Latest news with #Reporting
Techday NZ
2 days ago
- Business
- Techday NZ
Most high-traffic email domains still vulnerable to phishing
New research from EasyDMARC has found that 92% of the world's top 1.8 million email domains lack adequate protection against phishing attacks. The EasyDMARC 2025 DMARC Adoption Report has revealed that only 7.7% of these domains are fully protected using the strictest DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting, and Conformance) policy, known as 'p=reject'. This policy is designed to actively block malicious emails from being delivered to inboxes. DMARC is an email authentication protocol that builds on existing standards such as SPF and DKIM, allowing domain owners to specify how they want mail servers to handle emails that fail authentication checks. The protocol also enables domain owners to receive reports on emails sent under their domain name, providing vital records of authentication attempts and potential abuse. EasyDMARC's analysis demonstrates that although there has been a noticeable increase in DMARC adoption since 2023 — largely due to regulatory initiatives and mandates from major providers including Google, Yahoo, and Microsoft — most organisations opt for the weakest available configuration, 'p=none'. This setting only monitors for threats, rather than thwarting attacks by blocking illegitimate emails. The report, which reviewed security practices across the most-visited websites globally as well as Fortune 500 and Inc. 5000 companies, shows a continued gap between DMARC adoption and meaningful implementation. More than half (52.2%) of the surveyed domains have not implemented DMARC at any level, leaving them exposed to phishing and spoofing risks. Among domains that do have a DMARC record, most have not configured enforcement policies or reporting mechanisms necessary for full protection. The research also found that over 40% of the domains with a DMARC record did not include any reporting tags. This omission means these organisations have little to no visibility into authentication failures or an understanding of who might be sending emails on their behalf. Gerasim Hovhannisyan, Chief Executive Officer of EasyDMARC, addressed the misconception surrounding DMARC adoption: "There's a growing perception that simply publishing a DMARC record is enough. But adoption without enforcement creates a dangerous illusion of security. In reality, most organisations are leaving the door wide open to attacks targeting customers, partners, or even employees." Mandates have had a measurable effect. In the United States, where regulatory enforcement is strong, the proportion of phishing emails accepted dropped from 68.8% in 2023 to just 14.2% in 2025. Similar progress was noted in the UK and the Czech Republic, countries that also enforce DMARC usage. However, countries without strict requirements, such as the Netherlands and Qatar, showed minimal improvement in reducing phishing acceptance rates. Recent high-profile cyber attacks, including those targeting retailers such as M&S and Co-op, serve as a backdrop for the report's release. In these incidents, attackers exploited weaknesses in email security through social engineering, costing affected businesses hundreds of thousands in losses. According to EasyDMARC, the increasing sophistication of phishing, partly driven by the use of AI, magnifies the risks for organisations that are inadequately protected. Hovhannisyan further commented: "Misconfigurations, missing reporting, and passive DMARC policies are like installing a security system without ever turning it on. Phishing remains one of the oldest and most effective forms of cyberattack, and without proper enforcement, organisations are effectively handing attackers the keys to their business. As threats grow more sophisticated and compliance pressures mount, stopping halfway with DMARC enforcement is no longer an option." The report methodology combined public DNS data with proprietary data collected through EasyDMARC's platform. It involved the review of aggregate DMARC reports from major mailbox providers and included a survey of 980 IT professionals across the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and the Netherlands. This allowed for insights into regional differences in phishing trends, adoption challenges, and the varying influence of regulatory mandates. The research concludes that while DMARC adoption has increased, genuine protection against phishing relies on both enforcement and visibility — elements still missing for the vast majority of high-traffic domains worldwide.
