Saudi Arabia's deep tech startup ecosystem thrives with focus on AI and IoT, fueling Vision 2030

A recent report from the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, and consultancy firm Hello Tomorrow highlights the rapid growth of deep tech startups in Saudi Arabia, with 50% of these startups focusing on AI and IoT. These sectors are emerging as key drivers of innovation and investment in the Kingdom, with over 43 high-growth startups collectively raising more than 987 USD in funding. Saudi Arabia has become one of the leading ecosystems for tech startups in the Middle East and North Africa , ranking among the top three for funding and deal activity. This success is a testament to the growing availability of venture capital, a dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem, and government support for innovation-driven ventures. The deep tech sector, while still in its early stages, is drawing significant attention from international companies and investors, eager to tap into the country’s potential for technological advancement. The surge in AI and IoT-focused startups is directly aligned with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, a strategic framework designed to diversify the Kingdom’s economy and reduce its reliance on oil revenues. Vision 2030 aims to foster a knowledge-based economy and establish Saudi Arabia as a global leader in technology and innovation. The deep tech sector plays a crucial role in achieving this vision, positioning AI and IoT at the forefront of the Kingdom’s digital transformation. source

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Hogan Lovells Lands Quinn Emanuel IP Litigator In SF

By Emily Johnson ( January 17, 2025, 1:50 PM EST) — Hogan Lovells has brought on a former longtime Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan LLP partner in its San Francisco office, bolstering its intellectual property practice with an experienced trial and appellate lawyer who has guided technology companies such as Google in IP litigation…. Law360 is on it, so you are, too. A Law360 subscription puts you at the center of fast-moving legal issues, trends and developments so you can act with speed and confidence. Over 200 articles are published daily across more than 60 topics, industries, practice areas and jurisdictions. A Law360 subscription includes features such as Daily newsletters Expert analysis Mobile app Advanced search Judge information Real-time alerts 450K+ searchable archived articles And more! Experience Law360 today with a free 7-day trial. source

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You can now fine-tune your own version of AI image maker Flux with just 5 images

Join our daily and weekly newsletters for the latest updates and exclusive content on industry-leading AI coverage. Learn More Black Forest Labs has quickly made a name for itself as the premiere, high-quality open-source AI image generation startup — even surpassing the quality of models offered by Stability AI, where Black Forest Labs’ founders previously worked. It briefly served as the default image generator in xAI’s Grok language model, too. Credit: Artificial Analysis Today Black Forest Labs is taking this a step further, announcing the release of the FLUX Pro Finetuning API, a tool that empowers creators to customize generative AI models using their own images and concepts. Designed for professionals in marketing, branding, storytelling and other creative industries, the API enables the personalization of the company’s flagship FLUX Pro and FLUX Ultra models with a user-friendly approach. Customization at scale The FLUX Pro Finetuning API allows users to fine-tune generative text-to-image models with five to 20 training images, optionally accompanied by text descriptions. This process results in customized models that maintain the generative versatility of the base FLUX Pro models while aligning outputs with specific creative visions. The tool supports multiple modes, including “character,” “product,” “style” and “general,” making it adaptable for a wide variety of use cases. The trained models can seamlessly integrate with endpoints such as FLUX.1 Fill, Depth, Canny and Redux, as well as with high-resolution generation capabilities of up to four megapixels. Whether for creating brand-consistent marketing visuals or detailed character art, the API enhances precision and adaptability in AI-generated content. Practical applications and use cases for brands, marketers and more Using the FLUX Pro Finetuning API, professionals can create customized models that preserve essential design elements, character consistency or brand properties. A study conducted by Black Forest Labs showed that 68.9% of users preferred FLUX Pro’s fine-tuned results over competing services. Some highlighted applications include: • Inpainting: Using FLUX.1 Fill for iterative edits to refine images • Structural Control: Integrating with FLUX.1 Depth to enhance image generation with precise structural adjustments • Visual Branding: Ensuring consistency across marketing materials and campaigns Partnership with BurdaVerlag Black Forest Labs has partnered with BurdaVerlag, a leading German media and entertainment company, to demonstrate the potential of the FLUX Pro Finetuning API. BurdaVerlag’s creative teams are using the tool to develop customized FLUX models tailored to their brands, such as the children’s publication Lissy PONY. With this integration, BurdaVerlag’s design teams can create visuals that reflect each brand’s identity while exploring new creative directions. The API has accelerated their production workflows, enabling high-quality content generation at scale. Accessible pricing and availability The FLUX Pro Finetuning API is now available via API endpoints through the Flux.1 [dev] model. Pricing for all FLUX models on Black Forest Labs’ API is as follows: • FLUX 1.1 [pro] Ultra: $0.06 per image • FLUX 1.1 [pro]: $0.04 per image • FLUX.1 [pro]: $0.05 per image • FLUX.1 [dev]: $0.025 per image Getting started is a cinch The finetuning process requires minimal input from users. Training images in supported formats (JPG, JPEG, PNG or WebP) are uploaded, with resolutions capped at one megapixel for optimal results. Advanced configuration options allow for fine control over the training process, including iteration counts, learning rates, and trigger words for precise prompt integration. Black Forest Labs has also provided extensive resources, including a Finetuning Beta Guide and Python scripts for easy implementation. Users can monitor progress, adjust parameters, and test results directly via API endpoints, ensuring a smooth and efficient workflow. By combining versatility, ease of use and professional-grade outputs, the FLUX Pro Finetuning API sets a new benchmark for customized content creation in generative AI. With the tool now available, Black Forest Labs aims to transform how individuals and organizations approach personalized media generation, unlocking creative possibilities at an unprecedented scale. source

