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Cybersecurity

Japan’s Macnica Eyes Acquisitions in India, Expands Focus Beyond Semiconductors

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Japanese semiconductor distributor Macnica Holdings Inc. is exploring acquisitions in India and other parts of Asia as part of its strategy to strengthen its market position amidst growing competition and industry challenges. The Yokohama-based firm, which holds a 22% share in Japan’s semiconductor distribution market, is looking to diversify into sectors such as cybersecurity, self-driving cars, and healthcare to reduce its heavy reliance on semiconductors, which currently account for 90% of its sales. Macnica President Kazumasa Hara highlighted the importance of scaling up in growth regions like India, China, and Southeast Asia to navigate the complexities of US-China technological tensions, export controls, and supply chain disruptions. “We need to raise our market share as quickly as possible,” Hara stated, emphasizing the company’s low presence in emerging markets. He also revealed that a billion-dollar acquisition deal in Asia is “very likely.” In addition to its semiconductor focus, Macnica is eyeing less capital-intensive industries such as cybersecurity. “When you look ahead, that’s one area that will grow,” Hara noted. This pivot aligns with Macnica’s broader goal of mitigating risks associated with its exposure to industrial equipment chips in China, which has contributed to a 40% drop in the company’s stock since February. Domestically, Macnica aims to achieve a 30% market share by 2030 through organic growth. However, the company is less inclined toward further acquisitions within Japan, having recently purchased Glosel Co. Macnica’s expansion and diversification efforts underscore the growing need for agility and innovation in the semiconductor industry, as companies adapt to a rapidly evolving technological and geopolitical landscape. Source: Business Standard Photo Credit: Business Standard

NEET-PG To Be Conducted This Month, Question Paper To Be Prepared Two Hours Before Exam: Report

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The NEET-PG exam for admission to postgraduate medical courses is reportedly set to be held later this month. This development follows a meeting between the Home Ministry and officials from the government’s anti-cybercrime body. In a significant shift, the question paper will now be prepared just two hours before the exam, according to NDTV sources. Originally scheduled for June 23, the NEET-PG exam was abruptly postponed hours before its start amid a row over alleged irregularities, including leaked question papers for the undergraduate exam. The government had then said it would “undertake a thorough assessment of the robustness of processes of NEET-PG, conducted by the National Board of Examinations for medical students.” The cancellation of the exam, which saw the enrollment of thousands of aspiring medical professionals, led to widespread protests, particularly from those who had traveled long distances to take the test. Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan appointed a high-level committee to investigate the complaints. The suspension of the NEET-PG exam followed public outcry over similar issues with the NEET-UG and UGC-NET tests. These exams, which play a pivotal role in confirming professorial appointments and awarding research fellowships, have been under scrutiny for potential irregularities. Minister Pradhan recently confirmed student reports that NEET-UG and UGC-NET questions were being sold on the darknet, spotlighting the National Testing Agency (NTA), responsible for conducting both exams. This revelation led to the removal of the NTA’s chief, SK Singh. The UGC-NET exam is now rescheduled to be held from July 25 to 27, while the NEET-PG exam will be organized from August 21 to September 4.  

Akamai Doubles Down on API Security With $450M Noname Acquisition Deal

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Akamai Technologies has announced its acquisition of API security firm Noname Security for $450 million, aiming to extend protection across all API traffic locations. The acquisition underscores Akamai’s commitment to enhancing API security by focusing on improved discovery of “shadow” APIs and detection of API vulnerabilities and attacks. This strategic move comes as Akamai showcases its security offerings at the RSA Conference 2024 in San Francisco. Tom Leighton, Co-Founder and CEO of Akamai, highlighted the company’s strong results in API security, citing prior success with the acquisition of Neosec. He emphasized the increasing interest among enterprise CISOs and CIOs in bolstering API security, noting that many organizations are unaware of all the APIs within their infrastructure. Noname Security, founded in 2020, was acquired for less than half of its $1 billion valuation achieved in late 2021. Despite its relatively short history, the startup had secured substantial funding, totaling at least $220 million. The acquisition of Noname Security by Akamai is expected to be finalized in the second quarter of the year, further solidifying Akamai’s position in the API security market.  

