Connect with us

Technology

Guardz Uncovers Sophisticated Campaign Exploiting Legacy Authentication in Microsoft Entra ID

Published

on

The Guardz Research Unit uncovered a coordinated cyber campaign using outdated login methods to bypass MFA and infiltrate cloud environments by attempting to exploit basic authentication protocols 

MIAMI, May 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Guardz, the cybersecurity company empowering Managed Service Providers (MSPs) and IT professionals to protect small businesses with AI-native unified detection and response, today disclosed its discovery of an advanced attack campaign exploiting legacy authentication protocols in Microsoft Entra ID. Uncovered by the Guardz Research Unit (GRU), the campaign was active between March 18 and April 7, 2025, and shows how outdated authentication methods, particularly BAV2ROPC, continue to be exploited by threat actors to bypass modern identity protection systems, including Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) and Conditional Access Policies.

The campaign has since subsided, but Guardz warns that vulnerability continues to exist in many environments, posing a critical risk to organizations that have not yet fully modernized their authentication frameworks. Sectors that were identified as being disproportionately targeted by this vulnerability include financial services, healthcare, manufacturing, and technology services.

“This campaign is a wake-up call—not just about one vulnerability, but about the broader need to retire outdated technologies that no longer serve today’s threat landscape,” said Dor Eisner, CEO and Co-Founder of Guardz. “At Guardz, we’re focused on helping small businesses and the MSPs that serve them stay ahead of evolving attacks by identifying hidden risks before they’re exploited.”

Guardz detected over 9,000 suspicious login attempts from distributed IP addresses, primarily originating in Eastern Europe and the Asia-Pacific region, indicating a globally orchestrated effort. Attackers leveraged automation, IP rotation, and advanced tooling to probe security controls and gain unauthorized access to cloud resources, particularly Exchange Online.

The attack unfolded in two major phases:

Initialization (March 18-20): Low-intensity probing with approximately 2,709 attempts per day.Sustained Attack (March 21-April 3): Spiking to over 6,444 attempts per day – a 138% increase – marking a move to aggressive exploitation.

Guardz tracked this progression using new AI-driven research methods and internal systems designed to continuously hunt for anomalous behavior and active threat campaigns on the dark web. The company’s AI agents executed thousands of actions in tandem with human GRU researchers, identifying patterns across IPs, geographies, and attack tools.

The campaign zeroed in on Basic Authentication Version 2 – Resource Owner Password Credential (BAV2ROPC), a behind-the-scenes compatibility mechanism in Entra ID that allows legacy applications to authenticate using usernames and passwords. Unlike modern, interactive login flows that enforce MFA and security checks, BAV2ROPC operates non-interactively and bypasses MFA, Conditional Access Policies, and login alerts and user presence verification.

Guardz urges all organizations to immediately mitigate risks from legacy authentication by auditing and disabling outdated protocols, enforcing modern authentication and MFA across all accounts, implementing conditional access policies to block unsupported flows like ROPC, and closely monitoring for unusual login activity or failed authentication patterns.

Recognizing that small businesses often lack the in-house teams and infrastructure available to larger enterprises, Guardz bridges this gap with its AI-powered cybersecurity platform that delivers identity protection, email security, threat detection, and automated incident response, purpose-built for the needs of small organizations.

To explore Guardz’s findings on the legacy authentication attack campaign and how its platform defends against such threats, read the full research blog here.

About Guardz

Guardz provides MSPs and IT professionals with an AI-powered cybersecurity platform designed to secure and insure SMBs against cyberattacks. The Guardz platform offers automatic detection and response, protecting users, emails, devices, cloud directories, and data. By simplifying cybersecurity management, Guardz enables businesses to focus on growth without being bogged down by security complexities. The company’s scalable and cost-effective pricing model ensures comprehensive protection for all digital assets, facilitating rapid deployment and business expansion.

