As cybersecurity threats continue to evolve and become more sophisticated, it is essential for businesses to stay ahead of the game and take a proactive approach to protecting their digital assets. This Cyber Security Awareness Month, we had the opportunity to sit down with Gil Vega, CISO at Veeam, to discuss the current state of cybersecurity and the role of Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) in ensuring businesses remain secure in an ever-changing threat landscape.

One of the most interesting aspects of our conversation was the emphasis on proactive monitoring and anticipating threats rather than simply reacting to them. At Veeam, security is not just about protecting its own infrastructure but also ensuring that its products and solutions uphold the highest standards of security for its customers. This forward-thinking approach sets Veeam apart as a leader in the backup and data management space while fostering a culture of security awareness throughout the company.

Externally, Veeam’s products are designed with a keen understanding of the evolving threat landscape, incorporating features focused on secure data transmission, encryption at rest, and compliance with global regulations. This ensures that businesses can confidently protect and recover their data even in the face of sophisticated cyber threats.

One of the standout takeaways from our discussion was Gil’s perspective on the defining aspects of a CISO. In an era where businesses are rapidly digitizing, the CISO is no longer a gatekeeper of digital assets but an enabler, aligning technology strategy with core business objectives. This means that the ability of a CISO to understand the broader business landscape, from revenue streams to strategic planning, is increasingly crucial.

Gil also touched on an interesting analogy, likening the cybersecurity landscape to two individuals confronted by a bear; you don’t necessarily have to outrun the bear, just the person next to you. This encapsulates a lot about how companies should approach security. It’s not necessarily about having the most high-tech solutions (though 100% that helps and having Veeam as central component of your Cyber Toolkit), but rather about being a harder target than the next business.

The conversation also highlighted the grim reality: cyber threats are on the rise, with AI paving the way for smarter, more challenging attacks. The sophistication and innovation on the part of cyber adversaries are “incredibly impressive,” as Gil put it, underscoring the need for continual vigilance and proactive strategies, especially as technology continues to evolve.

As we wrapped up, the importance of resilience in the face of such threats was evident. While Veeam might not label itself a cybersecurity company per se, its role in ensuring businesses can quickly and confidently recover from attacks is undeniable. In Gil’s eyes, Veeam provides an indispensable tool in a CISO’s arsenal, bolstering businesses’ defenses against these threats.

Summarizing it all up, this Cyber Security Awareness Month, we need to take a collective moment to appreciate the ever-shifting landscape of cyber threats and the pivotal role of professionals like Gil who are on the front lines, ensuring businesses stay one step ahead. As always, it’s a reminder that in the digital realm, being prepared isn’t just an option; it’s a necessity.

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The Evolving Role of CISOs and the Importance of Proactive Cybersecurity Strategies

In alignment with Cyber Security Awareness Month, I had the pleasure of interviewing Gil Vega, a seasoned cybersecurity expert and Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) at Veeam. Our conversation shed light on the escalating challenges in cybersecurity, the evolving role of CISOs, and the importance of proactive strategies to stay ahead of threats.

The Evolving Role of CISOs

One of the most interesting aspects of our discussion was Gil’s perspective on the defining aspects of a CISO. In an era where businesses are rapidly digitizing, the CISO is no longer a gatekeeper of digital assets but an enabler, aligning technology strategy with core business objectives. This isn’t about just blocking threats; it’s about facilitating growth and innovation while ensuring security. The ability of a CISO to understand the broader business landscape, from revenue streams to strategic planning, is increasingly crucial.

Gil also touched on an interesting analogy, likening the cybersecurity landscape to two individuals confronted by a bear; you don’t necessarily have to outrun the bear, just the person next to you. This encapsulates a lot about how companies should approach security. It’s not necessarily about having the most high-tech solutions (though 100% that helps and having Veeam as central component of your Cyber Toolkit), but rather about being a harder target than the next business.

