Bank Hapoalim mulls Snapchat updates

From Globes –

“Bank Hapoalim, one of the two big banks in Israel that are leading the digital revolution in the old-fashioned world of financial services, is currently examining the option of using mobile apps Snapchat and Telegram to send updates to customers on account activity, account balances, incoming salary, checkbook order status, and more.”

Read more>>

Israeli bank faces cyber-crime threat

From Payment Eye

“In what could be one of the biggest cases of cyber extortion in Israel, eight former Bank Leumi employees threatened to sell information about two million of the bank’s credit card accounts unless they were paid a ransom.

Seven of the suspects were arrested over the weekend, and the eighth, the suspected ringleader extradited from Thailand, landed in Ben Gurion airport on Sunday and will face charges with his fellow conspirators.

The eight had obtained the identity numbers and three-digit security code that appear on the back of credit cards for two million holders of the bank’s Leumi Card. While the suspects could have made online or telephone purchases with this information, Leumi Card said that no accounts had been compromised.”

read more>> 

How Israel is rewriting the future of cybersecurity and creating the next Silicon Valley

From TechRepublic

"Cybersecurity in Israel involves a lot more than repelling hackers on the Internet.

While the Israeli Defence Forces are known for their effectiveness and resourcefulness, as you approach the Palmahim Airbase south of Tel Aviv you might be surprised to discover that this is a world-class military facility.

Exiting the highway to a road that is only occasionally paved, there's an abandoned cinderblock facility surrounded by a wire fence with tires and metal objects strewn across the open grassy area. It looks more like something you'd expect in a post-industrial town in Pennsylvania or Ohio than on the base of one of the most high tech fighting forces in the world.

As we drive past the building and head toward our rendezvous, our two IDF handlers turn around and smile and remind us of the rules. The person we're going to meet can only be referred to as "Major S," for safety and security reasons. While our handlers are both young ladies with an air of sweetness and optimism about them, on this point they speak with an unequivocal authority and finality—despite the smiles."

read more>>

Tel Aviv Beckons! “Managing Operations Risk” Training Courses - 2013

Tel Aviv is the venue for our Managing Operations Risk Training Course in July, August, September and November 2013 - For additional course details please click HERE

The Lonely Planet travel guide ranks Tel Aviv as the third-best city in the world. Locals and tourists agree, though some would say it's really No. 1.

Lonely Planet calls it "a modern sin city by the sea." With its 300 sunny days a year, there's no "weather-permitting" about an outing in Tel Aviv. And the possibilities are endless.

From art to music, beach culture to nightlife, you can find an activity to suit every whim, mood or state of mind in the city that never stops.

Some say the people are the warmest and friendliest in the world, while others say the same about the climate.

In the truly diverse, 21st-century Mediterranean hub you can go to the opera or numerous museums; see shows ranging from low comedy to high Shakespeare; take in a concert or dance performance; cycle, jog or walk through ports and parks, down shady boulevards lined with cafes, and through quaint restored alleyways lined with designer boutiques.

Or you can rummage through flea markets and vintage shops; explore outdoor fairs; lounge on the beach; check out restored period structures; visit galleries and exhibitions; enjoy the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Bauhaus architecture; sample myriad cuisines, local bars and clubs and quality Israeli wines - it's the New York, London and Paris of the Middle East.

Tel Aviv beckons!