Latest news with #Systems
The Sun
3 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Counterfeit and Refurbished Transducers Pose Serious Safety Risks
HONG KONG SAR & MACAU SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 30 June 2025 - Merz Aesthetics®, the world's largest dedicated medical aesthetics business for more than 115 years, leads the industry shift with Ultherapy PRIME®, the latest innovation in hyper-personalized, non-invasive skin lifting., which have earned the trust and support of medical aesthetics professionals and consumers in Hong Kong and Macau. Recently, the emergence of counterfeit and refurbished transducers in the local markets pose serious potential risks to treatment results and patients' safety. Merz Aesthetics® Hong Kong urges consumers to verify the authenticity of Ultherapy® products and seek treatments exclusively at authorized clinics. Merz Aesthetics® Hong Kong will launch the Ultherapy® Authenticity Verification Reward Program this August — making it easy for consumers to verify the Systems and transducers, reinforcing confidence and safety in every treatment. Trusted Technology, Proven Results — Beware of Counterfeit Transducers Ultherapy® and its latest innovation, Ultherapy PRIME® (collectively 'Systems'), are manufactured in the United States and remain the only US FDA cleared non-invasive micro-focused ultrasound skin lifting treatment with real-time visualization.. Ultherapy® DeepSEE® transducers are available in 4.5mm, 3.0mm, and 1.5mm depths to target different layers of the skin. The real-time imaging allows practitioners to visualize skin structure and tissue layers during treatment, ensuring that energy is precisely delivered to the intended depth of the skin for safe and effective results. Each Ultherapy® DeepSEE® transducer is designed to deliver a designated 2,400 dosage lines and cannot be recharged or refurbished once depleted. The recent emergence of counterfeit or refurbished transducers in the market has raised serious concerns over treatment results and patients' safety. Inaccurate energy delivery into the skin will compromise lifting results and create extremely high risks, potentially leading to burns. The use of counterfeit or refurbished transducers can also impair the Systems, potentially leading to unpredictable outcomes that may cause harm to patients. Authentic Transducers Are Traceable — Counterfeit Unknown Every Ulthera® DeepSEE® transducers carries a unique serial number and QR code, allowing it to be traced back to the purchasing clinic. Counterfeit or refurbished transducers often fail QR verification, raising questions about their origin and posing significant safety risks. In addition, every authentic transducer has a specified shelf-life which is12 months from the date of manufacture. Expired transducers should not be used, as they may result in unpredictable outcomes which can possibly harm or injure the patients because there is no clinical evidence to support the use of such expired transducers. Choose Only Authorized Ultherapy® Clinics Our official Ultherapy® website ( regularly updates the list of clinics and medical aesthetic centers that use authentic Systems and transducers. Each authorized provider receives official certificates for in-clinic display. Merz Aesthetics® urges consumers to choose authentic Ultherapy® treatments from officially authorized clinics and aesthetic centers to ensure that only certified Systems and transducers are used. Products obtained through unauthorized or parallel import channels may not comply with the manufacturer's prescribed storage and handling standards, potentially compromising safety and efficacy. 3-Step Verification Program Launches This August To help consumers easily identify authentic Systems and transducers, Merz Aesthetics® Hong Kong is launching the Ultherapy® Authenticity Verification Reward Program in August 2025. With just three simple steps, consumers can authenticate products and enjoy a special reward: 1. Scan the QR code on the System to verify authenticity. Counterfeit machines typically lack valid QR verification. 2. Take a photo of the QR code on the transducer and upload it to the official website for instant verification. 3. Successfully complete both verifications to receive a HK$100 Häagen-Dazs coupon as your reward (limited quantities, available in Hong Kong only). Report Suspected Counterfeit or Refurbished Devices Merz Aesthetics® Hong Kong will continue to take enforcement action against the sale or use of counterfeit version of the Ultherapy® and Ultherapy PRIME® systems, as well as unauthorized, refurbished, or counterfeit transducers. The company also warns against any unauthorized modifications or repairs of the Systems. Only authorized representatives and service centers, certified by the manufacturer, are properly trained and qualified to inspect, repair, or replace components of the Systems. Merz Aesthetics® Hong Kong believes that the patients' well-being and treatments safety are core values shared with its network of professional medical partners. We urge both providers and consumers to report any suspected use of counterfeit systems, counterfeit transducers, or refurbished transducers. Consumers are encouraged to consult the official Ultherapy® website ( for a list of authorized clinics before treatment. With the launch of the Ultherapy® Authenticity Verification Reward Program this August 2025, they can also complete a simple verification process to confirm that both the Systems and transducers are authentic ensuring every session is safe, effective, and provides piece of mind.
