Author: admin

  • XUV 4XO, Thar Facelift, BE 07, and More!

    Mahindra is gearing up for an exciting 2025 with a diverse range of vehicles, from electric SUVs to updated versions of their iconic models. Whether you’re a fan of the rugged Thar or eager to explore the futuristic BE 07 electric SUV, Mahindra’s upcoming lineup has something for everyone.

    Here’s a preview of what to expect next year:

    Mahindra XUV 4XO/XEV 4e

    Expected Launch: March 2025

    Expected Price: ₹9 Lakh

    Mahindra is set to make waves in the compact SUV segment with the XUV 4XO and its electric version, the XEV 4e. The XUV 4XO is expected to feature bold styling, advanced tech, and the solid build quality Mahindra is known for. The XEV 4e, as an electric variant, will combine tech, sustainability, and practicality with features like a high-tech cabin, advanced connectivity, and potentially Level-2 ADAS.

    Mahindra XEV 7e

    Expected Launch: March 2025

    Expected Price: ₹20 Lakh

    Following the buzz surrounding the BE 6 and XEV 9e, Mahindra is bringing the XEV 7e to the electric SUV market. With an impressive range, a host of features, and robust safety tech, this SUV will offer both performance and sustainability. The XEV 7e is set to become a family-friendly option for those looking to make the switch to electric without compromising on power or space.

    Mahindra Thar 3-Door Facelift

    Expected Launch: April 2025

    Expected Price: ₹11.5 Lakh

    The Thar 3-Door is set to receive a facelift in 2025, following the launch of the Thar Roxx. Expect refreshed styling, including a new front bumper, LED lighting, and possibly new alloy wheels. Inside, the cabin will feature updated tech, including a larger touchscreen, wireless connectivity, and perhaps ADAS. This facelift will maintain the Thar’s legendary off-road capabilities while adding premium features for greater comfort.

    Mahindra BE 07 – Production Version

    Expected Launch: August 2025

    Expected Price: ₹25 Lakh

    The Mahindra BE 07, currently a concept, is expected to debut in its production version in 2025. Positioned to compete with the Tata Harrier EV, the BE 07 will feature a high-performance electric motor, fast charging capabilities, and a modern premium interior. Expect cutting-edge connected car technology and a design that reflects Mahindra’s vision for the future.

    Mahindra Scorpio-N MY Updates

    Expected Launch: TBA

    The Mahindra Scorpio-N has earned a loyal following for its rugged appeal. In 2025, it is expected to receive minor updates, likely including an upgraded infotainment system and possibly Level-2 ADAS features, further enhancing its appeal.

    Mahindra XUV700 MY Updates

    Expected Launch: TBA

    Mahindra’s flagship SUV, the XUV700, is also expected to get minor updates in 2025. While its bold design and luxurious feel will remain, expect more tech and updated features. The XUV700 will continue to be one of the most feature-packed SUVs in its segment.

    Why 2025 is Crucial for Mahindra

    Mahindra’s 2025 lineup reflects a perfect blend of electric innovation, off-road prowess, and premium upgrades. From the forward-thinking BE 07 to the rugged Thar 3-door facelift, Mahindra is catering to a wide spectrum of customers. Whether you’re looking for an electric SUV, a capable off-roader, or a premium vehicle, 2025 is shaping up to be a pivotal year for Mahindra as it introduces more electric models to the Indian market.

    Which upcoming Mahindra car are you most excited about? Let us know in the comments!

  • Universal Verification Methodology Revolutionizes Modern Hardware Testing Landscape

    Universal Verification Methodology

    In this rapidly growing digital era, Kaushik Velapa Reddy, a seasoned technology expert in the Semiconductor Industry, highlights the transformative impact of the Universal Verification Methodology (UVM) on hardware testing. His groundbreaking research showcases remarkable advancements in verification efficiency, functional coverage, and system reliability, positioning UVM as a game-changer across diverse sectors.

    Accelerating Innovation Through Enhanced Testing Protocols

    The UVM framework has demonstrated remarkable improvements in verification cycles, showcasing an average reduction of 76% in testing time. This advancement has particularly impacted the semiconductor industry, where organizations have achieved 92% functional coverage in first-pass verification, establishing new benchmarks in testing efficiency and quality assurance protocols. The implementation has led to a 58% improvement in early bug detection rates and a 75% increase in code reusability.

