Archive for February 27, 2025

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Amazon Announces First Quantum Computing Chip

Posted in Commentary with tags on February 27, 2025 by itnerd

Today, Amazon Web Services announced its first-ever quantum computing chip, Ocelot, that it claims can reduce the costs of implementing quantum error correction by up to 90%, compared to current approaches. More details can be found here:

 https://www.aboutamazon.com/news/aws/quantum-computing-aws-ocelot-chip

Dr. Marc Manzano, general manager of cybersecurity at Alphabet spinoff SandboxAQ, commented:

“Amazon’s Ocelot is yet another proof point that the quantum computing era is approaching. While we may be years away from a quantum computer powerful enough to break current encryption, advancements like this should serve as a clear call to action.

Organizations and information security teams without a concrete plan to migrate to quantum-safe cryptography are playing a dangerous waiting game. Every development in quantum computing brings us closer to the day when today’s secure communications become vulnerable, and proactive planning is essential to mitigate this looming threat.” 

It’s time to rethink any security that relies on being quantum computing resistant. Because the days of banking on that are clearly over.

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Qilin ransomware gang claims responsibility for cyber attack on Lee Enterprises

Posted in Commentary with tags on February 27, 2025 by itnerd

Ransomware group Qilin today claimed responsibility for the early February cyberattack on Lee Enterprises which disrupted many of the company’s 70-plus newspapers and other publications. Qilin claims it stole 350 GB of data including investor records, financial arrangements, funding info, and more. 

Paul Bischoff, Consumer Privacy Advocate at Comparitech, wrote in a blog post that was published today:

“Qilin, also known as Agenda, is a Russia-based hacking group that mainly targets victims through phishing emails to spread its ransomware. It launched in August 2022 and runs a ransomware-as-a-service business in which affiliates pay to use Qilin’s malware to launch attacks and collect ransoms.”

“Since it started, Qilin has claimed 47 confirmed ransomware attacks compromising 1.5 million records. Also in 2025, Qilin has claimed responsibility for breaches at the city of West Haven, CT; the German Bishop’s Conference; and the Palau Ministry of Health and Human services.”

“Qilin claimed another 56 unconfirmed attacks so far this year that haven’t been acknowledged by the targeted organizations.”

I highly recommend reading the blog post as it really goes into the weeds about who this group is and other details about this cyberattack. It’s worth the ten minutes or so that you’ll be investing in reading this blog post.

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AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon come together to bring first standardized 5G Network APIs to the U.S. leveraging Aduna

Posted in Commentary on February 27, 2025 by itnerd

Aduna, a landmark venture among some of the world’s leading telecom operators and Ericsson, today announced venture partners AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon are set to deliver the first advanced network Application Programming Interfaces (API) for Number Verification and SIM Swap in the United States.

This collaboration marks a significant milestone for the mobile ecosystem, uniting industry leaders to empower enterprises and developers with carrier-grade, standardized network API capabilities to build advanced applications and value-added services for enterprises.

For the first time, three of America’s leading telecom operators are working together to support standardized, open network APIs including by driving interoperability, fostering industry-wide innovation and reshaping the global digital landscape.

This provides an unprecedented opportunity for developers and enterprises in the U.S., offering a trusted, carrier-grade solution for secure authentication, reducing fraud risks and reliance on costly, fragmented verification methods.

By unifying network capabilities across major U.S. telecom providers, this initiative will unlock new opportunities for innovation in financial services, e-commerce, digital identity and more.

Number Verification API, set to become available from Aduna nationwide in 2025, will redefine user authentication by securely verifying mobile numbers through operator networks, leveraging data from smartphones’ network connections. By mitigating risks such as fraudulent SMS activities and streamlining verification processes, this API will enhance security and improve customer experience.

In addition, the SIM Swap network API, also set to become available from Aduna nationwide in 2025, will add a critical layer of protection against unauthorized SIM swaps, a common tactic for account takeover fraud. Together, these advanced APIs can strengthen security measures and set new standards for customer trust and safety.

