Palo Alto Networks has risen to the top echelons of the cybersecurity realm, securing a prestigious position as the lone leader in Gartner's groundbreaking Magic Quadrant for single-vendor Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) solutions.  This accolade places Palo Alto Networks in a league of its own, outshining formidable competitors like Fortinet, Cisco, and VMware.
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## Palo Alto Networks Dominates Gartner's Inaugural Magic Quadrant for Single-Vendor SASE

Gartner's inaugural Magic Quadrant for single-vendor SASE was a highly anticipated event, signaling a significant shift in the cybersecurity landscape. Palo Alto Networks emerged as the clear frontrunner, demonstrating unparalleled excellence in delivering integrated networking and security solutions under the umbrella of SASE. 

The demand for SASE solutions has witnessed a meteoric rise as organizations grapple with the challenges of securing distributed workforces and enabling seamless access to corporate resources. 

Palo Alto Networks' leadership in the single-vendor SASE space is a testament to its commitment to addressing these pressing needs with innovative and comprehensive offerings. 
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## Gartner's Evaluation and Market Insights

Gartner's assessment criteria for single-vendor SASE solutions cover a broad range of capabilities, including Software-Defined Wide Area Networking (SD-WAN), Secure Web Gateway (SWG), Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB), Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA), and network firewall functionalities. 

Palo Alto Networks surpassed these benchmarks, earning recognition for the robust functionality, extensive customer base, and strategic product roadmap of its Prisma SASE platform. 

During the company's quarterly call, Nikesh Arora, CEO of Palo Alto Networks, celebrated this milestone, highlighting over $1 billion in bookings for its SASE business in fiscal 2023. 

- Gartner's evaluation also highlighted other players in the single-vendor SASE landscape, categorizing them as visionaries, challengers, or niche players. 

- Cisco and Forcepoint were recognized as visionaries. 
 
- Challengers included Cato Networks, Versa Networks, and Fortinet. 
 
- Niche players were identified as VMware and Juniper Networks, showcasing the market's diversity. 

It's worth noting that while some vendors opt for a single-vendor approach to SASE, others deliver SASE through integrations with third-party technologies. 

- Notably absent from Gartner's Magic Quadrant were Netskope, HPE, Cloudflare, and Check Point due to various factors such as incomplete offerings or insufficient enterprise adoption by the cutoff date. 

- The release of the single-vendor SASE Magic Quadrant complements Gartner's existing rankings for SD-WAN and Security Service Edge (SSE), with Palo Alto Networks consistently emerging as a leader across multiple categories. 

Gartner's Magic Quadrant serves as a trusted benchmark for industry players, guiding organizations in their selection of technology solutions and reaffirming Palo Alto Networks' position as a cybersecurity powerhouse. 

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Palo Alto Networks has ascended to the pinnacle of the cybersecurity industry, earning a distinguished position as the sole leader in Gartner's groundbreaking Magic Quadrant for single-vendor Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) solutions. 

Palo Alto Networks: Lone Leader in SASE - Gartner Magic Quadrant


## Edge Under Siege: Massive Attack Compromises Tens of Thousands of Cisco Devices

In a striking wave of cyberattacks, tens of thousands of Cisco devices have been compromised, marking one of the largest edge attacks to date. Experts have revealed that malicious actors are increasingly targeting edge networks, with the recent exploits on Cisco IOS XE devices serving as a stark reminder.
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## A Critical Vulnerability Exploited

This week, researchers reported that nearly 42,000 Cisco devices running the IOS XE operating system have fallen victim to a zero-day vulnerability disclosed on Monday. 

John Gallagher, VP of Viakoo Labs at IoT security firm Viakoo, emphasized the significance of this breach, noting it as one of the most impactful edge attacks ever recorded.

Cisco has not yet released a patch for the critical vulnerability but has provided effective mitigations to thwart these attacks. 

The IOS XE platform is widely used across various Cisco devices, including branch routers, industrial routers, aggregation routers, Catalyst 9100 access points, and IoT-ready Catalyst 9800 wireless controllers.

## The Vulnerability of the Edge

Edge attacks have surged as cybercriminals seek the path of least resistance, Gallagher told CRN. With data center security becoming increasingly robust, attackers are now focusing on the more vulnerable edge networks. A _"set it and forget it"_ mentality often plagues edge environments, making them prime targets.

Protecting edge environments is possible, but it requires prioritization and proper management, Gallagher stressed. Effective network security practices and vigilant management can significantly reduce vulnerabilities at the edge.
Questionable Security Practices

Bill Suarez, CISO at Whalley Computer Associates, highlighted a key issue: the current wave of compromised IOS XE devices was primarily due to their exposure to the web. 

_"Deploying an outer edge switch with a web server turned on is not sound network security practice,"_ Suarez told CRN. Such decisions reflect either a lack of understanding or misplaced trust in vendor software.

Suarez advocates for using an edge firewall in addition to a core firewall, creating an "outer barrier" to protect against similar attacks. He stressed that relying solely on vendor code security is unrealistic in today’s threat landscape.

## Escalating Threats
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Cybersecurity firm Censys reported that the number of compromised IOS XE devices surged by 8,000 in just one day, totaling 41,983 compromised devices. 

The critical vulnerability, tracked as CVE-2023-20198, has a maximum severity rating of 10.0 out of 10.0. Exploiting this flaw allows attackers to gain full control over compromised devices, enabling unauthorized activities.

Cisco's advisory indicated that the vulnerability impacts the web user interface in IOS XE when exposed to the web or an untrusted network. The flaw allows privilege escalation by a remote, unauthenticated user. 

Cisco has shared an access restriction measure that is effective in stopping exploits of the vulnerability.

## A Call to Action

Cisco has committed to addressing this critical security issue as a top priority. In a statement to CRN, Cisco emphasized its ongoing efforts to provide a software fix and urged customers to take immediate action as outlined in their security advisory.

This incident underscores the escalating cyber threats targeting edge networks and highlights the urgent need for comprehensive security measures and vigilant management of edge devices.


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In a major cybersecurity incident, tens of thousands of Cisco devices have been compromised in one of the largest edge network attacks ever recorded. The attack, which exploited a critical zero-day vulnerability in Cisco's IOS XE operating system, has highlighted the growing threat to edge networks as cybercriminals shift their focus from well-secured data centers to more vulnerable edge environments. 

Cisco IOS XE Attacks Spotlight Rising Cyber Threats

## Palo Alto Networks Emerges as Top Leader in 2024 Gartner® Magic Quadrant™ for Security Service Edge (SSE)

Today marks a significant milestone for Palo Alto Networks as we proudly announce our recognition as a Leader in the 2024 Gartner® Magic Quadrant™ for Security Service Edge (SSE). 

This prestigious acknowledgment underscores our unwavering dedication to delivering excellence and innovation in cybersecurity solutions, particularly through our acclaimed Prisma® Access SSE solution.

## Continuing a Tradition of Excellence

Our designation as a Leader in the Gartner Magic Quadrant for SSE follows closely on the heels of our similar recognition in the Gartner Magic Quadrant for SD-WAN. We stand out as the sole vendor acknowledged as a Leader in both categories. 

This consistent recognition speaks volumes about our steadfast commitment to providing advanced, integrated security solutions that safeguard organizations' networks, applications, and data.

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## Empowering SASE Transformation with Prisma Access

Since its inception in 2019, Prisma Access has been a trailblazer in the SASE transformation landscape. Our platform addresses critical security requirements, including:
- Evolution from legacy VPN solutions to ZTNA 2.0.
- Replacement of traditional on-premises secure web gateways (SWG) with Cloud SWG.
- Strengthening of SaaS applications with Next-Generation CASB.

As global adoption of SASE gains momentum, organizations encounter challenges in implementing these expansive solutions. At Palo Alto Networks, we champion platformization to streamline management and advocate for a single-vendor strategy.  

This approach simplifies management processes and leverages the power of AI and machine learning across security, networking, and user experience management, all derived from a unified data source. 

This comprehensive strategy ensures data integrity, accuracy, and consistency—fundamental prerequisites for effective AI/ML applications. By minimizing complexity, our unified approach enables organizations to meet these critical data standards more efficiently than fragmented solutions. 

## Looking Towards the Future

According to Gartner projections: 

By 2025, 80% of enterprises will adopt a strategy to unify web, cloud services, and private application access using a SASE/SSE architecture, compared to 20% in 2021. 

Palo Alto Networks is thrilled to spearhead this transformative journey, persistently innovating and propelling security forward in an increasingly digital landscape. 

For further insights into this recognition and its implications for your security strategy, we invite you to download a complimentary copy of the 2024 Gartner Magic Quadrant for SSE. 

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Today, Palo Alto Networks celebrates a major achievement with its recognition as a Leader in the 2024 Gartner® Magic Quadrant™ for Security Service Edge (SSE). This prestigious accolade highlights our relentless commitment to advancing cybersecurity solutions and reflects the exceptional capabilities of our renowned Prisma® Access SSE solution. 

Palo Alto Networks Leads 2024 Gartner for Security Service Edge

In a blog post, President Brad Smith stated that the implementation of multiple alterations to the tech giant’s software engineering procedures aims to establish a 'benchmark for security' at Microsoft.

Microsoft has announced significant updates to its software engineering process aimed at enhancing the security of its widely used platforms. In a recent pair of blog posts, top executives detailed these changes, which are designed to ensure Microsoft software defaults to a secure state. 

The initiative also focuses on bolstering identity security and strengthening cloud vulnerability management. These efforts are part of Microsoft's new Secure Future Initiative.

## AI Integration for Cyber threats

Microsoft's new initiative underscores an increased reliance on AI to combat evolving cyber threats, aiming to deploy artificial intelligence across Azure, Windows, and Office 365 to enhance threat detection and response capabilities. 

This strategic shift toward making software inherently secure by default will influence the design, development, testing, and operational phases of Microsoft's technology, ensuring security is integrated from the outset.

These enhancements are poised to significantly impact Microsoft's flagship platforms, Azure, Windows, and Office 365, by fortifying security measures and proactively addressing vulnerabilities.

In the wake of a high-profile cloud breach affecting U.S. government email accounts, Microsoft faced scrutiny over its security practices, prompting critiques from industry leaders and federal cybersecurity officials advocating for stronger and timelier security measures.

Brad Smith, Microsoft's President, emphasized that this initiative aims to establish "a new standard for security" within the company, signaling a comprehensive organizational evolution to prioritize cybersecurity across all operations. 

These proactive changes underscore Microsoft's commitment to confronting security challenges directly and strengthening its products against current and future cyber threats.
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## Enabling ‘Secure by Default’ Software Development

Microsoft is advancing its software development lifecycle (SDL) with a shift to what it terms "dynamic SDL," leveraging increased automation and AI integration. This approach aims to embed cybersecurity measures continuously throughout coding, testing, deployment, and operational phases.  

According to Microsoft President Brad Smith and Executive Vice President Charlie Bell, this AI-powered dynamic SDL will ensure that software is inherently secure by design, default, and deployment.  

The company plans to integrate tools like CodeQL with GitHub Copilot to enhance code analysis and bug fixing at scale, while expanding the use of memory-safe languages to prevent traditional software vulnerabilities. These initiatives underscore Microsoft's commitment to fortifying its products against evolving cyber threats while maintaining the integrity of its software supply chain. 

## Expansion Of Default MFA Settings 

Microsoft is expanding its default Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) settings to enhance security across a broader range of customer services, aiming to implement these changes over the next year.  

Brad Smith emphasized the company's commitment to providing more secure default policies for MFA, aligning with customer feedback and insights gained over the past year.  

According to Charlie Bell, Microsoft's focus on scaling MFA where it's most needed reflects their strategy to fortify customer protection through both engineering advancements and effective communication. Looking ahead, Bell highlighted Microsoft's plans to accelerate the adoption of security defaults across various aspects of their services. 

## Faster Cloud Vulnerability Mitigation 

As part of its newly announced security initiative, Microsoft aims to accelerate the response to cloud vulnerabilities significantly. According to Brad Smith's blog post, the company intends to slash the time required to mitigate cloud vulnerabilities by 50 percent. 

This commitment underscores Microsoft's proactive approach to enhancing cloud platform security. 

Additionally, Microsoft plans to enhance transparency in reporting by implementing new measures to ensure clearer and more consistent communication regarding security incidents.  

Charlie Bell highlighted in his post that these improvements are made possible through Microsoft's investments in automation, orchestration, and intelligence-driven tools and processes. 

These advancements are geared towards reinforcing Microsoft's capability to swiftly address security challenges and maintain robust cybersecurity across its cloud platforms. 

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Microsoft has unveiled plans to bolster its identity protection capabilities across its product lineup in response to the rising threat of identity-based attacks. 

Charlie Bell emphasized the introduction of a "new identity system" aimed at unifying and standardizing the management and verification of identities and access rights across Microsoft's various products and platforms.

This initiative marks a significant step towards enhancing security by providing a cohesive framework for user, device, and service authentication. 

Moreover, Microsoft intends to democratize these advanced identity capabilities by offering them for free to non-Microsoft application developers. 

Brad Smith highlighted in his blog post that this strategic move aims to extend the robust security features beyond Microsoft's ecosystem, fostering broader adoption and strengthening overall cybersecurity across digital environments. 

 

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Microsoft is taking decisive steps to enhance the security of its software platforms through a series of substantial updates to its engineering processes. In a recent announcement, the company outlined these changes as part of its broader Secure Future Initiative, emphasizing a commitment to making security the default across its products. 

Microsoft's Security Overhaul: 5 Key Changes

## IBM Consulting and Palo Alto Networks Expand Strategic Partnership

IBM Consulting and Palo Alto Networks have unveiled a major expansion of their strategic alliance, aimed at enhancing cybersecurity defenses in an increasingly complex threat landscape. This enhanced partnership designates Palo Alto Networks as one of IBM Consulting’s elite strategic partners, while IBM Consulting solidifies its role as a leading security services provider for Palo Alto Networks. 

## Enhancing Security Operations and Cloud Transformations

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In response to the growing need for advanced cybersecurity measures, the expanded collaboration will focus on two key areas: modernizing security operations and securing cloud transformations.

The first initiative integrates IBM Consulting’s Cybersecurity Services with Palo Alto Networks' Cortex platform to offer advanced managed security operations. 

This combination leverages AI-driven capabilities to improve threat detection, incident response, and security posture management. The second initiative involves incorporating Palo Alto Networks' Prisma Cloud into IBM Consulting’s service suite to support secure cloud transitions, encompassing comprehensive security assessments, application development, and ongoing monitoring. 

**Footnote**: This strategic expansion is set to bolster cybersecurity frameworks across industries, equipping organizations with the tools and expertise needed to navigate their digital transformation securely and effectively. 

IBM Consulting and Palo Alto Networks have announced a significant expansion of their strategic partnership.

IBM and Palo Alto Networks Strengthen Cybersecurity Partnership


Endpoint devices are primary targets for cyberattacks, with attackers making numerous attempts to breach a single device using tools from the dark web and AI. This scalability increases the risk to your entire fleet. A vulnerability in your enterprise's security setup is an open invitation for attackers.

The security of your fleet hinges on each individual PC. A breach is problematic enough, but an undetected breach allows attackers to escalate privileges and extract sensitive data across your network. 

According to CrowdStrike's Global Threat Report, eCrime breakout times have decreased significantly, emphasizing the need for swift detection and response.

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Here are key factors that make PCs attractive targets for attackers:

- Visibility Gaps: Despite investments in securing the OS layer with tools like SIEM, NGAV, and EDR, attackers exploit less visible areas such as BIOS and firmware. These attacks are difficult to detect and increase the likelihood of successful breaches.
- Operational Challenges: Organizations often deploy multiple isolated security tools, leading to fragmented responses to threats. Coordinating these tools for effective detection and rapid response is daunting, especially with limited IT and security resources.

Addressing these challenges is crucial to safeguarding your enterprise against evolving cyber threats targeting endpoint devices.

A well-secured PC can be a formidable weapon against cyber adversaries
Dell, as a global technology and infrastructure leader, places a strong emphasis on security.

Their commercial PCs are designed from the ground up to prioritize visibility and action ability. This approach empowers IT and security operations, supporting a Zero Trust strategy by providing comprehensive data for informed decision-making and swift response to emerging threats.

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At the device level, Dell integrates robust defenses and telemetry to enhance security:

- Built-in Defenses: Dell PCs incorporate features like BIOS and firmware verification, enabling administrators to validate device integrity and detect unauthorized changes.
- Behavior-Based Threat Detection: Indicators of Attack (IOA) monitor device behavior for anomalies such as BIOS downgrades or chassis intrusions, enabling proactive threat mitigation.
- Forensic Capabilities: BIOS Image Capture allows for detailed forensic analysis of compromised BIOS instances, ensuring thorough incident response.

These security measures generate valuable telemetry, such as alerts for outdated BIOS versions or physical tampering. Dell's Trusted Device Application (DTD App) aggregates and presents this telemetry at the OS layer, facilitating rapid investigation and response by IT teams.

Dell's commitment to security is validated by third-party assessments, confirming their leadership in built-in PC security. According to Principled Technologies, Dell is recognized for delivering the world's most secure commercial PCs, setting them apart in an industry where security claims are commonplace.

Dell emphasizes proactive security and manageability in their PC designs, ensuring that visibility translates into effective action for both security and IT operations.

- Benefits for SecOps: Dell's Trusted Device Application (DTD App) leverages built-in security telemetry, collaborating with partners like CrowdStrike and Intel for hardware-assisted security. This continuous stream of device-level data enhances threat detection and response capabilities, bolstering overall security posture and optimizing security investments.

- Benefits for ITOps: Integration of Dell telemetry allows administrators to enforce policies through Microsoft Intune, enabling actions such as quarantining infected devices, applying patches, and adjusting access rights to enhance security and compliance. Intel vPro's out-of-band management capabilities further enable remote device management and data wipe as needed, ensuring fleet security.

- Built-in Security for Cyber Survival: Dell stresses the importance of integrating security from the outset of product design to protect organizations from evolving threats. 

Unlike retroactively adding security measures post-manufacturing, Dell’s approach ensures PCs are resilient and better equipped to defend against cyberattacks out-of-the-box. 

By feeding device-level telemetry into security software, Dell enhances threat detection and response capabilities, making actions more informed and effective.

Dell remains committed to securing PCs comprehensively, aiming to make them resilient against cyber threats in an increasingly complex digital landscape. 

For more insights on Dell's approach to PC security, you can watch their ISMG interview or reach out to Dell's security specialists for further information.


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Endpoint devices are primary targets for cyberattacks, with attackers making numerous attempts 

Why Your PC is a Prime Target for Cyberattacks - DELL

The convergence of IT and operational technology (OT), along with the digital transformation of OT environments, has opened up new avenues for innovation and efficiency in Industrial Automation and Control Systems. 

However, these advancements have expanded the potential attack surface, increasing the need for enhanced security measures.  

To address these growing cybersecurity threats, Palo Alto Networks (NASDAQ: PANW) has introduced new features in its OT Security solution, including the industry's first fully integrated, risk-based guided virtual patching system powered by Precision AI™.  

Other key updates include the Prisma® Access Browser with Privileged Remote Access and ruggedized ML-powered Next-Generation Firewalls (NGFWs) designed for industrial settings. 

Key OT Threat Statistics: According to the 2024 State of OT Security report from Palo Alto Networks and ABI Research, 70% of industrial organizations faced a cyberattack on their OT systems last year, with nearly 25% of these attacks leading to operational shutdowns. 
 
 
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## Enhanced Protection for OT Environments

Anand Oswal, SVP and GM of Network Security at Palo Alto Networks, emphasized that the increasing frequency and complexity of OT attacks—often driven by AI—underscore the critical need for robust OT-specific security solutions.  

The new OT Security suite provides end-to-end protection, real-time visibility, and simplified security management, securing both OT and converged IT/OT infrastructures.  

- Comprehensive Protection: The solution secures all OT environments, including networks, assets, remote operations, and 5G systems. 
- Consistent IT/OT Security: The integrated approach helps protect converged IT/OT operations, ensuring critical infrastructure remains safe from emerging threats. 

## AI-Powered Tools for Improved Cybersecurity

Sid Snitkin, Vice President of Cybersecurity Services at ARC Industrial Cybersecurity, stated that the increasing complexity and interconnectivity of OT environments have made them more vulnerable to cyber threats. AI-powered tools like Guided Virtual Patching are revolutionary for industrial cybersecurity.  

- AI-Driven Patching: The Precision AI-powered virtual patching system automates asset inventory, risk assessment, and vulnerability prioritization, allowing security teams to address hard-to-patch systems swiftly without operational disruptions. 
- Operational Continuity: By enabling real-time patching, the solution extends the lifespan of legacy OT assets while preventing costly interruptions. 

## New Features to Enhance OT Security 

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Palo Alto Networks' latest OT Security updates include several new features designed to improve remote operations and protect critical infrastructure in challenging environments: 

Secure Remote Operations: The new Prisma Access Browser with Privileged Remote Access simplifies the management of remote operations.  

- Ruggedized Firewalls: The PA-400R Series firewalls are designed for industrial environments where traditional firewalls often fail. 

- Built to withstand extreme conditions such as wind, rain, and extreme temperatures, they offer continuous security and connectivity, even in space-constrained environments like factory floors or utility substations.  

- 5G Connectivity: These firewalls also include models with 5G connectivity, ensuring remote industrial sites remain secure and connected. Features such as fail-to-wire capabilities ensure uninterrupted security while reducing costs. 

## Future of OT Security

At the Industrial Control Systems (ICS) Cybersecurity Conference, attendees can explore Palo Alto Networks’ new OT security capabilities through an interactive CyberWall tour. 

Qiang Huang, head of product management for IoT Security at Palo Alto Networks, will deliver a keynote on “Navigating the OT Security Nexus: AI, Digital Transformation, and Emerging Threats,” addressing how AI-driven solutions are transforming OT cybersecurity. 

With these cutting-edge tools and solutions, Palo Alto Networks is positioned to help organizations tackle the growing challenges of OT cybersecurity while driving innovation in critical industrial sectors. 

As the integration of IT and operational technology (OT) accelerates alongside the digital transformation of OT environments, opportunities for innovation and efficiency in Industrial Automation and Control Systems are on the rise. 

Palo Alto Networks Launches OT Security to Combat Industrial Cyber Threats

As the landscape of hybrid cloud, AI, and quantum technologies presents new data security challenges, IBM (NYSE: IBM) has launched the IBM Guardium Data Security Center.

This innovative platform enables organizations to safeguard their data across various environments throughout its entire lifecycle, employing unified controls. 

## Unified Data Protection and Governance

The IBM Guardium Data Security Center offers a comprehensive view of an organization’s data assets, empowering security teams to streamline workflows related to data monitoring, governance, detection, response, and cryptography management through a single dashboard.  

By incorporating generative AI capabilities, the platform aids in generating risk summaries and enhances the productivity of security professionals. 

One of the standout features of the center is IBM Guardium AI Security, a solution designed to shield organizations’ AI deployments from security vulnerabilities and data governance violations. 

This is particularly relevant as the adoption of generative AI surges and concerns regarding "shadow AI" — unsanctioned models operating outside organizational oversight — grow. 

## Quantum-Safe Protection

In addition, the IBM Guardium Data Security Center includes IBM Guardium Quantum Safe, a software tool that safeguards encrypted data against potential future cyberattacks that may be executed using quantum computers.  

"Generative AI and quantum computing offer vast opportunities, but they also introduce new risks," noted Akiba Saeedi, Vice President of IBM Security Product Management. 

"During this transformative era, organizations must enhance their crypto-agility and diligently monitor their AI models and training data. The IBM Guardium Data Security Center — with its AI Security, Quantum Safe, and integrated capabilities — provides extensive risk visibility." 

