Latest news with #Omnia
Techday NZ
5 days ago
- Business
- Techday NZ
Only 6% of SSH servers ready for post-quantum encryption
Forescout has released new research indicating that just 6% of SSH servers currently support post-quantum encryption, exposing a significant proportion of vital data to the risk of being harvested now and decrypted once quantum computers become a practical threat. The findings highlight concerns for the long-term confidentiality of communications across public networks, Secure Access Service Edge tools, and critical data handled in sectors such as military, diplomatic, and proprietary corporate environments. Forescout has developed a patented technology that detects non-quantum-safe encryption across information technology (IT), operational technology (OT), and internet of things (IoT) systems, in an effort to support organisations confronting the quantum threat. Quantum computing threat Forescout's technology utilises continuous analysis of device encryption to identify vulnerabilities to quantum attacks. Developed in 2023 and patented in 2024, this approach forms the basis of Forescout's "Quantum-Safe Security Assurance" strategy. The strategy is designed to help organisations identify, assess, and close security gaps associated with post-quantum cryptography (PQC) across IT, OT, and IoT environments. The urgency around quantum security readiness is highlighted by a recent study from Omnia, which found that 40% of manufacturers expect to see customer use of quantum technologies by 2026. This timeline increases the risks posed by "harvest now, decrypt later" attacks, where adversaries store encrypted data today with the intention of decrypting it in future using quantum technology. "Quantum computing is no longer a far-off concept. It's a fast-approaching reality that will challenge the foundations of digital trust. Every organisation, public or private, needs to start thinking about post-quantum resilience across IT, OT, and IoT environments today. This is a rare opportunity to get ahead of a generational shift in cybersecurity before urgency overtakes strategy," said Barry Mainz, CEO of Forescout. Platform strategy Forescout's approach is anchored by its 4D Platform, which applies a four-part methodology: detection, enforcement, mitigation, and control. The technology evaluates the cryptographic ciphers supported by devices, assesses their compliance with post-quantum standards, and identifies encryption risks. Because it operates at the network layer, the solution is capable of uncovering risky encryption use, even where devices attempt to obscure their security posture. The four-pronged strategy delivered through the Forescout 4D Platform includes: detection of PQC-safe assets in real time for a full view over cryptographic postures; enforcement of segmentation to protect critical systems; mitigation through threat intelligence to match policy enforcement with real assets or misconfigurations; and control, which limits traffic from high-risk devices. "As organisations prepare for a post-quantum future, detecting systems using outdated encryption is critical. Forescout is already delivering on this with our patented technology - the only solution that identifies non-quantum-safe ciphers in real time. Whether it's PHI from medical devices or financial data crossing the web, this level of visibility empowers our customers to assess risk accurately and prioritise remediation where it matters most," said Robert McNutt, Chief Strategy Officer at Forescout Technologies, Inc. Slow adoption The research also notes a slow migration towards PQC across global networks. Of 186 million SSH servers exposed to the internet, just 6% support quantum-safe encryption methods. Fewer than 20% of global communications employ Transport Layer Security (TLS) version 1.3, presently the sole version offering support for post-quantum cryptography. Although use of NIST-standardised algorithms such as ML-KEM has increased more than fivefold over six months, it still accounts for under 0.1% of servers worldwide. Particularly in OT, IoT, and Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) environments, adoption of post-quantum encryption poses additional challenges, often necessitating upgrade or replacement of firmware or hardware. "We're seeing a clear drop-off in PQC migration once the early adopters are accounted for. The data shows that most systems aren't upgrading fast enough to keep pace with the advancing threat model," said Daniel dos Santos, Head of Research at Vedere Labs. Mitigation steps To address these threats, Forescout's research recommends several immediate measures for organisations. These include adopting PQC for devices reliant on third-party infrastructure, securing trusted network infrastructure from attackers, employing network tools capable of accessing SPAN ports, and avoiding use of ISPs and SASE tools for critical or highly protected systems. The report emphasises that preparing for quantum threats is increasingly necessary, rather than a speculative exercise, as standards and attacker capabilities advance. Forescout positions its technology and platform to help organisations maintain oversight and control of encryption risks and remediate them before quantum technology is widely available to adversaries.