    Advanced Safety-Critical Systems Integration

    In the automotive sector, UVM has revolutionized safety-critical systems validation. Research indicates an 89% improvement in Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) verification coverage and an 83% reduction in safety-related incidents. These enhancements are crucial as modern vehicles increasingly depend on complex electronic control units (ECUs) and embedded systems. The methodology has enabled verification of up to 115 CAN-FD nodes with 99.997% reliability and supported testing of 3300+ edge cases per test suite.

    Next-Generation Telecommunications Verification

    The telecommunications industry has witnessed unprecedented advancement in verification complexity, especially with 5G infrastructure deployment. UVM implementation has achieved 91% improvement in protocol verification coverage and reduced network equipment validation time by 85%. The framework supports testing of 224+ concurrent network streams and provides latency verification accuracy of ±5ns, ensuring robust network performance validation and Quality of Service verification at 99.99%.

    Mission-Critical Precision Engineering

    The methodology’s impact extends significantly to aerospace and healthcare sectors. Aerospace applications have achieved 99.999% verification coverage for mission-critical components, supporting operations up to 65,000 feet altitude. Healthcare devices demonstrate 99.996% verification coverage, with critical systems like pacemakers achieving signal accuracy verification of 99.999% and response times under 9ms, meeting stringent regulatory requirements.

    Smart Consumer Electronics Evolution

    Consumer electronics has seen major gains: 88% better device verification and 76% faster development cycles, accelerating SoC validation, firmware testing, and certification. The approach delivers 99.92% multi-touch sensing accuracy, 45% improved power efficiency, and verifies 1.2M transactions per second.

    Cost-Efficiency and Resource Optimization

    UVM implementation has delivered significant financial benefits across industries. Organizations report cost savings between $2.4 million to $7.2 million per project through improved test automation, reduced verification cycles, and enhanced bug detection rates. The framework has achieved 85% component reuse across projects and reduced verification setup time by 68%, while improving resource utilization by 78%.

    Industry Standards Compliance

    The research highlights UVM’s crucial role in ensuring compliance with critical industry standards including ISO 26262 for automotive safety, DO-254 for aerospace, and IEC 62304 for medical devices. This standardization has improved cross-industry collaboration and verification methodology adoption, with documentation accuracy reaching 99.997% and risk management coverage at 99.99%.

    Transformative Technological Impact

    Universal Verification Methodology (UVM) is transforming hardware verification by streamlining testing processes and improving product reliability. It establishes robust verification standards, enabling the efficient management of complex systems like advanced semiconductor designs and critical medical devices. UVM’s adaptability and precision make it essential for ensuring high-quality outcomes, positioning it as a foundational tool for future technology innovations.

    In conclusion, Kaushik Velapa Reddy‘s transformative research demonstrates how UVM has revolutionized hardware verification across industries, achieving remarkable milestones with 76% reduction in verification cycles, billions in cost savings, and 99.999% reliability in critical systems. These groundbreaking results establish UVM as the cornerstone for future hardware verification, ensuring reliability and efficiency in an increasingly complex digital landscape.

  • Port of Singapore handles record-breaking 40 million shipping containers in 2024

    The Port of Singapore broke the record, set in 2023, of handling shipping containers. Last year, the port handled 39.01 million TEUs or twenty-foot equivalent units.

    Port of Singapore. Photo courtesy: www.facebook.com/hongtat.chee
    Port of Singapore. Photo courtesy: www.facebook.com/hongtat.chee

    In the current year, PSA Singapore, the country’s largest transhipment hub, reported handling over 40 million TEUs.

    Hailing the feat, Transport Minister Chee Hong Tat wrote on Facebook, “This means that for the full year of 2024, the Port of Singapore (i.e. PSA plus Jurong Port) will surpass our previous record in 2023 of 39.01 million TEUs.”

    He also said Singapore is also on track to achieving new highs for total cargo throughput and bunker sales in 2024.

