Latest news with #GRIT
Business Wire
10-07-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Ransomware Groups Multiply as Attack Surface Rapidly Expands, GuidePoint Security Finds
RESTON, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- GuidePoint Security, a cybersecurity solutions leader enabling organizations to make smarter decisions and minimize risk, announced today the release of its quarterly Ransomware & Cyber Threat Report from the GuidePoint Research and Intelligence Team (GRIT). Affiliates are regrouping under existing or emerging banners, and many are standing up their own operations using recycled tools. Covering the second quarter of 2025, the new GRIT Q2 2025 Ransomware & Cyber Threat Report offers exclusive in-depth analysis of the evolving Ransomware as a Service (RaaS) ecosystem, threat actor behaviors and emerging cybercrime trends—including a 45% year-over-year increase in the number of active ransomware groups. 'While law enforcement's disruption of dominant groups like LockBit, AlphV and BreachForums has dealt significant blows to cybercriminal networks, the sharp year-over-year rise in active ransomware groups makes it clear that a significant threat remains,' said Justin Timothy, Principal Threat Intelligence Analyst at GuidePoint Security. 'Unfortunately, the quarterly slowdown in publicly reported ransomware incidents appears to stem from more temporary headwinds, such as seasonality, fragmentation and strategic regrouping within the RaaS ecosystem. As groups like Qilin, Akira and Play continue to gain ground, defenders must remain vigilant and prepare for what's next.' The Q2 2025 Ransomware & Cyber Threat Report also investigates Iranian cyber threat activity, the growing momentum of the RaaS group DragonForce and law enforcement's impact on Lumma Stealer, a prolific information-stealing malware favored by cyber criminals. Key findings include: A 45% year-over-year increase in active ransomware groups, climbing from 45 in Q2 2024 to 71 in Q2 2025. Ransomware victim numbers remain elevated year-over-year (+43%), but a 23% decline in Q2 2025 hints at changing attacker patterns beyond seasonal norms. An 85% increase in activity from Qilin, the most active threat group of this quarter. 52% of observed ransomware victims in Q2 2025 were based in The United States, followed by Singapore (23%) and Canada (5%). The manufacturing, technology and legal industries were most heavily impacted by ransomware. Notably, the healthcare sector dropped out of the top five most targeted industries for the first time since Q2 2022. 'We're seeing a reshuffling within the ransomware ecosystem,' Timothy added. 'Disruption of major RaaS players hasn't reduced overall threat capacity so much as redistributed it. Affiliates are regrouping under existing or emerging banners, and many are standing up their own operations using recycled tools. As we head into the second half of the year, security teams should expect familiar tactics under new names.' The Ransomware & Cyber Threat Report is based on data obtained from publicly available resources, including threat groups themselves, as well as threat analyst insights into the ransomware threat landscape. For more information: About GuidePoint Security GuidePoint Security provides trusted cybersecurity expertise, solutions, and services that help organizations make better decisions that minimize risk. Our experts act as your trusted advisor to understand your business and challenges, helping you through an evaluation of your cybersecurity posture and ecosystem to expose risks, optimize resources and implement best-fit solutions. GuidePoint's unmatched expertise has enabled 40% of Fortune 500 companies and more than half of the U.S. government cabinet-level agencies to improve their security posture and reduce risk. Learn more at
Chicago Tribune
27-06-2025
- General
- Chicago Tribune
Donna Vickroy: Quadriplegic helps forest preserves become more accessible
The call of the wild is universal. Shouldn't the ability to heed it be universal too? Chicago-area forest preserves are opening doors for nature-loving members of the disability community. They've introduced all-terrain wheelchairs as well as other kinds of adaptive equipment and communication technology. Recently, Four Rivers Environmental Education Center in Channahon, part of the Forest Preserve District of Will County, became the first in the nation to receive National Inclusion Project accreditation. The news is all good for Brian Swift, whose teenage injury hasn't dampened his love for adventure. Even though he has spent more than 40 years in a wheelchair, Swift describes himself as an 'outdoor guy.' The new wheelchairs, he said, 'give you the ability to do things you couldn't do before. You can go farther with your kids. They allow you to get off the beaten path, to negotiate a hill or the grass or gravel or dirt paths.' And that, Swift said, 'just offers a different kind of freedom and opportunity and hope. It's just such an awesome thing.' Last month, Cook County Forest Preserves stationed all-terrain wheelchairs at all six of its nature centers, as well as at camps Sullivan, Reinberg and Bullfrog Lake campgrounds. In all, there are 13 chairs available at different sites on a first-come, first-served basis. The manual chairs are equipped with arm-powered levers for propulsion and braking, mountain bike tires and a third wheel for enhanced stability, enabling them to improve traction on all types of surfaces, said Jacqui Ulrich, director of conservation and experiential programming. 