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Time Business News
29-05-2025
- Automotive
- Time Business News
Understanding Auto Accident Law in Canada: What Every Driver Should Know
Auto accidents can happen in the blink of an eye, and the aftermath can be overwhelming—physically, emotionally, and financially. Whether you're a driver, passenger, cyclist, or pedestrian, it's essential to understand your rights and responsibilities under auto accident law in Canada. Knowing how the legal system works can help you protect yourself and make informed decisions in the event of a collision. This guide breaks down key aspects of Canadian auto accident law, including fault determination, insurance requirements, compensation options, and the role of personal injury lawyers. Canada's auto accident laws vary slightly by province, but they all aim to ensure fair compensation and proper insurance coverage for victims of motor vehicle accidents. Generally, Canadian law covers: Mandatory auto insurance regulations No-fault vs. tort-based systems Accident benefits (Statutory Accident Benefits Schedule – SABS) Fault determination rules Compensation for pain and suffering Legal action against at-fault drivers The province where the accident occurred plays a significant role in how claims are processed and what benefits are available. Canada is not entirely a no-fault insurance country, but some provinces operate under no-fault systems while others use tort-based systems or a hybrid of both. Here's how it works: In no-fault jurisdictions like Ontario, Quebec, and Manitoba, accident victims claim compensation from their own insurance companies, regardless of who caused the accident. However, lawsuits against at-fault drivers for serious injuries or damages may still be allowed under specific conditions. In provinces with tort-based systems like Alberta, victims can sue the at-fault driver for compensation. These provinces still require mandatory insurance, including third-party liability coverage. Determining who is at fault in an auto accident is crucial for insurance claims and legal action. In Canada, insurance companies follow Fault Determination Rules—especially in Ontario and other no-fault provinces. Police reports Eyewitness statements Road conditions and traffic laws Position of vehicles at the time of impact Traffic camera or dashcam footage Even if you are partially at fault, you may still be entitled to receive accident benefits. The degree of fault assigned can influence the amount of compensation received and future insurance premiums. Every province in Canada requires drivers to carry minimum levels of auto insurance coverage. Here's what's typically included: Third-Party Liability Insurance: Covers injuries or damage caused to others (usually minimum $200,000 to $1,000,000) Accident Benefits Coverage: Covers medical expenses, income replacement, rehabilitation Uninsured Motorist Protection: Protects you if hit by an uninsured driver or involved in a hit-and-run Direct Compensation – Property Damage (DCPD): Applies in no-fault provinces, covering damage to your vehicle when you're not at fault Optional coverages like collision or comprehensive insurance can also be added for enhanced protection. If you've been injured in a car accident, you're likely entitled to accident benefits regardless of fault. These benefits are designed to provide immediate financial support after an accident. Medical and Rehabilitation Expenses Income Replacement Benefits Non-Earner Benefits (for those not working) Caregiver Benefits Attendant Care Services Death and Funeral Benefits These benefits are governed by provincial insurance laws, such as the Statutory Accident Benefits Schedule (SABS) in Ontario. Although many provinces offer no-fault coverage, there are circumstances where a victim can sue an at-fault driver. These include: Serious or catastrophic injuries (such as brain injuries, spinal injuries, or loss of limb) Pain and suffering exceeding legal thresholds Excess financial losses not covered by accident benefits Wrongful death claims filed by surviving family members It's essential to consult a personal injury lawyer who specializes in auto accident law in Canada to assess your eligibility for a lawsuit. Auto accident claims are subject to strict statutes of limitation in Canada. Missing these deadlines can prevent you from obtaining compensation. Insurance claims: Typically within 7 days to notify the insurer and 30 days to submit accident benefits forms Personal injury lawsuits: Usually within 2 years from the date of the accident Lawsuits involving municipalities (e.g., poor road conditions): Notice may need to be given within 10 to 60 days Always check the specific rules in your province or consult a lawyer for guidance. A personal injury lawyer can help you navigate the complex legal landscape after an auto accident. Whether you're filing an insurance claim or pursuing a lawsuit, legal support can maximize your chances of success. Interpreting insurance policies Gathering medical evidence and documentation Negotiating with insurance companies Determining the value of your claim Representing you in court if needed Legal fees are often contingency-based, meaning you pay only if your case is successful. If you're involved in a car accident, follow these steps to protect your legal rights: Check for injuries and call 911 if emergency assistance is needed. Move to safety and exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver(s). Document the scene with photos, notes, and witness contacts. File a police report if required in your province. Notify your insurance provider as soon as possible. Seek medical attention and keep records of all diagnoses and treatments. Consult a personal injury lawyer if injuries are serious or claims are denied. Acting quickly and keeping detailed records can significantly improve your claim outcome. Understanding auto accident law in Canada is essential for every driver. From mandatory insurance to fault determination and accident benefits, each aspect of the law plays a role in how your case is handled and how much compensation you may receive. Whether you're recovering from an injury or dealing with complex insurance issues, knowing your rights and seeking proper legal advice can make a world of difference. If you've been involved in a motor vehicle accident, don't delay—reach out to an experienced auto accident lawyer in your province to help protect your interests and ensure the justice you deserve. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Fibre2Fashion