    “These achievements are the result of our strong tripartite partnership and pro-business approach in Maritime Singapore, with all stakeholders working closely together to keep our port running and connecting Singapore’s economy to customers and suppliers from around the world,” the Minister said.

    “My colleagues and I will press on with our efforts to continue growing our maritime industry in 2025 and beyond, to attract more investments, facilitate more business expansions and create more good jobs for our people,” he added.

    Talking about PSA’s achievement, Ong Kim Pong, Group CEO, PSA International, said, “This record throughput for PSA’s flagship terminal in Singapore is a remarkable milestone and exemplifies our commitment to keep global trade flowing.”

    PSA Singapore celebrating the milestone. Photo courtesy: www.singaporepsa.com
    PSA Singapore celebrating the milestone. Photo courtesy: www.singaporepsa.com

    “Our success is founded on the trust and partnership we share with our management, staff, unions, customers and partners, for which I am profoundly grateful. Building on this positive momentum, we will strive to strengthen the synergies between our port operations and port-adjacent services, connecting our strategic nodes to create a more cohesive and integrated port ecosystem in line with PSA’s Node to Network strategy.

    “We remain dedicated to integrating advanced technology with our operational expertise, while working to reinforce our role as a reliable global port operator and a trusted partner for cargo stakeholders,” the executive said.

    Nelson Quek, Regional CEO Southeast Asia, PSA International, said, “In what has been an eventful year for the industry, this achievement cements PSA Singapore’s position as the world’s transhipment hub of choice.”

    “I am deeply thankful to our customers and stakeholders for their trust and support in PSA Singapore as their go-to partner and provider of hub solutions to support the growth and resilience of their networks. I would also like to extend my deepest appreciation to our staff and unions, whose tenacity and teamwork made this accomplishment possible.

    “As the global maritime landscape evolves, PSA will continue to work closely with public and private sector partners to deliver new capacity and capabilities that strengthen Singapore’s standing as a critical node in global trade, and as a leading international maritime hub of choice,” Quek added.

  • EduTest Sets New Standards with Successful Nationwide Examination for 2.36 Lakh Candidates

    Chandigarh, December 26: In a remarkable display of operational excellence, EduTest Solutions, a leading name in the examination industry has conducted a seamless nationwide paper-based examination for an impressive 2.36 lakh candidates across 54 cities. This large-scale initiative not only highlights EduTest’s commitment to integrity and efficiency but also reinforces its position as a leader in the examination services industry. The successful execution of this comprehensive assessment involved meticulous planning and coordination, showcasing the company’s capability to manage complex logistical challenges.

    To facilitate the smooth conduct of the examination, EduTest deployed over 28,000 dedicated personnel across 356 examination centers. These included city heads, center superintendents, and more than 20,000 invigilators who ensured compliance with examination protocols while maintaining the sanctity of the process. Advanced surveillance systems were installed at every center, complemented by rigorous security measures including thorough candidate frisking and real-time monitoring via CCTV to deter malpractices.

    The logistics involved in transporting confidential materials were equally notable. Examination materials were securely dispatched from a centralized location using specially designed trunks and monitored throughout their journey to ensure timely and safe delivery. Each trunk was tagged for real-time tracking, demonstrating EduTest’s commitment to safeguarding the integrity of the examination process.

    This achievement not only underscores EduTest’s unparalleled expertise in managing large-scale assessments but also sets new benchmarks within the industry as it continues to innovate and adapt in an evolving landscape. As EduTest moves forward, it remains dedicated to shaping the future of examination management through its unwavering commitment to excellence.

  • Funding booster: Indian startups see 20 pc jump at $12 billion this year

    Centre joins HCLSoftware to boost startup manufacturing ecosystem

    Funding booster: Indian startups see 20 pc jump at $12 billion this yearIANS

    The Indian startup ecosystem received a funding booster this year with raising more than $12 billion, a 20 per cent jump from last year’s $10 billion.

    While late-stage funding surged 25 per cent to more than $7 billion in 2024, growth-stage startups secured $3.5 billion in 282 deals, according to ‘Annual Funding Report 2024’ by startup coverage portal Inc42.

    According to the report, early-stage startups were the biggest beneficiaries this year. Early-stage startups cumulatively raised $893 million, which was up 31 per cent (year-on-year) in 433 deals.

