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Avast Q1/2022 Threat Report: Cyber Warfare in Ukraine and Russia Dominates the Threat Landscape

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Avast (LSE:AVST), a global leader in digital security and privacy, today released its Q1/2022 Threat Report which reveals cyber threats revolving around the physical war between Russia and Ukraine. The latest report shines light on a Russia-attributed APT group attacking users in Ukraine, and DDoS tools being used against targeting Russian sites, and ransomware attacks targeting companies in Ukraine. Additionally, findings show that cybergangs have been affected by the physical war, causing a slight decline in ransomware, and the temporary discontinuation of the information stealer, Racoon Stealer.

Cyber warfare: Ukraine and Russia

“We often see parallels between what’s happening in the real world and the threat landscape when it comes to how threats are being spread and their targets. In Q1/2022 we saw a significant increase in attacks of particular malware types in countries involved in the war. Compared to Q4/2021, we saw a more than 50% increase in the amount of remote access trojan (RAT) attacks and more than 20% increase in information stealer malware attacks we blocked in UkraineRussia, and Belarus, which could be used for information gathering or espionage,” said Jakub Kroustek, Avast Malware Research Director. “We also blocked 30% more attempts to infect new devices to join botnets in Russia, and a 15% increase in Ukraine, with the goal to build armies of devices that can carry out DDoS attacks on media and other critical websites and infrastructures. On the other hand, we blocked 50% less adware attacks in Russia and Ukraine, which could be due to less people going online, especially in Ukraine.”

Just before the war in Ukraine began, the Avast Threat Labs tracked several cyber attacks, believed to be carried out by Russian APT groups. Gamaredon, a known and active APT group, increased activity rapidly at the end of February, spreading their malware to a wide target pool, including consumers, searching for victims of interest in order to carry out espionage. Ransomware called HermeticRansom, for which Avast  released a decryptor tool for, was spread, presumably also by an APT group.

Avast researchers tracked tools promoted by hacktivist communities to carry out DDoS attacks on Russian websites. The researchers spotted webpages, including a weather forecast site, incorporating the code used to carry out these attacks via the visitors’ browser without their consent. These types of attacks declined towards the end of the quarter. A botnet sold as a service was used for a DDoS campaign in March in connection with the Sodinokibi (REvil) ransomware group. Additionally, malware authors have used the war to spread malware, like remote access trojans (RATs) by spreading emails with malicious attachments claiming to contain important information about the war.

Ukraine war impacting cybercrime operations
Malware authors and operators have been directly affected by the war, such as the alleged death of the Raccoon Stealer leading developer, which resulted in the temporary discontinuation of the information stealer malware.

The Avast Threat Labs also continued to observe a slight decline of 7% in ransomware attacks worldwide in Q1/2022, compared to Q4/2021, which is believed to have been caused by the war in Ukraine, where many ransomware operators and affiliates operate from. With this, ransomware attacks have decreased for the second quarter in a row. In Q4/2021, the decline was caused by a cooperation of nations, government agencies, and security vendors hunting down ransomware authors and operators. Further causes for the decline could be  one of the most active and successful ransomware groups, Maze, shutting down their operations in February, and the continued trend of ransomware gangs focusing more on targeted attacks on large targets (big game hunting) rather than on regular users via spray and pray techniques.

The war caused a rift within the Conti ransomware gang, with a Ukrainian researcher leaking internal files from the gang’s business and source code to the Conti ransomware, after the group declared allegiance to Russia, promising ransomware retaliation for cyberattacks against Russia. The leaks temporarily resulted in a decline of Conti ransomware.

MexicoJapan, and India, are exceptions, where the chance of a user encountering ransomware increased by 120%, 37% and 34% respectively in Q1/2022 compared to Q4/2021.

Emotet market share doubled, TDS spreading malicious campaigns

In addition, the report reveals Emotet doubled its market share since last quarter. In particular, Avast observed a significant increase in Emotet botnet infection attempts in March. Moreover, a traffic direction system (TDS), called Parrot TDS was found spreading malicious campaigns via 165K infected sites. The report also includes a summary of how Avast researchers pieced together clues to uncover how Meris, one of the largest botnet-as-a-service networks, mainly made up of more than 230K vulnerable MikroTik devices, facilitated multiple large scale attacks in the past years.

