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Fake TikTok Apps Spreading RatOn Android Banking Trojan Across Central Europe

A new strain of Android malware dubbed RatOn has evolved from a simple NFC relay tool into a sophisticated remote access trojan (RAT) with Automated Transfer System (ATS) features. First detected on July 5, 2025, RatOn has since undergone rapid development, with new variants identified as recently as late August.

According to Dutch cybersecurity firm ThreatFabric, RatOn merges overlay attacks, automated money transfers, and NFC relay functionality, making it one of the most powerful mobile banking threats to date. “The account takeover and automated transfer features have shown that the threat actor knows the internals of the targeted applications quite well,” ThreatFabric said in its report.

The malware targets cryptocurrency wallets including MetaMask, Trust, Phantom, and Blockchain.com, while also abusing George Česko, a Czech banking app, to execute fraudulent transfers. Beyond theft, RatOn can mimic ransomware attacks by locking devices and displaying extortion-style overlay pages.

Threat actors are distributing RatOn through fake Google Play Store pages disguised as “TikTok 18+,” tricking Czech and Slovakian-speaking users into downloading malicious dropper apps.

Once installed, the malware requests broad device permissions, installs secondary payloads, and ultimately delivers NFSkate malware to perform NFC relay attacks using a method known as “Ghost Tap.”

The trojan can also display fake ransom messages claiming users’ phones are locked for criminal activity and demanding $200 in cryptocurrency. Security experts believe this ploy is designed to scare victims into quickly opening crypto apps, allowing the malware to capture PIN codes and steal seed phrases.

Commands processed by RatOn include sending fake push notifications, locking devices, launching WhatsApp or Facebook, recording screens, and injecting malicious code into financial apps. ThreatFabric added that the campaign initially focused on Czech users, with Slovakia likely to be targeted next, possibly through local money mule networks.

Hanwha Vision Earns ISO 37001:2025 Anti-Bribery Certification

Hanwha Vision has been awarded the ISO 37001:2025 Anti-Bribery Management System certification, an internationally recognized standard that confirms the company’s strict and independently audited processes to prevent, detect, and address bribery. This achievement underscores the company’s commitment to ethical conduct, transparency, and accountability across all operations, from design and manufacturing to sales and partnerships.

The certification positions Hanwha Vision as a trusted partner for government agencies, critical infrastructure operators, and enterprise customers worldwide. It also ensures compliance with global anti-corruption laws such as the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and the UK Bribery Act, while helping reduce procurement risks for integrators, dealers, and end users.

“The security industry is focused on technology, but long-term success is really based on relationships,” said Kichul (KC) Kim, President & CEO of Hanwha Vision. “This certification assures customers that we hold ourselves to the same high standards of integrity that we build into our products.”

ISO 37001 certification is granted only to organizations that demonstrate comprehensive, independently audited compliance programs to mitigate corruption risks. Hanwha Vision has also secured other ISO certifications, including ISO 9001 for Quality Management, ISO 14001 for Environmental Management, ISO 45001 for Occupational Health and Safety, ISO 37301 for Compliance Management, and ISO 27001 for Information Security.

By achieving ISO 37001, Hanwha Vision reinforces its internal culture of integrity through rigorous employee training, thorough due diligence on third-party partners, clear reporting channels, and continuous process improvement.

GITEX NIGERIA 2025 Showcases Startup Power as Curacel Wins $10,000 Supernova Prize

The inaugural GITEX NIGERIA 2025 concluded in Lagos as West Africa’s largest tech, AI, and startup show cast a spotlight on the influence of emerging local and regional entrepreneurs.
Held under the patronage of H.E. Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, GITEX NIGERIA took place across Abuja and Lagos from 1–4 September. Supported by the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), the event was endorsed by Lagos State Government and organised by KAOUN International, global producer of GITEX events.