    The fintech sector raised $2.5 billion across 162 deals, while enterprise tech and consumer services sectors secured $1.8 billion each.

    In the second half (H2) of 2024, the tech startups received $5.32 billion across 540 funding rounds, a growth of 8 per cent from H2 2023 where $4.92 billion was raised across 890 rounds, according to Tracxn data.

    India’s tech ecosystem witnessed the emergence of six unicorns in 2024, marking a 200 per cent increase compared to 2 unicorns in 2023.

    Quick commerce platform Zepto alone raised around $1.3 billion in 2024 in three rounds.

    This year, 13 new-age companies launched their initial public offerings (IPOs), as startups cumulatively raised more than Rs 29,200 crore from the stock market. When it comes to IPOs, the figure stood at 10 in 2021, six in 2022 and six in 2023.

    Reddit post accuses Zepto of toxic work culture

    Quick commerce platform Zepto alone raised around $1.3 billion in 2024 in three roundstwitter

    The startup IPOs include TAC Security, Unicommerce, MobiKwik, TBO Tek, Ixigo, Trust Fintech, FirstCry, Menhood, Awfis, Swiggy, Digit Insurance, Blackbuck and Ola Electric.

    The largest IPO among startup companies was offered by online food delivery platform Swiggy at Rs 11,327.43 crore. Swiggy’s shares were listed in the stock market at a price of Rs 420 with a premium of 7.69 per cent.

    At least 157,066 startups have been recognised by Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) to date and 759,303 users are registered on the portal (as on December 25).

    The country now has more than 73,000 startups with at least one-woman director that have been recognised under the ‘Startup India Initiative’, according to latest government data.

    (With inputs from IANS)

  • Heavy Rain Alert- After 27 years, such heavy rainfall in December, IMD issues new alert…


    – Advertisement –

    Heavy Rain Alert- The weather is bad in Punjab, Haryana and the national capital Delhi and its surrounding areas. After a gap of a few days, the rainy season has resumed. Light to moderate rain was recorded in various areas of Delhi.

    Safdarjung, Lodhi Road and Palam areas have received record-breaking rainfall in the winter season. Delhi has recorded such heavy rainfall after the last 27 years. Let us tell you that on Friday, it rained intermittently throughout the day.

    – Advertisement –

    According to the Meteorological Department, this is the fifth time in the history of 123 years that there has been so much rainfall in the month of December. This much rainfall has been recorded in the cold of December after 1997. In the year 1923, 77.2 mm of rainfall was recorded in Delhi in the month of December. In the last 125 years, the highest rainfall was recorded in the month of December in the year 1923. After this, 71.8 mm of rainfall was recorded in 1997. 30 years ago, 69.5 mm of rainfall was recorded in the month of December in 1967. Before this, 68.1 mm of rainfall was recorded in the same month in the year 1936. Now, 42.8 mm of rainfall has been recorded so far in December 2024.

    Improvement in pollution

    Due to continuous rains, the air pollution level has come down in Delhi-NCR. In view of this, it has been decided to relax the restrictions. After the reduction in the air pollution level, it has been announced to remove or reduce GRAP-3. This will now provide relief from the restrictions. Delhi witnessed a decline in the air pollution level and the 24-hour average AQI was 324. According to the IMD forecast, the pollution level is likely to improve further in the coming time due to the change in the weather. Under GRAP-3, non-essential construction work has been banned in the private sector. Apart from this, it is necessary to run classes up to class V in a hybrid manner.

    How will the weather be over the weekend?

    IMD has issued an alert regarding the weather pattern during the weekend. Meteorologists say that there may be rain in Delhi and surrounding areas on Saturday and Sunday as well. On the other hand, snowfall continues in the mountains of Himachal and Kashmir. Due to the activation of another western disturbance, there is a possibility of heavy rain and hail in 10 states including Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana. This will further increase the cold. There is a possibility of a decrease in the maximum and minimum temperatures.

