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Time Business News
a day ago
- Time Business News
From Mobile Threats to AI Defense: Protectstar's Two-Decade Evolution in Cybersecurity
In cybersecurity, two decades can feel like a geological era. The threats of 2004, clumsy viruses, mass-mailing worms, rudimentary trojans, barely resemble the advanced persistent threats and nation-state actors we battle today. Companies that survived and thrived through this radical shift didn't just adapt. They anticipated. They innovated. They evolved. Protectstar is one of those rare survivors. Its journey from a startup focused on mobile threats to a leader in AI-driven defense systems is more than a success story; it's a blueprint for how cybersecurity must continue to evolve if it wants to keep up with an increasingly complex digital world. The Early Days: Mobile Security Before It Was Cool When Protectstar launched in 2004, the idea of 'mobile cybersecurity' sounded almost laughable to most in the industry. Smartphones were barely a concept. The big threats were Windows-based and largely concerned desktops and servers. But Protectstar's early focus on securing mobile devices showed a prescience that was, frankly, rare. By 2005, they were developing protections for early smartphones, years before 'bring your own device' would become a corporate nightmare and mobile malware would explode into a billion-dollar criminal enterprise. Protectstar understood something the rest of the market was slow to grasp: security follows the user. As devices shrank and mobility increased, the attack surface would inevitably shift. Building a Foundation: Extended AES and iShredder One of the key pillars in Protectstar's rise was their development of data protection tools, especially around secure deletion and encryption. Extended AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) and iShredder weren't just software utilities. They were answers to a deeper anxiety growing in the digital world — the idea that once data existed somewhere, it was almost impossible to fully erase. iShredder, in particular, tapped into a psychological fear that resonates even today: how do I really delete my information? Protectstar didn't just offer an eraser, they offered trust . Algorithms modeled after military data destruction standards, certified wiping processes, and forensic resilience. It wasn't flashy. It was foundational. And it laid the groundwork for the credibility Protectstar enjoys today. The Shift Toward Artificial Intelligence: Necessity, Not Novelty Fast forward a decade. Signature-based detection was crumbling. Zero-days were being weaponized faster than vendors could patch. Malware began evolving too quickly for human-led analysis to keep pace. Protectstar didn't chase the AI hype, they were dragged into it by necessity. Extended AI (EAI) became a core part of Protectstar's defensive architecture. Their Antivirus AI and Anti Spy apps don't rely on bloated signature libraries. Instead, they use machine learning models that continuously analyze patterns, behaviors, and anomalies both locally and in the cloud. What's critical to understand here is that Protectstar didn't just bolt AI onto existing products as a gimmick. They re-engineered how their apps think. This matters because threat actors are increasingly deploying polymorphic malware – malicious code that changes itself to evade traditional detection. Static defenses don't cut it anymore. Only adaptive, learning-based defenses stand a chance. Protectstar's approach reflects that hard truth. From Threat Prevention to Threat Prediction The real pivot that marks Protectstar's maturity is the move from reaction to prediction. Most security tools still play catch-up. Malware is detected after the fact. Damage is contained after a breach. Protectstar's AI models aim to spot malicious intent before it executes. Behavioral analysis, context-based risk scoring, and anomaly detection allow their systems to 'feel' when something is off, even if it's never seen that particular attack signature before. In cybersecurity, milliseconds matter. The difference between prevention and reaction can be catastrophic. Protectstar's shift toward predictive defense mirrors what the smartest players in the industry are trying to achieve: turning cybersecurity into a proactive, pre-emptive shield. Keeping It Lean: The Beauty of Minimalism One of the easy mistakes security companies make when chasing innovation is bloat. More features. More processes. More 'stuff'. Protectstar resisted that temptation. Their apps are tight. Fast. Lean. They're built for resource-constrained devices like smartphones, not massive enterprise data centers. There's elegance in how Protectstar's tools integrate AI while maintaining a minimal attack surface themselves. Remember: every line of code, every open port, every background process — it's all potential exposure. Protectstar's commitment to streamlined engineering doesn't just make their apps faster; it makes them inherently safer. Privacy as a Product Feature, Not a Tagline Somewhere along the way, 'privacy' became a buzzword in cybersecurity marketing. But Protectstar's handling of user data shows that for them, it's not a checkbox. It's an ethos. They collect minimal telemetry. They anonymize threat data. They avoid unique device IDs where possible. They build their machine learning models to operate with as little raw user data as necessary. Cybersecurity companies are often caught selling or leaking user