Latest news with #CSA
Straits Times
3 hours ago
- Health
- Straits Times
With just 1 tap, this doctor lost his Telegram account to cyber criminals
In a poll by the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore, only 13 per cent of respondents were able to distinguish between all phishing and legitimate content In 2024, there were 8,552 cases of phishing scams in Singapore in 2024, placing it among the top five scam types. Minutes after Dr Chai Chwan tapped on a link within a Telegram message from an acquaintance, his phone buzzed non-stop. A flood of Telegram messages poured in from 10 friends, asking the 60-year-old general practitioner the same urgent question: 'Is your Telegram account hacked?' They had all received an identical Telegram message sent from Dr Chai's phone number. It contained a link inviting recipients to apply for We Care @ North East Fund, a genuine scheme by the North East CDC that provides financial support to needy families. The text claimed there was a 'limited time' offer for Singaporeans to receive up to $1,000 in cash assistance and urged recipients not to 'miss out'. That was when Dr Chai realised he had fallen prey to a phishing scam. His Telegram account was compromised. In phishing scams, victims are tricked into clicking malicious links or into revealing personal information. The scam happened on a Saturday afternoon in July this year. Just 10 minutes earlier, Dr Chai had received the same link from an acquaintance. Without thinking, he tapped on it. The page that opened mimicked a Singpass login. Dr Chai tapped the QR code, but an error message appeared. This glitch saved him from handing over his personal data, but it didn't stop scammers from hijacking his Telegram account. Within minutes, the same scam message was sent to Dr Chai's Telegram contacts, this time under his name. What followed was a scramble to report the incident to both the police and Telegram. Dr Chai also spent the next few hours sending warning messages in batches to all 7,000 of his phone contacts, hoping to contain the damage. He's unsure how many of his friends received the phishing text on Telegram. 'I feel quite embarrassed,' Dr Chai admits. 'It should have been common sense (not to click on the link).' With scams becoming more sophisticated, it can be hard to spot phishing attempts, says Mr Luke Ho, deputy director of National Cyber Threat Analysis Centre of the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore (CSA). In the CSA's Cybersecurity Awareness Survey 2024, only 13 per cent of respondents were able to distinguish between all phishing and legitimate content. The survey polled 1,050 respondents aged 15 years and above on their attitudes towards cyber incidents and their awareness and adoption of good cyber hygiene practices. Phishing scams 101 There were 8,552 cases of phishing scams in Singapore in 2024, placing it among the top five scam types, say the police. Victims lost at least $59.4 million. How it works: Scammers impersonate legitimate individuals or organisations on social media and messaging platforms. Upon clicking on links embedded within messages on these platforms, victims are directed to a fraudulent site. They will be asked to key in their personal, bank login or credit card details. Scammers then gain access to their messaging or bank accounts. They may even impersonate the victims to scam their circle of acquaintances, family members and friends. Evolving tactics Why is it becoming harder to spot phishing scams? One reason is the use of generative artificial intelligence by scammers, says Mr Ho. 'Scammers (can) now create content that is increasingly indistinguishable from legitimate ones.' Gone are the days when poor grammar or awkward phrasing gave phishing messages away, he adds. Cyber criminals also increasingly use security certificates – depicted as 'https' in the URL – in their fake websites. Mr Ho adds that scammers often exploit emotions, such as the fear of missing out, or the false sense of urgency in Dr Chai's situation. Such tactics pressure victims to respond quickly without checking the legitimacy of the messages. Taking action Staying safe from scams requires more than just awareness, says Mr Ho. It requires a change in how we behave online. He shares some actions that one can take to protect against scams: Set strong passwords and enable two-factor authentication – such as using biometric features, like fingerprint or facial recognition, for your online accounts Ensure that your devices are running the latest version of its software by enabling automatic updates Install the ScamShield app to filter out scam messages and block scam calls Install anti-virus apps to detect and remove malware, and malicious phishing links If you're unsure whether something is a scam, 'always check with official sources by calling the 24/7 ScamShield helpline at 1799,' Mr Ho says, 'or with family members and friends before proceeding.' For Dr Chai, the anxiety from the phishing scam has not fully gone away. 'There's always this discomfort,' he shares, from the fear that scammers still have personal information of his that they haven't used. And though his bank accounts remain secure, Dr Chai has since taken extra steps to protect himself. He downloaded the ScamShield app that helps to block out reported scam numbers and messages, giving him some peace of mind.