    Related Articles:-


    – Advertisement –

  • Celebrate the New Year with The Fern Hotels & Resorts

     Fern Hotels & Resorts

    Mumbai, December 27, 2024: The Fern Hotels & Resorts, India’s leading environmentally sensitive hotel chain, invites guests to welcome 2025 with a celebration of togetherness, joy, and unforgettable experiences. With properties spread across India, The Fern Hotels & Resorts offers an ideal destination for every traveller to mark the beginning of the New Year in style—be it amidst serene mountains, tranquil beaches, coastal retreats, or the rich heritage of the country.

    The thoughtfully curated New Year packages go beyond offering opulent accommodations. Guests can indulge in unique experiences tailored to their preferences, from cultural immersions and lively celebrations to serene getaways. The packages include engaging activities such as bonfire nights, live performances, themed dinners, and adventure sports, ensuring a vibrant and memorable start to the year. For those seeking relaxation, wellness offerings, including rejuvenating spa treatments and yoga sessions, provide the perfect balance of tranquillity and renewal.

    Culinary excellence is at the heart of these celebrations. Specially crafted menus featuring gourmet delights, lavish buffet spreads and festive drinks promise a dining experience that complements the festive spirit. Whether guests prefer indulgent feasts or lighter, healthier options, the culinary offerings cater to every palate.

    The Fern Hotels & Resorts is committed to creating moments that matter. Whether celebrating with family, friends, or embarking on a solo retreat, the New Year events promise to leave lasting impressions. Every detail is meticulously managed to ensure guests can focus on creating cherished memories with loved ones. Celebrate the magic of the season and step into 2025 with joy, hope and endless possibilities.

    List of participating properties:

    North & Central India
    The Fern Residency, Ajmer
    The Fern Hillside Resort, Bhimtal (Nainital)
    SKK The Fern, Jaisalmer
    The Fern Residency, Jodhpur
    The Fern Brentwood Resort, Mussoorie
    The Fern Residency, Udaipur

     

    Goa
    The Fern Kesarval Hotel & Spa, Verna Goa
    The Fern Habitat, Candolim
    South India
    The Fern Residency, Vijayapura

     

    West India
    The Fern Royal Farm Resort, Anjar (Kutch)
    The Fern Residency, Bhuj
    The Fern Wisteria Resort, Dhari
    The Fern Sattva Resort, Dwarka
    The Fern Sardar Sarovar Resort, Ekta Nagar
    Rakabi The Fern, Igatpuri
    Bhanu The Fern Forest Resort & Spa, Jambughoda
    The Fern Sattva Resort, Little Rann of Kutch
    Meluha The Fern, Powai, Mumbai
    The Fern Shelter Resort, Palghar
    The Fern Sattva Resort, Polo Forest
    The Fern Residency, Somnath

     


    Rekha Nair

  • Distributed Systems and Real-Time Processing Shape Future of Software Development

    Software Development

    In today’s world, the technological landscape is experiencing unprecedented transformation through innovative approaches to software development and data processing. A comprehensive new research study has emerged from Mohammed Naseer Khan, a technology researcher from the USA, that explores the revolutionary impact of distributed applications and real-time data processing on modern software systems

    The Digital Revolution Accelerates

    The landscape of software development is experiencing a dramatic shift as distributed systems and real-time processing capabilities evolve. Market projections indicate substantial growth, with the distributed systems market expected to reach $10.7 billion by 2025, growing at 16.4% annually. This surge reflects the increasing demand for high-performance computing solutions across industries.

    Breaking Down Traditional Barriers

    Modern software architecture is moving away from monolithic systems toward more flexible, distributed approaches. The adoption of microservices has reached a remarkable 77% among organizations, with 92% reporting successful implementations. This architectural transformation enables businesses to build more scalable and resilient applications while improving development efficiency.

    Real-Time Processing Emerges as Game-Changer

    The real-time analytics market is witnessing explosive growth, projected to reach $39.3 billion by 2025. This surge is driven by the need for instant data processing and decision-making capabilities. Organizations are increasingly leveraging these technologies to gain competitive advantages and deliver enhanced user experiences.

    Innovation Drives Healthcare Transformation

    The healthcare sector is witnessing remarkable advancements through distributed systems and real-time processing. Modern medical facilities can now process and analyze patient data instantaneously, leading to improved care outcomes. Real-time health monitoring systems have demonstrated the ability to reduce hospital readmission rates by up to 38% for patients with chronic conditions.

