Author: Team

Appdome Defends Mobile Security by Preventing AI-Deep Fakes at the Doorstep

India– Feb. 20, 2025 – Appdome, the leader in protecting mobile businesses, today announced it is extending its Account Takeover Protection suite with 30 new dynamic defense plugins for Deep Fake Detection in Android & iOS apps. The new plugins are designed to guarantee the integrity of Apple Face ID, Google Face Recognition and 3rd party face and voice recognition services against AI-generated and other deepfake attacks. Like all Appdome defenses, each of the 30 new dynamic defense plugins for Deep Fake Detection is available by choice using the Appdome platform without the need to integrate code, perform manual coding, implement SDKs, or deploy servers.

“The mobile economy depends on the integrity of facial recognition, FaceID and other biometric authentication methods as they are more and more used to reduce friction,” said Eric Newcomer, CTO and Principal Analyst, Intellyx. “However, attackers are constantly finding new ways to bypass biometric authentication. Appdome is taking on the challenge of AI-Generated Deepfake Attacks head on and providing mobile businesses the granular detection and control defenses to stop these attacks inside the mobile app, preventing them from passing attack data to other systems. This is a great way to combat ATOs and ODF quickly and efficiently.”

The mobile economy trusts Face ID and facial recognition for authentication, Know Your Customer (KYC) compliance, and to combat on-device fraud (ODF). Mobile brands rely on facial recognition, including liveness checks, to streamline authentication while also building and maintaining trust with their users. Brands tell users that facial recognition will ensure that only the authorized account holder can access their apps, accounts, and services. However, the number and sophistication of attacks targeting every aspect of facial recognition and biometric authentication have exploded in the last nine months, driven by the rise of AI-generated deepfakes, virtual cameras, image substitution, buffer attacks, voice cloning and other methods. Deepfake attacks easily generate hyper-realistic and adversarial replications or manipulations that can fool facial and voice verification systems. Sometimes attackers use virtual cameras to inject pre-recorded or live video streams into the facial recognition process. Other times, image buffer attacks manipulate face data processing in real time to bypass liveness detection processes. The speed of evolution, ease of use, and ubiquity of deepfake attacks make deepfake detection one of the top anti-fraud and anti-ATO objectives for brands and enterprises in 2025.

“Everyone, from mobile app developers to enterprises to Face ID and Facial Recognition vendors, are struggling with the technical challenges of detecting AI-generated Deepfakes and Face ID Bypass techniques,” said Tom Tovar, CEO of Appdome. “While no one can stop the creation of deepfakes, we’ve succeeded in stopping their use inside mobile applications and we’re making our innovations available to mobile app developers and face recognition vendors alike.”

Despite the growing sophistication of Face ID and facial recognition services for mobile applications, Face ID bypass techniques, which manipulate biometric authentication processes, use virtual cameras and use AI-generated synthetic images or streams to mimic legitimate users, have started to outpace biometric authentication methods. Additionally, malicious actors are developing tools and techniques to exploit vulnerabilities in device hardware, face recognition software and face recognition APIs to compromise the integrity of biometric authentication. These challenges highlight the need for enhanced security measures around the biometric authentication workflows, to safeguard Face ID and facial recognition against deepfake attacks.

Appdome’s Deep Fake Detection plugins sit on top of OS-native or third-party Face ID, facial recognition and voice recognition methods, including face verification SDKs. This approach ensures that any facial recognition process is secure from deepfake attacks and provides enhanced integrity and security for authentication workflows, regardless of the provider. Specific attack vectors that Appdome’s Deep Fake Detection protects against include:

•  Face ID Bypass: Detects attempts to bypass Native Android and iOS biometric, facial recognition authentication systems on mobile devices, including FaceID and Biometric API calls, hardware abstraction layers and more.
• Deep Fake Apps: Detects deepfake and face swap apps that can be used to spoof facial recognition services used by Android and iOS applications, including in combination with virtual camera and video injection tools.
• Deepfake Video Detection: Detects synthetic identity attacks, video injection, frame and image buffer attacks, Direct Memory Access (DMA) attacks, monitors face embeddings and more.
• Appdome Liveness Detection: Applies primary or secondary liveness check to ensure a real face is used during the facial recognition process, applying AI models to verify 3D depth, skin texture, lighting, eye reflectiveness, the strength of liveness image, and more.
• Voice Cloning: Detects synthetic voice spoofing and voice cloning apps when in use with the protected application, perfect for applications that rely on “my voice is my password” authentication workflows.