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## Comprehensive Visibility and Management

IBM Guardium Quantum Safe facilitates visibility and management of enterprise cryptographic security, addressing vulnerabilities and guiding remediation efforts.  

By consolidating information on crypto algorithms, vulnerabilities, and network usage into a single dashboard, security analysts can effectively monitor policy compliance and track remediation progress. 

The tool also offers customizable metadata and flexible reporting features to prioritize critical vulnerabilities. 

Furthermore, IBM Guardium AI Security helps organizations manage security risks and data governance for sensitive AI data and models.  

It identifies AI deployments, ensures compliance, mitigates vulnerabilities, and protects sensitive data through a holistic view of data assets. Integration with IBM watsonx and other generative AI SaaS providers allows for the identification and governance of "shadow AI" models. 

## An Integrated Approach to Data Security 

As risks associated with hybrid cloud, AI, and quantum technologies escalate, protecting key data — such as medical records, financial transactions, and intellectual property — necessitates innovative security solutions.  

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Organizations require a trustworthy partner and a cohesive approach to data security, rather than relying on a fragmented array of point solutions. IBM is at the forefront of pioneering this integrated strategy. 

IBM Guardium Quantum Safe complements broader quantum-safe initiatives from IBM Consulting and Research.  

This software is bolstered by advanced technologies developed by IBM Research, which recently had several post-quantum cryptography algorithms standardized by the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). 

IBM Consulting also offers Quantum Safe Transformation Services that utilize these technologies to help organizations assess risks, inventory them, and develop scalable strategies for addressing these vulnerabilities.  

With a deep pool of cybersecurity professionals experienced in cryptography and quantum-safe technologies, IBM Consulting has supported numerous clients across sectors like telecommunications, finance, and government in fortifying their defenses against both current and emerging risks. 

## Enhanced Identity Management Solutions

The new IBM Verify Digital Credentials allows users to manage and store their credentials securely, digitizing physical documents like driver's licenses and employee badges. This solution standardizes, secures, and facilitates the sharing of credentials while maintaining privacy and control. 

As IBM continues to innovate in the realms of data security and identity management, organizations can trust that they are equipped with the tools needed to navigate the complexities of today's digital landscape. 

As the landscape of hybrid cloud, AI, and quantum technologies presents new data security challenges, IBM (NYSE: IBM) has launched the IBM Guardium Data Security Center.

IBM upgraded Guardium for secure AI and quantum-safe technology.

## Dell Enhances PowerMax High-End Arrays

Dell has upgraded its PowerMax high-end arrays, delivering enhanced performance, improved management efficiencies, robust data protection, cyber resilience, and seamless data mobility between on-premises and public cloud environments.

The new subscription business model aims to provide flexible options for users. 

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PowerMax is a high-availability enterprise block storage solution that competes with IBM’s DS8000, Hitachi Vantara’s VSP One, and Infinidat’s InfiniBox. 

According to Brian Henderson, Director of Primary Storage and ISG (Infrastructure Solutions Group) Portfolio Messaging at Dell, the key objectives of this update include improving AI-driven efficiency, enhancing cyber resiliency, and enabling multicloud mobility. 

- Performance Boost: PowerMax v10.2 OS utilizes AI for dynamic cache optimization, reducing data access latency and increasing speed without management overhead. 
- Increased IOPS: The PowerMax 8500 model claims up to a 30% boost in IOPS performance for Random Write Miss (8K) I/Os per second compared to the previous v10.1 OS. 
- Faster Connectivity: New 100 Gb Ethernet I/O modules offer up to 3x faster connectivity, while 64 Gb Fibre Channel I/O modules provide up to 2x faster performance than their predecessors. 

## Enhanced Data Protection and Management Features

PowerMax v10.2 also improves IOPS performance and reduces latency for unbalanced mainframe workloads, enhancing cyber intrusion detection (zCID) with auto-learning access patterns. Additionally, it utilizes IBM’s System Recovery Boost to facilitate quicker recovery during planned or unplanned outages. 

On the protection front, Storage Direct Protection integrates with PowerProtect, allowing for up to 1 PB of backups daily and 500 TB of restores. It supports various cloud providers, including AWS, Azure, Google, and Alibaba, helping customers avoid vendor lock-in. 

Dell’s Cyber Recovery Services for PowerMax provides a secure vault against cyberattacks, ensuring faster data recovery through granular data protection. Furthermore, YubiKey multifactor authentication enhances security by simplifying user access processes. 

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PowerMax management now features autonomous health checks that offer corrective actions and self-healing capabilities, addressing potential issues like storage capacity levels and loose cabling before they impact performance. 

- Automated Incident Resolution: The Fabric Performance Impact Notification (FPIN) system identifies Fibre Channel network congestion, enabling up to 8x faster incident resolution. 
- AIOps Assistant: This feature supports GenAI natural language queries for quicker infrastructure optimization. 
- Improved RAID Efficiency: The new RAID 6 24+2 scheme allows 92% of drive capacity to be utilized effectively. 

Additionally, Dell offers simple options for moving live PowerMax workloads to and from APEX Block Storage, which can be deployed on-premises or within AWS and Azure public clouds through RiverMeadow Cloud Mobility. 

 

Dell’s PowerMax storage systems have been enhanced with advanced management features, including autonomous health checks designed to optimize performance and ensure reliability. 

Dell Upgrades High-End PowerMax Array 

## Sophos to Enhance Cybersecurity Offerings

Thoma Bravo-backed cybersecurity firm Sophos announced its acquisition of Secureworks, a subsidiary of Dell Technologies, for $859 million in cash.  

The acquisition is aimed at strengthening Sophos' product lineup for enterprise customers, adding more advanced capabilities to its cybersecurity portfolio. Sophos is keen to enhance its presence in the cybersecurity market by offering more comprehensive protection and services to its clients. 

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Thoma Bravo-backed Sophos will acquire Secureworks, a Dell Technologies subsidiary, for $859 million in cash. 

- The acquisition strengthens Sophos' enterprise cybersecurity product lineup, enhancing its market presence. 
- Sophos aims to offer more advanced protection and services to its clients through this deal. 
- Secureworks' shareholders, including Dell, will receive $8.50 per share. 
- Following the news, Secureworks' stock dipped 1.5% to $8.35 in early trading. 
 
Despite the acquisition, Secureworks has struggled against larger competitors in the cybersecurity sector. 

## Expanding Cybersecurity Portfolio

Founded in 1998, Secureworks became known for its Taegis platform, a cloud-based solution designed to detect and combat advanced threats.  

However, despite its innovative approach, Secureworks struggled to differentiate itself from larger competitors in the cybersecurity industry. 

The company reported a quarterly loss of 17 cents per share for the period ending July 31, which highlighted the difficulties it faced in keeping pace with other providers. 
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Dell acquired Secureworks in 2011 for $612 million and later took the company public in 2016. 

Despite previous attempts to sell Secureworks, including a reported effort in 2019, Dell finally turned to investment bankers from Morgan Stanley and Piper Sandler to assess takeover interest.  

Thoma Bravo, which has been actively building a portfolio of cybersecurity assets, is expected to finalize the deal by early 2025, further solidifying its presence in the market after its earlier acquisition of UK-based Darktrace for $5.3 billion. 

 

Thoma Bravo-backed cybersecurity firm Sophos has made a significant move in the tech industry by acquiring Secureworks, a subsidiary of Dell Technologies, for $859 million in cash.

Sophos acquired SecureWorks for $859 million to boost Cybersecurity 

## Barracuda Networks Wins Prestigious Awards

Barracuda Networks, recognized as a prominent player in the cybersecurity landscape, has recently garnered two prestigious product innovation awards from CRN and CyberSecurity Breakthrough.  

In a notable achievement, Barracuda Managed XDR has been awarded the title of Best Cybersecurity Offering in the esteemed CRN MSP Innovation Awards.  

![2.webp](https://strapiassets.blr1.digitaloceanspaces.com/2_bfdba19143.webp)

Concurrently, Barracuda Email Protection has been honored as the Email Security Platform of the Year at the Cybersecurity Breakthrough Awards, further solidifying Barracuda’s reputation for excellence in the industry. 

## Commitment to Cybersecurity Innovation 

Expressing pride in these achievements, Hatem Naguib, CEO of Barracuda Networks, stated, “We are incredibly honored to earn recognition from CRN and Cybersecurity Breakthrough as the gold standard in cybersecurity with our industry-leading email and managed XDR solutions.”  

Naguib emphasized Barracuda's ongoing commitment to empowering resource-constrained organizations, helping them navigate the complexities of an ever-evolving threat landscape. 

He further noted that Barracuda remains dedicated to continuous innovation, ensuring that its platform adapts to meet the diverse and changing needs of partners and customers alike. 

Barracuda Managed XDR has been recognized by CRN for its exceptional capabilities in threat detection and response, providing organizations with robust protection through 24/7 security operations center (SOC) monitoring.  

![3.webp](https://strapiassets.blr1.digitaloceanspaces.com/3_cfe6798cf3.webp)

This proactive approach strengthens cyber resilience by accelerating the identification and mitigation of threats across various attack surfaces. 

Organizations benefit significantly from having access to a skilled team of security operations specialists, ensuring around-the-clock coverage that alleviates the pressure on internal resources. 

On the other hand, Barracuda Email Protection adds another critical layer of security to the comprehensive cybersecurity platform offered by Barracuda. It has been recognized by CyberSecurity Breakthrough for its advanced threat protection capabilities.  

Powered by cutting-edge machine learning and artificial intelligence, Barracuda Email Protection safeguards against email threats with high detection accuracy, effectively minimizing false positives.  

The platform also facilitates incident response, enabling automated post-delivery remediation by quickly identifying and eliminating instances of malicious emails, thus mitigating potential damage. 

The recent accolades from CRN and CyberSecurity Breakthrough are the latest highlights in a series of product recognitions for Barracuda.  

This year alone, Barracuda has received numerous honors, including distinctions in the CRN Annual Report Card, being named a CRN Security 100 leader, earning CIO Choice recognition, and being awarded the Global InfoSec Award across five categories. 

These achievements underscore Barracuda's ongoing commitment to providing cutting-edge cybersecurity solutions and its leadership in the industry. 

Barracuda Networks, recognized as a prominent player in the cybersecurity landscape, has recently garnered two prestigious product innovation awards from CRN and CyberSecurity Breakthrough.  

Barracuda wins two awards from CRN and Cybersecurity Breakthrough

## Released Updates
Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) has released updates for its Instant AOS-8 and AOS-10 software to fix two critical security vulnerabilities affecting Aruba Networking Access Points. 

The vulnerabilities could allow remote attackers to execute unauthenticated command injection by sending specially crafted packets to Aruba's Access Point management protocol (PAPI) via UDP port 8211. 

The flaws, identified as CVE-2024-42509 and CVE-2024-47460, are rated with severity scores of 9.8 and 9.0, respectively, and impact the command line interface (CLI) service accessed through the PAPI protocol. 

Additionally, the update addresses four other security issues: 

- CVE-2024-47461 (severity score 7.2): Enables authenticated remote command execution, allowing attackers to run arbitrary commands on the underlying OS. 
- CVE-2024-47462 and CVE-2024-47463 (severity score 7.2): Allow authenticated attackers to create arbitrary files, which could potentially lead to remote command execution. 
- CVE-2024-47464 (severity score 6.8): Allows an authenticated attacker to access unauthorized files via path traversal. 

These vulnerabilities affect AOS-10.4.x.x (version 10.4.1.4 and older), Instant AOS-8.12.x.x (version 8.12.0.2 and earlier), and Instant AOS-8.10.x.x (version 8.10.0.13 and previous versions). 

HPE’s advisory also mentions that older software versions that have reached their End of Maintenance date are affected, but will not receive security updates. 

## Recommended Updates and Workarounds

To mitigate these vulnerabilities, HPE advises users to upgrade to the following versions or later: 

- AOS-10.7.x.x: Update to version 10.7.0.0 or newer. 

- AOS-10.4.x.x: Update to version 10.4.1.5 or later. 

- Instant AOS-8.12.x.x: Update to version 8.12.0.3 or above. 

- Instant AOS-8.10.x.x: Update to version 8.10.0.14 or newer. 

For situations where immediate updates aren’t possible, HPE has suggested the following workarounds: 

For critical vulnerabilities: Restrict or block UDP port 8211 from any untrusted networks. 

For other vulnerabilities: Limit access to the CLI and web-based management interfaces by isolating them on a dedicated layer 2 segment or VLAN, and manage access with layer 3 or higher firewall policies to reduce exposure. 

No instances of active exploitation have been reported, but HPE strongly recommends applying these updates or mitigations to secure systems. 

HPE-Warns-of-Severe-RCE-Flaws-in-Aruba-Access-Points.webp

Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) has released updates for its Instant AOS-8 and AOS-10 software to fix two critical security vulnerabilities affecting Aruba Networking Access Points. 


HPE Warns of Severe RCE Flaws in Aruba Access Points 

Palo Alto Networks is advising its customers to secure access to the PAN-OS management interface following reports of a potential remote code execution (RCE) vulnerability.  

While details about the origin of the claim are unclear, the cybersecurity firm has acknowledged that an individual has allegedly identified a new RCE vulnerability within the PAN-OS management interface. 

## No Evidence of Exploitation So Far

The company is closely monitoring for any exploitation attempts but has not observed any evidence of a zero-day exploit in action. 
![2.webp](https://strapiassets.blr1.digitaloceanspaces.com/2_5f800229dc.webp)
Palo Alto Networks also stated that it currently lacks specific information about the claimed vulnerability or any indicators of compromise (IoCs) related to it. 

Despite not having full details of the vulnerability, Palo Alto Networks is confident that securing the PAN-OS management interface would mitigate the risk, regardless of the nature of the vulnerability. 

The company emphasized that Prisma Access and cloud NGFW products would not be affected by the issue. 

## Best Practices for Securing the Interface

Palo Alto Networks strongly recommends that customers ensure their management interface access is configured according to its best practice deployment guidelines.  

Access should be restricted to trusted internal IPs only, and not be accessible from the internet. The company highlighted that most firewalls already adhere to these industry best practices. 

The company has provided instructions on how to identify internet-exposed management interfaces and secure them to prevent potential threats. 

## Related Vulnerability Alert: CVE-2024-5910
![3.webp](https://strapiassets.blr1.digitaloceanspaces.com/3_6edbcef150.webp)
This advisory comes shortly after the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) added a Palo Alto Networks Expedition vulnerability, tracked as CVE-2024-5910, to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities Catalog.  

This flaw, patched in July, allows attackers to take over an admin account and access sensitive data. While technical details have been available since early October, there is no public information on any attacks exploiting the vulnerability. 

Palo Alto Networks is advising its customers to secure access to the PAN-OS management interface following reports of a potential remote code execution (RCE) vulnerability.  

Palo Alto Networks Responds to Allegations of Remote Code Execution Vulnerability 

## Cisco's Critical Alert
Cisco has issued a critical alert regarding a serious vulnerability in its Ultra-Reliable Wireless Backhaul systems, which could make the devices vulnerable to remote exploitation. 

![2.webp](https://strapiassets.blr1.digitaloceanspaces.com/2_a0bc314531.webp)

The flaw, known as CVE-2024-20418, was made public yesterday and impacts the Unified Industrial Wireless Software that powers these devices. 
This security hole is particularly concerning due to its potential to allow unauthorized users to gain elevated privileges on affected systems.

- Vulnerability Overview: The CVE-2024-20418 vulnerability is linked to the web-based management interface of the devices, which is used to configure and monitor the systems. 

The issue allows remote attackers, even without any pre-existing privileges, to exploit the flaw by sending specially crafted HTTP requests to the system. This could ultimately allow them to gain admin-level access to the device.

- Risk of Exploitation: A successful exploitation of this vulnerability would give the attacker the ability to execute arbitrary commands with root privileges on the underlying operating system of the affected device. 

## Quick Mitigation 

![3.webp](https://strapiassets.blr1.digitaloceanspaces.com/3_b76fc35ecd.webp)

This could lead to full control over the system, enabling the attacker to install malicious software, manipulate device functions, or potentially use the system as a foothold for further attacks.

- Potential Impact: The ability to escalate privileges remotely without any user interaction makes this flaw particularly dangerous. Organizations using the affected Ultra-Reliable Wireless Backhaul systems could face severe risks, including compromised network infrastructure, data breaches, and potential system outages.

Cisco has emphasized the importance of addressing this issue quickly to mitigate the risks associated with the vulnerability. 

As of now, they have not released detailed steps for patching, but users are strongly advised to monitor updates from Cisco and apply necessary patches as soon as they become available. 

This flaw highlights the ongoing need for rigorous security measures in networked devices, particularly those critical to industrial operations.


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Cisco has issued a critical alert regarding a serious vulnerability in its Ultra-Reliable Wireless Backhaul systems, which could make the devices vulnerable to remote exploitation. 

Cisco Hits CVSS 10 with Critical Wireless System Vulnerability

In a strategic initiative to address the growing complexities of the cybersecurity landscape, CrowdStrike and Fortinet have announced a partnership that integrates CrowdStrike's Falcon platform with Fortinet's FortiGate next-generation firewalls.  

This collaboration is set to deliver comprehensive, end-to-end security that spans networks, applications, and devices, enhancing protection against an evolving threat environment. 

## Unified Security for Modern Challenges

Daniel Bernard, Chief Business Officer at CrowdStrike, and John Maddison, Chief Marketing Officer at Fortinet, shared insights into their collaboration aimed at creating a multi-layered, integrated security solution that leverages the best technologies available.  

Bernard expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, highlighting the thrill of two technology leaders joining forces to tackle customer challenges innovatively.  

He emphasized that this collaboration not only addresses critical gaps between network and endpoint security but also aligns with their shared "partner-first" philosophy, which seeks to effectively scale solutions for both large enterprises and small-to-medium businesses. 

This partnership addresses a significant challenge in contemporary cybersecurity: the limitations of traditional, isolated security tools.  

As Maddison noted, customers are increasingly seeking a best-of-breed approach that enables advanced endpoint protection to seamlessly integrate with robust network security.  

This integration results in a more comprehensive understanding of various threat vectors and enhances the capacity to prevent lateral movement at both the endpoint and network layers. 

## Enhancing Detection with AI

What sets the partnership between CrowdStrike and Fortinet apart is its AI-driven approach, designed to enhance both the speed and accuracy of threat detection. 

The Falcon platform, recognized for its advanced AI and adversary intelligence capabilities, is complemented by Fortinet's FortiGuard AI-powered security services. 

This collaboration enriches telemetry across network and endpoint layers, allowing organizations to swiftly identify and respond to fast-evolving threats in real time. 

Bernard emphasized that the seamless integration of these technologies can significantly reduce the time needed to detect and resolve incidents, which is crucial in today’s high-stakes cyber environment. 

“Our objective is to automate processes as much as possible, minimizing the number of clicks required for customers to act swiftly and efficiently,” he stated. 

## Streamlining Security Operations

A key advantage of the CrowdStrike and Fortinet integration is its potential to simplify security operations.  

Bernard underscored that customers should not have to act as system integrators; instead, they should be able to implement solutions with minimal effort.  

By offering a unified console for monitoring both endpoint and network activity, the partnership seeks to reduce complexity for security teams, fostering a more cohesive and efficient working environment within Security Operations Centers (SOCs). 

Maddison highlighted the significance of this integration in empowering SOC analysts with the necessary visibility for rapid, informed decision-making.  

“Automating threat responses across endpoints and networks is essential,” he noted, adding that by integrating AI-powered insights from both companies into a single operational workflow,  

“we enable teams to respond instantly, whether that involves isolating a device or segmenting network traffic.” 

## Supporting Flexibility and Growth

CrowdStrike and Fortinet recognize the importance of a flexible and open ecosystem that allows customers to create tailored security strategies.  

Maddison pointed out that this flexibility is especially vital for large, regulated enterprises, which often prefer best-of-breed solutions for specific security needs.  

“Customers desire both an endpoint platform and a network platform; they don’t want to manage a myriad of vendors while still needing strong security layers,” he explained. 

Bernard echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that while organizations strive to simplify their security stacks, it is crucial that such consolidation does not compromise effective threat coverage.  

He asserted that this partnership “provides an end-to-end solution that feels cohesive for customers while leveraging the strengths of each technology.” 

## Future Prospects

Looking to the future, both companies are committed to further integrating their AI capabilities and pursuing additional joint innovations.  

The initial focus of the partnership will be on shared threat intelligence and automated response workflows. However, both leaders are enthusiastic about the potential of generative AI to enhance their collaboration. 

“Imagine a SOC analyst accessing insights from both Fortinet and CrowdStrike through conversational AI, receiving comprehensive intelligence that encompasses both network and endpoint data,” Bernard envisioned.  

This unified, AI-driven ecosystem has the potential to significantly improve organizations’ threat prevention and response capabilities. 

## New Standards in Cybersecurity

The collaboration between CrowdStrike and Fortinet establishes a cohesive, AI-enhanced defense strategy that integrates endpoint and network protection.  

By combining their unique strengths, these industry leaders empower organizations to streamline security operations, gain deeper insights, and respond to threats with increased speed and accuracy. 

As Bernard summarized, “This partnership transcends mere integration; it’s about creating a seamless experience that equips organizations to effectively halt breaches.” 

Fortinet-and-CrowdStrike-unite-to-block-network-and-endpoint-threats!.webp

CrowdStrike and Fortinet have announced a partnership that integrates CrowdStrike's Falcon platform with Fortinet's FortiGate next-generation firewalls.  

Fortinet and CrowdStrike unite to block network and endpoint threats! 

Microsoft has patched four critical security flaws that could allow an attacker to manipulate its artificial intelligence, cloud services, enterprise resource planning (ERP) tools, and the Partner Center platform. 
![2.webp](https://strapiassets.blr1.digitaloceanspaces.com/2_06f4a52a98.webp)
Among them, one of the vulnerabilities was found being exploited in the wild, thus making it necessary to fix these vulnerabilities immediately.

## Critical Vulnerability Exploited in the Wild

The most severe issue is CVE-2024-49035, a privilege escalation vulnerability in the partner.microsoft[.]com platform, which has been given a CVSS score of 8.7. Microsoft confirmed that this vulnerability is being exploited in the wild and described it as follows:

_"An improper access control vulnerability in partner.microsoft[.]com allows an unauthenticated attacker to elevate privileges over a network."_

This vulnerability has resulted in unauthorized access and escalation of privileges to sensitive systems that have been compromised. 

It was discovered and reported by the researchers Gautam Peri, Apoorv Wadhwa and an anonymous contributor. 

In fact, Microsoft has declined to give out details of the exploitation of the flaw, apparently to discourage further misuse.

The fixes were rolled out automatically:

Microsoft has fixed these vulnerabilities via automatic updates, especially for the online version of Microsoft Power Apps. 

This way, the user is protected immediately, and there is no need for a manual update.

## Other Vulnerabilities Patched

Besides CVE-2024-49035, Microsoft has addressed three other vulnerabilities, two of which are Critical and one Important:

**1.	CVE-2024-49038 (CVSS score: 9.3)**
Type: Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability.
- Affected Service: Copilot Studio.
- Impact: This vulnerability could be used by an unauthorized attacker to gain privilege escalation over a network, possibly reaching sensitive data or systems.

**2.	 CVE-2024-49052 (CVSS score: 8.2)**
Type: Missing Authentication for Critical Function.
- Affected Service: Microsoft Azure PolicyWatch.
- Impact: This vulnerability enables an unauthorized attacker to escalate privileges over a network, causing high risks to the affected Azure environments.

**3.  CVE-2024-49053 (CVSS score: 7.6)**
Type: Spoofing vulnerability.
- Affected Service: Microsoft Dynamics 365 Sales.
- Impact: An authenticated attacker could craft a bad URL and phish a user into clicking it, possibly redirecting them to some malicious site.