Google Urges US Government to Update Immigration Rules for AI Talent

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Google is urging the US government to modernize its immigration policies, particularly focusing on the Schedule A list, to attract and retain top artificial intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity talent from around the world. In a letter addressed to the Department of Labor, the tech giant expressed concerns that outdated policies could lead to a loss of valuable talent in these critical sectors. The Schedule A list, last updated in 2005, identifies occupations with insufficient American workers. Google argues that this list needs to be expanded to include AI and cybersecurity-related fields and should be updated more frequently to reflect changing labor needs. The company emphasized the growing demand for AI talent within its ranks and stressed the importance of addressing the talent shortage to fully harness the potential of AI advancements. Google also highlighted the lengthy process of obtaining permanent labor certification (PERM) and called for a more efficient system to attract and retain top talent. Karan Bhatia, head of government affairs and public policy at Google, underscored the global shortage of AI talent and emphasized the need for the US to adapt its immigration policies accordingly. This call for immigration reform comes amid fierce competition among tech companies to attract AI talent, with Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg reportedly making personal offers to AI researchers. Google CEO Sundar Pichai has also expressed concerns about losing key talent to rivals like Apple. The strict immigration policies in the US have exacerbated these concerns, making it challenging for companies to attract and retain AI talent from abroad. While President Joe Biden’s executive order on AI aims to increase AI talent in the country, Google’s letter suggests that more comprehensive reforms are needed to ensure the US remains competitive in the global race for AI dominance.

Pioneering Education in Coimbatore Tamil Nadu: ArdorComm Media Presents the 11th New Normal Education Leadership Summit & Awards 2024

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As the world navigates through unprecedented times, the landscape of education has been transformed dramatically. Now, more than ever, the need for innovation, adaptability, and collaboration in the education sector is paramount. In the heart of South India, the vibrant city of Coimbatore is set to host the 11th New Normal Education Leadership Summit & Awards 2024, organized by ArdorComm Media Group. Scheduled for the 3rd of May, this event promises to be a beacon of inspiration, bringing together the brightest minds in academia, industry, and technology to explore the theme: “New Normal Tamil Nadu: Pioneering Education, Skilling, and Employability in the 21st Century Workplace.” Embracing the New Normal in Education Tamil Nadu stands tall as a premier hub for education and skilling initiatives in India. With its progressive policies and diverse array of academic institutions, the state has fostered a culture of innovation and critical thinking. Coimbatore, known for its premier educational institutions and excellent quality of education, serves as the perfect backdrop for this prestigious event. Knowledge Forum: A Platform for Growth The Knowledge Forum at the summit will serve as a melting pot of ideas, insights, and experiences. Academicians, educators, edupreneurs, innovators, and industry experts will converge to share their expertise and accomplishments, all with the aim of driving sustainable growth for the education community. With over 50 speakers, representing a diverse range of perspectives, the forum promises to be intellectually stimulating and enriching. Key Discussion Points The summit will delve into critical topics shaping the future of education, including: Innovation in Teaching and Learning: Leveraging technology and innovative teaching methods to enhance student engagement and outcomes. Skills for the Future Workforce: Strategies for integrating employability skills and career readiness into educational programs. Sustainable Education Practices: Integrating sustainability education into the curriculum to foster responsible citizenship. Digital Literacy and Cybersecurity in Education: Building digital literacy skills among educators and students to navigate the digital landscape safely and responsibly. Global Collaboration and Partnerships in Education: Harnessing the power of international collaboration and partnerships to enrich teaching and learning experiences. ArdorComm Education Leadership Awards 2024 The summit will also shine a spotlight on exemplary contributions and innovative initiatives in the education sector through the ArdorComm Education Leadership Awards 2024. This prestigious accolade will honor educators, institutions, edtech pioneers, and startups that have demonstrated exceptional dedication and innovation in advancing education. The awards aim to recognize those who have tirelessly worked towards enhancing teaching, learning, and employability outcomes, shaping a brighter future for learners worldwide. Nominations and Selection Process ArdorComm invites nominations across six segments, including Higher Education, School Education, Preschools, Skills & Training, Corporate, and Startup. The selection process will adhere to strict terms and conditions to ensure fairness and transparency, with each category aiming to celebrate excellence and outstanding accomplishment in the education sector. Join Us in Shaping the Future of Education The 11th New Normal Education Leadership Summit & Awards 2024 is not just an event; it’s a call to action. It’s an opportunity for educators, innovators, and industry leaders to come together, share their insights, and inspire change. By collaborating and innovating, we can pioneer a new era of education in Tamil Nadu and beyond. Mark your calendars for the 3rd of May and join us in Coimbatore as we embark on a journey to shape the future of education—one idea, one innovation at a time. Together, let’s pave the way for a brighter tomorrow, where every learner has the opportunity to thrive and succeed in the dynamic 21st-century landscape. For more information and registration details, visit https://ardorcomm-media.com/elsacoimbatore/. Let’s make history together at the 11th New Normal Education Leadership Summit & Awards 2024.

