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Global Ransomware Attacks, Demands and Payments Rose in Second Quarter According to Corvus Insurance Cyber Threat Report

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Q2 2024 Represents Second Most Global Ransomware Attacks Reported by Corvus in a Quarter, Average Ransom Demand Increases by 102%

BOSTON, Aug. 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Corvus Insurance, a wholly owned subsidiary of The Travelers Companies, Inc., today released its Q2 2024 Cyber Threat Report, Ransomware Season Arrives Early. Featuring data collected from ransomware leak sites, the report identified 1,248 ransomware victims in Q2, the second most the company has recorded in a single quarter.

During the quarter, new ransomware groups, including PLAY, Medusa, RansomHub, INC Ransom, BlackSuit and some additional lesser-known factions, led a series of attacks that eclipsed the first quarter of this year by 16% and the second quarter of 2023 by 8%. These new threat actors emerged following the takedown of LockBit and BlackCat by international law enforcement.

Ransomware Demands and Payouts on the Rise
Based on Corvus data, the Q2 report found that the average ransomware demand reached $1,571,667. That represents a quarterly increase of 102% and the highest figure Corvus has reported since the second quarter of 2022. The average ransom payment also reached a new high of $626,415

According to the research, a company’s backup strategies can impact payouts. Businesses without robust backups are more than twice as likely to surrender to ransom demands during an attack. Conversely, organizations with effective backup strategies have incurred median claim costs 72% lower than their less-prepared counterparts.

Ransomware Operators Continue Evolving Tactics
Recognizing that many organizations possess valuable and sensitive information, ransomware operators have evolved their tactics by engaging in double-extortion schemes where operators encrypt data, exfiltrate it and then threaten to release it on the dark web. So far in 2024, data theft was involved in 93% of ransomware incidents observed by Corvus, up from 88% in 2023. Using double-extortion schemes, even organizations with secure backups may be forced to pay ransoms, often to prevent the exposure of stolen data.

“Data theft has become the technique employed by attackers to secure maximum payouts from their victims, whether or not they have secure backups,” said Jason Rebholz, Chief Information Security Officer at Corvus Insurance. “A robust security plan is never one layer deep. While a sound backup strategy is important, it cannot mitigate these threats alone. Businesses must utilize a multi-layered security strategy based on a resilient environment with fast detection and prevention capabilities.”

Key Industry Trends: Construction Becomes the Most Frequently Targeted Industry in Q2
While the Corvus study found that industries most affected by ransomware attacks remained largely similar from the first quarter, Construction moved from second to first in the second quarter. In addition, Government and Oil and Gas joined the list, and ransomware attacks targeting the Software Development and IT Services and IT Consulting sectors were up 257% and 54%, respectively. RansomHub was responsible for 16% of the reported victims within the IT Services industry, followed by PLAY and BlackSuit, which accounted for an additional 18%.

To learn more, a webinar called “Q2 Cyber Threat Report: Ransomware Season Arrives Early” is scheduled for August 29 and will feature Corvus experts.

About Corvus Insurance
Corvus Insurance is building a safer world through insurance products and digital tools that reduce risk, increase transparency, and improve resilience for policyholders and program partners. Our market-leading specialty insurance products are enabled by advanced data science and include Smart Cyber Insurance® and Smart Tech E+O™. Our digital platforms and tools enable efficient quoting and binding and proactive risk mitigation. Corvus Insurance offers insurance products in the U.S., Middle East, Europe, Canada, and Australia. Corvus Insurance, Corvus London Markets, and Corvus Germany are the marketing names used to refer to Corvus Insurance Agency, LLC; Corvus Agency Limited; and Corvus Underwriting GmbH. All entities are subsidiaries of Corvus Insurance Holdings, Inc. Corvus Insurance, a wholly owned subsidiary of The Travelers Companies, Inc., was founded in 2017 and is headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts with offices across the U.S., in the UK, and Germany. For more information, visit corvusinsurance.com. 

Contact:
Kerry Pillion
kpillion@corvusinsurance.com 

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SOURCE Corvus Insurance

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Top-Notch B2B Sellers from South and Southeast Asia Crowned Champions at Alibaba.com’s KEL Award Grand Finale

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HO CHI MINH CITY, Vietnam, Nov. 15, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Alibaba.com, a leading platform for global business-to-business (B2B) e-commerce, yesterday hosted the Key E-Commerce Leader Award (KEL) Grand Finale in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. The event celebrated the achievements and contributions of outstanding B2B e-commerce sellers from across South and Southeast Asia, reflecting Alibaba.com’s commitment to fostering the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the global e-commerce sector.

