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Empowering Cybersecurity Futures: WiCyS and Target Launch Third Annual Cyber Defense Challenge

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WiCyS proudly announces the launch of its third annual Cyber Defense Challenge in partnership with Target, marking another year of empowerment for WiCyS members.

COOKEVILLE, Tenn., May 29, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — WiCyS proudly announces the launch of its third annual Cyber Defense Challenge in partnership with Target, marking another year of empowerment for WiCyS members. Building upon the success of previous editions, this year’s challenge offers an unparalleled opportunity for participants to immerse themselves in the world of cyber defense.

The program will provide WiCyS members with hands-on experiences, engaging them in the dynamics of a cyber defense team. Participants will collaborate with peers, engage one-on-one with the Target cybersecurity team and delve into the intricacies of threat detection and intelligence, gaining insights into current threats in the cybersecurity landscape.

In this year’s challenge, participants will assume dual roles as threat actors and defenders in a high-stakes attack scenario against a casino. Crafted by the Target team, this immersive challenge presents a captivating narrative where participants navigate simulated cyber threats targeting a casino‘s network. The challenge is divided into three tiers, guiding participants from capturing flags in Tier 1 to synthesizing their experiences in Tier 3. Alongside the competitive aspect, participants will benefit from mentorship opportunities, networking sessions and direct interactions with Target cybersecurity experts.

In Tier 1, groups will compete across multiple levels to capture flags related to a threat actor known for ransomware attacks. The top 50 participants will advance to Tier 2, where they will learn recovery strategies and utilize decryption tools. The top 10 challengers from Tier 2 will progress to Tier 3, where they will summarize and present their key insights to Target and WiCyS. The top ten finalists will receive scholarships to attend the 2025 WiCyS conference.

Upon completion of the program, participants will gain valuable insights into threat actors’ perspectives, learn to leverage threat intelligence for detection, collaborate effectively within cyber defense teams, contribute to open-source technology and expand their professional networks within the cohort.

The Cyber Defense Challenge embodies Target’s commitment to fostering inclusivity and diversity within the cybersecurity domain. Through this initiative, Target aims to equip aspiring cybersecurity professionals with the skills, knowledge and network necessary to excel in an evolving threat landscape. Exclusive to WiCyS members, the program offers hands-on experiences simulating real-world cyber defense scenarios, providing invaluable insights into threat detection and intelligence. No prior cybersecurity experience is required to participate, as the challenge is designed as a tiered, multi-staged learning opportunity.

Reflecting on her experience, Krysten Stevens, a previous participant, emphasized the pivotal role of programs like the Cyber Defense Challenge in guiding individuals toward their cybersecurity niche. Another past participant, Poornima Venkatesh, highlighted the unique opportunity provided by the challenge to investigate real-world malware scenarios under expert guidance. Venkatesh, who went on to win a WiCyS scholarship, described it as a true honor and a significant milestone in her professional journey.

Registration for the Cyber Defense Challenge is now open until June 14, 2024. Interested WiCyS members can learn more and apply at https://www.wicys.org/benefits/cyber-defense-challenge-made-possible-by-target/.

About WiCyS:
Women in CyberSecurity (WiCyS) is a nonprofit organization with international reach dedicated to the recruitment, retention and advancement of women in cybersecurity. Founded by Dr. Ambareen Siraj through a National Science Foundation grant given to Tennessee Tech University in 2013, WiCyS offers opportunities, trainings, events, and resources for its community and members. Strategic partners include Tier 1: Akamai Technologies, Amazon, Bloomberg, Carnegie Mellon University – Software Engineering Institute, Cisco, Ford Motor Company, Google, LevelBlue, Lockheed Martin, Microsoft, Optum, Sandia National Laboratories, SentinelOne. Tier 2: Accenture, Adobe, DeVry University, Intel, JPMorgan Chase & Co., McKesson, MITRE, Motorola Solutions, Navy Federal Credit Union, Workday. To partner, visit http://www.wicys.org/support/strategic-partnerships/

Media Contact

Lynn Dohm, Women in CyberSecurity (WiCyS), 815-530-7307, lynn@wicys.org, https://www.wicys.org/ 

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SOURCE Women in CyberSecurity (WiCyS)

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LEAP Group Relaunches HumanView, a Growth Intelligence System Built to Explain Why Customers Behave the Way They Do

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Reimagined from the ground up, HumanView pairs statistical modeling with expert analysts to turn millions of real-world customer signals into business decisions

LOUISVILLE, Ky., Oct. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — LEAP Group today announced the relaunch of HumanView, its growth intelligence service. The new version has been rebuilt from the ground up and now has a dedicated home at leapgroupnetwork.com/humanview.

HumanView analyzes what customers say and do across social platforms, e-commerce sites, review platforms, search behavior and user-generated content, including signals from Reddit, TikTok, YouTube, Meta, Amazon and Walmart+ that general AI tools cannot always access. Because the data reflects unprompted, real-world behavior, it avoids the response bias built into surveys and focus groups.

The service works in three layers. HumanView captures signals at scale, decodes millions of records through validated statistical models such as regression, correlation and clustering, and then relies on experienced analysts to interpret the patterns. Clients receive clear, human-validated insights instead of another dashboard.

