Latest news with #Kines
Straits Times
a day ago
- Business
- Straits Times
British cyber-security firm invests $1.2m in Singapore office, will hire 20 engineers over 3 years
Goldilock co-founder and co-CEO Stephen Kines with the Firebreak device after the launch event held at CyberSG TIG Collaboration Centre on June 2. ST PHOTO: MARK CHEONG SINGAPORE – British cyber-security firm Goldilock has invested $1.2 million to open an office in Singapore in July, and aims to hire about 20 engineers in the coming years. The company has also received an additional $800,000 from the UK-Singapore Collaborative R&D fund by Britain's innovation agency Innovate UK and trade agency Enterprise Singapore. The two countries had signed the UK-Singapore Digital Economy Agreement in 2022 to boost digital trade between them. Goldilock will have five engineers – with additional support staff – in the first 1½ years of operation here, before expanding to 20 engineers over the next three years, its chief operating officer and co-founder Stephen Kines said on June 2. The company will also look to reskill engineers in other fields, as it believes in bringing different perspectives to cyber security, he added. 'We're looking for engineers that can understand how to think differently about the network architecture, and look at how Goldilock can be deployed in those different situations,' he said. Goldilock's entry in Singapore comes as the Republic's cyber-security workforce has grown in recent years, tripling from 4,000 in 2016 to 12,000 in 2022. According to a report by US-based consulting firm Research and Markets, Singapore's cyber-security market is expected to double to US$4.82 billion (S$6.2 billion) by 2029. Mr Kines was speaking at an event at the CyberSG Talent, Innovation and Growth (TIG) Collaboration Centre in Ayer Rajah on June 2. The Singapore office – which will serve as Goldilock's Asia-Pacific headquarters – will be located in the Ubi area. It is the third location for the five-year-old firm, after Britain and the United States. Ms Rhiannon Harries, deputy trade commissioner for Asia Pacific (South-east Asia) at the UK Department for Business and Trade, described Britain and South-east Asia as 'natural partners' in technology, with a shared ambition for growth and innovation. 'I am pleased that Goldilock has opened its new office in Singapore, highlighting our cyber-security partnership that is going from strength to strength,' she said in a statement. Goldilock's solutions protect users against cyber attacks by allowing them to segment and disconnect parts of their network they want to protect, Mr Kines said. Users can send a text message which activates the technology and effectively pulls the plug on their systems, making it impossible for an attacker to access, he added. 'Think of it as an invisibility cloak – the attacker can't see and can't attack what isn't there,' he said. He noted this is similar to what British retailer Co-Op did when faced with a cyber attack in May, reportedly taking its computer services offline to foil the attackers. The company is named after the Goldilocks principle of finding a balance that is 'just right', just like in the fairy tale of the same name . In the cyber-security company's case, it aims to find a balance between so-called 'hot storage', where data is quickly and easily accessible, and 'cold storage', which is isolated from the internet. On June 2, Mr Kines also announced the company's new modular unit, which is designed to make its solutions more adaptable to different environments. The technology presents an opportunity for the defence sector as well as other industries in the Asia-Pacific to enhance their cyber-security efforts, said Goldilock board senior adviser Anne-Marie Trevelyan, who attended the event. 'It's an opportunity to bring this brilliant UK invention to the region,' said Ms Trevelyan, who previously served as British Minister of State for the Indo-Pacific. In September 2024, Goldilock was one of 10 companies selected to join the second phase of the Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (Diana), a safety and security initiative by Nato, receiving up to €300,000 (S$440,730) in funding as well as other support. It had been selected for Diana's first cohort a year earlier. Mr Kines credited the 'invaluable support' of the CyberSG TIG Collaboration Centre, as well as the British High Commission in Singapore, for allowing Goldilock to make progress in the Asia-Pacific region. The centre, a joint initiative by NUS and the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore, aims to establish Singapore as a global cyber-security innovation hub. Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Business Times
2 days ago
- Business
- Business Times
Cybersecurity firm Goldilock invests S$1.2 million, opens regional HQ in Singapore
[SINGAPORE] Cybersecurity company Goldilock has announced the opening of its first office in Singapore and Asia-Pacific headquarters on Monday (Jun 2), as part of a S$2 million investment. It invested S$1.2 million to open the Singapore office, and received an additional S$800,000 from the UK-Singapore Collaborative Research and Design (R&D) Call Fund by Innovate UK and Enterprise Singapore. The fund aims to encourage the development of ready-to-market solutions for products, technology-based services or processes that have strong market potential for Singapore, the UK or the international market. Goldilock specialises in producing hardware solutions for businesses. Its Singapore office will also serve as a R&D centre. Stephen Kines, co-founder and chief operating officer of Goldilock, told The Business Times that it is currently working with channel partners and distributors. Its local channel partners include NCS and ST Engineering. Goldilock also has existing customers in Australia and Japan. Kines said that Goldilock intends to hire at least five engineers in Singapore within the first 18 months of opening, and approximately 20 people over the coming three years. 'Our progress in Apac would not have been possible without the invaluable support of the CyberSG Talent, Innovation and Growth (TIG) Collaboration Centre,' he said. TIG Collaboration Centre is a joint initiative between the National University of Singapore and the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore. The initiative is one of the goals of Singapore's operational technology cybersecurity masterplan, put together by the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore to enhance the operational technology cybersecurity talent pipeline. 'This milestone represents a deepening of UK-Singapore cooperation on cybersecurity innovation, with Singapore having updated its operational technology cybersecurity last year,' said a spokesman from Goldilock.