The Importance of Proactive Cybersecurity Strategies

As we delved deeper into our conversation, it became clear that the cyber threat landscape is on the rise, with AI paving the way for smarter, more challenging attacks. The sophistication and innovation on the part of cyber adversaries are “incredibly impressive,” as Gil put it. This sobering reality underscores the need for continual vigilance and proactive strategies, especially as technology continues to evolve.

Veeam’s Role in Cybersecurity

Gil emphasized that at Veeam, security isn’t just about reacting to threats; it’s about anticipating them. This forward-thinking approach ensures that Veeam is not just a leader in the backup and data management space but also a trusted partner for businesses concerned about their digital safety.

Externally, Veeam’s products are designed with a keen understanding of the evolving threat landscape. With features focused on secure data transmission, encryption at rest, and compliance with global regulations, Veeam ensures businesses can confidently protect and recover their data, even in the face of sophisticated cyber threats.

In conclusion, this Cyber Security Awareness Month, we need to take a collective moment to appreciate the ever-shifting landscape of cyber threats and the pivotal role of professionals like Gil, who are on the front lines, ensuring businesses stay one step ahead. As always, it’s a reminder that in the digital realm, being prepared isn’t just an option; it’s a necessity.

Breaking Ground on America’s First High-Speed Rail: A Promising Step towards a Greener Future

Today, ground was broken on what is set to be America’s first high-speed rail, connecting Los Angeles and Las Vegas via a 218-mile stretch of track across the Mojave desert. This monumental project, led by rail construction firm Brightline, is expected to be completed within the next four years and promises to revolutionize the way we travel.

The proposed infrastructure project will not only reduce travel time between the two cities from the usual four-hour drive to just two hours and ten minutes, but it will also provide a much-needed alternative to fossil fuel-dependent transportation methods. The all-electric, zero-emission trains will remove an estimated 400,000 tons of carbon dioxide per year, making this project a significant step towards a greener future.

The project has received $3 billion in federal funding from the Biden administration, which is a testament to the government’s commitment to investing in sustainable transportation solutions. As Pete Buttigieg, the Transportation Secretary, noted, “This project will not only connect two of America’s most iconic cities, but it will also remove an estimated 400,000 tons of carbon dioxide per year, bolster tourism, and create 35,000 good-paying jobs.”

Brightline’s Founder and Chairman, Wes Edens, emphasized the project’s potential to serve as the blueprint for connecting cities with fast, eco-friendly passenger rail throughout the country. “Connecting Las Vegas and Southern California will provide wide-spread public benefits to both states, creating thousands of jobs and jumpstarting a new level of economic competitiveness for the region.”

The United States has long lagged behind other countries in developing modernized rail systems, despite the numerous benefits they offer. Europe is connected by a network of efficient and comfortable train systems, while Japan’s bullet trains have long been a source of pride for the country. China, meanwhile, has built up a highly effective high-speed rail network in just twenty years. It is heartening to see the U.S. finally taking steps towards modernizing its rail system, and we can only hope that this project will not suffer the same fate as California’s long-suffering attempt to erect a high-speed rail service between Los Angeles and San Francisco.

In conclusion, the groundbreaking of America’s first high-speed rail is a promising step towards a greener future. This project has the potential to not only reduce carbon emissions but also boost economic growth and create jobs. As the U.S. continues to invest in sustainable transportation solutions, we can expect to see more projects like this one that will help us catch up with other countries around the world.

Disney Theme Park-Inspired Film and Television Projects in Development

Disney CEO Bob Iger has announced that the company’s theme park expansion plans include both land and intellectual property (IP) inspired projects. This roundup covers 11 Disney Parks-related film and television projects in development, offering a glimpse into the exciting opportunities ahead for fans of Disney’s iconic rides and attractions.

1. Pirates of the Caribbean Reboot

Producer Jerry Bruckheimer revealed that a Pirates of the Caribbean reboot is in the works, promising an all-new cast and new scripts. With two scripts already in development, fans can expect to see at least one of these projects come to fruition soon.

2. Figment Film

The imaginative purple dragon from the classic Disney ride, Journey into Imagination with Figment, is getting his own film project. With the writers of Detective Pikachu and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem attached to pen the script, this project promises to be a colorful and chaotic adventure.

