CREAPLUS, one of the leading providers of comprehensive IT and cybersecurity solutions and services in Slovenia and the region, has signed an agreement with Coro to distribute its eponymous cybersecurity platform in the countries of the Western Balkans.

By offering the Coro platform, CREAPLUS aims to strengthen the cybersecurity of micro, small and medium enterprises, which are the most vulnerable group in cyberspace. The solutions offered by this platform will primarily benefit regional providers of managed cybersecurity services in the micro, small and medium enterprise segment: providers who’s operational and business performance is directly linked to the use of affordable, efficient and highly productive solutions for their security operations centers.

“The state of cybersecurity in the micro, small and medium enterprise segment is concerning. As global trends and reports from local cybersecurity response centers show, cybercriminals are targeting this segment of businesses, where it is easier to make money through various forms of attacks, from fraud and extortion to identity theft and other sensitive data,” said Mitja Trampuž, CEO of CREAPLUS.

Based on the Coro platform, regional security operations center service providers will be able to offer customized managed cybersecurity services to the most price-sensitive and consequently most under-secured segment of businesses. Furthermore, the Coro platform’s ease-of-use and AI-automated processes make it an ideal solution for cybersecurity service providers serving markets with severe staffing shortfalls and the need to ensure maximum productivity due to cost pressures.

According to Trampuž, Coro’s technologies are virtually the only ones designed from the ground up with micro, small and medium-sized businesses in mind.

“This is a specific group of users where cyber protection needs to be high quality and comprehensive, yet simple and affordable for these companies and their cybersecurity partners to even be able to take it on. Coro is the answer to the challenges faced by managed cybersecurity service providers in this market segment who are looking for the most efficient technology solutions for their security operations centers,” added Trampuž.

“We are thrilled to partner with CREAPLUS to bring Coro’s cybersecurity platform  to the Western Balkans. This collaboration aligns with our mission to provide affordable, comprehensive, and automated cybersecurity to SMBs and managed service providers in underserved markets. CREAPLUS has a strong regional presence and deep expertise in IT security, making them the perfect partner to expand our reach and help businesses in the region stay protected against evolving cyber threats. We look forward to working together to empower small IT teams and enhance security operations across the region.” Piers Morgan, Senior Vice President and General Manager of EMEA at Coro, on the Partnership with CREAPLUS.

With the Coro platform, lean IT teams and cybersecurity service providers can deliver comprehensive and easy-to-use managed cyber protection in one place. Coro’s platform empowers organizations to easily defend against malware, ransomware, phishing, data leakage, network threats, insider threats and email threats across devices, users, networks and cloud applications.

About Coro

Coro, the leading cybersecurity platform for small and midsize businesses, revolutionized cybersecurity with the introduction of the world’s first modular cybersecurity platform in 2023. Coro’s platform empowers organizations to easily defend against malware, ransomware, phishing, data leakage, network threats, insider threats and email threats across devices, users, networks and cloud applications. Coro’s platform automatically detects and remediates the many security threats that today’s distributed businesses face, without IT teams having to worry, investigate, or fix issues themselves. Ranked on the 2024 Deloitte Technology Fast 500 for its second consecutive year, Coro is one of the fastest growing cybersecurity companies in North America today.

The best of both worlds: former CEO Hayden Burr transitions to Chief Innovation  
Officer role while welcoming new Chief Executive Officer Andy Bane

Integrated Control Technology (ICT), a leading manufacturer of intelligent access control and security solutions, announced today the appointment of Andy Bane as Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Andy succeeds ICT founder and former CEO Hayden Burr, who will transition to the role of Chief Innovation Officer.

By investing in the future, ICT is positioning itself to drive greater value, create new opportunities, and strengthen relationships worldwide. Under Andy’s leadership, ICT will focus on scaling its operations, strengthening its go-to-market strategies, and advancing its technology platform to anticipate and meet evolving customer needs.

Founded in 2003, ICT continues to be driven by a firm commitment to helping partners and customers secure their success. This leadership transition embodies a strategic investment in ICT’s future growth. ICT’s appointment of Andy Bane as CEO and Hayden Burr as Chief Innovation Officer will leverage both their unique skills sets, providing the best of both worlds to benefit ICT, its partners, and customers.