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Hempalta Provides Update on Strategic Transition, Plant Closure, FCC Loan, and Carbon Credit Progress
Calgary, Alberta--(Newsfile Corp. - May 21, 2025) - Hempalta Corp. (TSXV: HEMP) ("Hempalta" or the "Company"), a Canadian-based innovator in nature-based carbon credits, today provided an update on its ongoing corporate transformation and operational milestones. As part of its previously announced strategic shift to focus exclusively on its high-growth carbon credit business, Hempalta has completed the wind down and closure of its processing facility in Calgary. The facility has now been vacated and decommissioned. FCC Loan Update In connection with the plant closure, the Company's wholly owned subsidiary, Hempalta Processing Inc. ("HPI") has received a notice of default from Farm Credit Canada ("FCC") in respect of the Company's obligations under its existing loan agreement and related security (the "Default"). The notice cites technical defaults arising from the cessation of operations and FCC's determination that there is a material adverse change. No monetary payment default has occurred to date. Equipment Sales In connection with the Default, and further to the previously announced marketing of the Company's turn-key industrial hemp processing line, including biochar processing equipment (the "Equipment"), the Company is pleased to announce that HPI has entered into a binding asset purchase agreement (the "Purchase Agreement") with an arm's length third party for sale of the Equipment for cash consideration of USD$1,150,000 (the "Purchase Price") (the "Transaction"). The Purchase Agreement includes the payment of a fifty percent deposit of USD$575,000 upon signing, and remains subject to standard closing conditions including but not limited to the receipt of necessary regulatory and shareholder approvals (the "Approvals"), and receipt of the balance of the Purchase Price. In connection with the Purchase Agreement, certain insiders have signed voting support agreements in respect of shareholder approval of the Transaction. Proceeds from the Transaction will be used to satisfy the outstanding amounts owed to FCC to satisfy the Default, and are also expected to be used to reduce outstanding corporate liabilities and strengthen the Company's balance sheet. The Company expects to call its annual and special shareholders meeting to approve the Transaction and annual items in due course. Carbon Credit Update Hempalta is pleased to report continued growth and progress in its carbon credit business: For the 2024 crop year, approximately 29,000 tonnes of CO₂ sequestration have been calculated using the Company's AI-powered MRV (Measurement, Reporting and Verification) platform. These credits are currently in final verification with Control Union, and once issued, will bring the Company's total verified credits to over 44,000 tonnes when combined with the previously announced 15,325 credits issued for 2023. Looking ahead to 2025, the Company anticipates continued growth in its carbon credit program driven by expanded farm participation. Final 2025 acreage and sequestration estimates are anticipated to be announced when Hempalta reports its Q2 results at the end of May. Upcoming Industry Event Participation Hempalta also announced its participation in Carbon Unbound East Coast, taking place May 21-22, 2025, in New York City. The Company will be showcasing its innovative hemp-based carbon credit methodology and actively engaging with global carbon buyers and partners. "We continue to execute on our focused carbon-first strategy while responsibly managing the wind down of legacy operations," said Darren Bondar, CEO of Hempalta. "We are continuing to advance our carbon credit platform, and seeing clear momentum in both our sequestration volumes and industry engagement." About HEMPALTA Hempalta Corp. (TSXV: HEMP) is a nature-based carbon credit provider utilizing industrial hemp's potential to sequester carbon. Through its subsidiary Hemp Carbon Standard Inc. (HCS), the Company develops methodologies and supports farmers in monetizing regenerative farming practices. In addition to HCS, through its subsidiary Hempalta Processing Inc., the Company retains its established hemp-based product lines for licensing, supporting a balanced portfolio that addresses modern sustainability needs. Learn more at or contact Investor Relations at invest@ For more information, please contact: Investor RelationsHempalta info@ Website: Hempalta Corp. Web: Email: info@ Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release. Forward-Looking Information This news release contains statements and information that, to the extent that they are not historical fact, may constitute "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. Forward-looking information is typically, but not always, identified by the use of words such as "will," "expected," "plans," "enable," "positions," "aim," and similar words, including negatives thereof, or other similar expressions concerning matters that are not historical facts. Forward-looking information in this news release includes, but is not limited to, statements