Archive for September 12, 2024

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Ericsson unveils strategy for enterprise-driven 5G network adoption

Posted in Commentary with tags on September 12, 2024 by itnerd

Ericsson today announced its Enterprise 5G strategy that includes Private 5G and neutral host 5G solutions, designed to deliver business-critical connectivity across operational and public-facing enterprise environments. These innovative solutions enable both carpeted and industrial enterprises to advance innovation, safety, and operational efficiencies.

The Ericsson Enterprise 5G portfolio includes three solutions:

  • Ericsson Private 5G: A converged 4G/5G private cellular solution with industry and licensed spectrum support, offering flexible deployment models and best-in-class coverage, mobility, security, and latency.
  • Ericsson Private 5G Compact: A U.S. CBRS-based offering designed for enterprises that need robust connectivity in environments where Wi-Fi falls short, leveraging a simplified radio architecture (Previously branded as Cradlepoint NetCloud Private Networks).
  • Ericsson Enterprise 5G Coverage: A best-in-class neutral host solution, currently certified by all major U.S. carriers, that offers a simplified and scalable architecture compared to legacy DAS, resulting in attractive total cost of ownership for enterprises.

The Enterprise 5G portfolio leverages the broader Ericsson radio access network (RAN) portfolio, including the Radio Dot System for indoor deployments and small cell radios for outdoor. Acquisition costs are reduced through simplified subscription-based packaging with optional services and feature add-ons. Additionally, Ericsson has focused resources on pre- and post-sales support, including vertical expertise and training for channel partners which allows enterprise customers to focus on their business outcomes and innovation.

Customers can look forward to deploying and managing any solution in Ericsson’s Enterprise Wireless portfolio (Enterprise 5G, Wireless WAN, and SASE) under NetCloud Manager, a comprehensive cloud management and orchestration platform. Ericsson’s innovations remove the complexity that enterprise customers are challenged with when wanting to leverage the power of 5G:

  • Simplified deployments with seamless provisioning and configuration capabilities, unified policy management, and single-pane-of-glass visibility across the network.
  • Effortless enterprise 5G network operations, leveraging AIOps to turn visibility into actionable insights for enhancing performance. 
  • Streamlined lifecycle management making it easy to update, upgrade, and expand.
  • Innovative features driving business outcomes such as indoor 5G positioning to locate assets with high accuracy.

In a separate announcement, Ericsson also announced the new networked devices that complement private LTE, 5G, and coverage extension solutions for reliable connectivity where wired networking is unavailable or ineffective.

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Quorum Cyber Announces Strategic Acquisition of Difenda

Posted in Commentary with tags , on September 12, 2024 by itnerd

Quorum Cyber – with offices in Edinburgh, UK, and Tampa, Florida – today announced the acquisition of Difenda, a Canadian-based, full-stack Microsoft Security Managed Services company. The announcement underscores Quorum Cyber’s global momentum and strengthens its position as a leader of Microsoft Security services. 

Since 2008, Difenda has grown to over 80 employees and serves a diverse range of customers across the manufacturing, financial services, energy, retail, technology, and healthcare industries. A Microsoft Solutions Partner for Security, the company has a growing customer base in the United States and Canada, with offices in Oakville, Ontario, and Goodyear, Arizona. 

With Difenda’s strong foothold in the North American market, today’s acquisition aligns with Quorum Cyber’s strategic objective to accelerate its global expansion and scale meaningfully into new regions. Simultaneously, joining Quorum Cyber will enable Difenda to deliver more value, new and enhanced services, and more Microsoft innovations for customers.

Today’s news follows Quorum Cyber’s significant investment from Boston-based private equity firm Charlesbank Capital Partners earlier this year. Charlesbank’s investment, support from existing investment partner Livingbridge, and the addition of Difenda arm Quorum Cyber with the firepower to take the business to new heights. 

