Connect with us

Technology

Chainguard Adds New Members to Athena Coalition as Coordinated Open Source Defense Scales

Published

on

Chainguard’s industry coalition reports 40,000 findings processed 

KIRKLAND, Wash., July 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Chainguard today announced the expansion of Athena, the industry coalition for the orchestrated defense of open source software, adding new members, including Akamai, Black Duck, Cycode, JFrog, Morgan Stanley, Qualys, Upwind, and Zafran. The company also shared updated figures on the volume and severity of vulnerabilities the coalition has processed since launching three weeks ago.

To date, Athena has processed more than 40,000 vulnerabilities, doubling its intake since launching three weeks ago. Of vulnerabilities submitted so far, 42% are critical- or high-severity. While significant, the number understates the real exposure, as frontier AI models can chain low- and medium-severity bugs into more serious attacks that no single CVSS score captures. Additionally, 86% are network reachable, meaning they can be accessed and triggered by attackers at the network level. About 7% sit in packages more than five years old. These are latent flaws in mature, widely trusted dependencies that survived extensive expert review without detection.

“Frontier models are finding zero-days in open source faster than anyone can respond with discovery to exploitation is now measured in hours, and no one company is going to get ahead of that alone. Athena proves that orchestrated defense works,” said Dan Lorenc, CEO and Co-founder, Chainguard. “The volume and severity of what Athena is already finding make clear just how much depends on getting this right. The more of the ecosystem that joins, the less room attackers have to operate.”

A growing coalition for open source defense

Athena’s expansion reflects growing industry recognition that open source vulnerabilities require a coordinated response. New members joining Athena’s founding partners include Akamai, Black Duck, Cycode, JFrog, Morgan Stanley, Qualys, Upwind, and Zafran.

Athena’s partners work across the coalition’s defense pipeline: findings are pooled and de-duplicated, hardened fixes are built under embargo, partners stack non-patch protection around them, silent fixes are surfaced to exposed downstream users, and durable fixes are driven upstream to maintainers.

How the coalition protects users before a patch ships

Open source vulnerabilities do not respect organizational boundaries, and a patch that exists but cannot be deployed in time offers little protection. As part of its growing membership, Athena has expanded its cyber partner network, making cyber the largest cohort of partners in the coalition. Cyber partners receive a dedicated pre-disclosure feed and use it to build mitigations at the network, endpoint, and traffic layers that hold even before a clean patch exists or can be deployed. They also help surface “silent” vulnerabilities, or vulnerabilities that are fixed upstream but never assigned a CVE, that conventional scanning tools generally miss. 

“Defending digital infrastructure in the age of AI requires a rapid, unified response,” said Boaz Gelbord, Chief Security Officer, Akamai. “Athena allows us to protect customers with pre-embargo hardened software and platform-level mitigations before vulnerabilities can be exploited.”

“Frontier AI models are not only discovering thousands of zero days, but also chaining vulnerabilities together to exploit existing ones at machine speed, collapsing the gap between discovery and exploitation from weeks to hours. In this new reality, the era of ‘scan and hope’ is definitively over. Attackers are actively weaponizing the trusted models and agentic tools driving today’s development,” said Gal Marder, Chief Strategy Officer, JFrog. “By joining Athena’s orchestrated defense coalition, JFrog is committed to helping organizations bridge the dangerous gap between an AI-discovered vulnerability and remediation in production. We provide the single source of truth for all software assets which enables fully-automated updates of patched components at scale, and full governance of the entire remediation process of every binary component, using any packaging technology in any environment.”

“As consistent contributors to open-source vulnerability research and disclosure, Qualys welcomes the invitation to participate in Chainguard’s Athena coalition and secure open-source software by safely validating the exploitability of vulnerabilities with our technology,” said Dilip Bachwani, chief technology officer, Qualys. “We believe creating a safer digital future is a shared industry responsibility. This builds on our ongoing work to help customers, partners, and stakeholders prepare for a future where vulnerability discovery and remediation pressure move faster than ever.”