regarding: the anticipated benefits of the sale of the Equipment; the timing and closing of the Transaction; the receipt of necessary Approvals; ; the Company's ability to execute its carbon credit initiatives; the settlement of the outstanding Default with FCC; the demand for carbon credits increasing; the ability of the Company to successfully scale the Hemp Carbon Standard platform; any future financing of the Company; and the Company's future business development activities. Such forward-looking information is based on various assumptions and factors that may prove to be incorrect, including, but not limited to, assumptions regarding: the completion of the Transaction and receipt of Approvals; the settlement of the outstanding Default with FCC;; the expected benefits of the Hemp Carbon Standard platform; the ability of the Company to maintain access to capital markets and financing sources; demand for carbon credits in the voluntary market; the sale of the Equipment and the proceeds from such sales being sufficient to satisfy outstanding debts; required regulatory approvals; and the ability of Hempalta to successfully execute its strategic plans. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors on which such forward-looking information is based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking information, because the Company can give no assurance that it will prove to be correct or that any of the events anticipated by such forward-looking information will transpire or occur, or if any of them do so, what benefits the Company will derive therefrom. Actual results may vary from those currently anticipated due to a number of factors and risks, including, but not limited to: General economic conditions and conditions in the capital markets; Regulatory risks relating to approvals required by securities regulators or other governing bodies; Risks associated with debt financing, including repayment obligations; Market risks affecting the voluntary carbon credit market and demand for nature-based carbon credits; Risks affecting the closing of the Transaction and the satisfaction of outstanding conditions; Operational risks, including the ability to successfully implement the Hemp Carbon Standard at scale; Risks associated with future financings and the terms available for such financings; Weather and environmental factors affecting the ability of farms to grow industrial hemp; Risks related to Other risks detailed in the Company's continuous disclosure filings available on SEDAR+ at The forward-looking information included in this news release is made as of the date of this news release, and the Company does not undertake an obligation to publicly update such forward-looking information to reflect new information, subsequent events, or otherwise, except as required by applicable law. NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION IN THE UNITED STATES OR OVER U.S. NEWSWIRES To view the source version of this press release, please visit
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Early Warning Report Filed Pursuant to National Instrument 62-103
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - May 13, 2025) - This press release is being disseminated as required by National Instrument 62-103 The Early Warning System and Related Take Over Bids and Insider Reporting Issues in connection with the acquisition of securities of Quebec Nickel Corp (CSE: QNI) (the "Issuer" or the "Company") by Mr. David Patterson ("Mr. Patterson" or the "Acquiror"). The Acquiror announces that on May 8, 2025, Mr. Patterson acquired 8,000 common shares in the public market at $0.12 per common share. Immediately prior to the Purchase, Mr. Patterson was the legal beneficial owner of 1,370,800 common shares of the Issuer, representing approximately 10.13% of the then issued and outstanding common shares. Immediately following the Purchase, Mr. Patterson was the legal and beneficial owner of 1,629,800 common shares, representing approximately 12.04% of the issued and outstanding common shares (being 13,534,420 common shares). The Acquiror acquired the securities of the Company for investment purposes and may, depending on market and other conditions, increase, decrease or change his beneficial ownership over the common shares or other securities of the Company through market transactions, private agreements, treasury issuances, exercises of convertible securities or otherwise. A copy of the Early Warning Report filed under applicable securities laws is available under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ ( A copy of such report may also be obtained by contacting the Company at info@ The name and address of the "Acquiror" filing the report is: David Patterson604-230-1793Vancouver, BC To view the source version of this press release, please visit Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Zawya
03-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
OpEd: GCC missing the mark on carbon markets
