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SC//Fast Track Partner Promotion to Enable Partner Success with a Free HCI Edge Computing Node

INDIANAPOLIS – October 8, 2024 – Scale Computing, the market leader in edge computing, virtualization, and hyperconverged solutions, today announced the launch of its new SC//Fast Track Partner Promotion. The limited-time offer provides new partners with a free hyperconverged edge computing node, empowering them to experience and showcase Scale Computing’s industry-leading technology firsthand.

As hyperconverged infrastructure (HCI) rapidly replaces traditional virtualization infrastructure for primary data center computing, edge computing, and virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI), businesses increasingly seek innovative solutions to address the challenges and opportunities presented by today’s changing market dynamics. The acquisition of VMware by Broadcom has underscored the need for solutions providers to find alternative virtualization solutions to position them and their customers for success. Scale Computing is a leader in HCI and virtualization solutions, offering unique patented architectures and technologies that are flexible enough to meet business challenges. Through the SC//Fast Track Partner Program, new partners have a unique opportunity to explore and leverage the company’s advanced technology with a free hyperconverged edge computing node imaged with Scale Computing Platform (SC//Platform), empowering them to deliver exceptional value to their customers.

“We’re excited to introduce the SC//Fast Track Partner Promotion as a way to accelerate partner onboarding and time to revenue,” said Jeff Ready, CEO & Co-founder of Scale Computing. “We want partners to experience the power of Scale Computing’s award-winning SC//Platform technology firsthand and see how it can help them differentiate themselves in the market. We’re committed to providing partners with more than just products; we’re also offering them the support and resources they need to succeed. By giving new partners a no-cost HCI edge computing node, we’re providing them with the tools they need to quickly master our technology and start delivering innovative solutions to their customers.”

Combining servers, storage, hypervisor, and backup/disaster recovery into a single appliance, SC//Platform brings simplicity, high availability, and scalability together to replace existing infrastructure simply and affordably. The Fast Track Partner Program enables new partners, including Value-Added Resellers, Managed Service Providers, Systems Integrators, and Technology Distributors, to experience its benefits firsthand. Through the promotion, new partners receive a no-cost HCI edge computing node, equipping them with the sales enablement tools to quickly master the technology, test it, and demonstrate the capabilities of Scale Computing’s solutions to their customers. Partners also receive comprehensive support and resources, including access to the company’s premier partner sales and technical support, as well as training, sales, and marketing tools to accelerate their sales cycle. Joining the award-winning Scale Computing Partner Program enables partners to expand their portfolio and gain a competitive advantage by offering customers cutting-edge solutions that address the evolving needs of the IT landscape.

Sign up to become a Scale Computing partner today and experience the future of virtualization, hyperconvergence, and edge computing. Learn more about the SC//Fast Track Partner Promotion and receive a free hyperconverged edge computing node, or visit us at the Canalys Forums EMEA event October 8th – 10th or at the North America event starting October 22nd to sign up in person.

About Version 2 Limited
Version 2 Digital is one of the most dynamic IT companies in Asia. The company distributes a wide range of IT products across various areas including cyber security, cloud, data protection, end points, infrastructures, system monitoring, storage, networking, business productivity and communication products.

Through an extensive network of channels, point of sales, resellers, and partnership companies, Version 2 offers quality products and services which are highly acclaimed in the market. Its customers cover a wide spectrum which include Global 1000 enterprises, regional listed companies, different vertical industries, public utilities, Government, a vast number of successful SMEs, and consumers in various Asian cities.

About Scale Computing
Scale Computing is a leader in edge computing, virtualization, and hyperconverged solutions. Scale Computing HC3 software eliminates the need for traditional virtualization software, disaster recovery software, servers, and shared storage, replacing these with a fully integrated, highly available system for running applications. Using patented HyperCore™ technology, the HC3 self-healing platform automatically identifies, mitigates, and corrects infrastructure problems in real-time, enabling applications to achieve maximum uptime. When ease-of-use, high availability, and TCO matter, Scale Computing HC3 is the ideal infrastructure platform. Read what our customers have to say on Gartner Peer Insights, Spiceworks, TechValidate and TrustRadius.

Perforce Announces Same-Day Support for iOS 18

Perfecto by Perforce provides same-day support for iOS 18 mobile application testing –helping customers prepare their applications for the major release.

 

MINNEAPOLIS, Monday, September 16, 2024 – Perforce Software, a global leader in DevOps solutions, announces that its mobile application testing platform, Perfecto, will support Apple’s latest iOS version, iOS 18, on Monday, September 16, 2024. 

By enabling same-day mobile application testing support for iOS 18 and the new iPhone 16 series—scheduled for release on September 20, 2024—Perfecto encourages app developers and testing teams to prepare their applications to handle the latest iOS version and iPhone devices as soon as they become available. Since most iPhone users upgrade their devices immediately upon release, apps must be ready to handle the change. 

Research from Cambridge Judge Business School has shown that software failures cost enterprise organizations $61 billion annually.

“It is critical that testing and development teams prepare their applications for the latest release on day one,” says Clinton Sprauve, Director of Product Marketing at Perforce. “We are proud to offer day-one support for both the iOS 18 release and the iPhone 16 series in our device cloud.” 

With both beta testing and day-one testing support for the latest operating systems and devices, Perfecto has always enabled customers to prepare their applications ahead of time, keeping them free from bugs or glitches and saving resources and reputation. 

Developers and testing teams will need to test their applications against a host of new features arriving with the release of iOS 18 and the iPhone 16 series, including new customizable home screens, a redesigned photos app, email and note transcription services, message scheduling, and AI-powered features like Image Playground, Genmojis, and the upcoming Apple Intelligence, a beta version of which will be released with the iOS 18.1 update in October. 

Perfecto has consistently been ahead of the curve when it comes to same-day support for new releases—going back to 2007 with the first iPhone release—and continues that trajectory of innovation with the release of iOS 18. The iOS 18 release marks the seventeenth year that Perfecto is supporting a release on day one.

Perfecto’s cloud-based testing lab supports thousands of devices (real and virtual), operating systems, and browsers across the globe. To see the comprehensive list of supported platforms, visit http://www.perfecto.io/supported-devices. 

