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Critical Infrastructure Cyber Threats Cybersecurity Data Breach Everest Ransomware Network Protection Power Grid Security Ransomware attack Svenska Kraftnät

Sweden Confirms Power Grid Breach Amid Growing Ransomware Concerns

Swedish power grid operator, Suderland, has confirmed it is investigating a security incident related to a potential ransomware attack aimed at decrypting sensitive data as part of its ongoing cybersecurity investigation, a revelation that has stirred alarm across Europe's critical infrastructure community.

It has been revealed by Svenska kraftnät, the state-owned company in charge of ensuring the nation's electricity transmission networks, that a criminal group has threatened to release what it claims to be hundreds of gigabytes of internal data allegedly stolen from the organization's computer system in order to sell it to the public. It appears, based on initial findings, that the breach occurred solely through a limited external file transfer platform, and officials stressed that the electricity supply and core grid of Sweden have not been affected.

In spite of this, the revelation has raised alarm about the threat to critical energy infrastructure from cyber extortion, which has increased as authorities continue to figure out exactly how extensive and damaging the cyber extortion attack has been. A breach which took place on October 26, 2025, reverberated throughout the cybersecurity landscape across Europe, highlighting the fragility of digital defences protecting critical infrastructure for the first time.

In response to claims made by the notorious Everest ransomware group, Sweden's government-owned electricity transmission company, which plays a crucial role in the stability of the country's power grid, confirmed a data compromise had been confirmed by Svenska kraftnät. In spite of the fact that the full scope of the intrusion is still being investigated, early indications suggest that the attackers may have obtained or exfiltrated sensitive internal data as part of the intrusion.

It has been reported that the Everest group, notorious for coordinated extortion campaigns and sophisticated methods of network infiltration, has publicly accepted responsibility, increasing scrutiny of both national and international cybersecurity authorities. Such attacks on critical national infrastructure (CNI), according to experts, have far-reaching consequences, threatening both operational continuity as well as economic stability and public confidence, among others.

It has rekindled the need to strengthen cyber resilience frameworks, to collaborate on threat intelligence, and to increase vigilance across essential service providers to prevent similar disruptions in the future. Despite the intrusion, officials have assured that the nation's power transmission and supply operations remain fully operational, with no signs that mission-critical infrastructure will be affected by the intrusion.

The extent to which the organisation has been compromised is still being investigated while securing affected systems and assessing the nature of the leaked information. In spite of the fact that it is still uncertain to what extent the breach has affected the organisation, early reports suggest that around 280 gigabytes of internal data may have been stolen. An established cybercrime group known as Everest has claimed responsibility for the recent attack on Svenska Kraftnät, and they have listed Svenska Kraftnät among their victims on a Tor-based data leak website, which was launched in late 2020.

A notorious group for extortion and cyberattacks, the group has been previously linked to high-profile incidents such as Collins Aerospace's cyberattack, which disrupted operations at several European airports as a result. Despite the increasing boldness of ransomware actors to attack key entities of national infrastructure, the latest claim against Sweden's key power operator is a clear indication of what is happening.

In the process of investigating the incident, Svenska kraftnät continues to maintain close coordination with law enforcement and cybersecurity agencies to identify the perpetrators and mitigate further risks. Despite the fact that this incident has been isolated, it is nonetheless an indication of the escalating cyber threat landscape affecting critical infrastructure providers, where even isolated system failures can pose significant risks to national stability and public confidence.

Svenska kraftnät has confirmed to the media that Cem Göcgoren, Head of Information Security at Svenska kraftnät, is leading a comprehensive forensic investigation to determine the nature and extent of the data compromised during the cyberattack, as well as to assess the level of damage that has been caused. It has been determined that the breach of security did not affect Sweden's transmission or distribution systems, with officials reassuring that the country's electricity systems should continue to operate uninterrupted during the investigation.

The aforementioned distinction highlights that the attackers probably targeted administrative or corporate data, not the systems responsible for managing real-time power flo,whichat are responsible for preventing potential disruptions from occurring, which is a critical factor in preventing potentially severe damagSvenska kraftnät must informrms the national law enforcement authorities of the intrusion immediately after it discovers the intrusion and coordinates with the appropriate government agencies to safeguard the infrastructure and cybersecurity of the network.

As a result of the swift escalation, power grid operators are becoming increasingly regarded as prime targets by ransomware groups, given the strategic and economic leverage they hold. There is a known ransomware gang, Everest, that has claimed responsibility for the attack. This group is notorious for its "double extortion" tactics, in which they encrypt the data of victims while simultaneously threatening to publish the stolen files in the absence of the ransom payment.

According to cybersecurity experts, this incident has served to underscore the importance of vigilant security governance within critical infrastructure sectors. In terms of countermeasures, it is recommended that robust incident response protocols be activated, as well as users be isolated from compromised systems, and detailed forensic assessments be conducted in order to identify vulnerabilities exploited during the breach.

The strengthening of the defenders through multi-factor authentication, network segmentation, and the disciplined management of patches is of utmost importance at this time, especially as ransomware operators target flaws in enterprise software products such as VMware vCenter and Ivanti software with increasing frequency. Furthermore, keeping immutable offline backups, making employees aware of phishing and social engineering threats, and leveraging real-time threat intelligence can all help to strengthen resilience against similar attacks in the future.

Thus, the Svenska kraftnät breach serves both as a warning and a lesson in the ongoing fight against the cyberattacks of modern societies, both in the sense that they serve as a warning and a lesson. In the energy sector, the incident serves as a defining reminder that cybersecurity is no longer only a technical issue, but is also a matter of national resilience. With ransomware actors becoming more sophisticated and audacious, power grid operators have to take a proactive approach and move from reactive defence to predictive intelligence - by adopting continuous monitoring and zero-trust architectures, as well as collaborating with multiple agencies to strengthen digital ecosystems.

Aside from immediate containment efforts, it will be essential to invest in cybersecurity training, international alliances for information sharing, and next-generation defence technologies to prevent future cyber threats. While alarming, the Svenska kraftnät breach presents a unique opportunity for governments and industries alike to strengthen their digital trust and operational stability by using this breach.

Unsecured Corporate Data Found Freely Accessible Through Simple Searches

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Privacy

AI governance AI Security Corporate Data Breach Cybersecurity Data protection Digital Risk ethical AI Information Security Privacy

Unsecured Corporate Data Found Freely Accessible Through Simple Searches

An era when artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly becoming the backbone of modern business innovation is presenting a striking gap between awareness and action in a way that has been largely overlooked. In a recent study conducted by Sapio Research, it has been reported that while most organisations in Europe acknowledge the growing risks associated with AI adoption, only a small number have taken concrete steps towards reducing them.

Based on insights from 800 consumers and 375 finance decision-makers across the UK, Germany, France, and the Netherlands, the Finance Pulse 2024 report highlights a surprising paradox: 93 per cent of companies are aware that artificial intelligence poses a risk, yet only half have developed formal policies to regulate its responsible use.

There was a significant number of respondents who expressed concern about data security (43%), followed closely by a concern about accountability, transparency, and the lack specialised skills to ensure a safe implementation (both of which reached 29%). In spite of this increased awareness, only 46% of companies currently maintain formal guidelines for the use of artificial intelligence in the workplace, and even fewer—48%—impose restrictions on the type of data that employees are permitted to feed into the systems.

It has also been noted that just 38% of companies have implemented strict access controls to safeguard sensitive information. Speaking on the findings of this study, Andrew White, CEO and Co-Founder of Sapio Research, commented that even though artificial intelligence remains a high priority for investment across Europe, its rapid integration has left many employers confused about the use of this technology internally and ill-equipped to put in place the necessary governance frameworks.

It was found, in a recent investigation by cybersecurity consulting firm PromptArmor, that there had been a troubling lapse in digital security practices linked to the use of artificial intelligence-powered platforms. According to the firm's researchers, 22 widely used artificial intelligence applications—including Claude, Perplexity, and Vercel V0-had been examined by the firm's researchers, and highly confidential corporate information had been exposed on the internet by way of chatbot interfaces.