Launched in September 2024 with AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon among its partners, Aduna is combining and selling network APIs from multiple operators globally under a unified platform based on the CAMARA open-source project, driven by the GSMA and the Linux Foundation. Network APIs are at the center of a new era of opportunity for the telecom industry and easily accessible advanced network capabilities are empowering developers to create new use cases across multiple sectors.

The launch of network APIs strengthens U.S. leadership in the global API economy, setting the foundation for broader adoption worldwide. Aduna aims to catalyze innovation not only in the U.S. but also across global markets by unifying telecom capabilities and enabling developers to quickly and easily build applications that work seamlessly on any network, anywhere.

“With the launch of the Number Verification and SIM Swap APIs in 2025, Aduna is enabling a new era of connectivity-driven innovation,” Bartolo continued. “By making advanced network capabilities more accessible, Aduna empowers developers and businesses to build smarter, more secure, and more efficient digital services. Together with AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon, we’re setting the stage for global interoperability and driving industry-wide transformation.”

To find out more about network APIs and Aduna, visit adunaglobal.com.

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Empower Students with Free Resources to Thrive in Today’s Digital World from the New Digital Citizenship Initiative by Discovery Education with Verizon and Fortinet

Posted in Commentary with tags on February 27, 2025 by itnerd

Discovery Education, the creator of essential K-12 solutions used in classrooms around the world, today announced the launch of a new Digital Citizenship Initiative. The Digital Citizenship Initiative is a dynamic partnership that provides educators and students with free tools, resources, and the skills needed to thrive in today’s digital world.

The Digital Citizenship Initiative grew out of needs summarized in a dedicated white paper entitled Risks and Resilience: Why Digital Citizenship Matters in K12 Education. This study illuminated many of the issues facing today’s students, including cyberbullying, online privacy, and digital footprints. Furthermore, research shows that students remain largely unaware of the impacts of digital technologies on all aspects of life. Discovery Education defines digital citizenship as a set of strategies and behaviors designed to promote a safer online experience for everyone.

The Digital Citizenship Initiative partners include Impact Leader Verizon and Fortinet. Each partner has helped contribute expert insights to develop standards-aligned digital resources. Resources include ready-to-use materials, digital lessons, DEMystified series videos, and instructional materials spanning disciplines such as science, health, social studies, and English language arts. Educators can expect quarterly content releases covering a range of topics that address digital citizenship.

“At Verizon, we are driven by purpose and guided by values in all that we do. Being part of the Digital Citizenship Initiative is the latest building block in Verizon’s work to empower people to live, work, and play. Students are our future, and we are proud to support them as they learn to use digital technologies responsibly,” said Alex Servello, Associate Vice President of Responsible Business at Verizon.

“As a cybersecurity leader, we believe that staying ahead of sophisticated threats and cyber risks requires building a more cyber-aware society,” said Rob Rashotte, Vice President, Fortinet Training Institute. “To help achieve this, Fortinet partnered with educators to develop and make accessible a tailor-made security awareness curriculum to help prepare both educators and students to apply cybersecurity skills at school, at home, and everywhere they need it. We are proud that this curriculum will now be leveraged in the Digital Citizenship Initiative to further develop fundamental security skill sets across our global community.”

To access the Digital Citizenship Initiative resources, please visit digitalcitizenship.discoveryeducation.com. Educators with access to Discovery Education Experience can find these resources on the Digital Citizenship channel.

“Digital technology has revolutionized the way students learn, connect, and express themselves. Supporting digital citizenship is critical for preparing students to navigate an increasingly connected and complex online environment,” said Amy Nakamoto, Executive Vice President of Marketing and Strategic Alliances. “Thanks to our partners – Verizon and Fortinet – for your leadership in preparing students to navigate our tech-driven world responsibly.”

For more information about Discovery Education’s award-winning digital resources and professional learning solutions, visit www.discoveryeducation.com.

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Outpost24 Names Omri Kletter as Chief Product Officer

Posted in Commentary with tags on February 27, 2025 by itnerd

 Outpost24, a leading provider of cyber risk management and threat intelligence solutions backed by Vitruvian Partners, has confirmed the appointment of Omri Kletter as its new Chief Product Officer. As an experienced security leader, Kletter will bring exceptional knowledge to Outpost24, strengthening the company’s mission of simplifying cyber exposure management and strategically positioning it for significant growth in 2025 and beyond.