Cision Canada
2 days ago
- Business
- Cision Canada
Canadian Securities Administrators release 2024-2025 Year in Review
CALGARY, AB, Aug. 14, 2025 /CNW/ - The Canadian Securities Administrators (CSA) today published its annual Year in Review, highlighting the progress made toward delivering each of the six strategic goals outlined in its 2022-2025 Business Plan. "The progress we made in the past year, as outlined in our Year in Review, is a testament to CSA members' collaboration to strengthen Canada's capital markets and introduce measures to boost competitiveness," said Stan Magidson, CSA Chair and Chair and CEO of the Alberta Securities Commission. "We've demonstrated that effective regulation can be both principled and adaptable to changing geopolitical and market conditions." The report also reflects the efforts undertaken to foster innovation in the capital markets and to protect investors. It highlights CSA members' continued efforts to disrupt and deter bad actors and hold securities law violators accountable. CSA activities noted in the report include: Issuing 1,011 investor alerts, cautions and warnings issued to help protect the public, of which more than 75 per cent related to crypto assets. Reaching over 4.5 million Canadians through our "Check Registration" and "Spot the Red Flags of Fraud" investor education campaigns. Banning permanently 54 companies and individuals from participating in the capital markets following enforcement proceedings. Taking enforcement actions in 20 crypto-related matters to protect the integrity of our capital markets. Issuing 57 publications about final adoption of rule changes, consultations, blanket orders and guidance on CSA policy developments. Hosting representatives of 155 organizations at the CSA Collaboratory's inaugural webinar on Data Portability, advancing our commitment to fostering innovation in capital markets. The CSA's 2024-2025 Year in Review is available in English and French. For more information, please see the CSA's 2025-2028 Business Plan, launched in June 2025. The CSA, the council of the securities regulators of Canada's provinces and territories, co-ordinates and harmonizes regulation for the Canadian capital markets. For investor inquiries, please contact your local securities regulator. For media inquiries, please contact: SOURCE Canadian Securities Administrators
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Cloudastructure Reports Record Q2 Growth Driven by 267% Revenue Increase Year-over-Year; Secures $2.7M in New Contracts and Achieves Record Installation Volumes Amid Surging Demand
Leading AI Surveillance Provider Expands Footprint Across Key Verticals, Surpasses 2024 Full-Year Contract Value in Just Six Months PALO ALTO, CA, Aug. 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Cloudastructure, Inc. (Nasdaq: CSAI) ('we,' 'us,' 'our,' 'Cloudastructure' or the 'Company'), a cloud-based video surveillance platform with artificial intelligence ('AI') and computer vision analytics, today announced financial results for the quarter ended June 30, 2025. The Company posted a 267% year-over-year revenue increase, realized a second consecutive quarter of gross margin profitability, and exceeded its entire 2024 signed contract value within the first half of the year. Fueled by adoption across multi-family, commercial real estate, affordable housing, and construction sectors, Cloudastructure accelerated deployment of its AI security platform, and maintained a 98% threat deterrence rate1 while achieving record installation volumes. 'This isn't just another strong quarter—it's a turning point for Cloudastructure,' said James McCormick, Chief Executive Officer. 'In the past three months, we have accelerated revenue growth, launched a new product category, entered high-opportunity verticals like construction, and maintained our track record of delivering projects ahead of schedule and achieved over 99% customer retention in the last year. Our platform is proving time and again that real-time deterrence powered by AI and remote intervention is not only more effective than traditional surveillance—it's more scalable, more cost-efficient, and more aligned with the urgent needs of property owners and operators today.' 