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Canadians’ online behaviour can put them at moderate to high risk of cyber attacks: RBC Cyber Safety Index

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Using public Wi-Fi, reusing passwords, and providing personal information are the top three risks Canadians take online

TORONTO, Oct. 1, 2024 /CNW/ – Despite awareness of cyber best practices, many Canadians are still putting themselves at risk online, according to a new RBC survey, which found that two-in-five Canadians (38%) qualify as moderate to high-risk potential for becoming victims of cyber-attacks.

RBC’s new Cyber Safety Index reviewed how often Canadians engage in certain behaviours online. While the majority practice at least some good cyber hygiene, less than half say they always use all of the recommended online safety behaviours, which include keeping their software and operating systems updated (71%), using two-factor authentication/verification on online banking accounts (67%), enabling privacy and security settings on all devices (65%) and limiting who follows them on social media (63%). Less than a third (30%) always or often use virtual private networks (VPN) when surfing public Wi-Fi; or password generators to create secure, random passwords for online accounts (28%), leaving considerable room to improve across the board.

“The responses to our Cyber Safety Index show that while many Canadians are aware of things they can do to be safer online, there’s still opportunities for them to change behaviours and close that risk gap,” said Adam Evans, chief information security officer at RBC. “At RBC, we’re focused on providing Canadians with the practical tips and education they need to take control of their online safety and mitigate risks in an ever-evolving digital world.”

Canadians still taking cyber risks

On the flip side, many Canadians are also participating in risky online activities that could further increase the potential of exposure to cyber-attacks. Within the past year, over three-quarters (77%) have knowingly or accidentally engaged in at least one risky online behaviour, with the most commonly reported being using public Wi-Fi (49%). Others include consenting to share their personal information when asked (27%), clicking on pop-up ads (19%), visiting unsecure websites (18%) and ignoring privacy settings on social media platforms (13%).

Furthermore, over a third (35%) agree they have used the same password(s) across multiple platforms, and nearly as many are more concerned about missing out on exclusive events/activities than disclosing personal information online (32%), and/or have interacted with unsolicited texts or social media messages (31%).

Top safety concerns 

Despite these results, the vast majority of Canadians said they are concerned about being victimized by online fraud (80%), identity theft (84%), corporate data breaches (79%), being hacked (84%), and/or experiencing unauthorized access to their online accounts (87%), in line with last year. However, significantly fewer feel safe engaging in social media activities (69%; -7 pts) compared to 2023.

Fortunately, a growing proportion of Canadians (85%; +3 points) say they are comfortable learning new ways to protect their online information compared to last year, underscoring the importance of ongoing education and support to help them navigate the digital landscape safely and effectively.

RBC has articles and guides for Canadians on its Be Cyber Aware website, including the following tips:

Limit the information you share on social platforms. Don’t accept friend requests from people you don’t know, and even if the privacy settings on your accounts are enabled, try to limit what you share online to avoid scams like spear-phishing.Keep your financial information safe. Never log in to online banking using a link sent through email, text message, or social media. Instead, type the address into your browser. Clear your browser’s memory cache regularly to improve security.Be vigilant when shopping online. Look for the little padlock icon to the left of the URL bar and ensure the website you’re visiting has an address that begins with “https.” Read reviews before you buy to ensure they’re legitimate and trustworthy businesses.Create long, strong passwords. Always use the maximum password length allowed and aim for at least 16 characters. Longer is better, like “passphrases” made of randomly chosen words, that can be easy to remember and hard for someone else to guess.

To learn more, visit rbc.com/cyber.

About the RBC Study
These are the findings of an Ipsos poll conducted on behalf of RBC. The survey was conducted in English and French. A sample of 1,894 Canadians over 18 was surveyed online via the Ipsos I-Say panel from May 3 to 7, 2024.

About RBC
Royal Bank of Canada is a global financial institution with a purpose-driven, principles-led approach to delivering leading performance. Our success comes from the 100,000+ employees who leverage their imaginations and insights to bring our vision, values and strategy to life so we can help our clients thrive and communities prosper. As Canada’s biggest bank and one of the largest in the world, based on market capitalization, we have a diversified business model with a focus on innovation and providing exceptional experiences to our more than 18 million clients in Canada, the U.S. and 27 other countries. Learn more at rbc.com.