In his new role, Kletter will:

  • Innovate for tomorrow’s cyber threats by launching and refining Outpost24’s cutting-edge products that address the evolving landscape of cybersecurity threats, ensuring proactive protection for clients.
  • Enhance our customer-centric security solutions, strengthening Outpost24’s commitment to customer protection by developing intuitive, high-impact products tailored to meet diverse security needs.
  • Fostering cross-functional synergy by fostering a collaborative culture between product, engineering, and sales teams to drive the creation and delivery of integrated, high-quality cybersecurity solutions.

With a distinguished career in the industry, Kletter has played a pivotal role in shaping innovative fraud detection strategies and risk management products in his previous roles. Most recently, he served as the General Manager of the Risk and Fraud Product Line at Bottomline Technologies, leading the development and the go-to-market of cutting-edge fraud prevention solutions. Before his tenure at Bottomline, Kletter was the Head of Fraud Solutions at NICE Actimize, where he spearheaded initiatives to combat financial crime through advanced analytics and artificial intelligence. His deep industry acumen makes him a valuable addition to the Outpost24 team to drive innovation and security for the product line that will benefit customers and the wider ecosystem

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Aduna and EnStream partner to unlock Canada’s telecom network APIs for global innovation

Posted in Commentary with tags on February 27, 2025 by itnerd

Aduna, a landmark venture between some of the world’s leading telecom operators and Ericsson have announced a strategic partnership with Canada’s EnStream LP, marking a comprehensive Canadian expansion of its network API ecosystem.

The collaboration will enable seamless access to telecom network APIs from Bell, Rogers, and TELUS – Canada’s three leading nationwide operators – empowering developers and enterprises worldwide to build and scale next-generation digital services with greater security and efficiency.

EnStream, a joint venture between Bell, Rogers, and TELUS, has been instrumental in positioning Canada as a global leader in network APIs. By leveraging mobile data across the country’s largest telecom providers, EnStream has facilitated secure, frictionless authentication and fraud prevention solutions for businesses, including major financial institutions.

Through this partnership, EnStream’s powerful APIs will be integrated into Aduna’s platform, accelerating global adoption of telecom-enabled security and verification services. Among these are:

  • Number Verification: A seamless, silent authentication method that enhances user experience while strengthening security
  • SIM Swap Protection:A critical fraud prevention tool that detects potential account takeovers, helping businesses mitigate identity theft and cyber threats.

With full nationwide coverage exceeding 90 percent, Canada stands as a core innovation hub within Aduna’s ecosystem. Global enterprises will now have access to a live testbed for telecom-driven authentication and fraud prevention, gaining insights that can be scaled internationally through Aduna’s standardized (CAMARA-based) global network APIs.

This expansion reinforces Aduna’s footprint across North America – covering Canada, the U.S., and Mexico – a major region for the global network API market. Additionally, telecom operators worldwide can leverage insights from Canada’s real-world implementations to enhance their own network API strategies.

This partnership cements Canada’s role as a springboard for global network API success, offering enterprises unparalleled access to real-time, telecom-powered intelligence to drive security, innovation, and seamless digital experiences worldwide.

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Cleveland Court shut down after being hit with a ‘Cyber incident’

Posted in Commentary with tags on February 27, 2025 by itnerd

For the fourth day in a row, the Cleveland Municipal Court has posted a statement on its Facebook page that it is still closed due to a cybersecurity incident. 

  “As a precautionary measure, the Court has shut down the affected systems while we focus on securing and restoring services safely. 

  “These systems will remain offline until we have a better understanding of the situation.

  “All internal systems and software platforms will be shut down until further notice. 

  “The Cleveland Municipal Court will be closed on Thursday, February 27, 2025, except for essential staff and normal business will not be conducted with the public,” the social media page post reads for the fourth day in a row.

This comes on the heels of officials in Anne Arundel County, Maryland, which is home to more than half a million people, operating with limited internet access after a weekend cyberattack prompted the county to shut down operations and close offices on Monday forcing non-emergency government employees to work remotely.

