SonicWall Data Confirms That Ramsomware Is StiilThe Enterprise Biggest Challenge

* Survey reveals 83% of IT professionals cite financially motivated attacks as the top concern in 2023, and over 50% struggle to keep up with evolving threat landscape

As Cybersecurity Awareness Month comes to a close, SonicWall today released the findings of its 2023 SonicWall Threat Mindset Survey which found that 55% of its customers are more concerned about cyberattacks in 2023, with the main threat being focused on digital attacks like ransomware and spear phishing.

“Understanding our partners and customers greatest concerns is at the heart of SonicWall’s outside-in strategy,” said SonicWall President and CEO Bob VanKirk. “Even further, it’s taking that insight and acting upon it to provide key value-add products and services. The data from the 2023 SonicWall Threat Mindset Survey helps keep our finger on the pulse of what truly matters to our valued customers. As organizations around the globe struggle with economic declines and political strife, SonicWall remains committed to providing the latest in threat intelligence and cyber security solutions to help our partners and customers successfully navigate these rough waters.”

SonicWall’s proprietary threat mindset survey uncovered additional findings:

Continued concerns about intensifying cyberattacks: There is growing concern regarding cyberattacks amongst 54% of professionals surveyed; ransomware leads the distress as 83% of all customers cited it as their biggest concern. 94% of respondents are equally or more concerned about overall attacks in 2023. Phishing and spear-phishing (76%), as well as encrypted malware (64%), comprised the top three concerns.

Organizations slow to patch: Despite rising cyberattack concerns, 78% of organizations don’t patch critical vulnerabilities within 24 hours of patch availability; another 13% only apply critical patches when time allows.

Increased fear around insider threats: Insider threat incidents have continued to increase and 49% of IT professionals cited it as a growing worry. The larger the organization, the more potential insider threat incidents exist. Critical business information and sensitive data can be found in employees’ emails – and IT professionals feel the concern.

Now Hiring: cybersecurity professionals needed: 41% of respondents described their IT/ cybersecurity personnel as inadequate. With the cyberattack landscape becoming savvier with stronger capabilities of pulling off attacks, organizations must prioritize protection and hiring individuals who have the knowledge and skills to best position their company to not fall victim to these ongoing cyberattacks.

Companies are not only losing millions of dollars to unending malware and ransomware strikes but cyberattacks on essential infrastructure are impacting real-world services. Despite the growing concern of cyberattacks, organizations are struggling to keep pace with the fast-moving threat landscape as they orient their business, networks, data and employees against never-ending cyberattacks.

“The evolving cyber threat landscape is the new normal,” said EIS Management CIO Jeff Falk. “The labor diverted from business initiatives to cybersecurity concerns swells year-over-year, which demands I spend more of my time managing the business’ security needs, having an impact on business operations.”

In an effort to promote cybersecurity attentiveness, SonicWall supports Cybersecurity Awareness Month in October with an added emphasis on a new enduring cybersecurity awareness program, Secure Our World. Secure Our World reflects a new enduring message to be integrated across the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency’s (CISA) awareness campaigns and programs and encourages all of us to take action each day to protect ourselves when online or using connected devices.

Methodology

SonicWall surveyed approximately 10,000 customers from around the globe. Questions were optional and some were open-ended, while others were multiple choice.

ABOUT SONICWALL

SonicWall delivers Boundless Cybersecurity for the hyper-distributed era in a work reality where everyone is remote, mobile and unsecure. SonicWall safeguards organizations mobilizing for their new business normal with seamless protection that stops the most evasive cyberattacks across boundless exposure points and increasingly remote, mobile and cloud-enabled workforces. By knowing the unknown, providing real-time visibility and enabling breakthrough economics, SonicWall closes the cybersecurity business gap for enterprises, governments and SMBs worldwide. For more information, visit www.sonicwall.com or follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram.

SBI Card & Reliance Retail Come Together To Roll Out “Reliance SBI Card”

~Cardholders to benefit from Reliance Retail’s extensive presence and large portfolio of brands~ 

~Cardholders will benefit from SBI Card’s best-in-class value propositions, offers, & latest technology~ 

~With an eco-conscious approach this one-of-its-kind card is made of 100% recycled plastic~ 

SBI Card, India’s largest pure-play credit card issuer and Reliance Retail, India’s largest retailer, have come together to launch the co-branded ‘Reliance SBI Card’. This one-of-its-kind lifestyle-focused credit card offers a holistic and rewarding shopping experience to customers across segments with varied spending needs, right from mass to premium. The card enables cardholders to unlock rewards and benefits while transacting at Reliance Retail’s extensive and diverse ecosystem, ranging from fashion & lifestyle to grocery, consumer electronics to pharma, furniture to jewelry, and many more. Additionally, Reliance SBI Card users can also enjoy thoughtfully curated offers rolled out by SBI Card on an ongoing basis.  