'We have these great trails at the nature centers,' she said, but not all are ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessible. 'We thought (the ATV chairs) would be a good way to get more people out,' she said. Statistics show about 26% of U.S. adults report having a disability, Ulrich said. Mobility is the most common, followed by cognitive, hearing and then vision, she added. 'As the population ages, we all might have an issue someday where we can use some support and better tools,' she said. The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County offers for loan two lightweight, all-terrain wheelchairs, each designed to traverse dirt, gravel, grass, snow and mud, spokeswoman Beth Schirott said. Last spring, the Forest Preserve District of Will County introduced the GRIT Freedom Chair-Spartan Model at Four Rivers to help people with spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis, joint conditions, amputations, cerebral palsy and other mobility issues better explore the surrounding McKinley Woods-Kerry Sheridan Grove. Jerome Gabriel, facility supervisor at Four Rivers, said the GRIT chair has serviced many populations, including therapeutic day schools, therapeutic adult programs, and injured high schoolers who otherwise might not be able to participate in a field trip program. Will County also offers other accessible features, including an accessible kayak launch at Lake Chaminwood Preserve in Minooka and communication boards at the environmental center. 'We want everyone to be able to experience everything together, regardless of ability level,' Gabriel said. Swift, of Mokena, has consulted with Four Rivers on some of its adaptive equipment. He is founder of the nonprofit Swift Outdoor Accessible Recreation, which helps people with disabilities get the gear they need to get back out there. SOAR, provides grants to help people get devices such as hand cycles, therapeutic trikes and wheelchair attachments, he said. Sometimes a fisherman needs an adaptive reel, Swift said. Sometimes, the request is for an accessible kayak or hand cycle or driving modification. Sometimes, it's something as simple as a means to steady a camera so a would-be photographer can snap pictures of birds and wildflowers, he said. 'I've been blessed to do a lot of things with family and friends,' Swift said. 'I know there are others who want to do things too. One of the biggest obstacles is getting the necessary equipment. Another is getting the word out that these devices are available.' Insurance only pays for 'medical necessities,' he said. 'It doesn't pay for the gear that allows us to do things like go riding with our kids.' Being able to enjoy the outdoors, he said, helps people get exercise, feel included and have worthwhile hobbies. 'It is critical to our health,' he said. 'Study after study show being outside increases vitamin D and serotonin, and helps lower anxiety and depression.' Swift was 17, a senior in high school, when he headed outside the day after Christmas to play football with friends. 'I was tackled from behind, nothing weird,' he said. But the hit left him with a broken C-6 vertebrae and the injury left him a quadriplegic. 'Life changed,' he said. But his quest to live it to the fullest did not. After recovering for a few months at what is now the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago, Swift finished high school, went on to Moraine Valley Community College in Palos Hills and then St. Xavier University in Chicago. 'One day, a nun asked me, 'What are you going to do after graduation?'' he recalled. He told her he didn't know. She suggested law school. 'Back then, you did what Sister said. She gave me the books and the dates for the entrance exam. It was just the way it was,' he said. He earned a law degree from DePaul University, then pivoted and took a job in sales and 'did very well.' He and his wife, Monica, met while he was a student and have been married for 36 years. They have three adopted kids. After 20 years in the corporate world, he got the itch to try something new. He wrote a book, became a certified coach and speaker, and started SOAR. Today, he is an author of nine books, two of which are best-sellers on Amazon. 'I feel blessed. I am a believer in karma — the more you give, the more you get. I am very much about servant leadership,' he said. 'A lot of adults and kids break their neck,' he said, but that doesn't mean your life is over. 'Life's not easy for anybody. You may think someone has a great life but everybody's dealing with something,' he said. The important thing is to remember that, 'It's not about having a perfect life. It's about enjoying life perfectly — as much as you can.'