'What we are seeing now is a fundamental shift in the security industry. Customers are no longer satisfied with legacy systems that simply record events. They want technology that helps prevent incidents and protect people and property proactively. Whether it's a multifamily developer looking to reduce liability, a housing authority trying to safeguard vulnerable communities, or a national builder securing remote job sites—organizations are turning to us because we offer a full-stack, flexible solution that actually delivers results. We are proud of what we accomplished in the first half of 2025 and are even more energized by what's ahead. With strong recurring revenue, operational momentum, and increasing brand recognition, we are executing with purpose and building a foundation for durable, long-term value creation—for our customers and our shareholders alike.' Market Momentum and Expansion In the first six months of 2025, Cloudastructure signed $2.69 million in total contract value over the next 12 months, marking a 274% increase year-over-year and a 79% gain over full-year 2024 totals. This surge was driven by a series of strategic wins across diverse high-need sectors. In public and affordable housing, the Company secured a four-property deployment with a Colorado-based nonprofit housing authority, deepening its footprint in HUD and Housing Choice programs. To support accessibility, Cloudastructure also introduced a new financing program, helping resource-constrained communities implement critical security measures without requiring upfront capital. In the mixed-use segment, a nationally ranked property manager tapped Cloudastructure to secure a flagship development, which gives the Company the opportunity to scale across its 15-state portfolio (including D.C) of over 30,000 units and 152 communities. Meanwhile, the Company made its official entry into the construction vertical with the first commercial sale of its Alpha™ Mobile Surveillance Trailer—a solar-powered, AI-enabled solution tailored to prevent job site theft and vandalism. Operationally, Cloudastructure completed its highest number of installations in a single month in July, including a major luxury deployment delivered four weeks ahead of schedule. In response to rising demand, the Company has doubled the size of its implementation team and is rapidly expanding its certified installer network. Innovation and Execution From January through June 2025, Cloudastructure's AI-powered security platform demonstrated its scalability and real-world impact, generating 5.37 million alerts and over 59,800 live audio interventions. These proactive responses contributed to a greater than 98% deterrence rate2, effectively preventing criminal activity across thousands of customer sites. A major advancement in the Company's AI capabilities came with the launch of Alpha™, a mobile surveillance trailer engineered to combat the growing $1 billion-plus problem of construction site theft. Powered by solar energy and equipped with autonomous monitoring features, Alpha™ provides around-the-clock protection in challenging environments, making it a compelling solution for remote and high-risk locations. 'We are building more than a company—we're helping to redefine what modern security looks like. The momentum we have achieved this quarter reflects deepening market demand for intelligent, scalable solutions that go beyond passive monitoring. Our platform isn't just recording events, it's stopping threats in real time, delivering measurable value, and adapting to the needs of customers in housing, commercial real estate, and construction. Signing more customer contracts in six months than we did all of last year, expanding into new verticals, and launching our Alpha™ mobile solution are all signs of what's possible when innovation meets execution. We are entering the second half of 2025 with real traction—and the infrastructure in place to scale it,' concluded Mr. McCormick. Q2 2025 Operating Highlights (All comparisons to Q2 2024) Hardware sales surged 863%. Remote guarding services revenue increased 151%. Cloud video surveillance subscription revenue rose 133%. Increased the number of customers served by 58%. Revenue from installation labor and other services climbed 167%. Financial Results for the Quarter Ended June 30, 2025 Revenue for the quarter ended June 30, 2025, totaled $1.1 million, a 267% increase from $0.3 million in the same period in 2024. This growth was fueled by a 58% year-over-year increase in the customer base and strong performance across all business lines. Cloud video surveillance subscription revenue grew 133%, while hardware sales surged 863%, reflecting heightened demand for both AI-driven software and system deployments. Additionally, installation and other services revenue climbed 167%, underscoring the Company's expanding operational capacity. Cost of goods sold was $0.7 million, up from $0.2 million in the prior year quarter. This increase reflects the rise in sales volume and installation activity, partially offset by a 15% reduction in hosting and data center bandwidth costs due