Category technology

By – Ms. Mandy Andress, Chief Information Security Officer at Elastic

In the face of a rising tide of new threats and tactics, the industry needs different perspectives for a varied, yet nuanced approach to cybersecurity. Malicious actors work tirelessly to explore new tactics, find new vulnerabilities, and identify novel ways to bypass controls. A more diverse IT security team is better equipped to adopt the resourcefulness and the spontaneity of the ‘hacker mindset’ needed to counter these attacks.

To mark International Women in Cyber Day, I’d like to suggest that our industry takes two crucial steps to include more women in our teams.

To encourage more diverse candidates and women to join cybersecurity roles, we need to broaden the scope of the qualifications we seek in candidates. Looking beyond traditional schooling and career paths, we must consider other skills and personality traits that might enhance the way we protect IT systems.

Second, we need to work harder to encourage more women to join us. That might mean reviewing how and where we advertise roles so that news of open positions reaches more women.

In a multidisciplinary field like cybersecurity (or data science, for that matter), the routine exclusion of female viewpoints isn’t just a barrier to good work – it’s a vulnerability. And in my view, from my day-to-day experience as a CISO, a more diverse cybersecurity team is definitely a better cybersecurity team.

India — August 27, 2024: Cloudera, the only true hybrid platform for data, analytics, and AI, announced it has achieved Level 1 compliance with the Payment Card Industry’s (PCI) Data Security Standard (DSS) for Service Providers. This certification demonstrates Cloudera’s commitment to cybersecurity and compliance in its mission to help financial institutions unlock business value from AI. With this milestone, Cloudera’s Platform as a Service (PaaS) and Private Cloud (PVC) are both PCI DSS v4.0 compliant, the newest major version of the framework.

PCI DSS standards define rigorous security controls and processes for entities involved in the payment ecosystem, as well as requirements for developers and solution providers to build and securely manage payment devices, software, and solutions for the payment industry.

As the rise of e-commerce has rapidly scaled the amount of data that financial institutions have under management, the need to protect that data has grown as well. According to the International Monetary Fund’s 2024 Global Financial Stability Report, the financial sector is the target for one-fifth of all cyber-attacks, and this risk is largely driven by its dependence on third-party IT providers. Certification with the most recent security standards for the PCI is a testament to Cloudera’s ability to quickly adapt to the latest financial sector security requirements, where threats are constantly evolving and becoming more sophisticated.

AI has also transformed the financial sector in recent years, with financial institutions adopting virtual assistants, creating synthetic data for model training, generating research reports and investment summaries, and harnessing machine learning for fraud detection. As the vendor to eight of the top 10 global banks, Cloudera helps financial institutions harness the power of AI and Generative AI while navigating the associated risks, providing a secure environment for managing the vast volumes of data needed to train AI models.

“The financial services industry is undergoing significant digital transformation, and the ability to work with trusted third-party solution providers is critical to success” said industry analyst, Sanjeev Mohan. “Financial institutions can view compliance with rigorous frameworks, like PCI DSS 4.0, as an indicator that the partner they’re choosing to work with is one that can securely navigate the complexities of their data and thrive in this AI-powered future.”

“Cloudera’s achievement of this certification is a testament to our commitment to our financial sector customers,” said Natalia Belaya, Cloudera’s Chief Information Security Officer. “We strive to provide and maintain a secure and trusted platform to support our customers with evolving data initiatives and empower them to unlock greater value from AI.”

Mumbai, 26th August 2024: Kia India, a leading premium carmaker in the country, has introduced a new Aurora Black Pearl color option for the X-Line trim of its popular Seltos lineup. This addition complements the existing Matte Graphite colour of the X-Line, offering customers more ways to personalize their vehicles.

The Aurora Black Pearl colour enhances the exterior and interior design, staying true to the distinctive X-Line styling. The interiors are highlighted by an exclusive two-tone combination of Black and Splendid Sage Green, adding a layer of luxury and sophistication.