The event brought together 10 top-notch e-commerce sellers from Vietnam, India, Pakistan, Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia in one of the region’s most vibrant cities, Ho Chi Minh City. These exceptional sellers exemplify the transformative power of Alibaba.com’s platform, which enables local businesses to grow into global players by providing access to international markets and digital tools. The KEL Award spotlighted their achievements, resilience and leadership, inspiring other SMEs to embrace cross-border opportunities and reach international markets.

After hours of intense business case pitching by the top 10 finalists and careful deliberation by the judging panel, Alibaba.com announced the top 3 Key E-Commerce Leaders for KEL Award 2024 went to Ms. Xuan Hai Yen (Yanni), Deputy Director at Proline Vietnam Manufacture and Trading from Vietnam; Ms. Natasha Gogna, Managing Director of Shri Krishna International from India and Mr. Tayyub Hussnain, Founder of Norwich Streetwear from Pakistan. Additionally, the event awarded Mr. Tayyub Hussnain as the winner of the People’s Choice Award, determined by audience votes.

The judging panel included distinguished Alibaba.com leaders and experts: Mr. Shawn Yang (General Manager of Global Business Development at Alibaba.com), Mr. Roger Luo (Head of South and Southeast Asia at Alibaba.com), Ms. Ella Xie (Director of Global Business Development at Alibaba.com), and Ms. Savannah Zheng (CEO of CGCH & Awins).

Mr. Shawn Yang, General Manager of Global Business Development at Alibaba.com, shared: “Through the inspiring stories shared by the sellers at the KEL Award, Alibaba.com aims to motivate businesses across South and Southeast Asia to engage actively in the high-potential arena of global digital trade. For those who have already embarked on their digital trade journeys, we hope these success stories offer valuable insights and strategies for breakthrough, innovation, and diversified growth to succeed on a global scale.”

One such inspiring story comes from Ravin Sadh, founder of Conifer Handmades, whose journey demonstrates the immense potential of digital trade through Alibaba.com. He has spent the past two decades building a successful export business in the gifts and crafts industry without ever stepping into a traditional trade expo or needing to travel abroad. Since joining Alibaba.com in 1999, when the platform was newly established, Ravin has relied exclusively on it to reach customers worldwide. Today, 100% of Conifer Handmades’ business comes from Alibaba.com, with exports spanning over 35 countries. Focused on sustainable gift bags and crafts, Ravin’s business has grown exponentially through Alibaba.com’s digital platform, allowing him to connect with international buyers without the typical need for in-person networking or overseas travel. In fact, he only acquired a passport to attend the KEL Award Grand Finale, marking his first journey abroad as a testament to his commitment and success through Alibaba.com alone.

One of the 10 finalists, Tayyub Hussnain from Norwich Streetwear, shared a compelling story that underscores the transformative power of ambition and innovation in e-commerce. After graduating from Govt. Murray College in Sialkot in 2014, he embarked on his career with a modest monthly salary of 16,000 PKR. His entrepreneurial journey in the apparel industry was catalyzed when he received a laptop from the Chief Minister of Punjab, which introduced him to Alibaba.com. Through this platform, he secured his first major order of 770 pieces of clothing, an accomplishment that significantly boosted his confidence. This newfound assurance led Hussnain to leave his stable job and devote himself fully to building his business on Alibaba.com.

Xuan Hai Yen, Deputy Director of Proline Vietnam Manufacture and Trading, is a dynamic leader who has turned her family’s business into a multimillion-dollar enterprise with double-digit revenue growth over the past nine years. With 15 years of experience in the import-export and e-commerce sector, Yen exemplifies how resilience and a forward-thinking approach can drive transformative growth.

Yen took charge of the company during challenging times, crafting digital strategies to modernize operations and expand into global markets. Her vision to embrace digital solutions, particularly through Alibaba.com, helped revive the company, leading to an impressive 30% growth rate. Today, Proline exports a diverse range of products, including food bags, ESD anti-static bags and more. Under her leadership, Proline successfully expanded its reach to over 15 countries, including the U.S., UK, Malaysia, India, Thailand, Russia, Cambodia and Australia. Within just four months of joining Alibaba.com, the company secured its first U.S. order, a significant milestone in its growth journey. These success stories illustrate the transformative potential of e-commerce, with Alibaba.com serving as a vital growth engine, connecting businesses to the global market and maximizing their potential.