## Dynamics 365 Required Action

While most of the vulnerabilities are automatically mitigated, users of Dynamics 365 Sales apps on Android and iOS must take a manual step. Microsoft advises installing version 3.24104.15 to prevent attacks from CVE-2024-49053. This update is imperative to prevent attackers from using the spoofing flaw.

## Vigilance and Updates Are Key

Microsoft has acted quickly and maintained strong security measures, especially on the cloud and enterprise front. 

It encourages users to maintain their systems and applications in an updated manner to reduce vulnerabilities. 

As the landscape of cybersecurity is changing, proactive patching and vigilant monitoring are the best ways to protect sensitive data and systems.


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Microsoft has patched four critical security flaws that could allow an attacker to manipulate its artificial intelligence, cloud services, enterprise resource planning (ERP) tools, and the Partner Center platform. 

Microsoft Patches AI, Cloud, and ERP Flaws; One Actively Exploited

This week, SonicWall rolled out patches addressing multiple vulnerabilities in its SMA100 SSL-VPN Secure Access Gateway, including several high-severity flaws that could allow attackers to remotely execute code (RCE).

## Buffer Overflow 

Two of the most critical vulnerabilities are buffer overflow bugs, which could have dire consequences if exploited. 

Tracked as CVE-2024-45318 and CVE-2024-53703 (with a CVSS score of 8.1), these flaws affect the web management interface and a library loaded by the Apache web server. 

![2.webp](https://strapiassets.blr1.digitaloceanspaces.com/2_aeef67449b.webp)

Both vulnerabilities could enable attackers to trigger stack-based buffer overflows, potentially leading to remote code execution.

## Heap-based Overflow & Authentication Bypass

Another significant issue is CVE-2024-40763, a heap-based buffer overflow caused by the use of the strcpy function. 

While this flaw also allows for potential RCE, it requires authentication for exploitation, according to SonicWall's advisory.

Additionally, a high-severity authentication bypass bug, tracked as CVE-2024-45319, could allow an authenticated remote attacker to bypass certificate requirements during authentication, giving unauthorized access.

## Cryptographic Weakness Exposed

SonicWall also patched a cryptographic vulnerability in the SMA100 SSLVPN backup code generator, which used a weak pseudo-random number generator (PRNG) that could be predicted by attackers. 

This flaw is tracked as CVE-2024-53702.

## Patching Recommendations

These vulnerabilities affect SMA 100 series appliances running firmware version 10.2.1.13-72sv and earlier. SonicWall has addressed these issues in firmware version 10.2.1.14-75sv. 

Fortunately, the SMA1000 SSL VPN series products are not affected by these vulnerabilities.

SonicWall has emphasized that there is no evidence of these vulnerabilities being exploited in the wild. 

However, given the potential risks, users are strongly advised to update their appliances as soon as possible. Past incidents have shown that attackers often target known vulnerabilities, so patching is critical to safeguarding systems.

SonicWall's proactive approach in addressing these vulnerabilities highlights the ongoing need for vigilance and timely updates in maintaining the security of networking products.


This week, SonicWall rolled out patches addressing multiple vulnerabilities in its SMA100 SSL-VPN Secure Access Gateway

SonicWall Fixes 6 Vulnerabilities in Secure Access Gateway

Cisco has issued security patches for a critical bootloader vulnerability in its NX-OS software, which affects over 100 devices, including several models in the Nexus, UCS, and MDS series. 

![2.webp](https://strapiassets.blr1.digitaloceanspaces.com/2_bc6d53b8bd.webp)

This flaw could allow attackers to bypass image signature verification, potentially leading to the installation of unverified software. 

Tracked as CVE-2024-20397, the vulnerability has been assigned a CVSS score of 5.2, indicating a moderate risk level, though the consequences could still be severe if exploited.

## How the Vulnerability Works

The vulnerability lies within the bootloader settings of Cisco's NX-OS Software, which is used in its network devices. 

Insecure configurations in the bootloader could allow attackers—either unauthenticated individuals with physical access or authenticated users with administrative privileges—to bypass the NX-OS image signature verification.

This could enable malicious software to be loaded onto the device without verification, posing a serious security threat.

## Affected Cisco Products

The vulnerability impacts several Cisco products running vulnerable BIOS versions, regardless of their configuration. The affected devices include:

•	UCS 6500 Series Fabric Interconnects
•	MDS 9000 Series Multilayer Switches
•	Nexus 3000 Series Switches
•	Nexus 7000 Series Switches
•	Nexus 9000 Series Fabric Switches (in ACI mode)
•	Nexus 9000 Series Switches (in standalone NX-OS mode)
•	UCS 6400 Series Fabric Interconnects

The vulnerability is tracked under multiple references like CSCwj35846, CSCwh76163, and CSCwm47438.

## Potential Risks

If exploited, the flaw could allow attackers to load unverified software onto affected devices, potentially compromising network security and functionality. 

This could pave the way for more serious attacks, such as data theft or network disruptions. 

However, Cisco’s Product Security Incident Response Team (PSIRT) has confirmed that there are no known cases of this vulnerability being exploited in the wild.

## Cisco’s Response and Recommendations

Cisco has released patches for the affected devices and recommends that users update their systems to mitigate the risks posed by this vulnerability. 

Unfortunately, there are no workarounds available to address the issue, so applying the patches is critical for securing affected devices.

It’s also important to note that Nexus 92160YC-X devices, which have reached the End of Vulnerability/Security Support, will not receive a fix for this issue.

While this vulnerability poses a moderate risk, the potential for an attacker to bypass critical security measures makes it important for Cisco customers to act promptly. 

Cisco has provided patches to fix the issue, but users must stay vigilant and ensure their devices are up to date to avoid security breaches.


Cisco has issued security patches for a critical bootloader vulnerability in its NX-OS software, which affects over 100 devices, including several models in the Nexus, UCS, and MDS series. 

Hundreds of Cisco Switches Affected by Bootloader Vulnerability

Microsoft’s December 2024 Patch Tuesday has rolled out, delivering crucial security updates that address a total of 71 vulnerabilities, including one actively exploited zero-day flaw.

![2.webp](https://strapiassets.blr1.digitaloceanspaces.com/2_9fd924cd45.webp)

Among the fixes are 16 critical vulnerabilities, all of which involve remote code execution (RCE), highlighting the importance of timely updates. 

## Breaking Down the Numbers 

The vulnerabilities addressed in this month’s Patch Tuesday are distributed as follows: 

- 27 Elevation of Privilege (EoP) vulnerabilities 

- 30 Remote Code Execution (RCE) vulnerabilities 

- 7 Information Disclosure vulnerabilities 

- 5 Denial of Service (DoS) vulnerabilities 

- 1 Spoofing vulnerability 

It’s worth noting that this count does not include two Edge browser vulnerabilities that were resolved in updates released on December 5 and 6. 

## Focus on the Zero-Day Vulnerability 

Among the patches is a fix for an actively exploited zero-day vulnerability, CVE-2024-49138, classified as a Windows Common Log File System Driver Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability. 

This flaw allows attackers to gain SYSTEM privileges on Windows devices, potentially enabling complete system compromise. 

While details on the specific exploitation methods remain undisclosed, the vulnerability was identified by CrowdStrike’s Advanced Research Team. 

As CrowdStrike typically provides detailed analyses, more insights into the exploitation may emerge soon. BleepingComputer reached out to CrowdStrike for additional information but has yet to receive a response. 

## Critical Fixes in December Updates 

This Patch Tuesday also addressed 16 critical vulnerabilities, all categorized as RCE issues. 

These vulnerabilities underscore the importance of ensuring that systems are up-to-date to mitigate risks associated with remote attacks. 

![3.webp](https://strapiassets.blr1.digitaloceanspaces.com/3_4271ba1c9f.webp)

For users interested in broader system improvements, additional non-security updates were released. Detailed articles covering updates for Windows 11 (KB5048667 and KB5048685) and Windows 10 (KB5048652) are available for review. 

## Recent Security Updates from Other Companies 

The cybersecurity ecosystem has been active this December, with updates and advisories from several other vendors. Highlights include: 

- Adobe: Released patches for various products, including Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, After Effects, and more. 

- CISA: Published advisories addressing industrial control system vulnerabilities in MOBATIME, Schneider Electric, National Instruments, Horner Automation, Rockwell Automation, and Ruijie. 

- Cleo: An actively exploited zero-day targeting its security file transfer system was linked to data theft attacks. 

- Cisco: Issued security updates for multiple products, including Cisco NX-OS and Cisco ASA. 

- IO-Data: Zero-day router vulnerabilities were exploited to take over devices. 

- 0patch: Released an unofficial patch for a Windows zero-day allowing NTLM credential theft. 

- OpenWrt: Addressed a Sysupgrade flaw that permitted attackers to distribute malicious firmware. 

- SAP: Released December Patch Day updates addressing vulnerabilities across multiple products. 

- Veeam: Fixed a critical RCE vulnerability in its Service Provider Console. 

## Takeaways and Recommendations 

December’s Patch Tuesday highlights the evolving complexity and persistence of cybersecurity threats. Organizations and individuals are strongly encouraged to: 

- Apply Updates Immediately: Install Microsoft’s latest patches to address the 71 vulnerabilities, including the actively exploited zero-day. 

- Monitor for Reports: Stay updated on further analysis of CVE-2024-49138 from CrowdStrike or other security firms. 

- Review Vendor Updates: Ensure other third-party software and systems are patched to mitigate risks from vulnerabilities disclosed by Adobe, Cisco, SAP, and others. 

With attackers continually evolving their methods, staying proactive in applying updates and monitoring emerging threats is crucial for maintaining system integrity and security. As always, vigilance remains a key defense against cyber threats. 

Microsoft’s December 2024 Patch Tuesday has rolled out, delivering crucial security updates that address a total of 71 vulnerabilities

Microsoft's December 2024 Patch Addresses Exploited Zero-Day and 71 Vulnerabilities 

Microsoft recently disclosed a critical vulnerability in Windows Defender (CVE-2024-49071), which could have allowed attackers to access sensitive file data across a network. 

![webp.webp](https://strapiassets.blr1.digitaloceanspaces.com/webp_5c357bee66.webp)

Despite the severity of the issue, users have been advised that no action is required on their part. 

So, what’s the story behind this silent yet effective fix? 

## Understanding the Vulnerability 

The vulnerability, rated critical, stemmed from Windows Defender’s handling of search indexes. 

According to the Debricked vulnerability database, the issue occurred because Windows Defender created a search index of sensitive files without properly restricting access to authorized users. 

This flaw could have allowed attackers with some level of access to exploit the vulnerability and disclose private data over a network. 

Key Details 

- Vulnerability ID: CVE-2024-49071 

- Impact: Potential disclosure of sensitive file data across networks. 

- Attack Complexity: Low, but required some access to Windows Defender. 

- Exploitations: None reported to date. 

## Why No Action Is Needed 

While a critical vulnerability might typically prompt immediate patch updates or user intervention, Microsoft took a different approach. 

The issue was resolved entirely on the server side, with no updates or actions required from end users. 

This is part of Microsoft’s new transparency initiative, announced in June 2024, which ensures that users are informed of critical vulnerabilities, even when no action is required. As Microsoft explained: 

_“We will issue CVEs for critical cloud service vulnerabilities, regardless of whether customers need to install a patch or take other actions to protect themselves.”_ 

For CVE-2024-49071, Microsoft confirmed: 

_“The vulnerability documented by this CVE requires no customer action to resolve. This vulnerability has already been fully mitigated by Microsoft.”_

## A Quiet Fix with Full Transparency 

Microsoft’s proactive and transparent handling of this Windows Defender issue highlights a shift in how cloud-related vulnerabilities are managed. 

By addressing the problem server-side and notifying users through their security update guide, Microsoft ensured both a seamless resolution and an informed user base. 

This approach is a win for security best practices, combining swift mitigation with open communication. 

For Windows users, it means peace of mind without the hassle of manual intervention—a perfect example of security done right. 

web p.webp

Microsoft recently disclosed a critical vulnerability in Windows Defender (CVE-2024-49071), which could have allowed attackers to access sensitive file data across a network. 


Microsoft Highlights a Critical Security Flaw in Windows Defender 

Fortinet recently disclosed a critical vulnerability in Fortinet Wireless Manager (FortiWLM) that enables remote attackers to execute unauthorized commands or code through specially crafted web requests. 

This vulnerability, tracked as CVE-2023-34990, has a severity rating of 9.8 and poses a significant risk to users in critical sectors such as government, healthcare, education, and large enterprises. 

## The Vulnerability: CVE-2023-34990 

CVE-2023-34990 is a relative path traversal flaw caused by improper input validation in the /ems/cgi-bin/ezrf_lighttpd.cgi endpoint. 

By exploiting this flaw, unauthenticated attackers can manipulate the imagename parameter when the op_type is set to upgradelogs. 

![2.webp](https://strapiassets.blr1.digitaloceanspaces.com/2_21069b45e9.webp)

This allows attackers to read sensitive log files on the system. 

These logs often contain administrator session IDs, which attackers can use to hijack admin sessions and gain privileged access. 

According to Horizon3 researcher Zach Hanley, this exploitation is made easier by FortiWLM’s verbose logging, which includes the session IDs of authenticated users. 

Hanley explained: 

_"Abusing the lack of input validation, an attacker can construct a request where the imagename parameter contains a path traversal, allowing the attacker to read any log file on the system. With these verbose logs, an attacker can retrieve session IDs to hijack authenticated sessions and abuse other endpoints."_

## Affected Versions and Timeline 

The vulnerability impacts FortiWLM versions 8.6.0 through 8.6.5 and 8.5.0 through 8.5.4. Discovered by Zach Hanley in May 2023, the flaw remained unpatched for 10 months despite being reported to Fortinet. 

Hanley publicly disclosed the vulnerability, along with a proof-of-concept (POC), on March 14, 2024, in a technical writeup. 

Although Fortinet addressed the issue in FortiWLM versions 8.6.6 and 8.5.5, released at the end of September 2023, the absence of a CVE ID and a formal security bulletin meant that users were largely unaware of the risk. 

Fortinet finally issued a security bulletin on December 18, 2024, nine months after Hanley's public disclosure. 

## The Impact of the Flaw 

Given its deployment in critical environments, FortiWLM is a high-value target for attackers. Successful exploitation of this flaw could result in: 

![3.webp](https://strapiassets.blr1.digitaloceanspaces.com/3_e9673b2a49.webp)

- Hijacked admin sessions, granting attackers privileged access. 

- Network-wide disruptions. 

 - Exposure of sensitive data. 

The vulnerability effectively served as a zero-day for roughly four months, leaving users vulnerable until a fix was implemented and communicated. 

## Recommended Actions 

Fortinet strongly urges administrators of FortiWLM to update to secure versions (8.6.6 or 8.5.5) immediately. 

Applying updates promptly is critical to mitigating risks and ensuring the security of wireless networks. 

Admins are also encouraged to monitor Fortinet’s security bulletins regularly and implement best practices for securing network devices. 

With FortiWLM’s importance in managing wireless infrastructure, timely updates are essential to prevent potential exploits. 

Fortinet recently disclosed a critical vulnerability in Fortinet Wireless Manager (FortiWLM) that enables remote attackers to execute unauthorized commands or code through specially crafted web requests. 

Fortinet Addresses Critical FortiWLM Vulnerability

The digital age has brought unparalleled convenience, but it has also opened the floodgates for cyber threats. As hackers grow more sophisticated, so must the defenses against them. 

**Palo Alto Networks**, a leader in cybersecurity, is leveraging the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to predict and **thwart cyberattacks** before they happen. This blog delves into how Palo Alto is hacking the hackers with innovative AI technology and what it means for the future of cybersecurity. 

## The Evolving Cybersecurity Landscape 

Cyberattacks have shifted from simple malware to highly coordinated campaigns targeting governments, businesses, and individuals. Traditional security measures, like firewalls and antivirus software, are no longer sufficient to tackle these advanced threats. 

Here's why: 

- **Speed and Complexity of Attacks**: Modern cyberattacks can occur in milliseconds, leaving minimal time for response. 

- **Volume of Data**: Organizations produce massive amounts of data, making it difficult to detect anomalies manually. 

- **Human Limitations**: Security teams cannot keep up with the sheer scale and sophistication of modern threats. 

This is where artificial intelligence steps in as a game-changing force. 

## Palo Alto's AI-Powered Solutions 

Palo Alto Networks is at the forefront of using AI to combat cyber threats. Their AI-driven platform, Cortex XSIAM (Extended Security Intelligence and Automation Management), is designed to predict, detect, and respond to cyberattacks in real-time. 

![3.webp](https://strapiassets.blr1.digitaloceanspaces.com/3_bdde6633fe.webp)

Here’s how it works: 

**Threat Prediction:** 

- AI analyzes vast amounts of data from endpoints, networks, and cloud environments. 

- It identifies patterns that indicate potential attacks, even before they occur. 

**Automated Detection and Response**: 

- Cortex XSIAM automates threat detection, reducing the time it takes to respond from hours to seconds. 

- It uses machine learning to prioritize alerts, ensuring that security teams focus on the most critical threats. 

**Behavioral Analysis**: 

- AI monitors user and entity behavior to detect anomalies that may signal insider threats or compromised accounts. 

- This proactive approach helps uncover subtle threats that traditional tools might miss. 

**Continuous Learning:** 

- The AI system improves over time by learning from new threats and adapting its models. 

## Why AI Is the Future of Cybersecurity 

Palo Alto’s adoption of AI reflects a broader trend in the cybersecurity industry. 

![2.webp](https://strapiassets.blr1.digitaloceanspaces.com/2_4f71c30a31.webp)

AI not only makes threat detection faster and more accurate but also empowers organizations to stay ahead of attackers. Key benefits include: 

- **Scalability:** AI can handle vast amounts of data without requiring additional human resources. 

- **Precision**: Machine learning algorithms minimize false positives, ensuring security teams don’t waste time on unnecessary alerts. 

- **Proactivity**: Instead of reacting to attacks, AI enables a predictive approach to cybersecurity. 

## Looking Ahead 

As **cyber threats** continue to evolve, companies like Palo Alto Networks are proving that innovation is the key to staying ahead. 

By harnessing AI to predict and **neutralize attacks**, they are setting a new standard for cybersecurity. 

For businesses, the message is clear: investing in AI-driven security solutions is no longer optional—it’s essential. As Palo Alto leads the charge, the question isn’t whether AI will transform cybersecurity, but how quickly organizations can adapt to this new paradigm. 

With AI as a critical ally, hacking the hackers is no longer a distant goal—it’s happening now. 

Palo Alto Networks, a leader in cybersecurity, is leveraging the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to predict and thwart cyberattacks before they happen. 

Hacking the Hackers: How Palo Alto Is Using AI to Predict Cyberattacks 

A newly discovered cyberattack, known as the double-clickjacking hack, is raising alarms among cybersecurity experts. This sophisticated exploit targets web users across all major browsers, making it a universal threat.

The attack works by manipulating users into double-clicking on seemingly harmless prompts, such as CAPTCHAs or pop-ups, while secretly redirecting their actions to a hidden window.

Unlike older clickjacking methods, which were mitigated by browser security updates, this new approach bypasses protections by leveraging precise mouse-click timing. As a result, users are unknowingly tricked into completing malicious actions.

## What Is Double-Clickjacking?

Paulos Yibelo, a renowned application security and offensive exploit researcher, has unveiled a groundbreaking cyberattack methodology in his latest blog post. 

![jddn.webp](https://strapiassets.blr1.digitaloceanspaces.com/jddn_53aa9ddca9.webp)

Dubbed double-clickjacking, this attack bypasses traditional browser security measures and targets users of Chrome, Edge, Safari, and virtually any web browser.

**How It Works:** Hackers manipulate users into double-clicking on seemingly harmless prompts (e.g., CAPTCHA) while stealthily switching the action to a hidden window. This trick can validate unauthorized logins or account authorizations without the user realizing it.

**Evolution of Clickjacking**: Unlike traditional clickjacking—which became ineffective due to browser updates—double-clickjacking exploits the precise timing of mouse double-clicks to bypass these built-in protections.

## Why This Attack Is Dangerous

The new attack surface exposes nearly all web users to potential risks:

- **Universal Target**: It works across most websites and browsers, making it a global threat.

- **Stealthy Execution**: The action happens so quickly that users don’t notice their clicks have been redirected to malicious commands.

- **Credential Compromise**: The attack is capable of stealing login details, validating unauthorized actions, or compromising accounts.

## How to Protect Yourself

While developers and security experts work to address this vulnerability, users should take the following precautions:

- **Avoid Double-Clicks**: Be cautious when prompted to double-click, especially on unfamiliar websites or pop-ups.

- **Verify Website Authenticity:** Stick to trusted websites and avoid clicking on suspicious elements.

- **Keep Browsers Updated:** Ensure your browser is running the latest version, as security patches may mitigate this risk.

- **Use Security Tools**: Employ anti-malware and browser security extensions that can identify and block suspicious activities.

## The Bottom Line

The double-clickjacking hack highlights a new level of sophistication in cyberattacks. By exploiting user behavior and browser vulnerabilities, this threat underscores the importance of vigilance while browsing the web. 
Stay informed, cautious, and proactive to minimize your exposure to this latest cyber danger.

kdds.webp

A new cyber threat called double-clickjacking is putting millions of web users at risk, regardless of their browser.

One-Click Threat: Chrome, Edge, and Safari Users Beware!

Threat actors are exploiting the FastHTTP Go library to execute high-speed brute-force password attacks on Microsoft 365 accounts worldwide. The campaign, discovered by incident response firm SpearTip, began on January 6, 2025, targeting the Azure Active Directory Graph API.

## Alarming Success Rates in Account Takeovers

According to researchers, these brute-force attacks have achieved a 10% success rate in compromising accounts, highlighting the sophistication and effectiveness of the campaign.

**Exploiting FastHTTP for Unauthorized Access**

FastHTTP, a high-performance HTTP server and client library for the Go programming language, is designed for handling HTTP requests with exceptional throughput, low latency, and efficiency. In this campaign, it is weaponized to:

- Automate unauthorized login attempts via brute-force attacks.
- Send repeated multi-factor authentication (MFA) challenges, overwhelming targets in MFA Fatigue attacks.

## Geographic Origin of Malicious Traffic

SpearTip’s analysis indicates that 65% of the malicious traffic originates from Brazil, using a wide range of ASN providers and IP addresses. Other notable sources include Turkey, Argentina, Uzbekistan, Pakistan, and Iraq.
Attack Outcomes

The outcomes of these attacks, as reported by researchers, are:

- 41.5%: Failed attempts.
- 21%: Account lockouts triggered by protection mechanisms.
- 17.7%: Rejected due to access policy violations (e.g., geographic or device compliance).
- 10%: Successfully blocked by MFA protections.
- 9.7%: Successful account takeovers—a concerningly high success rate.

**Impact of Account Takeovers**

Compromised Microsoft 365 accounts can result in severe repercussions, such as:

- Exposure of confidential data.
- Intellectual property theft.
- Service downtime.
- Broader security breaches.

## Detection and Defense Measures

To mitigate the impact of these attacks, SpearTip recommends the following steps:

1.	Audit Logs for FastHTTP User Agent: Use a PowerShell script or manually inspect audit logs for evidence of the FastHTTP user agent.
- Navigate to the Azure portal.
- Go to Microsoft Entra ID → Users → Sign-in Logs.
- Apply the filter: Client app: “Other Clients.”

2.	Respond to Malicious Activity:
- Expire active user sessions.
- Reset all account credentials.
- Review and remove unauthorized MFA devices.
By implementing these measures, administrators can safeguard Microsoft 365 accounts against this ongoing threat campaign.


Threat actors are exploiting the FastHTTP Go library to execute high-speed brute-force password attacks on Microsoft 365 accounts worldwide.