New CEO Andy Bane Brings Decades of Operational Excellence 

Andy Bane brings more than three decades of leadership, innovation, and growth experience across venture-backed startups, private equity (PE)-backed scale-ups, and publicly traded enterprises. Most recently, he served as CEO of Element, a SaaS industrial software company specializing in data solutions for operational excellence. His track record includes roles at ABB Enterprise Software, Ventyx, and Global Energy Decisions, where he successfully led teams in developing and scaling solutions that combine hardware and software for integrated customer value.

“I’m honoured to welcome Andy to ICT,” said founder Hayden Burr. “We’re excited about the new energy and perspective he will bring to ICT, and how his decades of operational excellence will help us continue to scale our operations, strengthen our go-to-market strategies, and advance our technology platform to meet our customers ever-evolving needs.”

“I am thrilled to join ICT at such a pivotal moment of their journey,” said new CEO Andy Bane. “Hayden and the ICT team should be proud of what they have built the past 20 years. I’m inheriting an impressive foundation with a differentiated product portfolio, a global customer base, and a dedicated team. I look forward to working alongside this talented group to expand our reach, continue to find ways to best serve our customers and to build on the company’s legacy of innovation and customer success.”

Hayden Burr Assumes Role of Chief Innovation Officer

As Chief Innovation Officer, Hayden Burr will continue to bring expert security market intelligence, unparallelled ICT product expertise, and a comprehensive understanding of ICT’s history and the principles that have shaped the company’s success thus far.

When asked about his transition into his new role as Chief Innovation Officer, Hayden shared: “After more than 20 years leading ICT, I’m excited to pivot to a role that will enable me to think deeply about future needs, and where things are headed…to think not only about product innovations, but also all the ways we can evolve as a company to better meet the needs of our partners and customers.”

Securing Your Success Starts with Listening

The foundation of any strong partnership is two-way communications. In that spirit of partnership, ICT wants to hear from current and future ICT customers, ICT dealers and integrators, and technology partners. What needs and opportunities do you see?  Please share your ideas, questions, or feedback by visiting ict.co/best-of-both-worlds.

For more information or to inquire about interview availability, please contact Aude Desbrières, Operational Director EMEA at ICT, at adesbrieres@ict.co or +44 7939 336991.

A new survey from Omdia reveals that phishing scams are the leading security threat for smartphone users, with 24% of respondents reporting they have fallen victim to these attacks. Phishing, which includes fraudulent texts, emails, or calls designed to trick individuals into revealing sensitive personal information, remains a significant concern as cybercriminals continue to exploit unsuspecting consumers.

Omdia surveyed 1,572 consumers across the Americas, Asia & Oceania, and Europe in October 2024 for the fourth annual Omdia Mobile Device Security Scorecard. The survey found that the next most common security issue was malware and viruses, followed by physical theft, such as pickpocketing, mugging, or snatching.

In Omdia’s recent assessment of leading premium smartphones, Google’s Pixel 9 Pro and Samsung’s Galaxy S24 outperformed Apple’s Iphone 16 Pro and other Android-based devices, including the Oneplus 12, Xiaomi 14, and Honor Magic 6 Pro. Anti-phishing protection proved to be a weak spot across all devices, as none successfully intercepted all phishing texts, calls and emails.

Simulated spam calls revealed that all Android devices from Google, Xiaomi, OnePlus, Honor, and Samsung successfully flagged suspected spam calls before users answered, while the Iphone 16 Pro lacked similar voice call protection.

No device flagged simulated phishing emails from Gmail as phishing, only identifying them as spam when sent from Google’s SMTP.

Considerable variation in performance

Despite gaps in detecting phishing texts and emails, devices with Google Safe Browsing protections successfully blocked the link from opening, displaying a warning screen and requiring user confirmation to proceed. Performance across browsers varied significantly: Samsung Internet effectively blocked most links, including advanced custom URLs, while Xiaomi Mii and Oneplus Internet browsers failed to warn users about known malicious links, underscoring inconsistencies in Android device’s security.

“The lack of security protection, particularly against the growing threat of phishing attacks, is eroding consumer trust,” said Omdia Senior Analyst, Aaron West. “When consumers were asked if their trust following a security issue increased (due to how well the issue was handled) or decreased, 73% reported they had reduced trust in the smartphone brand and operating system developer.”

Consumers should be vigilant but better protection needed

“Despite the latest protections in place by some manufacturers, it is difficult to protect 100% against phishing attempts, highlighting the severity of the issue and potential impact to consumers. That said, smartphone manufacturers can (demonstrated by the more advanced phishing protection capabilities available) and should have a better baseline of phishing protection – such as voice call protection, and all Android devices making use of Google’s Safe Browsing protections,” said Hollie Hennessy, Principal Analyst, Omdia. “This needs to be paired with awareness activity from manufacturers and the wider industry to help consumers be vigilant and prepared”.

