“KHUTI PUJA” of Youth Association of Mohammad Ali Park Durga Puja to be held on Tue, 20th June, 2023 at 10.30 am at Mohammad Ali Park, Kolkata

Media Connect cordially invites you to cover the “KHUTI PUJA” of the Youth Association of Mohammad Ali Park Durga Puja. This Puja is particularly famous for its unique style of pandals and also for the social work which the committee carries out throughout the year.

Khuti Pujo is basically like the Bhoomi Puja that is done before undertaking the building of a house, construction of any project or factory or any permanent structure. Khuti Pujo is significant because it is a prayer to the gods to bless the construction work of the Durga Puja pandal. It is done before starting or erecting any temporary structure like the puja pandal for festivities and pious occasions.

To be attended by:

Sri. Tapas Roy, MLA

Smt. Nayna Bandyopadhyay, MLA

Sri. Vivek Gupta, MLA

Smt. Rehana Khatun, Councillor

Smt. Ayesha Kaniz, Councillor

& many others

VENUE: Mohammad Ali Park, Mahatma Gandhi Road, Kol -73.

DAY & DATE: Tuesday, 20th June, 2023

TIME: 10.30 a.m.

At-Home Ayurvedic Solutions for a Healthy and Radiant Skin from Inveda

Inveda brings you an ideal solution with Ayurvedic Skincare for a spa-like experience in the comfort of your home. With Natural Ingredients and Techniques, Ayurvedic Skincare is a natural and effective way to protect your skin from impurities and dirt and nourish it for healthy-looking skin. We have specially curated these Skincare Kits for an at-home solution that will ensure to tackle your skin issues without having to visit a salon every week. Packed with the power of Ayurveda, these kits will give a rejuvenating and spa-like experience at home, allowing you to pamper yourself and achieve a healthy and glowing look at home.

Kumkumadi Tailam Mini Facial Kit

Pamper your skin to a healthy and glowing look with our Kumkumadi Tailam Mini Facial Kit. With Kumkumadi Tailam, Saffron, Turmeric, and a mix of natural herbal ingredients, our mini facial kit will ensure that your skin feels cleansed and rejuvenated after use. With its travel-friendly size, this kit is perfect if you are looking for an at-home spa day that deeply cleanses, enhances skin texture, and exfoliates your skin. It is enriched with nature’s powerful ingredients that are sourced responsibly and will give you a result in 20 mins for healthy and glowing skin. The kit contains Kumkumadi Tailam Ubtan Face Wash, Kumkumadi Tailam Face Scrub and Kumkumadi Tailam Face Pack.

Price: INR 1,350.00

Kumkumadi Tailam Combo | Prevents 9 Skin Problems
With Pollution and dirt clogging our pores and damaging our skin, it becomes important to take care of our skin. Therefore, Inveda is here with a solution to fight the 9 skin problems for healthy skin. Kumkumadi Tailam Combo is unique with its mix of 24 herbs, which includes saffron oil, one of the most renowned herbs in Ayurveda. With so many benefits, this combo ensures that it solves multiple skin issues and heals your skin for an illuminating glow. The Ayurvedic Tailam kit contains a Face Scrub, Face Cream, and Face Oil. Incorporate these products into your daily skincare routine for soft and supple skin.

Price: INR 2,900.00

Anti-Pigmentation Skin Care Kit
Pigmentation is a skin issue that needs constant attention, and the rising heat can make it worse if not given proper care. Therefore, Inveda brings hyperpigmentation & melasma treatment at home for you with an Anti-Pigmentation Skin Care Kit. Ancient Ayurvedic Technology breaks up the melanin that accumulates to form discoloration on the skin. It is enriched with natural extracts and holy herbs that work on skin pigmentation and improves the texture of your skin. The kit contains Neem & Gotukola Face Wash, Whitening Cream, Sunscreen with SPF 50, and an Anti-Pigmentation Blend that will give you a radiant glow.

Price: INR 1,450.00

Inveda brings you an Acne Treatment Kit with products that are a perfect solution to your acne and pimple problems. The kit contains Neem & Gotukola Face Wash, Healing Day Cream, Anti Acne Blend, and a Sunscreen Cream Gel with SPF 50 PA+++. The products will balance sebum production, repair skin from within and will give you clear skin. The kit is infused with the goodness of Lavender, Tea Tree, Sweet Almond Oil, Gotukola & Ashwagandha, which will fight your acne problems and will purify your skin for an improved skin texture.

