Another technical issue that bears consideration is that of mobile banking application upgrades: it is inevitable that app performance and customer demand will lead to novel services and improvements that require upgrades. Consequently, many phones are, and increasingly will be, expected to be able to automatically update apps. Although this is quite possible, it will be a challenge for banks and application producers to implement as well as for customers to keep up with, effectively isolating a section of mobile users who do not have advanced phones.

Whatever technical challenges lay ahead for customers, the security risks of mobile banking are worthy of far greater concern as they cause more than just irritation: they can be a portal for criminal activity and personal loss. Identity theft can open one’s personal details up, in the worst cases, to highly organised hacking operations that will attempt to drain your money dry with efficiency and virtual anonymity.

Having said that, it is important to remember mobile banking is without doubt a growth market for financial institutions: predictions from respected sources suggest that there will be 115 million mobile banking users in Europe alone by 2015 and around 80 Million in the US in the same timeframe. Mobile banking is therefore big business and accordingly, banks protect the security of their clients’ interests as their own – any business that gains a reputation for poor security in this highly competitive field will surely lose customers, and profit. As a result, all financial institutions using mobile technologies will do everything in their power to protect your money and your security details. In some cases, there are security guarantees that appear to ensure refunds in the case of successful online fraud.

Methods to combat security of information including reliable options such as one-time passwords sent to your message inbox or email address by your bank (if that address itself is secure!); intelligently-encrypted information transfer (most contemporary, developed banking tools will do this); encryption of  any insecure data stored in the device and a host of other protections.

Having said that, there is no absolute guarantee of security in the world of electronic commerce, only high and low risk trading partners it is fair to say that most trusted names are very safe, nonetheless it is up to the consumer to exercise caution where it is due.

The quick snapping back and forth, which is referred to as whiplash, can often cause serious injury to the neck and surrounding muscles. Impacts from both the front and the rear can result in severe whiplash, causing neck muscles to stretch beyond their normal range and damaging surrounding soft tissue and muscle ligaments.

Whiplash can range from very minor cases, where you just get some pain and stiffness for a few days, to severe cases with significant skeletal damage to the spine, resulting in permanent injury. Whiplash injuries are very common and it can often be very difficult to find any objective signs that an injury has been sustained, it’s not like a bruise where you have something obvious, often you simply cannot see a whiplash injury, because the damage is to the soft tissues around the spine.

Making a compensation claim

In order to make a successful claim for whiplash injuries, solicitors have to obtain evidence from independent medical sources. These experts will examine you, interview you, and possibly review you medical notes and records. Once an assessment has been completed, the experts will provide you with an independent opinion as to whether or not they can support your claim. It’s important to remember that the medical experts don’t work for the solicitors or for you, instead they work for the court and are therefore entirely independent.

Compensation for whiplash claims range from very minor pay-outs, a few hundred pounds or so, up to ten or fifteen thousand pounds in more severe cases. There is no such thing as an average award for a whiplash claim, or a minimum or a maximum. Each claim is decided on its own merits, but there is a broad range with which legal firms are able to work with in terms of assessing the value of your claim, once the appropriate medical evidence has been obtained.

Most commonly after a whiplash injury people will seek medical treatment. Most common forms are physiotherapy, chiropractic treatment, and osteopathic treatment. There forms of treatment are very different and each person will respond differently to them. If your GP recommends a referral to one of those experts, you should follow that recommendation or arrange for treatment on a private basis; in some cases this treatment can be funded directly through your solicitors, or through the third parties insurers, as long as they have admitted liability.

It is important to remember that in any claim for personal injuries, you as the claimant have a duty to keep your losses to a minimum, and therefore if an expert or your GP has recommended that you seek treatment, you should follow that recommendation to help yourself recover from the injuries. If you don’t then that could have a negative impact on the amount of compensation you recover.

If you have any queries or questions regarding whiplash compensation or personal injury claims contact a solicitor. For more information regarding Access Legal and compensation claims follow the link or contact them directly to speak with a range of legal experts.

Safety Information

Fortunately, the political instability which rocked the capital early last year seems to have settled down for now, though the UK Foreign Office continues to remind visitors to stay vigilant and avoid large groups or demonstrations. Elections are due to take place across the country this June or July; visitors are again advised to take all precautions and pay attention to local news in case there is a return to violence.

Visa Information

UK citizens do not currently need a visa to enter the country, a passport will allow you access to the country for 30 days, unless you arrive via an overland crossing, which will provide you with entry for 15 days; failure to carry your passport at all times can result in arrest, so ensure you carry documentation at all times. Anyone wishing to work, or stay in Thailand longer than 30 days, must apply for a visa; failure to correctly extend your visit can result in a 500baht fine per day, as well as possible arrest and deportation.

Visitors entering Thailand must also carry a certain amount of foreign currency, this can range from $500 per person, to $1,000 per family; the current policy attempts to reduce the amount of waifs and strays passing through the country, by ensuring that everyone entering can in some way contribute to the Thai economy.

Legal Information

Thailand has an incredibly strict narcotics policy, all visitors are reminded that drug offences result in extremely stiff penalties, in certain cases the punishment for carrying an amount of substances is death. Visitors are also advised that Lèse Majesté is in effect across the country – critical or defamatory remarks about the Thai Royal Family can result in a 3-15 year prison term.