Brands and businesses can expect each Appdome defense to detect a Deep Fake attack as well as its variants. Appdome dynamic defense plugins use real-time behavioral analysis to detect the behaviors and methods that the multitude of FaceID bypass and AI-based Deep Fake and Voice Cloning Tools use to exploit authentication checks in Android & iOS apps. As a learning system, it constantly evolves to ensure continuous defense against Deep Fakes and related threats.

“It’s amazing how fast facial recognition, FaceID and other biometric authentication methods were undermined by AI-generated deepfakes in the mobile economy,” said Chris Roeckl, Chief Product Officer at Appdome. “Appdome is the only solution on the market that places sentries and defenses deep in the execution framework of the mobile application to prevent the deepfake delivery model and well as the use of deepfakes in the applications themselves.”

Mirae Asset Sharekhan Strengthens Ties with ICICI Prudential Life and HDFC Life for Growth

Chandigarh February 20, 2025 – Mirae Asset Sharekhan, one of India’s leading full-service financial platforms, has announced its strategic entry into life insurance distribution through partnerships with ICICI Prudential Life Insurance and HDFC Life. This initiative represents a significant step in Mirae Asset Sharekhan’s commitment to integrating wealth creation with long-term financial security, ensuring that customers can navigate their investment journeys with confidence.

With an increasing number of retail investors directly participating in stock markets, Mirae Asset Sharekhan recognizes the need to help customers with solutions under one umbrella. While stock market investments offer the potential for high returns, they also come with inherent risks. By integrating life insurance solutions from two of India’s trusted insurers, Mirae Asset Sharekhan aims to ensure that it becomes a one-stop solution provider for its customers’ financial needs.

Mirae Asset Sharekhan’s foray into life insurance distribution is rooted in its mission to empower investors with financial knowledge and risk management tools. The partnerships with ICICI Prudential Life Insurance and HDFC Life will enable customers to access a curated range of life insurance products, including:

• Term life & health plans for income protection and financial security for dependents
• Unit Linked Insurance Plans (ULIPs) that combines market-linked returns with life cover
• Endowment plans that allow customers to build risk-free savings along with life cover, while ensuring financial protection for their families
• Annuity and retirement solutions to ensure financial stability post-retirement

 The life insurance distribution partnerships with ICICI Prudential Life Insurance and HDFC Life will provide Mirae Asset Sharekhan’s customers with comprehensive wealth-building and protection solutions.

ICICI Prudential Life’s Guaranteed Pension Plan Flexi helps build retirement savings with a guaranteed lifelong income, offering an increasing annuity option that grows by five percent annually and liquidity through a special withdrawal feature. ICICI Prudential Life’s GIFT Select plan combines financial protection with a guaranteed income stream, ensuring stability for major life events along with a life cover.

HDFC Life’s Click 2 Protect Elite, provides a financial safety net to customers and their loved ones against life’s uncertainties while also securing their lifestyle, along with the option of returning all premiums paid in case the customer opts for the Smart Exit Benefit. HDFC Life Click 2 Achieve, offering Guaranteed Immediate Income enables one to build a life insurance product using customizable options for premium payment term, policy term and benefits (lumpsum/ regular payouts) along with riders.

Parminder Varma, Chief Business Officer at Mirae Asset Sharekhan, said, “At Mirae Asset Sharekhan, our vision is simple yet impactful – Making life insurance more accessible to India, aligning seamlessly with part of the Government of India and IRDAI’s broader goal of achieving “Insurance for All” by 2047, ensuring that every citizen has appropriate life, health and property insurance coverage. True wealth creation is not just about making smart investment choices but also about securing financial stability at every stage of life. Through our partnerships with ICICI Prudential Life Insurance and HDFC Life, we are committed to bridging the gap between wealth growth and financial security, empowering customers to build a more resilient financial future.”

Mirae Asset Sharekhan will leverage its extensive distribution network, comprising 129 branches and 550+ relationship managers across India, to offer these life insurance solutions. Customers will benefit from:

Branch & Relationship Manager support to determine the best insurance solutions based on their investment goals and risk profile.
An education-driven approach, helping customers understand the importance of insurance in wealth preservation.

 Mr. Amit Palta, Chief Product and Distribution Officer at ICICI Prudential Life Insurance Company Limited welcomed the collaboration, stating “We are delighted to partner with Mirae Asset Sharekhan, whose expertise in financial services and distribution prowess will drive our shared vision of providing customers with financial security and peace of mind. Both partner organisations have been built on the ethos of ‘Customer First’ and delivering exceptional value and experience to customers. Technology solutions implemented have enabled us to remain at the forefront of innovation and aligns with our strategic goal of becoming the customer and distributor-friendly life insurer in India. Our innovative suite of products will enable Mirae Asset Sharekhan to provide well-rounded financial solutions to customers to address their protection, long-term savings and guaranteed retirement income needs. We believe distribution is key in making life insurance more accessible across the country and achieving the ‘Insurance for All’ goal.”