information, and this is where Protectstar's record stands out. It's not because they're perfect (no one is), but because their default posture is user-first. That's important. Trust is brittle in this industry. Lose it once, and it's almost impossible to earn back. What's Next for Protectstar? If the past is any indicator, Protectstar's future will involve getting even smaller and smarter . On-device AI: We're likely to see more models that do heavier lifting directly on the device, reducing latency and dependency on cloud processing. We're likely to see more models that do heavier lifting directly on the device, reducing latency and dependency on cloud processing. Cross-platform convergence: Expect tighter integration across mobile, tablet, and IoT devices as Protectstar expands its ecosystem. Expect tighter integration across mobile, tablet, and IoT devices as Protectstar expands its ecosystem. Post-quantum security: It wouldn't surprise me to see them experiment with quantum-resistant encryption models ahead of the broader market. It wouldn't surprise me to see them experiment with quantum-resistant encryption models ahead of the broader market. Behavioral micro-segmentation: Building even more contextually aware, fine-grained models that treat every app and process on a device as its own micro-environment to monitor. If Protectstar has taught us anything, it's that they're rarely satisfied with staying reactive. They anticipate shifts before they hit the mainstream. Lessons from Two Decades on the Front Lines Protectstar's evolution isn't about flashy breakthroughs. It's about relentless adaptation. Predicting user needs before users even articulate them. Recognizing technological shifts before the rest of the industry stumbles into them. More importantly, it's about staying grounded. Lean engineering. Ethical data practices. Pragmatic AI. For those of us who work in cybersecurity, Protectstar's journey is a reminder: survival isn't just about reacting to threats. It's about evolving your very DNA to match a digital world that's changing faster than we ever imagined. And if their track record is any indication, Protectstar's best chapters are still unwritten. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Business News Wales
a day ago
- Business
- Business News Wales
Why Business Leaders Must Step Up for Wales' Young People
As employers we often talk about the skills gap, about young people entering the workforce unprepared, and about the challenges of recruitment and retention. But the real question is: what are we doing to change that? Here in Wales, the Welsh Government's Young Person's Guarantee is a much-needed commitment to our 16–24-year-olds, ensuring young adults have access to support, education, training and employment. But its success depends largely on us – the businesses of Wales. At ACT, we're calling on businesses to step up and join our Employer Pledge – a commitment to support Jobs Growth Wales + learners, aged 16 to 19, through work placements or early career opportunities. It's a simple but powerful action that can shape a young person's future and strengthen your business at the same time. This isn't just about doing the right thing. It's about doing something proactive for your organisation's output. Our experience working with thousands of employers across Wales has shown that young people bring energy, fresh thinking, and long-term potential to the workplace. They ask questions, offer new perspectives, and often challenge us when we're set in our ways. Crucially, through ACT's Employer Pledge, there's no cost to you for taking on a learner. We cover the learner's allowance while you benefit from a motivated individual eager to learn and contribute. What's more, our dedicated team supports you every step of the way to ensure the process is seamless for both parties. Of course, there's also a moral imperative here. For many young people, especially those who are often overlooked for opportunities or who haven't thrived in traditional education, a placement can be life changing. It offers a foot in the door, a boost to their confidence, and a glimpse of what their future could be in a sector they're passionate about. As employers, we have the ability – and I would say, the responsibility – to create those opportunities. Captiva Spa in Caerphilly is one business who has committed to supporting young people. They've taken on learners who have not only become valuable team members during their placements but have gone on to become long-term employees and even managers. Likewise, Cardiff-based finance company Ramsay & White have welcomed two Jobs Growth Wales+ learners as permanent staff after watching them flourish on placement. These are not one-off success stories, they're examples of what happens when businesses invest in potential. Supporting the Young Person's Guarantee through ACT's Employer Pledge isn't about ticking a box. It's about changing lives through building a talent pipeline, supporting the local community, and shaping the kind of workforce we all want to see – skilled, engaged, and future-proof. To those still on the fence, I say don't underestimate what a young person can bring to your team. Yes, they might need guidance but with the right mentoring they often surprise us with their initiative, drive, and ideas. At ACT, our purpose is 'improving lives through learning' but we can't do it alone. We need businesses across Wales to get behind the pledge and help support our future workforce to thrive.