The Top 10 Finalists of the 2024 KEL Award Grand Finale included:

Ms. Xuan Hai Yen (Yanni), Deputy Director at Proline Vietnam Manufacture and Trading Limited Company, VietnamMr. Can Quang Sang, Marketing Manager of VIHABA Co., LTD, VietnamMs. Nguyen Thi Loan, Founder and CEO of Centic Vietnam JSC, VietnamMr. Ravin Sadh, Founder of Conifer Handmades, IndiaMs. Natasha Gogna, Managing Director of Shri Krishna International, IndiaMr. Muzafar Hussain, Overseas Marketing Head of JNM Leather Safety Gloves, PakistanMr. Tayyub Hussnain, Founder of Norwich Streetwear, PakistanMs. Nitcharee Ujjin, Co-founder of Thumbinthai Co., Ltd., ThailandMr. Nicholas Tee Kai Xuen, Vice President of L.K.Tee Enterprise Sdn Bhd, MalaysiaMr. Fahmi Zaenal, Co-founder of PT Pohacee Cartens International, Indonesia

About Alibaba.com

Launched in 1999, Alibaba.com is a leading platform for global business-to-business (B2B) e-commerce that serves buyers and suppliers from over 200 countries and regions around the world. It is engaged in services covering various aspects of commerce, including providing businesses with tools that help them reach a global audience for their products and helping buyers discover products, find suppliers and place orders online fast and efficiently. Alibaba.com is part of Alibaba International Digital Commerce Group.

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SOURCE Alibaba.com

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MTR* advertising Launches Full-Funnel OMO Interactive Branding Campaign for Bank of China (Hong Kong) To Elevate Brand Connection with MTR Passengers

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HONG KONG, Nov. 15, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — MTR* advertising is excited to unveil the Bank of China (Hong Kong) (“BOCHK”) “Connect Every Excitement” branding campaign, designed to deepen brand engagement and foster connections with MTR passengers.  BOCHK leverages the extensive and high-quality passenger base of MTR’s urban lines and features an engaging tennis game to enhance daily commuting experiences while strengthening the BOCHK brand identity.

This innovative Online-Merge-Offline (OMO) campaign represents a pioneering effort to seamlessly integrate digital interactions into the MTR* advertising ecosystem. Utilizing a full-funnel strategy, BOCHK “Connect Every Excitement” creates multiple touchpoints to boost brand awareness and passenger engagement through an interactive tennis game. By bridging the online and offline experience via digital panels, mobile devices, and social media, BOCHK aims to cultivate a vibrant community around its brand.

The campaign harnesses the power of digital media to create an immersive experience targeting MTR passengers, particularly the office workers and Gen Z demographic. With comprehensive coverage across MTR’s extensive digital networks, it features captivating station zone takeovers, incentivized mobile and on-site games, and a cutting-edge programmatic digital out-of-home (pDOOH) advertising strategy.

The centrepiece of the campaign, the BOCHK “Connect Every Excitement” mobile game invites users to enjoy a fun tennis experience anytime, anywhere. Participants can compete for exciting rewards, including MTR Points and a BOC Credit Card HK$1,800 cash rebate. To cater to the fast-paced lifestyle of city dwellers, BOCHK has also introduced on-site versions of the game at the Interactive Iconic Digital Zones of MTR Tsim Sha Tsui and Causeway Bay stations, allowing passengers to stretch and win additional MTR Points during their commute.

With over 480 digital panels across MTR stations, the campaign ensures numerous touchpoints with passengers. The adaptability of digital formats allows real-time content optimization, encouraging participation in the on-site game at MTR Tsim Sha Tsui and Causeway Bay stations. Through the integration of retargeting advertising with MTR Mobile, reinforcing game participation messages for those who have been reached by BOCHK digital advertisements.  Additionally, Digital Ring Zone Domination at MTR Tsim Sha Tsui Station targets diverse demographics to maximize engagement.

Through this dynamic approach, BOCHK not only enhances its brand visibility but also enriches the journey for MTR passengers, making commutes more enjoyable. The BOCHK “Connect Every Excitement” campaign stands as a testament to BOCHK’s commitment to innovative brand engagement, fostering a closer connection with its customers.

“We are thrilled to launch this full-funnel OMO campaign that combines digital and on-site interactions to connect with our customers. The BOCHK “Connect Every Excitement” campaign reflects our dedication to understanding our customers and enhancing their connection with the BOCHK brand through our digital interactive platform.” said Ms. Shirley Chan, Managing Director of Hong Kong and Macau at JCDecaux Transport.

