Tag: technology

  • Chandrashekar Althati: Visionary Leader in Data Innovation and Healthcare Technology

    Chandrashekar Althati

    In today’s data-centric world, the line between innovation and technology is razor-thin, with data shaping strategic decisions across industries. Chandrashekar Althati stands out in this landscape, bringing over two decades of experience and a track record of impactful work in both data and healthcare technology. As a Data/Solutions Architect, Chandrashekar combines technical mastery with a visionary outlook, driving forward data solutions that genuinely improve lives. His career is a testament to how deep expertise and strategic insight can reshape industries and create lasting value.

    At the heart of Chandrashekar’s career is his groundbreaking patent, “Multivariate Transaction Classification” (US8965820B2), a sophisticated system that reimagines data classification through multivariate analysis. Unlike traditional models that view variables independently, Chandrashekar’s method analyzes variables in relation to each other. This method enhances the accuracy and depth of data insights, proving invaluable across sectors like healthcare, finance, and marketing, where it elevates capabilities in fraud detection, customer segmentation, and trend analysis.

    One of the most notable examples of this patent’s impact is in SAP Labs, where it is integrated into SAP Ariba, a premier global procurement solution. By automating anomaly detection, this technology has transformed fraud detection capabilities, protecting organizations from significant financial risks. In SAP’s Customer Relationship Management (CRM) platforms, the patent provides critical insights into customer behaviors, enabling personalized strategies that enhance client engagement and loyalty. In healthcare, SAP Health leverages this innovation to improve billing accuracy, regulatory compliance, and fraud prevention, allowing healthcare providers to allocate more resources toward quality care.

    Beyond his work with patents, Chandrashekar’s technical expertise has positioned him as a key influencer in healthcare technology. As a Data/Solutions Architect, he plays an instrumental role in creating data strategies that empower healthcare providers to leverage data in making informed, effective decisions. Chandrashekar’s innovations in data workflows and patient management support a responsive, data-driven approach to healthcare. His contributions here are not only timely but also anticipate future demands, reinforcing his impact on healthcare technology.

    Chandrashekar’s influence extends beyond his technical contributions; he is equally committed to fostering a culture of innovation. Known for his inclusive leadership style and encourages cross-functional collaboration. By inspiring professionals to think creatively and develop strategic insights, he ensures that his contributions have a multiplier effect, enriching the industry’s talent pool. Many of his mentees have gone on to lead impactful projects, embodying the principles he has instilled in them—adaptability, curiosity, and resilience.

    Through his mentorship, Chandrashekar has shown that guiding the next generation involves more than sharing technical knowledge; it’s about nurturing a mindset capable of navigating the complexities of a tech-driven world. His commitment to empowering others has set a high standard for leadership in the field, making him a respected figure among peers and newcomers alike.

    A hallmark of Chandrashekar’s work is his ability to anticipate and align with industry trends. His strategic foresight, particularly in areas like data security and predictive analytics, ensures that his initiatives remain relevant and impactful. He designs data ecosystems that are both robust and adaptable, ready to face emerging challenges while providing consistent value. This approach underscores his belief in sustainable innovation—a philosophy that shapes all his projects. By creating adaptable frameworks, he ensures that the data solutions are future-proof, capable of handling new demands without compromising quality.

    What truly sets Chandrashekar apart is his dedication to using technology for societal good. In an industry often driven by profitability, his focus remains on meaningful, sustainable progress. His patented innovations, technical acumen, and commitment to mentoring reflect a vision of technology as a force for positive change. Chandrashekar exemplifies a future where data-driven solutions not only advance business objectives but also address pressing societal challenges, setting a powerful example for others in the industry.

    As Chandrashekar Althati continues to influence data solutions and healthcare technology. His journey is one of relentless pursuit of excellence, reshaping industries while elevating those around him. Through his work, Chandrashekar demonstrates that data, when leveraged with integrity and foresight, is among the most valuable tools for driving progress. His legacy will undoubtedly inspire the next generation of innovators, proving that the true measure of technology lies in its potential to make a lasting, positive impact.

  • LTIMindtree launches AI-driven cyber defense resiliency center to help clients build resilient enterprises – CRN

    LTIMindtree launches AI-driven cyber defense resiliency center to help clients build resilient enterprises – CRN

    LTIMindtree, has announced the launch of its Cyber Defense Resiliency Center (CDRC) in Bengaluru, India. With this launch, LTIMindtree will offer its global clients support and protection capabilities for the cyber threat lifecycle, using artificial intelligence (AI), specifically generative AI (GenAI), and help build resilient enterprises.

    According to a cybersecurity briefer report by USAID, cybercrime is expected to grow over the coming years globally, with projections as high as $23.84 trillion by 2027. Moreover, India experienced nearly 600 cases of cyberattacks in the first half of 2024, with the education, government and technology sectors emerging as primary targets. Clearly, there is a need to embrace cybersecurity measures to protect precious resources.