South Wales Argus
25-06-2025
- Sport
- South Wales Argus
Rajecki has no regrets after Wimbledon Qualifying loss
The Nottingham native went the distance against Iryna Shymanovich but was unable to find a way past the Belarusian, falling to a 7-6(6) 7-6(2) defeat in Roehampton But while Rajecki will now have to wait another year before another shot at reaching the lawns of nearby SW19, the 23-year-old admitted she had fun all the same. 'It was tough,' said Rajecki. 'I served well in the whole match I felt and I had chances, which is a shame when you come off the wrong end and you don't get to take them.' 'She's a very experienced player and it was fine margins. The breaker was 8-6 in the first set but that experience in big moments and knowing what to do and going for it made the difference. 'I was hesitant as well with pressure and it did get to me in the second set. Experience is a massive influence on these things. 'It's my second time playing Grand Slam qualifying. It's a new experience every time and it's a learning curve and I'm glad I was able to go out there, play some good tennis and enjoy myself.' Nottingham-born Rajecki developed her tennis in the collegiate system in the United States, completing a four-year stint in North Carolina before graduating last year. Though no longer a member of the Wolfpack, it is there that the 23-year-old will return to the drawing board, with Rajecki hoping to draw of her friends and colleagues overseas to return to winning ways. She added: 'Being in the US helped me massively. At 18, I wasn't ready to play professionally and I spent four years there working on my game and myself. 'It's very different to the professional level because you know you're playing every week. It helped as well being in a team and being able to support each other and go to each for help. On the professional tour, it's different because it's just you. 'In America, the mindset and lifestyle is very different to here and I thrived from that because there are a lot of good players out there and you're in a situation where if you're ranked pretty high, the pressure is on you every match and it was something I was able to get used to. 'I was able to work on myself without worrying about what anyone else is thinking and knowing what I wanted to do so that when I did come back, I could put it into practice.' For the latest action on the British summer grass court season, check out the LTA website
Metropolis Japan
29-05-2025
- Metropolis Japan
Kumagaya
Surrounded by Tokyo's vast sprawl, it's easy to miss the rich history just north of the capital. Welcome to Kumagaya, located in the northern part of Saitama Prefecture and home to one of the Kanto region's biggest festivals. It's the birthplace of Kumagae Naozone, a famed warrior-turned-monk, whose equestrian statue graces Kumagaya Station. The city, once a trading post on the famous Nakasendo Highway, thrived as a prosperous hub of the silk industry. These days, Kumagaya's travel credentials have been revitalized after the destruction of World War II. The city is a bonafide regional hub for central and northern Saitama serviced by the Joetsu and Hokuriku Shinkansen bullet train lines, the JR Takasaki Line and the private Chichibu Main Line. Having become a much easier jumping-off point for any number of adventure destinations, Kumagaya offers beautiful nearby nature experiences. You can go river cruising in nearby Nagatoro on the scenic Arakawa River that also runs through Kumagaya. Or go hike in the ever-popular Chichibu mountains. Image Credit: Menuma Shouden Kangi The