By Sushil Kutty It isn’t funny, the Supreme Court choosing to “slam” Ranveer Allahbadia and simultaneously giving him relief against more FIRs. This interim protection, however, comes even as the bench hinted at more trouble for Allahbadia’s incestuous thoughts. For Ranveer Allahbadia, the future looks bleak unless his parents come to his rescue hoping he […]The digital landscape is undergoing a significant transformation as passkeys emerge as a secure and user-friendly alternative to traditional passwords. Major technology companies, including Apple, Google, and Microsoft, are integrating passkey support into their platforms, signaling a shift towards a passwordless future. Passkeys are digital credentials designed to replace passwords, offering a seamless and secure authentication experience. Developed collaboratively by the FIDO Alliance and the World Wide […]
The Middle East’s rapid digital transformation has created both opportunities and vulnerabilities. As cyberattacks on financial institutions, government agencies, and energy sectors rise, organizations are increasingly turning to biometric multi-factor authentication (MFA) as a critical security measure. Traditional password-based authentication is no longer sufficient to combat modern cyber threats. As cybercriminals deploy AI-driven attacks, phishing schemes, and credential-stuffing techniques, biometric MFA has emerged as a more […]
Meta Platforms has unveiled plans for Project Waterworth, an ambitious initiative to construct the world’s longest undersea internet cable. Spanning over 50,000 kilometers, this subsea network aims to link the United States, India, Brazil, South Africa, and potentially Australia, thereby enhancing global digital infrastructure and connectivity. The project’s scale surpasses the Earth’s circumference and is designed to bolster intercontinental data capacity. Utilizing a 24-fiber pair system, Project […]
Blockchain security firm Blockaid has raised $50 million in a Series B funding round led by Ribbit Capital, with participation from GV , Variant, and Cyberstarts. This investment aims to bolster Blockaid’s research, engineering, and product development teams to meet the growing demand for robust on-chain security solutions.
Founded in 2022 by former Israeli cyber intelligence operatives, Blockaid has rapidly positioned itself as a key player in the blockchain security sector. The company’s platform offers real-time threat detection for blockchain transactions, integrating directly with wallets and decentralized applications to protect users from malicious activities. In the past year, Blockaid’s system scanned over 2.4 billion transactions and successfully blocked 71 million attacks, safeguarding assets for prominent clients such as Coinbase, MetaMask, Uniswap, and Stellar.
The infusion of new capital will enable Blockaid to scale its product and engineering teams, strengthen go-to-market operations, and expand research capabilities to stay ahead of evolving threats. This strategic growth is in response to the increasing adoption of blockchain technology by major financial institutions and fintech firms, which has, in turn, heightened the need for advanced security measures.
Blockaid’s CEO, Ido Ben-Natan, emphasized the importance of proactive security in the blockchain space, stating, “While the blockchain itself is secure, on-chain applications and the users that interact with them are at risk. This investment will help us continue to advance our machine learning capabilities and expand our current offerings to stay ahead in a highly adversarial landscape of evolving threats.”
The company’s approach leverages machine learning models to detect and prevent potential threats in real-time, providing end-user protection through direct integrations with wallets and dApps. This methodology has proven effective in mitigating risks associated with fraud, phishing, and hacks within the blockchain ecosystem.
Blockaid’s rapid growth is evident in its expansion from 20 employees to 70 within a year, with plans to double its workforce by the end of the year. This scaling aligns with the company’s mission to provide enterprise-grade security solutions for everything on-chain, catering to a diverse clientele that includes chains, protocols, wallets, exchanges, banks, and hedge funds.
The Series B funding round brings Blockaid’s total capital raised to $83 million, following a $27 million Series A round in October 2023. The continued support from prominent investors underscores the confidence in Blockaid’s ability to address the pressing security challenges facing the rapidly evolving blockchain industry.
As blockchain technology continues to gain traction across various sectors, the imperative for robust security measures becomes increasingly paramount. Blockaid’s commitment to enhancing its platform and expanding its team positions the company to effectively combat the sophisticated cyber threats that accompany the growth of on-chain operations.
In addition to its technological advancements, Blockaid places a strong emphasis on research and development. The company plans to utilize part of the new funding to expand its research capabilities, ensuring that it remains at the forefront of identifying and mitigating emerging threats within the blockchain space.
