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VIPRE Security Group’s Annual Email Threat Landscape Shows Advanced Methods Needed for Security

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11 months ago

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Analysis of 7 billion emails shows clean links are duping users, malicious EML attachments increased 10-fold in Q4, and social engineering attacks are at all-time highs.

NEW YORK, Feb. 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — VIPRE Security Group, a global leader and award-winning cybersecurity, privacy and data protection company, today released its report titled “Email Security in 2024: An Expert Look at Email-Based Threats.” The 2024 predictions for email security in this report are based on an analysis of more than 7 billion emails processed by VIPRE worldwide during 2023. This equates to almost one email for everyone on the planet. Of those, roughly 1 billion (or 15%) were malicious.

This research warns that in 2024, QR code hacks or quishing will increase, use of AI to create content for spam emails including deepfakes will rise; highly personalized social media mining will grow further; and a wide array of file types and formats – especially EML – will be used to propagate phishing and malware attacks. There will also be a marked uptick in state-sponsored attacks.

Key highlights 
As network security tools have improved in recent years, the corporate inbox has become an ever more attractive target to attackers. Often protected by nothing more than human nature and an antivirus, cybercriminals continue to use email to launch their most basic and persistent attacks. Now and again, they get a bit creative, which has come to bear in the past twelve months.

Clean links are duping users. When it comes to the method of attack, threat actors this past year favored links over other delivery methods (like attachments and QR codes) nearly seven to one (71%). The year before, VIPRE saw a 50/50 split, but their popularity is improving as attackers are getting smarter about what kinds of links they leverage. Based on this current trend, the use of such links are expected to increase this year, although not in the ways we might assume.

EML attachments defy detection. While EML attachments were a present threat throughout 2023, they increased tenfold in Q4. The benefit of sending malicious payloads via EML file is that they can get easily overlooked by many basic email security solutions when attached to the actual phishing email (which comes out clean). The malicious directions, hidden in plaintext within the body of the EML, may then encourage users to navigate to a link, call a phone number, or otherwise engage in a scam. Partly because of the novelty of EML use, curious users are prone to open, follow, and fall prey.

Browsers under attack. Q4’s top malware family, AgentTesla, infiltrates a target machine and harvests sensitive data off any number of qualifying browsers. This shows that attackers are launching malware merely for reconnaissance now, as valuable artifacts like username, computer name, operating system, CPU name, RAM, and IP address may fetch more on the Dark Web than they could garner in a one-off attack.

Malware skyrockets – still not top spot. Email-delivered malware remains a favorite, increasing by 276% between January and December of last year. However, despite the boost, it accounted for only 5% of malspam overall, trailing commercial spam (“Deal Ends Now!”), general scams, and phishing. Perhaps threat actors have found that it’s easier to trick end users than security solutions, which do manage to snag malware despite falling behind in emerging tactics like social engineering attacks. Consequently, numbers are low. The real weak link remains humans, as the prevalence of social engineering attacks will attest; of all spam emails, 35% were scams, and 22% were phishing attempts.

Targeted verticals. Financial services (22%) was the most targeted sector by phishing and malspam emails, followed by information technology (14%), healthcare (14%), education (10%), and government (8%). Information technology experienced a 59% increase in attacks between Q1 and Q4, whilst attacks on government inboxes went up by a staggering 16,000%.

“When you take a look at the kinds of [email] threats we’re seeing today, a lot of them are preventable. It just takes the right tools, but most companies don’t know they exist because email doesn’t always get the same kind of security attention as the rest of the network. Unfortunately, threat actors know this,” said Usman Choudhary, general manager, VIPRE Security Group.

To read the full report, click here: Email Security in 2024: An Expert Look at Email-Based Threats.

VIPRE leverages its unique understanding of email security to equip organizations with the information they need to protect themselves. This annual report is based on proprietary intelligence that is gleaned from months of effort and round-the-clock vigilance.

About VIPRE Security Group

VIPRE Security Group, part of Ziff Davis, Inc., is a leading provider of internet security solutions purpose-built to protect businesses, solution providers, and home users from costly and malicious cyber threats. With over 25 years of industry expertise, VIPRE is one of the world’s largest threat intelligence clouds, delivering exceptional protection against today’s most aggressive online threats. Our award-winning software portfolio includes next-generation antivirus endpoint cloud solutions, advanced email security products, along with threat intelligence for real-time malware analysis, and security awareness training for compliance and risk management. VIPRE solutions deliver easy-to-use, comprehensive layered defense through cloud-based and server security, with mobile interfaces that enable instant threat response. VIPRE is a proud Advanced Technology Partner of Amazon Web Services operating globally across North America and Europe. 