3. Tower of Terror Horror Film

Based on the Twilight Zone-inspired attraction, this horror film starring Scarlett Johansson is currently in development. With Toy Story 4’s Josh Cooley writing the script, fans can expect a thrilling and spine-tingling experience.

4. Jungle Cruise Sequel

After the success of the first film, Dwayne Johnson expressed his interest in reuniting with Emily Blunt for a sequel. While there’s no official update on the project, fans can remain hopeful for more adventures from this beloved Disney ride-inspired franchise.

5. Small World Puppet Ride Film

Based on the popular children’s puppet ride, this film promises to bring the earworm song into a fully realized cinematic experience. With no official update, fans can only wait and see if this project will come to fruition.

6. Matterhorn Film

First announced in 2011, this project has been relatively quiet since then. However, with Disney’s renewed focus on theme park-inspired films, there’s still a possibility that this project could see the light of day.

7. Magic Kingdom Movie

Loosely based on the Kingdom Keepers book series, this film was announced in 2010 but has remained relatively quiet since then. With Ready Player One’s success, fans can remain hopeful for a similar interactive experience brought to life on the big screen.

8. Haunted Mansion Film

Despite the challenges faced by the Haunted Mansion film, Disney remains committed to bringing this beloved ride to life. With no official update, fans can only speculate about when this project might see the light of day.

9. Rock’s DC Takeover

While Dwayne Johnson’s Jungle Cruise film is still in development, his DC takeover plans did not come to fruition as planned. However, with Disney’s renewed focus on theme park-inspired films, there’s always a chance for this project to be revived.

10. Emily Blunt and Jungle Cruise 2

Despite the lack of official updates, Dwayne Johnson has expressed his interest in reuniting with Emily Blunt for a sequel. With Disney’s renewed focus on theme park-inspired films, this project could potentially see the light of day.

11. National Treasure Film

Based on the popular Disney ride, this film promises to bring the adventure and excitement of the small children puppet ride into a cinematic experience. With no official update, fans can only speculate about when this project might come to fruition.

In conclusion, these 11 theme park-inspired film and television projects in development offer exciting possibilities for fans of Disney’s iconic rides and attractions. From Pirates of the Caribbean reboot to Figment film and Tower of Terror horror film, each project promises to bring a unique experience to life on the big or small screen. While some projects have been relatively quiet since their initial announcement, Disney’s renewed focus on theme park-inspired films offers hope for their eventual development and release.

Meta Opens Up Horizon OS to Other Companies

In a move to expand its reach in the mixed reality space, Meta has announced that it will be opening up the operating system that runs on its Quest headsets to other technology companies. The new Horizon OS will be focused on creating purpose-specific headsets for various uses such as entertainment, productivity, and exercise. This move comes as Meta looks to expand beyond its current general-use Quest devices and fend off competition from Apple’s recently released Vision Pro headset.

Three partners have been named so far: Asus will produce a gaming headset under its Republic of Gamers (ROG) brand, Lenovo will make general purpose headsets with an emphasis on “productivity, learning, and entertainment,” and Xbox and Meta will team up to deliver a special edition of the Meta Quest that will come bundled with an Xbox controller and Xbox Cloud Gaming and Game Pass.

The announcement comes as Meta looks to make Horizon OS a more open platform for partner OEMs, mirroring the smartphone market where Google’s Android runs on a variety of devices from multiple companies, while Apple’s iOS only runs on Apple’s own iPhones. This move is significant as it will allow other companies to create headsets that are optimized for specific uses, rather than the general-use Quest devices that Meta currently offers.

In addition to opening up Horizon OS, Meta is also working on a new spatial app framework to make it easier for developers with experience on mobile to start making mixed reality apps for Horizon OS. The company is also looking to remove the barriers between the Meta Horizon Store and App Lab, which will allow any developer who meets basic technical and content requirements to release software on the platform.

