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BlueVoyant Research Shows UK Companies Struggle to Prioritize and Reduce Supply Chain Cyber Security Risks

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95% of UK businesses said they were negatively impacted by supply chain cyber breaches within the last year, with poor supply chain visibility a major issue.

LONDON, Nov. 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — BlueVoyant, an industry-leading cyber defence company, today published the findings of its The State of Supply Chain Defence Annual Global Insights report. Now in its fifth year, the UK findings reveal that tackling supply chain cyber risk continues to be a pressing and persistent challenge. Ninety-five percent of surveyed UK organisations experienced negative impact from cyber security incidents in their supply chain, which is significantly higher than the 81% of global respondents who indicated the same.

 

Other key highlights from UK respondents include:

34% said they have no way of knowing when a cyber security incident occurs within their supply chain, greater than the global average of 30%.66% said that third-party cyber security risk management is either not a priority, or somewhat of a priority, a slight decrease from 68% who said this in 2023.92% said their budget increased for third-party cyber security risk management programmes, compared to 86% globally.

“UK businesses continue to struggle with the pressing challenge of mitigating supply chain and third-party cyber risks,” said Robert Hannigan, BlueVoyant head of international business Europe and Middle East, and former director of GCHQ. “Despite the risks, awareness and prioritisation of these issues remains low, while breaches continue to happen. The importance of managing risk across the supply chain cannot be understated. Not just from a brand and security perspective, but also with growing EU regulations such as NIS2 and DORA which call for better risk management, particularly across the supply chain, this is a strategic imperative.”

The study was carried out by an independent market research organisation, Opinion Matters, who surveyed 2,100 C-suite leaders responsible for supply chain and cyber risk management. The research was conducted in 11 countries across North America, Europe and Asia Pacific. Three hundred respondents were from the UK, representing organisations with more than 1,000 employees across a range of industries.

UK Supply Chain Cyber Risk Monitoring and Visibility is Decreasing

The research highlights that monitoring frequency in the UK is not improving — in fact, it has decreased. This year, 34% of businesses said they monitor third-party supplier risk monthly or more frequently, which is a drop from 46% in 2023. This lack of regular monitoring is likely having a big impact, as 95% of UK organisations say they were negatively affected by supply chain cyber incidents in the past 12 months.

Additionally, 34% of the UK respondents indicated they have no way of knowing if an issue arises with a third party, compared to 27% globally. This is likely because 57% of respondents said they don’t assess all vendors, primarily due to a lack of expertise, technology and resources. UK respondents are also less likely to use solutions that provide autonomous visibility into the cyber risks of their supply chain ecosystem, with only 11% saying they do this, compared to 15% globally.

Disconnect Between Budgets and Impact of a Supply Chain Incident

The good news is that 92% of UK organisations are reporting budget increases with their third-party cyber security risk management programmes.

“Prioritisation of third-party cyber security risk in UK organisations isn’t changing as much as it should be,” said Joel Molinoff, BlueVoyant global head of supply chain defence. “Organisations must step up their efforts to proactively monitor their third parties and drive mitigation of critical risks with their vendors. Globally we are seeing a shift from third-party risk management identification to enforcement and compliance. The budget increases should help the UK’s organisations move toward more third-party cyber risk maturity like other regions.”

To learn more about the full global BlueVoyant research report: The State of Supply Chain Defence: Annual Global Insights report, click here.

 

About BlueVoyant
BlueVoyant delivers a comprehensive cloud-native security operations platform that provides real-time threat monitoring for networks, endpoints, and supply chains, extending to the clear, deep, and dark web. The platform integrates advanced AI technology with expert human insight to offer extensive protection and swift threat mitigation, ensuring enterprise cyber security. Trusted by more than 1,000 clients globally, and the 2024 Microsoft Worldwide Security Partner of the Year, BlueVoyant sets the standard for modern cyber defence solutions.

BlueVoyant Press Contact:
Jim Pople
bluevoyant@c8consulting.co.uk

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STEPHEN A. SMITH ADDRESSES WHITE HOUSE DINNER ATTENDANCE, REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO HBCUs AND PROTECTING CORPORATE INVESTMENT IN BLACK EDUCATION

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NEW YORK, Oct. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Stephen A. Smith, media mogul, New York Times bestselling author, and proud 1991 graduate of Winston-Salem State University, is addressing the public discussion surrounding his decision to attend a White House dinner with President Donald Trump, emphasizing his commitment to the long-term financial stability of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

For Smith, the decision was rooted in a commitment to institutions that have educated generations of Black leaders, professionals, entrepreneurs, and public servants.

“I will always advocate for HBCUs and the students whose futures depend on them,” Smith said. “My reason for attending the White House dinner was to discuss the challenges these institutions face in securing long-term funding and to make the case that corporate America must continue to invest in them.”

