27.8 C
Kuala Lumpur
Friday, March 27, 2026
Facebook Linkedin Twitter
Home Blog Page 5

MALAYSIA: FPAM’s Annual Financial Planning Symposium 2024 convenes top experts to navigate financial landscape

By
News Hub Asia Reporter
-

The Financial Planning Association of Malaysia (FPAM) successfully hosted its flagship Annual Financial Planning Symposium 2024 yesterday (8 May) at Menara Affin Auditorium.

The event, themed ‘Navigating the Financial Landscape’, brought together industry leaders, professionals, and thought leaders to discuss current trends and innovations in financial planning.

Dato’ Seri Dr Awang Adek Hussin (9th from left) with VIPs at the Annual Financial Planning Symposium 2024 that was organised by The Financial Planning Association of Malaysia (FPAM). | Photo by FPAM / NHA File Photo

“Together, we are charting a course to make financial planning available to all”, said Mr. Alvin Tan Chin Cherng, President of FPAM addressed the attendees in his opening speech.

Mr. Alvin Tan Chin Cherng delivering his welcoming speech at The Financial Planning Association of Malaysia (FPAM) flagship Annual Financial Planning Symposium 2024. | Photo by FPAM / NHA File Photo

“This year, as we navigate through rapid technological changes and complex market dynamics, our symposium brings together a diverse spectrum of experts who will share their insights on the evolving financial planning landscape. Our sessions are designed to equip you with cutting-edge tools and perspectives, enabling you to thrive in an increasingly dynamic financial environment. As we delve into these discussions, I encourage you to engage fully, share your insights, and forge connections that will enhance our collective capability to innovate and lead”, Cherng highlighted.

Dato’ Seri Dr Awang Adek Hussin, Chairman of the Securities Commission of Malaysia, delivered a keynote address, highlighting the symposium’s alignment with national financial strategic goals. This participation underscores the event’s role in supporting Malaysia’s economic and financial well-being.

Dato’ Seri Dr Awang Adek Hussin, Chairman of the Securities Commission of Malaysia, delivering his keynote address at The Financial Planning Association of Malaysia (FPAM) flagship Annual Financial Planning Symposium 2024. | Photo by FPAM / NHA File Photo

In his keynote address, Dato’ Seri Dr Awang Adek Hussin mention that the Malaysian economy is currently seeing moderate growth. He also mentioned that the baby boomers have taken a back seat as they head towards retirement and have passed on their wealth to the next generation, steadily looking into digital and sustainable investments. “For the first time, yesterday, the stock market capitalisation touched RM2 trillion. The market has grown by a healthy 10 per cent this year”, he proudly announced.

Nearly 300 financial planners attended the symposium physically, with an additional 385 joining virtually. Attendees gained valuable insights from renowned speakers on a wide range of topics, including:
• Detecting and Combating Money Laundering: Presented by Foo Wei Min, ACP Assistant Director Money Laundering Investigation (AMLA) Commercial Crime Investigation Department (Royal Malaysian Police)
• AI and its applications in Financial Planning (AI Chat GPT): Presented by Michael Heaney, Partner, Consulting (Ernst & Young Consulting Sdn Bhd)

• The impact of E-Invoicing: Presented by Lam Kwai Soon, COO & Tax Managing Director (Cheng & Co Group)
• ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) considerations in financial planning: Presented by Chris Tse, Chairman (Institute of Financial Planners of Hong Kong Ltd)
• How the Capital Market can enhance portfolios: Presented by Shahrul Amry Malek, Head, Strategic Business Partners and Governance (Affin Hwang Investment Bank Berhad)

According to FPAM, the Annual Signature Financial Planning Symposium is a crucial platform for knowledge sharing and professional development. “By bringing together top experts and fostering collaboration, this event empowers financial planners to navigate the evolving industry and provide their clients with the best possible advice”.