Travel Information

Bangkok is currently serviced by one international airport, Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK), and one domestic airport, Don Mueang International Airport (DMK). Suvarnabhumi Airport became operational in 2005 and currently handles over 90 airlines, including a number of UK based and international airlines operate out of Bangkok, such as BA, Virgin and Etihad Airways. With over 40.5million passengers passing through Suvarnabhumi Airport each year, flights to London from Bangkok, or flights from Paris and other major European and international destinations are readily available.

Health Information

According to national statistics, UK citizens are more likely to visit hospital when visiting Thailand than any other country. Holidaymakers are advised to ensure that they have fully comprehensive medical insurance when visiting Thailand, as private hospitals, which cater for westerners and are generally of a higher standard than Thai public hospitals, can be expensive. Before embarking on a visit to Thailand holidaymakers are advised to seek advice from their GP’s on necessary vaccinations and preventative measures against viruses, such as Malaria and Dengue Fever.

The most recent Ivory Coast crisis initially started in November 2010, after the results of the election were disputed by sitting president, Laurent Gbagbo. The elections, which should have been held in 2005, were supervised by the country’s Electoral Commission and the UN. In a closely fought second place run off, Mr Outtara is believed to have won with 54% of the vote, but after learning the result Mr Gbagbo, using his supporters in the Constitutional Council, had seven of the northern electoral regions annulled; effectively rigging the vote and claiming the presidency for himself.

The actions of Mr Gbagbo have been heavily criticised by the international community and the UN, which under the 2007 peace agreement has to ratify any electoral process, has refused to recognise Mr Gbagbo as the president. Since the election, both men have inaugurated themselves and tension between the two parties has steadily increased.

According to the latest from the Oxfam website, over 100,000 citizens of the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire have now been displaced, and thousands more continue to live in fear; most analysts are now expecting a return to the levels of violence last seen in the 2002 civil war. Caroline Cluck, a spokesperson for Oxfam in Liberia stated: “Most people have fled their homes after armed men stormed their village. Communities in Liberia are generously supporting thousands of people but they don’t have the supplies to provide help any longer. Much more needs to be done to help people who have fled violence and are now stranded with very little.”

The UN, the international community and humanitarian charities are continuing with their attempts to halt and lessen the scale of the crisis, but the rhetoric on both sides appears to be intensifying and many fear that more bloodshed is inevitable.

Since their creation in 1999, ISA limits have steadily increased in size. Last year’s limit was £10,200, half of which can be invested in cash, but this year the ISA limit has been increased to £10,680, again half of which can be invested in cash. Interest rates for ISA’s do vary depending upon your financial institution – most offer an introductory rate, for example Ulster bank on top of the standard 2.5% rate offer an additional 1.5% Gross/AER for the first twelve months on their instant access savings accounts.

However, according to the study commissioned by Consumer Focus, most ISA holders forget about the introductory and often miss out on potentially better rates elsewhere. Oliver Morgans from the group stated: “Sadly Isa customers have to watch banks like a hawk if they are to get the best deals… With consumers getting a paltry return as low as 0.1% on some savings accounts, our advice to savers is to check your rate and if you are not happy, vote with your feet and switch to an ISA that pays more.”

The OFT recently completed an investigation into introductory rates, but found no problem with such offers. A statement from the BBA concurred with the recent findings and urged consumers to get more involved, as banks are required by law to notify the account holder on any interest rate changes, the onus is therefore on the consumer to ensure that they are receiving what they believe to be a suitable and agreeable deal.

Obviously the 4th question isn’t normally something you tend to consider when flicking through the travel agent brochures, however after the events in Egypt and Libya, researching into the socio-political stability of your holiday destination is now more important than ever.

Egypt – Safe to travel?

The kingdom of the Pharaohs is, and always will be, a popular tourist attraction. Every year millions of tourists and holiday makers fly into Egypt, hoping to take a cruise up the Nile, or to visit any number of Egypt’s important historical sites, such as the temple at Luxor, or the pyramids.

The recent disturbances which resulted in the end of President Mubarak’s 30 year reign caused a number of problems for Egypt’s extensive tourism industry. Presently there is a nationwide curfew in effect in Egypt, which currently extends from 00:00 – 06:00. However, according to the Foreign Office the curfew is not in effect around the Red Sea area or Luxor, meaning that the majority of tourists are not affected by the restrictions.

In addition to the curfew a number of disturbances on the 8th and 9th of March occurred in Cairo and Alexandria. With the political situation in Egypt still uncertain, the Foreign Office is continuing to urge caution and keep a close eye on news and radio reports, as well as avoiding large gatherings and demonstrations, especially those held on Fridays.

With the military now firmly in charge it appears that Egypt is once again getting back on track. Yesterday the Interior Minister dissolved the State Security Investigation Service, a notorious tool used to oppress the population and allegedly tied to hundreds of human rights abuses.

Travel

The majority of carriers and services have continued to operate as normal, despite the uncertainty. Travel is currently unrestricted, unless you want to cross into certain border regions, such as the Sudan or Gaza.

If you are thinking of taking a quick break to Egypt then you may to want to consider looking into the UAE carrier Etihad. The airline is currently running a 25% discount on flights for those enrolled in their Etihad Guest programme. Etihad currently runs a number of services to Egypt, including routes to Abu Dhabi from Cairo and services from Chicago and Dubai, as well as a number of other routes to Alexandria.