Taking place in Nigeria’s commercial and innovation capital, the GITEX NIGERIA Startup Festival showcased the strength of an ecosystem through which talent development pathways and digital infrastructure projects are accelerating Nigeria’s US$1 trillion economy ambition.

Deputy Governor of Lagos State, H.E. Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, hailed its immediate impact at the national level, declaring: “GITEX NIGERIA sends an inspirational message to every Nigerian: that many positive things are transpiring across our country and opportunities are here. We see many young citizens and entrepreneurs, with enormous innovative minds, making a real difference – generating interest, raising capital, and overcoming challenges by bringing their ideas to life. Such outcomes are crucial because they show that, as the world evolves, so too does Nigeria – as a nation of leaders, innovators, and architects of digital future we envisage.”

As the largest regional showcase of its kind and a convergence point for local and international stakeholders embracing digital transformation, the Startup Festival was perfectly timed to support this mandate.

Over 650 startups from 27+ countries and 29 different industries participated with a shared vision of co-creating tech architecture across multiple sectors undergoing continent-wide digitisation. Its programme included Nigeria’s most globally diverse investor programme, innovation hub showcases, and curated meetings between startups, investors, corporates, governments, industry leaders, and prospective partners.

Hon. Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, said: “The opportunity and responsibility lies with all of us to build a resilient, innovative, and globally connected ecosystem, one that ensures that Nigeria not only keeps pace with the digital future but also shapes it. To all enterprises, corporates, startups, academia, and partners, we offer a transparent and accelerated path to collaboration, investment, and cooperation with Nigeria.”

Startup participation was bolstered by hundreds of organisations brought by local engagement and international innovation hub partnerships. Within Nigeria, NITDA, Lagos State, FATE Foundation, CcHUB Africa, and Orange Corners were among the partners, while internationally, the UNDP and American Business Council (ABC) contributed.

Mr. Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, Director General/CEO of NITDA, added: “Across Africa and around the globe, future-oriented partnerships are the lifeblood of thriving startup ecosystems and digital economies. By uniting ambitious organisations from instrumental sectors in the emerging digital economy, we demonstrate how collaboration fuels innovation, accelerates transformation, and empowers Nigerians and Africans to shape their digital future.”

Universally recognised as the world’s leading pitch competition for early-stage companies and emerging entrepreneurs, the Supernova Challenge made its regional debut – culminating in action-packed Thursday final. Over two days, the continent’s boldest disruptors joined Nigeria’s most visionary startups in competing for a US$22,000 total prize pool across six categories.

Abdul-Jabbar Momoh, VP from Nigerian startup Curacel – revolutionising health insurance with AI-driven solutions – emerged as the overall champion, receiving the US$10,000 first prize. Reflecting on the achievement, Momoh said: “Placing first at the GITEX NIGERIA Supernova Challenge gives us more visibility and fuels our expansion across Europe, Middle East and Africa, as well as North America. Most importantly we are going to keep on impacting lives in Africa and around the world by deploying solutions to move health insurance distribution.”

Additional winners included Build Africa, InCash, Hadiya, Acecore, Kara, and HiPrep, representing sectors from agritech and energy to mobility and digital finance.

Konica Minolta and I-Pro agree strategic partnership in Europe

Konica Minolta Business Solutions Europe and I-Pro EMEA B.V. have agreed a strategic business partnership focused on the European region, combining their strengths in imaging technology and system integration with the aim of delivering advanced solutions and systems tailored to industry-specific needs.

The partnership aligns with Konica Minolta’s vision to strengthen its Video Solution Services (VSS) offering by integrating world-class AI-powered security technologies that meet the growing demand for smarter, scalable, and secure environments. Through this agreement, Konica Minolta will offer I-Pro’s comprehensive portfolio of video safety and security products, including edge-AI cameras and Active Guard system. Konica Minolta will leverage its extensive sales and service network to distribute and support I-Pro technologies across the region, enabling system integrators and end users to benefit from turnkey security services.