The new X-Line Black features several gloss black finish elements, including the front and rear skid plates, Outside Rear-View Mirrors, shark-fin antenna, tailgate garnish, and faux exhaust on the rear bumper. These elements are further enhanced by striking, ‘Sun Orange’ accents on the skid plates, side door garnish, and wheel center caps. Additionally, the X-Line is equipped with larger 18-inch alloy wheels with a dual tone crystal cut with glossy black outline, and the iconic ‘X-Line’ badge on the tailgate adds a final touch of distinction.

Commenting on the innovation and customer reception of the X-Line, Mr. Joonsu Cho, Chief Sales Officer at Kia India, said, “The Kia Seltos has been our best-selling model, and we are on the cusp of achieving an incredible milestone—500,000 units sold. The X-Line trim has struck a chord with our new-age buyers, who prioritize distinctive and exclusive products in their purchasing decisions. In response to their demand and feedback, we are thrilled to introduce a new black color option in the X-Line trim, providing our customers with even more choices to match their unique tastes and we will continue to evolve in line with our customers’ preferences, ensuring that Kia remains their brand of choice”.

New Delhi, 26th August 2024: Skye Air Mobility, a leading drone technology-based logistics firm, has announced a collaboration with CARiTAS Hospital & Institute of Health Sciences, Kottayam, Kerala, to revolutionize medical deliveries through drone technology. This partnership aims to enhance healthcare accessibility and efficiency in the region by leveraging unmanned aerial vehicles for the transportation of essential medical supplies and diagnostic samples. The Caritas Drone Medical Supply Delivery Unit is first of its kind in South Kerala.

The initiative will see drones carrying payloads of up to 3 kilograms over distances of 10-15 kilometres, connecting CARiTAS Hospital with various other satellite healthcare facilities of CARiTAS (CFH, CKMM, CHPD) and remote areas in the region. The drone delivery system is expected to significantly reduce delivery times from hours to just 5-7 minutes, ensuring critical medical supplies reach their destinations swiftly and efficiently and also helps in reduction of carbon emission via reduction of road transportation.

Over the last 6 decades, Caritas Hospital & Institute of Health Sciences has been a revolution in the healthcare segment, which paved the way for actualising the dream called a healthy and happy community with latest cutting edge technologies. With 5 satellite centres with both IP, OP, pharmacy, lab, radiology and supportive facilities, Caritas Hospital has tried to reach to the patient for providing better patient care.

The first drone flight successfully transported a package of vital medicines from CARiTAS Hospital to Caritas Family Hospital and CARiTAS KMM located 10-15 kilometres away.

Rev Dr. Binu Kunnath, Director of CARiTAS Hospital, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, “We’re excited to work with Skye Air Mobility on this project. Drones are a game-changer for healthcare in Kottayam, helping us reach patients in remote areas much faster and more reliably. Whether it’s delivering medicine, transporting lab samples, or providing medical equipment, these drones will improve care in our community. We look forward to seeing the positive impact this will have on healthcare in our region.”

Dr. Ajith Venugopalan, Chief Operating Officer (COO), CARiTAS Hospital described the importance of the drone facilities and the various process by which it is going to benefit patient service and community.

Ankit Kumar, CEO & Founder of Skye Air Mobility, highlighted the impact of the collaboration, stating, “Our partnership with CARiTAS Hospital represents a significant step forward in the application of drone technology in healthcare. By establishing an aerial supply chain, we are not only reducing delivery times but also minimizing costs and environmental impact. This initiative serves as a model for future healthcare logistics solutions across India.”

Fr. Joice Nandikunnel, Joint Director, CARiTAS Hospital highlighted the changing trends on healthcare industry and the aspect of drones in providing services in remote centre.

The drone delivery program is set to undergo a series of trial runs over the coming weeks, with plans for a full-scale rollout across Kottayam district in the near future. Both CARiTAS Hospital and Skye Air Mobility are committed to working closely with local authorities to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the drone delivery system, adhering to all relevant regulations and guidelines.
Founded in 2020, the Delhi-based start-up offers drones for the delivery of retail and ecommerce products, postal services, and food products. It also provides last-mile drone delivery services for healthcare, defense, agri-commodity and essential supplies.

