Technology

BlackBerry Reports 40 Percent Increase in New Malware Used in Cyberattacks

Published

2 years ago

June 25, 2024

5.2 attacks per minute detected between January and March 2024

WATERLOO, ON, June 25, 2024 /CNW/ — BlackBerry Limited (NYSE: BB; TSX: BB) today released its latest Global Threat Intelligence Report, revealing that BlackBerry® cybersecurity solutions detected and stopped 3.1 million cyberattacks (37,000 per day) in the first quarter of 2024. Between January and March 2024, BlackBerry detected 630,000 malicious hashes, representing a 40 percent increase from its previous reporting period. Sixty percent of attacks targeting industry were directed at critical infrastructure, including government, healthcare, financial, and communication industries, of which 40 percent targeted the financial sector.

“Each iteration of this report highlights startling new trends: novel malware is growing with no signs of stopping, and threat actors are highly motivated, be it for financial gain or to create chaos,” said Ismael Valenzuela, Vice President of Threat Research and Intelligence at BlackBerry. “In a year where over 50 countries are holding elections, geopolitical tensions are at an all-time high, and every nation will soon be fixated on the Olympic Games, the threat landscape can feel overwhelming to navigate. This report provides a snapshot of where threat actors are looking, how they are operating, and what we can expect in the coming months so defenders can be one step ahead.”

Highlights from the latest BlackBerry Global Threat Intelligence Report include:

The United States Severely Outnumbers the World in Cyberattacks: According to our internal telemetry, 82 percent of cyberattacks targeted the U.S. during this reporting period. Fifty-four percent of those attacks contained unique (new) malware, meaning attacks contained malware that was previously not observed.Attacks Based on Novel Malware Increased by 40 Percent Per Minute: BlackBerry observed a 40 percent per-minute increase in novel hashes (unique malware), compared to the previous reporting period. This represents an average of 7,500 unique malware samples per day targeting our customer base, or 5.2 per minute.Commercial Enterprise Threats Slowly but Surely Rise: 36 percent of all threats targeted commercial enterprises (including retail, manufacturing, automotive and professional services), a three percent increase from the last reporting period. Yet, this sector saw a 10 percent jump in instances of new malware. Commercial enterprise remains a target for threat actors as they grow more sophisticated, often using social engineering to obtain account credentials and distribute malware.CVEs (Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures) are Rapidly Weaponized in All Forms of Malware – Especially Ransomware and Infostealers: CVEs provide a framework for identifying, standardizing and publicizing known security vulnerabilities and exposures. Fifty six percent of the 8,900 CVEs reported during this reporting period were given a severity score of seven out of a possible 10. This represents a three percent increase from the previous reporting period.Despite Takedowns, Ransomware Groups Wreak Havoc: Globally, the top three ransomware groups active this period were LockBit, Hunters International, and 8Base.

These threats will continue to be underpinned by a politically charged year globally, with disinformation and deepfake campaigns continuing to be pervasive across social media. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the continuing conflict in the Middle East, and global elections will be the dominant variables in how threat actors select their targets and methodologies.

Based on its data analysis, the BlackBerry Threat Intelligence and Research team predicts that threat actors will continue to take extensive measures to carefully target their victims. A rise in new ransomware and infostealers indicates that private data will continue to be highly sought after by threat actors, where sectors like healthcare and financial services will be top targets for attack.

Download a copy of BlackBerry’s Global Threat Intelligence Report at BlackBerry.com, and register to attend the Global Threat Intelligence Report Deep Dive webinar on Wednesday, June 26th at 11:00 am EDT to discover more.

About BlackBerry
BlackBerry (NYSE: BB; TSX: BB) provides intelligent security software and services to enterprises and governments around the world. The company’s software powers over 235M vehicles. Based in Waterloo, Ontario, the company leverages AI and machine learning to deliver innovative solutions in the areas of cybersecurity, safety, and data privacy solutions, and is a leader in the areas of endpoint management, endpoint security, encryption, and embedded systems. BlackBerry’s vision is clear – to secure a connected future you can trust.

For more information, visit BlackBerry.com and follow @BlackBerry.

Trademarks, including but not limited to BLACKBERRY and EMBLEM Design, are the trademarks or registered trademarks of BlackBerry Limited, and the exclusive rights to such trademarks are expressly reserved. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. BlackBerry is not responsible for any third-party products or services.

