Tech News
ANDROID BANKING MALWARE DETECTIONS INCREASED 428% IN THE LAST YEAR
Information security company ESET released its latest threat report in which it also reveals that Log4j attacks quickly became the fifth most common external intrusion vector of 2021, while password guessing was the first.
The ESET research team, a leading proactive threat detection company, has released its Threat Report for the last quarter of 2021, which summarizes key statistics from ESET’s detection systems and highlights examples of ESET’s cyber security research, including exclusive and unpublished updates on current threats.
The latest edition of the ESET Threat Report (covering September-December 2021) sheds light on the most common external attack vectors, the reason behind the rise in email threats, and changes in the prevalence of certain types of threats due to the fluctuating exchange rates of crypto currencies.
Highlights of the report include:
- Ransomware exceeded the worst expectations in 2021, with attacks against critical infrastructure, outrageous ransom demands, and more than $5 billion in potential bitcoin transactions in the first half of 2021 alone.
- Android banking malware detections increased 428% in 2021 compared to 2020.
- RDP attack numbers for the final weeks of Q3 2021 broke previous records, equating to 897% year-over-year growth.
- The ProxyLogon vulnerability was the second most frequent external attack vector in ESET statistics for 2021, right after password guessing attacks.
- Microsoft Exchange servers came under siege again in August 2021 via ProxyShell, which has been exploited worldwide by various threat groups.
- It includes an unpublished investigation into the operations of the APT group: exploitation of ProxyShell; OilRig campaign and activities of the cyber espionage group Dukes (also known as Cozy Bear).
- The Emotet botnet is back up and running.
The report also features an investigation into the Log4Shell vulnerability, a critical flaw in Log4j that surfaced in mid-December. IT teams globally quickly had to fix the flaw in their systems. “ This vulnerability, which scored a 10 on the Common Vulnerability Scoring System, put countless servers at risk of taking over completely, so it was no surprise that cybercriminals instantly began exploiting it. Despite only being known for the last three weeks of the year, Log4j attacks were the fifth most common external intrusion vector in 2021 in our statistics, showing how quickly emerging critical vulnerabilities are being exploited by threat actors.”, explains Roman Kováč, Research Director at ESET.
Exclusive research presented in the ESET Threat Report Q3 2021 provides unprecedented insights into the operations of the APT group. This time, the researchers provide updates on the activity of the OilRig cyber espionage group; the latest information on ProxyShell exploitation; and new spearphishing campaigns from the Dukes cyber espionage group.
Described in ESET’s Q4 2020 Threat Report as “more aggressive than ever”, ransomware exceeded the worst expectations in 2021, with attacks against critical infrastructure, outrageous ransom demands and more than $5 billion in transactions linked to potential ransomware payments identified in just the first half of 2021. As the bitcoin exchange rate peaked in November, ESET experts noted an influx of threats targeting cryptocurrencies, further fueled by the recent popularity of NFTs (non-fungible tokens).
In the mobile world, ESET noted an alarming increase in Android banking malware detections, rising 428% in 2021 compared to 2020, reaching detection levels for adware, a common nuisance on the Android platform. The annual detection number of email threats, the gateway to a variety of attacks, doubled. This trend was primarily driven by an increase in phishing emails.
The ESET Q3 2021 Threat Report also reviews the most important research findings, where the ESET research team discovered: FontOnLake, a new malware family targeting Linux; a previously undocumented real-world UEFI bootkit called ESPecter; Famous Sparrow, a cyber-espionage group targeting hotels, governments, and private companies around the world; and many others. In addition, the ESET team published an analysis of the 17 malicious frameworks known to have been used to attack networks with air gaps, and concluded their extensive series of deep dives into Latin American banking Trojans.
A VoIP phone system is worth considering if you want to make your business more productive. It provides many features that boost team collaboration and communication, and it’s affordable.
VoIP phones plug directly into your broadband connection and look, feel, and work like traditional telephones. They also offer a range of other valuable features here, including auto attendant and call transfer.
Costs
With cloud-based VoIP phone systems, you can save money on the hardware costs of traditional private branch exchange (PBX) phones. You’ll also avoid paying monthly fees for each business line. Additionally, you can scale up or down as your company grows without incurring additional costs.
