Squeezing energy efficiencies out of modern data centres can create unintended hot spot issues. [ + ]

The world's largest ransomware attack affected tens of thousands of computers — but was it preventable? NordVPN lists simple strategies to protect yourself from ransomware. [ + ]

The increasing use of CCTV, sensors, drones, monitoring and mass data collection across urban landscapes means human movement is being tracked more than ever before. For the data and comms industry, increased connectivity equals more opportunity. But when it comes to the individual, where is the line between optimised security and an unstoppable loss of privacy? [ + ]

The Australian electricity market is undergoing a major transformation. Making the most of the opportunities presented by a rapidly evolving energy market requires flexibility and cooperation from industry participants, as well as a willingness to learn and think long term. [ + ]

Electrical contractors installing solar photovoltaic (PV) panels should only carry out work they are qualified to do, warns Queensland's electrical safety regulator. [ + ]

Smart buildings demand robust infrastructure that is available, reliable, cost-effective and otherwise suited to their mission-critical role. They rely on the Internet of Things and the organisation's existing network, so it's essential to put the right strategy in place to adequately support the demands of smart buildings. [ + ]

Incorporating a synchronism check function is the key element in securing switching operations against cyber attacks and unsafe operations. [ + ]

Field service management (FSM) software is becoming increasingly sophisticated, and ever-more robust feature sets can be something of a red herring. [ + ]

​Electrocution is one of the leading causes of death for construction workers and electricians. [ + ]

ABB Australia, in association with Legend Power Group, has designed and developed a magnetic insulating mat that acts as a barrier when placed over potentially live electrical components. [ + ]

Voice activation for taps, lights, music, (even the toilet flush!), lowering the too-high clothes rail, lighting, speakers, sprinklers and movie theatre; facial recognition; switch lights in the bathroom glass panels — The Block 2016 shone a spotlight on a few lust-haves in the home automation market. [ + ]

Energy storage is disrupting the electricity market and changing the way we operate and manage the grid. [ + ]

Thanks to the proliferation of IoT in recent years, automation today is part and parcel of an electrical contractor's toolkit. Indeed, an electrician's role is so much more than lights, switches and power points. [ + ]

We have hardly scraped the surface of the potential in lighting. There are more than 60 billion lights installed in the world and, with ever-evolving technologies, each of these has the potential to enrich life beyond simple illumination. [ + ]

Years ago, manufacturers made AV equipment and others made information technology equipment and crossovers between the two categories were rare. Fast forward and the line between audiovisual devices and computers is extremely blurred, with AV integrating Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Ethernet and other technologies. [ + ]