    In line with LTIMindtree’s focus on AI in Everything, Everything for AI and AI for Everyone. CDRC will follow an AI-driven customer-centric approach to creating cybersecurity solutions that help the clients build resilient enterprises. It is designed to be a cyber defense hub for global clients and will use AI to automate and improve security operations to manage threat detection, incident response and resource allocation. It will offer platform-based enterprise cybersecurity solutions that are proactive, prescriptive and cognitively autonomous. The CDRC will provide predictive analytics and predict possible dangers, leveraging natural language processing and interpreting data from various sources to identify threats. This in turn will help clients reduce risks, improve efficiency and focus on their core business.

    “At LTIMindtree, AI and cybersecurity are at the center of everything we do, and we are excited to launch this AI-driven CDRC for our global clients. This CDRC can help our clients respond to security incidents in real time, minimising the impact of cyberattacks. They can also free up human analysts to focus on more complex tasks,” said, Nachiket Deshpande, Whole-Time Director and COO, LTIMindtree. “With increasing security risks, we consistently upgrade our cybersecurity capabilities to safeguard client and partner data. With this CDRC, we will continue our focus on security while also enhancing the skills and experience of our employees,” he added.

    The CDRC will operate around the clock, offering cyber threat intelligence and incident response services to LTIMindtree’s clients across the globe. It will act as a Center of Excellence (COE) for the company’s global network of cybersecurity specialists focused on cyber operations, supporting security events and operational management. The 100-seater, state-of-the-art facility also serves as an experience center, showcasing LTIMindtree’s data security capabilities for clients.

    As a security transformation partner, LTIMindtree has helped clients in more than 30 countries build custom security roadmaps that align with their digital transformation goals.

  • Young kids, professionals from 65 countries participate in global AI competition in Russia

    Young kids, professionals from 65 countries participate in global AI competition in Russia

    Young kids, professionals from 65 countries participate in global AI competition in RussiaIANS

    Young children and professionals from 65 countries, including India, have taken part in AIChallenge, an international AI competition for children organised by Sberbank and AI Alliance Russia.

    India became second in the number of registered participants at the AI Challenge. Participants from other BRICS countries include Ethiopia, Egypt, and South Africa.

    The children worked on technological business cases in 16 areas, spanning metallurgy, agriculture, investment, creative industries, and many more.

    The participants competed in three categories of varying complexity. Everyone, regardless of their level of knowledge and skill in the field, was able to prove themselves by working on business challenges using AI solutions.

    The AI Challenge winners were from Russia, Kazakhstan, and Canada. The youngest AI Challenge winner, Oleg Zamkov from Moscow, is 10 years old.

    “The AI Challenge contest is designed to help kids improve their AI skills and make their first contribution to the development of technology for the benefit of humanity. In partnership with AI Alliance Russia and leading Russian universities, we are creating new opportunities to train world-class, talented young professionals in Russia,” AlexanderVedyakhin, first deputy chairman of the Executive Board, Sberbank:

    Artificial intelligence (AI)

    Youngest AI Challenge winner, Oleg Zamkov from Moscow, is 10 years old.IAN

    The winners of the Al Challenge noted that it was fun and challenging to work on technological business cases. With AI Challenge, boys and girls have become more confident in their abilities, fostered their AI and teamwork skills, and are now ready for even more challenging competitions.

    “I am a technology enthusiast, and I was fascinated by the contest’s themes. I enjoyed competing with other kids. I learned how AI works, and I was able to put that knowledge into practice while doing the contest tasks,” said Oleg Zamkov, a contestant who came second in the Beginners track.

    “It was challenging but fun. The competition helped me improve my skills in at-work interactions and team organisation along with AI and programming skills. I think that, in the future, AI will become a very useful tool in all areas of our lives. AI is already being implemented in many processes around the world, and it is important to understand how and what exactly is happening,” added another contestant IvanFenster, Team 42, Researchers track.

    About 18 teams from the Researchers track and 26 participants from the Beginners and Creators individual tracks were judged as the best and shared the 17 mn roubles as prize money.

    The winners of the Researchers track, in addition to the cash prize, will have the opportunity to undergo a unique educational programme by AI Alliance Russia and Central University.

    AI Challenge winners will also receive several benefits, including scholarships from leading Russian universities that are academic partners of the competition: Innopolis University, Central University, and ITMO University.