“AI is fundamentally changing the pace of vulnerability discovery, making coordinated defense more important than ever. By joining Athena, Upwind is bringing pre-disclosure vulnerability intelligence together with runtime visibility, helping organizations identify affected workloads and reduce the window between discovery and defense. Protecting the open source ecosystem is a shared responsibility, and we’re proud to contribute Upwind’s runtime intelligence to strengthen the coalition and improve visibility for the entire community,” said Tomer Hadassi, COO, Upwind. 

Every partner closes a gap, and the more layers the coalition covers, the less time an attacker has to operate before a flaw becomes public.

Akrites: the importance of driving fixes upstream

Pre-disclosure protection buys time, but the goal is to land a durable fix in the upstream codebase. To close that loop, Chainguard has joined Akrites, the Linux Foundation’s coordinated effort to remediate and disclose open source vulnerabilities upstream. Once a fix is built, shielded, and surfaced, Athena hands the finding to Akrites, which operates a shared Security Incident Response Team (SIRT) and a single standardized disclosure process, so maintainers receive notifications from a single trusted partner rather than a flood of overlapping reports. For critical packages with no active maintainer, Akrites serves as a maintainer of last resort. 

Joining the coalition to defend open source

The open source ecosystem is too large and too critical for any single organization to defend alone. Athena is built for the organizations that want to do more than react. Organizations that find vulnerabilities can submit them to the coalition for carry-through to a durable upstream fix. Organizations that build detections or mitigations, or carry fixes into real environments at scale, can become cyber partners and join the feed. Learn more at chainguard.dev/athena.

About Athena

Athena is the industry coalition for the orchestrated defense of open source software. Frontier AI models can now find novel, chained zero-day vulnerabilities in open source at machine speed, and the gap between discovery and exploitation has collapsed from years to hours. Athena closes the loop from vulnerability discovery through pre-embargo remediation to layered, defense-in-depth protection: pooling findings from across the coalition, building hardened fixes under embargo, stacking independent mitigations at the network, endpoint, and mission layers, and driving durable fixes upstream to maintainers. Members include leading global organizations, such as BNY, Chainguard, Cisco, Cloudflare, JPMorganChase, Morgan Stanley, PwC, and more, spanning submitters, platform and network providers, cybersecurity vendors, and global professional services. Learn more at chainguard.dev/athena.

About Chainguard
Chainguard is the trust layer for open source software. Its solutions provide engineers and AI agents with the hardened, trusted, and production-ready artifacts they rely on, so organizations can build fast while staying compliant and protecting against AI supply chain attacks. Customers include Fortune 500 enterprises and global industry leaders, including Anduril, Canva, Fortinet, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, OpenAI, Snap Inc., and Snowflake. Chainguard is venture-backed by leading investors, including Amplify, IVP, Kleiner Perkins, Lightspeed Venture Partners, Mantis VC, Redpoint Ventures, Sequoia Capital, and Spark Capital. For more information, visit: https://www.chainguard.dev/

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/chainguard-adds-new-members-to-athena-coalition-as-coordinated-open-source-defense-scales-302818945.html

Continue Reading

Technology

ST Engineering iDirect and MBSat Partner to Build Next-Generation Sovereign Connectivity Services Across Oman and the Middle East

Published

on

By

Intuition ground system selected to support MBSat’s planned 2027 service launch, enabling accelerated deployment, dynamic resource management and scalable service growth

HERNDON, Va., Oct. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — ST Engineering iDirect today announced a strategic partnership with Mohammed Al Barwani Satellite Company (MBSat), part of Mohammed Al Barwani Group, to provide the ground system technology foundation for MBSat’s next-generation satellite gateway and network operations across Oman and the wider Middle East region. Intuition will provide a flexible, software-defined foundation to support sovereign connectivity services, enabling efficient service deployment, dynamic resource management and scalable network operations.

Intuition will deliver a turnkey ground segment solution that accelerates deployment, simplifies operations and gives MBSat the flexibility to scale services as demand grows. The software-defined platform enables dynamic resource management, service automation and seamless integration with existing and future operational systems. The solution also includes Ka-band gateway infrastructure, service provisioning and management capabilities, open API integration frameworks, training and full-lifecycle support. Together, these capabilities will help MBSat launch and operate services efficiently while adapting to evolving market requirements.

The network will leverage capacity from MB Sat-1, a sovereign MicroGEO satellite, with planned service launch in 2027, to support flexible, scalable connectivity services across the region.