For all their controversy, carbon markets appear increasingly indispensable to the energy transition. After decades of development they continue to offer a viable path to help finance it. The world simply cannot relinquish the idea of putting a price on carbon as a tradeable asset in order to reduce planet-warming gases. Carbon is on track to become a trillion-dollar asset class by the mid-2030s, according to some estimates. As the expanding financial districts of Riyadh, Dubai and Abu Dhabi rise to the heights of the world's financial centres, they will need to find their niche in this burgeoning part of global finance: the commodification of carbon. However Saudi Arabia and the UAE are just in the early stages of creating carbon trading infrastructure. In fact, they are falling behind rising players including China, Brazil, India and others, which are building markets for carbon credits and setting up national compliance markets. By falling behind in the commodification of carbon, the Gulf countries risk leaving money – a lot of money – on the table. Moreover, they relinquish sources of funding for new fuels and technologies to meet their climate goals. Missed opportunity A case in point is the loss last year of the world's first fully-regulated carbon exchange. AirCarbon Exchange (ACX), which set up in the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) in 2023, was backed by Mubadala Investment Company's strategic investment and licensed under ADGM's own regulatory regime. The expansion of ADGM in physical size, assets under management, and regulatory capacity, is truly remarkable. But the announcement that ACX was closing its doors, after just one year of trading there, came as a somber note. The launch of this world-first exchange platform during the year of COP 28 was a missed opportunity to leverage the UAE's presidency and the convening power of the conference. The exchange platform deployed an innovative, connected liquidity model that could have connected the enormous emission reduction potential of the global south with demand from the global north. This would have put ADGM at the center of global carbon trade, connecting buyers and sellers across Europe, Africa and Asia to a liquid market that offered easy access to UAE-based and international companies. Lacking substance Gulf countries have put some legal structure into place for future carbon markets. The UAE's Federal Decree on climate change, coming into force this year, mandates monitoring and control of GHG emissions across sectors while encouraging companies to participate in emission trading schemes and carbon credit markets. The Emirates are also introducing carbon compliance regulations for eventual compliance markets. And Dubai has established a National Register for Carbon Credits to ensure trade of high quality instruments. It has introduced a Measurement, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) programme, which will require entities producing large amounts of carbon emissions to submit annual reports that must be verified. The emissions reporting will be the basis of price discovery and a future compliance market. It's a first step but the legislation lacks detail, leaving unclear its intention and timeline. Meanwhile, with the unfortunate loss of a promising trading platform, Abu Dhabi appears to have ceded the ground to Riyadh. Saudi Arabia is working on a pilot phase of a national carbon emissions compliance system. The government is currently studying the EU's emissions trading system (ETS) and other compliance regimes as it implements a twoto three year pilot phase. In 2022, Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) and Tadawul Group, the stock exchange operator, established the Regional Voluntary Carbon Market Company (RVCMC). Late last year, RVCMC announced that it had established an exchange platform for regular auctions of 'high quality' carbon credits. With the RVCMC, the Saudis appear to be taking the lead in the region. This work is still awaiting more substance (and transparency), particularly on the operation of its trading platform. Compare this state of affairs with Brazil, where a national ETS is under development. Brazil has complementary markets for its ETS already in place, including a functioning spot power market that allows generators to price in the cost of carbon emissions when bidding into the market. This complements an active market for the trading of renewable energy credits and carbon credits, with the latter planned to be incorporated into the ETS scheme. Light trading Some carbon credit transactions are taking place, and voluntary carbon pricing exists through auctions and bilateral trade. There were two pilot auctions hosted by RVCMC during 2022-23, with purchasers including Aramco, Saudi Electricity Company and ENOWA (subsidiary of NEOM). For its part, the Dubai Financial Market is now assessing its carbon credit trading pilot launched late last year. While these efforts are useful, they are small and still lack the scale and substance seen in other young markets. A related concern is the 5 percent VAT imposed on carbon transactions, which is likely to negatively impact any carbon trading among UAE companies. Private sector trading is also lagging. ADNOC set up a carbon trading desk but its activity has been light. With more active trading, ADNOC would likely generate hundreds