Newsweek
5 days ago
- Climate
- Newsweek
Six States Where Wildfire Smoke Set To 'Dim The Sun'
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Wildfire smoke from the ongoing Canadian wildfires will begin drifting into the United States later this week, AccuWeather meteorologists report. The atmospheric haze may be so thick it "dims the sun" for residents in the six states it impacts, including North Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, and Michigan. Potentially reduced air quality is also expected in major cities such as Minneapolis, Duluth, Green Bay, Fargo, Milwaukee, and Chicago. Why It Matters This event marks the first sizable influx of Canadian wildfire smoke into the U.S. since 2023 when air quality reached dangerous levels for millions in the Northeast. The phenomenon is a growing concern due to the recurrence and intensity of North American wildfires, which scientists link to continued dry and hot conditions. Atmospheric smoke and pollutants pose particular risks for those with respiratory issues and may also exacerbate ozone levels during heatwaves, amplifying public health risks as the U.S. heads into summer. What To Know According to AccuWeather, smoke will be most apparent during the upcoming dry and sunny weekend as steering winds direct plumes of smoke from wildfires burning across British Columbia, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba into the northern Plains and Midwest regions. AccuWeather senior meteorologist Tom Kines told Newsweek the most obvious impact from the smoke would be hazy skies, which could contribute to visually beautiful sunrises and sunsets in the affected areas. A stock photo of a hazy sun seen through wildfire smoke in Colorado. A stock photo of a hazy sun seen through wildfire smoke in Colorado. lightphoto/Getty However, if the smoke falls lower in the atmosphere, it could contribute to air quality concerns, Kines said. People who are sensitive to poor air quality should monitor local guidance. AccuWeather meteorologists said concentrations of smoke would reach the northern Plains—including North Dakota and Minnesota—before spreading southeast into Wisconsin, Illinois, and Michigan late this week, continuing into the weekend. The National Weather Service (NWS) has already corroborated reports of campfire-like smells and sun-dimming effects in affected regions, especially across the Great Lakes, on Thursday. The NWS advised the public to monitor real-time air quality using available online tools, noting that air pollution risks increase substantially when smoke drops to lower elevations. Separately, meteorologists have noted that Saharan dust—fine particles blown across the Atlantic from Africa—may also enter southern parts of the U.S. later this week. While not directly tied to the current wildfire-smoke episode, Saharan dust events can contribute to hazy conditions and vivid sunsets, similar to wildfire smoke, but are not expected to directly impact the same Midwest states in the coming days. What People Are Saying AccuWeather meteorologist Brandon Buckingham said in a report: "Most of the time, the smoke will be high-flying and dim the sun, leading to vivid sunrises and sunsets and causing a hazy appearance to the sky overhead." AccuWeather senior meteorologist Adam Douty said in a report: "Most of these areas in the Midwest will have days where there is little or no rain around and the sun is out over the weekend. So the smoke will be more noticeable. The smoke may reach into the Northeast as well, but with extensive clouds and showers this weekend, the smoky haze may be mixed in and not so obvious." What Happens Next Forecasts indicate that the affected states will experience hazy, sun-dimmed conditions through the weekend, with real-time air-quality monitoring recommended for residents.