Furthermore, most providers offer unified communication tools that work well with your business VoIP system. This makes it easier for your teams to collaborate and communicate with one another and customers.
However, it would help if you remembered that your VoIP service depends on a stable internet connection. Ensure you get a fiber connection if you run a business out of the office or at least high-speed mobile data if you work on the go. You might experience latency and jitter during calls if you have poor connectivity. This can be an inconvenience for your clients and team members. You should also check if your provider has redundancy for the backup hardware instance of your system.
Installation
The installation process for a VoIP system can vary depending on the type of solution you choose. Device-based systems connect phones with adapters, while cloud PBX solutions use the software you install in the cloud and configure it to your network. Both options require a high-speed internet connection and have some limitations.
For example, VoIP calls depend on your network’s quality, so having low latency for clear calls is important. Additionally, you may need a dedicated line or more bandwidth for your team, especially if you plan to hold conference calls regularly.
As an alternative to traditional landlines and private branch exchange (PBX) systems, VoIP provides businesses with a cost-effective way to save money while also providing advanced call management features.
Call Quality
Using VoIP, business calls are converted into digital data packets sent over the internet. The call quality is often just as good or even better than traditional landlines. It allows companies to offer their customers local or toll-free numbers only charged when calling from a specific geographic area (US, Canada, and many other countries).
VoIP works over the internet, so it’s important to have a reliable network with high-speed cable or fiber broadband connections. The best way to determine the quality of your internet connection is to conduct a bandwidth test.
VoIP provides more user-level control over settings like answering rules and uploading hold music than an office phone system. It also makes it easier for administrators to make changes without worrying that they’ll bring the entire system down. This gives businesses the flexibility to grow with their client base and can allow a one-person operation to project the image of a larger company.
Features
VoIP allows people to communicate with one another for free or at rates significantly lower than traditional phone services, as long as the users have a stable internet connection. Implementing the system depends on the equipment, service provider, and other ancillary costs. However, it can reduce business telephone expenses by up to 50 percent.
Other features include portability, which allows users to move their numbers between devices and locations. This is especially helpful when employees work remotely during the pandemic and allows businesses to scale up quickly during busy seasons. Other important features are call recording and faxing.
A fax machine can save time; users won’t need to jot down voicemail details. Some systems even provide the option of converting a voicemail into a text document. Call recording can help identify trends like sentiment analysis and call session metrics. Moreover, certain codecs can improve audio quality.
Renowned tech entrepreneur Hogarth AI task force, John Hogarth, has been appointed to lead the United Kingdom’s AI task force, a significant initiative aimed at harnessing the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) for the nation’s benefit. Hogarth, known for his expertise in emerging technologies, will spearhead the task force’s efforts to advance AI innovation, regulation, and adoption.
As the head of the AI task force, Hogarth will bring together a diverse group of industry experts, researchers, policymakers, and representatives from academia to collaboratively address the opportunities and challenges presented by AI. The task force’s primary objective is to develop a comprehensive strategy that enables the UK to become a global leader in AI technology while prioritizing ethical considerations, accountability, and societal well-being.
Under Hogarth’s leadership, the task force will focus on several key areas. Firstly, they will work to promote research and development in AI, fostering partnerships between industry and academia to facilitate knowledge exchange and accelerate innovation. Additionally, the task force will engage with regulatory bodies and policymakers to shape AI policies that encourage responsible deployment while addressing potential risks and biases.
Moreover, the AI task force will actively support AI adoption across various sectors of the UK economy. They will collaborate with businesses, organizations, and government agencies to identify and address barriers to AI implementation, provide guidance on best practices, and promote workforce training and upskilling to ensure a smooth transition to an AI-driven future.
Hogarth’s appointment as the head of the UK’s AI task force underscores the government’s commitment to leveraging AI technology for economic growth and societal advancement. By harnessing the expertise and insights of the task force’s members, the UK aims to position itself at the forefront of AI innovation, enabling businesses to thrive and society to benefit from the transformative potential of artificial intelligence.
Tech entrepreneur will AI taskforce
A tech entrepreneur has recently established an AI task force to address the challenges and opportunities presented by artificial intelligence. The task force consists of a diverse group of experts and professionals who will work together to study and develop AI technologies, policies, and guidelines.