of thousands of dollars annually in the EU's mature and liquid compliance market. Sourcing and hedging European carbon allowances (EUAs) on behalf of its European subsidiaries is one possibility. Finding the right model The Gulf countries could follow Singapore's example, where a carbon tax sets a ceiling for price for carbon credits and progressively increases. This pricing provides certainty for investment in climate mitigation projects. Furthermore, through government involvement in determining which credits are eligible under the taxation regime/ETS, the reputational risk faced by firms purchasing these credits is removed. Singapore is also embracing international carbon credits under Article 6. Leveraging the international market will allow its market to compel climate action more cost effectively until critical technologies, such as those for carbon capture and removal, mature. The same advantages can be gained by the Gulf countries. Furthermore, by developing the investment infrastructure in carbon projects in the global south, they can sell services to other nations looking to leverage international credits to meet their nationally determined contributions (NDCs). In fact, the Gulf countries, with their surfeit of capital, could make better returns through investment in mitigation outcomes abroad. The many successful investments of the Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (Masdar) are a case in point. Taking center stage While the Gulf countries will find their own path, they can profit from the examples of ambitious countries such Singapore and Brazil. And they can leverage their unique geographic position into global influence. As carbon markets continue moving toward centre stage in the energy transition, this region should rise to global leadership. Its financial centres will expand their global reach as they integrate carbon trading infrastructure. The key for the Gulf countries is regional thinking. Their collaboration to commoditize carbon in a large liquid market will maximise potential gains. It is a prospect that aligns with ZETA's mission to shape transparent markets for low-emission products across the MENA region. Subscribe to our Projects' PULSE newsletter that brings you trustworthy news, updates and insights on project activities, developments, and partnerships across sectors in the Middle East and Africa.
Zawya
02-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
GCC missing the mark on carbon markets
For all their controversy, carbon markets appear increasingly indispensable to the energy transition. After decades of development they continue to offer a viable path to help finance it. The world simply cannot relinquish the idea of putting a price on carbon as a tradeable asset in order to reduce planet-warming gases. Carbon is on track to become a trillion-dollar asset class by the mid-2030s, according to some estimates. As the expanding financial districts of Riyadh, Dubai and Abu Dhabi rise to the heights of the world's financial centres, they will need to find their niche in this burgeoning part of global finance: the commodification of carbon. However Saudi Arabia and the UAE are just in the early stages of creating carbon trading infrastructure. In fact, they are falling behind rising players including China, Brazil, India and others, which are building markets for carbon credits and setting up national compliance markets. By falling behind in the commodification of carbon, the Gulf countries risk leaving money – a lot of money – on the table. Moreover, they relinquish sources of funding for new fuels and technologies to meet their climate goals. Missed opportunity A case in point is the loss last year of the world's first fully-regulated carbon exchange. AirCarbon Exchange (ACX), which set up in the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) in 2023, was backed by Mubadala Investment Company's strategic investment and licensed under ADGM's own regulatory regime. The expansion of ADGM in physical size, assets under management, and regulatory capacity, is truly remarkable. But the announcement that ACX was closing its doors, after just one year of trading there, came as a somber note. The launch of this world-first exchange platform during the year of COP 28 was a missed opportunity to leverage the UAE's presidency and the convening power of the conference. The exchange platform deployed an innovative, connected liquidity model that could have connected the enormous emission reduction potential of the global south with demand from the global north. This would have put ADGM at the center of global carbon trade, connecting buyers and sellers across Europe, Africa and Asia to a liquid market that offered easy access to UAE-based and international companies. Lacking substance Gulf countries have put some legal structure into place for future carbon markets. The UAE's Federal Decree on climate change, coming into force this year, mandates monitoring and control of GHG emissions across sectors while encouraging companies to participate in emission trading schemes and carbon credit markets. The Emirates are also introducing carbon compliance regulations for eventual