Latest news with #JeffWilliams
Tahawul Tech
a day ago
- Business
- Tahawul Tech
Is it time for a new Apple CEO?
Analysts at LightShed Partners have called for a regime change at Apple in the wake of the company's AI struggles and the failure of several projects. In a note to clients, LightShed analysts Walter Piecyk and Joe Galone wrote: 'Apple now needs a product-focused CEO, not one centered on logistics.' Current Apple CEO Time Cook spent 12 years in IBM's personal computer business and served as its director of North American fulfilment. He replaced Steve Jobs as Apple CEO in 2011. 'AI will reshape industries across the global economy, and Apple risks becoming one of its casualties,' according to Piecyk and Galone. 'Calling last year's WWDC simply a case of over-promising and under-delivering would be kind. Apple was nowhere with AI then, and little has changed since.' The note was issued the same day Apple announced chief operating officer Jeff Williams is retiring later this year, with SVP operations Sabih Khan taking over as COO and Cook assuming direct oversight of the company's design team. 'Wall Street's read on the departure of Apple's COO is that it will cause little disruption,' the analysts stated. 'But isn't disruption exactly what Apple needs right now?' They noted the tech giant could see diminished search payments from Google as it faces antitrust scrutiny while Apple's App Store is also under pressure from regulatory entities. Piecyk and Galone credited Cook as 'the right CEO at the time of his appointment' and stated he 'unquestionably has done a great job.' They noted the company has sold over $2 trillion worth of iPhones with Cook at the helm. 'Missing on AI could fundamentally alter the company's long-term trajectory and ability to grow at all,' the analysts explained. 'This is a pivotal moment for Apple, it's time for more disruptive change, not less.' Source: Mobile World Live Image Credit: Apple
Business Wire
2 days ago
- Business
- Business Wire
Contrast Security Releases Software Under Siege 2025, Exposing What Traditional Reports Miss About Application-Layer Threats
PLEASANTON, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Contrast Security, the global leader in Application Detection and Response (ADR), today released Software Under Siege 2025: The Contrast Application Threat Report, exposing the growing crisis at the application layer as adversaries use AI to easily launch previously sophisticated attacks at scale. Recent reports from Verizon (DBIR 2025) and Google Mandiant (M-Trends 2025) confirm what many security leaders already suspect: components of the application layer are among the most targeted and least protected parts of the modern enterprise. This trend includes hackers' heightened focus on cloud environments, which heavily depend on application-layer services and interfaces, such as critical components like cloud-based single sign-on (SSO) web portals that store centralized authority. But those reports raised an even bigger question: What's actually happening inside the applications we build and run every day? The Software Under Siege 2025 report from Contrast Security provides the missing context, offering a detailed, data-driven view into the vulnerabilities, exploit patterns, and attacker behaviors that SOC and AppSec teams need to understand now. Built on 1.6 trillion runtime observations per day, the report provides a uniquely accurate picture of how applications and APIs are being targeted, and how defenders can regain control. 'We're seeing a fundamental shift in how applications are being attacked,' said Jeff Williams, CTO and Founder of Contrast Security. 'AI is making it easier than ever for adversaries to launch targeted, viable attacks at scale, while traditional tools like WAFs, SAST, and EDR remain blind to what's happening inside the application while it's running. This report exposes that gap with hard data. It shows where the real threats are, how fast they're moving, and why organizations need a new model for defense: one that starts with runtime visibility.' The report confirms that applications and APIs are the modern battleground of choice for attackers. Key findings include: Why attackers are winning: On average, apps contain 30 serious vulnerabilities. AI-generated code is exacerbating the problem, and third-party libraries are accelerating the risk. Why defenders can't keep up: Applications face an average of 17 new vulnerabilities per month, with developer teams remediating 6 per month, on average. Attackers exploit new vulnerabilities in just 5 days, but it takes 84 days on average to patch even the most critical flaws. Application attacks are more prolific than ever before, with the average application targeted by attackers once every 3 minutes. The average application is exposed to 81 confirmed, viable attacks each month that evade other defenses, primarily driven by untrusted deserialization, method tampering, OGNL injection, and similar attacks, which can vary by industry and technology stack. A small number of attack techniques, harder to execute before AI, account for the lion's share of risk. Why traditional tools fall short: WAFs and EDRs lack the runtime context to detect the growing threats. Many SOCs are flying blind. The new 'best practice': A small number of attack techniques account for the majority of risk. Focusing on what's exploitable now enables teams to regain control. To manage the growing risks, security teams are increasingly evolving their strategies to address the visibility gap at the application layer. That includes moving beyond traditional reactive defenses and adopting runtime protection models that can detect and stop attacks from within running applications. The report also highlights how shared telemetry across SecOps, AppSec, and development teams helps organizations focus on the threats and vulnerabilities that pose the greatest real-world risk. This unified, contextual approach enables faster response, more targeted remediation, and reduced alert fatigue