The Port of Nagoya, Japan’s busiest ocean terminal, recently experienced a ransomware attack that led to the closure of the port. The attack was discovered on July 4th when an employee noticed anomalies in the system. Further investigation revealed that the port had been infected with ransomware. The port authority is currently working to restore service and expects to have it up and running by tomorrow morning. In the meantime, most container operations at the port have been suspended. The attack is currently under investigation, and no group has claimed responsibility.
In the world of mergers and acquisitions, Cisco, the networking giant, has acquired SamKnows, a private broadband-network monitoring company. The acquisition will see SamKnows’ technology integrated into Cisco’s ThousandEyes cloud-based network intelligence software. This integration will allow Cisco to analyze various aspects of network performance and improve the overall health of the internet.
Another notable merger is the strategic merger between Reveald and Epiphany Systems. The merged entity will operate under the name Reveald and will offer innovative cybersecurity solutions. Leveraging the power of AI, Reveald’s solutions integrate predictive AI with human expertise to identify attack paths, provide continuous monitoring, and enable rapid remediation. The merger is expected to enhance operational efficiency and minimize security risks for organizations.
In February 2023, Nvidia, a leading chipmaker, acquired OmniML, a startup specializing in shrinking machine learning models for implementation on devices rather than in the cloud. This acquisition is seen as a move by Nvidia to improve its AI chips for applications in cars, industrial robots, and drones.
In another acquisition announcement, Bitdefender, a global cybersecurity company, revealed its plan to acquire Horangi Cyber Security. The details of the acquisition price have not been disclosed yet. This acquisition will strengthen Bitdefender’s cybersecurity capabilities and expand its market reach.
Turning to noteworthy US federal contracts, the US Army has awarded a $36.7 million contract to Lockheed Martin for an Electronic Warfare Cyber System. The contract is part of the Terrestrial Layer System (TLS) program, which supports cross-platform collaboration to provide Signals Intelligence, Electronic Warfare, and Cyberspace support operations to Joint All Domain Operational enabled forces.
IP Fabric, a network assurance company, has successfully closed its Series B funding round, securing close to $25 million. The funding will fuel IP Fabric’s mission of making network assurance ubiquitous and reducing the risk of network failures.
Cyware, a provider of threat intelligence and cyber fusion solutions, has raised $30 million in a Series C funding round led by Ten Eleven Ventures. The funding will support Cyware’s continued growth in the cybersecurity market and expansion of its market offerings.
Amazon Web Services (AWS) has announced a $100 million investment in the Generative AI and Machine Learning Center. The program aims to connect AWS AI and ML experts with enterprises to develop new generative AI products, services, and processes targeted at industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, and financial services.
In executive moves, Alec Newell, a former senior strategy and business development manager at General Dynamics, has been named the new Business Development Vice President at NetCentrics. Quorum Cyber has appointed Paul Vasques as Vice President of Alliances and Partnerships.
Microsoft’s OpenAI has chosen London as the location for its first office outside the US. This move aligns with the UK government’s efforts to establish the country as a leading global hub for AI development.
Chip manufacturer TSMC recently suffered a data breach through one of its third-party equipment suppliers, Kinmax. TSMC has stated that the breach did not affect its business operations or compromise any customer information. The incident is currently under investigation by law enforcement agencies.
In the labor markets, The Cipher Brief highlights the value of government agencies recruiting alumni from the Intelligence Community (IC). Former employees of these agencies bring valuable expertise and insights to the cybersecurity field. The article suggests that government agencies should embrace former employees as assets and establish alumni engagement strategies to enhance national security in cyberspace.
In conclusion, the Port of Nagoya’s closure due to a ransomware attack, the latest mergers and acquisitions, noteworthy federal contracts, investments and exits, executive moves, and company news all demonstrate the continuing challenges and developments in the cybersecurity industry. Organizations must remain vigilant in protecting their networks and systems from cyber threats.