Media Contacts:
BlackBerry Media Relations
+1 (519) 597-7273
mediarelations@BlackBerry.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/blackberry-reports-40-percent-increase-in-new-malware-used-in-cyberattacks-302181233.html

SOURCE BlackBerry Limited

Technology

iSOFT Contributes Intelligent Driving OS as AUTOSAR CAPI Global Code Baseline

Published

25 minutes ago

June 16, 2026

SHANGHAI, June 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — At the 17th AUTOSAR Open Conference (AOC) in Shanghai, iSOFT (iSOFT Infrastructure Software Co., Ltd.) contributed its self-developed intelligent driving operating system as the global code baseline for AUTOSAR’s Common Adaptive Platform Implementation (CAPI) – a notable milestone in the evolution of the global smart vehicle industry.

“This is a paradigm shift from ‘standard-first’ to ‘code-first,’ responding to new industrial demands of the intelligent connected era,” said Liu Hongqian, General Manager of iSOFT. “Open source enables collaboration but must meet automotive-grade safety and performance requirements. iSOFT was the first to open-source EasyXMen, and CAPI reinforces our commitment. As the first international code standard baseline from a Chinese enterprise, this is Chinese wisdom going global. CAPI lets global enterprises develop on one codebase, significantly reducing adaptation costs.”

Joachim Langenwalter, AUTOSAR spokesperson, underscored China’s lead: “China is the world’s largest automotive market at 30 million vehicles annually. Other countries are keeping a close eye on Chinese-developed technology. iSOFT leveraged ‘China speed’ to establish CAPI’s foundation, allowing specifications and code to evolve in lockstep with shortened feedback cycles. AUTOSAR transcends geopolitical boundaries; this unified codebase will be used worldwide.”

Patrick Will, Head of SW Product Marketing & Management at Infineon, noted the accelerating transformation: “The open-source shift is accelerating and automotive mindsets are changing. iSOFT and Infineon are aligned in a shared vision: to streamline software development processes. Our DRIVECORE platform integrates iSOFT middleware with Infineon software and hardware layers, enabling customers to kick off their projects swiftly without encountering licensing barriers. ‘China-for-China’ development is increasingly essential, yet global collaboration matters — walls make no sense.”

Yu Peng, XPENG Motors Technical Center GM, explained CAPI’s value: “It delivers three key benefits for OEMs: reduced redundant costs, enhanced supply chain security, and accelerated ecosystem collaboration. CAPI solves the structural tension where foundational software moves too slowly while upper layers iterate in weeks. It provides a ‘common foundation’ for chip vendors, software suppliers, and automakers to co-develop on the same baseline. China’s mass-production practices now feed back into global standards while global standards better serve China.”

With 25 million-plus units deployed across 300-plus vehicle models, iSOFT’s OS brings production-proven middleware to the global stage through CAPI’s open, collaborative framework for the software-defined vehicle era.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/isoft-contributes-intelligent-driving-os-as-autosar-capi-global-code-baseline-302801042.html

SOURCE iSOFT

Technology

METI-Supported Global South-Japan Tech Talent Internship Opens Applications for 2026 Program

Published

25 minutes ago

June 16, 2026

Program connects STEM students from the Global South with leading Japanese companies through on-site and online internships

TOKYO, June 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Applications are now open for the Global South-Japan Tech Talent Internship (GS-JTI), a program sponsored by Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), with Deloitte Tohmatsu Venture Support Co., Ltd., serving as the Program Secretariat. The program aims to connect talented students and recent graduates from the Global South with Japanese companies in advanced technology fields, creating opportunities for cross-border learning, skills development, and future career growth.

The GS-JTI program is designed for students and recent graduates in STEM fields, including IT, AI, and semiconductors, who are interested in gaining real-world experience with Japanese industry. Through the program, selected participants will have the opportunity to work on meaningful projects, learn from industry mentors, and experience Japanese workplace culture.

In addition to practical work experience, the program offers various forms of participant support. These may include travel and accommodation support, visa application assistance, and 24/7 support during the internship period, in accordance with program conditions.

The program offers both on-site internships in Japan and online internship opportunities. On-site internships are scheduled for approximately 1.5 months between September 2026 and February 2027, while online internships are scheduled for approximately one month during the same period, subject to host company conditions.

Applicants must satisfy the program’s eligibility requirements. Eligible candidates include individuals who:

are majoring in STEM-related fields, including IT, AI, and semiconductors.are currently enrolled at a university or have graduated within the last three years.possess working proficiency in English.are citizens of countries listed on the OECD DAC List (excluding the People’s Republic of China); andreside outside Japan at the time of application.

