The US, UK, Ireland, and Japan emerge as the main source of spam; manufacturing, government, and IT sectors are most victimized; Pikabot top malware family 
LONDON, May 9, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — VIPRE Security Group, a global leader and award-winning cybersecurity, privacy, and data protection company, today released its Q1 2024 Email Threat Trends report, based on an analysis of 1.8 billion emails. The findings reveal the evolving landscape of email-based threats and emerging tactics malicious actors are employing.

The US, UK, Ireland, and Japan top the spam sources listThe report identifies the US as the top source of spam emails globally, followed by the U.K., Ireland, and Japan. The US, UK, and Canada are the top three countries most subjected to email-based attacks.
Attackers aim at the manufacturing sectorThe manufacturing, government, and IT sectors are the most victimized by malicious actors. In Q1 2024, the manufacturing sector suffered 43% of email-based attacks, with the government (15%) and IT (11%) trailing well behind. This is a change from Q1 2023, when attackers targeted the financial (25%), healthcare (22%), and education (15%) sectors most often.
Scams surpassing phishing This research warns that ‘scams’ within the spam category are growing in popularity among cybercriminals, overtaking phishing emails in the first quarter of 2024.
There’s been a notable increase in phishing emails masquerading as communications from Human Resources, falsely claiming to relate to employee benefits, compensation, or insurance within a company. These emails contain malicious attachments in .html or .pdf formats, featuring phishing QR codes that redirect recipients to phishing sites upon scanning.
New phishing trends and techniquesIn email phishing campaigns, 75% of emails leverage links, 24% favor attachments, and 1% use QR codes. Attackers are employing links in phishing emails for URL redirection (54%), compromised websites (22%), and newly created domains (15%).
Emerging tactics employed by cybercriminals to execute phishing attacks include the use of .ics calendar invite and .rtf attachment file formats to trick recipients into opening malicious content.
Malspam links and top malware familyEncouraged by the success of password-oriented phishing emails that use links, cybercriminals are opting for malicious links in malspam emails instead of attachments. Malware is increasingly being hidden in cloud storage platforms such as Google Drive. The use of malware-based emails employing attachments has increased to 22% in Q1 2024, from only 3% in Q1 2023.
Due to the void left by the dismantled Qakbot malware, Pikabot has emerged as the top malware family, with IceID a distant second.
Exploiting software vulnerabilitiesCriminals are exploiting a web application vulnerability, most notably Reflected Cross-Site Scripting (XSS), focusing on the tag attribute “href”, to circumvent detection by using a variety of tactics such as images as the entire email content, encoding URLs, and directing the victim through multiple URLs.
Malicious actors are also finding success with thread hijacking of NTLM (NT LAN Manager), a security protocol used by Microsoft Windows operating systems for authentication. By hijacking the authentication thread, attackers extract NTLM challenge-response hashes from legitimate SMB (Server Message Block) sessions, to enable them to impersonate authenticated users and gain unauthorized access.
“Criminals are using email with success to scam, infiltrate networks, and unleash malicious payloads,” warns Usman Choudhary, Chief Product and Technology Officer, VIPRE Security Group. “We’re witnessing bad actors relentlessly exploiting human vulnerabilities and software flaws, circumventing email gateways and security measures with alarming precision. Robust email and endpoint defenses, coupled with a vigilant human frontline, remain our strongest defense against these unyielding attacks.”
To read the full report, click here: VIPRE’s Email Threat Trends Report: Q1 2024.
VIPRE leverages its unique understanding of email security to equip organizations with the information they need to protect themselves. This report is based on proprietary intelligence gleaned from round-the-clock vigilance of the cybersecurity landscape.
About VIPRE Security Group VIPRE Security Group, part of Ziff Davis, Inc., is a leading provider of internet security solutions purpose-built to protect businesses, solution providers, and home users from costly and malicious cyber threats. With over 25 years of industry expertise, VIPRE is one of the world’s largest threat intelligence clouds, delivering exceptional protection against today’s most aggressive online threats. Our award-winning software portfolio includes next-generation antivirus endpoint cloud solutions, advanced email security products, along with threat intelligence for real-time malware analysis, and security awareness training for compliance and risk management. VIPRE solutions deliver easy-to-use, comprehensive layered defense through cloud-based and server security, with mobile interfaces that enable instant threat response. VIPRE is a proud Advanced Technology Partner of Amazon Web Services operating globally across North America and Europe.
The group operates under various brands, including VIPRE®, StrongVPN®, IPVanish®, Inspired eLearning®, Livedrive®, and SugarSync®. www.VIPRE.com