    Financial Services Evolution

    The financial sector is experiencing a technological renaissance with real-time processing capabilities. Modern trading systems can execute transactions in microseconds, while advanced fraud detection systems analyze patterns instantaneously. These innovations have enabled financial institutions to reduce credit default rates by up to 25% through real-time risk assessment models.

    Smart Cities and Sustainable Future

    The convergence of distributed systems and IoT technology is transforming urban management, with smart city initiatives achieving 30% energy savings in lighting systems. As IoT devices surge toward 75 billion by 2025, generating massive data volumes, cities stand poised for unprecedented technological advancement.

    Retail Revolution in Motion

    E-commerce platforms are leveraging distributed systems to handle massive transaction volumes during peak sales events. Real-time recommendation engines have demonstrated the ability to increase conversion rates by up to 320%, while advanced inventory management systems ensure optimal stock levels through instantaneous data processing.

    The Road Ahead

    The convergence of distributed systems and real-time processing is paving the way for unprecedented innovations. Edge computing is emerging as a crucial technology, with the market expected to reach $43.4 billion by 2027. The advent of 5G networks promises to reduce latency to as low as 1 millisecond, compared to 20-30 milliseconds for 4G networks, enabling even more sophisticated applications.

    Future-Ready Architecture

    The software development landscape is evolving toward more sophisticated distributed architectures. Service mesh implementation, AI-driven optimization, and event-driven architectures are becoming standard practices. These advancements are enabling organizations to build more resilient and scalable systems while maintaining high performance and reliability.

    In conclusion, the technological landscape’s transformation is creating remarkable opportunities across sectors. Healthcare diagnostics, financial trading, smart cities, and retail solutions are being revolutionized by the combination of distributed systems and real-time processing. The integration of AI and machine learning with core technologies is driving extraordinary innovations. Mohammed Naseer Khan‘s research shows these advancements are actively transforming business operations and customer experiences, not just theoretical concepts. His findings indicate a future where intelligent software systems will deliver unprecedented efficiency, fundamentally changing business operations and consumer-technology interactions.

  • Threat landscape report 2024: actionable insights from CloudSEK to combat evolving cyber threats – CRN

    Threat landscape report 2024: actionable insights from CloudSEK to combat evolving cyber threats – CRN

    CloudSEK,has unveiled its 2024 Threat Landscape Analysis, offering eye-opening insights into the escalating cyber threat ecosystem. This comprehensive report brings to light the scale, sophistication, and implications of cybercriminal activity in 2024, revealing the vulnerabilities and industries most at risk while providing actionable solutions to bolster defenses.

    From underground forums to ransomware extortion, the report serves as an indispensable guide for organisations, policymakers, media, and cybersecurity professionals navigating today’s volatile threat environment.

    Unveiling the Dark Web: Threat Actor Activity and Trends
    The dark web remains a thriving marketplace for stolen data, illicit services, and digital espionage. In 2024 alone:
    45 Highly Active Threat Actors Identified: Out of hundreds of threat actors, 45 cybercriminals collectively traded over 534,833 GB (534TB) of stolen data, targeting businesses and individuals worldwide.
    Key Forums in Focus: Platforms like BreachForums, Leakbase, and XSS dominated as hubs for data trading and illegal activities. BreachForums saw a sharp resurgence after a temporary FBI seizure in May, resulting in heightened activity through the latter half of the year.
    Data in Demand: Threat actors sold personal identifiable information (PII), credentials, customer data, medical records, and even government files, amplifying risks for organisations and individuals alike.

    “Cybercrime is evolving rapidly, with underground forums not only facilitating illegal trade but also enabling collaboration among threat actors. This makes monitoring these spaces critical to understanding and countering emerging threats,” said CloudSEK’s research team.

    Industries and Regions Under Attack
    No industry or geography was immune to cyber threats in 2024:
    Most Targeted Sectors: Retail, IT & Technology, and Communications were hit hardest. Retail alone accounted for over 230 victims, underscoring the value of customer data like payment card information.
    Geographic Hotspots:
    United States: The most targeted country, with 140 attacks, due to its economic dominance and digital infrastructure.
    India: Rapid digitisation exposed 95 entities, making it the second most attacked nation.
    Israel: Geopolitical tensions drove 57 attacks, targeting critical infrastructure and high-value assets.
    These findings highlight the global reach and strategic motivations of cybercriminals, ranging from financial gain to political disruption.

