Honeywell Report: ‘Silent Residency’ Escalates Cyber Threats for Industrial Facilities

Mumbai, May 07, 2024 — Honeywell (NASDAQ: HON) today released its 2024 USB Threat Report, which provides new insight into how “silent residency” is an increasing cyber threat for industrial and critical infrastructure facilities. In the report, Honeywell highlighted the growing risk of “living off the land” (“LotL”) attacks in which adversaries use USB devices to gain access to industrial control systems in order to hide and observe operations before launching attacks that evade detection and manipulate the target systems.

“Targeted cyber-physical attacks are more than zero-day exploits that take advantage of an unknown or unaddressed vulnerability. Instead, they are now also about silent residency – using LotL attacks to wait until there is an opportune moment to turn a system against itself,” said Micheal Ruiz, vice president of OT cybersecurity for Honeywell.

Now in its sixth year, the report underscores the severe risk USB-borne malware poses to industrial and critical infrastructure facilities. Key findings in the report indicate that adversaries now have a strong understanding of industrial environments and how they operate. According to the report, most of the malware detected on USB devices by Honeywell’s Secure Media Exchange could cause loss of view or loss of control of an industrial process, a potentially catastrophic scenario for operators.

“As digital transformation and automation accelerate, so does the exposure to sophisticated and malicious cyberattacks that can have devastating consequences in terms of reputation, safety and continuity,” said Ruiz. “There are numerous ways a bad actor can infiltrate an OT environment, including through USBs. With Honeywell’s advanced end-to-end technology and deep experience, we partner with our customers to improve their ability to protect their assets and data from these threats.”

The 2024 report is based on the Honeywell Global Analysis, Research and Defense (GARD) team’s tracking and analysis of aggregated cybersecurity threat data from hundreds of industrial facilities globally during a 12-month period.

Several of the report’s additional key findings included:

· USB devices continue to be used as an initial attack vector into industrial environments, as 51% of malware is designed to spread via USB, a nearly six-fold increase from 9% in 2019.

· Content-based malware, which uses existing documents and scripting functions maliciously, is on the rise, accounting for 20% of malware.

· Over 13% of all malware blocked specifically leveraged the inherent capabilities of common documents, such as Word, Excel and PDF documents.

· 82% of malware is capable of causing disruption to industrial operations, resulting in loss of view, loss of control, or system outages in OT environments.

EaseMyTrip Announced as Presenting Partner of World Championship of Legends

Mumbai: May 7, 2024– EaseMyTrip, one of India’s largest online travel platforms, announces its partnership as the presenting partner of the prestigious World Championship of Legends (WCL). This collaboration marks a significant milestone in the world of sports and entertainment, uniting two influential entities to enhance the cricketing experience for fans worldwide.

The World Championship of Legends is known for its outstanding contributions to cricket, and with EaseMyTrip as its presenting partner, the league is poised for further global recognition and engagement.

Nishant Pitti, CEO and Co-founder of EaseMyTrip shared his thoughts about the partnership, stating, “We are excited to serve as the presenting partner of the World Championship of Legends. This partnership underscores our unwavering dedication to championing sporting excellence and curating unforgettable experiences for cricket enthusiasts around the globe.”

Bollywood actor Ajay Devgn, who has also invested in the World Championship of Legends, expressed his support, saying, “I welcome EaseMyTrip as the main presenters of the World Championship of Legends and am happy that we are on a path of creating new entertaining moments with our legendary cricketing heroes.”

Harshit Tomar, the visionary founder and CEO of the World Championship of Legends, emphasized the significance of this partnership, stating, “EaseMyTrip is the second-largest travel company in India and from cricket to tennis to kabaddi, EaseMyTrip has been associated with numerous sports leagues.

I am confident that with EaseMyTrip on board, WCL will significantly strengthen”

Suresh Raina, a cricketing icon and valued member of the World Championship of Legends, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “I’m thrilled to join India Champions in WCL! With EaseMyTrip as the powered by sponsors, the foundation of WCL is stronger than ever. Can’t wait to get back on the field alongside other cricketing legends and compete at Edgbaston. See you all there!”