The symposium addressed key areas vital for the public, including personal wealth management, risk assessment, and the implications of financial regulations. This knowledge empowers individuals to make informed financial decisions and achieve their financial goals.

The FPAM Annual Financial Planning Symposium serves as a valuable platform for:
• Staying informed: Gaining insights into the latest trends and advancements in financial planning.
• Networking and collaboration: Connecting with peers, sharing ideas, and fostering business development.
• Understanding complex market dynamics and regulatory changes.
• Promoting public financial literacy: Providing crucial information to help individuals make informed financial decisions.
• Supporting national financial goals: Aligning with government initiatives to strengthen the economic and financial landscape of Malaysia.

FPAM remains committed to fostering a vibrant financial planning community in Malaysia and empowering Malaysians to achieve financial well-being.

FPAM is dedicated to promoting a culture of excellence among financial professionals across diverse disciplines, emphasising the continuous enhancement of technical competence and unwavering commitment to ethical obligations. In alignment with this mission, our continuing education courses cater to Associate and Certified Members, aiming to impart comprehensive knowledge and a nuanced understanding of Financial Planning and its associated activities. It is worth noting that our courses enjoy recognition from both the Securities Commission (SC) and Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) for meeting continuing education requirements, further underscoring our commitment to fostering professional growth within the financial industry.

Source: FPAM (Press Release)

    MALAYSIA: Maybank branch staff helped save civil servant from losing RM150,000 to phone scam

    By
    News Hub Asia Reporter
    -

    In a heartwarming display of compassion and proactiveness in customer care, a Maybank Kampung Baru branch employee in Pulau Pinang, Malaysia recently thwarted scammers saving a customer, Fatimah, from losing RM150,000 to individuals impersonating enforcement agency officers. 

    Up-close view of the top of the Maybank Tower in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Cropped from a photo by Jackson Tee on Pexels. News Hub Asia File Photo
    Up-close view of the top of the Maybank Tower in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. | Cropped from a photo by Jackson Tee / Pexels / NHA File Photo

    To Fatimah, 57, a government contract worker, the thought of losing the money she had diligently saved for her retirement and her children’s tertiary education expenses would have been unimaginable. Her ordeal began with a phone call purportedly from her bank, alleging her involvement in unauthorised transactions and illicit mule account activities.

    To further ensnare her, the caller orchestrated a series of manipulative phone calls to individuals posing as representatives from various enforcement and regulatory agencies, including the Royal Malaysia Police and Bank Negara Malaysia.

    In a call lasting more than four hours, Fatimah was instructed by the scammers to withdraw RM150,000 from her savings account at the Maybank Kampung Baru branch in Penang.

    “I was shaken by the whole ordeal. At the branch, the teller performed the usual check and asked me the purpose of (the) withdrawal. The scammer had instructed me earlier to lie and state that the monies were for house renovation purposes,” said Fatimah. 

    Fortunately, in her time of need, a beacon of support emerged in the form of Siti, the assistant branch manager of Maybank Kampung Baru. “Upon us realising that it is a scam, Siti quickly sprang into action,” Fatimah recalled with gratitude.

    “She guided me through the process of filing a case report with the bank, swiftly freezing my account to safeguard my hard-earned money. Despite relentless attempts by the scammer to disrupt the proceedings with incessant calls, Siti’s calm reassurance and sound advice prevailed. I am so grateful to her for going above and beyond to help me, especially since it was beyond regular branch hours,” continued Fatimah.

    To protect themselves from scams, Fatimah urges the public to always be vigilant and read up on the latest scam tactics, beware when deals are too good to be true, and seek support from their banks should they suspect they have fallen victim to a scam.

    Maybank’s Financial Security Mission

    Ensuring the financial security of its customers remains the Bank’s priority. Maybank places significant emphasis on the importance of scam awareness and is committed to fortifying its counterfraud measures and initiatives, to stay ahead of emerging fraud threats and uphold the trust and security of its customers.