FastHTTP Tool Powers Blazing-Fast Microsoft 365 Password Hacks

Cybersecurity firm Arctic Wolf has detailed a cyber campaign exploiting Fortinet FortiGate firewall devices with exposed management interfaces on the public internet. 

The campaign leverages a suspected zero-day vulnerability to compromise these devices, posing significant risks to affected organizations.

## Details of the Exploitation

Fortinet confirmed the exploitation following Arctic Wolf’s observation of mass campaigns targeting publicly exposed FortiGate firewalls since November 2024. 

FortiGate Next-Generation Firewalls (NGFW) include a command-line interface accessible via their web-based management interface, intended for convenient administrative management. Threat actors have exploited this feature to:

- Gain unauthorized administrative access.
- Modify firewall configurations.
- Extract credentials.
- Move laterally within compromised environments.

The attacks predominantly target devices running firmware versions 7.0.14 to 7.0.16, released between February and October 2024.

To evade detection, attackers have used spoofed IP addresses, including loopback addresses (e.g., 127.0.0.1) and public DNS resolvers (e.g., 8.8.8.8).

**Multi-Phase Attack Campaign**

Arctic Wolf Labs observed the campaign’s progression in four distinct phases between November 16 and December 27, 2024:

1.	Phase 1 (November 16–23): Vulnerability scans targeting the jsconsole command-line interface, often using unusual or spoofed IPs.
2.	Phase 2 (November 22–27): Initial configuration changes to confirm successful administrative access.
3.	Phase 3 (December 4–7): Configuration of SSL VPN access through:
- Creation of new super admin accounts.
- Hijacking existing accounts.
- Exploiting default “guest” accounts.
4.	Phase 4 (December 16–27): Use of the DCSync technique to extract credentials by exploiting domain replication, granting deeper access to sensitive information.

## Immediate Remediation and Best Practices

![2.webp](https://strapiassets.blr1.digitaloceanspaces.com/2_82528d4d7b.webp)
 
Organizations using FortiGate firewalls are strongly advised to take the following measures:
1.	**Disable Public Management Interface Access:** Ensure firewall management interfaces are inaccessible from the public internet.
2.	**Update Firmware:** Regularly patch devices to the latest stable version to mitigate known vulnerabilities.
3.	**Monitor for Anomalous Activity:** Look for unusual login behaviors, such as short-lived admin logins or use of loopback IPs.
4.	**Enable Multifactor Authentication (MFA):** Strengthen login security for administrative access.
5.	**Conduct Threat Hunting**: Investigate for unauthorized configuration changes or SSL VPN account setups.

## Arctic Wolf’s Response

Arctic Wolf has integrated detections for this campaign into its Managed Detection and Response (MDR) platform, enhancing its ability to protect customers. On December 12, 2024, Arctic Wolf reported the observed activities to Fortinet. Fortinet’s internal PSIRT team confirmed awareness of the campaign on December 17, 2024, and is actively investigating the issue.


Cybersecurity firm Arctic Wolf has detailed a cyber campaign exploiting Fortinet FortiGate firewall devices with exposed management interfaces on the public internet. 

Fortinet Firewalls Hit by Zero-Day Exploit: What You Need to Know


## Nvidia Shatters Expectations with AI-Driven Revenue Surge

Nvidia (NVDA.O) delivered a stellar quarterly revenue forecast on Wednesday, far surpassing expectations due to an AI boom driving demand for its chips. The company also announced a $25 billion stock buyback, causing shares to soar after hours. 

- The forecast, which exceeded expectations by billions, underscores the ongoing boom in generative AI technologies—largely powered by Nvidia's chips—that shows no signs of slowing down. 

- The Santa Clara-based AI chip giant reported record revenue of $13.5 billion for the second quarter of its 2024 fiscal year, ending July 30.

Nvidia's data center business was a major growth driver, with revenue increasing 141 percent to $10.32 billion, beating analyst estimates by more than $2 billion. 

## AI Systems Propel Growth Beyond Chips
![b 3.1.webp](https://strapiassets.blr1.digitaloceanspaces.com/b_3_1_af5c87e7fc.webp)
Jensen Huang, Nvidia’s co-founder and CEO, highlighted the transition of companies worldwide from general-purpose computing to accelerated computing and generative AI. This shift significantly boosts performance and efficiency.  

Nvidia's comprehensive AI systems, not just its chips, were the largest contributors to this quarter's growth. These systems include memory chips from other suppliers and tens of thousands of other parts, reflecting Nvidia's dominant position in the AI market. 

- Nvidia announced an additional $25 billion in share repurchases on Wednesday.
- Nvidia's shares have already tripled in value this year.
- Nvidia is now the first trillion-dollar chip company.
- Analysts estimate that demand for Nvidia's AI chips exceeds supply by at least 50%.
- This supply-demand imbalance is expected to persist for several quarters.

This high demand also lifted shares of other Big Tech and AI-related companies, with Microsoft jumping 1.9%, Meta Platforms up 2.1%, and Palantir Technologies surging 4.6% in extended trading. 

## Securing Supply Amid AI Boom

Nvidia is investing heavily to secure supply, reporting a 53% increase in inventory commitments to $11.15 billion from the previous quarter. This move is crucial to meet the long-term supply needs for its data center chips. Nvidia forecast third-quarter revenue of about $16 billion, plus or minus 2%, well above analysts' expectations of $12.61 billion. 

The company's stock price rose 9.6% in after-hours trading, hitting an all-time high. Nvidia’s AI chips and related technologies, such as software for powering AI products like ChatGPT, are expected to drive data center segment revenue to as much as $40 billion for fiscal 2025, according to Refinitiv estimates. 

Despite the competition from AMD's (AMD.O) key AI chip, analysts believe Nvidia’s software has a significant lead. Nvidia's gaming segment also saw revenue rise to $2.49 billion, above analyst estimates. Excluding items, Nvidia earned $2.70 per share in the second quarter, compared to estimates of $2.09. 

While U.S. export restrictions on AI chip sales to China may pose a future challenge, Nvidia's CFO Colette Kress noted that these would not have an immediate impact. Instead, they could result in a permanent loss of opportunity for U.S. industry leadership in one of the world's largest markets. 

b 3.webp

Nvidia (NVDA.O) has delivered an impressive quarterly revenue forecast, surpassing all expectations due to a surge in demand for its AI-driven chips. The company also revealed a $25 billion stock buyback, sending shares soaring in after-hours trading. 

Nvidia Posts Record Results and $25B Buyback


_“Intel actively collaborates with the leaders in the AI software ecosystem to deliver solutions that blend performance with simplicity. Meta Llama 3 represents the next big iteration in large language models for AI. As a major supplier of AI hardware and software, Intel is proud to work with Meta to take advantage of models such as Llama 3 that will enable the ecosystem to develop products for cutting-edge AI applications.”_

–Wei Li, Intel vice president and general manager of AI Software Engineering

## Why It Matters: Intel's Commitment to Ubiquitous AI

Intel is dedicated to integrating AI into every aspect of technology, investing heavily in software and the AI ecosystem to ensure its products stay at the forefront of innovation. 

In data centers, Intel Gaudi and Intel Xeon processors, enhanced with Intel® Advanced Matrix Extension (Intel® AMX) acceleration, provide versatile solutions to meet diverse and evolving demands.

Intel Core Ultra processors and Intel Arc graphics products support comprehensive software frameworks and tools, including PyTorch and Intel® Extension for PyTorch®, for local AI research and development. 

The OpenVINO™ toolkit further aids in model development and inference, facilitating deployment across millions of devices.

## Running Llama 3 on Intel: Initial Insights

![2.webp](https://strapiassets.blr1.digitaloceanspaces.com/2_0381fa098a.webp)

Intel’s initial testing of Llama 3 models (8B and 70B parameters) utilizes open-source software like PyTorch, DeepSpeed, Intel Optimum Habana library, and Intel Extension for PyTorch to deliver cutting-edge software optimizations. For detailed performance insights, visit the Intel Developer Blog.

## Optimized Performance with Intel Gaudi Accelerators

Intel® Gaudi® 2 accelerators, previously optimized for Llama 2 models (7B, 13B, and 70B parameters), now also support the new Llama 3 model with notable performance improvements in inference and fine-tuning.

The recently announced Intel® Gaudi® 3 accelerator extends this support, ensuring robust performance for the latest AI workloads.

## Intel Xeon Processors for End-to-End AI Workloads

Intel Xeon processors are designed to handle demanding AI tasks, with significant investments made to optimize LLM results and minimize latency.

Intel® Xeon® 6 processors with Performance-cores (code-named Granite Rapids) show a 2x reduction in Llama 3 8B inference latency compared to 4th Gen Intel® Xeon® processors, and can run larger models like Llama 3 70B in under 100ms per generated token.

![3.webp](https://strapiassets.blr1.digitaloceanspaces.com/3_c3de95ef44.webp)

## Exceptional Performance with Intel Core Ultra and Arc Graphics

Intel Core Ultra processors and Intel Arc graphics deliver outstanding performance for Llama 3. Initial tests reveal that Intel Core Ultra processors generate text faster than typical human reading speeds. 

The Intel® Arc™ A770 GPU, equipped with Xe Matrix eXtensions (XMX) AI acceleration and 16GB of dedicated memory, provides exceptional performance for large language model (LLM) workloads.


Intel actively collaborates with the leaders in the AI software ecosystem to deliver solutions that blend performance with simplicity.

Intel Powers Meta's Llama 3 with Gaudi, Xeon, and AI PCs

## Nvidia and Google Unite to Transform AI in the Cloud

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang announced a groundbreaking collaboration with Google this week, revealing plans to redefine cloud infrastructure for the generative AI era. Addressing thousands of Google partners and customers, Huang emphasized the revolutionary impact of generative AI on the computing stack, highlighting the combined expertise of Nvidia and Google’s world-class computer science teams. 

_“Generative AI is revolutionizing every layer of the computing stack, and our two companies—with some of the most talented and deep computer science teams in the world—are joining forces to reinvent cloud infrastructure for generative AI,_” Huang declared on stage alongside Google Cloud CEO Thomas Kurian at Google Cloud Next 2023. 

_“We’re re-engineering everything from chips, like the H100 for training and data processing, to model serving with Nvidia L4 GPUs. This overhaul spans processors, systems, networks, and software to accelerate GCP’s Vertex AI and build cutting-edge infrastructure for AI researchers and developers.”_
 
![b 15.webp](https://strapiassets.blr1.digitaloceanspaces.com/b_15_5b4a5d2d87.webp)
Launching New AI Offerings and Supercomputing Power 

During the event, the partnership introduced several innovations aimed at enhancing the development and deployment of large generative AI models. These include integrating Google’s serverless Spark offering with Nvidia GPUs, launching Google A3 VM instances powered by Nvidia H100 Tensor Core GPUs, and optimizing Google’s PaxML for Nvidia-accelerated computing. 

PaxML, a collaborative framework for creating extensive large language models, enables developers to leverage Nvidia’s H100 and A100 Tensor Core GPUs for advanced, scalable experimentation. 

_“We’re reengineering and optimizing the software stack to reinvent software,”_ Huang explained. _“Our collaborative efforts on frameworks like PaxML allow AI researchers to save time, scale up next-generation models, save money, and conserve energy, pushing the boundaries of large language models distributed across vast infrastructures.”_

Google Cloud will also be among the first to access the Nvidia DGX GH200 AI supercomputer, powered by the revolutionary Grace Hopper Superchip, to explore its potential for generative AI workloads. “Our teams are building the next-generation processors and AI infrastructure together. This includes the DGX GH200 AI supercomputer, a truly groundbreaking development,” Huang said. 

In addition, Nvidia DGX Cloud AI supercomputing and software will soon be available to Google Cloud customers, providing the speed and scale needed for advanced training workloads. “We’re integrating Nvidia DGX Cloud into GCP, benefiting all users instantly,” Huang added. 

Google Cloud CEO Thomas Kurian expressed enthusiasm about the strengthened partnership, noting the company’s dedication to offering a wide range of optimized accelerators to meet evolving AI needs. _“Google is a platforms company, and we aim to attract developers and customers who appreciate Nvidia’s GPU technology and software,_” _Kurian stated. “It’s an exceptional partnership_.” 

b 15.webp

Nvidia and Google have announced a transformative partnership aimed at revolutionizing cloud infrastructure for the generative AI era. With innovations like Nvidia H100 Tensor Core GPUs powering Google’s A3 VM instances and optimizations in frameworks like PaxML, this alliance promises to set new standards in AI research and cloud computing. 

Nvidia CEO Teams Up with Google to Revolutionize AI in the Cloud

## Intel Unleashes AI Powerhouse: New Program Aims to Empower ISVs and Revolutionize PCs

_“We believe this is going to unlock 100 million AI PCs over the next couple of years by 2025, a scale that our competition can’t reach,”_

Andrew Marsee, general manager of Intel Partner Alliance, told CRN

Intel is ramping up its efforts to supercharge the AI PC revolution by equipping over 100 independent software vendors (ISVs) with extensive engineering, design, and marketing resources. 

This initiative, unveiled Thursday, is part of Intel’s groundbreaking _“AI PC Acceleration Program,”_ which promises to fundamentally transform the PC experience as envisioned by CEO Pat Gelsinger.
![2.webp](https://strapiassets.blr1.digitaloceanspaces.com/2_2f8a986bd0.webp)
Set to coincide with the release of Intel’s first Core Ultra laptop processors, codenamed Meteor Lake, this program is poised to usher in a new era of AI-powered PCs. 

The more than 100 ISVs, including big names like Adobe, Zoom Video Communications, and Cisco Systems, are working on over 300 AI-enhanced features for PCs.

Zoom, for instance, plans to leverage the neural processing unit (NPU) in the upcoming Core Ultra processors to enhance image and audio AI workloads, thus improving the videoconferencing experience. 

_“Intel’s adoption of the NPU across their roadmap means the Zoom experience will benefit from improved power efficiency for AI workloads,”_ said Eric Yu, head of hardware partnerships at Zoom.

This initiative builds on Intel’s vision, showcased at the recent Intel Innovation event, where AI-powered applications running locally on PCs demonstrated improved latency, privacy, and reduced reliance on cloud-based solutions.

Intel is not alone in this AI PC push. Rivals like AMD, with its Ryzen 7040 CPUs, and Qualcomm, with its upcoming Snapdragon X chips, are also in the race. However, Intel believes it has the edge.

_“We believe this will unlock 100 million AI PCs by 2025, a scale our competition can’t reach,”_ said Marsee.

If successful, Intel’s AI PC Acceleration Program could spark a new wave of refresh opportunities for channel partners in both commercial and consumer segments. _“This unlocks new business opportunities and models we haven’t even dreamt of yet,”_ Marsee added.

**Program objective:**  

Connect Independent Software Vendors (ISVs) and hardware vendors with Intel's resources. 

**Available resources:** 

- Co-engineering: Collaboration in product development. 
- Design tools: Access to advanced design tools. 
- AI toolchains: Provision of AI development toolchains. 
- Technical expertise: Support from Intel's technical experts. 
- Hardware access: Availability of Intel hardware for development. 
- Marketing opportunities: Support in marketing and promoting products. 

**Goal:** Help partners maximize the potential of Intel's upcoming Core Ultra processors. 

**Focus**: Drive new AI use cases in the PC industry. 

While Intel encourages the use of its tools, like OpenVINO, there are no requirements for developers to use specific frameworks. “It’s about making sure these applications work well to raise all boats,” said Robert Hallock, senior director of client technology and performance marketing at Intel.  

“Our NPU is just the most flexible, which may naturally result in applications running best on Intel.” 

When AI-powered applications and features are ready, Intel plans to help ISVs connect with partners to create new sales opportunities. “We will activate our channels for AI PCs, from consumer through business,” Marsee concluded. 

Intel is set to revolutionize the PC industry with its new "AI PC Acceleration Program," aiming to empower over 100 independent software vendors (ISVs) and drive the AI PC revolution. Andrew Marsee, General Manager of Intel Partner Alliance, announced that the program is projected to unlock 100 million AI-powered PCs by 2025, a scale unmatched by competitors. 

Intel Supercharges AI PCs with New ISV Empowerment Program

## Dell Technologies Poised for AI-Driven Growth: Investor Optimism Mirrors Nvidia’s Market Surge 

Dell Technologies Inc. is experiencing a transformative shift in investor sentiment, akin to market leader Nvidia Corp., with growing anticipation surrounding its potential to capitalize on the artificial intelligence (AI) boom. 

As Dell prepares to unveil its first-quarter results, the company, renowned for its personal computers and servers, finds itself at the forefront of the AI revolution, positioning it as one of the major beneficiaries of this burgeoning trend.

In recent times, Dell's strategic initiatives have gained traction, particularly with the launch of a line of AI-optimized PCs. 

This move has sparked optimism among investors, fueling expectations of an imminent upgrade cycle among both individual consumers and businesses alike. 

![2.webp](https://strapiassets.blr1.digitaloceanspaces.com/2_364645ea0c.webp)

This sentiment is further bolstered by HP Inc.'s recent announcement of the first increase in PC sales in two years, signaling a potential industry-wide resurgence.

Furthermore, Dell's prowess in the server market has garnered significant attention, particularly with endorsements from Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang. 

At Nvidia's GTC conference, Huang lauded Dell's high-powered servers, emphasizing the company's expertise in building end-to-end systems of large scale for enterprise use. 

Such endorsements underscore Dell's integral role in the AI ecosystem, positioning it as a key player in driving technological advancements in the server domain.

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Despite boasting a market capitalization exceeding $127 billion, Dell's exclusion from the S&P 500 index has somewhat obscured its prominence among investors.

However, there is growing speculation regarding Dell's potential inclusion in the index, which could serve as a catalyst for renewed investor interest and inflows from passive funds tracking the S&P 500.

Analysts remain bullish on Dell's prospects, attributing its positive outlook to a combination of factors, including its AI-driven servers, advanced storage solutions, and resilient PC market. 

With over 80% of analysts recommending buying the stock, and leading institutions like Morgan Stanley touting it as a top pick, Dell's valuation remains attractive relative to its peers.

While Dell's earnings and revenue projections have witnessed upward revisions, its current price-to-earnings multiple of 22 indicates room for further expansion. 

This underscores the company's potential for sustained growth, particularly as it solidifies its position as a strategic AI vendor in the tech industry.

However, amid the optimism surrounding Dell's AI-driven growth trajectory, concerns persist regarding potential cyclical downturns that could impact its diverse business segments. 

Nevertheless, Dell's strategic positioning and focus on innovation serve as key pillars for navigating market uncertainties and sustaining long-term growth.

In conclusion, Dell's ascent in the AI arena is gaining recognition, positioning the company for sustained success in the evolving tech landscape. 

With AI serving as a key catalyst for innovation and growth, Dell's strategic initiatives and market leadership are poised to drive value creation for investors and stakeholders alike.

As the company continues to capitalize on AI-driven opportunities, it remains well-positioned to emerge as a leader in the tech industry for years to come.


Dell Technologies Inc. is experiencing a transformative shift in investor sentiment, akin to market leader Nvidia Corp., with growing anticipation surrounding its potential to capitalize on the artificial intelligence (AI) boom.

Dell Emerges from Nvidia's Shadow with Accelerating AI Momentum

## Dell Navigates Financial Challenges While Embracing AI Opportunities 

"As the leading infrastructure provider, we are uniquely positioned to serve the generative AI market in a distinct and superior manner. Our extensive GenAI infrastructure portfolio, which covers everything from cloud to client, is the broadest in the world. 

Businesses of all sizes are leveraging their own data and business insights to train, refine, and implement AI using Dell infrastructure solutions, integrating advanced AI into their essential business operations," stated Dell Technologies Vice Chairman and COO Jeff Clarke. 

Dell Technologies' latest quarterly financial results indicate that the company's fiscal 2024 second quarter was underwhelming. Despite this, company executives assert that AI and other emerging technologies, along with better macroeconomic trends, made the quarter strong. Investors responded positively late Wednesday. 

On Thursday, Dell reported a significant year-over-year decline in revenue and GAAP net income, with only slight growth in non-GAAP net income. The company's revenue guidance for the next quarter also predicts another double-digit decline. 

Nevertheless, discussions about Dell's investment in AI persuaded investors that the company is heading in the right direction, leading to a more than 7 percent increase in Dell's share prices in after-hours trading. 

## Dell Technologies Optimistic About AI Despite Financial Dip 

During his prepared remarks, Jeff Clarke, Vice Chairman and COO of Dell Technologies, noted that the company had taken a cautious approach following its first fiscal quarter results. However, demand improved more quickly than expected in June and July. 

Clarke highlighted Dell's effective operational management, which included expense controls, pricing discipline, and lower input costs. Despite a year-over-year decline in revenue, these factors contributed to strong Q2 results. 

Clarke expressed optimism about macroeconomic trends for the latter half of the year, citing better-than-expected demand in the U.S. and EMEA regions, as well as growth in government and SMB sectors. 

Dell's AI-enabled servers and PowerFlex software-defined storage technology also showed significant strength, with PowerFlex recording revenue growth for eight consecutive quarters. 
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Workstation demand, driven by the rise of AI, was another bright spot, as developers and data scientists can now fine-tune GenAI models locally before deploying them at scale. 

Clarke emphasized that AI is a strong growth driver for data and compute, expanding the total addressable market for technology spending, which is projected to grow at an 18% CAGR to approximately $90 billion. 

The launch of Dell's PowerEdge XE9680 GPU-enabled server marked the fastest ramping of a new product in Dell's history, contributing to a significant portion of AI server orders. 

Dell currently has about $2 billion in XE9680 orders in backlog, with a robust sales pipeline. 

Clarke described generative AI as a transformative force driving innovation, productivity, and new ways of working. Dell's extensive GenAI infrastructure portfolio supports customers in training, fine-tuning, and deploying AI solutions across various environments, including on-premises and at the edge, to meet performance, cost, and security requirements. 

Dell sees businesses focusing on four key GenAI use cases: customer operations, content creation and management, software development, and sales. 

Clarke reiterated that AI presents growth opportunities across PCs, data centers, and cloud environments, enabling domain-specific AI solutions tailored to individual business needs. 

Despite a 13% year-over-year drop in Q2 revenue to $22.93 billion, Dell's earnings exceeded analyst expectations. GAAP net income was $455 million, down from $506 million the previous year, while non-GAAP net income saw a slight increase to $1.28 billion. 

Dell CFO Yvonne McGill projected a 7% revenue decline for the fiscal 2024 third quarter but raised full-year revenue expectations to $89.5 billion to $91.5 billion. 

Clarke concluded by highlighting the long lead times for AI-related GPU orders and Dell's advocacy for more supply, with around 30 different accelerator chips in development. 

Dell remains focused on leveraging AI to drive growth and innovation across its infrastructure solutions. 

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Dell Technologies is currently navigating a period of financial uncertainty, as evidenced by a notable decline in revenue and GAAP net income for the fiscal 2024 second quarter. Despite these challenges, the company remains optimistic about its future, highlighting its strategic investments in artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies. 

Dell 2Q24: Massive AI Opportunities to Drive Future Growth

## VAST Data Prepares for IPO After Securing $118 Million in Latest Funding Round 

VAST Data is positioning itself for an initial public offering (IPO) following the successful completion of its latest funding round, which brought in $118 million and valued the data infrastructure firm at an impressive $9.1 billion—a substantial increase from its valuation just two years ago. This information comes from an interview with Reuters, highlighting the company's remarkable growth trajectory. 

The funding round was led by Fidelity Management & Research, with participation from prominent venture capital firms including New Enterprise Associates, BOND Capital, and Drive Capital. This late-stage financing round is particularly noteworthy in a year that has seen sluggish funding activities, underscoring VAST Data's strong market position and investor confidence. 

## Accelerating Growth Amidst the AI Boom 

VAST Data has reported a phenomenal tripling of its revenue year-over-year, surpassing $200 million in annual recurring revenue by September. 