Yahoo
14-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
No Kings protests kick off across Monroe County
Greater Rochester Integrity & Truth (GRIT) has organized five protests across Monroe County for the 'No Kings' movement in a nationwide day of peaceful protests against President Donald Trump and his policies. The protests are being held in Pittsford, Brighton, Irondequoit, Fairport, and Henrietta on Saturday. All residents are welcome to join any of the protests. The protests are taking place on the same day President Trump turns 79 years old and plans a military parade in Washington, D.C. The national day of action is in response to increasing authoritarian actions of the Trump administration. There will be no parade but peaceful protesting. 'GRIT has planned no speakers, and no bull horns, just concerned citizens exercising their 1st Amendment rights,' organizers said. Organizers say the protest allows participation by differently abled and multi-generational people by standing or sitting in a non-threatening way. GRIT is a community for democracy, and it works with people in the Rochester community to protect our democracy through action, community, and education. The goal is to bring its message to people engaging them in their hometowns, provide social proof to neighbors, coworkers, and politicians in the Rochester area. Protest locations Pittsford: Intersection of State Street (Route 31) and Main Street from 8:30-10:30 a.m. Brighton: 9-11 am, Twelve Corners. GRIT will have a non-marching presence along S. Winton Road opposite the High School from 9-11 a.m. This is a collaborative event with 50501 Rochester and members will be marching to Twelve Corners. Irondequoit: 9:30-11:30 am, Lakeshore Boulevard starting at the Peace Sign from Zoo Road to Rock Beach Road from 9:30-11:30 a.m. Fairport: Intersection of W. Church and Main Street extending to Perinton Park from 10 a.m. until noon. Henrietta: Calkins Road starting at the Town Hall toward the Rec Center from 2-4 p.m. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
05-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Young Thug Recalls Getting ‘Stood Up' By Mariah The Scientist on Their First Date
Young Thug and Mariah The Scientist have been going strong for four years — even remaining together through Thugger's two-plus-year incarceration — but their relationship may have never gotten off the ground if the YSL rapper didn't remain persistent. Thug and Mariah sat down for a couple's quiz with GQ on Wednesday (June 4), and Thugger accused the 'Burning Blue' singer of standing him up on their first date. More from Billboard BE:FIRST's 'GRIT' Debuts at No. 1, CANDY TUNE's 'BAIBAI FIGHT!' Breaks Into Top 20 on Japan Hot 100 Vic Mensa Shares Emotional Video Explaining the Toll of the Streaming Era on Artists SZA's 'SOS' Breaks Michael Jackson's Record for Most Weeks at No. 1 on Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums 'I don't know what you wore on the first date because you stood me up,' Thug said. 'How about that? I don't know what you had on.' Mariah was taken aback and denied skipping out on the date. 'This is crazy,' she replied. 'No I did not.' When they settled on their real first date, there was still a debate over what Mariah had on, as Thug suggested she had on black attire at an all-white affair. 'I had on white and some jeans,' she said. 'Zero points. Ain't had no black on. My pants was kinda dark.' Young Thug was released from jail on Halloween (Oct. 31) after being arrested as part of the YSL RICO case in May 2022. Mariah made appointment visits to support her man and hold him down during his incarceration. Last month, Mariah earned her highest-charting hit on the Billboard Hot 100 when 'Burning Blue' debuted at No. 25. As for Thug, fans are anticipating his UY SCUTI album, which he joked with GQ that the project would be released on June 37. Watch the full Couples Quiz below. Talk about Thug and Mariah's first date takes place around 4:20. Best of Billboard Chart Rewind: In 1989, New Kids on the Block Were 'Hangin' Tough' at No. 1 Janet Jackson's Biggest Billboard Hot 100 Hits H.E.R. & Chris Brown 'Come Through' to No. 1 on Adult R&B Airplay Chart
