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40% of Environments are Vulnerable to Full Take Over, New Picus Security Report Unveils

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The Picus Blue Report 2024 also found, security controls for macOS endpoints only prevented 23% of simulated attacks, compared to over 60% for Windows and Linux

SAN FRANCISCO, July 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Picus Security, the leading security validation company, has released The Blue Report 2024: State of Exposure Management* that revealed 40% of tested environments allowed attack paths that lead to domain admin access. Achieving domain admin access is particularly concerning because it is the highest level of access within an organization’s IT infrastructure, and is like giving attackers a master key. The report was based on a worldwide comprehensive analysis of more than 136 million cyber attacks simulated by the Picus Security Validation Platform.

The Security Domino Effect is Concerning

The report reveals that, on average, organizations prevent 7 out of 10 of attacks, but are still at risk of major cyber incidents because of gaps in threat exposure management that can permit attackers using automation to move laterally through enterprise networks. Of all attacks simulated, only 56% were logged by organizations’ detection tools, and only 12% triggered an alert. 

“Like a cascade of falling dominoes that starts with a single push, small gaps in cybersecurity can lead to big breaches,” said Dr. Suleyman Ozarslan, Picus co-founder and VP of Picus Labs. “It’s clear that organizations are still experiencing challenges when it comes to threat exposure management and balancing priorities. Small gaps that lead to attackers obtaining domain admin access are not isolated incidents, they are widespread. Last year, the attack on MGM used domain admin privileges and super admin accounts. It stopped slot machines, shut down virtually all systems, and blocked a multi-billion-dollar company from doing business for days.” 

Well over a third (40%) of environments have weaknesses that allow attackers with initial access to a network to achieve domain admin privileges. Once they have these privileges they can manage user accounts or modify security settings. A compromised domain admin account can lead to full control of the network, allowing attackers to conduct data exfiltration, deploy malware, or disrupt business operations.

macOS EDR Misconfigurations Lead to Vulnerabilities

The Blue Report 2024 also highlights that macOS endpoints are far more likely to be misconfigured or allowed to operate without Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR). macOS endpoints only prevented 23% of simulated attacks, compared to 62% and 65% for Windows and Linux. This highlights a potential gap in IT and security team skill sets and approach in securing macOS environments.

“While we have found Macs are less vulnerable to start, the reality today is that security teams are not putting adequate resources into securing macOS systems,” said Volkan Ertürk, Picus Security Co-Founder and CTO. “Our recent Blue Report research shows that security teams need to validate their macOS systems to surface configuration issues. Threat repositories, like the Picus Threat Library, are armed with the latest and most prominent macOS specific threats to help organizations streamline their validation and mitigation efforts. 

The Blue Report 2024 helps security teams benchmark their performance against peers and identify areas for improvement. Additional key findings include:

Common language passwords: 25% of companies use passwords that are words commonly found in the dictionary. This means that it is easy for attackers to crack hashed passwords and obtain cleartext credentials.Organizations only prevent 9% of data exfiltration techniques used by attackers. Data exfiltration is used to steal sensitive data and is commonly used in ransomware attacks.BlackByte, the most challenging ransomware group for organizations to defend against, is prevented by just 17% of organizations, followed by BabLock (20%) and Hive (30%).

For more information: 

Download the Picus Blue Report 2024Read the Blue Report 2024 blogBlue Report 2024 Media Kit

*Methodology:

The findings in this report are based on the results of simulated attack scenarios executed by Picus Security customers from January to June 2024. The data has been anonymized and aggregated from 136 million attack simulations. Research and analysis was completed by Picus Labs, the research team of Picus Security.

About Picus Security

Picus Security, the leading security validation company, gives organizations their validated risk level and pinpoints critical gaps. Picus Security Validation Platform transforms security practices by correlating, prioritizing, and validating exposures across siloed findings so teams can focus on high-impact fixes. The Picus Exposure Data Fabric and Numi AI™ help security teams understand their risk and prioritize a short-list worth pursuing. 