About Version 2 Limited
Version 2 Digital is one of the most dynamic IT companies in Asia. The company distributes a wide range of IT products across various areas including cyber security, cloud, data protection, end points, infrastructures, system monitoring, storage, networking, business productivity and communication products.

Through an extensive network of channels, point of sales, resellers, and partnership companies, Version 2 offers quality products and services which are highly acclaimed in the market. Its customers cover a wide spectrum which include Global 1000 enterprises, regional listed companies, different vertical industries, public utilities, Government, a vast number of successful SMEs, and consumers in various Asian cities.

About Perforce
The best run DevOps teams in the world choose Perforce. Perforce products are purpose-built to develop, build and maintain high-stakes applications. Companies can finally manage complexity, achieve speed without compromise, improve security and compliance, and run their DevOps toolchains with full integrity. With a global footprint spanning more than 80 countries and including over 75% of the Fortune 100, Perforce is trusted by the world’s leading brands to deliver solutions to even the toughest challenges. Accelerate technology delivery, with no shortcuts.

The Role of Data Backup in ESG and Sustainability

Data has become more essential than ever in businesses, especially as companies shift toward eco-friendly models. However, this greater dependence on data also brings various risks, such as data loss and theft. To meet environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals and sustainability targets, it’s crucial to have strong data backup strategies in place. Thus, organizations should not overlook the need of data backup even as they give increasing focus on these investment ideas.

Effective data backup solutions stop data loss and promote the ESG performance and sustainability of a company in the data-driven environment of today. This article discusses the role of data backup on ESG and sustainability to assist you in harnessing its benefits in achieving your ESG goals.

What is the Role of Data Backup in ESG (Environmental, Social, Corporate Governance)?

ESG (Environmental, Social, and Corporate Governance) is a framework for evaluating a company’s sustainability and ethical impact. It is a model that allows firms to recognize and evaluate the non-financial hazards and opportunities resulting from daily corporate activities. However, attaining ESG and sustainability depends critically on data backup. In the following sections, we will explore its role in each vital area.

Protecting the Environment through Efficient Data Storage

Data centers and IT systems consume much energy, contributing to an organization’s carbon footprint. However, you can reduce this environmental impact using backup solutions that help to optimize energy use in several ways:

  • Energy Efficiency

Efficient backup strategies can minimize the data used, leading to a smaller environmental footprint. Moreover, modern data backup solutions centers employ energy-efficient data tools, such as cloud storage, that use renewable energy. Thus, using these advanced tools also helps to reduce your overall carbon footprint instead of using inefficient methods. Offline storage media, such as magnetic tape and external hard drives, reduce energy use by storing data inactively.

  • Efficient Resource Management

Regular data backup can help an organization optimize its data storage practices, allowing it to use resources more efficiently. This includes avoiding redundancy by only storing necessary data and discarding outdated storage practices that consume excessive energy and materials.

  • Reduction in Physical Storage Need

Traditional storage methods, such as paper records, take up physical space and materials, leading to deforestation, increased waste, and inefficiency. However, with modern data backup solutions, organizations can reduce the need for physical storage, reduce waste, and conserve natural resources.

  • Disaster Recovery

Backing up your data will ensure quick recovery without needing extensive physical resources in the event of a natural disaster or other environmental impact that could lead to data loss. When such events happen, an organization can minimize downtime and the environmental costs of starting from scratch due to data loss.

Enhancing Social Responsibility through Data Backup

Data backup plays a major role in fulfilling an organization’s social responsibility:

  • Protection of Sensitive Information

Sensitive information must be protected and safeguarded. Thus, when organizations collect and store sensitive information, including customers’ and employees’ data, they must ensure privacy and security. Using efficient data backups that employ high-standard security solutions ensures maximum protection for such sensitive information, fostering customer trust.

  • Regulatory Compliance

When your organization performs regular data backups, it complies with legal and regulatory requirements. Thus, data backup solutions help organizations adhere to data regulations and standards, enabling them to perform their social responsibilities and ensure data integrity.

  • Stakeholder Trust

Generally speaking, stakeholders such as partners, customers, workers, and investors want to collaborate with and support an organization prioritizing data security. Therefore, you gain the trust of stakeholders when you use backups to guarantee the availability and integrity of data. Also, a robust backup solution will ensure immediate business continuity after a data disaster, fostering and maintaining trust with stakeholders, especially customers.

  • Positive Social Impact

Companies can make positive social impacts when they back up data to protect their digital assets. Many modern businesses operate with these digital assets, including information. Thus, data backup indirectly supports employment and economic stability, which leads to a positive social impact.

Strengthening Corporate Governance through Data Backup

Data backup also plays a crucial role in strengthening an organization’s corporate governance. By implementing robust data backup strategies, organizations can:

  • Regulatory Compliance

Many industries are subject to strict data protection that mandates regular backups. Compliance with these regulations shows good governance practices, helping to avoid legal penalties.

  • Risk Management

By safeguarding an organization’s data from possible loss brought on by hardware failures, human mistakes, cyberattacks, or natural disasters, data backup solutions assist to control data risk. This is absolutely important since these events can seriously damage the company’s reputation and cause operational slowdown in the lack of a trustworthy backup plan. However, with a robust backup system, you can ensure quick data recovery, preventing loss of customer trust.

  • Accountability and Transparency

Consistent data backup practices enhance transparency and accountability. They ensure that accurate records are available for audits, reporting, and stakeholder communications, which is vital for maintaining trust.

  • Ethical Data Management

Data backup supports the ethical handling of data, which aligns with the governance principle of integrity and ethical conduct. As a result, an organization can showcase its commitment to protecting stakeholders’ information and ensuring proper data security.

  • Decision-Making

An organization can access accurate and complete data with a reliable backup system when needed. Thus, you can make strategic decisions backed by correct information.

How Does Data Backup Foster Sustainability?

Data plays a crucial role in any organization, so data backup enables its sustainability by ensuring continuity, security, and efficiency. The following are some significant ways that data backup supports organizational sustainability:

  • Quick Disaster Recovery

Backing up the data of a firm helps to stop human error, cyberattacks, or data loss during natural disasters. Having a good backup plan and disaster recovery strategy guarantees swift recovery in case of data loss, so reducing downtime and ensuring business operations carry on fast.