This synergistic alliance between the two industry leaders aims to leverage the extensive network of SBI Card with the vast consumer reach and unique retail proposition of Reliance Retail to bring a spectrum of exclusive rewards, ranging from special welcome benefits to tailor-made travel and entertainment benefits, as well as special spends-based milestone rewards like renewal fee waiver and Reliance Retail vouchers for transacting across the Reliance Retail network. The partnership aspires to redefine customer experience and create a new benchmark for credit card rewards in the Indian market.  

The co-branded card has been launched in two variants - Reliance SBI Card and Reliance SBI Card PRIME, each meticulously designed to bring varied rewards and lifestyle perks for distinct consumer needs. 

V Subramaniam, Director, Reliance Retail Limited, said, "At Reliance Retail, we are always looking for new ways to delight our customers by making their shopping experience more enjoyable every day.  Our co-branded credit card with SBI Card is one more step towards this commitment. We are excited to partner with SBI Card, a leader in the card industry, to offer Reliance SBI Card with a wide range of benefits, exclusive discounts and rewards for shopping with us online and at all our stores. Together with SBI Card, we hope to continue to exceed expectations and bring joy to our customers.” 

Abhijit Chakravorty, MD & CEO, SBI Card, said, “We are delighted to partner with Reliance Retail that has redefined India’s organised retail. This partnership is a result of our shared focus on customer-centricity and commitment to provide world-class customer experience. At SBI Card, we have always believed in delivering products to our customers that offer strong value while addressing their lifestyle needs. Reliance SBI Card has been developed as a holistic product that is relevant for major consumer segments. It is a powerful addition to our robust co-brand portfolio, and we expect this to become a popular credit card given the universal usage avenues that it offers.” 

The annual renewal fee of Reliance SBI Card PRIME is ? 2,999 plus applicable taxes and that of Reliance SBI Card is ? 499 plus applicable taxes. Cardholders can avail renewal fee waiver upon achieving the annual spends milestone of ? 3,00,000 on Reliance SBI Card PRIME and ? 1,00,000 on Reliance SBI Card. This card is made of recycled plastic and has been introduced on RuPay platform. 

Reliance Retail has a diversified portfolio of stores and digital commerce platforms across various consumption baskets under its umbrella. The key retail brands include – Reliance Smart, Smart Bazaar, Reliance Fresh Signature, Reliance Digital, Reliance Trends, JioMart, Ajio, Reliance Jewels, Urban Ladder, Netmeds, and many more.  

Photo Caption  Mr. Abhijit Chakravorty, MD & CEO, SBI Card, and Mr. V Subramaniam, Director, Reliance Retail, at the launch of Reliance SBI Card, a lifestyle-focused co-branded credit card, in Mumbai. 

Akshayakalpa Organic Celebrates The World Food Day At Tiptur Farm, Karnataka

~ Connecting to the source of the food through the “Good Food Movement” and celebrating the journey of “Farm To Table” concept, the brand witnessed an astonishing turnaround of 100 consumers at the farm ~ 

After the remarkable response to the World Food Day celebration last year, Akshayakalpa Organic organised the second edition of ‘Forgotten Foods – Let’s rediscover the roots’ - a specially-curated, fully immersive hands-on experience of food, nutrition and nature at the Tiptur Farm, near Bangalore. The two day event – organised on 28th and 29th October 2023 - witnessed a footfall of about 100 individuals, coming from different walks of life including families and organic food enthusiasts. 

“Food is a cornerstone of our daily lives, and it's easy to overlook the vital role that farmers play in providing us with this essential sustenance. Through this event, our objective is to educate consumers on the journey that food undertakes to reach their homes. We aim to elucidate the numerous benefits of organic consumption for both individual health and well-being, as well as its positive impact on the environment. Our mission is to empower consumers with the knowledge of how organic food travels from the farm to their table through engaging workshops,” commented Mr. Shashi Kumar, Co-Founder and CEO of Akshayakalpa Organic. 

