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Techday NZ
an hour ago
- Business
- Techday NZ
The bouncer at the door: Protecting your network from within
Imagine for a few minutes that you are the owner of an exclusive club where business VIPs gather to share information and relax. And then assume that you hired the best security detail – a "Bouncer" – to stand at the door and ensure you know exactly who comes and goes and keeps everyone safe inside. Maybe picture some combination of Daniel Craig, Lucy Liu and Duane Johnson – that's your Bouncer. At first, you shower the Bouncer with praise and money for creating a secure environment that helps draw people. Now imagine that after a couple years, you take the Bouncer's presence and influence for granted, and you stop praising and paying. In time, the Bouncer is willing to trade entry for cash "tips" and eventually stops caring altogether who comes in and what happens when they get there. Neglect has turned your guardian into a hidden monster at your door. Network security is a lot like that. In a world obsessed with fending off cyber-monsters - phishing attacks, ransomware, and sophisticated malware - there's one lurking danger that's often overlooked: outdated network security hardware. If you've got a firewall or other IT equipment in your closet that's past its prime, it might be doing more harm than good. With neglect, what was once the critical gatekeeper (a/k/a Bouncer) guarding your business can become the hidden monster in your closet. Forget the Hollywood-style breaches; the real nightmare scenario comes from an unmonitored, unpatched IT stack running outdated firmware. Who's watching your IT closet? How well do you know the IT Bouncer in your closet? Do you know who's responsible for keeping it running at its prime? Are you using current technology that guards you against the latest attacks? For many businesses, the answer to these questions is a resounding "no." That neglected piece of hardware sitting in the back of the closet may once have been state-of-the-art. But if it's no longer supported by the manufacturer, it's a sitting duck for attackers who will be scanning the dark web, shopping for serial numbers of vulnerable devices. End-of-life (EOL) hardware doesn't receive updates, patches, or security fixes. Attackers know exactly when a vendor stops supporting a device, and they actively exploit this knowledge. These out-of-date devices are often left connected to the internet, unwittingly providing a direct entry point for malicious actors. The weakest link in the chain Every business depends on its network to function, but a network is as strong as its weakest link. Unmanaged, EOL hardware can become the Achilles' heel of an otherwise robust IT security stack. Not having someone proactively paying attention to the security of your network can create a false sense of security – "but I have a Bouncer." Take a firewall, for instance. Its primary job is to protect your network by filtering traffic, identifying threats, and enforcing security policies. But when it's no longer receiving firmware updates, it becomes increasingly ineffective. Over time, vulnerabilities pile up as cybercriminals develop zero-day exploits that target these known weaknesses. It's not just firewalls. Switches, routers, and other network devices can also pose a risk when they reach EOL. Dated or unmanaged hardware leaves gaps in your defenses, making it easier for attackers to infiltrate your network, steal data, or disrupt your operations. The quick fix? Evaluate a managed service provider. Why businesses hesitate Despite these risks, many organizations delay upgrading their hardware. Why? Cost concerns: Upgrading network security hardware can seem expensive. Decision-makers often see it as a non-urgent expense, especially if the current system is still functioning. Upgrading network security hardware can seem expensive. Decision-makers often see it as a non-urgent expense, especially if the current system is still functioning. Complexity: Replacing hardware can be daunting, requiring downtime, planning, and coordination between IT staff and vendors. Replacing hardware can be daunting, requiring downtime, planning, and coordination between IT staff and vendors. Out of sight, out of Mind: Many organizations don't conduct regular IT audits, leaving outdated devices unnoticed in the back of a closet. These reasons may feel valid in the short term, but the long-term consequences of inaction can be devastating. The primary objections/concerns that lead to neglect can be overcome by buying security as a service. The real cost of ignoring EOL hardware What happens when you ignore outdated hardware? The potential fallout includes: Data breaches: Attackers exploit vulnerabilities in EOL devices to steal sensitive customer or company data, leading to financial loss and reputational damage. Downtime: A successful attack can take your network offline, halting operations and costing you thousands - or even millions - in lost revenue. Non-compliance: Many industries have strict regulations regarding data security. Running unsupported hardware may violate compliance standards, leading to fines or legal trouble. How to tackle the problem Leverage managed services – If managing your IT stack in-house feels overwhelming, consider