3, Nov 2023
Asha School Transforms Lives: Religare Enterprises and AWWA Collaborates to Modernise Asha School in New Delhi
New Delhi, 3rd November 2023- Religare Enterprises Limited (REL) and AWWA, today announced their long-standing commitment towards the welfare of specially-abled children through modernisation and holistic development of Asha Schools in New Delhi and elsewhere. 32 Asha Schools are run by AWWA across the country to nurture the potential of specially-abled children. Asha Schools are nurturing about 1200 children across various cities in India which includes 500 wards of serving personnel and veterans of the armed forces and 500 children from civil backgrounds. Furthermore, Religare announced that the company will support an additional 5 schools in Agra, Hissar, Mathura, Jalandhar, and Guwahati.
Through a significant collaboration initiated between REL and AWWA in December 2022 and April 2023, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed for the upgradation and modernization of Asha Schools by REL in New Delhi, Pune, Bengaluru, Lucknow, Secunderabad and Udhampur. Significant infrastructural enhancement has been undertaken by REL in less than a year for Asha School, Delhi for giving it a facelift. Considerable on-ground progress has been achieved in upgrading the schools in other cities as well.
This announcement comes after the successful completion of the first phase of the collaboration that witnessed the modernization of Asha School, Delhi. Replicating the module-based approach implemented at Delhi, REL offers holistic support through various interventions, including the development of the curriculum, infrastructure, and the faculty’s capabilities in other schools as well. Religare also intends to support these schools with the medical and nutritional requirements of the students in addition to provisioning transportation facilities, vocational guidance, and placement and internship assistance.
With the objective of making students financially independent, Religare plans for their gradual introduction to corporations by organizing internship and training opportunities. After their training, Religare will also offer employment within Religare Group companies spread over 100 locations in India.
Speaking about the initiative, Mrs Archana Pande, President AWWA said, “We are delighted to announce our long-term collaboration for six Asha Schools to begin with, which we are hopeful to expand to other Asha Schools as well. The progress made in this short period is a testament to the noble intentions of both partners. Asha Schools have been a beacon of hope and a sanctuary of learning for specially-abled children. Our commitment is to provide them with the best-in-class facilities and opportunities, enabling them to realize their potential and make their mark in society.” She highlighted the achievements of Asha Schools and the endeavours of AWWA and mentioned that the welfare of specially-abled children has always been the key focus area of the organization. REL has ably supported this initiative of AWWA and this collaboration will usher in a brighter future for these children.
Speaking about the initiative, Dr Rashmi Saluja, Executive Chairperson, Religare Enterprises Limited said, “We are pleased to be able to support the development of Asha Schools. At Religare, we believe in creating a positive impact on the communities we serve, and we see this initiative as an opportunity to contribute to the Asha schools’ endeavour to empower specially-abled children. The schools mentor and nurture children admirably, allowing them to reach their full potential. By supporting the education and well-being of these children, we hope to create a better future for them and our society. We aim to partner with all Asha Schools by next year.”
“Through our association, we are also setting an example for our peers in the industry, who can contribute towards building an inclusive society for the children.”
The collaboration that began in December 2022 with Asha School Delhi, has been extended to further cover schools in Pune, Bengaluru, Lucknow, Secunderabad, and Udhampur. There are plans to expand this partnership to other schools as well.
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- By Rabindra
3, Nov 2023
Award for Manappuram Finance’s Skill Development Initiatives
Thrissur 3rd October 2023: Manappuram Finance has been honoured with an award for the ‘Best Skill Development Initiative of the Year’. The recognition was bestowed upon the lending institution at the 4th BFSI Excellence Awards, organized by Quantic India. Manappuram’s upskilling and employee training program emerged as the standout initiative among BFSI institutions nationwide. Sujit Chandra Kumar, General Manager of Manappuram Finance’s Corporate Communications Department, and Chief Learning Officer Dr Renjith P R were present at the function in Mumbai to receive the prestigious award.
On this achievement, Mr. V. P. Nandakumar, the MD and CEO of Manappuram Finance Limited, expressed his happiness and said, “We are proud of this recognition. At Manappuram, we are committed to enhancing the skills and capabilities of our workforce. We believe in providing specialized training in various career fields related to the banking and finance sector, both internally and in collaboration with esteemed higher education institutions.”