Although offices reopened Tuesday, officials said they were taking a “proactive approach” until they’re able to safely restore operations and eligible employees were encouraged to work remotely due to potential internet connectivity issues.

Emily Phelps, Director, Cyware had this to say:

  “Disruptions like these underscore the critical need for robust threat intelligence and response strategies. Cyber incidents can happen to any organization, and swift action to contain and mitigate damage is essential. However, reactive measures alone aren’t enough—having the right intelligence to anticipate and prevent threats before they escalate is just as crucial. As attacks continue to disrupt municipal services, it’s clear that cybersecurity resilience isn’t just about response but about proactively managing risks through intelligence-driven security operations. Public sector organizations, often targeted due to their essential services and sensitive data, must prioritize threat visibility and collaboration to stay ahead of adversaries. A well-integrated approach to threat intelligence can help prevent extended shutdowns and ensure continuity of critical operations.”

Attacks like these are becoming more and more disruptive. That can be very costly and not just from a dollars and cents perspective. Which is why there needs to be a focus on doing everything possible to not get pwned in the first place.

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Fubo expands local programming with launch of CHCH TV

Posted in Commentary with tags on February 27, 2025 by itnerd

 Fubo has announced today the launch of CHCH TV, bringing original Canadian-made local news and popular entertainment programming to Fubo subscribers in Canada.  

Starting today, Fubo subscribers in Canada can enjoy CHCH TV’s diverse offerings, including the best TV shows, blockbuster movies, retro fan favorites, and comprehensive news coverage from Hamilton to Niagara. This partnership with CHCH TV’s parent company, Channel Zero, significantly expands Fubo’s regional Canadian content and underscores its commitment to serving local communities. 

Subscribers can stream CHCH TV and more Fubo programming in Canada anywhere and at any time, from their mobile device, connected TV or web browser. The Fubo app is available on Amazon Fire TV, Android, GoogleTV, Apple TV, Chromecast, Hisense, iOS, LG TV, Roku, Samsung and Xbox One.   

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CIRA’s Net Good Grants champion community-led initiatives to strengthen Canada’s internet

Posted in Commentary with tags on February 27, 2025 by itnerd

The time has never been better to help build a resilient internet in Canada, something that CIRA has been championing for years and has taken on a whole new level of urgency. A strong internet empowers Canada’s economy and provides opportunity for people across the country to build digital skills, start new businesses and advocate for their communities. This year, CIRA is launching the 12th edition of its Net Good Grants program offering over $1,000,000 in grant funding to boost community-led responses to Canada’s digital divide and strengthen our economy.

CIRA’s Net Good Grants provide financial support to organizations looking to research and develop solutions that get communities online safely, affordably and resiliently. CIRA empowers community-led initiatives to take the lead on addressing access and affordability challenges head on, with a focus on ensuring rural, Northern and Indigenous communities are heard and served. Communities and projects like these have benefitted from CIRA funding:

  • Fort Smith Metis Council in Northwest Territories now have connectivity that offers emergency communications, safety, data mapping and enhanced recreational activities in the campsite area well outside the Fort Smith townsite, used year-round by youth camps, elders and tourists
  • Malahat Nation in British Columbia is now running their own sovereign fibre internet service to community buildings and households that plugs into the single main line coming from the external ISP
  • The first-ever Canadian Youth Internet Governance Forum, a platform for young Canadians, convened to discuss and advocate around internet policy, access to connectivity and youth leadership

CIRA Net Good Grants 

For its 12th edition, CIRA’s Net Good Grants will award each project up to $100,000 with a total investment of over $1,000,000. This investment is a key part of Net Good by CIRA’s commitment to build a more sustainable online future for Canadians everywhere. The funding will power essential projects in three core areas: 

  • Infrastructure: connectivity research, network planning and solutions to improve internet access, speed and affordability. 
  • Policy engagement: events, research and policy ecosystem work that broadens public awareness in domestic internet policy and governance. 
  • Online safety: research, educational frameworks, tools, consultations and training programs that increase Canadians’ safety against cybersecurity threats. 