Price: INR 1,375.00

Vitamin E Skincare Routine Combo
Inveda’s Vitamin E Skincare Routine Combo gives you the benefit of Niacinamide with Vitamin E. Niacinamide is an essential ingredient to have in your skincare routine. It contains Vitamin B3 which gives nourishment to your skin. This Combo will give a boost of hydration to your dry skin for smooth and supple skin all day long. The kit contains a Hydrating Toner, a Brightening Serum, and Hydrating Cream that will provide moisture to your skin and will rejuvenate your skin.

Price: INR 1,375.00

ForeignAdmits Launches Groundbreaking AI-Powered Mock Visa Interview Tool

ForeignAdmits LaunchesIndia, 19th June 2023: ForeignAdmits, a leading EdTech brand committed to unlocking students’ potential, is thrilled to introduce the world’s first AI-driven mock visa interview tool. This groundbreaking solution revolutionizes the way students prepare for visa interviews, eliminating anxiety and instilling confidence in their interactions with visa officers.

60 to 70 percent of Indian students are currently undergoing the visa backlog dilemma. In 2022, Indian travelers faced a visa rejection rate of 18%. A lot of people face fear and anxiety while facing visa officers. According to research, the US rejected 35% of all F-1 student visa applications in 2022. Acknowledging this challenge, ForeignAdmits has developed an innovative tool that leverages artificial intelligence to provide comprehensive feedback on crucial interview aspects, including clarity, confidence, and pace. The AI technology excels in understanding human speech in various accents and dialects, ensuring a seamless user experience for students from diverse backgrounds.

By utilising the AI-driven mock visa interview tool, students receive real-time feedback during practice interviews, enabling them to immediately identify and rectify their mistakes. It has been observed that students who receive immediate feedback during their mock interviews are more likely to perform better in their actual visa interviews.

“We are delighted to introduce the world’s first AI-driven mock visa interview tool, empowering students to overcome their fears and present themselves confidently in front of visa officers,” said Ashwini Jain, CEO & Cofounder of ForeignAdmits. “Through this innovative solution, students can practice as much as they desire and receive personalized feedback, ensuring continuous improvement and increased chances of visa approval.”

One of the key advantages of this tool is its accessibility and convenience. Students can easily conduct mock interviews from the comfort of their own homes, which gives them the flexibility to practice at their own pace. This accessibility factor has proven to be highly beneficial, as it has been observed that students who were able to practice mock interviews from home were 45% more likely to engage in regular practice sessions.

ForeignAdmits remains dedicated to providing students with cutting-edge tools that enhance their academic journey. The AI-driven mock visa interview tool exemplifies the brand’s commitment to leveraging technology for student success.

KVB inaugurates its 800th Branch & opens 10 new branches today

KVB inaugurates its 800th

Chennai, 19th June, 2023:KarurVysya Bank today inaugurated its 800th Branch at New No. 60 / Old No. 45, First Avenue, F Block, Anna Nagar East, Chennai – 600 102. The Branch and ATM were inaugurated by Sri Gopal Srinivasan, Chairman & MD, TVS Capital Funds (P) Limited in the presence of Sri B Ramesh Babu, MD & CEO of the Bank.

The Bank also inaugurated its first Digital Banking Unit (DBU) at 3A, AavinIllam, PasumponMuthuramalingamSalai, Nandanam, Chennai – 600 035. The DBU was inaugurated by Dr. S. Vineeth, IAS, Managing Director, Aavin. The Branch works entirely in digital mode. Customers can open their savings accounts, complete e-KYC, get their welcome kit with a debit card and apply for retail loans. The customers can also undertake other transactions like opening term deposits, transferring funds, etc. The branch will also have an e-lobby with ATM, CDM and passbook printer.

Sri B Ramesh Babu, MD &CEO, of Karur Vysya Bank said “We are delighted to inaugurate our 800th branch and other new branches today, which will provide our customers improved access and proximity to the bank’s services. The Digital Banking Unit is yet another initiative that will not only enhance customer experience but will also be environment friendly which is a core focus area of the bank’s CSR& ESG initiatives.”