    Maybank is resolute in its mission to combat scams and safeguard customers’ financial well-being through comprehensive counterfraud education and awareness initiatives. This includes extensive training programmes to ensure its frontline employees are equipped with the necessary knowledge to recognise signs of distress in customers and identify potential scam targets, enabling them to offer real-time support and assistance.

    In 2023, Maybank successfully protected customers from losing RM6.4 million to financial scams via branch channels. To defend against scams, the Bank encourages customers to be alert and observe the following practices:

    • Be cautious of calls and/or messages from strangers claiming to be from the authorities, banks, utility providers and enforcement/government agencies such as the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), the Central Bank of Malaysia (BNM) or the Inland Revenue Board of Malaysia (IRBM or LHDN);
    • Never reveal your banking details. Customers are reminded that banks and the authorities will not request banking details over the phone; and
    • Do not transfer funds to unknown accounts. The authorities and enforcement agencies will not demand immediate fund transfers to unknown third-party accounts.

    In the event customers suspect that they have been scammed, they should immediately call the National Scam Resource Centre hotline at 997 or Maybank’s 24/7 Fraud hotline at
    +603 5891 4744 for assistance.

    To learn how to identify the latest scam tactics, the public is encouraged to visit the Maybank Security Tips webpage at maybank.my/SecurityAwareness and the Anti-Scam National Resource Centre at www.jangankenascam.com. 

    Source: Maybank Malaysia (Press Release)

      Heartana Culture Hub Unveils Flagship Kuala Lumpur Outlet: Tea, Wellness and Cultural Experiences Beyond Consumption

      By
      News Hub Asia Reporter
      -
      The Founder of Heartana Culture Hub, Jeremy Khor, & The Group CEO of Heartana, Jessica Tan delivered an inspiring speech on stage.

      Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – 27th January 2024: Heartana Culture Hub Sdn Bhd today marks a new chapter in Kuala Lumpur’s wellness scene with the launch of its flagship outlet. More than just a tea house, Heartana Culture Hub offers a unique immersion into holistic well-being, weaving together ancient practices, modern therapies, and transformative experiences.

      “Heartana Culture Hub isn’t about fleeting trends,” stated Jessica Tan, Heartana Group CEO and co-founder of Heartana Culture Hub.

      “As humanity strides forward, we risk severing our very roots. This Culture Hub emerges as a sanctuary, a balm to reawaken a dormant equilibrium with nature, reignite our stagnant energy, and rekindle the connections that bind us. Guided by the wisdom of the I-Ching, the ancient Book of Changes, we seek not just harmonious spaces (as in feng shui), but harmonious beings.

      Explore the essence of our offerings – Agarwood Oil, Knife Therapy, and Chinese Tea. Immerse yourself in a sensory journey that combines luxury, wellness, and cultural richness.

      Beyond its familiar application in architecture and interiors, the I-Ching offers a profound roadmap for inner balance. This philosophy underpins our curation of ancient practices. From the precision of knife therapy to the ritualistic grace of tea brewing, from the aromatic depths of Oudh to the soulful resonance of music and the evocative power of totem art, each element engages our five senses, a multi-sensory tapestry woven to awaken the equilibrium within.”

      We’re about unlocking the transformative power of ancient wisdom and practices to create a sanctuary for deep healing and personal growth”, she added.

      The outlet boasts a serene ambience in the heart of Kuala Lumpur where guests can delve into the exquisite aroma and therapeutic benefits of Oudh or Agar oil, a prized commodity revered for centuries by many religions for its grounding and restorative properties. “Agarwood isn’t just a scent,” explains Jeremy Khor, Founder of Heartana Culture Hub, Jessica’s co-founder and partner. “It’s a journey for the senses, a pathway to inner peace and harmony.”