outsourcing to a managed service provider (MSP). MSPs can monitor your devices, ensure firmware is up-to-date, and proactively replace hardware before it becomes a liability. Spend your money on service-oriented outcomes, not just products. Implement layered security – Upgrading your firewall is a great first step, but no single device can protect your network entirely. A layered security approach - including intrusion detection systems, endpoint protection, and robust user authentication - provides a more comprehensive defense. Get a comprehensive audit – Start by knowing all the hardware in your IT environment. Find a service provider who has tools to identify IT assets that have reached or are approaching end-of-life status. Don't just look at firewalls - include routers, switches, and even endpoint security devices. Develop a replacement plan – Once you've identified outdated hardware, work with your IT team or a trusted vendor to create a phased replacement plan. Prioritize devices that pose the greatest risk and allocate budget accordingly. Educate your team – Make sure everyone in your organization understands the importance of keeping IT hardware up to date. Cybersecurity isn't just an IT responsibility - it's a company-wide priority. Proactive measures save money and headaches Upgrading network security hardware may seem like an expensive undertaking, but it's far less costly than recovering from a data breach or dealing with regulatory penalties. Many service providers offer opex-based solutions as a monthly service, sparing you the often large and discouraging capex investments. Proactively replacing outdated devices keeps your network secure, your operations running smoothly, and your customers' trust intact. Plus, newer hardware often comes with advanced features that improve performance and scalability, providing additional business value. For example, modern firewalls may include AI-powered threat detection or integrated VPN capabilities, offering greater protection and functionality than older models. The risk is real - Don't wait to act If you've been ignoring the IT stack in your closet, now is the time to act. The risks of running EOL hardware far outweigh the inconvenience of replacing it. Hackers are constantly evolving their tactics, and outdated devices make their job easier. Don't let your business become a statistic. Schedule a hardware audit today and make a plan to stay ahead of EOL risks. Because when it comes to cybersecurity, prevention is always better than cure. The monsters in your closet aren't imaginary - they're outdated network devices just waiting to be exploited. Protecting your organization starts with understanding the risks and taking proactive steps to address them. By replacing EOL hardware, you're not just upgrading your network - you're securing your future.
Yahoo
12 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Rian Johnson to Receive 2025 Austin Film Festival's Bill Wittliff Screenwriting Award
The ceremony will coincide with the Texas premiere of Johnson's 'Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery' The Austin Film Festival will bestow the Bill Wittliff Award for Screenwriting to writer/director Rian Johnson, as part of this year's Writers Conference, happening Oct. 23 – 26. The festival will also screen Johnson's 'Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery,' the third installment in the filmmaker's whodunnit series after 'Knives Out' and 'Glass Onion.' Both screenplays were nominated for Academy Awards. 'Wake Up Dead Man' sees Daniel Craig return as private detective Benoit Blanc, investigating a new murder and interrogating a new set of quirky suspects. The typically star-studded cast includes Josh O'Connor, Glenn Close, Josh Brolin, Mila Kunis, Jeremy Renner, Kerry Washington, Andrew Scott, Cailee Spaeny, Daryl McCormack and Thomas Haden Church. The film will premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival in September before being released on Netflix on Dec. 12. More from TheWrap Rian Johnson to Receive 2025 Austin Film Festival's Bill Wittliff Screenwriting Award | Exclusive Liam Neeson Admits He Used a Butt Double in 'The Naked Gun': 'It's in the Contract' | Video How Will 'Bad Guys 2' and 'Naked Gun' Fare Against 'Fantastic Four' at the Box Office? How 'KPop Demon Hunters' Became Netflix's 'Frozen' | Exclusive The award is named after Bill Wittliff, the Austin-born screenwriter of 'Lonesome Dove,' 'Legends of the Fall' and 'The Perfect Storm' (among many others). He died in 2019 at the age of 79. 'We are thrilled to welcome Rian Johnson back to Austin Film Festival as this year's recipient of the Bill Wittliff Award for Screenwriting,' Barbara Morgan, AFF's co-founder and executive director, said in a statement. 'Rian is an incredibly gifted screenwriter and visionary filmmaker whose body of work and generosity to the next generation of storytellers exemplifies this award. His latest installment in the Knives Out Mystery canon, 'Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery,' solidifies his singular talent for combining intricate plotting, sharp comedic sense and character-driven emotional impact to deliver an always unexpected, wildly entertaining story. Our audience will be delighted to experience this twisting, turning, captivating caper on the silver screen this October.' Johnson will be recognized at AFF's Awards Luncheon alongside producing awardee Christine Vachon and television writer awardee Yvette Lee Bowser. The Awards Luncheon takes place on Saturday, Oct. 25 and features awardees honored for their career achievements, AFF's script and film competition winners and the recipients of industry-sponsored fellowships. 