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7 Best Mobile Project Management Apps in 2025

If you regularly travel as part of your job, or frequently find yourself working from locations without Wi-Fi, then it’s essential to choose project management software with a fully-optimized mobile app. To help you find the best project management apps for mobile use, I’ve tested some of the top options and developed an ideal use case for each. Top mobile project management apps comparison In addition to affordable pricing, you want to ensure that your project management mobile app has certain key features. Here are some of the functions to look for when comparing mobile apps for project management. Offline use Multiple project views Team collaboration Forever free plan Pricing monday.com Yes Yes Yes Yes $9 per user per month ClickUp Yes Yes Yes Yes $7 per user per month Asana Yes Yes Yes Yes $10.99 per user per month Trello Yes Yes Yes Yes $5 per user per month Smartsheet Forms only Yes Yes Yes $9 per user per month Notion No Yes Yes Yes $10 per user per month Wrike Yes Yes Yes Yes $10 per user per month ClickUp: Best for creating and updating tasks Mobile app rating: 4.5/5 Image: ClickUp The ClickUp small business project management mobile app makes it easy to create or update new tasks. With the ClickUp app, you can also comment on tasks, assign work to team members, track time, check and clear notifications, edit custom fields, create notes, and view the dashboard. However, you must use the desktop interface for other tasks, such as whiteboards or Gantt view. Why I chose ClickUp I selected ClickUp because its mobile app makes it so easy to create new tasks, update existing ones, and check off completed ones. I also really like the high levels of customization offered by the project manager app. You can create automated workflows, personalize your dashboard, change templates, and edit your project views. View of the ClickUp mobile app. Image: ClickUp Pricing Free Forever: $0; best for personal use. Unlimited: $7 per user per month billed annually, or $10 per user per month billed monthly. Business: $12 per user per month billed annually, or $19 per user per month billed monthly. Enterprise: Quotes are available upon request. Features More than 15 project views. More than 1,000 integrations. Built-in team chat messaging tool. Create documents, wikis, and knowledge bases. Pros and cons Pros Cons Interface is colorful and easy to navigate. Some users report occasional performance issues and lags. Free Forever plan allows unlimited users. Can present a learning curve due to the number of features. 24/7 customer support for all plans. Storage for the free plan is limited to 100MB. Excellent customization options. Must use the desktop app for a number of actions. For more information, read the full ClickUp review. Asana: Best for offline use Mobile app rating: 4/5 Image: Asana Not all mobile project management apps support offline use, but Asana does. Even if you don’t have an internet connection, you can still check your notifications, comment on tasks, change due dates or assignees, complete tasks, and more. Once you reconnect to the internet, the tasks will sync so that the rest of your team can see the changes you made. It even keeps a tally of your offline actions, and the count goes down as the changes sync. Why I chose Asana I chose Asana because of the offline functionality offered by its mobile app. I really appreciate that it will save changes to your device and sync once it reconnects. If your team members have to get work done with unreliable internet or cell service (for example, they frequently travel to conferences), check out Asana’s mobile project managing app. View of the Asana mobile app. Image: Asana Pricing Basic: $0 per user per month for up to 15 people. Premium: $10.99 per user per month billed annually, or $13.49 per user per month billed monthly. Business: $24.99 per user per month billed annually, or $30.49 per user per month billed monthly. Enterprise: Contact the sales team for a custom quote. Features Multiple project views available. Workflow builder helps standardize task execution. Document storage and management. Advanced reporting and analytics. Pros and cons Pros Cons Mobile app available for offline use. No native time tracking. Great task management features. No Gantt chart/timeline view on the free plan. Free plan allows unlimited projects and tasks. Advanced security features only available on the Enterprise plan. Integrates well with third-party tools. Not suitable for projects with complex dependencies. For more information, read the full Asana review. Trello: Best for affordability Mobile app rating: 4/5 Image: Trello With paid plans starting at only $5 per person, Trello is one of the most affordable project management software. For that low starting price, you get access to an interface that makes creating and navigating kanban boards from your phone easy. It also offers excellent offline functionality, such as creating new boards, adding cards, and attaching pictures. Why I chose Trello I chose Trello because of its affordable paid plans, which cost less than many of its competitors. I also enjoyed using the mobile app, which offers an intuitive interface and a very low learning curve, ensuring that beginners will get the hang of it quickly. View of the Trello mobile app. Image: Atlassian Pricing Free: Up to 10 boards per workspace. Standard: $5 per user per month if billed annually, or $6 per user per month if billed monthly. Premium: $10 per user per month if billed annually, or $12.50 per user per month if billed monthly. A free trial is available. Enterprise: $17.50 per user per month when billed annually. Features Intuitive kanban boards. Built-in automation tool called Butler. Choose from card, board, timeline, table, calendar, dashboard, map, and workspace views. Good selection of native integrations. Pros and cons Pros Cons Unlimited file storage on all plans. Free plan limited to 10 boards per workspace. Unlimited users on the forever free plan. Project management features aren’t as robust as some

