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RTÉ News
2 days ago
- Automotive
- RTÉ News
Jordan and Birrane to be remembered at Mondello Park
Mondello Park will hold its annual Carol Nash Historic festival of classic racing this weekend and tributes to the late Eddie Jordan and Martin Birrane, the late owner of the Co Kildare circuit, who would have turned 90 this year, will feature. The main straight at Mondello Park will be renamed the Birrane Straight in honour of the Mayo man, who saved the track from closure when he bought the venue back in the mid-1980s Birrane set up the Mondello Park museum some years ago and two of its cars, the V10-engined Jordan 195 and the Pacific PR01, which saw action in the 1994 F1 season, will both have demonstration runs as part of the 'Eddie Jordan - From Grid to Glory' event. Some of Jordan's family, as well as friends and former teammates, will be along for the Jordan-themed events on Saturday. Five-time grand prix winner John Watson will also be in attendance along with Dubliner Derek Daly the last driver from the Republic of Ireland to race in F1, when he competed for Williams Grand Prix back in 1982, Martin Donnelly, whose 1990 crash in the Lotus-Lamborghini was referenced in F1:The Movie this year, will also be in Mondello. FIA Formula 2 driver Alex Dunne, who may be on his way to F1 next season with the new Cadillac outfit, and World Rally Championship driver Josh McErlean will make up the new breed of Irish drivers plying their trade at the top of world motorsport this weekend Not only will there be static displays and celebrity drivers, but Mondello will also finally get to host Formula Ford 1600 racing, the class where most began their racing careers. On Saturday the drivers in FF1600 will vie for the Fionn Murray Trophy and on Sunday for the Vivion Daly Trophy. They were both stalwarts of the series back in its heyday in the 1980s and '90s and he families of Fionn and Vivion will be in attendance to present the trophies. Let us hope those who are in Mondello will get to see a decent grid of cars representing FFord racing. The Irish International Grand Prix Trophy; The Dublin Grand Prix Trophy; and The St Brigid's Trophy, which cover open-wheel, GT, saloon, and vintage car grids from the 1920s to 1960s will also take to the track over the two days Meanwhile, the Ulster Rally takes place this Friday and Saturday and is the penultimate round of NAPA Autoparts Irish Tarmac Rally Championship (ITRC), with only the Cork 20 to run as the final round in October. The Galway International was due to be the opening round in February, but it was cancelled due to storm damage, reducing the ITRC to six rounds. The 2023 ITRC winner and number-one seed Callum Devine arrives at the Ulster Rally carrying the momentum of three consecutive victories and seeking hist first in this event, having notched up runner-up finishes in the past two years. Devine would win the ITRC for a second time with victory in the Newry-based event. Hot on his heels is the in-form David Kelly, who sits 21 points behind Devine in the championship standings and has been knocking on the door of his maiden rally victory all season. Adding intrigue to the Rally2 category are the father and son duo of Declan and Michael Boyle, both competing in Skoda Fabias. Declan Boyle, the 2014 ITRC winner finds himself sitting just six points behind Kelly and holding a narrow three-point advantage over his son Michael. Kevin Eves and Chris Melly will be looking to build on their encouraging seventh-place finish in Donegal as they continue their maiden season campaigning a Ford Fiesta Rally2. International interest comes courtesy of Welsh driver Osian Pryce, the 2022 British Rally Champion, who will behind the wheel of his Hyundai i20 Rally2. Pryce has an abundance of Ulster Rally experience, including victory in the Citroen DS3 R3T category back in 2013. Adding further depth to the Rally2 field is the welcome return of Darren Gass, the 2012 Irish Tarmac Rally Champion, driving a Volkswagen Polo R5.