We are proud to support a broad range of community initiatives through donations, community investments and employee volunteer activities. See how at rbc.com/peopleandplanet.

For more information, please contact:
Kiara Famularo, Communications, RBC, 437-217-7044

SOURCE RBC

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SCANable Strengthens Existing West Coast Presence with Additional Cutting-Edge Mobile 3D and 4D Scanning Services

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SCANable has expanded its West Coast operations based in Burbank, California, offering fully mobile 3D and 4D scanning studios equipped to meet the fast-paced demands of modern productions. With industry-experienced professionals and the latest scanning technology, SCANable ensures availability and efficiency by delivering high-quality digital and virtual assets directly on location, even in challenging conditions.

BURBANK, Calif., Dec. 21, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — SCANable, the leading US-based 3D and 4D scanning studio, proudly announces the expansion of its West Coast operations based in Burbank, California — the heart of the largest film and television studios on the West Coast. This expansion supports the rapid number of productions returning to California. This strategic location underscores SCANable’s commitment to delivering exceptional scanning services to the film, television, and video game industries.

Our number one talent is availability. We are ready anywhere, anytime, with the latest scanning technology and expertise. Our in-house team of industry professionals excels at last-minute requirements and challenging conditions.

As the film industry continues to evolve, the importance of supporting US-based crews and businesses has never been greater. Keeping work in the country ensures that local talent and productions thrive, preserving the quality and integrity of visual storytelling. SCANable contributes to this mission by ensuring that all scan processing is performed in-state, allowing productions to apply 100% of their scanning budget toward their state tax credits and keeping valuable work within the country.

SCANable’s highly experienced team, with a combined 100 years in 3D and 4D scanning, has contributed to hundreds of feature films, premium episodic series, video games, music videos, and commercials. SCANable empowers visual storytelling by capturing and creating hyper-realistic digital assets, allowing visual effects studios and creative teams to tell more believable stories and achieve seamless and immersive experiences.

Mobile Photogrammetry Studios: Unmatched Agility and Speed:

SCANable’s ultra-portable, self-contained Mobile Photogrammetry Studios (MoPho Studios) set the industry standard for efficiency and adaptability. These mobile studios can be deployed to challenging locations and be fully operational within 30 minutes, minimizing the impact on each production’s already hectic planning and coordination efforts, even in the most demanding environments.

In a time when talent’s time is more precious than ever, the days of sending an actor to a dedicated facility are nearly impossible. SCANable’s mobile studios can literally park within steps of the actors, ready to capture full-body scans in a fraction of a second and complete Facial Action Coding System (FACS) sessions in under 30 minutes. Each studio is also equipped with One-Light-At-a-Time (OLAT) and volumetric multi-camera capture array capabilities, ensuring that productions receive the highest quality scans and reference footage with unparalleled efficiency.

Industry-Leading Services and Expertise:

SCANable’s extensive suite of scanning services continues to be available across the West Coast and nationwide. As an approved vendor for all major film studios—including Disney, Marvel, Netflix, Amazon, Universal, Sony, Twentieth Century Fox, and Paramount—SCANable is trusted to deliver unparalleled quality and precision.

Nationwide, SCANable Offers:

Character Scanning4D Volumetric CapturePhotometric ScanningAerial LiDAR/PhotogrammetryTerrestrial LiDAR ScanningLarge Environment CaptureProp ScanningWardrobe-Fitting ScanningCostume ScanningAccurate Lifesize Mannequin 3D PrintsMachine Learning Multi-Camera CaptureGaussian Splat/NeRF Capture and Processing

Expanding Boundaries in Aerial and Environmental Scanning:

SCANable’s aerial scanning team has captured thousands of acres across the United States, including controlled and highly restricted locations that many drone operators cannot access. This experience allows SCANable to provide ultra-high-resolution 3D models and Gaussian Splats for use in traditional visual effects pipelines, as well as Virtual Production and LED Volume Stages, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in immersive environments.