Harbhajan Singh, another revered figure in cricket, echoed Raina’s sentiment, saying, “I am excited to join Indian Champions in WCL. Things are going in perfect direction , Getting ECB approval, huge response for ticket sales and now getting respected brands as sponsors. It strengthens the structure of WCL.”

The World Championship of Legends kicks off on the 3rd of July at the iconic Edgbaston Stadium in Birmingham, UK. Six teams will be vying for glory, including India Champions, Australia Champions, Pakistan Champions, England Champions, South Africa Champions, and West Indies Champions.

Legendary players such as Yuvraj Singh, Shahid Afridi, Brett Lee, Ian Bell, and Daren Sammy will grace the field, adding to the excitement and prestige of the tournament.

With EaseMyTrip as the presenting partner and the shared excitement of cricketing legends and investors, the World Championship of Legends is set to captivate audiences and solidify its position as a premier cricketing event.

Hydraulic Patch Fittings by Hafele

The sheer transparency and elegance of glass radiates a luxurious aura. Similarly, a seamless plank of wood exudes classiness and style. Hardware that does not hamper this innate sophistication, provides effortless and fluid movement, bequeaths flawless aesthetics, and delivers maintenance free operations is therefore gaining importance.

Hafele brings to you its new and improved range of Hydraulic Patch Fittings which supports the trend of minimal, understated aesthetics as well as providing the right functionality. These patch fittings enable the conception of frameless assemblies that exude a clean, and visually appealing look while being functionally flexible.

This range for frameless glass, wooden and wooden framed doors comes with a high load bearing capacity of 100kg., requires no floor excavation for installation and is engineered for stability and durability.

Housing Sector seeks to capitalize on Akshaya Tritiya for further sales surge

The real estate market is thriving, and the housing sector is capitalizing on the auspicious occasion of Akshaya Tritiya to boost home sales further. A recent surge in home purchases is supported by an increasing appreciation for homeownership. This uptick is partly due to the RBI’s decision to maintain repo rates, stabilizing borrowing costs and encouraging both buyers and sellers. Traditionally considered an auspicious occasion for making significant investments, Akshaya Tritiya presents an opportune moment for the housing sector to capitalize on the prevailing momentum. Developers are preparing attractive offers and incentives to capitalize on the heightened sentiment surrounding the occasion. Here are a few notable offers for homebuyers who are looking to cash-in the possible home-buying opportunity.

Celebrate Akshaya Tritiya with Siddha-Sejal Group and Unlock the Door to Your Dream Home!

This Akshaya Tritiya, Siddha-Sejal Group is thrilled to offer a unique festive offer at our properties. We are introducing an exciting “Wheel of Fortune” game at our site locations, promising every booking a guaranteed prize worth up to ₹5 lakhs. Moreover, understanding the importance of financial comfort and planning and to make the home buying journey smoother, they have introduced a Fixed EMI option. With this, financial planning will be easier as the EMIs will remain fixed until possession, providing not just a home, but peace of mind.

Mr. Samyak Jain, Director of Siddha Group, expresses his enthusiasm about the campaign: “We are excited to celebrate this auspicious occasion with our prospective homeowners. Our festive campaign is designed to provide not only financial benefits but also a fun and rewarding experience. This Akshaya Tritiya, let’s spin the wheel of fortune together and step closer to your dream home.”

CCI Projects Festive Launch

CCI Projects is set to mark the auspicious occasion of Akshaya Tritiya with the launch of Tower 3 at their landmark project Rivali Park at Borivali on May 10th. Coinciding with this major festival, Mr. Rohan Khatau, Director, CCI Projects said, “It is during such moments that individuals are inclined towards making significant life decisions, and buying a home is undoubtedly one of them. By unveiling our new tower Moonrise at Rivali Park, we aim to tap into the festive spirit, resonating with individuals who are contemplating making such important investments. This Akshaya Tritiya will undoubtedly catalyze this demand, further reinforcing the appeal of our new tower.”