The involvement of GV, the venture capital arm of Alphabet Inc., in this funding round highlights the increasing interest of traditional tech investors in blockchain security solutions. This collaboration is expected to provide Blockaid with strategic insights and resources to navigate the complex landscape of cybersecurity and blockchain technology.
Blockaid’s proactive approach to security has garnered trust from its clients, enabling them to operate with confidence in an environment fraught with potential vulnerabilities. By offering comprehensive security solutions that encompass fraud detection, scam prevention, exploit mitigation, and financial risk assessment, Blockaid addresses the multifaceted challenges inherent in on-chain operations.
As the blockchain industry continues to evolve, the role of security firms like Blockaid becomes increasingly critical. The company’s dedication to innovation, coupled with the substantial financial backing from esteemed investors, positions it to set new standards in blockchain security and to effectively safeguard the interests of its expanding client base.
r/developersIndia is hosting its inaugural online hackathon, offering participants the opportunity to earn ₹1,50,000 in prizes while contributing to the open-source community. The event, which is a collaboration with DeepSource, aims to strengthen code security and enhance developers’ contributions to improving software ecosystems.
The hackathon, dubbed “Globstar,” invites developers of all levels to participate and demonstrate their coding prowess. Participants will be tasked with solving challenges that specifically focus on code security, an increasingly important aspect of software development in today’s digital world. The competition is open to individuals or teams, allowing flexibility in collaboration.
According to the event organisers, the Globstar hackathon is an excellent platform for developers to make a meaningful impact on open-source projects. Open-source software has become essential in today’s technological landscape, with numerous businesses and organisations relying on these community-driven projects for the development of critical applications. This event seeks to build on the growing interest in open-source contributions by engaging developers in meaningful challenges that contribute to the improvement of code quality and security.
DeepSource, a key partner in the event, is known for its tools that help developers write secure, reliable, and efficient code. By providing support to the hackathon, DeepSource aims to foster a stronger community of developers committed to ensuring that security remains at the forefront of development practices. The company’s collaboration with r/developersIndia underscores a shared goal of improving the state of code security, something that has become even more urgent as the world increasingly relies on software in every aspect of life.
Participants will have the chance to win prizes in various categories, with the total prize pool amounting to ₹1,50,000. The competition is designed to be accessible to developers with different skill sets, from beginners to advanced coders. Each challenge is structured in a way that promotes learning and growth, allowing even newcomers to the field to gain valuable insights into security practices and coding techniques. This approach aligns with the organisers’ mission to support the development of a more skilled and security-conscious software development community.
In addition to the prizes, participants will also receive recognition for their contributions to open-source software. The importance of open-source projects cannot be overstated, as they often serve as the backbone for innovations in technology. Contributions from hackathon participants may lead to the implementation of security improvements in widely used tools, further enhancing the ecosystem’s security.
The event also provides a valuable networking opportunity for developers, as participants can collaborate with others and connect with industry experts. With a focus on collaboration and learning, the hackathon fosters an environment where developers can exchange ideas, gain mentorship, and refine their skills in a competitive yet supportive setting.
As for the registration details, developers must sign up for the hackathon by February 20, 8:00 PM IST. Those interested can visit the official event page on r/developersIndia’s platform for more information about the challenges, guidelines, and instructions on how to participate. The registration process is straightforward, with all the necessary details available to ensure participants are fully prepared to take part in the competition.
This hackathon is part of a broader trend of online coding challenges that have become increasingly popular over the past few years. With the rise of remote work and digital collaboration, virtual events like the Globstar hackathon have become an essential tool for fostering global communities of developers. They not only provide a platform for competition but also encourage a collaborative approach to solving complex problems, especially those related to security and open-source development.
The rise of cyber threats has made it imperative for developers to prioritise security in their coding practices. Hackathons like Globstar serve as a reminder of the critical role developers play in safeguarding software systems from vulnerabilities. The Globstar hackathon also highlights the growing recognition of the importance of secure coding in the developer community, which is now more than ever aware of the need to address potential risks in their work.