The primary objective of the AI task force is to promote the responsible and ethical use of AI across various industries. This includes ensuring transparency, fairness, and accountability in AI systems, as well as addressing potential biases and risks associated with their deployment.
The task force will also focus on promoting innovation and collaboration in the AI space. They will explore ways to foster research and development in AI, encourage partnerships between industry and academia, and facilitate knowledge sharing and dissemination.
Additionally, the AI task force aims to engage with policymakers, regulators, and the public to raise awareness and understanding of AI. They will advocate for policies and regulations that strike a balance between promoting innovation and safeguarding societal interests.
By establishing this AI task force, the tech entrepreneur aims to contribute to the responsible development and deployment of AI technologies. They recognize the transformative potential of AI and seek to ensure that its benefits are maximized while minimizing potential risks. The task force will serve as a platform for collaboration and collective action, bringing together experts from various fields to shape the future of AI.
Pros And Cons Tech entrepreneur AI taskforce
Pros and Cons of AI Task Forces
AI task forces have emerged as a mechanism to address the challenges and opportunities presented by artificial intelligence. Here are some pros and cons associated with AI task forces:
Pros:
- Expertise and Collaboration: AI task forces bring together diverse groups of experts, including industry professionals, researchers, policymakers, and academics. This collaboration fosters the exchange of knowledge and expertise, leading to comprehensive insights and innovative solutions.
- Responsible Development: Task forces often prioritize responsible development and deployment of AI technologies. They focus on addressing ethical concerns, biases, and potential risks, ensuring that AI systems are transparent, fair, and accountable.
- Policy and Regulation: AI task forces play a vital role in shaping policies and regulations related to AI. By engaging with policymakers and regulatory bodies, they advocate for balanced approaches that foster innovation while safeguarding societal interests.
- Innovation and Research: These task forces promote research and development in AI by encouraging partnerships between industry and academia. By facilitating knowledge sharing and fostering a supportive ecosystem, they drive innovation and technological advancements.
Cons:
- Limited Impact: Despite their intentions, AI task forces may face challenges in translating their recommendations into tangible actions. Implementing policies and regulations across various industries and jurisdictions can be complex and time-consuming, potentially limiting the immediate impact of their efforts.
- Lack of Representation: It’s crucial for AI task forces to ensure diverse representation across sectors, demographics, and perspectives. Without proper representation, there’s a risk of overlooking crucial viewpoints and biases, which may impact the effectiveness and fairness of their recommendations.
- Rapidly Evolving Landscape: AI is a rapidly evolving field, and keeping up with the pace of advancements can be challenging. Task forces must continuously update their knowledge and expertise to address emerging technologies, potential risks, and new ethical considerations.
- Balancing Innovation and Regulation: Striking the right balance between fostering AI innovation and implementing necessary regulations can be a delicate task. Overly restrictive regulations may stifle innovation, while a lack of regulation can lead to potential risks and societal implications.
Overall, AI task forces offer a platform for collaboration, policy development, and responsible AI practices. While they have the potential to drive positive change, it’s essential to address their limitations and continuously adapt their approaches to ensure meaningful impact in an ever-evolving AI landscape.
Conclusion:
The pros of AI task forces include the expertise and collaboration they facilitate, ensuring a comprehensive approach to AI-related issues. They prioritize responsible development and deployment of AI technologies, advocate for balanced policies, and promote innovation and research in the field.
However, it’s important to acknowledge the cons associated with AI task forces. Challenges may arise in implementing their recommendations, and ensuring diverse representation and perspectives is crucial to avoid biases. The rapidly evolving nature of AI requires task forces to continuously update their knowledge and strike the right balance between innovation and regulation.
Despite these challenges, AI task forces provide a platform for collective action and the responsible advancement of AI. By leveraging the expertise of diverse stakeholders and addressing potential pitfalls, these task forces contribute to shaping a future where AI is harnessed for the benefit of society. With continuous adaptation and ongoing efforts, AI task forces can make significant strides in maximizing the positive impact of AI while minimizing its potential risks.
In today’s competitive job market, recruiters need a game-changing solution to tackle the challenges of managing a vast pool of applicants.
That’s where open source applicant tracking systems (ATS) come in. With their power to streamline workflows and enhance the hiring experience, the software offers recruiters the key to unlocking efficiency.