The group operates under various brands, including VIPRE®, StrongVPN®, IPVanish®, Inspired eLearning®, Livedrive®, and SugarSync®. www.VIPRE.com

Press Contact:
Scott E. Rupp
941-448-7566
https://millerrupp.com/

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SOURCE VIPRE Security Group

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CES 2025: viaim Unveils Smart Office Tools RecDot and NoteKit with Exclusive Limited-Time Early Access

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55 minutes ago

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January 1, 2025

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The brand’s early bird event gives professionals the chance to be the first to experience an unprecedented office experience with exclusive discounts and surprises.

SINGAPORE, Jan. 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — viaim, an AI technology hardware company deeply rooted in the smart office sector, is ushering in a new smart office era with its mission to create AI that eliminates repetitive office tasks, enabling business professionals to focus on collaboration, innovation, and more meaningful work. The Company’s upcoming debut at CES 2025 will see the launch of its RecDot AI Work companion earbuds and NoteKit desktop AI recorder that can simplify workflows. viaim AI offers advanced features to enhance productivity and convenience. Its AI assistant analyzes meeting minutes, extracts key points, and generates summaries and to-do lists, simplifying post-meeting tasks.

Empowering business professionals around the world to work smarter and more efficiently, RecDot supports real-time transcription and translation for on-site, call, and audio-video recordings. With translation capabilities in 13 languages, it ensures seamless communication and 48dB deep noise reduction isolates background noise effectively, customizable for various scenarios. Additionally, the 36-hour charging box battery life offers up to 9 hours per use and provides one hour of use with just a 5-minute charge. viaim’s products can streamline meeting workflows and the real-time transcription, translation, and summarization features simplify tasks and improve focus, making it ideal for multinational or foreign-language meetings. 

Additionally, the sleek-like-a-pen NoteKit desktop AI recorder plugs directly into a laptop without the need to connect earbuds or additional drivers. It utilizes dual microphones for omnidirectional sound pickup to record audio independently and can clearly capture human voices within five meters and can be independently controlled through physical buttons. It supports transcription of live and audio and video conference recordings, supports recognition and translation of 13 languages, and can provide external subtitles for foreign language videos.

To celebrate the launch, viaim invites users to participate in its exclusive early bird event from January 1 to January 6, 2025. Don’t miss your chance—register now on viaim’s official website (store.viaim.ai) to secure discounts of up to $25 and enter for a chance to win a RecDot valued at $249 ,Time is limited, so act fast and elevate your workplace efficiency with viaim’s latest innovations!

Jane Doe,CMO of viaim said: “Professionals face growing challenges in efficiency and communication, especially with frequent meetings, remote collaboration across time zones, and multilingual needs. Traditional tools fall short, reducing productivity. viaim addresses these pain points, and this launch marks a key step toward smarter workplace solutions.”

Discover viaim at CES 2025 and join the immersive experience at Booth 36709, LVCC South Hall 2, from January 7 to 10. Explore live product demonstrations, engage in expert-led discussions, and enjoy exclusive offers.  Learn how RecDot and NoteKit can transform your workday and unlock new levels of productivity.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/ces-2025-viaim-unveils-smart-office-tools-recdot-and-notekit-with-exclusive-limited-time-early-access-302340576.html

SOURCE VIAIM

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Remote Work Trends: Virtual Vocations’ Q3 2024 Report Spotlights Remote Work Leaders and Top Telework Careers

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2 hours ago

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January 1, 2025

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Based on in-depth analysis of company data, Virtual Vocations’ Q3 2024 jobs report identifies the top 10 remote-friendly employers and the most in-demand fields for fully remote opportunities, including information technology, healthcare, and customer service. The report also celebrates standout members of Virtual Vocations’ Employer Partner Program, which connects jobseekers with reliable remote work options.

TUCSON, Ariz., Dec. 31, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Virtual Vocations, a leading remote job board and career services provider, has released its Q3 2024 State of Remote Work report, offering valuable insights for professionals seeking flexible, fully remote employment.

“Remote work is more than a convenience—it’s a transformative shift in employment that empowers workers to achieve flexibility, autonomy, and work-life balance.” –Laura Spawn, CEO and co-founder of Virtual Vocations

Each quarter, Virtual Vocations analyzes company data to spotlight the top 10 remote-enabled companies and industries for fully remote positions. This report also highlights new members of Virtual Vocations’ Employer Partner Program, showcasing organizations dedicated to providing legitimate, fully remote job opportunities.