    (With inputs from IANS)

  • GlobalLogic and Nokia Join Forces to Accelerate Innovation in 5G Enterprise Solutions through Advanced Network API Use Cases The agreement further expands the API ecosystem that Nokia is building with operators, systems integrators, software developers, and hyperscalers to harness network capabilities and monetize network assets. GlobalLogic will leverage Nokia’s Network as Code platform to build new applications for enterprises like automotive, industrial, and finance verticals. New Delhi, India – December 16, 2024 – GlobalLogic Inc., a Hitachi Group Company and a leader in digital engineering, today announced that it is partnering with Nokia to accelerate the adoption of advanced 5G and 4G enterprise solutions. Through Nokia’s Network as Code platform and developer portal, GlobalLogic will drive innovation across key enterprise verticals, with an initial focus on the automotive, industrial and financial sectors, creating transformative use cases that deliver measurable business value. By leveraging Nokia’s Network as Code platform, GlobalLogic’s team of software developers can seamlessly tap into advanced network capabilities, enabling the creation of new, network-aware applications that function across diverse network architectures. This platform empowers developers with Software Development Kits (SDKs) and comprehensive Network API documentation, providing the technical tools needed to innovate quickly and efficiently. GlobalLogic will focus initially on use cases designed to enhance operational efficiency, fraud management, customer experience and unlock new revenue streams. Leveraging 5G-powered Network APIs, industrial and automotive companies can transform worker safety, operational efficiency, and help achieve sustainability targets. Connected devices, such as smart helmets and wearables, can utilize network functions to track real-time worker locations and integrate IoT data, including health metrics and environmental factors like gas levels or temperature, triggering real-time alerts to prevent safety hazards. AI enabled predictive maintenance and digital twins ensure safe, efficient operations by identifying faults early, while XR/VR solutions enable remote plant maintenance and immersive training, reducing travel and emissions. In the financial industry, integrating API-driven network insights, device authentication and AI empowers real-time fraud prevention, secures financial transactions, and delivers personalized value-added services, elevating customer trust and experience. “The Network as Code platform fosters a unified ecosystem by bringing together telco networks, systems integrators, and developers worldwide,” said Ashay Punekar, Vice President Communications & Network Providers Business Unit at GlobalLogic. “Through this partnership, we are positioned to not only accelerate 5G innovation, but also redefine the way enterprises interact with and benefit from network technologies, helping communication service providers to monetize their 5G investments”, added Sameer Tikoo, Group Vice President & General Manager, Communications & Network Providers Business Unit at GlobalLogic. “With our Network as Code platform, GlobalLogic will benefit from having choice, flexibility, and extreme automation to fit its business model and create new value in connecting to ecosystems of applications and services. Leveraging its digital engineering expertise, GlobalLogic is well-positioned to harness this innovation for seamless integration and enhanced connectivity. As a B2B technology innovation leader, Nokia is driving the next evolution of networking to enable people, machines, and devices to interact in real-time like never before”, said Shkumbin Hamiti, Head of Network Monetization Platform, Cloud and Network Services at Nokia. – CRN

    GlobalLogic and Nokia Join Forces to Accelerate Innovation in 5G Enterprise Solutions through Advanced Network API Use Cases The agreement further expands the API ecosystem that Nokia is building with operators, systems integrators, software developers, and hyperscalers to harness network capabilities and monetize network assets. GlobalLogic will leverage Nokia’s Network as Code platform to build new applications for enterprises like automotive, industrial, and finance verticals. New Delhi, India – December 16, 2024 – GlobalLogic Inc., a Hitachi Group Company and a leader in digital engineering, today announced that it is partnering with Nokia to accelerate the adoption of advanced 5G and 4G enterprise solutions. Through Nokia’s Network as Code platform and developer portal, GlobalLogic will drive innovation across key enterprise verticals, with an initial focus on the automotive, industrial and financial sectors, creating transformative use cases that deliver measurable business value. By leveraging Nokia’s Network as Code platform, GlobalLogic’s team of software developers can seamlessly tap into advanced network capabilities, enabling the creation of new, network-aware applications that function across diverse network architectures. This platform empowers developers with Software Development Kits (SDKs) and comprehensive Network API documentation, providing the technical tools needed to innovate quickly and efficiently. GlobalLogic will focus initially on use cases designed to enhance operational efficiency, fraud management, customer experience and unlock new revenue streams. Leveraging 5G-powered Network APIs, industrial and automotive companies can transform worker safety, operational efficiency, and help achieve sustainability targets. Connected devices, such as smart helmets and wearables, can utilize network functions to track real-time worker locations and integrate IoT data, including health metrics and environmental factors like gas levels or temperature, triggering real-time alerts to prevent safety hazards. AI enabled predictive maintenance and digital twins ensure safe, efficient operations by identifying faults early, while XR/VR solutions enable remote plant maintenance and immersive training, reducing travel and emissions. In the financial industry, integrating API-driven network insights, device authentication and AI empowers real-time fraud prevention, secures financial transactions, and delivers personalized value-added services, elevating customer trust and experience. “The Network as Code platform fosters a unified ecosystem by bringing together telco networks, systems integrators, and developers worldwide,” said Ashay Punekar, Vice President Communications & Network Providers Business Unit at GlobalLogic. “Through this partnership, we are positioned to not only accelerate 5G innovation, but also redefine the way enterprises interact with and benefit from network technologies, helping communication service providers to monetize their 5G investments”, added Sameer Tikoo, Group Vice President & General Manager, Communications & Network Providers Business Unit at GlobalLogic. “With our Network as Code platform, GlobalLogic will benefit from having choice, flexibility, and extreme automation to fit its business model and create new value in connecting to ecosystems of applications and services. Leveraging its digital engineering expertise, GlobalLogic is well-positioned to harness this innovation for seamless integration and enhanced connectivity. As a B2B technology innovation leader, Nokia is driving the next evolution of networking to enable people, machines, and devices to interact in real-time like never before”, said Shkumbin Hamiti, Head of Network Monetization Platform, Cloud and Network Services at Nokia. – CRN