Past program feedback indicates strong participant interest in future engagement with Japanese employers. According to program materials, 94% of previous interns expressed interest in working for Japanese companies after completing the internship.

The GS-JTI program seeks to contribute to skills development, cross-cultural exchange, and longer-term collaboration between Japan and future technology professionals from the Global South.

For additional information about the program, please visit:
** https://gs-jti.go.jp/foreign-talent/**

To register and apply, please visit:
** https://hub.techjapan.work/register**

Contact
Global South – Japan Tech Talent Internship (GS-JTI) Program Secretariat
(Contractor: Deloitte Tohmatsu Venture Support Co., Ltd.)
Email address: gs_hr_exchange_support@tohmatsu.co.jp

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/meti-supported-global-south-japan-tech-talent-internship-opens-applications-for-2026-program-302797841.html

SOURCE DELOITTE TOHMATSU VENTURE SUPPORT CO., LTD.

Technology

U.S. News Unveils 2026-2027 Best Global Universities Rankings

Published

25 minutes ago

June 16, 2026

Universities in more than 100 countries are evaluated in the newest edition.

WASHINGTON, June 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — U.S. News & World Report, the global authority in education rankings and consumer advice, today published the 2026-2027 Best Global Universities rankings, which evaluate more than 2,250 schools on academic research and reputation.

The latest edition includes universities from more than 100 countries. The following countries have the most schools in the overall rankings:

China: 409United States: 275India: 123United Kingdom: 93Japan: 86

“For students seeking universities with strong academic excellence and global recognition, the Best Global Universities rankings offer an essential comparative resource,” said LaMont Jones, Ed.D., managing editor for Education at U.S. News. “Our methodology focuses on a school’s research mission and scholarly impact, helping students identify institutions that are truly at the forefront of global knowledge creation.”

Of the 51 subject rankings, four will have more schools ranked this year, including: water resources; chemical engineering; energy and fuels; and clinical medicine.

Powered by data and metrics from the Web of Science Core Collection and InCites Benchmarking & Analytics provided by Clarivate, a leading global provider of transformative intelligence, the Best Global Universities methodology weighs factors that measure a university’s global and regional research reputation and academic research performance.

For the overall ranking, this includes bibliometric indicators such as publications, citations and international collaboration. Each of the 51 subject rankings has its own weighting based on academic research performance in that specific area.

2026-2027 U.S. News & World Report Best Global Universities
*See the full rankings here.

Overall Best Global Universities – Top 10

Harvard UniversityMassachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)Stanford UniversityUniversity of OxfordUniversity of CambridgeTsinghua UniversityUniversity of California BerkeleyYale UniversityUniversity College LondonColumbia University

Africa – Top 3

University of Cape Town (South Africa)Cairo University (Egypt)University of Witwatersrand (South Africa)

Asia – Top 3

Tsinghua University (China)National University of Singapore (Singapore)Peking University (China)

Australia/New Zealand – Top 3

University of Melbourne (Australia)University of Sydney (Australia)University of New South Wales Sydney (Australia)

Europe – Top 3

University of Oxford (United Kingdom)University of Cambridge (United Kingdom)University College London (United Kingdom)

Latin America – Top 3

Universidade de Sao Paulo (Brazil)Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile (Chile)University of Buenos Aires (Argentina)

The Best Global Universities rankings serve the broader U.S. News mission of providing trusted information and rankings – such as Best High Schools, Best Colleges and Best Online Programs – to empower all students in making informed choices about their education.

For more information on the Best Global Universities, visit X, TikTok, Facebook and Instagram using #BestGlobal.

About U.S. News & World Report

U.S. News & World Report is the global leader for journalism that empowers consumers, citizens, business leaders and policy officials to make confident decisions in all aspects of their lives and communities. A multifaceted media company, U.S. News provides unbiased rankings, independent reporting and analysis, and consumer advice to millions of people on USNews.com each month. A pillar in Washington for more than 90 years, U.S. News is the trusted home for in-depth and exclusive insights on education, health, politics, the economy, insurance, personal finance, travel, automobiles, real estate, careers and consumer products and services.

About Clarivate

Clarivate is a leading global provider of transformative intelligence. We offer enriched data, insights & analytics, workflow solutions and expert services in the areas of Academia & Government, Intellectual Property and Life Sciences & Healthcare. For more information, please visit www.clarivate.com.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/us-news-unveils-2026-2027-best-global-universities-rankings-302800745.html

SOURCE U.S. News & World Report, L.P.