About Quorum Cyber

Founded in Edinburgh in 2016, Quorum Cyber is one of the fastest-growing cyber security companies in the UK and North America with over 150 customers on four continents. Its mission is to help good people win and it does this by defending teams and organisations across the world and all industry sectors against the rising threat of cyber-attacks, enabling them to thrive in an increasingly hostile, unpredictable, and fast-changing digital landscape. Quorum Cyber is a Microsoft Solutions Partner for Security, a member of the Microsoft Intelligent Security Association (MISA), and a 2024 Microsoft Security Partner of the Year finalist. For more information, please visit www.quorumcyber.com or contact info@quorumcyber.com.

About Difenda

Difenda, headquartered in Oakville, Ontario, Canada, is a privately held Sec-Ops-As-A-Service company founded in 2008 that takes a “Cybersecurity-First, Microsoft-Always” approach to solve today’s toughest cybersecurity challenges. Focused on customer driven outcomes, Difenda delivers 24/7/365 security operations backed by modernized PCI, SOC 2 Type II, and ISO 27001 certified Cyber Command Centers (C3). As the winner of the 2023 Microsoft Security Impact Award and 2024 Microsoft Security Partner of the Year finalist, Difenda stands as a trusted provider of Microsoft Security services. The company has a tenured history as one of the first MSSPs to join the Microsoft Intelligent Security Association (MISA). Difenda belongs to an elite list of Microsoft Security Solutions Partners who hold Advanced Specializations in Cloud Security and Threat Protection, and having also achieved Microsoft Verified Managed XDR Solution status. For more information, visit www.difenda.com or contact www.difenda.com/get-started/.  

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New Research Reveals Threats Disrupting The Transportation Industry

Posted in Commentary with tags on September 12, 2024 by itnerd

The transportation industry is the lifeblood of the global economy, however, as the world becomes increasingly interconnected, so too does the vulnerability of this critical sector. Between July 2023 and July 2024, phishing attacks on transportation organizations increased by an alarming 175%.

Today, Abnormal Security published their latest blog highlighting how ransomware, phishing, BEC and VEC attacks emerged as major threats in the transportation industry. 

In the blog, researchers note a ransomware attack on a freight shipping provider, Estes Express Lines, which disrupted systems for more than two and a half weeks and compromised personal data of 21,000 individuals including names, and Social Security numbers.

You can read more about the research here: https://abnormalsecurity.com/blog/transportation-industry-email-attack-trends. 

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OWC Launches Envoy Ultra Thunderbolt 5 SSD

Posted in Commentary with tags on September 12, 2024 by itnerd

 Other World Computing today announced the launch of the Envoy Ultra Thunderbolt 5 SSD – ready for pre-order today (shipping in October). Designed to maximize the performance of  Mac and PC devices with Thunderbolt 5, Thunderbolt 4 Thunderbolt 3, and USB4, this groundbreaking SSD sets a new benchmark with revolutionary speeds exceeding 6000MB/s – making it up to twice as fast as Thunderbolt 4 and USB4.

Providing unparalleled speed and versatility for professionals and enthusiasts alike, the Envoy Ultra Thunderbolt 5 SSD is:

  • Faster than Fast – Revolutionary speed over 6000MB/s…up to 2x faster than Thunderbolt 4 and USB4.
  • Machine Maximizing – Gets the most speed possible from Thunderbolt 5, Thunderbolt 4, Thunderbolt 3, and USB4 machines.
  • Ready for Anything – Easily handle daily data needs to pro-level creative projects while matching internal storage performance.
  • Versatile – Works with Macs, PCs, iPad Pros, Chromebooks, and Surface devices.
  • Rugged – Water-resistant, dust-resistant, and crushproof.
  • Convenient – Bus-powered with built-in Thunderbolt cable.
  • Silent – Fanless, heat-dissipating aluminum design.

Envoy Ultra Thunderbolt 5 SSD – Availability and Pricing

The new Envoy Ultra Thunderbolt 5 SSD will be available in 2.0TB and 4.0TB capacities for $399.99 and $599.99 respectively.  It is available now for pre-order and will start shipping in late October. 