CNET
16-07-2025
- Business
- CNET
New Research Shows Data Breaches Keep Coming. Here's How To Protect Yourself
The personal data of Americans continues to be under threat from cybercriminals looking to steal it for their own financial gain, according to a new report from the Identity Theft Resource Center. For the first six months of this year, there were 1,732 data compromises reported that resulted in 165.7 million victim notifications, the non-profit group focused on helping victims of identity theft said Wednesday. The number of reported compromises represents an 11% increase from the same six months in 2024 when there were 1,567 reported compromises. Of the most recent period's total, 1,348 stemmed from data breaches resulting from cyberattacks, far outpacing other causes like phishing attacks, ransomware and computer viruses. The ITRC says the numbers don't include previously compromised data such as logins and passwords that were repackaged then posted online for sharing or sale during the period, noting that they don't constitute a new threat against companies or consumers, just a continuation of one that already existed. That's still a "serious risk" for businesses, because much of the data is logins and passwords, James Lee, the group's president, said in a statement. "But it also means individuals need to take steps to protect themselves from identity fraud and scams." The total for the first half of this year also represented 59% of the 3,155 compromises reported for all of 2024, but the number of people potentially affected represented just 12% of the year-ago total. The ITRC says that while breaches have continued, there haven't been the same kinds of mega breaches affecting hundreds of millions of people that there were last year, resulting in the drop. The financial services and healthcare industries, known for their vast repositories of personal and financial consumer data, continued to be the most targeted sectors in the first half of 2025, accounting for 387 and 283 compromises, respectively. That might seem daunting, given that there's not a whole lot consumers can do if their personal data is exposed in one of these corporate data breaches, but there are a few things you can do to mitigate the damage if you do get caught up. Here are a few tips from CNET and the ITRC. How to protect your data Set great passwords and always use MFA. All of your passwords should be long, complex and unique. Need help? Try a password manager or look into setting up passkeys. Don't be tempted to recycle old passwords even if they're great. And if one of your passwords is compromised in a breach, change it right away. It should also go without saying that enabling multi-factor authentication is a must whenever it's available. It'll help protect you in the event that your password is compromised. Be on the lookout for phishing. Data breaches that expose your email and other personal details give cybercriminals the material they need to craft successful scam texts, emails, social media messages and even phone calls. And now they have artificial intelligence tools to make them all the more convincing. Be skeptical of any kind of unsolicited communications and don't hand over any personal information or money to people or companies you haven't vetted to be legitimate. Keep an eye on your financial accounts. If you know your personal information has been caught up in a breach, keep a close eye on your bank accounts and credit card statements. Set up account alerts to inform you right away if a big transaction takes place. Freeze your credit. If you're worried you might be at risk of identity theft or fraud, freeze your credit with all the major credit bureaus. It's not as big of a pain as you might think. That way, cybercriminals won't be able to use your personal information to do things like get a credit card or take out a loan.
Yahoo
24-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Identity Theft Resource Center 2025 Trends in Identity Report: Impersonation Scams Rise 148 Percent & Become Top Reported Scam
Criminals typically impersonated a general business (51 percent of impersonation scams) or a financial institution (21 percent of impersonation scams) SAN DIEGO, June 24, 2025 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- The Identity Theft Resource Center® (ITRC), a nationally recognized nonprofit organization established to support victims of identity crime, has published its fourth annual report that looks at the identity concerns reported by victims of identity theft, fraud and scams, along with individuals seeking prevention advice. The ITRC's 2025 Trends in Identity Report is supported by the ITRC's Alliance for Identity Resilience. In the report, the ITRC outlines the identity crimes reported to the ITRC from April 1, 2024, through March 31, 2025, and how criminals convinced people to willingly share information, as well as how stolen information was used to open new accounts and evade law enforcement. The report also outlines the concerns of people seeking preventative information. According to the 2025 Trends in Identity Report, the ITRC saw a 31-percentage-point decrease in reported identity crimes (compromise, theft and misuse) compared to the previous year. However, the number of people experiencing multiple identity-related concerns increased year-over-year from 15 percent to 24 percent. Of those who contacted the ITRC, 52 percent reported misuse of their personal information, and 35 percent reported personal information compromise. Download the ITRC's 2025 Trends in Identity Report Most reports of misuse involved account takeover (53 percent) and new account creation using an individual's personal information (36 percent). Victims also reported attempted misuse of their identity credentials. Thieves tried to open a new account (69 percent) more often than attempting to take over an existing account (31 percent). Attempted misuse largely involved financial accounts (85 percent), specifically credit card accounts (56 percent) and checking accounts (14 percent). There was a 754-percentage-point increase in reports of account takeover involving tech accounts and a 47-percentage-point increase in reports of account takeover involving person-to-person payment apps. The number of fraudulent new property leases and rentals reported rose 102 percentage points, and reports of fraudulent federal student loans increased 111 percentage points. The top methods of identity compromise reported to the ITRC were due to personally identifiable information (PII) being shared in a scam, stolen documents with personal information and unauthorized access to a computer or mobile device. There was a 41-percentage-point decrease in victims