    GlobalLogic Inc., announced that it is partnering with Nokia to accelerate the adoption of advanced 5G and 4G enterprise solutions. Through Nokia’s Network as Code platform and developer portal, GlobalLogic will drive innovation across key enterprise verticals, with an initial focus on the automotive, industrial and financial sectors, creating transformative use cases that deliver measurable business value.

    By leveraging Nokia’s Network as Code platform, GlobalLogic’s team of software developers can seamlessly tap into advanced network capabilities, enabling the creation of new, network-aware applications that function across diverse network architectures. This platform empowers developers with Software Development Kits (SDKs) and comprehensive Network API documentation, providing the technical tools needed to innovate quickly and efficiently.

    GlobalLogic will focus initially on use cases designed to enhance operational efficiency, fraud management, customer experience and unlock new revenue streams. Leveraging 5G-powered Network APIs, industrial and automotive companies can transform worker safety, operational efficiency, and help achieve sustainability targets. Connected devices, such as smart helmets and wearables, can utilise network functions to track real-time worker locations and integrate IoT data, including health metrics and environmental factors like gas levels or temperature, triggering real-time alerts to prevent safety hazards. AI enabled predictive maintenance and digital twins ensure safe, efficient operations by identifying faults early, while XR/VR solutions enable remote plant maintenance and immersive training, reducing travel and emissions. In the financial industry, integrating API-driven network insights, device authentication and AI empowers real-time fraud prevention, secures financial transactions, and delivers personalised value-added services, elevating customer trust and experience.

    “The Network as Code platform fosters a unified ecosystem by bringing together telco networks, systems integrators, and developers worldwide,” said Ashay Punekar, Vice President Communications & Network Providers Business Unit at GlobalLogic. “Through this partnership, we are positioned to not only accelerate 5G innovation, but also redefine the way enterprises interact with and benefit from network technologies, helping communication service providers to monetise their 5G investments”, added Sameer Tikoo, Group Vice President & General Manager, Communications & Network Providers Business Unit at GlobalLogic.

    “With our Network as Code platform, GlobalLogic will benefit from having choice, flexibility, and extreme automation to fit its business model and create new value in connecting to ecosystems of applications and services. Leveraging its digital engineering expertise, GlobalLogic is well-positioned to harness this innovation for seamless integration and enhanced connectivity. As a B2B technology innovation leader, Nokia is driving the next evolution of networking to enable people, machines, and devices to interact in real-time like never before”, said Shkumbin Hamiti, Head of Network Monetisation Platform, Cloud and Network Services at Nokia.

  • Hackers target YouTube creators, send fake brand collaboration offers with malware

    Cyber Crime

    Hackers target YouTube creators, send fake brand collaboration offers with malwarePixabay

    In an alarming trend, cybercriminals are now increasingly targeting popular YouTube creators by exploiting fake brand collaboration offers to distribute malware, a report showed on Monday.

    The malware, disguised as legitimate documents like contracts or promotional materials, is often delivered through password-protected files hosted on platforms such as OneDrive to evade detection, claimed CloudSEK, a cybersecurity firm.

    “Once downloaded, the malware can steal sensitive information, including login credentials and financial data, while also granting attackers remote access to the victim’s systems,” said security research Mayank Sahariya.

    At the end of the email, the threat actor includes instructions and a OneDrive link to access a zip file containing the agreement and promotional materials, secured with the password. When the YouTube victim clicked the URL in the email, they were directed to a Drive page.

    The adversary leverages malware and sophisticated techniques for targeted attacks. Their actions suggest a well-organised group with access to diverse tools and resources.

    Key characteristics of the campaign include email payload where the malware is hidden within attachments such as Word documents, PDFs, or Excel files, often masquerading as promotional materials, contracts or business proposals.

    Cyber Crime

    Fhishing emails are sent from spoofed or compromised email addresses, making them seem credibleIANS

    The phishing emails are sent from spoofed or compromised email addresses, making them seem credible. Recipients are lured into downloading the attached files, believing they are legitimate business offers.

    Once the attachment is opened, the malware installs itself on the victim’s system. This malware is typically designed to steal sensitive data, including login credentials, financial information, and intellectual property, or to provide remote access to the attacker.