The partnership reflects growing investment in sovereign communications infrastructure across the Middle East as operators seek greater control over service delivery, network expansion and long-term technology evolution.

“This partnership represents an important milestone in our efforts to build an advanced satellite communications platform in Oman and the region,” said Ammar Al Rawahi, General Manager, MBSat. “Through our collaboration with ST Engineering iDirect, we are establishing the technical infrastructure required to launch services efficiently, respond to evolving customer needs and expand into new markets, supporting the sustainable long-term growth of our business.”

“We are providing MBSat with a flexible, software-defined ground platform that integrates with its existing operational environment,” said Sridhar Kuppanna, Chief Executive Officer, ST Engineering iDirect. “This enables more efficient service deployment and operations today, with the flexibility to scale, introduce new capabilities and evolve as requirements change.”

About ST Engineering iDirect

ST Engineering iDirect, a subsidiary of ST Engineering, is a global leader in satellite communications, providing technology and solutions that enable its customers to expand their business, differentiate their services and optimize their networks. Through its portfolio of ground infrastructure, intelligent networking and advanced satellite communications solutions, the company supports operators, service providers, governments and enterprises worldwide.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/st-engineering-idirect-and-mbsat-partner-to-build-next-generation-sovereign-connectivity-services-across-oman-and-the-middle-east-302918467.html

SOURCE ST Engineering iDirect

Continue Reading

Technology

ST Engineering iDirect and MBSat Partner to Build Next-Generation Sovereign Connectivity Services Across Oman and the Middle East

Published

on

By

Intuition ground system selected to support MBSat’s planned 2027 service launch, enabling accelerated deployment, dynamic resource management and scalable service growth

HERNDON, Va., Oct. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — ST Engineering iDirect today announced a strategic partnership with Mohammed Al Barwani Satellite Company (MBSat), part of Mohammed Al Barwani Group, to provide the ground system technology foundation for MBSat’s next-generation satellite gateway and network operations across Oman and the wider Middle East region. Intuition will provide a flexible, software-defined foundation to support sovereign connectivity services, enabling efficient service deployment, dynamic resource management and scalable network operations.

Intuition will deliver a turnkey ground segment solution that accelerates deployment, simplifies operations and gives MBSat the flexibility to scale services as demand grows. The software-defined platform enables dynamic resource management, service automation and seamless integration with existing and future operational systems. The solution also includes Ka-band gateway infrastructure, service provisioning and management capabilities, open API integration frameworks, training and full-lifecycle support. Together, these capabilities will help MBSat launch and operate services efficiently while adapting to evolving market requirements.

The network will leverage capacity from MB Sat-1, a sovereign MicroGEO satellite, with planned service launch in 2027, to support flexible, scalable connectivity services across the region.

The partnership reflects growing investment in sovereign communications infrastructure across the Middle East as operators seek greater control over service delivery, network expansion and long-term technology evolution.

“This partnership represents an important milestone in our efforts to build an advanced satellite communications platform in Oman and the region,” said Ammar Al Rawahi, General Manager, MBSat. “Through our collaboration with ST Engineering iDirect, we are establishing the technical infrastructure required to launch services efficiently, respond to evolving customer needs and expand into new markets, supporting the sustainable long-term growth of our business.”

“We are providing MBSat with a flexible, software-defined ground platform that integrates with its existing operational environment,” said Sridhar Kuppanna, Chief Executive Officer, ST Engineering iDirect. “This enables more efficient service deployment and operations today, with the flexibility to scale, introduce new capabilities and evolve as requirements change.”

About ST Engineering iDirect

ST Engineering iDirect, a subsidiary of ST Engineering, is a global leader in satellite communications, providing technology and solutions that enable its customers to expand their business, differentiate their services and optimize their networks. Through its portfolio of ground infrastructure, intelligent networking and advanced satellite communications solutions, the company supports operators, service providers, governments and enterprises worldwide.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/st-engineering-idirect-and-mbsat-partner-to-build-next-generation-sovereign-connectivity-services-across-oman-and-the-middle-east-302918467.html

SOURCE ST Engineering iDirect

Continue Reading

Technology

Global Security & Technology Summit Unveils Month-Long Program of Activities Ahead of December Event

Published

on

By

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Oct. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Organizing Committee of the Global Security & Technology Summit (GSTS) held an introductory session today at the Ministry of Interior’s headquarters in Riyadh, bringing together representatives from the government, private, and nonprofit sectors to introduce the program of activities leading up to the summit. The upcoming summit will be held in Riyadh under the patronage of HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, under the supervision of HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Minister of Interior, and organized by the Ministry of Interior in cooperation with Tuwaiq Academy.