There was an interesting collection of data found in the report, including access tokens for Amazon Web Services (AWS), internal court documents, Oracle salary reports that were explicitly marked as confidential, as well as a memo describing a venture capital firm's investment objectives. As detailed by PCMag, these researchers confirmed that anyone could easily access such sensitive material by entering a simple search query - "site:claude.ai + internal use only" - into any standard search engine, underscoring the fact that the use of unprotected AI integrations in the workplace is becoming a dangerous and unpredictable source of corporate data theft.

A number of security researchers have long been investigating the vulnerabilities in popular AI chatbots. Recent findings have further strengthened the fragility of the technology's security posture. A vulnerability in ChatGPT has been resolved by OpenAI since August, which could have allowed threat actors to exploit a weakness in ChatGPT that could have allowed them to extract the users' email addresses through manipulation.

In the same vein, experts at the Black Hat cybersecurity conference demonstrated how hackers could create malicious prompts within Google Calendar invitations by leveraging Google Gemini. Although Google resolved the issue before the conference, similar weaknesses were later found to exist in other AI platforms, such as Microsoft’s Copilot and Salesforce’s Einstein, even though they had been fixed by Google before the conference began.

Microsoft and Salesforce both issued patches in the middle of September, months after researchers reported the flaws in June. It is particularly noteworthy that these discoveries were made by ethical researchers rather than malicious hackers, which underscores the importance of responsible disclosure in safeguarding the integrity of artificial intelligence ecosystems.

It is evident that, in addition to the security flaws of artificial intelligence, its operational shortcomings have begun to negatively impact organisations financially and reputationally. "AI hallucinations," or the phenomenon in which generative systems produce false or fabricated information with convincing accuracy, is one of the most concerning aspects of artificial intelligence. This type of incident has already had significant consequences for the lawyer involved, who was penalised for submitting a legal brief that was filled with over 20 fictitious court references produced by an artificial intelligence program.

Deloitte also had to refund the Australian government six figures after submitting an artificial intelligence-assisted report that contained fabricated sources and inaccurate data. This highlighted the dangers of unchecked reliance on artificial intelligence for content generation and highlighted the risk associated with that. As a result of these issues, Stanford University’s Social Media Lab has coined the term “workslop” to describe AI-generated content that appears polished yet is lacking in substance.

In the United States, 40% of full-time office employees reported that they encountered such material regularly, according to a study conducted. In my opinion, this trend demonstrates a growing disconnect between the supposed benefits of automation and the real efficiency can bring. When employees are spending hours correcting, rewriting, and verifying AI-generated material, the alleged benefits quickly fade away.

Although what may begin as a convenience may turn out to be a liability, it can reduce production quality, drain resources, and in severe cases, expose companies to compliance violations and regulatory scrutiny. It is a fact that, as artificial intelligence continues to grow and integrate deeply into the digital and corporate ecosystems, it is bringing along with it a multitude of ethical and privacy challenges.

In the wake of increasing reliance on AI-driven systems, long-standing concerns about unauthorised data collection, opaque processing practices, and algorithmic bias have been magnified, which has contributed to eroding public trust in technology. There is still the threat of unauthorised data usage on the part of many AI platforms, as they quietly collect and analyse user information without explicit consent or full transparency. Consequently, the threat of unauthorised data usage remains a serious concern.

It is very common for individuals to be manipulated, profiled, and, in severe cases, to become the victims of identity theft as a result of this covert information extraction. Experts emphasise organisations must strengthen regulatory compliance by creating clear opt-in mechanisms, comprehensive deletion protocols, and transparent privacy disclosures that enable users to regain control of their personal information.

In addition to these alarming concerns, biometric data has also been identified as a very important component of personal security, as it is the most intimate and immutable form of information a person has. Once compromised, biometric identifiers are unable to be replaced, making them prime targets for cybercriminals to exploit once they have been compromised.

If such information is misused, whether through unauthorised surveillance or large-scale breaches, then it not only poses a greater risk of identity fraud but also raises profound questions regarding ethical and human rights issues. As a consequence of biometric leaks from public databases, citizens have been left vulnerable to long-term consequences that go beyond financial damage, because these systems remain fragile.

There is also the issue of covert data collection methods embedded in AI systems, which allow them to harvest user information quietly without adequate disclosure, such as browser fingerprinting, behaviour tracking, and hidden cookies. utilising silent surveillance, companies risk losing user trust and being subject to potential regulatory penalties if they fail to comply with tightening data protection laws, such as GDPR. Microsoft and Salesforce both issued patches in the middle of September, months after researchers reported the flaws in June.

It is particularly noteworthy that these discoveries were made by ethical researchers rather than malicious hackers, which underscores the importance of responsible disclosure in safeguarding the integrity of artificial intelligence ecosystems. It is evident that, in addition to the security flaws of artificial intelligence, its operational shortcomings have begun to negatively impact organisations financially and reputationally.

"AI hallucinations," or the phenomenon in which generative systems produce false or fabricated information with convincing accuracy, is one of the most concerning aspects of artificial intelligence. This type of incident has already had significant consequences for the lawyer involved, who was penalised for submitting a legal brief that was filled with over 20 fictitious court references produced by an artificial intelligence program.

Deloitte also had to refund the Australian government six figures after submitting an artificial intelligence-assisted report that contained fabricated sources and inaccurate data. This highlighted the dangers of unchecked reliance on artificial intelligence for content generation, highlighted the risk associated with that. As a result of these issues, Stanford University’s Social Media Lab has coined the term “workslop” to describe AI-generated content that appears polished yet is lacking in substance.

When employees are spending hours correcting, rewriting, and verifying AI-generated material, the alleged benefits quickly fade away. Although what may begin as a convenience may turn out to be a liability, it can reduce production quality, drain resources, and in severe cases, expose companies to compliance violations and regulatory scrutiny.

It is a fact that, as artificial intelligence continues to grow and integrate deeply into the digital and corporate ecosystems, it is bringing along with it a multitude of ethical and privacy challenges. In the wake of increasing reliance on AI-driven systems, long-standing concerns about unauthorised data collection, opaque processing practices, and algorithmic bias have been magnified, which has contributed to eroding public trust in technology.

There is still the threat of unauthorised data usage on the part of many AI platforms, as they quietly collect and analyse user information without explicit consent or full transparency. Consequently, the threat of unauthorised data usage remains a serious concern. It is very common for individuals to be manipulated, profiled, and, in severe cases, to become the victims of identity theft as a result of this covert information extraction.

Experts emphasise that thatorganisationss must strengthen regulatory compliance by creating clear opt-in mechanisms, comprehensive deletion protocols, and transparent privacy disclosures that enable users to regain control of their personal information. In addition to these alarming concerns, biometric data has also been identified as a very important component of personal security, as it is the most intimate and immutable form of information a person has.

Once compromised, biometric identifiers are unable to be replaced, making them prime targets for cybercriminals to exploit once they have been compromised. If such information is misused, whether through unauthorised surveillance or large-scale breaches, then it not oonly posesa greater risk of identity fraud but also raises profound questions regarding ethical and human rights issues.

As a consequence of biometric leaks from public databases, citizens have been left vulnerable to long-term consequences that go beyond financial damage, because these systems remain fragile. There is also the issue of covert data collection methods embedded in AI systems, which allow them to harvest user information quietly without adequate disclosure, such as browser fingerprinting behaviourr tracking, and hidden cookies.

utilising silent surveillance, companies risk losing user trust and being subject to potential regulatory penalties if they fail to comply with tightening data protection laws, such as GDPR. Furthermore, the challenges extend further than privacy, further exposing the vulnerability of AI itself to ethical abuse. Algorithmic bias is becoming one of the most significant obstacles to fairness and accountability, with numerous examples having been shown to, be in f ,act contributing to discrimination, no matter how skewed the dataset.