3, Nov 2023
Tenable Study Finds Indian Organisations Cannot Prevent 42% of Cyberattacks
India, November 3, 2023: Tenable®, Inc., the Exposure Management company, published a new study revealing that Indian organizations could not prevent 42% of cyberattacks on their businesses, only successfully thwarting 58% of cyberattacks over the past two years. Consequently, organizations have had to rely on reactive measures rather than preventing attacks from occurring in the first place.
The study further revealed that 78% of Indian respondents believe their organizations could better defend against cyberattacks with more resources dedicated to preventive cybersecurity. However, a concerning 64% indicated that their cybersecurity teams spend the majority of their time addressing critical incidents, hampering their capacity to take a proactive stance.
The data is drawn from, “Old Habits Die Hard: How People, Process and Technology Challenges Are Hurting Cybersecurity Teams in India,” a commissioned study of 825 IT and cybersecurity professionals including 69 Indian respondents conducted in 2023 by Forrester Consulting on behalf of Tenable.
The study, which emphasizes the significance of adopting a proactive cybersecurity approach, found that a core reason for the prevalent reactivity in Indian organizations’ cybersecurity practices is the lack of alignment in goals between IT and security teams. Seven in 10 (71%) organizations say their IT teams are more concerned with uptime than patching and remediation. The disparity results in a lack of coordination between the two teams, a challenge acknowledged by 43% of Indian organizations.
“In today’s threat landscape, by the time organizations react to cyberattacks, the battle is half lost,” said Kartik Shahani, Country Manager for Tenable India. “Organisations in India simply cannot afford to remain in reactive mode. The study we conducted sheds light on the inherent issues within Indian organisations’ own structure and operations. This misalignment in goals between IT and security teams results in a palpable lack of synchronization, making it challenging for these vital components of an organization to work cohesively toward a shared goal.”
This goal misalignment is further exacerbated as organizations race to adopt new and emerging software-as-a-service applications from third-party providers. Eight in 10 respondents (81%) of their organizations use a third-party program for SaaS apps and services. However, only over half (54%) have visibility into these third-party environments making proactive security measures elusive.
Shahani noted, “While there are no quick fixes to these challenges, implementing an exposure management program enables security professionals to better allocate time and resources so they can focus on taking the preventive actions that legitimately reduce an organisation’s cyber risk. It requires security teams to place as much importance on proactive efforts as they currently do on reactive incident response efforts. It requires security and IT professionals to consider how siloed organisational structures — and the myriad security tools used in support of those silos — are hindering their ability to see what an attacker sees. And it requires a way for security professionals to analyse the data coming from disparate tools to empower them to draw meaningful insights they can apply to their risk reduction goals.”
3, Nov 2023
Ganglia Technologies Pvt Ltd Honored with the “Promising & Innovative Technology Company of the Year 2023
Bengaluru, November 3rd, 2023: Ganglia Technologies Pvt Ltd, housed in the Manipal GoK Bioincubator in Manipal, Karnataka, received the prestigious “Promising & Innovative Technology Company of the Year 2023” Karnataka Award in the “Futuristic Product Development & Research” category. This esteemed recognition was presented at the 22nd The Great Indian Entrepreneurship, Design, Business & Startup Awards & Conference 2023, an event that celebrates entrepreneurship, innovation, and business leadership excellence. The awards were presented by Rajah Vijay Kumar, a Scientist and Innovator with over 150 IPR assets, and K Raghu, a renowned Chartered Accountant and former President of ICAI.
Representing Ganglia Technologies Pvt Ltd at the event were Dr. Jairaj Mymbilly Balakrishnan, Chairman, and Dr. Dasharathraj K Shetty, the Managing Director. They were accompanied by key members of the company’s core Design Team(current and former): Shreyas Holla, Prithvi Tilwani, and Sripathi RB. All the team members are either MAHE alumni or students.
In their remarks, the team expressed their gratitude, stating, “Dr. TMA Pai, the founder of Manipal, has always been a role model for us. We owe this award to Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, whose support has been instrumental in bringing us to this stage. We also thank the Leadership of MAHE, KMC, MIT, and Manipal-GoK-Bioincubator, who have always been with us. We thank our mentors, including Dr. Sharathkumar Rao, Pro-VC MAHE, Cdr. Dr. Anil Rana, Director-MIT-Manipal; Dr. Padmaraj Hegde, Dean KMC-Manipal, and Dr. Manesh Thomas, CEO, Manipal GoK Bioincubator. Our Directors, Dr. Balakrishna SM and Dr. Sandeep S Shenoy, as well as our dedicated employees and interns, have played a vital role in making this achievement possible.”