This growth has been fueled by the increasing demand for generative AI workloads, as enterprises and AI labs seek to harness the power of vast datasets. The New York-based company specializes in providing data-intensive computing solutions, enabling clients to manage and preserve both structured and unstructured data—a critical capability in today’s data-driven world. 

Supported by industry giant Nvidia, VAST Data has formed strategic partnerships with specialized AI cloud computing providers such as CoreWeave, Lambda, and Core42 in Abu Dhabi. According to Jeff Denworth, co-founder of VAST Data, the company is not only addressing the needs of emerging AI workloads but is also serving some of the largest global enterprises. 

Denworth anticipates that AI will increasingly integrate with their data systems, further driving the demand for VAST Data’s solutions. 

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## Strategic Plans for Public Listing and Market Expansion

While VAST Data is internally preparing for an IPO, Denworth indicated that the company is carefully evaluating market conditions and timing for a potential public listing. 

Although the company has not yet engaged banks for the IPO process, Denworth hinted that 2024 could be a target year, contingent on favorable market dynamics. 

Amidst a cautious tech IPO market this year, where investors have shown a preference for profitability over rapid growth, VAST Data distinguishes itself with consistent positive cash flow and an impressive gross margin nearing 90%. 

As enterprises accelerate their adoption of AI technologies, AI-focused firms like VAST Data remain particularly attractive to investors seeking opportunities in the technology sector. 

Previously valued at $3.7 billion during its last private funding round with Tiger Global in 2021, VAST Data counts General Atlantic and Norwest Venture Partners among its backers. 

With a global workforce of over 700 employees, the company is actively expanding into new international markets, including Asia Pacific, the Middle East, and Europe. 

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## Footnote

VAST Data’s journey toward an IPO exemplifies the resilience and growth potential of AI-focused companies in a challenging economic environment. As the demand for AI and data-intensive computing continues to rise, VAST Data’s strategic partnerships, robust financial performance, and global expansion efforts position it well for future success. 

The company’s ability to navigate market conditions and seize the right moment for its public debut will be crucial in determining its long-term trajectory and impact on the global technology landscape. 

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VAST Data is gearing up for an initial public offering after securing $118 million in its latest funding round, which valued the data infrastructure firm at $9.1 billion

VAST Data Plans IPO After $9.1B Valuation

## IBM's Bold AI Strategy Under CEO Arvind Krishna: WatsonX and Beyond 

IBM is embarking on an ambitious AI resurgence under the leadership of CEO Arvind Krishna, signaling a significant shift in the company’s strategy to reclaim its position in the competitive enterprise AI sector. 

Since May, IBM has rebranded its AI platform from Watson to WatsonX, a versatile platform designed to enable businesses to develop, refine, and deploy machine learning models. 

Krishna has highlighted that WatsonX has already secured substantial bookings, with projections suggesting it could approach a billion dollars in annual revenue. 

Despite these strides, IBM is confronting stiff competition from tech giants like Microsoft, Google, and Amazon, which have established strong footholds in the AI market. 

The company has faced criticism for lagging behind its competitors in the enterprise AI space and has previously struggled to monetize its AI innovations effectively. 

Notably, IBM has divested its Watson Health division and is in the process of selling its weather unit, acknowledging past missteps and emphasizing a strategic pivot toward more agile and accessible AI solutions tailored to diverse business needs. 

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In a recent interview with CNBC, Krishna shared IBM’s perspective on AI regulation. He expressed support for President Biden’s executive order on AI safety standards, while also cautioning against overly restrictive regulations that could impede innovation. 

Krishna advocated for accountability in AI model deployment, balancing regulatory compliance with the need to protect intellectual property. 

Krishna detailed WatsonX’s flexibility, noting that it offers deployment options beyond the cloud-restricted models of its competitors. 

## IBM’s Strategic Vision: Harnessing AI for Innovation, Efficiency, and Responsible Growth

This versatility has enabled WatsonX to gain traction across a wide array of sectors, extending beyond traditional industries such as finance to address diverse business applications. This broad appeal is indicative of IBM's commitment to providing adaptable AI solutions. 

The impact of generative AI on business productivity was another key topic Krishna addressed. He emphasized the potential of generative AI to significantly enhance efficiency, particularly through language-based applications. 

IBM has introduced new governance tools designed to ensure AI models meet regulatory standards, underscoring the company’s commitment to working collaboratively with regulatory bodies and the broader tech community. 

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Despite recent workforce adjustments aimed at leveraging AI-driven efficiencies, Krishna reaffirmed IBM’s dedication to upskilling employees in AI technologies. 

This effort reflects IBM's focus on fostering internal innovation and preparing its workforce for evolving market demands. 

Looking forward, Krishna dismissed exaggerated fears about AI domination, instead highlighting its transformative potential to streamline bureaucratic tasks and boost productivity across industries. 

He stressed the importance of balanced AI governance that promotes innovation while mitigating potential risks. 

Overall, Krishna’s vision for IBM is centered on leveraging AI as a growth catalyst. By addressing past shortcomings through strategic realignments and positioning itself as a leader in AI-driven digital transformation, IBM aims to drive significant advancements and maintain a competitive edge in the rapidly evolving tech landscape. 

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IBM is aggressively positioning for an AI resurgence under CEO Arvind Krishna's leadership. 

IBM's AI Journey: CEO Arvind Krishna Charts the Future

## Nvidia and YTL Power International Forge $4.3 Billion Partnership to Transform Malaysia’s AI Landscape 

YTL Power International, a leading Malaysian conglomerate, has announced a groundbreaking collaboration with Nvidia, the renowned U.S. technology giant, in a monumental $4.3 billion investment initiative. 

This strategic partnership is set to reshape Malaysia’s technological landscape by integrating Nvidia’s state-of-the-art AI technologies to propel the nation to the forefront of global AI innovation. 

Central to this transformative project is the establishment of Malaysia's fastest supercomputers, which will be powered by Nvidia's cutting-edge AI chips. 

These supercomputers are poised to significantly enhance Malaysia's computational capabilities, providing critical support for complex AI applications across various industries, including healthcare, finance, and beyond. 

The first phase of this initiative is scheduled to commence operations by mid-2024 at YTL's advanced data center park in Kulai, Johor. 

This facility will not only be the hub for Malaysia’s computational power but will also integrate Nvidia’s robust AI cloud computing platform, enabling scalable and efficient development and deployment of AI models. 

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One of this partnership's key features is developing a sophisticated large language model tailored for Malay.

This endeavor underscores Nvidia’s commitment to supporting localized AI solutions and highlights the broader goal of aligning with global AI development standards. By focusing on creating a model that addresses Malaysia's unique linguistic and technological needs, the initiative positions the country as a significant hub for AI-driven innovation in Southeast Asia. 

Economically, the $4.3 billion investment marks a notable endorsement of Malaysia's growing appeal as a strategic destination for high-tech investments.

The collaboration reinforces Malaysia’s ambitions to become a leading player in semiconductor manufacturing and AI development. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has praised the partnership as a testament to Malaysia's increasing attractiveness to global tech giants, emphasizing how such foreign investments are vital for driving economic growth and job creation. 

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In summary, the Nvidia-YTL partnership represents a landmark achievement in Malaysia’s quest to become a regional powerhouse in AI infrastructure. 

By leveraging Nvidia’s technological expertise alongside YTL’s extensive infrastructure capabilities, Malaysia is well-positioned to accelerate innovation, diversify its economy, and strengthen its leadership role in the global AI arena. 

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YTL Power International and Nvidia are embarking on a groundbreaking $4.3 billion partnership to revolutionize Malaysia’s technology sector. This collaboration aims to position Malaysia at the forefront of global AI innovation by establishing the country’s fastest supercomputers and developing advanced AI solutions tailored to local needs. 

Nvidia Partners with YTL Power for $4.3B AI in Malaysia

Dell Technologies (DELL) is rolling out upgraded PowerScale systems designed to enhance storage capabilities, particularly for AI and Generative AI applications. 

These systems are optimized to deliver faster data access and improved performance through advanced smart scale-out features.

By leveraging GPUs more efficiently, Dell PowerScale enables accelerated storage throughput for AI tasks such as training, checkpointing, and inferencing.

In collaboration with NVIDIA (NVDA), Dell has enhanced the NVIDIA DGX SuperPOD with new enterprise data storage enhancements and validations.

This partnership integrates NVIDIA AI Enterprise software platform with Dell's upgraded storage solutions, empowering users to accelerate their AI initiatives effectively.

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Dell's robust performance in the market, reflected in its 70.5% year-to-date share increase compared to the 43.6% rise in the Zacks Computer and Technology Sector, underscores its strong portfolio and growing customer and partner ecosystem.

## Dell Technologies Inc. Price and Consensus

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Dell Technologies continues to strengthen its position in the AI sector with innovative offerings and strategic partnerships. 

Their latest service, the Dell Validated Design for Generative AI in collaboration with NVIDIA, simplifies model customization by providing pre-trained models that extract insights from data, eliminating the need for businesses to start from scratch.

The Dell Validated Designs for Generative AI support model tweaking and inferencing, leveraging robust hardware like the Dell PowerEdge XE9680 AI server and the Dell PowerEdge XE8640, equipped with NVIDIA Tensor Core GPUs and NVIDIA AI Enterprise software. 

This comprehensive solution includes frameworks, pre-trained models, and development tools such as the NVIDIA NeMo framework and Dell software, enhancing operational efficiency in AI applications.

Dell's expanding collaboration with Microsoft is noteworthy, evidenced by initiatives like Microsoft 365 Copilot for scalable AI capabilities and the integration of Microsoft Azure into Dell APEX File Storage, broadening their cloud offerings.

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Additionally, Dell has partnered with Imbue to develop a high-performance computing cluster aimed at training AI agents across various domains using foundation models.

Despite these advancements, Dell faces challenges in a tough macroeconomic environment, which is expected to impact its near-term prospects. 

For the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024, Dell anticipates revenues between $21.5 billion and $22.5 billion, with analysts projecting a decline in both revenue and earnings year-over-year. 

The fiscal 2024 outlook reflects a similar trend, with revenue and earnings estimates indicating decreases compared to fiscal 2023.

Nevertheless, Dell Technologies remains committed to driving innovation in AI and expanding its market presence through strategic alliances and cutting-edge solutions.



Dell Technologies (DELL) is unveiling its next-generation PowerScale systems, aimed at revolutionizing storage capabilities to meet the growing demands of AI and Generative AI applications. These upgraded systems are engineered to provide faster data access and superior performance through advanced smart scale-out features. 

Dell Enhances Customer Experience with Upgrades

##Nvidia's Shares Surge Past $1,000 Amid Strong Earnings and Upcoming AI Innovations 

Nvidia's shares surged above $1,000 in after-hours trading following its fiscal first-quarter earnings report, surpassing analyst expectations. 

The results underscored strong demand for Nvidia's AI chips amid a booming market. CEO Jensen Huang also hinted at upcoming revenue from their next-gen AI chip, Blackwell, slated for later this year.

The stock jumped 7% in extended trading, buoyed further by Nvidia's announcement of a 10-to-1 stock split, which is expected to propel shares even higher on Thursday. 

Nvidia reported adjusted earnings per share of $6.12, exceeding analysts' expectations of $5.59, and revenue of $26.04 billion, beating estimates of $24.65 billion. Looking ahead, Nvidia forecasts sales of $28 billion for the current quarter, surpassing Wall Street's expectations.

**Surge in Sales:**

Driven by major tech players like Google, Microsoft, Meta, Amazon, and OpenAI investing heavily in Nvidia’s high-performance GPUs for AI applications. 

** Data Center Business Growth: **

- Revenue soared by 427% year-over-year, reaching $22.6 billion. 
- Crucial for AI chips and big AI servers. 
- Growth attributed to robust shipments of Hopper graphics processors, including the powerful H100 GPU. 

During an analyst call, Kress highlighted Meta's significant use of Nvidia's technology, particularly their deployment of 24,000 H100 GPUs for Lama 3, their latest large language model. 

She emphasized that major cloud providers contribute approximately "mid-40%" of Nvidia's data center revenue, underscoring their pivotal role in driving the company's growth in this sector. 

Even amidst Nvidia's significant business expansion, CEO Huang emphasized that their next-generation AI GPU, Blackwell, will drive further growth. Speaking on an analyst call, he projected substantial revenue from Blackwell starting this year, with deployment in data centers expected by the fourth quarter. 

Nvidia also highlighted robust sales in its networking division, particularly its InfiniBand products, which generated $3.2 billion in revenue—a more than threefold increase from the previous year.

These networking parts are crucial as companies increasingly build massive clusters of interconnected chips. 

While Nvidia initially gained prominence in 3D gaming hardware, it has since become a leader in supplying AI infrastructure to major corporations.  

Gaming Revenue: 

- Increased by 18% to $2.65 billion for the quarter. 
- Driven by strong demand.  
- Other Revenue Streams: 
- Professional Visualization Sales: Totaled $427 million. 
- Automotive Sales: Reached $329 million. 

Both sectors contribute to Nvidia’s revenue but are on a smaller scale compared to data center operations. 

During the quarter, Nvidia demonstrated its commitment to shareholders by repurchasing $7.7 billion worth of its shares and paying $98 million in dividends. 

The company also announced an increase in its quarterly cash dividend from 4 cents per share to 10 cents, adjusted for the upcoming stock split, after which it will be a penny per share. 


Following Nvidia's fiscal first-quarter earnings report, the company's shares surged above $1,000 in after-hours trading, exceeding analyst expectations and highlighting robust demand for Nvidia's AI chips in a rapidly expanding market. CEO Jensen Huang also hinted at future revenue from the upcoming next-gen AI chip, Blackwell, anticipated later this year.

Nvidia Stock Surges Past $1,000 on AI-Driven Sales Boom

## Early Benchmarks Suggest AMD Ryzen 9000 Series Outperforms Previous Generations

As businesses race to deploy AI faster, data responsibility has become more crucial than ever.

Big tech companies, in particular, are facing an overwhelming demand for data as they develop new AI capabilities. Optimizing data processes is essential to meet growing business needs. 

Cleaner data can enhance efficiency for data teams without compromising standards.

IBM is one such company striving to continually improve its data management practices. The tech giant, which has seen a surge in demand for its services, builds AI systems for a wide range of applications and handles vast amounts of data to train and test its models.

IBM is now focusing on enhancing its data governance processes to build trust.

As part of this effort, IBM is co-creating the Data Provenance Standards, the first cross-industry standards for metadata. In partnership with 19 other enterprises, including the Data & Trust Alliance, this initiative aims to define data origin, lineage, and suitability for purpose.

The goal is to develop the first universal cross-industry data transparency standards to foster greater trust in enterprise AI.
Harnessing Clean Data for a Brighter AI Future

## Harnessing Clean Data for a Brighter AI Future

Standardizing data enables enterprise teams to effectively access an expanding and diverse catalog of high-quality data, essential for developing trustworthy AI that drives real business outcomes. 

A Cloudera report recently found that 90% of IT leaders view unifying data lifecycles as critical for AI and analytics growth.

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_“AI holds immense potential for good. It will boost productivity for individuals and society,”_ says IBM Chief Privacy & Trust Officer, Christina Montgomery. _“However, AI can also cause significant harm if not built or deployed responsibly.”_

IBM’s data governance program includes a thorough data clearance process. Focusing on AI and enterprise data, IBM acknowledges the need to manage, understand, and safeguard the data used in AI models.

## The Dangers of Enterprise AI Bias

Developing AI without a solid culture of data governance can lead to flawed results. As AI increasingly takes on decision-making roles, training these systems on clean data is crucial to prevent faults that could result in reputational damage or significant loss of trust.

Biased AI systems pose risks and can even harm individuals, raising ethical concerns about such digital systems. IBM notes that AI bias reflects and perpetuates human biases, including existing social inequalities.

IBM’s commitment to trust is integral to its mission of creating more responsible AI systems. The company emphasizes robust enterprise data standards and governance practices to promote enterprise responsibility.

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_“For IBM, building trustworthy AI means having clear principles for trust and transparency, putting those principles into practice, and embedding ethics into every facet of the AI lifecycle,”_ explains Christina Montgomery, IBM's Chief Privacy & Trust Officer, on the company blog.

_“We are ready to support clients in implementing their own data governance frameworks.”_

Big tech companies, in particular, are facing an overwhelming demand for data as they develop new AI capabilities.

IBM's Pledge to Data Governance: Shaping AI's Positive Future

## Dell Technologies and AMD Revolutionize Enterprise Solutions with Advanced AI Integration

As artificial intelligence continues its rapid advancement, Dell Technologies and AMD are driving innovation in enterprise solutions by integrating open-source technologies with state-of-the-art hardware acceleration. 

These solutions offer significant cost savings—up to 75% more cost-effective than public cloud IaaS—tailored specifically for empowering generative AI applications.

Here are the latest updates enhancing the deployment of open AI ecosystems and frameworks:

- PowerEdge XE9680 with AMD Instinct MI300X Accelerators: Dell now ships the PowerEdge XE9680 equipped with AMD Instinct MI300X accelerators. This configuration is optimized for enterprises leveraging generative AI, featuring eight MI300X accelerators, 1.5 TB of HBM3 memory, and a peak theoretical FP8 performance of 42 petaFLOPS with sparsity precision.
- Dell Validated Design for Generative AI with AMD: Dell has published a Validated Design for Generative AI in collaboration with AMD, facilitating custom application development on open-framework foundations.
- New Deployment Services: Scheduled for availability in September, Dell's new deployment services ensure seamless integration of these cutting-edge innovations into enterprise operations.

These advancements enable faster training and inferencing of large language models, empowering organizations to deliver AI-driven insights and innovative applications more efficiently. 

Recent tests have demonstrated leading total cost of ownership benefits, showcasing significant performance enhancements and cost efficiencies across various AI workloads.

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## Dell's Validated Design for Generative AI with AMD

Released in May and available now, the Dell Validated Design for Generative AI with AMD marks a significant advancement in Dell's Generative AI Solutions, simplifying deployment for organizations aiming to implement reliable GenAI. 

This design provides comprehensive guidance for organizations and developers, offering detailed instructions on deploying LLM inferencing, model customization, and advanced techniques such as fine-tuning and retrieval augmented generation (RAG). 

Embracing open standards and reducing reliance on proprietary AI software suites, developers can streamline development and customize workflows freely using open-source LLM models from partners like Hugging Face and Meta.

## Accelerating Modern Workloads: Innovate and scale for agile business outcomes.

Powered by AMD Instinct MI300X accelerators, the Dell Validated Design supports near-linear scaling and low-latency distributed GenAI training and inferencing. The PowerScale F710 enhances AI pipeline efficiency with significant gains in streaming performance for faster AI insights. 

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**Dell PowerSwitch Z9664F-ON:** 

- 64 ports of 400GbE. 
- Ensures low latency and high throughput Ethernet fabrics. 
- Ideal for modern AI clusters. 

**Broadcom Thor2 AI Optimized NIC:**
- 
- Provides 400G connectivity. 
- Industry-leading power efficiency. 
- Seamlessly links MI300X accelerators. 

**Driving Application Development:**

- Foster innovation with open-source software and ecosystems. 
- AMD ROCm-Powered Frameworks: 
- Expands Dell Generative AI Solutions ecosystem. 
- Supports open-source LLMs such as PyTorch, TensorFlow, ONNX-RT, and JAX. 
- Includes comprehensive driver stacks, development toolkits, and APIs for AMD Instinct accelerators. 

Dell Omnia simplifies AI cluster creation and management, automating configuration for efficient workload processing. Enterprise SONiC distribution by Dell Technologies combines the open-source SONiC platform with Dell PowerSwitch, delivering scalable networking solutions with advanced features and robust enterprise-grade support.  

Dell Validated Designs for Generative AI streamline platform development, ensuring Dell customers can build tailored GenAI platforms confidently with clear integration, performance, and sizing guidelines.

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## Explore Our Services for AI Success

Embark on your AI journey confidently with Dell's future-proofed, open development framework tailored for AI. Complementing our new Dell Validated Design, we're introducing platform implementation services launching this September. 

Our trusted experts will guide you through swiftly establishing a fully operational platform, integrating essential tools and frameworks into your environment while sharing best practices for maintaining secure and efficient operations.

Unsure where to start? Dive into an Accelerator Workshop—a half-day facilitated event designed as an excellent initial step to unlock your organization's AI potential. 

These collaborative sessions engage key stakeholders, focusing on addressing core challenges to bring clarity to your vision. With over 1,000 workshops conducted annually and decades of expertise, we're dedicated to accelerating your AI success.


As artificial intelligence continues its rapid advancement, Dell Technologies and AMD are driving innovation in enterprise solutions by integrating open-source technologies with state-of-the-art hardware acceleration. 

Dell and AMD Introduce Latest Generative AI Developments

## Nvidia Stock Rebounds Following TSMC's Optimistic Update Amid Geopolitical Concerns

Nvidia shares rose by approximately 3% during trading on Thursday, rebounding after a significant 7% plunge the previous day. 

This initial drop was triggered by geopolitical concerns following comments from U.S. presidential candidate Donald Trump, which cast uncertainty over U.S. policy towards Taiwan and potential implications for Nvidia's chip supply.

The recovery in Nvidia's stock price was largely driven by an optimistic update from Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), which stated that demand for high-end AI chips remains extremely strong, with supply continuing to be constrained.

TSMC manufactures these advanced AI chips for Nvidia. TSMC Chairman C.C. Wei addressed analysts on Thursday, explaining, _"I also try to reach the supply and demand balance, but I cannot. Today, the demand is so high I had to work very hard to meet customer demand."_

Wei further highlighted that the tight supply situation is expected to persist through 2025. On the same day, TSMC reported revenue and net income that exceeded analyst expectations, resulting in a slight stock dip of less than 1%.

The semiconductor sector as a whole faced a tumultuous day on Wednesday, marking its worst performance since 2020. Major players like AMD, Arm, Broadcom, and Qualcomm experienced significant drops alongside Nvidia. 

![2.webp](https://strapiassets.blr1.digitaloceanspaces.com/2_ce28f8eb91.webp)

**Other Chipmakers' Performance:** 

- Arm: 2% decline. 
- AMD: 2% decline. 
- Qualcomm: Flat. 
- Super Micro Computer: 2% drop. 

**Companies with Positive Movements:**

- Intel: Rise of over 1%. 
- Broadcom: Increase of approximately 3% (following reports of discussions to produce AI chips for OpenAI). 

On the geopolitical front, Bloomberg reported on Wednesday that the Biden administration is considering additional trade restrictions on exporting chip manufacturing equipment to China.  

This development impacted ASML, a Dutch company that produces the machinery used by TSMC for chip manufacturing, which saw its stock fall by 1% after issuing a light sales guidance for the current quarter. 

In a note released on Thursday, UBS analysts observed that investors are reallocating gains from high-performing semiconductor stocks into other sectors.  

However, they suggested that forthcoming updates on the return on investment for AI chips later this year could potentially spur the semiconductor sector higher again. Despite recent volatility, Nvidia's stock has surged by more than 150% so far in 2024.

UBS analysts also noted that after the sharp outperformance of the semiconductor sector in the first half of the year, some investors are rebalancing their portfolios, moving AI-linked semiconductor exposure into large-cap platform and profitless tech companies. 

This trend reflects a strategic shift as investors seek to optimize their returns amid a dynamic market environment.


Nvidia shares rose by approximately 3% during trading on Thursday, rebounding after a significant 7% plunge the previous day. 

Nvidia surges as TSMC confirms soaring demand for AI chips

At NVIDIA GTC, Lenovo made waves with the launch of its most comprehensive portfolio of generative AI systems, leveraging NVIDIA GPUs, networking, and software. 

This lineup includes two new full-stack AI systems aimed at delivering large language model (LLM) and machine learning capabilities across cloud providers, enterprises, and HPC labs.