The Bank also inaugurated new branches at 8 other centers; 6 in Tamil Nadu viz., Vilathikulam, Madambakkam, Parangipettai, Pudukottai North, Kachirapalayam, Veeraganur, Gadwal in Telangana and Sattenapalle in Andhra Pradesh.

Milestone for Indian bodybuilding: Steadfast Nutrition sets the stage for India’s second-ever Pro Show

Milestone for Indian bodybuilding

New Delhi, 19th June 2023:- The International Health, Sports, and Fitness Festival (IHFF), Asia’s biggest event in the fitness world concluded in grand style on June 18 at New Delhi’s Pragati Maidan. The high points of the three-day mega festival were the Steadfast Nutrition Pro Show in Association with Sheru Classic- Asia’s biggest bodybuilding event, and the Sheru Classic Pro Qualifiers- among India’s biggest bodybuilding championships, presented by Steadfast Nutrition, the country’s fastest-growing sports and wellness nutrition brand. The pro show, a milestone event for Indian bodybuilding and the second-ever in India gave its four winners a direct entry into the Mr Olympia USA- the world’s most prestigious bodybuilding tournament; the Sheru Classic Pro League Qualifiers is a stepping stone for amateur bodybuilders to enter the pro or professional circuit, enabling them to earn prize money and win endorsements. 600 athletes from India and abroad converged at Pragati Maidan for the tournaments, which has given a big boost to the sport of bodybuilding in India, providing Indian athletes with a global stage to showcase their prowess.

“By sponsoring these events, Steadfast Nutrition wants to reach closer to its goal of making India the world’s sports capital by 2050. This is the second time that a pro show is being organised in India. The Steadfast Nutrition Pro show in association with Sheru Classic has made competing in the Mr Olympia easy- four winners will get a direct entry to the world’s ultimate bodybuilding tournament. We’re determined to give an opportunity to more sports to thrive in the country and make bodybuilding legitimate and mainstream. Currently, only cricket, football, and hockey dominate the discourse around sports- bodybuilding is neglected even though it is becoming increasingly popular among the youth. By sponsoring the pro show and the Sheru Classic Pro Qualifiers, we want to give our talented youth opportunities to compete professionally at the national and international level,” says Aman Puri.

In attendance at the event were several celebrities from the fitness and TV industry, including legendary American bodybuilder Flex Wheeler, bodybuilding icon Kai Greene, iconic American coach and pro bodybuilder Dennis James Vlad, Cuban-American bodybuilder Sergio Jr, son of legendary bodybuilder Sergio Oliva, social media sensation Just Sul, singer Sukbir, and Rannvijay Singha, a popular face on television.

The pre-judging and pro-show finals took place on the last day. Only pro card holders (professional athletes) were eligible to compete in the pro show. The winners vied for the trophy in four categories: Men’s Physique, Men’s Classic Physique, Women’s Bikini, and 212 Bodybuilding. Andrei Melnikov from Russia won in the Men’s 212 category, Vahid Badpei from Iran won in the Men’s Classic Physique segment, Bhuwan Chauhan from India won the Men’s Physique segment, while Thailand’s Jil Meret Schmitz won the Women’s Bikini segment.

Athletes faced off for nine pro cards in the Sheru Classic in eight categories: 212 bodybuilding, Men’s Physique, Men’s Classic Physique, Men’s Bodybuilding, Women’s Bikini, Women’s Figure, Women’s Fitness, and Women’s Wellness. The championships were open to athletes worldwide- 70% of Indian athletes and 30% of international athletes participated.

Sunmeet Singh Gill and Parmeshwar Sharma from India won the pro card in the Men’s Classic Physique category, Arsand Basheer Mohd Hama from Iraq won the pro card in Men’s Bodybuilding, Reeta Devi from India won the pro card in the Women’s Wellness category, Doaaf Alah from Iraq won in the Women’s Physique category, Jahanara Islam from India won the pro card in the Women’s Figure category, Dunaescaia Ekaterina won in the Women’s Bikini category.

Besides the Steadfast Nutrition Pro Show in association with Sheru Classic and the Sheru Classic Pro Qualifiers, four other championships that took place at the IHFF included the MMA (Mixed martial arts), kickboxing, arm wrestling, and powerlifting tournaments.