UAE defence authorities announced the signing of 13 major contracts worth Dh4 billion on the opening day of the International Defence Exhibition and Conference 2025, the largest defence expo in the Middle East. The deals highlight the UAE’s strategic efforts to enhance its defence capabilities, focusing on advanced technology, military equipment, and international collaborations. The exhibition, taking place at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, marks a […]
Cisco Systems has unveiled a new line of Smart Switches designed to transform data center networking by integrating security and network services into a unified, high-performance solution. These switches incorporate programmable AMD Pensando data processing units , enabling enterprises to efficiently manage the escalating demands of artificial intelligence workloads. The newly introduced Cisco N9300 Series Smart Switches feature embedded DPUs, allowing for the offloading of complex data […]
China’s DeepSeek AI technology has come under intense scrutiny after revelations emerged that it lacks essential protections, leaving it vulnerable to exploitation by criminals. The artificial intelligence system, developed by a team of leading tech experts in China, was initially hailed for its potential in various sectors, including data analysis, cybersecurity, and public safety. However, concerns over its security have rapidly gained traction, prompting experts to question […]
A high-level delegation from the UAE will soon engage with European Union officials as part of an effort to combat financial crime through enhanced cooperation on anti-money laundering measures. The meeting, set to take place later this month, is seen as a significant step towards reinforcing the UAE’s commitment to global efforts in fighting illicit financial activities. The UAE has been steadily improving its AML framework, with […]
Akamai Technologies has unveiled the “Defenders’ Guide 2025: Fortify the Future of Your Defense,” a detailed report aimed at bolstering cybersecurity measures for organizations worldwide. This inaugural State of the Internet report offers in-depth research on emerging threats and provides actionable strategies to enhance security postures. The guide addresses critical areas such as risk management, network architecture reinforcement, and host security implementation. It presents novel findings on […]
Chinese state-sponsored hacking group Salt Typhoon has intensified its cyber-espionage activities, targeting telecommunications providers worldwide by exploiting known vulnerabilities in Cisco network devices. Despite previous exposure and sanctions, the group continues to infiltrate critical infrastructure, compromising sensitive communications data. Between December 2024 and January 2025, Salt Typhoon successfully breached at least five telecommunications networks, including two based in the United States. Other affected entities include a U.S.-based […]
Matein Khalid SpaceX is up 7X since my post in 2020, when we invested at $46 billion pre-money and it is now $350 billion. I do not recommend anybody put new money in this or any of the big AI plays. There are 300 AI startups that were rejected by two Palo Alto brand name VC partners I respect in the past year and this sector will […]
Cybercriminals are intensifying efforts to compromise YouTube users by dispatching deceptive emails that closely mimic official communications from the platform. These fraudulent messages aim to trick recipients into downloading malicious software, jeopardizing personal data and account security. Reports indicate that these phishing emails often appear to originate from legitimate YouTube addresses, such as “[email protected].” The emails may prompt users to review alleged policy violations or updates, urging […]
Available from February 2025 at Singapore Discovery Centre, New Interactive Game Aims to Champion National Education SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 14 February 2025 – In commemoration of Total Defence Day on 15 February, HIDDEN and Defence Collective Singapore are excited to announce the launch of their new, interactive game, “Escape Quest: Operation Broken Oath”. This engaging and educational game is designed to raise awareness of […]
TAIPEI, TAIWAN – Media OutReach Newswire – 12 February 2025 – CyCraft Technology, a leading AI-powered cybersecurity company, proudly announces its collaboration with Malaysia’s IOI Group to deploy its autonomous threat management platform, XCockpit, for the Cyber Health Check Service (Compromise Assessment, CA). As a visionary conglomerate, IOI Group recognizes the need for innovative approaches to cybersecurity in the rapidly evolving AI era. This partnership marks a […]
Artificial intelligence is on the brink of a significant evolution, with ‘agentic’ models—capable of autonomous reasoning, planning, and action—set to revolutionise cybercriminal tactics in 2025. According to Malwarebytes’ 2025 State of Malware report, these advanced AI systems will enable more scalable and efficient attacks, posing unprecedented challenges to cybersecurity. The report highlights a 13% year-over-year increase in known ransomware attacks, despite the decline of prominent groups like […]
Canada’s ambassador to France, Stéphane Dion, has denounced U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent statements regarding potential territorial expansions, asserting that such threats contravene international law. Dion emphasized that “in order to respect international law, you don’t threaten your neighbours by invasion.” President Trump has indicated he would not dismiss the use of military force to acquire Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark. Additionally, he has proposed the […]
Lior Div, the Chief Executive Officer of cybersecurity firm Cybereason Inc., has filed a lawsuit against former U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and the SoftBank Vision Fund, alleging that their financial maneuvers have jeopardized the company’s financial stability. The legal action centers on claims that the investment strategies employed by Mnuchin’s Liberty Strategic Capital and the SoftBank Vision Fund have placed Cybereason at risk of insolvency.