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Fed. Circ. Won't Force Judge To Hold Trial In Viasat's IP Suit

By Adam Lidgett ( January 17, 2025, 6:40 PM EST) — The Federal Circuit on Friday shot down Viasat’s petition that sought an order requiring Waco, Texas’ U.S. District Judge Alan Albright to hold a trial in its flash memory patent suit against Japanese memory device company Kioxia…. Law360 is on it, so you are, too. A Law360 subscription puts you at the center of fast-moving legal issues, trends and developments so you can act with speed and confidence. Over 200 articles are published daily across more than 60 topics, industries, practice areas and jurisdictions. A Law360 subscription includes features such as Daily newsletters Expert analysis Mobile app Advanced search Judge information Real-time alerts 450K+ searchable archived articles And more! Experience Law360 today with a free 7-day trial. source

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1. Emotional well-being

To better understand Americans’ well-being, we asked U.S. adults how often they feel lonely or isolated from those around them and how often they feel optimistic about their lives. How often do Americans feel lonely? There are differences across demographic groups in the shares saying they feel lonely or isolated all or most of the time. The following groups are among the most likely to say they often feel this way: Adults younger than 50 Adults with some college or less education Lower-income Americans Adults who are unpartnered or living with a partner they’re not married to There is no significant difference between the shares of men and women saying they often feel lonely or isolated. This remains true across all age groups. How often do Americans feel optimistic? A majority of adults (58%) say they feel optimistic about their life all or most of the time, while 32% say they feel this way sometimes. One-in-ten say they hardly ever or never feel optimistic. As is the case with feelings of loneliness, the shares saying they often feel optimistic vary by age, education, income and marital status. For the most part, the patterns are the opposite of what we see with loneliness. These groups are among the most likely to say they feel optimistic all or most of the time: Adults ages 50 and older Adults with a bachelor’s degree or more education Upper-income adults Married adults source

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Introducing Forrester’s Brand Experience Index — Drive Growth With Both Brand And Customer Experience