The award ceremony and conference took place at The Taj West End, The Grand Ballroom, Bengaluru, on October 30, 2023, Monday. This flagship event brought together more than 350 industrialists, start-up founders, architects, interior designers, prominent business figures, and entrepreneurs. Distinguished attendees included ingenious bureaucrats, top architects, global leaders, CEOs, and politicians.
3, Nov 2023
Dreaming of a Big Home… Financial Moves to Make It Happen
– by Akash Pharande, Managing Director – Pharande Spaces
As we know, the COVID-19 pandemic triggered a remarkable shift among India’s middle class when it comes to home purchase behaviour. Typically conservative middle class Indians who earlier preferred compact and functional homes started splurging on relatively bigger properties, defying conventional wisdom.
While WFH and online schooling initially drove demand for bigger homes, this trend continued even after the pandemic subsided. There has been a deeper attitudinal shift unrelated to pandemic requirements.
Why bigger homes rule the market
– Lifestyle changes: The pandemic fundamentally altered buyer attitudes and living habits. After discovering the benefits of space and community living during lockdowns, the Indian middle class now sees large homes with amenities as the ideal, irrespective of WFH and online schooling needs fading.
– Demographic shifts: Rising nuclearization, urbanization and higher disposable incomes among middle class Indians also drive demand for bigger homes. Dual-income households want more room – for parents, future family growth and overall comfort.
– Future-proofing: Buyers want homes future-proofed against disruptions like health emergencies. Extra space provides a buffer and flexibility.
– Financial security: In India, real estate is seen as a wealth creator. Big homes equal better financial security and social stature. Unlike smaller starter homes which will later be sold to upgrade to better properties, big homes also represent permanence.
– Competitive pricing: Many leading developers offer large 3 BHKs within budget via competitive pricing and finance schemes, making bigger homes attractive investments.
– Suburbanization: The middle class continues migrating to metros’ peripheries and Tier 2/3 cities where property is cheaper, enabling purchase of bigger homes within budget.
Gradual but marked post-pandemic price appreciation has also encouraged buyers to invest in bigger homes before unaffordability sets in.
Counting the cost
But very few middle-class Indian families can afford to buy a bigger home right off the bat. Housing remains the most expensive acquisition most Indians will ever make, and bigger homes cost more.
Typically, in housing projects in a metro city, every additional bedroom costs between 15-25% more than the base 2BHK rate. For example, if a 2 BHK measures 1,000 sq.ft and costs Rs 8,000 per sq.ft, its price is Rs 80 lakhs. A 3BHK of 1,200 sq.ft (with 1 extra bedroom) at Rs 8,000 per sq.ft will cost Rs 96 lakhs, or 20% more.
Those additional bedrooms are definitely worth it. Apart from the sheer convenience and positive social connotations of a larger flat, the extra rooms allow for better utilization per square foot and in terms of rental ROI, 3 BHKs earn anywhere between 30-40% more rent than 2BHKs.
For most middle-class Indians, achieving the cherished dream of a spacious new flat calls for a lot of honest introspection, future gazing, and financial planning.
India’s middle-income groups typically face multiple financial burdens like education expenses for children, medical emergencies, financially supporting aged parents, etc. Along with these recurring expenses, the high monthly outgo towards home EMIs can overwhelm monthly budgets.
While the dream of owning that 3/4 BHK looms large on the family’s horizon, there are some immutable rules of financial planning that must not be broken. The most important one is that the expense of a home purchase should not exceed 35-40% of the total monthly household income. Breaching this limit can leave buyers cash-strapped to handle other critical spending.
Financial steps towards the 3 BHK
Track expenses and build savings: Maintain a record of monthly expenditures across categories – food, travel, shopping, utility bills, etc. This helps identify wasteful spending that can be reduced. Target to save at least 20% of your monthly income for the down payment on your home, and ensure that you always have an emergency corpus to handle contingencies.
Reduce existing debts: Try to close or prepay any outstanding loans for cars, gadgets, or vacations. This lowers your obligations and improves eligibility for the home loan.
Pay off expensive credit card bills: Credit card rollovers and revolving debts attract exorbitant interest rates of over 40% p.a. Clear off high-cost card dues with savings to free up repayment capacity.
Build a good credit score: Lenders check credit scores to assess loan eligibility and determine interest rates. Scores above 750 help secure cheaper home loans.
Avoid new purchases on EMIs: Adding more EMI commitments when home purchase is on the anvil increases the repayment burden significantly. Defer any major purchases that require loans.
