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UAE Second Most Targeted Country in MEA for Ransomware
Cyber criminals revealed new levels of ambition in 2016 – a year marked by extraordinary attacks, including multi-million dollar virtual bank heists and overt attempts to sabotage organizations by state-sponsored groups including Shamoon, and record-breaking DDoS attacks that were carried out by infecting IoT devices, according to Symantec’s (Nasdaq: SYMC) Internet Security Threat Report (ISTR), Volume 22.
“New sophistication and innovation are the nature of the threat landscape, but this year Symantec has identified seismic shifts in motivation and focus,” said Hussam Sidani, Regional Manager for Gulf, Symantec. “The world has seen specific nation states doubling down on political manipulation and straight sabotage. In the Middle East, we saw Shamoon putting the Kingdom on high alert again after attacks were uncovered late 2016. Meanwhile, cyber criminals caused unprecedented levels of disruption by focusing their exploits on relatively simple IT tools, unsecured IoT devices and cloud services.”
The UAE’s 2016 Internet Security Threat Profile improved with its world ranking dropping from 41 in 2015 to 51 in 2016. In the Middle East and Africa, UAE improved its regional standing, dropping to 10th place compared to 6th the previous year. This shift indicates a lower global percentage of source-based security threats, including malicious code, spam, phishing hosts, web and network attacks, and bots originating in the country. However, the country was heavily targeted for ransomware, the second highest in the Middle East and Africa region, and representing about 0.5 percent of all global detections.
“UAE has taken commendable measures at federal, public and private levels to solidify cybersecurity in the country. Furthermore, various entities have made efforts to identify and foster future cybersecurity specialists, and there is also a growing awareness about cyberthreats in the weakest link in the chain – the end user or consumer,” added Sidani.
Symantec’s ISTR provides a comprehensive view of the threat landscape, including insights into global threat activity, cyber criminal trends and motivations for attackers. Key highlights include:
Subversion and Sabotage Attacks Emerge at the Forefront
Cyber criminals are executing politically devastating attacks in a move to undermine a new class of targets. Cyber attacks against the U.S. Democratic Party and the subsequent leak of stolen information reflect a trend toward criminals employing highly-publicized, overt campaigns designed to destabilize and disrupt targeted organizations and countries. While cyber attacks involving sabotage have traditionally been quite rare, the perceived success of several campaigns – including the U.S. election and Shamoon – point to a growing trend to criminals attempting to influence politics and sow discord in other countries.
The Increasing Threat Of Ransomware
Ransomware continued to escalate as a global problem and a lucrative business for criminals. Symantec identified over 100 new malware families released into the wild, more than triple the amount seen previously, and a 36 percent increase in ransomware attacks worldwide.
In the Middle East and Africa, UAE was the second most targeted company (after Saudi Arabia) for ransomware attacks, up two spots from 2015. Furthermore, the UAE ranked 26th globally for ransomware attacks, Saudi Arabia was the 20th most targeted country, and United States ranked first. Symantec found 30 percent of UAE ransomware victims are willing to pay a ransom, compared to 34 percent globally.
Adversely, 64 percent of Americans victims are prepared to pay a ransom. Consequently, in 2016 the global average ransom spiked 266 percent with criminals demanding an average of $1,077 per victim up from $294 as reported for the previous year.
Nation States Chase the Big Scores
A new breed of attackers revealed major financial ambitions, which may be an exercise to help fund other covert and subversive activities. Today, the largest heists are carried out virtually, with billions of dollars stolen by cyber criminals. While some of these attacks are the work of organized criminal gangs, for the first time nation states appear to be involved as well. Symantec uncovered evidence linking North Korea to attacks on banks in Bangladesh, Vietnam, Ecuador and Poland.
“This was an incredibly audacious hack as well as the first time we observed strong indications of nation state involvement in financial cyber crime,” said SidaniWhile their sights were set even higher, the attackers stole at least US$94 million.”
