News
Paladion honored for its Managed Security Services
Paladion today announced that it has been honored for its Managed Security Services by the region’s leading Information Security magazine. The company was adjudged as “The Best Managed Security Services Provider of the Year 2016”.
Sunil Gupta, COO at Paladion Networks said, “We are delighted to receive this elevated position in the Middle East. Paladion has been continuously adapting its cyber protection strategies since before the turn of the millennium to stay on top of the latest, sophisticated threats. These insights from over 16 years in the business are enhanced by our proprietary big data based security analytics platform to power our next generation managed security services. This award distinguishes our MSS team for bringing in continuous innovation to help enterprises stay ahead of attackers.”
The nomination for the Best Managed Security Services Provider 2016 included several leading information security providers from across the globe. The event honored several other IT security vendors and leaders under different categories.
“We are really excited to receive this recognition from Security Advisor Middle East. Our MSS Service maintains an “active” characteristic to combat today’s attackers that are continuously changing their attacks strategies. The active approach means coordinated response from the entire team, which includes security researchers, hunters, analysts, responders, ethical hackers, and more. ” concluded Amit Roy, EVP & Region Head EMEA at Paladion.

Gadgets
CMF by Nothing Expands Portfolio with Phone 2 Pro and New Buds Lineup

CMF by Nothing has today expanded its product ecosystem with the launch of four new devices: the CMF Phone 2 Pro, CMF Buds 2 Plus, CMF Buds 2, and CMF Buds 2a. The company showcased its latest innovations in a launch event:
Headlining the announcement is the CMF Phone 2 Pro, positioned as the brand’s ultimate daily smartphone. The Phone 2 Pro stands out as Nothing’s slimmest and lightest smartphone yet, measuring a mere 7.8 mm thin and weighing only 185 g – 5% thinner than its predecessor, the CMF Phone 1. Its design features an elegant body with an aluminum camera surround, stainless steel screws, and an upgraded IP54 water resistance rating.
Available in four distinct colours – White, Black, Orange, and Light Green – the Phone 2 Pro offers a range of aesthetic choices. The Black and Light Green variants sport a glass-like back with a metallic frame, while the White version features a panelled sandstone finish, and the Orange option presents a bold metallic sheen. CMF emphasizes a “more sophisticated quality” in this generation’s design.
Photography enthusiasts will appreciate the advanced four-camera system, headlined by a 50 MP main camera with a larger sensor capturing 64% more light than the CMF Phone 1. Notably, the device includes a powerful telephoto lens with 6 stacked lenses and 20x digital zoom, a feature CMF claims is unique in its segment. An 8 MP ultra-wide camera and a 16 MP front camera complete the setup.
Powering the CMF Phone 2 Pro is the newly upgraded MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Pro 5G processor, featuring an 8-core CPU with speeds up to 2.5 GHz. CMF claims a 10% quicker processing and a 5% improvement in graphics compared to the previous model, thanks to the state-of-the-art TSMC 4 nm process technology. The device also packs a 5000 mAh battery, offering nearly an hour more battery life than the Phone 1.
The CMF Phone 2 Pro features a 6.77″ FHD+ flexible AMOLED display, capable of displaying a stunning 1.07 billion colours – significantly more than its predecessor. HDR photography is enhanced, and Ultra HDR captures boost highlight brightness up to 8 times, achieving a peak brightness of 3000 nits. A 1000 Hz touch sampling rate and a 120 Hz adaptive refresh rate promise a smooth and responsive user experience.
Continuing the modularity of the CMF line, the Phone 2 Pro supports three new accessories: a Universal Cover, Interchangeable Lenses (Fisheye and Macro), and a Wallet/Stand. A significant upgrade is the inclusion of NFC for contactless payments. Alongside the smartphone, CMF introduced a trio of new wireless earbuds catering to various needs and budgets under the CMF Buds lineup for 2025.
The CMF Buds 2 Plus are designed for users seeking a premium audio experience, featuring Hi-Res LDAC support, hearing compensation, and full EQ customization. The CMF Buds 2 offer a versatile everyday audio solution, balancing sound, comfort, and smart features. They come equipped with Dirac Opteo tuning, 48dB hybrid ANC, and a Spatial Audio Effect.
The CMF Buds 2a serve as the entry-level option, focusing on delivering clear, high-quality audio in a lightweight design. Key features include 42dB ANC, a 12.4 mm bio-fibre driver, and deep bass.
Pricing and Availability:
The CMF Phone 2 Pro is available in two configurations:
8 + 128GB: £219
8 + 256GB: £249
CMF Phone 2 Pro accessories are exclusively available at nothing.tech in the EU and UK (limited quantities):
Universal Cover: £25
Interchangeable Lenses (Fisheye and Macro): £35
Wallet/Stand: £35
Bundle 1 (Cover + Wallet/Stand or Lenses): £45
Bundle 2 (Cover + Wallet/Stand + Lenses): £65
The CMF Buds are priced as follows:
CMF Buds 2 Plus: £49
CMF Buds 2: £39
CMF Buds 2a: £29
The pricing and distribution may vary depending on the region.
Apps
Meta Deploys Facial Recognition Tools Against Scams in MENA