Group Satellite ‘ Spin a Wheel’ offer

In observance of the auspicious occasion of Akshaya Tritiya, Group Satellite is delighted to introduce its ‘Spin the Wheel’ offer for customers interested in their esteemed project, Aarambh Avyaan at Malad. This special promotion presents an exciting opportunity for participants to win a variety of coveted prizes including 10GM and 5GM Gold Coins, air conditioners, a modular kitchen with chimney, the latest iPhone 15, Amazon vouchers worth ₹25,000, IKEA furniture vouchers also valued at ₹25,000, a flat cash discount of ₹25,000, essential home appliances such as a washing machine and fridge, an Alexa Home Device, a 32-inch TV, an oven, and even a laptop.

Mr. Himanshu Jain, Vice President – Sales, Marketing, and CRM at Satellite Developers Pvt. Ltd. (SDPL), remarked, “Akshaya Tritiya holds profound significance in our culture symbolizing prosperity and auspicious beginnings. On this auspicious occasion, Group Satellite is pleased to present innovative offers, tapping into the festive spirit and to provide our discerning customers with an enriching experience. Amidst evolving market dynamics and increasing aspirations for homeownership, we believe such initiatives resonate deeply with individuals seeking to make informed decisions. The limited-time offer, valid from May 1st to May 12th, 2024, aims to further elevate the festive fervor of Akshaya Tritiya while offering tangible benefits to our valued customers.”

Tridhaatu’s Akshay Tritiya offer

This Akshaya Tritiya, Tridhaatu Realty is introducing unparalleled opportunities for prospective homebuyers. Elevating the standard of luxury living, Tridhaatu presents an exclusive chance to own a 2BHK residence featuring state-of-the-art smart home automation at their esteemed Tridhaatu Morya project in Chembur. These meticulously crafted homes, ready for immediate occupancy, are available at an unbeatable starting price of just 2.09Cr. Additionally, to add a touch of personalization, the developer is offering IKEA vouchers worth 5Lacs, empowering homeowners to tailor their living spaces to their unique tastes and preferences. Furthermore, Tridhaatu is extending the generosity by waiving off GST and stamp duty, ensuring that this opportunity remains irresistible for those in pursuit of a contemporary and sophisticated lifestyle.

Mr. Govind Krishnan Muthukumar, Co-founder & Director of Tridhaatu Realty, underscores the exceptional nature of this offer: “This Akshaya Tritiya, we extend a cordial invitation to discerning homebuyers to seize this extraordinary opportunity. Our offerings are not only financially advantageous but are also curated to elevate the living experience of our valued customers, making it an opportune moment to invest in their dream abode, amidst the current upward trend in property prices.”

DLF Emporio and The Chanakya Present the Inaugural Edition of DLF Luxury Holiday Indulgence

As the temperatures soar, it’s time to pack your bags for the perfect summer escapade. To help you serenade the season’s travel in style, DLF Emporio and The Chanakya are delighted to present their inaugural edition of DLF Luxury Holiday Indulgence from May 3rd to 12th, 2024. Curating a luxurious selection of holiday style and looks, this exclusive event will have the choicest brands red-tagging their most coveted travel picks, from chic swimwear and statement sunglasses to travel-ready apparel and timeless leather goods.

Participating brands from DLF Emporio includeLouis Vuitton,Cartier, Gucci, Bulgari, Montblanc, Christian Louboutin, Michael Kors, Tory Burch, Valentino, AMPM, Janavi, Shivan&Narresh and more, while The Chanakya has on offer Brunello Cuccinelli, Ethos, Brioni, Brooke & Carter, Montblanc, Janavi, Nykaa Luxe, Perona, Outhouse, Noir and more. Adding to the excitement, shoppers who purchase red-tagged products will be eligible for exclusive brand rewards like never before.

