Gallagher has appointed Merv Williams as Chief Marketing Officer (CMO). Williams will lead the development and delivery of Gallagher Security’s global marketing strategy across key markets including Australia, New Zealand, Asia, the UK, Europe, and IMEA, reporting to Chief Executive – Security, Mark Junge.

Says Junge: “Merv is a highly experienced career marketer and a well-respected member of the Gallagher team. His continued stewardship of our brand evolution will be at the forefront of marketing efforts to accelerate growth and lift market recognition within the international security tech ecosystem.”

Of his appointment to CMO Williams says: “Stepping into this role at such an exciting time in our journey is a real privilege – Gallagher is 85 years young, and we are driving innovation and opening up new market opportunities across the globe on an almost daily basis – it’s a seriously great place to be”.

Williams joined Gallagher Security at their global headquarters in Hamilton, New Zealand two years ago; first as Brand and PR Manager, and recently as acting CMO. Previously, he has held leadership roles at marketing and creative agencies and was General Manager for global brands serving the construction sector.

Marketsandmarkets has published a new report revealing that the global cyber security market size is projected to grow from USD 190.4 billion in 2023 to USD 298.5 billion by 2028 at a CAGR of 9.4% during the forecast period. The expansion of the cyber security market is primarily driven by the escalating number and sophistication of cyber threats as organisations and individuals increasingly operate in a digitally interconnected world.

The widespread adoption of technologies like cloud computing, the IoT, and AI further amplifies the need for robust cyber security measures. Additionally, stringent regulatory requirements for data protection across various industries compel businesses to enhance their cyber security frameworks. The rapid digital transformation, coupled with a heightened awareness of cyber risks, also plays a crucial role in fueling the growth of the cyber security market.

Historically healthcare lags in cyber security investment

The healthcare and life sciences sector is expected to grow at the highest CAGR in the cyber security market for several reasons. The sector deals with vast amounts of sensitive personal health information, making it a prime target for cyber attacks. With the increasing use of technology in healthcare, such as electronic health records and connected medical devices, there is a larger surface for potential cyber threats. These technologies, while improving patient care and operational efficiency, also create vulnerabilities that need strong cyber security measures. Additionally, the healthcare sector must comply with stringent regulations regarding patient data protection, like HIPAA in the US. Historically, the healthcare sector has not been as heavily invested in cyber security as others, which means there is a lot of ground to cover quickly.

A growing number of complex threats

The solutions segment in the cyber security market is anticipated to have the largest market size due to several key factors. Firstly, the growing number of cyber threats, which are becoming more complex, requires sophisticated and comprehensive cyber security solutions. These threats are no longer limited to large organisations but affect businesses of all sizes and individuals, broadening the market for cyber security solutions. Secondly, the rapid digital transformation across various industries has made businesses more reliant on digital infrastructure. This shift demands robust cyber security measures to protect sensitive data and ensure business continuity.

Additionally, as companies increasingly adopt technologies like cloud computing, the IoT, and AI, the need for advanced security solutions to safeguard these technologies becomes more pronounced. Furthermore, regulatory requirements across the globe are becoming stricter in terms of data protection, pushing companies to invest in reliable cybersecurity solutions to comply with these regulations. All these factors contribute to the growing market size of the solutions segment in the cybersecurity landscape.

The biggest growth in digital activity in Asia

The Asia Pacific region, encompassing well-established economies like China and Japan and emerging economies like India, is poised for the highest CAGR during the forecasted period due to several key factors. Rapid economic growth in the Asia Pacific region led to a significant increase in digitalisation across businesses and government sectors, creating a larger target for cyber threats. This surge in digital activities necessitates stronger cyber security measures. Additionally, the region is experiencing a rapid expansion in internet usage and smartphone adoption, further increasing the need for robust digital security. Many countries in the Asia Pacific are also developing and enforcing stricter data protection regulations, compelling businesses to enhance their cyber security infrastructure.

Market players

There is a wide range of players in this market including large conglomerates and multi-national corporations, most are from the US, with a few from other countries such as the UK, Ireland, India, U.A.E and Finland.  Some of those mentioned by the researchers in the report, for example, are IBM, Cisco, Microsoft, Palo Alto Networks, Fortinet, Check Point, Trellix, Trend Micro, Rapid7, Micro Focus, AWS, Oracle, Accenture, Cyberark, SentinelOne, Qualys, F-secure, F5, RSA Security, Sophos.

Vigan, on the west coast of Luzon island, is the only city in the Philippines to be recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage City. The city government wanted to upgrade their ordinary sound system to an advanced conference system to host international conferences such as the UNESCO World Heritage Committee (WHC) meeting. It was important that the aesthetics of the historic city hall not be compromised. They also wanted a flexible solution that could be used in local meetings.

