Latest news with #Transparency
&w=3840&q=100)
Business Standard
3 days ago
- Business
- Business Standard
Amazon's anti-counterfeit team secures $180 mn in global penalties
Amazon's Counterfeit Crimes Unit (CCU), launched five years ago to combat fraudulent goods on its platform, has driven more than 200 civil actions and helped secure criminal sanctions and over $180 million in financial penalties against counterfeiters, the company said. 'Five years ago, we created the Counterfeit Crimes Unit (CCU)—a global team made up of former federal prosecutors, intelligence agents, police officers, investigators, and data analysts—all working together in partnership with brands to investigate, find, and launch legal action and criminal referrals against counterfeiters,' said Dharmesh Mehta, vice president, Worldwide Selling Partner Services, Amazon, in a company blog post. 'Over the last five years, the CCU's global reach has expanded from operating in just two countries initially to 12 countries today, including the US, China, France, India, and the UK.' India ranks among the top five countries most affected by counterfeiting, with sectors such as pharmaceuticals, fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), electronics, luxury goods, and auto parts particularly exposed, experts say. The country's counterfeit market is valued at $12 billion to $30 billion annually, forming a significant part of the global counterfeit trade, which stood at $467 billion in 2021 and is projected to surge to $1.79 trillion by 2030. CCU has grown from seven government agency partnerships in 2020 to more than 50 today. It has worked with agencies such as Europol, US Homeland Security Investigations, the FBI, the City of London Police, and specialised intellectual property crime units across multiple countries. The CCU takes a proactive approach that combines advanced technology with expert investigators working together to stop counterfeits before they reach the Amazon store or customers. Using AI and machine learning, Amazon has improved detection capabilities to block more than 99 per cent of suspected infringing listings before a brand ever needs to find and report them. The systems scan for keywords, text, logos, and hundreds of other data points that can indicate potential infringement while continuously learning and improving to stay ahead of bad actors. These efforts are complemented with powerful tools such as Brand Registry and Transparency, which help brand partners more effectively protect their intellectual property. This work has also led to significant criminal prosecutions and penalties for counterfeiters worldwide, including prison sentences for more than 65 individuals. The anti-counterfeiting investigations often cross international borders, combining sophisticated detective work with law enforcement partnerships. In one case, the CCU traced counterfeit ridesharing brand products from a US-based bad actor to a network of manufacturers in China, leading to coordinated raids that seized more than 2,100 counterfeit items. Working with brands and law enforcement across multiple countries, the CCU disrupted the criminals' entire supply chain and secured a $1.1 million judgment against the primary bad actor. For such efforts, the CCU has worked with hundreds of well-known brands such as Prada, Salvatore Ferragamo, BMW, Philips, Lego, Canon, Cisco, and Brother. There are also local small businesses such as Capri Blue and family-owned card game maker Dutch Blitz. A recent example of this collaborative approach is the work with Pandora, the global jewellery brand sold in over 100 countries. Amazon and Pandora worked together to identify counterfeiters attempting to sell thousands of fake Pandora items to customers across nine European countries, including France, Germany, Spain, and the UK. 'This successful collaboration with Amazon shows how impactful joint efforts can be in stopping counterfeiting operations,' said Peter Ring, senior vice-president and general counsel, Pandora. 'By combining our global brand protection expertise with Amazon's investigative capabilities, we supported local law enforcement in dismantling a sophisticated criminal network.'