The pioneer of Breach and Attack Simulation, Picus delivers award-winning threat-centric technology that allows teams to pinpoint fixes worth pursuing. Picus Security also has a willingness to recommend percentage of  95% in the 2024 Gartner® Peer Insights™ Voice of the Customer for Breach and Attack Simulation Tools**.

** Gartner, Voice of the Customer for Breach and Attack Simulation Tools, Peer Contributors, 30 January 2024 

GARTNER is a registered trademark and service mark, and PEER INSIGHTS is a trademark and service mark, of Gartner, Inc. and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and internationally and are used herein with permission. All rights reserved.

Gartner Peer Insights content consists of the opinions of individual end users based on their own experiences with the vendors listed on the platform, should not be construed as statements of fact, nor do they represent the views of Gartner or its affiliates. Gartner does not endorse any vendor, product or service depicted in this content nor makes any warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to this content, about its accuracy or completeness, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.

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Haier Announces Global Partnership with UEFA Champions League

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September 4, 2026

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New brand building milestone deepens Haier’s global consumer connections

BERLIN, Sept. 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Haier, the world’s No.1 major home appliances brand, today announced a global partnership with UC3, under which Haier will become a Global Partner of the UEFA Champions League from the 2027/28 season through the 2030/31 season.

The four-year partnership, running from July 1, 2027 to June 30, 2031, grants Haier exclusive worldwide rights in the home appliances, televisions and commercial display screens categories across a range of UEFA club competitions, including the UEFA Champions League.

More than a commercial sponsorship, the collaboration outlines Haier’s transition from a globally recognized appliances company towards developing a deeper relationship with consumers worldwide.

“This partnership represents a key milestone in Haier’s global brand strategy,” said Wang Meiyan, Vice President and Chief Brand Officer of Haier Group. “The UEFA Champions League brings together millions of fans around the world through a shared pursuit of excellence. Through this collaboration, we aim to bring the passion and spirit of champions closer to consumers’ everyday life, creating new possibilities through intelligent technologies.”

“We are delighted to welcome Haier as a new global partner of the UEFA Champions League. Its international presence, ability to innovate and ambition to create increasingly relevant experiences for people make Haier an ideal partner for the competition. Together, we aim to develop new opportunities to engage fans around the world and bring them even closer to our competitions, while celebrating the emotion, excellence and sense of belonging that make European football unique,” said Guy-Laurent Epstein Co-Managing Director, UC3.

From Global Recognition to Global Connection

Upon entering international markets in 1991, Haier was among the earliest Chinese companies to pursue global growth by building its own brands rather than relying on product exports. Over the decades, Haier has established a strong local presence across more than 200 countries and regions, with leading positions in over 30 markets.

This global presence is supported by a network of 10 R&D centers, 35 industrial parks and 173 manufacturing centers worldwide. By combining global capabilities with local insights, Haier develops products, solutions and experiences tailored to consumers’ diverse needs across markets.

This approach has driven sustained global recognition. Haier has ranked as the world’s No.1 major appliances brand by retail volume for 17 consecutive years and has been recognized among the Kantar BrandZ Top 100 Most Valuable Global Brands for eight consecutive years.

Building on this track record, Haier will continue to strengthen its presence in premium markets while developing brands, products and solutions that respond to evolving consumer expectations and create new possibilities for intelligent living.

Leading Through Technology, Connecting Through Sports

Technology has long been a key driver of Haier’s global development. As AI becomes increasingly integrated into products, connected scenarios and smart living ecosystems, Haier is expanding from individual product innovation towards more integrated experiences across the home.

The interconnection between technological development in everyday lives and the cultural centrality of sport provides a powerful platform for closer relationships with consumers. For more than two decades, Haier has developed a global sports partnership portfolio spanning leading football clubs, including Paris Saint-Germain and Liverpool Football Club, as well as major international sporting events including the Australian Open and Roland-Garros.

Over the years, Haier’s sports marketing has evolved from building brand visibility to creating deeper consumer connections through global sports partnerships and locally relevant experiences. Beyond football and established international sporting events, Haier has expanded its sports portfolio across markets, including badminton, marathon running, cricket and basketball.