In Q3 2024, the Virtual Vocations Remote Jobs Database featured fully remote job postings from more than 7,600 unique companies, reflecting the growing demand for flexible work options. Across July, August, and September, approximately 68,000 fully remote job postings were available, with an average of 22,645 new jobs added each month by Virtual Vocations’ team and its Employer Partner Program members. Compared to Q3 2023, access to fully remote job postings increased by 25%, demonstrating the steady expansion of remote work across industries.

As remote work continues to thrive, a growing number of companies and careers are embracing work-from-anywhere flexibility. “Remote work is more than a convenience—it’s a transformative shift in employment that empowers workers to achieve flexibility, autonomy, and work-life balance,” said Virtual Vocations CEO Laura Spawn. “Our Q3 2024 report provides jobseekers with the tools and insights they need to succeed in this evolving environment.”

Ranked by the total number of 100% remote job postings added to the Virtual Vocations database during the quarter, the following companies and industries were identified as the best for fully remote work:

TOP 10 COMPANIES FOR FULLY REMOTE JOBS
1. VocoVision, Inc.
2. UnitedHealth Group
3. Centene Management Company, LLC
4. Humana Inc.
5. Microsoft Corporation
6. Coalition Technologies
7. Allstate Insurance Company
8. Leidos, Inc.
9. General Dynamics Information Technology, Inc. (GDIT)
10. Ambry Genetics Corporation

TOP 10 INDUSTRIES FOR FULLY REMOTE JOBS
1. Information Technology
2. Healthcare
3. Sales
4. Marketing
5. Customer Service
6. Management
7. Financial
8. Project Management
9. Human Resources
10. Account Management

Virtual Vocations also recognized its standout Employer Partners for Q3 2024—organizations that have demonstrated a strong commitment to remote work. These partners actively collaborate with Virtual Vocations to maintain a steady flow of fully remote job opportunities, benefiting both employers and jobseekers. The third quarter’s top Employer Partners included:

Omni Interactions, Inc.Working SolutionsNexRep LLCSusan G. KomenTTEC Holdings, Inc.Achieve Test PrepAccent AdvisorSmith (Smith.ai)The Sentry

Additionally, five new Employer Partners joined Virtual Vocations in Q3 2024, expanding the community of over 3,600 vetted members committed to virtual hiring.

NEW Q3 2024 EMPLOYER PARTNERS
1. ClientPoint, a software development company
2. Computer Systems Institute, a career education company
3. PFM, a Christian non-profit organization
4. Revive Health Associates, a holistic healthcare organization
5. Giampolo Law Group, a legal services company

By fostering partnerships with remote-friendly employers and supporting diverse industries, Virtual Vocations continues its mission to empower jobseekers with opportunities for meaningful, flexible work.

To read Virtual Vocations’ complete Q3 2024 report, visit: https://www.virtualvocations.com/blog/annual-statistical-remote-work-reports/q3-2024-state-of-remote-work-10-best-companies-and-careers-for-work-from-home-jobs/.

ABOUT VIRTUAL VOCATIONS
Founded in 2007 by CEO Laura Spawn and her brother, CTO Adam Stevenson, Virtual Vocations is a small company with a big mission: to connect jobseekers with legitimate remote job openings. To date, Virtual Vocations has helped more than four million jobseekers in their quests for flexible, remote work.

In addition to providing a database of current, hand-screened, and 100% remote job openings, Virtual Vocations offers jobseekers a number of tools to aid in their job searches, including exclusive career courses, downloadable jobseeker content, and career coaching and resume writing services. Virtual Vocations also releases several data-driven reports each year on current trends in remote work.

Virtual Vocations, Inc. is a private, family-owned, and 100% virtual company incorporated in Tucson, Arizona.

Media Contact

Kimberly Back, Virtual Vocations, Inc., 1 (800) 379-5092 x. 703, kim@virtualvocations.com, https://www.virtualvocations.com

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SOURCE Virtual Vocations, Inc.

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NJ FAST powered by Plug and Play Graduates 14 Startups in its Inaugural Program

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2 hours ago

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January 1, 2025

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HOBOKEN, N.J., Dec. 31, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Plug and Play, the world’s leading global innovation platform, has concluded its inaugural cohort, graduating 14 startups for its newest program, the New Jersey Fintech Accelerator at Stevens Institute of Technology powered by Plug and Play (NJ FAST).

Earlier this year, Plug and Play and its founding partners, New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA), Prudential Financial, and the Stevens Institute of Technology, announced the establishment of NJ FAST.

