Today, we’re delighted to announce the launch of Raspberry Pi 5, coming at the end of October. Priced at $60 for the 4GB variant, and $80 for its 8GB sibling (plus your local taxes), virtually every aspect of the platform has been upgraded, delivering a no-compromises user experience. Raspberry Pi 5 comes with new features, it’s over twice as fast as its predecessor, and it’s the first Raspberry Pi computer to feature silicon designed in‑house here in Cambridge, UK.
Key features include:
2.4GHz quad-core 64-bit Arm Cortex-A76 CPU
VideoCore VII GPU, supporting OpenGL ES 3.1, Vulkan 1.2
Dual 4Kp60 HDMI® display output
4Kp60 HEVC decoder
Dual-band 802.11ac Wi-Fi®
Bluetooth 5.0 / Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE)
High-speed microSD card interface with SDR104 mode support
2 × USB 3.0 ports, supporting simultaneous 5Gbps operation
2 × USB 2.0 ports
Gigabit Ethernet, with PoE+ support (requires separate PoE+ HAT, coming soon)
2 × 4-lane MIPI camera/display transceivers
PCIe 2.0 x1 interface for fast peripherals
Raspberry Pi standard 40-pin GPIO header
Real-time clock
Power button
In a break from recent tradition, we are announcing Raspberry Pi 5 before the product arrives on shelves. Units are available to pre-order today from many of our Approved Reseller partners, and we expect the first units to ship by the end of October.
Researchers at the University of California San Diego have figured out a way to turn everyday earbuds into high-tech gadgets that can record electrical activity inside the brain. The 3D screen-printed, flexible sensors are not only able to detect electrophysiological activity coming from the brain but they can also harvest sweat. Yes, sweat.
More specifically, sweat lactate, which is an organic acid that the body produces during exercise and normal metabolic activity. Because the ear contains sweat glands and is anatomically adjacent to the brain, earbuds are an ideal tool to gather this kind of data.
You may be wondering why scientists are interested in collecting biometric info about brain activity at the intersection of human sweat. Together, EEG and sweat lactate data can be used to diagnose different types of seizures. There are more than 30 different types of recorded seizures, which are categorized differently according to the areas of the brain that are impacted during an event.
But even beyond diagnostics, these variables can be helpful if you want to get a better picture of personal performance during exercise. Additionally, these biometric data points can be used to monitor stress and focus levels.
Erik Jepsen, UC San Diego
And while in-ear sensing of biometric data is not a new innovation, the sensor technology is unique in that it can measure both brain activity and lactate. However, what’s more important is that the researchers believe, with more refinement and development, we will eventually see more wearables that use neuroimaging sensors like the one being made to collect health data on everyday devices. In a statement, UC San Diego bioengineering professor Gert Cauwenberghs said that, “Being able to measure the dynamics of both brain cognitive activity and body metabolic state in one in-ear integrated device,” can open up tremendous opportunities for everyday health monitoring.
[…]
Despite their capabilities and rosy future as a potential diagnostic aid, the 3D printed sensors really need a considerable amount of sweat in order to be useful for data analysis. But the researchers said down the line the sensors will be more precise, so hard workouts may not be necessary for meaningful sweat analysis.
Hackers backed by the Chinese government are planting malware into routers that provides long-lasting and undetectable backdoor access to the networks of multinational companies in the US and Japan, governments in both countries said Wednesday. The hacking group, tracked under names including BlackTech, Palmerworm, Temp.Overboard, Circuit Panda, and Radio Panda, has been operating since at least 2010, a joint advisory published by government entities in the US and Japan reported. The group has a history of targeting public organizations and private companies in the US and East Asia. The threat actor is somehow gaining administrator credentials to network devices used by subsidiaries and using that control to install malicious firmware that can be triggered with “magic packets” to perform specific tasks.
The hackers then use control of those devices to infiltrate networks of companies that have trusted relationships with the breached subsidiaries. “Specifically, upon gaining an initial foothold into a target network and gaining administrator access to network edge devices, BlackTech cyber actors often modify the firmware to hide their activity across the edge devices to further maintain persistence in the network,” officials wrote in Wednesday’s advisory. “To extend their foothold across an organization, BlackTech actors target branch routers — typically smaller appliances used at remote branch offices to connect to a corporate headquarters — and then abuse the trusted relationship of the branch routers within the corporate network being targeted. BlackTech actors then use the compromised public-facing branch routers as part of their infrastructure for proxying traffic, blending in with corporate network traffic, and pivoting to other victims on the same corporate network.”
Most of Wednesday’s advisory referred to routers sold by Cisco. In an advisory of its own, Cisco said the threat actors are compromising the devices after acquiring administrative credentials and that there’s no indication they are exploiting vulnerabilities. Cisco also said that the hacker’s ability to install malicious firmware exists only for older company products. Newer ones are equipped with secure boot capabilities that prevent them from running unauthorized firmware, the company said. “It would be trivial for the BlackTech actors to modify values in their backdoors that would render specific signatures of this router backdoor obsolete,” the advisory stated. “For more robust detection, network defenders should monitor network devices for unauthorized downloads of bootloaders and firmware images and reboots. Network defenders should also monitor for unusual traffic destined to the router, including SSH.”
To detect and mitigate this threat, the advisory recommends administrators disable outbound connections on virtual teletype (VTY) lines, monitor inbound and outbound connections, block unauthorized outbound connections, restrict administration service access, upgrade to secure boot-capable devices, change compromised passwords, review network device logs, and monitor firmware changes for unauthorized alterations.
Ars Technica notes: “The advisory didn’t provide any indicators of compromise that admins can use to determine if they have been targeted or infected.”