XPP, a leading provider of integrated payment solutions in seamless payments for public transportation, and Oxivo Group, a multinational Dutch/Turkish conglomerate specialised in unattended electronic payments in retail for vending machines, parking, EV charging, and in end-to-end integrations in the world of IoT-based machines – have entered into what is being called a groundbreaking partnership agreement.

Together, they will introduce a new, revolutionary seamless payment service to the Turkish market that will fundamentally change the way payments in public transport are handled and experienced. This payment platform is an innovation that is relevant for many European public transport providers.

The first project that XPP and Oxivo are taking on in their new collaboration is to combine XPP’s payment services, based on the Vayapay and Ginger platforms, with Oxivo’s deep market expertise and established presence in Turkey.

“This partnership is a major step forward in our development,” said Tom van der Poel, CEO of XPP. Together, we are strongly positioned to take transactions in Turkey’s public transport to the next level and will develop an infrastructure that several public transport companies in Europe will be able to benefit from.”

“With this collaboration, we combine the best of the Dutch and Turkish fintech ecosystems to provide transport companies with a unique infrastructure for payment systems,” said Sezer Arslan, Founding Partner and CEO of Oxivo Group. “This technology can be used anywhere in Asia and in Europe.”

The partnership is based on both companies’ shared vision to renew the built-in payment process. Oxivo Group has extensive experience in unattended card payments, while XPP contributes to the partnership with its Smart Payment Platform for omni-channels. Together, they can offer an innovative solution for public transport that breaks with the existing payment methods in the sector. This partnership contributes to Oxivo’s strategy to expand its dominant position from unattended payments in retail to tap-to-pay in public transport.

ASSA ABLOY has acquired Invue, a US-based provider of precision-engineered connected asset protection and access control solutions. The company enables tailormade security solutions to a broad spectrum of industries and retailers.

“This acquisition delivers on our strategy to grow our business through adding complementary products and solutions to our core business,” says Nico Delvaux, President and CEO of ASSA ABLOY.

“Invue is a global technology provider at the forefront of innovative security solutions for protecting assets in the retail business. Invue is an excellent addition to Global Solutions, the acquisition will expand our core capabilities across access control and asset protection globally. I look forward to working with InVue’s successful and experienced team” says Stephanie Ordan, Executive Vice President and Head of Global Technologies business unit Global Solutions.

Invue was founded in 1986 and has some 260 employees. The main office is located in Charlotte, North Carolina, US.

Sales for 2024 amounted to about MUSD 165 with a strong EBIT margin. The acquisition will be accretive to EPS from the start.

Armadrone, a cutting-edge developer of strike drones and MDSI, a leading innovator in modular payload technologies, have entered into a strategic partnership. The collaboration unites Armadrone’s innovative drone engineering and MDSI’s novel payload carrier systems to deliver next-generation affordable solutions for allied defenced forces.

At the core of this partnership is the development and integration of MDSI’s payload carrier, Mailman, into Armadrone’s combat drone platforms. Mailman is a precision guided payload carrier that can be paired with Armadrone’s UAV platforms, such as Punisher and Rex, to provide tactical payload delivery at up to 60 kilometers in tough EW environment conditions.

Strengthening allied defence capabilities

This partnership comes at a critical time as global defence forces seek advanced tools to counter emerging threats. By combining their strengths, Armadrone and MDSI aim to provide allied nations with scalable and reliable solutions that enhance operational effectiveness and minimize risk to personnel.

“Armadrone’s mission has always been to create innovative and practical solutions for the modern battlefield,” said Max Subotin, CBDO of Armadrone. “By teaming up with MDSI and maintaining close daily communication with troops on the front lines, we are taking a step forward in redefining what is possible with smaller armed drones. Our daily processes have a deeply personal dimension, as we remain close to our friends who are currently in combat.”

“Integrating Mailman with Armadrone’s UAS platforms, is the initial result of long-term relationship with Ukrainian partners,” said Christian Steinø, CEO of MDSI. “Mailman is designed to deliver affordable effect with adaptability, complementing the engineering capabilities of Armadrone. Together, we are setting a new benchmark for mission readiness, versatility and scalability.”