Some things are simply better together: milk and cookies, cats and laser pointers, Instagram and avocado toast — or, if you’re a Frank Sinatra fan (or a “Married… with Children” junkie), it’s love and marriage. Let me tell you what else goes together “like a horse and carriage”: brand and customer experience. Don’t get me wrong; this is not a new insight. At Forrester, we’ve been loudly declaiming the inextricability of brand experience (BX) and customer experience (CX) for many years, but we have watched in dismay as marketing and customer experience activities in many companies continue to be compartmentalized and misaligned. Let us help you with that! New Evidence Of The Multiplicative Value Of BX+CX What’s new from Forrester is that we have clear and compelling evidence showing that brand experience and customer experience work more effectively together to generate financial value. Our analyses across various categories indicate that enhancing both BX and CX has a multiplicative revenue impact compared to advancing just one of them. For instance, in direct banks in the US, the combined revenue lift is 2.3x (versus 1.5–1.6x). The same multiplicative effect is observed in airlines, retail, auto, and numerous other industries.   A New Approach: A Single View Of Growth Among Prospects And Customers What is also new from Forrester is a unified framework to measure and analyze BX and CX together, side by side. This framework provides a comprehensive view of how a brand performs with both its prospects and customers, how it compares to its peers, and what this means for its growth strategies in capturing market share and enhancing performance. We refer to this as our “growth grid.” This 2×2 grid positions a brand based on its performance with prospects and customers, categorizing brands from a specific sector into four growth quadrants, highlighting their current performance, and suggesting potential paths for improvement.   One Single View, Two Experience Indices To construct these growth grids, we rely on two key indices: Forrester’s Customer Experience Index (CX Index™) measures customers’ perception of an experience. It measures how successfully a company delivers customer experiences that create and sustain loyalty and is calculated based on three components of CX quality: ease, effectiveness, and emotion. Forrester’s new BX Index measures prospects’ and customers’ perceptions of a brand. It measures brand equity, which accrues from the sum of all experiences. The index is based on three components: salience, fit, and trust. The growth grid is much more than a theoretical construct. It allows us to assess the performance of specific brands in a category, helping them understand their position relative to the competition and fashion a strategy for the future. We’ve examined numerous applications of these growth grids, and Forrester clients can view our analysis of brands in the automotive and hospitality categories in the US and the banking markets in the UK and Singapore in the full report. Use The Two Indices And Growth Grids To Drive Strategy The calculation of the BX and CX indices and the mapping of the growth grid have multiple strategic applications for brands. They can be used to: Assess the competitive landscape and develop growth strategies. Evaluate the strength of different business lines. Compare the strengths of different brands within a portfolio. Illuminate pathways for improvement — say, from “lagging” to “leading.” Forrester clients can view our analysis of banking products and retail department store chains as examples of utilizing growth grids as strategic tools. Read our full report, Brand And Customer Experience Together Power Growth, to learn more about using Forrester’s CX Index in tandem with our BX Index to assess your competitive position and chart a course for growth and leadership. To follow my work, go to my Forrester bio and choose “Follow.” If you are a Forrester client interested in discussing these topics, please schedule time with me for an inquiry or guidance session. And if you are a Forrester client looking to host a strategy session on harmonizing BX and CX, please contact your account team or email me at [email protected]. source

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香港寵物節既將舉行 調查指港人養寵物月花$2,086增長逾6%