  • Data Security

Preserving data in its original form is crucial, and regular data ensures that you can always restore data to the state it was before a cyber attack or disaster. Thus, an organization can always preserve data integrity and prevent unauthorized alterations.

  • Cost Efficiency

Data loss can incur a significant loss for an organization, including lost revenue, legal fees, and damage to reputation. However, backup solutions prevent such loss by enabling quick recovery and optimizing data use and management, leading to long-term cost savings.

  • Reputation Management

Improper data management can ruin an organization’s reputation during situations like a data breach or significant downtime after a data disaster. However, with robust data solutions, you can manage your reputation by fostering trust among customers and stakeholders. Quick data recovery also shows that an organization is reliable and trustworthy, ensuring sustainability.

  • Operational Efficiency

Regular backups guarantee that data is constantly accessible for the operational requirements of an organization—that is, for analytics, reporting, and decision-making. It also lessens the effects of data loss on a company’s operations so that staff members may continue to be productive long after a data disaster.

Conclusion

Data backup plays a crucial role in ESG. Therefore, it has to be given great attention to guarantee responsible social and environmental effect, the improvement of corporate governance, and a sustainable company environment. Giving data backup top priority in your environmental, social, and governance (ESG) and sustainability plans can assist in safeguarding data assets and support the development of a more ecologically friendly digital future.

About Version 2 Limited
Version 2 Digital is one of the most dynamic IT companies in Asia. The company distributes a wide range of IT products across various areas including cyber security, cloud, data protection, end points, infrastructures, system monitoring, storage, networking, business productivity and communication products.

Through an extensive network of channels, point of sales, resellers, and partnership companies, Version 2 offers quality products and services which are highly acclaimed in the market. Its customers cover a wide spectrum which include Global 1000 enterprises, regional listed companies, different vertical industries, public utilities, Government, a vast number of successful SMEs, and consumers in various Asian cities.

About Storware
Storware is a backup software producer with over 10 years of experience in the backup world. Storware Backup and Recovery is an enterprise-grade, agent-less solution that caters to various data environments. It supports virtual machines, containers, storage providers, Microsoft 365, and applications running on-premises or in the cloud. Thanks to its small footprint, seamless integration into your existing IT infrastructure, storage, or enterprise backup providers is effortless.

How Portnox Cloud Meets the Demands of UZTNA

The rumors surrounding the “death of Network Access Control” (NAC) have been greatly exaggerated. While some argue that NAC has outlived its usefulness, the truth is far from it. The recent article on Information Security Buzz, suggesting that the future of NAC is bleak, overlooks the fundamental role NAC plays in modern enterprise security—especially as organizations move toward Zero Trust and cloud-first environments. Network Access Control isn’t dying; it’s evolving. And platforms like Portnox Cloud are leading the charge in this evolution, ensuring NAC remains not only relevant but indispensable.

Why NAC is Still Essential

Network Access Control isn’t just a relic of the past—it’s a vital tool in defending enterprise networks against unauthorized access, rogue devices, and internal threats. In fact, Portnox recently surveyed hundreds of CISOs, and what’s clear is that reliance on NAC is growing, as more than 4 in 5 CISOs are increasing their investment in NAC next year.

Here’s why NAC remains critical in today’s security landscape:

  1. Device Proliferation: With the rise of IoT, BYOD, and remote work, the number of devices accessing enterprise networks has exploded. Each of these devices represents a potential vulnerability. NAC ensures that only trusted, authenticated, and compliant devices are granted access, providing a key layer of defense in a Zero Trust framework.
  2. IoT Vulnerabilities: The growth of IoT has introduced a new set of challenges. These devices often lack built-in security, making them easy targets for hackers. NAC solutions are necessary to monitor, segment, and control IoT devices within the network, mitigating the risk of lateral movement and malicious activity.
  3. Internal Threats: NAC isn’t just about keeping external attackers out. Insider threats remain a significant risk, whether from malicious employees or inadvertent mishaps. NAC allows security teams to enforce strict access controls and continuously monitor for anomalies, minimizing potential damage from within.
  4. Compliance: For many industries, regulatory compliance is non-negotiable. NAC helps organizations adhere to strict compliance mandates by providing visibility, control, and reporting on all devices connected to the network.

The Evolution of NAC: From On-Prem to Cloud-Native

What some critics fail to recognize is that NAC, like other cybersecurity technologies, has evolved. Legacy, on-prem NAC solutions may be cumbersome, but they don’t represent the future of the technology. The future of NAC is cloud-native, frictionless, and scalable.

Enter Portnox Cloud, a solution designed to deliver the full benefits of traditional NAC while addressing the shortcomings of legacy systems. Portnox Cloud offers the flexibility, ease of use, and security that modern enterprises need in an increasingly hybrid and mobile workforce.

Unified Access Control: The Future of NAC

Portnox Cloud isn’t just your run-of-the-mill NAC solution. It’s a Unified Access Control platform that combines traditional NAC functionality with cutting-edge access control features, making it an ideal solution for organizations that are embracing Zero Trust principles.

What is Unified Access Control?

Unified Access Control integrates three key pillars into a single, cloud-native platform:

  1. Traditional NAC Functionality: At its core, Portnox Cloud still performs the essential functions that NAC was designed for—granting, denying, or restricting access based on policies, device health, and user credentials.
  2. Conditional Access for Applications: As more enterprises move to the cloud and adopt SaaS applications, controlling who and what has access to specific applications becomes vital. With conditional access capabilities, Portnox allows organizations to apply granular access controls based on factors like user identity, device health, and contextual data. This ensures only legitimate, trusted users and devices can access critical applications.
  3. TACACS+ for Infrastructure Administration: Many NAC solutions focus primarily on endpoint devices and applications, but Portnox Cloud takes it a step further by integrating TACACS+, a protocol used for controlling and auditing access to network devices. This provides administrators with fine-grained control over infrastructure access, further strengthening the overall security posture.