The Sun
19-06-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Jamf unveils 2025 Security 360 Report: A strategic look at Mac and mobile security risks
HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 19 June 2025 - Jamf (NASDAQ: JAMF), the standard in managing and securing Apple at work, today released its Security 360 Report, separated into analyses for mobile and macOS environments. The report spotlights the risks organizations are facing and offers insights for security leaders to consider when protecting their organizations at the user, device, application and network levels. 'Our goal with this research is to inform security leaders about the risks impacting their organizations – whether those risks impact Mac or mobile – and provide tangible recommendations for safeguarding their organizations against increasingly sophisticated attacks,' said Josh Stein, VP of Product Strategy at Jamf. 'Age-old threats like phishing remain extremely prevalent and cannot be can threats skyrocketing in popularity like infostealers. Jamf remains deeply committed to continuous threat research to not only protect our customers but also contribute valuable insights to the broader security community.' Threat trends facing mobile environments For many employees, mobile devices are the sole devices used at work. Regardless of occupation, the modern workplace is about empowering employees to connect from anywhere, at any time and on any device. This requires raising awareness about the most pervasive threats facing mobile devices and taking tangible steps to keep bad actors at bay. Jamf's mobile device threat analysis is structured into four categories found to be the highest priorities for organizations worldwide. Mobile phishing With mobile devices keeping us connected everywhere, attackers' reach continues to expand. Over 12 months, Jamf identified approximately 10 million phishing attacks, discovered that 25% of organizations were impacted by a social engineering attack, and 1 in 10 users clicked on a malicious phishing link. Training programs can be extremely valuable in mitigating phishing attacks, as can adopting a layered approach with zero-trust methodology. Vulnerability management Jamf discovered that 32% of organizations operate at least one device with critical vulnerabilities and 55.1% of mobile devices used at work are running on a vulnerable operating system (OS). Both Apple and Google routinely provide security updates to patch known vulnerabilities, and the best way to mitigate damage is to update devices accordingly. Application risk and malware Earlier this year, Jamf published research on a Transparency, Consent and Control (TCC) bypass vulnerability affecting iOS devices and published a demonstration of how a 'sideloaded' app (an app from a third-party app store) can infringe on users' privacy. The harsh reality is that using the latest OS is still not enough to protect your organization – good security practices must extend to the application layer as well. Malware and spyware High-profile users such as journalists, politicians and diplomats are often targeted by mercenary spyware attacks. Just last year, Apple sent notices of spyware compromise to users in approximately 100 countries. While malware is not as pervasive on mobile devices, when discovered, it is found to be extremely advanced and targeted. Organizations must treat mobile like every other endpoint and avoid getting complacent about the threat of mobile malware. Threat trends facing macOS environments What began as a machine for executives and creatives is becoming increasingly ingrained into the daily operations of enterprises across all industries worldwide. The threat landscape for Mac is more diverse than ever, and bad actors are only getting more creative with their attack methodologies. Jamf's Mac threat report analyzes the threat landscape affecting Macs and organizes the findings into three main categories: Application risk and malware Jamf discovered that infostealers accounted for 28.36% of all Mac malware Jamf examined, skyrocketing from accounting for just 0.25% in last year's report. Jamf's research is aligned with these findings. Employees of organizations in high-profile industries (like crypto), must remain vigilant from both a training and security tool standpoint. Vulnerability management Jamf Threat Labs has dispelled the myth that Mac is invincible multiple times, including just last year when the team discovered a vulnerability in Gatekeeper, a crucial component blocking apps downloaded from the internet that don't have a valid developer ID. Having the right controls and training is crucial for mitigating risks caused by vulnerabilities on macOS. Social engineering With Macs becoming more common at work, the attack surface continues to expand. Phishing is typically thought of as email-specific, which is far from the truth. In fact, Jamf Threat Labs published research discussing a campaign from the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) that uses LinkedIn messaging as an initial lure. Training employees in the various forms of phishing that can impact the Mac environment is critical for avoiding fallout. Methodology Jamf examined 1.4 million devices protected by Jamf. The analysis was carried out in the first quarter of 2025, revisiting the prior 12-month period and spanning globally across 90 countries and multiple platforms – specifically, iOS and iPadOS and Android devices for mobile as well as Macs. The analysis in this report is informed by Jamf's Threat Intelligence, a broad collection of insights that are derived from original threat research, real-world usage metrics, along with news analysis and data feeds.