to the Company's infrastructure transition. Gross profit for the quarter was $0.4 million, a 274% increase from $0.1 million in the second quarter of 2024 and the second consecutive quarter of positive gross margin. Net loss for the quarter was $2.0 million, compared to a net loss of $1.9 million in Q2 2024. The increase in net loss was primarily due to higher operating expenses, including new hires, expanded field operations, and marketing initiatives. Cloudastructure's second quarter results reflect accelerating customer adoption of AI-powered security solutions and continued improvements in operating efficiency. With a scalable cloud infrastructure and growing demand across multiple verticals, the Company remains focused on disciplined execution and long-term value creation. The full financial results for the quarter ended June 30, 2025, are available in the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and accessible at: and on the Company's website at: Conference Call Cloudastructure will host a conference call today at 12:00 PM Eastern Time to discuss the Company's financial results for the quarter ended June 30, 2025, as well as the Company's corporate progress and other developments. The conference call will be available via telephone by dialing toll-free +1 888-506-0062 for U.S. callers or +1 973-528-0011 for international callers and entering access code 472349. A webcast of the call may be accessed at or on the investor relations section of the company's website, A webcast replay will be available on the investor relations section of the Company's website at through August 14, 2026. A telephone replay of the call will be available approximately one hour following the call, through August 28, 2025, and can be accessed by dialing +1 877-481-4010 for U.S. callers or +1 919-882-2331 for international callers and entering access code 52816. About Cloudastructure Headquartered in Palo Alto, California, Cloudastructure's advanced, award-winning security platform utilizes a scalable cloud-based architecture that features cloud video surveillance with proprietary AI/ML analytics and a seamless remote guarding solution. This combination enables enterprise businesses to achieve proactive, end-to-end security while benefiting from a cost-effective model that eliminates proprietary hardware, offers contract-free month-to-month pricing, and includes unlimited 24/7 support. With Cloudastructure, companies can stop crime as it happens while achieving up to a 75% lower total cost of ownership than other systems. For more information, visit Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements in this press release may be considered forward-looking, such as statements containing estimates, projections and other forward-looking information. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words and phrases such as 'anticipate,' 'estimate,' 'believe,' 'continue,' 'could,' 'intend,' 'may,' 'plan,' 'potential,' 'predict,' 'seek,' 'should,' 'will,' 'would,' 'expect,' 'objective,' 'projection,' 'forecast,' 'goal,' 'guidance,' 'outlook,' 'effort,' 'target' or the negative of such words and other comparable terminology. However, the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. Any forward-looking statements expressing an expectation or belief as to future events is expressed in good faith and believed to be reasonable at the time such forward-looking statement is made. However, these statements are not guarantees of future events and involve risks, uncertainties and other factors beyond our control. These factors include, but are not limited to, the fact that most of our customers are not bound to long-term agreements with us and could cancel our services at any time; cybersecurity risks, which may disrupt the services we provide or subject us to damaging data breaches; our ability to comply with evolving data privacy and other regulations; our ability to successfully deliver our products and services during this period of high growth; the significant competition we face in our industry, which we expect to accelerate as AI/ML solutions evolve; our ability to successfully protect our intellectual property and other rights; and similar factors. Please see the risk factors disclosed in the annual and quarterly reports we file with the SEC for additional risks to our future performance. We caution you against relying on any of the forward-looking statements in this release, as actual outcomes and results may differ materially from what is expressed in any forward-looking statement. Except as required by applicable law, we do not intend to update any of the forward-looking statements to conform them to actual results or revised expectations. Media Contact:Kathleen HannonSr. Communications DirectorCloudastructure, Inc. Kathleen@ (704) 574-3732 Investor Contacts:Crescendo Communications, LLC212-671-1020CSAI@ 1 *98% deterrence of threatening activity based on internal metrics 2 *98% deterrence of threatening activity based on internal metrics