The Lenovo ThinkSystem SR680a V3 and ThinkSystem SR780a both support up to eight NVIDIA H100 and H200 Tensor Core GPUs, alongside the newly introduced NVIDIA B100 and B200 Tensor Core GPUs, interconnected via NVIDIA NVLink for high-speed data exchange.

The ThinkSystem SR780a features Lenovo Neptune™ liquid-cooling technology, efficiently cooling CPUs, GPUs, and the NVLink switch within a compact 5U form factor. 

This liquid cooling system ensures sustained peak performance by effectively managing heat, surpassing traditional air cooling methods.

Meanwhile, the ThinkSystem SR680a, an 8U air-cooled system with Intel CPUs, is optimized for accelerating complex generative AI workloads such as model development and machine learning. 

Designed to seamlessly integrate into standard 19-inch racks, the SR680a offers rapid deployment and scalability within existing data center infrastructures.

Stay tuned for more announcements in the first half of the year, as Lenovo continues to expand its range of accelerated systems, providing customers with the widest selection of solutions in the industry.

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## Expanding Lenovo's Accelerated Systems Portfolio
 
The ThinkSystem SR780a features Lenovo Neptune™ liquid-cooling technology, efficiently cooling CPUs, GPUs, and the NVLink switch within a compact 5U form factor. This liquid cooling system ensures sustained peak performance by effectively managing heat, surpassing traditional air cooling methods. 

Meanwhile, the ThinkSystem SR680a, an 8U air-cooled system with Intel CPUs, is optimized for accelerating complex generative AI workloads such as model development and machine learning. Designed to seamlessly integrate into standard 19-inch racks, the SR680a offers rapid deployment and scalability within existing data center infrastructures. 

Stay tuned for more announcements in the first half of the year, as Lenovo continues to expand its range of accelerated systems, providing customers with the widest selection of solutions in the industry. 

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## Lenovo Unveils AI Innovations and Collaborations at NVIDIA GTC 

At NVIDIA GTC, Lenovo unveiled significant advancements for cloud service providers offering AI capabilities, in collaboration with NVIDIA. 

Lenovo introduced the NVIDIA MGX modular reference architecture, leveraging NVIDIA's full software stack, including NVIDIA AI Enterprise, to accelerate the development of customized models economically and at scale. These solutions cater specifically to cloud environments and include: 

- Lenovo HG630N – MGX 1U: An open standard server featuring Lenovo Neptune™ direct liquid cooling, designed to reduce power consumption while supporting high-performance GPUs. 
- Lenovo HG650N – MGX 2U: A highly modular, GPU-optimized system air-cooled for use in industry-standard racks, supporting deployments of NVIDIA GH200 Grace Hopper Superchips. 
- Lenovo HG660X V3 – MGX 4U: This system supports up to 8 double-width 600W NVIDIA GPUs in an air-cooled setup, ideal for AI workloads using NVIDIA OVX systems, developed in collaboration with NVIDIA. 
- Lenovo HR650N – MGX 2U: A high-performance ARM CPU server with multiple cores and flexible storage options, leveraging the NVIDIA Grace CPU Superchip and supporting DPUs. 
- Beyond hardware, Lenovo and NVIDIA Professional Services announced innovative solutions aimed at helping enterprises navigate and accelerate their AI initiatives: 
- AI Discover: Conducts interactive workshops and assessments to define AI strategies, offering a blueprint for successful AI integration across ecosystems. 
- Generative AI Services with NVIDIA: Offers professional services focused on generative AI and retrieval-augmented generation (RAG), guiding organizations from development to deployment using comprehensive data insights and reference architectures. 
- Enhanced Professional Services for AI: Provides business advisors, data scientists, and AI-optimized infrastructure-as-a-service to accelerate AI transformation and ensure sustainable deployment. 

In a notable collaboration with the Scott-Morgan Foundation, Lenovo showcased its commitment to responsible AI by developing an avatar for Erin, a person diagnosed with ALS, enabling communication in her own voice despite challenges posed by the disease. This initiative exemplifies Lenovo's dedication to using AI to address real-world challenges and deliver "Smarter AI for All." 

At NVIDIA GTC, Lenovo took a bold step forward in advancing AI technologies by unveiling a series of groundbreaking innovations tailored for cloud service providers. In collaboration with NVIDIA, Lenovo introduced the NVIDIA MGX modular reference architecture, a transformative solution designed to accelerate the development of customized AI models with unparalleled efficiency and scalability. 

Smarter AI at NVIDIA GTC: LLM Servers & Assistive Tech


## Empowering Security Excellence: Cisco XDR Released at RSAC 2024

Cisco XDR stands at the forefront of safeguarding against threats across the entire attack landscape. At RSA Conference 2024 in San Francisco, from May 6-9, we're unveiling groundbreaking enhancements that provide security teams with unparalleled insight, automation, and control over their environments.

## Launching Pioneering Advancements 

Central to these advancements is the Cisco AI Assistant in XDR, a game-changing tool empowering security analysts of all levels to swiftly and decisively address evolving threats. 

Armed with contextual insights, guided responses, and optimal next steps, the Cisco AI Assistant enables security teams to operate with greater efficiency and efficacy through AI-driven workflows.

Moreover, Cisco XDR introduces Identity Intelligence capabilities, enabling detection and response to sophisticated identity-based attacks with unparalleled accuracy and speed. 
Leveraging identity as a telemetry source, coupled with the depth of Cisco's visibility and Talos threat intelligence, equips security teams with a formidable advantage in combating the most advanced threats.

## Accelerating SOC Excellence

Engaging with Cisco at RSAC 2024 offers numerous opportunities:

- **Keynote Address:**"The Time is Now: Redefining Security in the Age of AI" Kickstarting the event on Monday, May 6, is our keynote featuring Jeetu Patel, Cisco EVP & GM of Security & Collaboration, and Tom Gillis, SVP & GM of the Security Business Group.
- **SecOps Innovation Luncheon** Join executives, Talos researchers, and SecOps experts on Tuesday, May 7, to explore groundbreaking innovations that tilt the scales in favor of defenders. Learn about SOC transformation with Cisco + Splunk and discover the latest advancements in AI and Identity.
- **Demos and Presentations** Visit Cisco booths N-5845 and S-926 for immersive demos and presentations led by security experts, covering topics such as SOC acceleration with Cisco + Splunk, breach detection and prevention, the future of SOC, and harnessing the power of the Cisco AI Assistant to empower administrators.

Cisco XDR's presence at RSAC 2024 exemplifies our commitment to shaping the future of cybersecurity, arming organizations with the tools and insights needed to stay ahead of evolving threats.

At RSA Conference 2024 in San Francisco, Cisco is set to redefine the landscape of cybersecurity with the release of Cisco XDR. Scheduled from May 6-9, this unveiling introduces cutting-edge enhancements designed to elevate threat protection across the entire attack surface. Cisco XDR promises to deliver unmatched insight, automation, and control, empowering security teams to better safeguard their environments and respond to threats with unprecedented effectiveness. 

Cisco XDR Unveils AI & Identity Intelligence at RSAC 2024

## Oracle Thrives Amid AI Boom
While legacy tech giants like Intel and Cisco struggle to navigate an AI-driven landscape, Oracle has emerged as a standout performer on Wall Street. 

Following a strong earnings report on Monday, Oracle’s stock surged 11% on Tuesday and continued climbing, hitting a record high of $157.10 by Wednesday. This marks Oracle’s third consecutive quarter of double-digit stock gains, all driven by its booming cloud business. By contrast, the company saw no such increases last year and had only one in 2022. 

Guggenheim analysts summed up the market sentiment with their post-earnings report titled “The Excitement is Back,” noting positive momentum across all sectors of Oracle’s business. 

Oracle shares have risen 49% this year, second only to AI chipmaker Nvidia, which has soared 136%. Meta follows close behind with a 45% gain. In contrast, Intel’s stock has plummeted 60%, while Cisco has dropped nearly 3%, with both companies announcing major layoffs in their recent earnings reports. 

The biggest beneficiary of Oracle’s stock surge is founder and chairman Larry Ellison, who owns over 40% of the company’s shares. Ellison’s net worth has skyrocketed to $192 billion, placing him behind only Tesla CEO Elon Musk ($251 billion) and Amazon founder Jeff Bezos ($202 billion) on the list of the world’s wealthiest individuals. 

Despite its success, Oracle remains relatively conservative compared to other high-growth tech firms. Revenue in the latest quarter increased by 8% to $13.31 billion year-over-years, with CEO Safra Catz projecting growth between 8% and 10% for the current period. 

![2.webp](https://strapiassets.blr1.digitaloceanspaces.com/2_92e919074d.webp)

Since 2011, Oracle has achieved double-digit revenue growth only once—an 18% rise in fiscal 2023—while four other times, the company saw declines. 

However, JMP analysts expressed renewed optimism in a note on Tuesday, upgrading their rating from hold to buy. “After 13 years of single-digit organic revenue growth, Oracle is now accelerating into double digits,” they wrote. “We remain highly confident in EPS and expect full-year revenue growth to maintain double digits.” 

## Partnerships, AI Innovation, and a Vision for a Password-Free Future 

Oracle is currently hosting its annual CloudWorld conference in Las Vegas, concluding on Thursday. Coupled with its strong earnings report, the event has fueled investor excitement around Oracle’s cloud strategy, particularly in infrastructure and databases. 

Although Oracle lags behind Amazon Web Services, Microsoft, and Google in cloud infrastructure market share, the sector has become a major growth driver for the company. Cloud revenue surged 45% year-over-year, reaching $2.2 billion in the recent quarter. 

Oracle has not only been competing with these top cloud providers but also increasingly partnering with them. Last year, founder Larry Ellison visited Microsoft’s headquarters for the first time, marking a new collaboration with a long-time rival. 

![3.webp](https://strapiassets.blr1.digitaloceanspaces.com/3_6e841eee79.webp)

On Monday, Oracle announced that its database software will now be available to AWS customers via Oracle hardware hosted in Amazon’s data centers. This follows similar partnerships Oracle has forged with the other leading cloud vendors over the past year. 

“We believe our cloud collaborations with AWS, Microsoft, and Google will supercharge the growth of our database business for years to come,” Ellison said during the earnings call. 

For years, Ellison promoted Oracle’s autonomous database, comparing it to self-driving cars. He boasted that Oracle's product required no manual patching or downtime, something he claimed no other cloud provider could offer. Recently, however, he has adopted a more collaborative approach. 

After years of criticizing AWS, Ellison now ensures that customers can use Amazon’s leading cloud platform with Oracle’s robust database capabilities. 

According to AWS, clients have long been able to use Oracle on their platform, but the new partnership streamlines access, allowing customers to easily subscribe through AWS’s marketplace and move data seamlessly to AWS analytics tools. 

As Oracle deepens its focus on AI, Ellison, now 81, is turning his attention to eliminating passwords, which he considers “utterly ridiculous” due to their insecurity and vulnerability to hacks. 

“This is how login will work in the future,” Ellison explained. “I’ll type in Larry.Ellison@oracle.com, and the computer will recognize me, saying, ‘Hi Larry.’ That’s it.” He added that if people like Catz and his children can recognize him, there’s no reason a computer shouldn’t be able to do the same. 

“No more passwords,” he emphasized. “Those have got to go.” 


Oracle is experiencing a resurgence, driven by its cloud infrastructure and strategic partnerships with industry giants like Amazon, Microsoft, and Google. As the company embraces AI and plans to revolutionize digital security, its stock is soaring, and founder Larry Ellison’s bold vision continues to shape the future of technology. 

Oracle Surges, Closing in on Bezos, Trails Only Nvidia

## Nvidia Stock Surge Ahead of Earnings Season

Nvidia shares have experienced a remarkable surge of 25% in the last month, rapidly approaching record highs as the tech earnings season looms on the horizon.  

This exciting period is particularly significant as major clients like Meta, Microsoft, and Alphabet are poised to provide updates to their shareholders regarding their expected investments in artificial intelligence.  

Following a brief but notable dip in late August and early September, Nvidia's stock has rebounded sharply, closing slightly lower on Wednesday at $132.65, just shy of its previous closing high of $135.58 reached in June.  

This impressive performance not only reflects growing investor confidence but has also allowed Nvidia to surpass Microsoft in market valuation, positioning it as the second-most valuable company in the world, with Apple leading the pack. 

![2.webp](https://strapiassets.blr1.digitaloceanspaces.com/2_e8c906819d.webp)

## AI Demand Fuels Nvidia's Growth

Nvidia stands as the primary beneficiary of the ongoing AI boom, with significant investments from companies like Meta, OpenAI, Alphabet, Microsoft, and Oracle driving demand for its graphics processing units (GPUs).  

In August, Nvidia reported a remarkable 122% year-over-year revenue increase for its fiscal second quarter, with net income more than doubling to $16.6 billion. The company also issued stronger-than-expected guidance for the current quarter, anticipating shipments of several billion dollars worth of its new Blackwell AI chip.  

Demand for the current-generation Hopper chip is expected to rise over the next two quarters. 
![3.webp](https://strapiassets.blr1.digitaloceanspaces.com/3_785e0bdbd0.webp)

Analysts at Mizuho have expressed confidence in Nvidia's continued leadership in AI training and inference chips for data center applications, estimating the company holds approximately 95% market share.  

They have set a price target of $140 for the stock, but caution against potential risks related to escalating export restrictions to China, geopolitical tensions concerning Taiwan, or a significant reduction in AI server spending.  

CEO Jensen Huang highlighted the “insane” demand for the Blackwell chip, which is expected to cost between $30,000 and $40,000 per unit, with production ramping up in the fourth quarter and extending into fiscal 2026. Additionally, Nvidia shares gained 4% on September 23, following a filing that revealed Huang's completion of stock sales. 

Nvidia is making waves in the stock market as shares have surged 25% in the past month, nearing record highs just ahead of a pivotal earnings season for major tech players. With leading companies like Meta, Microsoft, and Alphabet set to disclose their anticipated investments in artificial intelligence, all eyes are on Nvidia as it continues to solidify its dominance in the GPU market. 

Nvidia Soars 25% as AI Boom Drives Record Rally

## Unison to Transform Business with Autonomous AI Systems

Nvidia and Accenture are teaming up to develop and implement autonomous AI systems, promising to revolutionize enterprise operations and decision-making processes. 

AI technology has significantly evolved from simple rule-based systems; machine learning algorithms are now capable of outperforming world champions in chess. While generative AI (Gen AI) tools like ChatGPT and DALL-E have captured public interest, tech giants are setting their sights on the next frontier—agentic AI. 

This cutting-edge technology has the potential to elevate automation and decision-making to unprecedented levels, fundamentally changing how organizations function on a global scale. The partnership between industry leaders Nvidia and Accenture aims to transition agentic AI from theoretical research into practical applications at the core of enterprise operations. 

## Collaboration for Innovation: Nvidia and Accenture Join Forces

Nvidia, a leader in high-performance computing and AI chip development, has forged a strategic alliance with Accenture, a global powerhouse in professional services and IT consulting. This collaboration seeks to expedite the development and adoption of agentic AI across various sectors, establishing a new ecosystem for AI innovation. 

Nvidia will assist Accenture in creating a dedicated NVIDIA Business Group and launching the AI Refinery platform, designed to leverage Nvidia's extensive AI technology stack, including advanced tools such as AI Foundry, AI Enterprise, and Omniverse. 

Tech analysts predict that this partnership could be transformative for businesses striving to maintain a competitive edge in the AI landscape. 

By combining Nvidia's hardware expertise with Accenture's consulting capabilities, organizations may soon gain access to AI systems capable of not only processing data but also autonomously making complex decisions. 

![2.webp](https://strapiassets.blr1.digitaloceanspaces.com/2_6ee4960c8c.webp)

Understanding Agentic AI: A New Era of Autonomy 

What distinguishes agentic AI from its predecessors? While generative AI has garnered attention for its ability to create content based on learned patterns, agentic AI goes a step further. These systems are engineered to operate as autonomous agents, equipped to plan actions, decompose complex tasks, analyze input, make predictions, and even engage with other systems independently. Industry experts liken the difference to that between a highly skilled assistant and an autonomous manager. 

Where generative AI excels at drafting reports or creating images from prompts, agentic AI has the potential to oversee entire projects, making real-time decisions and adjusting strategies without constant human supervision.  

This level of autonomy could transform various sectors, from supply chain management to financial trading. Imagine an AI system that not only predicts market trends but actively manages investment portfolios, adjusting allocations based on real-time data and long-term strategies. 

Or consider a manufacturing process where AI optimizes not just individual tasks but orchestrates the entire production line, from raw material sourcing to final product delivery. 

## The Global Impact and Market Potential of Agentic AI
![3.webp](https://strapiassets.blr1.digitaloceanspaces.com/3_9f428904d6.webp)
The promise of agentic AI is already drawing considerable investment, with North America currently holding about 20% of the global market share. However, this growth is not limited to Silicon Valley or other tech hubs.  

The Nvidia-Accenture partnership marks a significant push to introduce agentic AI to enterprises around the world. Accenture's commitment to deploying 30,000 professionals in this initiative underscores the global scale of this endeavor. 

These workers, sourced through a combination of upskilling current employees and onboarding new talent, will spearhead the implementation of agentic AI solutions across diverse industries and regions. 

Applications range from optimizing energy grids for enhanced sustainability to transforming healthcare delivery in underserved areas. 

Jensen Huang, Founder and CEO of Nvidia, encapsulated the vision behind this partnership: _"AI will supercharge enterprises to scale innovation at great speed. Nvidia's platform, Accenture's AI Refinery, and our combined expertise will help businesses and nations accelerate this transformation, driving unprecedented productivity and growth.''_

In a groundbreaking collaboration poised to redefine enterprise operations, Nvidia and Accenture have joined forces to develop and implement agentic AI systems. This partnership aims to transition advanced autonomous AI from theoretical research to practical applications, setting the stage for a new era of automation and decision-making across industries. 

Nvidia and Accenture Join Forces to Propel Agentic AI in Business 

IBM has introduced its Granite 3.0 family of open-source AI models, designed to strengthen its foothold in the enterprise AI market. With businesses worldwide increasingly adopting AI technologies to boost productivity, competition among tech giants to offer the best solutions has intensified. 

IBM’s latest offering aims to meet the growing demand for enterprise-focused AI, delivering flexible, high-performance solutions for various business applications. 

**The Granite 3.0 models are divided into three key categories:**

- General Purpose/Language Models – versatile systems for tasks requiring human-like understanding and text generation. 
- Guardrails & Safety Models – designed to ensure ethical use and safety of AI systems, addressing concerns about misuse. 
- Mixture-of-Experts Models – advanced AI systems that combine specialized models to efficiently handle a wide range of tasks. 

IBM's innovation in the AI space is reshaping how enterprises harness technology to drive efficiency, productivity, and competitive advantage. With the release of the Granite 3.0 models, IBM is making strategic moves to secure its leadership in the enterprise AI market. 

However, this is just one aspect of IBM's broader efforts to innovate and differentiate itself in the ever-evolving tech landscape. 

## Watsonx Ecosystem: A Holistic AI Suite

IBM’s Watsonx ecosystem represents a comprehensive platform designed to enable businesses to not only implement AI models but also customize, train, and deploy them across their own infrastructure. 

The Watsonx suite brings together data management, AI training, and governance tools, making AI more accessible for organizations of all sizes. This flexibility enables businesses to manage their AI models more effectively, ensuring the models are tailored to their specific needs and secure within their environments. 

![2.webp](https://strapiassets.blr1.digitaloceanspaces.com/2_d62762e203.webp)
## Open-Source Accelerating Innovation

By adopting an open-source approach with Granite 3.0, IBM is driving widespread AI adoption and contributing to a community-driven innovation model. This strategy fosters collaboration across industries, research institutions, and developers, enabling faster advancements in AI technologies. 

Open-source distribution under the Apache 2.0 license encourages the development of applications, tools, and services that integrate with Granite 3.0, pushing innovation in ways that proprietary models from competitors may not facilitate. 

## Hybrid Cloud and AI Integration

![3.webp](https://strapiassets.blr1.digitaloceanspaces.com/3_73c2eb1d7c.webp)

IBM’s leadership in hybrid cloud solutions has been enhanced through deep AI integration. By seamlessly combining AI with hybrid cloud infrastructures, IBM provides enterprises with the ability to deploy AI models across various environments—public clouds, private clouds, and on-premises data centers. 

This allows organizations to have greater control over their data and AI workloads, offering flexibility in deployment and reducing concerns about data privacy and compliance.  

## Hardware Innovation

A key element of IBM’s innovation lies in its partnership with Nvidia. IBM has integrated Nvidia’s H100 GPUs, which are among the most advanced chips for AI processing, to train its Granite models. These GPUs are designed to handle the intense computational demands of training large AI models, enabling faster training times and greater efficiency in model inference.  

## Focus on AI Governance and Safety

IBM places a strong emphasis on AI governance, ensuring that AI models are safe, reliable, and ethically sound. With the increasing concerns over AI misuse, bias, and unintended consequences, IBM’s Guardrails & Safety Models are designed to address these issues head-on. 

By building ethical guardrails directly into its AI models, IBM ensures that its AI solutions can be trusted by enterprises, especially in regulated industries such as finance, healthcare, and government. 

Moreover, IBM’s AI governance framework includes tools for model monitoring, bias detection, and fairness evaluation, empowering organizations to not only deploy AI models but also continuously monitor and optimize them for responsible AI use. 

Incorporating advanced hardware like Nvidia's H100 GPUs for training, the Granite 3.0 models are poised to enhance AI adoption, providing businesses with tools that balance cutting-edge performance and operational efficiency. 



IBM has launched its Granite 3.0 family of open-source AI models, marking a significant step in expanding its presence in the enterprise AI landscape. As businesses worldwide increasingly leverage AI to enhance productivity, IBM's Granite 3.0 offers a flexible and high-performance solution tailored to meet the specific needs of enterprise applications. 

IBM’s AI Strategy for Tech Sector Competitiveness 

Nvidia and Accenture have joined forces to develop and implement autonomous AI systems, setting the stage for a revolution in enterprise operations and decision-making. 

Artificial intelligence has advanced far beyond simple rule-based systems, and now machine learning algorithms can defeat world champions in complex games like chess. 

While generative AI (Gen AI) technologies, such as ChatGPT and DALL-E, have captured widespread public attention, the next technological frontier is already on the horizon: agentic AI. 

## A Collaborative Force for Innovation

Nvidia’s reputation for creating cutting-edge computing hardware, particularly in the AI space, makes it a natural partner for Accenture, whose deep expertise in IT consulting and enterprise solutions is renowned. This powerful collaboration is more than just a merger of technology—it is about establishing a new ecosystem that accelerates AI innovation and adoption across a variety of industries. 

![2.webp](https://strapiassets.blr1.digitaloceanspaces.com/2_07d00f7da3.webp)

As part of this partnership, Nvidia will support Accenture in forming a dedicated NVIDIA Business Group, which will focus on advancing AI-driven solutions for enterprises. 

Central to this initiative is the launch of the AI Refinery platform, an ecosystem designed to fully leverage Nvidia’s expansive AI technology stack, including advanced tools like AI Foundry, AI Enterprise, and Omniverse. 

Industry experts believe that this collaboration could dramatically alter the landscape of AI in business. 

By combining Nvidia’s unparalleled hardware capabilities with Accenture’s consulting expertise, businesses will gain access to AI systems that not only process and analyze data but also make complex, autonomous decisions. 

This fusion of capabilities has the potential to unlock new levels of operational efficiency and innovation across the board. 

## The Next Evolution in Artificial Intelligence

What makes agentic AI so different from previous generations of AI technology?  

While generative AI has made waves for its ability to create content based on learned patterns, agentic AI goes much further by adding autonomy to its capabilities. 