There are many examples of these biases in the real world - from hiring tools that unintentionally favour certain demographics to predictive policing systems which target marginalised communities disproportionately. In order to address these issues, we must maintain an ethical approach to AI development that is anchored in transparency, accountability, and inclusive governance to ensure technology enhances human progress while not compromising fundamental freedoms.

In the age of artificial intelligence, it is imperative tthat hatorganisationss strike a balance between innovation and responsibility, as AI redefines the digital frontier. As we move forward, not only will we need to strengthen technical infrastructure, but we will also need to shift the culture toward ethics, transparency, and continual oversight to achieve this.

Investing in a secure AI infrastructure, educating employees about responsible usage, and adopting frameworks that emphasise privacy and accountability are all important for businesses to succeed in today's market. As an enterprise, if security and ethics are incorporated into the foundation of AI strategies rather than treated as a side note, today's vulnerabilities can be turned into tomorrow's competitive advantage – driving intelligent and trustworthy advancement.

Attackers Exploit Critical Windows Server Update Services Flaw After Microsoft’s Patch Fails

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WSUS exploit

CVE-2025-59287 Cybersecurity Microsoft patch failure Vulnerabilities and Exploits Windows Server Update Services vulnerability WSUS exploit

Attackers Exploit Critical Windows Server Update Services Flaw After Microsoft’s Patch Fails

Cybersecurity researchers have warned that attackers are actively exploiting a severe vulnerability in Windows Server Update Services (WSUS), even after Microsoft’s recent patch failed to fully fix the issue. The flaw, tracked as CVE-2025-59287, impacts WSUS versions dating back to 2012.

Microsoft rolled out an emergency out-of-band security update for the vulnerability on Thursday, following earlier attempts to address it. Despite this, several cybersecurity firms reported active exploitation by Friday. However, Microsoft has not yet officially confirmed these attacks.

This situation highlights how quickly both cyber defenders and adversaries respond to newly disclosed flaws. Within hours of Microsoft’s emergency patch release, researchers observed proof-of-concept exploits and live attacks targeting vulnerable servers.

“This vulnerability shows how simple and trivial exploitation is once an attack script is publicly available,” said John Hammond, principal security researcher at Huntress, in an interview with CyberScoop. “It’s always an attack of opportunity — just kind of spray-and-pray, and see whatever access a criminal can get their hands on.”

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) added the flaw to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, urging organizations to apply the latest patch and adhere to Microsoft’s mitigation steps.

A Microsoft spokesperson confirmed the re-release of the patch, explaining: “We re-released this CVE after identifying that the initial update did not fully mitigate the issue. Customers who have installed the latest updates are already protected.” Microsoft did not specify when or how it discovered that the previous patch was insufficient.

According to Shadowserver, over 2,800 instances of WSUS with open ports (8530 and 8531) are exposed to the internet — a necessary condition for exploitation. Approximately 28% of these vulnerable systems are located in the United States.

“Exploitation of this flaw is indiscriminate,” warned Ben Harris, founder and CEO of watchTowr. “If an unpatched Windows Server Update Services instance is online, at this stage it has likely already been compromised. This isn’t limited to low-risk environments — some of the affected entities are exactly the types of targets attackers prioritize.”

Huntress has observed five active attack cases linked to CVE-2025-59287. Hammond explained that these incidents mostly involve reconnaissance activities — such as environment mapping and data exfiltration — with no severe damage observed so far. However, he cautioned that WSUS operates with high-level privileges, meaning successful exploitation could fully compromise the affected server.

The risk, Hammond added, could escalate into supply chain attacks, where adversaries push malicious updates to connected systems. “Some potential supply-chain shenanigans just opening the door with this opportunity,” he said.

Experts from Palo Alto Networks’ Unit 42 echoed the concern. “By compromising this single server, an attacker can take over the entire patch distribution system,” said Justin Moore, senior manager of threat intel research at Unit 42. “With no authentication, they can gain system-level control and execute a devastating internal supply chain attack. They can push malware to every workstation and server in the organization, all disguised as a legitimate Microsoft update. This turns the trusted service into a weapon of mass distribution.”

Security researchers continue to emphasize that WSUS should never be exposed to the public internet, as attackers cannot exploit the flaw in instances that restrict external access.

Microsoft deprecated WSUS in September, stating that while it will still receive security support, it is no longer under active development or set to gain new features.

iOS 26 Update Erases Key Forensic Log, Hindering Spyware Detection on iPhones

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Vulnerabilities

Apple Apple vulnerabilities Cybersecurity Vulnerabilities

iOS 26 Update Erases Key Forensic Log, Hindering Spyware Detection on iPhones

Researchers have raised concerns that Apple’s latest software release, iOS 26, quietly removes a crucial forensic tool used to detect infections from sophisticated spyware such as Pegasus and Predator. The change affects a system file known as shutdown.log, a part of Apple’s Sysdiagnose tool that for years has helped security experts trace evidence of digital compromise.

Investigators at cybersecurity firm iVerify discovered that the log, which previously recorded every instance of an iPhone being powered off and on, is now automatically overwritten each time the device reboots. Earlier versions of iOS appended new entries to the file, preserving a timeline of shutdown events that often contained small traces of malware activity.

These traces had previously been key in confirming spyware attacks on devices belonging to journalists, activists, and public officials. In 2021, forensic analysts revealed that Pegasus, a surveillance tool developed by the Israeli company NSO Group, left recognizable patterns within the shutdown.log, which became instrumental in public investigations into digital espionage.

After these findings, Pegasus operators began deleting the file to hide their activity, but even those deletions became a clue for analysts, as an abnormally clean log often pointed to tampering.

The iOS 26 update now clears this record automatically, effectively erasing any historical evidence of infection after a single reboot.

iVerify researchers said the change may have been introduced to improve performance or reduce unnecessary data storage, but its timing has raised alarms among those tracking spyware use, which has expanded beyond activists to include business leaders and celebrities.

The update complicates ongoing efforts to investigate and confirm past infections, particularly on devices that may have been compromised months or years ago. Analysts studying Predator, another spyware tool linked to the surveillance firm Cytrox, have reported similar behavior within shutdown.log.

With Apple yet to comment, experts recommend that high-risk users save a Sysdiagnose report before updating to preserve existing logs. They also advise delaying installation until the company provides clarity or releases a patch. The loss of historical shutdown data, researchers warn, could make identifying spyware on iPhones significantly harder at a time when digital surveillance threats continue to grow globally.

Stop Using Public Wi-Fi: Critical Security Risks Explained

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Security

Cybersecurity Hacking Privacy Public Wifi Security

Stop Using Public Wi-Fi: Critical Security Risks Explained

Public Wi-Fi networks, commonly found in coffee shops and public spaces, are increasingly used by remote workers and mobile device users seeking internet access outside the home or office. While convenient, these networks pose significant security risks that are often misunderstood.

This article explains why tech experts caution against the casual use of public Wi-Fi, emphasizing that such networks can be notably unsafe, especially when unsecured. The distinction between secure and unsecured networks is critical: secure networks require authentication steps like passwords, account creation, or agreeing to terms of service.

These measures typically offer additional layers of protection for users. In contrast, unsecured networks allow anyone to connect without authorization, lacking essential cybersecurity safeguards. According to experts from Executech, unsecured networks do not incorporate protective measures to prevent unauthorized access and malicious activities, leaving users vulnerable to cyberattacks.

When connecting to unsecured public Wi-Fi, data transmitted between a device and the network can be intercepted by attackers who may exploit weaknesses in the infrastructure. Cybercriminals often target these networks to access sensitive information stored or shared on connected devices. Individuals should be wary about what activities they perform on such connections, as the risk of unauthorized access and data theft is high.

Security experts advise users to avoid performing sensitive tasks, such as accessing bank accounts, entering financial details for online shopping, or opening confidential emails, when on public Wi-Fi. Personal and family information, especially involving children, should also be kept off devices used on public networks to mitigate the risk of exposure.