How Portnox Cloud Elevates NAC for Zero Trust

In a Zero Trust framework, “never trust, always verify” is the mantra. NAC plays a crucial role in achieving this model by ensuring that every device and user—inside or outside the network—goes through continuous verification before gaining access.

Portnox Cloud elevates traditional NAC capabilities to meet the demands of Universal Zero Trust Network Access (UZTNA), ensuring that every device, application, and user is subject to strict access controls. By combining traditional NAC with conditional access and infrastructure management, Portnox delivers a comprehensive access control platform designed for Zero Trust.

Scalability and Flexibility in the Cloud

One of the biggest criticisms of legacy NAC systems is that they are difficult to scale and maintain. As organizations grow, expand, or adopt hybrid work models, on-premises NAC systems often become a bottleneck. They require significant time and resources to manage and frequently result in deployment headaches.

Portnox Cloud solves these problems by being cloud-native, meaning it’s infinitely scalable without the need for costly hardware or complex configurations. Whether an organization has 500 or 50,000 devices, Portnox Cloud can scale effortlessly to accommodate evolving business needs.

Ease of Use for Modern IT Teams

In addition to scalability, ease of use is another area where Portnox Cloud outshines legacy NAC solutions. Traditional NAC platforms often require dedicated, highly specialized IT staff to maintain and troubleshoot. By contrast, Portnox Cloud is designed with user-friendliness in mind. Its intuitive interface and automated features allow even smaller IT teams to manage access control effectively, without the need for extensive training or manual intervention.

NAC is Not Dead—It’s Evolving

Network Access Control remains an essential component of modern enterprise security, especially in a world moving toward Zero Trust. While legacy, on-prem NAC solutions may have their shortcomings, it would be a mistake to throw the baby out with the bathwater. The core principles of NAC—ensuring only trusted, authenticated devices and users gain network access—are more relevant than ever in today’s environment of distributed workforces, cloud adoption, and IoT proliferation.

Portnox Cloud represents the next step in the evolution of NAC. By offering a Unified Access Control platform that integrates traditional NAC functionality with conditional access for applications and TACACS+ for infrastructure administration, Portnox is positioned at the forefront of the Universal Zero Trust Network Access (UZTNA) space.

So, no—NAC isn’t going away. It’s transforming. And solutions like Portnox Cloud are proving that the future of network access control is brighter, smarter, and more secure than ever before.

In the ever-changing landscape of cybersecurity, NAC remains a cornerstone—one that is now powered by the cloud and ready to meet the challenges of the modern world.

About Version 2 Limited
Version 2 Digital is one of the most dynamic IT companies in Asia. The company distributes a wide range of IT products across various areas including cyber security, cloud, data protection, end points, infrastructures, system monitoring, storage, networking, business productivity and communication products.

Through an extensive network of channels, point of sales, resellers, and partnership companies, Version 2 offers quality products and services which are highly acclaimed in the market. Its customers cover a wide spectrum which include Global 1000 enterprises, regional listed companies, different vertical industries, public utilities, Government, a vast number of successful SMEs, and consumers in various Asian cities.

About Portnox
Portnox provides simple-to-deploy, operate and maintain network access control, security and visibility solutions. Portnox software can be deployed on-premises, as a cloud-delivered service, or in hybrid mode. It is agentless and vendor-agnostic, allowing organizations to maximize their existing network and cybersecurity investments. Hundreds of enterprises around the world rely on Portnox for network visibility, cybersecurity policy enforcement and regulatory compliance. The company has been recognized for its innovations by Info Security Products Guide, Cyber Security Excellence Awards, IoT Innovator Awards, Computing Security Awards, Best of Interop ITX and Cyber Defense Magazine. Portnox has offices in the U.S., Europe and Asia. For information visit http://www.portnox.com, and follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn.。

Pandora FMS strengthens its leadership with 136 reports recognized byG2- in the fall of 2024

Madrid, September 24, 2024 – Pandora FMS, a Spanish tech company specializing in infrastructure monitoring, has been recognized in 136 reports by G2, the world’s largest marketplace for business applications .
G2 reports reports compare products based on verified user reviews, evaluating aspects such as customer satisfaction, usability, and performance. This recognition reaffirms Pandora FMS’s position as a leader in technological monitoring, used by global companies, including all Fortune 500 companies and 60% of Forbes Cloud 100 firms.

Among Pandora FMS’s most notable accomplishments in G2 reports, the company has achieved: 

  • First place in 12 key categories:
    including the Momentum Grid® Report for Enterprise Monitoring,
    the Usability Index for Enterprise Monitoring and
    Momentum Grid® Report for Server Monitoring.

  • Second place in 18 categories:
    Mid-Market Results Index for Cloud Infrastructure Monitoring and Relationship Index for Enterprise Monitoring.
    the Relationship Index for Enterprise Monitoring.

  • Third place in 15 categories:
    as EMEA Regional Grid® Report for Server Monitoring and
    the Usability Index for Network Monitoring.

The Pandora FMS platform has received more than 190 verified reviews on G2, earning an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars.
Users highlight its flexibility, ease of use and ability to monitor a wide range of systems and applications in real time.
The system is especially valued for its configurability, which allows it to be adapted to specific needs in infrastructures of all types. See Pandora FMS complete profile in G2.

Kornelia Konstantinova, CMO of Pandora FMS, commented, “This recognition from G2 reflects our commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction. We have made key advances this year and will continue to deliver solutions that positively impact our customers’ technology operations.”

Among users’ opinions, features such as the ability to monitor any type of data and the possibility of supervising multiple infrastructures from a single platform, integrating the monitoring of networks, servers, applications and databases, stand out.
The ease of integration and the responsiveness of the technical support team are also positively valued.

G2’s recognition of Pandora FMS reinforces its position as a leader in the technology monitoring industry, with a consolidated presence in large and medium-sized companies globally, and continuous growth in the international market.

About PandoraFMS
Pandora FMS is a flexible monitoring system, capable of monitoring devices, infrastructures, applications, services and business processes.
Of course, one of the things that Pandora FMS can control is the hard disks of your computers.