Vineet Arora, Chief Business Officer, Distribution, Data & Technology, HDFC Life commented, “We are happy to partner with Mirae Asset Sharekhan. As a country, India is largely underinsured. According to a Swiss Re report, India has a protection gap of 91%. Every individual, with responsibilities, endeavouring to fulfil their long-term goals, needs financial security. At HDFC Life, we are constantly innovating to design and offer life insurance solutions that are customer-centric and address various life stage needs. We have digital platforms that provide a superior end-to-end experience to customers – right from need analysis to claim settlement. We believe this partnership would enable Mirae Asset Sharekhan to take the unique proposition of life insurance – the dual benefits of protection and long-term savings – to customers, enabling achievement of long-term financial goals while ensuring financial security for their loved ones. Further, the strength of both partners would contribute towards achieving the collective goal of ‘Insurance for All by 2047’.”

Mirae Asset Sharekhan’s expansion into life insurance distribution reinforces its vision of being a financial solutions provider catering to varying needs in India’s financial services landscape. With a strong customer base of 31 lakh+ investors, the Company is uniquely positioned to offer integrated financial solutions that cater to a wide spectrum of wealth-building and protection needs. By combining investment expertise with risk-mitigation strategies, Mirae Asset Sharekhan is setting a new benchmark for how retail investors approach financial planning in India. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to expand financial literacy, enhance investor confidence, and ensure long-term financial well-being for its customers.

Behind the Firewall: 2024 Global Cyber Industry Insights

Nymphea Batra, Chief Executive Officer, Guy Carpenter India, said, “India’s insurance market is experiencing a period of stabilization following rate increases in 2021 and 2022. The ongoing threat of ransomware and malware continues to drive losses, highlighting the need for robust cyber insurance solutions. As larger companies seek more coverage at lower deductibles, the evolving risk landscape presents both challenges and opportunities for insurers in India and beyond.”

“As global cyber insurance premiums continue to increase, there has been a shift in the geographical distribution of the business,” said Erica Davis, Global Co-Head of Cyber, Guy Carpenter. “Although a significant portion of global premium still comes from carriers focused on North America, there has been a notable surge in growth in Europe and Asia. This acceleration in growth is good news for global reinsurers’ desire to diversify their exposure, which further helps unlock new capacity in the regions.”

“This year’s study shows that the modeled outputs have increased across all return periods and the extreme tail due to a combination of a change in exposure year on year and the updates introduced by the newer versions of the vendor models,” said Anthony Cordonnier, Global Co-Head of Cyber, Guy Carpenter. “Market dynamics have shifted with an increased proportion of larger companies purchasing more cover across the board at relatively lower deductible levels. This growth in sum insured alongside a turbulent and ever-changing threat landscape has contributed to the development in vendor model losses.”

The Collection at UB City Teams Up with NCPA ThePark to Enchant Bangalore with Performing Arts

Bangalore, 20th February 2025—The Collection at UB City is set to host a spectacular evening with The National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA) to enthrall Bangalore’s art, music, and theatre enthusiasts. The Symphony Orchestra of India and renowned vocalist Aanandi Joshi will perform on 22nd February 2025 at The Collection at UB City’s amphitheatre. This collaboration marks a significant moment for Bangalore’s cultural landscape, bringing the unparalleled artistic excellence of NCPA to discerning audiences.

The extraordinary performance promises to blend classical elegance and contemporary charm, further cementing UB City’s status as a cultural hub in the city.

Speaking about the collaboration, Uzma Irfan, Director, The Collection at UB City, said, “At UB City, we have always envisioned a space that seamlessly integrates luxury, lifestyle, and cultural experiences. The collaboration with NCPA is a natural extension of this vision, offering Bangaloreans a taste of world-class performing arts. We believe this initiative will further elevate the city’s cultural conversations, fostering a deeper appreciation for the arts.”

What Inspired This Collaboration?
The partnership between The Collection at UB City and NCPA@ThePark is driven by a shared commitment to enriching India’s cultural dialogue. Recognizing Bangalore’s taste for high-caliber artistic performances, this initiative seeks to bridge the gap by bringing NCPA’s renowned productions beyond Mumbai and into the heart of Bangalore’s vibrant cultural scene.

Audience Expectations & Reception
With Bangalore’s reputation as a hub for creativity and artistic expression, the performances are anticipated to resonate deeply with the city’s art and theatre aficionados. From seasoned connoisseurs to emerging enthusiasts, the NCPA@ThePark showcase promises to be an engaging and inspiring experience.