RTHK
3 days ago
- Politics
- RTHK
National security a priority; development too: SJ
National security a priority; development too: SJ Paul Lam says the government seeks relative security, not absolute security, and Hong Kong must remain an open and tolerant society. Photo: RTHK Secretary for Justice Paul Lam says confidence in the rule of law in Hong Kong is improving as people see how national security laws are being enforced in the territory. The minister stressed that any notion that the city was prioritising security at the expense of development is a "false impression", and the city must remain an open and tolerant society to fully leverage its advantages under One Country, Two Systems. Lam also dismissed suggestions that classifying certain acts as "soft resistance" would cause a chilling effect on the freedom of expression here, saying there are stringent guidelines on how the term should be applied. In a media interview to mark the fifth anniversary of the promulgation and implementation of the Hong Kong National Security Law on Monday, Lam gave assurances that people wouldn't unwittingly enter into legal jeopardy. According to the 2023 Policy Address, 'soft resistance' refers to attempts to provoke conflict, misinform or spread rumours through different channels, and undermine the governance of the country and the SAR. "[It] is not a legally defined principle. It's never meant to be a term which has a very rigid definition. But it doesn't mean that it's a concept that is too vague or too general," Lam said. He said authorities would look at the means, the motive and its potential harmful consequences of any acts of soft resistance, and prosecute in cases where the law was breached. "But on the other hand, there are certainly situations where there would be insufficient evidence to say that anyone has committed criminal offences," he said. "In those circumstances, firstly, assuming that there are false accusations against the government or wholly irrational opinions being expressed against the government, then our response is to refute or to clarify the situation, to make sure that members of the public, including people outside Hong Kong, will not be misled, [or] be improperly influenced by those false and unsound statements." He also said national security police were justified in issuing a warning earlier this month against downloading the app, "Reversed Front: Bonfire", which had been deemed as seditious. "This is not a game. It is talking about the independence of Taiwan and Hong Kong. Are you saying you think this is OK?" he queried. "Under these circumstances, when we explicitly tell people not to do something, I think it's a fair thing to do so people don't fall foul of the law." Lam also stressed the importance of striking a proper balance between safeguarding national security, and ensuring Hong Kong's development. Citing a business sentiment survey by the American Chamber of Commerce, the justice minister noted that seven out of 10 respondents felt the national security law had not adversely affected their operations. "People can see for themselves, if people can look at the matter objectively based on what actually happened and how cases were handled by the prosecution and by the courts," he said. "Confidence is coming back, it's restoring and improving. So I would say that we are doing the right things, but obviously we have to remain very prudent and very cautious in order not to give a false impression. "I have to emphasise the word false impression, that we care about national security and we have somehow overlooked the importance of development, or how to the importance of maintaining Hong Kong as a very open society." Lam said that in the long run, Hong Kong needs to develop and strengthen its soft power to instil a sense of pride and national identity among people, and ensure they play a part in creating a stable and safe environment for the city.
RTHK
6 days ago
- Politics
- RTHK
Legal heavyweights laud NSL ahead of 5th anniversary
Legal heavyweights laud NSL ahead of 5th anniversary Priscilla Leung, Ronny Tong and Grenville Cross (left to right) say the National Security Law has restored stability to Hong Kong. Photo: RTHK Prominent legal experts on Friday hailed the successful implementation of the National Security Law over the past five years, saying it has ushered in an era of stability for Hong Kong. Speaking on RTHK's Backchat programme to mark the upcoming fifth anniversary of the promulgation and implementation of the law, Grenville Cross, senior counsel and former director of public prosecutions of the SAR, said Hong Kong is now primed to focus on development. "The One Country Two Systems [principle] is secure and is operating in the way its architects originally intended. Even though we've been through a difficult time, nonetheless, with the help of various institutions in Hong Kong, the new arrangements have been embedded in and we now have a secure Hong Kong which can look confidently to the future," Cross said. Executive councillor and barrister Ronny Tong told the same programme that the vast majority of people who have been charged under the law are linked to the 2019 unrest. He believes the number of national security-related arrests will continue to go down over time. "Of course, it will be foolish to think there wouldn't be any prosecutions under the national security laws... but I would like to think the number would decline rapidly as we move away from 2019,' he said. 'Therefore people would realise immediately that the introduction of national security laws in Hong Kong is not something to worry about - it doesn't actually deal with anything that we do in everyday life.' The sentiment was shared by lawmaker Priscilla Leung, who also pointed out the need to strengthen security safeguards in areas such as technology and finance going forward. 'We really rely on very good advice and governing and safeguards, [to boost] our security guard for this kind of intangible information, intangible facilities,' she stressed.