Professional Athletes, fitness Influencers, international brands, and distributors have converged at Pragati Maidan for the IHFF 2023. Over 1000 brands showcased their products at the IHFF, giving a fillip to India’s fitness industry. Over 1.5 lakh spectators thronged the festival across three days.

The Sheru Classic Pro Qualifiers and the Amateur Olympia (which will be held later in the year), sponsored by Steadfast Nutrition are the only championships in India that allow bodybuilding athletes to win pro cards by the International Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness (IFBB), which oversees bodybuilding championships across the world.

Steadfast Nutrition has swiftly carved a niche in the sports nutrition industry since it burst onto the scene in 2017. The brand prides itself on its organ-friendly supplements, which have propelled several athletes to medal-winning performances in national and international events, including the Olympics, and enabled numerous people to take proactive measures to improve their health.

Westside x Project I Am Enough Present India’s First Inclusive Runway Show: MIRЯOR at Taj Vivanta

Westside x Project

New Delhi, 20th June 2023: Westside and Project I Am Enough together hosted a groundbreaking fashion show, MIRЯOR, at an exquisite property, Taj Vivanta, Dwarka. With an inclusive modeling consortium, MIRЯOR demonstrated bodies of all kinds on the runway for the very first time. The aim was to break conventional beauty standards and redefine the notion of perfection, empowering everyone to embrace their differences.

The event featured a wonderful showcase of 20th June 2023ashion and style that started with captivating musical performances and spectacular dance performances that a20th June 2023dded a layer of artistic expression to the evening. The atmosphere was electric as the DJ afterparty took center stage, ensuring a memorable night of celebration.

The overwhelming response to MIRЯOR exceeded all expectations and created a moment to cherish. The show was nothing short of a statement in the Indian fashion industry. The event served as a catalyst for change, encouraging society to embrace diversity and redefine traditional beauty standards.

Speaking on the event, the Head of Customer & Beauty at Westside, Mr Umashan Naidoo said, “We are honored to have partnered with the inspiring NGO, Project I Am Enough, and Taj Hotels, for MIRЯOR. This collaboration allowed us to exhibit the power of inclusivity and redefine beauty standards in the fashion industry. Together, we were able to create a platform that celebrates diversity, empowers individuals, and encourages self-acceptance. We are proud to be part of this initiative that reminds everyone that they are truly enough.”

Siya Tayal, founder of Project I Am Enough echoed this sentiment, stating, “It has been an incredible journey to bring together a diverse body-positive modeling group, challenging societal norms and celebrating the beauty of every individual. Through Project I Am Enough, we strive to empower and inspire people to embrace their uniqueness and foster inclusivity in the fashion industry. MIRЯOR has been a remarkable milestone in our mission, and we are grateful for the support of Westside and Taj Hotels in amplifying our cause. I am thrilled to witness the immense success of MIRЯOR, India’s first inclusive runway show, in partnership with Westside and Taj Hotels.”

The success of MIRЯOR has paved the way for future inclusive fashion shows in India, marking a significant step towards a more expansive and accepting industry. This landmark event serves as a reminder that everyone is enough and that beauty exists in every body.

Kamdhenu Paints targets 4X Revenue growth by FY28

Kamdhenu Paints

Gurugram, 19th June 2023: Kamdhenu Paints, a brand of Kamdhenu Group and leading manufacturer of high-quality paints and emulsions, announced a business growth strategy to achieve four-fold revenue growth by the end of FY2028. The announcement was made at its first post-demerger and the biggest ever channel partner’s meet -‘Kamdhenu Sensational Bollywood Night (KSBN 2) 2023’. KSBN is an annual awards program that aims to appreciate and encourage healthy competition among dealers. More than 800 dealers with their families from across the country attended the event.

As part of the growth strategy, the company is planning to enhance its market share in the South and West region of the country by expanding its product portfolio with the launch of new and innovative products. The company will further tap the deep markets in the North and East regions by increasing its dealers and distribution network. The key objective is to increase market share from unorganized players, and tapinto tier 2 and tier 3 cities.

With the aforesaid expansion plan, the company is looking a fourfold growth in revenue to Rs.1000 crores by the end of FY28. Last financial year 2023, the company has closed the revenue at Rs.251 crores.