Exclusive Experiences for Bangalore
While staying true to NCPA’s hallmark of excellence, the Bangalore performances will offer unique elements tailored to the city’s audience. Specially curated productions, interactive sessions with artists, and an emphasis on interdisciplinary collaborations will set these showcases apart from NCPA’s Mumbai events, ensuring an exclusive and enriching experience.

The Role of Luxury & Lifestyle Destinations in Cultural Growth
Destinations such as UB City play a significant role in shaping cultural narratives by providing a sophisticated platform for artistic engagement. By incorporating world-class performances into an upscale environment, UB City not only enhances the cultural offerings of the city but also promotes a refined appreciation for the arts among a diverse audience.

This ground-breaking initiative is poised to transform Bangalore’s cultural calendar, presenting an extraordinary fusion of art, luxury, and creativity.

Amity University Maharashtra Marks a Milestone with the Celebrations of the Class of 2024’s Achievements

Mumbai, Maharashtra, 20/02/2024 – Amity University, Mumbai, held a memorable convocation ceremony for the Class of 2024 on Tuesday, celebrating the exceptional achievements of 1,505 graduates, 178 medal winners and 32 PhD recipients. The event, held at Shree Shanmukhananda Hall, marked a significant milestone in the students’ academic careers, as they were recognized for their excellence in academics, research, and community service.

 The ceremony also included the presentation of prestigious awards, including the Best All-Round Student Trophies and the 34 Gold, 35 Silver, and 15 Bronze medals. The Shri Baljit Shastri Award and Dr. K. Ashok Chauhan Scholarship were also presented, recognizing the hard work and dedication of students who excelled academically and contributed to the community.

 The ceremony began with a warm welcome address by Vice Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) A.W. Santhosh Kumar, followed by a speech from the Chancellor, Dr. Aseem Chauhan, who highlighted the university’s dedication to shaping future leaders who are not only academically proficient but also socially responsible. He also added, “The achievements of our graduates reflect their hard work, determination, and the strong academic foundation they received here at Amity.”

 The convocation was further distinguished by the conferment of honorary degrees by Chancellor, Dr. Aseem Chauhan and Vice Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) A.W. Santhosh Kumar to three outstanding industry leaders who have made significant contributions in their respective fields:

•  Mr. Nand Khemka, Chairman of SUN Group
• Mr. Romal Shetty, CEO of Deloitte
• Mr. Yann Leroy, Internationally Renowned Architect
• Keynote Addresses from Industry Leaders

 Mr. Nand Khemka, Chairman of SUN Group, delivered a keynote address that deeply inspired the graduates, urging them to embrace challenges and pursue their dreams with unwavering determination. He emphasized the importance of imagination, having a clear purpose in life, and developing resilience in the face of adversity.

 Mr. Romal Shetty, CEO of Deloitte, also gave a motivating speech, encouraging students to embrace discomfort, uphold integrity, stay adaptable, and continue learning throughout their careers. He stressed the importance of staying true to one’s values while striving for excellence in all pursuits.

 Mr. Yann Leroy, the internationally renowned architect, delivered a heartfelt acceptance speech that resonated deeply with the students. Drawing from his experience, he spoke about the transformative power of innovation and urged graduates to think creatively and make meaningful contributions to society.

 Vice Chancellor Prof.(Dr.) A.W. Santhosh Kumar expressed immense pride in the achievements of the graduates: “It is a day of immense pride and joy for all of us at Amity University, Mumbai. These graduates are not only equipped with the knowledge needed to succeed in their careers but also the passion to make a lasting impact in the world.”

 The ceremony also celebrated students who have demonstrated outstanding entrepreneurial ventures, and volunteer work. These contributions to their holistic development were recognized alongside academic success.

Experience the Essence of India with Tata Tea Premium’s Rich Flavor

Chandigarh, February 20, 2025: Tata Tea Premium, Desh ki chai, flagship brand of Tata Consumer Products. Carefully crafted blend designed to capture the hearts of chai lovers across the nation. With its rich flavor and aromatic profile, Tata Tea Premium promises a delightful tea experience that resonates with regional taste preferences.