OWC Thunderbolt 5 (USB-C) Cable

In related news, OWC also announced today the general availability (GA) release of the OWC Thunderbolt 5 (USB-C) Cable. This high-performance cable is designed to deliver the full potential of Thunderbolt 5, offering up to 80Gb/s of bi-directional data speed and up to 120Gb/s for higher display bandwidth needs. Compatible with Thunderbolt 3, Thunderbolt 4, USB4, and USB-C devices, the OWC Thunderbolt 5 Cable ensures seamless connectivity and unparalleled performance for all your data, video, and power needs.

OWC Thunderbolt 5 (USB-C) Cable – Availability and Pricing

The OWC Thunderbolt 5 (USB-C) cables are available now in lengths of .3M, .8M, and 1.0M for $22.99, $27.99, and $39.99, respectively.

IBC2024

The new Envoy Ultra Thunderbolt 5 SSD and the OWC Thunderbolt 5 (USB-C) Cable will be on display at IBC2024, taking place September 13-16 at the Auditorium Complex at the RAI in Amsterdam (Hall 7, Stand 7A.60).

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Canada Is A Global Leader In Ethical AI Adoption According To Research From Sage And Forrestor

Posted in Commentary with tags on September 12, 2024 by itnerd

Sage, the leader in accounting, financial, HR, and payroll technology for small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs), and global analyst firm, Forrestor have released a global survey, as well as trend predictions, which provide a compelling vision of the future of AI in accounting in Canada and around the world.  

The research found that Canadian firms were leaders in adopting ethical AI training and policies. In particular, the research found that Canadian firms demonstrate a strong commitment to ethical governance by taking a proactive approach to addressing the operational and ethical implications of AI, ensuring that AI technologies are deployed responsibly and transparently.   

Overarching theme: A Leader in Ethical AI and Strategic Innovation:

  • Canada is positioning itself as a leader in ethical AI adoption, with 76% of firms engaged in regular ethics training and 69% having established formal AI ethics policies. This strong commitment to ethical governance reflects Canada’s proactive approach to addressing the operational and ethical implications of AI, ensuring that AI technologies are deployed responsibly and transparently.
  • Canada is also at the forefront of AI-driven forecasting and planning, with 31% of businesses reporting significant improvements in accuracy due to AI integration. This advanced use of AI highlights Canada’s strategic focus on leveraging technology for enhanced decision-making and financial performance. However, Canada shows potential vulnerabilities in data security, with 21% of firms reporting no specific measures in place to manage AI-related security and privacy risks.
  • Addressing these gaps will be essential as Canada continues to scale its AI initiatives. Despite this, Canada’s strong emphasis on ethical AI practices and strategic innovation positions it as a global leader in the responsible and effective use of AI in accounting

Other notable stats:

  • How AI will impact financial data access: 40% of respondents in Canada predict that real-time data will become the primary basis for major financial decisions, indicating a strong move towards more immediate and AI-driven decision processes. (compared to 38% globally)
  • AI’s efficiency on accounting processes: Canadian firms exhibit strong optimism about AI’s potential to enhance efficiency, particularly in anomaly detection and monthly close tasks, with significant proportions expecting improvements beyond 40%. This reflects a confidence in AI to streamline complex and time-sensitive accounting processes.
  • AI’s impact on hiring: Canada has the most pronounced increase in hiring with 24% reporting a significant increase, possibly indicative of a proactive approach in integrating AI into more strategic roles. (compared to 18% globally)
  • Challenges in adopting AI: In Canada, data quality issues stand out, with 65% of respondents highlighting them as a concern, signalling a strong focus on ensuring the integrity and reliability of the data used in AI systems.
  • Data security and privacy: Canada shows a varied approach with notably lower engagement in employee training (41%) compared to the global average. However, a significant 21% report no specific measures in place, the highest among all countries, suggesting a potential area for improvement.
  • Employee concerns around AI: Today, Canada places a strong emphasis on training (51%) and is relatively conservative with implementing incentives (31%). It exhibits lower engagement in transparent communication (38%) compared to other regions, suggesting a more structured approach to AI integration.
  • Benefits of AI in accounting: Canada showcases strong satisfaction in AI’s role in enhancing processing times (88% satisfied or very satisfied) and accuracy in financial data (83%). However, it reflects room for improvement in better cost savings where only 82% feel positive, indicating potential gaps in achieving financial efficiencies through AI.
  • AI and the strategic role of accounting: Canada demonstrates a solid belief in AI’s capacity to enhance accounting practices, with 53% agreeing or strongly agreeing that AI will allow for the complete elimination of monthly closes. Canadians also hold optimistic views on AI improving workplace productivity, with 63% affirming that AI will streamline operations significantly by 2030.