In the world of business, “audit readiness” is not just another buzzword—it’s a critical aspect of maintaining financial integrity and ensuring smooth operations. Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or a small business owner, understanding what audit readiness entails can make the difference between success and financial turmoil. In this article, we’ll delve into the ins and outs of audit readiness, sharing practical tips and real-life experiences to help you navigate this essential aspect of business management.
What is Audit Readiness?
Before we dive into the tips, let’s establish a clear understanding of what audit readiness means. Simply put, audit readiness refers to the state of preparedness an organization maintains to undergo financial audits with ease and confidence. These audits, conducted by internal or external auditors, scrutinize a company’s financial records, transactions, and compliance with relevant laws and regulations.
The Importance of Audit Readiness
Why is audit readiness so crucial? Well, imagine your business as a ship sailing through treacherous waters. Without proper preparation, you might find yourself navigating blindly through financial storms. Audit readiness is your compass, ensuring you stay on course and avoid potential disasters. Here’s why it matters:
1. Regulatory Compliance
Adhering to legal and financial regulations is non-negotiable. When you’re audit-ready, you demonstrate your commitment to following the rules. Failure to comply can result in hefty fines, legal complications, and damage to your reputation.
2. Financial Accuracy
An audit uncovers inaccuracies, discrepancies, or fraud within your financial records. Being audit-ready means you’re consistently maintaining accurate financial data, which is essential for informed decision-making and financial stability.
3. Investor and Stakeholder Confidence
Investors and stakeholders want assurance that their investments are in safe hands. Audit readiness fosters trust, attracting potential investors and ensuring your current stakeholders remain confident in your business’s financial health.
4. Operational Efficiency
A well-organized audit-ready system streamlines your financial processes. This not only makes audits smoother but also enhances overall operational efficiency, reducing the risk of financial mismanagement.
Now that you understand why audit readiness is vital, let’s explore some essential tips to help you achieve and maintain it.
Tips for Achieving Audit Readiness
1. Maintain Impeccable Record Keeping
One of the cornerstones of audit readiness is maintaining impeccable records. Your financial documents should be accurate, complete, and organized. This includes invoices, receipts, bank statements, payroll records, and tax filings. Regularly reconcile accounts to catch and correct errors promptly.
2. Implement Robust Internal Controls
Establishing internal controls is like setting up a safeguard around your finances. These controls include segregation of duties, authorization processes, and thorough documentation. They not only deter fraudulent activities but also ensure financial accuracy.
Real-Life Experience:
I once worked for a small manufacturing company that neglected internal controls. It led to a significant embezzlement case, causing financial turmoil and damaging the company’s reputation. Implementing robust internal controls was the turning point that helped us regain trust and financial stability.
3. Educate Your Team
Your team plays a crucial role in audit readiness. Educate your employees about the importance of proper record-keeping and adherence to financial procedures. Provide training and clear guidelines to ensure everyone understands their responsibilities.
4. Regularly Review Financial Statements
Don’t wait for an audit to identify financial discrepancies. Regularly review your financial statements and conduct internal audits. This proactive approach helps you spot and rectify issues before they escalate.
5. Engage Professional Auditors
External auditors bring an unbiased perspective to the table. Consider hiring reputable audit firms to conduct periodic audits. Their expertise can uncover hidden issues and provide valuable insights into improving your financial processes.
6. Embrace Technology
Modern accounting software and financial management tools can be your best allies in achieving audit readiness. They streamline record-keeping, reduce human error, and provide real-time insights into your financial health.
Real-Life Experience:
At my previous company, transitioning to cloud-based accounting software revolutionized our audit readiness. It not only saved us time and resources but also improved our financial accuracy.
7. Conduct Mock Audits
Think of mock audits as dress rehearsals for the real thing. Periodically simulate the audit process internally to identify weaknesses and areas that need improvement. This practice helps you fine-tune your audit readiness strategies.
8. Stay Informed About Regulatory Changes
Financial regulations are subject to change. Stay informed about updates and adapt your processes accordingly. Failure to do so can result in non-compliance during an audit.
Audit Readiness in Action
Let’s take a look at a real-life scenario that highlights the importance of audit readiness.
Real-Life Experience:
Sarah, a diligent business owner, operated a successful e-commerce store. Her business was thriving, but she neglected her financial records. When the time came for a surprise tax audit, she was ill-prepared. The auditor uncovered numerous discrepancies, leading to hefty fines and a tarnished reputation.
Determined not to repeat the same mistake, Sarah implemented a robust record-keeping system, hired a professional accountant, and embraced accounting software. Over time, her business became audit-ready. When the next audit rolled around, Sarah confidently presented her meticulous records, and the process went smoothly.
Conclusion
Achieving and maintaining audit readiness is not an option; it’s a necessity for any business. It’s your shield against financial storms and your key to maintaining regulatory compliance. By following the tips outlined in this article, you can set your business on the path to audit readiness, ensuring a secure and prosperous future.
But remember, audit readiness is not a one-time effort; it’s an ongoing commitment. Regularly assess and improve your financial processes, stay informed about regulatory changes, and never underestimate the importance of meticulous record-keeping. By doing so, you’ll not only navigate financial audits with ease but also ensure the long-term success and stability of your business.
So, as you sail through the turbulent waters of the business world, make audit readiness your guiding star, and rest assured that your financial ship will stay on course, no matter what challenges may arise.
Bio
Kyle Geers is a seasoned professional with over nine years of public accounting experience, including seven years within a large international CPA firm. Kyle has been involved with financial statement and integrated audits of both public and private businesses, ranging from emerging start-ups to multinational corporations with complex operations.