Techday NZ
18-06-2025
- Techday NZ
Jamf report finds phishing & infostealers surge on Apple devices
Jamf has released its Security 360 Report, highlighting significant security trends and risks for mobile and Mac devices within organisational environments worldwide. The report, which examines both mobile and macOS platforms, identifies phishing, infostealers, and operating system vulnerabilities as major concerns and areas where enterprises need to focus their cybersecurity efforts. According to Josh Stein, Vice President of Product Strategy at Jamf, the aim of the research is to help security professionals understand and manage the challenges posed by both longstanding and emerging threats. "Our goal with this research is to inform security leaders about the risks impacting their organizations – whether those risks impact Mac or mobile – and provide tangible recommendations for safeguarding their organizations against increasingly sophisticated attacks," said Josh Stein, VP of Product Strategy at Jamf. "Age-old threats like phishing remain extremely prevalent and cannot be overlooked…nor can threats skyrocketing in popularity like infostealers. Jamf remains deeply committed to continuous threat research to not only protect our customers but also contribute valuable insights to the broader security community." Mobile threats The report notes that mobile devices are frequently the sole tools used by employees to access work resources, emphasising the need for robust defences across a variety of threat vectors. Jamf segmented its analysis of mobile device threats into four key areas: phishing, vulnerability management, application risk and malware, and spyware. Phishing attacks remain especially prevalent, with Jamf identifying approximately 10 million such attacks in the past year. The company reported that 25% of organisations experienced a social engineering incident and that one in ten users clicked on a malicious phishing link. The report suggests security training programmes and the adoption of layered, zero-trust security models can help mitigate these risks. In terms of vulnerability management, Jamf found that 32% of organisations had at least one device with critical vulnerabilities, and that 55.1% of mobile devices in use within workplaces were running on a vulnerable operating system. The company highlighted the importance of timely updates to patch known vulnerabilities, as provided by both Apple and Google. The research further discussed application risk, referencing Jamf's previous identification of a Transparency, Consent and Control (TCC) bypass flaw on iOS. The company demonstrated how side-loaded apps can compromise user privacy and emphasised the need for security controls that extend beyond just keeping operating systems up to date. Spyware and advanced malware were identified as threats that, though less frequent than on some platforms, are extremely sophisticated when they do emerge. High-profile individuals, including journalists, politicians, and diplomats, are at particular risk, with Apple sending compromise notifications to users in around 100 countries last year. The report recommends treating mobile devices with the same level of security as other endpoints in the enterprise environment. Threats to macOS Mac devices, which were once principally used by executives and creatives, have become common fixtures in enterprises across a range of sectors. According to the report, this proliferation has broadened the attack surface and increased the diversity of threats targeting the platform. Jamf outlined three principal areas of concern for macOS: application risk and malware, vulnerability management, and social engineering. Infostealers have become the dominant form of malware on Macs, accounting for 28.36% of all Mac malware analysed by Jamf, compared to just 0.25% in the previous year's findings. The report singles out employees in industries such as cryptocurrency as needing to be particularly alert, advocating for both ongoing training and adequate technological defences. The report also addresses myths about macOS security, noting that vulnerabilities persist despite perceptions of invulnerability. Jamf highlighted a recently discovered flaw in Gatekeeper, a mechanism intended to stop unverified apps from being run. The report notes the requirement for both effective technical controls and regular employee training to counter risks posed by software vulnerabilities. Social engineering threats, including phishing, exploit the widespread adoption of Macs in the workplace. Jamf cited campaigns that use professional social media platforms such as LinkedIn as initial attack vectors, rather than the email channels typically associated with phishing. The company recommends comprehensive employee training on all forms of phishing relevant to Mac users. Methodology The findings in the Security 360 Report are based on the analysis of 1.4 million devices protected by Jamf, conducted in the first quarter of 2025. The scope of analysis covered the previous year, included users in 90 countries, and spanned multiple mobile and desktop platforms, including iOS, iPadOS, Android, and macOS devices. The report draws on Jamf's proprietary Threat Intelligence, incorporating data from original research, device usage metrics, and analysis of news and external data feeds.