歷屆規模最大、展位最多,由展覽集團舉辦、CSL 冠名贊助的 「香港寵物節 2025」,將於 2 月 6 至 9 日(四至日)假 香港會議展覽中心舉行。展覽集團今日 舉行新聞發佈會公佈展會詳情,同時發佈「全香港住戶飼養寵物的消費數據及趨勢分析」。 「香港寵物節」經歷廿載,規模更是歷來最大,3 號展覽廳面積達 26 萬平方呎,有近 400 個參 展商、超過 1,000 個展位,匯聚全港最多世界知名寵物食品和用品品牌的大型展覽,更比喻為 「寵物界工展會」。展覽可讓所有寵物愛好者攜帶愛寵一同入場盡情購物和欣賞不同的精彩活動,勢成為一年一度的寵物界盛事。 展覽集團同日發佈「全香港住戶飼養寵物的消費數據及趨勢分析」於去年 12 月至今年 1 月以網 上問卷訪問 1,300 名公眾人士關於寵物消費等情況,當中有 1,000 份有效問卷,調查發現最受港 人歡迎飼養寵物的類型依次為狗狗、貓咪、兔子、爬蟲及鳥類。80.1%受訪者指過去 12 個月養 寵開支有所增加,平均每月在飼養寵物上的支出達到 2,086 港元,較去年的 1,962 港元增長 6.3%, 預計寵物產業市場規模達 62 億港元。而每月在飼養寵物上花費$1,501 至$2,500 的比例從 27.5% 上升至 32.4%。79.1%受訪者預期未來 6 至 12 個月內的飼養開支將會增加,超過一半受訪者表 示開支增加 10%以上。 展覽集團有限公司總經理朱雪玲小姐表示:「每月寵物市場規模達至 5.2 億元,每年逾 62 億元。香港寵物節 2025 適逢蛇年後首個大型公眾博覽,今年踏入第 20 屆,規模更勝往年,首次貫通整個 3 號展覽館以滿足市場需求。」隨著寵物飼養的普及化,市場需求帶動了寵物相關行業的 多元化發展,涵蓋食品、用品、美容護理、醫療、旅遊及文創等領域。其中,文創潮玩成新興趨勢,為配合市場熱潮,今屆首度增設國際寵物文創潮玩區,推動寵物文化的多元發展。 今年「香港寵物節 2025」首度增設「動物多元生命館」、「國際寵物文創潮玩區」及全新海外 展區,其中「動物多元生命館」雲集多種爬蟲界巨星,包括首次在港展出的國家一級保護動物瑤山鱷蜥,並展示蘇卡達象龜、美洲鬣蜥等多種爬蟲類品種及生態互動,還有生態教育講座、甲蟲標本工作坊等活動,讓觀眾探索神秘莫測的爬行王國,啟發生命教育;「國際寵物文創潮玩區」及全新海外展區匯聚多個國內外品牌,展示創意滿載的寵物周邊商品與手作精品,結合寵物與潮流文化的獨特魅力,促進寵物與文創產業的交流與發展。 大會一直提倡「愛護動物,尊重生命」,每年亦邀請多個慈善團體和寵物協會一同參與,20 年來,香港寵物節與本地超過 22 個非牟利機構合作,贊助超過 470 個展位、每場贊助超過 95 萬,累積金額超過1,500 萬元。寵物節首次與香港青年協會合作推出「寵物節 2025 – SLASH POINT 萌寵工作坊」,集結多元化寵物主題工作坊,包括陶瓷寵物繪畫、3D 打印寵物錢箱、寵物造型 押花匙扣、似顏繪、DIY 首飾等,入場人士可親身創作獨特寵物用品。 博覽更設有各種寵物主題的展區及多項精彩活動,包括「香港狗會新春嘉年華」、「迎春接福 CFA 冠軍貓展 2025」、「第 18 屆狗狗全國運動會」及全港最大型的室內「寵物同樂主題公園」等。香港狗會新春嘉年華設有蛇年親親打卡位和狗狗遊樂場,並舉行一系列狗狗專屬活動,包 括「寵物美容仿真毛創意比賽」及「業餘服從比賽」,更有寵物美容手工班、服從訓練班及狗狗天才表演等講座和現場演示,亮點之一的「業餘犬種豁免賽」可以一次欣賞到柴犬、比熊犬、鬆 師犬、邊界牧羊犬及查理士王騎士犬等參賽狗狗。寵物界的國際級選美賽事「迎春接福 CFA 冠 軍貓展 2025」將於兩天內舉行 10 環賽事,邀請來自美國、芬蘭、澳洲及香港的 11 位資深評判, 超過 100 隻貓貓參賽,涵蓋近 20 個品種,包括波斯貓、異國短毛貓、緬恩貓等,更特別展出新 加坡貓以及香港新引入的玩具短尾貓,絕對是貓奴不可錯過的盛事。 第 18 屆狗狗全國運動會第二站—香港站比賽將於展覽期間舉行,活動設有多項趣味競賽,包括 50 尺短跑、100 尺來回、50 尺跨欄、三項鐵犬、跳高、跳遠,以及新增的競賽項目—三圈追逐。大會更邀請劉威煌、陳嘉恒和鍾雨璇擔任愛心大使,為參賽狗狗加油打氣,並攜手推廣寵物友善理念。今年寵物節特設全港室內最大型的寵物主題公園,設有史努比打卡點及狗隻訓練班, 為主人與愛寵打造多元化的互動體驗。同時,為推動香港成為人寵共融城市,寵物節首次聯乘 九巴推出「寵物巴士遊」,於 2 月 8 日及 9 日博覽期間特設灣仔會展上落客點,方便主人與愛寵參與活動。該計劃將於周末及假日提供多條路線,覆蓋中環、西九、沙田、大埔、馬灣及西貢 等多個寵物友善熱點,讓主人與愛寵共享乘搭巴士出遊的樂趣,進一步提升寵物友善設施的便 利性和吸引力。 博覽期間將舉行香港寵物節 x 香港寵物業商會「海外商務對接交流會」,邀請國內外寵物行業 翹楚及參展商共聚一堂,共同探討行業趨勢、分享經驗,就各地市場的最新趨勢進行交流。 「MoCity 毛城城我最喜愛寵物品牌大獎 2024」頒獎典禮,表揚廣受公眾愛戴的優質寵物品牌, 為業界樹立榜樣,推動行業發展。現場亦設有《Mastercard®卡簽賬大抽獎》,凡顧客憑單一發票以 Mastercard 卡於展覽會場內指定攤位簽賬消費每$500,均可獲一次抽獎機會,$1000 為兩 次抽獎機會,如此類推,每張發票最多可獲10 次抽獎機會,有機會贏取東京、首爾、台北雙人 來回機票等送出超過 4000 份獎品。參加者可於刮刮卡換領處換領抽獎刮刮卡,即刮即知抽獎結果。 香港寵物節 2025舉辦詳情: 日期 2025年2月6至9日 (星期四至日) 時間 2月6至8日 (星期四至六)‥中午12時至晚上9時 2月9日 (星期日)‥中午12時至晚上8時 地點 香港灣仔港灣道一號香港會議展覽中心 (3 號展覽廳) https://www.exhibitiongroup.com.hk/exhibitions/petshow2025 LinkedIn Email Facebook Twitter WhatsApp source