In 2021, Cybereason secured a $275 million investment led by Liberty Strategic Capital, Mnuchin’s private equity firm. This funding round was intended to bolster the company’s position in the cybersecurity market, with plans to expand its workforce and pursue acquisitions in the Extended Detection and Response and cloud security sectors. The investment was seen as a strategic move to enhance Cybereason’s capabilities in combating sophisticated cyber threats.
However, the lawsuit contends that the terms of the investment and subsequent financial decisions have adversely affected Cybereason’s financial health. Specific details of the alleged detrimental actions have not been disclosed publicly, but the legal filing suggests that the strategies implemented by Mnuchin and the SoftBank Vision Fund have led to significant financial strain on the company.
Cybereason, founded in 2012 by Lior Div, Yonatan Striem-Amit, and Yossi Naar, has been recognized for its innovative approach to cybersecurity, particularly in delivering proactive threat detection and response solutions. The company has previously attracted substantial investments, including a $59 million Series C funding round led by SoftBank in 2015, which facilitated its expansion into the Japanese market.
The involvement of high-profile investors such as Mnuchin and the SoftBank Vision Fund was initially perceived as a vote of confidence in Cybereason’s technology and market potential. Mnuchin, upon leading the 2021 investment, expressed enthusiasm about partnering with Cybereason to defend critical information networks against the growing danger of cyberattacks.
The current legal dispute raises questions about the dynamics between startup companies and their investors, particularly concerning the influence of investment terms on a company’s operational autonomy and financial well-being. The outcome of this lawsuit could have broader implications for the venture capital landscape, especially in the technology sector, where substantial investments are often accompanied by strategic control exerted by investors.
Private equity firm Turn/River Capital has announced an agreement to acquire SolarWinds, a leading provider of IT management and observability software, in an all-cash transaction valued at $4.4 billion. The deal prices SolarWinds shares at $18.50 each, representing a 35% premium over the company’s average closing price over the past 90 days. The acquisition has received unanimous approval from SolarWinds’ board of directors and is anticipated to close in the second quarter of 2025, pending regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions. Upon completion, SolarWinds will transition to a privately held company, with its stock delisted from the New York Stock Exchange.
Sudhakar Ramakrishna, SolarWinds’ president and CEO, expressed optimism about the partnership, stating, “We have built a great track record of helping customers accelerate business transformations through simple, powerful, secure solutions designed for hybrid and multi-cloud environments. We now look forward to partnering with Turn/River to deliver operational resilience solutions for our customers on our SolarWinds Platform.” He emphasized that the transaction reflects the dedication of SolarWinds’ employees to customer success and expressed confidence that Turn/River’s expertise will drive further innovation and value for customers and stakeholders.
Dominic Ang, founder and managing partner of Turn/River Capital, highlighted SolarWinds’ position in the industry, noting, “SolarWinds is a global leader in software that helps businesses securely manage and optimize their IT systems, networks, and infrastructure. Their commitment to customer success and their proven track record of innovation have made them an ideal partner for us. We are excited to leverage our team’s expertise in software operations and growth to accelerate SolarWinds’ development and further its mission.”
This acquisition comes as SolarWinds continues to expand its portfolio of observability, monitoring, and service desk solutions. The company has been focusing on delivering simple, powerful, and secure solutions tailored for hybrid and multi-cloud environments, aiming to assist customers in accelerating their business transformations.
In 2020, SolarWinds faced a significant challenge when its Orion network monitoring platform was compromised in a targeted supply chain attack. Malicious code was injected into Orion between March and June 2020, allowing hackers, believed to be associated with Russian intelligence agency APT29, to breach systems at several U.S. government departments, including Defense, State, Treasury, Homeland Security, and Commerce, as well as private sector organizations. In response, the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency directed all federal civilian agencies to shut down SolarWinds Orion products until all compromised accounts and identified persistent threats were eliminated.
Despite this setback, SolarWinds has worked to rebuild its reputation and strengthen its security measures. The partnership with Turn/River Capital is expected to provide the company with the resources and support needed to continue its growth trajectory and enhance its offerings in the IT management and observability space.
Turn/River Capital, based in San Francisco, specializes in software investments and has a history of partnering with technology companies to drive growth and operational efficiency. The firm focuses on providing flexible capital and operational expertise to help software companies scale and achieve their strategic objectives.
