A joint U.S. advisory from the FBI, the Department of Defense Cyber Crime Center and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency has identified Iran-based cyber actors conducting ransomware attacks on U.S. and foreign organizations. The cybersecurity advisory warned that the cyber actors, known as Pioneer Kitten, UNC757, Parisite, Rubidium and Lemon Sandstorm, perform ransomware and...
Category: Middle East
Convergint Middle East Expansion to Support Saudi Arabia’s Digital Transformation Goals
Schaumburg, Illinois-based global systems integrator Convergint has entered the Saudi Arabian market as part of its expansion plans in the Middle East and Africa regions. The company said it offers security, automation and internet of things solutions that will support Saudi Arabia’s digital evolution involving the development of smart cities, cybersecurity enhancements and tech-driven economic...
Casper Klynge Joins Zscaler to Lead Government Partnerships Business in Europe, the Middle East and Africa
Zscaler has appointed Casper Klynge as vice president and head of government partnerships for the Europe, Middle East and Africa regions. In a LinkedIn post, Zscaler said Klynge will drive public policy work and strategic relationships with governments, international and regional organizations, and senior leaders across EMEA. His responsibilities also include helping countries, organizations and...
US Approves Potential $19B Sale of F-15 Jets, Upgrades to Israel
The U.S. Department of State has authorized the potential sale of F-15 fighter jets and related equipment to Israel for an estimated $18.82 billion. Israel requested 50 new F-15IA aircraft and “mid-life modification kits” to upgrade its 25 existing F-15Is to F-15I+s. The package also includes engines, radars, missiles and other military equipment, with deliveries expected...
U.S., Israel Award Grant for Quantum Computing Collaboration
California-based quantum software firm BlueQubit and Israeli hardware developer Quantum Art have secured a $2.2 million grant from the U.S.-Israel BIRD Foundation to advance quantum computing technology. Under a partnership, the two companies will seek to develop and optimize quantum machine learning algorithms and quantum processor configurations over the next two years to accelerate advancements...
Turkey Develops ‘Steel Dome’ to Rival Israeli Air Defense System
Turkey said it now has an artificial intelligence-powered. network-centric air defense system to protect the country from regional threats. The system, dubbed “Steel Dome,” was developed by defense electronics manufacturer Aselsan, Roketsan, Sage and Mechanical and Chemical Industry Corp. under the coordination of the Defense Industry Agency, or SSB. According to an SSB announcement, the...
Oracle Expands Mideast Footprint, Opens New Public Cloud Region in Riyadh
Oracle has launched a second public cloud region in Saudi Arabia, part of the company’s $1.5 billion investment to help advance the kingdom’s cloud infrastructure and artificial intelligence-based economy. The Austin, Texas-based cloud services provider, which already operates a public cloud region in Jeddah, added the new center in Riyadh, with plans to set up...
Australia Raises Threat Level Amid Speedy Radicalization, Violence and Extremism Concerns
The Australian government has elevated its terrorism threat alert level from “possible” to “probable” — the midpoint of the country’s five-tier scale — for the first time since November 2022. AP News reported that the action, recommended by the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation, stems from a change in climate that has increased the danger of...
US, Saudi Arabia Sign Deal to Deepen Partnership in Space Exploration
The United States and Saudi Arabia have agreed to deepen their collaboration in space exploration and civil aeronautics, with the two sides finalizing a framework agreement to facilitate and strengthen a mutually beneficial partnership, NASA announced Tuesday. The bilateral pact underscores the significance of the Artemis Accords, which supports the transparent, safe and responsible exploration...
Saudi Arabia to Expand MRTT Fleet With New Airbus Order
Airbus has received an order from Saudi Arabia for four additional A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport aircraft. According to Jean-Brice Dumont, head of air power at Airbus Defence and Space, the new contract is the third the country has awarded on A330 MRTT units for the Royal Saudi Arabia Air Force, which is now set...