Media Contact
Allison Grey
allison@headline.media
+1 323 283 8176

 

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/guardz-uncovers-sophisticated-campaign-exploiting-legacy-authentication-in-microsoft-entra-id-302448704.html

SOURCE Guardz

Continue Reading

Technology

World Young Scientist Summit 2026 Opens in Wenzhou, Zhejiang

Published

on

By

WENZHOU, China, Oct. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — This is a report by China Daily:

On October 24, the World Young Scientist Summit 2026 opened in Wenzhou, Zhejiang. The event is hosted by the China Association for Science and Technology (CAST), the Zhejiang Provincial People’s Government, and the World Association of Young Scientists. Nearly 800 representatives, including scientists, educators, and entrepreneurs from more than 60 countries and regions, are attending the summit.

He Junke, Vice President of CAST in charge of daily work and First Secretary of its Secretariat; Lian Yimin, Chairman and Party Group Secretary of the Zhejiang Provincial Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference; Marcelo Knobel, Executive Director of The World Academy of Sciences; and Zhang Zhenfeng, Member of the Standing Committee of the CPC Zhejiang Provincial Committee and Secretary of the CPC Wenzhou Municipal Committee, attended the summit and delivered remarks. Yao Gaoyuan, Vice Governor of the Zhejiang Provincial People’s Government, presided over the first segment of the plenary session.

With the theme “Gathering Talents Worldwide to Create a Better Future,” the summit’s annual agenda is “Global Youth Action in the AI Era: Building a Sustainable Future.” It aims to draw on the insights of young people around the world, deepen international sci-tech cooperation, and jointly address questions about young people, science, the world and the future.

Efim Zelmanov, Fields Medalist and Foreign Member of the Chinese Academy of Sciences; Chen Yunji, Deputy Director of the Institute of Computing Technology, CAS, and Director of the National Key Laboratory of Processor Chips; Mary Garson, President of the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry; and Lu Chaoyang, Member of the Standing Committee of CAST, Executive Dean of the Shanghai Institute of Advanced Study, University of Science and Technology of China, and Chairman of the Council of the World Association of Young Scientists, delivered keynote speeches respectively on education reform in the AI era, AI and processor chips, young women scientists’ participation in science, and quantum computing. They explored new opportunities for scientific research, talent cultivation, and international cooperation in the AI era.

This year’s summit placed greater emphasis on the growth needs of young scientists, with young talents under the age of 45 accounting for 88 percent of participants. It aimed to build a cluster of international journals, bring together young scientific talent, facilitate a batch of international collaborative projects and advance the application and commercialization of scientific and technological achievements. The summit released the Report on the Distribution and Mobility of Young Scientists in the Field of Embodied Intelligence, launched the World Young Scientist Summit Partner Journal Program and the 2026 World Young Scientist Innovation and Entrepreneurship Growth Support Program. It also published the “Young Scientist Pioneers 2035” list and announced the 2026 Sustainable Development Young Scientist Award. The awards were presented to four Chinese and foreign scientists.

Chen Tianrun, Founder of Hangzhou Moxin Technology Co., Ltd.; Yuan Yang, Assistant to the Dean of the Institute for Interdisciplinary Information Sciences at Tsinghua University; and two of the 2026 Sustainable Development Young Scientist Award winners, César de la Fuente and Nicola Segata, among other Chinese and foreign young scientist representatives, spoke at the flash-talk session to share their research practices and reflections.

In addition, the conference focused on fields such as future manufacturing, quantum information, embodied intelligence, brain-computer intelligence, environmental science, deep-sea resources, and life and health, and held 12 parallel forums. It also included the “Gravitation π” Future Technology and Concept Products Exhibition and Exchange, local thematic side events, and sci-tech and humanities study visits, further building an interdisciplinary, cross-regional and cross-sector platform for youth sci-tech exchange and cooperation.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/world-young-scientist-summit-2026-opens-in-wenzhou-zhejiang-302918664.html

SOURCE China Daily

Continue Reading

Technology

The Ultimate Send-off to Summer: CSTS Debuts Global Entertainment IP PremierX at New York’s Pier 17, Ushering in a New Era of Live Entertainment

Published

on

By

NEW YORK, Oct. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — CSTS Enterprises (‘CSTS’), a New York-based sports, entertainment, integrated media and travel technology group, today announced the official launch of PremierXTM, its flagship live entertainment brand, with a landmark Halloween Weekend event “AFTER DARK” at The Rooftop at Pier 17 in New York on October 30, 2026.