While pricing, specs, and release dates have not been announced for any of the new devices, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has admitted that it’s “probably going to take a couple of years” for this ecosystem of hardware devices to roll out. The move is a significant one for Meta, as it looks to expand its reach in the mixed reality space and fend off competition from Apple and other companies. With the opening up of Horizon OS, we can expect to see a variety of new headsets and devices that are optimized for specific uses, and the potential for a more diverse and competitive market.

The Popcorn Bucket Craze: Will Art the Clown Make the Cut?

2024 has undoubtedly become the year of the popcorn bucket, with movies like Dune: Part Two, Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire, Deadpool & Wolverine, and the upcoming Terrifier 3. The trend is proving to be a game-changer for film enthusiasts who are eagerly awaiting the release of these highly anticipated sequels. In the midst of this popcorn bucket frenzy, one filmmaker has joined the bandwagon and endorsed a new fan petition that could potentially make a killer Art the Clown popcorn bucket a reality.

Damien Leone, the creative force behind the Terrifier franchise, has publicly supported a petition calling for a popcorn bucket of Art the Clown by the time Terrifier 3 hits theaters on October 25. The petition, reported on by Bloody Disgusting, features concept art of the bucket, a passionate plea for its creation, and over 2,000 signatures as of publication. While the idea may seem absurd at first, it’s not entirely far-fetched considering the popularity of popcorn buckets inspired by horror movie characters like Pennywise from IT and Bill Skarsgård’s version of Pennywise in the sequel.

While Leone’s endorsement of the petition has generated excitement among fans, it’s important to note that the process of creating such a bucket is not as simple as signing a petition. The film’s distributor would need to get in touch with exhibitors who would then reach out to designers and manufacturers. Even if two million people sign the petition, it wouldn’t guarantee the creation of the bucket. However, the petition could gauge interest and potentially trigger preorders. Fans don’t necessarily want to eat out of Art the Clown when they see Terrifier 3; they simply want him on their shelves after that.

Terrifier 3 is set to release in theaters on October 25, and fans are eagerly anticipating the latest installment of the franchise. The film promises to deliver more of the same gruesome horror that audiences have come to expect from the series. With Art the Clown at the forefront, it’s no wonder that fans are clamoring for merchandise inspired by the character.

As the popcorn bucket craze continues to gain momentum, it’s possible that we’ll see more filmmakers and studios jumping on the bandwagon. The success of these buckets could lead to a new trend in horror movie merchandising, with characters like Art the Clown becoming household names. Whether or not the petition is successful, one thing is certain: the demand for popcorn buckets inspired by horror movie characters is only going to continue to grow.

In conclusion, the popcorn bucket craze shows no signs of slowing down, and Terrifier 3 could be the next film to capitalize on this trend. While the creation of an Art the Clown popcorn bucket may seem like a long shot, it’s clear that fans are eagerly awaiting its release. Whether or not the petition is successful, one thing is for certain: the demand for horror movie merchandise is only going to continue to grow.

Researchers Growing Worried as H5N1 Spreads in US Dairy Cows

Beth Mole, April 22, 2024, 10:24 pm UTC

As the highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) continues to spread in US dairy cows, researchers around the world are growing increasingly concerned about the potential for the virus to evolve and infect humans. The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has tallied 32 affected herds in eight states, and the virus has been found to be contagious between cows, raising questions about how it is spreading and whether it could potentially jump to other animals or humans.

The USDA has not publicly clarified if all the herds are linked in a single outbreak chain or if there is evidence that the virus has spilled over to cows multiple times. The agency has only shared a few genetic sequences in an international database of viral genome sequences (GISAID), leading some experts to fault the USDA for not sharing more information from its investigation.

Last Thursday, Stat reported that international experts have faulted the USDA for not sharing more genetic data from its investigation, among other information. Until this weekend, the agency had only shared a few genetic sequences in an international database of viral genome sequences (GISAID). “A country with capacity like the United States should be able to generate this information within days,” Marion Koopmans, head of the department of viroscience at Erasmus Medical Center in the Dutch city of Rotterdam told Stat last week. “I would expect very fast, very transparent updates, and it’s somewhat amazing not to see that happening.”