Founded in 1986, ELAN stands out in the Italian and foreign markets for the high quality of its Made in Italy products and the guaranteed constant availability of products in stock for prompt delivery. It boasts a portfolio of over 400 products and an excellent multilingual technical and commercial assistance service.

ELAN manufactures cables for security applications such as burglar alarm system, fire detection and voice alarm system, structured wiring, CCTV and building automation. The company also entered into the batteries market offering dry rechargeable lead and lithium batteries distributed under the renowned brand BIGBAT, in order to complete its offering to its wide customer base.

Nowadays, ELAN is proudly recognized as a professional and reliable cable and batteries manufacturer able to supply any connectivity and powering solutions to the expanding security market.

Success in the domestic market is also supporting the fast-growing export business. Thanks to the multilanguage international sales office, to a dedicated logistics department and with an extensive knowledge of international security standards, ELAN is continuously empowering its export activities, providing great connectivity solutions in more than 50 countries.

The international sales department not only collects requests from all over the world but also meet ELAN’s customers attending the most popular security exhibitions, such as Dubai Intersec and Adria Security Summit, which represent a significant opportunity to showcase ELAN’s products and to create new connections and business opportunities with international markets.

Technical skills, design capabilities, consolidated experience in cables and batteries and ISO9001:2015 certification, guarantee ELAN’s customers the quality and the reliability of ELAN and BIGBAT branded products, supporting the everyday job of the electrical installers and system integrators.

Ajax has shared its annual report for the year 2024, and fuelled by the achievements and also by lessons learned from occasional setbacks, Ajax Systems now steps into the new year as strong and ambitious as ever.

2024 was a busy year for the company, with a widening portfolio that reached 180 products, growing by 45 unique devices across all categories in just one year, while software saw 56 updates. Ajax also introduced the expansion of Ajax Services, marking an exciting new chapter for the company.

The team worked toward strengthening partnerships to drive business and user satisfaction. Recording a significant rise in the number of both end and Pro users demonstrated that investing in knowledge sharing, efficiency, and improved online and offline communication was a winning strategy.

Ajax Systems received 20 awards that the company maintains aptly reflects its core priorities. Professional communities worldwide acknowledged the innovativeness of Ajax hardware and software, the sleek design of the products, and the impact of the firm’s communication effort. In addition, Ajax Systems was recognised as the best manufacturer in the industry three times over the year.

Brand-new portfolio segmentation

Ajax Systems undertook a strategic change to the segmentation of its fast-growing portfolio to make it clear and intuitive. The company introduced four categories — Intrusion protection, Fire and life safety, Comfort and automation, and Video surveillance — that marked key directions in its business development.

Baseline and Superior product lines were reimagined. Baseline now encompasses wireless Jeweller devices for intrusion only, while Superior includes wireless Jeweller and wired Fibra devices for high-profile projects. The Superior products will also undergo renaming to ensure they are easily recognisable. The changes are planned to be implemented by the end of 2025.

Ajax Special Event

In November, Ajax hosted its sixth Ajax Special Event, an annual showcase of the company’s latest technologies and devices. This year’s presentations focused on four so-called “universes”, representing the four new Ajax product categories — Intrusion protection, Fire and life safety, Comfort and automation, and Video surveillance. The Ajax team highlighted how all the categories seamlessly integrated within the Ajax ecosystem or so-called Multiverse. This integration aims at delivering not only a better experience for end users but also unlocking infinite business opportunities for Ajax partners.

The Ajax Special Event attracted large global audiences, both online and offline. A total of 139 offline events were held in 39 countries, with the main event hosted in Manchester, UK, at the legendary Old Trafford Stadium. The online broadcast, which was available in 26 languages, saw a substantial rise in first-day views compared to last year’s event. And, according to the company, the Ajax Special Event: Multiverse received unprecedented participation and viewership, achieving new heights for the company.

During the event, the Ajax team introduced 29 products, including three services, and shared exciting news about the obtained certifications. The intrusion protection category expanded with a range of wireless devices. However, the category that excited the audiences the most was Video surveillance, as the Ajax partners were anticipating the portfolio to grow, and they were not disappointed. Ajax Systems announced two new video products:

• Doorbell, a video doorbell with built-in AI, PIR sensor, and control via apps. The device promises excellent video and audio quality and includes innovative communication capabilities.
• Indoorcam, a Wifi security camera with a PIR sensor, built-in AI, and a fallback communication channel. Designed for use in homes, restaurants, and shops.