Meta has announced the deployment of advanced facial recognition technology across its platforms in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The new measures aim to proactively detect and prevent “celeb-bait” scams and offer a faster, more secure method for users to recover compromised accounts.
The facial recognition system is specifically designed to identify and automatically block deceptive advertisements that misuse and alter images of public figures. These fraudulent ads often lure users to scam websites where they are prompted to share personal information or send money. By comparing images in suspicious ads against the profile pictures of celebrities and public figures on Facebook and Instagram, the system can swiftly remove confirmed instances of fraudulent content.
Importantly, Meta emphasises that any facial data generated from ads for this comparison is immediately deleted after the one-time check, regardless of a match, and is not used for any other purpose. Public figures in the MENA region will be automatically enrolled in this protection but retain the option to opt out. This initiative underscores Meta’s commitment to tackling scams that exploit the likeness of well-known individuals to deceive users.
In a parallel effort to enhance account security and recovery, Meta is introducing a video selfie verification feature. This new tool will allow users attempting to regain access to potentially compromised accounts to verify their identity by uploading a short video selfie. The system will then compare this video to the user’s existing profile pictures – a process akin to facial recognition used for device unlocking. This streamlined verification method aims to significantly reduce the time users are locked out of their accounts while providing a more robust security measure against unauthorised access compared to traditional document-based verification.
Similar to the scam detection process, Meta assures users that any facial data utilised for account recovery through the video selfie feature is deleted immediately after the verification process is complete. The data is encrypted during the process and is never retained or repurposed for any other use.
Basma Ammari, Director of Public Policy, MENA at Meta, emphasised the critical need for these measures, stating, “Scams that misuse someone’s image aren’t just misleading; they can be devastating, causing significant emotional and financial harm. We’ve heard directly from public figures and everyday users across the MENA region about the distress these scams cause. That’s why we’re investing in technologies like facial recognition to proactively catch these scams and prevent them from spreading, and enhancing our verification tools to ensure users can quickly regain access to their accounts. These updates are part of our commitment to building a safer and more trustworthy online environment, specifically addressing the growing threat of identity-based scams in the region.”
Cars
The 2025 INFINITI QX55 Arrives in the Middle East

INFINITI has announced the arrival of the 2025 QX55, a stylish and comfortable crossover coupe that makes a statement with its iconic sloped roofline and confident presence. The latest iteration of the QX55 emphasises daring design, a meticulously crafted interior, and user-friendly technology, promising an elevated driving experience.
The 2025 model year offers buyers a streamlined selection of three well-appointed grades, each providing the added confidence of standard INFINITI Intelligent All-Wheel Drive. Prioritising driver and passenger safety, every QX55 comes equipped with a comprehensive suite of standard active safety technologies. This includes Intelligent Cruise Control, Predictive Forward Collision Warning, Forward Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Rear Automatic Emergency Braking, Blind Spot Warning and Intervention, Lane Departure Warning and Prevention, High Beam Assist, and Cross Traffic Alert.
The entry-level QX55 LUXE offers a compelling package, powered by a potent and efficient 2.0-liter Variable Compression Turbo (VC-Turbo) engine producing 268 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. Exterior highlights include 20-inch dark-painted aluminum-alloy wheels. Inside, drivers will appreciate a leather-wrapped steering wheel, the ProACTIVE Package, heated front seats, a convenient wireless phone charging pad, and the intuitive INFINITI InTouch infotainment system featuring both Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay integration.
Stepping up to the QX55 ESSENTIAL grade adds practical enhancements designed for everyday convenience. These include the Around View Monitor with Moving Object Detection for enhanced visibility, integrated navigation, climate-controlled front seats for optimal comfort, and rain-sensing front wipers. The top-of-the-line QX55 SENSORY builds upon the already well-equipped ESSENTIAL grade with a focus on premium materials and advanced features.
The interior is adorned with black natural maple open-pore wood trim and luxurious semi-aniline leather-appointed seating, complemented by heated rear seats. Audiophiles will appreciate the rich and immersive sound delivered by a 16-speaker Bose Performance Series premium audio system, complete with metallic speaker grilles for the tweeters. The SENSORY grade also boasts an elite 3-zone full auto air-conditioning system with front and rear ventilation shut function, auto recirculation with ionizer, and fine particle anti-allergen deodorising filters, along with a convenient head-up display and a motion-activated liftgate.
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