"To uphold the theme we've selected for our World Food Day event, 'Forgotten Foods – Let's Rediscover the Roots,' our primary aim is to encourage consumers to embark on a journey to uncover the sources of their food. We have highlighted the virtues of traditional foods, explore the art of sowing and planting, and foster meaningful connections through various farm-related activities and insightful discussions,” he further added.

Over the weekend, the visitors were engaged in a series of enlightening panel discussions that were held to educate and inform them on various important topics. One of the discussions, hosted by Mr. Apoorva, delved into the vital significance of honey bees and apiary practices. The second panel, led by 'Soil Vasu,' emphasized the critical role of soil in shaping food nutrition. Lastly, GVV Shastri's discussion focused on the importance of making wise food choices, conserving natural resources, and underscored the ethical dimension, equating wastage of water and food to a crime.

The event also highlighted the Good Food Movement, where attention was brought to the organic food culture that is preserved by Akshayakalpa Organic. “At Akshayakalpa Organic, we take great pride in championing an essential aspect of our ecosystem: the sequestration of carbon. On a global scale, soil carbon levels are falling at an alarming rate. After working on our farms for over 14 years, the soil carbon at Akshayakalpa farms have reached 3.6%. Our thriving farms are abundant with lush grass, serving as both a reservoir for carbon and a critical source of nourishment for our cattle. The manure produced by our cows enriches the soil, creating a virtuous cycle of regenerative agriculture. This continuous cycle actively elevates soil carbon levels, playing a crucial role in the battle against climate change,” Mr. Shashi Kumar added when asked about the discussion on Good Food Movement at the farm.

The event was concluded with an Organic Farmer's Market, offering visitors the opportunity to buy freshly harvested organic produce.

As a part of the ‘Forgotten Foods - Lets rediscover the roots’ initiative, Akshayakalpa Organic had organised similar events in Hyderabad and Chennai in spirit of the World Food Day celebrations. 

IIIT Bangalore Faculty And Staff Came Together On National Unity Day

 

International Institute of Information Technology Bangalore (IIIT-B)  faculty and staff came together to celebrate National Unity Day, showcasing the rich diversity of India through their attire.

Inauguration Of Ganga Activity Club And Ganga Youth Parliament At MAHE Manipal Campus

The Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) Manipal campus witnessed a historic event on October 28, 2023, with the inauguration of the Ganga Activity Club and Ganga Youth Parliament at the Interact Hall. This momentous occasion marks a significant step towards promoting environmental awareness and sustainable development within the region.

Cdr Dr. Anil Rana, Director, MIT extended a warm welcome to all attendees, reminiscing about MIT Manipal’s longstanding commitment to national initiatives such as Mission Amrut Sarovar. Dr. Giridhar P Kini, Registrar, MAHE, graced the event as the Chief Guest. During his inaugural address, he unveiled the threefold mission of the Ganga Activity Club. The sectors are focused on innovative solutions for clean water and sanitation, active participation in river rejuvenation, and raising public awareness about the importance of preserving our rivers. Dr. Kini underscored the seasonal fluctuations in water availability in the Udupi district, emphasizing the urgent need for community awareness and personal responsibility in conserving water resources.

Dr. Narayana Sabhahit, Pro-Vice Chancellor, MAHE Manipal enlightened the audience about the challenges arising from population growth in managing vital water resources, while Dr. K.P. Vijayalakshmi spoke on the Ganges River’s spiritual and emotional significance. She also touched upon geopolitical concerns surrounding water resources on a global and national scale. In a symbolic and reverent gesture, Dr. NN Sharma initiated the pouring of water from the sacred Ganges River and the Swarna River onto saplings, which were then presented to the guests. Dr. Sharma proudly noted that MAHE is among the 50 universities in India to have partnered with the National Mission for Clean Ganga through a Memorandum of Understanding.

The event proceeded smoothly under the guidance of Mr. Kanith Sawkar, with a devotional song by Ms. Tanvi Amin adding a spiritual dimension to the proceedings. Dr. Geetha Maiya, Director - Student Affairs, expressed heartfelt gratitude in her vote of thanks, acknowledging everyone’s contribution to the success of the event.