27-05-2025
- Business
- Fibre2Fashion
Smart Sizing and Virtual Prototyping: Transforming the Apparel Industry
Garment sizing, prototyping, and fitting have undergone a transformative shift, driven by advancements in computer-aided design, 3D body scanning, and virtual reality interfaces. This evolution not only enhances consumer satisfaction but also significantly impacts manufacturers and retailers, reshaping the clothing industry by addressing long-standing challenges related to size and fit. Traditional Practices and Emerging Challenges Historically, garment development evolved from bespoke tailoring to ready-to-wear (RTW) systems, relying heavily on proportional rules and manual measurements. Tailors possessed deep anatomical knowledge and crafted patterns tailored to individual clients. However, the rise of mass production introduced standard sizing systems that often fail to accommodate the diversity of human body shapes, frequently resulting in consumer dissatisfaction. Despite the economic advantages of RTW, it falls short in delivering a personalised fit, primarily because current sizing methods are not grounded in real anthropometric data. This leads to garments that may suit certain demographics but overlook large segments of the population with unique body forms. Moreover, fits and sizes vary globally. For example, most manufacturers in India adopt European and American sizing systems which do not fit properly. However, for companies engaged in international business, understanding the sizing requirements of other nations has become increasingly important. Sizing systems serve as communication tools for consumers, providing guidance on body types, garment sizes, and fits. For example, ISO/TC 133 is a clothing sizing system developed by the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS). Most national sizing systems determine figure types based on body measurements such as height, bust, hip, and waist, as well as body development and age. Countries like Germany, Austria, Japan, Hungary, and South Korea have also developed their own distinct sizing systems. The Role of 3D Body Scanning Technology One of the most groundbreaking developments in garment design is 3D body scanning. This technology captures detailed digital representations of the human form, enabling precise measurements, posture analysis, and the creation of realistic avatars. Unlike traditional methods that rely on one-dimensional linear measurements, 3D scanning provides comprehensive data on shape, volume, and posture—revolutionising how garments are prototyped and assessed. Several studies highlight how body scanning facilitates population-wide anthropometric data collection, leading to a better understanding of size diversity. Additionally, it supports the standardisation of posture during measurement, enabling comparisons across scanning systems and alignment with historic measurement techniques. However, a key limitation is the use of static posture during scanning, which may not accurately reflect dynamic body forms and movements experienced in real life. Re-evaluation of Pattern Construction and Sizing With access to comprehensive 3D body data, traditional methods of pattern drafting need to be re-evaluated. Rather than relying on proportional formulas, designers can now create patterns based on actual body forms, significantly enhancing fit accuracy. This shift calls for the integration of engineering principles into fashion design—for example, using ergonomics to improve the comfort and functionality of garments. New classification systems for body types challenge the limitations of conventional proportion-based theories, allowing for better representation of diverse body shapes in clothing design and paving the way for truly inclusive fashion. Virtual Prototyping and Try-On Interfaces Virtual prototyping tools enable garments to be tested on digital avatars before physical production, reducing development time and costs. These systems simulate fabric drape, fit, and appearance, providing invaluable insights during the design phase. Software such as Browzwear (VStitcher), OptiTex, CLO 3D, TUKA3D, and Lectra offer 2D and 3D CAD systems for pattern making, prototyping, fabric simulation, and visualisation on virtual models. They allow designers to test fit and drape and create realistic 3D garments. CLO 3D, for instance, creates real garments in real time and provides fast, accurate visualisation of fabric, fit, and silhouette. It shortens time-to-market through virtual sampling and remote collaboration, while promoting sustainability by reducing the need for physical samples, shipments, and material waste. In omni-channel retail, online virtual fitting rooms allow consumers to visualise fit based on their measurements using customisable avatars. Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) retail platforms combine size prediction, avatar personalisation, and social feedback mechanisms to enhance the online shopping experience. These interfaces offer personalised recommendations, reduce return rates, and enable real-time interaction with virtual garments. Consumer Expectations and Industry Responses Despite technological progress, consumers continue to report dissatisfaction with garment fit. This disconnects stems from the difference between how professionals use anthropometric data and garment construction techniques (such as ease, line, balance, grain, and size), and how consumers assess fit based on personal comfort and aesthetics. These gaps can be addressed by integrating data from virtual interfaces, consumer feedback, and demographic insights to develop standardised fit assessment tools. Mass Customisation and Future Outlook Mass customisation presents a promising middle ground between bespoke tailoring and RTW. By leveraging 3D scan data and adaptable manufacturing techniques, brands can offer semi-tailored garments that accommodate individual measurements. This model honours consumer uniqueness while retaining the efficiencies of mass production.