Quality, Experience, and US-Based Craftsmanship:

Focusing on quality and committing to US-based talent and processing, SCANable helps productions maximize their budgets and benefit from valuable tax credits. This dedication ensures that the industry’s most demanding projects receive the precision and reliability they deserve. From iconic Hollywood productions to state-of-the-art video game development, SCANable’s expertise supports the creation of seamless, invisible visual effects that elevate storytelling.

“Our number one talent is availability. We pride ourselves on being ready anywhere, anytime, with the latest scanning technology on hand. Our amazing team of industry professionals excel at handling last-minute requirements and challenging conditions—whether it’s tight schedules, less-than-ideal lighting, or complex subjects. We’re great at what we do, but it’s all about showing up and delivering when productions need us most,” said Travis Reinke, Founder and CEO of SCANable.

About SCANable:

SCANable, founded in 2012, is a US-based company specializing in 3D and 4D scanning services for film, television, video games, and virtual production. With locations in California, Georgia, New York, and Texas, SCANable delivers unmatched expertise and quality, bringing productions to life through cutting-edge scanning technologies.

For more information, visit www.scanable.com or contact pr@scanable.com. Check out SCANable’s latest promotional video here.

Media Contact

Ty Taylor, SCANable, 1 (877) 899-2931, pr@scanable.com, www.scanable.com

Twitter, LinkedIn

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prweb.com/releases/scanable-strengthens-existing-west-coast-presence-with-additional-cutting-edge-mobile-3d-and-4d-scanning-services-302337012.html

SOURCE SCANable

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The Sociable Society Welcomes Sydney Snelten, Jess Golden, and Dayna Ashame to Strengthen Leadership in Creator Growth and Management

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Sydney Snelten, Jess Golden, and Dayna Ashame Join The Sociable Society to Elevate Creator Management Excellence

LOS ANGELES, Dec. 21, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — The Sociable Society (TSS), a leading influencer marketing and creator management agency, is thrilled to announce the appointment of Sydney Snelten as Head of the Creator Growth Division, alongside the additions of Jess Golden and Dayna Ashame to lead the Creator Management Division. These strategic hires signal a new chapter of innovation and excellence for TSS as it continues to scale its operations and empower creators worldwide.

Sydney Snelten, a seasoned affiliate marketing expert with a decade of experience, joins TSS after a distinguished career at LTK (formerly rewardStyle and LIKEtoKNOW.it). Sydney has been a trusted collaborator of TSS for over five years, earning a reputation for her visionary approach to creator development and deep industry knowledge.

“We’re honored to welcome Jess, Dayna, and Sydney” shared Co-Founder Emily Fonda. “Their experience, collaborative nature, and creator industry passion perfectly aligns with our cultural pillars of being a creator-first, relationship driven creator agency — we’re excited to see their contributions.”

As Head of the Creator Growth Division, Sydney will oversee initiatives to expand revenue opportunities, enhance affiliate marketing strategies, and drive sustainable growth for TSS’s creator community. Her expertise in affiliate-driven content and her track record of building long-term success for creators make her the perfect leader to spearhead this new division.

“Joining The Sociable Society is an incredible milestone,” said Sydney Snelten. “I’ve long admired TSS’s innovative approach and its commitment to creators. Having witnessed the power of affiliate marketing to transform the creator economy, I’m excited to help TSS talent unlock new growth opportunities and shape the future of the industry.”

Jay Kent-Hume, Co-Founder of TSS, expressed his excitement about Sydney’s appointment:

“Sydney’s unparalleled expertise and passion for creator success have been evident throughout her career. Her leadership will be instrumental as we continue to evolve and elevate the value we provide to creators. We’re honored to have her onboard to lead this transformative division.”

Joining Sydney in expanding TSS’s leadership team are Jess Golden and Dayna Ashame, two seasoned professionals with extensive experience in talent management and digital marketing.

Jess Golden, formerly Director of Talent Management at Kensington Grey, steps into the role of Head of Creator Management. Renowned for her commitment to inclusive partnerships and fostering opportunities for underrepresented creators, Jess brings a proven track record of securing high-profile collaborations with brands such as Dior Beauty, Tiffany & Co., and AMEX.

