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Cryptominers & Botnets: Darktrace End of Year Threat Report Sees Shifting Threats as MaaS and RaaS Dominate

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Darktrace, a global leader in cyber security AI, has today released its 2023 End of Year Threat Report, identifying the key threats and attack methods facing businesses observed across the past 6 months. These insights, observed by Darktrace’s unique Self-Learning AI across its customer fleet, shed light on rapid shifts in the cyber security landscape and new techniques adopted by attackers attempting to sidestep traditional defences.
The findings show that as-a-Service attacks continue to dominate the threat landscape, with Malware-as-a-Service (MaaS) and Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS) tools making up the majority of malicious tools in use by attackers. As-a-Service tools can provide attackers with everything from pre-made malware to templates for phishing emails, payment processing systems and even helplines to enable criminals to mount attacks with limited technical knowledge.
The most common as-a-Service tools Darktrace saw in use from July to December 2023 were:

Malware loaders (77% of investigated threats1), which can deliver and execute other forms of malware and enable attackers to repeatedly target affected networks.
Cryptominers (52% of investigated threats), which use an infected device to mine for cryptocurrency.
Botnets (39% of investigated threats), enrol users in wider networks of infected devices, which attackers then leverage in larger-scale attacks on other targets.
Information-stealing malware (36% of investigated threats), malicious software like spyware or worms, designed to secretly access and collect sensitive data from a victim’s computer or network.
Proxy botnets (15% of investigated threats), more sophisticated botnets that use proxies to hide the true source of their activity.

The report also reveals a changing of the guard. In its First 6: Half-Year Threat Report, Darktrace identified Hive ransomware as one of the major Ransomware-as-a-Service attacks at the beginning of 2023. With the dismantling of Hive by the US government in January 2023, Darktrace observed the rapid growth of a range of threats filling the void, including ScamClub, a malvertising actor notorious for spreading fake virus alerts to notable news sites, and AsyncRAT, responsible for attacking US infrastructure employees in recent months.
Attackers shift to advanced solutions to bypass conventional security measures
As businesses continue to rely on email and collaboration tools for communication, methods such as phishing continue to cause a headache for security teams. Darktrace detected 10.4 million phishing emails across its customer fleet between the 1st September and the 31st December 2023. But the report also highlights how cybercriminals are embracing more sophisticated tools and tactics designed to evade traditional security parameters. One example is the rise of Microsoft Teams phishing in which attackers contact employees through Teams, posing as a co-worker and tricking them into clicking malicious links. In one case in September 2023, Darktrace identified a suspected Teams phisher attempting to trick users into clicking a SharePoint link that would download the DarkGate malware and deploy further strains of malware across the network.
Another new trend identified is the growth of malware developed with multiple functions to inflict maximum damage. Often deployed by sophisticated groups like cyber cartels, these Swiss Army knife-style threats combine capabilities. For example, the recent Black Basta ransomware also spreads the Qbot banking trojan for credential theft. Such multi-tasking malware lets attackers cast a wide net to monetise infections.
“Throughout 2023, we observed significant development and evolution of malware and ransomware threats, as well as changing attacker tactics and techniques resulting from innovation in the tech industry at large, including the rise in generative AI. Against this backdrop, the breadth, scope, and complexity of threats facing organizations has grown significantly,” comments Hanah Darley, Director of Threat Research, Darktrace. “Security teams face an up-hill battle to stay ahead of attackers, and need a security stack that keeps them ahead of novel attacks, not chasing yesterday’s threats.”
Download the 2023 End of Year Threat Report at darktrace.com/threat-report-2023.
The post Cryptominers & Botnets: Darktrace End of Year Threat Report Sees Shifting Threats as MaaS and RaaS Dominate appeared first on HIPTHER Alerts.