Gulf Business
17-06-2025
- General
- Gulf Business
School performance plaques in Abu Dhabi: What you need to know
In a move aimed at increasing transparency and empowering parents, the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) has launched official School Performance Plaques for every private school across the emirate. These plaques, now prominently displayed at school entrances, present the latest Irtiqa'a inspection rating alongside the school's National Identity Mark. Designed as a clear, accessible reference for parents, students, and visitors, the initiative reflects ADEK's commitment to raising educational standards while fostering a strong sense of national identity among students, Read- 'These plaques represent more than just a rating — they reflect a school's commitment to academic excellence and to nurturing a strong sense of national identity in our students,' said Sulaiman Al Ameri, Acting Executive Director of the Private Education and Charter Schools Sector at ADEK. 'By making performance outcomes visible, we're encouraging continuous improvement and giving parents a transparent, at-a-glance understanding of school quality.' Key indicators on display Each plaque highlights two main indicators of school quality: Irtiqa'a Rating – ADEK's comprehensive inspection framework evaluates school performance across six key areas: student achievement, personal and social development, teaching and assessment, curriculum quality, student care and wellbeing, and leadership effectiveness. National Identity Mark – This evaluates how well schools incorporate and promote UAE national culture, values, and citizenship within their educational settings. In the future, a third metric—the Wellbeing Mark—will also be included to reflect schools' efforts to support the emotional, social, and physical wellbeing of both students and teachers. The initiative complements ADEK's wider strategy to build a world-class education system in Abu Dhabi, emphasizing informed parental choice and continual school development. Parents are encouraged to look for the plaques during school visits and to explore more about the Irtiqa'a and National Identity frameworks via the ADEK website or its parent-focused app, Rayah . Expansion of nursery options across Abu Dhabi In a separate announcement, ADEK revealed it has approved 15 new private nurseries across Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, and Al Dhafra—adding 1,250 more seats for early learners. The move broadens the choices available to families seeking quality early education and care. Choosing the right nursery is a critical decision for parents. To ensure affordability and sustainability, ADEK evaluates nursery fees based on several criteria, including rent, staffing ratios, educational resources, and safety investments. Fees are also reviewed in line with market conditions. 'ADEK is committed to ensuring nursery fees remain transparent, fair, and supportive of high-quality learning environments,' an ADEK representative said. A strong foundation for early learning Currently, 225 licensed private nurseries operate in Abu Dhabi, offering a total of 27,791 seats. These nurseries play a crucial role in children's cognitive, social, and emotional development during the early years—laying the groundwork for future academic success and lifelong personal growth. The list of nurseries can be checked
Zawya
16-06-2025
- General
- Zawya
Abu Dhabi private schools to display performance ratings - What every parent needs to know
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates: In a landmark initiative to enhance transparency and strengthen community engagement, the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) has introduced official School Performance Plaques that will be prominently displayed at the entrances of every private school in the emirate. The plaques will reflect each school's latest Irtiqa'a inspection rating and National Identity Mark, serving as a clear and visible reference for parents, students, and school visitors. This step reinforces ADEK's commitment to raising education standards and empowering parents with meaningful insights into their child's learning environment. 'These plaques represent more than just a rating — they reflect a school's commitment to academic excellence and to nurturing a strong sense of national identity in our students,' said Sulaiman Al Ameri, Acting Private Education and Charter Schools Sector Executive Director at ADEK. 'By making performance outcomes visible, we're encouraging continuous improvement and giving parents a transparent, at-a-glance understanding of school quality.' The plaques showcase two key indicators of school quality: Irtiqaa Rating – an inspection framework that evaluates school performance across six core areas: student achievement, personal and social development, teaching and assessment, curriculum quality, student care and wellbeing, and leadership effectiveness. National Identity Mark – A measure of how well schools embed and promote national culture, values, and citizenship within their educational environment. In the future, the School Performance Plaques will also feature the Wellbeing Mark, reflecting schools' related efforts in nurturing and positively impacting students' and teachers' social, emotional and physical wellbeing. The initiative aligns with ADEK's broader efforts to create a world-class education ecosystem in Abu Dhabi, where informed decision-making by families is a pillar of success. Parents are encouraged to look for the plaques when visiting schools and explore more about the Irtiqa'a and National Identity frameworks on the ADEK website or its parent app – Rayah. -Ends- For more information, visit or follow ADEK on social media: About Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) The Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) is the Education Sector regulator across the Emirate. It oversees and provides services throughout a learner's journey from early education to university and beyond. It also champions inclusivity for People of Determination in the mainstream schooling system and by providing specialized schools. Across Early Childhood and K-12, ADEK licenses and regulates nurseries and private schools in Abu Dhabi while also legislating, mandating, and managing its own Charter Schools and 2 schools for People of Determination. ADEK also annually provides distinguished Abu Dhabi students with full scholarships and support to study at the best universities around the world. In addition, the Department audits and enhances the delivery of Higher Education in Abu Dhabi, attracting Higher Education Institutions to open the required Program or schools that serve Abu Dhabi's needs while championing a student and faculty-friendly ecosystem in the Emirate. With a vision to Empower Education. Empower Minds. Empower the Future, ADEK recognizes that every learner is different, and a diversity of teaching methods are essential for students to succeed. To that effect, ADEK partners with stakeholders to enable a great education system to flourish in Abu Dhabi and nurture future-ready graduates who have the 21st-century skills required to sustain and carry forward Abu Dhabi's vision.