reporting their PII was shared in a scam. However, there was an overall increase in other reported compromises, including a 71-percentage-point rise in reports of stolen documents with personal information. Individuals who reported stolen documents with personal information primarily reported stolen driver's licenses, Social Security cards, payment cards, birth certificates and phones or tablets. Reports of stolen birth certificates spiked 612 percentage points. The ITRC also reported the following: Impersonation scams were the top reported type of scam to the ITRC, a 148-percentage-point increase year-over-year. Criminals typically impersonated a general business (51 percent of impersonation scams) or a financial institution (21 percent of impersonation scams). New types of scams reported to the ITRC included toll road scams, which accounted for three (3) percent of all reported scams. Google Voice scams decreased by 84 percentage points and made up nine (9) percent of all scam reports while job scams dropped by 31 percentage points and totaled ten (10) percent of all scam reports. "Our 2025 Trends in Identity Report highlights many findings for us to follow, like sharp increases in impersonation scams, stolen birth certificates and account takeover involving existing accounts," said Eva Velasquez, CEO of the Identity Theft Resource Center. "One trend that has continued is a decline in the number of victims reporting identity crimes. Fewer people are reporting instances of identity theft, fraud and scams, but there is every reason to believe it is just that – fewer reports, not fewer crimes being committed." "We are only at the very beginning of what artificial intelligence (AI) can do to facilitate identity and cyber crimes," Velasquez continued. "The power of AI in the hands of professional criminals is accelerating a shift we've long warned about – where traditional crime patterns give way to a landscape in which anyone can be a victim. The ITRC is ready to help people and businesses prevent identity crimes and recover when they happen." The ITRC identified the following identity trends: AI technology makes it easier for thieves to coerce unsuspecting victims into giving away their identity credentials. Identity thieves are increasingly able to access various existing accounts. Individuals are becoming more curious about protecting their identity. Consumers and victims can receive free support and guidance from a knowledgeable live advisor by texting or calling 888.400.5530 or visiting to live chat. About the Identity Theft Resource Center Founded in 1999, the Identity Theft Resource Center® (ITRC) is a national nonprofit organization established to empower and guide consumers, victims, business and government to minimize risk and mitigate the impact of identity compromise and crime. Through public and private support, the ITRC provides no-cost victim assistance and consumer education through its website live chat, and toll-free phone number 888.400.5530. The ITRC also equips consumers and businesses with information about recent data breaches through its data breach tracking tool. The ITRC offers help to specific populations, including the deaf/hard of hearing and blind/low vision communities. About the Alliance for Identity Resilience The Alliance for Identity Resilience (AIR) was established as an advisory board by the Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC). The advisory board operates within the framework of the ITRC's mission to empower individuals and businesses through education, support and innovative strategies. The primary purpose of AIR is to advise the ITRC on matters related to identity crime. The board serves as a consultative body to foster collaborative discussions, advance thought leadership and advocacy, identify emerging challenges, offer guidance on projects and initiatives, facilitate industry collaboration, and propose holistic solutions to enhance identity protection and victim recovery services. Media Contact Identity Theft Resource Center Alex Achten Sr. Director of Communications & Media Relations 888.400.5530 Ext. 3611 media@ Media Contact Alex Achten, Identity Theft Resource Center, 888-400-5530 x 3611, media@ Twitter Facebook View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Identity Theft Resource Center Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
CNET
24-06-2025
- CNET
Fewer Identity Theft Reports, Larger Losses: Here's What to Make of Latest Research
Is your data protected? Getty The Identity Theft Resource Center said Tuesday that fewer people contacted it for help over the past year, but also warned that new technologies, including artificial intelligence, are making it increasingly easier for cybercriminals to successfully victimize people. The ITRC mentions that, while fewer people are reporting crimes, the crimes that are reported represent greater financial loss. According to the ITRC's 2025 Trends In Identity Report, a total of 7,580 individuals contacted the nonprofit group with an identity-related concern during the year that ended March 31, 2025, marking a 31% decline from the same period a year ago. That drop followed another decrease the previous year. Additionally, the ITRC said the trend has continued into this year, but it remains unclear as to exactly why. The ITRC said it's possible that criminals are using tech like AI to better target victims, so they don't need to attack as many people. It also theorized that the decrease could be due to "victim fatigue" stemming from the seemingly never-ending string of data breaches and cyberattacks. On the more positive side, the ITRC said the decrease could also be the result of more people taking steps to protect their identities and more companies using better tech to protect their systems from attacks. Of those that contacted the ITRC for help during the past year, 52% reported that their personal information had been misused, meaning that their personal data was stolen and used to do things like open or take over accounts, or to get a job. And 35% said that their personal information was compromised, meaning that it was exposed in a data breach or scam, but had not yet been misused. The group said those numbers mark a switch from previous years, when more people reported that that information had been compromised and fewer said it had been misused. In terms of scams, impersonation scams, where criminals posed as businesses, banks and other legitimate organizations, were the most reported. They more than doubled from the year before and accounted for 34% of total scams reported. More details about the financial consequences of these scams will be available when the ITRC publishes its impact report in October.