'I'm honored to be receiving the Bill Wittliff award from the Austin Film Festival,' Johnson said in a statement. 'I love the AFF and its support of established and emerging writers, and attending will be both a pleasure and a welcomed excuse to procrastinate on my own writing.' Austin Film Festival's Writers Conference will again present over 150 panels on the art, craft and business of storytelling, featuring a slate of prominent industry professionals working in film, television, and new media. Badges and Passes are available now. The post Rian Johnson to Receive 2025 Austin Film Festival's Bill Wittliff Screenwriting Award | Exclusive appeared first on TheWrap.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
After Taron Egerton's Name Got Thrown Out For Bond 26, I Would Have Expected He'd Be Jazzed About It. I'd Be Wrong
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. EON Production's James Bond is one of the most popular movie franchises of all time, spanning generations of fans. No Time To Die's ending marked Daniel Craig's final bow as 007, and moviegoers are wondering who will take on the mantle next. One popular fan choice is Kingsman star Taron Egerton, who recently addressed all the chatter about him as the beloved MI6 agent. With Daniel Craig's Bond movies in the rear view, it seems only a matter of time before another actor takes on the role of 007. Egerton has been a popular choice, especially since we've seen him in action spy movies before. In an interview with Collider, the actor was asked if he's down to play the martini-sipping character, and he responded with: No. And I don't think I'm a good choice for it. I think I'm too messy for that. Darn. While he's usually included in the James Bond odds, it sounds like the Rocketman actor isn't actually interested in playing that iconic character. I have to wonder how this will change his ranking among the fans, as well as any bets that are being set about this particular casting. One might wonder exactly why Egerton feels this way. After all, he's done plenty of exhausting action sequences throughout the Kingsman franchise. In the same interview, the Carry-On star spoke more about why he wasn't interested. He said: James Bond is quite an undertaking and I think, one, as far as I'm aware, nobody's asking me to do it. But also, it's possibly not quite the thing that would make me happiest. I do think it's a big old undertaking, it kind of consumes your life, a role like that. He's not wrong. While Daniel Craig was able to work on a few other projects during his tenure, Bond is a career-consuming role. And that's not necessarily something that Egerton is interested in at this point in his career. Instead, he'd rather take various passion projects that come up. Age-wise, Taron Egerton seems like an excellent choice for 007. He's currently 35 years-old, which is three years younger than Craig was when he debuted in Casino Royale. Alas, Egerton seems to think someone younger should get the gig, as he said: I think I wouldn't be good at it, and I think there's so many cool, younger actors who would be great for it. I think it would be wasted on me, probably. Well, that's one popular choice who seemingly isn't going to actually be playing 007. Other fan choices include Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Richard Madden, Henry Cavill, and Regé-Jean Page. Only time will tell who actually lands the role, and whether or not it's a familiar face. The James Bond franchise is definitely in a transitional period, and for more than its casting. Amazon-MGM are set to produce the next movie, marking a major change in the property. What we know about James Bond 26 is very slim, and it's not expected to arrive on the 2025 movie release list. Hopefully we get news about casting sooner rather than later... just don't expect Taron Egerton to get in on the fun. Solve the daily Crossword
The Sun
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Taron Egerton breaks silence on James Bond rumours after being backed for 007 role
TARON Egerton has addressed James Bond rumours - after being backed to play the iconic secret agent. The 35-year-old Rocketman star has been long-linked to become the next 007. 