Newsweek
23-05-2025
- Climate
- Newsweek
Map Shows Where Storms Could Disrupt Memorial Day Celebrations, Travel
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Many travelers could face dangerous weather conditions as thunderstorms are expected to plague a wide swath of the U.S. during Memorial Day weekend. Newsweek reached out to AccuWeather by email for comment. Why It Matters This year, the American Automobile Association (AAA) is anticipating that more than 45 million people will travel at least 50 miles from home from May 22 to 26 to celebrate Memorial Day. It's expected to set a new Memorial Day weekend travel record. Severe weather could disrupt plans or pose dangers to travelers on Monday as AccuWeather meteorologists are forecasting thunderstorms from Montana and North Dakota south through Texas and east through South Carolina. A map from AccuWeather shows the weather forecast for Memorial Day. A map from AccuWeather shows the weather forecast for Memorial Day. AccuWeather What To Know Thunderstorms are expected across much of the nation on Monday, potentially disrupting Memorial Day parades and celebrations and any day-of travel. In addition to the widespread thunderstorms across the Central and Southern U.S., rain is expected in the Northeast, with cool temperatures across much of the Midwest. Storms and rain also are expected in Oregon, but the rest of the West is expected to be warm. Heavy rain has occurred in parts of the Southern Plains this week leading to the travel-heavy weekend. Saturated ground could be more at risk for flash flooding in the more severely affected areas. On Friday, flood watches remain in place for southeast Kansas, northeast Nebraska, southwest Missouri and northwest Arkansas. Some of the watches are expected to remain in place through Memorial Day evening. "Several rounds of showers and thunderstorms will occur Friday night through Monday. Current total rainfall amounts of 2-5 inches will occur across the area with localized amounts up to 8 inches," the National Weather Service (NWS) office in Springfield, Missouri, said in a flood watch. "The highest rainfall amounts look to occur across southeast Kansas and southwest Missouri." Meanwhile, hail, lightning, damaging winds and excessive rain continue to pose a risk in the area for Friday night. AccuWeather senior meteorologist Tom Kines told Newsweek that the area of greatest concern for weekend travel is western Kansas and western Texas to western Tennessee and parts of Alabama. "That's a zone where I think if you're traveling in the upcoming days, that's probably where you're going to have the most severe weather [on Saturday and Sunday]," he said. Kines also warned that heavy rain is expected around the Ozarks that could pose a "life-threatening" flood risk to any campers or people enjoying outdoor activities in the area this weekend. What People Are Saying AccuWeather, in a report: "Rounds of showers and thunderstorms that ramp up early during the extended holiday weekend from the central and southern Plains to the lower part of the Mississippi Valley will continue on Memorial Day. "Most of the severe thunderstorm threat will be on the southern and eastern edge of the persistent downpour zone and will extend from central Texas to Georgia and South Carolina." NWS, in a Friday morning forecast: "Severe thunderstorms are expected across portions of the central into southern Plains into Sunday, with large hail and severe gusts the main threats. The threat for heavy to excessive rainfall and possible flash flooding will return to the south-central U.S. Friday into this weekend." What Happens Next Many states will remain under a flood watch through the holiday. More storms are expected over the weekend and on Monday.
Newsweek
13-05-2025
- Climate
- Newsweek
Map Shows Chances of Tropical Storm Developing in Caribbean
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Meteorologists are keeping an eye on the Caribbean amid a low chance that a tropical system could develop in the next week or two. If such a storm develops, it will be the first tropical storm of the 2025 hurricane season. Why It Matters The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30. The Pacific hurricane season starts two weeks earlier, on May 15. In March, AccuWeather released its 2025 hurricane forecast. This year, AccuWeather is predicting 13 to 18 named storms, with seven to 10 strengthening into hurricanes. What to Know AccuWeather meteorologists began monitoring the area of interest last week. Since that time, chances of development remain low. If a tropical system forms, it would pose a "near-zero risk of impact to the United States until at least May 26," AccuWeather said in an email. It's a little early for such a storm to develop, considering the eastern Pacific hurricane season begins May 15, and the Atlantic hurricane season doesn't start until June 1. However, warming ocean surface temperatures are contributing to stronger storms earlier in the season. Last year, Hurricane Beryl became the earliest Category 4 hurricane ever to form in the Atlantic when it underwent rapid strengthening in late June. According to a map from AccuWeather, if a tropical storm develops, it could form in either the eastern Pacific or the Atlantic southeast of Honduras. As of Tuesday, AccuWeather meteorologists are calling it an "area of interest" that might see an increase in showers and thunderstorms between May 17 and 24. A map from AccuWeather shows an area of interest with a low chance of a tropical storm developing. A map from AccuWeather shows an area of interest with a low chance of a tropical storm developing. AccuWeather Regardless of if a system develops, the area is anticipating heavy precipitation with the chance at localized flash flooding through next weekend. As of Tuesday, the National Hurricane Center is not tracking any potential systems. Andrea is the first name on the 2025 hurricane list if a tropical system does form. However, less than 3 percent of tropical storms form outside of the hurricane season, FOX Weather reported. What People Are Saying AccuWeather senior meteorologist Tom Kines told Newsweek: "Each passing day, we become less and less concerned about development down there. The conditions ... are favorable for possible development, as favorable as it could be at this time of year, but that doesn't necessarily mean that anything is going to form. If everything fell into place, you could get something to form down there." Kines added it would be "unusual" if such a storm formed this early in the season. The NHC website says: "Tropical cyclone activity is not expected during the next 7 days." What Happens Next Meteorologists are closely monitoring the situation, but a tropical storm is not likely to develop in the immediate future. However, experts stress for people in high-risk storm areas to prepare for hurricane season ahead of time, so they are ready to respond if a storm is forecast to hit their area.