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Tuya Smart Announces Partnership With V2 Indonesia to Revolutionize the Indonesian Smart Home Market

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Tuya Smart (NYSE: TUYA, HKEX: 2391), a global cloud platform service provider, has announced a partnership with V2 Indonesia, Indonesia’s premier solution provider, to jointly advance the deep integration of cutting-edge technologies, including AI, into the realm of smart homes.
Through this partnership, which was formalized at the 2024 Tuya Global Developer Summit, Tuya Smart and V2 Indonesia seek to enable customers to capitalize on the immense opportunities presented by the burgeoning Indonesian smart home market.
V2 Indonesia is an innovative company that combines automation technology and digital reality to transform various industries. The company provides services across all business sectors, from private enterprises to government agencies. Armed with a sophisticated software platform, V2 Indonesia is poised to bring about a technological revolution in every aspect of life, while building strong collaborations with future industry leaders.
Indonesia, with a population of 274 million and a youth demographic comprising up to 58%, represents one of the world’s markets with the highest proportion of young people. This youthful population generally exhibits a high level of acceptance for innovative products, such as smart electronics, which has spurred the demand for smart homes and related offerings in the Indonesian market. According to recent reports, the Indonesian smart home market is experiencing rapid growth, with a forecasted compound annual growth rate of more than 20% in the next three years.
To capitalize on this burgeoning market, V2 Indonesia remains committed to exploring the realm of smart homes. The company is dedicated to enhancing its technical prowess to facilitate the creation of smart home products that cater to evolving consumer needs. Through its long-term exploration, V2 Indonesia has recognized that the integration of intelligent technologies like AI and IoT holds immense commercial potential for the smart home industry. Moreover, these cutting-edge technologies can streamline workflows, optimize resource allocation, and minimize operational costs. Consequently, V2 Indonesia has chosen to partner with Tuya Smart, the world’s leading cloud developer platform, to establish an industry-leading smart home ecosystem. This collaboration aims to provide customers and consumers with a more convenient, intelligent, and personalized smart home living experience.
Leveraging Tuya’s Smart House & Real Estate SaaS, this collaboration has enabled V2 Indonesia to develop a comprehensive and streamlined smart solution. This solution significantly reduces the time and costs for customers, ensuring a swift and efficient product launch and promotion.
At the hardware level, V2 Indonesia has capitalized on Tuya’s vast intelligent hardware ecosystem, further broadening its product range. Facing diverse customer needs, V2 Indonesia can seamlessly create customized home scenes through flexible combinations, delivering a more comfortable and personalized living experience.
At the software level, Tuya’s OEM SaaS services have provided V2 Indonesia with a comprehensive set of connectivity tools. These include a comprehensive product control system, intelligent scene design capabilities, efficient batch delivery tools, an operations and maintenance knowledge base, online fault diagnosis, and streamlined work order services. These tools effectively expedite the implementation of V2 Indonesia’s projects and accelerate customers’ smart home upgrades.
Notably, with the incorporation of Tuya’s GenAI technology, V2 Indonesia’s virtual assistant, ViVi, can engage in meaningful dialogue and interactions with users. By simply providing voice commands, users can effortlessly operate smart products in their homes, significantly enhancing the convenience of daily living.
Rudi Hidayat, CEO of V2 Indonesia, commented, “As a pioneering solution provider in Indonesia, V2 Indonesia has consistently spearheaded the development of comprehensive home intelligence. Through our close partnership with Tuya, we have seamlessly integrated cutting-edge technology into real-world scenarios, introducing groundbreaking smart home solutions to the Indonesian market. Looking ahead, V2 Indonesia intends to deepen our collaboration with Tuya, leveraging AI technology to forge a new smart home ecosystem and jointly craft an even more enriching smart lifestyle for all.”
Gloria Huang, Vice President of Operations at Tuya Smart, added, “V2 Indonesia boasts a robust market presence and a vast customer base in Indonesia. Our collaboration with V2 Indonesia presents an opportunity to introduce our innovative solutions and products to the Indonesian market, thereby unlocking new business prospects. Together, we will continue to delve into the needs of Indonesian consumers, refine our offerings, vigorously expand our intelligent business operations in the country, and seize upcoming market opportunities in unison.”
The collaboration between Tuya and V2 Indonesia not only establishes a new benchmark for smart industry in the Indonesian smart home market, but also propels the rapid evolution of the industry, harnessing the combined technological prowess and market insights of both parties. Moving forward, Tuya remains committed to collaborating with V2 Indonesia to innovate, devise novel solutions and smart home products, and ultimately deliver a more intelligent home living experience to Indonesian consumers.
SOURCE Tuya Smart
The post Tuya Smart Announces Partnership With V2 Indonesia to Revolutionize the Indonesian Smart Home Market appeared first on HIPTHER Alerts.