4 4 4 Back in 2019, former Bond star Roger Moore's son Geoffrey backed Taron for the part. However, the Welsh actor said in a recent interview that he "wouldn't be good at" playing Bond. Speaking to Collider, Taron shared: "I don't think I'm a good choice for it, I think I'm too messy for that. "I really love James Bond and particularly Daniel Craig 's tenure, but I think I wouldn't be good at it. "I think there's so many cool, younger actors who would be great for it. "I think it would be wasted on me, probably." Taron has already tried his hand at playing a secret agent, starring in the Kingsman film franchise opposite Colin Firth. The first film follows his character, Gary "Eggsy" Unwin, being recruited into a secret spy organisation. Taron won a Golden Globe for portraying Elton John in 2019 musical drama Rocketman. More recently, he played the lead role in Apple TV+ drama series Smoke. Massive American film star becomes favourite to be next Bond girl as she is pals with new 007 director Daniel Craig, 57, starred as 007 in five James Bond films - making his final appearance in 2021's No Time To Die. His other instalments include Casino Royale (2006), Quantum of Solace (2008), Skyfall (2012) and Spectre (2015). Earlier this year, he reflected on the experience while appearing on on Italian chat show Che Tempo Che Fa. The actor said: "I still can't believe it, it was an honour. "But I can't take a step forward, get out of it, because it was an important part of my life." Aside from Taron, other names in the running reportedly include Jacob Elordi, Harris Dickinson and Tom Holland. While there is still speculation that Aaron Taylor-Johnson, 35, or Henry Cavill, 42, are also in the running - but with them both being over 30, it may rule them out. 4
Buzz Feed
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
21 Banned Movies
Snow White (2025) was banned in Lebanon because it starred Gal Gadot. This wasn't because of her acting – it was because she's Israeli-born and served a mandatory two-year service in the Israel Defense Forces. Lebanon actually has an "Israel Boycott List," which is why a lot of movies starring Israeli-born actors aren't released there. There was also a rumor that Snow White was banned in Kuwait because it featured Gal Gadot, but that was proven false. Queer (2024) was banned in Turkey for its "provocative content." The LGBTQ+ film starred Daniel Craig and Drew Starkey, and it featured brief full-frontal male nudity (which was very hot!!!!!!). The film's director, Luca Guadagnino, addressed the ban, saying, "They banned the movie because they said the movie was creating social disorder. I wonder if they've seen the movie or if they are just judging it by the outline or, let's say, the facetious stupidity of some journalism focusing on James Bond going gay.' Monty Python's Life of Brian (1979) was banned in several different towns across the United States because of its "controversial themes about Christianity." This movie was also banned in several countries. For example, Ireland banned it from 1979–1987, and Norway banned it for a full year until 1980. The studio even used these bans as a way to promote the film. In Sweden, they added the tagline "the film so funny that it got banned in Norway." Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (2023) was banned in the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, and Lebanon for featuring a single animated frame with a trans flag on it. The trans flag appears VERY briefly in Gwen Stacy's bedroom, and it reads "protect trans kids." Unfortunately, there are extra strict guidelines for films in some countries — especially for movies with kids as the target audience — which need to abide by "local customs and values." Barbie (2023) was banned in Vietnam because there's a scene that features a map with the "nine-dash line" (a controversial divider used by China to represent its territorial claims in the South China Sea) on it. Several countries disagree with China's territorial claims, so this isn't the first time a depiction of the nine-dash line has led to a movie being banned. For example, in 2019, the animated film Abominable was banned in Vietnam, and the Philippines' government also called for a boycott of the film. The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974) was banned in certain countries all across Europe, including in Finland from 1974–1996, for its graphic violence. The movie was initially released in the UK and ran for a full year in London, but it was then banned for 25 years. The British Board of Film Classification even banned the word "chainsaw" from appearing in movie titles during that time. Tobe Hopper, the movie's director, disagreed with the ban, stating that there's "relatively little blood" in the actual film. He went into detail about one scene in particular, when the character Pam is hanged on a meat hook, saying, "You don't see penetration. You don't see blood splatter. There is the shot when she's holding onto the hook and the camera pans down her body, and she's over this washtub. There's no blood running from her body into the tub, but you know what the tub is for. And a lot of people swear that they saw blood, because they know what it's for. And the washtub comes out again later, so as not to ruin the carpet when they're in the dinner scene." Lightyear (2022) was banned in several OIC (Organisation of Islamic Cooperation) member states — including Egypt, Indonesia, and Saudi Arabia — because of a brief same-sex kiss between two characters. Disney originally cut the scene entirely because of this backlash, but it was ultimately added back in after a group of Pixar employees spoke out in opposition via an open letter to Disney. Alternate versions of the scene were then released in certain countries, like in Russia where the word "girlfriend" was changed to "partner." Here's a snippet from the open letter to Disney, which you can read in full here: "We at Pixar have personally witnessed beautiful