You can read more details here.

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Live and scheduled TV streaming on the rise in Canada Says Roku

Posted in Commentary with tags on September 12, 2024 by itnerd

Amid the growth in TV streaming, more Canadians than ever before are craving the best of both worlds – on-demand TV, and live and scheduled programming historically associated with cable TV (58 per cent of Canadians, up from 56 per cent in 2023). This is according to Roku’s fifth annual Video on Demand (VOD) Evolution study examining Canadian TV streaming behaviours and trends.

In the past, consumers streamed TV on-demand as a replacement for cable. Today, with new and innovative solutions in streaming programming, those consumers are reverting to more traditional viewing habits, enjoying the convenience of live and scheduled television. On-demand content still makes up a majority of TV streamers’ collective weekly viewing time (57 per cent), but more than a quarter of streamers’ time (28 per cent) continues to be spent with live TV programming.

With ongoing economic challenges, including the rising cost of living, many Canadians are continuing to cut down on discretionary expenses like entertainment. According to the study, 58 per cent of Canadians say the everyday cost of living will be their biggest concern over the next few years. As a result, cost-effective ad-supported TV streaming options have become a mainstay in Canadians’ home entertainment arsenal. According to the survey, 46 per cent of Canadian TV streamers now use at least one ad- supported subscription TV streaming service, compared with just 31 per cent in 2023.

TV streaming advertising trends for 2024

  • There’s an uptick in TV streamers taking measurable actions after viewing an ad (74 per cent as compared to 70 per cent in 2023). The top three responses include:
    • Visiting a brand’s website, online store, or app after seeing an ad (42 per cent, up from 38 per cent in 2023).
    • Searching online for more information about the product/brand while continuing to watch TV (41 per cent, up from 36 per cent in 2023).
    • Using Google/Apple Maps to work out where to find the brand, in-store (29 per cent, up from 23 per cent in 2023).
  • Canadian TV streamers like creative diversity when it comes to the ads they view, with 82 per cent of TV streamers preferring every ad they view to be different (up from 77 per cent in 2023).
  • Over the last five years, more TV streamers (45 per cent) indicate that they are more likely to pay attention to ads that reflect or are relevant to their mood (up from 42 per cent in 2023).
  • 43 per cent say they prefer when TV ads match the tone of the program they are watching (up from 38 per cent in 2023).

Who are the “addressable streamers” and how are they watching?

For the first time since the study’s launch in 2019, brands can reach the majority of TV viewers – not just on-demand TV streamers – through ad-supported streaming platforms. For advertisers, these “addressable TV streamers” are incredibly important – and make up more than two-thirds of the TV streaming audience.

  • Over half (55 per cent) of TV viewers – up from 44 per cent in 2023 – are now addressable TV streamers (streamers who use ad-supported TV streaming services in an average month).
  • Addressable audiences are more engaged than all TV streamers as a whole – eight out of 10 addressable streamers have responded to a TV ad.
  • Addressable TV streamers spend more time in an average week with ad-supported on-demand TV streaming compared to all TV viewers (8.9 hours with ads vs 5.9 hours with ads).