Smith acknowledged federal support through the FUTURE Act while expressing concern that political tensions surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) could discourage private companies from supporting HBCUs. He maintains that these institutions deserve sustained corporate partnerships, philanthropic contributions, and public investment.

“If we truly believe in free-market capitalism, businesses should be able to support educational institutions and charitable causes without fear of criticism or repercussions,” Smith said. “HBCUs have made extraordinary contributions to this country. They deserve sustained public and private investment.”

Ashley Christopher, Esq., Founder and CEO of the HBCU Week Foundation, recognized Smith’s advocacy and decision to engage with the administration.

“Stephen A. Smith has been a powerful advocate for HBCUs, using his platform and influence to shine a national spotlight on our institutions,” expressed Christopher, “His continued support of HBCU Week helps advance our mission of connecting students with life-changing educational opportunities, and we are proud to have him as our ambassador.”

Since Smith became an HBCU Week Ambassador in 2019, the initiative has facilitated more than 15,000 on-the-spot college acceptances and raised and awarded more than $150 million in scholarships, according to the HBCU Week Foundation.

As public discussion continues, Smith is emphasizing the importance of ensuring HBCUs have the resources and partnerships needed to educate future generations and expand opportunities for students.

CLICK HERE to watch Smith’s full response to his White House visit.

MEDIA CONTACT:

media@mrsasinc.com

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SOURCE Straight Shooter Media

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Advantex Announces Completion of Financing and Extension of Maturity Date of Previously Issued Debentures

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TORONTO, Oct. 23, 2026 /CNW/ — Advantex Marketing International Inc. (CSE: ADX) (“Advantex”), a leader in the merchant cash advance and loyalty marketing products for merchants, today announced the completion of a $250,000 secured debt financing. Advantex issued a $250,000 non-convertible debenture which bears an interest rate at 12% per annum and matures December 15, 2027. The proceeds raised from this issuance of the Debenture will be used for working capital purposes.

Advantex has also extended the maturity of its existing $700,000 in 12% secured debentures from October 10, 2026 to December 15, 2027.

About Advantex Marketing International Inc.

Advantex provides working capital to merchants. Advantex also provides specialized marketing programs that enable members of Aeroplan to earn Aeroplan points at participating merchants.

Advantex shares trade on the Canadian Securities Exchange under the symbol ADX. For more information go to Advantex’s profile on www.sedar.com

Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of applicable securities laws relating to the future business and operations of Advantex. Actual results and developments may differ materially from those contemplated by these statements. The business and operations of Advantex described herein is dependent on a number of factors and is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. Factors that could cause actual results to differ material include, but are not limited to, changes in Advantex’s economic and competitive conditions including but not limited to the industry sectors in which Advantex operates.

The statements in this news release are made of the date of this release. Forward-looking statements are made based on management’s beliefs, estimates and opinions on the date the statements are made and Advantex undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements if these beliefs, estimates and opinions or other circumstances should change, except as required by applicable law.

SOURCE Advantex Marketing International Inc.

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Club Offers for Travel Enthusiasts in Canada

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TORONTO, Oct 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Travelzoo® (NASDAQ: TZOO), the club for travel enthusiasts, announces three of many new Club Offers for Club Members in Canada.

Rigorously vetted and negotiated for us travel enthusiasts:

$799—COSTA RICA WEEK WITH FLIGHTS & CAR
We think fall is an ideal time to visit Costa Rica; the scenery is lush and the crowds are gone. Drive between volcanic Arenal and the idyllic beaches of Tamarindo on this seven-night trip. Since it’s not as busy, we were able to negotiate a price that saves members up to $648 on departures through mid-December.

$899—BARCELONA: 5 NIGHTS WITH FLIGHTS
Explore Barcelona’s world-class museums and architectural masterpieces in the quieter winter months to pack more into your trip. You won’t waste hours in lines and can access top restaurants that are fully booked in summer. We save $300 on travel this January and February, when temperatures are still spring-like. Roundtrip flights from Toronto, hotel and daily breakfast are included.

$999—ST. KITTS GETAWAY FOR 2, REG. $2083
Most visitors to St. Kitts book months in advance, but when we pointed out that travel enthusiasts are more spontaneous, this resort gave us a terrific rate for stays this November and December. Spend four nights in Frigate Bay and get an upgraded Oceanview room, too.

Are you a travel enthusiast? Join the club today: https://travelzoo.com

Who are we?
We, Travelzoo®, are the club for travel enthusiasts. We reach 30 million travellers. Club Members receive Club Offers negotiated and rigorously vetted by our deal experts around the globe. Our relationships with thousands of top travel companies give us access to irresistible deals. Our club and its benefits are built around the lifestyle of a modern travel enthusiast.

Media Contact: 
Amanda Ieraci – Toronto
+1 437 866 8540
aieraci@travelzoo.com

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SOURCE Travelzoo

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