HKFP
23-06-2025
- Politics
- HKFP
Chinese official hails national security law as Hong Kong's ‘guardian,' urging focus on ‘high-quality development'
China's top official on Hong Kong affairs has praised the Beijing-imposed national security law as the city's 'guardian,' adding that Hong Kong should use the rule of law to safeguard 'high-quality development.' The implementation of the national security law over the past five years has demonstrated that it is a 'good law with significant historical and practical importance,' Xia Baolong, director of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office (HKMAO), said on Saturday at the opening ceremony of a forum marking the law's fifth anniversary. Xia said the Hong Kong government had fostered a 'new atmosphere' in governance, including the successful completion of Article 23 legislation — the city's domestic security law — last year. He said patriotic forces in Hong Kong could now 'hold their heads high,' while improvements in the city's business environment were 'plain for all to see.' Xia, who arrived in Hong Kong on Wednesday for a five-day visit, went on to say that Hong Kong still faces a 'complex and grave' situation in regards to safeguarding national security. He said that the city must follow China's national security principles and ensure that power is 'held firmly' in the hands of patriots. 'Five years of implementation have proven the Hong Kong national security law to be a 'guardian' of the One Country, Two Systems principle and a safeguard of Hong Kong's prosperity and stability,' a statement from the HKMAO read quoting Xia. The HKMAO statement went on to say: 'The Hong Kong SAR government and all sectors of society must unite, seize opportunities, and take up responsibilities… and continuously advancing the high-quality development of the One Country, Two Systems framework.' The HKMAO director urged the city to pay attention to trade crackdowns, financial risks and the dissemination of 'false information.' He also called on the government to attract talent and maintain a 'free and open' business environment to draw investors from around the world. Beijing inserted national security legislation directly into Hong Kong's mini-constitution in June 2020 following a year of pro-democracy protests and unrest. It criminalised subversion, secession, collusion with foreign forces and terrorist acts – broadly defined to include disruption to transport and other infrastructure. The rule of law, which Xia described as Hong Kong's 'hallmark,' should be used to consolidate the city's status as an international financial, aviation, and trading hub. He added that the government should maintain an 'executive-led' system, and that different sectors should support Chief Executive John Lee and his administration in introducing reform and promoting high-quality development. At the same opening ceremony, Lee vowed to accurately implement the One Country, Two Systems principle and take advantage of Hong Kong's current stable situation to boost the economy and improve people's livelihoods. The Hong Kong leader revealed on Tuesday that a total of 332 people had been arrested for national security offences since the national security law was enacted on June 30, 2020. Legislation was tightened in May, making it illegal to disclose information relating to cases overseen by the Office for Safeguarding National Security. The chief executive said that the law only targeted a small group of people, adding that – on average – 66 people were apprehended under the security law each year – lower than the average annual number of total arrests, which stood at around 30,000. The security law gave police sweeping new powers and led to hundreds of arrests amid new legal precedents, while dozens of civil society groups disappeared. The city also saw newsrooms raises and journalists jailed, but authorities have rejected criticism of the law by trade partners, the UN and NGOs. In September last year, five US departments – including the Departments of State, Agriculture, Commerce, Homeland Security, and the Treasury – issued a warning about increasing business risks in Hong Kong, citing the 'broad and vague provisions' of the two security laws. The Hong Kong government later rejected the claims, calling them 'false' and 'baseless.' Separate from the 2020 Beijing-enacted security law, the homegrown Safeguarding National Security Ordinance targets treason, insurrection, sabotage, external interference, sedition, theft of state secrets and espionage. It allows for pre-charge detention of up to 16 days, and suspects' access to lawyers may be restricted, with penalties involving up to life in prison. Article 23 was shelved in 2003 amid mass protests, remaining taboo for years. But, on March 23, 2024, it was enacted having been fast-tracked and unanimously approved at the city's opposition-free legislature.