Attackers Weaponize Commonly Used Software; Email Becomes the Weapon of Choice
In 2016, Symantec saw cyber criminals use PowerShell, a common scripting language installed on PCs, and Microsoft Office files as weapons. While system administrators may use these common IT tools for daily management tasks, cyber criminals increasingly used this combination for their campaigns as it leaves a lighter footprint and offers the ability to hide in plain sight. Due to the widespread use of PowerShell by attackers, 95 percent of PowerShell files seen by Symantec in the wild were malicious.
The use of email as an infection point also rose, becoming a weapon of choice for cyber criminals and a dangerous threat to users. Symantec found one in 136 emails in the UAE contained a malicious link or attachment. Large enterprises (more than 2,501 employees) in the country received the most emails containing malware and phishing, while small enterprises (less than 250 employees) received the most spam. Cybercriminals attack large companies given the bigger user and asset base, which makes them a more lucrative victim given the multiple attack vectors. Additionally, the services industry was the most affected by malicious emails in the UAE (one in 53 emails), while 57 percent of all emails received by organizations were identified as spam, higher than the global average.
Cracks in the Cloud: The Next Frontier for Cyber Crime is Upon Us
A growing reliance on cloud services has left organizations open to attacks. Tens of thousands of cloud databases from a single provider were hijacked and held for ransom in 2016 after users left outdated databases open on the internet without authentication turned on.
Cloud security continues to challenge CIOs. According to Symantec data, CIOs have lost track of how many cloud apps are used inside their organizations. When asked, most assume their organizations use up to 40 cloud apps when in reality the number nears 1,000. This disparity can lead to a lack of policies and procedures for how employees access cloud services, which in turn makes cloud apps riskier. These cracks found in the cloud are taking shape. Symantec predicts that unless CIOs get a firmer grip on the cloud apps used inside their organizations, they will see a shift in how threats enter their environment.
Xiaomi unveiled its Redmi Note 14 series during a global launch event held at the Banyan Tree Resort in Dubai. The event, attended by over 200 people, showcased the latest technological innovations from Xiaomi. The series includes the Redmi Note 14 Pro+ 5G, Redmi Note 14 Pro 5G, Redmi Note 14 Pro, Redmi Note 14 5G, and Redmi Note 14.
The event also featured a range of smart devices, including the Redmi Watch 5, Redmi Buds 6 Pro, and Redmi Buds 6, impressing attendees with their capabilities. The Redmi Note 14 series boasts flagship-level photography with AI-powered cameras. The Pro variants feature a 200MP camera with OIS, 2x/4x optical zoom, and 30x digital zoom, while the Redmi Note 14 and 14 5G have a 108MP camera. Front cameras are upgraded, with the Redmi Note 14 Pro featuring a 32MP front camera.
Features like Dynamic Shots and Dual Video allow users to capture multiple perspectives, while AI Image Expansion and AI Erase Pro offer advanced editing capabilities. The Redmi Note 14 series is built for durability, with drop, splash, and scratch resistance. The Pro variants feature a high-strength aluminium frame, energy-absorbing foam, and polymer buffering for extra toughness. The Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 display enhances scratch resistance.
The series offers various levels of dust and water resistance, with the Redmi Note 14 Pro+ 5G and Pro 5G having an IP68 rating, the Redmi Note 14 Pro and 14 5G an IP64 rating, and the Redmi Note 14 an IP54 rating. The Redmi Note 14 series delivers outstanding performance and long-lasting battery life. The Redmi Note 14 Pro+ 5G is powered by the 4nm Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 processor, with a 5110mAh battery and 120W HyperCharge. The Pro 5G and other models feature MediaTek’s Dimensity 7300-Ultra and Helio G100-Ultra chipsets, with batteries ranging from 5110mAh to 5500mAh.