Healthcare Tech Firm HealthEC LLC Faces Massive Data Breach Affecting 4.5 Million Patients

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HealthEC LLC, a leading provider of health management solutions, has fallen victim to a significant data breach, potentially compromising the sensitive information of approximately 4.5 million patients. The breach occurred between July 14 and 23, 2023, but the company only disclosed the incident on December 22. The compromised data includes a range of personal and medical information, such as names, addresses, dates of birth, Social Security numbers, medical records, and health insurance details. The breach also exposed billing and claims information, including patient account numbers and treatment cost details. HealthEC’s population health management platform, used by healthcare organizations for data integration, analytics, and care coordination, suffered unauthorized access during the cyberattack. The investigation into the breach concluded on October 24, 2023, confirming the theft of files containing sensitive information. HealthEC urges affected individuals to remain vigilant against identity theft and fraud by regularly reviewing account statements and monitoring free credit reports for suspicious activity. While HealthEC initially refrained from specifying the number of affected individuals, a recent submission to Maine’s Attorney General’s office revealed that one of the firm’s clients, MD Valuecare, accounted for 112,005 affected persons. However, a new listing on the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ breach portal indicates that the total number of impacted individuals is a staggering 4,452,782. Seventeen healthcare service providers and state-level health systems have been identified as victims of this cyberattack on HealthEC. Notable organizations impacted include Corewell Health, HonorHealth, Beaumont ACO, State of Tennessee – Division of TennCare, the University Medical Center of Princeton Physicians’ Organization, and the Alliance for Integrated Care of New York. HealthEC advises affected individuals to promptly report any suspicious activity to relevant parties, such as insurance companies, healthcare providers, and financial institutions. This incident underscores the escalating threat to healthcare data security, emphasizing the critical need for robust cybersecurity measures in the healthcare technology sector.

PM Modi Highlights India’s Inclusive Tech Initiatives and Global Impact

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In an interview with a news agency, Prime Minister Modi discussed how India’s digital public infrastructure is promoting social inclusion and democratizing technology. He emphasized that India’s efforts have gained global recognition and are paving the way for a broader global movement. Prime Minister Modi highlighted the success of the CoWIN initiative, which facilitated the world’s largest vaccine drive, providing over 200 crore free doses. The platform, CoWIN, was even made open source for other countries to adopt. Referring to the UPI initiative, Modi noted that digital transactions are empowering businesses of all sizes, from street vendors to major banks, and contributing to financial inclusion. He praised India’s Digital Public Infrastructure for its role in delivering public services during the pandemic, citing the Jan Dhan-Aadhar-Mobile (JAM) Trinity’s effectiveness in ensuring financial inclusion and benefit transfers. Modi also mentioned the ONDC e-commerce initiative, which is seen as a significant step in democratizing digital platforms and creating a level playing field. He discussed the adoption of India’s digital public infrastructure by the G20 forum, which has established principles for a secure digital economy and laid the foundation for the One Future Alliance to coordinate global efforts in this regard. Prime Minister Modi highlighted the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission’s impact on healthcare service delivery and India’s commitment to global health through the G20’s Global Digital Health Initiative. He stressed India’s approach of using technology to promote inclusion and equality, turning it into a force for good. Modi also addressed the government’s efforts to enhance cybersecurity, acknowledging the challenges posed by technology in combating illicit financial activities and terrorism. The Prime Minister celebrated India’s achievements across various domains, including the space sector, startups, sports, and education, expressing optimism about India’s economic prospects in the near future. This interview provides valuable insights into India’s efforts to leverage technology for social inclusion and global cooperation. Interview link: https://www.pmindia.gov.in/en/news_updates/ptis-exclusive-interview-with-prime-minister-narendra-modi/