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LONDON, May 9, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Logicalis, a leading global technology services provider, has announced the creation of a new Asia Pacific entity, combining its Logicalis Australia and Logicalis Asia operations. This strategic realignment will be effective from June 01, 2024, and positions Logicalis to amplify its market presence through increased synergy within the APAC region.

The combined Logicalis Asia Pacific entity will consolidate 1,600 employees with a collective revenue upwards of $US350 million across 10 countries, including Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, China, Thailand, Indonesia, Taiwan, Philippines, Vietnam, and now Australia. The newly formed entity will be led by Chong-Win Lee as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Logicalis Asia Pacific with Anthony Woodward continuing in his role as CEO of Logicalis Australia and reporting to Chong-Win Lee. In addition to his current responsibilities, Woodward will lead a special task force focused on fostering innovation and identifying synergistic, joint opportunities across the region.
Chong-Win Lee, CEO, Logicalis APAC, said, “The strategic consolidation of Logicalis’ operations across Australia and Asia marks a pivotal moment in the company’s continued growth and evolution. The aim of this reorganisation is to build a powerhouse capable of delivering high-impact technology solutions more efficiently for customers across Asia Pacific, while still providing the local expertise and support that Logicalis customers value.”
The combination is designed to enhance service delivery and bring a cohesive solution portfolio to customers, reflecting the alignment of Logicalis Asia’s strategy to enable XaaS operating models to support digital transformation, and Logicalis Australia’s commitment to becoming the best MSP in the country. The combined operation will deliver seamless access to Logicalis’ experience in industry sectors such as financial services, government and healthcare, empowering teams to build skill and capacity for data and application modernisation, cloud managed services, artificial intelligence (AI), and more. From a security perspective, it will reinforce the company’s powerful customer proposition, giving customers access to the global network of threat intelligence research and experience encapsulated in the regional Logicalis Security Operations Centre (SOC).
Anthony Woodward, CEO, Logicalis Australia, said, “Formally combining the strengths of Logicalis Australia and its Asia counterparts is an acceleration of what has already been happening organically. This evolution lets Logicalis Australia and our customers leverage high-value digital capabilities from across the region, ensuring faster, more competitive, and more comprehensive service offerings. It also strengthens the local team’s onshore capabilities while integrating best practices and expertise from across Asia, enabling the delivery of scalable, cost-effective managed service options for customers.”
The announcement comes at a time when Logicalis has been increasingly focusing on expanding its core Microsoft and Cisco businesses, enhancing its capabilities in cloud, cybersecurity, and managed services. Logicalis Asia has also recently brought Atlassian onboard as a strategic vendor. Chong-Win Lee, CEO, Logicalis Asia Pacific, said, “The Logicalis Asia Pacific entity will help the company to achieve greater influence with vendors and deliver even greater outcomes for customers into the future.”
Bob Bailkoski, global CEO, Logicalis said, “The goal for Logicalis is clear: to harness the collective strengths of the company’s diverse operations to drive innovation and growth throughout Australia, Asia, and the globe. This reorganisation represents a strategic response to the evolving IT landscape and reinforces Logicalis’ commitment to developing solutions that support its customers’ success in the digital age.”
About Logicalis 
We are Architects of Change™. We help organisations succeed in a digital-first world. At Logicalis, we harness our collective technology expertise to help our clients build a blueprint for success, so they can deliver sustainable outcomes that matter.
Our lifecycle services across cloud, connectivity, collaboration, and security are designed to help optimise operations, reduce risk and empower employees.
As a global technology service provider, we deliver next-generation digital managed services, to provide our clients with real-time visibility and actionable insights across the performance of their digital ecosystem including; availability, user experience, security, economic performance and sustainability.
Our 7000+ ‘Architects of Change’ are based in 30 territories around the globe, helping our 10,000+ clients across a range of industry sectors create sustainable outcomes through technology.
Logicalis has annualised revenues of $1.7 billion, from operations in Europe, North America, Latin America, Asia Pacific, and Africa.
It is a division of Datatec Limited, listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, with revenues of over $5.1 billion.
For more information visit https://www.logicalis.com
For media enquiries, contact:
Logicalis Team at Another Word 
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 020 3176 0014
 