IOL News
01-05-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Cybersecurity: how the Cell C and SABS attacks could have been prevented
Two recent, high-profile cyberattacks—one on mobile telecommunications provider Cell C and another on the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS)—have rocked South Africa. Image: Independent Newspapers Cybercrime has become the single biggest threat to businesses worldwide. According to the Allianz Risk Barometer 2025, cyber incidents — including ransomware attacks, data breaches and IT outages — are now the top global business risk, marking their fourth year at the top. A decade ago, only 12% of global respondents cited cyber as a major concern. In 2025, that number surged to 38%. Allianz noted, 'Cyber is the top risk across North and South America, Europe, and Africa,' dominating industry concerns from aviation to legal services. More importantly, it now ranks as the number one risk in South Africa, overtaking long-standing issues like load shedding and political instability. This concern is not just theoretical. Two recent, high-profile cyberattacks—one on mobile telecommunications provider Cell C and another on the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS)—have rocked South Africa. Both incidents have raised serious questions about compliance, cybersecurity readiness, and whether these attacks could have been prevented. Cell C confirmed in a December 2024 media release that it had suffered a major ransomware attack. Sensitive unstructured customer data — including ID numbers, bank details, driver's licenses, medical records and passport information — was compromised and later leaked on the dark web. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ While a follow-up communication was sent to customers in early January 2025, the eight-day delay between public disclosure and customer notification drew criticism. The SABS breach followed a similar pattern — ransomware paralysed the organisation's systems in November 2024, with clients being informed on 26 November. Shockingly, it was later revealed in Parliament that, by February 2025, core systems remained encrypted and inaccessible. This marked the third cyberattack on the SABS in just five years. Herman Stroop, Lead ISO Specialist at WWISE (World Wide Industrial & Systems Engineers), said that both attacks were entirely preventable. 'Neither Cell C nor SABS were ISO/IEC 27001 certified — a globally recognised standard for information security management,' Stroop said. 'This standard isn't just a technical checklist. It's a framework that forces an organisation to understand its vulnerabilities, assess its risks, and apply controls that address these risks in a structured, auditable way,' Stroop added. The ISO/IEC 27001 standard focuses on Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability (CIA)—the foundation of modern information security. It requires organisations to conduct ongoing risk assessments, implement policies and technical controls, and continuously monitor and update these defences in response to emerging threats. According to Stroop, the absence of such a system is often due to a lack of strategic commitment from leadership. 'Cybersecurity is wrongly seen as an IT issue,' he says. 'Top management often fails to view it as a core business risk, resulting in underinvestment in preventative frameworks like ISO/IEC 27001. One key challenge in South Africa is poor enforcement of existing regulations. While the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) and Minimum Information Security Standards (MISS) lay out clear expectations for information governance, many organisations either ignore or delay compliance due to a perceived lack of consequences," Stroop said. 'The irony is that prevention is far cheaper than remediation,' Stroop noted. 'In many cases, organisations suffer reputational damage, legal liability, and operational downtime that far exceed the cost of implementing an ISO-compliant Information Security Management System.' Cell C and SABS also provide examples of poor transparency. Details about the nature of the attacks and how they were handled remain vague. 'When an organisation isn't ISO-certified, it usually doesn't have the documentation, procedures or incident response plans to respond properly — let alone communicate clearly — during a breach,' Stroop added. According to the Information Regulator, South Africa sees between 150 and 300 cyberattacks reported each month—and that's just the reported incidents. Many go unreported due to reputational fears or because organisations are not compliant with POPIA and fear investigation. Stroop believes that ISO 27001 should be mandated for public institutions and critical infrastructure operators. 'Without minimum compliance levels, we're just waiting for the next disaster,' he says. 'It's not a matter of if, but when.' And there is movement. Some insurance providers are beginning to offer premium reductions for ISO-certified organisations, while major corporate clients now demand ISO 27001 certification from vendors. 'It's becoming a market differentiator,' Stroop concludes. 'Organisations serious about protecting their data and reputation cannot afford to ignore ISO 27001 any longer.' In a digital age where the threat landscape evolves daily, being unprepared is no longer an option. BUSINESS REPORT
TimesLIVE
25-04-2025
- Business
- TimesLIVE
'Cybercrime ranks as No 1 risk in SA, overtaking long-standing issues': expert
Cybercrime now ranks as the No 1 risk in South Africa, overtaking long-standing issues including load-shedding and political instability. According to the Allianz Risk Barometer 2025, cyber-incidents — including ransomware attacks, data breaches and IT outages — are now the top global business risk, marking their fourth year at the top. A decade ago, only 12% of global respondents cited cybercrime as a major concern. In 2025, that surged to 38%. 'Cyber is the top risk across North and South America, Europe and Africa, dominating industry concerns from aviation to legal services,' said Allianz. Cell C suffered a major ransomware attack in December 2024, exposing sensitive customer data such as ID numbers, bank and medical details, and passports, which were later leaked on the dark web. Similarly, the SABS faced a ransomware attack in November 2024. By February 2025, its core systems were still encrypted — marking the third cyberattack on the organisation in five years.