India, August 26, 2024: Epson, a global leader in printing technology, has introduced the Epson SureColor SC-F1030, a groundbreaking direct-to-garment (DTG) and direct-to-film (DTF) hybrid garment printer. Designed for the entry-level DTG market, the SC-F1030 offers unparalleled versatility and quality, making it an ideal choice for existing businesses and new entrepreneurs who would like to expand or set up garment printing business.

The DTG market has expanded significantly since FY18, and this growth has continued robustly even during the COVID-19 pandemic. The demand for high-quality, customizable garments is surging both in online and offline stores. Businesses are increasingly seeking innovative printing solutions to meet this growing demand, reflecting a broader trend towards personalized and dynamic fashion.

“With the launch of the SC-F1030, Epson’s most compact direct-to-garment printer to date, we are offering an ideal solution for transforming the storefront or novelty gift businesses into a highly customizable, profitable and interactive space,” said Vasudevan, General Manager – LFP/IE, Epson India. “The SC-F1030 is perfect for anyone who wants to expand an existing garment printing business or start a new business. Equipped with the Micro TFP print head, UltraChrome DG2 inks, and an Auto Gap Adjustment feature, it addresses the growing demand for high-quality, customizable garments while making your business an attractive destination for customers.”

Key Features of the SureColor SC-F1030:

• PrecisionCore Micro TFP Printhead: Ensures superior detail and quality, perfect for cotton and fine details in DTG mode, and versatile fabric applications in DTF mode.
• White Ink Mode: The SC-F1030’s ink set includes White ink, enabling high-quality printing on various coloured garments, adding significant value at the entry-level segment.
• User-Friendly Features: Includes a large opening space, retractable hanger platen, scales, centre position marks, auto gap adjustment, T-shirt setting error detection, panel UI, interior lighting, and easy installation.
• Vivid Color Profile: Supports two colour profiles that deliver more vivid colours, enhancing the visual appeal of printed items.
• Film Mode: As a DTG & DTF Hybrid printer, users can easily switch between “T-shirt” and “Film” modes, offering flexibility and adaptability to different business needs.
• Design Concept: Compact Semi-transparent design to monitor the printing process, reduce production errors, demonstrate live printing and excite customers and enhance store decor.
• Garment Creator 2 Software: Enhances processing speed and allows higher resolution input, contributing to improved print quality.
• UltraChrome DG2 Inks: Provide vibrant and durable prints, suitable for a wide range of applications.

Chennai, 26, August 2024: Cialfo, a leading global edtech company, has assigned its digital mandate to Social Beat, a premier digital marketing agency known for its innovative strategies and driving business outcomes. Social Beat will focus on increasing lead inflow through LinkedIn campaigns and improving organic ranking via comprehensive SEO strategies. Additionally, the agency will explore platforms like Meta and Google to boost brand awareness, targeting metrics such as cost per quality lead, keyword rankings, website visits, and keyword search volume.

Mr. Suneil Chawla, Co-Founder of Social Beat, said, “We are thrilled to partner with Cialfo, a pioneer in the edtech space. Our goal is to drive meaningful business outcomes by leveraging our expertise in digital marketing to enhance their lead generation and organic presence. We look forward to a successful and impactful collaboration.”

Pooja Gupta Pasari, Sr. VP of Strategic Operations at Cialfo, stated, “Our partnership with Social Beat marks an important step in our growth journey. Their deep understanding of digital marketing and commitment to excellence aligns perfectly with our vision. We are excited to work together to achieve our objectives and expand our reach.”

SEOUL, August 26, 2024 – SK Telecom, announced a complete overhaul of its innovative artificial intelligence (AI) service, ‘A.’ (A-DoT). The revamp aims to transform the A. app into an AI personal assistant focused on enhancing daily convenience for customers.

The most significant feature of this revamp is the enhancement of natural conversation experience based on a large language model (LLM) and the strengthening of daily management functions through multi-agents. The entire user experience (UX) has been overhauled to enable flexible conversations with an LLM-based agent.

A. has integrated all essential functions into the new ‘Daily’ feature, including calendar, tasks, schedules, routines and sleep. This enables comprehensive management of all aspects of a user’s daily routines.

Users can save and manage appointments, meetings, to-dos and more through voice commands, reducing the need for conventional, tedious typing. Moreover, the new service greatly enhances the daily AI personal assistant experience by providing customized suggestions tailored to the user’s personal situation, preferences and other factors, such as alerting the user to weather or traffic conditions before their appointments.

In the updated A. app, users can access an array of seven multi-LLM agents. These include Perplexity, A.X, ChatGPT 3.5 turbo, ChatGPT 4o, Claude Haiku, Claude Opus and Claude Sonnet. Each agent offers unique conversational AI capabilities tailored to the user’s specific needs. Users can select an LLM engine that aligns with objectives, enabling them to compare responses from various models for the same query. These features will be provided free of charge for the time being.

In addition, the app provides specialized agent services across various fields, including music, media and stocks, ensuring a comprehensive and immersive user experience.

“The A. overhaul ensures a more natural and convenient conversational experience as if the users are interacting with a real personal assistant,” said Kim Yonghun, Vice President and Head of the AI Service Business Division at SKT. “We will continue to innovate to provide AI services that save our customers’ precious time and enhance convenience and quality of life.”

GURUGRAM, India – August 21, 2024: Samsung, India’s largest consumer electronics brand, on announced the rollout of Irregular Heart Rhythm Notification (IHRN) feature on the Samsung Health Monitor app for Galaxy Watches. The new feature, combined with the app’s existing Blood Pressure and Electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring capabilities, helps detect heart rhythms suggestive of atrial fibrillation (AFib), offering Galaxy Watch users a more comprehensive understanding of their heart health.

Once activated in the Samsung Health Monitor app, the IHRN feature continuously checks for irregular heart rhythms in the background using the Galaxy Watch’s BioActive Sensor. If a certain number of consecutive measurements are irregular, Galaxy Watch warns the user of potential AFib activity, prompting them to take an ECG using their watch for a more accurate measurement. With the existing Blood Pressure and Heart Rate monitoring, this new feature provides users with even deeper insights into their cardiovascular health.

Cardiovascular disease remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide, and AFib — a type of arrhythmia — is widely considered a warning sign for major cardiovascular issues including an increased risk of stroke, heart failure and other complications. Moreover, many cases of AFib are asymptomatic or even silent, leaving people unaware of their risk.

With the addition of the IHRN feature, Galaxy Watch users can now monitor other crucial aspects of their heart health. Equipped with Samsung’s BioActive Sensor, it offers tools to help users better understand their heart health, including on-demand ECG recording and an HR Alert function that detects abnormally high or low heart rates.

The Irregular Heart Rhythm Notification feature is now available as part of the newly launched Galaxy Watch7 Ultra, Galaxy Watch7 as well as on Galaxy Watch6, Watch5 and Watch4 series.

Galaxy Watch users can simply update the Samsung Health Monitor app on their devices via Galaxy Store and then enable the IHRN feature from the settings menu on the app

What does the future hold for quantum computing, and are we on the brink of a major breakthrough? Recent advancements by industry giants and startups suggest we’re closer than ever to realizing the potential of this transformative technology.

In 2019, researchers at Google built a programmable quantum computer that achieved quantum supremacy. That is, it performed a task that no traditional computer could perform in a reasonable amount of time. In this case, quantum computing researchers performed a test computation in about 200 seconds that would have taken a supercomputer using today’s best algorithm thousands of years to calculate.

However, the continued development of quantum computers faces several technical hurdles. Qubits, which are the basic building blocks of quantum computers, are extremely sensitive to outside interference. To really use quantum computers, researchers need better ways to correct the errors created by that interference.

“The field has seen significant progress recently, driven by improvements in qubit quality, error rates and scalability, alongside substantial investments from large tech companies and startups,” said IEEE Senior Member Kevin Curran. “A key challenge remains in error correction, with advancements here being potentially transformative. Additionally, the development of new quantum algorithms could significantly enhance the utility of quantum computers.”

Here, he discusses recent advances in quantum computing, what’s holding the technology back and the leading edge of post-quantum cybersecurity.

Can you discuss any major developments in quantum computing that have increased the accessibility of quantum computers?

