X

Hybrid working, touchscreen MacBook hopes, cybersecurity concerns, and more: ZDNet's tech research roundup

From the new rules of work to bug bounty programmes and onto the rise of hyperautomation, here's the facts and figures that matter from the past month in news.
By Mark Samuels, Contributor
microsoft-digital-overload.jpg
1 of 8 Microsoft

Going hybrid: Flexible work doesn't have to mean 'always on'

Let's start with our special feature on the new rules of work. Microsoft's recent 2022 Work Trend Index noted a 150% increase in meetings per person in February 2022 compared to March 2020, but also increases of 32% in chats per person, 27% in average after-hours work, and 13% in average workday span.

SEE: Hybrid work: From personal experience to global trends

gartner-worldwide-it-spending.jpg
2 of 8 Gartner

Back to the office: IT spending and device shipments

While the COVID-19 pandemic caused a shift in working practices, it also disrupted the pattern of IT spending during 2020 and 2021, with critical short-term projects driving increased outlay on devices, IT services, enterprise software, and data centre systems. Longer-lasting changes in IT spending, says Gartner, will revolve around IT services and the cloud.

SEE: Hybrid work: From personal experience to global trends

macbook-touchscreen-1.jpg
3 of 8 ZDNet

Do you wish your MacBook had a touchscreen?

ZDNet ran a poll on LinkedIn asking followers if they wanted a touchscreen MacBook. The results showed there's a clear desire from those who participated for Apple to add touch to the MacBook, with 46% of those who answered saying 'yes'.

SEE: The results are in: ZDNet's LinkedIn fans want a touchscreen MacBook, too

screenshot-2022-04-11-at-07-13-48.png
4 of 8 Intel

Only half of organisations reviewed security policies due to the pandemic

Research from the Ponemon Institute, on behalf of Intel, showed that global enterprises will spend roughly $172 billion on cybersecurity this year. However, only 53% refreshed their existing strategies due to the pandemic. The pandemic has created what could become a permanent hybrid workforce, which will require new investments in tech.

SEE: Only half of organizations reviewed security policies due to the pandemic

screenshot-2022-04-07-at-07-16-14.png
5 of 8 Zoom

Zoom awarded $1.8 million in bug bounty rewards during 2021

Software firm Zoom paid out more than $1.8 million in bug bounties across 401 reports last year. In addition, since the bug bounty programme's launch in 2019, over $2.4 million has been awarded. Zoom's main programme is private, but the platform actively recruits security researchers. Over 800 researchers participate in the programme, which HackerOne hosts. 

SEE: Zoom awarded $1.8 million in bug bounty rewards over 2021

2022-04-13-10-14-45.jpg
6 of 8 Atlas VPN/Telefonica Tech

Why quickly patching your iPhones and Macs is more important than ever

A report by Atlas VPN (based on data from Telefonica Tech Cybersecurity) showed how vulnerabilities found in Apple products surged by 467% during the second half of 2021 to 380 exploits, a dramatic rise from the 67 uncovered during the first half of 2021.

SEE: Why quickly patching your iPhones and Macs is more important than ever

picture1.png
7 of 8 MuleSoft

Automation is at the heart of digital business transformation

Researchers from MuleSoft identified seven key digital transformation trends that will shape the future of work in 2022 and beyond. One trend, hyperautomation, which involves automating as many business and IT processes as possible, could be the key to unlocking value. Low‑code techniques were identified by 42% of business users as critical.

SEE: Automation is at the heart of digital business transformation

screenshot-2022-04-28-at-06-54-43.png
8 of 8 SAP

SAP Q1 2022: Ukraine-Russia conflict hits the balance sheet

SAP reported strong first-quarter earnings results despite pulling out of Russia and Belarus due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. SAP's Q1 2022 earnings reported revenues of €7.077 billion IFRS, up 11% year over year. 

SEE: SAP Q1 2022: Ukraine-Russia conflict hits the balance sheet

Related Galleries

Holiday wallpaper for your phone: Christmas, Hanukkah, New Year's, and winter scenes
Holiday lights in Central Park background

Related Galleries

Holiday wallpaper for your phone: Christmas, Hanukkah, New Year's, and winter scenes

21 Photos
Winter backgrounds for your next virtual meeting
Wooden lodge in pine forest with heavy snow reflection on Lake O'hara at Yoho national park

Related Galleries

Winter backgrounds for your next virtual meeting

21 Photos
Holiday backgrounds for Zoom: Christmas cheer, New Year's Eve, Hanukkah and winter scenes
3D Rendering Christmas interior

Related Galleries

Holiday backgrounds for Zoom: Christmas cheer, New Year's Eve, Hanukkah and winter scenes

21 Photos
Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6: Electric vehicle extravaganza
img-8825

Related Galleries

Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6: Electric vehicle extravaganza

26 Photos
A weekend with Google's Chrome OS Flex
img-9792-2

Related Galleries

A weekend with Google's Chrome OS Flex

22 Photos
Cybersecurity flaws, customer experiences, smartphone losses, and more: ZDNet's research roundup
shutterstock-1024665187.jpg

Related Galleries

Cybersecurity flaws, customer experiences, smartphone losses, and more: ZDNet's research roundup

8 Photos
Inside a fake $20 '16TB external M.2 SSD'
Full of promises!

Related Galleries

Inside a fake $20 '16TB external M.2 SSD'

8 Photos