Uchiwa Matsuri, Saitama's largest annual festival and one of the largest in the entire Kanto region, is Kumagaya's festive claim to fame. A massive 750,000 people pour into the city in late July, completely transforming Kumagaya's usual population of 200,000. The festival dates back to 1750, but got its name about 50 years later from an early 19th-century marketing campaign. Free uchiwa (hand-held fans) were handed out to attract customers during the sapping summer heat. Coinciding with a boom in the local silk industry, the festival soon developed intense levels of energy. Merchants attempted to outdo each other in appeal and wealth with parade floats and music. Kumagaya lies just north of the Tone, one of Japan's top three largets rivers, with the Arakawa running just south. Once a wild waterway prone to flooding, the now gentrified Arakawa is one of Japan's top 100 cherry blossom-viewing spots. With its Sakura Tsutsumi bank of 500 trees stretching out for over 2km, it's easy to see why. The Arakawa also plays a central role in Kumagaya's festival culture. Almost half a million people gather to witness the spectacular Kumagaya Fireworks Festival every second Saturday in August. With over 10,000 fireworks lighting the sky, Kumagaya proudly shows its love for festivals and welcoming visitors. Cherry blossom trees are in bloom at Kumagaya Sakura Tsutsumi. A more sedate experience can be had within the expansive grounds of the Menuma Shodenzan Kangi-in Temple. Established in the 12th century by Lord Sanemori, the temple underwent a facelift five hundred years later. Master builder Hayashi Masakiyo began work on the main building, and his efforts resulted in the temple becoming Saitama Prefecture's first National Treasure. The level of detailed craftsmanship has to be seen to be believed. Each carving is animated through life-like detail and features various stories, including adults strategizing over traditional games, children playing with toys and even sumo wrestlers doing what they do best. The work is stunning and rivals that of any other temple or shrine in Japan, even going so far as to be nicknamed the 'Nikko of Saitama.' In contrast to its festive extravagance, the cuisine of Kumagaya is a much simpler affair. Udon noodles, made from Kumagaya-grown wheat, are highly prized, while a most humble offering is the signature dish of the Menuma Shodenzan Temple, inari zushi . Made from vinegared rice and pickled vegetables wrapped in deep-fried tofu, the temple's inari zushi is much larger than the usual variety and keeps to a non-meat Buddhist ethos. Kumagaya is also known for tripe, the internal organs of pork and beef. Grilled and served with a strong sauce, tripe is a popular street stall evening snack. Gokabo is the Kumagaya confectionery of choice. Made using techniques carried over from the Edo period, these soybean powder and rice rolls are a classic rustic delight. As a hub in the north, there is plenty of time in Kumagaya for famous Buddhist temples, cherry blossoms and humble fare. But for anyone wishing to explore festive fun, the city explodes with exuberant life thanks to some of the most massive crowd-drawing festivals in the country. An easy escape from Tokyo's hustle, Kumagaya's relaxed ambiance is only interrupted by its residents' love of festival fun. Want to read about other day trip destinations you can reach from Tokyo? Read our guide to Kawagoe, a city full of historic streets, sweet shops and Edo-era charm. Or, head to our guide to Yokosuka, with top places to visit and things to do when visiting the city.
