Apple today announced new projects to expand clean energy and replenish fresh water around the world.

We are thrilled to announce our latest S Ventures investment in Guardz, a unified cybersecurity platform built to empower MSPs to secure and insure small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs).

A Modern Approach to Cybersecurity for SMBs

SMBs today face a unique set of challenges when it comes to protecting against the evolving cybersecurity threat landscape. With cloud and SaaS adoption, SMBs’ IT infrastructures are becoming increasingly complex to manage. This is coupled with limited budgets and staff, making it difficult for SMBs to acquire and deploy best-in-class cybersecurity solutions. With 88% of the SMB market turning to Managed Service Providers (MSPs) for cybersecurity protection, there is a critical need to build a scalable, easy-to-use cybersecurity platform that is specifically tailored to the needs of MSPs and their SMB customers.

In comes Guardz – addressing this gap head-on and developing a modern approach for SMB cybersecurity. The Guardz platform combines a robust cybersecurity technology and deep insurance expertise that ensures MSPs and their SMB customers can proactively safeguard their digital assets against a myriad of cyber threats, mitigate cybersecurity risks, and prevent the next cybersecurity attack.

Apple will open an Apple Developer Academy in Bali, expanding on its investment to increase opportunities for developers, students, and entrepreneurs.

Mission Critical is excited to introduce you to the 2024 Top 25 Women in Technology. Meet Makenna Deamer.

Last week, PinnacleOne detailed how firms can navigate the era of AI in cybersecurity and emerging tools to keep pace with advancing threats.

This week, we focus on recent escalation dynamics in the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

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Insight Focus | Navigating International Conflict and Escalation Dynamics

Summary of Recent Events

Conflict between Israel and Iran simmered for decades before the most recent spike in tensions. The proximate cause for Iran’s assault on Israel this weekend was the result of that country violating well-established norms. Israel bombed an Iranian diplomatic facility adjacent to the main embassy in Syria killing senior Iranian generals. Embassies and their compounds are considered the sovereign land of the country that they represent – in the U.S., law enforcement agencies (like local police) are prohibited from stepping foot within their walls.

The Good | Police Unmask 200 LockBit Affiliates

Following the takedown of their operations earlier in the year, the inner workings of LockBit’s affiliate infrastructure have become clearer this week as investigations continue. The UK’s National Crime Agency, with assistance from the FBI, have reportedly matched a list of pseudonyms used by the ransomware gang to suspected cybercriminals.

So far, investigators have been able to link some 200 affiliates of LockBit who were using nondescript usernames to real world identities. The NCA’s senior officer on the case further confirmed that authorities have been able to connect specific affiliates back to particular cyberattacks. As the investigations carry on, all details collected are helping law enforcement to pursue more of the gang’s influential members, as well as any associated money launderers and malware developers.

Over the past three years, LockBit’s Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS) operations have left a long line of victims in its wake, with their ransom demands totalling at least $120 million.

Despite a dramatic takedown in February and having a senior administrator sentenced in March, LockBit lingers on through a new blog and data leak site, though lacking its prior momentum. Still, the gang’s ringleaders remain at large and cyber defenders continue to monitor for signs of rebranding – a strategy used by Hive and predecessors of BlackCat/ALPHV. Law enforcement’s efforts in matching up outstanding LockBit usernames to known criminals is a major step in disrupting LockBit’s new and future operations.

The Bad | New Phishing Campaign Drops Multi-Stage Malware via SVG Files

Security researchers this week reported on a complex cyberattack leveraging phishing emails to spread a wide range of malware, including Venom RAT, Remcos RAT, XWorm, NanoCore RAT, and a crypto wallet stealer.

Campaign Registry Requirements for SMS

As your trusted VoIP provider, we want you to stay informed about all aspects of your service, including how to comply with industry regulations that impact your communication. One such requirement that has come into effect for businesses sending SMS messages involves registration with the Campaign Registry. We suggest all new customers using the E...

New FCC Ruling on SMS and the DNC List

Recently, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has implemented new regulations that significantly affect how businesses and individuals can send SMS messages to users listed on the Do Not Call (DNC) registry. As a service provider committed to ensuring that you stay informed and compliant, we've put together this guide to help you understand...

In today's fast-paced business environment, productivity and efficiency are more than just buzzwords—they are the pillars on which successful enterprises are built. Recognizing this, the introduction of the Elevate AI Assistant marks a significant leap forward in integrating Generative AI technology into everyday business operations. This tool is i...

Customers and independent repair providers will soon be able to utilize used Apple parts in repairs, beginning with select iPhone models.

Mission Critical is excited to introduce you to the 2024 Top 25 Women in Technology. Meet Devin de Lange.

New enterprise experiences leverage spatial computing to customize workspaces, collaborate on 3D designs, deliver special employee training, and more.

Mission Critical is excited to introduce you to the 2024 Top 25 Women in Technology. Meet Molly Bakewell Chamberlin.

Members of L.A.’s Koreatown Run Club and New York’s Old Man Run Club join forces to take on The Speed Project.

According to research by IDC (International Data Corporation), released in December 2023, IT business growth in Mexico reached 22%, ahead of Brazil with 15%.

Strategic acquisition of seven edge data centers from EXA Infrastructure will open new markets for nLighten in Belgium, Switzerland and Spain and expands its footprint in France, the UK and the Netherlands.

While a fire protection system may save a data center from fire, it could still be a risk to the data it stores. It’s important to understand what is being protected in each area to make the most effective decisions about data center fire protection

Mission Critical is excited to introduce you to the 2024 Top 25 Women in Technology. Meet Celina Berglund.

According to the IDC Worldwide Quarterly Enterprise Infrastructure Tracker: Buyer and Cloud Deployment, spending on compute and storage infrastructure products for cloud deployments increased 18.5% year over year in Q4 2023 to $31.8 billion.

This addition is part of NTT DATA’s global expansion efforts to meet a growing demand for data usage and computation.