The Redmi Note 14 series offers an immersive 120Hz display, with the Pro+ 5G and Pro 5G models enhancing the experience with 1.5K resolution. The display minimizes blue light exposure and is ideal for outdoor use with a peak brightness of 3000 nits. The Redmi Note 14 series is now available across all Xiaomi channels:
- Redmi Note 14 Pro+ 5G: Prices start at AED 1559
- Redmi Note 14 Pro 5G: Prices start at AED 1289
- Redmi Note 14 Pro: Prices start at AED 949
- Redmi Note 14: Prices start at AED 679
- Redmi Buds 6: Starting price AED 179
- Redmi Buds 6 Pro: Starting price AED 319
- Redmi Watch 5: Starting price AED 379
Acer announced the latest additions to its growing line of e-mobility solutions, unveiling three new e-scooter models. This launch is part of Acer’s expansion of its sustainable technology lineup that caters to smart, eco-friendly lifestyles, and brings new levels of fun and mobility to more diverse user groups.
Predator ES Storm Foldable eScooter
The Predator ES Storm is a foldable e-scooter with a unique gamer-inspired design built for performance. Featuring a cutting-edge design, blistering speeds, reliable braking power and shock-absorbing suspension, it comes with a bright display that is paired with the Acer eMobility app. The app allows riders to control the speed, cruise control, gear switching, lateral illumination and headlight settings.
The Predator ES Storm is powered by a 500W hub motor, that helps to easily conquer hills and flat roads, with the motor capable of reaching a peak of over 900W. Meanwhile, the Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS) recharges the scooter by converting braking energy into usable power, making it more energy-efficient and extending its battery life, while also reducing the wear and tear of the mechanical brakes.
The powerful 42V/16 Ah Li-Ion battery guarantees travel distances of up to 60 km on a single charge. Riders will experience unmatched stability and control, thanks to the 10-inch tubeless tyres and the front fork suspension that acts as a shock absorber. The Predator ES Storm scooters come with signal lights on the handlebar, a front disc and a rear E-ABS electric brake, for enhanced safety, and weighs just 20.45 kg.
Acer ES Series 5 Select eScooter
With a powerful 500W engine, high-capacity battery, foldable design, responsive braking, and shock-absorbing system, riders of the new Acer Series 5 Select eScooters can cruise the city streets effortlessly and in comfort, using four throttle modes with cruise control. The motor delivers 29 Nm of powerful torque and smooth acceleration, hitting speeds up to 25 km per hour (subject to local regulations). For those who crave more excitement, the Sports Mode feature delivers maximum power and responsiveness, with a climbing ability of up to 23 degrees. The high-response rear E-ABS and front disc brake system ensure synchronized movements, while the 16Ah battery enables long distance rides of up to 60 km on a single charge.
The Acer Series 5 Select eSscooter comes with enhanced features that can be activated via the Acer eMobility app to control and monitor the scooter’s performance in real-time. Weighing just 20.46 kg whilst withstanding loads of up to 120 kg, the light, foldable design makes it portable for easy storage or transport. Safety features include high-visibility lights, and equipped with 10-inch tubeless tires for a smooth stable ride over various terrains.
Acer ES Series 4 Select eScooter
The Acer ES Series 4 Select model is aimed at riders looking for a flexible, stylish and quickly rechargeable scooter at a more affordable price. With its minimalistic design, power and easy mobility, the Acer ES Series 4 is a sleek foldable eScooter designed with multiple speed options, a responsive double brake system, shock-absorbing suspension, and a bright, easy-to-read display.
Powered by a 400W rear motor and with multiple speed settings, the eScooter is designed to tackle various terrains, whether smooth streets or steep hills. It can even reach a peak output of over 800W, providing extra power when needed for more challenging inclines or tougher conditions. Riders can choose between speeds of 6 km/h, a steady 10 km/h commute, or a faster 20 or 25 km/h (subject to local regulations). The Sport Mode Booster offers extra power for tackling steeper hills, while the Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS) recovers energy while braking and coasting, converting it into usable power to enhance travel distance.
Weighing under 20 kg, this foldable scooter can bear a weight load of 120 kg, charges in just five hours and can cover distances of up to 45 km in a single charge. The front disc brake and rear electric brake (E-ABS) improve safety with shorter stopping distances. The 10-inch tubeless tires provide excellent stability and comfort, whilst the front fork suspension acts as a shock absorber, reducing the impact from bumps and uneven terrain for a smoother, more reliable journey.
All Acer eScooter models have an IPX5 water protection rating, allowing them to be ridden through puddles. Designed to help reduce carbon emissions, the Acer eScooter models are a more sustainable alternative mode of transport for commuting.
The High-Performance Computing Center of the University of Stuttgart (HLRS) celebrated the commencement of operations for its state-of-the-art supercomputer, ‘Hunter’. Designed and manufactured by Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE), Hunter promises to offer cutting-edge infrastructure for large-scale simulation, artificial intelligence (AI), and data analytics applications in the realms of science, industry, and the public sector. Hunter is also built with sustainability in mind, utilizing a 100% fanless direct liquid cooling system and a dynamic power capping approach to maximize energy efficiency.
Hunter’s architecture is powered by energy-efficient AMD Instinct Accelerated Processing Units (APUs), which integrate CPU cores and GPUs. This marks a new chapter in the history of supercomputing in Stuttgart, with HLRS ready to address complex problems in engineering, weather and climate modelling, biomedical research, materials science, and more.
“Hunter offers scientists at the University of Stuttgart and across Germany a future-proof infrastructure for AI-based simulations and high-performance computing of a new quality,” said Prof. Peter Middendorf, Rector of the University of Stuttgart. “Hunter also benefits the entire ecosystem of our university with its global players, its strong medium-sized companies, and its growing start-up scene.”
Prof. Michael Resch, Director of HLRS, emphasized the transformative period in high-performance computing driven by rapid AI development and a growing focus on sustainability. “With Hunter, our user community gains a state-of-the-art infrastructure that will support them in navigating this changing HPC landscape and enable them to remain competitive at the frontiers of scientific discovery and industrial innovation,” he said.
The Hunter supercomputer, a €15 million project, received joint funding from the Baden-Württemberg Ministry for Science, Research, and Art, and Germany’s Federal Ministry for Education and Research, facilitated by the Gauss Centre for Supercomputing (GCS). “A high-performance computer like the new Hunter is not simply a technical innovation—more importantly, it is necessary for the future capabilities of our country and a key to progress in science and industry,” stated Petra Olschowski, Minister of Science, Research and Art of the State of Baden-Württemberg.
Hunter employs the HPE Cray Supercomputing EX4000 architecture, aligned with the world’s leading exascale systems. The supercomputer features 136 nodes, four HPE Slingshot high-performance interconnects per node, and HPE Cray Supercomputing Storage Systems E2000. HPE’s holistic programming environment and performance cluster manager enhance system health, management, and power efficiency.
Heiko Meyer, Executive Vice President and Chief Sales Officer at HPE, highlighted HLRS’s role in cutting-edge science and industrial applications, adding, “We are proud to help advance HLRS’s mission by taking a big step into the future of supercomputing and AI with Hunter, and subsequently with Herder. This will open up completely new opportunities for foundational research and industrial product innovation.”
Hunter’s AMD Instinct MI300A APUs combine CPUs, GPU accelerators, and high-bandwidth memory, delivering a superior performance-to-energy ratio, using 80% less energy at peak performance than its predecessor, Hawk. Brad McCredie, Senior Vice President of Data Center Engineering at AMD, remarked, “The AMD Instinct MI300A APUs are driving innovation by delivering leadership performance and efficiency for critical workloads at the convergence of HPC and AI.”
HPE’s dynamic power capping software, co-developed with HLRS, optimizes power distribution to applications, reducing overall power consumption by about 20%, aligning with sustainability goals and ensuring high performance without compromising energy efficiency. With a theoretical peak performance of 48.1 Petaflops, Hunter stands as a testament to HLRS’s commitment to advancing the capabilities of high-performance computing and contributing to scientific and industrial breakthroughs.
As HLRS and its partners continue to drive forward, Hunter’s deployment represents just the beginning of future advancements in supercomputing, promising to foster further innovation, enhance industrial productivity, and support groundbreaking research across various fields.
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