The partnership is expected to drive growth in sectors such as critical infrastructure, education, retail, manufacturing, and smart cities.

Vaclav la Rose, Head of Video Solution Services Europe, Konica Minolta, “This new partnership with I-Pro is a complement to our cooperation with Mobotix. Both product lines will continue to be offered, with each serving distinct customer needs and use cases. The addition of I-Pro enhances Konica Minolta’s ability to deliver broader end-to-end security and beyond security solutions.”

Jose Riolobos, President, I-Pro EMEA B.V., commented, “Since its establishment in 2019, I-Pro has been building market leading partnerships with partners around the world. This partnership strengthens our presence in Europe and enables our edge computing product lineup to help solve a broader range of social and operational challenges.”

Inoue Shintaro, Head of Sales, Imaging and Automation Business Division, Imaging-IoT Business Unit, Konica Minolta, added, “We are confident that our collaboration with I-Pro in the European region will deliver significant business value. Our complementary competencies and high standards will benefit both organisations—and most importantly, our European customers.”

Honeywell Announces $600 Million Capital Raise for Quantinuum to Advance Quantum Computing at Scale

Honeywell today announced an approximately $600 million equity capital raise for Quantinuum, developer of the world’s highest-performing quantum computer, at a pre-money equity valuation of $10 billion.

Quanta Computer, NVentures (NVIDIA’s venture capital arm) and QED Investors have joined existing shareholders JPMorganChase, Mitsui, Amgen, Cambridge Quantum Holdings, Serendipity Capital and Honeywell — all of whom have reinvested in this round. The round also includes participation from new investors MESH and Korea Investment Partners.

This capital raise will support Quantinuum’s advancement of quantum computing at scale, which includes continued progress toward the upcoming launch of Helios, the company’s next generation quantum computing system that is expected to launch this year. It will also support Quantinuum’s path to becoming the first to perform universal fault-tolerant computing.

A full-stack quantum computing provider, Quantinuum is accelerating commercially useful quantum computing with commercially available quantum computers that are the undisputed leaders in performance. Along with some of the most used developer tools and end-applications such as InQuanto, the company’s solutions are driving breakthrough scientific discoveries, economic growth and sustainable development.

Quantinuum continues increasing its commercial momentum and earning global recognition. The company will work with NVIDIA as a founding collaborator on breakthroughs at the NVIDIA Accelerated Quantum Research Center.  Additionally, Quantinuum has entered strategic partnerships aimed at innovative quantum computing solutions that will expand the capabilities of classical artificial intelligence and realize next-generation technologies.

Quantinuum recently announced partnerships and collaborations with RIKEN, SoftBank Corp., Infineon and STFC Hartree Center, as well as expansions into New Mexico, Qatar and Singapore.

The company’s collaborations collectively provide substantial investment funding, accelerate research and product development, scale manufacturing capabilities, secure supply chains and foster the overall growth of the quantum technologies industry.

Vimal Kapur, Chairman and CEO of Honeywell:
“Quantinuum continues to meet and exceed our stated objectives — strategically, technically and commercially. We have complete confidence in Quantinuum’s ability to continue to lead the quantum revolution and create long-term value for its investors and customers.”

Dr. Rajeeb Hazra, President & CEO of Quantinuum:
“We are proud to partner with investors who share deep conviction in our vision for the future of quantum and AI. With the continued support of our customers and supply chain partners, this new funding will further extend our leadership, accelerate our roadmap and strengthen the entire quantum ecosystem.”

Siemens Report Highlights Digitalization as Key to Decarbonizing Food and Beverage Sector

On the path to net zero, the food and beverage industry faces significant challenges, from a growing global population to limited resources. With the sector responsible for nearly 30% of global energy consumption, innovation and collaboration are critical to cutting its carbon footprint.