On the mobile side, bad actors are changing tactics when it comes to spreading adware and premium SMS subscriptions, which continue to be prevalent. While the Google Play Store has previously been used to distribute these threats, bad actors are now using browser pop-up windows and notifications to spread malicious apps among consumers.

Artificial Intelligence

Pearson augments nursing content with generative AI study tools to improve nursing education and address shortages

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HOBOKEN, N.J., May 17, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Pearson (FTSE: PSON.L), the world’s leading learning company, today announced the integration of AI study tools into its Nursing: A Concept-Based Approach to Learning series, the only nursing concepts curriculum built from the ground up as a comprehensive, cohesive learning system.

Pearson’s AI study tools combine the power of generative AI technology with trusted Pearson content to provide scaffolded, guided help when students are stuck on homework problems, and personalized explanations, summaries, and practice problems for more efficient studying.
“Integrating AI study tools into our concept-based nursing series enhances the learning experience, giving nursing students and nurse educators the resources they need to efficiently study and master course concepts,” said Anne Fahlgren, GM of Pearson’s professional portfolio. “This technology will help more nursing candidates prepare for and enter the workforce, while also giving nurse educators the means to scale their teaching further, addressing major challenges in nursing education and society.”
The AI study tools beta will be available both in Pearson+ eTextbook and the accompanying MyLab Nursing course in time for Fall 2024. MyLab is an interactive teaching and learning platform, backed by content from Pearson authors. The platform, with integrated eTextbook, allows instructors to design their course, assign homework and assessments, and monitor student progress in real time.
The US is experiencing shortages of nurses and nurse educators. The National Academy of Medicine’s 2021 report on The Future of Nursing: 2020-2030 notes that, in order to provide sufficient care for an aging population over the next decade, a substantial increase in the nursing workforce will be needed that can practice “in community-based settings with diverse populations that face a variety of lived experiences.” The NAM’s report also references hundreds of nursing faculty position vacancies that have contributed to tens of thousands of qualified applicants being turned away from nursing school admission due to the inability to adequately meet student demand.
Concept-based nursing curriculum is designed to focus on key concepts emphasizing a holistic understanding of nursing principles that can be applied across different patient populations, healthcare settings, and situations. This approach strengthens clinical reasoning skills in the course of patient care. Incorporating generative AI tools into Pearson’s concept-based nursing content supports nurse educators in scaling their teaching and students’ ability to study more efficiently.
Dr. Michelle Aebersold, University of Michigan School of Nursing Clinical Professor and contributor to Nursing: A Concept-Based Approach to Learning, said “Technological advancements like generative AI are transforming the nursing profession. The ability to adapt in a rapidly changing environment is a critical healthcare skill, whether it’s in the course of patient care or in preparing our future nurses for the workforce. The ability of the AI study tools to provide a more user-centered, customized experience is a huge benefit for our students. I’m glad they will have access to Pearson’s AI tools that accommodate the variety of ways students learn and provide personalized support in the moment students need it most. This is the future of individualized learning.”
A Fall 2023 survey of students using Pearson’s AI study tools beta showed strong levels of engagement, with 75% of respondents saying the tools were helpful or very helpful to their studies.
The inclusion of generative AI study tools further solidifies Pearson’s dedication to providing the most comprehensive and effective learning and teaching resources for nursing students and nurse educators across the US. Pearson’s AI study tools are already available in more than 30 Pearson Mastering titles and are set to be integrated into more than 40 Pearson+ eTextbooks and MyLab and Mastering titles across math, science, business, and nursing for August of 2024.
Pearson is committed to investing in the responsible application of AI to advance product innovation and enhance the learning experience to educate, certify, and credential students and the workforce.
Pearson product experts are available to demo the AI study tools for members of the media. Please request demonstrations with the media contact below.
About Pearson
At Pearson, our purpose is simple: to add life to a lifetime of learning. We believe that every learning opportunity is a chance for a personal breakthrough. That’s why our c. 18,000 Pearson employees are committed to creating vibrant and enriching learning experiences designed for real-life impact. We are the world’s leading learning company, serving customers in nearly 200 countries with digital content, assessments, qualifications, and data. For us, learning isn’t just what we do. It’s who we are. Visit us at pearsonplc.com.
Media [email protected]
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Brainomix Achieves Breakthrough with FDA Clearance of e-Lung AI Software