Capping off Seaport’s 2026 Summer Season in unforgettable fashion, the grand finale brings a powerhouse lineup of stars to the PremierXTM stage at Pier 17, featuring Lil Xan, Armani White, DJ Soda, Nate Wyatt, and surprise A-list guest headliners. Set against the iconic Manhattan skyline, the landmark eventing unites chart-topping hip-hop and high-octane electronic music for a festival-grade experience as The Rooftop at Pier 17 transforms into the city’s premier live music destination.

Building on the momentum of the PremierXTM After Party for the 2026 World Cup Final that took place in New York on July 19th, “AFTER DARK” signals the official debut of PremierXTM, a proprietary, New York – born global entertainment IP created by CSTS to deliver defining cultural experiences at the intersection of music, sport, art and lifestyle. Centred on the power of cultural crossover, PremierXTM serves as an international bridge connecting East and West, modern innovation and timeless classical, while uniting world-class artists, creators, performers and audiences through the universal language of entertainment and premium live experiences.

The launch also marks the beginning of a promising relationship with Pier 17, providing a world-class stage for PremierXTM to accelerate its growth in the U.S. and engage international audiences over the long term. By combining PremierXTM’s global entertainment vision with Pier 17’s iconic waterfront setting, the partnership aims to create a premier destination for live experiences, empowering both platforms to expand their global reach, deepen audience engagement, and drive sustainable growth.

As a key pillar of CSTS’ integrated ecosystem spanning entertainment, sports, travel, integrated media and marketing solutions, PremierXTM further strengthens the Group’s ability to create high-impact experiences that connect audiences, destinations and brand partners. With the global live entertainment market projected to grow from approximately US$203 billion in 2025 to US$270 billion by 2030[1], PremierXTM is well-positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for premium, experience-led entertainment while creating long-term value to the Group through recurring audience engagement, tourism and brand partnerships.

“PremierX TM represents a significant milestone in CSTS’ evolution from a leading operator of global sports and hospitality platforms into a creator of world-class entertainment experiences,” said Abel Zhao, Group CEO and Executive Director at CSTS Enterprises. “The season finale at Pier17 marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for CSTS as we expand our entertainment footprint and introduce a platform designed to deliver iconic live experiences and bring together artists and audiences from across the globe.”

“PremierXTM was built from the ground up as a bespoke platform to champion multicultural talent and visionary creative performers.” said Jason Liu, Regional Director of CSTS USA. “Starting from New York, we are building a scalable global brand that brings iconic live experiences to audiences worldwide while expanding our presence across key entertainment hubs in North America, Asia and Europe.”

Following its New York launch, PremierXTM plans to expand through a broader international rollout across North America, Asia and Europe, with future editions planned as part of a growing network of recurring live entertainment properties and flagship cultural events.

For ticket information on PremierXTM: “AFTER DARK”, visit
https://www.axs.com/events/1644912/after-dark-tickets

About CSTS Enterprises

CSTS Enterprises is an integrated media, entertainment, sports, and travel technology group. Headquartered in New York City, the company develops and partners with intellectual properties and brands to deliver compelling experiences that connect with audiences across the world. In addition to its own initiatives, including Generation CTM and PremierXTM, it collaborates with international IPs including FIFA World Cup, UEFA European Championship, and Formula 1.

CSTS integrates experiential marketing, travel, data, and technology to deliver seamless end-to-end audience experiences. The company engages consumers across physical events and digital channels, executing at scale worldwide, turning complex activations into co-ordinated, measurable outcomes.

[1] Source: Industry research by Markets and Markets, Live Entertainment Market Size, Share, Latest Trends & Growth Analysis, 2025-2030, Live Entertainment Market Size, Share, Latest Trends & Growth Analysis, 2025-2030.