At Siemens, we believe in the power of technology to achieve decarbonization goals. Our research report Digital Transformation, Sustainable Returns shows that 63% of F&B professionals see strong potential in digital technologies to reduce resource use. Among emerging tools, artificial intelligence (AI) is expected to have the greatest impact over the next three years, followed by digital twin technology, advanced simulations, and automation.

Emirates Bustanica, one of the world’s largest vertical farms in Dubai, illustrates how digitalization transforms food production. Through integrated automation and smart infrastructure, the facility saves 250 million liters of water annually while producing over one million kilograms of pesticide-free food. SIMATIC automation and building management systems optimize lighting, CO₂ levels, and climate control, ensuring efficiency today while preparing for future AI-driven solutions.

In the drinks sector, Colorado-based Marble Distilling Co. used Siemens’ automation controller to increase efficiency by 75%. The distillery tripled production and cut costs by 20% through tighter controls and smarter energy management.

“The opportunities offered by digitalization are endless, and we must accelerate the pace at which we’re digitally transforming to achieve net zero on time,” Siemens stated. With 2030 fast approaching, every step of the F&B value chain—from farming and processing to packaging and transport—must embrace digital solutions to drive lasting change.

Record-breaking edition for SICUREZZA 2025

Growing, strengthening, and looking increasingly abroad: SICUREZZA 2025, scheduled at Fiera Milano from November 19 to 21, is preparing for a record-breaking edition. Already today, two months before opening, exhibition space is up by 18% compared to 2023, while international exhibitors have increased by 28%, reaching 31% of the total, with companies from 24 countries. This result demonstrates the international strength of the event and its ability to interpret the new frontiers of physical and digital protection.

Thanks to a strong and qualified exhibitor presence, visitors will be able to explore innovations and previews across all sectors – video surveillance, fire prevention, access control, passive security – while also gaining insights into the directions in which the industry is evolving. Among the Italian confirmations are companies such as Inim and Tecnoalarm, while on the international front, global players of the caliber of Notifier and Hikvision make their return. Numerous new entries also testify to the event’s growing appeal: among the Italian newcomers are Gams (Bettini) and Combivox; among the international, Assa Abloy and Carrier Fire & Security stand out.

With these premises, a renewed layout, and an increasingly experiential format, SICUREZZA 2025 reaffirms itself as a laboratory of innovation in the field of security & fire, where professionals, companies, and stakeholders can share visions, strategies, and practical solutions.

 

A WORLD OF TECHNOLOGIES, BETWEEN INTEGRATION, CYBERSECURITY, AND CUSTOMIZATION

Digitalization, the growing use of artificial intelligence, the affirmation of data-driven logic, and the urgency of 360° cyber-resilience are redefining the boundaries of security – a new perspective that will characterize much of the exhibition offering: new video surveillance and access control systems integrated with AI, predictive monitoring solutions, advancements in video content analytics, edge-cloud platforms for distributed security, and increasingly precise control. Central will be the theme of technology integration, enabling the management of increasingly complex systems that enhance safety and operational capacity, while at the same time making protection against cyber threats more urgent.

Also in the spotlight will be developments in fire & safety technologies, with new high-sensitivity fire detection systems, wireless smoke and gas detection systems, and platforms for remote control and predictive maintenance management. Drones, too, will not be missing: they have established themselves as indispensable tools for environmental monitoring and fire prevention – not merely technological gadgets, but true autonomous platforms capable of collecting, transmitting, and analyzing data in real time.

Finally, increasingly evident is the trend toward customization of solutions: companies no longer offer just products, but position themselves as consulting partners, capable of listening to client needs and designing tailor-made, modular systems.

THREE THEMATIC DAYS, ONE SINGLE GOAL: CREATING A SYSTEM

The 2025 edition will feature a new format structured around three thematic days, designed to meet the needs of different segments of the sector. The first day of the event, November 19, will be the Cyber Day. SICUREZZA will host meetings and events focused on the growing convergence of physical and digital threats, the strategic and cross-cutting role of cybersecurity, operational strategies to protect the value chain of the entire supply chain, and of course, the market impact of the new European directives NIS 2 and CER – fundamental pillars for ensuring resilience and protection of networks, IT systems, and essential services.