 A flexible solution that fits into the historic venue

The decision was made in favour of the DICENTIS Wireless Conference System from Bosch. It has advanced yet easy-to-use features. For example, the wireless discussion device has a 4.3-inch touchscreen designed for fast, intuitive operation. The system offers the flexibility to host conferences with international participants as well as local meetings. DICENTIS also addresses all health and safety concerns regarding microphone sharing among attendees.

Not only does the system allow for quick and easy transport and set-up at various locations, but it also does not compromise the integrity of the historic site. No cables need to be laid or holes drilled.

Suitable for different meetings and locations

Joven Cura, General Manager of Comsec iTech Corporation, said, “The end-user easily adapted to the system due to the user-friendly menu that they can access via laptop or through their mobile phone or tablet.”

The new solution was specified and installed by intelligent building technology specialists Comsec iTech Corporation, from Makati City, Philippines and includes 41 wireless devices with long-stem microphones, a single wireless access point, recording software, Li-ion battery packs and chargers, and transport cases.

“The ease of installation for meetings outside the City Hall has made the DICENTIS wireless conference system the ideal solution for Vigan City’s upgrade,” Joven Cura stated.

Addsecure, a leading provider of secure IoT connectivity and end-to-end solutions, has been nominated for the prestigious IoT Global Awards in two categories.

The company’s IoT connectivity platform, Link, has been recognised in the “Securing IoT” category for its performance and innovation. Additionally, Addsecure’s CEO, Stefan Albertsson, has been nominated for the coveted “CxO of the Year” award.

The IoT Global Awards presents a prestigious awards programme honouring some of the most innovative companies, products, and individual talent in 11 IoT industry categories. Each year an independent and qualified panel of judges selects 11 of the very best corporations, companies, start-ups, and business leaders from the IoT sector, from hundreds of applications. Addsecure’s nominations in two categories demonstrate the company’s commitment to delivering secure and cutting-edge IoT solutions.

“I’m delighted that we’ve secured a spot on the shortlist for the esteemed IoT Global Awards in two categories. I take special pride in the nomination of our secure IoT connectivity solution, Link, for the title of Best Secure IoT Product/Service of the Year. This recognition affirms the value of our innovative solution, which not only streamlines operations and scales effortlessly but also enhances global safety without requiring specialized safety expertise from users,“ says Stefan Albertsson, CEO of Addsecure.

Addsecure’s IoT connectivity platform, Link, in combination with Mobile Network Operator aggregation, offers a comprehensive solution for secure IoT connectivity. By integrating SIM cards into VPN clouds, the platform ensures the establishment of secure mobile subscriptions for businesses of all sizes. Its user-friendly interface and scalability make it an ideal choice for companies seeking reliable and efficient IoT connectivity solutions.

The winners of the 2024 IoT Global Awards will be announced on Friday, February 16, 2024.

Last year, fake and stolen X (Twitter) Gold accounts flooded online and dark web marketplaces and forums, according to a CloudSEK report. Cybercriminals have been using multiple techniques to counterfeit and steal X Gold accounts since the company introduced a new verified account program in December 2022.

Twitter Gold, now X Gold, denotes a verified organization’s account on the platform. This label was introduced alongside Twitter Blue, now X Blue, a tick that any user can purchase if they want a premium account, and Twitter Grey, now X Grey, for public and non-governmental organizations.

CloudSEK researchers noticed the first ad for a Gold account on dark web markets in March 2023. Since then, a wave of ads for X Gold accounts on the dark web has been noticed, in addition to ads for fake or stolen Facebook, Instagram, Yahoo and TikTok accounts.

Cybercriminals selling these accounts use several methods to obtain them, including manually creating fake accounts that advertisers verify and then “ready to use” for customers. This is ideal for criminals who need a fake identity, according to CloudSEK. Another method is hacking existing accounts: cybercriminals take over a user’s existing account using a generic combined list of usernames and passwords. Tools used for this are, among others, Open Bullet, SilverBullet and SentryMBA. The third method involves using malware to collect credentials and steal accounts.

Prices for fake or stolen accounts range from about $0.30 for a new X account without a tick to about $500 for a Gold account. All purchases are made through intermediaries, guaranteeing the authenticity of sellers’ orders and buyers’ funds. Such ads also provide multiple opportunities for cybercriminals to become guarantors because large sums are at stake. In addition, such accounts can be resold, which opens up a whole market of resellers of compromised accounts, CloudSEK researchers say. Hacked social media accounts can be used for phishing campaigns. They can also be used to damage the account owner’s reputation.