The partnership with UEFA club competitions, including the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Super Cup, UEFA Youth League Finals and UEFA Futsal Champions League Finals, represents the next stage of this journey. By bringing together the passion and excellence of elite football with the possibilities of intelligent living, Haier aims to create experiences that extend beyond the stadium and become part of consumers’ everyday lives.

Unveiled during IFA 2026 in Berlin, one of the world’s leading consumer electronics and home appliance exhibitions, the partnership reinforces Haier’s commitment to building stronger connections with consumers worldwide. Together with the UEFA Champions League, Haier will connect the spirit of champions with intelligent living, creating new experiences for consumers and fans around the world.

ABOUT HAIER GROUP

Founded in 1984, Haier Group is a leading global provider of better life and digital transformation solutions, with the purpose of “More Creation, More Possibilities”. The company has established 10 R&D centers, 35 industrial parks and 173 manufacturing centers, achieving a global revenue of USD 59.8 billion in 2025. Haier has been ranked in the Kantar BrandZ Top 100 Most Valuable Global Brands for 8 consecutive years. Additionally, Haier has held the No.1 position in Euromonitor International Global Major Appliances Brand for 17 consecutive years. Haier has 8 listed companies, with its subsidiary Haier Smart Home named among the Fortune Global 500 and Fortune World’s Most Admired Companies.

ABOUT UC3

UC3 unites European football’s governing body UEFA and European Football Clubs (EFC), representing more than 800 top European clubs, around a new vision for managing commercial rights to UEFA club competitions (the “UCCs”). It is the commercial entity responsible for generating revenues from the UCCs and creating value for our partners. UC3 oversees the management, sales and delivery of all commercial rights (including media, sponsorship and licensing rights) for UEFA’s elite men’s and women’s club competitions.

SOURCE Haier Group

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Aurzen Introduces “Unfold the Art,” a New Creative Chapter Inspired by Basquiat for Portable Projection

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September 4, 2026

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IRVINE, Calif., Sept. 4, 2026 /CNW/ — Aurzen today announced “Unfold the Art,” a new creative collection inspired by Jean-Michel Basquiat, bringing the brand’s portable projection vision into closer dialogue with art, design, and everyday living. By combining Aurzen’s design-led approach to portable devices with Basquiat’s bold visual energy, the initiative marks the beginning of a long-term platform dedicated to exploring new expressions across art, space, and modern lifestyle.

Known for making portable projection easier to carry, place, and enjoy across different environments, Aurzen sees this special collection as a natural extension of its design philosophy. With “Unfold the Art,” the brand connects portable technology with a stronger visual point of view and a more expressive sense of atmosphere.

The collection draws on a shared belief that everyday objects can be both functional and emotionally resonant. Aurzen’s clean, flexible design language meets the raw energy, layered symbolism, and unmistakable immediacy associated with Basquiat’s iconic visual world, creating a project shaped by contrast, expression, and personality.

“Aurzen has always believed technology should feel easy to live with and meaningful to experience,” said Jason Zhang, Senior Director of Product at Aurzen. “Through this collection inspired by Basquiat, we are exploring a more expressive side.”

Designed to grow beyond a single launch moment, “Unfold the Art” will evolve as a broader creative story. Future expressions will build on this foundation, exploring how portable projection can feel more personal, more visual, and more culturally alive in the home.

For Aurzen, this initiative reflects a commitment to shaping not only how projection performs, but how it looks and feels in everyday living spaces, where useful technology and artistic inspiration can naturally coexist.

This project was done in collaboration with Artestar, a global licensing agency and creative consultancy representing world-renowned visual artists, estates, and foundations. Artestar conceptualizes and develops some of the world’s most iconic brand partnerships across an array of categories and geographic regions, all while preserving and elevating each artist’s unique legacy. Through strategic planning and thoughtful curation, Artestar powers creative collaborations to make art accessible to everyone. Learn more at artestar.com.

