AI business managers 'optimistic still' after Project Vend
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RNZ News
2 hours ago
- RNZ News
Qantas 'contacted by potential cybercriminal' after attack on data of up to 6 million customers
Qantas says it takes matters of cybersecurity "incredibly seriously". Photo: AFP Qantas says it has been contacted by "a potential cybercriminal" less than a week after revealing a "significant" breach and theft of data on up to 6 million of its customers from its records during a cyber attack. The airline said in a statement on Monday that it is working to verify the legitimacy of the contact and have contacted the Australian Federal Police (AFP). It has not confirmed the nature of the contact or whether a ransom was sought. A spokesperson for the AFP told the ABC that it was investigating the contact. "The airline has been highly engaged in assisting authorities and the AFP with investigating this incident," a statement said. The update comes after the airline detected unusual activity on a third-party platform used by a Qantas contact centre. Qantas said last week that it was investigating the proportion of the data that had been stolen, though it expected it would be "significant". The airline said that it was continuing to work with "specialist cybersecurity experts to forensically analyse the impacted system". That investigation has determined that the system was now secure and no credit card details, personal financial information or passport details were accessed in the breach. "We want to reassure all of our customers that there is no impact to Qantas' operations or the safety of our airline," Qantas said in a statement. On Friday Qantas chief executive Vanessa Hudson issued an apology to the airline's customers, saying the business takes matters of cybersecurity "incredibly seriously". "What I would first like to say is acknowledge the impact to all our customers and, first and foremost, I'd like to apologise to them," she said in an interview with Channel Seven in Athens. "I know this data breach is a serious concern. I know the stress that it has created for many, many millions of customers. "And so, right up front, I want to say we take this seriously and we are going to do everything that we can to communicate transparently." - ABC
Scoop
6 hours ago
- Scoop
Auckland Wins Intelligent Transport Conference
Press Release – Tataki Auckland Unlimited Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland will host the 21st Asia-Pacific Intelligent Transport Systems Forum (AP ITS) in 2027, a three-day event focused on advancing the future of intelligent transport solutions. The forum will take place from 5 to 7 May 2027 at the New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC), bringing more than 1000 delegates and an estimated $1.27 million in economic benefit to the region. The bid was led by Intelligent Transport Systems New Zealand (ITSNZ) with support from Tātaki Auckland Unlimited's Auckland Convention Bureau and Tourism New Zealand Business Events. It received high-level endorsement from New Zealand Prime Minister, the Rt Hon Christopher Luxon; Mayor of Auckland Wayne Brown; and New Zealand Transport Agency Chair Simon Bridges. ITSNZ Chair and President Armin Guttke says: 'We are very pleased to secure the hosting rights for this important international forum in 2027. The forum will showcase how the right policy and technology can address New Zealand's transport challenges – making the system safer, more equitable, sustainable and productive. The forum will also create opportunities for local innovators, attract international investment and deliver significant economic benefits.' With the theme Navigating Tomorrow: Advancing Intelligent Transport Together, the event will spotlight key technology-enabled developments in Auckland's transport network – including AI-powered network optimisation for roads and public transport, the City Rail Link, new electric ferries and Australasia's largest all-electric bus depot. Technical tours and demonstrations will include the University of Auckland Transportation Research Centre, a leader in dynamic wireless inductive charging, and ERoad, developers of New Zealand's nationwide electronic Road User Charges System. Ken Pereira, Head of Business Events at Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, the region's cultural agency which attracts business events to the region on behalf of Auckland Council, says: 'This win supports our vision of Auckland as a global innovation hub. It shows we are open to international expertise and investment to grow our transport future, while also showcasing our homegrown technology and talent.' The conference is expected to generate more than 3000 visitor nights in Auckland, supporting local hotels, retailers and the wider hospitality and tourism sector. Tourism New Zealand Global Manager Business Events Penelope Ryan says: 'Delegates will not only be able to enhance their learning experience outside the conference venue through the city's new innovation and infrastructure; they'll also be able to enjoy the amazing activities, dining and culture of Auckland.' NZICC General Manager Prue Daly says: 'Our team is excited to welcome global experts in intelligent transport to NZICC in 2027, and with key infrastructure like the City Rail Link at our doorstep, we are well positioned for delegates to easily experience this transformative transport project. We look forward to hosting this valuable knowledge exchange within NZICC, while also ensuring our international visitors enjoy our manaakitanga and an authentic Aotearoa New Zealand experience.' Note ITSNZ is a not-for-profit peak body that supports understanding, development and adoption of Intelligent Transport Systems and technology-enabled transport solutions in New Zealand, to support a sustainable, efficient, safe and environmentally friendly transportation system.