November 20 will be the Security Day. Discussions will center on technologies applied in high-risk real-world contexts – transport, finance, major events, cultural heritage – with integrated solutions for video surveillance, access control, intrusion prevention, behavioral AI, and system interoperability. The day will also delve into emerging professional roles required by the market, such as Travel Security Managers or Cultural Security Managers, who combine technological, organizational, and regulatory skills in their specific fields.

November 21 will be the Job in Security Day, dedicated to fostering connections between schools, technical institutes, and companies in the security sector.

In an increasingly competitive market, companies report a shortage of adequately trained professionals, while schools and technical institutes are called upon to provide students with up-to-date, realistic tools to guide them toward future careers. Hence the need to create concrete opportunities for dialogue to bridge the gap between education and the workplace. The EDU Project will address this challenge with targeted activities: company presentations, short interviews, workshops, and dialogue spaces between students, teachers, and businesses. The program is being developed in close collaboration with exhibitors and educational institutions: the listening and needs assessment phase has already begun, aimed at defining the required profiles and key skills. The day will offer a tangible opportunity for companies and schools to meet, focusing on the specific strengths of each, and creating the conditions for a constructive and realistic dialogue.

All SICUREZZA 2025 training events will take place in the Cyber & Security Arena, a multifunctional space hosting talks, case studies, demonstrations, and roundtables featuring experts, leading companies, public bodies, and trade associations. Complementing the training program will be the Security Talks organized by the Italian trade Associations AISS, AIPS, ANIE Sicurezza, and ConFederSicurezza, focusing on regulations, trends, and future scenarios, along with ASSIV podcasts offering insights into technology, training, public-private synergies, and innovation in the private security sector.

THE VALUE OF SYNERGIES

SICUREZZA 2025 will be part of MIBA – Milan International Building Alliance, the format in which it is held simultaneously with GEE – Global Elevator Exhibition, dedicated to vertical and horizontal mobility; MADE Expo, Italy’s leading event for the construction industry; and SMART BUILDING EXPO, the exhibition for home and building automation and technology integration. Thanks to the synergies created among these events, MIBA will transform Fiera Milano into an international hub of reference for topics concerning the evolution of buildings and cities.

European Commission Imposes Another Record Fine on Google Over Digital Advertising

The European Commission has imposed a new record fine of €2.95 billion on Google over what it described as unfair practices in digital advertising, marking the latest chapter in Brussels’ long-running battle with U.S. tech giants. Regulators argue that the company abused its dominance by favoring its own services at the expense of competitors, warning that forced divestitures of parts of Google’s business remain an option if the company fails to comply. EU Competition Commissioner Teresa Ribera stated that Google must present a credible solution to address conflicts of interest, stressing that the EU “will not hesitate to impose strong remedies.”

Google quickly announced plans to appeal, calling the decision excessive and harmful to European businesses that rely on its tools. “This ruling demands changes that will make it harder for thousands of companies across the EU to operate,” said Lee-Anne Mulholland, Google’s Global Head of Regulatory Affairs.

The case has further heightened political tensions between Brussels and Washington. U.S. President Donald Trump denounced the fine as “discriminatory” and threatened retaliatory measures under the 1974 Trade Act, saying he would not tolerate what he described as attacks on “American ingenuity” and hinting at possible tariffs. This penalty, the fourth Google has faced in the past decade from the EU, follows years of investigation and complaints from publishing associations. It comes just days after a U.S. court rejected a request to break up Google, underscoring the sharp contrast between regulatory approaches on the two sides of the Atlantic.