      Beyond fragrant teas, Heartana Culture Hub offers a curated menu of unique wellness experiences. For those seeking physical rejuvenation, Joseph Tan (Heartana Wellness Master, a renowned knife therapy master, shares his expertise. “Knife therapy isn’t about pain,” Joey clarifies. “It’s about releasing blockages, restoring energy flow, and rediscovering the body’s innate healing potential.”

      Honoured to have Y.M. Tunku Dato’ Mohamed Alauddin Tunku Naquiyuddin, a distinguished Guest of Honor, join the Heartana Culture Hub opening ceremony along with 12 other esteemed VIPs.

      Heartana Culture Hub’s flagship outlet marks the beginning of a transformative movement in Kuala Lumpur’s wellness landscape. It’s an invitation to transcend the realm of mere consumption and embark on a journey of conscious living, fuelled by the wisdom of the past and the possibilities of the future.

        Rotary Club of Klang Valley Champions Multiple Sclerosis Awareness

        By
        News Hub Asia Reporter
        -

        In a dedicated effort to heighten awareness surrounding multiple sclerosis (MS), the Rotary Club of Klang Valley recently orchestrated an expert panel discussion in collaboration with MS Society Malaysia and Sokong, a digital platform by Malaysiakini to aid non-profit NGOs in fundraising. The event received substantial support from the Malaysian Medical Association(MMA).

        The moderated panel comprising a consultant neurologist, a patient and a caregiver drew more than fifty attendees, including patients, families, Rotarians and members of the community. Held at the Malaysiakini venue, the forum aimed to foster a deeper understanding of MS, promoting awareness of the multifaceted rare disease with a focus on community education, medical care, and support services.

        The poignant narratives shared by the patient and caregiver unveiled the emotional challenges faced with courage, while the consultant neurologist delved into the critical medical aspects of the disease.

        Multiple sclerosis arises when the immune system attacks the brain and spinal cord, affecting over 1.8 million people worldwide. Studies reveal that the complex needs of MS patients are often overlooked due to a perceived lack of awareness.

        The panel’s concluding thoughts emphasized the urgent need for national awareness and early education for diagnosis, the accessibility of medication for all patients, and the recommendation for patients and caregivers to consult psychologists to manage the psychological challenges. Additionally, the inclusion of MS in the Continuing Medical Education (CME) for the general practitioners programme organised by the MMA was highlighted.

        Looking ahead, the Rotary Club of Klang Valley in collaboration with the MS Society Malaysia, is eager to forge meaningful partnerships with organisations to foster the MS conversation nationwide. Strategic alliances with a shared mission will contribute to creating an inclusive and compassionate community, recognizing that there is Life with MS and Life beyond MS.

         

          DEKRA launch the first Cybersecurity Testing & Certification Program for UAVs in cooperation with Taiwan’s Telecom Technology Center (TTC)

          By
          News Hub Asia Reporter
          -

          On November 28, 2023, DEKRA, in collaboration with TTC, has just launched the first-ever cybersecurity testing and certification program specifically tailored for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). This program marks a significant step forward in ensuring the security and reliability of these increasingly crucial devices against evolving digital threats.

          Photo by DEKRA Asia Pacific/NHA File Photo

          The Telecom Technology Center (TTC) has passed DEKRA’s onsite assessment of its UAV testing capabilities and has become the first globally Authorized Testing Laboratory (ATL) for UAV by DEKRA. This authorisation enables TTC to provide the necessary cybersecurity testing services to support UAV manufacturers align with the best practices in the industry.

          The program establishes the baseline cybersecurity requirements for UAVs such as secure sensitive data such as flight records, secure authentication from Ground Station Control (GSC) to UAV, countermeasures to avoid GPS spoofing attacks, secure software updates capabilities, among others.

          This TTC- DEKRA cooperation propels UAVs cybersecurity capacities to a new level, meeting the security requirements for accessing overseas markets, enhancing the competitiveness and visibility of Taiwan’s UAV industry.