Addressable Canadian TV streamers’ content and viewing trends

  • On an average weekday, 32 per cent tune into live TV during “breakfast” (6 AM-10 AM).
  • 52 per cent are watching on-demand TV streaming with ads, on-demand TV streaming with no ads (50 per cent), and live TV (45 per cent) during “Prime Time” (6 p.m. – 10 p.m.).
  • 64 per cent rated crime/investigation/police dramas as their #1 genre preference in the drama genre (up from 59 per cent in 2023).
  • 62 per cent rated blockbuster Hollywood movies as their #1 genre preference for general entertainment (up from 59 per cent in 2023).

To learn more about the study, and to download the full report, please click here.

About Roku’s VOD Evolution Canada Survey

Roku’s annual Video on Demand (VOD) Evolution study examined Canadian TV streaming behaviour and trends. This is Roku’s fifth study of Canadians’ TV streaming habits and an update to its research in 2023. Like those, this study is based on the results of an online survey of Canadian adults aged 18+ who use the internet and watched TV at least once in the last month. Fuse Insights research commissioned by Roku took place between June and July 2024, with a sample size of 2,001 Canadians nationally in English and French representative by age, gender, and geography.

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New Survey Shows 84% of US & UK IT leaders In Education Show Lack of Confidence In Current Cybersecurity Readiness

Posted in Commentary with tags on September 12, 2024 by itnerd

Action1 has released their latest survey taken by 250 IT leaders from educational institutions in the US and UK, to assess their readiness in combating growing cyber threats. Results showed a  stark wake-up call for the education sector: 64% of school IT leaders warn ransomware threatens education quality.

Highlights of the survey:

  • 78% of schools lack a dedicated cybersecurity specialist, making it challenging to effectively manage cybersecurity and respond to threats
  • 44% perceive a moderate risk, highlighting widespread concern about potential disruptions to teaching and learning that ransomware can cause
  • 84% of IT leaders are not confident in the overall cybersecurity readiness as moderate or slight

You can read more here.

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OWC to Unveil New Jellyfish Studio and Envoy Ultra Thunderbolt 5 SSD at IBC2024

Posted in Commentary with tags on September 12, 2024 by itnerd

Other World Computing today announced two groundbreaking product launches at this year’s IBC2024. During the event, taking place September 13-16 at the Auditorium Complex at the RAI in Amsterdam, OWC will unveil its latest innovations — the new Jellyfish Studio and Envoy Ultra Thunderbolt 5 SSD.

Visitors to OWC’s exhibit in Hall 7, Stand 7A.60 will have the opportunity to see firsthand how the new, cost-effective Jellyfish Studio redefines media-centric workflows with its enterprise-level performance, unmatched redundancy, and user-friendly management software. Tailored specifically for content creators and filmmakers, as well as media professionals, Jellyfish Studio delivers first-of-its-kind features that simplify collaboration and increase productivity, including:

  • Enterprise Ready — Powered by a Linux OS and ZFS File System, Jellyfish Studio combines file system, RAID, and volume management in one – offering a fast, secure, and scalable storage solution
  • Easy Setup and Management — With the Jellyfish Manager, users can easily set up, manage permissions, and connect to the cloud with just a few clicks – while Jellyfish Connect ensures secure access to assets from anywhere
  • Specialized Media Software — The Jellyfish Media Asset Management (MAM) and Jellyfish Media Engine provide powerful tools for media organization, transcoding, and remote access – enabling teams to work seamlessly from ingest to delivery

In addition, OWC will be unveiling the new Envoy Ultra SSD, a cutting-edge Thunderbolt 5 SSD that promises to set new standards in speed and performance. Tailored to meet the needs of media and entertainment professionals today and tomorrow, the Envoy Ultra Thunderbolt 5 SSD is:

  • Faster than Fast – Revolutionary speed over 6000MB/s…up to 2x faster than Thunderbolt 4 and USB4.
  • Machine Maximizing – Gets the most speed possible from Thunderbolt 3, Thunderbolt 4, and USB4 machines.
  • Ready for Anything – Easily handle daily data needs to pro-level creative projects while matching internal storage performance.
  • Versatile – Works with Macs, PCs, iPad Pros, Chromebooks, and Surface devices.
  • Rugged – Water-resistant, dust-resistant, and crushproof.
  • Convenient – Bus-powered with built-in Thunderbolt cable.
  • Silent – Fanless, heat-dissipating aluminum design.