On Sunday, facing mounting criticism, the USDA announced the release of 239 genetic sequences to GISAID. It noted it is also adding raw data to a US federal database “in the interest of public transparency and ensuring the scientific community has access to this information as quickly as possible.” The agency said it will continue to make such data available on a rolling basis.

Dr. Rosemary Sifford, the USDA’s chief veterinarian, told The New York Times, “Please recall that we’ve been engaged in this for less than a month. We are working very hard to generate more information,” she said.

Overall, the USDA and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention continue to consider the risk to the public to be low. Farmworkers and others who have direct contact with infected animals are encouraged to take precautions, however. While deadly to birds, H5N1 in cows is relatively mild, rarely if ever causing deaths. Milk from sick animals contains high levels of virus, but it is being destroyed. Even if some infected milk makes its way into the milk supply, the Food and Drug Administration is confident that the virus would be killed in the pasteurization process. “Pasteurization has continually proven to inactivate bacteria and viruses, like influenza, in milk,” the agency said in an FAQ Friday. Some experts have called for data confirming this, though.

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The Beloved Animated Series Bluey is Not Going Anywhere Just Yet!

If you’re a fan of the hit animated series Bluey, then you might have felt a sense of finality after the 28-minute finale “The Sign” and the unannounced season three coda episode “Surprise” dropped on Disney+ last night. But fear not, dear viewers! The show’s producers have assured us that Bluey is not going anywhere just yet.

In an interview with the BBC, producer Sam Moor declared, “No, it is not the end for Bluey. I’m sure we have many more surprises in store for you.” The team is taking a break after creating about 151 seven-minute episodes and the two special episodes, but they are not ruling out the possibility of more seasons or even a feature-length film.

The show’s success on Disney+ has been nothing short of phenomenal. According to a report from market research firm Circana, Bluey accounts for 29 percent of TV views on the platform. The release of “The Sign” extended episode boasted an impressive 10.4 million views, making it the most-viewed Bluey episode premiere and the most-viewed Disney Junior episode premiere ever.

But what’s even more remarkable is that Bluey is not even a Marvel, Star Wars, or Disney property. Disney just distributes the Ludo Studio show, which is backed by BBC Studios for the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. This has allowed the show to maintain its indie spirit and creative freedom, which has clearly resonated with audiences.

The success of Bluey has also led to a merchandise boom, with retailers like CAMP and FAO Schwarz releasing new collaborations. Fans have even had the chance to meet Bluey and Bingo at immersive activations. It’s only a matter of time before Disney Stores and Disney Parks jump on the bandwagon.

So, what’s next for Bluey? The producers are still thinking about what’s next, but one thing is certain – there will be more surprises in store for fans. Until then, you can watch all current seasons of Bluey on Disney+.

If you’re looking for more news and updates on your favorite TV shows and movies, be sure to check out io9 for the latest information. From Marvel and Star Wars to Doctor Who and everything in between, we’ve got you covered. Don’t forget to keep an eye out for upcoming releases from Disney, Marvel, and Star Wars, as well as the latest news from the world of science fiction and fantasy.

Google Threatens to Block News Access in California Over Proposed “Link Tax” Legislation

The tech giant announced on Friday that it would begin testing a small percentage of California users by removing links to California news websites in response to proposed legislation that would force the company to pay some publishers for their content. Known as the California Journalism Preservation Act (CJPA), the bill has passed California’s lower house but still needs to be taken up by the state Senate and signed by Governor Gavin Newsom to become law. Google argues that CJPA may result in significant changes to the services it can offer Californians and the traffic it can provide to California publishers. However, critics argue that the bill is necessary to remedy the fact that much of the advertising money has gone to Big Tech platforms like Google and Facebook rather than the publishers who create the news content. Google has made similar threats after identical proposals were made in countries like Australia, India, and Canada in recent years but ultimately followed the law without too much disruption. Meta’s Facebook has also faced similar hurdles in other countries, but while Google has acquiesced, Facebook has opted to pivot in an entirely new direction by dropping news services altogether and insisting that users do not actually care about news.