Extend home loan tenure: Opting for a longer tenure of 25-30 years instead of the normal 20 years reduces the EMI outgo. This makes the home purchase more affordable.
Leverage co-applicant income: Consider including the spouse as a co-applicant for jointly availing a larger home loan amount and increasing repayment capability.
Claim tax benefits: First-time home buyers can avail deductions up to Rs 3.5 lakhs a year on principal and home loan interest under Sections 24 and 80C to reduce tax liability.
With some discipline and smart financial moves, middle-income home buyers can realize their aspirations of owning a large home while maintaining a healthy financial profile. Seeking professional guidance from financial planners also helps chalk out the best route to home ownership.
Obviously, owners of an existing home have an advantage as this property, if it is marketable, may be sold to reduce the overall financial burden. The above financial planning steps primarily address the perspective of first-time home buyers focused on acquiring a big apartment.
However, they also apply to existing homeowners whose property is modestly sized (and therefore in less demand) and/or in a very old project with very few of the modern trappings of more contemporary housing projects.
In a market where bigger, modern homes rule the demand wave, selling smaller, older properties may only help marginally in offsetting the cost of a spacious new apartment. Financial savviness and discipline can go a long way in narrowing the gap to make the dream of a spacious new home more attainable.
About the Author:
Akash Pharande is Managing Director – Pharande Spaces, a leading real estate construction and development firm famous for its township projects in West Pune and beyond. Pharande Promoters & Builders, the flagship company of Pharande Spaces and an ISO 9001-2000 certified company, is a pioneer of townships in West Pune.
3, Nov 2023
HCAH Joins Hands with Bangalore Police Department to Raise Stroke Awareness
Bangalore, November 03, 2023: HCAH, India’s leading out-of-hospital care provider, took a significant step in enhancing community health and well-being by collaborating with the Bangalore Police Department to host a comprehensive Stroke Awareness camp. The event took place this week, at Car Police Hospital, Mysore Road, Chamrajpet, Bangalore, attracting a substantial turnout of more than 100 attendees who availed themselves of free medical and physiotherapy sessions.
The camp’s inaugural ceremony was graced by the esteemed presence of Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Mr. Girish B.R, representing the Bangalore Police Department. ACP Girish’s participation underscored the police department’s unwavering commitment to the welfare of its officers and the broader community.
A notable feature of the camp was a comprehensive Stroke Awareness session conducted by Dr. Pradeep R., a distinguished Consultant Neurologist and Epileptologist from Ramaiah Medical College and Hospitals, Bengaluru. Dr. Pradeep shed light on the importance of recognizing the signs and symptoms of a stroke and delved into the crucial aspects of post-stroke recovery. He emphasized the pivotal role of in-patient post-stroke rehabilitation, facilitating early and effective recovery for stroke survivors. Dr. Pradeep’s closing words, “Together we can be greater than Stroke,” resonated with this year’s awareness campaign theme.
Karthik, City Head for HCAH SuVitas, Bangalore, underscored the growing importance of well-designed post-stroke rehabilitation programs, given the increasing number of stroke cases. He expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Bangalore Police Department for allowing serving and raising awareness about stroke prevention and recovery within the community.
By joining forces with the Bangalore Police Department, HCAH demonstrated its unwavering commitment to community well-being and highlighted the significance of collaborative efforts in the fight against stroke.
2, Nov 2023
Zee Studios made the brands #Restart their journey!
Mumbai, 2nd November 2023: The movie 12th Fail explores the journey of Manoj Kumar Sharma and despite all odds, how he restarted his journey towards success. The banter was appreciated by the media, critics, and brands alike.
Zee Studios’ latest film 12th Fail has been creating a buzz everywhere through its raw emotions with a story that connects to the hearts alongside a striking performance by Vikrant Massey. The story revolves around IPS aspirant Manoj Kumar Sharma played by Vikrant Massey. Despite all the challenges, with hope and courage, he always chose to restart.
The story weaved a seamless connection with the audience as it portrayed the real struggle of a UPSC aspirant and the idea of never giving up. This became the very reason for the movie to receive humongous support from the brands.
Leveraging the central theme of the film i.e. never giving up, Zee Studios kicked off a unique brand banter on X with the hashtag #Restart. Brands across the nation resonated well with it, and the audience as well shared their ‘Restart’ journey.
Popular and significant brands like Zepto, Lenskart, Yatra.com, Ixigo, Xiaomi India, Nerolac Paints India, Sugar Cosmetics, Ajio, Magicpin, CoinSwitch, Eloelo, Meesho, Snapdeal, iQOO India & Mivi participated and integrated their products and services in this fun banter.