About Version 2 Limited
Version 2 Digital is one of the most dynamic IT companies in Asia. The company distributes a wide range of IT products across various areas including cyber security, cloud, data protection, end points, infrastructures, system monitoring, storage, networking, business productivity and communication products.

Through an extensive network of channels, point of sales, resellers, and partnership companies, Version 2 offers quality products and services which are highly acclaimed in the market. Its customers cover a wide spectrum which include Global 1000 enterprises, regional listed companies, different vertical industries, public utilities, Government, a vast number of successful SMEs, and consumers in various Asian cities.

ESET Research: Telekopye scammer network targets Booking.com and Airbnb

  • ESET Research released new findings on Telekopye, a scam toolkit designed to help cybercriminals defraud people on online marketplaces.
  • Telekopye groups have expanded their targeting to popular accommodation booking platforms, such as Booking.com and Airbnb.
  • The attackers are utilizing compromised accounts of legitimate hotels and accommodation renters.
  • These scams were especially prevalent in the summer holiday season in the targeted regions, surpassing Telekopye’s marketplace scams in ESET telemetry.

PRAGUE, BRATISLAVA — October 10, 2024 — ESET researchers discovered that the organized scammer network Telekopye has expanded its operations to target users of popular accommodation booking platforms like Booking.com and Airbnb. They have also increased the sophistication of their victim selection and of targeting the two booking sites, where the phishing pages are even more believable than regular online marketplace ones. Telekopye is a toolkit that operates as a Telegram bot turning online marketplace scams into illicit organized business. It is used by dozens of scam groups with up to thousands of members to steal millions of euros from their victims. ESET Research presented the latest findings about Telekopye at the 2024 Virus Bulletin conference.

In the Telekopye scammer network, the scammers refer to the targeted buyers and sellers as Mammoths. The scammers, called Neanderthals by ESET researchers, require little to no technical knowledge – Telekopye takes care of everything in a matter of seconds. According to ESET telemetry, the booking scams started gaining traction in 2024. The accommodation-themed scams saw a sharp uptick in July, surpassing Telekopye’s marketplace scams for the first time, with more than double the detections. In August and September, the two categories continued at similar levels.

The growing popularity of online marketplaces has attracted fraudsters preying on unsuspecting buyers and sellers, looking to score credit card information rather than bargains. As this booking scam increase coincides with the summer holiday season in the targeted regions – prime time for taking advantage of people booking stays – it remains to be seen if this trend continues. Based on the 2024 data, these newer scams have amassed approximately half of the detection numbers of the marketplace variants. The newer scams focus mainly on two platforms – Booking.com and Airbnb – compared to the wide variety of online marketplaces targeted by Telekopye.

In this new scam scenario, scammers send an email to a targeted user of one of these platforms, claiming an issue with their booking payment. The email contains a link to a well-crafted, legitimate-looking web page mimicking the abused platform. The page contains prefilled information about a booking, such as the check-in and check-out dates, price, and location – and the information provided on the fraudulent pages matches real bookings made by the targeted users.

“The scammers achieve this by utilizing compromised accounts of legitimate hotels and accommodation renters on the platforms, which they most likely obtain through purchasing stolen credentials on cybercriminal forums. Using their access to these accounts, the scammers single out users who recently booked a stay and haven’t paid yet – or paid very recently – and target them,” explains ESET researcher Radek Jizba, who discovered and analyzed Telekopye. “This approach makes the scam much harder to spot, as the information provided is personally relevant to the victims and the websites look as expected. The only visible signs of something being amiss are the websites’ URLs, which do not match the impersonated, legitimate websites,” he adds.

Besides diversifying their target portfolio, Neanderthals have also tried to improve their tools and operations to increase their gains.

“Before filling out any forms related to your booking, always make sure you haven’t left the official website or app of the platform in question. Being directed to an external URL to proceed with your booking and payment is a strong indicator of a scam,” advises Jizba.

In late 2023, after ESET Research had published its two-part series on Telekopye, Czech and Ukrainian police arrested tens of cybercriminals utilizing Telekopye, including the key players, in two joint operations. Both operations were aimed against a further unspecified number of Telekopye groups, which had accumulated at least €5 million since 2021, based on police estimates.

For a more detailed analysis about the latest Telekopye activities, check out the latest ESET Research whitepaper “Marketplace scams: Neanderthals hunting Mammoths with Telekopye” on WeLiveSecurity.com. Make sure to follow ESET Research on Twitter (today known as X) for the latest news from ESET Research.

About Version 2 Limited
Version 2 Digital is one of the most dynamic IT companies in Asia. The company distributes a wide range of IT products across various areas including cyber security, cloud, data protection, end points, infrastructures, system monitoring, storage, networking, business productivity and communication products.

Through an extensive network of channels, point of sales, resellers, and partnership companies, Version 2 offers quality products and services which are highly acclaimed in the market. Its customers cover a wide spectrum which include Global 1000 enterprises, regional listed companies, different vertical industries, public utilities, Government, a vast number of successful SMEs, and consumers in various Asian cities.

About ESET
For 30 years, ESET® has been developing industry-leading IT security software and services for businesses and consumers worldwide. With solutions ranging from endpoint security to encryption and two-factor authentication, ESET’s high-performing, easy-to-use products give individuals and businesses the peace of mind to enjoy the full potential of their technology. ESET unobtrusively protects and monitors 24/7, updating defenses in real time to keep users safe and businesses running without interruption. Evolving threats require an evolving IT security company. Backed by R&D facilities worldwide, ESET became the first IT security company to earn 100 Virus Bulletin VB100 awards, identifying every single “in-the-wild” malware without interruption since 2003.

Web Net Com Ltd: MSP-Driven Success Through Unified Detection & Response

Web Net Com Ltd is a leading remote IT company for small to mid-sized businesses that provides exceptional quality services, cutting-edge software solutions, and top-tier cybersecurity. By prioritizing excellence, innovation, and customer satisfaction, they build lasting partnerships that empower their clients to achieve their business objectives.

In collaboration with Guardz, they have significantly enhanced their security infrastructure, ensuring the highest level of protection for their clients’ digital assets and allowing them to confidently focus on their core business goals.

How has Guardz changed your day-to-day operations and peace of mind?