stories, full of diverse characters, come back from Disney corporate reviews shaved down to crumbs of what they once were. Nearly every moment of overtly gay affection is cut at Disney's behest, regardless of when there is protest from both the creative teams and executive leadership at Pixar. Even if creating LGBTQIA+ content was the answer to fixing the discriminatory legislation in the world, we are being barred from creating it." Eternals (2021) was banned in Saudi Arabia and Oman because Marvel's first openly gay superhero, Phastos, had a husband in the movie and shared a kiss with him. It was also banned in Kuwait and Qatar, presumably because those markets have "historically had a problem with the depiction of gods and prophets," i.e. things they consider "blasphemous." Fifty Shades of Grey (2015) was banned all over — like in Kenya, Papua New Guinea, Zimbabwe, and the United Arab Emirates — for featuring strong sexual content. The United Arab Emirates' National Media Council actually proposed that a shortened version of the film could be released, but the studio would have had to cut 35 minutes of "inappropriate scenes" to make it happen, so they instead just pulled the movie entirely. Borat (2006) was banned in Russia — among several other countries — for potentially being offensive to certain peoples' "religious or national sensibilities." Here's the exact reasoning and quote as to why, according to Yuri Vasyuchkov, the head of the film and licensing department for Russia: "We decided not to grant this film a cinema license because there are moments in the film which could offend some viewers' religious or national sensibilities." The Da Vinci Code (2006) was banned in a bunchhh of countries — including Egypt, Jordan, and Lebanon — because of "blasphemous content." For example, the movie was banned in Jordan because it "tarnishes the memory of Christian and Islamic figures and contradicts the truth as written in the Bible and the Koran about Jesus." Wonder Woman (2017) was banned in Tunisia because of a Facebook post that its star, Gal Gadot, made in 2014. Her comments defended Israel's war on Gaza in Palestine. The movie was also banned in Lebanon because of their "Anti-Israel Boycott" law, as mentioned earlier in this article. That law is apparently "inconsistently enforced," which is why a few of Gal Gadot's movies have aired there without being banned, like Fast & Furious 6 and Knight and Day. The Human Centipede 2 (2011) was temporarily banned in Australia because of its "level of depictions of violence." Australia has an RC ("refused classification") category for things like movies and video games. Basically, anything with this rating cannot be "sold, hired, advertised, or legally imported in Australia." The Human Centipede 2 originally got an RC rating because it contained "gratuitous, exploitative, or offensive depictions of violence with a very high degree of impact and cruelty." It was later resubmitted for a new rating. Onward (2020) was banned in several countries in the Middle East because the movie depicted Disney's "first" openly gay character. The movie was also censored in Russia by replacing the word "girlfriend" with "partner," and other versions simply edited around mentioning the queer character's gender entirely. Justice for Globby! The Phantom of the Opera (1925) was banned in the United Kingdom for a few different reasons, most famously because it was "too horrifying" for general audiences. Carl Laemmle, one of the uncredited producers of The Phantom of the Opera, tried to dispute this ban back in 1926, but the Cinematograph Exhibitors' Association wouldn't budge. This 99-year-old article from the New York Times about the banning is so fascinating. Natural Born Killers (1994) was banned in Ireland because they were concerned about copycat killers being inspired by the movie. Ireland's censorship board originally didn't give a reason as to why it was banned, and the UK even delayed the release of the movie until the following year because the British Board of Film Classification was unsure if they should give it a rating. Oliver Stone, the movie's director, defended the film against being banned by saying it was a "satire on how the news media can turn serial killers into celebrities." Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2022) was banned in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Jordan, and Egypt because it features a lesbian character. Xochitl Gomez plays America Chavez in the sequel. This character is gay in both the film and the Marvel comics, but unfortunately, it's super common for queer characters to be banned or edited out of movies in the Persian Gulf. Every single movie from the Marx Brothers was banned in Germany because they were Jewish. They made over a dozen films together throughout the '20s–'40s, and even though their mother, Miene Schönberg, was born in Dornum (a village in Germany), their films were still banned in the country. Ireland also banned their movie Monkey Business (1931) for nearly ~70 years~ until the year 2000. This was done in fear that it would "provoke the Irish to anarchy." And finally, their movie Duck Soup (1933) was banned in Italy for over a decade by fascist dictator Benito Mussolini. The film mocked dictators, and he "regarded it as a personal insult."