    Businesses and individuals in marketing, sales, and executive positions are the primary targets, given their propensity to engage in brand promotions and partnerships.

    “With content creators and marketers as primary targets, this global campaign underscores the importance of verifying collaboration requests and adopting robust cybersecurity measures to protect against such threats,” Sahariya added.

    (With inputs from IANS)

  • Delta IT Network Commissions Computer Lab at SS Jain Subodh Girls PG College, Jaipur – CRN

    Delta IT Network Commissions Computer Lab at SS Jain Subodh Girls PG College, Jaipur – CRN

    Delta IT Network (Delta ITN), has inaugurated a cutting-edge computer lab at SS Jain Subodh Girls PG College, Jaipur.

    As part of its CSR initiative, the company has installed 120 Dell desktops, to empower women’s education and foster digital literacy. “We have supplied 120 desktops for the college’s computer lab for girls’ education—a social sector cause close to our heart,” said Mr. Sunil Yadav, AVP Sales, Delta IT Network, during the announcement. “As a goodwill gesture, we provided the desktops at special discounted prices to this trust-run institution that specialises in education for women and children.”

    SS Jain Subodh Girls PG College, Ram Bagh Circle, Jaipur, is part of Subodh Shiksha Samiti’s extensive network of educational institutions. Founded in 2004 with the motto “If you can dream it, you can do it,” the college has grown from 126 students to approximately 3,000 students today.

    It offers premier graduate and post-graduate programs in Science, Commerce, Arts, and professional courses in Computer Applications and Business Administration, with a strong focus on AI.

    Delta’s proven expertise in the education sector was instrumental in the institution’s decision to choose them. Delta looks forward to building a strong and lasting relationship in the future.

    Discussing Delta ITN’s future plans, Yadav added, “We have started a meaningful relationship with the college and envision larger collaborations in the next fiscal year.
    While the institution is supported by the Jain community, our focus remains on leveraging technology to enhance their educational offerings.”

    The initiative was enabled through leading technology provider Dell. Mr. Anith Kumar, Strategic Account Manager, Dell Technologies, remarked, “We provided our compute products at special prices to support an institution dedicated to women empowerment.”

    Mr. Sanjiv Krishen, CMD, Iris Global Services, stated, “We are proud to assist Delta IT Network with logistics and financial support for this meaningful project. Projects like the AI Lab for Galgotias and EMS production line expansion for Syrma SGS demonstrate our commitment to fostering impactful solutions. Supporting Subodh College is another step in this direction.”

    Delta ITN’s efforts in the education sector reflect its dedication to empowering the next generation through advanced technology. The company recently delivered AI-driven assets worth ₹12 crore to institutions like Galgotias University and secured an additional ₹5 crore order for new machines, with plans for further upgrades.

    Mr. Deepanshu Chauhan, CEO, Delta IT Network, highlighted, “Our partnerships with industry leaders like Dell and HP are driving significant progress in education technology. We are now focused on achieving a ₹60 crore footprint in the EduTech vertical by FY 2024-25.”

    With over four decades of experience, Delta IT Network is a trusted provider of solutions across sectors like Pharma, Automobile, and Education. Recognised under the Make in India initiative, the company’s “DeltaView” EduTech innovation exemplifies its commitment to advancing technology for societal benefit.

  • Blazeclan Technologies recognised as a major player in the IDC MarketScape – CRN

    Blazeclan Technologies recognised as a major player in the IDC MarketScape – CRN

    According to IDC analysis and buyer perception, Blazeclan is positioned in the Major Players Category in the 2024–2025 IDC MarketScape: Asia/Pacific Managed Cloud Services 2024-2025 Vendor Assessment (doc # AP51571124, November 2024). 

    This study presents a vendor analysis and assessment of the 2024–2025 Asia/Pacific managed cloud services (MCS) market through the IDC MarketScape model. MCS is a qualified subset of IT managed services that fall under the existing foundation markets outlined in IDC’s Worldwide Managed Cloud Services Taxonomy, 2024 (IDC #US50637124). The market includes application management (AM), hosted application management (HAM), hosting infrastructure services (HIS), IT outsourcing (ITO), and network and endpoint outsourcing services (NEOS), executed as part of managing an enterprise’s IT operations within the context of its public, private, or hybrid cloud usage. 

    “We are honoured to be recognised as a Major Player in the IDC MarketScape: Asia/Pacific Managed Cloud Services 2024–2025 Vendor Assessment. We believe this acknowledgment reflects our unwavering commitment to delivering innovative, customer-centric cloud solutions and empowering businesses across the region to accelerate their digital transformation journeys. At Blazeclan Technologies, we remain dedicated to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in managed cloud services, ensuring our clients achieve resilience, scalability, and success in the ever-evolving digital landscape.” said Varoon Rajani, CEO, Blazeclan Technologies, an ITC Infotech Brand.