Agentic AI systems can act as independent agents, capable of making decisions, planning actions, breaking down complex tasks, analyzing inputs, and interacting with other systems autonomously, all without the need for human intervention. 

## Nvidia and Accenture’s Global Push for AI

The growing excitement around agentic AI is already attracting considerable investment, particularly in North America, which accounts for roughly 20% of the global AI market share. 

Yet, the impact of this emerging technology is far from confined to Silicon Valley or other traditional tech hubs. The partnership between Nvidia and Accenture is a clear indication that agentic AI is being developed for enterprises worldwide, not just for a handful of industries. 

![3.webp](https://strapiassets.blr1.digitaloceanspaces.com/3_1cf9341301.webp)

A key aspect of this global initiative is the large-scale workforce Accenture is dedicating to the implementation of agentic AI solutions. With over 30,000 workers committed to this endeavor, Accenture plans to upskill a significant portion of its existing employees while also hiring new talent to meet the growing demand for AI expertise.  

## Autonomous Decision-Making at Scale

Jensen Huang, the founder and CEO of Nvidia, has long been a visionary in the field of AI and high-performance computing. His perspective on the future of AI reflects the vast potential that agentic AI holds for enterprises. As he puts it, "AI will supercharge enterprises to scale innovation at great speed." 

This quote encapsulates the transformative potential of AI systems that are not only smart but capable of making independent decisions—freeing up human employees to focus on higher-level strategic tasks while the AI handles day-to-day operational complexities. 

Through their partnership, Nvidia and Accenture aim to push the boundaries of what AI can achieve in business environments. 

By developing agentic AI systems capable of functioning as autonomous decision-makers, the two companies are laying the groundwork for a future where AI isn't just a tool for analysis but an active participant in the operational and strategic decision-making processes of enterprises. 

Nvidia and Accenture have teamed up to drive the development and deployment of autonomous AI systems, paving the way for a transformative shift in enterprise operations and decision-making. As artificial intelligence evolves beyond traditional rule-based frameworks, modern machine learning algorithms now boast the capability to outperform world champions in complex games like chess.

Nvidia & Accenture Partner to Drive AI in Business 

## Tech Giants Tackle Healthcare AI at HLTH 2024

Nvidia, Google, Microsoft, and other leading tech companies are set to converge in Las Vegas next week for the HLTH 2024 conference. 

With over 12,000 industry leaders expected, the conference will focus heavily on AI tools designed to ease administrative burdens for healthcare professionals. CNBC will cover the event as it unfolds. 

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**[Alex Schiffhauer, group product manager at Google, speaks during the Made By Google event at the company’s Bay View campus in Mountain View, California, Aug. 13, 2024.]**

AI innovations aimed at reducing the time doctors and nurses spend on paperwork will be the highlight of this year’s show. 

These tools promise to streamline processes such as patient record management, insurance interfaces, and regulatory compliance, all of which contribute to the high levels of burnout in the healthcare sector. 

- Healthcare admin overload: Doctors and nurses are swamped with tedious documentation tasks, much of which is manual due to fragmented health data systems. 
- Burnout crisis: The immense paperwork load is a key contributor to burnout, and by 2028, there could be a shortage of 100,000 healthcare workers in the U.S. 

Tech companies’ pitch: Companies like Nvidia, Google, and Microsoft aim to address this issue with generative AI solutions, which they claim can significantly reduce time spent on clerical tasks and allow professionals to focus on patient care. 

## Google’s Expansion into Healthcare AI

Google has made substantial strides in the healthcare sector. It recently announced the availability of Vertex AI Search for Healthcare, which allows medical professionals to quickly search across various medical records.

Additionally, new updates to Google’s Healthcare Data Engine will enable healthcare organizations to better support generative AI integration. 

- Survey results: A Google survey revealed that clinicians spend an average of 28 hours per week on admin tasks, with 80% indicating that it detracts from patient interaction. 91% of respondents expressed optimism about using AI to streamline these tasks. 

## Microsoft’s AI Tools for Clinicians

Microsoft is also focusing on easing the documentation workload. On October 11, the company unveiled a suite of healthcare tools, including medical imaging models, a healthcare agent service, and automated documentation solutions for nurses. 

Though many are still in development, these tools aim to transform clinical workflows. 

![3.webp](https://strapiassets.blr1.digitaloceanspaces.com/3_1de0197bb6.webp)

- DAX Copilot: A standout tool from Microsoft’s subsidiary, Nuance Communications, DAX Copilot uses AI to transcribe doctor-patient conversations and generate clinical notes. This tool has surged in popularity, helping doctors avoid manually typing out notes. 

- Competitors: Other companies, like Abridge and Suki, are also at the forefront of AI-powered clinical documentation, with both set to attend HLTH 2024. 

## Nvidia’s Role in AI-Powered Healthcare

Nvidia, a key player in the AI revolution, is extending its influence in the healthcare industry. 

Kimberly Powell, Nvidia’s VP of healthcare, will deliver a keynote speech at HLTH on how generative AI can enable doctors and nurses to spend more time with patients by reducing administrative tasks. 

- Expanding partnerships: Nvidia has forged new collaborations with Johnson & Johnson and GE HealthCare and continues to make strides in areas like medical imaging, genomics, and drug discovery. 

## The Challenge Ahead

Despite the promise of AI, many health systems are still in the early stages of adoption.

The HLTH exhibition will be a proving ground, as tech companies must demonstrate their ability to address the complex challenges of healthcare administration and win the trust of providers. 

Las Vegas will play host to the highly anticipated HLTH 2024 conference, where industry giants like Nvidia, Google, and Microsoft will gather to explore the future of healthcare technology. With more than 12,000 leaders from the healthcare sector expected to attend, the conference will center on innovative AI tools aimed at alleviating the administrative challenges faced by healthcare professionals. 

Nvidia, Google, and Microsoft are set to showcase healthcare AI tools in Las Vegas

## Nvidia Resolves Blackwell AI Chip Design Flaw

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang announced on Wednesday that the company has successfully addressed a design flaw in its latest Blackwell AI chips, which had previously impacted production.

This resolution came with the support of TSMC, Nvidia's long-time manufacturing partner. Despite this positive development, Nvidia's shares experienced a slight dip, falling around 2% in early trading. 

- Stock Market Reaction: Nvidia's shares fell about 2% in early trading following the announcement. 

The Blackwell chips, unveiled in March, were initially expected to ship in the second quarter but faced delays due to the design issues, potentially affecting major clients such as Meta Platforms, Alphabet's Google, and Microsoft. 

Huang acknowledged that the design flaw, while functional, resulted in a low yield rate, stating, “It was 100% Nvidia's fault.” 

- Client Impact: Delays may have affected key customers, including Meta, Google, and Microsoft. 

![2.webp](https://strapiassets.blr1.digitaloceanspaces.com/2_ea7d19a094.webp)
Reports had suggested that the production delays had caused tensions between Nvidia and TSMC; however, Huang dismissed those claims as "fake news."

He elaborated on the complexities of the Blackwell project, noting that developing a working Blackwell computer required designing seven different types of chips from scratch and ramping them into production simultaneously. 

- Complex Production: Seven different types of chips were designed from scratch to create the Blackwell computer. 

"What TSMC did was to help us recover from that yield difficulty and resume the manufacturing of Blackwell at an incredible pace," he explained. 

Nvidia's Blackwell chips integrate two squares of silicon from the company's previous offerings, resulting in a component that is 30 times faster at tasks such as serving responses from chatbots. 

At a recent Goldman Sachs conference, Huang confirmed that the chips are now slated to ship in the fourth quarter. 

- Performance Upgrade: The new Blackwell chips are 30 times faster than previous models for tasks like serving chatbot responses. 

![3.webp](https://strapiassets.blr1.digitaloceanspaces.com/3_df985810ce.webp)

In addition to the updates on the Blackwell chips, Huang was in Denmark to launch the Gefion supercomputer, which boasts an impressive 1,528 graphic processing units (GPUs). 

This supercomputer was built in collaboration with the Novo Nordisk Foundation and Denmark's Export and Investment Fund, further demonstrating Nvidia's commitment to advancing AI and computational power in various applications. 

Gefion Supercomputer Launch: The Gefion supercomputer features 1,528 GPUs and highlights Nvidia's partnerships in advancing AI technology. 

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang announced on Wednesday that the company has successfully resolved a design flaw in its latest Blackwell AI chips, which had previously affected production. 

Nvidia has fixed a design flaw in its Blackwell AI chips, says the CEO. 

During Lenovo Tech World 2024, Chairman and CEO Yuanqing Yang, alongside NVIDIA founder and CEO Jensen Huang, introduced the Lenovo Hybrid AI Advantage with NVIDIA.  

This groundbreaking initiative leverages Lenovo’s comprehensive capabilities and the NVIDIA AI ecosystem, enabling organizations to convert data and intelligence into actionable business outcomes more swiftly and effectively.  

By fostering AI adoption, Lenovo Hybrid AI Advantage aims to deliver substantial returns on investment (ROI) for its users. 

## A New Frontier in AI Innovation

With businesses increasingly seeking reliable solutions to drive innovation and tackle specific challenges, the Lenovo Hybrid AI Advantage emerges at a crucial time.  
 
![3.webp](https://strapiassets.blr1.digitaloceanspaces.com/3_7d4d606861.webp)

A recent Lenovo survey indicated that 61% of CIOs struggle to demonstrate ROI from AI investments. This new offering provides pre-validated, industrial-grade solutions that facilitate quicker deployment, enabling organizations to see tangible benefits sooner. 

## Solutions for Enhanced Decision-Making

The Lenovo Hybrid AI Advantage combines robust AI capabilities optimized for industrial applications with a customizable library of AI solutions.  

This collaboration addresses barriers to achieving ROI from AI investments. Lenovo and NVIDIA have joined forces to integrate NVIDIA's accelerated computing, networking, software, and AI models into a modular framework designed for optimal performance. 

## Key offerings include:

Lenovo AI Fast Start: This initiative enables organizations to quickly validate business use cases across personal, enterprise, and public AI platforms.  
 
![2.webp](https://strapiassets.blr1.digitaloceanspaces.com/2_9026b72613.webp)

By leveraging the NVIDIA AI Enterprise software platform, it provides customers access to AI resources, experts, and partners, facilitating rapid development of generative AI solutions tailored to their unique needs. 

Lenovo AI Library: This library showcases proven AI use case accelerators, encompassing domain-specific models across various sectors, including marketing and customer service. 

It aids customers in expediting deployments, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of their AI initiatives. 

Data and Technology Foundations for AI: Many organizations face technological challenges that hinder their ability to leverage AI fully.  

Lenovo’s service assesses platform readiness and guides businesses in modernizing their data and cloud technologies, enabling them to extract maximum value from their investments. 

AI-Ready Infrastructure and Lenovo Neptune Liquid Cooling: As AI demands escalate, Lenovo is committed to providing energy-efficient computing solutions.  

The Lenovo Neptune liquid cooling system, in its sixth generation, supports high-performance computing needs while ensuring energy efficiency. 

The Lenovo Hybrid AI Advantage represents a transformative opportunity for businesses worldwide, facilitating access to crucial intelligence that leads to smarter decision-making.  

By simplifying AI deployment and leveraging intelligent agents, Lenovo and NVIDIA empower organizations to enhance productivity, improve efficiency, and foster innovation in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. 

Lenovo Tech World 2024, Chairman and CEO Yuanqing Yang, alongside NVIDIA founder and CEO Jensen Huang, introduced the Lenovo Hybrid AI Advantage with NVIDIA.

Lenovo's AI with NVIDIA enhances decision-making

## VMWARE Explore 2024

Broadcom Inc. (NASDAQ: AVGO), which recently acquired VMware, is hosting VMware Explore 2024 Barcelona November 4-7 at the Fira Gran Via, featuring a variety of breakout sessions, certification training, and labs spanning relevant technology and industry topics. 

On Tuesday, November 5, 2024, at 9:00 a.m. CET, Broadcom President and CEO Hock Tan will kick off VMware Explore with a keynote address titled “Shaping the Future of Cloud and AI Innovation.”  
 
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This general session will also highlight contributions from Broadcom leaders, VMware experts, and European customers, who will present the latest developments in areas such as private cloud solutions, generative AI, application delivery, and edge computing. 

In addition to the keynote, VMware Explore will offer a wealth of technical content starting on Monday, November 4.  

The event will feature over 400 sessions organized across five distinct content tracks, allowing attendees to acquire actionable insights on enhancing the management, scalability, and security of enterprise workloads while driving cloud transformation.  

For a comprehensive list of the sessions and to explore the full agenda, participants can visit the Content section of the event's website  

Catalog: https://event.vmware.com/flow/vmware/explore2024bcn/content/ 

Participants at VMware Explore 2024 will have the opportunity to engage with leading ecosystem partners at The Expo, providing a platform for collaboration and innovation.  

The event will feature hands-on learning experiences and certification training, allowing attendees to deepen their skills and knowledge in various areas.  

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Additionally, there will be ample networking opportunities for participants to connect with peers from around the world, fostering relationships and sharing insights across the global community. 

For those interested in attending VMware Explore 2024 in Barcelona, registration is now open. 

This event promises to be an invaluable experience for anyone looking to enhance their understanding of the latest trends in cloud technology and AI, while also connecting with industry leaders and fellow professionals. 

 please visit: https://www.vmware.com/explore/eu 

Broadcom plans to host VMware Explore 2025 Las Vegas at The Venetian Convention and Expo Center August 25-28, 2025. 

About VMware Explore 

VMware Explore is designed to be the premier event for all aspects of cloud technology. 

At VMware Explore 2024, attendees can expect expert-led business and technical sessions, a vast ecosystem of leading cloud partners, and a vibrant marketplace of independent software vendors (ISVs).  

The event will also offer numerous networking opportunities within the VMware community. 

With a comprehensive focus on cloud infrastructure for various applications, participants will acquire the knowledge and resources necessary to tackle challenges by simplifying cloud complexity without sacrificing quality. 

To learn more about VMware Explore, please visit: https://www.vmware.com/explore.html 

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Broadcom Inc. (NASDAQ: AVGO), which recently acquired VMware, is hosting VMware Explore 2024 Barcelona 

Broadcom will host VMware Explore 2024 in Barcelona

## Lenovo Partners with Fifa

Lenovo has signed on as the official technology partner for FIFA, set to support both the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup in North America and the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil.  

This partnership, announced at Lenovo’s Tech World innovation event in Seattle, is a significant step in integrating advanced technology to enhance fan experiences and provide teams with more accessible data insights. 

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According to FIFA President Gianni Infantino, this collaboration with Lenovo underscores FIFA’s commitment to using technology to grow the sport on a global scale.  

Infantino expressed enthusiasm for the innovations Lenovo will bring, enabling fans to connect with the game in new ways while allowing players and teams to benefit from enhanced data capabilities. 

 “At FIFA, we are committed to growing the game globally and making football accessible for all,” he shared. “Lenovo’s technology will allow us to better understand our fans and offer them a deeper connection to the game.” 

The upcoming 2026 Men’s World Cup will run from June 11 to July 19 across 16 cities in North America, hosted in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, with a historic expansion from 32 to 48 teams.  

Meanwhile, the 2027 Women’s World Cup, to be hosted in Brazil, will feature 32 teams, with exact dates and host cities to be announced. 

## Lenovo’s AI and Data Tools

Lenovo will provide essential technology, including ThinkPad laptops, Motorola mobile phones, and tablets, to support teams, FIFA staff, and the host nation organizing committees. Jeff Shafer, Lenovo’s head of corporate marketing, discussed the impact of artificial intelligence and data-driven insights in enhancing the fan and team experience. 
 
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“Technology and football will absolutely enhance the experience for viewers,” Shafer noted. “We’re working on unique ideas that will give teams and fans new ways to interpret data and experience the game.” 

FIFA’s data collection has evolved significantly in recent years, now including advanced tracking tools that go beyond traditional statistics like possession percentages and shots on goal.  

With new wearable devices for players and microchips embedded in soccer balls, the data now captures everything from offensive formations to real-time offside calls. 

This data fuels graphics for television broadcasts and in-stadium displays and aids FIFA’s technical study group, who provide tournament insights. 

Shafer emphasized that Lenovo’s technology aims to close gaps between different teams' data analysis capabilities. "If we can provide tech that allows smaller teams to analyze data with the same depth as larger teams with more resources, it truly levels the playing field," he said. Lenovo’s solutions will enable teams with fewer staff to gain the same competitive insights, reducing inequalities and enhancing performance. 

## Lenovo’s Commitment to Innovation

Lenovo chairman and CEO Yuanqing Yang shared the company’s excitement about bringing its technology to the forefront of global sports, explaining, 

_“We are proud to support FIFA’s vision of using technology to elevate the game, enhance the fan experience, and bring innovative solutions that promote equality in football.”_ 

Lenovo’s recent partnership with FIFA joins other high-profile sponsorships, including Bank of America, Lays, and Verizon, to support the global growth of football through technology-driven engagement. 

Through this collaboration, Lenovo aims to demonstrate the transformative potential of technology and AI in global sports, creating a dynamic and accessible experience for fans, players, and teams alike at both the 2026 and 2027 FIFA World Cups. 

At Lenovo’s Tech World innovation event in Seattle, Lenovo announced its new role as the official technology partner for FIFA, marking a major advancement in sports-tech collaboration. This partnership positions Lenovo at the forefront of two major upcoming events: the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup in North America and the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

Lenovo to Power Tech for 2026 & 2027 FIFA Cups

## VAST Data and Cisco Strengthen Alliance

VAST Data, a leading platform for AI-driven data solutions, has deepened its partnership with Cisco to streamline AI infrastructure for businesses.  

Through this collaboration, the VAST Data Platform will now be available on selected Cisco Unified Computing System (UCS) servers, accessible via Cisco's extensive global sales team and channel partner network. 

 
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This collaboration builds on their June announcement at Cisco Live 2024, where Cisco introduced VAST as the first data platform optimized for its Nexus HyperFabric AI.  

By integrating compute, networking, and storage into one unified system, Cisco’s Nexus HyperFabric AI enables businesses to run seamless, AI-enhanced applications. 

Jeremy Foster, Cisco’s SVP and GM of Compute, emphasized that as AI grows more essential to business, simplifying data center operations has become critical.  

“Managing modern data centers is increasingly complex, especially with AI integration,” said Foster. “Our work with VAST Data will simplify AI-ready data centers, helping customers save time, resources, and costs by providing an integrated solution for the next-gen data infrastructure.” 

## AI Infrastructure for Enterprise Demands

VAST’s AI-optimized platform provides unified storage, database functionality, and data-processing capabilities specifically tailored for AI.  

It seamlessly integrates with Cisco Nexus HyperFabric AI and leverages VAST’s Disaggregated Shared Everything (DASE) architecture to support massive GPU clusters, making it ideal for handling demanding AI workloads. 

John Mao, VAST Data’s VP of Technology Alliances, highlighted the necessity for businesses to evolve their infrastructure.  

“Companies need to modernize data systems to support intensive AI workloads while keeping complexity in check. Our partnership with Cisco offers enterprises an end-to-end view of compute, networking, storage, and data management, empowering scalable AI adoption,” said Mao. 

 
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With capabilities for generative AI, RAG-based inferencing, and advanced model fine-tuning, the VAST-Cisco solution reduces the complexity of designing, deploying, and managing AI infrastructure, making cutting-edge AI accessible to more businesses. 

## Launch Timeline

The integrated AI solution will be available to Cisco customers in the first half of 2025. By embedding VAST Data’s platform into select Cisco UCS servers with Cisco Nexus HyperFabric AI, enterprises will have a fully optimized AI infrastructure solution, accelerating AI adoption on a global scale. 

This expanded partnership enables VAST and Cisco to unlock new value from data and advance enterprise AI through scalable, integrated, and AI-ready infrastructure solutions.

VAST Data, a prominent provider of AI-driven data solutions, has strengthened its partnership with Cisco to enhance AI infrastructure for businesses. This collaboration enables the VAST Data Platform to be integrated with select Cisco Unified Computing System (UCS) servers, making it more accessible through Cisco's extensive global sales team and channel partner network.

VAST Data and Cisco expand partnership to deliver full-stack AI solutions 

## NVLM-D-72B

Nvidia is embracing the open-source AI movement, a space many leading AI firms tend to shy away from. The company has introduced the NVLM-D-72B, a 72 billion-parameter AI model now available on Hugging Face.  

This new model is part of the NVLM 1.0 family and is described as a multimodal powerhouse, outperforming existing models from OpenAI and Google. 

In its recent paper, Nvidia claims that the NVLM models are "frontier-class multimodal large language models (LLMs)" that excel in vision-language tasks, rivaling both proprietary models like GPT-4 and open-access alternatives such as Llama 3-V 405B and InternVL 2.  

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According to Nvidia, these models not only perform exceptionally well in multimodal scenarios but also enhance text-only capabilities compared to their LLM predecessors. 

Bohdan Khomych, Head of R&D Commercialization at SoftServe, highlights that the launch of NVLM-D-72B positions Nvidia favorably in a competitive landscape. 

The discreet rollout allows the company to gather developer feedback and iterate on the model without drawing intense public scrutiny.  

Khomych notes that while it may be challenging to claim superiority over GPT-4 universally, NVLM-D-72B excels in specific applications, especially those requiring advanced vision-language integration. 

Nvidia's presentation asserts that NVLM-D-72B achieves state-of-the-art results and boasts faster training and inference speeds compared to other models.  

The model is designed to handle a variety of AI workloads, including generative AI and fine-tuning AI models, making it more accessible for enterprises. 

The integrated architecture, built for large GPU clusters, supports advanced tasks such as real-time video understanding and mathematical reasoning, making it versatile across multiple industries.  

While its visual capabilities are impressive, some experts, including Stephen Jordan, Lead Data Scientist at FairNow, note that the model's performance in text-only tasks doesn't lead the field. 

By releasing NVLM-D-72B as open source, Nvidia aims to engage researchers and developers, providing them with easy access and control over the model. This move aligns with Nvidia's mission of "AI democratization," allowing users to fine-tune the model and leverage cutting-edge capabilities similar to those of proprietary systems. 

Though currently under a Creative Commons license, the model is expected to transition to commercial use, further expanding its reach. 

The release of training code alongside the model positions Nvidia as a formidable player in the AI software landscape, moving beyond its hardware dominance. 

## The bottom Line

In summary, while NVLM-D-72B excels in multimodal applications, especially in vision-related tasks, it also holds significant potential for researchers and developers across the AI sector. Its advanced capabilities in processing and integrating visual and textual data make it an invaluable tool for a wide range of applications, from real-time video analysis to complex data interpretation tasks.  

 
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This versatility allows developers to explore innovative use cases that leverage the model's strengths, such as enhancing automated customer service interfaces with visual context or improving accessibility through advanced image captioning. 

Moreover, NVLM-D-72B's open-source nature invites collaboration and experimentation, fostering a vibrant community of developers and researchers who can fine-tune the model for specialized needs.  

This collaborative spirit not only accelerates the pace of AI innovation but also democratizes access to cutting-edge technology, enabling smaller companies and individual developers to compete on a more level playing field with larger corporations. 

By providing detailed training code and ensuring that the model remains adaptable, Nvidia encourages a culture of sharing knowledge and best practices within the AI community.  

This approach empowers researchers to push the boundaries of what is possible, creating new methodologies and applications that can further enhance the model's capabilities. 

In doing so, Nvidia not only reinforces its position as a leader in AI but also positions itself as a key enabler of the broader AI ecosystem.  

As the demand for advanced AI solutions continues to grow, Nvidia’s commitment to supporting developers and researchers with tools like NVLM-D-72B reflects a strategic move to foster innovation while enhancing its product offerings. 

This dual focus on hardware and software innovation showcases Nvidia's understanding of the industry landscape, where seamless integration between powerful computing resources and sophisticated AI models is crucial.  