The movie 12th Fail is an inspiration, not just for UPSC aspirants but for everyone to lead their way to success, rise back stronger after failures, and fly high!
This activity was a major part of the movie campaign that gained a lot of attention and created ripples of conversations. The movie 12th Fail is produced by Zee Studios and marketed by White Rivers Media, an integrated, independent digital marketing agency.
2, Nov 2023
News18 India Announces “Bhaiya Ji Kahin – Bharat Ki Chunav Yatra” – India’s biggest-ever election show
02 November 2023: News18 India, India’s No.1 Hindi News Channel, has announced the launch of “Bhaiya Ji Kahin – Bharat Ki Chunav Yatra,” the most extensive election show ever to air on Indian television. This remarkable show started from Rajnandgaon, Chhattisgarh on Monday, and it is set to go across the length and breadth of the nation.
The show’s format promises an engaging and insightful look into the issues, the level of development, and the expectations of communities across the country from the upcoming state and national elections. The show’s host, Prateek Trivedi aka Bhaiya Ji, has kickstarted this national journey from Chhattisgarh. In the months to come, he will travel extensively, engaging with people on the ground and leaders to discuss – unique challenges, aspirations of people from different regions.
After kicking off from Rajnandgaon, “Bhaiya Ji Kahin – Bharat Ki Chunav Yatra” will subsequently traverse to other key cities in Chhattisgarh including Jagdalpur, Durg, Khairagarh, Bilaspur, and Raipur given that the elections in the state are around the corner. Subsequently, the journey will extend to Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan in the following weeks given the upcoming assembly elections in both states.
The show’s unique nationwide journey will capture the essence of India’s rich political landscape, making it a must-watch for anyone interested in the nation’s polity, vibrant democracy and indeed it’s future.
Karan Abhishek Singh, CEO – Hindi News, Network 18 said on the launch of the show, “News18 India has developed a reputation of consistently bringing path-breaking and insightful programming. Bhaiyaji Kahin was a clutter-breaking show from the very beginning with its refreshing and engaging format. With this edition of the show, we are bringing its freshness and energy to our coverage of the upcoming state and national elections in the country – an offering that is unmatched in scale.”
Stay tuned to News18 India for the most comprehensive election coverage, as Bhaiya Ji Kahin – Bharat Ki Chunav Yatra embarks on its epic journey, promising a blend of informative and entertaining content bound to keep viewers engaged from start to finish.
2, Nov 2023
Bishop Cotton Boys School partners with 56 Secure for comprehensive security solutions
Bengaluru, Nov 2, 2023: Bishop Cotton Boys School and 56 Secure, a leading innovator in security solutions, have forged a partnership today to guarantee maximum safety and security for the highly anticipated cultural fest, “Magnifeier.” Bishop Cotton Boys has chosen 56 Secure as their preferred security partner for the mega event, which is expected to have 20k + attendees. 56 Secure to deploy its holistic security solutions such as AI Powered camera, PSARA certified security personnel, and live monitoring. The once in every 10 years’ fest is scheduled to happen on the 3rd of November at Bishop Cotton Boys School, Bengaluru.
The forthcoming Magnifeier cultural festival, slated to be a prominent fixture in the city’s cultural agenda, boasts a remarkable roster of artists. This includes acclaimed stand-up comedian Kenny Sebastian, celebrated performers Amit Trivedi, Ritviz, and the ever-energetic Raghu Dixit. The event is expected to draw an audience of over 18,000 people.
Magnifeier’s organizers, in collaboration with 56 Secure, have implemented a comprehensive three-tiered security framework, marking the advent of a new era in security measures. Firstly, they have implemented state-of-the-art AI-powered surveillance, which harnesses cutting-edge artificial intelligence technology. This system ensures that real-time security updates are provided, allowing for immediate intervention if necessary.
Secondly, a network of PSARA-Certified Security Professionals has been established. They possess the expertise required to adeptly manage and address security concerns as they arise. Lastly, there are Enhanced Entry Protocols for event attendees. These measures create a controlled and secure entry environment, adding an extra layer of protection to the overall security framework.
Sharing his thoughts on the partnership, Sacheth Kadam and Harshit Sharma, Co-founders, 56 Secure said, “Together with Bishop Cotton Boys School, we are forging a new path for enhanced security at cultural gatherings. With safety being of paramount importance, we are thrilled to redefine the safety of the event through our advanced security framework. We aim to set a new gold standard for event security in the region, reaffirming our commitment to ensuring that the magic of ‘Magnifeier’ unfolds in the safest and most enjoyable way possible.”