Guardz has significantly streamlined our operations and provided unparalleled peace of mind. Instead of spending hours filtering through false alarms, I now start my day with a clear list of actual threats. Recently, we connected one of our new clients to Guardz, and it helped us scan their cloud presence, discovering over 800 files shared publicly, some containing sensitive corporate data. With Guardz’s help, we closed a major data leak before it caused any harm. This reliable protection allows me to focus on strategic initiatives like developing a new cloud migration service that has already attracted several new clients. The efficiency and security Guardz offers are truly invaluable.

Can you recall a moment when Guardz really proved its worth to you?

Absolutely, I can recall a moment when Guardz truly proved its worth. We faced a highly sophisticated malware attack that slipped past our previous security measures. Guardz detected it almost instantly, neutralizing the threat before it could do any damage. This incident reaffirmed our decision to partner with Guardz and highlighted the critical role it plays in safeguarding our clients’ data. It was a clear demonstration of Guardz’s advanced capabilities and our commitment to maintaining top-tier cybersecurity.

How has Guardz impacted your client relationships?

Guardz has significantly enhanced our client relationships by making our proactive efforts more transparent. Its detailed reports clearly show the threats we neutralize, helping clients appreciate the value of our work. For instance, last quarter, we used Guardz’s visual ROI report to present a cyber risk assessment to our manufacturing client. The clear data helped them identify security gaps, leading to a substantial budget increase for additional protective measures. These reports are now crucial for showcasing our value and building stronger, more trusting relationships with our clients.

How has Guardz helped you scale your business?

We’ve grown our client base by 20% since implementing Guardz, and we’ve done it without adding to our team.

What would you tell other MSPs about Guardz?

To fellow MSPs, I can confidently say that Guardz has revolutionized our cybersecurity offerings. Its AI-driven threat detection is impressively accurate, catching issues that previously went unnoticed. The 24/7 monitoring feels like having an elite security team on duty around the clock.

What sets Guardz apart is their exceptional support team, working with us as true partners. Since implementing Guardz, our threat response has become faster and more precise, driving our business growth and keeping us ahead of the competition. If you want to elevate your cybersecurity services, I highly recommend Guardz. It has transformed our business.

How do you see your partnership with Guardz evolving in the future?

I envision our partnership with Guardz as a long-term collaboration. Their innovative approach aligns perfectly with our goals, and I’m excited about the potential to grow together. I’m confident that Guardz will continue to push the boundaries of cybersecurity, helping us stay ahead in an ever-evolving landscape.

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About Version 2 Limited
Version 2 Digital is one of the most dynamic IT companies in Asia. The company distributes a wide range of IT products across various areas including cyber security, cloud, data protection, end points, infrastructures, system monitoring, storage, networking, business productivity and communication products.

Through an extensive network of channels, point of sales, resellers, and partnership companies, Version 2 offers quality products and services which are highly acclaimed in the market. Its customers cover a wide spectrum which include Global 1000 enterprises, regional listed companies, different vertical industries, public utilities, Government, a vast number of successful SMEs, and consumers in various Asian cities.

About Guardz
Guardz is on a mission to create a safer digital world by empowering Managed Service Providers (MSPs). Their goal is to proactively secure and insure Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) against ever-evolving threats while simultaneously creating new revenue streams, all on one unified platform.

Portnox Survey Reveals CISO’s Surprising Views on Job Security, Zero Trust, Multi-Factor Authentication, and More

The survey of hundreds of CISOs at large enterprises paints a picture of a cybersecurity world under siege heading into 2025.

 

Austin, TX – Oct. 8, 2024—Portnox, a leading provider of cloud-native, zero trust access control solutions, today unveiled the results of its latest survey, “CISO Perspectives for 2025,” revealing critical insights into the challenges faced by Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) at large enterprises.

The survey, which polled 200 CISOs from companies with annual revenues exceeding $500 million, highlights growing concerns around the effectiveness of Zero Trust, the limitations of Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), and the looming threat to job security amidst an increasingly complex cybersecurity landscape.

The results present a stark picture of a cybersecurity world under siege, where security leaders must constantly balance ironclad defenses with user-friendly experiences while navigating regulatory demands and soaring cyber insurance premiums.

Key Survey Findings:

  • Job Security on the Line. Nearly all CISOs (99%) are worried about losing their positions if a breach occurs, with a striking 77% of CISOs being very or extremely concerned. This underscores the immense pressure they face in protecting their organizations.
  • MFA Under Fire. While MFA has become a cornerstone of many organizations’ security strategies, 85% of CISOs expressed concerns that it’s not keeping up with increasingly sophisticated attacks. Common issues include password fatigue, insider threats, and phishing exploits.
  • Passwordless Gaining Steam. Passwordless authentication represents the agreed upon method for stronger security, but only 7% of organizations have fully implemented it, citing cost, complexity, and employee resistance as key barriers.
  • NAC Investment is Growing. CISOs unanimously agree that Network Access Control (NAC) is a critical component of any Zero Trust framework they put in place. Reliance on NAC is growing, as more than 4 in 5 are increasing their investment in the next year.
  • Zero Trust Skepticism. Every CISO surveyed (100%) agreed that Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) has not fully lived up to its promise, with many organizations still in the early stages of adoption.
  • Compliance Challenges. As regulations like NIS2 loom, 90% of CISOs feel overwhelmed by constantly shifting compliance demands, making it difficult to ensure they’re always up to date.
  • Cyber Insurance Gaps. With 58% of CISOs unsure whether their cyber insurance policies adequately cover critical threats such as supply chain attacks, many organizations are left exposed to potentially devastating risks.
  • Breaches Remain a Top Concern. Despite the challenges, 86% of CISOs are laser-focused on preventing breaches. However, many concede that their current defenses may not be enough to withstand today’s advanced threats.

“CISOs today are under immense pressure to do more with less, while the stakes have never been higher,” said Denny LeCompte, CEO of Portnox. “The survey results underscore a clear reality: security leaders need tools that not only protect their organizations but also provide peace of mind in an increasingly hostile environment.”