Cision Canada
4 days ago
- Science
- Cision Canada
Media Advisory - STRATOS 2025: Canadian innovations to be tested in space-like environment Français
LONGUEUIL, QC, Aug. 12, 2025 /CNW/ - From August 10 to September 10, 12 Canadian payloads will be launched from the Timmins Stratospheric Balloon Base to test new technologies, conduct science experiments and take measurements as part of the Strato-Science 2025 campaign. The campaign is part of STRATOS, the Canadian Space Agency's (CSA) stratospheric balloon program. Created in 2012 in collaboration with France's Centre national d'études spatiales, STRATOS gives Canadian researchers and industry a unique opportunity to test and validate new space technologies in a space-like environment, while helping train the next generation of space experts. Since opening in 2013, the Timmins base has supported nearly 100 experiments and involved over 500 researchers and students from across Canada. Stratospheric balloons offer a cost-effective and rapid platform for advancing space science and technology. Media interested in interviews with CSA experts may contact the Media Relations Office.
Forbes
4 days ago
- Forbes
Matter 1.4.2 Is Here: What It Means For Your Smart Home
We're used to seeing the Connectivity Standards Alliance drop two Matter updates a year, but we've just been treated to a second one in the space of just 3 months, with a promise of a meatier one to arrive in the Fall. Like the 1.4.1 update that landed in May, the latest Matter update - 1.4.2 - is a 'dot dot' release that isn't focused on new device types, but instead tightening the screws on the standard in order to get closer to the seamless smart home that it aims to deliver. Matter 1.4.2, announced this week by the CSA, focuses on making devices more reliable, security tougher to crack, and setup a little less painful. One of the headline arrivals is Wi-Fi-only commissioning, meaning Matter gadgets can be on-boarded without needing Bluetooth at all. As it stands now, Bluetooth is mandatory for setup, even if it's never used again, which could potentially add extra costs for manufacturers and complexity for buyers. By dropping that requirement, we could see cheaper devices down the line, plus easier firmware-based upgrades for existing Wi-Fi products. It will take time for hubs, speakers, and other Matter Controllers to get the firmware support they need, but the path is there. Security also gets a bump. Controllers can now cryptographically confirm that the 'admins' running your devices are genuine; a proactive move against counterfeit gear slipping into homes. Routers and access points (which were added as supported device types in the 1.4 spec) also get Access Restriction Lists, limiting what platforms can tweak. There's also a new certificate revocation system to flag and block dodgy devices before they even join your network, plus support for 150 Thread devices, 100 Wi-Fi devices, and power-saving features like Target Wake Time. It also lets platforms automatically optimize router settings for smoother device connections. The 1.4.2 update also brings some improvements scenes so they work faster, stay functional when the internet's down, and now support timed actions, which is handy for things like gradual wake-up lighting or slow dim-downs at night. Robot vacuums also get a unified command system, meaning you won't have to cancel a job before starting a new one just because of brand quirks. Under the hood, Matter 1.4.2 tweaks how devices report in, so they're not chattering needlessly and clogging up your network. That should mean better battery life for sensors and quicker responses across the board. Devices with multiple functions, like smart power strips, will now be correctly recognized without showing up twice in your app, and any new features added via firmware should be detected automatically. Like the last 'dot dot' update, there's no exciting news of new device types and it may not sound like the most glamorous update, but it's one that could make your smart home noticeably smoother in the long run. The CSA is definitely focused on getting Matter to where it needs to be and this release gets us another few steps closer. Matter 1.5, which is set to land in the Fall, should add some interesting device types to the mix… fingers crossed for security cameras and video doorbells.