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Student Loan Entities In Hot Seat After CFPB Goes To College

By Jonathan Joshua ( January 17, 2025, 5:13 PM EST) — Recent Consumer Financial Protection Bureau actions may signal heightened regulatory scrutiny at both the federal and state levels of college and university institutional loan programs, along with the activities of their service providers, such as institutional loan originators, marketers and even strategic enrollment management companies…. Law360 is on it, so you are, too. A Law360 subscription puts you at the center of fast-moving legal issues, trends and developments so you can act with speed and confidence. Over 200 articles are published daily across more than 60 topics, industries, practice areas and jurisdictions. A Law360 subscription includes features such as Daily newsletters Expert analysis Mobile app Advanced search Judge information Real-time alerts 450K+ searchable archived articles And more! Experience Law360 today with a free 7-day trial. source

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Some Good News in The World of IoT Security: FCC Launches the US Cyber Trust Mark Program

The US government is doing something positive around IoT security. With the launch of the US Cyber Trust Mark program, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) authorized a program and developed rules that bring forward a voluntary labeling standard to inform consumers about the cybersecurity impact of wireless IoT devices they may bring into their homes. Consumer IoT devices are scattered everywhere, from doorbell cameras to smart appliances, baby monitors, and streaming devices. And unless consumers take the time to review all the available information online about what these device manufacturers are doing with regards to cybersecurity, they have no idea how a given device manages aspects such as authentication, cryptography, data security, or even device lifespan. This new labeling program gives buyers a quick view on the label of the key cybersecurity functions and a QR code (still need to be careful with those!) that can provide details on how the device manufacturer is addressing the security of the device and the associated data. You may be thinking, “Paddy, this is a good step for consumer devices. How does this impact the security of my business?” That’s a great question. What does the home network of your employees look like? Unless you are security-conscious by nature (or experience), segmented home networks that isolate different devices into their own secured grids are rarer than properly segmented business networks. Compromised IoT devices on the networks of your home/hybrid workers can be used to attack the business devices that your remote employees are attaching to the same home network. Even if you have no remote employees and you don’t allow BYOD laptops, you still must consider mobile device security. Unless every employee has a cell tower in their backyard and/or unlimited data on all mobile device plans, a majority of employees will still connect their smartphone to their home network to save mobile data charges and have a better experience using these mobile devices. While deploying mobile threat defense solutions onto the mobile devices accessing your business resources is a great way to reduce the impact of a compromised IoT device in this manner, security is all about layers, and having more secure IoT devices is a way to assist here. Within your business networks, how many consumer-grade smart appliances are connected? Refrigerators, coffeemakers, microwaves, or even smart assistants litter the networks of many businesses because of their availability and ease of replacement. This type of device labeling can provide security and risk leaders with more details on the impact of these devices on the overall cybersecurity posture of the corporate network. When it comes to commercial IoT devices, there are other initiatives around the world, from guidance to regulation, and within certain markets, there are other requirements and standards that need to be met, such as in healthcare or related to connected vehicles, but like any standard, guideline, or regulation, these should all be seen as the floor to establishing your secured IoT device environment, not the ceiling. With IoT security listed as one of Forrester’s top 10 emerging technologies for 2024, we have a lot of research initiatives going on to bring you, S&R practitioners and leaders, more insight on how to better protect your business when it comes to IoT devices. If you are looking to better protect your organization’s IoT assets, whether they are on your corporate network or your employees’ home network, please schedule an inquiry or guidance session with me to discuss further. source

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