In this article, we’ll dive into the world of open source ATS. Whether you’re an experienced recruiter or new to the field, this comprehensive guide will equip you with the insights to optimize your recruitment efforts and stay ahead.
What is an open source applicant tracking system?
An open source applicant tracking system is a software solution designed to help recruiters and hiring teams streamline and automate various aspects of the recruitment process.
This recruiting software typically offers many features to simplify and enhance recruitment.
These features may include resume parsing and management, job posting and application management, candidate tracking and communication, interview scheduling and collaboration, and reporting and analytics.
With the freedom to modify and personalize the software, access to an active community of developers, and a wealth of features, open source ATS provides recruiters a flexible and powerful tool to optimize their hiring efforts.
What are the 4 key advantages of an open source applicant tracking system?
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Cost-effectiveness
One of the primary advantages of open source ATS is its cost-effectiveness.
Since the software is based on an open source framework, it is typically available for free or at a significantly lower cost compared to proprietary ATS solutions.
This makes it an attractive option, especially for small to medium-sized businesses with limited budgets for recruitment technology.
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Customization and flexibility
Open source ATS allows recruiters to customize and tailor the software to their specific needs.
The availability of source code allows users to modify and extend the functionality of the ATS, ensuring it aligns perfectly with their unique recruitment workflows.
Recruiters can add new features, integrate with other systems, and customize the user interface to optimize recruitment processes.
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Scalability and extensibility
Open source ATS solutions are designed to be highly scalable and extensible. As organizations grow and their recruitment needs evolve, the software can adapt and accommodate changing requirements.
Recruiters can scale the software to handle larger applicant volumes, integrate with additional systems or platforms, and extend functionality to suit their expanding needs. This scalability and extensibility make open source ATS a long-term solution that can grow with the organization.
What are the 5 best practices to consider while implementing an open source applicant tracking system?
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Assess your recruitment needs
Before implementing an open source ATS, assessing your organization’s specific recruitment needs is essential. Identify the roadblocks and areas for improvement in your current recruitment processes.
Consider factors such as the volume of applicants, collaboration requirements, integration with other systems, and reporting needs. This way, you can select an open source ATS that aligns with your organization’s needs and goals.
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Involve key stakeholders
Implementing an open source ATS is not a one-person task. It’s important for a recruiting agency to involve key stakeholders in the decision-making process. Include HR professionals, recruiters, hiring managers, and IT personnel who will be directly involved in implementing and using the ATS.
By involving stakeholders from the beginning, you can ensure their needs are considered, gain valuable insights, and increase buy-in and support for the implementation.
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Effectively plan and execute
Creating a comprehensive implementation plan is vital for a successful rollout of the open source ATS.
Define clear timelines, milestones, and responsibilities for each stage of the implementation process. Allocate appropriate resources, including personnel, budget, and time, to ensure smooth execution.
Conduct thorough training sessions to educate users about the features and functionalities of the ATS. Change management initiatives can also help employees adapt to the new system and embrace its benefits.
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Pay attention to data security and compliance
Data security and compliance should be top priorities when implementing an open source ATS. Ensure the system is implemented in a secure environment, with appropriate access controls and encryption measures.
Consider compliance with data privacy regulations such as GDPR or CCPA, depending on your jurisdiction. Implement regular data backups and establish a disaster recovery plan to protect candidate information and minimize the risk of data loss.
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Monitor, evaluate, and improve
After implementing the open source ATS, monitoring its performance and evaluating its impact on recruitment processes is crucial. Continuously gather feedback from users and stakeholders to improve regularly and address any issues or challenges.
Regularly review and analyze recruitment metrics and data provided by the ATS to gain insights into its effectiveness. Use these insights to make data-driven decisions, refine your recruitment strategies, and further optimize the use of the ATS.
In conclusion, embrace the potential of open source ATS and witness its transformative impact on your recruitment journey. It’s time to unlock the true power of open source applicant tracking systems and revolutionize your recruitment game.
Author’s Bio
Recruit CRM is on a mission to help recruiters across the world streamline their recruiting process using our intuitive and easy-to-use cloud-based ATS + CRM software.
Check out our latest ebook “101 recruiting power boosters to ace your hiring in 2023” for expert recruiting tips and advic
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