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Meta and Apple Hold Back New AI Features For European Users Over Regulatory Concerns

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American Big Tech vs. European Regulators: The AI Battleground
Artificial Intelligence has become the latest contentious issue between American tech giants and European regulators, who are closely monitoring AI services for potential privacy, antitrust, and consumer protection violations.
Apple and Meta Withhold AI Features in Europe
In recent weeks, Apple and Meta have delayed the release of new AI features in the European market to avoid potential penalties. However, the vast size of the European market might compel these companies to address regulatory concerns.
Apple Intelligence and DMA Compliance Fears
Apple recently unveiled Apple Intelligence, a suite of new AI features, including the integration of ChatGPT into iOS. However, due to concerns that its deal with OpenAI might violate the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), Apple has postponed the rollout of these features for EU users.
“We are concerned that the interoperability requirements of the DMA could force us to compromise the integrity of our products in ways that risk user privacy and data security,” Apple stated.
While US customers will access the new AI features later this year, EU iPhone users will have to wait until Apple can ensure the software upgrade complies fully with the DMA.
Balancing Regulatory Compliance
Apple faces a challenging situation: non-compliance with DMA regulations could result in fines of up to 10% of its global turnover. On the other hand, not providing the same AI features and services in the EU as in other regions could harm its business in Europe.
This regulatory challenge is not unique to Apple. Meta is also navigating similar issues, although its concerns are more focused on privacy laws than antitrust regulations.
Meta’s AI Data Gathering and GDPR Complaints
In early June, Meta announced changes to its privacy policy that would allow the company to use personal data from millions of Europeans to train its AI models. This move drew criticism from Max Schrems, a well-known privacy advocate who has previously sued Meta for violating the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
“Meta is basically saying that it can use ‘any data from any source for any purpose and make it available to anyone in the world’, as long as it’s done via ‘AI technology’. This is clearly the opposite of GDPR compliance,” said Schrems.
Through his campaign group noyb, Schrems filed complaints with 11 EU privacy watchdogs, including the Data Protection Commission (DPC) in Ireland.
Meta AI Launch Delayed in Europe
Following these complaints, Meta has suspended its plans to use data from EU and UK citizens to train its AI systems and has delayed the launch of Meta AI in the region. Meta AI, built on Llama 3, is intended to rival ChatGPT and integrate into platforms like Facebook Messenger, Instagram, and WhatsApp.
Stefano Fratta, Meta’s Global Engagement Director, defended the company’s approach, stating, “We are following the example set by others, including Google and OpenAI, both of which have already used data from Europeans to train AI. Our approach is more transparent and offers easier controls than many of our industry counterparts.”
The Likelihood of Compromise
Both Apple and Meta maintain that offering new AI services without violating European regulations is currently unfeasible. However, history suggests that regulators are unlikely to back down in such standoffs. In similar past situations, American companies have often been forced to compromise.
Meta, for instance, has previously threatened to withdraw its services from the EU but has never followed through. For Apple, permanently limiting AI features for European users is also not a viable long-term strategy. Ultimately, US tech giants will need to find ways to deploy AI services that comply with European regulations.
Source: ccn.com
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Quickcode.ai Raises $1.1M in Seed Funding

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Quickcode.ai, a McLean, VA-based provider of artificial intelligence software for the trade compliance industry, has secured $1.1 million in Seed funding.
The funding round was supported by PS27 Ventures and DataTribe.
The company plans to use the funds to expand its operations and enhance its development efforts.
Led by CEO Shannon Hynds, Quickcode.ai leverages large language models and a science-based user interface to streamline data management for trade compliance professionals. Its products include a 24/7 cloud-based product compliance monitoring platform, a specialized integration for SaaS providers needing access to trade compliance data, and an API that facilitates the assignment of compliance data to extensive product datasets.
Source: finsmes.com/
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