          Fernando E. Hardasmal, Executive Vice President and Head of the Service Division Digital & Product Solutions, stated that “UAVs have become an important enterprise tool across market applications. Moreover, as adoption continues growing, concerns over functional and data security protections for UAV equipment have concurrently skyrocketed. Gaining faster regional footholds than rivals by leveraging independent third-party laboratory testing and product certifications will therefore be a critical go-to-market strategy”.

          Through this cooperation, DEKRA Taiwan Managing Director Aaron Lee believes capabilities can be effectively enhanced across regional markets to implement advanced UAV cybersecurity assessments, introduce reliable international validation mechanisms, and ensure hardware and software operate securely under accredited global standards for safer innovation. DEKRA’s Cybersecurity Global Director Rubén Lirio, emphasised the unique position of DEKRA: “As a leader in testing and certification, we are recognised globally and approved by the different EU bodies as a trusted independent third party. Our proficiency makes us a well seen partner in supporting the development of cybersecurity standards and certification schemes across the globe and this stands as a testament to our expertise. We are poised to bolster Taiwan’s UAV industry with the crucial cybersecurity testing and certification support it needs to be at the next level”.

          Source: DEKRA Asia Pacific

            UnionPay International partners with Trip.com to provide global travellers with enhanced payment experiences

            By
            News Hub Asia Reporter
            -

            UnionPay International (“UPI” or “the Company”) recently partnered with Trip.com, the world’s leading online travel agency (OTA), to provide UnionPay cardholders an enhanced payment experience in a partnership that coincides with the gradual recovery of the cross-border tourism market.

            The cooperation covers all major transaction currencies on Trip.com’s global sites accepting UnionPay online payment, include Hong Kong SAR, Singapore, Korea, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, Vietnam and other key travel markets of Trip.com.

            Photo for illustration purposes only | Photo by Vidar Nordli/Unsplash/NHA File Photo

            Trip.com currently has operations in more than 200 countries and regions covering more than 1.2 million hotels offering guests a wide range of accommodation options. It also has a flight network of more than 2 million individual routes connecting over 5,000 cities globally.

            UPI serves the world’s largest cardholder base with card issuance in 79 countries and regions. In line with customers’ travel trends and needs, UPI continues to connect the global travel industry with seamless payment services. Since 2023, UnionPay International’s airline and OTA traffic has increased by 81 per cent and 153 per cent, respectively. This latest collaboration expands the online acceptance for more than 200 million UnionPay cardholders outside the mainland Chinese. In addition, within the Hong Kong market, local cardholders can enjoy enhanced convenience thanks to the integration of the Hong Kong version of UnionPay App, and the enablement of transactions in Hong Kong Dollars.

            This partnership with Trip.com will help to further meet the payment needs of UnionPay cardholders in major markets, and will further enhance UPI’s international presence in the global OTA market in the long term, demonstrating UPI’s global payment network expansion and strengthening the international influence of the UnionPay brand.

            Wang Zhe, Head of Overseas Finance Business, Trip.com, said: “Trip.com has always been committed to providing our users with comprehensive, top-class travel services. The partnership with UnionPay International is another milestone in our mission to continuously innovate and enhance customer experiences. We look forward to bringing more convenient and user-friendly travel-booking services and payment solutions to UnionPay cardholders around the world in the future.”

            Source: UnionPay International

              PETRONAS Lubricants International and PENTAS FLORA Announce Strategic Collaboration in Re-Refined Base Oil Production

              By
              News Hub Asia Reporter
              -

              PETRONAS Lubricants International, a subsidiary of Petroliam Nasional Berhad (PETRONAS), and PENTAS FLORA Sdn. Bhd. (PENTAS) entered into a Memorandum of
              Understanding (MOU) on 12th December 2023 to explore potential business opportunities and collaboration in the re-refined base oil (RRBO) production industry. This collaboration marks a significant step towards sustainable solutions and technological advancements in base oil for the lubricants sector.