“Machines find the patterns. Humans find the point,” said Alan Gilleo, CEO at LEAP Group. “The first version of HumanView showed us how much customers reveal when nobody is asking them questions. This version is built to explain why they act the way they do, and to put those answers in front of everyone making decisions, from product to service to marketing.”

HumanView focuses on three areas:

Growth Intelligence: customer motivations and how people perceive a brand and its competitors

Market and Category Intelligence: product pain points, service friction, unmet needs and competitive gaps

Audience Intelligence: new segments, positioning opportunities and gaps in the market

Every model is designed and validated by data scientists and benchmarked before it informs a recommendation.

To learn more about HumanView, visit leapgroupnetwork.com/humanview.

About LEAP Group
LEAP Group is a boutique marketing agency holding company with offices in Louisville, Indianapolis, Cincinnati and Chicago. Guided by the belief that brands should “Market Less. Matter More.,” LEAP gives clients access to specialized experts across its entire network. Learn more at leapgroupnetwork.com.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/leap-group-relaunches-humanview-a-growth-intelligence-system-built-to-explain-why-customers-behave-the-way-they-do-302918557.html

SOURCE LEAP Group

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STEPHEN A. SMITH ADDRESSES WHITE HOUSE DINNER ATTENDANCE, REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO HBCUs AND PROTECTING CORPORATE INVESTMENT IN BLACK EDUCATION

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NEW YORK, Oct. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Stephen A. Smith, media mogul, New York Times bestselling author, and proud 1991 graduate of Winston-Salem State University, is addressing the public discussion surrounding his decision to attend a White House dinner with President Donald Trump, emphasizing his commitment to the long-term financial stability of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

For Smith, the decision was rooted in a commitment to institutions that have educated generations of Black leaders, professionals, entrepreneurs, and public servants.

“I will always advocate for HBCUs and the students whose futures depend on them,” Smith said. “My reason for attending the White House dinner was to discuss the challenges these institutions face in securing long-term funding and to make the case that corporate America must continue to invest in them.”

Smith acknowledged federal support through the FUTURE Act while expressing concern that political tensions surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) could discourage private companies from supporting HBCUs. He maintains that these institutions deserve sustained corporate partnerships, philanthropic contributions, and public investment.

“If we truly believe in free-market capitalism, businesses should be able to support educational institutions and charitable causes without fear of criticism or repercussions,” Smith said. “HBCUs have made extraordinary contributions to this country. They deserve sustained public and private investment.”

Ashley Christopher, Esq., Founder and CEO of the HBCU Week Foundation, recognized Smith’s advocacy and decision to engage with the administration.

“Stephen A. Smith has been a powerful advocate for HBCUs, using his platform and influence to shine a national spotlight on our institutions,” expressed Christopher, “His continued support of HBCU Week helps advance our mission of connecting students with life-changing educational opportunities, and we are proud to have him as our ambassador.”

Since Smith became an HBCU Week Ambassador in 2019, the initiative has facilitated more than 15,000 on-the-spot college acceptances and raised and awarded more than $150 million in scholarships, according to the HBCU Week Foundation.

As public discussion continues, Smith is emphasizing the importance of ensuring HBCUs have the resources and partnerships needed to educate future generations and expand opportunities for students.

CLICK HERE to watch Smith’s full response to his White House visit.

MEDIA CONTACT:

media@mrsasinc.com

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SOURCE Straight Shooter Media

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Advantex Announces Completion of Financing and Extension of Maturity Date of Previously Issued Debentures

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TORONTO, Oct. 23, 2026 /CNW/ — Advantex Marketing International Inc. (CSE: ADX) (“Advantex”), a leader in the merchant cash advance and loyalty marketing products for merchants, today announced the completion of a $250,000 secured debt financing. Advantex issued a $250,000 non-convertible debenture which bears an interest rate at 12% per annum and matures December 15, 2027. The proceeds raised from this issuance of the Debenture will be used for working capital purposes.

Advantex has also extended the maturity of its existing $700,000 in 12% secured debentures from October 10, 2026 to December 15, 2027.

About Advantex Marketing International Inc.

Advantex provides working capital to merchants. Advantex also provides specialized marketing programs that enable members of Aeroplan to earn Aeroplan points at participating merchants.

Advantex shares trade on the Canadian Securities Exchange under the symbol ADX. For more information go to Advantex’s profile on www.sedar.com

Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of applicable securities laws relating to the future business and operations of Advantex. Actual results and developments may differ materially from those contemplated by these statements. The business and operations of Advantex described herein is dependent on a number of factors and is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. Factors that could cause actual results to differ material include, but are not limited to, changes in Advantex’s economic and competitive conditions including but not limited to the industry sectors in which Advantex operates.

The statements in this news release are made of the date of this release. Forward-looking statements are made based on management’s beliefs, estimates and opinions on the date the statements are made and Advantex undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements if these beliefs, estimates and opinions or other circumstances should change, except as required by applicable law.

SOURCE Advantex Marketing International Inc.

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