    Since its inception in 2011, Blazeclan’s cloud service partnerships have expanded across major hyperscalers to include AWS, Microsoft, and Google, with Oracle Cloud recently added to its service offerings. Blazeclan has expertise across all aspects of cloud services – from consulting to migration, modernisation, and management of multicloud environments.

    Blazeclan’s service offerings include consulting, engineering, modernisation, and managed and security services across cloud infrastructure, applications, data, and security. It excels in multicloud orchestration, primarily between AWS and Azure, providing 24 x 7 operational support through proprietary tools & frameworks such as Cloudlytics, Blaze Pulse, SpendEffix, cAssure, and cSecure.

    In April 2024, ITC Infotech announced its acquisition of Blazeclan, which was finalized in October 2024. This strategic move enhanced its cloud capabilities and broadened its market presence.

  • Reasons you should update your iPhone to iOS 18.2, stat [Review]

    iOS 18.2

    iOS 18.2Apple

    Apple has finally rolled out its second major update, iOS 18.2, to all eligible iPhones, giving an edge to owners of the iPhone 16 series and iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max. Apple Intelligence is the headline feature of iOS 18.2, but there’s more to it than meets the eye.

    For those who’ve already updated to iOS 18.1, iOS 18.2 will be around 2.2 GB. But this is an important update, and those on iOS 17 have no choice but to update if they’re eligible for the latest update. This is to ensure they have the necessary fixes to the iPhone kernel and WebKit. Apple’s AI features aside, eligible iPhone users must update to iOS 18.2 right now. This is for all iPhones from the iPhone XS onwards, including the second and third-generation iPhone SE models.

    Important reasons to update

    Before we get to the cool stuff, let us shed some light on the crucial aspects of iOS 18.2, which may otherwise go unnoticed. There are a lot of security patches in this update, which, for instance, prevent a remote attacker’s attempt to cause app termination or execute code. It also fixes an issue that would allow apps to gain elevated privileges and WebKit issues that allow memory corruption in cases of interaction with malicious web content.

    Forbes recently pointed out that the Passwords app had been using the HTTP protocol to download icons for password entries since the iOS 18 update. But iOS 18.2 fixes that serious security flaw. These are good enough reasons for you to update to iOS 18.2, but that doesn’t have to be all. There are many cool features in iOS 18.2, which will impress you.

    The cool stuff

    With iOS 18.2, ChatGPT has been integrated with Siri for the first time, elevating Apple Intelligence hype. It’s worth noting that Apple Intelligence only works on six iPhones: iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max.

    iPhone 16 Pro review

    iPhone 16 ProIBT/Sami Khan

    With this update, users will see a new app icon called Image Playground. This is where the fun happens, and hop on to this trend early on. Social media apps will soon be buzzing with those images. The app lets you create fun, playful images in various styles using different concepts, descriptions, and people from the photo library. You can just swipe to see previews before adding concepts to your playground. You can also choose from animation and illustration styles and create images in Messages and Freeform, as well as third-party apps.

    Genmoji is another cool addition, which lets you create custom emoji simply by describing it in your own words.

    As mentioned above, ChatGPT integration means it can be used anywhere from Siri to Writing Tools. Users don’t even need to have a ChatGPT account and your requests will be anonymous and won’t be used to train OpenAI’s models. That’s a relief, right?

    Then there’s Image Wand, which turns sketches and handwritten or typed notes into images in Notes.

    Camera Control, though limited to the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max, can invoke Visual Intelligence to instantly learn about places or interact with information simply by pointing your iPhone at an object. Yes, ChatGPT is there too, so you can get better assistance or simply go with the good old Google Search. To use this, simply press and hold the Camera Control button, and a different UI than the regular camera will appear.

    The Photos app redesign was criticised in the iOS 18, which has now been resolved. Now, video viewing has been set to full screen, and there’s a setting to turn off auto-looping video playback

    Along with the ability to scrub frame-by-frame. Users can also clear their Recently Viewed and Recently Shared album history.

    iOS 18.2 also makes it easier to recover lost items. Users can generate a link, which can be shared with third parties such as airlines or authorities, to find your lost item. You can simply select “Share Item Location” in the “Find My” app to take advantage of this new feature. But the best part is that you can share this link with anyone, regardless of whether the recipient has an iPhone or not. It works on all devices. Cool right?

    Oh, having used Siri, Apple Intelligence features in Notes, Visual Intelligence, Call Recording, and all that, I must say, there’s been noticeable improvement. Third time’s the charm! and these AI features now work great than they did in iOS 18.

    That’s it for now. Now, go to your Settings > General > Software Update and upgrade to iOS 18.2, stat!