              PETRONAS, a leading player in the manufacturing and marketing of high-quality base oil, aims to enhance its commitment to sustainability by joining forces with PENTAS, a company specialising in re-refining used motor oil and scheduled waste management.
              The MOU outlines the main principles of collaboration, setting the foundation for the Parties to develop and finalise the terms of the collaboration through the execution of definitive agreements. The collaboration will include discussions on the supply, technological development, and production of RRBO.

              Commenting on the collaboration, Zahira Sughra Zainuddin, Managing Director of Group Base Oil at PETRONAS Lubricants International said, “This collaboration represents a strategic move towards sustainable practices in our industry. We are excited about the potential to jointly develop innovative solutions for base oil that benefit both parties and contribute to a greener future.”

              Oon Kin Seng, Group Executive Director at PENTAS, added, “PENTAS is proud to collaborate with PETRONAS Lubricants International in redefining industry standards for re-refined base oil production. Together, we aim to create a positive impact on the environment and bring about technological advancements in our field.”

              Zahira Sugra Zainuddin and Oon Kin Seng signing the MoU.

               

              The Parties look forward to the successful implementation of this collaboration, contributing to the advancement of sustainable practices in base oil for the lubricants industry.

              The PETRONAS and PENTAS Teams at the MoU signing ceremony.

              Pentas Flora is a premier waste management enterprise in Malaysia, boasting a rich legacy of over 12 years. Known as experts in overseeing scheduled waste for its diverse industry clientele, Pentas Flora has established itself as the go-to resource for comprehensive and consolidated waste management services.

              Distinguished by a commitment to providing end-to-end solutions for hazardous waste management, Pentas Flora excels in specialized re-refining services. Leveraging more than a decade of expertise, the company transforms waste oil into fuel oil and eco base oil, contributing significantly to the realization of a sustainable and eco-friendly environment on a national scale.

              In its mission to create a green future, Pentas Flora has implemented proactive solutions that have successfully recovered a substantial portion of industrial waste across Malaysia. The company’s dedication to environmental stewardship and innovative waste management practices positions Pentas Flora as a key player in advancing sustainability initiatives in the nation – www.pentasflora.com

                Dance Through My Heart: The Fusion of Latin Rhythms and Asian Inspiration

                By
                News Hub Asia Reporter
                -

                Malaysian singer-songwriter Timur Flores captivates with new single. 

                Budding singer-songwriter Timur Flores with a Swiss Sarawakian heritage, unveils her captivating new single release, “Dance Through My Heart.”. Her first new single release after her debut tetralogy album is an innovative and catchy dance number that transcends borders, infusing Latin rhythms with the rich tapestry of her Asian roots.

                Timur Flores, celebrated for her exceptional songwriting and charismatic performances, has embarked on a musical odyssey that draws inspiration from the vibrant world of dance. “Dance Through My Heart” encapsulates her passion for movement, rhythm, and the universal language of dance.

                Timur Flores shared her feelings about the project, saying, “Dance transcends linguistic and cultural barriers to connect us all. It doesn’t matter where you’re from; when you feel the music, your heart dances. With ‘Dance Through My Heart,’  I wanted to celebrate the beauty of dance and show how Latin music can resonate with audiences across Asia. It’s about breaking down barriers and embracing the joy that music and movement bring.”

                “Dance Through My Heart” was featured at the Shanghai International Music Expo (IMX) 2023 in October 2023 and simultaneously released in China through multiple platforms, including QQ Music, DouYin, Kugou, Kuwo Music, Netease Music and many more.

                The music video for the song “Dance Through My Heart,” launched recently, features the performance and choreography of popular Korean choreographer KooYoung  Back. Some of his dance credits include Exo’s Love Shot (586M views), TVXQ’s Keep Your Head Down (30M views), and BoA’s Woman (7M views). The performance of his choreography to Exo’s Kokobop has garnered over 23 million views on 1Million Dance Studio’s YouTube channel, making it one of the channel’s most popular videos.  Kooyoung Back has also made appearances as a Dance Master on the hit series Boys Planet as well part of the 1Million Dance Crew on Street Man Fighter.