“In recent years, quantum computing has made significant strides across several key areas. The availability of quantum computing through cloud services by major tech companies has democratized access, enabling more widespread research and development. There has been substantial growth in hybrid quantum-classical algorithms, which combine classical and quantum computing strengths to tackle complex problems.

“Researchers have also expanded the portfolio of quantum algorithms with potential exponential speed-ups over classical methods, finding applications in diverse sectors such as pharmaceuticals, finance and material sciences. These developments signal a shift towards more practical and impactful quantum computing applications soon.”

What is your view on the future of quantum computing and the likelihood of a near-term breakthrough?

“Predicting a near-term breakthrough in quantum computing is complex due to the interplay of technological advancements and theoretical innovations. While many experts suggest that practical, scalable quantum computers that consistently outperform classical systems may still be a few years away, there is optimism about achieving specific milestones soon. The next five to 10 years will likely be crucial for witnessing significant advancements in this area.”

Y2Q stands for years-to-quantum, a shorthand for the point at which quantum computers can crack current encryption algorithms. What’s your perspective on this milestone?

“It’s crucial because quantum computers could potentially decrypt data previously thought to be secure, affecting everything from government communications to private internet transactions. Those most at risk include governments, financial institutions, technology companies, healthcare organizations and anyone relying on secure internet use.”

What’s the status of post-quantum encryption algorithms?

“Quantum-resistant cybersecurity algorithms, developed to secure communications against the potential threats of quantum computers, are rooted in mathematical problems believed to withstand classical and quantum attacks. The ongoing standardization efforts by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), which began in 2016, are critical in evaluating these algorithms for security and practicality, enhancing confidence in their robustness.

“Besides the efforts by NIST to standardize post-quantum cryptography, there are several other emerging standards and algorithms in the field of quantum computing. These include the Internet Engineering Task Force and the European Telecommunications Standards Institute, which also focus on quantum-resistant cryptographic standards.”

How confident are you in these quantum-resistant algorithms?

“While these post-quantum cryptography systems are well-understood, they haven’t been tested as extensively as traditional cryptographic methods.

“As the cryptographic community continues to scrutinize and improve these algorithms, our confidence in them grows. However, this is a gradual process contingent on further research and adaptation to emerging threats. Therefore, while there is promising progress in the development of quantum-resistant algorithms, a cautious approach remains prudent as the field evolves.”

Authored By: Aadeesh Sharma and Prof. PB Sharma

If one thing that has created great interest in the minds of people around the world, young and old, and of all walks of life, it is the advent of AI, commonly referred as Artificial Intelligence. The AI revolution is sweeping across the globe and covering all sectors of economic activities and personal and professional endeavours. Be it mobile hand set, laptop, IoT connected devices and systems or tomorrows health informatics, large data analytics and decision-making systems for planning, design and manufacturing, service, supply chain management or governance tomorrow, everywhere AI powered systems of data analytics and decision making are going to empower the people around the world with great capabilities of smart, intelligent, and optimal decision making for creating a new world of happy and blissful habitat. The capabilities of machines as well as the intelligence of man shall witness and ultra new high as we move deeper into the age of AI and virtual reality.

Threats of Data Piracy and Skill Gap for AI Adoptation are Major inhibitors:

As per the IBM Global AI Adoptation Index 2023, Data piracy (57%) and trust and transparency (43%) concerns are the biggest inhibitors of generative AI according to IT professionals at surveyed organizations not exploring or implementing generative AI. 35% also said that lack of skills for implementation is a big inhibitor. Further, one in five organizations reported that they do not have employees with the right skills in place to use new AI or automation tools and 16% cannot find new hires with the skills to address that gap.

New Challenges and Responsibilities:

However, every epoch-making technological innovation and scientific advancement brings added responsibility on the shoulders of the people. Be it nuclear power, space exploration, hyperconnectivity, and network systems of ultra-intelligent smart machines, nano-scale smart systems, and smart and intelligent materials, all call upon people to shoulder a great responsibility for their use for the larger collective good of humanity. As such with the advent of AI, a new era of responsible behaviour and responsible global citizenship must be necessarily ushered in.