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Established market leader in stroke AI imaging receives its first FDA clearance in the lung imaging space.With this expanded foundation of AI-driven healthcare solutions, the Oxford-based company remains committed to driving innovation and delivering impactful advancements in imaging biomarkers.OXFORD, England, and CHICAGO, May 17, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Brainomix, a pioneer in artificial intelligence (AI) imaging solutions to enable precision medicine, is proud to announce the FDA clearance of its latest product, Brainomix 360 e-Lung. Brainomix’s entry into the lung imaging space follows a series of successful clearances and widespread clinical adoption of its Brainomix 360 Stroke platform in both the US and Europe.

The clearance of e-Lung marks a significant milestone in Brainomix’s journey to expand its footprint in medical imaging beyond stroke-related applications and represents a notable step forward in the quest for advanced lung imaging solutions. The company, with its rich academic heritage and record of scientific excellence, will expand its research collaborations in the pulmonology space to yield new insights to inform future iterations of e-Lung and chart a path towards continual improvements for the lung imaging technology.
Dr Deji Adegunsoye, Assistant Professor of Medicine and Scientific Director of the Interstitial Lung Disease Program at University of Chicago Medicine, said: “This is an exciting step for Brainomix, who have a demonstrated track record of developing novel AI-based solutions in stroke and are now applying that expertise to develop innovative tools in the lung space. The preliminary data for e-Lung is impressive and would indicate that we have a promising tool that could help to expedite healthcare delivery and improve clinically meaningful outcomes for patients with lung disease.”
Brainomix recently announced the publication of a new study1 in the prestigious peer-reviewed journal American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine (AJRCCM), resulting from a research collaboration with AstraZeneca. The results showed that Brainomix’s proprietary lung imaging biomarkers, which include the weighted reticulovascular score (WRVS), stratified patients at risk of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) progression, outperforming standard measures.
Dr Michalis Papadakis, CEO and Co-Founder of Brainomix, said: “We are harnessing our expertise in AI-powered imaging to develop novel biomarkers in other disease indications where AI can support imaging-based diagnostic and treatment decisions.
“This e-Lung FDA clearance reflects our focus on developing innovative solutions that empower healthcare professionals with cutting-edge tools for sophisticated disease evaluation, enhancing access to treatments that can ultimately work to improve patient outcomes.”
Brainomix will be presenting its latest e-Lung data at the American Thoracic Society (ATS) annual conference in San Diego May 17th – 22nd, including results from research collaborations with Heidelberg University and with Seattle-based Avalyn Pharma.
Am. J. Respir. Crit. Care Med.: 2024 Feb 16 – e-Lung CT Biomarker Stratifies Patients at Risk of IPF Progression in a 52-Week Clinical Trialhttps://www.atsjournals.org/doi/abs/10.1164/rccm.202312-2274LEAbout Brainomix
Brainomix specializes in the creation of AI-powered software solutions to enable precision medicine for better treatment decisions in stroke and lung fibrosis. With origins as a spin-out from the University of Oxford, Brainomix is an expanding commercial-stage company with offices in the UK, Ireland and the USA, and operations in more than 30 countries. A private company, backed by leading healthtech investors, Brainomix has innovated award-winning imaging biomarkers and software solutions that have been clinically adopted in hundreds of hospitals worldwide. Its first product, the Brainomix 360 stroke platform, provides clinicians with the most comprehensive stroke imaging solution, driving increased treatment rates and improving functional independence for patients.
To learn more about Brainomix and its technology visit www.brainomix.com, and follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook.
Contacts
Jeff Wyrtzen, Chief Marketing & Business Development [email protected] +44 (0)7927 164210T +44 (0)1865 582730
Media enquiries
Charles ConsultantsSue [email protected] M +44 (0)7968 726585
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CUBE acquires global regulatory intelligence businesses from Thomson Reuters

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LONDON, May 17, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — CUBE, a global leader in Automated Regulatory Intelligence (ARI) and Regulatory Change Management (RCM), announces today its acquisition of the Thomson Reuters Regulatory Intelligence and Oden products and businesses.