New Straits Times
5 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Media Prima Omnia champions affordable branding for SMEs
KUALA LUMPUR: Media Prima Omnia Sdn Bhd, the integrated marketing arm of Media Prima Berhad, is ramping up efforts to make media branding more accessible for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) through various affordable advertising solutions. Omnia, which oversees integrated campaigns across Media Prima's wide media network, aims to bridge the branding gap for SMEs often overshadowed by larger corporations. Big Tree Outdoor and Omnia Agency Solutions chief operating officer, Stephanie Wong, said the latest initiative is part of Omnia's broader goal to ensure local SMEs are not left behind in the branding race, especially in a landscape dominated by established players. Speaking during a corporate visit by MM Media Marketing at Balai Berita today, she said many SMEs still see media exposure as costly and out of reach. "We understand SMEs are the backbone of the economy. But a lot of them think media is something far away, something only big brands can afford," she said. Wong said Omnia's SME packages go beyond traditional advertising to include digital content creation, brand positioning, and publicity support, which are affordable, accessible, and designed to help them grow. She said the SME-focused initiative includes entry-level branding packages starting from as low as RM5,000. "The package is not just traditional advertising but also digital, content creation, and even publicity through news coverage. Advertising today is not just about placing ads. It is about building a brand that consumers can trust. "We guide SMEs on how to advertise, how to position their brand, and how to grow," she said, noting that Omnia has actively worked with SMEs from various sectors over the past four years. Omnia also announced a collaboration with MM Media Marketing to further amplify the role of SMEs in driving Malaysia's economic growth. "Through these efforts, we hope to see more emerging homegrown brands gain visibility and consumer trust and eventually grow into regional players," Stephanie added.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Deloitte enhances Omnia audit platform with AI agents
Deloitte has unveiled a suite of new AI capabilities within its global cloud-based audit and assurance platform, Omnia. The firm stated that these advancements aim to transform the audit and assurance experience. The new features leverage Generative AI (GenAI) to improve key processes, including enhanced documentation review, better navigation of financial statements, and streamlined data extraction. Additionally, the Omnia platform now includes advanced drafting capabilities, improved research functionalities, and proactive risk management tools. A notable development is the integration of intelligent agent capabilities into the Omnia ecosystem. These AI agents act as digital specialists, executing specific tasks, retaining relevant information, and collaborating with other agents within an interconnected system. The incorporation of these agents is expected to automate various tasks, such as data gathering from multiple sources, managing intricate project plans, and identifying patterns and anomalies. Deloitte emphasised that these AI capabilities were developed in accordance with its Trustworthy AI framework, which ensures governance, controls, and compliance throughout the AI lifecycle. Since its inception in 2015, the Omnia platform has continually evolved to integrate new technologies, to provide tailored audit experience that meets the challenges faced by clients. Deloitte US Audit and Assurance CEO Dipti Gulati said: 'With the rapid advancement of AI technology, the audit profession is undergoing an exciting transformation. 'Continuing our efforts to integrate increasingly advanced, adaptive technologies into our audit platform has been a critical investment, enabling our auditors to deliver against rising demands in the profession with agility, while maintaining our commitment to quality and trust.' "Deloitte enhances Omnia audit platform with AI agents" was originally created and published by International Accounting Bulletin, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. 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
TimesLIVE
10-06-2025
- Business
- TimesLIVE
Omnia declares special dividend as mining business shores up profits
Chemicals company Omnia Holdings on Monday declared a special dividend for the second year running after its growing explosives business helped offset the impact of bad weather and economic turbulence on its African agriculture business. Omnia reported headline earnings per share — a key profit measure — of R7.04 in the year ended March 31, compared with R6.99 the previous year. The company, which supplies fertilisers and soil additives to countries in Africa and abroad, also manufactures explosives used in the mining industry. Omnia's mining division reported a 10% increase in revenue to R9bn, helping to offset a 2% revenue decline in the agriculture business, which was affected by challenging operating conditions in Africa. Currency volatility in Zimbabwe, logistical disruptions in Mozambique due to political unrest and the impact of a severe drought in Zambia had affected Omnia's income, CEO Seelan Gobalsamy said in an interview. However, increased demand for uranium, copper and other metals vital for the global shift to renewable energy are driving demand for mining consumables and boosting income for Omnia's explosives business. Omnia was seeing strong demand for mine explosives in Namibia, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Zambia, while its Indonesian joint venture also continues to grow, Gobalsamy said. 'Our mining profits are now higher than our agriculture profit,' Gobalsamy said. 'We all know Omnia for fertiliser, but mining is now bigger than our agriculture business.' Omnia declared an ordinary dividend of R4 per share and a special dividend of R2.75 per share, returning R1.1bn to shareholders. Last year the company paid out a special dividend of R3.25 per share.