The new OWC Envoy Ultra will be available in 2.0TB and 4.0TB capacities for $399.99 and $599.99 respectively.  It is available now for pre-order and will start shipping in late October. 

First-Time Showcasing at IBC:

OWC will also be displaying several innovative products for the first time at IBC2024, including:

  • OWC Express 1M2 — compact, high-performance storage solution designed for professionals on the go
  • OWC Thunderblade X8 — ultimate external SSD for demanding workflows, offering unparalleled speed and reliability
  • OWC Innergize Software — comprehensive software suite designed to optimize and manage your digital assets with ease

For further information about IBC, please visit: https://show.ibc.org/. 

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Trump Media Shares Fall Off A Cliff After Donald Trump Has A Disastrous Debate On Tuesday Night

Posted in Commentary with tags on September 12, 2024 by itnerd

I sat on this story for a while before posting it this morning because I wanted to see what the aftermath of Donald Trump’s disastrous debate with Kamala Harris in terms of the value of Trump Media stock after a full day of trading. Because one of the things that makes this stock a meme stock is the association of the stock with Donald Trump himself. Which in my mind isn’t a good thing because any drop in Trump’s perception means that the stock could potentially tank. And because of his disastrous debate on Tuesday night, this happened to the stock on Wednesday:

So the stock which was kind of in free fall as I’ve reported here and here took a 10% nosedive yesterday. That’s got to hurt as it takes the value of his stake in the company to below $2 billion. Not exactly chump change. But it’s a long way from the roughly $9 billion when the stock was at its all time high of over $70 a share. And you have to believe that it’s going to continue to go down further either by the fact that it hasn’t hit bottom yet, or the fact that Trump will likely cash out on the 20th of September which will make sure that the stock hits bottom in a hurry as he needs the cash to deal with his various “issues” shall we say.

Get your popcorn ready as the crash of this stock is coming. Perhaps sooner than anyone thinks.

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Federal Highway Administration Adopts CISA-Designed Cybersecurity Evaluation Tool 

Posted in Commentary with tags on September 12, 2024 by itnerd

In a Federal Register posting yesterday, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) said that it would adopt the CISA-designed Cyber Security Evaluation Tool, a voluntary program created to help organizations “in identifying, detecting, protecting against, responding to, and recovering from cyber incidents”.

The FHWA said it’s adopting the tool because it’s often called in to deal with cyber incidents with federal and state agencies “whose primary missions revolve around securing critical transportation infrastructure,” and this should streamline the process.

   “The FHWA provides subject matter expertise to those agencies in identifying potential physical and cybersecurity threats and appropriate mitigation efforts.

   “When presented with physical or cybersecurity questions, concerns or incidents from State, local, Tribal, and Territorial transportation authorities, or other stakeholders, FHWA routinely assists in connecting these entities to security-focused government agencies, including the Transportation Security Administration, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), and the Federal Bureau of Investigation,” the posting states.

The announcement comes after the Transportation Department solicited public feedback on the tool in March. The goal was to avoid building a duplicative cyber tool and to take advantage of the work already done by CISA. 

Emily Phelps, Director, Cyware:

  “The Federal Highway Administration’s decision to adopt a streamlined cybersecurity evaluation tool is a prime example of how leveraging existing frameworks can prevent inefficiencies and unnecessary complexity. Rather than reinventing the wheel, organizations are empowered to strengthen their cybersecurity posture without overwhelming their tech stacks or stretching resources thin. This kind of inter-agency cooperation fosters resilience by aligning efforts, avoiding redundant solutions, and ensuring that critical infrastructure is protected from evolving threats in a cost-effective manner. Ultimately, the collective defense approach is key to sustainable, effective cybersecurity.”

This is a move that will reap benefits in the long term. Hopefully this is something that other sectors copy and implement because more robust cybersecurity with a consistent approach to delivering cybersecurity is always better.

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