Commenting of the business expansion plan,Mr. Satish Kumar Agarwal, Chairman and Managing Director, Kamdhenu Group said, “After a strategic review of the current businessoperations commensurate with the revenue growth that we have achieved till date, we have set and ambitious target of achieving a 4X revenue growth by the end of FY 2028. We have strong presence in the North and East part of the country and we will strengthen it further. We have accessed the potential for deeper penetration in the South and West regions and a concerted marketing initiative across the country is already under execution. Our aim is to increase the current 4,000+ dealer network across the country to 8,000+ and achieve a revenue of Rs.1000crores by the end of FY 2028. We are confident that our strong relationship with our dealer network across the country will help us achieve our target.”

The channel partners meet was graced by many well-renowned Bollywood celebrities such as Padma Shri Sonu Nigam, Rajkumar Rao, Jacqueline Fernandez, Rakulpreet Singh, Rahul Vaidya, ManushiChillar, and many more. Globally renowned dance groups Dance Smith and MJ5 also performed and amused the attendees with their performances.

Speaking on the channel partner’s meet Mr. Saurabh Agarwal, Managing Director, Kamdhenu Paints said, “Kamdhenu values each of its channel partners as an integral member of the Kamdhenu family. They have played a pivotal role in establishing Kamdhenu as a renowned household brand. Events like Kamdhenu Sensational Bollywood Night not only allows us to express gratitude for their unwavering support but also enables us to gain a deeper understanding of their requirements and identify the most effective ways to support and collaborate with them. In synergy with our channel partners, we aim to create a strong brand image as well as brand recall across the country.”

SD Polymer Pvt Ltd becomes Largest Certified Polymer Recycling Company in India Under Plastic Waste Management Rule 2016

New Delhi, 19th June 2023: SDPPL, India’s leading player in the polymer industry, is proud to announce that the government has granted it the biggest recycling certificate in India under the PWM rules of 2016. With this accreditation, SD Polymer firmly establishes itself as the largest approved recycler of plastic waste in India, allowing it to greatly increase its production capacity and contribute to a more sustainable future by creating a circular implementation of plastic waste in the economy through various OEM’s programs such as Bumper to Bumper drive where SDPPL is collaborating with various Automobile waste generators and car dismantling unit for dedicated part wise collection of used/end of life plastic parts, segregating them through the advanced tracking system, recycling them with the latest technology and manufacturing recycled compounds that can substitute 100% virgin polymer compounds in Automotive and white goods industry.

Since a long time ago, SD Polymer has been committed to promoting sustainability, but its efforts have been constrained because the required license was not available. But now that this license has been granted, SD Polymer can carry out recycling operations in a planned and effective way, in line with their dedication to environmental responsibility.

With a staggering 3,67,000 tonnes of annual capacity and the recently acquired recycling certification, SD Polymer can now claim to be the largest single certificate holder for plastic recycling in India. The accreditation confirms SD Polymer’s leadership position in the sector and serves as a testament to its dedication to environmental stewardship.

SD Polymer has chosen Grownet to serve as a recycling certificate aggregator as part of its sustainability initiatives. By streamlining processes and increasing productivity, this strategic partnership will further strengthen SD Polymer’s goal of promoting a circular economy through responsible plastic waste management.

The most advanced Polymer RND lab in the area is located at the SD Polymer Faridabad plant, which is now fully operational. With a daily processing capacity of 1250 tonnes of plastic recycling, the cutting-edge unit demonstrates SD Polymer’s significant ability to handle plastic waste and turn it into useful resources.

Sensitizing the general public to the value of plastic recycling is one of the main goals of SD Polymer’s EPR certification. The general public is a significant producer of plastic waste and is essential to promoting proper disposal techniques. In order to create a cleaner and greener environment for everyone, SD Polymer aims to inspire individuals and communities to responsibly dispose of their plastic waste.

Additionally, SD Polymer will be able to produce value-added goods through plastic recycling thanks to its expanded production capabilities. To maximize resource efficiency and lessen the environmental impact associated with plastic consumption, SD Polymer converts plastic waste into high-quality materials.

Mr. Dhanish Goyal,

“We are thrilled to have received our EPR certification,” says Mr. Dhanish Goyal, spokesperson of SD Polymers. “We are now the largest producers in India with this license, a testament to our unwavering commitment to sustainable practices and environmental responsibility.” He also added, “The increased production capacity of SD Polymer puts us in a good position to influence change and significantly advance the circular economy.” The business is excited to work with partners, communities, and stakeholders to jointly create a greener future.

Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail’s Planet Fashion gets trendy with new retail identity in Hyderabad

Hyderabad,20th June 2023 Planet Fashion, part of Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail (ABFRL), unveiled its new retail identity at its 2394 Sqft. store located on City Center in Hyderabad. The brand has 164 stores across India and offers the latest international fashion selections at affordable prices.

Planet Fashion’s new retail identity is complemented by product and packaging innovation to attract new-age consumers across categories by improving their customer experience. The distinct brand identity makes the brand easily recognizable and unique.

The flagship store located at City Center in Hyderabad offers an immersive shopping experience and is an extension of the brand’s most recent retail identity. The store houses an extensive product including casuals, denims, and seasonal clothing. formal shirts and trousers, suits and blazers from portfolio from Louis Philippe, Van Heusen, Allen Solly, Simon Carter.

Ms Farida Kaliyadan, COO, of Louis Philippe and Planet Fashion, said, “We are pleased to delight our customers with the new retail identity experience launched at our Hyderabad store. As Planet Fashion expands rapidly, we are focused on delivering value to our customers with superior craftsmanship, extensive product portfolio and an unparalleled retail experience.”

Planet Fashion’s new retail identity has a new logo, in white, grey and copper colours, giving the store a modern yet sophisticated shopping experience. Fixtures are designed to display a wide range of lifestyle looks, and the abstract mannequin is displayed to effortlessly illustrate brand stories and images.

Planet Fashion has 164 stores in 143 cities in India and offers premium brands under one roof, such as Louis Philippe, Van Heusen, Allen Solly, Simon Carter, Reebok & American Eagle.

This Infostealer targeting the Windows OS malware became May’s Most Wanted Malware in India

New Delhi, 20th June 2023- Check Point® Software Technologies Ltd. (NASDAQ: CHKP), a leading provider of cybersecurity solutions globally, has published its Global Threat Index for May 2023. Research revealed FormBook an Infostealer targeting the Windows OS which was first detected in 2016 had a 10.77% impact on India. The malware is also marketed as Malware as a Service (MaaS) in underground hacking forums for its strong evasion techniques and relatively low price. FormBook harvests credentials from various web browsers, collects screenshots, monitors and logs keystrokes, and can download and execute files according to orders from its C&C. The threat index revealed Healthcare followed by Communications, Manufacturing, and Finance/ Banking became the most attacked industries in India.

Globally, researchers reported on a new version of shellcode-based downloader GuLoader, which was the fourth most prevalent malware last month. With fully encrypted payloads and anti-analysis techniques, the latest form can be stored undetected in well-known public cloud services, including Google Drive. Meanwhile, Qbot and Anubis took first place on their respective lists, and Education/Research remained the most exploited industry.

The GuLoader malware, widely used by cybercriminals to bypass antivirus detection, has undergone significant changes. The latest iteration employs a sophisticated technique of replacing code in a legitimate process, facilitating its evasion from process monitoring security tools. The payloads are fully encrypted and stored undetected in renowned public cloud services, including Google Drive. This unique blend of encryption, raw binary format, and separation from the loader makes the payloads invisible to antivirus programs, posing a significant threat to users and businesses worldwide.

Last month also saw both Qbot and Anubis taking first place on their respective lists. Despite efforts to slow down malware distribution by blocking macros in Office files, Qbot operators have been quick to adapt their distribution and delivery. It has recently been seen abusing a dynamic link library (DLL) hijacking flaw in the Windows 10 WordPad program to infect computers.

“Public tools and services are increasingly being exploited by cybercriminals to deliver and store malware campaigns. The trustworthiness of a source no longer guarantees complete security,” said Maya Horowitz, VP Research at Check Point Software. “This highlights the urgent need for education on identifying suspicious activities. We strongly advise against disclosing personal information or downloading attachments unless the authenticity and benign nature of the request have been confirmed. Additionally, it’s crucial to have advanced security solutions like Check Point Horizon XDR/XPR in place, which can effectively identify if an allegedly benign behavior is actually malicious, providing an extra layer of protection against sophisticated threats.”

The Education/Research sector continues to be the most targeted industry, according to Check Point’s Index. The report also revealed that the “Web Servers Malicious URL Directory Traversal” vulnerability is the most exploited, impacting 49% of organizations globally. This is closely followed by “Apache Log4j Remote Code Execution” and “HTTP Headers Remote Code Execution” vulnerabilities, affecting 45% and 44% of organizations worldwide, respectively.