The acquisition of SolarWinds aligns with Turn/River’s strategy of investing in established software companies with strong market positions and potential for accelerated growth. By leveraging its operational expertise and resources, Turn/River aims to support SolarWinds in delivering enhanced solutions to its global customer base.
Gmail users are facing an unprecedented wave of sophisticated phishing attacks powered by artificial intelligence , prompting the Federal Bureau of Investigation to issue a stark warning: exercise extreme caution and avoid clicking on unsolicited links. These AI-enhanced scams have become increasingly convincing, making them more challenging to detect and posing significant risks to personal and financial information. The FBI’s advisory highlights that legitimate customer support or […]
Matein Khalid The selloff in emerging markets FX before Trump granted a 30 days reprieve to Canada/Mexico on his 25% tariff threats created multiple trading opportunities. I would stay away from Mexican peso as it is easily the most liquid, most shortable currency in the EM FX constellation. The Sherlock Holmes dog that did not bark in this case was the measured ping pong on tariffs with […]
Matein Khalid t is significant that President Trump, despite his bluff and brinkmanship with 25 percent tariff threats against Mexico and Canada, chose only to impose a 10 percent tariff on China. China is Washington’s only real peer competitor in great power realpolitik and its preeminent rival in Cold War 2.0. A 10 percent tariff is not a threat to global economic stability as would have been the 60 percent […]
The Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates has formalised a Memorandum of Understanding with the Economic Security Centre of Dubai, aiming to enhance collaboration and information exchange in the fight against financial crime. This strategic partnership underscores the UAE’s commitment to maintaining a secure and transparent financial environment.
The MoU focuses on strengthening cooperation between the CBUAE and the Economic Security Centre of Dubai in areas of mutual interest, particularly in the exchange of information and expertise related to financial crime prevention. By fostering closer ties, both institutions aim to bolster the UAE’s defences against illicit financial activities, ensuring the integrity and stability of the nation’s financial system.
This agreement aligns with the UAE’s broader strategy to combat financial crime and uphold the highest standards of economic security. The collaboration between the CBUAE and the Economic Security Centre of Dubai is expected to lead to more effective monitoring and enforcement mechanisms, thereby enhancing the country’s reputation as a safe and attractive destination for global investors.
In recent years, the UAE has intensified its efforts to strengthen its financial regulatory framework. The signing of this MoU represents a significant step forward in these endeavours, reflecting the nation’s proactive approach to addressing emerging challenges in the global financial landscape.
The partnership will facilitate the sharing of critical information and best practices between the two entities, enabling them to respond more effectively to threats such as money laundering, terrorist financing, and other forms of financial crime. This collaborative approach is anticipated to result in more robust preventive measures and a more resilient financial system.
The CBUAE has been at the forefront of implementing initiatives to enhance financial stability and integrity. This latest agreement with the Economic Security Centre of Dubai complements these efforts, reinforcing the central bank’s role in safeguarding the nation’s economic interests.
The Economic Security Centre of Dubai, established to protect the emirate’s economic interests, plays a crucial role in preventing activities that could harm the economy. Through this MoU, the Centre aims to leverage its expertise in economic security to support the CBUAE’s mission of maintaining a stable and secure financial environment.
This collaboration is also expected to contribute to the UAE’s compliance with international standards and best practices in financial regulation. By aligning their efforts, the CBUAE and the Economic Security Centre of Dubai aim to enhance the effectiveness of their financial crime prevention strategies, thereby strengthening the UAE’s position in the global financial community.
The MoU outlines a framework for ongoing cooperation, including regular meetings, joint training sessions, and the development of coordinated policies and procedures. This structured approach is designed to ensure that both institutions can work together seamlessly to address current and future challenges in the financial sector.
The signing ceremony was attended by senior officials from both organisations, who expressed their commitment to the objectives of the MoU. They emphasised the importance of collaboration in achieving shared goals and highlighted the potential benefits of the partnership for the UAE’s economy.
This agreement is part of a series of initiatives undertaken by the UAE to enhance its financial regulatory framework and strengthen its defences against financial crime. By fostering closer cooperation between key institutions, the nation aims to build a more secure and resilient financial system that can support sustainable economic growth.
The CBUAE and the Economic Security Centre of Dubai have a history of working together on various initiatives aimed at enhancing economic security. This MoU builds upon that foundation, formalising their partnership and setting the stage for more comprehensive collaboration in the future.