                This music video marks the first time a Malaysian artist has collaborated with such an iconic figure in the K-pop scene, and it promises to be a musical revelation showcasing the best of both worlds.

                About Timur Flores: 

                Timur Flores is an aspiring Malaysian-Swiss artist, born and raised in Malaysia.  She is the middle child of three siblings. Timur discovered her passion for music at the tender age of four, which saw her taking ballet lessons and learning various musical instruments, including the piano, ukulele, and saxophone.

                In school, she often performed in musical shows that exposed her to life on stage and performing in public. Timur speaks fluent English and Mandarin, as well as knowledgeable Malay and French. She also holds a Masters degree from Oxford University in the field of engineering.

                Timur is energetic, sociable, and very passionate about her music. She also maintains a healthy lifestyle, is active in sports like tennis, skiing, and dancing, and has recently taken up aerial hoops and silks.

                As a kickstart to her music career, Timur was fortunate enough to be chosen as the singer for “Roar”, the theme song for JDT’s 2021 jersey launch.

                Timur Flores would like to express her gratitude to the fans, the media, and the music industry for their continued support. “Dance Through My Heart” is a  celebration of cultural diversity, love, and the power of music to bring people together. Join us in spreading the joy of this unique Latin Asian fusion track. Dance through your heart with us!

                Music Video:  

                Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vwok48zMO-I&ab_channel=TimurFlores

                Listen Now:  

                Links: 

                Spotify : https://spotify.link/bdclB5sCCDb

                Apple Music : https://music.apple.com/my/album/dance-through-my-heart single/1708885809

                Amazon Music : https://music.amazon.com/albums/B0CJRP61J7  

                KKBox : https://www.kkbox.com/my/en/song/OkOGXtFnwySdJawGdB

                 

                Social Media Links:  

                Facebook : https://m.facebook.com/timurmusicofficial

                IG : https://www.tiktok.com/@timurmusicofficial

                Twitter: https://x.com/timurofficial

                TikTok : https://www.tiktok.com/@timurmusicofficial

                  Kaspersky reports more than 340K attacks with new malicious WhatsApp mod

                  By
                  News Hub Asia Reporter
                  -

                  Kaspersky researchers recently uncovered a new malicious WhatsApp spy mod, which is now proliferating within another popular messenger, Telegram. While the modification serves its intended purpose by extending user experience, it also clandestinely harvests personal information from its victims. With an extensive reach surpassing 340,000 in just one month, this malware predominantly targets users who communicate in Arabic and Azeri, though victims have been identified globally.

                  Users often turn to third-party mods for popular messaging apps to add extra features. However, some of these mods, while enhancing functionality, also come with hidden malware. Kaspersky has identified a new WhatsApp mod offering not only additions like scheduled messages and customisable options but also contains a malicious spyware module.

                  Spyware concept photo. The cyber green photo is made up of an eye constructed with the 1010 matrix. | Source: Kaspersky/NHA File Photo
                  Photo for illustrative purposes only. | Source: Kaspersky/NHA File Photo

                  The modified WhatsApp client’s manifest file includes suspicious components (a service and a broadcast receiver) not present in the original version. The receiver initiates a service, launching the spy module when the phone is powered on or charging. Once activated, the malicious implant sends a request with device information to the attacker’s server. This data covers IMEI, phone number, country and network codes, and more. It also transmits the victim’s contacts and account details every five minutes as well as is able to set up microphone recordings and exfiltrate files from external storage.

                  The malicious version found its way through popular Telegram channels, predominantly targeting Arabic and Azeri speakers, with some of these channels boasting nearly two million subscribers. Kaspersky researchers alerted Telegram about the issue. Kaspersky’s telemetry identified over 340,000 attacks involving this mod in just October. This threat emerged relatively recently, becoming active in mid-August 2023.

