JERUSALEM, May 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — In a week where Iran confirmed repelling a large-scale cyberattack on government and Telecom infrastructure, Squaretalk, a global CPaaS and unified communications provider, has announced the results from a significant upgrade to its security platform, designed to meet the urgent cybersecurity needs of modern enterprises. This year alone, the platform intercepted over 3,000 automated signup attacks and unauthorized access attempts, which illustrates the escalating threat fintech and digital service providers face in managing sensitive customer data and regulated transactions.

According to Reuters, the Iranian government’s digital systems came under nationwide cyber assault on April 28, forcing authorities to isolate network segments to prevent damage. The scale and intent of the attack made headlines not just because of its geopolitical weight, but because of what it signals: a dramatic rise in the frequency, sophistication, and scale of cyber threats — spanning industries, borders, and sectors.

It’s against this backdrop that Squaretalk now reveals the results of its Q1 2025 platform update, featuring advanced protections at both the infrastructure and application levels, together with upcoming capabilities focused on fraud prevention and scam detection — a move aimed not at reaction, but at anticipation, empowering businesses to stay ahead of evolving threats.

What happened in Iran this week is a powerful reminder: even nations can be digitally shaken,” said Elie Rubin, CEO of Squaretalk. “Security isn’t just a policy. It’s a principle that must be built into every process — from login protocols to voice call analytics. Our job at Squaretalk is to make that security accessible, scalable, and proactive for the companies who need it most. That’s why we’ve worked closely with clients across the fintech sector — where safeguarding sensitive financial and customer data is non-negotiable — to shape platform features that prioritize security, anticipate threats, and embed fraud prevention into every layer of the system.

Table of Contents

A Platform Hardened by Active DefenseEnterprise-Level Security, Built-In — Not Bolted OnBuilt for the New Normal: Remote, Distributed, RegulatedBeyond Protection: AI-Powered Detection and Insight

A Platform Hardened by Active Defense

During Q1 2025, Squaretalk’s newly deployed AI Voice Analytics and Access Protection Engine detected and blocked over 3,000 fraudulent signup and bot-driven access attempts. These targeted user onboarding forms, login endpoints, and API surfaces — the same vulnerabilities exploited in recent global attacks,

“These aren’t attacks specifically on your organization,” added Elie Rubin, CEO of Squaretalk. “They’re automated, opportunistic, and designed to find the weakest links — in any system, any company, any country. The question isn’t if you’re targeted. The question is whether you’re prepared.”

Enterprise-Level Security, Built-In — Not Bolted On

Squaretalk’s security architecture was developed in close partnership with enterprise customers from highly regulated fintech companies that handle extremely sensitive customer data, ensuring rapid deployment in under 60 days and alignment with rigorous standards such as ISO 27001. The result is a fortified environment where risk is managed by design, delivering features like:

Login & Access Protection, with brute-force detection, blocking repeated failed login attempts, Geo/IP controls for access limitations, and session auto-logout.Password & Session Management, enforced by complexity rules, auto-expiry every 90 days, and secure policy governance.Full-Stack Access Logging and Compliance, including an export-ready audit trail for every login attempt and session, logging user identity, geolocation, or IP source.

These features help customers satisfy internal security team requirements and external frameworks including GDPR, SOC2, AML, and HIPAA.

Built for the New Normal: Remote, Distributed, Regulated

To support the fintech sectors with global, hybrid teams, Squaretalk now provides:

Region-restricted access for agentsMasked customer information for BPOs and offshore centersGranular role-based data visibility for sensitive interactionsSeamless compliance audit preparation across continents

Beyond Protection: AI-Powered Detection and Insight

With the upcoming product launch of Squaretalk’s new contact center platform and its Intelligent Conversational Analytics module, the platform will gain further capabilities through:

Keyword tagging for compliance and risk triggersVoice transcriptionSentiment scoring across voice, WhatsApp, and messaging

About Squaretalk

Squaretalk is an AI-powered contact center with sales automation capabilities that helps Fintech businesses grow smarter and faster. With omnichannel solutions and automations, we streamline customer interactions, boost sales, and improve efficiency – all in one platform.

Contact

CEO
Elie Rubin
Squaretalk
info@squaretalk.com

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ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., May 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Focus School Software today announced that it has been selected by Puyallup School District, the sixth-largest district in Washington State, to replace its legacy Student Information System (SIS), eSchoolPlus.

Puyallup School District serves over 23,000 students across 34 schools and was the last remaining eSchoolPlus user in Washington. As PowerSchool moves to sunset eSchoolPlus, district leadership sought a modern, integrated, and future-ready SIS solution. After a competitive evaluation, Focus School Software emerged as the clear choice to support Puyallup’s long-term innovation, security, and operational efficiency goals.

“Districts today need more than just a system of record—they need a flexible, scalable platform that supports evolving instructional and operational needs,” said Andrew Schmadeke, CEO of Focus School Software. “We are honored to be selected by Puyallup and look forward to supporting their vision for the future of student information management.”

Focus was selected for several key strengths:

Modern, intuitive interface for students, staff, and families.Proven scalability, serving over 3.5 million students across 14 states.Robust API and integration capabilities with 30+ third-party systems.Transparent, all-inclusive pricing with hosting and support included.Dedicated compliance for Washington State reporting, including CEDARS submissions.

Puyallup’s implementation with Focus will begin in 2025, with a full go-live targeted for the 2026–27 school year.

“Focus has a deep understanding of K-12 needs and a strong track record of successful SIS transitions,” said Margaret Larkey, Executive Director of Technology for Puyallup School District. “Their commitment to collaboration and customer support aligns perfectly with our goals.”

This selection underscores Focus’s expanding national footprint as a trusted partner for school districts seeking comprehensive, future-focused SIS solutions.