It’s time to dive into the hype of BOC “Connect Every Excitement” for a chance to win MTR points and cash rebates on Bank of China (Hong Kong) credit cards at http://bit.ly/40wZOy2

 

Terms and conditions applied
Reminder: To borrow or not to borrow? Borrow only if you can repay.

For further details regarding the promotional campaign of MTR* advertising and BOCHK, please reach out to media inquiries:

About JCDecaux Transport

JCDecaux Transport is the main subsidiary of the JCDecaux Group, the number one outdoor advertising company worldwide. Established since 1976, JCDecaux Transport is the market leader in outdoor advertising in Hong Kong and manages the advertising sales concessions of MTR* and Airport Express for over 45 years. Currently, the company also operates the advertising concessions for Hong Kong International Airport, Macau International Airport and Pacific Place Passages. For more information about JCDecaux Transport, visit

Website: www.jcdecaux-transport.com.hk

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/jcdecaux-transport-hong-kong/ 

*MTR advertising refers to advertising exclusively operated by JCDecaux Transport, including Island Line, South Island Line, Tsuen Wan Line, Kwun Tong Line, Tung Chung Line, Tseung Kwan O Line, Disneyland Resort Line and Airport Express, as well as MTR Mobile advertising.  

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SOURCE JCDecaux Transport

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PayerMax Recognized as “Best Payment Service Provider” by MEA Finance

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DUBAI, UAE, Nov. 15, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — PayerMax, a leading global provider of payment solutions, has been named Best Payments Solutions Provider of 2024 by MEA Finance magazine at an award ceremony hosted on November 12 in Dubai. The award is a testament of PayerMax’s success in providing exceptional financial technology services to clients in the Middle East and Africa, as well as its leadership position in payment solutions.

The annual MEA Finance Industry Awards recognizes the financial institutions, technology solutions providers, fintech companies, service providers and individuals for exceptional achievements, groundbreaking services and inspirational leadership in delivering innovative products and services.

“We’re very honored to receive the award. It not only recognizes the success of our innovative technologies and regional strategies, but also it is the perfect testimonial of how our team thrives to create superior values for our clients, and we look forward to more cooperation with more partners,” said Wang Hu, co-founder of PayerMax. “Looking ahead, PayerMax remains committed to further strengthening our presence and deepening our efforts in the Middle Eastern market. We will continue to empower more businesses and enhance the digital payment ecosystem across regions, driving value and growth for clients around the world.”

In 2024, PayerMax achieved major milestones in the Middle East market. In alignment with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, PayerMax became the first Asian fintech company to establish a regional headquarters in Riyadh and obtained the Payment Technical Service Provider (PTSP) certification from Saudi Payments on behalf of the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) in September. This certification allows PayerMax to operate seamlessly within Saudi Arabia’s financial ecosystem, providing merchants across the country with secure, flexible, and efficient payment solutions. The company has also formed partnerships with leading banks such as SAB and Emirates NBD, advancing the digital twin ecosystem while supporting financial inclusion, economic diversification, and an enhanced user experience through digital payments in the region. Furthermore, as the first Asian fintech company to secure the UAE’s payment license, PayerMax is strengthening its presence and expanding operations across the Middle East.

Beyond the Middle East, PayerMax’s achievements in 2024 were globally recognized. In May,  PayerMax was awarded the 2024 “Best Payments and Collections Solution” award from The Asset in the prestigious “The Asset Triple A Awards.” With an impressive 95% coverage of mainstream payment methods in emerging markets, PayerMax continues to build on its vision of providing innovative payment solutions worldwide.

PayerMax is committed to providing businesses with one-stop local payment solutions to meet their diverse payment needs. Its extensive network supports a wide range of over 600 payment methods, more than 70 transaction currencies, and over 20 local languages, catering to diverse global user payment preferences. With a vision to drive merchant success on a global scale, PayerMax offers an array of value-added services, including risk management, foreign exchange management, payment marketing (webshop), and finance & tax services, constructing a comprehensive environment for merchants to excel in a competitive global marketplace and handle the intricacies of globalization with ease.

Looking ahead, PayerMax is committed to staying at the forefront of the evolving digital payment landscape. The company will continue to invest in technological innovation and service enhancements to deliver increased value and opportunities to its customers. By doing so, PayerMax aims to empower global business expansion and facilitate the transition to a cashless society. For more information, please visit https://www.payermax.com/.

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