To view the full data from the survey, including a complete breakdown of respondent demographics please visit: www.portnox.com/2025-ciso-perspectives-report-data/

Methodology

The Portnox Survey was conducted by Wakefield Research (www.wakefieldresearch.com) among 200 US CISOs at companies with a minimum annual revenue of $500m with representative quotas set for company size, between August 29th and September 9th, 2024, using an email invitation and an online survey.

Results of any sample are subject to sampling variation. The magnitude of the variation is measurable and is affected by the number of interviews and the level of the percentages expressing the results. For the interviews conducted in this particular study, the chances are 95 in 100 that a survey result does not vary, plus or minus, by more than 6.9 percentage points from the result that would be obtained if interviews had been conducted with all persons in the universe represented by the sample.

About Version 2 Limited
Version 2 Digital is one of the most dynamic IT companies in Asia. The company distributes a wide range of IT products across various areas including cyber security, cloud, data protection, end points, infrastructures, system monitoring, storage, networking, business productivity and communication products.

Through an extensive network of channels, point of sales, resellers, and partnership companies, Version 2 offers quality products and services which are highly acclaimed in the market. Its customers cover a wide spectrum which include Global 1000 enterprises, regional listed companies, different vertical industries, public utilities, Government, a vast number of successful SMEs, and consumers in various Asian cities.

About Portnox
Portnox provides simple-to-deploy, operate and maintain network access control, security and visibility solutions. Portnox software can be deployed on-premises, as a cloud-delivered service, or in hybrid mode. It is agentless and vendor-agnostic, allowing organizations to maximize their existing network and cybersecurity investments. Hundreds of enterprises around the world rely on Portnox for network visibility, cybersecurity policy enforcement and regulatory compliance. The company has been recognized for its innovations by Info Security Products Guide, Cyber Security Excellence Awards, IoT Innovator Awards, Computing Security Awards, Best of Interop ITX and Cyber Defense Magazine. Portnox has offices in the U.S., Europe and Asia. For information visit http://www.portnox.com, and follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn.。

ESET Research: GoldenJackal APT group, with air-gap-capable tools, targets systems in Europe to steal confidential data

  • GoldenJackal, an advanced persistent threat (APT) group, used a custom toolset to target air-gapped systems at a South Asian embassy in Belarus since at least August 2019.
  • In another attack, GoldenJackal deployed a highly modular toolset in Europe on various occasions between May 2022 and March 2024 against a government organization in a European Union country.
  • These toolsets provide GoldenJackal with a wide set of capabilities for compromising and persisting in targeted networks. Victimized systems are given different roles in the local network, from collecting interesting – likely confidential – information, to processing the information, distributing files, configurations, and commands to other systems, or exfiltrating files.
  • The ultimate goal of GoldenJackal is very likely to be stealing confidential information, especially from high-profile machines that are intentionally isolated from the internet.

MONTREAL, BRATISLAVA — October 7, 2024 — ESET researchers have discovered a series of attacks that took place in Europe from May 2022 to March 2024, where the attackers used a toolset capable of targeting air-gapped systems, in a governmental organization of a European Union country. ESET attributes the campaign to GoldenJackal, a cyberespionage APT group that targets government and diplomatic entities. By analyzing the toolset deployed by the group, ESET identified an attack GoldenJackal carried out earlier, in 2019, against a South Asian embassy in Belarus that targeted the embassy’s air-gapped systems with custom tools. The ultimate goal of GoldenJackal is very likely to be stealing confidential and highly sensitive information, especially from high-profile machines that might not be connected to the internet. ESET Research presented their findings at the 2024  Virus Bulletin conference.

To minimize the risk of compromise, highly sensitive networks are often air-gapped – isolated from other networks. Usually, organizations will air gap their most valuable systems, such as voting systems and industrial control systems running power grids. These are often precisely the networks that are of interest to attackers. Compromising an air-gapped network is much more resource-intensive than breaching an internet-connected system, which means that frameworks designed to attack air-gapped networks have so far been exclusively developed by APT groups. The purpose of such attacks is always espionage.

“In May 2022, we discovered a toolset that we could not attribute to any APT group. But once the attackers used a tool similar to one of those already publicly documented, we were able to dig deeper and find a connection between the publicly documented toolset of GoldenJackal and this new one. Extrapolating from that, we managed to identify an earlier attack where the publicly documented toolset had been deployed, as well as an older toolset that also has capabilities to target air-gapped systems,” says ESET researcher Matías Porolli, who analyzed GoldenJackal’s toolset.

GoldenJackal has been targeting governmental entities in Europe, the Middle East, and South Asia. ESET detected GoldenJackal tools at a South Asian embassy in Belarus in August and September 2019, and again in July 2021. More recently, according to ESET telemetry, another governmental organization in Europe was repeatedly targeted from May 2022 until March 2024.

With the level of sophistication required, it is quite unusual that in five years, GoldenJackal managed to deploy not one, but two separate toolsets designed to compromise air-gapped systems. This speaks to the resourcefulness of the group. The attacks against a South Asian embassy in Belarus made use of custom tools that we have only seen in that specific instance so far. The campaign used three main components: GoldenDealer to deliver executables to the air-gapped system via USB monitoring; GoldenHowl, a modular backdoor with various functionalities; and GoldenRobo, a file collector and exfiltrator.

“When a victim inserts a compromised USB drive in an air-gapped system and clicks on a component that has the icon of a folder but is actually a malicious executable, then GoldenDealer is installed and run, starting to collect information about the air-gapped system, and storing it on the USB drive. When the drive is again inserted into the internet-connected PC, GoldenDealer takes the information about the air-gapped PC from the USB drive and sends it to the C&C server. The server replies with one or more executables to be run on the air-gapped PC. Finally, when the drive is again inserted into the air-gapped PC, GoldenDealer takes the executables from the drive and runs them. No user interaction is needed because GoldenDealer is already running,” explains Porolli.

In its latest series of attacks against a government organization in the European Union, GoldenJackal moved on from the original toolset to a new, highly modular one. This modular approach applied not only to the malicious tools, but also to the roles of victimized hosts within the compromised system: they were used, among other things, to collect and process interesting, likely confidential information, to distribute files, configurations, and commands to other systems, and to exfiltrate files.