Yahoo
04-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
BE:FIRST's ‘GRIT' Debuts at No. 1, CANDY TUNE's ‘BAIBAI FIGHT!' Breaks Into Top 20 on Japan Hot 100
BE:FIRST's 'GRIT' blasts in at No. 1 on the Billboard Japan Hot 100, on the chart released June 4. The CD version of the track went on sale on May 28, two days after being dropped digitally. The song launched with 105,783 copies to hit No. 2 for sales, while dominating downloads, radio airplay, video views and coming in at No. 4 for streaming. More from Billboard Jessie J Reveals 'Early Breast Cancer' Diagnosis: 'Cancer Sucks in Any Form' Big Thief Announce New Album, 'Double Infinity' Neil Young Invites Donald Trump to Summer Tour 'If There Is Not Martial Law by Then' 'Muchu' by the boy band also jumped 15-8 to break into the top 10. It's a track off the group's 'GRIT' single and was digitally released ahead of the title track on Apr. 25. It topped downloads on the chart released Apr. 30 and debuted on the Japan Hot 100 at No. 13. This week, the release of the CD version fueled the track and downloads gained 180% compared to the week before, while streaming is up 102%, and video up 135%. Hey! Say! JUMP's 'encore' bows at No. 2. The eight-member boy band's 35th single is being featured as the theme song for the drama series starring member Keii Inoo. The track rules sales with 213,556 copies sold in its first week, while hitting No. 16 for downloads, No. 63 for streaming, No. 23 for radio and No. 21 for video. Mrs. GREEN APPLE's 'KUSUSHIKI' rises a notch to No. 3. Streams, downloads, and karaoke for the track gained this week, possibly powered by the new YouTube Premium commercial featuring the song, released May 28. At No.4 is the title track of OCTPATH's seventh single, 'Mata Natsu ni Kaerou' (Let's go back to summer again). The track written by RYOJI from Ketsumeishi sold 75,111 copies in its first week to hit No. 3 for sales. HANA's 'ROSE' is up a position to No. 5. Karaoke and radio for the new girl group's debut single gained 106% and 110%, respectively. HANA made headlines recently when awarded the Best New Artist (Singer) award at the ASIA STAR ENTERTAINER AWARDS 2025 Presented by ZOZOTOWN. In other chart moves, CANDY TUNE's 'BAIBAI FIGHT!' soars 62-19. The song was released in April 2024, but the seven-member ASOBISYSTEM girl group performed it on YouTube's THE FIRST TAKE (May 23) and also at the KAWAII LAB. SESSION Vol.14 in Makuhari event on May 25. Streams are up 148% compared to last week and video soared 317%, placing the song in the top 20 for the first time. The second half of the year begins this week for Billboard Japan's charts, and recurrent rules have been implemented on the Japan Hot 100 and Hot Albums tallies. The Streaming Songs chart is exempt from the recurrent criteria, and will be calculated in the same way as it has been up to the 2025 mid-year list. The Billboard Japan Hot 100 combines physical and digital sales, audio streams, radio airplay, video views and karaoke data. See the full Billboard Japan Hot 100 chart, tallying the week from May 26 to June 1, here. For more on Japanese music and charts, visit Billboard Japan's English X account. Best of Billboard Chart Rewind: In 1989, New Kids on the Block Were 'Hangin' Tough' at No. 1 Four Decades of 'Madonna': A Look Back at the Queen of Pop's Debut Album on the Charts Chart Rewind: In 1990, Madonna Was in 'Vogue' Atop the Hot 100