Artificial Intelligence Could Face Strict Oversight, Warns OpenAI CEO

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has warned that the world may be on the verge of a “fraud crisis” fueled by artificial intelligence. Speaking to U.S. media, Altman said AI has already defeated most traditional authentication methods, pointing to banks that still rely on voice recognition as a serious risk. He cautioned that criminals are increasingly able to use AI-generated voices and videos to impersonate people and carry out scams.

The FBI and U.S. officials have previously reported cases of AI voice cloning used to trick parents and even attempts to impersonate senior government leaders. Altman predicted that what begins with phone calls will soon escalate into video interactions indistinguishable from reality. “I am very nervous that we have an impending, significant fraud crisis,” Altman told the audience.

His remarks come as the White House prepares to release its “AI Action Plan,” a strategy for regulating artificial intelligence and ensuring U.S. leadership in the field. OpenAI has been active in Washington, confirming that it will open a new D.C. office early next year with about 30 employees. The office will serve as a hub for policy engagement, training programs, and research on AI’s economic impact.

Despite acknowledging the risks, OpenAI has urged the Trump administration to avoid regulations it says would weaken U.S. competitiveness against foreign AI rivals. On jobs, Altman said predictions about AI’s economic impact are uncertain, though he expects some jobs to vanish while new forms of work emerge. He suggested that in the distant future, many people may no longer hold “real jobs” but instead create roles to feel useful and maintain social value.

OpenAI also released a report by its chief economist comparing AI’s impact to transformative technologies such as electricity and the transistor. The report notes that ChatGPT now has around 500 million global users, with many young Americans turning to the tool for learning and upskilling.

Zenitel Announces New Center of Excellence in Hungary in Partnership with RIEL

Zenitel, a global leader in intelligent critical communication solutions, is proud to announce the launch of a new Zenitel Center of Excellence in Hungary for its Safety & Security BU, through a strategic partnership with RIEL Elektronikai Kft, a renowned provider of integrated security and communication solutions in the region.

With more than 30 years of continuous growth and innovation, RIEL has established itself as one of the largest value-added security distributors in Hungary and Central Europe. The company’s deep technical expertise in integrated added value security solutions, particularly in critical audio solutions, makes it an ideal partner for Zenitel’s regional expansion.

The new Center of Excellence will serve as a hub for customer engagement, technical training, solution demonstrations, and partner collaboration.

It aims to support clients across sectors such as critical infrastructure, healthcare, transportation, and industry—bringing Zenitel’s intelligent communication solutions closer to customers throughout Central and Eastern Europe.

“Establishing the Zenitel Center of Excellence in Hungary is a key step in strengthening our EMEA presence,” said Wim van Winghe, SVP EMEA at Zenitel. “RIEL’s long-standing commitment to quality, their exceptional technical capabilities—especially in audio—and their deep market knowledge, ensure that our customers in the region receive unparalleled service and support. We are excited to deepen this partnership and jointly drive innovation in secure and intelligent communications.”

Bàlint Farkas CEO of RIEL, commented: “We are honored to become Zenitel’s Center of Excellence in Hungary. Over the past 30 years, RIEL has built a strong reputation in audio and integrated security systems. This partnership is a recognition of our expertise and a major opportunity to bring even more value to our clients. Together with Zenitel, we look forward to shaping the future of critical communication in the region.“

The Zenitel Center of Excellence in Hungary is now fully operational and welcomes customers, partners, and stakeholders to explore the latest in intelligent audio and communication technologies.

About Zenitel: Zenitel is a leading provider of Intelligent Critical Communication Solutions, enabling everyone to hear, be heard and be understood, every time and everywhere. Zenitel’s Safety and Security business unit primary system offering is within Intercom, Public Address, Voice Alarm and IP speakers. We are recognized globally for offering state-of-the-art communication solutions that deliver the interoperability you need and the reliability you demand.
Learn more at https://www.zenitel.com/safety-and-security

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