 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-ultimate-send-off-to-summer-csts-debuts-global-entertainment-ip-premierx-at-new-yorks-pier-17-ushering-in-a-new-era-of-live-entertainment-302918645.html

SOURCE CSTS Enterprises

Continue Reading

Technology

Swanson Vitamins Launches Swanson Vitamins Nexus Pro to Champion Registered Dietitians and Licensed Nutritionists at Every Stage of Their Careers

Published

on

By

New network for health and nutrition professionals offers CPEU-accredited continuing education, profession-wide promotion, practicum support and exam scholarships

FARGO, N.D., Oct. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Swanson Vitamins today launched Swanson Vitamins Nexus Pro, a network for health and nutrition professionals. The new initiative champions registered dietitians and licensed nutritionists through every stage of their careers, from students to providers with decades of experience. Created by nutrition professionals for nutrition professionals, Swanson Vitamins Nexus Pro offers educational resources, incentives and investments to support practitioners who share Swanson’s commitment to uncompromising integrity.

Swanson Vitamins Nexus Pro offers tailored resources for both practicing professionals and students. For practicing registered dietitians and licensed nutritionists, the program provides CPEU-accredited continuing education, along with profession-wide promotion of the experts who guide consumers’ wellness decisions. For dietetics and nutrition students, Swanson is investing in the next generation of the profession through practicum support and scholarships toward licensing or credentialing exam fees.

As consumers take a more active role in their health, they are increasingly turning to registered dietitians and licensed nutritionists for accurate, science-backed guidance. Through Swanson Vitamins Nexus Pro, Swanson aims to help nutrition professionals strengthen their credentials and build expertise in areas where consumers are seeking trusted nutritional support.

“Since 1969, we have been committed to uncompromising integrity in service of everyone’s journey to real wellness, and we believe real wellness starts with the experts who guide it,” said Erin Del Ponte, EVP Brand Marketing at Swanson Vitamins. “Registered dietitians and licensed nutritionists translate nutrition science into practical, personalized guidance that helps people make informed decisions about their health. With Swanson Vitamins Nexus Pro, we are proud to support these professionals at every stage of their careers, from students preparing for their credentialing exams to seasoned providers building expertise in the areas that matter most to consumers today.”

Swanson Nexus Pro program highlights

CPEU-accredited continuing education for registered dietitians and licensed nutritionistsProfession-wide promotion of registered dietitians and licensed nutritionistsPracticum support for dietetics and nutrition studentsScholarships to help offset licensing or credentialing exam fees

Applications for Swanson Vitamins Nexus Pro are open and can be submitted HERE. Additional details, including scholarship award amounts and practicum support details, will be announced in the coming weeks.

Swanson Vitamins Nexus Pro was introduced at the Food & Nutrition Conference & Expo, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics’ annual conference, held Oct. 24-27 in San Antonio. This initiative builds on Swanson’s longstanding commitment to the nutrition and dietetics community and reflects the company’s continued investment in the professionals who help consumers make informed choices on their journey to real wellness.

Media Assets
Photos HERE

About Swanson Vitamins
Since 1969, Swanson Vitamins has offered high-quality, science-backed vitamins and supplements rooted in one simple belief: proof over promise. Nearly six decades before “wellness” became an industry, Swanson was pioneering trustworthy supplement offerings and upholding uncompromising quality standards through intentional sourcing, rigorous in-house and third-party testing and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).

Today, Swanson is a Certified GMP Facility recognized by NSF, backed by an in-house team of nutritionists, dietitians, scientists, chemists and pharmacists with a combined 250-plus years of experience. With more than 1,300 products across 36 categories, Swanson doesn’t chase trends. It sets standards for integrity, quality and clarity in the supplement industry.

Swanson products are available at SwansonVitamins.com, Amazon and iHerb.com. Learn more at SwansonVitamins.com or follow @swansonvitamins on Instagram.

MEDIA CONTACT
Lauren Torrez, Crowe PR
ltorrez@crowepr.com 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/swanson-vitamins-launches-swanson-vitamins-nexus-pro-to-champion-registered-dietitians-and-licensed-nutritionists-at-every-stage-of-their-careers-302918428.html

SOURCE Swanson Vitamins

Continue Reading

Trending