During the session, the Organizing Committee presented the comprehensive GSTS program, comprising three key components: GSTS Month, running from November 1 to 30, 2026; the Global Security & Innovation Fair (SAIF), taking place from November 24 to 26, 2026; and the main Summit, scheduled for December 18 to 20, 2026, in Riyadh. Together, these events form an integrated program designed to advance security and technology innovation, strengthen national capabilities, and foster international cooperation.

GSTS Month will feature working groups, boot camps, training programs, knowledge-sharing sessions, and technical workshops across Saudi Arabia’s 13 administrative regions, delivered both in person and remotely in collaboration with specialized entities. The month-long program aims to develop national capabilities, identify emerging talent, enrich knowledge-sharing opportunities, and equip professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to develop innovative solutions to future security and technology challenges.

The main Summit will bring together global leaders, decision-makers, experts, and innovators to explore the future of security and technology, promote the integration of advanced technologies within the security sector, strengthen national capabilities, support innovation, and foster international cooperation, further positioning the Kingdom as a global hub for security and technology.

Showcasing the latest technological breakthroughs and security solutions, the summit will bring together government entities, private sector organizations, academic institutions, and research centers to facilitate knowledge exchange and collaboration across key fields, including cybersecurity, artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), smart security solutions, emerging technologies, and crisis management. The program will also feature main sessions, specialized discussions, and interactive exhibitions. Registration is available at gsts.sa.

Advisor to HRH the Minister of Interior and Chairman of the GSTS Organizing Committee, Ahmed Altowayan, stated that the summit builds on Saudi Arabia’s efforts to establish an advanced security and technology ecosystem focused on knowledge and innovation, keeping pace with rapid developments and future challenges.

Mr. Altowayan noted that the summit is a global platform for strengthening cooperation and exchanging expertise, anticipating future developments in security and technology, and developing strategic partnerships and innovative solutions that enhance the efficiency and readiness of security systems.

Vice Chairman of the GSTS Organizing Committee, Eng. Abdulaziz Alhammadi, said that the summit will offer a range of integrated programs and activities focused on enhancing national skills, encouraging innovation, and supporting international cooperation.

He added that GSTS Month will help build national capabilities, discover talent, and develop skills, with SAIF providing a platform for innovators and researchers from around the world to showcase leading technological solutions, while the main Summit will bring together leaders and experts to discuss the future of security and technology and explore new strategic partnership opportunities.

SAIF will take place at the Riyadh International Convention & Exhibition Center, bringing together innovators, researchers, technology talents, and industry experts from around the world to showcase promising innovations and projects across 14 fields of technology and innovation. The fair will provide opportunities to engage with project owners, including students, graduates, and entrepreneurs, and explore the different stages of innovation development through interactive zones, panel discussions on emerging security and innovation trends, and knowledge-sharing workshops led by specialists. Visitor registration is open to participants from within and outside the Kingdom through saifair.sa.

The introductory session also featured contributions from representatives of government, private, and nonprofit sector entities, alongside members of the media. Discussions focused on developing national capabilities in security and technology, strengthening students’ technical expertise, translating scientific research into practical solutions, and supporting Saudi companies in developing security and technology solutions and advancing digital transformation.

Organized by the Ministry of Interior in cooperation with Tuwaiq Academy, GSTS is produced by Tahaluf, with the Ministry of Education serving as Strategic Scientific Partner, Tahakom as Founding Partner, and Elm as Principal Partner.

Registration for participants from within and outside the Kingdom is available at gsts.sa.

Click here to view the media kit. 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/global-security–technology-summit-unveils-month-long-program-of-activities-ahead-of-december-event-302918695.html

Continue Reading

Trending