IOL News
10-06-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Omina Holdings increases dividend pay out despite setbacks in agriculture division
The diversified company, propelled by its mining sector which is seeing new orders for its regional markets on the back of a rebound in copper and battery metals, achieved robust results and delivered bumper dividends. Image: Supplied Tawanda Karombo Omnia Holdings delivered a resilient performance for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2025 despite set backs in the agriculture division, which was impacted by currency issues in Zimbabwe, drought in Zambia, and the civil unrest in Mozambique. The diversified company, propelled by its mining sector which is seeing new orders for its regional markets on the back of a rebound in copper and battery metals, achieved robust results and delivered bumper dividends. 'The agri business Zambia, Zimbabwe and Mozambique didn't perform well,' Seelan Gobalsamy, CEO of Omnia told Business Report in an interview. 'Zimbabwe had the usual currency issues and a lot of uncertainty (and) we had some regulatory challenges and in Zambia, we saw a massive drought that impacted revenue.' The unrest that rocked Mozambique in 2024 and early into this year also affected Omnia. The company had to send products via Namibia into Zambia as routes through Mozambique were disturbed by the unrest, impacting working capital and profits negatively. With strong performance from Agriculture RSA and mining segment, Omnia's revenues for the year to the end of March grew 2.7% to R22.82 billion. Mining has emerged as Omnia's strongest business from an outdoor projective. 'There is still a strong demand for metals, you know, the metals that drive that transition to cleanar energy, you know, the battery metals, uranium. So we are positively disposed to the mining market and we are winning new customers, renewing new customers,' explained Gobalsamy. Headline earnings per share increased by 1% to 704 cents, while operating profit remained unchanged at R1.7bn despite the inclusion of the Chemicals restructuring costs, along with the impact of severe drought conditions and currency depreciation in Agriculture Rest of Africa. The Mining segment delivered an improved operating margin of 12.4% from 12.1%, supported by strong performance from Mining RSA and Mining International, as well as higher throughput and efficiencies. In the mining sector, sustained demand for critical minerals supporting the global energy transition, underpinned exploration activity and supported positive fundamentals for the explosives market. However, geopolitical tensions and trade policy uncertainty presented ongoing risks. The group had a net cash balance of R1.77bn was down from R2.3bn. The board declared a total dividend of 675 cents per share for the year. This comprises an increased ordinary dividend of 400 cents, from 375 cents the prior year, and a special dividend of 275 cents per share, returning R1.1bn to shareholders. "Despite persistent macroeconomic headwinds, Omnia delivered sustained profitability and continued to create long-term value for shareholders. This performance reflects the strength, quality, and growing diversity of our portfolio, underpinned by a sharpened focus on manufacturing efficiency, supply chain resilience, and customer-driven innovation," Gobalsamy said "The increased ordinary dividend payout, and special dividend declared is a clear signal of our confidence in the sustainability of our earnings and the successful execution of our growth and diversification strategy."