On the same note, the Ganga Youth Parliament engaged in a stimulating debate centered around ‘Economic Development vs. Environmental Conservation: Striking a Balance in River Rejuvenation.' Students from the Department of Geopolitics and International Relations, MAHE, showcased their debating prowess, assuming roles of government officials, opposition leaders, and state representatives. They put forth innovative and pragmatic solutions to harmonize economic development with river conservation efforts.

The establishment of the Ganga Activity Club and Ganga Youth Parliament at MAHE Manipal campus is a laudable initiative that emphasizes the critical need for sustainable practices and heightened awareness about conserving our invaluable water resources.

Empowering Sneha Group’s Business With Tata Motors

* A strong alliance in India's thriving poultry and agribusiness sector

Poultry farming in India is undergoing rapid growth, fuelled by increased incomes, urbanisation, and demand from local and global markets. In FY24, an 8-10% revenue growth rate is expected. By 2028, the projected value is INR 3,477.8 billion with a 10.18% CAGR from 2023. In this sector, the Sneha Group, founded in 1982 by visionary Mr. D. Ram Reddy, is a key player and a household name in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana as well as other Southern states, known for top-quality chicken products and diverse offerings which include poultry integration, poultry and fish feed, premixes, eggs, and edible oil extraction and refining with footprints across India and abroad. Notably, Tata Motors has been instrumental in propelling the successes of the Sneha Group.

Commenting on this successful partnership, Mr A. Venkat Reddy, Vice President, Sneha Farms said, “Back in 2018, in response to the growing demand and the need for seamless daily operations, we made a strategic decision to acquire 6 LPT 407 vehicles from Tata Motors. Today, the Sneha Group takes pride in operating a fleet of over 200 Tata Motors vehicles, which are the backbone of our daily operations. Tata Motors' unwavering commitment to providing timely solutions empowers the Sneha Group to rapidly adapt to industry changes and meticulously plan our fleet operations with precision, contributing significantly to our ongoing success.” On Tata Motors' exceptional dedicated driver training sessions, he remarked “The regular training sessions by Drona Drivers, have been crafted to enhance fuel efficiency, provide comprehensive insights into dashboard systems and acquaint drivers with BS6 vehicle regeneration processes. Consequently, we've witnessed substantial improvements in both driving behaviour and fuel efficiency.”

Speaking of the prosperous growth of Sneha Group, Mr Rajesh Kaul, Vice President & Business Head – Trucks, Tata Motors said, “At Tata Motors, we take immense pride in our enduring partnership with the Sneha Group, a prominent player in the vibrant poultry and agribusiness sector. Our dedicated sales and service teams have closely supported the company, offering continual assistance in their vehicle financing and purchase decisions. As we gaze toward the future, our alliance with the Sneha Group stands as a testament to successful collaboration, innovation, and shared growth.”

Bank of Baroda Observes ‘Vigilance Awareness Week 2023’

As per the direction of the Central Vigilance Commission, Bank of Baroda (Bank), one of India’s leading public sector banks, is observing Vigilance Awareness Week 2023,from October 30th to November 5th, 2023. The theme for the Vigilance Awareness Week this year is "Say no to Corruption; commit to the Nation." 

The Bank will observe the Vigilance Awareness Week across all its offices and branches, both domestic and overseas as well as at the bank-sponsored Regional Rural Banks (RRBs), subsidiaries, and joint ventures. 

The observance of the Vigilance Awareness Week 2023 at the Corporate Office commenced with the administration of the ‘Integrity Pledge’. The Bank’s MD & CEO, Executive Directors, Chief Vigilance Officer and all employees took the pledge. On the occasion, Shri Debadatta Chand, MD & CEO, Bank of Baroda also released a special edition of the “BOB Vigilance” newsletter and a theme-based short animated film that spreads the message on eliminating corruption in public life.  

Shri Surendra Kumar Dixit, Chief Vigilance Officer, Bank of Baroda said, “By saying no to corruption, we are demonstrating our allegiance to our country. At Bank of Baroda, we are committed to promoting awareness, a sense of ownership and taking collective action to tackle corruption and nurture integrity and transparency.” 

As per the directions from the Central Vigilance Commission, Bank of Baroda is organising a series of activities, including awareness workshops, sensitisation programmes, walkathons, and human chains across the Bank. The Bank is also organising debates and quiz competitions, engaging staff, students, and Gram Sabha members in villages. "Awareness Gram Sabha" sessions are being organised in Gram Panchayats to educate citizens about the ill effects of corruption in the growth and development of society.