“Over the past seven years, we have transformed New Jersey’s innovation economy, firmly positioning our state as a national leader in this space and cementing our reputation as the best place for entrepreneurs to start and grow their businesses. Through NJ FAST and our partnerships with Plug and Play, Stevens Institute of Technology, and Prudential, we are empowering emerging leaders in the fintech industry to advance their cutting-edge ideas right here in New Jersey. I look forward to seeing what the inaugural cohort of this program accomplishes in the coming years,” said Governor Phil Murphy.

Building on this foundation, NJ FAST will leverage New Jersey’s longstanding legacy as a leader in the financial industry. With a dedicated focus on fintech, NJ FAST aims to support the growth of innovative companies and create new career opportunities, further expanding New Jersey’s influence in the national finance and fintech sectors.

“NJ FAST will have a long-term impact on the entrepreneurial ecosystem of New Jersey, creating a legacy of success and innovation within the financial services industry for years to come,” said Saeed Amidi, Founder and CEO of Plug and Play. “This initiative is about embedding a culture of innovation in New Jersey, and beyond, with startups we believe can change the world.”

NJ FAST is designed to offer entrepreneurs a platform to drive innovation across the state of New Jersey. Selected startups will benefit from mentorship, funding resources, and opportunities to collaborate with industry experts. As part of the program, startups will have access to Plug and Play’s extensive network of corporate, government, investor, and university partners, providing them with invaluable insights, support, and potential strategic partnerships.

“Since taking office, Governor Murphy has prioritized growing New Jersey’s innovation economy by ensuring that companies of the future have access to first-rate resources and support,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “Through NJEDA’s Strategic Innovation Centers initiative, centers like NJFAST are working to empower startups to develop cutting-edge technologies that create jobs, support long-term sustainable economic growth, and attract world-class talent. The graduation of NJFAST’s inaugural cohort serves as a testament to the initiative’s success fostering innovation, and solidifying New Jersey’s role as a leader in fintech and insurtech.”

Plug and Play is accepting applications for Batch 2 of NJ FAST until January 6th, 2025.

The inaugural batch of NJ FAST consists of the following startups:

DIRO is the first Original Documents capture platform to offer full global coverage.

Physis Investments leverages AI and its proprietary in-house database of over 176 million data points to generate sustainability insights through a SaaS platform and a generative AI-based chatbot.

SPIN Analytics brings digital transformation in credit risk management by leveraging predictive analytics, AI, and ML techniques on big data.

Balcony Technology Group leverages distributed ledger technology to provide the real estate ecosystem with a blockchain-based solution for improved Security, Automation, Transparency, Integration, And Interoperability.

Intergen DATA Develops proprietary AI/ML algo’s to predict when Life Events may occur, what it could be, & how much of a financial impact it would make.

Muse Tax is an A.I.-based tool that finds every tax deduction and credit for you, showing you ways to save on taxes.

Multimodal automate complex, knowledge-based workflows in banking, insurance, and healthcare using generative AI agents.

bckers is an AI and Fintech information services company that specializes in delivering data and analytical tools to assess and score the performance, integrity, and risk of organizations and teams.

Hydronos Labs transforming access to comprehensive weather and climate risk assessment, planning and mitigation capabilities in a constantly changing climate, delivering the latest science in an easy-to-digest and cost-effective manner.

LexFund is the first US marketplace for the multi-billion dollar litigation finance industry.

Synthera.ai generate realistic yield curves, stock prices, FX rates and more using cutting edge generative AI., allowing investors to  test their portfolios on thousands of unseen market scenarios and unlock novel insights previously beyond reach.

Mobysign is a mobile application that offers strong authentication for payments, logins, document signatures and any transaction.

CurraPay is building the Booking.com of the international money transfer market.

Accern NoCodeNLP Platform empowers citizen data scientists to extract fast and easy insights from unstructured data.

For more information about NJ FAST, visit https://www.plugandplaytechcenter.com/plug-and-play/innovation-services/our-programs/nj-fast.

About Plug and Play

Plug and Play is the leading innovation platform, connecting startups, corporations, venture capital firms, universities, and government agencies. Headquartered in Silicon Valley, we’re present in 60+ locations across five continents. We offer corporate innovation programs and help our corporate partners in every stage of their innovation journey, from education to execution. We also organize startup acceleration programs and have built an in-house VC to drive innovation across multiple industries where we’ve invested in hundreds of successful companies including Dropbox, Guardant Health, Honey, Lending Club, N26, PayPal, and Rappi. For more information, visit https://www.plugandplaytechcenter.com/ 

Media Contact
press@pnptc.com

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SOURCE Plug and Play

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