    Ransomware: A Relentless Threat
    Ransomware attacks escalated in both scale and complexity this year:
    Top Industries Affected: Manufacturing (16.3%), Healthcare (10.8%), and Real Estate (12.1%) were disproportionately targeted, disrupting critical operations.
    Ransom Demands Soar: Average demands peaked at over $2 million in late 2024, with ransom groups such as LockBit 3.0 and RansomHub leading these attacks.
    Data Exfiltration Trends: Over 994TB of data was stolen, further emphasising the pivot toward double and triple extortion tactics.

    “Ransomware is no longer just about locking systems; it’s about weaponising stolen data. This shift has devastating consequences for businesses and individuals,” explained CloudSEK’s research team.

    Exploited Vulnerabilities: A Weak Link in the Chain
    The speed at which threat actors exploited newly disclosed vulnerabilities was alarming:
    Critical Exploits:
    CVE-2024-4577 (PHP CGI Command Injection): Weaponised within weeks, impacting enterprise-grade systems.
    CVE-2024-24919 (Check Point Information Disclosure): Exploited widely to target government and enterprise networks.
    Zero-Days on the Rise: High-profile vulnerabilities like CVE-2024-3400 (PAN-OS Command Injection) and CVE-2024-23897 (Jenkins CLI Path Traversal) showcased the growing sophistication of attackers.
    Vendors in Focus: Linux, Microsoft, and Fortinet recorded the highest number of exploited flaws, reflecting their ubiquity in critical infrastructure.

    Organisations are urged to prioritise timely patching and robust vulnerability management to mitigate these risks.

    CloudSEK’s Recommendations for Building Resilience
    In the face of these evolving threats, CloudSEK emphasises a proactive, multi-layered approach to cybersecurity:
    Timely Patch Management: Address known vulnerabilities to close gaps before exploitation.
    Continuous Threat Monitoring: Leverage AI-driven tools to detect and respond to threats in real-time.
    Strengthened Access Controls: Implement MFA, privileged access management, and network segmentation.
    Incident Response Planning: Develop and simulate response plans to reduce downtime during an attack.
    Awareness and Collaboration: Foster cybersecurity awareness across teams and collaborate with public-private networks to share intelligence.

  • South Korean Parliament votes to impeach acting President Han Duck-soo

    South Korean Parliament votes to impeach acting President Han Duck-soo
    South Korean Parliament votes to impeach acting President Han Duck-soo Photo Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons

    Less than two weeks after the South Korean Parliament stripped President Yoon Suk Yeol of his power over his short-lived martial law, the country’s lawmakers on Friday voted to impeach prime minister and acting president Han Duck-soo, plunging the nation into a political crisis.

    A motion to impeach Han passed unanimously in a 192-0 vote, marking the first time an acting president was impeached by parliament, reported South Korean Yonhap news agency.

    According to CNN, Han said in a statement that he respected the decision and “will suspend my duties under relevant laws to avoid further confusion and uncertainty”.

    According to reports, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok is now the acting President.

    It was assumed that Han Duck-soo would guide South Korea out of the political crisis after President Yoon Suk Yeol was impeached over his attempt to impose martial law, which lasted for a short time, on December 3, a step that drove the country towards chaos.

    Opposition leaders criticised Han Duck-soo and argued that he was refusing demands to complete Yoon’s impeachment process.

    At the time of voting on Friday, chaotic scenes prevailed in the Parliament.

    Lawmakers of the ruling People Power Party reportedly protested after the National Assembly speaker Woo Won-shik announced that only 151 votes would be needed to pass the impeachment bill.

    The ruling party members chanted ‘abuse of power’ and demanded the Speaker to step down.

    Most of them boycotted the vote.

    On December 3, Yoon surprised the country by declaring martial law, and cited the need to protect South Korea from “anti-state” forces as the reason behind his decision.

    He later reversed the order after 190 MPs voted it down.