About Focus School Software
Focus School Software provides scalable, web-based Student Information Systems for K-12 districts. Serving more than 3.5 million students across 14 states, Focus offers configurable SIS, ERP, and Gradebook solutions that prioritize compliance, integration, and intuitive design. Learn more at www.focusschoolsoftware.com.

About Puyallup School District
Located in Washington’s Puyallup Valley, Puyallup School District educates over 23,000 students across 33 schools. The district is committed to empowering every student to succeed in school, society, work, and life. Learn more at www.puyallupsd.org.

Media Contact:
John Uhler
Focus School Software
Email: john.uhler@focusschoolsoftware.com
Phone: (727) 390-7543

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DUBAI, UAE, May 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Trip.com Group, a global leader in travel services, continues to build on its strong momentum in the Middle East with a series of strategic initiatives showcased at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2025. Following the landmark partnership signed with Abu Dhabi’s Department of Culture and Tourism at the Group’s global conference in December 2024, Trip.com Group is deepening its regional footprint through new collaborations and thought leadership at this year’s premier travel event.

Fostering Partnerships to Unlock Tourism Growth

Ms Jane Sun, CEO of Trip.com Group, highlighted the extensive collaborations between Trip.com Group and global destinations in her keynote speech, “Partnering for Progress: Unlocking Tourism Growth Through Innovative Collaborations.” She shared insights into how trends like entertainment travel, educational travel, and elderly travel are bringing fresh opportunities to the Middle East and how technological innovations in super apps and personalisation are transforming the way destinations engage with travellers.

“The Middle East presents tremendous growth opportunities and serves as a crucial node connecting Europe, Africa, and Asia. Convenient entry policies, increased direct flights, and robust investments in tourism have contributed to its rapid recovery,” said Ms Sun. “With our insights into new consumer trends and our dedication to business and technological innovation, we look forward to strengthening our collaboration with regional partners to attract global travellers and bring forth a more connected and prosperous future.”

Expanding Airline Partnerships to Enhance Regional Connectivity

The Group continues to strengthen its regional connectivity through strategic partnerships in the region. At ATM 2025, Trip.com announced a new alliance with Saudia, combining its digital expertise with Saudia’s exceptional service and extensive network. Saudia’s award-winning offerings will be provided to global travellers on Trip.com, including premium cabin experiences, curated inflight dining, exclusive amenity kits, etc.

Additionally, Trip.com unveiled a strategic partnership with Flynas, the leading low-cost airline in the Middle East, to integrate Flynas’ flight offerings across Trip.com Group’s multi-brand platforms. This collaboration aims to broaden Flynas’ visibility and accessibility across Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, supporting its growth aligned with Saudi Vision 2030. Together, these partnerships reinforce Trip.com’s commitment to seamless, tech-driven travel and support the Middle East’s emergence as a global travel hub.

New 3-Year Partnership MOU with Visit Oman to Boost Digital Tourism

In a significant development at ATM 2025, Trip.com Group signed a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the National Travel Operator – Visit Oman to bring a curated selection of Omani travel experiences from local providers and SMEs onto Trip.com Group’s global platform. This partnership will be supported by a joint global digital marketing campaign targeting Chinese and APAC markets—key sources of outbound travel—leveraging AI-driven personalisation and Trip.com Group’s extensive network to amplify Oman’s appeal to luxury, adventure, business, and digital nomad travellers. The collaboration aims to empower local tourism businesses and position Oman as a premier destination in the rapidly growing Middle Eastern tourism landscape.

Strategic MOU with BAAN Holding Hospitality to Promote Saudi Hospitality to Far East Market

Further expanding its regional alliances, Trip.com Group signed an MOU with BAAN Group, a leading Saudi hospitality group. This partnership will utilize Trip.com Group’s marketing expertise and global platform to elevate the visibility of BAAN’s Group, attracting diverse traveler segments from Far East Market and supporting Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 tourism ambitions. The alliance underscores Trip.com Group’s commitment to fostering tech-driven tourism growth and seamless travel experiences across the Middle East.

Riding the Wave of Growing Global Travel to the Middle East

These initiatives come amid robust growth trends in Middle Eastern travel markets. According to the data from Trip.com Group, in Q1 2025, inbound travel bookings to the Middle East increased by 37.5% compared to Q4 2024, with Dubai emerging as the top destination in the region. Among all inbound travellers, millennials constitute close to 60%, reflecting the growing demand for experiential luxury, wellness, and culturally immersive journeys. The region’s expanding aviation infrastructure, new hotel developments, and mega events such as Expo 2030 Riyadh are further fuelling demand. Trip.com Group’s technology-driven approach, including AI personalisation and seamless multilingual booking capabilities, positions it to capture and enhance this rising global interest in Middle Eastern destinations.

Trip.com Group remains committed to driving innovation and connectivity in the Middle East’s travel and tourism sector. With these strategic partnerships and leadership engagements at ATM 2025, the company is well-positioned to support the region’s evolving travel landscape and contribute to its sustainable growth as a premier global destination.

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About Trip.com Group

Trip.com Group is a leading global travel service provider comprising of Trip.com, Ctrip, Skyscanner, and Qunar. Across its platforms, Trip.com Group helps travellers around the world make informed and cost-effective bookings for travel products and services and enables partners to connect their offerings with users through the aggregation of comprehensive travel-related content and resources, and an advanced transaction platform consisting of apps, websites and 24/7 customer service centres. Founded in 1999 and listed on NASDAQ in 2003 and HKEX in 2021, Trip.com Group has become one of the best-known travel groups in the world, with the mission “to pursue the perfect trip for a better world”. Find out more about Trip.com Group here: group.trip.com.

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