Boston Globe
16-05-2025
- Sport
- Boston Globe
Red Sox manager Alex Cora still roots for Chris Sale, but wasn't Friday at Fenway
If they had won, the job would've gone to David Price and Cora would've brought Sale out of the bullpen. The Sox came from behind, thanks to a five-run rally in the Advertisement Price gave the Sox seven innings of one-run ball in Game 5 then handed a 5-1 lead to Joe Kelly , who threw a scoreless eighth. Then it was up to Sale. Get Starting Point A guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday through Friday. Enter Email Sign Up 'I still remember how loud it was in Dodger Stadium when those gates opened,' Cora said. 'That guy coming in, it was like, 'OK, this is what it's all about.' ' Sale threw a perfect ninth to seal the series for the Sox. The championship season forged a bond that was strong Friday — when Sale returned to Fenway Park for the first time since being traded to the Atlanta Braves in 2023 — as it was seven years ago. 'I root for him,' Cora said. It helps that Sale and the Atlanta Braves play in the National League, Cora joked. But Sale spent six seasons in Boston, made 115 starts and won 46 games Advertisement 'As a person, we went through a lot,' Cora said. Of course, '18 towards the end, he posted. I don't know how he did it, but he posted.' Related : Sale has thrived since leaving Boston. He had the best season of his career in 2024, his first season with the Braves, going 18-3 with a 2.38 ERA and winning the NL Cy Young Award. From afar, Cora was still proud, not only because Sale took home pitching's highest honor, but because he won a Gold Glove at the same time. 'It was amazing,' Cora said. 'And the Gold Glove, that's the one that I really love because whenever he made a play, he would point at his glove. I was like, 'No freaking way, bruh. You got that one.' ' Parting ways with Sale was a difficult decision, Cora said, especially because Sale connected with the city. 'Just a relentless guy that cares,' Cora said. 'He cares about this place. He was here during the winter. He went to see the Patriots, he went to see the Celtics. He's still got his place here. They love it here. Just happened that, at that point, we needed to do what we needed to do.' Sale got a chance to face his former team last year in Atlanta and he buzzed through the Sox lineup, piling up 10 strikeouts in six innings in a 5-0 win. Cora braced for the same thing this time around. 'I know he's ready for this one,' Cora said. Red Sox reliever Garrett Whitlock had anothr rough outing Tuesday, giving up three runs in one inning of work in the loss to the Tigers in Detroit. Paul Sancya/Associated Press Some Whitlock perspective Cora said he hadn't seen any of the videos circulating social media suggesting that Sox reliever Garrett Whitlock might be tipping his pitches with his glove, but grinned and said, 'We'll check it out.' Advertisement Whitlock gave up three runs Tuesday in the sixth inning of the Sox's 10-9 loss to the Tigers. He's allowed multiple runs in four of his 15 outings this season. Cora said he needed to have some perspective when it came to evaluating the righthander. 'One of the things that we forget is that he had surgery last year, right?' Cora said, reminding himself of Whitlock's UCL operation in May 2024. 'Yeah, his recovery was amazing and he's posting, but even me, I forget about that part.' Whitlock has given the Sox at least two innings in eight of his appearances. Cora said, as a manager, he has to stick to the plan they've laid out for Whitlock's recovery between starts. Cora called on him in back-to-back games on May 8 at home against Texas then May 9 on the road against Kansas City. Before that, Whitlock hadn't thrown on consecutive days since September 2023. 'Honestly, what we need to do is stay disciplined,' Cora said. 'I think we pushed the envelope two weeks ago, he went back-to-back outings and that's a no-no. 'Obviously you're in the business of winning games, and at that moment we needed him to do that. But I think getting back to being disciplined. If he goes one, he goes one day off, two, two days off. I think he's gonna benefit from that.' Positive news for Houck After going on the injured list Wednesday with a strained right forearm flexor, Tanner Houck underwent an MRI Thursday that revealed no no structural damage. Cora said he's getting treatment to deal with the inflammation. Advertisement Houck gave up 11 runs on 9 hits in 2⅓ innings Monday against the Tigers. Cora said he let the team know immediately that he felt discomfort beyond the normal post-outing recovery. In nine starts this season, Houck is 0-3 with an 8.04 ERA, and Cora said beyond the injury there are issues to work out on the mound. 'Just go to the lab and take a look at it and see what's going on as far as the delivery and the action of his pitches and all that,' Cora said. 'Hopefully when he comes back from IL, he's ready to go.' Working their way back Richard Fitts , on the injured list since April 13 with a right pectoral strain, went home to Alabama to tend to a family situation. Cora said Fitts will continue to throw there and could begin a rehab assignment when he returns next week … Kutter Crawford (patellar tendinopathy) was transferred to the 60-day disabled list and threw a live BP Friday. Julian Benbow can be reached at