  • India ranks second globally in encrypted cyberattacks: Zscaler report – CRN

    India ranks second globally in encrypted cyberattacks: Zscaler report – CRN

    Zscaler, Inc. published its Zscaler ThreatLabz 2024 Encrypted Attacks Report, which explores the latest threats blocked by the Zscaler security cloud and provides critical insights into how encryption has become a conduit for more sophisticated threats, further compounded by the rise of artificial intelligence (AI). The findings suggest that India registered 5.2 billion, the second-highest number of encrypted attacks globally, preceded by the U.S. (11 billion) – surpassing countries like France (854 million), the UK (741 million), and Australia (672 million). 

    ThreatLabz found that over 87% of all threats were delivered over encrypted channels between October 2023 and September 2024—a 10% increase year-over-year. The report offers strategies and best practices to help organisations tackle these covert threats.

    “The rise in encrypted attacks is a real concern as a significant share of threats are now delivered over HTTPS,” said Deepen Desai, Chief Security Officer, Zscaler. “With threat actors focused on exploiting encrypted channels to deliver advanced threats and exfiltrate data, organisations must implement a zero-trust architecture with TLS/SSL inspection at scale. This approach helps to ensure that threats are detected and blocked effectively, while safeguarding data without compromising performance.”

    Encrypted malware continues to dominate

    Malware accounted for 86% of encrypted attacks, totaling 27.8 billion hits—a 19% year-over-year increase. Encrypted malware includes malicious web content, malware payloads, macro-based malware, etc. This growing prevalence of malware reflects a strategic shift by attackers adapting tactics to thrive within encrypted traffic, using encryption to conceal malicious payloads and content. 

    According to ThreatLabz researchers, the most active malware families globally were – AsyncRAT, Choziosi Loader/ChromeLoader, AMOS/Atomic Stealer, Ducktail, Agent Tesla and Koi Loader.

    The report highlights significant year-over-year increases in web-based attacks, including a 79.39% surge in cross-site scripting and a 172.81% increase in browser exploit attacks. Malware, phishing and ad spyware sites topped the list for India, with malwares accounting for nearly 97% of all encrypted threats observed. Interestingly, cryptomining/cryptojacking saw a slight decline of 8.67%, while phishing attacks decreased by 3.80%. These trends may reflect the evolving tactics of threat actors, potentially fueled by the growing use of generative AI technologies by threat actors.

    Most targeted industry verticals

    In India, manufacturing was the most-targeted industry, experiencing a dramatic 170.88% year-on-year increase in encrypted attacks. This surge is likely fueled by rapid advancements in Industry 4.0 and the integration of interconnected systems, which have expanded the attack surface. The technology & communication sector was the second-most targeted, accounting for 32.6% of the encrypted attacks. Other heavily impacted industries included finance & insurance and retail & wholesale, showcasing the diverse range of sectors under threat in India.

    “As India’s digital landscape expands, so does the threat landscape. The report highlighting 5.4 billion encrypted attacks serves as a stark reminder that cybercriminals are relentless”, said Suvabrata Sinha, CISO-in-Residence, India at Zscaler. “As we enter 2025, to protect our digital assets, we must adopt a Zero Trust approach, inspecting 100% of traffic to protect users and organisations from threats concealed within encrypted channels. We can build a more secure digital India by investing in robust security measures and empowering our workforce with cybersecurity awareness.”

    Stopping encrypted attacks with zero trust

    Understanding how zero trust disrupts encrypted threats requires looking at a typical attack sequence. Advanced attacks often unfold in four stages:

    1. First, attackers conduct reconnaissance to find a way into the targeted network.
    2. Next, they breach the network, often via exploits, brute-force attacks or stolen credentials.
    3. Once inside, they move laterally, escalate privileges and establish persistence.
    4. Finally, they carry out their objectives, typically conducting data exfiltration to extract valuable information that can be leveraged for further extortion or attacks.

    The Zscaler Zero Trust Exchange platform provides security controls at each stage to mitigate risk and stop encrypted threats.

    Organizations can bolster their ability to protect their devices, apps and data from encrypted attacks by following these recommendations:

    • Understand that any internet-facing service can be found and attacked or abused
    •  Inspect incoming encrypted traffic to detect and block threats
    • Use a zero-trust architecture to secure all connectivity holistically between users and applications, between devices like IoT and OT systems, between all locations and branch offices, between cloud workloads and more.
    • Implement microsegmentation to reduce access, even for authenticated users.
    • Leverage an AI-driven cloud sandbox to isolate and quarantine unknown attacks and stop patient-zero malware before it touches users.
    • Reduce the number of entry points into an environment.
    • Inspect outgoing northbound traffic along with incoming southbound traffic to disrupt C2 communications and protect sensitive data.
  • How self-service technology is reinventing customer service

    Today, self-service is woven into the fabric of daily life for consumers, be it at the supermarket, quick-service restaurant (QSR), bank, museum or sports arena. The reasons are many, but all start with enhancing the customer experience. Self-service kiosks allow consumers to avoid long checkout lines and speed up purchases. The technology also improves order accuracy and enables personalized services.