Tata Tea Premium, known as “Desh Ki Chai,” acknowledges India’s diverse palate by offering regionally inspired blends. The variants under Tata Tea Premium include blends tailored for specific regions: Delhi ke liye Rich Assam Chai, Haryana ke liye Kadak Assam Chai, Odisha ke liye Kadak Assam Chai, Punjab ke liye Badi Danedaar Chai, Uttar Pradesh ke liye Dumdaar Chai, and West Bengal ke liye Swad Bhari Chai.

inDrive Delivery’s Valentine’s Day Orders Spike by 1.5x Year-Over-Year

New Delhi, 20 February 2025: Valentine’s Day has slowly evolved into a significant event in India. It lets us cherish and spread love in our unique way while also reminding us how beautifully complex it is. But behind the scenes, a complex chain is ensuring that love gets delivered on time. inDrive Delivery witnessed substantial growth during Valentine’s week this year as the deliveries surged 1.5 times compared to the previous year.

Pavit Nanda Anand, APAC Communications Lead, inDrive said, “We experienced a surge in business on Valentine’s Day due to the increased demand for our ride-hailing and delivery services. Interestingly, the demand for last minute deliveries on Valentine’s Day was at its peak in Chandigarh. The demand for ride-hailing services increased significantly on Valentine’s Day as people used our platform to get around town and celebrate with loved ones. Our delivery service also experienced a high demand for gifts, hampers, and flower deliveries. We ensured that gifts were delivered on time.

Valentine’s Day was a busy time for our logistics business as they play a crucial role in redefining celebrations and making the day memorable for people.

The surge in deliveries during Valentine’s Day is a testament to the quick and reliable delivery services offered by inDrive.Delivery. For instance, we ensured packages were picked up within 7 minutes and delivered safely to recipients.”

WorkIndia Report Highlights 81% Increase in Construction Job Seekers, Engineering Roles Double Amid Infrastructure Expansion

National, February 20th, 2025 – WorkIndia, a leading platform connecting job seekers with employers, has witnessed significant hiring growth in the construction sector during the year 2023-2024. The sector has witnessed an 81% increase in candidates choosing construction as their preferred field, highlighting its growing appeal among job seekers. Within the sector, the preference for architect roles surged rises, while those opting for engineering roles doubled, indicating a shift towards structural and infrastructure-driven careers.

One of the most notable trends is the substantial surge in hiring for architects, with a growth of 35%. This reflects the rising need for skilled architects in the country’s booming infrastructure and urban development sector. In contrast, interior design roles, including interior designers, witnessed significant declines, with interior design roles dropping by 100% and interior designers seeing a 99% fall. These shifts indicate a transformation in the types of talent needed as the construction sector focuses more on structural and engineering advancements.

The engineering sector saw extraordinary growth. Engineering roles surged by 216%, driven by the growing demand for civil, site, and construction engineers. This massive increase reflects the expanding infrastructure projects across the country, particularly in key cities and emerging urban areas. Tier 1 cities, such as Bengaluru, Delhi, Mumbai, and Pune, saw an increase in demand for construction professionals ranging from 32% to 51%. Tier 2 cities also experienced significant growth, with hiring demand rising by 25% to 68% for roles such as engineers and architects. Most notably, Tier 3 cities reported an exceptional 132% increase in demand, pointing to the rapid development of smaller cities and towns.

WorkIndia’s data further highlights the dominant presence of young professionals in the construction sector. Most candidates selecting construction as their preferred industry fall within the 20-30 age group, with a strong concentration in the 22-24 range. Notably, 24-year-olds alone accounted for 9.11% of candidates, reinforcing the role of a younger, dynamic workforce in driving industry growth.

Mr. Nilesh Dungarwal, Co-Founder and CEO of WorkIndia, commented, “The construction sector is witnessing an unprecedented rise in job seekers, with an 81% increase in candidates choosing it as their preferred field. The surge in engineering and architecture roles highlights the industry’s shift towards large-scale infrastructure development, especially in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. This trend signifies the growing demand for skilled professionals who will play a crucial role in shaping India’s urban and rural landscapes.”

Coorg Food Festival at Grand Mercure Mysore

Spice up your evenings by taking a culinary adventure through the heart of coorg from 21st-28th of February at By the Blue, at Grand Mercure Mysore. Explore the symphony of authentic flavors and aromas of the cuisine with every bite, with dishes artfully curated by Chef Pradip Kumar Pani and his team.

 Savour the rich culinary heritage of Kodava cuisine through a menu meticulously crafted to incorporate the bold and earthy flavours of the specialties of the region. Revel in a range of divine dishes, beginning with the tangy and refreshing Kachampuli cooler, a perfect introduction to the unique tastes of Coorg. Continue your exploration with the crispy, flavorful Coorgi Koli Fry, a local favourite, and then indulge in the slow-cooked Pork Apndi Curry, a rich and aromatic dish served with the traditional kadambutu. Every dish is a testament to the region’s culinary artistry, promising a delightful Coorgi dinner in a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere.