Tag: down

Cyber Threats Could Force 1 in 4 SMEs to Shut Down After a Ransomware Attack

The latest Vodafone Business Cybersecurity Threat Report reveals a stark reality for Ireland’s small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), warning that 28% of businesses would be at risk of shutting down after just one ransomware attack, while 94% of Irish SMEs admit they feel unprepared to defend against advanced cyber threats.
With cyber criminals increasingly harnessing artificial intelligence (AI) to launch faster, more convincing and more adaptive attacks, the report warns that no business is immune to risk.
AI: The Game-Changer in Cybercrime
The report highlights how AI is now being used to clone voices, impersonate trusted executives, and create highly realistic phishing campaigns, making it harder than ever for busy SMEs to spot malicious activity. These sophisticated identity hacks can lead to operational shutdowns, exposure of sensitive customer data, and long-term reputational damage to businesses.
The financial impact is expected to surge with cybercrime-related costs projected to rise by nearly 50% over the next three years as AI-driven attacks continue to evolve.
The report highlights the emergence of adaptive AI malware, a type of malicious software that can learn and adapt its tactics to evade detection. Traditional antivirus systems are becoming less effective against these shape-shifting threats, signalling a critical need for stronger, AI-enabled defences.
As Irish SMEs begin integrating AI tools into everyday operations, from automating customer service to analysing data, the research shows that 50% of small and mid-sized enterprises ranked cybersecurity among their top five priorities. However, 69% of SMEs admit they lack the proper cybersecurity measures to deploy these technologies safely. This gap is leaving many businesses exposed to new forms of cyberattacks.
However, Vodafone Ireland, connectivity and technology partner to six in ten Irish businesses, emphasises that there are practical steps SMEs can take to strengthen their cybersecurity, such as employee training, software updates, multi-factor authentication, regular backups, and partnering with expert providers for monitoring and threat detection. These measures can help businesses close gaps without requiring extensive IT expertise.
Speaking on the findings, Sinead Perry, Head of SMB Sales – Small & Medium Business at Vodafone Ireland, warned that no business is too small to be a target:
“The scale of AI-powered attacks means no business is too small or too remote to go unnoticed. If you’re online, you’re on the radar. For SMEs, the risk is real – they are big enough to be a target but often don’t have the same security resources as larger firms.”
“Attackers only need to succeed once, while your defences must work every time. Irish SMEs now face two major challenges: defending against AI-driven threats and ensuring their own use of AI is secure.”
“Today, SMEs manage more data than ever before and operate in a complex digital environment that rivals larger businesses. This makes them attractive targets, and with AI in the mix, this threat is evolving fast. SMEs must act now to strengthen their resilience and protect the future of their business. With 2.4 million customers in Ireland, Vodafone is a trusted connectivity and technology partner, uniquely positioned to support SMEs in navigating today’s cybersecurity challenges. This is why at Vodafone Ireland, we are working with leading global technology partners, like Google, Microsoft
and Zscaler, to help SMEs build stronger, smarter defences and protect the future of their businesses.”
The full Vodafone Business Cybersecurity Threat Report is available to download via the V-Hub knowledge centre: https://v-hub.vodafone.ie/knowledge-centre/how-to-defend-smes-from-rising-ai-driven-cyber-attacks.

Twitch Has Shut Down Its Streaming Platform in South Korea

In a surprising turn of events, Twitch, the globally renowned live-streaming platform, bid farewell to South Korea in December, leaving its community of streamers and viewers in the region in a state of uncertainty. The decision to shutter its operations in the country was driven by the formidable challenges posed by high-performance costs, signaling a significant shift in the dynamics of South Korean live-streaming market. 

Twitch’s Departure: A Loss for South Korean Streamers

For years, Twitch has been a cornerstone of the South Korean live-streaming scene, providing a platform for content creators to showcase their talents and engage with audiences in real-time. However, with the announcement of its departure, streamers and viewers alike were left grappling with the implications of losing access to the platform’s extensive array of features and community-driven culture.

Impact on the South Korean Live Streaming Landscape

Twitch’s exit from South Korea created a void in the live streaming market, prompting a reevaluation of the platforms available to both creators and consumers. With Twitch out of the picture, alternative platforms such as AfreecaTV and CHZZK quickly stepped in to fill the gap, vying for dominance in a landscape ripe for disruption.

AfreecaTV and CHZZK: Rising Stars in South Korea

AfreecaTV, a longstanding player in the South Korean live-streaming scene, emerged as a frontrunner following Twitch’s departure. With 98 million hours watched in the first quarter of the year, AfreecaTV reaffirmed its position as a leading platform for content creators and viewers alike. Additionally, CHZZK, backed by Naver, made significant strides, securing 59 million hours watched during the same period, cementing its status as a formidable competitor in the market.

The Emergence of Global Platforms: AfreecaTV’s SOOP and CHZZK’s Expansion

In response to the shifting landscape, both AfreecaTV and CHZZK announced plans to expand their reach beyond South Korea. AfreecaTV unveiled its plans to launch the beta version of SOOP, its global streaming service, in the first half of 2024, signalling its intent to compete on a global scale. Similarly, CHZZK, with Naver at its helm, initiated a beta rollout of its platform, setting the stage for a worldwide expansion in the near future.

South Korean Twitch Users Seek To Preserve Stream Memories

Amidst the uncertainty surrounding Twitch’s departure, South Korean users flocked to third-party software tools to download their favorite streamer’s content. Clipsey is one of the most popular software tools used, as it allows users to download a streamer’s clips for offline viewing. It provides South Korean users with a means to preserve cherished memories even as they bid farewell to Twitch.

Looking Ahead: The Future of South Korean Live Streaming

As the dust settles on Twitch’s departure, the South Korean live-streaming market finds itself at a crossroads, poised for transformation and innovation. With platforms like AfreecaTV and CHZZK leading the charge, the landscape is ripe with opportunities for both creators and viewers to explore new avenues of content creation and consumption. As the industry continues to evolve, one thing remains certain: the spirit of live streaming in South Korea will endure, fueled by the passion and creativity of its vibrant community.