For a more detailed analysis and technical breakdown of GoldenJackal’s tools, check out the latest ESET Research blog post “Mind the (air) gap: GoldenJackal gooses government guardrails”  on WeLiveSecurity.com. Make sure to follow ESET Research on Twitter (today known as X) for the latest news from ESET Research.

About Version 2 Limited
Version 2 Digital is one of the most dynamic IT companies in Asia. The company distributes a wide range of IT products across various areas including cyber security, cloud, data protection, end points, infrastructures, system monitoring, storage, networking, business productivity and communication products.

Through an extensive network of channels, point of sales, resellers, and partnership companies, Version 2 offers quality products and services which are highly acclaimed in the market. Its customers cover a wide spectrum which include Global 1000 enterprises, regional listed companies, different vertical industries, public utilities, Government, a vast number of successful SMEs, and consumers in various Asian cities.

About ESET
For 30 years, ESET® has been developing industry-leading IT security software and services for businesses and consumers worldwide. With solutions ranging from endpoint security to encryption and two-factor authentication, ESET’s high-performing, easy-to-use products give individuals and businesses the peace of mind to enjoy the full potential of their technology. ESET unobtrusively protects and monitors 24/7, updating defenses in real time to keep users safe and businesses running without interruption. Evolving threats require an evolving IT security company. Backed by R&D facilities worldwide, ESET became the first IT security company to earn 100 Virus Bulletin VB100 awards, identifying every single “in-the-wild” malware without interruption since 2003.

Storware Backup and Recovery: A Trustworthy Alternative to Acronis

When it comes to safeguarding critical data, your backup solution should be dependable, user-friendly, and backed by stellar support. Unfortunately, many users of popular services like Acronis are finding that these solutions fall short, especially in moments when reliable recovery matters most. The following case highlights a severe issue with Acronis and makes a strong argument for why Storware Backup and Recovery is the superior choice.

The Cost of Unreliable Backup: A Real-World Example

Consider the story of a long-time Acronis customer who entrusted thousands of dollars’ worth of 3D printing STL files to Acronis for safekeeping. What happened next is a nightmare for anyone reliant on their data:

1. Data Loss: After experiencing an external hard drive failure, this user turned to their Acronis backup, only to find themselves unable to download anything from the website. Despite having an active backup, they were forced to spend money on a separate data recovery program just to recover some of their files.

2. Inadequate Support: Acronis’s customer support failed to provide timely or adequate assistance. After weeks of back-and-forth communication, remote desktop sessions, and multiple failed attempts to retrieve the data, the user was left with zero resolution. Escalations to the development team went unanswered, leaving the customer stranded.

3. File Corruption and Download Issues: Even after figuring out how to download files in bulk, the user discovered that several files had been corrupted, showing up as 0KB in size—a devastating outcome for important, paid-for data.

4. Poor Customer Service: Acronis failed to follow up, ignored emails, and provided no clear direction for recovery. What’s more, the user noted that dealing with Acronis was worse than their experiences with notoriously difficult industries like American health insurance.

Why Storware Is a Superior Solution

In contrast to Acronis, Storware Backup and Recovery is built to avoid the pitfalls experienced in this user’s case. Here’s why Storware stands head and shoulders above Acronis:

1. Reliable and Accessible Recovery: Storware ensures that your data is always within reach when you need it. Unlike Acronis, where this user faced download restrictions, with Storware you can easily restore data in bulk or selectively retrieve individual files. Our platform eliminates the frustration of file corruption and guarantees data integrity. Furthermore, you can store your data in multiple locations to add a layer of redundancy.

2. World-Class Customer Support: At Storware, our support team is proactive, knowledgeable, and readily available to help you in moments of need. You won’t be passed from person to person or left waiting weeks for answers. Our technical experts resolve issues swiftly, ensuring you’re never left without access to your critical data. There is therefore no first or second line of support, all team members are perfectly prepared to face the most demanding tasks. Additionally, activating the Storware Insight option allows our support team to proactively respond when reports from the client instance show any irregularities.

3. Flexible Backup Solutions: Storware offers a wide range of backup configurations, including local and cloud-based options, to suit your needs. Unlike Acronis, which forced the user to manually download each file individually, Storware offers seamless, intuitive options for bulk restoration.

4. Integrity and Transparency: We believe in keeping our customers in the loop. Whether it’s updating you on escalated cases or ensuring that you are aware of all available options during a crisis, we prioritize transparency. You will never be left in the dark with Storware.

5. Ease of Use: While Acronis’s Sync feature forced the user to painstakingly download each file or folder, Storware’s intuitive interface allows you to manage backups and recoveries with minimal effort. Our platform is designed to make your life easier, not more complicated.

Download the Storware vs Acronis battle card to learn more

Don’t Let Data Loss Ruin Your Day

The Acronis user’s experience serves as a cautionary tale. When it comes to protecting your valuable data, choosing a reliable and efficient backup solution is crucial. Storware Backup and Recovery offers a superior alternative that can safeguard your data and provide peace of mind.

Choose Storware for Peace of Mind

At the end of the day, your data is invaluable, and you need a backup provider that takes its role seriously. Storware Backup and Recovery delivers reliable protection, fast recovery, and unmatched support, so you never have to experience the frustration and losses faced by so many Acronis users.

About Version 2 Limited
Version 2 Digital is one of the most dynamic IT companies in Asia. The company distributes a wide range of IT products across various areas including cyber security, cloud, data protection, end points, infrastructures, system monitoring, storage, networking, business productivity and communication products.

Through an extensive network of channels, point of sales, resellers, and partnership companies, Version 2 offers quality products and services which are highly acclaimed in the market. Its customers cover a wide spectrum which include Global 1000 enterprises, regional listed companies, different vertical industries, public utilities, Government, a vast number of successful SMEs, and consumers in various Asian cities.

About Storware
Storware is a backup software producer with over 10 years of experience in the backup world. Storware Backup and Recovery is an enterprise-grade, agent-less solution that caters to various data environments. It supports virtual machines, containers, storage providers, Microsoft 365, and applications running on-premises or in the cloud. Thanks to its small footprint, seamless integration into your existing IT infrastructure, storage, or enterprise backup providers is effortless.