The acquisition of these global businesses represents a major step forward in CUBE’s growth plans. It will deliver significant scale across many of the world’s leading and systemically important financial institutions. CUBE’s existing global customer base will be expanded to total approximately 1,000 customers in banking, insurance, asset and investment management, payments and adjacent regulated industries.
CUBE’s global employees will expand to 600, of which close to 250 are highly qualified regulatory subject matter experts, legal and compliance professionals.
Ben Richmond, founder and CEO of CUBE said: “Thomson Reuters is known to be the biggest and best in the industry for providing regulatory expert analysis and subject matter expertise, alongside world-leading journalism and news. The combination of CUBE’s purpose-built AI, with the years of content curated by Thomson Reuters Regulatory Intelligence and Oden expert analysts, will accelerate innovation. Together, we will deliver regulatory transformation capabilities for our global customers that could only have been imagined before.”
Richmond continues: “This combination will provide tremendous scale and depth across CUBE’s regulatory content and technology. It is a significant step toward creating an industry-defining regulatory compliance and risk platform that will benefit all customers and elevate the industry as a whole.”
Through this acquisition, CUBE will provide an expanded and comprehensive selection of specialized regulatory intelligence and regulatory change services, committed to excellence, quality, and highly contextualised and meaningful regulatory content for customers. By combining cutting-edge technology and subject matter expertise at scale CUBE will set a new bar for the industry in regulatory automation and content.
Chris Maguire, General Manager, Risk and Fraud, Corporates, Thomson Reuters said: “It was clear to us that CUBE had established itself as a leading regulatory intelligence provider for global enterprise clients in the financial services and insurance sectors. We wanted to ensure our customers and employees could work with an organisation that would continue to innovate and significantly invest in solutions like Thomson Reuters Regulatory Intelligence and Oden. We are working tirelessly to ensure a seamless and value-enhancing transition for customers and employees, and we are looking forward to working with the CUBE team during this transition.” 
Christopher Fielding, Hg, said: “We’re delighted to further extend our market reach, bringing in two high quality and complementary global businesses to the CUBE platform.”
Thomas Martin, Hg, added: “We see these acquisitions as enabling further innovation in the regulatory intelligence and change management sector, leading to strengthened demand for these quality solutions across the globe.”
The terms of the transaction will not be disclosed.
About CUBE
CUBE provides a highly comprehensive and robust source of classified, and meaningful AI-driven regulatory data to power its Automated Regulatory Intelligence (ARI) and Regulatory Change Management (RCM) solutions. CUBE’s purpose-built regulatory technology including its AI engine (RegBrain) and software platform (RegPlatform) tracks, analyses, and monitors laws, rules, and regulations in every country and in every published language to create an always up-to-date regulatory footprint that transforms visibility and compliance capability for customers across the globe.
With operations across Europe, North America, Canada, Asia, and Australia, CUBE serves a diverse and global base of customers and partners including the largest financial institutions in the world who leverage CUBE’s platform to streamline their complex regulatory intelligence and change management processes.
Following the strategic partnership with Hg in March 2024, CUBE announced the acquisition of US-based Reg-Room in May 2024.
About Hg
Hg supports the building of sector-leading enterprises that supply businesses with critical software applications or workflow services, delivering a more automated workplace for their customers.
This industry is characterised by digitisation trends that are in early stages of adoption and are set to transform the workplace for professionals over decades to come. Hg’s support combines deep end-market knowledge with world class operational resources, together providing compelling support to entrepreneurial leaders looking to scale their business – businesses that are well invested, enduring and serve their customers well.
With a vast European network and strong presence across North America, Hg’s 400 employees and around $70 billion in funds under management support a portfolio of around 50 businesses, worth over $140 billion aggregate enterprise value, with over 110,000 employees, consistently growing revenues at more than 20%.
About Regulatory Intelligence
Regulatory Intelligence is a proactive, connected, and comprehensive solution that tracks and analyses regulatory changes within ~2,000 regulatory bodies and rulebooks for more than 20 countries. It enables banking, financial services, and insurance (BFSI) sectors to manage exposure to operational, regulatory, and compliance risk.
About Oden
Oden State Rules and Regulations (SR&R), Oden Policy Terminator/Sentry PT, and OdenTrack provide repositories and automated solutions for complying with state rules and regulations on the provisioning of Personal and Business Insurance in the US.

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