Forbes
13-06-2025
- Business
- Forbes
The Physical AI, Autonomous Systems And Robotics (PAI-ASR) Security Posture Management (SPM) Gap
Frank Jonas, Founder Fidelitas Defense (NVIDIA Inception & Microsoft Startups F.H.) | FBI (ret) | U.S. Marine Corps Vet getty In March 2024, the cybersecurity world was rattled when it was revealed that XZ Utils, a popular open-source software (OSS) compression utility used across Linux distributions, had been quietly backdoored by a sophisticated threat actor. Over two years, an attacker posing as a helpful contributor gained maintainership rights, gradually inserting malicious code designed to grant remote shell access to compromised systems. This wasn't just a supply chain breach; it was a proof of concept for a new era of cyber threat operations: long-term, not detected and buried deep in the dependencies that modern infrastructure relies on. Now imagine the same concept applied to the software stack of a surgical robot, an autonomous submarine or a port logistics AI system. In a world where Physical AI, Autonomous Systems and Robotics (PAI-ASR) often runs on stacks of OSS and pretrained models, the risks are greater than ever. We're no longer just talking about compromised servers—we're talking about compromised machines that make decisions in the physical world. In boardrooms across the Defense, Healthcare, Maritime, Manufacturing and Energy sectors, executives are rapidly considering, piloting or deploying PAI-ASR systems that promise revolutionary advancements in efficiencies. Yet many independent security teams are struggling with an uncomfortable truth: These sophisticated machines remain dangerously vulnerable to attacks that could transform innovations into significant business risk overnight. From automated cranes at global ports to select robotic procedures performed in operating rooms, we are witnessing a rapid and mass migration of AI into the physical world. PAI-ASRs are no longer niche or experimental. They're operational, essential and often invisible to the end user. Defense agencies rely on AI-enabled drones for intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR) and precision strikes. Shipping giants use robotic systems to manage logistics throughout maritime and ports operations. Hospitals are increasingly integrating autonomous systems and robotics to enhance patient care and streamline operations. This is the promise of PAI-ASR: Machines that move, decide and scale. But the speed of innovation may be outpacing our ability to properly secure these systems from cyber and insider risks. PAI-ASR systems are often tested and built from a soup of vulnerable components: OSS libraries like OpenCV and Robot Operating System (ROS), low-level firmware, pretrained AI models scraped from the internet and sensors subject to spoofing. Each layer introduces unique threats: supply chain compromises, insider threats, model inversion attacks—even adversarial patches that trick AI vision systems into seeing stop signs as speed limits. A decade ago, in 2015, researchers at the University of Washington demonstrated how a surgical robot prototype could be compromised through network-based attacks, causing it to misbehave or shut down entirely. In real-world industrial environments, automation systems have been found exposed online, running unpatched Linux kernels with default credentials. In military settings, autonomous drones remain vulnerable to GPS spoofing and sensor manipulation. These aren't just IT risks; they're threats to operational integrity and physical safety. The OSS ecosystem has revolutionized robotics and AI, but not without risk. OSS libraries like OpenCV power everything from defect detection in manufacturing to perception in autonomous vehicles, medical imaging and surgical robotics. They're flexible, fast and free. But packages like OpenCV, at a reported 2-3 million lines of code, depending on the build, are sprawling with broad contributor access and are often poorly maintained and inconsistently secured. Worse, these open source packages are often deeply embedded in critical systems, where malicious code could cascade into real-world harm. Many PAI-ASR systems rely heavily on open source code written by volunteers or academic researchers who never thought their work would underpin military drones or surgical robots. There's often a lack of patch cadence and centralized oversight. Worse, many organizations don't understand or perform a risk assessment on the open source package's own software dependencies and imports. That's a hacker's dream: critical systems built on complex, unaudited code, operated by organizations unaware of their own dependencies, creating a perfect storm of exploitable vulnerabilities. Traditional IT security solutions weren't built for the unique challenges of PAI-ASR. When machines can move, make decisions and interact with the physical world, the SPM paradigm fundamentally changes. PAI-ASR SPM isn't just vulnerability scanning or regulatory and compliance auditing. It's a risk-driven, holistic, contextual understanding of PAI-ASR attack surfaces. PAI-ASR SPM methodologies, frameworks and platforms monitor and baseline the security state of PAI-ASR components, from low-level firmware to high-level decision logic. They identify drift in AI model performance. They detect anomalous behavior in PAI-ASR systems. They scan for source code vulnerabilities and dependency alerts in embedded code and verify that sensor inputs haven't been manipulated. Crucially, they do this continuously and not just once a year for a compliance checkbox. We're entering a decade of PAI-ASR critical infrastructure. Military and defense, healthcare and MedTech, maritime and Ports—all of them will depend on machines that make decisions humans don't directly control. If those machines are compromised, the results won't be confined to cyberspace. We're talking about hospital mishaps, disrupted logistics supply chains and negatively impacted defense capabilities. PAI-ASR SPM companies don't eliminate risk, but they can redefine how it's managed. These firms bring domain expertise, mission alignment, real-time visibility and operational resilience to one of the most complex engineering challenges of our time. We're engineering PAI-ASR systems at an unprecedented pace—machines that are faster and more autonomous than most could have imagined just a decade ago. But while their capabilities have evolved rapidly, our SPM paradigms haven't kept up. The next decade won't be defined by innovation alone but by whether we can properly secure and minimize risk to the confidentiality, integrity and availability of PAI-ASR systems. PAI-ASR SPM isn't a luxury. It is fundamentally necessary. Forbes Technology Council is an invitation-only community for world-class CIOs, CTOs and technology executives. Do I qualify?