compliance markets. And Dubai has established a National Register for Carbon Credits to ensure trade of high quality instruments. It has introduced a Measurement, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) programme, which will require entities producing large amounts of carbon emissions to submit annual reports that must be verified. The emissions reporting will be the basis of price discovery and a future compliance market. It's a first step but the legislation lacks detail, leaving unclear its intention and timeline. Meanwhile, with the unfortunate loss of a promising trading platform, Abu Dhabi appears to have ceded the ground to Riyadh. Saudi Arabia is working on a pilot phase of a national carbon emissions compliance system. The government is currently studying the EU's emissions trading system (ETS) and other compliance regimes as it implements a twoto three year pilot phase. In 2022, Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) and Tadawul Group, the stock exchange operator, established the Regional Voluntary Carbon Market Company (RVCMC). Late last year, RVCMC announced that it had established an exchange platform for regular auctions of 'high quality' carbon credits. With the RVCMC, the Saudis appear to be taking the lead in the region. This work is still awaiting more substance (and transparency), particularly on the operation of its trading platform. Compare this state of affairs with Brazil, where a national ETS is under development. Brazil has complementary markets for its ETS already in place, including a functioning spot power market that allows generators to price in the cost of carbon emissions when bidding into the market. This complements an active market for the trading of renewable energy credits and carbon credits, with the latter planned to be incorporated into the ETS scheme. Light trading Some carbon credit transactions are taking place, and voluntary carbon pricing exists through auctions and bilateral trade. There were two pilot auctions hosted by RVCMC during 2022-23, with purchasers including Aramco, Saudi Electricity Company and ENOWA (subsidiary of NEOM). For its part, the Dubai Financial Market is now assessing its carbon credit trading pilot launched late last year. While these efforts are useful, they are small and still lack the scale and substance seen in other young markets. A related concern is the 5 percent VAT imposed on carbon transactions, which is likely to negatively impact any carbon trading among UAE companies. Private sector trading is also lagging. ADNOC set up a carbon trading desk but its activity has been light. With more active trading, ADNOC would likely generate hundreds of thousands of dollars annually in the EU's mature and liquid compliance market. Sourcing and hedging European carbon allowances (EUAs) on behalf of its European subsidiaries is one possibility. Finding the right model The Gulf countries could follow Singapore's example, where a carbon tax sets a ceiling for price for carbon credits and progressively increases. This pricing provides certainty for investment in climate mitigation projects. Furthermore, through government involvement in determining which credits are eligible under the taxation regime/ETS, the reputational risk faced by firms purchasing these credits is removed. Singapore is also embracing international carbon credits under Article 6. Leveraging the international market will allow its market to compel climate action more cost effectively until critical technologies, such as those for carbon capture and removal, mature. The same advantages can be gained by the Gulf countries. Furthermore, by developing the investment infrastructure in carbon projects in the global south, they can sell services to other nations looking to leverage international credits to meet their nationally determined contributions (NDCs). In fact, the Gulf countries, with their surfeit of capital, could make better returns through investment in mitigation outcomes abroad. The many successful investments of the Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (Masdar) are a case in point. Taking center stage While the Gulf countries will find their own path, they can profit from the examples of ambitious countries such Singapore and Brazil. And they can leverage their unique geographic position into global influence. As carbon markets continue moving toward centre stage in the energy transition, this region should rise to global leadership. Its financial centres will expand their global reach as they integrate carbon trading infrastructure. The key for the Gulf countries is regional thinking. Their collaboration to commoditize carbon in a large liquid market will maximise potential gains. It is a prospect that aligns with ZETA's mission to shape transparent markets for low-emission products across the MENA region. (The author is CEO of UAE-based Zero Emissions Traders Alliance (ZETA). Any opinions expressed in this article are the author's own) Subscribe to our Projects' PULSE newsletter that brings you trustworthy news, updates and insights on project activities, developments, and partnerships across sectors in the Middle East and Africa.