About Aurzen

Aurzen is a global innovator in smart projection technology. By combining advanced optical engineering with intuitive software and user-focused design, Aurzen delivers products that bring big-screen experiences to any space. The company pioneered the world’s first Tri-Fold Truly Portable Projector, ZIP, and its designs have been recognized with multiple international awards, including the iF Design Award, Red Dot Award, G-Mark Award, and IDEA Award. For more information, visit www.aurzen.com.

About JEAN-MICHEL BASQUIAT

Jean-Michel Basquiat stands as one of the most influential artists of his generation and is widely regarded as a defining figure of 20th-century art. Though his career lasted less than a decade, it transformed contemporary art and continues to shape culture today.

Basquiat’s art is raw, charged with energy, and fiercely original. With a fearless approach to color and composition, he balanced opposing forces with control and spontaneity, menace and humor, urban grit and primal expression. His work embraced a fusion of media, incorporating painting, drawing, and collage. The surfaces of his canvases teem with language and coded imagery: words, numbers, symbols, diagrams, and pictograms merge with fragments of popular culture, history, and personal iconography. His multi-panel constructions, exposed stretcher bars, and dense overlays of text and imagery became hallmarks of Jean-Michel Basquiat’s inimitable style, positioning him as a true innovator who blurred boundaries between fine art and street culture.

© Estate of Jean-Michel Basquiat. Licensed by Artestar, New York.

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SOURCE Aurzen Official

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ECOVACS Robotics Unveils Next Generation of Intelligent Cleaning at IFA 2026

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September 4, 2026

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BERLIN, Sept. 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — As ECOVACS unveils the next generation of intelligent cleaning at IFA, Forbes Asia has recognised ECOVACS as the ‘Global No. 1 Home Robotics Brand’, acknowledging the company’s leadership across multiple categories from floor care to windows, lawns, and pools. Its products are currently used across 38 million households in nearly 180 markets, demonstrating ECOVACS’ successful expansion and innovation trajectory.

“Launching into the UK and Irish markets earlier this year was a huge milestone for us,” said Graham Mitchell, Head of Sales, UK and Ireland. “From day one, our goal has been to give people the freedom from daily chores and the latest innovations revealed at IFA represent the next generation of cleaning, delivering power, innovation and seamless integration to UK and Irish homes”.

NEW PRODUCT LAUNCHES AT IFA

DEEBOT X12S OmniCyclone: Features industry-leading suction, built-in AGENT YIKO 3.0 AI assistant helping consumers create automated routines that fit their lifestyle, and an auto-empty station eliminating bag costs and allergen exposure. RRP: £1,199. Available 9th September

DEEBOT T90S PRO OMNI: Combines 27cm self-cleaning OZMO Roller with 40,000 Pa suction and superior hygiene technology preventing residue build-up and reducing odours. RRP: £699. Available 24th September

DEEBOT T90 MAX PRO OMNI: Boasts flagship mopping technology at an accessible price point, 40,000 Pa suction, and slim 95mm design for under-furniture access. RRP: £549, 9th September

All three DEEBOT models feature industry leading OZMO Roller 3.0 mopping system, upgraded AI navigation, enhanced OMNI stations with self-cleaning technology, and powerful suction (27,000-40,000 Pa) capturing fine dust and pet hair.

WINBOT W2S PRO OMNI: Window-cleaning robot with TruEdge 2.0 edge-to-edge coverage and three-nozzle spray technology delivering 46% improved efficiency. WIN-SLAM 4.0 navigation enables safe cleaning up to 75m² per fill with 12-step protection. RRP: £529. Available from 9th September

All models to be available through Amazon and major UK retailers including Argos, Currys, and Very.

2027 INNOVATIONS

ECOVACS previewed upcoming launches including the GOAT T-Series lawnmower and the ULTRAMARINE L1 PRO pool-cleaning robot, signalling expansion beyond home floor care.

IFA visitors can experience innovations live September 4-8 in Hall 9, Booth 113.

For more information on all new ECOVACS products, please visit ecovacs.com. You can find individual press releases and product cards for each new launch here, or a selection of images for each product here. 

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