Responsible human Behaviour and Responsible Global Citizenship are a must:

Needless to say, that irresponsible use of advanced science and technology could be even more devastating today than the dropping of the nuclear bombs at Hiroshima and Nagasaki during world war- II. The impact of the irresponsible use of technology powered by AI and driven by large data analytics in the connected world, even the hyper-connected universe tomorrow, shall play havoc to the future of humanity and shall undoubtedly pose an existential threat to the planet Mother Earth and other celestial bodies that today are giving us the bliss of the heavens from space.

Responsible Behaviour is the hardest currency:

It is this call for responsible behaviour, and ethical and professional moral conduct that is the highly valued currency as of today. The new generation of learners and their mentors both in the universities as well as in the industries, corporate, and government systems need to bear faith in this great responsibility that advanced technologies like AI bring with them for their responsible use for humanity at large.

The call for action:

The universities around the world today are undoubtedly greatly excited to offer AI and Machine Learning courses alongside with data science and large data analytics, robotics and automation and interdisciplinary courses like advanced nanoscience and technology and even more advanced layers of life sciences and biological and chemical sciences as the age of Pathbreaking Science and game-changing technology innovations has truly arrived.

The university leadership is therefore called upon to respond with great urgency by designing policies and putting them in place with effective strategies and empowered systems to inspire the new generation learners to imbibe the dimensions of ethics and professional integrity that are demanded with the empowerment of advanced science and technologies including Artificial Intelligence and its self-generative applications that are gaining great currency in the campuses of the universities around the world, including here in India. The excitement in the younger generation is undoubtedly very high and naturally so, as the university going new gen netizens are all 21st century global children who have descended on planet earth after the advent of internet and blessed with the empowerment provided by the connected world driven by technological innovations rolled out increasingly from the advent of 21st century.

Purity of Mind needed at all times:

The responsibility for maintaining purity of mind and responsible behaviour needs to nurture in every single corridors of the university campuses including the classrooms, labs, and research centers and more so in the innovation incubators coming up rapidly in the campuses of the colleges and universities. The time is also right to develop operative AI systems both for direct as well as generative AI in which the professional moral codes and ethical use of AI systems should be integrated as mandatory and integral part of the operating systems. The idea of AI on Chip can take this integration of ethical and professional codes into the development of AI on Chip, which is the future for penetration of AI for all and AI everywhere.

The author Aadeesh Sharma, currently pursuing his final year at Arizona State University has witnessed great emphasis on nurturing interdisciplinary, high tech, minds in education and research that goes beyond the classroom, to the collaborative projects and interdisciplinary pursuit of research. “Arizona State University, we are committed to a culture of academic integrity and scholarly ethics and provide a culture of academic excellence and integrity to foster and promote ethical and honest behaviour in connection with the scholarly work and interactions with peers”.

The co-author, Professor PB Sharma, who nurtured great innovations and fostered a culture of academic and research excellence with integrity and responsibility during his long innings at IIT Delhi, Delhi College of Engineering, Delhi Technological University DTU, and is nurturing an interdisciplinary environment for path-breaking scientific advancement at Amity University Gurugram, sees great potential for creating a bright and blissful future for the humanity, given the infinite potential and innovative genius of the new generation of learners and their inspired mentors.

The purpose of writing this article is to emphasize the importance of academic integrity and professional morality alongside with academic and research excellence in the university and college campuses as the era of AI has brought this great responsibility on the shoulders of young and old, more so on the new generation of learners and their peers.

The government of the day in nations of the world would also be within their charter to assert a new era of responsible human behaviour and a new dawn of integrity and professional morality as there is no escape from responding to the challenges of honesty, responsibility and integrity.

Aadeesh Sharma is pursuing his undergraduate degree in computer science at ASU, Phoenix, Arizona, USA and has been a Dean’s Scholar throughout his studies. Professor PB Sharma is an eminent academician, a former Professor of IIT Delhi, former Director of DCE, founder Vice Chancellor of DTU, past President of the Association of India Universities (AIU) and currently Vice Chancellor at Amity University Gurugram.