    For businesses, the benefits of self-service kiosks include flexibility of use, larger basket sizes, cost savings and improved efficiency. That makes self-service technology an increasingly important part of digital transformation and a way to meet the growing customer demand for convenience and personalization.

    As a result, self-service solutions like Samsung Kiosk can play a key role in driving business profitability to consumer satisfaction. Here’s how.

    Consumers prefer self-service experiences

    Consumers are used to self-service experiences now — and many prefer it. In fact, 84% of Americans like using self-service kiosks, and 66% would choose kiosks over a human-run checkout, according to a 2024 survey by PlayUSA. The reasons are revealing, too. Of the 1,001 people surveyed, 71% said self-service kiosks and mobile apps offer faster checkouts than human-run checkouts, and 60% use self-service kiosks and mobile apps, so they don’t have to talk to people.

    Self-service technology improves personalization, too, further aligning with consumer trends. For example, diners at QSRs can browse and order from a self-service kiosk at their own pace without the pressure of an employee waiting for their order. Self-service kiosks at restaurants and retail stores also allow customers to access their loyalty program, so they can view and redeem rewards and earn points directly through the kiosk interface. At hotels, a self-service kiosk can greet guests in their native language, check them in, and suggest hotel amenities, such as room service, fitness centers, and poolside cabanas.

    The treasure trove of data these self-service solutions harvest can strengthen this personalization even more by targeting promotions and adjusting operations according to individual consumer preferences — increasing the success of an upsell and return on investment.

    Who can benefit from a self-service kiosk?

    One of the chief features of Samsung Kiosk is its flexibility, which allows it to be used in various industries.

    Restaurant kiosk systems

    Kiosks can solve a variety of challenges for restaurants. Not only do they address the problem of waiting in line, but they can also increase profits. Kiosks never forget to upsell or promote new menu items and limited-time offers, which can boost basket sizes. They can also tie into the menu board, making it easy to daypart and update content on the fly.

    In arenas and sports complexes, guests can order and pay from a kiosk in the food court and then walk to the restaurant stall to pick up their food. And in a company cafeteria or break room, diners can scan their food items and be on their way.

    Hospitality self-check-in

    If you’ve ever tried to check in to a busy hotel or resort, you know it can take a while — even if you’re part of the loyalty program. Kiosks allow guests to check in with ease after a long flight or drive, often when it’s most appreciated.

    Just like in restaurants, there is a huge opportunity for upsells here. If given the opportunity to check in at their leisure, guests might add spa services, breakfast, activities or room upgrades. Kiosks can also assist guests with concierge-related queries such as nearby restaurants, activities and landmarks, boosting partnerships between hotels and local businesses.

    Retail kiosks

    Self-service technology can be a lifesaver for busy retail outlets. Not only does it allow shoppers to skip long lines in favor of quickly checking themselves out, but a kiosk ups the ante on omnichannel shopping and digital-out-of-home advertising. With kiosks, customers can locate products within the store, find product pricing, compare similar models and even order products to be delivered to their homes. If a size or model requested is unavailable, kiosks can help locate a nearby store that has the item in stock.

    How digitizing retail experiences boosts ROI

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    Kiosks can be especially useful at micro markets — unmanned retail spaces that offer grab-and-go food and convenience items. At these establishments, customers simply take what they need and pay at the kiosk. In more traditional retail settings, kiosks allow humans to do what they do best: interact with other people. Rather than replacing human workers, kiosks free up time for employees to greet shoppers, stock shelves or personally assist customers.

    EV charging stations

    As electric vehicles (EVs) become more common, EV charging stations are popping up at restaurants, retail centers, rest stops, hotels and supermarkets. Not only are they helpful for travelers, but they can also be a profit center for brands. Kiosks allow customers to fuel up quickly and easily, and the ad revenue pays for the hardware over time.

    An all-in-one self-service solution

    Samsung Kiosk is a sleek, intuitive and easy-to-install self-service solution that allows brands to get in on the self-service game immediately. The latest version by Samsung launched with Windows OS for ultimate flexibility, and it can work out of the box with many of the major point-of-sale providers. Its 24-inch touchscreen boasts a shatter-resistant film and an antimicrobial coating that helps inhibit bacterial growth, both of which keep customers — and the units — safe.

    Samsung Kiosks can be configured in standing, wall-mounted, and countertop layouts, making them well-suited to the majority of store configurations and layouts. They include a speaker, terminal, and printer and come programmed with credit card processing capabilities right out of the box, which saves on installation fees. Samsung Kiosks can also be managed remotely, allowing operators to troubleshoot and resolve issues from anywhere in the world.

    The modern customer experience

    Whether shopping in-store or online, today’s consumers want convenience, ease of use and personalization. Samsung Kiosk meets all these needs, while also addressing operational challenges and providing a modern consumer experience.

    Learn more about why self-service kiosks are a necessity for restaurants. Also, see how Samsung Kiosk raised the game for one Chicago restaurant.