 

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ROME, May 9, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Raiinmaker, a Web3 and AI Technology company that has developed the Raiinmaker AI Super App and Raiinmaker Network is revolutionizing the monetization of users’ contribution to AI infrastructure. Today, Yield App proudly announced that an exclusive $200,000 allocation of Raiinmaker’s native token, $COIIN, will be the second-ever offering on its Angel Launchpad!

Established in 2018, Raiinmaker is on a mission to empower anyone with a smartphone anywhere in the world, to earn cryptocurrency through training AI models and running an independent validator node. By leveraging groundbreaking Web3 and AI technology, Raiinmaker provides a decentralized platform for AI developers and validators to collaborate securely and exchange AI models.
Validators on Raiinmaker earn rewards for their contributions, fostering a culture of active engagement and top-tier performance. The platform operates on a transparent governance framework, allowing community members to play a pivotal role in decision-making processes.
Raiinmaker’s token and platform are designed with interoperability in mind, ensuring seamless integration with major blockchain networks. The Raiinmaker Network Protocol harnesses decentralized AI and scalable Web3 infrastructure to redefine the value associated with identity, data, and behavior. Built on this network, Raiinmaker’s Super App is set to transform how users monetize their contributions to AI infrastructure via the platform’s native token, $COIIN.
Raiinmaker’s team is composed of industry veterans from corporate giants such as Disney, Oracle and Boeing. With a wealth of experience and a shared passion for innovation, this team is driving Raiinmaker’s mission to revolutionize the digital landscape.
“We’re excited to be the second project with our native token, $COIIN, as an offering on the Yield App Angel Launchpad and we share the same vision of providing investment opportunities for crypto enthusiasts,” said J.D. Seraphine, Founder and CEO of Raiinmaker.
Raiinmaker’s $COIIN token will be offered on the Yield App Angel Launchpad on 9 May 2024. To prepare for launch day, Yield App users can ensure they have a positive USDT balance in their Yield App wallet. This will be used for token allocation during the pledge period.
Before making their pledge, Yield App users must also have Gold tier, Diamond tier, or Angel status. This can be achieved by staking YLD on the Yield App platform. For more details on YLD and the loyalty program, visit the YLD page on Yield App’s website.
With Angel status, users enjoy exclusive benefits such as guaranteed minimum allocation on each Launchpad launch and no maximum pledge cap. Plus, Angel status includes all the benefits of Diamond tier, including top rates on all products. Users can now unlock unlimited access to Angel Launchpad by buying Lifetime Angel status with a one-time fee of 50,000 YLD or by staking 100,000 YLD.
During the pledge period, participants will need to submit a Base Protocol (BASE) address to receive their token allocation, paving the way for a seamless user experience.
“We are thrilled to welcome Raiinmaker and their innovative $COIIN token to the Yield App Angel Launchpad,” said Tim Frost, CEO of Yield App. “Our second Launchpad offering aligns with our vision of empowering users in the digital asset space, and opens up an exciting opportunity for our users with Gold tier, Diamond tier, or Angel status.”
For more updates on the official offering of $COIIN token, visit the Yield App Angel Launchpad website.
About Raiinmaker
Raiinmaker is a Web3 and AI Technology Company that has developed the Raiinmaker AI Super App and Raiinmaker Network Protocol, which revolutionizes the monetization of users’ contribution to AI infrastructure.
About Yield App
Yield App is a digital wealth platform that serves as a digital wealth partner to its customers. The company’s mission is to provide safe custody for digital assets and enable users to exchange and earn at market-leading rates. Yield App achieves this through its innovative technology that seamlessly bridges traditional and decentralized finance, offering users a more efficient and user-friendly way to manage their portfolios.
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