Speaking on the partnership with 56 Secure, the security committee member stated, “The partnership between Bishop Cotton Boys School and 56 Secure sets a new standard for event security, ensuring the safety of Magnifeier attendees. This collaboration reflects our commitment towards a secure and enjoyable environment for everyone.”
A dedicated group of trained security personnel will be on-site to guarantee the safety of both performers and event participants. Their vigilant presence will play a pivotal role in upholding order and efficiently addressing any unexpected circumstances.
The partnership between Bishop Cotton Boys School and 56 Secure underscores their dedication to ensuring a secure and enjoyable environment for every Magnifeier attendee, establishing a fresh benchmark for event security in the region.
2, Nov 2023
Elastic Global Threat Report 2023 Reveals Dominance of Ransomware
INDIA, Bengaluru, November 02, 2023 – Elastic® (NYSE: ESTC) (“Elastic”), the company behind Elasticsearch®, today announced its second Elastic Global Threat Report, issued by Elastic Security Labs. Based on observations from more than 1 billion data points over the last 12 months, the report reveals ransomware is expanding and diversifying; more than half of all observed malware infections were on Linux systems; and credential access techniques have become an essential part of the cloud intrusion process.
Key findings from the report include:
Malware Trends
The majority of malware observed was composed of a small number of highly prevalent ransomware families and commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) tools. As financially motivated threat communities adopt or offer malware-as-a-service (MaaS) capabilities, enterprises should heavily invest in developing security functions with broad visibility of low-level behaviors to expose previously undiscovered threats.
● BlackCat, Conti, Hive, Sodinokibi, and Stop are the most prevalent ransomware families we identify through signatures, amounting to about 81% of all ransomware activity.
● COTS malware capabilities like Metasploit and Cobalt Strike represented 5.7% of all signature events. On Windows, these families amounted to about 68% of all infection attempts.
● Around 91% of malware signature events came from Linux endpoints, while Windows endpoints accounted for only about 6%.
Endpoint Behavior Trends
The most sophisticated threat groups evade security by withdrawing to edge devices, appliances, and other platforms where visibility is at its lowest. As never before, the report highlights the need for enterprises to evaluate the tamper-resistant nature of their endpoint security sensors and consider monitoring projects to track vulnerable device drivers used to disable security technologies. In addition, organizations with large Windows environments should track vulnerable device drivers to disable these essential technologies.
● When looked at together, Execution and Defense Evasion make up more than 70% of all endpoint alerts.
● Elastic observed the most discreet techniques on Windows endpoints, being the top target by adversaries with 94% of all endpoint behavior alerts, followed by macOS at 3%.
● macOS-specific credential dumping was responsible for an astounding 79% of all credentials access techniques by adversaries, an increase of approximately 9% since last year. Of these attempts, we observed that Windows environments where ProcessDump.exe, WriteMiniDump.exe, and RUNDLL32.exe were used more than 78% of the time.
Cloud Security Trends
As enterprises increasingly migrate on-premises resources to hybrid or entirely cloud-based environments, threat actors are taking advantage of misconfigurations, lax access controls, unsecured credentials, and no functional principle of least privilege (PoLP) models. Organizations can dramatically reduce the risk of compromise by implementing the security features that their cloud providers already support and monitoring for common credential abuse attempts.
● For Amazon Web Services, Elastic observed defense evasion (38%), credential access (37%), and execution (21%) as the most common tactics mapped to threat detection signals.
● 53% of credential access events were tied to compromised legitimate Microsoft Azure accounts.
● Microsoft 365 experienced a high rate of credential access signals, accounting for 86%.
● 85% of Google Cloud threat detection signals were related to defense evasion.
● Discovery accounted for approximately 61% of all Kubernetes-specific signals, predominantly related to unexpected service account requests that were denied.
“Today’s threat landscape is truly borderless, as adversaries morph into criminal enterprises focused on monetizing their attack strategies,” said Jake King, head of security intelligence and director of engineering at Elastic. “Open source, commodity malware, and the use of AI have lowered the barrier to entry for attackers, but we’re also seeing the rise of automated detection and response systems that enable all engineers to better defend their infrastructures. It’s a cat-and-mouse game, and our strongest weapons are vigilance and the continued investment in new defense technologies and strategies.”