For those who absolutely must use public Wi-Fi—for emergencies or workplace requirements—layering protections is recommended. Downloading a reputable VPN can help encrypt data traffic, establishing a secure tunnel between the user’s device and the internet and reducing some risk.

Ultimately, the safest approach is to avoid public Wi-Fi altogether when possible, relying on personal routers or trusted connections instead. All public Wi-Fi networks are susceptible to hacking attempts, regardless of perceived safety. By following the suggested precautions and maintaining awareness of potential risks, users can better protect their sensitive information and minimize security threats when forced to use public Wi-Fi networks.

Passkeys vs Passwords: Why Passkeys Are the Future of Secure Logins

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phishing

Biometrics Cyber Security Cybersecurity Online Security Passkeys Password password protection Passwords phishing

Passkeys vs Passwords: Why Passkeys Are the Future of Secure Logins

Passwords have long served as the keys to our digital world—granting access to everything from social media to banking apps. Yet, like physical keys, they can easily be lost, copied, or stolen. As cyber threats evolve, new alternatives such as passkeys are stepping in to offer stronger, simpler, and safer ways to log in.

Why passwords remain risky

A password is essentially a secret code you use to prove your identity online. But weak password habits are widespread. A CyberNews report revealed that 94% of 19 billion leaked passwords were reused, and many followed predictable patterns—think “123456,” names, cities, or popular brands.

When breaches occur, these passwords spread rapidly, leading to account takeovers, phishing scams, and identity theft. In fact, hackers often attempt to exploit leaked credentials within an hour of a breach.

Phishing attacks—where users are tricked into entering their passwords on fake websites—continue to rise, with more than 3 billion phishing emails sent daily worldwide.

Experts recommend creating unique, complex passwords or even memorable passphrases like “CrocApplePurseBike.” Associating it with a story can help you recall it easily.

Enter passkeys: a new way to log in

Emerging around four years ago, passkeys use public-key cryptography, a process that creates two linked keys—one public and one private.

The public key is shared with the website.
The private key stays safely stored on your device.

When you log in, your device signs a unique challenge using the private key, confirming your identity without sending any password. To authorize this action, you’ll usually verify with your fingerprint or face ID, ensuring that only you can access your accounts.

Even if the public key is stolen, it’s useless without the private one—making passkeys inherently phishing-proof and more secure. Each passkey is also unique to the website, so it can’t be reused elsewhere.

Why passkeys are better

Passkeys eliminate the need to remember passwords or type them manually. Since they’re tied to your device and require biometric approval, they’re both more convenient and more secure.

However, the technology isn’t yet universal. Compatibility issues between platforms like Apple and Microsoft have slowed adoption, though these gaps are closing as newer devices and systems improve integration.

The road ahead

From a cybersecurity perspective, passkeys are clearly the superior option—they’re stronger, resistant to phishing, and easy to use. But widespread adoption will take time. Many websites still rely on traditional passwords, and transitioning millions of users will be a long process.

Until then, maintaining good password hygiene remains essential: use unique passwords for every account, enable multi-factor authentication, and change any reused credentials immediately.

The Growing Role of Cybersecurity in Protecting Nations

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National Security

Artificial Intelligence Threats Cyber Defense Strategy Cyber Diplomacy Cyber Security Cybercrime Prevention Cybersecurity Data protection Digital Resilience Global Cyber Governance National Security

The Growing Role of Cybersecurity in Protecting Nations

It is becoming increasingly complex and volatile for nations to cope with the threat landscape facing them in an age when the boundaries between the digital and physical worlds are rapidly dissolving. Cyberattacks have evolved from isolated incidents of data theft to powerful instruments capable of undermining economies, destabilising governments and endangering the lives of civilians.

It is no secret that the accelerating development of technologies, particularly generative artificial intelligence, has added an additional dimension to the problem at hand. A technology that was once hailed as a revolution in innovation and defence, GenAI has now turned into a double-edged sword.

It has armed malicious actors with the capability of automating large-scale attacks, crafting convincing phishing scams, generating convincing deepfakes, and developing adaptive malware that is capable of sneaking past conventional defences, thereby giving them an edge over conventional adversaries.

Defenders are facing a growing set of mounting pressures as adversaries become increasingly sophisticated. There is an estimated global cybersecurity talent gap of between 2.8 and 4.8 million unfilled positions, putting nearly 70% of organisations at risk. Meanwhile, regulatory requirements, fragile supply chains, and an ever-increasing digital attack surface have compounded vulnerabilities across a broad range of industries.

Geopolitics has added to the tensions against this backdrop, exacerbated by the ever-increasing threat of cybercrime. There is no longer much difference between espionage, sabotage, and warfare when it comes to state-sponsored cyber operations, which have transformed cyberspace into a crucial battleground for national power.

It has been evident in recent weeks that digital offensives can now lead to the destruction of real-world infrastructure—undermining public trust, disrupting critical systems, and redefining the very concept of national security—as they have been used to attack Ukraine's infrastructure as well as campaigns aimed at crippling essential services around the globe.

In India, there is an ambitious goal to develop a $1 trillion digital economy by the year 2025, and cybersecurity has quietly emerged as a key component of that transformation. In order to support the nation's digital expansion—which covers financial, commerce, healthcare, and governance—a fragile yet vital foundation of trust is being built on a foundation of cybersecurity, which has now become the scaffolding for this expansion.

It has become more important than ever for enterprises to be capable of anticipating, detecting, and neutralising threats, as artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and data-driven systems are increasingly integrated into their operations. This ability is critical not only to their resilience but also to their long-term competitiveness. In addition to the increasing use of digital technologies, the complexity of safeguarding interconnected ecosystems has increased as well.

During October's Cybersecurity Awareness Month 2025, a renewed focus has been placed on strengthening artificial intelligence-powered defences as well as encouraging collective security measures. As a senior director at Acuity Knowledge Partners, Sameer Goyal stated that India's financial and digital sectors are increasingly operating within an always-on, API-driven environment defined by instant payments, open platforms, and expanding integrations with third-party services—factors that inevitably widen the attack surface for hackers. He argued that security was not an optional provision; it was fundamental.

Taking note of the rise in sophisticated threats such as account takeovers, API abuse, ransomware, and deepfake fraud, he indicated that security is not optional. According to him, the primary challenge of a company is to protect its customers' trust while still providing frictionless digital experiences. According to Goyal, forward-thinking organisations are focusing on three key strategic pillars to ensure their digital experiences are frictionless: adopting zero-trust architectures, leveraging artificial intelligence for threat detection, and incorporating secure-by-design principles into development processes.

Despite this caution, he warned that technology alone cannot guarantee security. For true cyber readiness, employees should be well-informed, well-practised and well-rehearsed in incident response playbooks, as well as participate in proactive red-team and purple-team simulations. “Trust is our currency in today’s digital age,” he said. “By combining zero-trust frameworks with artificial intelligence-driven analytics, cybersecurity has become much more than compliance — it is becoming a crucial element of competitiveness.”

Among the things that make cybersecurity an exceptionally intricate domain of diplomacy are its deep entanglement with nearly every dimension of international relations-economics, military, and human rights, to name a few. As a result of the interconnectedness of our society, data movement across borders has become as crucial to global commerce as capital and goods moving across borders. It is no longer just tariffs and market access that are at the centre of trade disputes.

It is also about the issues of data localisation, encryption standards, and technology transfer policies that matter the most. While the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) sets an international standard for data protection, it has also become a focal point in a number of ongoing debates regarding digital sovereignty and cross-border data governance that have been ongoing for some time.

As far as defence and security are concerned, geopolitical stakes are of equal importance to those of air, land, and sea. Since NATO officially recognised cyberspace in 2016—as a distinct operational domain comparable with the other three domains—allies have expanded their collective security frameworks to include cyber defence. To ensure a rapid collective response to cyber incidents, nations share threat intelligence, conduct simulation exercises, and harmonise their policies in coordination with one another.

The alliance still faces a dilemma which is very sensitive and unresolved to the point where determining the threshold at which a cyberattack would qualify as an act of aggression enough to trigger Article 5, which is the cornerstone of NATO's commitment to mutual defence. Cybersecurity has become inextricable from concerns about human rights and democracy as well, in addition to commerce and defence.

In recent years, authoritarian states have increasingly abused digital tools for spying on dissidents, manipulating public discourse, and undermining democratic institutions abroad. As a consequence of these actions, the global community has been forced to examine issues of accountability and ethical technology use. The diplomatic community struggles with the establishment of international norms for responsible behaviour in cyberspace while it must navigate profound disagreements over internet governance, censorship, and the delicate balancing act between national security and individuals' privacy through the process of developing ethical norms.

There is no doubt that the tensions around cybersecurity have emerged over time from merely being a technical issue to becoming one of the most consequential arenas in modern diplomacy-shaping not only international stability, but also the very principles that underpin global cooperation. Global cybersecurity leaders are facing an age of uncertainty in the face of a raging tide of digital threats to economies and societies around the world.

Almost six in ten executives, according to the Global Cybersecurity Outlook 2025, feel that cybersecurity risks have intensified over the past year, with almost 60 per cent of them admitting that geopolitical tensions are directly influencing their defence strategies in the near future. According to the survey, one in three CEOs is most concerned about cyber espionage, data theft, and intellectual property loss, and another 45 per cent are concerned about disruption to their business operations.

Even though cybersecurity has increasingly become a central component of corporate and national strategy, these findings underscore a broader truth: cybersecurity is no longer just for IT departments anymore. Experts point out that the threat landscape has become increasingly complex over the past few years, but generative artificial intelligence offers both a challenge and an opportunity as well.

Several threat actors have learned to weaponise artificial intelligence so they can craft realistic deepfakes, automate phishing campaigns, and develop adaptive malware, but defenders are also utilising the same technology to enhance their resilience. The advent of AI-enabled security systems has revolutionised the way organisations anticipate and react to threats by analysing anomalies in real time, automating response cycles, and simulating complex attack vectors.

It is important to note, however, that progress remains uneven, with large corporations and developed economies being able to deploy cutting-edge artificial intelligence defences, but smaller businesses and public institutions continue to suffer from outdated infrastructure and a lack of talented workers, which makes global cybersecurity preparedness a growing concern. However, several nations are taking proactive steps toward closing this gap.

An example is the United Arab Emirates, which embraces cybersecurity not just as a technology imperative but also as a societal responsibility. A National Cybersecurity Strategy for the UAE was unveiled in early 2025. It is based on five pillars — governance, protection, innovation, capacity building, and partnerships. It is structured around five core pillars. It was also a result of these efforts that the UAE Cybersecurity Council, in partnership with the Tawazun Council and Lockheed Martin, established a Cybersecurity Centre of Excellence, which would develop domestic expertise and align national capabilities with global standards.

As a result of its innovative Public-Private-People model, which combines school curricula with nationwide drill and strengthens coordination between government and private sector, the country can further embed cybersecurity awareness across society. As a result of this approach, a more general realisation is taking shape globally: cybersecurity should be enshrined in the fabric of national governance, not as a secondary item but as a fundamental aspect of national governance. If cyber resilience is to be reframed as a core component of national security, sustained investment in infrastructure, talent, and innovation is needed, as well as rigorous oversight at the board and policy levels.

The plan calls for the establishment of red-team exercises, stress testing, and cross-border intelligence sharing to prevent local incidents from spiralling into systemic crises. The collective action taken by these institutions marks an important shift in global security thinking, a shift that recognises that an economy's vitality and geopolitical stability are inseparable from the resilience of a nation's digital infrastructure.

In the era of global diplomacy, cybersecurity has grown to be a key component, but it is much more than just an administrative adjustment or a passing policy trend. In this sense, it indicates the acknowledgement that all of the world's security, economic stability, and individual rights are inextricably intertwined within the fabric of the internet and cyberspace that we live in today.

Considering the sophistication and borderless nature of threats in today's world, the field of cyber diplomacy is becoming more and more important as a defining arena of global engagement as a result. As much as traditional forms of military and economic statecraft play a significant role in shaping global stability, the ability to foster cooperation, set shared norms, and resolve digital conflicts holds as much weight.

In the international community, the central question facing it is no longer whether the concept of cybersecurity deserves to be included in diplomatic dialogue, but rather how effectively global institutions can implement this recognition into tangible results in the future. To maintain peace in an era where the next global conflict could start with just one line of malicious code, it is becoming imperative to establish frameworks for responsible behaviour, enhance transparency, and strengthen crisis communications mechanisms.

Quite frankly, the stakes are simply too high, as if they were not already high enough. Considering how easily a cyberattack can disrupt power grids, paralyse transportation systems, or compromise electoral integrity, diplomacy in the digital sphere has become crucial to the protection of international order, especially in a world where cyberattacks are a daily occurrence.

The cybersecurity diplomacy sector is now a cornerstone of 21st-century governance – vital to safeguarding the interests of not only national governments, but also the broader ideals of peace, prosperity, and freedom that are at the foundation of globalisation. During these times of technological change and geopolitical uncertainty, the reality of cyber security is undeniable — it is no longer a specialized field but rather a shared global responsibility that requires all nations, corporations, and individuals to embrace a mindset in which digital trust is seen as an investment in long-term prosperity, and cyber resilience is seen as a crucial part of enhancing long-term security.

The building of this future will not only require advanced technologies but also collaboration between governments, industries, and academia to develop skilled professionals, standardise security frameworks, and create a transparent approach to threat intelligence exchange. For the digital order to remain secure and stable, it will be imperative to raise public awareness, develop ethical technology, and create stronger cross-border partnerships.

Those countries that are able to embrace cybersecurity in governance, innovation, and education right now will define the next generation of global leaders. There will come a point in the future when the strength of digital economies will not depend merely on their innovation, but on the depth of the protection they provide, for the interconnected world ahead will demand a currency of security that will represent progress in the long run.

Smart Devices Redefining Productivity in the Home Workspace

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Workforce Automation

Cloud Security Compliance Management Cybersecurity Data protection Digital Transformation Hybrid Work Network Safety Remote Work Technology Workforce Automation

Smart Devices Redefining Productivity in the Home Workspace

Remote working, once regarded as a rare privilege, has now become a key feature of today's professional landscape. Boardroom discussions and water-cooler chats have become much more obsolete, as organisations around the world continue to adapt to new work models shaped by technology and necessity, with virtual meetings and digital collaboration becoming more prevalent.

It has become increasingly apparent that remote work is no longer a distant future vision but rather a reality that defines the professional world of today. There have been significant shifts in the way that organisations operate and how professionals communicate, perform and interact as a result of the dissolution of traditional workplace boundaries, giving rise to a new era of distributed teams, flexible schedules, and technology-driven collaboration.

These changes, accelerated by global disruptions and evolving employee expectations, have led to a significant shift in the way organisations operate. Gallup has recently announced that over half of U.S. employees now work from home at least part of the time, a trend that is unlikely to wane anytime soon. There are countless reasons why this model is so popular, including its balance between productivity, autonomy, and accessibility, offering both employers and employees the option of redefining success in a way that goes beyond the confines of physical work environments.

With the increasing popularity of remote and hybrid work, it is becoming ever more crucial for individuals to learn how to thrive in this environment, in which success increasingly depends on the choice and use of the right digital tools that will make it possible for them to maintain connection, efficiency, and growth in a borderless work environment.

DigitalOcean Currents report from 2023 indicates that 39 per cent of companies operating entirely remotely now operate, while 23 per cent use a hybrid model with mandatory in-office days, and 2 per cent permit their employees to choose between remote working options. In contrast, about 14 per cent of these companies still maintain the traditional setup of an office, a small fraction of which is the traditional office setup.

More than a location change, this dramatic shift marks the beginning of a transformation of how teams communicate, innovate, and remain connected across time zones and borders, which reflects an evolution in how teams communicate, innovate, and remain connected. With the blurring of the boundaries of the workplace, digital tools have been emerging as the backbone of this transformation, providing seamless collaboration between employees, ensuring organisational cohesion, and maximising productivity regardless of where they log in to the workplace.

With today's distributed work culture, success depends not only on adaptability, but also on thoughtfully integrating technology that bridges distances with efficiency and purpose, in an era where flexibility is imperative, but it also depends on technology integration. As organisations continue to embrace remote and hybrid working models, maintaining compliance across diverse sites has become one of the most pressing operational challenges that organisations face today.

Compliance management on a manual basis not only strains administrative efficiency but also exposes businesses to significant regulatory and financial risks. Human error remains an issue that persists today—whether it is overlooking state-specific labour laws, understating employees' hours, or misclassifying workers, with each mistake carrying a potential for fines, back taxes, or legal disputes as a result. In the absence of centralised systems, routine audits become time-consuming exercises that are plagued by inconsistent data and dispersed records.

Almost all human resource departments face the challenge of ensuring that fair and consistent policy enforcement across dispersed teams is nearly impossible because of fragmented oversight and self-reported data. For organisations to overcome these challenges, automation and intelligent workforce management are increasingly being embraced by forward-looking organisations. Using advanced time-tracking platforms along with workforce analytics, employers can gain real-time visibility into employee activity, simplify audits, and improve compliance reporting accuracy.

Businesses can not only reduce risks and administrative burdens by consolidating processes into a single, data-driven system but also increase employee transparency and trust by integrating these processes into one system. By utilising technology to manage remote teams effectively in the era of remote work, it becomes a strategic ally for maintaining operational integrity.

Clear communication, structured organisation, and the appropriate technology must be employed when managing remote teams. When managing for the first time, defining roles, reporting procedures, and meeting schedules is an essential component of creating accountability and transparency among managers.

Regular one-on-one and team meetings are essential for engaging employees and addressing challenges that might arise in a virtual environment. The adoption of remote work tools for collaboration, project tracking, and communication is on the rise among organisations as a means of streamlining workflows across time zones to ensure teams remain in alignment. Remote work has been growing in popularity because of its tangible benefits.

Employees and businesses alike will save money on commuting, infrastructure, and operational expenses when using it. There is no need for daily travel, so professionals can devote more time to their families and themselves, enhancing work-life balance. Research has shown that remote workers usually have a higher level of productivity due to fewer interruptions and greater flexibility, and that they often log more productive hours. Additionally, this model has gained recognition for its ability to improve employee satisfaction as well as promote a healthy lifestyle.

By utilising the latest developments in technology, such as real-time collaborations and secure data sharing, remote work continues to reshape traditional employment and is enabling an efficient, balanced, and globally connected workforce to be created.

Building the Foundation for Remote Work Efficiency

In today's increasingly digital business environment, making the right choice in terms of the hardware that employees use forms the cornerstone of an effective remote working environment. It will often make or break a company's productivity levels, communication performance, and overall employee satisfaction. Remote teams must be connected directly with each other using powerful laptops, seamless collaboration tools, and reliable devices that ensure that remote operations run smoothly.

High-Performance Laptops for Modern Professionals

Despite the fact that laptops remain the primary work instruments for remote employees, their specifications can have a significant impact on their efficiency levels during the course of the day. In addition to offering optimum performance, HP Elite Dragonfly, HP ZBook Studio, and HP Pavilion x360 are also equipped with versatile capabilities that appeal to business leaders as well as creative professionals alike.

As the world continues to evolve, key features, such as 16GB or more RAM, the latest processors, high-quality webcams, high-quality microphones, and extended battery life, are no longer luxuries but rather necessities to keep professionals up-to-date in a virtual environment. Furthermore, enhanced security features as well as multiple connectivity ports make it possible for remote professionals to remain both productive and protected at the same time.

Desktop Systems for Dedicated Home Offices

Professionals working from a fixed workspace can benefit greatly from desktop systems, as they offer superior performance and long-term value. HP Desktops are a great example of desktop computers that provide enterprise-grade computing power, better thermal management, and improved ergonomics.

They are ideal for complex, resource-intensive tasks due to their flexibility, the ability to support multiple monitors, and their cost-effectiveness, which makes them a solid foundation for sustained productivity.

Essential Peripherals and Accessories

The entire remote setup does not only require core computing devices to be integrated, but it also requires thoughtfully integrating peripherals designed to increase productivity and comfort. High-resolution displays, such as HP's E27u G4 and HP's P24h G4, or high-resolution 4K displays, significantly improve eye strain and improve workflow. For professionals who spend long periods of time in front of screens, it is essential that they have monitors that are ergonomically adjustable, colour accurate, and have blue-light filtering.

With reliable printing options such as HP OfficeJet Pro 9135e, LaserJet Pro 4001dn, and ENVY Inspire 7255e, home offices can manage their documents seamlessly. There is also the possibility of avoiding laptop overheating by using cooling pads, ergonomic stands, and proper maintenance tools, such as microfiber cloths and compressed air, which help maintain performance and equipment longevity.

Data Management and Security Solutions

It is crucial to understand that efficient data management is the key to remote productivity. Professionals utilise high-capacity flash drives, external SSDs, and secure cloud services to safeguard and manage their files. A number of tools and memory upgrades have improved the performance of workstations, making it possible to perform multiple tasks smoothly and retrieve data more quickly.

Nevertheless, organisations are prioritising security measures like VPNs, encrypted communication and two-factor authentication in an effort to mitigate risks associated with remote connectivity, and in order to do so, they are investing more in these measures.

Software Ecosystem for Seamless Collaboration

There are several leading project management platforms in the world that facilitate coordinated workflows by offering features like task tracking, automated progress reports, and shared workspaces, which provide a framework for remote work. Although hardware creates the framework, software is the heart and soul of the remote work ecosystem.

Numerous communication tools enable geographically dispersed teams to work together via instant messaging, video conferencing, and real-time collaboration, such as Microsoft Teams, Slack, Zoom, and Google Meet. Secure cloud solutions, including Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, Dropbox and Box, further simplify the process of sharing files while maintaining enterprise-grade security.

Managing Distributed Teams Effectively

A successful remote leadership experience cannot be achieved solely by technology; a successful remote management environment requires sound management practices that are consistent with clear communication protocols, defined performance metrics, and regular virtual check-ins. Through fostering collaboration, encouraging work-life balance, and integrating virtual team-building initiatives, distributed teams can build stronger relationships.

The combination of these practices, along with continuous security audits and employee training, ensures that organisations keep not only their operational efficiency, but also trust and cohesion within their organisations, especially in an increasingly decentralised world in which organisations are facing increasing competition. It seems that the future of work depends on how organisations can seamlessly integrate technology into their day-to-day operations as the digital landscape continues to evolve.

Smart devices, intelligent software, and connected ecosystems are no longer optional, they are the lifelines of modern productivity and are no longer optional. The purchase of high-quality hardware and reliable digital tools by remote professionals goes beyond mere convenience; it is a strategic step towards sustaining focus, creativity, and collaboration in an ever-changing environment by remote professionals.

Leadership, on the other hand, must always maintain trust, engagement, and a positive mental environment within their teams to maximise their performance. Remote working will continue to grow in popularity as the next phase of success lies in striking a balance between technology and human connection, efficiency and empathy, flexibility and accountability, and innovation potential.

With the advancement of digital infrastructure and the adoption of smarter, more adaptive workflows by organisations across the globe, we are on the verge of an innovative, resilient, and inclusive future for the global workforce. This future will not be shaped by geographical location, but rather by the intelligent use of tools that will enable people to perform at their best regardless of their location.

The Silent Guardians Powering the Frontlines of Cybersecurity

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Nation-State Attacks

CISOs Cyber Attacks Cyber Awareness cyber resilience Cyber Threats Cybersecurity CyberWar Digital Defense Identity Security Nation-State Attacks

The Silent Guardians Powering the Frontlines of Cybersecurity

There is no doubt that a world increasingly defined by invisible battles and silent warriors has led to a shift from trenches to terminals on which modern warfare is now being waged. As a result, cyberwarfare is no longer a distant, abstract threat; now it is a tangible, relentless struggle with real-world consequences.

Power grids fail, hospitals go dark, and global markets tremble as a result of unseen attacks. It is at this point that a unique breed of defenders stands at the centre of this new conflict: cyber professionals who safeguard the fragile line between digital order and chaos. The official trailer for Semperis Midnight in the War Room, an upcoming documentary about the hidden costs of cyber conflict, has been released, bringing this hidden war to sharp focus.

Semperis is a provider of AI-powered identity security and cyber resilience. It has an extraordinary lineup of voices – including Chris Inglis, the first U.S. National Cyber Director; General (Ret.) David Petraeus, the former Director of the CIA; Jen Easterly, former Director of the CISA; Marcus Hutchins, one of the WannaCry heroes; and Professor Mary Aiken, a globally recognised cyber psychologist – all of whom are highly respected for their expertise in cybersecurity.

The film examines the high-stakes battle between attackers, defenders, and reformed hackers who have now taken the risk of exploiting for themselves. As part of this documentary, leading figures from the fields of cybersecurity and national defence gather together in order to present an unprecedented view of the digital battlefield.

Using their insights into cyber conflicts, Midnight in the War Room explores the increasing threat that cybercrime poses to international relations as well as corporate survival today. A film that sheds light on the crucial role of chief information security officers (CISOs), which consists of who serve as the frontlines of protecting critical infrastructure - from power grids to financial networks - against state-sponsored and criminal cyber threats, is a must-see.

It is the work of more than fifty international experts, including cyber journalists, intelligence veterans, and reformed hackers, who provide perspectives which demonstrate the ingenuity and exhaustion that those fighting constant digital attacks have in the face. Even though the biggest threat lies not only with the sophistication of adversaries but with complacency itself, Chris Inglis argues that global resilience is an urgent issue at the moment.

It has been reported that Semperis' Chief Marketing Officer and Executive Producer, Thomas LeDuc, views the project as one of the first of its kind to capture the courage and pressure experienced by defenders. The film is richly enriched by contributions from Professor Mary Aiken, Heath Adams, Marene Allison, Kirsta Arndt, Grace Cassy and several former chief information security officers, such as Anne Coulombe and Simon Hodgkinson, and it provides a sweeping and deeply human perspective on modern cyber warfare.

With its powerful narrative, Midnight in the War Room explores the human side of cyberwarfare—a struggle that is rarely acknowledged but is marked by courage, resilience and sacrifice in a way that is rarely depicted. A film about those defending the world's most vital systems is a look at the psychological and emotional toll they endure, in which trust is continually at risk and a moment of complacency can trigger devastating consequences.

The film explores the psychological and emotional tolls endured by those defending those systems. During his remarks at Semperis, Vice President for Asia Pacific and Japan, Mr Sillars, points out that cyber threats do not recognise any borders, and the Asia Pacific region is at the forefront of this digital conflict as a result of cyber threats.

During the presentation, he emphasises that the documentary seeks to highlight the common challenges cybersecurity professionals face worldwide, as well as to foster collaboration within critical sectors to build identity-driven resilience. As the Chief Marketing Officer at Semperis and Executive Producer, LeDuc describes the project as one of the most ambitious in cybersecurity history—bringing together top intelligence leaders, chief information security officers, journalists, victims and reformed hackers as part of a rare collaborative narrative.

In the film, Cyber Defenders' lives are portrayed through their own experiences as well as the relentless pressure and unwavering resolve they face every day. Among the prominent experts interviewed for the documentary are Marene Allison, former Chief Information Security Officer of Johnson & Johnson; Grace Cassy, co-founder of CyLon; Heather M. Costa, Director of Technology Resilience at the Mayo Clinic; Simon Hodgkinson, former Chief Information Security Officer of BHP; and David Schwed, former Chief Information Security Officer of Robinhood.

Among those on the panel are Richard Staunton, Founder of IT-Harvest, BBC Cyber Correspondent Joe Tidy, as well as Jesse McGraw, a former hacktivist who has turned his expertise towards safeguarding the internet, known as Ghost Exodus. As Jen Easterly, former Chief Information Security Officer of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (CISA), points out, defeating malicious cyberattacks requires more than advanced technology—it demands the human mind's ingenuity and curiosity to overcome them.

A global collaboration was exemplified through the production of this documentary, which was filmed in North America and Europe by cybersecurity and professional organisations, including the CyberRisk Alliance, Cyber Future Foundation, Institute for Critical Infrastructure Technology, (ISC)2 Eastern Massachusetts Chapter, Michigan Council of Women in Technology, and Women in CyberSecurity (WiCyS) Delaware Valley Chapter.

As part of these partnerships, private screenings, expert discussions, and public outreach will be conducted in order to increase public awareness and cooperation regarding building digital resilience. By providing an insight into the human narratives that underpin cybersecurity, Midnight in the War Room hopes to give a deeper understanding of the modern battlefield and to inspire a collective awareness in the safeguarding of society's systems.

There is something special about Midnight in the War Room, both as a wake-up call and as a tribute - a cinematic reflection of those who stand up to the threats people face in today's digital age. The film focuses on cyber conflict and invites governments, organisations, and individuals to recognise the importance of cybersecurity not just as a technical problem, but as a responsibility that people all share.

In light of the continuous evolution of threats, people need stronger international collaborations, investments in identity security, and the development of psychological resilience among those on the front lines to help combat these threats. Semperis' initiative illustrates the power of storytelling to bridge the gap between awareness and action, transforming technical discourse into a powerful narrative that inspires vigilance, empathy, and unity among the community.

Providing a critical insight into the human aspect behind the machines, Midnight in the War Room reinforces a fundamental truth: that is, cybersecurity is not just about defending data, but also about protecting the people, systems, and values that make modern society what it is today.

Bypassing TPM 2.0 in Windows 11 While Maintaining System Security

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Windows 11 security

Bitlocker Cyber Security Cybersecurity Data protection Device Security Hardware Encryption Secure Boot System Integrity TPM 2.0 Windows 11 security

Bypassing TPM 2.0 in Windows 11 While Maintaining System Security

One of the most exciting features of Windows 11 has been the inclusion of the Trusted Platform Module, or TPM, as Microsoft announced the beginning of a new era of computing. Users and industry observers alike have been equally intrigued and apprehensive about this requirement.

TPM is an important hardware feature that was originally known primarily within cybersecurity and enterprise IT circles, but has now become central to Microsoft's vision for creating a more secure computing environment.

However, this unexpected requirement has raised a number of questions for consumers and PC builders alike, resulting in uncertainty regarding compatibility, accessibility, and the future of personal computing security. Essentially, the Trusted Platform Module is a specialised security chip incorporated into a computer's motherboard to perform hardware-based cryptographic functions.

The TPM system is based upon a foundational hardware approach to security, unlike traditional software systems that operate on software. As a result, sensitive data such as encryption keys, passwords, and digital certificates are encapsulated in a protected enclave and are protected from unauthorised access. This architecture ensures that critical authentication information remains secured against tampering and unauthorised access, no matter what sophisticated malware attacks are launched.

A key advantage of the technology is that it allows devices to produce, store, manage, and store cryptographic keys securely, authenticate hardware by using unique RSA keys that are permanently etched onto the chip, and monitor the boot process of the system for platform integrity.

The TPM performs the verification of each component of the boot sequence during startup, ensuring that only the proper firmware and operating system files are executed and that rootkits and unauthorised modifications are prevented. When multiple errors occur in authorisation attempts, the TPM's internal defence system engages a dictionary attack prevention system, which temporarily locks out further attempts to gain access and keeps the system intact, preventing multiple incorrect authorisation attempts.

It has been standardised by the Trusted Computing Group (TCG) and has been developed in multiple versions to meet the increasing demands of security. With Windows 11, Microsoft is making a decisive move towards integrating stronger, hardware-based safeguards across consumer devices, marking a decisive shift in the way consumer devices are secured.

Even though Microsoft has stated its intent to protect its users from modern cyber threats by requiring TPM 2.0, the requirement has also sparked debate, particularly among users whose PCs are old or custom-built and do not support it. It is difficult for these users to find the right balance between enhanced security and the practical realities of hardware limitations and upgrade constraints.

In Microsoft's Windows 11 security architecture, the Trusted Platform Module 2.0 is the cornerstone of the system, a dedicated hardware security component that has been embedded into modern processors, motherboards, and even as a standalone chip, as part of Microsoft's security architecture. It is a sophisticated module that creates a secure, isolated environment for handling cryptographic keys, digital certificates, and sensitive authentication data. As a result, it creates an environment of trust between the operating system and the hardware.

By incorporating cryptographic functionality within a secure and isolated environment, TPM 2.0 is capable of preventing malicious software from infecting and compromising a system, as well as preventing firmware tampering and other software-driven attacks that attempt to compromise a system's security.

A variety of security functions are controlled by the module. With Secure Boot, TPM 2.0 ensures only trusted software components are loaded during system startup, thus preventing malicious code from being embedded during the most vulnerable stage of system booting. A device encryption program like Microsoft's BitLocker utilises TPM to secure data with cryptographic barriers that are accessible only by authenticated users.

In addition to the attestation feature, organisations and users can also verify both the integrity and authenticity of both hardware and software, while robust key management also makes it possible to generate and store encryption keys directly in the chips, which ensures a secure storage environment for the security keys.

With the introduction of TPM 2.0 in 2014, the replacement of TPM 1.2 brought significant advances in cryptography, including stronger cryptographic algorithms like SHA-256, improved flexibility, as well as greater compatibility with modern computing environments. A global consortium known as the Trusted Computing Group (TCG), the standard's governing body, is a group dedicated to establishing open and vendor-neutral specifications that will enhance interoperability and standardize hardware-based security across all platforms through open, vendor-neutral specifications.

As a result of Microsoft's insistent reintroduction of TPM 2.0 for Windows 11, which is a non-negotiable requirement as opposed to an optional feature as in Windows 10, we have taken a step towards strengthening the integrity of hardware at the device level. In spite of the fact that it is technically possible to get around the requirement of installing Windows 11 on unsupported systems by bypassing this requirement, Microsoft strongly discourages any such practice, stating that it undermines the intended security framework and could restrict the availability of future updates.

Despite the fact that Windows 11 has brought the Trusted Platform Module (TPM) into mainstream discussion, its integration within Microsoft's ecosystem is far from new, nor is it a new concept. Prior versions of Windows, like Windows 10, had long supported TPM technology, which is especially helpful when working with enterprise-grade devices that need data protection and system integrity.

Several companies have adopted TPMs initially for their laptops and desktops thanks to their stringent IT security standards, which have led to these compact chips being largely replaced by traditional smart cards, which once served as physical keys to authenticate the system.

A TPM performs the same validation functions as smart cards, which require manual insertion or contact with a wireless reader in order to confirm the system integrity. TPMs do this automatically and seamlessly, which ensures both convenience and security. As the operating system becomes increasingly dependent on TPM technology, more and more features will be available. Windows Hello, an extremely popular feature that uses facial recognition to log in to the user's computer, also relies heavily on a TPM for the storage of biometric data and identity verification.

In July 2016, Microsoft mandated support for TPM 2.0 in Windows 10 Home editions, Business editions, Enterprise editions, and Education editions, a policy that naturally extended into Windows 11, which also requires this capability in order to function properly. Despite this mandate, in some cases, a TPM might exist inside a system but remain inactive in certain circumstances.

In other words, it ensures that both consumer and business systems benefit from a uniform hardware-based security standard. It is quite common for computer systems configured with old BIOS settings, rather than the modern UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface), to not allow TPM functionality by default. It is possible for users to verify how their system is configured through Windows System Information, and they can then enable the TPM through the UEFI settings if necessary.

As a result of the auto-initialisation and ownership of the TPM during installation, Windows 10 and Windows 11 eliminate the need for manual configuration during installation. Additionally, TPM's utility extends beyond Windows and applies to a multitude of platforms. There has been a rapid increase in the use of TPM in Linux distributions and Internet of Things (IoT) devices for enhanced security management, demonstrating its versatility and importance to the protection of digital ecosystems.

In addition to this, Apple has developed its own proprietary Secure Enclave, which performs similar cryptographic operations and protects sensitive user information on its own hardware platform as a parallel approach to its own hardware architecture. There is a trend in the industry toward embedding security at the hardware level, which represents a higher level of security that continues to redefine how modern computing environments can defend themselves against increasingly sophisticated threats, as these technologies play together.

During the past few years, Microsoft has simplified the integration of the Trusted Platform Module (TPM) to the highest degree possible, beginning with Windows 10 and continuing through Windows 11. This has been done by ensuring that the operating system takes ownership of the chip during the setup process by automating the initialisation process. By automating the configuration process, the TPM management console can be used to reduce the need for manual configuration, which simplifies deployment.

In the past, certain Group Policy settings of Windows 10 permitted administrators even to back up TPM authorisation values in Active Directory and ensure continuity of cryptographic trust across system reinstalls. However, these exceptions mostly arise when performing a clean installation or resetting a device. In enterprise settings, TPM has a variety of practical applications, including ensuring continuity of cryptographic trust across reinstallations.

With the TPM-equipped systems, certificates and cryptographic keys are locked to the hardware itself and cannot be exported or duplicated without authorisation, effectively substituting smart cards with these new security systems. In addition to strengthening authentication processes, this transition reduces the administrative costs associated with issuing and managing physical security devices significantly.

Further, TPM's automated provisioning capabilities streamline deployment by allowing administrators to verify device provisioning or state changes without the need for a technician to physically be present. Apart from the management of credentials, TPM is also an essential part of preserving the integrity of a device's operating system as well.

The purpose of anti-malware software is to verify that a computer has been launched successfully and has not been tampered with, making it a key safeguard for data centres and virtualised environments using Hyper-V. When it comes to large-scale IT infrastructures, features like BitLocker Network Unlock are designed to allow administrators to update or maintain their systems remotely while remaining assured that they remain secure and compliant without manually modifying the system.

As a means of further enhancing enterprise security, device health attestation is a process that allows organisations to verify both hardware and software integrity before permitting access to sensitive corporate resources. With this process, managed devices communicate their security posture, including information about Data Execution Prevention, BitLocker Drive Encryption, and Secure Boot, enabling Mobile Device Management (MDM) servers to make informed choices on how access can be controlled.

As a result of these capabilities, TPM is no longer just a device that provides hardware security features; it is now a cornerstone of trusted computing that enables enterprises to bridge security, manageability, and compliance issues across the multi-cloud or multi-domain platforms they have adopted.

Despite the changing nature of the digital landscape, Microsoft's Trusted Platform Module stands as a defining element of its long-term vision of secure, trustworthy computing by embedding security directly into the hardware. By doing so, a proactive approach to security can be taken instead of a reactive defence.

There is no doubt that the growing realisation that system security must begin on the silicon level, where vulnerabilities are the easiest to exploit, is further evidenced by the integration of TPM across both consumer and enterprise devices. When organisations and users embrace TPM, they not only strengthen data protection but also prepare their systems for the next generation of digital authentication, encryption, and compliance standards that will be released soon.

Considering that cyber-threats are likely to become even more sophisticated as time goes on, the presence of TPM ensures that security remains an integral principle of the modern computing experience rather than an optional one.

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