across security workflows. Organizations adopting these practices are better positioned to improve their resilience against the rising tide of AI-assisted application-layer threats. To download the full report, visit Methodology The report combines proprietary data from the Contrast Runtime Security Platform with additional data from trusted third parties to help security leaders understand the scope and nature of application-layer threats. Contrast's data is collected from real-world running applications and application programming interfaces (APIs), using a lightweight sensor that allows full visibility into the complete runtime context. This 'inside-out' approach provides continuous visibility into how applications behave and are targeted in real-world production environments. About Contrast Security Contrast Security is the global leader in Application Detection and Response (ADR), empowering organizations to see and stop attacks on applications and APIs in real time. Contrast embeds patented threat sensors directly into the software, delivering unmatched visibility and protection. With continuous, real-time defense, Contrast uncovers hidden application-layer risks that traditional solutions miss. Contrast's powerful Runtime Security technology equips developers, AppSec teams and SecOps with one platform that proactively protects and defends applications and APIs against evolving threats.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Apple's C-suite undergoes major reshuffle — here's what it means for CEO Tim Cook
Apple has quietly undergone a major restructuring of its management team that has sparked speculation about the future of the world's third most valuable company — but CEO Tim Cook isn't going anywhere. Even as the iPhone maker faces mounting challenges — from AI stumbles to fading product innovation — the 64-year-old chief executive retains firm control of the company founded by Steve Jobs, even as most of his direct reports are nearing retirement age. And with longtime lieutenant Jeff Williams set to retire later this year, Cook's leadership appears more entrenched than ever, according to Bloomberg News. Williams, Cook's most trusted deputy, will exit in December. Sabih Khan, Apple's senior vice president of operations, who is in his late 50s, is slated to assume the COO title. Meanwhile, Chief Financial Officer Luca Maestri has been succeeded by Kevan Parekh, and longtime product executive Dan Riccio departed at the end of last year. The company is seeing its biggest management shake-up in decades. Nearly half of Cook's approximately 20 direct reports are in their 60s and nearing retirement, including senior figures like marketing chief Greg Joswiak, App Store head Phil Schiller, environment executive Lisa Jackson and chip executive Johny Srouji. Cook, meanwhile, who turns 65 in November, has shown no signs of stepping down or preparing a successor. The departure of Williams, Apple's chief operating officer and widely seen as Cook's natural heir, leaves the company without a clear backup plan, Bloomberg News reported. It also reinforces Cook's position as the indispensable figure guiding Apple through turbulent times. Williams was uniquely positioned as both COO and unofficial backup CEO. Khan, while assuming the title, lacks the breadth of experience and institutional knowledge to immediately step in as chief executive, according to Bloomberg News. The situation is drawing industrywide comparisons to other long-tenured corporate leaders like Disney's Bob Iger and JPMorgan's Jamie Dimon, who have extended their influence well past traditional retirement age. For Cook, whose tenure as CEO began in 2011, the prospect of remaining at Apple's helm for another five years is increasingly likely as there is little urgency from Apple's board to initiate a transition, Bloomberg News reported. The directors — longtime allies including Arthur Levinson, Susan Wagner and Ronald Sugar — have largely deferred to Cook, who has delivered a staggering 1,500% increase in Apple's stock price since succeeding Steve Jobs. Though shares are down 16% in 2025, Cook remains the board's trusted operator during a period of technological and cultural flux. Under his watch, Apple expanded into China, launched successful new product lines like the Apple Watch and AirPods and transitioned into a subscription-driven business. These achievements, however, are being challenged by Apple's growing design stagnation, lagging AI performance and mounting criticism from developers and regulators. While rivals like Google, Microsoft, Meta, and OpenAI rolled out advanced AI capabilities early, Apple is seen as trailing far behind. Its flagship initiative, 'Apple Intelligence,' launched significantly later than competing products and still lacks several features that were promised during its 2024 debut. Still, there is no indication that the board is losing confidence, according to Bloomberg News. Inside Apple, Services head Eddy Cue has reportedly warned that the company risks becoming 'the next BlackBerry or Nokia' if it fails to pivot quickly. Those concerns, coupled with the AI backlash, have prompted a reorganization of the org chart and the beginnings of a strategic reset. In order to right the ship, some have floated acquiring a top-tier AI startup and grooming its CEO for the top job. But insiders dismiss that possibility outright. Apple has reportedly explored acquisitions of companies like Perplexity and is considering Mistral, highlighting its increasing urgency in the AI arms race. The recent loss of Ruoming Pang, Apple's foundation models chief, to Meta in a deal reportedly worth more than $200 million, only underscores the stakes. Despite the leadership uncertainty, Apple has a slate of new products on the way, including updated iPhones, iPads and a refreshed Vision Pro headset. But the changes are largely incremental — spec bumps rather than groundbreaking innovation, according to Bloomberg News. In the absence of revolutionary hardware or AI breakthroughs, the question of Cook's eventual exit– and what comes after — continues to loom over Cupertino. For now, however, the CEO remains firmly in charge. And with no clear successor in place, the company's future is still very much Cook's to shape. The Post has sought comment from Apple. Error while retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Apple Undergoing Major Management Overhaul, But CEO Tim Cook To Stay On
Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) is in the midst of a significant management reshuffle. Despite the company's biggest crisis in years, CEO Tim Cook remains firmly at the helm. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, in his latest weekly "Power On' report revealed that, Jeff Williams, Tim Cook's longtime deputy, has announced his retirement plans, leaving no clear successor in place. Despite this, there are no signs that Cook is planning to step down or is grooming a replacement. The board, which is largely made up of Cook loyalists, has not felt the need for a change in leadership. Trending: GoSun's Breakthrough Rooftop EV Charger Already Has 2,000+ Units Reserved — Although Apple's shares have fallen 16% this year, they have seen a surge of around 1,500% since Cook assumed the role of CEO in 2011. Despite current challenges, including AI missteps and an aging product lineup, the board continues to view Cook as the only person capable of guiding the company. There is a growing recognition among Apple's top decision-makers that changes are necessary. Services chief Eddy Cue has internally warned that Apple risks becoming the next BlackBerry or Nokia if it doesn't adapt quickly. Several top executives are nearing retirement age, marking the biggest leadership turnover in decades. Operations executive Sabih Khan will replace Williams, and CFO Luca Maestri handed over his duties to Kevan Parekh earlier this these changes, there is concern about the lack of a quick CEO replacement in case of an emergency. The most plausible successor remains hardware chief Ternus, who is about 15 years younger than Cook and has been with Apple for over 20 years. The management reshuffle at Apple comes at a critical time for the tech giant. With several top executives nearing retirement, the company is facing its biggest leadership turnover in decades. This could potentially impact Apple's strategic direction and its ability to innovate and compete in the rapidly evolving tech industry. Despite the challenges, the board's continued faith in Cook's leadership suggests that they believe he is the best person to navigate the company through this period of change. However, the lack of a clear successor to Cook raises questions about the company's succession planning and its preparedness for any unforeseen circumstances that may require a change in leadership. Read Next: Named a TIME Best Invention and Backed by 5,000+ Users, Kara's Air-to-Water Pod Cuts Plastic and Costs — And You Can Invest At Just $6.37/Share These five entrepreneurs are worth $223 billion – they all believe in one platform that offers a 7-9% target yield with monthly dividends Image: Shutterstock Up Next: Transform your trading with Benzinga Edge's one-of-a-kind market trade ideas and tools. Click now to access unique insights that can set you ahead in today's competitive market. Get the latest stock analysis from Benzinga? This article Apple Undergoing Major Management Overhaul, But CEO Tim Cook To Stay On originally appeared on © 2025 Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Business Insider
5 days ago
- Business
- Business Insider
Investors Are Pressuring Apple (AAPL) to Make a Major AI Acquisition
Tech giant Apple (AAPL) is feeling the pressure from investors to change how it does business in order to catch up with its artificial intelligence tech. So far in 2025, Apple's stock has dropped by more than 16%, which has wiped out over $640 billion in market value. A big reason is that Apple has been slow to release impressive AI features for its products. Analysts say that this is partly because Apple avoids large acquisitions. But some now believe that Apple needs to break from tradition and either buy or invest heavily in a major AI company. Elevate Your Investing Strategy: Take advantage of TipRanks Premium at 50% off! Unlock powerful investing tools, advanced data, and expert analyst insights to help you invest with confidence. Make smarter investment decisions with TipRanks' Smart Investor Picks, delivered to your inbox every week. Indeed, other tech companies, like Meta (META), are spending huge amounts on AI and attracting top talent, which has helped their stock prices rise. Meanwhile, Apple has been more cautious, but that might be changing. According to Bloomberg, Apple has discussed the possibility of buying Perplexity AI, a startup recently valued at $14 billion. This would bring new talent and AI capabilities to Apple, especially in search tools. In addition, Wedbush analyst Dan Ives said that even a $30 billion deal would be worth pursuing, calling it a 'no-brainer' given how much Apple could gain from stronger AI features. Apple has also reportedly thought about using outside AI technology to upgrade Siri, rather than building it all in-house. Furthermore, there are signs of leadership changes inside Apple. In fact, Chief Operating Officer Jeff Williams is retiring, and longtime CFO Luca Maestri left last year. While CEO Tim Cook is expected to stay, Bloomberg reports that the company is preparing for a wider shake-up. Some experts believe that this could be a good thing. For example, analysts at LightShed Partners said that missing out on AI could seriously harm Apple's future, and even suggested that Cook himself should be replaced. Is Apple a Buy or Sell Right Now? Turning to Wall Street, analysts have a Moderate Buy consensus rating on AAPL stock based on 15 Buys, 10 Holds, and one Sell assigned in the past three months, as indicated by the graphic below. Furthermore, the average AAPL price target of $228.29 per share implies 9.4% upside potential.