Top malware families

*The arrows relate to the change in rank compared to the previous month.

Qbot was the most prevalent malware last month with an impact of 6% worldwide organizations, followed by Formbook with a global impact of 5% and AgentTesla with a global impact of 3%.

  1. ↑ Qbot –Qbot AKA Qakbot is a multipurpose malware that first appeared in 2008. It was designed to steal a user’s credentials, record keystrokes, steal cookies from browsers, spy on banking activities, and deploy additional malware. Often distributed via spam email, Qbot employs several anti-VM, anti-debugging, and anti-sandbox techniques to hinder analysis and evade detection. Commencing in 2022, it emerged as one of the most prevalent Trojans.
  2. ↑ Formbook – Formbook is an Infostealer targeting the Windows OS and was first detected in 2016. It is marketed as Malware as a Service (MaaS) in underground hacking forums for its strong evasion techniques and relatively low price. FormBook harvests credentials from various web browsers, collects screenshots, monitors and logs keystrokes, and can download and execute files according to orders from its C&C.
  3. ↓ AgentTesla – AgentTesla is an advanced RAT functioning as a keylogger and information stealer, which is capable of monitoring and collecting the victim’s keyboard input, system keyboard, taking screenshots, and exfiltrating credentials to a variety of software installed on a victim’s machine (including Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox and the Microsoft Outlook email client).

Top Attacked Industries Globally

Last month, Education/Research remained in first place as the most exploited industry globally, followed by Government/Military and Healthcare.

  1. Education/Research
    Government/Military
    Healthcare

Top exploited vulnerabilities

Last month, “Web Servers Malicious URL Directory Traversal” was the most exploited vulnerability, impacting 49% of organizations globally, followed by “Apache Log4j Remote Code Execution” impacting 45% of organizations worldwide. “HTTP Headers Remote Code Execution” was the third most used vulnerability, with a global impact of 44%.

  1. ↔ Web Servers Malicious URL Directory Traversal – There exists a directory traversal vulnerability on different web servers. The vulnerability is due to an input validation error in a web server that does not properly sanitize the URI for the directory traversal patterns. Successful exploitation allows unauthenticated remote attackers to disclose or access arbitrary files on the vulnerable server.
  2. ↔ Apache Log4j Remote Code Execution (CVE-2021-44228) – A remote code execution vulnerability exists in Apache Log4j. Successful exploitation of this vulnerability could allow a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code on the affected system.
  3. ↔ HTTP Headers Remote Code Execution (CVE-2020-10826, CVE-2020-10827, CVE-2020-10828, CVE-2020-13756) – HTTP headers let the client and the server pass additional information with an HTTP request. A remote attacker may use a vulnerable HTTP Header to run arbitrary code on the victim machine.

Top Mobile Malwares

Last month Anubis rose to first place as the most prevalent Mobile malware, followed by AhMyth and Hiddad.

  1. Anubis – Anubis is a banking Trojan malware designed for Android mobile phones. Since it was initially detected, it has gained additional functions including Remote Access Trojan (RAT) functionality, keylogger, audio recording capabilities and various ransomware features. It has been detected on hundreds of different applications available in the Google Store.
  2. AhMyth – AhMyth is a Remote Access Trojan (RAT) discovered in 2017. It is distributed through Android apps that can be found on app stores and various websites. When a user installs one of these infected apps, the malware can collect sensitive information from the device and perform actions such as keylogging, taking screenshots, sending SMS messages, and activating the camera, which usually used to steal sensitive information.
  3. Hiddad – Hiddad is an Android malware which repackages legitimate apps and then releases them to a third-party store. Its main function is to display ads, but it can also gain access to key security details built into the OS.

Check Point’s Global Threat Impact Index and its ThreatCloud Map is powered by Check Point’s ThreatCloud AI: the brain behind Check Point’s security. ThreatCloud AI provides real-time threat intelligence derived from hundreds of millions of sensors worldwide, over networks, endpoints and mobiles. The intelligence is enriched with 40+ AI and Machine Learning technologies that identify and block emerging threats,and exclusive research data from Check Point Research, the intelligence and research arm of Check Point Software Technologies.