Opening with a splash, the event kicked off with luxury enthusiasts and fashion icons, Rhea Madaan and Komal Kapoor Grover hosting an exquisite event- offering shoppers first access to the red-tagged collections. Guests were enjoying delectable canapés by Cha Shi while Celebration partners Smoke Lab Vodka &Mohulo Gin added to the charm of the event, serving refreshing cocktails sipped and savored by attendees. Seen at the occasion were renowned personalities such as Poonam Sood, Neeva Jain & Harmeet Bajaj.

Revel in the glory of these unmissable offers and find yourself the perfect wardrobe companions to make it a Summer to remember.

FADA and Frost & Sullivan Launch Pioneering Customer Experience Index (CEI) Study

7th May’24, Mumbai, INDIA: The Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA), the apex body championing the interests of India’s Automobile Retail Sector, has teamed up with Frost & Sullivan, a Growth Pipeline Company to spearhead an ambitious Customer Experience Index (CEI) Study. This ground-breaking project aims to meticulously analyse various aspects of the customer journey, encompassing sales, after-sales service and product quality across the passenger vehicle spectrum.

In its maiden year, the comprehensive study will target Passenger Vehicle Category, including Hatchbacks, Sedans, SUVs/MPVs, EVs and Luxury vehicles, utilizing a detailed questionnaire to capture insights from 8,000 participants across 26 cities. This includes seven metropolitan areas, sixteen Tier-2 cities and three Tier-3 locations, ensuring a broad and inclusive data set that spans the diverse Indian landscape.

Mr. Manish Raj Singhania, President of FADA, expressed his enthusiasm for the initiative, stating, “Launching this study marks a significant milestone in our continuous effort to deeply understand and meet the evolving needs of automobile consumers. FADA remains dedicated to deploying its collective expertise for the betterment of the entire Automobile Industry. Over the past three years, we have conducted the Dealer Satisfaction Survey (DSS) and recently launched a specialized DSS focusing on Finance & Insurance. Now, by incorporating this Customer Experience Index survey, we are broadening our analytical scope to encompass all facets of the Indian automobile ecosystem, thereby providing a comprehensive voice and strategic vision for all stakeholders. Partnering with Frost & Sullivan not only enhances this study’s credibility but also amplifies our commitment to advancing the Industry. The insights garnered from this expansive survey will directly inform and refine OEM strategies, facilitating tailored customer experiences that foster brand loyalty and satisfaction.”

Further emphasizing the study’s strategic importance, Mr. Vinkesh Gulati, Chairman of FADA’s Research & Academy, highlighted, “The Indian automotive sector is at a critical juncture, poised for significant growth amidst changing consumer behaviours and technological innovation. This Customer Experience Index survey is a strategic initiative designed to systematically harness customer feedback across a wide demographic, something that has not been undertaken at this scale in our industry before. By integrating detailed assessments of sales, after-sales & product quality experiences from various vehicle categories, we aim to provide OEMs and Dealers with the insights necessary to elevate their service standards and product offerings. This study is about transforming anecdotal feedback into empirical data that will drive operational changes and enhance customer satisfaction across the board. Our goal is to not only meet but exceed customer expectations, setting new benchmarks for excellence in the automotive sector.”

Mr. Aroop Zutshi, Global Managing Partner & Executive Board Member at Frost & Sullivan, said, “Transformation is imminent. Every organization and every industry need to be agile to adapt to evolving customer needs to survive. India is poised to witness exponential growth in the automotive industry driven by the rising middle-income and youth population, adoption of electric vehicles, increased investment in the Indian automotive industry and Government policy impetus. The Customer Experience Index by FADA in association with Frost & Sullivan will be a powerful tool for all OEMS and the Dealer fraternity to leverage.”

The Customer Experience Index by FADA and Frost & Sullivan is set to redefine industry standards for customer satisfaction and service excellence. The results, which will provide invaluable insights for the entire automotive ecosystem, are eagerly awaited in September 2024.