RTÉ News
01-05-2025
- Automotive
- RTÉ News
Previous winners Keith Cronin and Callum Devine to lock horns again in Killarney International Rally of the Lakes
This May Bank Holiday weekend sees the Assess Ireland Killarney International Rally of the Lakes, round three of the NAPA Auto Parts Irish Tarmac Rally Championship (ITRC) with the two previous winners set to go head-to-head once again in the Kingdom. Keith Cronin and Callum Devine share a win apiece after 2025's opening two rounds as Cronin won the opening event, the West Cork Rally, after the original opening round in Galway was cancelled while Devine, the defending ITRC winner from 2024, won the Circuit of Ireland. The ITRC is due for seven rounds this year, but as yet no new date has been set for a running of the Galway International which never got to the start ramp due to winter storm damage. Devine was a fortunate winner of the 'Circuit' last month as Cronin's Citroen C3 Rally2 was on top only for brake issues and a puncture on the penultimate stage cost the Cork ace any chance of winning. Devine now heads to Kerry this weekend for the two-day event having won each of the last three Rally of the Lakes and he will top the seedings list in his Skoda Fabia Rally2. Ironically, a puncture also denied Cronin a win in Killarney last year as Devine took advantage of Cronin's woes to take a hat-trick of wins. "We've seen how fickle rallying can be, especially over the past couple of years," said Cronin. "We had a good lead built up on the Lakes 12 months ago when we got the puncture on Saturday afternoon, it cost us well over two minutes. "Any chance of winning the rally was gone and I really felt like parking it up, but Mikie (Galvin) (Cronin's co-driver) pushed me on to keep going and we wound up fourth and that was really important in terms of the Tarmac Championship, as we got it (the title) on the Cork '20' on the tie-break." Matt Edwards will be desperate to at least get to the finish on the 15-stage event this weekend as the three-time British champion retired from runner-up positions in both West Cork and Circuit of Ireland in his Hyundai i20 Rally2. 2022 and '23 ITRC frontrunner Meirion Evans is seeded fourth in Killarney with the Welshman aboard a Toyota Yaris Rally2. Josh Moffett and Eddie Doherty, seeded fifth and sixth respectively, were two more drivers who lost out on decent Circuit of Ireland finishes as Moffett got stuck in a ditch while a double puncture spoiled Doherty's podium hopes. Others who will be in contention include David Kelly who finished on the podium in the Circuit in the Volkswagen Polo. Declan Boyle (Skoda Fabia), Cathan McCourt (Hyundai) and Declan's son Michael Boyle (Volkswagen Polo GTi R5) round out the top ten seeds. The ceremonial start will take place in the Killarney town centre on Friday evening. There is an early start for the crews on Saturday, with the first of the day's nine stages getting under way at 8.15am, consisting of three loops of three stages: Headford, Lisbabe and Red Bog, to the east and north of the town. The rally will re-start on Sunday morning with the famous Molls Gap stage at 10:50am, and this is followed by Beallaghbeama and Shanara. That loop of stages is repeated on Sunday afternoon, making a total of six stages on day two. The 'Finish Ramp' celebrations will take place at rally headquarters, the Gleneagle Hotel, at 5.15pm. The organisers the Killarney and District Motor Club are also distributing thousands of stickers and have included Michael Gaine's story in the rally programme, asking for help in his case. Michael Gaine was last seen in Kenmare on 20 March and an extensive missing person's investigation was launched which was upgraded this week to a homicide investigation this week by Gardai. Gaine was an avid rally man and was a participant himself and competitors will pass Gaine's farm in Carrig East, Kenmare on Saturday. Assess Ireland Rally of the Lakes 2025 Top 10 seeds 1 Callum Devine/Noel O'Sullivan, Skoda Fabia RS Rally 2 2 Keith Cronin/Mikie Galvin, Citroën C3 Rally 2 3 Matt Edwards/David Moynihan, Hyundai i20N Rally 2 4 Meirion Evans/Ger Conway, Toyota GR Yaris Rally 2 5 Josh Moffett/Andy Hayes, Citroën C3 Rally 2 6 Eddie Doherty/Tom Murphy, Skoda Fabia Evo Rally 2 7 David Kelly/Arthur Kierans, Volkswagen Polo GTi R5 8 Declan Boyle/Patrick Walsh, Skoda Fabia RS Rally 2 9 Cathan McCourt/Barry McNulty, Hyundai i20N Rally 2