                  Examples of Telegram channels distributing malicious mods. | Source: Kaspersky
                  Examples of Telegram channels distributing malicious mods. | Source: Kaspersky

                  Azerbaijan, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Turkey, and Egypt witnessed the highest attack rates. While the preference leans towards Arabic and Azerbaijani-speaking users, it also impacts individuals from the US, Russia, UK, Germany and beyond.

                  Kaspersky products detect the Trojan with the following verdict Trojan-Spy.AndroidOS.CanesSpy.

                  “People naturally trust apps from highly followed sources, but fraudsters exploit this trust. The spread of malicious mods through popular third-party platforms highlights the importance of using official IM clients. However, if you need some extra features not presented in the original client, you should consider employing reputable security solution before installing third-party software, as it will protect your data from being compromised. For robust personal data protection, always download apps from official app stores or official websites,” comments Dmitry Kalinin, a security expert at Kaspersky.

                  To stay safe, Kaspersky experts recommend:

                  • Use Official Marketplaces: Download apps and software from reputable and official sources. Avoid third-party app stores, as the risk they may host malicious or compromised apps is higher.
                  • Use reputable security software: Install and maintain reputable antivirus and anti-malware software on your devices. Regularly scan your devices for potential threats and keep your security software up to date. Kaspersky Premium protects its’ users from known and unknown threats.
                  • Educate yourself about common scams: Stay informed about the latest cyber threats, techniques, and tactics. Be cautious of unsolicited requests, suspicious offers, or urgent demands for personal or financial information.
                  • Third-party software from popular sources often comes with zero warranty. Keep in mind that such apps can contain malicious implants, e. g. because of supply chain attacks.

                  Read the full report on Securelist.com.

                  Source: Kaspersky

                    Document360 launches their AI-first self-service knowledge base

                    By
                    News Hub Asia Reporter
                    -

                    Document360, one of the leading knowledge base platform for creating technical documentation and help articles has just announced its global 2.0 release.

                    Saravana Kumar, CEO & Founder, unveils Document360 2.0 global release | Photo by Document360/NHA File Photo

                    Saravana Kumar, CEO and Founder of Document360, unveiled the release at an event held at their headquarters on November 1, 2023.

                    Speaking about the launch, Saravana expressed that he is positive about the new upgrade. He says he is sure that creating your documentation will now become more seamless & quicker.

                    “AI and ChatGPT have ushered in a new era of innovation, and we were eager to harness their potential. Instead of hastily incorporating a group of AI features, we decided to pause, reflect, and meticulously consider the generative AI capabilities that would truly benefit our customers”, he adds.

                    Some of the new features and enhancements includes, state-of-the-art block editor, advanced home page builder, contributor dashboard, rich analytics, AI-powered article recommendations, seamless integrations.

                    The highlight of Document360 2.0 is the new Generative AI solution ‘Eddy’ which provides an elegant way to interact with your knowledge base. Eddy is faster and it provides accurate response based on the reference articles for built-in trust.

                    “With 2.0, the product is completely reimagined with substantial improvements and an entirely new user interface with powerful features that are supercharged by AI. In response to valuable user feedback, we have fine-tuned the platform to ensure even greater stability that will ensure a hassle-free user experience”. Says, Manikandan Subramaniam, Director, Engineering

                    Back in 2017, we recognised a gap within the self-service knowledge base space, and that’s when we introduced Document360. Since then, we’ve successfully solved self-service challenges for numerous businesses across the globe. We’ve actively heeded customer feedback and consistently delivered new features with utmost speed. However, as we raced to expand our product, we reached a juncture where it felt that the product required a much-needed upgrade.

                    Source: Document360

                      1...456...145Page 5 of 145
                      © All Rights Reserved. NewsHubAsia.com | Designed by Net Focus Technology