The Herald
25-04-2025
- Business
- The Herald
'Cyber crime ranks as the number one risk in SA, overtaking long-standing issues': expert
Cyber crime now ranks as the number one risk in South Africa, overtaking long-standing issues including load-shedding and political instability. According to the Allianz Risk Barometer 2025, cyber incidents — including ransomware attacks, data breaches and IT outages — are now the top global business risk, marking their fourth year at the top. A decade ago, only 12% of global respondents cited cyber crime as a major concern. In 2025, that surged to 38%. 'Cyber is the top risk across North and South America, Europe and Africa, dominating industry concerns from aviation to legal services,' said Allianz. Cell C suffered a major ransomware attack in December 2024, exposing sensitive customer data such as ID numbers, bank and medical details, and passports, which were later leaked on the dark web. Similarly, the SABS faced a ransomware attack in November 2024. By February 2025, its core systems were still encrypted — marking the third cyberattack on the organisation in five years. Herman Stroop, lead ISO Specialist at WWISE, a leading ISO standards and systems implementation consultancy, believes both breaches were entirely preventable. 'Neither Cell C nor SABS were ISO/IEC 27001 certified — a globally recognised standard for information security management. This standard isn't just a technical checklist. It's a framework that forces an organisation to understand its vulnerabilities, assess its risks, and apply controls that address these risks in a structured, auditable way,' he said. The ISO/IEC 27001 standard focuses on confidentiality, integrity and availability — the foundation of modern information security. It requires organisations to conduct ongoing risk assessments, implement policies and technical controls, and continuously monitor and update these defences in response to emerging threats. According to Stroop, the absence of such a system is often due to a lack of strategic commitment from leadership. 'Cybersecurity is wrongly seen as an IT issue. Top management often fails to view it as a core business risk, resulting in underinvestment in preventive frameworks like ISO/IEC 27001,' he said. Further Stroop said that poor enforcement of existing regulations is a key challenge in South Africa. He said while the Protection of Personal Information Act (Popia) and Minimum Information Security Standards (Miss) lay out clear expectations for information governance, many organisations either ignore or delay compliance due to a perceived lack of consequences. 'The irony is that prevention is far cheaper than remediation. In many cases, organisations suffer reputational damage, legal liability and operational downtime that far exceed the cost of implementing an ISO-compliant Information Security Management System,' Stroop said. He believes that Cell C and SABS also provide examples of poor transparency as details about the nature of the attacks and how they were handled remain vague. 'When an organisation isn't ISO-certified, it usually doesn't have the documentation, procedures or incident response plans to respond properly — let alone communicate clearly — during a breach,' said Stroop. According to the Information Regulator, South Africa sees between 150 and 300 cyberattacks reported each month — and that's just the reported incidents. Many go unreported due to reputational fears or because organisations are not compliant with Popia and fear investigation. Stroop believes that ISO 27001 should be mandated for public institutions and critical infrastructure operators. 'Without minimum compliance levels, we're just waiting for the next disaster. It's not a matter of if but when.' However, he notes that some insurance providers are beginning to offer premium reductions for ISO-certified organisations, while major corporate clients now demand ISO 27001 certification from vendors. 'It's becoming a market differentiator. Organisations serious about protecting their data and reputation cannot afford to ignore ISO 27001 any longer,' he said. TimesLIVE