By investing in both areas, Nvidia is not just responding to current market needs but is also anticipating future trends, solidifying its reputation as a major innovator in the rapidly evolving field of artificial intelligence. 

Nvidia is making a bold move into the open-source AI arena, a territory often overlooked by many leading AI companies. The tech giant has launched the NVLM-D-72B, a cutting-edge AI model boasting 72 billion parameters, now available on Hugging Face.

Nvidia's Quiet Launch of an AI Model Surpassing GPT-4.0 

## Innovative Electronic Health Record System

Oracle introduced a cutting-edge electronic health record (EHR) system, marking its most significant healthcare product update since acquiring Cerner for $28 billion in 2022.  

An EHR serves as a digital repository of a patient’s medical history, continuously updated by healthcare professionals. While traditional EHR software can be intricate and challenging for clinicians to navigate, Oracle aims to enhance usability with its new platform. 

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The latest EHR integrates cloud and AI technologies, streamlining setup and navigation. Unlike traditional systems that rely on cumbersome menus and drop-down screens, Oracle's EHR allows physicians to retrieve information simply by asking questions vocally.  

This innovative approach is designed to help doctors minimize time spent searching for records, enabling them to focus more on patient care.  

“It’s not just a scribe or an assistant; it’s like having your own resident,” said Seema Verma, Oracle’s Executive Vice President and General Manager of Health and Life Sciences, in a CNBC interview. 

## Transforming the EHR Landscape

Oracle's new EHR is a strategic move to bolster its position in the highly competitive EHR market, where it has faced challenges. 

- In 2023, Oracle reported its largest net loss of hospital clients.
- Epic Systems, Oracle's main competitor, was the only firm to gain market share in acute care, as per KLAS Research.
- Cerner generated $5.9 billion in revenue for Oracle in fiscal 2023.
- Epic Systems earned $4.9 billion in the same period.

Verma clarified that the new EHR was not built on Cerner's existing framework, as the team determined that the current infrastructure needed an overhaul.  

“You wouldn’t build new structures on a crumbling foundation,” she explained. Suhas Uliyar, Oracle’s Senior Vice President for Product Management in Clinical and Healthcare AI, showcased the system’s user-friendly design during a virtual demo. 

Physicians will find a simplified interface featuring a search bar and a chronological list of appointments upon logging in.  

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They can ask questions like, “How many openings do I have for today?” and receive AI-generated responses almost instantly. 

The system provides quick access to patient charts, summarizing their medical history, recent changes, medications, lab results, and other critical information. 

Uliyar emphasized the efficiency of the voice-activated system, stating, “It goes through the entire history and gives me very specific answers,” eliminating the need for tedious document searches. 

Additionally, the AI can learn physicians’ habits, streamlining their workflow even further. 

While Oracle continues to roll out enhancements for existing Cerner customers, the new EHR incorporates features like the Oracle Health Clinical AI Agent, designed to automate documentation tasks for healthcare providers.  

Currently used by around 70 clients, this tool allows physicians to record patient visits via an app, with the AI generating clinical notes automatically. 

The early adopter program for Oracle's new EHR is set to begin next year, allowing customers to customize their experience. With a shift to cloud-based services, the implementation process is expected to be smoother.  

“We see this as a significant disruption in the market,” Verma concluded. “Our EHR is poised to address many long-standing issues in healthcare.” 


Oracle introduced a cutting-edge electronic health record (EHR) system, marking its most significant healthcare product update since acquiring Cerner for $28 billion in 2022.  

Oracle debuts AI-powered health records! 

## News Highlights

- Launch of HP Amplify AI: HP introduces a persona-based program aimed at enhancing partners’ abilities to achieve successful AI outcomes. 

- Advanced AI Tools: New AI-powered tools are unveiled to improve experiences for sales, partners, and customers. 

- Expanded AI Training Access: Greater global access to AI MasterClass training is provided, featuring localized content for diverse audiences. 

- Global Expansion of Partner Program: The HP Business Partner Program is expanded globally to engage a wider partner ecosystem. 

HP Inc. (NYSE: HPQ) has unveiled the HP Amplify AI program, a tailored initiative designed to empower partners in achieving significant AI outcomes.  
This customizable program provides extensive AI guidance, resources, tools, training, and certification aimed at enhancing partners' capabilities in an evolving technological landscape. 

Additional announcements include innovative AI-powered tools, refreshed HP Future Ready AI MasterClass content available in multiple languages, and the global expansion of the HP Business Partner Program. 

“HP is at the forefront of the future of work, delivering trusted experiences that empower growth and focus on meaningful tasks,” said Kobi Elbaz, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Global Channel, Sales Innovation, and Operations at HP.  

“As AI transforms industries, we remain committed to equipping our partners with essential AI knowledge, certification, and tools to foster collaboration, fuel growth, and elevate customer experiences." 

## Engaging a Broader Ecosystem

The award-winning HP Amplify program drives partner development through a streamlined global structure that rewards performance, collaboration, and capabilities.  

To foster a larger community of partners, HP has expanded the HP Business Partner Program globally, welcoming a broader range of non-HP Amplify partners and enhancing SMB growth through distributors. 

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The HP Business Partner Program provides participants with accreditation, increased brand visibility, and streamlined processes, all designed to enhance customer experiences.  

Partners will benefit from rapid onboarding and a consistent global digital experience, offering instant access to pricing, product details, training materials, and sales and marketing resources. 

## Empowering Partners for AI Adoption

As global AI spending is projected to reach $632 billion by 2028, partners are increasingly seeking ways to integrate AI into their operations and assist their customers in enhancing productivity through high-value tasks.  

With a legacy of over eight decades in innovation and strategic partnerships with leading software and hardware providers, HP is uniquely positioned to lead in the AI era. 

To support partners in their advisory roles regarding AI, HP is launching HP Amplify AI, a program tailored to boost partners’ unique skills and drive successful AI outcomes.  

This initiative, set to launch on November 1, 2024, will feature the HP Amplify AI HUB, a centralized resource providing training, certification, and tools tailored to various roles, enabling partners to sell AI devices and solutions more effectively. 

In addition to a comprehensive suite of resources, eligible partners will receive coaching and practical use cases demonstrating how AI PCs can enhance productivity and deliver positive results for customers.  

Certification and recognition for proficiency in AI will be available, along with access to AI-powered sales tools to track progress. 

By acquiring the necessary AI credentials, partners can better support customers on their AI journeys and prepare their businesses for the future with advanced AI products and solutions. 

## Enhancing Partner Experiences

To drive improved outcomes and experiences, HP is focusing on enhancing operational productivity. This quarter, the company is rolling out an AI chatbot to assist partners in navigating the HP Partner Portal, streamlining access to essential information.  

Moreover, HP is enhancing collaboration by implementing faster pricing turnaround times through the AI-powered Configured Price Quote (CPQ) platform, which will be available in 108 countries. 
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In May, HP introduced the HP Future Ready AI MasterClass training and certification program aimed at empowering HP employees and Amplify partners with a competitive edge.  

The program offers tailored online training for various roles, including sales representatives, account managers, and technical consultants. Over the past six months, more than 12,000 users have enrolled in the AI MasterClass, exceeding expectations.  

In response to growing demand, HP has rolled out updated content in new languages, allowing users globally to enhance their expertise and skills in the fast-evolving AI landscape. 

HP Inc. (NYSE: HPQ) has unveiled the HP Amplify AI program, a tailored initiative designed to empower partners in achieving significant AI outcomes. 

HP empowers partners for the AI era with its new Amplify AI program 

## Microsoft’s Impressive Earnings

Microsoft reported stronger-than-expected earnings on Wednesday, driven by robust growth in its Azure cloud business, as five of the "Magnificent Seven" tech giants release their quarterly earnings this week.  

- Shares rose in after-hours trading. 

- Microsoft reported earnings of $3.30 per share, exceeding the anticipated $3.10. 

- Revenue reached $65.59 billion, surpassing expectations of $64.51 billion. 

- Attention was focused on Azure, Microsoft’s fastest-growing division. 

- Azure has benefited from billions of dollars in investment due to the company’s emphasis on artificial intelligence. 

- Revenue from Azure surged by 22%. 

Just a day prior, Alphabet (Google's parent company) reported nearly 35% growth in its cloud business, reaching $11.35 billion, surpassing analyst expectations. 

- Azure now boasts 39,000 customers, marking an 80% year-over-year increase. 

- The company has established AI data centers in over 60 regions worldwide. 

- Usage of Azure-OpenAI has more than doubled in the past six months. 

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“AI-driven transformation is reshaping work, work artifacts, and workflows across every role, function, and business process,” said CEO Satya Nadella in a press release. 

During an earnings call, Nadella announced that Microsoft’s AI business is “on track to surpass an annual run-rate of $10 billion next quarter, making it the fastest-growing business in our history to achieve this milestone.” 

## Caution Amidst AI Investment Growth

As Microsoft invests heavily in AI, its financial obligations have also grown significantly. On Wednesday, the company revealed that its finance leases for data centers—essentially loans for acquiring new assets—have surpassed $108 billion for leases yet to begin.  

Alongside its increasing investments, Microsoft’s demand for electricity has surged in recent years. 

The company is exploring the restart of the Three Mile Island nuclear power plant in Pennsylvania, known for its partial meltdown in 1979, as part of an initiative to power its vast fleet of data centers. 

Three Mile Island was operational until its shutdown in 2019.  

Under the proposed arrangement, Microsoft plans to purchase the plant's entire electricity output over the next 20 years. 

However, investor sentiment is turning cautious regarding the tech sector’s extensive AI investments, with many seeking clarity on when these ventures will start yielding returns. 

Collectively, the seven leading companies—Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, Meta, Microsoft, Nvidia, and Tesla—account for $12 trillion in market capitalization and a significant one-fifth of the S&P 500.  

Nevertheless, this group has underperformed the market in recent months, experiencing a collective decline of 3.5% since early July. 

Wedbush analyst Dan Ives described this quarter as a "gut-check" period for Microsoft and Azure amid heightened competition in the AI landscape. 

“Our checks for Microsoft have remained positive this quarter, and we continue to believe Redmond is in a strong position, accelerating cloud deal flow for Azure with significant momentum heading into 2025 and beyond,” Ives stated, referring to Microsoft’s headquarters in Washington state. “We maintain our ‘outperform’ rating.” 

Microsoft reported stronger-than-expected earnings on Wednesday, driven by robust growth in its Azure cloud business, as five of the "Magnificent Seven" tech giants release their quarterly earnings this week.  


Microsoft outperforms on revenue and earnings, driven by strong cloud growth. 

## Cisco's Commitment to Channel Partners and Future Success

At this week’s Partner Summit in Los Angeles, Cisco's executive leadership showcased their commitment to the channel, through which the company generates over 90 percent of its revenue. 
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 A central focus was the introduction of Cisco 360, a completely revamped channel partner program set to replace the nearly 30-year-old system in 2026.  
 
Key figures, including CFO Scott Herren and CEO Chuck Robbins, highlighted the significance of the new program and its implications for profitability and strategic direction. 

## Vision for Design and Innovation

Jeetu Patel, Cisco’s Executive Vice President and Chief Product Officer, shared his vision for the company's future, emphasizing the need for transformative changes.  

He expressed a desire for Cisco to evolve into a "meaningfully different company" within the next year and to become "almost unrecognizable" in two years. 

Patel articulated a personal ambition to elevate Cisco's design philosophy to rival that of Apple, stating, "I want to be second only to Apple in design." 
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He believes that meticulous attention to detail in product design demonstrates respect for customers and enhances user experience. 

Patel underscored the importance of making Cisco's infrastructure “plug and play” and ensuring that security features are "completely frictionless." He aims for the applications developed by Cisco to captivate users completely.  

While acknowledging that there is still work to be done, Patel noted that Cisco has made progress and has the potential to deliver consistently high-quality products across its entire lineup. 

## Transforming Cisco for a New Era

Francine Katsoudas, Cisco's Executive Vice President and Chief People, Policy, and Purpose Officer, expressed the leadership team's strong commitment to driving transformative change within the company.  

She emphasized that the executive leadership team (ELT) is focused not on incremental progress but on achieving significant advancements.  

Katsoudas envisions a future where Cisco looks distinctly different, necessitating the recruitment of top talent with the right skills across the technology stack. 

She highlighted the critical importance of attracting individuals who are drawn to Cisco for its potential in groundbreaking innovations, particularly in AI infrastructure and security.  

Katsoudas also underscored the need for employees to genuinely feel the impact of the company's mission. She stated, "There's nothing more exciting for us at Cisco than knowing that we are building technology for this AI era."  

Furthermore, she reaffirmed Cisco’s commitment to addressing the digital divide and ensuring that technology is harnessed for positive social impact, reinforcing the company's dedication to using technology for good. 

At this week’s Partner Summit in Los Angeles, Cisco's executive leadership showcased their commitment to the channel, through which the company generates over 90 percent of its revenue. 

Cisco Partner Summit 2024: Key Execs on Partner Strategies and Company Growth 

OpenAI has announced a partnership with Broadcom Inc. to develop a specialized artificial intelligence (AI) chip designed to improve the efficiency of AI model inference, the process of applying trained models to real-world data.  

This strategic shift aims to boost OpenAI's operational capabilities, which have so far been heavily dependent on Nvidia’s graphics processing units (GPUs) for both training and real-time applications. 

## TSMC’s Key Role in Production

The collaboration includes Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), the largest contract chip manufacturer globally, known for its ability to produce high-performance chips. This move highlights the significant industry expertise backing OpenAI’s new venture.  
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While the discussions are still in preliminary stages, sources report that OpenAI has been exploring the development of custom AI chips for over a year. 

The primary aim is to create chips that are tailored for AI inference, meeting the rising demand for efficient processing as AI models become more complex and widely used. OpenAI’s strategic pivot comes at a time when the need for advanced computing power is rapidly expanding across the industry. 

Nvidia has long dominated the AI chip market, holding more than 80% of the share for training-focused hardware. 

OpenAI's partnership with Broadcom signals a shift towards diversifying its chip supply chain, a trend also observed among other major tech players like Amazon, Meta, and Microsoft, who are seeking alternatives to reduce reliance on Nvidia amid soaring demand. 

## Scaling Back on Proprietary Manufacturing Plans

While OpenAI had initially considered building its own chip manufacturing facilities, it has since abandoned this plan due to the significant time and investment required.  

Instead, the company is prioritizing collaborations with experienced partners to accelerate the development and production of custom chips. This strategy aligns with broader industry practices, enabling OpenAI to expedite its timeline without the overhead of developing its own foundries. 

## Broadcom’s Market Position

The announcement of the collaboration has already positively impacted Broadcom’s stock, which saw a 4.2% increase following the news. Broadcom’s expertise in designing application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) and its established relationships with major clients such as Google and Meta underscore its capability to deliver specialized hardware for AI. 

Analysts anticipate that the demand for AI inference chips, crucial for deploying trained models, will soon exceed that for training chips as more businesses integrate AI into their operations. 
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OpenAI’s new custom chip, which is expected to begin production by 2026, could be a game-changer, although the timeline may shift depending on project developments. 

## Financial Challenges and Strategic Adjustments

This initiative comes amid financial pressures for OpenAI. The company is projected to incur a $5 billion loss this year, despite generating an estimated $3.7 billion in revenue.  

The high operational costs associated with AI infrastructure—encompassing hardware, cloud services, and energy—pose substantial challenges. To mitigate these, OpenAI is pursuing partnerships and investments to strengthen its data center capabilities and better support the anticipated surge in AI applications. 

In addition to its collaboration with Broadcom, OpenAI is diversifying its chip supply by incorporating AMD chips into its hardware strategy.  

AMD’s recent introduction of the MI300X chip reflects the company's ambitions to carve out a share of the AI chip market, which is projected to be worth billions. 

The partnership between OpenAI and Broadcom could have significant ripple effects across the AI sector, potentially influencing how companies approach both AI deployment and the supporting infrastructure.  

This collaboration emphasizes the crucial role of specialized hardware in the rapidly advancing AI field and positions OpenAI to better meet the increasing demands of its services. 

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OpenAI has announced a partnership with Broadcom Inc. to develop a specialized artificial intelligence (AI) chip designed to improve the efficiency of AI model inference, the process of applying trained models to real-world data.  

OpenAI & Broadcom to Build Custom AI Chip 

Nvidia has reached a remarkable milestone, surpassing Apple to become the world’s most valuable company, a testament to the transformative power of the ongoing global AI boom. 

On Tuesday, the chipmaking giant's market capitalization climbed to an impressive $3.43 trillion, outpacing Apple’s $3.38 trillion.  

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The shift marks a significant moment in the tech industry, highlighting Nvidia’s critical role as a leader in AI technology. According to Bloomberg, this achievement caps off an extraordinary period of growth, with Nvidia experiencing an 850% surge in its valuation since late 2022. 

The latest reshuffling at the top is not without precedent; Nvidia briefly claimed the top spot back in June but only managed to hold it for a single day before Apple regained its position.  

However, this time, the company’s position appears to be backed by a deeper and more sustained wave of global interest in AI technologies, with Nvidia’s hardware at the heart of the industry's expansion. 

Nvidia's dominance is fueled by its strategic positioning as a provider of the high-powered GPUs and custom chips essential for training and deploying advanced machine learning models and large language models.  

These technologies have become vital across various sectors, powering applications ranging from natural language processing to complex data analysis. Nvidia’s ability to maintain and scale this technological edge has given it a unique standing that resonates with investors and tech leaders alike. 

Apple, on the other hand, has recently expanded its portfolio to include more AI capabilities with the launch of Apple Intelligence, a smaller-scale generative AI offering.  

This step signals Apple’s acknowledgment of the AI market's rapid growth and its strategic attempt to claim a share of the space. Nevertheless, Nvidia’s leadership as the backbone provider for many of the world’s most powerful language models reinforces its advantage. 

However, the landscape is increasingly competitive. Late October reports from Reuters indicated that OpenAI, the creator of the widely known ChatGPT, has begun collaborating with Broadcom to develop its own proprietary systems.  
![3.webp](https://strapiassets.blr1.digitaloceanspaces.com/3_aab899837b.webp)
This move underscores an emerging trend among major tech players looking to diversify their supply chains and reduce reliance on Nvidia's highly sought-after technology. As OpenAI pushes for greater independence in its infrastructure, Nvidia’s dominance may face new challenges, prompting a potential reshuffling of power dynamics in the sector. 

Still, Nvidia’s robust position and rapid ascent to the top of the market show how integral it has become to the technological ecosystem, particularly with the global surge in AI adoption.  

While competitors like Apple are moving to carve out their share and new alliances like OpenAI and Broadcom hint at a shifting landscape, Nvidia’s foundational role in powering advanced AI solutions ensures it remains a key player — at least for now. 

As the sector evolves, the battle for technological supremacy and market leadership will likely see more twists and power plays, reflecting the accelerating pace of innovation and the high stakes involved. 

Nvidia has reached a remarkable milestone, surpassing Apple to become the world’s most valuable company, a testament to the transformative power of the ongoing global AI boom. 


Nvidia is now the world's leading company, driven by the AI surge

At Cisco's annual WebexOne showcase, the company revealed a series of new features across its Webex platform, emphasizing its continued commitment to integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into its offerings. 

![2.webp](https://strapiassets.blr1.digitaloceanspaces.com/2_8dcd45cc54.webp)

This year's announcements underscore the company’s core philosophy: _“everything we do is in the service of experience.”_

Here’s a breakdown of the key takeaways from the event:
- AI at the Core: Cisco’s deep integration of AI was evident throughout the event, with the Webex AI Assistant playing a central role in many product innovations. AI is now fundamental to Cisco’s operations, influencing products across its portfolio.
- Full-Stack Collaboration: Cisco's corporate strategy is built around full-stack collaboration, combining collaboration, networking, security, and observability. This vision, which was solidified in August 2024, is now the backbone of Cisco's three key business pillars: AI-ready data centers, future-proof workplaces powered by core collaboration technologies, and digital resilience—how quickly a company can recover from network disruptions.
- Reimagining Workplaces: Cisco sees collaboration as crucial for future-proofing workplaces. This includes rethinking customer experiences, workspaces, and even the nature of work itself. The company has made major strides in transforming the tools and environments where work happens.

Cisco’s research highlights a decline in customer satisfaction despite increased investments. To address this, the company introduced the Cisco Webex AI Agent, a virtual assistant that closely mimics live agents.

It’s capable of engaging in natural-sounding conversations, pivoting between topics, recognizing its limitations, and executing tasks on behalf of the customer. 

The Webex AI Agent will be available to cloud customers in Q1 2025, with a premises trial in Q2 2025.

Cisco is prioritizing device experience to enable inclusive collaboration, especially in reimagined, meeting-centric office spaces. 

![3.webp](https://strapiassets.blr1.digitaloceanspaces.com/3_7762e01981.webp)

One standout is Cisco Spatial Meetings, which uses stereoscopic dual cameras and spatial computing to create lifelike 3D meeting experiences. This feature is slated for release in Q1 2025.

- Workspace Customization: The Cisco Workspace Designer is an online configurator that allows organizations to design and customize their workspaces in 3D. Users can modify room dimensions, furniture, and tech elements to create the ideal meeting environment. The tool is available now.
- AI-Powered Transformation: Cisco’s longstanding leadership in AI has only deepened with WebexOne 2024. The company has rapidly developed a robust suite of AI capabilities, which are now pervasive across its product lineup. AI has also reshaped Cisco's organizational structure, making it a key differentiator in the tech landscape.

In summary, Cisco's WebexOne 2024 event highlighted its commitment to AI-driven innovation, transforming both its product offerings and internal operations. 

With features like the Webex AI Agent and Cisco Spatial Meetings, Cisco is positioning itself as a leader in the next generation of workplace collaboration.


At Cisco's annual WebexOne showcase, the company revealed a series of new features across its Webex platform, emphasizing its continued commitment to integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into its offerings. 

WebexOne 2024: Cisco Expands its AI Frontier

## Dynamic Themes

Microsoft is introducing AI-powered dynamic themes to Outlook, but access to the personalized themes requires a Copilot Pro or business license. 
![2.webp](https://strapiassets.blr1.digitaloceanspaces.com/2_4ec31e0286.webp)
Known as "Themes by Copilot," this feature aims to enhance the visual appeal and personalization of Outlook, making the email client more beautiful and approachable.  

The new themes will be available across multiple platforms, including Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and the web. 

## Key Features

One of the key features of these AI-driven themes is their ability to adapt to various factors, such as weather conditions and geographical locations. 

Users can create a theme based on these elements, with the option for it to update dynamically at intervals ranging from every few hours to daily, weekly, or monthly.  

A particularly interesting aspect of this feature is the "My Location" theme. When users enable location permissions, Outlook will generate a theme that incorporates imagery inspired by the user’s current location. 

The theme will continue to update as the user travels, giving a more dynamic and location-aware experience. 

The AI-generated themes will feature a customized wallpaper that appears as the background on the desktop version of Outlook, or at the top of the iOS and Android apps. 
![3.webp](https://strapiassets.blr1.digitaloceanspaces.com/3_0eff316aea.webp)
Along with this, the rest of the Outlook interface will be themed using a unique accent color, which complements the chosen wallpaper.  

This makes for a cohesive and immersive user experience, reflecting the user’s preferences in both appearance and functionality. 

For users who do not have access to a Copilot license, Microsoft is also offering a selection of non-AI-driven themes.  

These include classic color themes like green, red, and purple, and they will be available across all versions of Outlook, including web, PC, Mac, and mobile apps. 

While these themes are static, they provide an additional set of options for users looking to personalize their Outlook experience without needing the Copilot license. 

Microsoft is introducing AI-powered dynamic themes to Outlook, but access to the personalized themes requires a Copilot Pro or business license. 

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