Applications will be accepted from every province and territory with a focus on projects that benefit rural, Northern or Indigenous communities or K-12 and post-secondary students. CIRA especially encourages applications for eligible projects in the Prairies, Quebec, the North and the Maritimes to help ensure funding reaches traditionally underserved communities. 

 Who is eligible to apply? 

  • Organizations recognized by the Canada Revenue Agency as registered charities; 
  • Not-for-profit organizations; 
  • Indigenous communities; and 
  • Academics and researchers affiliated with a Canadian university or college. 

Last year, CIRA awarded a total of $1.25 million in grant funding to 15 community-led internet initiatives that improve the lives of Canadians online. For the 2025 edition, a distinguished cross-Canada panel will review, select funding applications and notify all applicants of the grant decisions by July. Organizations are encouraged to submit their application before the deadline on April 9, at 2 p.m. ET / 11 a.m. PT. A webinar in English on March 4 at 1 p.m. ET and in French on March 5 at 1 p.m. ET will be hosted for all interested applicants.

Additional information 

About CIRA  

CIRA is the national not-for-profit best known for managing the .CA domain on behalf of all Canadians. As a leader in Canada’s internet ecosystem, CIRA offers a wide range of products, programs and services designed to make the internet a secure and accessible space for all. CIRA advocates for Canada on both national and international stages to support its goal of building a trusted internet for Canadians by helping shape the future of the internet. 

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Disrupt.com to invest $100M to fuel next generation of AI startup

Posted in Commentary with tags on February 27, 2025 by itnerd

 While venture capital funding contracted globally in 2024, three founders who turned their bootstrapped startup into a $350M exit are taking a contrarian approach. Today, UAE-based venture builder Disrupt.com announces a $100M commitment to build and back AI-first technology ventures globally.

Founded by Aaqib Gadit, Uzair Gadit, and Umair Gadit – three university friends who grew up in the same household – Disrupt.com represents the founders’ reinvestment of capital following their successful 2022 exit of cloud hosting platform Cloudways to US-listed Digital Ocean Holdings. The $350M acquisition marked the largest exit in Pakistan’s technology sector to date, with the founders now channeling their entrepreneurial expertise and capital back into the ecosystem through a unique venture building approach from their UAE headquarters.

Having already deployed over $40M across their portfolio – including in four growth-stage companies built from idea stage, seven investments in early-stage companies, and an exit valued at $350 million – this new $100M commitment represents a significant expansion of their venture building activities. With a dedicated team of 650+ professionals, Disrupt.com provides not just capital but also the technical and operational expertise startups need to scale.

Unlike traditional venture capital firms, Disrupt.com employs a three-pronged approach to creating value: building their own startups from scratch, co-building ventures alongside external founders, and making strategic investments in early-stage startups and VC funds. Through their unique ‘CoBuild’ model, they function as fractional co-founders, providing dedicated engineering, go-to-market, and operations teams to drive early adoption in a capital-efficient way.

The firm’s $100M commitment targets five strategic sectors: artificial intelligence as a cross-cutting theme, plus cybersecurity, Web3.0, automotive technology, and retail innovation. Disrupt.com primarily targets pre-seed to Series A stage startups that demonstrate strong organic growth potential and clear paths to profitability, rather than pursuing growth at all costs.

The announcement comes as regional funding has declined sharply, with MENA venture capital investment down 29% to just under $2B in 2024, according to Magnitt. Saudi startups saw a 44% funding drop to $750M, while UAE funding decreased 8% to $613M, creating a challenging environment for early-stage ventures.

Disrupt.com’s current portfolio showcases their model’s effectiveness, including ZigChain, a Web3.0 platform that has scaled to 500,000+ users and hundreds of millions in managed assets; PureSquare, a cybersecurity venture; and UAE-homegrown fitness apparel brand Squatwolf. The firm has already deployed capital as a strategic investor in several AI-focused startups including organizational transformation platform Agentnoon and climate action scaling tool Ahya.

Looking ahead, Disrupt.com will direct its $100M commitment toward ventures with strong product-market fit, well-researched idea-market alignment, and robust unit economics pointing toward profitability.

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