“I’m honored to join TSS and contribute to its mission of empowering creators,” said Jess Golden. “I look forward to building impactful, inclusive campaigns and forging authentic connections that amplify the voices shaping the creator economy.”

Dayna Ashame joins TSS as Senior Creator Manager, bringing nearly a decade of experience in digital marketing and campaign management. At Kensington Grey, Dayna led high-impact collaborations with Target, Amazon’s The Drop, and luxury events with Pandora. In her new role, she will focus on elevating talent brands, building customized growth strategies, and securing high-value partnerships with top-tier brands.

“This is an exciting opportunity to work with such a passionate and talented team,” said Dayna Ashame. “I’m eager to help diversify TSS’s exceptional roster and drive meaningful collaborations that make a lasting impact.”

Emily Fonda, Co-Founder of TSS, praised the new additions:

“Sydney, Jess, and Dayna bring unparalleled expertise, collaborative spirit, and passion for the creator economy. Their leadership perfectly aligns with our vision as a creator-first agency, and we’re excited to see the incredible impact they will make on our continued growth and success.”

About The Sociable Society

Founded in 2015, The Sociable Society is a premier influencer marketing and creator management agency. TSS connects brands with top-tier creators through innovative strategies and authentic engagement. Over the past year, TSS has doubled its talent roster, managing over 200 creators who see an average revenue growth of 220% in their first year. The agency’s expertise spans brand partnerships, affiliate marketing, and custom-tailored creator growth services. For more information, visit www.thesociablesociety.com.

Media Contact

Emily Fonda, The Sociable Society, 1 310-529-0380, emily@thesociablesociety.com, https://thesociablesociety.com/

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prweb.com/releases/the-sociable-society-welcomes-sydney-snelten-jess-golden-and-dayna-ashame-to-strengthen-leadership-in-creator-growth-and-management-302336998.html

SOURCE The Sociable Society

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Appy Pie’s No-Code AI Design Platform Simplifies Holiday Creations for Christmas Posters and Avatars

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NEW DELHI, Dec. 21, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Appy Pie Design, a leading No-code AI Design Platform, offers businesses and individuals an easy way to create Christmas posters and avatars for this upcoming holiday season. With its enhanced suite of AI-powered tools, the platform allows users to design festive visuals effortlessly, making it a go-to choice for creative holiday solutions.

Also, users can create unique, seasonally-themed avatars to showcase their holiday spirit across social media and professional platforms. These Christmas avatars can be used to personalize social media profiles, email signatures, or even professional platforms, spreading holiday cheer in both casual and formal settings.

“Our platform is designed to make the holidays easier and more joyful for everyone,” said Abhinav Girdhar, CEO of Appy Pie. “By providing accessible and creative solutions, we aim to help users connect meaningfully during this festive season.”

The AI Animation Generator enables users to bring their holiday ideas to life with engaging and dynamic visuals. The platform provides flexibility and convenience, making it an indispensable tool for celebrating the holiday season creatively and efficiently.

For those looking to turn static visuals into dynamic content, the Image to Video AI tool transforms still images into alluring videos. This functionality adds a new dimension to holiday designs, making them more interactive and impactful.

About Appy Pie
Appy Pie, a Trademark of Appy Pie LLP, is a leading global platform offering a suite of no-code, AI-powered tools, including an app builder, website builder, workflow automation platform, graphic design software, chatbot builder, help desk software, and live chat software, to help businesses and individuals design, build, and automate. With a user-friendly interface and a wide range of customizable templates, Appy Pie empowers users to create professional-grade applications, websites, and automation without coding expertise. Appy Pie caters to diverse needs from entrepreneurs to established enterprises by providing innovative solutions for various industries.

Media Contact
Abhinav Girdhar
sales@appypie.com
+1 888 322 7617

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/appy-pies-no-code-ai-design-platform-simplifies-holiday-creations-for-christmas-posters-and-avatars-302337846.html

SOURCE Appy Pie

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