The uncapped financial exposure created by CJPA would be unworkable, according to Google. If enacted, the legislation would create a level of business uncertainty that no company could accept. As a result, Google is pausing further investments in the California news ecosystem, including new partnerships through Google News Showcase and planned expansions of the Google News Initiative. It is also unclear how many users in California are currently involved in this testing process to remove links to California news sites or what may qualify as a California news site given the borderless nature of the internet. Some people argue that the CJPA would primarily benefit large media outlets, but others counter that it is not necessarily a bad thing as they employ thousands of people, create jobs, conduct expensive investigations, and lobby on behalf of journalism. They also generate and receive the most traffic from tech platforms. The role the government should play in keeping journalistic business models sustainable is a matter of debate, but it is clear that companies like Google hold monopolistic power over what news people can see around the world.

As one commentator at Cal Matters recently wrote in an opinion column, companies like Google and Facebook have threatened to turn off the spigot of news traffic to anyone in countries considering legislation to pay publishers. If just a handful of companies have the power to do that, it’s hard to argue that free market solutions can fix the problem.

The highly anticipated first flight of Ariane 6, Europe’s latest heavy-lift rocket, may finally take place this summer after years of delays. However, before we can get too excited, European Space Agency (ESA) Director General Josef Aschbacher has already set the rocket up for failure without it even reaching the launchpad yet.

During a panel discussion at the 39th Space Symposium held this week, Aschbacher pointed out that heavy-lift rockets have a 47% chance of experiencing a major anomaly during their inaugural flights, according to European Spaceflight. Although he didn’t refer to Ariane 6 specifically, the statement puts a major damper on the upcoming debut of the long-awaited heavy-lift rocket.

Ariane 6 has been in development for more than a decade, and the 197-foot-tall (60-meter) rocket is capable of lifting 10 metric tons to low Earth orbit, 4.5 metric tons to Sun synchronous orbital (SSO) altitudes reaching 500 miles (800 kilometers), and upwards of 10.5 metric tons to geostationary transfer orbits (GEO). The French company Arianespace is developing the rocket on behalf of ESA, with Ariane 6 serving as a successor to the now-retired Ariane 5.

The legendary rocket performed its final flight in July, ending a 27-year run. During that time, Ariane 5 served as the European market’s main ride to space, and without it, Europe is scrambling for rocket options that can deliver its payloads to orbit. After cutting ties with Russia following the invasion of Ukraine, Europe was forced to stop relying on the Soyuz rockets for access to space.

ESA recently turned to U.S. company SpaceX to deliver its Euclid telescope, which launched on July 1, 2023, aboard a Falcon 9 rocket. The inaugural launch of Ariane 6 was initially slated for 2020 and later rescheduled to late 2022, mainly due to the COVID-19 pandemic and additional technical hurdles encountered in its development.

The maiden voyage of the rocket was consistently delayed after that, with a key test of the rocket’s upper stage in December 2023 aborted after two minutes of engine firing. Arianespace did not publish any details regarding its investigation into the failed test. However, Ariane 6 is now tentatively scheduled for liftoff in June or July of this year.

Even if the rocket does get to take off this summer, Aschbacher’s comments remind us that success is barely a 50-50 shot. The odds are not in favor of Ariane 6 making a successful debut, and it’s important to keep that in mind as we eagerly await the launch.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding the first flight of Ariane 6, the European space industry is pushing forward with plans for future missions. The ESA has already announced plans to use the rocket for a variety of missions, including the Hera mission to asteroid Didymos and the JUICE mission to Jupiter’s icy moons.

As we wait for the highly anticipated first flight of Ariane 6, it’s important to remember that space exploration is never without risk. The history of spaceflight is filled with stories of brave pioneers who dared to push the boundaries of what is possible, often at great personal and financial cost.

Whether or not Ariane 6 makes a successful debut, the European space industry will continue to push forward, driven by a desire to explore the unknown and to expand our understanding of the universe. For more spaceflight in your life, follow us on X and bookmark Gizmodo’s dedicated Spaceflight page.