black 55 or 65” black glass slab goes, it is like the rest. But add the faux Teak, Walnut or White frame, wall mount it with the ultra slim wall mount (inbox), and you have a TV with a difference.

Technically, the Hisense Canvas S7NAU is very similar to the Samsung Frame, which is also edge-lit, has a VA panel, Quantum Dot, an anti-glare LCD, and is about 50 nits brighter. Samsung is also dearer, but savvy shoppers will find bargains. And you must buy Samsung Art masterpieces – Hisense has over 1000 for free.

It has desktop feet offering a scant 60mm height (no adjustment), so few soundbars will fit. There is some cable management for flush wall mount, but the cables exit the bottom middle of the TV.

The Frame is 25mm clip-on alloy with a wood grain or white finish. You can also paint the frame to suit your decor.

Here’s a copy of our newsletter.

Life and Technology – Saturday March 22 2025