Techday NZ
7 hours ago
- Techday NZ
AI adoption rises but IT leaders still worry about security risks
A recent study has shown that most IT leaders worldwide are concerned about the adoption of artificial intelligence within their organisations. The 2025 Celonis AI Process Optimisation Report, based on a survey of 1,620 business leaders from various global regions including Australia and the broader Asia-Pacific (APAC), highlights that 90% of IT leaders hold reservations regarding the expanding use of AI. The survey participants were drawn from companies with a minimum revenue of USD $500 million, and 80% of these companies reported revenue ranging between USD $2 billion and USD $10 billion. Security and data breaches emerged as the primary concern, with 45% of IT leaders identifying these risks as their top issue regarding AI adoption. Pressure to demonstrate a return on investment and a widening skills gap followed closely, with each cited by 37% of respondents as key challenges. Additionally, almost one third of the business leaders surveyed indicated that the expectations placed on AI technologies are frequently unrealistic. The report also noted a range of sectors represented in the study: 25% of respondents worked in IT, with equal proportions from Supply Chain, Finance/Shared Services, and Operations/Process Improvement sectors. Despite widespread adoption of AI, the research suggests there is limited focus among leaders on the foundational business processes required for successful AI integration. "Process shortcomings ranked surprisingly low, which suggests many IT leaders may not yet recognise how critical optimised processes are to effective AI deployment. Issues like data quality and system inefficiencies, which are key drivers of AI failure, can often be solved through process intelligence," said Pascal Coubard, APAC Lead at Celonis. In the Supply Chain sector, the report found that AI has already been employed for automated inventory management by 55% and for warehouse automation by 49% of respondents. However, only 40% are currently using AI for transport network and route planning. The study indicates this is set to change, with 96% of supply chain leaders planning to adopt AI in these areas within the next 12 months as part of an expanded investment in technological automation. Finance and Shared Services leaders appear optimistic about the future of AI in their field. The report revealed that 70% of leaders in these areas have a mandate to invest in AI to improve efficiency. At present, 54% are using AI to automate routine tasks, with increasing interest in applications such as fraud detection, cash flow optimisation, and regulatory compliance. The majority anticipate full-scale adoption, with at least 90% expecting to have deployed AI in every major use case by the middle of 2026. Within Process Improvement and Operations, the trend towards automation continues. More than half of the leaders in this sector said they are already employing AI for continuous improvement and process automation initiatives. Even in areas reporting lower current adoption, such as identifying new optimisation opportunities, most intend to expand their use of AI over the coming year. Nearly 90% of these leaders expect intelligent automation to deliver the greatest business value in the next five years. "AI is no longer experimental. It's being embedded into the fabric of the way businesses operate," Coubard added. "But to fully realise its potential, companies must feed AI with the process knowledge and business context provided by process intelligence. Otherwise, they risk automating inefficiency and missing the opportunity entirely. And when processes work, AI works." The findings suggest that while adoption of AI is increasing, concerns among IT leaders and the need for a greater focus on underlying business processes remain significant factors in shaping the future role of AI in large enterprises.
